> Hope Lives again > by Velvet-Fresh > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Shadia > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cairo Egypt, Town of Somnambula. 14 After Foundation With a giggle, a young woman's voice was heard calling out "Shadia, wait dear. Please don't run too fast little princess! " the mother called out to her energetic child. "She got this from you know, Hisan." He scoffed in reply as the Paraoh couldn't help hide his smirk. "My love, you must be mistaken. You're the energetic one here. Who here faced the great sphinx and tame her but you?" he smiled at his wife and trusted advisor. Giggling, she punches his arm lightly. She steps away "Shadia don't play near the nile. Wait for your mother now!" she runs towards their daughter. Unaware they have been watched by their vizier. Who looms with a scowl at the sight. "SHADIA!" a woman yelled in desperation and despair as metal clash metal, metal tore flesh. "SHADIA!..." the fighting stops, as hurried footsteps were heard until they to stop. Silence. And in moments hope was shattered as an anguished mother wailed in despair. Anguish turn into anger, Anger turned into hatred. "SHADIA!" She shouted vehemently as the vizier was taken away. "You will forever remember that name! I curse you to forever be cast away from the Duat! You will never find peace, you will never find the river of reeds! May this name forever haunt you!" "SHADIA!!" Manehattan Equss County, Manehattan Museum of History. 2017 AF "Canterlot Movie Club Historians YEAH!" came the shout of three adolescent young teenagers, a yellow skinned teen, grinned at her two best friends. Her trademark bow tied neatly on her hair. "This is so awesome you guys! I wonder if we can get to the the mummy exhibit!" Applebloom couldn't help but gushed. The tomboy teen, Scootaloo scoffed. "Please, I rather want to see the war period, the one with Commander Hurricane or General Firefly of the great war." grinning herself. "Shame Dash couldn't be here. Ok I get that's its only us Freshies here. C'mon i think it's starting." Their teacher, Cheerilee ushered them into the main entrance hall. "Ok, settle down everyone. I would like to introduce our guest guide today. She's a professor at Oxford Academy, a prominent archealogist and you all might know her in the literature world. Author and professor, Arlene Kenway Yearling" she moves away to the stunned silence awe of the freshmen teens. As a woman in her mid 50s step up, wearing a heavy cloak covering up her body, and a hat and thick glasses steps up. "Please, call me Ms Yearling" the older woman smiled, greeting herself. "Hello everyone, I'll be your tour guide today. I can tell you all about the exhibits and the artifacts. Most of which me and my colleagues unearth. From the Jurassic to the Founding Wars and Romans, the Salem Witch Trials and so forth. Be sure to stay close now alright?" she instructed them. "And feel free to ask me any questions!" Scootaloo gushed in awe "S-she's the author of the Daring Do novels! This is so awesome, Dash will flip if i tell her i met AK Yearling!" she is literally hopping in her feet, grinning like an idiot. Causing her friends to chuckle but they couldn't help but hide their own excitement. "I know right?! Ohh maybe we could get to see artifacts Daring Do finds! ... " seeing their looks "What? I can dream.." Rolling their eyes "Follow now eyeryone and you may go look at other exhibits but do not stray alone got it?" Yearling instructed them. "No sense someone getting lost alone." the freshmen students dispersed before she said anything else. She sighed with a shake of her head "Kids these days.." With the CMC. "C'mon girls, i think i see the great war exhibit over here!" Scootaloo excitedly called out as she ran off. Applebloom who was tagging along until she look up seeing a direction to the "Cairo' exhibits. "Go on girls,Ah'll be with cha." they nodded and ran on, the young teen ran down the other hallway, Unaware of a figure who watched her go. Applebloom who was too excited didn't saw the 'closed to the public' sign that was toppled over. So its not suspicious to her when the door opened without problem as she step into the dark exhibit. The room was dark but she look at awe at the makeshift diagram of the region with its pyramids and towns on fake sand. Exhibits showing Anubis and other ritual masks, glass cases showing weapons of old like the Kopesh or Acinaces all rusted and dull due to age. Shields and weapons that seen better days, tattered clothes and display cases of hieroglyphic tablets. But the main point that drew Applebloom's attention is the sarcophagus at the center of the room, neatly design in a cat like feature and an open display case showing a cat like amulet necklace next to it. A sign is posted infront of the display. "Here lies Somnambula. The Hope Giver, Mother and lover of Prince Hisan XI may she ever bring inspiration and hope to all. Legends say she will always protect those in need." Applebloom read out softly. Looking over to the necklace she saw it also reads "Sphinx's Collar. Somnambula's priced amulet. Says contain the power of the feline spirit, and given to Somnambula's daughter. So she may call for her help anytime... huh.. neat." She was too busy admiring the cases, she has not noticed the dark figures in the shadows. Hearing a noise, she almost called out before she hear hushed conversation. Feeling uneasy she hid beside the sarcophagus. Peeking out she cover her mouth as she saw three men armed with rifles picking locks at the display cases. Robbers with ski masks. She gulped as she tries to sneak back but kicking the velvet rope, winching at the sound. A Robber whips around aiming his weapon at her direction. "Come out." He commanded quietly. "Or you'll get hurt." without thinking twice Bloom grabs the amulet to keep it away from the robbers and ran. With an eep as she was shot at, she tumbled and fall over a case, the robbers inching forward. Their rifles equipped with suppressors. "Scream all you want, the walls are thick and this exhibit is pretty far. Now give up " the thug kept his gun raised. Shaking she clutched the amulet, knowing she's concerned. "Sis... Big Mac.. anyone...please help me.. Mom.. HELP ME!" she clutched down as she hug the amulet tighter. Before anything else could happen, it seem to react.. to respond to her call for help. The Thug was caught surprise by a glowing light that he didn't notice the shaking sarcophagus which lid's exploded out knocking one of the thugs down, with a pained grunt the other two pointed their weapons at the sarcophagus. A feminine mature voice calls out from the dust "With the Strength of Ra, I call upon your power. Sphinx!" Light glowing blinding the thieves. As the one in the floor pushes himself up to only see a foot as he was kicked away with a strong WHAM. "Gauuh!" his companions turned to fire but one was to slow as a Kopesh sliced through, destroying his weapon, distracted he was hooked by the curved sword and was thrown towards his companion both gave pained shouts as they both fall down. The fighter stood tall, a woman with sickly greyed flesh covered in wrapping and a chest piece armor with a helmet depicted a cat's head her gauntlets show razor claws as in her other hand clutched the golden sickle sword. She grabs ahold of the downed robber with her claw, lifting him up. With a battle cry she toss him shattering a display case with a crash causing him to shout out in pain. One robber recovered to grab his weapon and opened fired but the woman avoided the shots with inhuman reflexes and speed. She pounces upon her prey, slamming him into the floor, raising her sword high. "WAIT! Don't kill him!" Applebloom shouted. She seemed to react, she lowered her sword, the thug sighed in relief only to be knocked out by a strong punch that even made Applebloom winched at the crack sound it made. The remaining thief tries to escape through the door. Unseen, he panted as he looks back, to see if he's being chased. But that made him bump into someone, "Guh, H-" he wasn't able to finish before he was sucker punched by AK Yearling. Whom then grab him by the collar, slamming him to the wall. Leering towards him "Now, would you like to tell me who sent you or would you rather I give you the cops with broken kneecaps?" he could only whimper at her glare. Back with Applebloom, she got out of her hiding place. "umm. Thanks for the help?" she watches in awe as the amulet seem to glow, in response the woman's armor disappear in blinding light. She gawked and gulps at the sight of a real life mummy. A woman with ashen hair but looks youthful if you ignore her greyed flesh. The mummified woman wore a robe covering her bandaged body, with a flowing transparent sash on her side as she wore silk headdress and a necklace made of glopaz and jeweled wristbands. The woman looked over to Applebloom, who only shied back "Um.. howdy the-." Before she could react the woman hugged her "Shadia! My little princess, you're alive!" she cried out hugging the air out of Bloom, who could gasp out and couldn't even blink. She couldn't do or say anything for a minute but when she does, she could only think of one thing to say. "What." > Sphinxie > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manehattan Equss County, Manehattan Museum of History 2,017 Applebloom being cuddled and nuzzled. Feeling awkward she cough abit "Umm, miss.. ah think you mistook me for someone else?" tapping the mummy's arm. "Shadia? " the woman looked at her. "You look just like her and the amulet responded to you." "Sorry, mah name's not Shadia. It's Applebloom." she squirms, but Somnambula lets her go. "Ah, many apologies child. You just look like my princess.." she looked down sighing "Ah! Again apologies. My name is Somnambula" she smiles "You have awaken me, for that you have my gratitude." "Shucks, just spur of the moment. Thanks for saving me. Oh here, this is yours." she hold the amulet out. But Somnambula shook her head "Keep it, you may not be Shadia. But you have her spirit, not just looks." Before Applebloom insists, the door slam open, as AK yearling stepped in "What's going on in here?! Are you alr-" with quick reflex she moved back, with a click unhoslter her pistol aiming it at Somnambula who had suddenly appear few feet away from her, her sword aimed at yearling's neck. "Wait, Wait! Ms Yearling! She's saved me. Somnambula, she's our tour guide! She's not with these guys." Yearling glared firmly. "How are you alive? But thank you for keeping the student safe." moving away from the sword slowly as she hostler her gun. With a flick the sword turned into an shining orb as it poof away, making Yearling and Bloom gawked. Bloom only eyeroll "Of course, magic." noticing Yearling's questioning glance. "Canterlot High has an interesting year." she simply explained with a shrug and sheepish smile. Shaking her head, she went to secure the other thugs, she move to kick away the rifle away from the downed one near the broken display cases. Pulling out a rope before she drags him towards his other companion so she can tie them both up. Applebloom looks up to Somnambula "So, my sis will flip when i tell you about this. So what kind of magic did you use to make that cool sword and armor appear?" A mature sounding voice answered from beside her "That's my doing little princess" it answered with abit of a purr, making the young teen jumped and looked over. On one of the display cases sat a red furred cat with wings at the size of a young lion cub. Said feline was busy preening her red ish wings. The cat ruffled her wings before looking over. "Greetings, I'm the Sphinx" she introduced herself, she wore a golden headdress and a golden earring. "Don't scare the child Sphinxie" Somnambula, the Sphinx or Sphinxie glared at her. "Stop calling me that!" she partly hissed. "So what now mistress, lil one? how long have we been asleep exactly?" "Umm.." Applebloom thinks. Yearling answered for them as she tighten the knot of the rope. "It's been about 2,000 years. And you're not in Cairo anymore." going over to them. "I'm AK Yearling. An Archeologist, I am the one who found your tomb weeks ago." she introduced herself. "Applebloom was it? Go back to your friends, they'll be worried. And don't tell everyone about her, the less people know the better. I'll help you two in anyway i can." Nodding. "Ok, thanks ms Yearling. And um.. mah sister's friends are big fan of yours." Chuckling "Figured. Now scram." watching her exit. "Lady Somnambula, follow me. The young girl will be safe with the other group. "Don't worry, but you must have questions. I'll answer them to my best abilities." she told the mummified woman. Both unaware that they are really alone. Meanwhile Applebloom, sighs in relief once she see crowds of people. She hurried over to the great war exhibit to see if her friends are still there. And of course she saw Scootaloo admiring a mannequin replica of General Firefly, complete with her trademark googles and clutched in its hands is a model of a mosin nagant sniper rifle. "Scootaloo! Have you seen Sweetie Belle?" "Oh hey Applebloom! Yeah she's with the others, looking at the caveman exhibits. How boring right? You alright?" she looked her over. "Yeah, I'm fine. But you won't believe what i gone through." noticing Scootaloo gawking above her head. "What?" "Big.. kitty.." causing bloom to widen her eyes as her passenger glared. "Excuse you young lady, But I'm more that just a kitty." the Sphinx scoffed at the perch of Bloom's head. Causing Bloom to gawk and grab ahold of her, making her yowl at surprise, her mouth muffled as she looked around to see if anyone noticed. "Shh.. don't talk too loudly! A talking winged cat will raise alot of questions." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at that. "Spike's a talking dog." she told her, causing AB to deadpan. "Touche" she eased up and holds Sphinx in a way to hide her wings "But keep a low profile, and why are you following me?" "You may not be Shadia, but you have her soul. I can feel it, Mistress CAN Feel it. it's our job to protect you now, you awaken us from our slumber. So get use to us. Somnambula will be there for you now. " "My life's never going to be normal isn't it?" she sighs. "When is it ever? Since Sunset came to our lives." Scootaloo points out. "Again, touche." she deadpans. "Fine, just keep quiet and stay out of sight, pretty sure they don't allow animals here." making the feline scoffed "As you wish young mistress." she glow and turn into energy that seeps into the amulet that Applebloom had hidden in her blouse. "Well.. that happen. let's go Scootaloo." She sighs and head for the others. "Magic?" Nodding "Eeyup." "Huh. Neat." in AK Yearling's office, her hat and cloak gone. The older woman sat down, her greying monochrome hair resembling a certain teenagers as she wore a light green blouse and black jeans. Taking off her glasses as she open her drawer to take out a notepad and pen. Somnambula look at the pen with curiosity. "Ok, you ask me a question and i asked you one after i answer. That's good?" she nods "Alright, what do you want to know first?" Somnambula looks around the room as she sat in the office, she looks at her determined with hope gleaming in her eyes. "Where does Applebloom live?" > Barnyard Mummy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot City Ponvyille Lane, Sweet Apple Acres 2017 Applebloom just finished breakfast, was helping out with the morning chores. Cleaning up the living room as she moves to help with other chores she perked up when the doorbell rang. "Ah'll get it!"she calls out to her family as she ran over answer to the door "Howdy, welcome to Sweet apple A-." she gawked surprise at the sight. "Ms Yearling?" "Last time i checked, that's my name." she smirked down at her, still wearing her thick cloak and glasses. "May we come in?" "We?" she looked over her shoulder and widen her eyes. "Oh.. no.." "Hi~" Somnambula waves with a smile. She blinks and Yearling arch an eyebrow when a light shines from the amulet around Applebloom's neck before Sphinxie materialize on her shoulder. "Greetings mistress, where you been?" she purrs. "Sphinxie!" she went to grab her from the shoulder, making her meow loudly and snarls as shes being nuzzled. "S-stop! This is inappropriate! I AM the Sphinx! I Demand proper respect!" she flails, but Somnambula didn't listen and kept hugging and snuggling the feline must to her chargin. "Ignoring that" Yearling commented as she steps in, Somnambula followed in. "Is your guardian home?" Nodding still gawking up "Granny, Applejack! We got guests!"she hollered out as she goes fluff up the sofa cushions, thanking her Yearling sat down along side Somnambula who looks around in curiosity. "This era is amazing, first you have horseless carriages, amazing lights and some kind of magic device that plays music without instruments." the mummy said with awe, looking around. Blinking "What's that?" she points towards the TV. "Television, for entertainment." Yearling answered instantly. Sphinxie let out a surprised yowl as she was unceremoniously dropped onto the floor. Ruffling her wings as she glared at her mistress who's busy poking at the TV screen, curiously. "This device entertains? How?" Applebloom grabs the remote and turns it on, making her jump back surprised. at the sudden loud noise from the screen. Somnambula gawked in surprise. "There are people trapped inside!" she pointed at the screen. Snorting. "No, they're not" Yearling explained, smirking. "Sorry.. " Applebloom turned the volume down. grinning sheepishly. Applejack and their elderly matriach enters the living room. "Now, whats all this hubub? Howdy maam" she greets. "Say, don't you look familiar?" she rubs her chin. "I'm AK. Yearling." She introduced herself. "Shoot, the author Twilight and Rainbow gush about at times? Say what brings you here.. and" she blinks at the sight of the woman in bandages, who seems to be shying away from the TV but still looking at it warily and at the big cat preening its wings. ".... Bloom, what did you do?" "NOTHING!" she huffs indignantly. "She's not in trouble" Yearling assures. "I'm checking if she's alright, she come across some robbers at the museum. She's fine, she was saved by our 'friend' here who was awaken by her call for help." she motions to the mummy who was giving the tv pokes. The feline is sitting on the easy chair, she bats at Somnambula getting her attention and motions to the AJ and older woman. "Oh, hello. Thank you for your hospitality miss, I am Somnambula~ " she stood up, giving a bow. Smiling with a head tilt. "I mean no offense but your magic box here is strange.. but fascinating this television thing.." she points at it. "I see tiny people, i can hear them..I can hear music too." she sat back down and watches. "Magic?" "Magic" "Thought so. " noticing Yearling's questioning glance. "Not our first Rodeo, Granny mind getting something for our guests?" She nods "Darn tootin, and get that mangy furball off the good chair." she points to Sphinxie before heading back to the kitchen. Who sniffed and hops off huffing. "Why i never, rude old nag." "Hey, that's mah granny" she glares at Sphinx. Huffing. She licks her paw and looks about. She blinks as she came face to face with a panting face of a dog. Who licks her snout. Yipping lightly at her. As soon it registers in her mind she lets out a startled yeowl and scurry away a fast as she could, the border collie barks and chases her. "Wiona! Git back girl, stay. heel!" AJ tries to command her dog. But she was to busy barking and happily chasing the winged feline, who flutter her wings and flap onto a high table, snarling as Wioanna pant and wag her tail as she yips at her from below. "Get back ya miserable cur!" Sphinxie hiss. AJ was able to grab the collie by the collar "No chasing critters in the house girl." she scolded the dog, who only licks her nose. Getting her to sigh "Silly dog." she shook her head, smirking with amusement Sphinx just sat on the table, still wary. She decide to watch from the perch as AJ let Wionna out and went back to the living room. "Anywho.." Yearling started. "As lady Somanmbula explained to me. Your little sister here carries the reincarnated soul of her daughter, Shadia of Cairo. A young princess murdered by the Vizier Yazer." Somnambula growls at hearing that name. "May he never find rest..."she said with utter cold contempt. "Sorry, sorry.. it's just.. " she sighs. "Lets get to why i'm here miss .." "Applejack." she nods "Go on." "Applejack, i would want to stay here with you. So i can help protect your little sister. I fear trouble will draw close to her." "Wait what? Awh come on, we're not magnet for trouble!" With an arched eyebrow "Canterlot Archery Club.." she said. "That's just ONE time!" She huffed. "Canterlot Baker's Club.. Canterlot Chemist Club... Canterlo-" Applejack started naming it off. "Ok ok! ah get it, AJ, i'm 13 now! I'm A freshman, I can handle this!" "If you worry about me scaring or attracting unnecessary attention. I can always wear modern wardrobe to disguise myself as part of the crowd." She smiles "But i have to stay close, the forces of darkness will surely come close now that i'm awake. And HE might be here soon himself." She clutches her fist in anger. "I'll protect her, I swear on my soul." hope and determination brimming in her eyes. "Not alone..me and my friends will help when we can. That alright?" "I'll do what i can myself." the author said herself. "I'll keep an eye on them, well for one Somnambula is apart of the Cairo exhibit technically and I'm responsible for her." she smiles and shrugs. Nodding "A'right." she checks the time "Shoot, Bloom, lets hurry up. School starts in 40 minutes" "Dangit!" she zooms up her room to grab her bag and other books "Language!" AJ hollared up as she heads up to grab her own things, but stop. "Stay put, we'll be safe at school" she told Somnambula. "Ok" she innocently say as she kicks her legs as Granny came in with tea set, "Oh my, its been ages i drank tea. Thank you madam" she smiles up her. As the two teens exit, she sips her tea. Reclining back abit, AK yearling could only look at her. "you're going to follow them aren't you?" "yes." she simply said, sipping her tea. "Know where they go?" Sighing "I'll drive you there." "Yay!" she whooped. "The horseless carriage is fun~" getting the archealogist/author to shake her head, smiling in bemusement. "Sweet lord, what did i get myself into?" > School Blues > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot City, Canterlot High School. Applejack went to talk to Sunset before the start of class. "Sunset, i got something important to tell ya. We have a 'special guest' came earlier. No, ah don't think she's Equestrian but still magic is involved. " Sunset was taking her book from the locker. "Oh? Tell me more during lunch." AJ nodded in reply. "Is it a good or bad thing?" "Abit of both ah take it. She's not a bad gal, just confused and curious about things. Bad news is mah sisters involved. Ah tell ya more during lunch." Sunset gave her a firm nod, AJ hurried to her own locker just before the bell rang. Meanwhile Applebloom met up with her friends just outside their classroom. "So, whats up Bloom?" "Remember that mummy ah kinda woke up?" with their nod. She continued "Well she's at mah place now with AK yearling." winching at the high pitched squee that came after. "Girls! Not so loud, ah want this to be the down low mkay?" "Fine.." Scootaloo conceded. The bell rang they quickly enter their classroom and sat down right before their homeroom teacher arrived. The day went on normally with the morning classes dull as ever, the girls can't wait for the weekend to come soon or anything exciting to happen. But Unbeknownst to them, the building was watched by the mummified woman who sat on a tree branch, overlooking the school. Her companion perched next to her is the Sphinx, who was busy cleaning her fur. "What strange architecture this 'school' has. What good does having a marble base without a statue?" she peers at the statueless base at the campus' front yard. " the sphinx purrs with a shake of her head. "I don't know, i think it looks nice. Though, i could sense something off about it." She shrugs. Can you see her from here?" "No, those glass dividers are hard to peer into. What do they serve?" she comments as she eyes the windows of the building with a curious glance. "Then again, Lady Yearling's horseless chariot does have those glass dividers." "Oh yes, fascinating they slide up and down with a pressing on a switch." she smiles at the memory. And i recall Lady Yearling call it a car, a truck i think? Odd name. " she kicks her leg. And blinks, coming with a idea. "Sphinxie" causing her to groan. "Return to the amulet, you can see and hear what she sees right?" "Yes Mistress" Sphinxie stood straight, with a flap of her wing she flew away, turning into a glowing orb which shoots into the building. Interrupting Ms Harshwinny's lecture as the light shoots in, and going towards Applebloom, whom eep in surprise as her classmate shout in surprise. Harshwinny stopped mid lesson in Geometry with a frown "Ms Apple, are you alright? That was an odd phenomenon" she went over to the window and look around for the supposed culprit of the prank. "What nerve, calm down children. The rascals may have ran off after setting of a flash laser device." with no further ado she closes the curtain blinds of the room before returning to her lesson. "What..." Bloom could only look down at her amulet. Which glow was already fading. She frowns "Later.." he mutters as she gets back to listening to the lesson. Copying notes as the others do as well not wanting to get into trouble with Harshwinny. After class, before heading for her next class. Bloom look around and lift her amulet up, giving it a glare. "Ya almost got me into trouble Sphinxie." Surprised it actually responded in a kind of echo, she hears a groan "Ugh, not you too... Apologies young mistress. Milady wished me to keep an eye on you. Whisper softly, only you can hear me at this state. " she explains to bloom, the Sphinx's spirit normally resides in Shadia's Amulet. "Well, alright.. just be more careful next time.." with a groan "She's here isn't she?" silence only confirms it. She sighs "As long she cause no problems ah suppose. Can't this day get any weirder?" she heads off to her next class. Things will get interesting soon. The day went on as normal as you expect in a normal high school, aside from the weekly chemistry explosion and an apologetic blonde teenager with a loopsided eye was being sent to the nurses office as per usual. The bell signal lunch time as students file out towards the cafeteria for their needed break from the morning classes. Applejack set her food tray down at their usual table. Before she eat though she tipped her hat. "So, what do you want to tell us Applejack?" "Believe it or not, mah sister woke up a mummy during her field trip yesterday." she nonchantly said. Causing Rainbow to almost choke on her milk as she laughed out. Laughing "You're kidding right?! Ah man, Good one AJ!" she chuckles, seeing AJ's unwavering face. "Ah crud, you're serious... seriously a mummy? .. That's rad." "Rainbow, focus." Rarity scolded. "So a real mummy? with the dreary bandages and curses?" "Come off it Rares, Curses ain't real" AJ scoffed. "And she's polite for someone that's dead for almost over 2,000 years. Curious about stuff too. Can't blame her though." "So, magic then?" Sunset asked, getting a nod in reply "Yeah, Bloom got this amulet that glows, and well.. besides the mummy. We got this big talking cat with wings. She called her Sphinxie." Sunset was surprised. "the Sphinx? But isn't that just the statue in Cairo? Did Applebloom tell you?" "Actually with was A.K yearling who came by to tell us bout it." getting reaction from Twilight who was listening quietly along with the others and Rainbow Dash aswell "WHAT?!!" both girls shouted. "The Daring Do author, she came to your home?!" Dash asked. "Why?!" "She was the guide for the tour and helped Bloom out. She kinda woke the mummy up during a robbery.. ah'm mighty glad she did. That mummy made short works of those vermins.." she scowled. "Applejack, does this mummy have a name? its probably not nice to keep referring it to as 'mummy'. If thats ok with you that is.." Fluttershy softly suggested meekly. "Mighty sorry, yeah. She said her name's Somnambula." Sunset frowned to herself. "Why does that name seem familiar?" Twilight perked up "I remember a history lesson. She was the wife and advisor of Prince Hisan XI of Cairo from 27 BF to 68 AF. " she stated. "There were many legends surrounding her, some say she tamed the spirit of the Sphinx. But i guess that's true with the talking winged cat Applejack spoke off." she push her glasses up. "Think we can ask her questions? For research purposes?" she looks eager. "And well, hopefully meet Ms Yearling too." Dash seemed eager too. "Yeah, we could get to help A.K. Yearling with this! Well, you know since it could be fun and awesome... plus maybe an autograph." She scoots over, beaming. AJ and Sunset rolled their eyes at her antics. "Anywho, Ms. Yearling said things might be in trouble. But Ah hope there won't be much. 'Sides Somnambula's stayin' put back at the barn. How much trouble could she get into?" Laughter answered her, the group looked at the source. It was Pinkie Pie. She was laughing and giggling. They shrugged it off as Pinkie being Pinkie. Meanwhile back on the tree, Somnambula, yawned boredly as she kicks as she watches cars roll by. And at the young teenagers playing sports on the field. "I wonder what's taking Sphinxie so long..." she watches the PE students play soccer. "What an odd game, looks fun. I wonde-" her train of thought was interrupted when something hard hit the tree. She looks down seeing the ball. And one of the students came up to grab it. "Sorry guys!" a teen with light turquoise skin and amber hair called out. "Easy with your shots Lightning! You would take people's heads off with it!" a classmate scolded her. She scoffed. "No one's hurt, its just a dumb tree anyway. " she patting it, holding the ball with one arm. She smiles looking up casually. "Aint tha-.... " she caught sight of the stranger on the branch. Staring back right her. "Lightning Dust?" the classmate called out concerned and confused. She walked over, a teen with blue ish skin with grey hair"What you're look a-" she looked up. Seeing the bandaged stranger aswell. Somnambula only smiled and wave. "Hello." > Troubling Encounters > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot City, Canterlot High School While Applebloom was going to her locker, she hear a commotion of coming from the side doors going to the soccer field. Sensing something is wrong she hurried out the door and head for the field. Hearing the shouts. Groaning at the sight that greets her as she moves past the crowd. Seeing the mummified woman ontop of a tree surrounded by the soccer team and their couch. "Oh no.." she muttered. The coach tapping his arm as he glared up. "Young lady, get down from there. Which school are you from? Did they ask you to come here to spy on us?" "Oh, no sir. I'm not from any of these 'school' you speak off.. I'm just watching cause it seems like fun." Somnambula smiled down at them, kicking her legs. "Are you alright, you have alot of bandages" he asked after noticing them . "Get a ladder for our friend here!" he orders one of the students. They were about to go but Somnumbula called out. "No need" she dismount and lands on her feet with a thud. "Hiya, I'm Somnambula, I'm alright. Sorry, I just enjoy watching the children playing that ball game. It looks fun." Applebloom goes over before things escalate. "Umm sorry Coach, she's staying with mah family. She musta came with Granny. She means no harm" she explained, the coach sighed. "Alright, maam. Be careful next time, you're lucky you were on the tree branch. Getting hit by the ball will hurt." he nods. "Ladies, get back to practice. Applebloom, go back inside you don't have PE or anything today." he nodded to her. Getting the message the young preteen grabbed the mummy's arm and practically dragged her back indoors. "Do you really need to be here?" she hissed through her teeth as soon as they past the door "I can take care of myself just fine. This is a school, i'm safe here." she insisted. "Be as it may young mistress, but I need to stay close just incase something happ-" "Mistress" the Sphinx called out from the amulet."I sense darkness back outside!" Both Bloom and Somnambula rushed out, Bloom eyes gasp as the soccer team ran off the field and their Coach and a few members on the floor clearly injured. "Something like that" she glared at the figures on the field, featureless men that look like they were made of stone brandishing maces . One dropped a groaning student onto the field. "Shabtis... " she growled the words out. "SPHINXIE!" Instead of correcting her due to the urgency. "Yes Mistress!" Somnambula held her arms out, crossing them over her chest. ""With the Strength of Ra, I call upon your power. Sphinx!" Applebloom's amulet glowed brightly, as a light shot out, forming behind Somnambula, growing to the size of a barn, from the light a paw strike the ground. The Sphinx flared her wings as she gave a mighty roar, Somnamnula was not phased as her body began to glow In response, the Sphinx also shone brightly, its wings still flared challengingly. The light changed shape slowly, forming around Somnambula thrust her arms apart, shattering the light. One of her hand clenched, brandishing sharp claw gauntlets while the other hand reached out. The light shatters as it grasps something which appears to be a curved sword. The figure flips, the remaining light shattering as a feline roar is heard. Somnambula, now clad in armor and a feline style face helmet, she lift her head up with narrowed eyes as she prepares for combat. With a feline like growl Somnambula pounces on the nearest golem. It tried to counter but she ducked away from it's strike as she shove her claw onto it's stomach cracking it she twist her body and tossed it toward two other Shabtis shattering all of them. She rolls away from a mace attack, slashes her kopesh dismembering the stone golem minion before she finished it off with a sharp uppercut that shattered it's head. She slashes, slicing apart another's chest causing it to shatter. She ducked down from a sideswipe and jump back when a mace smashes down onto the floor where she once stood. Bloom watches in Awe as she meeps as more formed behind her mummified friend "Watch out!" she shout. Somnambula made a noise of disappointment at being caught off guard and now surrounded. But one was shoved to the ground as a blur rushed by it. The blur stops showing a young teenager with rainbow hair in a unique looking dress and a glowing necklace. "Yo, need backup?~" she asked the woman with a grin, and takes ahold of her glowing gem necklace and evaded the upcoming attacks from the enemies. She zipped out of reach and dash backed forward, using her momentum she thrust her leg breaking one of their abdomen and causing it to crash onto the ground from the impact. She lowers her leg with a smirk. "Oh yeah~" a large boulder then crushes another Shabti before it even realizes anything. As Bloom looks over and sees her sister Applejack. "SIS!" she calls out. "Well, now, what in tarnation is going on here?" she inquired, wearing a dress and her ponytail had grown longer. The rainbow haired girl also sporting similar long her and feathered wings, flared up aggressively . "These vermints giving you trouble Bloom?" "No Sis, but they hurt the coach and others! Help Somnambula" she pleaded. Casually lifting her hand catching a mace about swung down at her. "Sure, now sit back lil sis. It's dangerous" she grip her necklace, an orange aura glow surrounds her, she grips tight and yank the mace out of the golem's hand, tossing it to her other hand and swings it destroying the Shabti. "Lets dance pander" she grins as she steps up alongside Dash, as they both then rush in to deal with the remaining threats. Somnambula backflips out of a swing as her attack grumbled from a swing from Applejack. "Thank you, but be careful. There are some left." "Pft. Careful my middle name." Dash boasted as she zips around, tripping up 3 golems, making them crash hard onto the ground. "Ah thought it was Ma-" AJ commented while she backhanded a Shabti trying to sneak behind her. "NO! Not infront of the bad guys!" She blushed and grumbles, ducking her head avoiding a strike, glaring at AJ. Applejack lifting up a flailing golem high above her head, chuckles. "Ah'm just teasing sugarcube, now duck" she chucks it overhead. Dash ducked making it crash against the remaining foes, shattering them all. Somnambula finished off her opponent, was walking towards them. "You fight well young ones. I do sense some kind of energy from you though." with a flick, she gave a quick burst of light as Sphinx materialize on her shoulder, the mummy now armorless with a smile. "Which god blessed you with your magical abilities?" Rainbow snorted "A purple princess. I'm Rainbow Dash, so you're the mummy AJ was talking about? I gotta say you fight awesomely. " She grins "And what kind of hook sword did you use?" "Hook sword? I used a kopesh, its a weapon used by my people." she explain Both girls glow, now back to their ordinary clothing once again and shorter hair. AJ hums as she narrowed her eyes. "You knew these varmints don't you?" With a sigh Somanbula nodded. "They are Shabtis, golems fused with dark magic. This means one thing.."her gaze hardened "The man that killed my daughter; Anubis has returned. Unknown Location A wizened hand reached out, clutching hard onto the chair's armrest, an ancient man sighing as he leans out of the shadows. Revealing an unknown man wearing the Anubis mask. He raised her hand towards more golems "The soul of the pure." he chuckles "Go, watch them. The priestess has awaken, we'll bide our time for now. The soul of the young princess will be mine soon enough." he leans back as he dismissed his minions. Slinking back into the shadows, his soft breathing is the only indication he's still there. As the red eyes of his mask glow menacingly. > Meet n Greet, Skills Tested > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canerlot City, Canterlot HIgh School-Athletic Field "Who is this Anubis?" Sunset asked as she stepped closer while Applejack and Fluttershy went over to check on the downed students and coach. Luckily they didn't receive any serious injuries, minor scrapes and bruises. "Anubis, he was a vizier during Hizan's reign. At first he was diligent and steadfast at his job, but it was merely a ploy.He has darker ambitions, ambitions where he took our daughter from us. I had him buried alive for his treachery, it seems he's back to haunt us again." She explained "He'll be going after young Applebloom for her pure soul for his plans." "What?!" Applejack shouted "No way, now how that varmint's going to hurt my sis. Where is he?" she growled, in response Somnambula placed a hand on her shoulder "Calm young one, we do not know. But it seems he's here back kin the living realms. We must be vigilant for he will not simply sit back in the shadows for too long." she sighed. "Now" she smiles, perking back up "Nice to meet you children! You all have unique magic blessed upon you it seems." With a grin Dash rubbed her nose with a sniff "It's awesome isn't it?" Sunset and AJ rolled their eyes. "It came from these" Sunset held her geode up "We all have one, each a different power. My name is Sunset, I hold the stone of Empathy, it allows me to see memories of those I contact." "Rainbow Dash" holding her wrist up, tapping the geode in her braclet she zoom around before stopping to lean on Pinkie's shoulder. "I got the coolest power, super speed." much to the amusement of the others. Pinkie grinned as she bounce on her heels. "Heya, I'm Pinkie pie! I can turn glitter into fire crackers and blow stuff up. Kind of like bomb type 1 a japanese serial killer can do. Atleast I can't give sheer heart attacks and time travel with my bombs! Maybe i can. Who knows, hehe" she giggles, much to confusion of Somnambula, gaining a shrug from everyone and the explination of "Pinkie being Pinkie" Chuckling to herself Applejack tipped her hat "Well you know me already, Ah got the stone of power, it gives me super strength . Let me tell you it's super helpful especially I can just grab boulders and roots with mah bare hands." "You got bear hands?' Pinkie asked but was ignored. "Charmed madam, my name is Rarity Belle, I own the stone of Genorisity" she taps her geode as she holds her arms up creating diamond shape shields "I have the ability to create shields." Fluttershy fidgeted, Dash patting her "This one's Fluttershy. She's very timid with strangers so don't worry. She can talk to animals." she grinned making Shy blush and twirl her hair in her fingers. The final teen stepped up fixing her glasses as she looked her over. "Fascinating." she muttered. "Oh apologies, and my name is Twilight Sparkle. I hold the Geode of Magic, it gives me telekinetic powers of varied force." she introduced themselves. "It's nice to meet you all children. I thank you for your aid. I can see you are formidable in your own right. But you're still young, So take caution and heed when facing these dark forces. Anubis's shabtis may be easy but he may have other allies and minions at his call." she warned. "Don't worry about us. I know some karate. I'm 7th kyu, that's ALMOST black belt" Dash boasted getting into a stance "You're fighting moves are awesome too! Is that some kind of egyptian ancient martial arts or something?" Twilight perked up "It may be tahtib, a form of egyptian martial art that uses a stick. Can be used with other small weapons like a short sword. It could also be the lotus style. A more varied fighting style in Egypt that can be used with all kinds of weapons She's very versatile, is the Kopesh your only weapon?" she asked Shaking her head "No, i have claws to. I can use a bo staff or spear aswell and I can switch to any other type of sword no problem. The kopesh is just my primary." she smiled "Sphinxie here can fight as well. She may be small but she has her own magic to boost her strength" she beamed proudly much to the Sphinx's groaning dismay. "Stop it! My name is Sekhet, I am a god!" she hissed, but it came out more cute than threatening, making Somnambula stroke her head making her growl. "Awh, don't be like that, Sphinxie is a better name~". She moved her hand casually away from a paw swipe. Chuckling "So you're a good fighter, how about a runner? No powers" taking her bracelet off "I wanna race ya" making the older woman arched an eyebrow before smiling and putting Sphinxie down holding her hand out to accept her challenge, smirking Dash took the hand and shook it "Let's start there" pointing to the track field. "I accept your challenge young Rainbow " she walked toward what look like a starting line. Well its a line on the floor she always see it as a kind of start. "How many laps around this path?" she look admiring the long oval track. "Hmm, Let's go for 3, Sunset time us!" she calls out, Sunset rolls her eyes as she walked over. Pulling her cellphone out as she tap away opening her stop watch function. "Alright. Get ready you two." the two girls stood by the starting line as they stretched. Dash and Somnambula got down into a runner's stance as Sunset prepares the timer. "Ok, get ready.. get set." she bit her lips together as she whistles hard as she pressed the button and the two runner dashed off. While they have their race. Applejack help Fluttershy with the downed coach. "Hey Mr Will, ya alright?" she asked as she nudge the big buff older man. Making him groan, something about 'stone in your way? bash them away'. "Ya, he'll be fine. How about the others Shy?" she only got a nod from the timid girl as she clean the dirt off Lightning Dust's face "Ah'll go get nurse Redheart" she turned to run back inside the school. Back to the race, Dash has the lead as Somnambula is behind , it seems the mummy is simply jogging as she kept up the pace. "Wouldn't you get tired running fast from the start?" she asked the younger girl as Rainbow kept her lead "Nah, I'm never tired!" the turn involuntary slowing down to make it "Gotta say, you're fast. But i'm faster" she grinned back as she beeline for the other curve but with Somnambula hot on her heels only speeding up time to time whilist Dash is using her full speed from the beginning. They turned passing the first lap, Dash still in the lead as she start to pant as she start to feel her exertion as they cross the second lap. The mummy now catching up to her "Tired already?" she asked with a smile Panting Rainbow shook her head, wiping her forhead "No way, its the final stretch!" she speed up crossing the line onto their final lap. Somnambula is now speeding up as well easily catching up to the speedy athlete. Slowing in her pace from her early exertion they're now neck to neck as they round the corner, they continue to ran forward. Nearing the last curve Somanbula suddenly burst forward sprinting down the turn to Dash's momentary shock she shook her head and sprinted forward herself but it's no use. She almost trip on her feet but she manage to kept going even without the geode she felt her inner magic crying out as she burst forward as she crossed the finished line alongside Somnambula, she collapse on the ground panting . "T-time" Dash said. "Congrats Rainbow Dash, you broke your last record. 1 minute 21 seconds this time." she show her the screen which also have the lap times separated. Groaning "Woo... dang.. you're fast." she look up to see the mummy bending down catching her own breath. "No, you're swift as the wind Rainbow Dash." she complimented with a smile as she hold her hand out. Dash smirked back as she took the outstretched hand to pull herself up. They heard a cheer and look back to see Pinkie with a large foam finger and popcorn sitting by a lawn chair that's not there a moment ago. She waves her foam finger with a cry "Go Rainbow Dash!" she chuckles "Ah Pinkie, you're so random!" she grinned as she stood up and gives the mummy a thumbs up and grin. Titling her head she gives her own thumbs up with her own smile.