Professor Karma, owner of the Final Resting Place Artifact Museum, the greatest Museum of artifacts in all of Equestria, meets Scootaloo. Her entire future is changed...or was this always going to happen?
Professor Karma, a changeling who owns the most dangerous museum in all Equestria, and quite possibly the only dangerous museum in Equestria. Scootaloo Dash, a little filly, dreaming to become like her sister, a Wonderbolt, and a hero. Follow both of them as their stories become intertwined into a mass of adventures and mysteries.
Hello lucky filly/colt and welcome to the Final Resting Place Museum Tour. On this pamphlet you will be told a few rules and safety regulations.
1. Do not touch any of the displayed weapons as some of them happen to be very old and unpredictable (e.g. they may take off your hoof by accident, and yes it will do that, you won't be doing that to yourself if you catch my drift). 2. If something doesn't look dangerous, keep the hell heck away from it. Everything in this museum has a purpose thus, if something looks like it doesn't have a purpose, it's probably trying to look that way. 3. Stay with your guide, and if you get separated, stay with your partner, if you are separated from your partner as well...good luck. 4. DO. NOT. TOUCH. THE ARTIFACTS. Period, exclamation mark.
And now for a bit of history...
As Cheerilee read the list out loud to her students, many worried faces began to appear. The foals visibly shuddered several times, and some even took the time to look at the enormous building itself which was massive.
The Final Resting Place was not originally built for the purpose of being a museum. It was built to defend against the griffon forces during the war. However, it's design was strange because it had the same design you would likely see a mansion built with. A fortress built for comfort would make the most sense. The architect was never found, but the building, due to it's strong design, lived on. The building itself however was forgotten for many centuries and lost in time. Eventually, someone stumbled upon it, an adventurer who wandered across the Equestria searching for treasures and a permanent place to live. His name Karma, his first name known only to his closest friends, has known as Professor Karma since he decided to decorate the inside of the fortress and create the world's greatest museum for historical artifacts: Professor Karmas Final Resting Place Artifacts Museum.
Please enjoy your visit.
One filly in particular was shaking abnormally fast, her name being Sweetie Belle. She was a white coated unicorn filly, with a mane and tail either dark purple or light purple...or both.
Sweetie stuttered out through her clattering teeth, "M...may...maybe going to...to the m...ma...museum wasn't such...a...a...goo...good idea after...a...all."
One of her compatriots, an orange coated Pegasus with a mulberry mane and tail, immediately disagreed, "What!? Are you kidding!? This place is awesome! Look at it. This is probably the only time I think a museum could look cool. And did you read the pamphlets? Everything in there has at least some major destructive power."
The third of the trio, a yellow coated earth pony who had a red mane and tail with a pink bow in the back to keep her mane up, spoke as well, "Wow Scoots. Ah didn't know you were into moo-see-ums."
Sweetie Belle refused to divert her attention from the building, in fear that it may try something simply whispered out of the corner of her mouth, "It's pronounced 'Museum' Bloom."
Scootaloo began defending herself quickly, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I never said I was 'into' museums."
"You literally just called it awesome a few seconds ago."
"Sh...she has a po...point Scoots," Sweeties gaze continued to be locked on the mammoth creature that was being referred to as a museum.
"Okay maybe I did. but...uh...just..." Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head until she quickly begged, "Please don't tell Rainbow Dash I'm an egghead."
After a Pinkie Promise was made, the class waited until the wooden doors to the museum began to open. Cheerilee smiled and began speaking to her students, "Okay class, I would like to introduce to you the owner of the museum, Professor Karma, who will be our guide for the day."
As she finished she heard an audible gasp from all the ponies present indicating that they had realized what she already knew. Turning around she saw that the doors were fully open and there standing in the doorway, was a changeling. He wore a Cornflower Blue bowtie that match a strange legring he wore on his front right hoof just above his elbow. He wore a pair of similarly colored round glasses on his nose. Besides his clothing there was only one thing that made him stand out with the knowledge the students already had of changelings: he had no holes.
As he stepped next to Cheerilee, he smiled at her, nodded his head, and turned to the students, "Hello. As Miss Cheerilee has already said, my name is Professor Karma. As I do not know you, I do not feel comfortable giving you my full name, thus I shall be addressed as 'Professor Karma' or 'Professor'. Understood?" The way he spoke suggest finality and that he wasn't asking them if that was alright but instead just giving them that information as if it should have been common knowledge.
Every student said, "Yes Professor." in complete unison.
Karma then spoke again with more urgency in his voice, "Now, as you have read the pamphlets, you know the rules: No. Touching. Under any circumstance. Understood?"
"Yes Professor."
"Lastly, there will be a demonstration at the end. I will not tell you what it will be until then as it would ruin the surprise but I can tell some things. The demonstration will be of three types of artifacts. There are many more but these were my safest choices. One shall be a close range attack weapon, second a ranged weapon, and third a magical defense type weapon. The ponies demonstrating are professionals I have hired for this specific purpose so please do not pester them. Now..." He turned and headed back for the museum doors he had emerged from, "...come along, and don't dawdle. If you get lost, find a corner, and stay there until you are found within the hour."
One little filly in the crowd, a pink one with a tiara on her head raised her hoof and spoke, "Professor Karma, what happens if we don't get found within the hour?"
Karma stopped walking and with turning around said, "Then may God have mercy on your soul."
Upon entering the doors to the museum, they entered into a hallway, and a second wave of gasps and awes emitted from the foals. Once again Cheerilee didn't join in the "oohs" and "ahs" but she did marvel at the inside of the building. At first glance you would not assume that the building was designed for a war. The interior was quite incredible. There was a dark oak wainscot along the walls that gave the building an even older look. The walls were flowing patter alternating between black and tan. The ceiling stretched way above their heads to the point that the second floor was visible. On both sides of the hall were long lines of display cases each one with some strange object.
Karma slowed his pace and said, "The structure of this building is actually quite surprising especially since this was built to be a fortress of sorts. Many wonder where he got the materials to build such a massive building during the war as supplies were in decline." Karma stopped and turned around to face the foals, "Many creatures have claimed he was selfish for having all these supplies and not sharing with the world. We'll never know his purpose for building this building but we can still enjoy her beauty. Now..." Karma turned to his left and motioned with his hoof, "Does anyone know what this is?"
The entire class turned to their left and looked at one of the display cases. It hung on the wall with glass surrounding it to keep it from being stolen. Inside was an object that looked like three metal rods that seemed to have been one piece at one times but were now split into pieces. On closer inspection, one could see markings on the rods, possibly some sort of writing.
One colt raised his hoof, "They're metal sticks?"
Karma smiled, "When I first saw the thing, I thought so too. There sure don't look like much. just a broken staff right? Wrong. This is what's know as the Berserker Staff. The Staff is made from rare type of metal, which presumably can't be found on Equestria, and was the weapon of choice for Asgard's Berserker Army. Berserkers were said to have battled like raging beasts and a single berserker had the strength of twenty normal Asgardians. Now, onward young ones. We have much to see."
Many of the colts in the group looked at the broken staff in amazement, likely thinking about what having super powers would be like.
Scootaloo motioned to the staff as they passed it, "You see Applebloom? This isn't a normal museum. This is like more of a weapon showing. If what he says is true, then this is one of the less powerful weapons, meaning the demonstrations gonna be awesome!"
Applebloom looked undeterred, "Yeah, sure. If yer try'en to make it seem like yer not enjoy'en a moose-iam, then yer failing Scoots."
They both went quiet for a moment, but nothing happened. Professor Karma was now talking about a shield that was used by Flash Magnet or something, but other then that and the other foals, there was no sound. Applebloom looked at Sweetie Belle who was looking at the house from angles as if it would sneak up behind her from somewhere.
"Uh, Sweets?" Applebloom asked, "Are you alright?"
Sweetie Belle didn't respond.
"Sweetie!" Scootaloo yelled before she could stop herself. All eyes were then on her. After a few minutes of silence, Karma said, "...uh...well, yes, Flash Magnus did call the love of his life Sweety, I'm sure. However, I'm looking for a name. Does anyone else know?"
When attention was drawn away from the Pegasus, she breathed a sigh of relief. When she turned back to her friends, Sweetie Belle was luckily back to normal looking at both of them worriedly.
"Sweetie, you alright?" Applebloom asked concerned, "You usually correct mah tahking whenever you can."
Sweetie Belle looked at her two friends and looked confused, "Sorry, it's just..." she turned to look at the house again, "...this place feels weird."
Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, "What?"
"Well...you two aren't unicorns so I guess I can understand why you wouldn't feel it...but..." She motioned a hoof at the building, "This place is humming with magic. Literally humming. I could never use my magic in here without practice, and from the way it feels, even an experienced or powerful unicorn would have trouble just using simple levitation."
Applebloom thought for a second, "Well...that actually would make sense if this place is filed with all the magical doohickeys or whatever. Maybe some of those things is messing with yer magic."
Sweetie Belle nodded her head but still looked worried, "yeah, that I understand. The artifacts here would likely do something like that but..." she took a large breathe, "...this place is so fake."
Looking to her friends, she saw their oblivious faces, "I know that sounds weird or stupid or whatever. When I look at the display cases or the artifacts, I can feel them and see them and what I feel matches with what I see. When I look around it feels like what I see isn't what I feel. I...just...I don't know what to think."
The three went silent for a moment in thought until Sweetie asked the one question they hoped never to have to ask, "Um girls, where is everypony?"
Applebloom and Scootaloos eyes went wide in realization as they turned to look down the hallway. The hallway stretched on that direction, however when they turned around it was exactly the same.
Applebloom began freaking out, "What in Tartarus!? We weren't that far from the door when we started talking! This can't be the same hallway. Can it?"
Sweetie turned and said, "It has to be. Look." She pointed to a familiar display case: the Berserker Staff.
"If we had gone anywhere this display case wouldn't be here." Sweetie Belle stated while sweating profusely.
The three fillies started yelling for help. The cries echoed across the walls and reverberated their bodies but no creature came. When their echo's ceased, no other sound could be heard. They hugged each other close and shook with fear. After several minutes of this, Applebloom stuttered out, "He...hey Sweets? D...do you reme...member what the paper thingy s...said about getting lo...lost?"
Gulping, the unicorn replied, "Yeah, it said...um to find a corner and hide there. So I guess we need to find a corner."
Scootaloo said, "I guess that means we have to walk down the hallway to see if there's a corner anywhere down there?"
The other two nodded their heads and the trio began walking.
[meanwhile]
"...and here we have the Skotono, an ancient sword used by..." Karma stopped mid-sentence and turned around to face the students. He stared at the group for a time until he asked, "Miss Cheerilee, remind again how many students you brought with you."
Cheerilee responded without hesitation, "Sixteen Professor. Why?"
Karma sighed and closed his eyes in mild frustration before speaking again, "I'm only counting eleven."
The Final Resting Place Museum had an interesting characteristic. If with friends and in conversation, the house would not seem all that important to you. Being inside would be much like a walk in the park or through a grandmothers garden. When you were by yourself or ceased speaking, allowing your attention to be drawn to the house itself, it could be found that building would grab your concentration and shape it into hideous ideas. The very thoughts that could go through ones brain while thinking about the museum were morphed to even worse images that would bore through your soul.
For three little fillies, that isn't a pleasant experience. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom walked close enough to the point they almost seemed to be one pony while Scootaloo walked in the front of the group. She seemed unfazed for the most part. She was still trembling but was trying her best to suppress the fear she had. The three of them had been walking for what felt like hours, there hooves beginning to hurt.
Suddenly, Sweetie stopped walking, which caused Applebloom to stop and look at her. Hearing the cease of hooves behind her, Scootaloo stopped as well and turned around. The earth pony and Pegasus looked at their cream colored friend for a few second until Applebloom asked, "Sweetie? What's wrong?"
Sweetie didn't utter a word. Instead she turned around very slowly and looked back the way they came. As her friends did the same they gasped in shock. There, in front of them, from the very direction they had been walking, was a door. It hadn't been there before and they knew it, they hadn't seen a door in a while as the hallway had been completely uneventful besides the display cases that were still there. Upon second glance saw that now even the displays were gone.
Before any of them could utter word however, the door was pushed forward, slightly bending, while a sound like hammer on wood emitted from the doorway. An horrible roar was heard from the other side as the whatever it was pounded on the door again.
Scootaloo was the first to speak, "Okay we need to get out of here right--" While speaking Scootaloo was beginning to turn around start running. Instead she ran headfirst into a wall. Applebloom turned to see the wall as well but immediately turned back as another, louder, pound was heard. Sweetie stared, taking the slowest and tiniest of steps backwards. Applebloom immediately began pounding on the wall behind them screaming for help at the top of her lungs.
This continued for a short time as finally the creature broke down the door. All three of them stared at the creature in horror. Before them was a wolf like creatures, as black as soot and large enough to eat a fully grown griffon whole. On his tendrils like snakes wriggled around as sensing all there was in the tiny room they were in. The creature stared at the fillies, his eyes burning with a sickish green color.
Scootaloo looked at Applebloom, who was screaming as loud as possible but could barely be heard over the humming that started vibrate the structure. She then turned to Sweetie Belle who was frozen in place, tears streaking down her face. Turning back to the monster, Scootaloo felt something, something strange. It was like a force coming from this demonic creature. Was this the feeling Sweetie Belle had previously felt? She couldn't tell. She looked at the monster and her face morphed into an angry and determined scowl.
Scootaloo stood up from her place on the floor, using her hooves she pulled her two friends closer to her and slightly behind her protectively. She spread her wings, small as they were in defense, and stood at her full height. The creature did not react to this. It simply stood there for a few seconds. Then it began to crouch, oh so slowly.
Scootaloo thought to herself so this is it. This is the end of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She turned to look at her friends one more time. They were both standing still with tears in their eyes.
At least we're together. I'd hate for any of us to be alone when...when we... she stopped thinking and looked once more at the creature who fully crouched at this point.
And then, it happened.
Scootaloo felt herself pulled back as the monster pounced. With little time to react she felt sensation of falling as a new door shut between her and the monster. Looking around she saw that she was still in the hallway, but instead it was flying past her as she fell. Looking down she saw another wall in the distance coming towards her at break neck speeds. She closed her eyes as the ground was about to hit her. But she did not feel sudden impact. opening her eyes, Scootaloo saw herself lying on the floor without a single pain. However, she began to pass out. As concsiouness left her she heard a comforting voice.
"Sleep now little filly, your adventure is only beginning."
Scootaloo slowly began to open her eyes only to see blurry images. She couldn't fully make out what was going out so she attempted to concentrate on sound. Dulled sounds made their way into her eardrums and she tried to decode the words she was hearing.
"...just...help...fine...problems...friends."
"...how...up."
"...one of..."
"What!"
"You heard..."
"Wow I can't...this. What about her friends?"
"They'll be fine. Please go check on them."
Scootaloo heard the sound of something slightly scraping on wood, similar to when Spike would attempt the moonwalk. Her eyes started to improve as the images in front of her began to clear up. She could make a out a black figure in whatever place they were in. A slight tinge of fear rose in her mind. Was this another creature? The mere thought of it began to make her breathe heavily. Before she could truly become worried she felt a strangely hard hoof on her shoulder.
"Calm down. You're alright. Everything is alright. Breathe. That's it. Inhale. Exhale."
Scootaloo did as she was told and started to feel herself become calm. She closed her eyes and took a few more breathes. When she opened her eyes again, she was surprised to see Professor Karma next to her, smiling comfortingly. That smile was so sweet and yet, it felt hidden, like it didn't want to be there.
The changeling spoke first, "Hello little one. I'm glad to see you awake. You had quite the fall." He stood up and pulled a chair to the side of the bed, a notebook held in his magical grasp. Sitting down he wrote a few things down before looking to the little filly. While he wrote she observed where she was. It was a room of sorts, but it was filled with different types of artifacts, maps, and mechanical devices she remembered from one of the books Twilight had shown her friends and her.
Scootaloo sat up quickly, "Where are my friends!?" she nearly yelled, until a headache she hadn't been aware of forced her to lay back down.
Without looking back up at the filly Karma answered her question, "They're fine. Just sleeping. Right now however, I need you to answer a few questions. Can you do that for me?"
Scootaloo hadn't even realized until now how soothing his voice was, the underlying tones of his changeling heritage was still there so she could still hear the slightest buzzing when he spoke, but besides that, it was like a pony to her. Looking up at him she replied, "Yes Professor."
"First I'd like to ask how you three got lost."
"Well, we were walking with the rest of the students when Sweetie Belle started acting all weird. She's the white unicorn in our group. She started saying all this stuff about the building being fake or whatever. I usually just tune her out but she looked so...I don't know. Scared maybe? Whatever the case, me and Applebloom, the one with the bow, started trying to make her better when we noticed that the rest of the class had already gone off."
Professor Karma continued writing, hiding his mouth as he did so, "Ah. I see. Go on."
Scootaloo said, "Well when that happened, we looked around and found that the door we had just walked through was gone. I know that sounds crazy bu--"
"No, no, it doesn't sound crazy. With the knowledge that this museum has a lot of different magical items in it, you should have deduced that with that came magical repercussions."
Scootaloo furrowed her eyebrows a little, irritated, "Hey! I'm only like what, eight! Just cause you're a Pro--"
"I meant no disrespect. I'm simply stating the obvious. Now, I have another question: why didn't you find a corner to wait in?"
Scootaloo was frustrated about being interrupted again, but pushed her anger down and replied, "It was a long hallway, there were no corners. We started walking down the hallway for a while before that...that thing found us."
Scootaloo listened, but was surprised not to hear Karmas scribbling. She looked at him and noticed his compound eyes staring at her. He seemed surprised as he lower the notepad slightly.
He then asked, "You remember the beast?"
Scootaloo nodded her head, "Yes, after seeing that thing I wish I couldn't remember. Is that bad?"
Professor Karma didn't reply. Instead he wrote a few more things down and then stood up. He walked over to the side of the bed. Bending down he put one chitin hoof on each side of her and leaned his down low. His expression held one of something crossed between anger or urgency. Then he spoke in a low tone.
"You will speak of this to nopony, no dragon, no alicorn, not even to a stuffed animal in your bedroom. If anyone asks, the story is this: you and your friends got lost upstairs trying to find your cutie marks in house keeping, you were found and returned to class by the time everypony had to leave. Understood?"
Scootaloo sputtered, "Bu...but...but I--"
"Understood!"
Scootaloo shrunk back, and nodded her. "Yes Professor." , she squeaked.
He stood back up and went back to his blank stare, however this time he showed slight signs.
Is he worried about somethi... Scootaloos train of thought was deterred as he then blasted a spell that blinded her for a second. When she could see again she was standing in a very fancy dining room. Nearly everything was spotless but what caught her attention was her teacher and class mates looking at her and her friends.
Wait, what? she turned to make sure that yes, they were standing beside her on her right, and to her left was Professor Karma.
"Girls!" Cheerilee nearly yelled, "Where have you been!? We've been worried sick!"
Sweetie Belle stepped forward and said, "Sorry Miss Cheerilee. We got lost upstairs."
Cheerilee crossed her hooves, "And how did you get there?"
Applebloom stepped forward, "We were looking fer Cutie Miss Cheerilee. Wer awfully sorry."
Scootaloo was shocked. Applebloom wouldn't lie about something like this. She wasn't her sister but she picked up a few things from her.
Karma spoke, "It's okay Miss Cheerilee, they didn't break anything, and they're all in perfect health."
After more apologies Cheerilee looked Professor Karma and began to ask, "Any other news on the whereabouts of--" she was interrupted by one of the doors being opened. Through it, a tall light blue mare Pegasus came lumbering through on her back hooves holding two struggling fillies, a pink one and a silver colored one.
Applebloom leaned over to Scootaloo, "Are they who Ah think they are?"
"I be foinding the two little lassies boss."
"Can you put us down now?!" The pink one yelled.
The silver filly agreed.
The new mare laughed, "These two got some spunk boss. Can we keep 'em? Oi'll whip 'em inta shape."
Professor Karma hung his head with a hoof covering his face.
Scootaloo walked up the makeshift stairs to her sisters house. Upon arriving at the door she went inside and was greeted with silence. Making her way to her room she heard Rainbows snores from her room. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and went to her own room, only to find letter sitting there. She put her stuff away and picked it up.
"Who would send me mail?" she asked herself. It was addressed to her so she opened it. Inside was a piece of paper that simply read:
"Don't worry. She's going to be here later this afternoon."
"Uh...isn't the lass supposed to be 'ere at aboot twelve ten?"
"This is Scootaloo we're talking about. Factor in her internal clock and how her family will feel about this."
"Understood boss. I'll have everything ready four. Is dere anything else ya need?"
"Hmm...actually, there are a few things I'd like you hide."
"Do you really have to go Scootaloo?" Rainbow asked pleadingly.
Scootaloo turned around from her suitcase to look at her sister. Rainbow stood behind her with a sad look on her face. Rainbow seldom ever showed her emotions but Scootaloo could see dried tears on her mentors face.
Scootaloo smiled and walked over to Rainbow and hugged her, "I know you're going to miss me, and I know you wanted me become a Wonderbolt like you did, but--"
"Captain of Wonderbolts. I wanted you to become captain. There's a difference." Rainbow choked out as tears began to form in her eyes once again.
Scootaloo chuckled at her sisters persistence and having a point before continueing, "Okay, Captain. But you need to understand, this choice is mine to make. I'm not a little filly anymore. I'm a grown mare who can make her own decisions. I need you to respect."
This time Rainbow laughed, "Scootaloo, I may be sad you're leaving but don't doubt that I respect your decision. I may not fully understand it but..." , she sighed, "...I do respect it."
The two racers hugged once more Scootaloo turned to finish packing. Rainbow left her to it and trotted back through the hallway glancing to her sides. Trophies of all kinds were there. Big ones, small ones, slightly-weird-shaped ones. Rainbow was proud of her accomplishments but one stood out among the rest: a single silver trophy that stood next to a larger gold one. The silver read "Second Place Winner of the Race Around the World: Rainbow Dash".
With her packing finished and her goodbyes made Scootaloo opened the door to the home she had shared with Rainbow for years. As she did she was met with a sudden face full of confetti.
"Surprise!" Scootaloo removed the confetti from the different parts of her face to see nearly the entire town on the ground and Pinkie...on the cloud with her? Wait...that's...that's not possible.
"Yes it is!"
Scootaloo looked at Pinkie confused, "What is what?"
"Nothing!" Pinkie jumped off the cloud and landed on the ground unharmed, "Come on down, we're sending you off with a party. It's the Scootaloo-Is-Leaving-But-We-Are-Happy-For-Her-Party or as I call it: S.I.L.B.W.A.H.F.H.P.!"
Scootaloo laughed and jumped off the cloud, gliding gracefully in front of the audience of ponies. There was banner that read Welcome to the Scootaloo-Is-Leaving-But-We-Are-Happy-For-Her-PartyBTW there wasn't much room towrite this I'm sorry. What grabbed her attention though was a familiar face in crowd.
"Sweetie Belle!?" Scootaloo took off at top speed, nearly running into her fellow Cutie Mark Crusader. She hugged her friend tightly almost in tears, "I haven't seen you since your last tour!"
Sweetie managed chuckled through her friends death grip, "I'm happy to see you too Scoots." The two remained in their hugging stance for some time before releasing each other. They searched for Applebloom and upon finding her conversed about their lives for a bit.
"So Sweetie, how's it going for the Belle of Elysian Plains?" Applebloom laughed at the use of such a formal title.
"Pretty well if I do say so myself." She replied, "And I do." the three fillyhood friends laughed and talked about the farm.
"Big Mac's been good, especially since he and Cheerilee got married. Ah don't think he would've made it through Granny Smith's death otherwise." Applebloom sighed sadly, "Applejack acted like she was okay with it but...Ah don't think she was. Ah think losing her legs was the biggest part. Ever since that day she's been...Ah don't distant." The three went silent for moment. Applebloom forced a chuckle and tried to smile, "Ah'm sorry 'bout this girls. I'm destroying the mood. Sweetie Belle, maybe you should Scoots the big news."
Sweetie Belle's face brightened up, "Oh yes of course!" Turning to Scootaloo she smiled and spoke, "Scootaloo, as we all know, you're going to be going to that place we went to as fillies correct? Final Resters...or something?"
Scootaloo clarified, "Final Resting Place."
"Ah yes. Well guess what? Me and Applebloom are going to accompany you!"
Scootaloo was silent for a second as her friends smiled at her. After a few more seconds she shook her head and asked, "What!?"
"Now don't get yer undies in a bunch Scoots."
"Applebloom! That is very uncouth. Plus ponies don't even wear...under...garments..." Sweetie looked at herself in horror while Applebloom rolled her one good eye.
"Anyways, the thing is Scootaloo, I need to pass through that town on my way to a friends house. Sweetie Belle is do'en some tour shindig in that thar same town so we planned on making the trip with ya."
Scootaloo beamed, "Thank you guys so much. I'm glad to have your support in this."
The other two ponies went silent and their smiles slowly morphed into more nervous ones. Scootaloo was confused for a second until she realized what was wrong, "You don't want me going there either do you?"
Sweetie put a hoof on Scootaloos shoulder, "It's not just that dear. We do still fear that place a little bit, especially after what happened last time."
Scootaloo looked up at Sweetie Belle curiously, "Do...do you remember what happened?"
Applebloom frowned, "Well of course we do Cupcake. I'll never forget getting lost in there. We're lucky that changeling guy found us when he did. We mighta been stuck in there forever."
Scootaloo sighed but didn't bring the matter up anymore. How could they not remember what really happened? They were there, they were screaming. You could almost smell the fear in that little room they were stuck in. The stench from that creatures very presence lingered in her mind like...
"Scootaloo!"
Scootaloo jumped and almost screamed at the sudden jolt but calmed herself down, "What?"
"You okay? You started staring off like you saw a ghost or something."
Maybe I have, "It's nothing. Let's just get going. I'm supposed to be there by twelve ten and it takes a few hours to get there from what I've heard."
"Scootaloo."
"Yes?"
"It's eleven forty."
"...crap."
Three fillies trekked down the road but they weren't as jovial as normal. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had each been lost in thought for most of the journey. After their quick departure, the three had been quiet for some time. Each had thoughts running through their mind.
Ah wonder what's up with these two Applebloom thought It's like they don't want to talk.
Sweetie's thought's were similar Why haven't they said anything yet?
Scootaloos thought's were much farther away I wonder what he wants. I haven't been there in years and for good reason, and for good reason. Maybe I should stay in Ponyvi...NO. I refuse to slink away now. Especially after sacrificing so much. I can't let something that may or may not have happened determine what my future will be. But...isn't that what I'm doing right now? Letting this letter control me? Maybe that's it. I'm being drawn into something I don't want to be a part...who's touching my shoulder?
Scootaloo was cut off from her inner monologue and looked to her left at Applebloom's one eye, the other eye covered in her eyepatch.
Applebloom looked concerned, "What's wrong sugarplum? You're sweating like a cultist in Celestia's courtroom."
Scootaloo smiled slightly, "For having one eye Applebloom you're awfully observant."
"Come on darling. we've been walking for hours and haven't said a word."
"Neither have either of you!"
"True but you've always been the one to start the conversation when we start getting quiet. Please dear, we want to help."
Scootaloo sighed and lowered her head, "It's...it's nothing. I just...ugh...why does life have to be so damn complicated!?" she yelled with a low growl. Her friends were a bit taken back at the sudden outburst but the Pegasus wasn't finished, "I've been training my whole life to be just like Rainbow Dash. I wanted to become a Wonderbolt like her. Then she gets an incredible promotion after Captain Spitfire passed. I felt like there was no way I wouldn't get to be one, especially after my wings finally grew in. But now...now..." tears began to stream down her face, ones she hadn't let go of for months after telling everypony her decision, "Now I'm going off to a museum I went to as a foal because of some stupid letter!" Scootaloo stopped, her eyes wide at the realization of what she had said.
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom asked simultaneously, "What letter?"
Scootaloo began to speed up to a trot to avoid her friends gaze, "No letter! I said some stupid let her. Yeah! I just didn't finish my sentence. heh heh. Let's go girls."
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle watched Scootaloo suspiciously but didn't voice their concerns. Then again, what was there that Scootaloo needed to hide from her friends anyway?
Professor Karma peered at his watch carefully. The ticking continued at a steady pace, filling the room. Every gear turned like a brain who's thoughts had just conceived the greatest of plans was about to give birth to them. Karma however seemed unaffected by this and continued to stare at his watch.
He smiled and said, "Three, two, one."
The door burst open as a blue Pegasus came through, knocking over several piles of books that stood about neck height. Before they could fall on the floor Karma's blue magic enveloped them and put them back in place. As he did so, the blue Pegasus spoke hurredly.
"That orange lass 'as arrived with a couple of er friends."
Karma smiled and said, "I know Deft, I know." Karma began walking past her through the door.
"Oh." Deft furrowed her brow and asked, "If ya know den why be Oi tellen ya?"
Karma motioned for Deft to follow him and she followed suit, "Because my dear, I asked you to." With another glance at his watch Karma asked, "I take by now her friends have taken the train and she is on her way here now?"
"Oi tailed 'em foe a whoile. She outta be getten here any--"
Karma paused for a second and turned to Deft, "Deft, why is the doorbell playing funeral music?" The blue Pegasus shrugged her shoulders and grinned guiltily. Before she could respond, the Professor huffed and continued down the stretch of halls. After a short trek with the ominous music playing, they reached the front door. Karma opened it.
"Hello Miss Dash, we've been expecting you."
Scootaloo was facing away from the door at the time, looking at the clouds in thought, thus Professor Karma's voice came as a surprise, causing her to jump slightly. Scootaloo turned around quickly and saw the changeling. He hadn't changed a bit. Scootaloo was a bit surprised, she wasn't sure what she had expected. Maybe a little bit of grey facial hair? Then again, Changelings didn't have fur or hair so at least that makes sense.
"Uh..." Scootaloo uttered in embarrassment, "...hello Professor Karma."
Karma chuckled, "Please, just call me Professor. Please follow." He headed deeper into the building. Scootaloo followed behind him, hundreds of questions running through her head. As she did though she noticed the hallway she was stepping into was all to familiar. Shivers ran down her spine as she remembered that field trip. Walking down the hallway, meeting that...thing.
"OI!"
Suddenly a blue Pegasus Scootaloo hadn't noticed at first stepped in front of her and smiled a little too wide, "Oi'm shore ya 'ave 'undreds of questions foe the Professor doncha?" Scootaloo stopped to keep from running into the strange pony. Her hair was straight up in a weird fashion and her body was a plethora of colors ranging in blue, white, and red.
"Well, yeah I do actually. I'd like to know what the deal is about his letter and--" before she could continue she was interrupted by the blue Pegasus.
"Moi name's Deft. Deft Thought. Noice ta meet ya." still smiling she put her hoof especially close to Scootaloo's face for a shake. Then Karma's voice rang from the under end of the hall.
"Please stop scaring with Miss Dash Deft. Also...don't move." Before either of them could respond a locking sounding emitted from Scootaloos left side. From it a door opened revealing Karma, "There we go, I found the door. Please, please come in." He stepped back allowing the door to remain open. Deft Thoughts stepped from completely unfased by the sudden fast travel of the Professor. After a moment, Scootaloo stepped through as well. As she did she looked around. It was the same room she had been in after falling away from the creature in the hall. It was messy as before, maps, compasses, globes, and telescoped strewn about.
Deft Thoughts bumped Scootaloos shoulder, "For a Professor, ee's a bit messy ain't ee?"
Scootaloo could only nod in response, too unprepared for what had happened within the last five minutes. Deft left her side and went through a door on the other side of the room. Scootaloo saw Karma going through a few papers so she decided to look around. The room had several tables in it, each one covered with papers and pictures. On one table she found a file open with a picture of the Element of Honesty next to a picture of a rotten apple. Curiousity compelling her, Scootaloo pushed aside a the pictures and saw under them a third picture of a blue earth pony. It was circled in red.
Before Scootaloo could look closer, a blue aura appeared over the pictures and file and they popped out of existence. Scootaloo turned around, only to see Karma standing there, with a very unhappy look on his face. He immediately began burrating her.
"Do you just go through other lings stuff when you want?! That was completely irresponsible and stupid, I don't want to see you doing stuff like that again under my building. Understood?"
Scootaloo heard the words but didn't react in fear, but instead in annoyance, "Hey, I didn't know that was something you wanted kept private! If you're going to put stuff in the middle room, you outta expect ponies to look around. And who do you think you are yelling at me like that? I'm an adult, just like you."
Karma rolled his eyes and mumbled loud enough for Scootaloo to hear, "Give or take a couple centuries." Shaking his head he turned around, "Follow me. You want answers? I can give them to you."
Scootaloo still wasn't happy with the indignant tone but followed anyway. They walked through a door on the other end. It opened to an old looking elevator. They stepped inside and Karma pressed a button that read 'Below the Truth'. As he did Scootaloo took notice that none of the buttons were in order. Some had words, and some had numbers but they were strewn all over not even in columns.
Karma said, "Whatever you do, remain still." Before Scootaloo could ask why, the elevator shook violently. Scootaloos vision blurred slightly until she realized she had begun crying. Her bones started to feel like they being twisted around. Every sense in her body was attacked, and she didn't know how to react. Trying to remain still she noticed that the door to the elevator was vibrating harder than anything else. Then it stopped. The room was quiet again for second until Karma looked at her smiling, "Welcome to Final Resting Place Base of Operations."
The door opened and Scootaloo's jaw dropped. There before her was a large underground base, at least a few miles in both width and height. Long tube-like halls ran in and out. The entire place having dungeon type of look with a hint of adventure. Long bridges stretched to places unknown. She looked around she noticed that the elevator opened to a area with a sign reading 'loading area'. Stepping out, Scootaloo took in the sight. As she did she bumped into someone.
"Ow. I'm sorry. I didn--" on the ground of Scootaloo lay a pile of pony bones. The head turned around and glared at her, "Why don't ya watch where yer going little missy?" it said as it started pulling itself together...literally. Femurs, ribs, and other bones alike flew together in a synchronized fashion. The skeleton never ceased glaring Scootaloo until it was fully together. It picked up a box it had been carrying and continued on it's way. Scootaloo gaped after the walking pile of bones.
"There's no need to stare Miss Dash." Karma trotted by her as though he didn't see the whole ordeal, "They are merely cursed ghost from the past sworn to do as they are told until the end of time or until they fulfill their promise. Come along now."
After Scootaloo recuperated, the two of them made their way down one of long expanse of hallways. Besides the occasional skeletal being, the two were very silent in doing so, thus Scootaloo tried her best destroy said silence.
"So uh...how long have you known about this underground base thing?"
Karma kept his eyes forward, "Since the day I got it Miss Dash."
"And that's another thing. You don't have to keep calling me Miss Dash. All my friends call me Scootaloo."
Karmas pace never slowed but if studied closely enough one could see his eyes glance downward in thought by the tiniest movements. Movements the orange Pegasus caught on to, "Alright then...Miss Scootaloo. If it's all the same to you, I'd rather keep the 'Miss'."
Scootaloo nodded in response. When she turned back forward, she noticed they were now in front of a large door, at least two grown ponies in height.
Karma's magic enveloped the handle. As he opened it he said, "Miss Scootaloo, you want answers, this is where you'll find them.
Scootaloo sat on one end of a very long table. Said table was a dark mahogany painted dark violet. on each side sat ten chairs, twenty two in all including the ones on each end. The room she was in was one of many rooms they had passed by while on their way. Professor Karma sat on the other end, staring at her intently. He'd been this way for at least five minutes and didn't seem to intend on stopping. He however was the one to break the silence.
"Before we begin Miss Scootaloo, I have a number of questions for you."
Scootaloo exaggerated a groan, "Ugh. I thought I was done taking tests when I finished school."
Karma was unamused, "Miss Scootaloo, what is love?"
"Um...well, love is a feeling you have for another."
"Hatred is a feeling you can have as well. Do you mean to say that love and hate are the same?"
Scootaloo shook her head, "That's not what I meant."
"It's what you said."
Scootaloo furrowed her brow slightly and then smirked, "Okay then, let me explain. I said that love is 'a' feeling you have, not 'the' feeling. Because of that, I am indicating that love is one of many different feelings you can have. The feeling itself is unexplainable."
Professor Karma raised an eyebrow and smiled ever so slightly, "You have more wisdom than I gave you credit for Miss Scootaloo." He levitated a clipboard I front of him and asked another question, "Miss Scootaloo, you see a thousand bit, and next to is a hundred bit. What do you do? Take both, leave both, or take one, and if so, which one?"
Scootaloo thought for a second and then responded, "I would take both but I would turn in the hundred bit to authorities. Whoever dropped the hundred bit is likely to need it for something. Whoever owns the thousand bit is likely rich enough not to care. A thousand bit piece is worth too much for the pony not to return as soon as possible."
Professor Karma wrote a few notes on his clipboard and then asked, "Alright then, last question. If asked to describe who you are in three full sentences, what would you say?"
"Hmm...How about 'I am a flyer and not afraid to prove that I am fast.', 'I am headstrong but I not stupid enough to fly blindly.', and 'I hope I am and will always be as loyal as my sister."
Several silent second went by until Karma dropped the clipboard with crack that echoed through the room. Scootaloo watched Karma in curiosity. He smiled and sat down before speaking, "My name is Clean Karma, also known as Professor Karma. I am a special breed of changeling. I'll explain why later." His smile faltered slightly, "When I was one hundred and forty-six, I found a large mansion deep in the woods. The land around it was quite a livable so it came as a surprise to find the only nearby buildings all abandoned. I went inside, and didn't emerge until twenty years later." By now Karma wasn't smiling at all.
"Twenty years!?" Scootaloo couldn't believe her ears, "I was told you started the museum shortly after finding it. It couldn't have been twenty months, much less twenty years!"
"I don't mean twenty years in our time filly." Karma rose his voice slightly but it was enough to shock Scootaloo, "You remember the first time you came here? When you and your friends got lost? How long did it feel like you'd been walking?"
Scootaloo thought for a few second before answering, "About a few hours. Why?"
"You were gone for ten minutes."
Scootaloo went silent in disbelief. How was that possible? Time didn't...change.
"Time is funny in some of the hallways here." Karma continued, "As a changeling I'm used to a constantly changing living area. Had I been a pony, I likely would've completely disappeared permanently. I'll teach you how to navigate as soon as I can. I may be able to navigate here but finding you that first time was quite possibly just an Effect. We can't rely on those too heavily. Now I--"
"Hold on." Scootaloo was frustrated, she was getting answers but not the right ones, now she only had more questions, "Before we go any further, I need to know, what does this have to do with me?"
Karma glanced away from Scootaloo for a moment. Finally he walked over to her side of the table and stood there. Karma said to her, "Scootaloo? How did you get your cutie mark. I know how but I want you to tell me in your own words."
The orange Pegasus was confused but answer anyway, "I got it the day I finally learned to fly. It resembles how I'm willing to do anything to accomplish my goals. Butterflies will sometimes fly straight into danger to get food. Why?"
"You ask that question a lot, but anyway, your cutie mark means more than you think. Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Effect?" Scootaloo shakes her head, "Ah, well it is an interesting thing. It is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministicnonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.. Basically, it is the fact that the smallest events, such as a Butterflies wing flap, can change the entire course of the world and it's future."
Scootaloo stared, still confused. Karma groaned in frustration, "There have only been eight ponies in existence with a butterfly as their cutie mark. Every single one of them has had some influence on Equestrias history, even if unintentional. You even know one of them as the Element of Kindness. No, she doesn't know how much she has changed, and that's actually for the better. If she found out, knowing her she'd likely attempt to have the least amount of effect as possible. This would likely have the opposite effect and cause the universe to be desperate for her decisions."
"Wait, wait, waitwaitwaitwait waitwait!" Scootaloo took a deep breathe and closed her eyes, "You're saying that there ponies who have to influence the universe, because of my cutie mark, I am now destined to help make sure the universe stays in balance, and Fluttershy is one of these universe ponies but doesn't know it. Have I left anything out?"
Karma put a hoof on his chin before responding, "Well two things: first, You don't know what this has to do with me and second, you can technically blame your destiny on your wings since they healed from a body growth disorder that should have been permanent."
Scootaloo stared at Karma for a few minutes until she frowned and leaned back in her chair putting her hooves on her face, "So...what does this have to do with you."
"I collect dangerous items all over Equestria and thought maybe having a Effector with me as an assistant might be useful."
Scootaloo thought for a few seconds, So I'm some sort of world changer. I guess that's not terrible, I've heard worse. She'd likely be in danger, probably more now than ever before. She didn't really like the title 'assistant' but it was likely just that, a title.
"I'll take the job."
For the second time today Karma let his composure fall slightly and he displayed confusion, "Wait, just like that? After everything I just told and everything I haven't told you yet, you're still good with this?"
Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders, "Why not? I could use some action in my life. Anything you need help with?"
Just as Scootaloo said this, the entire room shook slightly as a loud booming sound echoed throughout the structure.
"You Effectors have uncanny timing. Come with me."
Before you start reading I have to warn you that an F-bomb is dropped in this chapter. There's a profanity tag for a reason.
Scootaloo and Professor Karma ran as fast as they could through the underground halls of the Museum. Red crystals on the walls flashed bright red, signaling trouble. Sirens blared as if they trumpets announcing the arrival of danger. As they ran Karma gave orders to the passing Skeletons, mainly things Scootaloo knew nothing about.
"I want a squadron of shields in section FC right now! Have Deft meet us on Hall EC! Miss Dash will be coming along, I will keep her safe but I want everyone aware of her! Get it, got it, Good! Now get going!"
With a annoyed snort Scootaloo corrected, "It's just Scootaloo to anypony else in this place!"
"Please Miss Scootaloo, you're going to have to learn to say everyone. It's not like it makes much difference. You don't want to be considered racially inconsiderate do you?"
Another snort, "Whatever."
as they ran however the wall to Scootaloo's left exploded, sending her flying into the wall opposite. When she regained her thoughts she could see what appeared to be giant vine sticking out of the wall. It was a sickly green color and was thrashing about, faster than something that size should be able to. before Scootaloo could react it reached for her, but was stopped as a group of skeletons in golden armor surrounded her. They each held shields and spears, if it weren't for the lack of flesh Scootaloo could've mistaken them for Royal Guards. As they fend off the tentacle, other parts of the hall begin to be destroyed as well. Karma grabs her hoof and leads her down the hall again, doing his best to help her avoid the vines. They become thicker until Scootaloo has to ask.
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be a let down but uh..." she paused slightly, fearing the answer, though she'd never admit it, "...are we headed towards the source of all the giant vines trying to maim or kill us? Cause uh...I'd rather, oh I don't know...not!"
Karma continued to lead her down the passage. "I just need proof is all." he stated emotionlessly.
Proof of what? Scootaloo thought to herself. Before she could voice her thoughts, they came to a hole in the wall. It wasn't much different from the others, beside the fact that this opened to room covered from top to bottom in vines. It was a regular jungle. The room wasn't big however, instead, right in the center stood a potted plant.
Karma looked to Scootaloo, "Okay, I need you to walk over there and touch one of it's leaves."
The universe froze for a second. Scootaloo turned her head to face the changeling. "What the buck do you mean I have to go in there!?"
"I said 'need' not 'have' and I believe the word you want to use is fuck."
"I don't care! I'm not going in there!"
"This is a job requirement."
"Why does it have to be me!?"
"For the last time, I said 'need' not 'have'. You should really get your ears checked."
"Agh!" Scootaloo facehooved in frustration and glared at the plant. "Erg...fine! I'll do it, but you owe me." With that said Scootaloo took a step forward into the literally moving room. She took several more steps until she was directly in front of the plant. Close up, it looks harmless, almost as if it wasn't the cause of the mayhem. She looked at the plant more closely with great curiosity. It pulsated, almost as if it were alive. Cautiously Scootaloo lifted a hoof touched the plant, as soon as she made contact, it went stiff. Suddenly, every vine in the room retracted, and within seconds the entire room was lacking any sort of greenery besides the potted plant itself.
Still a little shocked at the sudden change Scootaloo didn't move, in fear that it couldn't have been that easy. When she finally did turn around she could see Karma talking with a zebra...wait. No, not a zebra. Zebras aren't blue with gold stripes, right?
Karma stood behind Scootaloo as she approached the plant. As she did so Karma noticed a presence next to him.
Karma addressed the being next to him, "Colonel Blunt Force."
A grunt could be heard from, "I've asked you time and again not to call me by full title. Only my officers call me that, General Karma." Next to Karma stood a somewhat average height earth pony wearing a variation of Royal Guard Armor, a few minor details different. On his back lay a golden heater shield with a skull design on the top covering nearly half his body.
"Okay Force, I know you didn't come all the way here to tell me that. Don't you have some over grown shrubs to take care of?"
"I think someone's handling that already Professor." As he said this he nodded towards Scootaloo who was now standing inside an almost empty room in shock. "Have you told her--?"
"Yes, yes she knows about the Butterfly Effect. I even told her about Miss Shy." Scootaloo about this time noticed the two talking and trotted over to them.
"Did. You. Two. SEE THAT!? I was like a total badflank just now."
Karma raised a hoof, "I think the correct term is 'badass'. Really, what do they teach you at schools these days?"
Scootaloo didn't stop smiling, "Whatever Karma, I was still totally awesome!"
Blunt Force smirked and looked at Karma, "On a last name basis now, are we? I didn't know you had a thing for wings. deft just may have a chance." He laughed a deep rumbling laugh that took Scootaloo's attention. Turning to the orange Pegasus, Force's smile vanished, "I am Colonel Blunt Force. You will address me as 'Colonel' or 'Sir'."
To his surprise Scootaloo dropped from her flight position and put a hoof to her fore-head, "Yes, sir."
Curious, Force continued, "Name and rank."
"Dash, Scootaloo. Wonderbolt First Lieutenant."
Force smiled, "Off duty you are to address me as Force." He turned to Professor Karma, "She is going to train, correct?" Karma merely nodded his head. "Alright then. You are in luck, sign up starts tomorrow, 0600. Do not be late. I don't take kindly to slackers. At ease." He then nodded his head to both Scootaloo and Karma before leaving down the hallway. As soon as he was out of sight Scootaloo grabbed Karma by the shoulders, "You didn't tell me I'd get to meet a Colonel!!"
"I wasn't planning on having you enter his division either."
"What!?" Scootaloo almost appeared offended, "And why the hay not?"
Karma didn't answer as he turned around and told one of the nearby skeletons to clean up, much to said skeletons enjoyment.
