> Ice Cage Hearts > by Lady Spider > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: Daring Do's Discovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prologue: Daring Do’s Discovery Daring Do pushed through the thick vines and branches. Should be there almost... She thought as she wiped sweat from her mane. She had accepted the Princesses request to explore the ruins of a human science lab that had been uncovered. It was her first non-solo mission but it was such an exciting offer that Daring Do just couldn’t refuse. She could hear the two other explorers behind her panting. The pegasus chuckled. Those two had been unaccustomed to dense, hot traveling and had given the experienced pony quite a laugh throughout the entire trip. The sound of ponies talking could be heard up ahead. Daring Do forced her way through the last few vines and stepped out into the clearing. Laid out before her were the ruins, scavenged out of a mountainside. A dark red stallion with a white mane and a brown jacket came over to her. “Daring Do, I presume?” She looked back at the two other mares that had collapsed behind her in exhaustion and nodded at the stallion. “That’s me.” “Princess Celestia herself ordered that you were to take control of the expedition upon your arrival.” The pegasus nodded. “What’s our current condition?” “The entrance has been cleared and part of the top of the structure has been uncovered.” “Am I clear to enter?” The stallion nodded in confirmation. Daring Do walked toward a rocky opening swarming with ponies. As she reached them, the ponies fell away from the opening leaving a clear path for her. Confidently, she flicked on her light and strode into the tunnel. The structure had been made of some sort of metal which did not let any dirt into the building. The excited explorer traveled through the tunnel deep into the ruins. A few doors were cut into the walls of the tunnel which only led to empty dust covered rooms to Daring Do’s disappointment. She continued to travel through the building, following the twists and turns that the tunnel weaved through. Daring Do eventually reached a giant metal door. She bucked it opened excitedly. Inside was empty except for what looked like a giant metal casket. Disconnected wires and tubes hung off from it. What is it? Daring Do was completely confused. She had never seen anything like this before. Daring Do looked through what looked like a thick glass window in the front. She gasped. A human was staring back at her. Well. Not staring exactly. Her eyes were shut. But a human was standing in the casket. She had never heard of a find like this. Hopefully the human was still intact. Daring Do ran out of the ruins and quickly gathered five stallions to remove the casket. Within a half an hour the object was brought out into the light. “Contact the Princesses. This needs to be taken to them as soon as possible.” Daring Do ordered. Several unicorns scrambled off and Daring Do looked down at the casket again. “Such an amazing find!” Letters were sent off to Canterlot and before the sun began to set , the Princesses had sent a group of Royal Guards to carry and escort the find back to the Palace. The pegasi attached the casket to the flat that they had brought and flew off with it. Daring Do and several other scientists and explorers flew next to them. They reached the Palace as Luna lifted the moon over Equestria. ********* The casket lay on the throne room floor. The Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon sat staring down at the metal thing. Daring Do and seven other scientists and explorers stood across from them. “Well, I must admit, this is a new case.” stated Princess Celestia. There was another long silence as the Princess pondered what to do. “Daring Do. You confirmed this is a human preserve by ice?” The pegasus nodded. “Yes Princess Celestia.” “Hm.” The light alicorn stood and walked down to the metal box. With the slightest bit of magic, she opened the casket. Fog formed momentarily as the still cold air from the casket met the warm air of the palace. “The air was still cold. I wonder....” Princess Celestia glanced at her sister. Princess Luna met her eyes and the two of them communicated telepathically for a moment. ”Luna, what should we do? The scientists want to study it and the historians want it to live again.” “Sister, we are unbeknown to the present way of doing things.” “That does not help.” “... Well. We would side with the historians. Let history live again. Even we were not around in their time. Twould be an interesting accomplishment.” “So we should try to make this dead human live again?” “Suppose it is not completely dead. It was supposed to be in a preservation casket yes? What if it is simply in a temporary frozen state.” “Then it would simply need to be defrosted.” “To put it simply.” “Luna, I knew you would regain your useful position in no time.” The Princess of the Sun turned back to the anxiously waiting ponies. “We will try to revive the human. If it succeeds, we will have a new source of information about our planets past. “ The ponies nodded and backed away from the casket. The two Princesses stood on either side of it. The alicorns horns lit with magic as they cast the spell. Light engulfed the ice figure and filled the room. When the light faded, nothing seemed to have changed. Daring Do tried not to look disappointed. Suddenly, the human moved. A feminine groan emanated from the casket and the human moved her hand to her head. “Oh my head....” It sat up slowly and opened her eyes. She was welcomed with ten pairs of pony eyes staring intently at her. The human’s eyes grew wide and she shrank down into the casket slightly. “Um...” Princess Luna lit her horn up protectively and Princess Celestia turned toward Daring Do. “I suppose this means it worked then...” > Chapter One: Lamia > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** This may be a weak chapter and I apologize. I've had so much going on that I kind of rushed through the end there. May rewrite this chapter later depending on your comments. But for now...** Chapter One: Lamia The first feeling I felt was warmth. The first thing I felt was pain. I groaned. My head felt heavy and sharp pains pierced through it. I put my hand to my head. “Oh my head....” I sat up slowly and opened my light blue eyes. The first thing I saw was a unicorn. I was welcomed with ten pairs of pony eyes staring intently at me. I could tell my eyes grew wide and I shrank down into the casket slightly. “Um...” The dark unicorn with wings (??) and flowing hair slightly intimidated me as her horn began to glow. The light colored unicorn with wings (??) and crazy hair next to me faced the rest of the assortment of different colored pegasi, unicorns, and ponies in front of me. “I suppose this means it worked then...” I was so lost. “What is going on? What happened?” Goddess, my head killed. I tried to stand up and flopped back down into my preservation chamber. “Who are you? What are you?” The light unicorn with wings spoke, first to the others in the room then to me. “Leave us.” The room cleared almost immediately. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria with my sister Princess Luna.” She introduced. The dark unicorn with wings stepped forward as she was named. “We are alicorns. Please do not panic my little human. The planet you knew died thousands of years ago for reasons unknown. We hoped you could explain to us more of your kind.” She looked at me kindly. “What is your name?” I stared at the talking alicorn. “Um. I’m Lamia.” Princess Celestia smiled. “Lamia. Welcome to Equestria.” I blinked and my straight black hair fell into my face. Equestria? I thought hard. The last thing I could remember was someone closing the ice chamber door in my face and locking it. Then the cold had taken over and blackness covered my thoughts and feelings. Suddenly I realized the Princess was still talking to me and I should probably be paying attention. “...I am going to have you stay with my faithful student Twilight Sparkle until you are called for by the Canterlot Historians. We must get you a place to stay here of course. Until then I am sure that you will fare well in Ponyville. The train leaves soon so we must get you ready to go!” Almost on cue the doors opened and several dark, bat-winged pegasi in uniforms came into the room. “These are the Lunar Stallions.” Princess Luna stated proudly. “They and a few of my sister’s Night Guards will be escorting you to Ponyville.” “We will be excited to learn more about you, Lamia.” I stood dazed. I’m just dreaming. I’m still in the ice chamber. Yeah. If I just play along maybe I’ll wake up. Several grey unicorns in light uniforms entered the room. This is a weird-ass dream. I was escorted outside the building I was in (which was massive, some sort of castle or palace), and into the darkness outside. A train was waiting and I was boarded onto it. The ride was short but awkward. I mean c’mon. All the Lunar Stallions (I think that’s what she called them) were making faces and tickling the Night Guards to try and make them react. If I didn’t know better I would have thought the Night Guards were stone. Eventually the train came to a stop and the Guards finally moved to the delight of the Lunar Stallions. They led me through the town, guarding me on every side so I couldn’t be seen by anyone around. We stopped in front of a giant tree that had windows and a door. A Night Guard went up to the door and knocked on it. A light flicked on upstairs and clamoring could be heard. Within a few moments a sleepy looking purple unicorn was standing in the open doorway. Her eyes fell on me and she blinked a few times. “Good mother of Celestia!” The Guards shifted a little uncomfortably. “Is that a human?” What happened next amazed me. A little purple dragon that looked like it was sleepwalking came to the door and coughed out a green flame. A letter formed from the flame and floated to the ground. Purple light (magic?) from the unicorn’s horn lifted the letter and unfolded it. “To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle, I am sure you are aware of the ruins discovered a few miles out as Daring Do has a way of telling Rainbow Dash all of the expeditions in progress. This human was discovered in an ice preservation chamber in the ruins. Presently she will be moved back to Canterlot for historical interviews. Until then I thought you would like to have living history in your own home. I trust you will take good care of Lamia. Princess Celestia” Twilight looked back at me this time with excitement instead of tiredness. “This is going to be so much fun! No worries! She’s safe here in Ponyville!” At that the unicorn pulled me into her house with more strength than I thought possible and slammed the door in the Guards faces. Twilight dashed into the kitchen and set a pot of tea onto the stove. “So, Lamia, tell me about what you remember about earth!” I stood awkwardly amidst the walls of books. “Um. Right now?” She smiled widely. “Of course! It doesn’t matter how late it is! This is purely for research purposes!” She noted my tired expression. “Just a quick little summary? Pleeeeease?” Twilight was sitting oh so excitedly at the table with paper and a quill floating in front of her. I sighed tiredly and went over to sit across from her. I was starting to feel kind of sore and tired. “Well...” I sent my brain into the farthest depths of my mind for the memories of the world I knew. “When I was younger, things were always peaceful. There had been wars and stuff before then but somehow the world had reached a time of absolute peace. I was an only child and lived with my parents in the Capital until I was ten. Then I was sent to continue my studies at the school just outside the Capital. It wasn’t a bad life, although I was never one to socialize much with the other children. My life was nothing but schooling until I reached sixteen. The peace had... worn away...” Here my memories started to get fuzzy. “...something happened... and... a dark force rose. It drove the people to fight and kill each other again. It...” My memories stopped. “Um..” Twilight stopped her frantic scribbling and looked at me puzzled. “And? What happened? Why were you in a preservation chamber?” I blinked. Why can’t I remember? That should be my clearest memory... I frowned and my brow furrowed. Twilight put the parchment and quill down. “Well. You’re probably tired. Sorry. That’s most likely why you can’t remember. Here.” The purple unicorn stood and walked upstairs. I stared down at my hands. I felt kind of funny. My hands were scraped and the black jeans and shirt I had on were torn in places. Why couldn’t I remember why? The purple unicorn poked her head down the stairs. “Coming?” I shook my head clear of whatever thoughts were in there and followed her upstairs. She was standing in front of an open doorway. “This is my guest room. You can stay here until you get called back to Canterlot.” She eyed my torn clothes. “Hm. In the morning I’ll have Rarity come over and have her make you new clothes.” Twilight muttered, more to herself than to me. I walked into the darkened purple room and collapsed onto the bed. The last thing I heard was the unicorn speaking to herself, “I’ll have to wait until morning to ask more questions I suppose.” > Chapter Two: A Strange Occurance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- **It's a strange, weak chapter in my opinion. The next one is under way and much better written but you MUST read this chapter to understand what is going on... so... READ!!! <3 ** Chapter Two: A Strange Occurance When I awoke the next morning, I couldn’t remember anything. I’d even forgotten my name for a moment. Then, everything hit me. I felt a burning, searing pain, and a heat like fire. I gasped and rolled down onto the floor. The pain and heat lasted another minute, then settled down to nothing. I laid there, panting on the hardwood floor until that purple unicorn found me. “You know, sleeping on the floor isn’t usually recommended.” She said cheerily. “It’s known for causing back pains, hoof pains, head pains, arm pains, shoulder pains...” At that moment I had the strongest urge to simply stand up, place my hand ever so nicely around her little neck, and snap it. I blinked, startled, and the feeling faded. “...and even ear pains. I didn’t believe that at first but then, it was in a book so it must be true!” I glared at her. Really? My first actual day in this crazed time period and... a pony. No. Correction. A unicorn. I opened my mouth to speak when a white unicorn with a perfectly curled purple mane and tail trotted into the room. “Darlings!” She stopped in front of me and flipped her hair. “Oh we simply must do something about your attire.” At that her horn began to glow and I found myself floating into the main part of the library. “Oh,and my name is Rarity.” I groaned as the library became clear in my eyes. The entire room had been reorganized with rolls of fabric, measuring tape, and even a sewing machine. My torn black clothes were taken from me, and the torture of the apparent seamstress began. After nearly four hours of measuring, sewing, cutting, and whining, I came to three conclusions: 1. This unicorn was completely obsessed with gems, sparkles, and Canterlot. 2. I really did not like Rarity; And 3. If you want black clothes, you better be able to out-whine the designer. I stood, looking at myself in the mirror. My hair was brushed and straight, which contrasted nicely with the new, knee-length, simple black dress the white mare had created. Rarity sniffled a little as she eyed the pile of brightly colored and glittering dresses I had turned down. “The pink would have been simply adorable on you.... or the teal one...” “Thanks, Rarity.” I grinned at her. “Black is kind of my color though.” The unicorn sighed and began picking up fabrics with magic. Twilight giggled and trotted over to examine my new attire. “I like it!” She trotted around me, checking every detail. “But, we have a schedule to keep, and I really don’t want to keep everypony waiting...” She left me and walked over to the door, waving a hoof for Rarity and me to come with her. The white unicorn finished gathering up her materials, and walked haughtily out the door, heading off in some direction or another. I left the library and walked in the opposite direction, following the purple unicorn. “The rest of our friends wanted to meet you.” Twilight said, as we walked toward a large building with a giant sign saying: ‘Sugarcube Corner’. I froze. How many more ponies? She reached the entrance and turned back to me with a huge grin on her face. “Coming?” Twilight bounced into the building without waiting for an answer. I thought for a moment. Well. What’s the worst that could happen? I walked slowly to the door and entered. I was instantly bombarded by a high speed object. Something pink. “HUMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!” The pink thing clung to my neck and blocked my view with its fuzzy, hot pink fur. Somewhere to my left, I heard Twilight. “Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie, assuming that was the thing on my neck, turned, whapping me in the face with more fuzzy-hot-pink blobness. “Yes, Twilight?” “Can we try not to scare her please?” The pony jumped off me and hopped from hoof to hoof in front of me. “Hello Human! I’m Pinkie Pie! And I know all these cool things so I knew you were going to be staying here in Ponyville for a while so I knew you should meet everypony you possibly could so I totally knew that a PARTY would be the PERFECT thing so I made extra special cupcakes!” I blinked at the pony. I don’t want to know what that kind of energy would do if she was a unicorn too... “Hi. I’m Lamia.” “Hi Lamia! I’m so...” Pinkie Pie was interrupted by a streak of rainbow that came from somewhere on the ceiling and knocked her out of the way. A cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail stood proudly in front me. “I’m Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in all of Equestria!” She spread her wings out and held her head high. An orange earth pony and a yellow pegasus walked into view from behind Rainbow Dash. The yellow pegasus was hiding shyly behind the bold looking orange pony. “Ah’m Applejack an’ this here is Fluttershy.” The orange pony introduced herself and nodded to the yellow pegasus behind her. “Hi!” Fluttershy squeaked. Okay. The yellow one is adorable. The southern one... oh that twang... ugh... The door opened behind me and Rarity walked in. Twilight smiled. “Yes! Now everypony is here!” Pinkie Pie had recovered from Rainbow Dash’s assault, and bounced back over to the pegasus. The pink pony had landed in something covered in frosting, and was now holding a cupcake in her hoof. “Food fight!” At that, the cupcake had the honor of meeting Rainbow’s face. Beneath the cover of frosting, I saw her face grow purple with anger. “PINKIE!” The pegasus grabbed a pile of cupcakes and began throwing them at the bouncing pink pony. Twilight sighed as they began chasing each other around the room. Applejack stepped forward. “Alright y’all! Let’s calm down now!” “Please... stop...” came a stutter from the yellow pegasus. The loud shouting and quick moving ponies were beginning to anger me immensely. I felt the same tingly dark feeling I had gotten that morning, growing. “I’ll frost something for you!” “Only if you can catch me!” “STOP!” The dark sense faded rapidly as if it was being drained from my body. My eyes widened as I watched a dark ray wave expand around me, covering everything. Silence fell and it took me a few moments to realize that no one was moving. Twilight and Applejack were standing, glaring at a hovering Rainbow Dash and a caught-in-midbounce Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy was cowering under a table. “Oh... did ....did I do that...?” I felt really good but horrified at the same time. Oh... my... Goddess... I turned and ran from the building. Everything outside was gray and still. My mind was torn between pure horror and joy. I ran blindly through the frozen world not noticing the momentary faint purple glow radiate from Sugarcube Corner. Eventually I reached a bridge and grasped the rail. What’s going on? Am I suppose to do this? I stared down into the nonmoving murky water. Someone was approaching. Instantly I was crouched into a defense position. Twilight was walking toward me; the only thing besides me in with color and movement. “Lamia...” “I don’t know how to fix this! I don’t even know what I did...” I gasped. She eyed me wearily and lifted her horn. Purple light emanated from it and, in a wave, covered the world. Color was restored and movement resumed. “We need to get you to the Princesses right away.”