Chapter 1: Events On the Horizon [Edited]
In the country of Equestria the night sky was making way for the morning sun as it climbed its way into the sky, and as the sun was slowly making its ascent higher and higher into the horizon a figure could be seen flying about over the country side around Canterlot Mountain. The figure was an unusual being to not just Equestria, but the world as a whole, as it was from another world entirely, and the being was known as Red Hawk. The winged figure was simply enjoying an early morning flight, his large red wings sheering through the air with steady and powerful wingbeats which occasionally gave off puffs of fire to illuminate the still slightly darken skies. But Red Hawk wasn’t alone in his early morning flight.
Being held in the young man’s hands was a small orange pegasus filly named Scootaloo, who had a great big smile on her face as she feels the wind rush past her, ruffling her mane, tail, and her small wings as she flaps them, pretending to fly along with her larger escort. As the duo continued to fly through the sky the sun was getting higher and higher, until the entire land of Equestria was bathed in the golden rays of the sun and the new day finally begins, and with the sun now settled in its place in the sky Red Hawk and Scootaloo started to make their way back to Ponyville, which was several miles from where they were currently, but that just meant that the pair got to enjoy sightseeing the land bellow now basked in the light of the sun.
“This is great!” Scootaloo half-shouted through the rushing wind passing by her and Red Hawk.
“Getting to have an early morning flight before school feels amazing!” the filly exclaimed with excitement as she continued to pretend that she was also flying through the air.
“Well I’m glad you’re enjoying this Scootaloo, just make sure nothing goes flying out of your saddle bags.” Red Hawk said as he kept a tight grasp on the filly, who in turn was checking the saddle bags strapped to her barrel.
Soon enough the duo reached the boundaries of Ponyville, where they both could see ponies in the town starting to go about their morning chores and duties, including the pegasi team who were getting a shipment of clouds from delivery ponies. It still amazed Red Hawk in how the ponies of this world practically have the weather completely under their control. Eventually the pair saw the school house come into view, along with the crowds of foals trotting along to get to the school house. Slowly making his descent Red Hawk aimed to land just off to the side of the road, so that he wouldn’t accidently land on top of any of the foals, or knocked them about by the gusts of wind he’ll kick up by flapping his wings. Although it seemed that his mere presence near the school house was enough to have the majority of the foals to gather around, with some almost getting knocked off their hooves by said gusts of winds.
“Watch out kids!” Red Hawk warned as he landed in the middle of a circle of foals, all of whom were excitedly clamoring to get the winged human’s attention, or just admiring him as he puts Scootaloo down.
“There you go Scoots, try to have a good day at school.” Red Hawk said as he knelt down and gave Scootaloo’s mane a little ruffle, causing the filly to giggle.
“I will!” the filly said before joining the crowd of foals.
Red Hawk then stood back up and was trying to get some space from the foals so he could take off, but the little group of foals that stuck to him continued to try and get his attention, as they wanted to spend some time with the towns local alien creature. Luckily, Red Hawk was saved when the schools bell began to ring, causing the foals to groan in disappointment before trotting or galloping off towards the building. After Red Hawk bid the foals farewell he flew up back into the air where he started to make his way towards the town, but as he flies over the roads and buildings his mind started to wander. Specifically to the events that happened not too long ago.
A few weeks ago Red Hawk had an encounter with not only an armored officer, but a group of Collectors from the Governments World Security Force, or G.W.S.F for short, from his world who came to Ponyville and started to wreck the town just to flush him out, and attempt to capture him. But the Collectors and the officer wasn’t what really caused a dreadful chill to run down Red Hawk’s spine, it was that the most well-known scientist of the G.W.S.F’s science division has found him, and has means of teleporting from his old world to Equestria, and made a promise that she will be back to capture him and bring him into custody. Which Red Hawk really knew meant that he’d become her latest science project, a fate that all Un-Naturals fear more than anything else, as this scientist was well-known to all Un-Naturals about her cruel experiments.
“What should I do?” Red Hawk muttered to himself as he continued to soar over the roads that lead from the school house to Ponyville
“If Miranda does intend to come back to take me to the Facility, she’ll undoubtedly cause more havoc for the ponies…”
Red Hawk started to slow down as he started to mule over the options of what he should do. If he stays in Ponyville he would only drag all of the ponies into facing whatever dangers Miranda will send to capture him, which could lead to many of the towns ponies to get hurt or even killed. But the princesses of the land assured him that they will aide him in case Miranda does send more armed forces, so he won’t have to worry too much. And yet, Red Hawk still worries about dragging innocents into a conflict that’s centered around him. As he continued to worrying about dragging the ponies into danger another thought came to him, or more accurately a memory from his past, a memory of where he had to fly away while his parents died in trying to protect him when he was just a little child.
Shaking his head Red Hawk tried to dismiss the unhappy memories of his family and just continued to fly towards the town, which was quickly coming into view and as he started to fly over the buildings Red Hawk’s stomach started to grumble. Stopping in mid-air Red Hawk started to look for some place to eat, as he didn’t each much in the morning so Scootaloo could join him on his morning flight.
“Red Hawk!” a familiar voice called out to the winged human and when he looked down below him, the young man found Rarity and Fluttershy waving at him. Making his descent Red Hawk landed before the two mares.
“Hello there girls, what are you two up to this early in the morning?”
“We were on our way to have some breakfast at a diner.” Fluttershy said sweetly as she looked up to Red Hawk. “What were you doing up there?”
“I was actually looking for someplace to grab a bite, I didn’t eat much this morning.” Red Hawk stated as his grumbling stomach further emphasized his statement.
“Oh well in that case dear why don’t you join us?” Rarity offered before she started to trot past Red Hawk with Fluttershy following behind her.
“Well if your offering I’ll take you up on your offer.”
After deciding on joining his two friends in dining for breakfast, Red Hawk then started to follow the two mare’s as they headed towards whatever destination the two mares have in mind. As Red Hawk followed Rarity and Fluttershy the young man’s eyes wandered upward, walking on auto-pilot Red Hawk’s mind started to wander back to his previous train of thought. Should he leave Ponyville to spare the ponies of any further harm from Miranda’s assaults, or stay with those he’s growing close to and finding a place to actually call home, and trust his friends to withstand any hardships that his presence could bring.
“Red Hawk?” Rarity’s voice called out causing the winged human to stop in his tracks, and when he looked back down he saw that both Rarity and Fluttershy were looking at him with worried looks.
“Are you alright dear? You’ve been so quiet, and you look like something is weighing heavily on your mind.”
“Well there is something that has been on my mind for a few days.” Red Hawk admitted to the two ponies as he rubs the top of his head while his wings gave a small flap.
“What is it if I may ask?” Fluttershy asked worriedly as she fluttered up to be eye-level with the Un-Natural as he responds to Fluttershy’s question.
“It’s concerning Miranda—”
“You mean that mad mare, er, woman that sent those horrible giant machines after you!” Rarity all but blurted in clear frustration.
“Yeah. Before she left she told me that last invading group wasn’t the last, and that sooner or later she would try to capture me again.”
“Oh my!” Fluttershy gawked as she brought up a hoof to cover her moth in shock.
“So for the last few days I’ve been wandering if I should stay in Ponyville, or just leave.”
“What!” Rarity balked as she gave a shocked look up towards Red Hawk. “Why would you leave Ponyville?”
“If I stay here in town, and Miranda sends even more Collectors, or something worst, then the town and all you guys will get caught up in the chaos.” Red Hawk explained to the unicorn and pegasus.
“And if that happens who knows how many of you will get hurt, or even killed…all because I was here. But if I leave then none of you would get hurt, or have your town get destroyed.”
“Oh Red Hawk that’s so thoughtful of you.” Fluttershy says sweetly as she patted the young man on the shoulder.
“Yes indeed, but Red Hawk, you don’t have to do that.” Rarity countered.
“But—”
“Darling. Even if this woman comes to try and take you away, we’re not just going to stand by and let her try and capture you.” Rarity then stood proudly before the young man as she gives a resolute look.
“We’re not as helpless as you might think. Granted we were unprepared to handle those Collectors, but not only us but the princesses are here to help you if you need it.”
“Rarity’s right.” Fluttershy piped up as she gave Red Hawk a gentle nuzzle on the cheek, which the young man took as the pegasus’s way to try and ease his mind. “So you don’t have to leave Ponyville if something does happen.”
Red Hawk stood there in silence for a moment before giving both ponies a thankful smile. After the two ponies gave their assurance to Red Hawk that they will stand by his side, and help him even if Miranda sends another capture team, the trio continued on with their way towards breakfast.
~~Earth~~
The Facility, this hidden yet massive underground building is one of the few places that can hold and contain Un-Naturals, but it is the only place in the United States where experiments on the Un-Naturals are being performed. The primary purpose of the Facility is to be a prison where Un-Naturals would be held, and restrained so they wouldn’t be able to abuse their mutations and powers. It is also a place in where scientist would also study the strange yet remarkable powers of the Un-Naturals, looking for any weakness to this mutated race of humans in rendering them harmless, or study their powers and see if they can be used for the betterment of mankind. The Facility is also a testing ground for new weaponry, upgrades to the Collectors, and many other secret government projects.
Deep within the confines of the Facility reverberating booms, and heavy explosions rang out through the mostly vacant and empty halls of the Facility. In the far east end of the Facility, where the main chambers of where various machines, tools, and other such projects are crafted, several scientist and other staff members stood in a testing ranges viewing room. As the men and women stood in the viewing room they all watched as a new model of the Collectors stood in the testing range, firing one large glob of flaming blue energy at the far wall, which erupted into a fiery burst of blue energy. After the twelfth shot fired from the large firearm that the robotic unit wielded, the Collector then held the weapon outstretched before a rapid fire barrage of narrow bursts of blue energy rocketed across the firing range, and peppering the far wall with holes till the twentieth shot was fired.
“Weapons test for the new P.L MK-02 are concluded, and appears to be quite the success.” One of the female scientist said as she fiddles around with a tablet.
“All there is left is to finalize both the weapons tests, and the new Models performance.” One of the male engineers said as he presses a few buttons on a consul, where a few bulky looking droids rolled out and started to vacuum up any debris made during the test, as well as patching up the holes in the wall.
“Do you guys really think these upgrades and modifications are necessary?” another engineer asked his collected colleagues. “I mean, the Collectors were already the greatest mobile weapons we’ve created, but this all seems a little, superfluous.”
“Not to the higher ups. Especially when one of the government officials screwed up and decided to pick a fight with Legion, when the Russian Militia tried to take several Un-Natural’s from him who were under his protection.” Another female scientist said as she was watching the news on her own tablet, which showed armed forces members gear up in Russia.
“There’s a reason why Legion was on the Black List of Un-Naturals that should never be messed with.” The first male engineer stated as he stepped away from the consul he was working at, and turned to the rest of his colleagues as he continued.
“The fight between the Russian Military and Legions own Armed Force of, well, himself it’s going to be ugly. But adding these new Collectors into the mix…” the man says as he pointed outside the watch room towards the towering robot on the other side of the glass, which was being checked over by a separate team of scientist and engineers.
“It’s going to be a bloodbath.”
“Stepping away from the conflict in Russia for a moment, have you guys heard of what Professor Miranda and her main team has discovered?” a blonde woman asked as she adjust the glasses that rested on the ridge of her nose.
“You mean the discovery of a new, separate, world has very colorful horses?” a much younger man said in a mostly uncertain tone as he leaned back in the chair he was sitting in. “Hard not to. Everyone from team one can’t stop talking, or muttering about it when I pass by any of them.”
“I still can’t believe that Professor Miranda’s device actually worked, let alone make a portal to a whole different world entirely.” The blonde woman carried on as she fiddles around with a strand of hair. “Not to mention that she found an A listed Un-Natural there named Red Hawk.”
“Never heard of this freak before, who is he?” a tall and fairly muscular man asked as he turned away from his on console as he joins in on the conversation.
“Someone that Miranda is pretty much dead set on getting her hands on.” The first woman of the group responded.
“Apparently this Red Hawk has a mutation in where, aside of having large wings, can create fire, mutate parts of his body. And even rapidly re-grow any damaged part of his body, no matter the condition it was in!” that last remark about the Un-Natural’s healing ability got virtually all of the people in the room start talking.
“Body regeneration and a healing factor, well that’s certainly quite the power. imagine if we can study him and learn how it works, we could save countless lives from crippling injuries.” The first engineer said as he tapped his chin in contemplation as the rest of the crew continued to talk amongst themselves.
“So is Professor Miranda going to be sending another expedition to this world?”
“As far as anyone knows no.” a tall skinny woman says before taking a sip of her mug of coffee.
“From what I heard since the video footage from the previous group of Collectors was corrupted, due to them being damaged, Miranda was only able to give a written report on the matter to the higher ups. But she has urged them to consider in allowing her to make another trip to this world, however the directors board seem to be split in what to do. Which isn’t exactly making the Professor happy.”
~~~~~
Professor Miranda was locked away in her office, sitting at her desk watching recovered video footage from the first Collector that was sent to the strange equine world, and the newest footage she kept hidden on her personal device. The footage she was re-watching over and over were of the colorful equines, watching them on how they move around, and are able to use some kind of energy based attacks. Unfortunately, the Collectors from the capture team didn’t get any footage of the two winged unicorns, but Miranda wasn’t to hung up on that detail.
But what the professor was really irritated about was that she has found Red Hawk, an Un-Natural that she’s spent the better course of a few years in trying to capture, who was now within her grasp to finally get her hands on. Yet the board of directors that she answers to are wasting her time on debating on how they should procced in handling this information, and whether or not they should even venture to this new world. If they rule not to make expeditions, or even ventures into this new world, then Red Hawk, her precious Red Hawk will forever be out of her grasp. Beyond her reach! As Miranda continued to watch the recorded footage, which was now primarily of Red Hawk, the professor’s office phone started to ring.
“What is it?” Miranda sternly and coldly says after answering the call via speaker.
“Professor Miranda this is Venessa.” The voice of the professor’s assistant said from the other end of the line.
“What is it Venessa, I’m in the middle of something.” Miranda says as she pauses the footage of Red Hawk as she turns to face the phone.
“I just received word from the board of directors, they finally reached a verdict concerning the new world you reported about. They said you are green lit to conduct an expedition into documenting the new world.” a smile starts to form on the woman’s face as lowers her glasses slightly.
“Is that right? Well then, we better get started then.”
“Um ma’am, can I ask a question?” Venessa asked timidly over the phone.
“What?”
“Was it right to not mention the conversation you had with the supposed royals of that world? I think leaving out the detail of the equines being intelligent—”
“If the board of directors knew about that little fact, then they would order us to shut down the Kaleidoscope project. Besides, this new world could hold valuable resources that could be beneficial to our world.”
“I understand Professor, but—”
“No BUTS Venessa.” Miranda suddenly half-shouted as she slammed a balled up fist on the desk.
“We have an opportunity to study a new biosphere, a new world that can harbor life. We will relay the information about the equines intelligence to the board, when we have researched a good portion of the planet.”
“Very well ma’am.”
“Good. Now, assemble team one of the Kaleidoscope project, and brief them on our new objective.” Before Venessa could respond, Miranda turned the phone off and went back to looking at her private laptop, where she stroked the screen gently as a loving expression came over her face.
“Soon my dear, sweet Red Hawk, you and I will finally be together…together to spend many sleepless nights getting to finally know each other. Inside and out.” The professor then dragged her finger off the screen, causing it to distort a little before settling back down while a chortle fills the room.