Life Among the Wires.

        I opened my eyes half way this morning. I looked down and saw Vinyl still hugging me from last night. I smiled and looked toward the wall. How did I get into a mess like this and why do I need to help? I'm not ready for this kind of task. Maybe I should just go back home while I still have the chance nopony would notice. I slowly got out of the bed trying not to wake VInyl. I pulled out a piece of paper and a quill from the desk that was in the room. I wrote Vinyl a note so she would know where I was going.

I slid the note by Vinyl. I sighed and tried to lift my hoof but I got tugged down.

“Where are you going?” Vinyl asked holding my hoof.

I sighed again. “Home Vinyl.”

“Why?” She questioned. “You know who this pony is. Now you’re just gonna give up what’s that all about?”

I yanked my hoof out of hers. “Vinyl I’m not giving up. I just don’t want to have any part of this anymore.”

“And why not?” Vinyl kept asking me questions. “After what he did to Octavia you’re just gonna let that slide? After what he did to your mother you’re just gonna go home? After what he has done to all those ponies you’re just gonna quit?” She stood up off the bed and got face to face with me. “I understand you don’t like being the hero but I know you can help some how. You saved Octavias life with that weird box which is still cool by the way. We need your help Tech. I need your help Tech.”

I looked her in the eyes. “I….I…” I couldn’t find words to say. I just didn’t know what to say. “Vinyl I just….I can help with little situations but helping defeat Gransion isn’t one of them.”

Vinyl looked at me and got closer to my face. “Tech I know there is something you can do.”

“I don’t want to deal with this anymore it’s not my business.” I said stepping back from Vinyl. “I’m not giving up something I never started. I never planned to start or get into a fight with somepony I don’t even know.”

Vinyl sighed. “Will you at least come with me to see Octavia?”

“I will, but after that I just wanna go home.” I replied.

“Thank you.” Vinyl said and opened the door to the hotel room.

As she walked out I followed her. I know she wasn’t happy with my decision. I looked at the front desk of the hotel as we left. The same pony who helped us in was there today.

“Vinyl get to the hospital I’ll meet you there.” I said.

“You better not just go home.” She said sternly.

“I’m not going to I promise just need to handle something.” I replied.

“Alright I’ll meet you there.” She walked out of the hotel.

I walked up to the desk. “Hey…”

“Oh hello again.” The deep voiced stallion replied.

I look toward the front doors of the hotel. “I’m gonna be going home but the pony I-” He interrupts me.

“Now why ever are you going home?” He asked.

I looked back to him. “Bec- Gransion!?” I stepped back from the desk.

Gransion stepped up on the desk. “Mares and gentlecolts our friend Tech here is walking away from his problems yet again.”

I heard laughter but there were no ponies around. “You’re not a problem of mine I only had one and it’s handled now.” I said.

“Oh but didn’t I cause you trouble?” He jumped down from the desk. “Didn’t I hurt your friend and even your own mother?”

“Yes you did but all you wanted was that rock now stay out of my life.” I said sternly. “I have nothing to do with you and you have nothing to do with me.”

“Oh but I have plenty to do with you Tech.” He smiled. “Plenty plenty plenty.”

“And what would that be?” I asked.

“Now why would you care you’re leaving aren’t you?” He replied with a question.

I stood silent I didn’t know what to say since he was correct I don’t want to deal with him and I most definitely don’t want to drag myself back in. Though I had a plan. “You know Gransion...I really thought you were smarter than this.”

“I don’t need to be smarter.” He said. “I’m out of time I have to leave. Now don’t keep Vinyl waiting.” He walked past me heading to the doors.

“How is it that you have time constraints?” I asked making him stop in his tracks. “You’re not the leader are you...there’s somepony giving you commands.” I turned around facing him. “Isn’t there?”

“Clever thinking but no.” He replied. “I have a plan and without time constraints I won’t be able to get that done now would I. Its all in the schedule.” He walked out of the front doors of the hotel.

I stood in silence. Nopony around heard anything how? I turned back to face the desk and nopony was there. Was Gransion the one checking us in? Now that I think of it that would be good cover. Hiding in plain sight clever. I walk over to the desk and place my hoof on it. I look down and see a piece of paper on the floor. I levitated it to me with my magic. I unfolded and began to read.

Seems like you’re doing well so far Tech. You found your enemy Gransion and your closest friend in which I mean Vinyl. So now where do you go from here? Are you actually going to give up? Think about your decisions closely Tech. Don’t give up stop this pony it’s what you were meant to do after all.

Good luck

“Another note….from the same pony it seems.” I said to myself. “What does this pony want from me? I can’t do anything about Gransion. How does this pony know me so well? The only two I’ve told about my past is Octavia and Vinyl.” I crumpled the note and threw it at a wall. “Why is my life so confusing?” I shook my head and walked out of the doors.

I took a left and headed for the hospital. I rubbed the side of my head with my hoof. “Maybe the rest of this day won’t be so bad….and maybe Vinyl is right. I’m gonna have to be the one to stop Gransion….cause why not?” I sighed, “I get dragged into the weirdest things sometimes.” I smiled and continued a steady pace to the hospital.

“Heeeeeey Teeeeech!” A high pitched voice said from behind me.

“Oh no…” I stopped and turned around. “Pinkie Pie what's going on?”

“I need you silly.” She gave me a hug.

“You need me why?” I pushed her away making her release the hug.

“Well I don’t need you but Twilight does and so do the others. They wanna have a secret conversation with you and in order to do that they need you there to have that conversation secretly.” Pinkie said with little to no hesitation.

“Alright then I gotta make a stop, but then I guess I could go to Twilight…” I said a little confused.

“Okie dokie lokie see you at the castle.” She smiled and bounced off.

“For some reason I still don’t understand her.” I turned and continued my walk to the hospital. On the way there I saw Lyra and Rose Luck. “Wait weren’t those two heading for Las Pegasus? Why are they here?”

I looked into Lyra’s eyes. Pure fear were in them, sweat rolling down her face, and she seemed very worried. Did something happen that I don’t know about? I walked over to the two to see what was going on.

“Excuse me..” I said behind Lyra she instantly looked toward my direction.

“Um y-yes sir?” Lyra asked.

“You seem worried about somepony.” I sighed. “Alright enough being shady. I’m Tech Wire I heard you and Rose here we're going to Las Pegasus. Did something happen?”

Lyra looked at me. “Um okay...well we were going to Las Pegasus to see Bon Bon. However when we got there….Las Pegasus…..” She put her head on the table she was sitting at and hid her face.

Rose Luck looked to me. “Las Pegasus was in ruins.” She bluntly said.

I looked over to Lyra hearing her cry quietly. “In ruins but then why would the train stop there and on top of that how did you two get here?” I asked.

Rose rubbed the back of her head. “Well I’m not sure why the train stopped there but somepony in a black cloak brought us here...I believe it was a mare.”

I looked at Rose confused a little. “Well glad you two are safe.” I looked over to Lyra and put my hoof on her back. “I know Bon Bon was there but...I’ll get her back for you.”

Lyra looked at me in worry. “How are you gonna do that?”

“I have a plan. Don’t worry I’ll get Bon Bon back to you….promise.” I smiled.

Lyra turned and hugged me. “Thank you Tech.”

“No problem at all.” I put one hoof around her back. “Rose keep a good look on her alright.” Rose nodded and I broke the hug. “You two be safe.” Hopefully this a promise I can keep. I knew Lyra but she didn’t know me. For her to throw her trust in me was actually a desperate move. She just wants to see Bon Bon again I know. It’s gotta be rough for her but like I said I’m going to get her back.

I continued my walk to the hospital. Vinyl must be frustrated with me at this point. I’m late and I knew it. Might as well prepare myself for what’s about to happen...and I got an idea.

I walk in through the hospital doors. I see Vinyl walking toward me. “Hello Vinyl.” I greeted her with a smile.

“You’re late.” She said.

“Relax I know I am.” I said cheerfully.

She looked at me confused. “Are you alright?”

“Totally fine no worries at all. Sorry that I’m so late had take care of some things.” I pulled her in and hugged her. “But I’m here now and I’m here to see how Octavia is doing with my friend Vinyl.” Man I was acting really dramatic here. I really shouldn’t quit my day job.

“Tech are you sure you’re alright?” She questioned.

“Yeah I’m fine.” I gently pushed her away. “I’m just being dramatic for fun. Usually I’m more serious than this but I was just messing around with you.”

“So you faked drama because?” She asked.

“I thought it would be funny.” I replied.

“Don’t quit your day job.” She said the same thing I said to myself.

“Now to a serious note how’s Octavia?” I asked.

“Fine she’ll be out in just a second.” Vinyl replied.

“Good to hear.” I said. We both stood there silent side by side while we waited. “Vinyl…”

“Yes Tech?” She looked toward me.

“I change my mind.” I said looking toward her.

“You’re staying?” She wondered.

“Yes I am.” I said looking forward. “I just know now….there’s no running from this anymore. I should've realized that sooner. I just can’t keep my mind on track. This is all very confusing but I guess I’m gonna help.”

She put a hoof around the back of my neck pulling me closer. “Now that’s the Tech I know.” She smiled.

I smiled with her. There’s no backing out now I’m in this and this time I’m staying in this.  I need to go back to my normal self now. The serious, not so funny, smart flank that I am. I saw Aeon come around the corner. Vinyl moved her hoof off of me.

“Hey Tech and Vinyl how you two?” He asked.

“Were fine.” I answered for both of us. I levitated Aeon onto my back.

“Ummm why am I here now?” He said confused.

“Cause were going somewhere as soon as we’re done here.” I said.

Vinyl looked to me. “Where are we going?”

“To see Twilight and her friends.” I replied.

“Why are we doing that?” Asked Aeon.

“Twilight requested to see me but I don’t want to go alone.” I replied. “I want my friends to be there with me cause if I’m doing this I’m not doing it alone.”

Vinyl and Aeon both smiled. We all saw Octavia come around the corner walking to us. I nudged Vinyl’s hoof to go to her. Vinyl walked over to Octavia and hugged her. Octavia hugged back giving off a smile. I smiled at the sight. Everyone of us smiled just now man the happy is contagious.

Octavia looked over to me. “Thank you Tech.”

“....No problem at all.” I replied.

Vinyl and Octavia stopped hugging and just smiled at each other. It’s good to see Octavia back on her hooves again. “Octavia think you could make the trip to the castle?” I asked.

“Uh yeah not a problem.” She replied.

“Well then we’re off to the castle.” I said.

“Right I’ll follow right behind you.” Octavia said.

“As will I.” Vinyl followed.

“And I have no choice since I’m on your back anyways.” Aeon chuckled.

I walked out of the hospital doors with Octavia and Vinyl behind me. We made our way to the castle. Octavia and Vinyl were having a conversation as I kept silent.

“Tech you alright?” Aeon asked.

“Yeah I am.” I replied.

“You’re being quiet, and for some reason that’s weird to me.” He chuckled.

“I was about to say I’m usually quiet.” I chuckle. “However now I’m just lost in thought. I just want this to all be over like a dream so I can go back home and back to my normal life. All of this is pointless anyways. So we stop him what’ll that do? He’ll come back one day and then he’ll try to do this all again most likely.”

“I agree with you Tech but come on who cares if he comes back we’ll be ready.” Aeon says in confidence. I always liked his confidence.

“Pretty much but then it’ll be a bunch of rinse and repeat I’d rather not do that.” I said.

“Eh don’t worry about it too much. You do that a lot with a lot of things. You worry too much to relax.” Aeon said.

“You’re right sorry.” I looked up at the castle that we were slowly approaching. I took a deep breath. “You guys ready?” I asked.

“Ready!” They all said in unison. “That was weird…..we did it again.”

“Was it really time for a reference?” I ask.

“Oh totally.” They all said.

“Were broken.” Aeon said making us all laugh.

I simply shook my head with a smile and opened the castle doors.

“Tech your finally here.” Luna said greeting me. “And it seems you brought some friends to.”

“I’m hoping that won’t be a problem.” I said calmly.

“Not at all, not at all. The more the better.” Luna replied.

“I see the elements of harmony are all here.” I said looking at them all.

“Indeed we are sugar.” Applejack said.

“She needs us for something and I’m curious what it is.” Rainbow said impatiently.

“I think we should get to that then.” Luna said. “Follow me were going some where else in this castle.” She began to walk and we all followed.

We began down a hallway and quickly took a right turn. I looked at the walls and realized something….I never seen this part of the castle before. It was a hallway leading to a set of stairs not up but down. I never recalled the castle having a basement in fact Luna told me there wasn’t one when I asked before. If you couldn’t tell I’ve been to this castle on many occasions because I used to live so close to it. Celestia told me to come in so she could read my magic levels cause she said there was something special about my magic. My magic is powerful but she never told me how powerful.

Anyways back to the subject. She started walking down the stairs and we all followed behind. All of us were silent in confusion. Looks like I’m not the only one finding this strange. Luna opens a door with her magic and flicks on a light. A huge empty room with a meeting table in the center is what we were all looking at. We all walked in behind Luna.

“This is where we all will be making our plan to stop Gransion.” Luna said.

“Guess I’ll be the first to ask.” I said. “How long has this been in the castle and how come no pony knows about it?” I asked.

“Simple explanation or long explanation?” Luna counter questioned.

“Simple don’t need a hefty one.” I replied.

“It’s been in the castle a long time. Only me and my sister know about it.” She said.

“But how do the guards not see it?” I ask.

“A spell me and my sister use to only let some ponies see and even go through the false wall.” Luna said.

“False wall clever.” I said interested. “So this table….why do we need it?”

“To have our chat now Tech...you’re the leader of this operation.” Luna said making me turn to her in shock.

“I-I-I’m the leader why?” I asked confused.

“Celestia told me that was the case sooo that’s the case, you’re the leader.” Luna replied.

“I’m not into this whole leader thing.” I said frustrated. “Why can’t Twilight be the leader I mean she is the element of magic after all.”

Luna looked toward me with a smile. “Celestias orders Tech you know how it is.”

“I know, I know.” I sighed. “Alright I guess I’m the leader...although I don’t want to be.”

“Good now you sit in that chair over there.” Luna pointed me to a black chair. High backed and it rolls...yay? I don’t know if I should be happy about this.

I sat down in the chair and…..this is the most comfortable chair I ever sat in. Jeez it feels like it’s made out of gel or something, I’m melting into this thing.

“Good everypony else sit where you please.” Luna ordered.

Vinyl sat in a chair on the right of me while Aeon sat in the other chair on the left me. Got my friends by me….check….elements of harmony all here...check...this is frustrating me like always…..check.

“Alright Tech here is this.” Luna slid a book to me.

“What is this exactly?” I ask.

“Everything Celestia knows on Gransion. She told me to have you read it.” She said.

“Have you ever read it?” I asked suspicious of Celestias actions.

“No I have not.” Luna replied with what I thought she would. “Just use your speed read spell then you’ll know everything you need to know.”

“Alright then.” I opened the book and lit up my horn. The books pages started flipping one after another. Twilight looked in amazement...if that’s what you call a jaw dropped face. Info was flying into my head one by one. Gransion had a deep past a very deep past. The books pages suddenly started going even faster. I’m very interested learning all of these things. Until this part of the book.

Gransion defeated by Tech. Gransion defeated again by Tech 80 years after first defeat. Gransion once again fails 120 years after second defeat, Tech is our hero.

That’s why Gransion doesn’t like me. He has fought all my ancestors….wait.

Tech I knew you would have to read this book eventually I just didn’t know how to tell you any other way. Tech you’ve been alive for thousands of years. I have wiped your memory every time you’ve defeated Gransion. The reason why you still stand to this day is because of one of Starswirls spells. The spell is no longer part of your life. Sorry for it to have to come this way but please don’t give up on what you have to do.

Celestia and Starswirl.

I closed the book and threw it to a wall with my magic. Everypony looked at me in shock. I put my hooves on my head and slammed my head on the table. No wonder Gransion was so familiar, no wonder my magic was so powerful, no wonder I know a lot about this world. I’ve been alive for thousands of years…..and my mission my whole life was to….kill Gransion. I know exactly the spell they used to, Starswirl told me about it.

“Now this spell will make you a foal born in another life.” Starswirl said. “You’ll keep your same body but you will be reset into a different time.”

“Understood Starswirl.” I replied.

“You will forget everything that has happened and will have to fight Gransion again. Please make sure you finish the job next time.” Starswirl said firmly.

“Yes sir….goodbye Starswirl.” I said.

“So long my friend. I won’t be there next time so you have to finish it.” He replied using the spell.

I began gasping repeatedly. Sweating, hooves shaking, and my mind exhausted. All my memories were flashing back to me. I could barely talk and I lost most of my strength to do anything.

Vinyl put a hoof on my back. “Tech you alright?”

Aeon turned toward me. “Yeah dude you alright?”

“My….life.” I said under my breath.

Vinyl looked at me confused. “What about it?”

“It’s….I….so...long.” I could barely talk.

“Dude do you need some air or something?” Vinyl asked.

“....p-please….I...need...some.” Vinyl put one of my hooves behind her neck and picked me up.

“Luna can we do this tomorrow?” Vinyl asked.

“I guess we could...but Celestia said-” Vinyl interrupted her.

“Screw what Celestia said! Tech obviously isn’t ready for this right now look at him!” Vinyl said sternly...to a princess no less.

“...Alright take him somewhere to rest. Just be here tomorrow as early as possible all of you.” Luna demanded.

“D-deal…” I said.

Vinyl helped me out of the castle and started to head for the hotel. Octavia came out from behind us and followed….so did Aeon. “A-Aeon….can...you-” Aeon interrupted me.

“Get me and Octavia a hotel room don’t worry I’m on it.” He smiled.

I nod with a smile. Glad Aeon could understand what I was trying to say. Octavia and Aeon held the doors of the hotel open so Vinyl could bring me in. “V-Vinyl shouldn’t….I go….to...the...hospital?” I asked.

“No you just need some rest I’m sure of that.” Vinyl smiled. “Plus the doctors won’t be able to stand you like I can.” She chuckled.

I smiled and chuckled a little. Vinyl opened our hotel room door with her magic and brought me inside. “S-sorry…” I said.

“Hey no worries man.” She slowly put me on the bed. “I kinda get what happened an information overload pretty much is what I assume.”

“That’s...correct.” I said looking toward the hotel ceiling. I started regaining energy again to talk. “It was crazy information though.” I put on a really straight face. “I didn’t know a lot of the things I was reading.”

“So...if you don’t mind me asking what did you learn?” Vinyl asked sitting at my back hooves on the end of the bed.

“Well I learned I’ve been alive for thousands of years by being reborn about 12 or 13 times.” I said.

“Reborn?” Vinyl said confused.

“One of Starswirls magic spells. A very powerful one and no pony not even me knew it but him.” I said.

“Dude your old.” Vinyl said with a chuckle.

“Technically I’m not since I’ve been reborn.” I said. “Which also means Technically Starswirl is my real dad.”

“That kinda explains your magic level.” Vinyl said.

“Yeah that is true. It also explains my eyes.” I said. “That’s why my sclera is yellow instead of white like a natural eye. The magic kept reborning me and soon my eye took a side effect. It also helps me see in the dark better than an average pony as well.”

“That’s actually pretty cool.” Vinyl smiled. “You’re a weird pony you know that?”

“Yeah I know..trust me I know.” I replied.

“I like that about you though.” She said.

“Glad you do...when I was in school I was called ‘weird eye Tech’ it was just a nickname.” I said. “Never had much friends if you couldn’t tell.”

Vinyl chuckled and crawled across the bed next to me and laid down. “So what else did you get from that book?”

“Well I’ve stopped Gransion all of my life. So it shouldn’t be too hard to stop him now.” I took a deep breath. “It’s weird having the memories of my past lives. I know what equestria was like before this day and age its just weird. From the book Gransions red thread power is just a curse. Those orange markings on him are what the curse comes from. It was supposed to control him but instead he controlled the curse. The curse is also why his eyes are soulless and grey.”

“Glad you got all this info.” Vinyl said looking toward me. “This should be easy to make a gameplan now.”

“Indeed it should be.” I said looking toward her. “Vinyl….thanks for today.”

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“Thank you for helping this heavy lug back to the hotel.” On that we both chuckled. “But seriously thanks for getting me out of that room. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to think straight today.”

“No problem man it’s what I’m here for.” She smiled.

I smiled with her and we stood silent looking at each other. She wonders why I’m so nice to her and now I’m wondering why she is so nice to me. Were so nice to each other yet we can’t explain it to each other it’s kinda funny. “Hey Vinyl?”

“Yeah Tech?” She wondered.

“Do you wanna go see something cool before the sun sets?” I asked.

“Something cool um sure.” Vinyl said.

“Alright then.” I stood up from the bed. Seems all my strength returned after that. Jeez my brain took so much info it weekend my entire body...I didn’t even know that could happen. Vinyl got up off the bed to. I looked toward her and smiled.

“You alright dude?” Vinyl asked.

“Yeah I am.” I replied. I opened the door of the hotel room. “Follow me...trust me you wouldn’t want to miss this sight.” I walked out of the room Vinyl walking beside me. I opened the main doors to the hotel and walked outside. “Alright this way.” I took a quick left. We walked down the road for several feet until we saw a tree on our left.

“Alright right through here.” I said moving a bush out of the way.

“Dude where are we going?” Vinyl wondered.

“You’ll see when we get there, now come on right through here.” I said gesturing for her to go first.

Vinyl walked pass the bush and I followed behind her. I got back by her side so she wouldn’t get lost. We walked into a cave and I lit it up using my horn so we could see where we're going. “Almost there.” I said with a smile.

“This better be cool man.” Vinyl said getting a little impatient.

“Oh it is at least to me.” I said. We came out of the cave and could see an edge of a cliff. We were surrounded by trees with white bark and black leaves. A small pond the was bright blue and clear.

“Tech...what is this place?” Vinyl asked in amazement.

“This place...I don’t know what it is.” I replied. “I used to come here as a kid...in this life that I have now of course. It got me away from all my problems and just relaxed me. I always used to sit on that log over there.” I pointed to a log. “I found a place similar to this near Ponyville.”

“It’s….it’s...amazing.” Vinyl said still shocked. “I never seen anything like this. It’s like something from a dream. The leaves are black, the bark is white, and this pond is so clean you could literally drink this water.”

I smiled in relaxation, this place has always been quiet. I liked the look on Vinyls face. She was so amazed by everything here. Though I couldn’t explain the place it just gave off a feeling of safety. I sat down on the one log I always sat on and looked up at the leaves.

“We got some time till the sun sets.” I said. “When that sets we’ll head back to the hotel.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Vinyl said. “How long has this place been here you think?”

“You know I don’t know. All I know is that you have to go through that cave to get here.” I said. “I’ve tried going around the cave and this place isn’t here when you do. I assume the cave takes a different route.”

“Interesting….this place is so inviting.” She smiled, walked over and sat next to me.

The log we were sitting on faced out toward the cliff. I took a deep breath and looked toward Vinyl. She looked toward me as well. We both smiled and stayed silent.

“So why are you showing me this?” Vinyl asked.

“Just a thanks for being nice and all that stuff.” I said. “And I guess a sorry for picking on you so much in the past.” I looked back forward.

“Apology accepted.” Vinyl chuckled. “But hey I picked on you to. You just out wit me all the time cause well you know I’m not smart or anything.”

“You are smart Vinyl…” I said. “You're just smart when you need to be. You mess around a lot and don’t have snappy comebacks so what? That doesn’t make you dumb you’re just not quick on your hooves and that’s alright to. Everypony has a problem or a weakness. We all just have to live with it sometimes.”

“Wow Tech that is actually…a pretty nice way of putting things.” Vinyl said and looked forward like me.

“Well that’s just life for you.” I said. “Once you figure out your weaknesses, don’t whine about them. Use them as a strength. Say it’s your weakness to ponies who pick on you or anything like that. If you embrace what’s yours, you’ll have nothing to worry about. For example coming out and saying you like a thing meant for a younger crowd is the most amazing thing you can say. Ponies will pick on and so what? Don’t let them bring you down like they did me.”

“Tech..” Vinyl was shocked a bit.

“On top of all that.” I kept talking kind of divulging into my past. “Don’t call a pony a bully don’t treat anypony as an enemy. Treat them like you would treat everypony else. If they say you’re stupid because of your sclera color isn’t natural. Stand up and say: yeah so what? Does it really make me that much different than you? Even if it does is that wrong from my perspective. You’re picking on me thus making you the bully. To be honest I would love to be different from you cause I don’t want to be a bully. I want to be a pony who helps ponies through all their problems no matter how big.”

“Dude this is amazing what your saying keep talking.” Vinyl said eager to listen.

I smiled and continued with more on my past. “Yeah I may look weird. Yeah I may have no mane or tail cause I was born without it so what. Doesn’t mean I can’t help, doesn’t mean I can’t have ponies look up to me like I’m a good pony. They’ll look at you bullies and think less of you. So instead of picking on ponies how about you make friends? It isn’t that hard and if you need help I’m here. I can be your first friend….your first true friend.” This all comes from my past. Every last word of it. I didn’t say all the stuff I’m saying now cause I was to nervous back then. It just reflected on me at this point and it was something I wanted to say for a long time.

“Tech...all of that stuff should be taught to like ponies around Equestria.” Vinyl said. “All of that is correct. Even if you’re different it doesn’t mean your life will always be hard. You’ll find the friends you need and you’ll find happiness. So don’t let bullies or anything like that bring you down.”

“My point exactly Vinyl.” I smiled...I was actually happy again. This whole conversation….I should've used it in my past. The sun started to set. “Oh Vinyl look it’s time now.” I said.

“Huh?” She looked toward the sun set. “I don’t see anything happening.”

“Not yet.” I took her glasses off.

“Tech dude give those back!” She demanded.

“After the sunset watch.” I said pointing out to the sunset.

She rolled her eyes and watched the sun set. As the sun set the trees leaves began to glow same with the bark. “W-whoa…” Vinyl was amazed.

“It’s not done yet.” I said with a smile.

She stood up from the log. The pond in the cave turned a gold color and began to glimmer with the sun. The leaves gave off a glow that lit up where we were. Mini balls of light began to fly around. “What are those?” Vinyl asked.

I stood up. “Those Vinyl believe it or not...are actually bugs. Harmless of course.”

“There bugs?” Vinyl said confused. “I’ve never seen a bug give off a black glow.”

“Well now you have.” I smiled and stood next to her.

“Tech this is so amazing.” She said in joy. “I never thought nature would be so cool.”

“It’s nice isn’t it when you’re away from technology.” I smiled and looked toward her.

“It is…” She smiled and look toward me.

“I thought you would like it.” I said.

“I do….a lot.” Vinyl looked me in the eyes.

“Do you want your glasses back now?” I asked.

“In a second...I just...umm” Vinyl was suddenly nervous.

“Glad you get to see this without it all being purple.” I said with a chuckle. I looked toward her eyes. “Vinyl you alright?”

“Y-yeah...yeah fine.” She kept staring at me.

“You..sure?” I asked.

“Totally.” Vinyl said smiling.

We looked into each others eyes. We kinda stood there motionless and speechless. We slowly began to lean into each other and soon...we kissed. We held it for a little bit as the bugs flew around us and a leaf or two fell on us. We broke the kiss and just looked at each other. Vinyl was the first to speak.

“W-whoa did that just happen?” Vinyl asked.

“Y-yeah it did.” I replied.

“So umm should we go back to the hotel now?” Vinyl said nervously.

“First off that sounds wrong second off yeah that sounds like a good idea.” I said poking fun at her.

“Dude not cool.” She chuckled. “But you're right that did sound wrong.”

I chuckled with her and led the way back to the hotel. I still couldn’t believe what just happened for some reason. All though I guess the setting was like one hundred and ten percent romantic but still. I didn’t expect me and Vinyl being the two to kiss. I opened the door to our hotel room and let Vinyl in first.

“So um I’ll take the couch now.” I said nervously.

“No you won’t.” Vinyl countered. She grabbed me by the hoof and put me on the bed.

“I guess I’ll just lay here then.” I said.

“Dang straight, now get some sleep we have a long day tomorrow.” She said.

I turned and faced Vinyl and she was already facing me. “You want to never talk about that kiss right?” I asked.

“No we can talk about it.” She said which surprised me actually.

“I-um you sure?” I asked.

“Yeah I mean I guess it’s kinda no secret now.” She said blushing.

“What do you mean?” I asked knowing what she meant.

“I love you man….a lot.” She smiled.

I smiled with her. “I love you too Vinyl. I never knew how to tell you.”

She kissed me on the cheek. “Good night Tech.”

“Good night Vinyl.” I said.

=================================================

The next day in the hidden meeting room inside the castle.

“Alright it’s game plan time.” I said at the head of the table. “Here is what we’re going to do. We all are going to lure him out. In order to do that we need something that he would want, any ideas?”

“Elements of harmony?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know it doesn’t seem he needs those but still a possibility.” I said.

Everypony went silent as did I. I have no idea what he would want and it seemed nopony else did either. What could he want that we could give him as bait.

“Hey Tech?” Viny said. “What about the thing we went to last night?”

“What about it?” I asked.

“I don’t know you said you found one of those places in Ponyville to. Maybe it has some significance.” Vinyl said.

“You do have a point especially since you have to find those places special ways to...or so it seems.” I replied.

“What is this place you two are talking about?” Asked Luna.

“When I was young Luna.” I said. “I found a little area where trees had white bark and black leaves. It is an interesting place and on top of that seems it could hold something important. The one in Ponyville has black bark and white leaves. Perhaps there is another.”

“That could be a possibility.” Aeon said. “I found trees like that except they had red bark and white leaves.”

“Near your old town I assume?” I asked Aeon.

“Yeah I used to go there all the time it was awesome but now that I recall…” Aeon paused for a second. “I remember seeing a blue orb sitting inside one of the trees.”

“A blue orb?” I put a hoof on my chin. “You know now that I think of it I remember seeing a green orb in one of the trees here but I didn’t notice it this time. Maybe Gransion already got this one.”

“That would explain why he was here then.” Vinyl added.

“Indeed….so if that’s the case we have to get back to ponyville.” I said.

“All the way back to ponyville?” Octavia asked. “I mean I understand we need the orb that could possibly be there. However if it’s not it would be a waste of a trip.”

I rubbed the back of my head. “You may be right, but as of now it’s the only thing we can do.” I looked around this empty room. If it was a waste of time what else could I do? “Okay here’s the plan. Vinyl and Octavia, you two are coming with me back to Ponyville to see if there is and orb there or not. Aeon, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, you three will go with Aeon to his old town to see if the orb he saw is still there. As soon as you either fine the orb or can’t find it at all return to Canterlot castle at once...understood?”

“Yes sir!” Aeon said with enthusiasm.

“That was so not needed, just a nod would have been fine.” I said chuckling a little.

“Oh but it was required.” Aeon said with a smile.

“Anyways after that is all done we’ll continue the plan when we get back.” I said. “Alright lets move!” I don’t know why Celestia made me the leader of this operation and not her sister. I don’t even know where Celestia is, but the plan was set and I know what we had to do. All I hope is...the we can do it.