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CH 1: Back to Where I Hate to be *remastered*
CH 1: Back to Where I Hate to be *remastered*
I woke up earlier than usual this morning with the sun beaming right in my eyes. I struggled rolling out of bed trying to stand on my hardwood floor. I went over to my window and jerked the curtains shut, making it dark in my room. I looked all around my room like I do everyday just to make sure everything is still there. I kept hearing this banging or knocking I guess, but I had no idea where it was coming from so I just shrugged it off and went downstairs. As I was climbing down my stairs I figured out where that banging was coming from.
“Who would be knocking at this early in the morning?” I asked myself while rubbing my right eye. Looking over to the clock it was six a.m. I open the door and see a white coated mare in front of me.
“Morning Tech,” she said with a big smile on her face...boy I wonder where this is going.
“Why are you up this early? you're never up this early,” I said in a quiet tone cause I just woke up and my throat was still a little dry.
“Eh Octy wanted me up this early cause were gonna be taking a train to Canterlot. So she wanted me to invite you because she’s like come on he’s our friend after all.” She said ending that last sentence with a chuckle.
“Canterlot...sorry Vinyl I’m not interested,” I said bluntly. “However I do have a question why are you going to Canterlot?”
“Octavia has a thing she has to go to there so she wanted me along for the ride,” she said not amused. “Why don’t you want to come anyways?”
“Busy,” I said sternly knowing full well I wasn't, I just didn't want to go. Canterlot has a lot of bad memories for me.
“Tech I think we both know you're not busy, so just come along it’ll be fun,” she said tugging at my shirt.
“Vinyl I’d rather not,” I said putting her hoof down.
Vinyl looked at me dead in the eyes. Slowly taking off her shades revealing her red eyes. Her eyes slowly grew bigger and soon she was giving me the worst thing I could imagine….puppy eyes. “Pleeeeeeeease,” she begged with exaggeration in her tone.
“Vinyl...for the love of…,” I slowly put one of my hooves over my face. “You just want me to go so you have somepony to hang out with.” I said slowly sliding my hoof down my face.
“THAT’S SOOOOO one hundred percent true,” she said with a gleeful smile.
“Vinyl I…” I just stopped fighting it. She won't go away unless I just say yes, “fine I’ll go ON one condition. No going near the castle.”
“Deal!” She said with excitement. “Oh man Octavia is gonna like that you're coming.”
“Wait what do you mean?” I question.
“She told me to get you to come along and not to take no as an answer,” she said with no hesitation.
“What? So all that stuff you did-” She interrupted me.
“Regretted every last second of it,” she said with a smile. “Now come on our train is leaving in a hour.”
“Just give me a few minutes to pack some things, would you like to come in?” I ask holding the door open.
“Eh why not I never been in your house anyways,” She said walking in. “Interesting nic nacs you got here,” she started slowly reach out for something.
“Don’t touch!” I say making her swing her hoof down quick. “I’m gonna go upstairs and pack some things. Please refrain from breaking anything.”
“Noooo promises,” she says looking at my possessions.
I roll my eyes and walk up the stairs. I started to wonder how I got myself in this situation, I also wondered if she knew why I didn't want to go near the castle. I knew full well why I didn't but that’s pretty obvious. My parents lived pretty close to the castle and I would always see their house every time I got close the castle. I hated looking at where I used to live it just bugged me to no end. It's not that I hated my parents...I just hated my past.
I started packing some extra shirts and some personal things. Last but not least I packed a special photo that I kept all these years. Something that reminded me of the good days I had in my past. I let off a small smile and closed my suitcase. For some reason I feel like I’m gonna regret going on this trip. I let out a sigh and walk down the stairs.
“Surprised you didn't break anything,” I said to Vinyl.
“I was probably about to but you just came down,” she ended that sentence with a small chuckle. “Anyways what’s with all this stuff anyways it looks so futuristic. I mean I don’t even know what this metal ball thing is,” she said while pulling it off the shelf. “But there’s a button and I really wanna press it.”
“No you don’t,” I said swiping the ball out her hoof. “I invent things alright, I do it in my spare time,” I put the ball back on the shelf. “Now can we get going before were too late?”
“Of course,” she said walking to door. “Hey if you can invent stuff like that how come you don’t have a cutie mark yet?” She asked, I was expecting the question but not from her.
“It’s still unexplained even to me, but I don’t care very much anyways,” I respond while opening the door. “I've been looking through books and other sources to figure out why I don’t have one, but as you can tell that’s not working out,” we left my house and I closed and locked the door behind us.
We started our way through the town of Ponyville. We were walking through the market and everything was normal. Applejack selling apples, Tomatoes being sold by a different pony today that I never have seen, and a crude stallion selling cherries. Yup everything seemed to be in order. The only thing that was weird was Vinyl, she wasn't talking very much and knowing her she talks a lot. I know she didn't want to go, but I didn't know why.
Octavia is her best friend so why was this such a big deal? I finally ask. “Why don’t you want to go?”
“What gave you that idea?” She countered my question.
“You've been silent this whole time, your facial expression speaks the words of boredom, so why don’t you want to go?”
She lets out a sigh. “It’s not that I don’t want to go...I’m just confused is all. She doesn't usually bring me on these trips, I’m curious too why now?” She wondered looking at me hoping I had answer.
“Well I guess we’ll find out when we get to the train station,” I said.
Our conversation went silent as we kept a steady pace too the train station, though I started to wonder something like I have been all day. This day is just full of abnormalities. How come so many ponies are up this early? I mean I understand the store owners and stuff like that but why normal bystanders? I never been in the town this early before so who am I to judge. However Vinyl said Ponyville doesn't get much commotion in the early morning so what’s so special about today? They looked like zombies almost just kinda going through out the day.
I see the train station in the distance with Octavia standing in front waiting for us. She seemed really happy almost to happy. I quickly observed her, hoof taping, big smile, wide eyes, excited to the core, her mane all perfect, and wearing that bow tie in perfection. She has something planned for us but what is it is the question.
I leaned over to Vinyl and said, “don’t question anything, play along with her she has something planned.”
She looks over to me and raises an eyebrow. “How do you know that?” She asked.
“I quickly observed her well….I know you’re gonna think perverted about this,” I said putting my hoof to my head. “I observed her body and movements and she's real eager to do something. She has something planned for us, but I don’t know what it is.”
“Checking her out are we Tech?” She said with a cocky smile.
“I knew you would say something like that,” I said putting my hoof to the ground. “Just trust me on this alright.”
“Gotcha,” she agreed with me.
This is gonna be an interesting trip. However I think Octavia already knows that I know she’s up to something I could see it in her eyes. Well she always has challenged my intelligence. I won’t lie she’s a good challenge but I think I’m gonna win this one or at least I hope.
CH 2: The Train Ride Dilemma *remastered*
CH 2: The Train Ride Dilemma *remastered*
Walking up to Octavia, Vinyl was the first to introduce us.
“Hey Octy, were here and I got Tech to come along,” she said putting her hoof around my neck.
“Yes here we are,” I followed putting Vinyl’s hoof to the ground.
“Thank you Vinyl glad you could convince him,” Octavia said with a giggle. “So Tech, You all packed and ready to go?”
“Got everything I need I guess,” I said while tapping my suitcase. “So why exactly did you want me along for this trip? I mean you got Vinyl to come with, which of course is a huge surprise given to her laziness, but why me?” I question.
“Well for one I know Vinyl wouldn't come along if I didn't invite you,” She said. “For two why not you? You barely come out of your house and you never really talk to us much. So I thought I’d be nice and take you to canterlot with us. You know, so you can see more places in Equestria.” She ended that sentence with a smile. I never told them where I came from so I guess now is a good time.
“I never told did I,” I said rubbing the back of my head. “I was born in Canterlot and I’m very familiar with the area,” Octavia stared at me in confusion. Guess I should've told them sooner.
“Well….uh, you still wanna come?” Octavia asked hoping I would. I was already regretting what I was about to say. So why not throw in some sort of joke which might get me a punch to the arm.
“Eh why not I mean Vinyl would probably miss looking at me and get bored if I wasn't there,” I said with a smirk.
“HEY!!” Vinyl raised her hoof and punched me in the arm with some force. Oh I saw it coming but I didn't wanna block it might as well take what’s coming to me.
“Alright lets get on the train before she kills you,” Octavia said while walking toward the train.
I let out a small chuckle while Vinyl looked at me in a little anger. I might of stepped it a bit far, but I didn't care very much. “Don’t stare too long my bright green coat might make you go blind,” she looked away and soon followed Octavia on to the train. I took one more deep breath before stepping on the train. These two are gonna be the death of me but, I don't care. Might as well do stuff like this with friends then without.
I followed Vinyl and Octavia to our car. This train seemed different than the one I went on to come here, way different. It was way more clean and it was bigger. There was actually personal cars for ponies to sleep in. I kept following these two wondering why I never seen a train like this before. The floors of every car were well carpeted, the walls were perfectly painted with a different design in each car we went to, and just everything was perfect almost to perfect.
We reach our room and I ask. “Octavia if you don’t mind me asking, how much were those train tickets?”
“Only ten bits each which is surprising this train looks way more expensive than that,” Octavia replied while looking around our room. However ten bits that’s the price of a normal train, did Octavia know we were getting this train?
“See now I thought something was strange how d-” I got cut off by a intercom.
“We will be heading to canterlot on a new route this ride. We have something in the way of the route that normally gets us there. It will be a three day ride. Hope this didn't ruin any plans for anypony on this ride, sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Well….a longer trip,” I said. “Octavia do you think there letting ponies on this train for that reason because there’s some sort of blockage?” I asked her.
“That might be the case,” She replied rubbing her chin. “However what would be the blockage?”
“Probably some rock,” Vinyl said. “Sometimes I think you two over think things a lot. Just relax we're going on a trip no need to explode your minds over each other.”
I looked at her and then back to Octavia. “Eh she’s right we shouldn't do this. We’ll talk for hours and never find out what it truly is. Now let’s get on the main point here...there’s only two beds,” I said while pointing at the beds.
Octavia looked over at the beds. “Well...um, I guess….um,” she was pondering to herself not knowing what to do.
“There is a couch or I guess love seat right there on the wall,” I pointed out. “I could just sleep there so we don’t have to share a bed or anything.”
“But there’s no extra blankets,” Vinyl said. “Wouldn't you get freezing cold Tech. Oh what a dilemma what shall we do!” Vinyl tried acting like Octavia on that last sentence. Vinyl left herself open for this one.
“I guess me and Vinyl could share a bed,” I said with a cocky attitude.
“I’m cool with that,” Vinyl replied. I look over to her slowly, her face showing that she wasn’t joking. I was only kidding, but now I feel I just have been defeated.
“Well if that’s what you two want to do we can do that,” Octavia said. “Just what bunk do you two want?”
“I was ki-” I get interrupted by Vinyl.
“Eh we’ll take the top it’d be fun up there,” she said smirking. I have a bad feeling she’s doing this on purpose.
“Very well then,” Octavia agreed with her.
I can’t believe Vinyl actually agreed with me to be honest. She barely knows me and yet she's cool with this? I think she’s getting me back for something or she literally just doesn't care. I’m over thinking things a lot today or I guess for the past few weeks. I need a massage or something, get this stress off my mind.
“The train is now leaving the station,” a stallion said over the intercom.
The train started up and left the station. I’m on three day trip with these two, well this is going too be exciting or something I'm not interested in but, whatever I'm with friends I guess.
“I’m gonna go look around the train a little bit,” I said.
“Alright have fun,” Octavia replied.
I left the room with both of them waving. I closed the door behind me and began to walk the train. As I was walking I heard a couple ponies talking about the blockage which I was still curious about. I leaned a little closer to the conversation too hear it more clearly.
“I heard that path has been blocked off for months now,” said a mare’s voice muffled through the wall.
“I heard that to, everypony wonders what it is but nopony ever tells us,” Another mares voice said.
“So what do you think is blocking the path anyways?” The first mare asked.
“I assume just a big rock or some fallen wood or something,” The second mare replied.
“Now Lyra if it was something that simple I’m sure they could get unicorns to break it or a few earth ponies to push it aside. It wouldn't be there for months if that were the case,” the first mare said which I now assume is Bon Bon.
“I don’t know Rose it could be that it got stuck in the ground or something,” Lyra responded to….Rose? As in Rose Luck, strange. She’s usually with Bon Bon why is she with Rose Luck?
“Well no need to worry about it now. You got the present right?” Rose asked.
“Yeah, oh Bon Bon is gonna be surprised when we meet her in Las Pegasus. I can't believe she went on this big business trip. It's been a few months since I've seen her last,” Lyra responded. That explained the whole three day trip were going through Las….Pegasus wait a minute. We can’t be stopping in Las Pegasus that’s all the way to the west. That would take us way more than three days heck that's like six to eight days even. We’ll have to travel through smoky mountain which itself is a two day trip. On top of that we’ll travel past Yan Hoover through the Unicorn Range under Cloudsdale and finally arrive at canterlot. That makes no sense...
Somethings up but I don’t know what it is. I continue to walk the train passing the dining car, and some more passenger cars. I reached one car before the engine car and started to walk back, but then I heard something come from the front of the train. Sounded like a bang and not a small one. I start walking toward the front of the train and hear some commotion. I slowly put my ear to the door of the engine car and I hear two male ponies.
“I’m on the path you told me to go on,” said the first pony.
“You told them three days to Canterlot!” The second raised his voice. “We can’t make it in three days!”
“We can if we take-” The first got interrupted.
“Were not supposed to take that route,” The second said.
“But it cuts off Smokey Mountain and half of Unicorn Range. No pony on this train is planning to stop at any of the destinations in between,” The first counters.
“If we go through there the train c-” The second gets interrupted.
“Listen it’s not my fault some weird glowing red rock decided to spring up out of the ground on the proper route to Canterlot okay. We’ll be fine, were taking the route if you like it or not,” The first one ended his sentence with a stern tone.
I back away from the door and start walking back to our room. A glowing red rock, a secret route, and the train could...what? So many questions were running through my head. How much do these train engineers actually know? Well one thing is for certain, I gotta tell Octavia and Vinyl about the situation. I hate eavesdropping like I just did but I only did it for information that's not wrong...maybe it is but whatever. I wonder how the girls will react to this or if they even know what the secret route is.
I get back to our room and open the door. Octavia looks my way and Vinyl is too busy on her phone. “Can’t believe you even get connection out here,” I said to Vinyl.
“Eh I was surprised to,” Vinyl replied. “That was a long walk you took on a train by the way.”
“Yeah I know, but listen I need to tell you two something," I said.
Octavia raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“I overheard the engineers talking about the blockage on the main route to Canterlot. Something about a big glowing red rock. I have no idea what that is but I heard they’ll be taking a secret route cutting off half of the Unicorn Range. Do either of you know what either of those two things are?” I ask
“I never heard of a big red rock,” Vinyl said still looking at her phone. “I also never heard of a secret route that cuts off half of the Unicorn Range either. What about you Octy?”
Octavia simply shook her head. “How much do these train engineers know exactly?” She questioned.
“See now that’s what I was wondering,” I said. “I guess we got a weird travel ahead of us.”
“Indeed we dom” Octavia added.
The secret path was intriguing to me, but what was more was the red rock that I never heard of. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see this red rock or secret path and maybe get some more info on this "situation" at a library or something of the nature. For now I just need to relax and hope nothing bad happens. Sad thing is though, I can feel it in my gut, something bad is going to happen.
CH 3: The Ruined Trip *remastered*
CH 3: The Ruined Trip *remastered*
“Tech you should listen to her.” Said a mare. “She could be telling the truth.”
“Whatever she was just a fortune teller, I don’t believe in that kind of stuff.” I replied.
“Oh come on you know it could come true.”
“Mom all that stuff is a bunch of non-sense. You should know better,” I said looking at her.
“Hey watch your mouth,” my mom said with a chuckle. “Don’t get snappy at me.”
“I’m just messing around and you know it,” I said in a sad tone. “I know you're only being nice because father isn't around.”
“Let’s not get on that subject,” she replied. “Now that fortune teller said a bad disaster will come your way in the future. Yet you will survive, now my question is why don’t you believe that?” She asked me.
“Like I said mom it’s non-sense. I mean if somepony could really predict the future which I believe is highly impossible,” I said. “Hey though if it ever happens I’ll make sure to tell you.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that.” She said with a smile.
“Yo Tech, hey buddy you in there?” Vinyl asked.
“Huh?” I popped out of my trance. Why did I just have a flashback just now?
“You alright? You kinda just zoned out,” Octavia said in concern.
“Yeah just thinking,” I said rubbing my head. That happened so long ago why is it important now?
“I’m telling you man your head,” Vinyl said putting her hooves up to her head. “It’s seriously just gonna go boosh,” moving her hooves away from her head like an explosion.
“I know Vinyl thank you,” I said quietly.
“Alright it’s getting late let’s get to bed,” Octavia said.
“Here is mommy Octavia and her bedtimes,” Vinyl said with a smirk.
“Better watch yourself Vinyl she could get you any time,” I said in return, we all let off a laugh. I walked over to the bunk beds and climbed to the top one.
“I get the wall,” Vinyl said.
“Taken by my bright green body., I replied. “Sorry, but you weren't up here fast enough.”
“I’m gonna kick you aside if you don’t move,” Vinyl said sternly.
“You can’t kick me you care for me to much,” I countered.
“I swear I’ll come up there and-” I interrupt her.
“What and give me a big hug? I wouldn't mind that," I say. I could feel her anger from down there but, I wasn't gonna move.
“Alright that’s it!” She started climbing up. I knew at this point this was gonna hurt.
“Vinyl wait we can resolve this without violence,” I said. “Now lower your hooves before- oof.” She actually punched me dang. “Alright alright I’ll move," I rolled over under her making her trip over me. Conveniently she landed on her side facing the wall.
“Well…that happened,” Vinyl said in confusion.
“Yes now can you refrain from punching me in the future?” I ask her.
“Probably not,” She said honestly.
“Would it kill ya to be nice every now and then?” I asked.
“Yeah it probably would,” She said honestly looking me right in the eye.
“Would it kill you both to quiet down?” Octavia asked. She did have a point we were both being quite loud.
“No worries mom we’ll be quiet,” Vinyl replied to Octavia.
“Vinyl I’m only gonna warn you one more time she’s gonna get you when you're not expecting it,” I said.
“Eh I highly doubt it,” Vinyl said with a shrug. Octavia soon fell asleep and so did Vinyl….or at least I thought. She turned to me slowly and just looked at me. Like weirdly, she just looked at me.
“Vinyl you alright?” I asked in a whisper.
“Yes Tech fine why do you ask?” She asked me in a whisper.
“You’re just staring at me with wide eyes saying nothing,” I said.
“Man I was just trying to scare you, but nothing seems to do that with you,” She said a little disappointed.
“Sorry I’ll try to act next time,” I said with a smile.
“I would punch you right now, but I don’t want to wake anypony,” Vinyl flipped back toward the wall. “So can I ask you something?”
“Sure what is it?” I wonder.
“Why don’t you like Canterlot and why don’t you want to go near the castle?” She asked me. Again I was expecting this question but, not from her.
“Both of those questions hold the same answer, however I rather not talk about it,” I said as blunt as possible.
“Come on you can tell me,” she said with a big smile on her face trying to convince me.
“Vinyl please I really don’t want to talk about it,” I said with more of a stern tone.
“Don’t make me beg, I hate begging,” will this girl give up?
“Vinyl I’m absolutely serious right now I don’t want to talk about,” I said hopefully for the last time.
“Stop pestering him Vinyl,” Said Octavia making us both jump because neither of us knew she was awake. “Now will you two get some sleep for crying out loud.”
“Shes got a point,” I said flipping over to my side so I’m not looking at her. “We should get some sleep.”
“Yeah, yeah whatever,” Vinyl said. Thank you Octavia for stopping her obnoxiousness now I can sleep in peace. I sighed a flipped over to face Vinyl. I nudged her shoulder a bit hoping too get her attention.
"What is it?" Vinyl asked.
"Do you really wanna know why I hate going to Canterlot?" I asked in return.
"Yeah I kinda do," she said.
I sighed again, I always hated talking about this story. "I'm pretty sure you're listening to Octavia," I said knowing she was awake.
"Tell the story Tech I'm interested," Octavia said.
"I didn't have the easiest time with my parents when I was younger, mainly my own father," I said. "My parents live close to the castle and that's one of the reasons I hate going too Canterlot. Another reason is because I hate royalty, the thought of it just disgusts me. Me and Celestia have some friendship yes, but she knows where I stand with royalty and how much it bugs me. Honestly I'm just not a big fan of the town either. I'm better with a lower standard of living however that's just me."
"You know Celestia personally?" Octavia questioned.
"Yes I do," I replied.
"That's kinda awesome actually how do you know her?" Vinyl asked.
"She kept in contact with me for some reason and I don't know why," I said.
"You have an interesting back story don't you Tech?" Octavia asked.
"Indeed I do, I'll go in more detail some other time as of now let's get some sleep," I said.
"Agreed, night you two," Octavia said.
"Night," Vinyl replied.
I rolled over saying nothing. They hardly know anything about me and for some reason I'm glad for that. I don't know if they would like me for who I really am. I mean yes I act like myself but I'm talking about my...past self. My eyelids began to close and soon I slept.
====================================================
Morning soon came and I was the first to wake up. The sun was shining, the trees that were outside the trains windows as we drove past were blowing in the breeze. This morning was perfect though the girls were still asleep. I slowly crawled out of the bed trying not to wake Vinyl. I sat on the love seat that was in our passenger car. I levitated my suitcase over to me with my magic and quietly opened it. I took out the photo I packed with me and just stared at it. I don’t know why but this photo always got me to smile.
“What’s that you got there?” asked Octavia in a whisper.
I looked at her and said, “just a photo of a good memory is all,” I looked down toward the photo and just...smiled.
“A good memory huh,” She said standing up and then sitting next to me on the love seat. “I’m interested what’s it about?”
“It’s nothing important really,” I said losing my smile.
“Come on all the memories you told us were bad so why not let out a good one?” She asked with a pleading tone.
I let out a soft sigh. “This was the day me and my mom went to the carnival for rides and all that stuff. That’s me there as a little kid,” I pointed at my colt self. “And that there is my mother,” I then pointed at her. “And over there is a fortune teller booth we both went to.”
“Who took the picture?” She wondered.
“Just some guy who was taking pictures for free no pony special,” I replied. “Anywho this was the day where me and mom can just be nice to each other without my dad around. It’s sad my mom could only be happy when he wasn't around.”
“Why didn't she just leave him?” This mare had so many questions and it was starting to bug me.
I let out a sigh before answering. “Because he wouldn't let her. He had way too much power for being the man he is and it just frustrates me. Sometimes I wish he never existed but eh what are you gonna do? He has a great company with great employees. Who would be able to stop him? I ask myself these questions all the time and never ever find an answer. Hey my mothers happy with him and I guess that's fine...whatever,” I look down at the photo trying to forget what I said already.
“I’m sorry Tech did I make things uncomfortable?” She wondered yet again.
“No it’s fine I just wi-” I get interrupted by the intercom.
“Attention all passengers it is about to get very dark, no need to worry just going through a dark part of the tracks is all. Make sure to be safe and watch where you are walking thank you.” The intercom hangs up. This must be the secret path they were talking about, but why this soon? We must of stopped at Las Pegasus while we slept. It soon got very dark I couldn't even see Octavia next to me anymore.
“Well I guess we won’t move then,” Said Octavia looking over to Vinyl or at least I assumed she was doing. “Vinyl get up will you.”
“I’ll get up when I feel like it,” Vinyl said in a tired tone.
“You’ve been up this whole time haven't you?” I ask.
“Yeah pretty much, couldn't sleep very well this bed sucks ding dong,” She said stretching her back.
“You disappoint me someti-” I cut myself off. “Do you guys hear that?” I ask them both and they both nod no. “It sounds like screaming.”
Vinyl sat up “I’m sure it’s nothing man you're just freaking out.”
Octavia stood up “No he’s right I hear it too.”
“See I’m not crazy, but what is the ca-”
CH 4: The Long Way *remastered*
CH 4: The Long Way *remastered*
I open my eyes half way, vision blurred. All I see is fire and wreckage of a train. I start breathing heavily and soon opened my eyes all the way. My vision was still blurred but I can smell fire and I can feel myself laying flat on the floor.
“Tech….Tech,” I hear my name muffled. Seems my ears haven’t come back fully yet. “Tech get up,” I feel somepony touching me but I don’t know who. I can’t move, I can’t speak, and I can barely breathe.
“Vinyl did you get him up?” Octavia said or so I assumed.
“I’m trying but this lug is so not getting up,” Vinyl said in worry.
“Just pick him up from under the shoulders,” She insisted. “Drag him over here and put his back against this tree. He must of had the wind knocked out him,” knowing that smartness it’s definitely Octavia. I feel some pony tug on my shoulders dragging me across grass and rocks. As I was getting dragged I see Octavia’s hooves go past me. Thank Celestia it’s these two. Something bad happened and I'm determined to find out what it is.
Vinyl puts my back to a tree and soon I start getting my oxygen back. “You two *cough* alright?” I ask finally being able to speak.
“Thank heavens you can speak,” Octavia said in relief. “I’m fine just a little stiff from the crash. Us three are lucky I can tell you that,” I look around trying to see if somepony else made it.
“Anypony else….make it?” I ask I couldn't see any others so I assumed the worst.
“Not a single one man,” Vinyl said. “Or at least we think they could of ran off by now following the train tracks back to well wherever they came from.”
I looked down at my hooves not a scratch on me. Us three were lucky liked Octavia said. Though it seems to lucky. I don’t see any other ponies around not even oh I hate saying this but, not even dead ones. They just all seem to have disappeared out of thin air. I looked up at Octavia and Vinyl both of them minor scratches. How could we have taken such minor damage from a train crash like that? On top of that is this what the conductors of the train were talking about?
“Do you two...know the cause of this wreck by chance?” I asked.
“Not at all though there is something glowing in the distance,” Octavia said. “In that direction over there.”
“Well then,” I said struggling to get to my hooves. “I guess were going that way.”
“Whoa slow down there speedy!” Said Vinyl. “You're still injured, sit down.”
“Vinyl I’m fine,” I said. “Now move I’m going to see what is over there it might clear up everything,” I started walking toward the glowing light. As I was walking toward the light it slowly kept getting more red. Perhaps another rock of sorts? I turned the corner and saw a glowing red rock and something else... something I couldn't explain.
“Hey ummm...you two would probably want to see this,” I said with a shaky tone. They started walking over wondering what I was so scared about. I usually don’t get scared cause I could explain everything but this….this was un-explainable. Octavia poked her head around the corner with Vinyls and both of there mouths opened in shock.
“W-w-what the?” Octavia said with pure shock.
“T-that’s just not even possible,” Vinyl said.
“I-I can’t explain this,” I said still scared at what we were looking at. “That red rock it’s got ponies wrapped up in some weird red material. It’s like a thread...sort of,” I was talking out loud at this point I couldn't keep my thoughts to myself. “I just….I just don’t know I've never seen anything like this. I just have one question why didn't it get us?”
Octavia looks over to me. “Maybe we woke up in time.”
“Either that or it forgot about us and was just about to wrap us up in whatever that is,” Vinyl said.
“Vinyl that’s….a possibility,” I said still looking at the rock. “But what are….OCTAVIA LOOK OUT!” I try to say quickly but a thread hooked on to her neck.
“AAAAH GET IT OFF!” Octavia screamed in fear.
“Oh no you don’t,” Vinyl grabbed Octavias back hooves. “Hnng Tech there’s gotta be something we can do! ANYTHING PLEASE WE CAN’T LOSE HER!” Vinyl was in fear as was I. I started thinking as fast as I could. I looked around for anything we could use, rocks, dirt, bark.....tree branches.
I stomped my hoof into the ground. “I got it!” I snapped a medium sized branch off of a tree. “Vinyl hold her steady!” I swung the branch at the thread hoping for it to break. No luck so I repeatedly began to swing. “Come...on….break...you….son...of...a….GAAH!” I just couldn't get it to break I was already running out of options. My head was spinning trying to figure out something then I saw my suitcase.
“Tech I’m slipping!” Vinyl said in worry. I grab on to Octavia’s hooves as quickly as I possibly could.
“Vinyl I’ll hold her now!” I said. “Listen closely my suitcase made the crash thank the lord. I need you to get in it and look for a silver box you can’t miss it! Move I can’t hold on forever!” She quickly moved to my suitcase and opened it.
“Is it REALLY necessary to have all these shirts!?!” She said in worry.
“Just throw em out and find the dang box already! I’m sorry no one told me how long we were going to be in Canterlot!” I said hooves slipping from Octavias. “Speed up the process please!” She threw out shirt by shirt.
“I got it….what now?” She asked.
“The button, press it!” I tell her.
“Alright it better not kill me,” She presses the button.
“Hello and welcome to the materializing storage what is the password?” The machine spoke to Vinyl and her eyes widened.
“P-password I do-” I interrupted her.
“Technical storage 223399!” I say to the machine. “Request weapon 88492!”
“Hello Tech welcome back, materializing shurikens in 3...2..1.” A shuriken appears in front of Vinyls face.
“Yooooooo what the?” She was still in shock but grabbed the shuriken.
“I’ll explain later just throw it at the thread NOW!” I said in panic almost losing grip on Octavia. Vinyl throws the shuriken right through the thread first throw. “Lucky shot,” I caught Octavia as she fell. “Now lets get out of here now!” I said running toward Vinyl with Octavia now on my back. “Keep the silver box and run. Weapon system shut down and lock.”
“Shutting down,” the box said. Vinyl ran behind me. We ran for a short while hoping to be far enough away from whatever that rock is. I put Octavia on the ground with her back against a tree. I swipe the silver box out of Vinyls hooves.
“Okay now that were all calm,” Vinyl said panting a bit. “What’s with the box dude? I’ve never seen technology that advanced.”
“It’s a long story Vinyl and I would rather save it for later. Right now I need to make sure Octavia is alright,” I said looking at her neck and head. I sighed before speaking “She’s fine just knocked out from lack of oxygen,” I fell back in the grass. Looking up at the sky in relief. “We need to get to Canterlot.”
“What good will that do we don’t even know where we are,” Vinyl said in disappointment.
“I got this,” I press the button on the box.
“Hello and welcome to the materializing storage what is the password?” The box repeats this everytime I turn it on.
“Technical storage 223399, Request item 237,” I said to the box.
“Password accepted welcome back Tech. Materializing map of Equestria and with you circled on it and what direction you are facing.” The map materialized and I took it.“Powering down need charge before next use.”
I sigh, “The only weakness of this thing….low battery life,” I look at the map. “Well were close to the unicorn range thanks to all the running so we can make it, but it’s a long walk.”
Vinyl looked at me still in shock. “How did you get that thing?”
I look over to her. “Its something I invented years ago. The way it can materialize things like that is from a rare crystal. This rare crystal is found outside of Equestria where I took a trip to with someone very close to me. It was a dangerous trip but, I still managed to get the crystal. Though it’s only good for two uses before I have to charge it which takes about a week. It’s very useful in situations such as that back there. There is more but I’d rather stop there for now,” I finish my explanation looking up at Vinyl.
“Okay my mind is gonna fizzle,” She said rubbing her head. “But thanks for saving Octavia like that with that cool device of yours.”
“No problem,” I said. “I was just doing what I-” I got interrupted by a hug from her. Its quite rare to get her scared, but then again that’s the same for me it kinda shook us all.
“No like really, thanks,” She said quietly. “For all of that back there. If you haven’t come on this trip we probably would of never came back,” She hugged a bit tighter. “Embrace this while you can cause it WILL not happen very often.”
“I had a feeling those words would come out soon,” I said then hugged her. “I couldn't say no anyways. I know how you are with that never give up thing,” I say with a chuckle. I looked up toward the sky and realized it was night. Must of been knocked out for hours, wonderful. “We should find a place to call shelter for the night.”
We let go of each other and she looked up. “Yeah we should but where?” She asked. “What if another rock springs up in the night right next to us?”
“Don’t worry I have a plan for that.” I said picking up Octavia and putting her on my back. “Let us just find a cave or something and relax alright?”
“Yeah I guess you're right,” She said and slowly started following me. We looked around walking in a straight path toward the unicorn range to make sure we stay on track for tomorrow. I kept thinking to myself about that red rock. I kept trying to find an explanation for it, but I just couldn't. Nothing, literally nothing could explain what all that was about. It's just an obscurity to the world, I've never seen anything like it at all.
It’s either out of this world or some advanced magic that somepony is using to capture normal civilians. As I recall though there isn't any magic like this but it could still be a possibility.
“Yo over there,” Vinyl points her hoof to a small cave snapping me out of my trance.
“Huh oh yeah that could be a good spot,” I said. “Lets just hope there’s no bears or anything in there.” I grab a rock next to me and threw it into the cave. We hear an echo but no animals. “Seems safe,” I said still unsure.
“I say we just trust it. We need a place to stay for the night anyways,” Vinyl walked toward the cave. I followed behind her with Octavia.
“Nice cave I guess,” I say putting Octavia up against a wall. “Alright I’m gonna go grab some fire wood real quick.”
“No need,” Vinyl said putting her hoof on my shoulder. “Grabbed some on the way here I had a feeling we might need some.”
“Wow Vinyl I’m impressed,” I said with a smirk.
“What do you mean?” She questioned
“You used your brain for once,” I said with a small chuckle.
“Dude!” She punched me in the arm.
“Ow...you know you punch pretty hard dang,” Doesn't help I’m not very strong in the arms either.
“Yeah yeah whatever just make fire happen okay,” she handed me the wood and sat up against the wall near Octavia. I simply rolled my eyes and set the wood in a pile. Put some rocks around it just to make a nice fire pit.
“Alright here goes,” I try to send a spark to the wood using my horn. “I’ve done this before lets just hope it GAAH!” Fire flung up in my face and fell back against the wall.
Vinyl laughed. “Hot tonight Tech?” She said with a grin.
“Oh ha ha funny,” I said but we both laughed. Seems like the tension from before has calmed down. Though I still couldn’t put my mind to it, it just doesn’t make any sense at all. I look over to Vinyl who was on her phone. “How long have you had that?” I said a little bit irritated.
“The whole time why?” She asks.
“Why…...why…..WHY!?!?” I shouted surprised Octavia didn't wake from that. “We could of called for help a long time ago! Do you know anypony who is in Canterlot right this second?”
“Actually yeah I do,” She said going through her contacts.
“And who is that?” I ask.
“Actually somepony you know,” She says. “I just hope she picks up.”
“Who is it exactly?” I question.
“Twilight sparkle,” She said quickly.
I slammed my hoof to my face. I take a big sigh. “How do you know she's there?”
“Eh I was talking to her in her library for some reason. Then she said something about going to Canterlot and that’s how I know,” she ended that sentence with a smile.
“Vinyl sometimes I wish you would bring up stuff sooner,” I said. “Call her and make sure she picks up.”
“Alright alright no need to get your shirt in a bunch,” she dialed the number. “It’s ringing….still ringing,” she sat there hoping she would pick up. “Holy Twilight I need to talk to you It’s really important.”
I could hear Twilight on the other end. “What is it Vinyl?” She asks.
“Okay this is gonna sound weird but were in a cave. Before you say anything let me finish,” She said quickly. “We saw this red rock and it did this weird thread thing. It grabbed Octavia and we saved her then we ran through the forest and ended up in a cave AND this all started from a train crash.” Good job on the detail Vinyl, I slowly shook my head.
“Dear Celestia Vinyl are you okay. Wait, wait we who else is with you?” She asked.
“Oh my friend Tech is with me,” She replied.
“Oh Tech's with you thank goodness,” she said. I started to freak out cause I never told Vinyl that me and her are good friends.
“You know Tech?” She asked. I think Vinyl thought I only knew her name.
“Oh yeah totally. He helped us six in the past fight off this man called Fear. We became good friends since,” Twilight spilled the beans. “Didn’t he tell you?”
Vinyl gave me a glare. “No he...didn't, anyways can you help us cause that would be really nice right now were lost.
“Don’t worry I’ll get Rainbow to come with me and we’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“Thanks bye.” She hung up the phone and looked at me. “Helped us in the past? Fight off a man called Fear? Why haven’t you swung this by me and Octavia yet?” She questioned me.
“Well I never found it important,” I replied. “He was a unicorn...with griffon claws nothing special.”
“If you say so,” Wow that was quick I actually expected her to get mad at me. “It’s getting chilly dang it.”
“Shall we huddle for warmth like ponies did in the old age,” I said with a smirk.
“Eh why not,” She scooted closer to me and put her head on my shoulder.
“You know I was kidding right?” I ask.
“You know I don’t care right?” She said with a cocky attitude.
I sigh “What about Octavia?”
“Don’t worry I got this.” She pulled Octavia up to her. “See nice and close,” we both let off a laugh.
“Were idiots,” I say with a smile.
“Nah I’m the idiot here, you two are the smart ones,” she said with confidence.
“Vinyl don’t talk down on your self like that you're smart to,” I look toward her. “There’s nothing wrong with you alright.”
“Oh are we a charmer,” She says with a grin.
“I’m just being nice embrace it because it WILL not happen very often,” she looks up at me and smiles.
“Don’t copy me man, that’s so lame,” she says.
“Ha ha sorry,” we both laughed. I lay my head back and sigh. “I hope we get somewhere safe soon.”
“Why?” She asks.
“I just….don’t want to deal with this,” I said. “I don’t like being the hero it’s just not my thing. I moved to Ponyville for peace and quiet. However I get dragged into fighting someone. I get a bunch of friends and don’t get me wrong I like all of them especially you two, but whenever I get friends it always leads to some danger like now. This red rock that we keep talking about almost took Octavia and is currently taking all other ponies that ponies may know and we’ll never see again,” I look down.
“Tech you don’t-” I interrupt her.
“No let me finish.” I insisted. “I just don’t like this stuff happening to ponies of any kind. I’m a peaceful guy and I like to keep it that way sometimes but then all this stuff happens and it attacks my friends if anything. Its just I don’t know frustrating. I used to be the hero all the time when I was younger. Standing up for people who were my friends, saving lives more often than others...honestly it's annoying,” I ended off everything with a sigh.
“Tech dude sometimes it just works out like that,” Vinyl says. “You don’t have to be a hero just be a guy who helps ponies.”
“And pretty much be a sidekick to a hero. I don’t know in my books sidekicks are also heros.” I say.
“Yeah but I didn’t say you had to be a sidekick either just don’t think of as a hero just think as ummm…” She thinks to herself. “Think of it as helping the community.”
“Vinyl.” I say.
“Yes Tech?” She looks at me.
“You sound so lame right now,” I say with a chuckle.
She chuckles. “Yeah I know, but hey I’m just trying to make your situation better.”
“Well thanks.” I said with a smile. “I think this is the longest conversation we ever had…..Vinyl…..Vinyl?” I look over and see she fell asleep. I sigh and close my eyes hoping we won’t have problems in the morning.
CH 5: A Note of Confusion
I woke up in the middle of the night. The fire was out and us three were on the ground. I get up to my hooves and look outside of the cave to make sure there were no red rocks around our vicinity. For our luck there were none. I let off a sigh of relief and walk back into the cave. I look over to Vinyl and Octavia, both of them sleeping soundly. I look down to my hooves and realize...my photo that I kept with me is gone now.
I knew I should of made copies but I didn’t cause I just didn’t. Oh well life has to have its ups and downs or you're dead. I sit on the ground and stare at the fire that isn’t there anymore. I space out thinking to myself about that red rock. I keep telling myself it doesn’t make any sense, but there has to be something to it. There has to be some sort of trick, there has to be somepony behind all of this.
A breeze goes through the cave making a chill go up my spine. I look back over to Vinyl. Why can’t I keep my vision off of her? I just keep looking back and forth between her and the fire that’s not even there. I let out a long sigh and fall backwards to the ground. I close my eyes and try to go back to sleep. I hear somepony walk in the grass outside. I snapped back up to my hooves ready for anything.
Suddenly silence, no more sound. “I could of sworn.” I said to myself. “Gaah Tech paranoid again.” I sit down watching the entrance to the cave. Did I just hear things or is somepony actually out there? I see a piece of paper fly in the entrance and land by my hooves. “A paper plane? Who threw this?” I pick up the plane and look at.
“Unfold the plane.” A voice said.
I spring back to my hooves ready to attack. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” I demanded.
“The plane will give you answers or at least a clue to the truth.” The voice said.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask. I get silence for thirty seconds. “Hello…..hello?” Seems like whoever was talking to me left. I sigh and unfold the plane. My eyes instantly widen. “M-my photo, but how?” I look back down at the paper and see writing.
Does it make you uncomfortable? Does it make you shake? Does it make you think in all different kinds of directions? Is it from your past or is it from your future? Is it from right this second the feeling that you feel? Does it bother you? Does it make a feeling like no other that brings a chill up your spine? Does this all sound familiar to you Tech? Does it bother you that I know your name? Does it make you angry that I exist?
Will you be able to even answer all these questions? Is your mind going to fizzle like poor Vinyls? Is your neck going to hurt like Octavias? Are you now confused how I know all of this? I’ve been watching you Tech and all of your moves. How you saved Octavia was quick thinking using an invention you know you had to remake.
At the mention of that line I had a flashback.
“Dad I spent hours working on it.” I said.
“And yet it doesn’t even work.” My dad said. “Why do you waste your time making things that don’t even work.”
“Some of them don’t have a pur-” I get interrupted.
“Have a purpose I know and that’s why it’s a waste of time. You don’t even deserve to have this.” He lifted his hoof up in the air with my invention.
“Dad what are you NO!” He threw my invention down to the ground breaking it. All the pieces scattered around. I get on the ground by my broken invention and start picking up the pieces. Tears in my eyes for all the hard work I put in it.
“Come back to me when you have an invention worthwhile.” My father said walking out of my room and slamming the door. I collapsed on my floor frustrated and crying.
I snap out of the flashback, look back at the paper and continue to read.
You just had a flashback didn’t you. I know I shouldn’t know this, but I know more than you may think. Are you feeling this feeling again? Will you be able to finish this note? I highly doubt it you probably put it down by now? Now you're probably asking yourself is this a friendly letter or a hateful letter? This could be a lesson or something just to hurt you. Remember all that solitude you had? It was all because of your father wasn’t it. Does he still bug you to this day?
I dropped the letter, I just couldn’t stand reading it anymore. How could this pony know so much about me. I haven’t even told anypony about myself that much. How does this pony know me? Who is this pony? Lastly what kinda hint was this, there was hardly any hint here just somepony who knows me. Knows me too well...but the only one who would know my father like that is my mother, but she couldn’t of written this I know her hoof writing.
I look back outside of the cave and see the sun rising over the trees. I look over to Vinyl and Octavia both still sleeping. I look down at the note again and continued to read from where I left off.
You dropped this to the ground haven’t you. You’re reading it while the two sleep behind you. How do I know this you're probably questioning? You’ll find out in time. Twilight shall arrive soon with Rainbow Dash following behind her. I’ll send you a new letter soon for now. Have a safe travel.
I’ll see you soon- Unknown
I’ll see you soon? Does this pony actually know I’m gonna meet them or have I already met them? I look over to Octavia and Vinyl. I fold up the note and walk over to them. I put my hoof on Vinyls shoulder and nudged her a bit. “Wake up Vinyl we gotta get moving.” I say in a calm tone.
“I feel like more sleepy.” Vinyl said rolling over.
I sigh “Vinyl get up please.”
“No I’m gonna sleep more and you gonna like it.” She said.
“Vinyl I….eh alright go ahead sleep. There’s a spider on you though.” I said with a cocky tone.
“AAAH no way where get it off...you jerk.” She said with disappointment.
“I thought you said you were not scared of spiders.” I say with a smirk.
“Yeah when they're not on me jeez.” She said. “Why am I up anyways its so early.”
“How do you even know what time it is?” I ask.
“Duh phone.” She said holding up her phone. “Jeez you already forgot?”
“Sorry just had a weird morning I guess.” I said rubbing the back of my head. “Anyways wake up Octavia if you can for me I’m gonna go make sure the coast is clear.” I walk out of the cave. I look back and forth outside. No ponies, no red rocks, no big animals waiting outside to maul us. Everything seemed normal.
“Hey Tech could you get back in here?” Vinyl called from behind me.
I sigh and walk back in. “What is it Vinyl?” I say irritated.
“Got a tone, anyways Octavia is not getting up.” She says in worry.
I look toward Octavia and see something on her neck. “What’s that?” I kneel down next to her and move her collar out of the way. “Her neck is….glowing?” I said in question.
“Yo it’s red just like the thread and stuff.” Vinyl said.
“Well good...great I don’t know what this is and I don’t know how to fix it.” I rubbed my head. I sigh, pick her up and put her on my back. “Nothing we can do now lets just get to Canterlot.”
“If you say so captain.” Vinyl said with a salute.
“Vinyl I don’t need your enthusiasm right now.” I said quietly.
“Yo whats got you all down?” She asked.
“Just confused in all...different directions.” I said realizing that what’s the note says.
“Alright well lets focus on walking and perk up. I don’t need a confused green unicorn walking beside me.” She said.
“Yeah sure.” I said. We walked out of the cave and began on the path toward the Unicorn Range. Walking past tree by tree I just kept thinking to myself about that letter. Why it bugged me so much I have no idea to be honest I don’t care if ponies know about me and my personal life there is no secrets to hide. So why is this one bugging me I just don’t understand. I hear voices in the distance.
“Where are they at?” A pony asked.
“I got told over here.” Another pony said.
“Vinyl I think I hear Twilight.” I said to her.
“I see Rainbow Dash from here.” She said pointing at her.
“Yeah there here sooner than...I thought.” That letter is just correct everywhere. “I guess lets walk in there direction. Gotta run into them at some point anyways.” We turned and walked toward them.
“Yo Twilight, Rainbow what’s happening.” Vinyl said in her natural greeting.
“Oh I guess you found us.” Twilight said.
“Glad we did to how close is Canterlot from here...Octavia is kinda heavy.” I said.
Vinyl gasped dramatically. “Calling Octavia fat oh dear Tech how could you.”
“That’s not what I meant Vinyl. You're not the one carrying her everywhere my shoulders are getting sore.” I said not even acknowledging the joke.
“Well we’re glad you're safe.” Rainbow said.
“Yeah now can we get to Canterlot.” I said bluntly.
“Of course.” Said Twilight.
Vinyl and I followed Twilight and Rainbow to Canterlot. I kept a steady pace for carrying Octavia on my back. Vinyl and Rainbow were talking to each other about stupid jokes and stuff I don’t care about. I kept to the back of the pack myself and stayed silent. For some reason I didn’t want to have a conversation. Usually I don’t mind but now I just kept to myself.
We soon left the forest and are now walking on the Unicorn Range. I still stayed behind and just looked around. I’m glad everything was finally peaceful nothing to bug us...just… relaxation. I could already see Canterlot from here not a far walk. Good now I think I can get this all cleared up and I know exactly who to go to...Celestia herself.
CH 6: A Dream That Changed Me
“Worthless.” Voices said in whisper. “Garbage….waste of time….. nothing… useless…… weak….. stupid.”
I fling up sitting in my bed gasping and sweating. I rub my eyes and look around. “Wait I was on the Unicorn range what am I-” I get interrupted by a bagging sound. I get up and walk down the stairs. “This is my house but how?” I was still in shock but I opened the door.
“Hey Tech w-” I cover Vinyls mouth.
“What’s going on? We were just on our way to Canterlot from the Unicorn Range. What happened?” I asked her.
“Dude what are you talking about we never left for Canterlot.” She said confused.
“But we...we were….Octavia….GAAH!” I slam the door trying to get my head on straight.
“Um well Octavia was curious if you wanted to go to Canterlot with us but I’ll take this whole slamming thing as a no.” She said bluntly and rather rudely.
I open the door and grab Vinyl by the hoof. “Vinyl with me.” I said as I yanked her in my house.
“Whoa dude let yooooo that’s a lot of stuff.” She said amazed by my inventions.
“No time Vinyl.” I kept her behind me as I walked her down to my basement.
“Dude what’s gotten into you?” She asked “And why are we going down to the basement? This is kinda weird if you ask me.”
“Reasons Vinyl shush.” I said a little irritated. We reach the basement floor and I instantly turn right and put her in a chair. “Sit, don’t move, don’t say anything.”
“But Tech I-” I interrupt her.
“Ah ah ah...not a word.” She pouts and says nothing. I turn on the lights and reveal photos, a lot of them.
“Yooo what-” I interrupt her again.
“I said no words.” I say sternly. I opened a drawer and started rummaging through a bunch of photos. “Where is it...where is it?.” Vinyl was just looking at all the photos on the walls astonished by each one.
“Tech what's with all the photos?” She asked.
“Vinyl what did I say about speaking?” I counter.
“Right right, not a word, but I can’t sit here quiet seeing you go crazy and what not.” She said.
I let out a sigh. “Sorry Vinyl but something isn’t adding up. You, me, and Octavia were all on the Unicorn Range walking toward Canterlot. I had a photo on me and I’m trying to see if it’s in here. Now can you explain why I would know that if it didn’t happen?” I ask.
“Dude that didn’t happen it could've just been a dream.” She said.
“But Rainbow was there too.” I say in a fake disappointment. “It felt to real to be a dream.”
“Just cause Rainbow and Twilight were there doesn't mean it happened.” She said.
“Wait I didn’t say anything about Twilight how did you know she was there?” I say quickly. “Well?” I look over and see Vinyl is gone. “What but..but how?” I look around the room and for some reason I’m no longer in my basement, I was in a forest. Not the same one by the Unicorn Range but a different one. “Where am I?” I ask myself nopony else around.
I hear something move in the bushes behind me. I quickly turn around “Who’s there?!?” I ask quickly. Not a peep from any pony. I looked back and forth in this forest trying to see if there was an exit but it was too dark. I sigh and begin to walk to find an exit or something of the nature. I feel a tug on my back hoof as I was trying to walk away. I look down and see...a red thread.
“What how?!?” I instantly tried to break it off. I saw to more threads coming my direction. They both wrapped around my upper hooves holding me steady. I was struggling as hard as I could but I couldn’t break free. I hear a faint laugh in the distance. “Who are you? Whos there? Show yourself!” I demanded.
“You can not see what you haven’t seen yet my friend.” A deep raspy toned voice said in the distance.
“Who are you?” I question.
“You can not know me if you haven’t known me yet.” The voice replied.
“What’s your goal?” I question more.
“To show you and the ponies what real destruction can feel like. To make ponies loose hope in everything they have ever seen. To show somepony that they shouldn’t have messed with me.” The voice replied once more.
“Really that’s it? You just wanna make ponies feel destruction. You just want them to feel they have no hope for anything. That’s your goal?” I ask.
“Yes but in a different slower way. Oh but Tech are you gonna be able to help them?” The voice asked. “Or will you crumble beneath everything as you could of before?”
“Crumble? I have no idea what you’re talking about, but yes I’m going to help every pony if I have to.” I said.
“Oh but I thought you said you hate being a hero.” My eyes widened when this voice said that. “Is it all a lie? Do you actually like being the hero? Or was it that note that made you act like this?”
“How do you know all of this?” I ask.
“Cause Tech I know a lot of things. I also know who sent you that note as well. However I will not spoil who cause what would be the fun in that.” The voice chuckled.
“You're mad. Do you REALLY think ponies are just gonna sit down and let this happen?” I ask in anger. “Do you REALLY believe we won’t do anything to stop you? You’re gonna be taken down just like the rest we have stopped. You will not be a challenge and that I can promise.”
“We’ll see about that Tech.” The voice said still calm. “Let me ask you a question. Do you really think stopping your enemies is the best way to get rid of them?”
“I…” I began to think on how to answer this but this voice is right. “We do what we must even if it is...wrong.”
“Good now I know your true intentions.” The voice said with a laugh.
“What do you mean?” I ask
“You’ll find out in due time, now wake up your time has come.” The voice said and soon everything went silent.
===================================================================
I opened my eyes and saw a color of blue right in front of my face...two colors of blue. I think Vinyl is carrying me but I don’t know for sure. I speak up a bit. “V-Vinyl?”
“Morning sleeping beauty...well actually night.” Vinyl said with a smile. “You alright? You sorta passed out on the range.”
“Yeah fine.” I said quietly. “You know I’m surprised.”
“Why?” She asked
“You can carry me.” I said with a chuckle. “Now before you flip out I’m not saying you're weak I just thought I was pretty heavy.”
“Eh you're actually pretty light.” She said. “So can you walk now I’m tired of carrying you.”
“Yeah.” I got off her back and looked around. It was just me and her where did the other three go. “Hey Vinyl where’s Octavia, Twilight, and Rainbow?” I ask.
“Rainbow took Octavia to Canterlot faster cause her neck got worse and they want to take a look at it.” She said. “Twilight followed after her because she believed she could help so eh now it’s just us.”
I look up to the sky. “Why is it night time and why are we no where near closer to Canterlot?”
“Cause when you passed out we decided to make camp and relax a bit. You were out for quite a while man. Scared us all and that’s when Octavias neck got worse so they left. I stayed with you and you weren’t getting up so I thought I should take you to a hospital to help but eh you're fine now.” She ended that sentence with a smile.
I sighed and looked down at the ground. “Sorry..”
“Hey don’t worry about it but now you gotta do me a favor.” She said.
“Oh what’s that?” I ask.
She hopped on my back. “Carry me to Canterlot my hooves are tired.”
I look up at her on my back and smile. “You got it.”
She looks at me with a raised eyebrow. “No smart talk or anything? Man what happened to you.” She chuckled a bit. “Alright onward Tech to Canterlot.”
“Onward indeed.” I said with enthusiasm for some reason I was extremely happy. I couldn’t explain this but I didn’t care it was a good mood. Me and Vinyl laughed at my enthusiasm.
“Man whatever happened while you were passed out made you happy.” She said.
“I know it’s because...well I gained a lot of hope for us. I don’t know why since I pretty much lost it all in that dream.” I said. “However after I saw you and everything was alright I just brightened up and thought no matter what happens to us I know we’ll be able to push it aside.”
“You're so lame.” She said. “Well it makes me happy to see your happy side and not your lame, dull, I don’t care about anything side.” We both chuckle as I continued walking.
A couple minutes pass and Vinyl is asleep on my back. I kept a steady pass to Canterlot looking up at the clear night sky every now and then. I never expected me to be this happy in my life. All I wanted was to be alone, but after that dream I just wanted to see my friends more then anything. I see Canterlot not far away in fact I see ponies walking around. “We finally made it to Canterlot.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“Tech you’re here.” A voice said from my left.
I look over. “Oh Rarity hey.”
“How you doing darling? Twilight told me about you passing out.” She said in concern.
“I’m alright but I need hotel room so I can get this thing off my back.” I chuckle because I felt a soft punch from Vinyl.
“Follow me I’ll take you to a nice one.” She said.
“I’m gonna handle this whole mess soon.” I say to myself quietly.
“Oh by the way before I forget. Luna requested your presence a.s.a.p.” Rarity said.
“Luna requested me, why?” I ask.
“I don’t know but it must be important.” She said. “Anywho here is a hotel perfect for you two to get some sleep.”
“Perfect thank you Rarity.” I smile.
“No problem darling I’ll see you around.” She waves and walks off.
I wave and go inside the hotel. I walk up to the desk. “Do you happen to have a room for two?” I ask the pony behind the desk.
“Actually we only have single bed rooms right now.” The pony said in a deep voice. “We got packed for the musical concert that’s happening tomorrow. Hope it’s not a bother.”
“No it’s fine how much?” I ask.
“I’ll put it on the house for you guys for the inconvenience.” The pony said.
“Are you sure cause I can pay.” I said.
“No it’s good really here’s the room key.” He handed me a key.
“Well thank you sir.” I said walking to my room.
“Enjoy your stay.” He smiled and went back to work.
I opened the door to the room I was given. “Well at least it’s a queen bed more room for Vinyl.” I put Vinyl on the bed and walked over to the window. I look out the window and to the night sky. I sighed. “Who was that in my dream and why did he sound so familiar?” I ask myself quietly.
I look over to Vinyl who was sleeping soundly and smiled. “At least she's safe.” I say quietly and sit on a couch right by the window. I lay down on the couch. I turn my head so I’m looking out the window. I let off a small smile and close my eyes.
====================================================================
Morning came and sun shone through the window. I open my eyes and look out the window. “A nice morning…” I chuckle. “Finally some peace.” I get to my hooves and look over to Vinyl who is still sleeping. I slowly walk over to her and put my hoof on her shoulder. I gently start to nudge her. “Vinyl...Vinyl...wake up for me.” I say quietly.
“I’ll...wake up later.” She said trying to go back to sleep.
“What about Octavia?” I ask.
She flung up. “Oh right I gotta go see her.”
“Do you know where she’s at?” I ask.
“Yeah Rainbow told me before she left.” She said with a smile.
“Alright you go see Octavia I have to go to the castle.” I said making my way to the door.
“WHOA WHOA...slow down there, castle why are you going to the castle?” She asked.
“Luna requested my presence so I have to get there sometime today.” I said.
“Luna requested your presence why?” She questioned.
“I have no idea but I gotta go I’ll see you later.” I walked out of the room and made my way to the lobby. I was a bit angry today my emotions were all mixed I was happy now angry...what’s wrong with me? It was either the fact that I hated going to the castle or whatever that thing was in my dreams was actually getting to me. On top of all that I think that thing is the pony who sent me the note I received.
I just decided to brush off everything and get to the castle. Canterlot had a lot of ponies walking around this morning. Like more than usual I assume its for the concert but why is this one so special? Why am I questioning everything? I really shouldn’t be there was no reason to but it was like I was watching my every move.
As I was looking around some ponies seemed stressed and some angered. Some even gave me a glare which confused me. I see the castle not to far off in the distance. As I was getting closer I noticed an abundance of guards. Looks like it’s on high security for some reason. I glance over to my right and see what I didn’t want to see while I was here. My old house in which I lived with my parents.
It didn’t seem like my parents were home. No interruptions by them before I got to the castle good. I walked up to the castle doors. Two of the guards instantly pointed spears at me. “Whoa whats with the spear pointing?” I asked out of confusion.
“Are you mister Tech Wire?” One of the guards questioned me in a deep voice.
“Yes I am I heard Luna requested me.” I replied.
They both lowered their spears and the guard spoke up again. “Our apologies were on high alert as ordered by the princess. Please do come in Luna is waiting for you.” They opened the doors and I walked in.
High alert no kidding they must know what’s going on. I looked around the castle there were a lot of guards more than I’ve ever seen. New faces everywhere I looked...however some of them just by looks seemed they were trained more than any other guard. They all seemed ready for anything to happen. There eyes scanned hallways in the matter of seconds. Every three steps they would look back. It’s almost as if they're doing everything by a timing.
“Tech glad you could make it.” A voice came from behind me.
I turn around and see Luna. “Luna I’m glad I could make it to.”
“Heard you had a rough trip.” Luna said.
“How did you know that?” I question.
“I’ll explain things in a minute Tech now follow me.” She began to walk and I followed behind her.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“My quarters it will be a lot more quiet there.” She replied.
We reached her room and she opened the door. There were books on the floor and a messy bed. “Didn’t have time to clean?” I question.
“It’s been stressful Tech.” She said rubbing her head a bit. “Also its been a big headache. I have somepony bringing up tea if you would like some.”
“No thanks, so what is it you want to talk about?” I ask.
“Well about you and some other stuff which we will address in a minute.” She said quickly.
“You want to talk about me? I don’t thi-” I get interrupted by a knock on the door.
Luna sighed. “Who is it?”
“It’s me ma’am with your tea.” A familiar voice said.
“Oh good do come in.” She said with a smile.
The door opened and I saw a red tail come in. Not a ponies tail but a dragons tail. He pushed the door open and put the tea on the table next to Luna. He looked over at me and then left the room.
“That was-” I get interrupted by the door flinging open again.
“OH SWEET MOTHER OF NO WAY..TECH!” The dragon yelled.
“AEON!”
“Aeon what on earth are you doing here?” I ask.
“I could ask you the same.” Aeon replied.
“You know him Tech?” Luna asked.
“Well yeah. I kinda saved his life.” I said rubbing the back of my head. “But that’s not important, Aeon why are you here?”
“Again I could ask you the same.” Aeon once again replied.
“You saved his life?!?” Luna asked in shock.
“Luna please, conversation.” I said with a little sas. “Aeon explain to me why you’re here.”
“Well it sorta goes like-” Luna interrupts him.
“I’m sure you two will get enough catch up time later right now, Tech you and I need to talk.” Luna said. Aeon shrugged and left the room.
“Sorry I just didn’t expect to see him here.” I rubbed the back of my head nervously.
“Don’t worry about it.” She smiled. “Always good to see friends every now and then.”
“Glad you don’t mind. Now why did you need my presence I got to meet somepony soon.” I said bluntly.
“Well I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed already.” She sighed. “The red thread and the rocks.”
“I noticed them both and then I had this weird dream. Do you know who’s behind this?” I ask.
“Indeed we do. His name is Gransion.” She replied.
“Gransion? Well hes not winning any name contests anytime soon.” I sat down in a chair across from Luna.
“Indeed.” She let off a small chuckle. “On a serious note however let me run through some history of him that my sister told me.”
“Speaking of which where is your sister?” I ask.
“Busy in the crystal empire.” She said quickly. “I’ll get to that in a minute. Now as told by my sister Gransion has lived for thousands of years just as us princesses.”
“So he’s an alicorn?” I question.
“No. He is an earth pony with the capabilities of an alicorn.” My eyes widened a bit as she continued. “He was born from two alicorns that were happily married. He soon lost control and became what he is today.” She gave me a picture. I saw a brown pony with soulless gray eyes. “The red thread he uses is still unexplained to this day but our scientists are still trying to figure it out.”
“So were battling an enemy we hardly know?” I ask
“Pretty much.” She said nervously. “But look it here.” She pointed toward the picture. “See how he is bald. He used to have a mane and tail but he cut them off.”
“Why did he do that?” I ask.
“To hide his identity.” She replied.
“Do you have a picture of him with his mane and tail?” I ask.
“Sadly no. You would see a big difference.”
“So this is the pony were against. Seems easy enough any idea where he is?” I question.
“Again sadly no. However we are keeping our eyes open if we see him we will take care of him.” She replied.
I leaned back in the chair. “So you know everything he’s doing right now?”
“Yes we do.” She confirmed.
“Now as for your sister why is she in the Crystal Empire?” I asked.
“She’s in the Crystal Empire on ‘royal duties’ I guess you could say.” She replied
“Seems like your sister is hiding things from you again.” I said.
“I highly doubt it she’s just really busy.” She smiled.
I chuckle. “All right then if you need me give me a call.” I stand up to leave.
“Just a moment Tech.” Luna stops me.
“Yes?” I look back to her.
“Take Aeon with you.” She smiled.
“.....what? Are you crazy he could be in danger if I take him.” I say with a serious look of concern.
“I wouldn’t say that. He got trained by the royal guards while he was here I think he will be a good companion.” She smiles. “Now take him with you that’s an order.”
I sigh. “Yes ma’am.” I walk out of the room and grab Aeon in my magic.
“Hey whoa what the...oh Tech hey where are we going?” He asked.
“You are coming with me to Vinyl to see how Octavia is doing. Luna told me to bring you along with me so welcome back.” I said with a smile.
“Oh so I get to go with you to see your lover.” He said in a mushy voice.
I sigh heavily. “I don’t love her we just happened to be in the same train crash.”
“Suuuure.” He said sarcastically
“Don’t make me slam you in a wall.” I said bluntly.
“Sorry can you put me down now?” He asked nicely.
I put him down gently on the ground. “Sometimes I question you Aeon.”
“Hey I question myself so welcome to the party.” He said as we both chuckled. Its been a while since I’ve been with Aeon. A very long time. I wonder what happened to him and why he didn’t come back earlier or at least let me know he was here. Why do I always question these things in my mind.
“Tech...hey Tech buddy your phone is ringing.” Aeon points to my shirt pocket.
“Oh...right.” I pull out the phone and see it’s a call from Vinyl. I answer “Hello.” She sounded panicked.
“Tech dude you need to get here now!” She said.
“Whoa Vinyl calm down what’s going on.” I said calmly.
“Tech seriously hurry this bad very very bad get to the hospital as fast as possible!” She was still panicking.
“I’m on my way!” I hung up the phone and looked toward Aeon. “We need to get to the Canterlot hospital this instant hop on my back.”
“Oh boy action time!” Aeon said with excitement and hopped on my back. I ran straight to the door bursting it open. I run out to the road passing my old house looking toward it. I saw my mother in the window looking at me. She smiled as I ran past. I took a left at the road ahead running toward the hospital.
“There has gotta be a faster way.” I said in running motion.
“Umm tech you’re a unicorn.” Aeon points to my horn.
I stop running and facehoof. “I’m such an idiot under pressure.” I charged my magic teleporting me and Aeon in front of the hospital. I open the doors and Vinyl looks over to me.
“Dude glad you're here you gotta go see Octavia like now!” She tugged at my hoof.
“Alright, alright Aeon I’ll see you in a sec.” I said being pulled by Vinyl. “Vinyl what’s going on?” I ask.
“It’s Octavia and it’s bad. I told the doctors that you might be able to help.” She said.
“I have no training for this Vinyl and I have no idea what’s wrong with her neck.” She looked toward me when I said that. Just by her facial expression I could tell she wanted to do anything to help her. “But heck if I don’t try. Is she in here?”
“Yes she is.” Vinyl said with assurance. I opened the door and walked in.
“Well….that’s new.” Octavia’s whole neck was red and was glowing to a beat….like to her own heartbeat.
“Glad you could make it mister.” One of the nurses said.
“Tech Wire.” I said because obviously they didn’t know my name.
“You think you could help?” The nurse asked.
“Maybe…” I walked over to Octavia’s side and examined her neck. “I don’t see...wait a sec.” I looked on the right side of her neck. I levitated some tweezers over. “Look at this.” I gestured the nurse over. She came and looked at the spot I was pointing at.
“What on earth is that?” She asked in shock.
“I don’t know.” I replied. “But that seems to be the cause of the problem and I’m gonna try to pull it out.”
“Pull it out!?!” The nurse was shocked. “Are you sure that’s safe?”
“Nurse please no drama act. I’m not sure if it’s safe or not but if it’s causing her neck to do this then what else do we got?” I asked.
The nurse calmed down a bit. “Alright just be careful.”
“Indeed now hold her head steady while I do this.” I said. The nurse held her head gently to the side while I used the Tweezers to yank out a glowing substance from Octavias neck. Octavia began to struggle it seemed to be causing her some pain. I yanked a bit pulling out a rock wrapped in red thread. Small so it didn’t damage to anything inside her neck.
“That’s it?” The nurse said surprised.
“I think so.” I examined the rock and the thread. “With this we might be able to track him.” I said quietly to myself. I looked down to Octavia and her neck stop glowing and soon returned to normal. “Nurse no means to be the doctor here but you should probably patch up her neck.”
“Oh right.” The nurse grabbed some medical supplies.
I walked out of the room. “Vinyl she’s fine now.”
“You fixed her?” She asked still panicked.
“All better, happened to be a rock and some thread in her neck. It wasn’t very deep but it was logged that’s for sure.” I said. “On top of that it was too shallow to hurt anything so she just has a wound is all.”
Vinyl let off a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia she’s alright.”
I looked back and forth in the lobby. “Hey wait a second where’s Twilight and Rainbow?” I asked.
“Twilight couldn’t do anything...so her and Rainbow went back to where they're staying at here in Canterlot.” Vinyl replied. “She said leave it to the doctors but they were not making any progress.”
“Well glad I showed up then.” I put the rock and thread into my shirt pocket. it seemed powered down so I assumed it was safe. “I’m really confused about all this stuff.”
“What do you mean?” Vinyl asked.
“I don’t understand this red thread. I don’t understand how the magic is powerful from it.” I looked down. “On top of that I don’t know if we’ll ever find the pony behind all of this.”
“Tech relax man.” Vinyl put a hoof on my shoulder. “First off I’m sure this whole problem will get sorted out. Second you really got stop having these weird mood changes. You went from happy, to anger, now to confusion. Just relax and think.”
“You’re….right.” I actually couldn’t believe my own ears. Not saying Vinyl is stupid or anything but, shes never acted like this around me.
“So do you know who is behind this?” She asked.
“Yeah somepony named Gransion.” I replied. “I only saw a picture of him though that’s it.”
“Good when we find him we’ll pummel him.” Vinyl said with enthusiasm.
I chuckled. “That was kinda the idea anyways.”
“Alright I’m gonna go see how Octavia is holding up.” She smiled. “You just sit out here and relax.”
“I’ll stand outside need some air.” Vinyl walked passed me and into Octavia’s room. I walked out the front doors and looked up to the night sky. “What do you want?” I asked.
“Just to see how you’ve been.” A mare said. “Do you have a minute?”
I looked over. “Of course I do mom.”
CH 8: This is Who I'm Up Against
Me and my mom stared at each other for a minute. I could tell she was happy to see me, but she seemed hesitant. She kept a distance from me for some reason. However I didn’t want to dig into it.
“Mom you alright?” I ask.
“It’s...just been so long.” She replied.
“It has only been four years I’m sure you and him are doing fine without me.” I said bluntly. “On top of that where is he. I’m surprised he’s not with you this time of day.”
“He’s busy at work. You know him big guy and all that.” She said with a smile.
“I still don’t see why you stay with him.” I said trying to tug at her emotions a bit. There’s a reason why I’m trying.
“He’s nice when you're not around.” She replied.
“Cause he sees me as a sorry excuse for a son as I see him as a sorry excuse for a father.” I said sternly. I wasn’t holding back at all. Not even to my own mother.
“You know he loved you.” She said.
“If he loved me so much why did he treat me like trash?” I asked. “Why did he break all my inventions? Why didn’t you step in and stop him? Are you just to scared of him? Why didn’t you just give up on him after YOU SAW him treat me the way he did?” At this point I didn’t know what I was doing. I was literally trying to get her to her breaking point.
“Tech please calm down. He did all that stuff to toughen you up.” She replied.
“Are you serious?!?” I said with disbelief. “That’s what you believe seriously? Come on mother you know what he did to me in the past was wrong yet you take his side seriously. He’s nothing but a perfectionist. If something isn’t perfect he breaks it. Just like he broke me.” I seriously don’t know what’s wrong with me here.
“Tech I’m not on anyponies side here.” She replied. “I don’t enjoy what he did to you but lets be honest what could I have done? You know how powerful your father is.”
“I do...but it wouldn’t hurt if you at least tried.” I said.
“If you think I didn’t talk to him about it when you weren’t around think twice.” She said with a smile.
“I had a feeling you said something.” I said. “I’m telling you though you shouldn’t be with him anymore.”
“Tech it’s my life-” I interrupt her.
“And just like wires in a machine I run it. I know you taught me that.” I said.
“And you always liked that saying.” She smiled.
“Indeed I did.” I smiled with her.
“By the way why are you at a hospital?” She asked.
“Oh I just helped a friend with her friend. No big deal really.” I said.
“No big deal huh?” She said with a smirk.
“That fortune teller was right though.” I said knowing what she was smirking about. “A disaster did happen and I did survive.”
“You still remembered that’s sweet.” She said.
“I told you I would tell you if it happened.” I smiled.
“Indeed you did.” She smiled with me. “Now out of curiosity, who’s your friend?”
“Well three actually. Vinyl Scratch, Octavia Melody, and Aeon.” I replied.
“You know Octavia and Vinyl?” She asked.
“Like there music I assume?” I counter ask.
“Yes they're great musicians.” She said in excitement.
I chuckled at her excitement. My mother hasn’t changed a bit. Though like I said I’m surprised he is not with her.
“You know I really do enjoy seeing families back together.” A voice said from behind me.
I turned around. “Who are you?” I asked.
“Oh Tech didn’t you just meet with Luna about this.” The pony walked out from the shadows.
“Gransion!” I said in shock. “You're right out in the open you do realize that the princesses are on a search for you right?”
“I do indeed. However I won’t be here long.” He said.
“What do you want?” I questioned.
“The rock in your pocket.” He said quickly.
“Why do you need it?” I asked.
“Enough of the questions.” A red thread shot out of his back and wrapped around my hooves hanging me upside down in mid air. He slowly started walking toward me. “I’ll be taking what’s mine now.”
I was struggling to break free then my mother jumped in the way. “Mom what are you doing?!?” I asked in shock.
“You’re not laying a hoof on my son whoever you are.” She said standing her ground.
“Now see he has something that’s mine and right now you’re just collateral damage.” More threads came out of his back. Grabbing my mother and throwing her aside tied up. She hit a wall pretty hard. Maybe Aeon will come out.
My eyes widened. “I swear I will destroy you Gransion!” I said in anger.
“Ah ah ah. Lets not get angry Tech I just want what’s in your pocket.” He put his hoof in my pocket and pulled out my phone. “Whoops wrong thing.” He threw my phone over his head. He pulled out the thread and rock. “There it is just needed sometime to grow.”
I kept struggling trying to break free from his thread but I couldn’t. However he was close. “Hey Gransion.”
“Hmm?” He looked over to me.
“I got something else for you.” I threw my head back and then forth headbutting him in the chin as hard as I could. “I had two years on that phone contract.”
He jumped back a bit from the hit. “You know that actually hurt.” He wrapped a thread around my neck. “Just remember who has the power here.”
“I think that would be me.” A voice said from the right of me.
“And who might you be.” Me and Gransion both looked over. “Oh wait I know who you are.”
“Mr.Cell.” The pony said.
“Technic what are you doing here?” I asked my father.
“I came to see if your mother was here which she is.” He said. “And I can see you're hanging out.”
“Very funny, but you don’t stand a chance to him.” I said.
“You know your son is right.” Gransion said.
“Let me put it this way Gransion. One you messed with my wife. Two now you're messing with my son. Three you broke my son’s phone and that is just messed up.” My father said which put me in shock. I thought he never liked me. “Now put him down and go back to your hole that you crawled out of.”
Gransion smirked. “Do you really think I would listen to you? You’re just another pony that’s it. I’m far more powerful too much for even you to han-” My dad rushed at him and punched him, his thread released me and I fell to the ground.
I got to my hooves and looked toward my dad. “I thought you hated me.”
“What made you think that?” He asked which confused me.
“All the things you did in my past.” I replied.
“I was under a lot of stress and my perfectionist ways made me act like that.” He said. “You try running a business in a high economy while trying to take care of you and your mother without stressing about certain bills, having to worry about possibly getting shut down every day, and worry about a family that looks up to you.”
“Touche.” I said. “But you didn’t have to break my things.”
“Well I’m sorry.” He said with sincerement.
“Apology accepted for now.” We both looked over to Gransion. “Nice punch by the way.”
“Thanks lifting heavy machines everyday really pulls off some muscle.” My dad said.
“You two are cute.” Gransion said getting up with not a scratch. “I got what I needed so I’m leaving.” He teleported away. The capabilities of an alicorn lets him have magic to great.
“Coward.” My father said walking over to my mother.
Aeon came out of the hospital. “Tech you alright?”
“Why didn’t you come out sooner?” I asked.
“I froze up.” He said rubbing one of his arms. “I could feel his power it was unbelievable.”
“Mmm.” I look over to my dad untying my mom. I sighed and used my magic to untie her faster. “You’re welcome.”
My mother stood up. “Tech you alright?”
“Fine.” I said.
“You okay honey?” She asked.
“I’m fine as well.” My father replied.
Vinyl came out of the hospital. “Hey Tech…..what happened?” She asked after realizing the minor damage.
“Stuff Vinyl it’s fine. Anyways Vinyl this is my mother and father.” I introduced her.
“Your father huh.” She started walking toward him about to beat him up.
“Whoa whoa Vinyl wait.” I was holding her back.
“Let me at him Tech I’m ready to kick his big fat flank!” Vinyl said.
“Vinyl calm down.” I said. “Father mother I’ll be seeing you some other time. You two head home, get some rest.”
“That was the idea, come on Love Wire.” My father helped my mother up and walked off.
“Dude why didn’t you unleash on him man you should've totally-” I put my hoof over Vinyls mouth.
“Shhhhh Vinyl.” I said.
“Ummm that was a little creepy.” Vinyl said.
“I know now how’s Octavia?” I asked.
“She’s fine but there gonna keep her one more night.” She answered.
“Alright, Aeon.” Aeon came over. “Stay here and make sure Octavia stays safe.”
“Got ya buddy.” Aeon walked back in the hospital.
“They won’t leave him there overnight.” Vinyl said.
“Yes they will, he’s a doctor.” I followed up. “Now as for us lets go back to the hotel room.”
“Ummm dude you alright?” She asked.
“Yes fine, now come on Vinyl don’t want to be left behind do you.” I replied.
She listened and followed right behind me back to the hotel. The walk back was completely silent I wasn’t speaking, she wasn’t speaking. I didn’t understand the silence but it was nice to get some peace I guess. All though still stressful now that I know who I’m up against a bit it was still nice to have some relaxation. I opened the door to our hotel room and gestured for Vinyl to go in first.
I walked over to the window and looked out at the night sky. Vinyl crawled onto the bed and pulled out her phone. I looked over to her and smiled. I noticed I was acting weird after the small fight with Gransion and the small chat with both my parents. I’m not happy to see them but still what was I suppose to do? I can’t control where my parents live. Nor did I control this trip and now I’m here and pretty much ready to deal with anything.
“Tech you alright over there?” Vinyl asked.
I sighed. “Yeah..”
“Pressure getting to ya I assume.” She said.
“Sort of.” I replied.
We both went silent for a minute but she spoke up again. “Thanks…”
“For what?” I ask.
“For helping Octavia. Getting her out of all the stuff that happened...and thanks for helping me.” She said with a smile.
“No problem Vinyl...it’s what I do I guess.” I said.
She stood up from the bed and walked over to me. “Can you do me a favor man?”
“What’s that?” I asked.
She put her hoof on my shoulder. “Calm down.”
I chuckled. “I know.” We both smiled at each other.
She slid her hoof off of my shoulder. “Now lets get some sleep alright?”
“Yeah we should.” She walked to the bed and I walked to the couch.
“What are you doing?” She asked.
“Going to sleep?” I said confused.
“Not over there. Get your green flank over here.” She demanded.
“Vinyl I-” She interrupts me.
“No excuses over here now I know that couch isn’t comfortable.” She said.
I sighed and walked over to her. She laid down and I just stood there. “Vinyl I really should just sleep on the couch.”
“Lay down you flab biscuit jeez.” She said annoyed by me.
I facehoofed gently and just decided to lay next to her. I turned so my back was facing her. I didn’t understand why she wanted me to lay next to her all of the sudden but she did. I at least still had a window view. I always liked looking at the night sky. I smiled and slowly closed my eyes.
“Hey Tech?” Vinyl kept me from closing my eyes.
“Yes Vinyl?” I asked.
“You’re nervous right now aren’t you?” She asked.
“No Vinyl I’m not I just….I don’t know I normally sleep alone and that’s what I’m used to.” I replied.
“Okay just um makin sure.” She said.
I smirked without her looking. “You’re not nervous are you?” I asked.
“No I’m not.” She replied.
“I don’t know sorta sounds like it.” I said.
“Shut up dude.” She said and flipped facing me.
“Like I said before we got on the train don’t look at me to long you might go blind.” I said with a chuckle.
“Yeah yeah whatever.” She said chuckling with me.
I turned facing her. “Thank you Vinyl.”
“What why am I getting a thanks?” She asked.
“If I never came on this trip I would of never been able to make amends with my parents and trust me I didn’t plan to. Also this trip was starting out fun until Gransion ruined it.” I said.
“Yeah it was pretty fun up to the train crash. I’m just glad we survived.” She smiled.
“Indeed, but the other ponies I don’t know what happened to them.” I said.
“We’ll get em back no worries man.” She looked to my eyes.
“Indeed we will.” I smiled looking at her.
“I….ah don’t fight it.” She said while she hugged me.
“Vinyl why are you-” She interrupts me.
“Just sh and accept it.” She said.
I shrugged and hugged her back. “You’re scared aren’t you?”
“A little. After seeing what happened to Octavia and all those ponies I think my mind is now finally realizing this is bad.” She said holding me a bit tighter. “And you’ve been saving her and me for a while so now I just feel like...I need you.”
I smiled. “Don’t worry Vinyl I’ll be there for you.”
“That spawns another question why do you protect me so much?” She asked.
“I...you know I don’t even have an answer to that my mind just does it out of instinct.” I replied.
“Well whatever thanks man.” She buried her head into my chest a bit. “You don’t mind that I’m doing this do you?”
“No it’s fine.” I said. “Now lets get some sleep alright?”
“Alright good night Tech.” She said closing her eyes.
“Good night Vinyl.” I smiled and closed my eyes.
CH 9: A Little About my Past/ Game Plan
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.
Octavia, Vinyl and I walked out of the front doors of Canterlot castle. Aeon, Fluttershy and Rainbow came out behind us. Aeon hopped on to Rainbows back and they all three flew off. I let out a sigh and started to walk forward.
Vinyl grabbed my shoulder, “Tech uh this has your name on it,” She handed me a piece of paper.
“Another note?” I wondered unfolding it and reading the words.
Maybe leaving the castle isn’t such a great idea Tech. Think about it, Luna barely knows anything on Gransion, but Celestia knows a lot. Maybe you should wait for her cause on top of all of this, what if Gransion is not even after these so called “orbs” perhaps he’s after something else. It would be more wise to wait here for Celestia instead don’t you think.
Think it over Tech.
I sighed, “Vinyl….Octavia go to Ponyville without me.”
They both turned to me in shock, “Now why in the world would we do that?” Octavia wondered.
“Here,” I handed them a paper from my pocket. “I drew out a map for us to find the orb in Ponyville incase we got separated and now is that time so take it.”
“Tech w-” I interrupt her.
“Just go...I have another plan don’t worry,” I said.
“What about the rock on the way back to Ponyville though?” Vinyl asked. “There is no way the trains are active now and I don’t think me and Octavia would want to walk all the way there. So how are we gonna get to Ponyville?”
“Vinyl….why didn’t you bring that up before we got all the way out here?” I asked.
“Guess I should've huh, ha ha my bad,” she said with a smile.
“Vinyl sometimes,” I stopped my sentence short. “No no it’s alright I say we just wait here then.”
“Uhhh why?” Vinyl asked.
“I think it would be better if I wait for Celestia,” I said, “It would be better if we did that then go on a wild goose chase for an orb that he might not want. Plus I may have a lot of information on Gransion, but I never got his past plans from that book which would be good information. I know Celestia knows some of that information to.”
“Alrighty then let us do that,” Vinyl said.
I sighed and walked back into the castle. I stood silent and thought to myself. What if Gransion isn’t after these orbs, if that’s the case what is he after? Celestia may have answers that I don’t know about. I didn’t learn about Gransions plans in the book that was givin to me. In other words since I don’t know his past plans, I have no idea what he is up to now.
A guard bumped my shoulder walking past me. I turned to him, but he kept walking with Luna by his side. It looked like they were going to her room, wonder why. Anyways back to the subject. Gransion is a weird pony first off. His past is more confusing than my own. He looked different than he does now. I don’t understand his past really nor do I understand how he got this so called “curse” that lets him have his red thread capabilities. So when Celestia gets here that’s what I can ask her.
I look over to Octavia and Vinyl. Both of them were having a conversation about something. They were keeping it down for some reason, I wonder why? I looked out a window of the castle. Celestia was still maintaining her schedule of raising the sun as I could tell, guess it must be a habit by now. However Luna is keeping up with all the paperwork and royal business. Luna said Celestia was in the Crystal Empire….but how long is she going to be there?
I rub my head with my right hoof. “I’m giving myself a headache with all this thinking,” I said. “Vinyl I’ll be outside if you need me.”
She nodded in my direction and I walked out of the castle. Looking toward the sky I sigh. “Maybe it’s time for a family reunion, maybe I should go see my parents,” I said walking toward my parents house. I may have accepted my fathers apology but, I still don’t like him. Yes he’s my father and all, yes work related stress can do mysterious things to how ponies act to others. However how he treated me in the past is no exception. On top of that this could pass some time till Celestia gets here and the house is not a far walk from here anyways. In fact I can see it now.
I walk up to my parents door. I knocked on the door firmly and waited for them to answer.
My mother opened the door. “Tech...why are you here?” She asked me.
“I wanna talk for a bit,” I replied. “Settle things once and for all.”
“Well um come on in then,” she said with a smile.
I walked in and she shut the door behind me. “This place hasn’t changed a bit,” I said. Looking at all of the furniture. Same couch by the wall, same recliner in the same place, that little wooden table right next to the couch, and that nice round coffee table in the middle of the room.
“Well we kept everything the same since you left,” she replied. “Your room is still the same as well if you would like to go see it.”
I smiled when she said that. “A trip down memory lane wouldn’t kill me I guess,” I said with a chuckle.
She walked up the stairs and I followed behind her. Passing old family photos as we walked up the stairs. She opened the second door on her left and gestured for me to go in. I walked into my old bedroom and just looked around. Everything was the same ever since I left. All my broken parts that I broke myself so I could invent new things was still sitting in the same box I had since I was ten. My bed that I used to sleep in when I was sixteen is still here made all nice and the bookshelf still had my old books.
I let off a smile when I was looking at all of this stuff. My mother smiled as well, seeing me happy made her happy. I took a deep breath and looked toward her. “Where’s my dad?” I asked.
“He’ll be back any minute,” she replied. “He had to go pick up something at his office.”
“Ah I see,” I replied walking over to my old book shelf. I looked through all my books one by one. However one caught my eye, one that my mother used to read to me when I was really young. Pony of the Past, such a good fillies book. I pulled it off the shelf and started to look through the pages. Ah sweet nostalgia I was having in this moment. You’d think I wouldn’t be happy to be here in my parents house but, I was for some reason.
As I kept shuffling through the pages we heard the door slam open down stairs. “Somepony didn’t have a good day,” I said.
My mother looked at me worried. “He doesn’t slam the door open like that,” She said.
I looked at her confused then I heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. “Mother hide,” I said instantly. My mother walked into the room and hid on the other side of the bed. I looked around the doorway and didn’t see a single pony.
“Behind you buddy,” a voice said from behind me.
“Oh…..Gransion,” I said fed up with him.
“How you been my friend?” Gransion said with a weird smile.
“I don’t have time to deal with you right now Gransion,” I said.
“Well I see you got your past memories back,” he shook his head. “Though it won’t change the fact that this time I’m going to win.”
“A little over confident are we Gransion?” I asked him.
“Not at all Techy boy,” he said chuckling. “You may know about my past failures, but they didn’t show the way you defeated me in that book you know why?”
I sighed. “Because I never…..explained to the princesses how I did,” I said. “Since that’s the case I don’t even remember how. However that doesn’t mean I won’t figure it out now.”
“We’ll see about that,” he walked past me and stopped at the bedroom door entrance. “By the way I wouldn’t expect your father home for dinner.”
I looked at him with an over serious expression. “What do you mean?” I said in anger.
“Lets just say I payed him a visit before I came here,” He smiled. “And oh what a conversation we had,” he turned to face me. “And oh how it ended with him sitting in his chair, and still nopony has found his body.”
I’ve never been so calm before…..shouldn’t I be angry? “You…..killed him?” I asked.
“Pretty much but, that’s what you wanted right?” He asked turning to me. “You wanted him out of your life and out of your mother's life so you and her could be happy is that not correct?” He looked at me dead in the eyes.
“Gransion….” my horn began to have magic flow around it. “Yes that is what I wanted...for him to be out of my mothers life and mine. However I didn’t mean like that. Even for how terrible he treated me, he never treated my mother wrong. There was no reason for him to die, all I wanted was for him to leave….that’s all,” my magic instead of being wavy around my horn concentrated and went completely straight and glowed a lighter orange. Gransion just smiled at me.
“On top of all that,” I continued. “My father isn’t all bad and I believed him a little when he said it was stress related.”
“And now he’s gone and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Gransion said.
My eyes began to glow a bright orange. I felt my magic building up inside of me and it was starting to become uncontrollable.
“See this is what I needed to see, go ahead Tech unleash it on me,” Gransion was trying to get something out of me.
I backed up and shook my head. I couldn’t do this….whatever it is I was doing. I got on the ground and covered my head and eyes trying to calm myself down.
“Pff pathetic,” Gransion said. “And here I thought you were going to use your magics full potential. Looks like Celestia has left out some info on you again hasn’t she. Well whatever I’ll leave for now. See ya soon Tech hopefully the next time you can truly stop me,” he chuckled then left.
I was breathing heavily….my magic calmed down. I got a major headache in the matter of seconds. I tried standing up slowly….my legs were shaking, I barely could stand. My mother ran to my side and supported me.
“You alright sweetie?” My mother asked.
“You knew didn’t you?” I looked over to my mother. “You knew ever since I was born that there was something special about me,” She simply nodded. “I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright Tech I know you did your best,” she smiled at me.
“I didn’t want to drag you into this…..not like this….” I looked down at the floor.
“Hey you are not allowed to be down that is not how Tech Wire is,” she nudged one of my legs. “Come on now wake up, you still have to stop him.”
“Yeah of course,” I said. “Can you help me to the castle?”
“You sure you can make it?” She asked.
“Yeah I know I can, just get me there,” I looked back up. “And bring my box of parts as well. I need to talk with Celestia now.”
CH 11: A Heated Conversation
My mother and I arrived at the castle. Luna passed us as we walked in paying no mind to us at all. I saw Celestia in a hallway and pointed my mother to her. We got closer and I just spoke up.
“Celestia we need to talk,” I said still with my mother supporting me.
“Tech you’re hurt,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be better for you to rest?”
“My physical condition is part of the talk we’re going to have,” I said in return.
She stood silent and then cleared her throat. “Very well, what do you need to talk about?”
“Gransion and myself,” I put a hoof to my head. I got a sudden headache.
“Are you sure you can do this?” My mother asked.
“Please mom I can handle this,” I said frustrated. “Lets start with myself. Gransion came to my mothers house earlier and claimed to have killed my father. My magic began to go completely crazy, do you have an explanation for this cause it wasn’t in that book I read.”
Celestia’s eyes actually widened which surprised me. “I knew we didn’t cover everything in that book,” she let out a sigh. “Your magic is a very special type of magic. It’s hard to explain so I’ll try to keep it simple. You have a lot of magic inside of you Tech and when I say a lot I mean a lot. However your calm nature keeps it all suppressed.”
“So what you’re saying is?” I ask.
“You were about to have a magical overload due to your emotions,” she replied. “The reason being, your emotions. You were both angered and sad that your father was claimed to be killed.”
“Have I had this magic in me my whole life and past lives?” I ask.
“Actually this is the second time I’ve seen it out of you,” she said. “That’s why I am surprised. I didn’t expect this magic to be transferred back to your body again, me and Starswirl made sure of that.”
“You actually tried to prevent this….why?” I wondered.
“It’s dangerous Tech, very very dangerous,” she replied. “This magic is something that me and Starswirl had never seen before when it happened the first time. It can be uncontrollable and if it’s aggravated the wrong way...you could destroy something big.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I’d rather not say to be honest,” she replied. “It would put you for a spin and you would be scared to get angry. We don’t want that now do we?”
“I’m already in a spin at this point and I don’t understand anything right now!” I said angered. “What does Gransion even have to do with me anyways why don’t you stop him so I can go back to normal?!”
“Tech calm down,” my mother said.
“I’m not going to calm down,” I returned. “I don’t want to be apart of this nonsense that I shouldn’t have to be apart of! On top of that, Celestia why am I the only one who can stop him anyways? You and Luna are both alicorns so how about you stop him and stop dragging me and my family into your business!”
Celestia took me by her magic and got me face to face with her. “Tech, look me straight in the eyes right now. Don’t say a word, don’t move, and don’t interrupt me. Your needed because of your magical capabilities. That’s what stopped Gransion in the past. Those three victories were by the same Tech that had these powers. Me, Luna, and even Starswirl were barely a match for him. Your past self came around and helped defeat him like a breeze.”
She dropped me to the ground. “Do you now understand why you are needed?”
“Yes ma’am…” I said struggling to get back to hooves. My mother ran to my side and supported me.
“All we know is that the magic you have can’t just be mastered by training,” Celestia said. “It comes naturally but it needs something to make it master.”
I thought to myself while she was talking. “Wait….if it’s the same Tech that defeated Gransion three times….that means that Tech lived for one hundred and twenty years or more even.”
“To answer that, we saw to it so that would be the case,” Celestia replied. “He was literally our only hope then, since Luna and I didn’t have much power and capabilities as we do now.”
“There’s a lot of spells you know for keeping a pony alive,” I said. “How come you know so much?”
“They are forbidden spells Tech and only my sister and I know them as well as Starswirl,” Celestia answered.
I stared at her for a second not saying a word. She pretty much answered all of my questions and now it makes sense why Gransion doesn’t want me in the way. She kept reviving me into a new body as a precaution, but Gransion never attacked until now. Though I still don’t understand Gransions reason for attacking so late into the future. I pretty much know what I have to do now.
“Alright mother let us leave,” I said.
“You sure honey?” My mother asked.
“Yes….I’m positive….thank you Celestia,” I said looking toward her.
“No problem at all Tech. You can use the room I made you use when you stayed here last time,” she smiled and soon walked away.
I kept a straight face as she walked away. My mood was nothing...purely no emotion at all. I gestured for my mom to go to that “room” she told us to go to. My mom knew exactly where to go. I stayed in this room that were heading to when Celestia and Luna were helping me with my magic. When I was a small colt my magic was sporadic I guess you could say. I couldn’t control it very well and now I know why. I didn’t expect to have enough magic in me to destroy something “big” as Celestia would say. However this explains why I’m on good terms with the princesses.
My mother brought me into the room and placed me on the bed. She smiled and began to leave the room. “Mom where are you going?” I asked.
“I forgot your box of broken parts,” she laughed nervously.
“Mmm I see well go get them,” I layed my head down and she left the room closing the door behind her. I looked at the ceiling and closed my eyes. I wasn’t thinking about anything, I wasn’t wanting to go home and get back to my normal life, I didn’t even want to put Gransion on my head. All I was doing was laying there. It was weird to me because usually I’m freaking out about something or thinking about something, but now I just didn’t care. I just came to the realization that this is my life.
As I was about to drift to sleep I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door with my magic, but I didn’t say a word.
“Hey…” Vinyl said.
I looked over to her “Vinyl...hey.”
She shut the door behind her and walked in. “You alright man?”
“Yeah I’m fine,” I answered.
She sat at the end of the bed and looked at me. “You don’t seem fine.”
“I’m fine Vinyl just exhausted,” I replied.
“That’s still a problem though,” she said.
“Vinyl do you have something important to tell me or not,” I said bluntly.
“Whoa dude calm down,” she replied. “I’m just here to make sure you’re alright.”
I sighed and looked back toward the ceiling. I knew Vinyl was confused with my actions but I really wasn’t in the mood. She looked at me with concern and confusion. “I’m sorry Vinyl I’m just not in the mood for literally anything right now.”
“No worries man,” she smiled. “You get all healed up and stuff, we got a pony to stop.”
I looked at her with her determination. I’m surprised to see this from her of all ponies. Well I guess I shouldn’t be….it’s Vinyl after all. The only pony I’ve seen that I can’t seem to predict. I laid my head back down to face the ceiling and close my eyes once more. I felt her leave the bed and leave the room. I’m glad I’m with ponies who can understand me. I don’t talk to many cause I’m just a pony like that. Though I’m never afraid to meet new friends.
I take a deep breath “well Gransion here’s something for ya…..” I raised my hoof into the air. “You’re going down.”
I laid with my eyes closed. I wasn’t sleeping cause I couldn’t. I still had a headache and it just wouldn’t go away. I assume I’m recovering with the whole magic thing. I slowly began to rub my head hoping that would sooth my headache. I sighed and opened my eyes, looking at the ceiling once again. Something actually just came to my mind as I laid there. Who has been writing the notes? I never questioned that cause I just assumed it was someone I could trust.
I sat up and swung my legs around and sat on the side of the bed. I should’ve been asking this question a long time ago. Yes the notes helped, but who has been writing them? I can’t think of anypony that I know that knows me well enough to write those things. I only told so many ponies about everything about me …..only seven for that matter. Out of the seven though none of them would write that stuff without plainly telling me. They’re my friends after all I highly doubt any of them would be doing this.
My mom came in through the door with my box of parts at this moment. “Sorry I’m late sweetie,” she said.
“No it’s fine,” I replied. “Why did it take you so long though?”
“Well I went to get your box and here that is,” she put the box in front of me. “Then I went to the tool store here and picked you up a tool box. You need tools to build things after all so I got you everything you need.”
I looked around but I didn’t see any tool box. “Okay well where is it?”
“Oh a royal guard said he’ll bring it up for us,” she smiled.
“I see,” I looked out the open door and heard wheels coming this way. “Ummm how big is this toolbox anyways?”
“Trust me you’ll be surprised,” she said I now realizing she was sweating like mad.
“Mom you better not of hurt yourself lugging that thing here by yourself,” I said concerned.
“I’m alright honey,” she sat next to me. I saw a red box come in through the door. This toolbox was the size of my dresser that I have at home. Thank Celestia it was on wheels.
I sighed “mom how much was this thing?”
“Uhhh nine hundred and forty two bits,” she said.
I rolled my eyes “I’ll pay you back later.”
“No worries honey it’s all yours,” she said. “See it as a gift. Plus it has every tool you would ever need to work with electronics and stuff. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of use out of it.”
“I’m sure as well,” I replied. “Thank you mother.”
“No problem at all, you be good now I’m going to walk the castle,” she said.
“Aren’t you tired?” I asked.
“Not at all that pumped me up I need to get this energy out,” she replied chuckling.
“Alright well be safe,” I said.
She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. I didn’t mess with the tools or my box yet, I’ll need magic to do that and I’m not sure if my magic is ready to be used yet. I started to rack my brain however. I wanna know who has been writing those letters. I’ve never seen the hoofwriting before. I looked up toward the toolbox and saw a piece of paper. My mom must of left the receipt behind. She keeps those things all the time so that’s weird. I stood up and picked up the piece of paper. I unfolded it and figured out it was another note.
“Another one of these things huh?” I said to myself. I let out a sigh and began to read.
You wanna know who I am don’t you? I guess I can’t keep the secret any longer. I ask you one thing when we meet though. Please don’t hate me. I just…..I’ll explain when we meet okay it’s a stupid reason and you’re probably gonna hate me for it. I just wanna say now I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. We will meet near the forest cave of Canterlot, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t keep me waiting I’ll be there.
See you soon.
...Where did all of this sympathy come from? Especially from this note writer. I sighed and stood up. My strength seems to have returned, thank Celestia I was tired of not walking. I open the door to my room and leave shutting the door behind me. I began to head to the front doors of the castle. I was still confused though, none of this made sense. Out of no where this pony gets all sympathetic on me. Then again a lot of the things I’m dealing with don’t make sense so I guess this shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
I open the front door of the castle and shut it behind me as I walk out. I look over to where I’m going and see a cloaked pony. The pony runs into the forest, that must be who I’m after. I walk after the pony cause I assume it doesn’t want to keep hiding from me. I see the pony walk into the cave as I pass a bush. I kept my pace following behind this pony.
We reached the end of the cave and out into a secluded forest. Weird I thought this was the cave to the forest that I always went to when I was young. Apparently not, I look to the pony standing in front of me.
“Alright enough running,” I said. “Who are you?” The pony stood silent as if it was thinking. It’s back was turned to me so I couldn’t see it’s face. “I won’t hate you I promise I can’t absolutely hate somepony.”
The pony turned around and whispered loud enough so I could hear. “You promise?”
I sighed “of course.”
The pony took a deep breath and grabbed the top of the hood it was wearing. Slowly taking it off and revealing…..herself.
“I-i you…..of all ponies you?” I said actually in shock.
“Y-you’re mad aren’t you?” She asked.
“....Vinyl why?” I wondered. “Why wouldn’t you just tell me those things?”
“I...I just couldn’t,” she replied. “Everytime I say something smart like that you always have to say something like ‘wow Vinyl you used your brain for once’ it just makes me feel stupid. So I just thought why not make up letters and stuff so he would listen for once and hip yay hooray you did.”
“Vinyl I was just messing with you,” I replied. “I don’t mean that stuff.”
“I know you don’t but when you do you just stop listening to me,” she said. “If I said all that stuff without writing notes you would just brush it off I know you would.”
“Vinyl…” she was right that’s what I would normally do. Even before this trip had started that’s what I did. “Wait the first one I heard a voice how was that pulled off?”
“Dude I’ma dj for crying out loud changing vocals and music is like my job. I just pitched down my voice,” she replied.
“You got a point….regardless Vinyl you should've told me,” I said. “Way sooner than now. Plus how did you know all that stuff?”
“What do you mean?” She asked.
“Well I mean they were constructed so well. Also I’ve seen your writing it’s not that elegant,” I’m being brutally honest here.
“I can actually answer that,” she started to kick up some dirt. “I actually act dumb, I’m really smarter than I let on. I use a bad writing style for fans and stuff so I can use my actual hoofwriting for stuff like this. It’s all a cover so I don’t get a whole bunch of publicity and stuff. I don’t want to be seen as a super intelligent girl who has perfect hoofwriting. I want to be seen as a laid back dj and nothing else.”
“Why haven’t you explained this to me before?” I ask.
“Same exact reason I just said,” she replied.
“If you told me sooner we wouldn’t be having this problem,” I said.
“I know that….now I do,” she said looking down to the ground.
I looked at her silently. I had no idea what to say...she was my friend. I didn’t know she had these capabilities and why she wouldn’t tell me is still a mystery. I wasn’t mad, I wasn’t glad, I simply didn’t care. “Vinyl lets go back to the castle.”
“Wait what?” She said both confused and shocked.
“Come on we’re wasting time out here,” I replied turning and walking toward the cave we came through.
“W-w-wait do you forgive me?” She wondered.
“There is nothing to forgive,” I replied.
“What do you mean by that?” She asked.
“Why do you keep asking question?” I said annoyed.
“Well you usually forgive or say you're sorry,” she replied. “This is weird coming from you.”
“Vinyl I don’t care that you’re writing me those letters anymore I’m over it,” I said. “You should be too at this point it means nothing now.”
“Whoa…” she was stunned which didn’t surprise me whatsoever I just kept walking. “You are like very serious.”
“Yeah I am what a surprise now lets get back to the castle please…” I said. “However thank you.”
“Uhhh for what?” She wondered.
“For being honest and also letting this whole note writer thing off my plate,” I replied. “Makes my life easier and now my only target is Gransion.”
“Well then no problem,” she said.
We ended up at the castle minutes later. I walked back to my room and shut the door behind me. I looked at my box of parts and the tool box in front of me. I then looked at my hoof. “Oooh that’s an idea.”
CH Finale: I Hope This is the End
Three days after the note writer…..
The sun was shining on my face, I opened my eyes slowly and looked around the room. I took a deep breath and lifted my head from a table. I looked down at the machine I was building these past three days. It seemed to be complete, but I don’t know for sure. I guess I should though since I built it….anyways, I turn it on and look over to my toolbox. I try to use magic to bring it closer to me, but couldn’t. I tried as hard as I could but couldn’t do it. I smiled and shut off the machine.
“My plan is coming together,” I said to myself. I heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”
“Hey you said you needed me?” A blue stallion entered the room.
“Yes I do,” I smiled. “Here put on this watch on, I made us each one.”
“Um alright but what’s this about?” He asked me.
“This is so I can give you the signal,” I said. “You can do this for me right Caizo?”
“Of course I can!” He replied. “So what’s with the box there?”
“Oh this is a magic cancler pretty much,” I replied. “I’m gonna set up a nice comfy place to put Gransion with this in it. He won’t be able to use anything of his to escape and I don’t feel like fighting so that’s why I want to outnumber him.”
“Clever as always man,” he said giving me a friendly punch in the arm. “Alright I got to get back to work. Cya later bro.”
“Have fun man,” Caizo left the room and I picked up the machine. I walked out of the room and shut the door behind me. I turned to find Celestia but bumped into Luna instead.
“Oh sorry Luna didn’t see you there...where’s your sister?” I asked.
“She’s taking a nap right now,” she replied. “Need her for something?”
“Actually yes, but I can ask you instead,” I replied. “You mind if I borrow one of the dungeon cells?”
“Uhhhh,” she seemed confused. “Why exactly would you need one?”
“Just wanna make a nice comfy home for Gransion when we get him,” I said.
“I see well go ahead then,” she replied. “Make sure it’s in the darkest corner though.”
“As you wish princess,” I replied. She walked passed me and went to her room. Luna seemed distant, but I had no idea why. I shrugged it off and went to the dungeons. I went into the far back and found an open cell. “This’ll be perfect, I can use this,” I said to myself.
“Forget something?” A pony said from behind me.
I turned around and saw my toolbox. I sighed “thank you Vinyl.”
“No problem man, I saw you leave without it,” she smiled. “So what ya doin?”
“I’m setting up a cell for Gransion,” I said. “Now that you are here you can actually help.”
“Coolio what can I help with?” She wondered.
“Stand outside of the cell and I explain in a minute,” I said. I put the machine in the middle of the cell room. I pulled the toolbox closer with my magic. I pulled out a wrench and other various tools.
“So what are you doing anyways?” Vinyl asked.
“I’m setting up a radial distance for this thing so it only affects the room and nothing else,” I replied.
“Ah sweet,” she said. “So what does it do?”
“Cancels any kind of magic pretty much,” I said.
“Interesting how does it even work?” She wondered.
“Well I asked my brother if h-” she interrupts me.
“YOU HAVE A BROTHER!?!” She said in shock.
“Oh yeah I never told you,” I replied. “Yeah he’s currently apart of the royal guard. I don’t talk about him much.”
“I can tell...are you two close?” she asked.
I sat silent for a second. “Heh we used to be the closest of two brothers...after he joined the royal guard, we kinda stopped talking to each other for a while.”
“Oh uh sorry I didn’t mean-” I interrupt.
“No, no it’s fine can’t keep secrets about that anyways,” I said. “Plus we talked this morning and he’s gonna help us so it’s good.”
“He’s gonna help sweeeet,” Vinyl said.
“Alright done,” I said standing up.
“You were messing with the thing the whole time?” She said confused.
“You’d be surprised what I can build while I’m talking to ponies,” I replied. “Now try using your magic from out there.”
She used her magic perfectly “its working.”
“So far yes,” I said walking around the cell trying to use my magic. I couldn’t use it in any corner of the cell. Only when I passed to the outside of the cell door I could. “It’s working perfectly.”
“Right on man,” Vinyl smiled. “So this is where Gransion is gonna go?”
“That is correct Vinyl,” I replied. “Once we find him that is.”
“And you sure your plan is going to work?” She asked.
“Positive,” I replied. She stood next to me silently. I looked over to her, she didn’t look back. “Vinyl is there something bothering you?”
“No…” she replied.
“You sure, cause you can tell me if something is,” I said.
“Nothings bothering me Tech no worries,” she replied and walked away.
She seemed frustrated for some reason. I followed behind her closely. “Vinyl I can tell you’re frustrated...why you won’t tell me what it is, is well a mystery.”
“I’m fine dude, seriously…” she seemed unsure when she finished that.
“Vinyl I-” I get interrupted by a guard running in.
“Tech Wire sir, princess Luna demands to see you this instant,” the guard said.
I looked over to Vinyl...she simply motioned for me to go. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “Alright I’m on my way,” I replied. “Vinyl I wanna continue this later.”
“Yeah, yeah whatever,” she replied and walked away.
I sighed and began to follow the guard to Luna. Vinyl is not telling me something and I know it. What it is however that’s what bugs me. She usually doesn’t keep secrets from me excluding the whole acting dumb thing. The guard stands aside and gestures me to go forward. Luna was, in the library? That’s new, never talked with either of the princesses here. I opened the library doors with my magic and looked over to see Luna at a desk.
“Catching up on studies?” I asked her.
“OH Tech….don’t sneak up on me,” she giggled. “No just reading some stuff I used to read when I was young.”
“I see, so what did you need me for?” I wondered
“We found Gransion,” she replied.
“You found him?” I was confused. “And I thought he was like hidden, huh that was easy.”
“Actually where we found him is quite weird,” Luna said. “He is just outside of Whitetail Woods.”
Whitetail Woods…that’s somewhat near where the train crashed interesting. “Alright so if he’s there we just gotta go get him,” I said.
“Yes that is the pl-” Luna was interrupted by the doors slamming open. A guard came running in with sweat pouring off his face.
“Princess Luna we have a huge emergency,” he said gasping for air.
“Explain,” Luna replied.
“There’s a bunch of red rocks spreading throughout Canterlot!” He said.
Luna’s eyes widened…”Get every guard we have and get every single pony to safety now!”
The guard nodded and left. I stood in disbelief….Gransion was getting serious. I nodded to princess Luna and ran out the doors. As soon as I got out the doors A red rock sprung up from in front of me. “Wh-what the?!?” I was confused but ran passed it as fast as possible. I saw Vinyl and Octavia trying to get out through the front door.
“Come on you stupid door!” Vinyl said banging on the door.
“That isn’t gonna work Vinyl, do it right,” I said running toward the door at full force. I bashed straight through it and landed on the ground. “Nnnng…..dang.”
Vinyl and Octavia helped me up. “Careful what you do Tech,” Octavia said in concern.
I looked up and saw red rocks everywhere. Picking up ponies one by one and teleporting them somewhere. “This isn’t magic…” I said under my breath. “It….it can’t be.”
“Tech snap out of it we have to get out of here!” Vinyl yelled.
I got to my hooves and looked around for a clear path. Rainbow Dash came from above us.
“You guys need some help?” Rainbow said with confidence.
“That would be nice,” I replied. “Is there a clear path for us?”
“Dude,” she pointed to her forehead.
At first I was confused but then I got it. “I’M A UNICORN DUH!” Why do I keep forgetting this? I charged up my magic and teleported us three outside of Canterlot. I looked up and saw Gransion above Canterlot. “He can fly to! Is there anything this pony can’t do?”
“Great now we need his attention,” Vinyl said.
“Not really we need to get to where he was found,” I said. “Which is just outside of the Whitetail woods.”
“Okay well that’s a good plan,” Octavia said. “But how on Equestria are we going to get there?”
“Maybe we can help with that,” A pony said from behind us.
“Twilight?” I assumed.
“That’s right,” Twilight confirmed. “We can help get you there as quick as possible.”
“Don’t mean to doubt your abilities Twilight, but how are you going to get us there?” I wondered.
“Through the thing that got you guys here in the first place,” she said. “A train.”
“You’re kidding right?” I said. “All the tracks that can get us to the Whitetail Woods have been blocked by one of those red rocks.”
“Where were going we don’t need tracks,” Twilight said confidently.
“So let me get this straight,” I replied. “You’re saying we take a train…..A TRAIN off tracks and through stuff like it’s nothing?”
“Yup,” she said.
“You’re insane,” I said.
“Not entirely,” she replied. “We’ll be able to do it, you just gotta trust me.”
She was smiling….she was serious…..were all gonna die by this mare. I face hoofed “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, fine lets do it.”
“Good glad you agreed now follow us,” the six girls walked passed us.
“We are so dead,” Vinyl said and Octavia nodded in agreement.
“We’ll be fine I’m sure,” I said actually unsure about what was about to happen. I shook my head and followed Twilight and her friends. I swear she’s crazy but eh she’s made plans like this before. They didn’t fail then and I sure hope they don’t fail now. Wait now that I think about it, this doesn’t seem like a plan she would make.
“Twilight whose plan is this?” I asked.
“It’s Rainbows,” she replied which didn’t surprise me.
“Alright well Rainbow how are we gonna move this train without tracks?” I asked.
“I got some help,” she replied.
“And who did you get?” I wondered.
“She got me,” a deep voice said from behind me.
I turned around “DAD!!!” I was shocked he was killed….wasn’t he?
“Don’t be so shocked,” he said chuckling. “Do you really think I would go into my office by myself with no other ponies around. Nah of course not, I set up one of my robot decoys to get what I needed.”
“But I overheard a guard the other day saying they found….well blood,” I said.
“Not blood, colored water with and a whole lot of vinegar and powdered sugar.,” he said.
“You changed the density of water so it was thick enough to be blood?” I said. “That is the most clever thing I’ve ever heard of. WAIT you had a water powered robot?”
“That is correct,” he replied. “And it worked didn’t it?”
“Indeed it did….mom will be relieved,” I said. “Alright but you’re just you, how can just you help?”
“Listen son I don’t go alone to jobs,” he said. “I brought my strongest workers here with me. Were gonna yank this thing like you’ve never seen before. Also we customized the train for land travel.”
This is literally one of the smartest ideas I’ve ever heard and Rainbow came up with it. I’m impressed by Rainbow. She’s smarter than I thought, I need to stop judging ponies by what I see.
“Okay well if you’re gonna ‘yank’ this thing,” I said. “Even with the number of workers you have there is no way we’ll be able to move fast enough. On top of that we don’t know where anymore of these red rocks could be.”
“Worth the risk son,” my dad said.
I shook my head. “Risk or not, even if we make it we might be too late.”
“You gotta trust me,” he said.
“You’re asking a lot when you ask that,” I replied. “That’s like asking me to-” I get interrupted.
“As much as I would love for you to have a family moment we’re wasting time with this conversation,” Vinyl said.
“You’re right,” I said. “Lets just do this if we’re gonna do this.” Me, Octavia, Vinyl, and the mane six all got on the train. It was a small train so we’ll be able to move fast. I guess that’s a good thing, but I highly doubt we’ll get there fast enough. The train started to move and it started moving quickly. I look out one of the windows and see….ten workers and my dad. He wasn’t kidding when he said he got a bunch of workers. He’s also acting differently he wasn’t as serious as he always is.
“Tech you do have a plan right?” Octavia asked.
“I do...and we don’t have to fight if I can pull it off,” I replied.
“That’s good I don’t feel like fighting anyways,” Viny said from a distance.
“Vinyl…” I muttered.
“Yes dad?” She said being cocky.
“I still wanna finish our conversation,” I said.
“Oh relax will you jeez,” she replied. “I’m fine I told you, now get off me dang.”
I sighed and looked out one of the windows. A hill was coming up. “Dad you do see the hill right?!” I shouted at him.
“Yeah I do I would brace for….well going down hill,” he shouted back. “IT’S GONNA GET BUMPY!”
The train started to go down the hill. The ponies pulling this train would have to keep a steady hoof all the way down or they’re finished. I hope my dad realizes this. I feel a bump hit one of the wheels of the train. I look out the window and look back. Thread….red thread….great.
“Dad you gotta move faster!” I shouted.
“If I do we could get in even more trouble!” He shouted back.
“We got rocks sprouting up behind us and they’re trying to attack the wheels!” I said.
“HOLD ON TO SOMETHING THEN!!!” Him and his workers began to run as fast as they could. We were at an uncontrollable speed.
“We’re gonna die!” Rainbow said.
“Calm down we’ll be fine!” I said. “Just hold on to something!”
Everyone of us held onto a wall. This is gonna end one of two ways. We make it safely or have a very rough landing. Suddenly the trains back end flipped up.
“Hold on tight!” I yelled. “This might hurt a bit!” The train landed back on the ground and we kept moving. I looked out the window and saw my dad and his workers were alright. I rub my forehead from the sweat that was pouring down it.
“Well if we’re gonna die I need to do something first,” Rainbow said.
“And what exactly is that Rainbow?” Twilight asked.
“This!” Rainbow picked up Twilight and kissed her. All of us looked at them, everypony was in shock...except for me….it was kinda obvious. Rainbow stopped kissing her and put her back down. Twilight was in shock and Rainbow was in relief. I guess that made her feel good.
“R-r-rainbow why on Equestria did you just do that?” Twilight said still in shock.
“Reasons,” Rainbow replied nice and short.
Twilight still sat in shock. I have a feeling she’s gonna be like that for a while. The road suddenly flattened out. The train started to very slowly, slow down. I looked out the window again and looked behind us. No more rocks or threads were chasing us. I think Gransion was actually trying to stop me. Have I actually started to how you say throw a wrench into his plan. Ha it was about time he started getting mad.
“Alright...we're safe,” I said.
“We are?” Rainbow said.
“Yup,” I replied.
“Alright…..Twilight forget about what just happened,” Rainbow said.
“Trust me I won’t forget that,” Twilight replied.
“Dang it,” Rainbow said as everypony chuckled other than myself.
Okay so if I’m correct we went down a hill near Canterot. That being the case, we’re now in woods. Which means we’re at the base of the Unicorn Range. That also means were getting closer to the Whitetail Woods. I’m impressed this route that were taking was obviously planned out.
“Hey Rainbow can I ask you something?” I asked her.
“Uh yeah go right ahead,” Rainbow replied.
“Did you plan this route?” I said.
“Yeah I did,” she said. “I tried to find the fastest route and I did didn’t I?”
“Yes you did I’m impressed,” I replied. “Nicely done.”
Rainbow blushed “pfft it was nothing.”
I rolled my eyes and sat down. I closed my eyes and began to think to myself. I really hope my plan works so I don’t have to fight. I understand Gransion is powerful and all but what I’m doing he would be a fool not to back down. The train came to a sudden stop and we all fell forward. I was at the bottom of the pile….of course I was.
“Whoa what happened?” Vinyl wondered.
“I have no idea,” Twilight said.
“I feel a hoof against my flank,” Rainbow said.
“That’s mine silly,” Pinky said.
“Y’all think we should get up now?” Applejack wondered.
“I second what Applejack just said,” I said. “GET OFF OF ME!” All the ponies got up including myself.
“Sorry about that darling,” Rarity said.
“It’s fine,” I said as I opened the train door. “Dad what happ…...ened…” We were staring at a huge building unlike any other. Made entirely of stone and glass. In fact there were glass tubes containing some red energy of sorts flowing into the building and into a machine. I think we found Gransions place but, how did we miss this? It’s huge like unmissable but we missed it. On top of that what is Gransions obsession with red.
“Well I guess we go in now?” Vinyl said.
“Yeah….” I said. I opened the door to the building and walked inside with the others behind me. I pressed a button on my watch that I invented. We heard doors slam open from up the stairs. Now I just realized all the portraits of Gransion on the walls. This guy if it wasn’t obvious before, is insane.
“Tech my friend so glad you could make it,” Gransion said from the top of the stairs. “Have you come here to stop me yet again? Or do you even have plan in general?”
“I have plenty of plans Gransion,” I said. “And none of them involve fighting.”
“Please don’t make me laugh, you’ve got nothing up your little sleeve there,” he said...actually angered. “Do you really think you stand a chance really! I never heard something….so…..comedic!” He lifted his hoof and stomped on the ground causing a shockwave. “You obviously don’t know ANYTHING about me!”
“Gransion…” I tried to speak.
“Shut up, I don’t want to hear it…” he said. “I’m tired of it Mr.Wire, I’m absolutely tired of it. If you truly think you can stop me then do it! Just don’t leave without these ponies,” he tapped the wall and a bunch lights came on. Revealing pony after pony tied to a wall by red thread.
“Gransion…” I said again.
“I’m using them Mr. Wire,” he said. “I’m using them for their capabilities. Earth ponies strength, pegasus flight, and unicorn magic. No not to power me up, but for something I want back.”
“And what is that?” I asked.
“That…..is none of your business,” he replied shooting a thread at me.
I moved out of the way and looked over to him. He was….sad...but why? I can’t just let him do this though...I can’t. “Gransion talk to me, what is it that you’re trying to do?”
“You’ve tried this before...you can’t trick me into this Mr.Wire,” he replied. “I’m going to finish this plan,” the orange markings on his body began to glow. “And you are not going to stop me….not again.”
“Gransion….I already have,” I said.
“What?!? how?” He was actually shocked.
“This place is surrounded by royal guards now….just look outside the window,” I said.
He turned his head, “...........” he stood silent.
One day before this incident.
“Caizo I need you to surround Gransion with all the guards you got,” I said.
“Really?” He said. “I can do that easy no problem at all.
“That’s why I like you being a royal guard,” I chuckled. “Anyways I'm making a watch so I can give you the signal.”
“Sweet I like it," he replied. "Alright I’ll be ready when you need me.”
Back to now.
“Gransion you don’t have to do this I can help you,” I said.
“WHOA HELP HIM!” Vinyl said in shock, I motioned my hoof to her to stand down.
“Help….me?” Gransion said confused.
“Yes,” I replied. “Whatever it is you want back I can help you achieve it. Gransion I know there’s another way for you to do this and you know it as well. You don’t have to do this anymore Gransion just ask for help, you know you need it.”
“......I don’t need your help,” he says. “I don’t need your help, I don’t need anyponies help. In fact at this point you can’t stop me. None of you can stop me, I’ve already finished what I needed to.”
He’s done….he’s lost it, I raised my hoof that had my watch on it. “.....move in.”
On that signal all the royal guards from the outside of the building swarmed in. Surrounding Gransion holding spears to him. He stood there silent head facing down. Vinyl came up beside me and put a hoof on my shoulder.
“Y-you tried to help him?” She said still shocked.
“Cause I remembered Vinyl….but what he is after I don’t remember,” I replied. “However there is another way for him to do this, without all these ponies and he knows it. This is just the easy way for him to do this.”
The guards grabbed Gransion and began take him to Canterlot Castle. When Gransion walked passed me he said something “.....Zahra,” he continued to walk past me.
I looked over to him...Zahra, that name sounds familiar. Why would he bring a random name up?
“Wait did we just win?” Octavia said confused.
“Yes….yes we did,” I replied.
Everypony was already cheering….I stood silent. For some reason I couldn’t be mad at Gransion. I know why he was doing this but I don’t know what he was going to achieve.
“Hey Tech you wanna help us out or what?” Rainbow said.
I turned around and saw them taking ponies out of the thread. “Yeah I can help,” I looked over and saw a release switch near me….why Gransion needed that I have no idea. I pressed it and all the ponies came out of the thread. So many familiar faces were in that pile but I had a promise to keep. I looked around for one pony imparticular.
Then I found her….Bon Bon. “Bon Bon you alright?” I asked.
“Y-yeah fine,” she said holding a hoof to her head. “I don’t believe we’ve met who are you?”
“I’m Tech Wire….Tech for short,” I replied. “I have a promise to keep so I got to take you back to ponyville.”
“Umm okay what kinda promise?” She said confused.
“A good one just trust me,” I said.
“If you say so,” she said.
“The rest of you can handle...well rest of this right?” I asked.
“We got it covered man,” Vinyl replied. “See ya at home.”
“Good luck,” I said. I left the building with Bon Bon and began to walk toward Ponyville.
“We have to walk all the way there?” Bon Bon said kinda annoyed.
“No I just need to get close enough so I can teleport,” I said. “And that isn’t too far from here so no worries.”
“Alright good,” Bon Bon smiled. “Thank you Tech.”
“Don’t mention it,” I replied. We walked a for few minutes in complete silence. I guess this was the end, I guess it was finally over, however….Zahra. That name sounds so familiar but I can’t think of why.
“Are we close enough yet?” Bon Bon asked being impatient.
“Oh yeah we are, sorry I spaced out for a second,” I replied. I charged up my magic and teleported us just outside of Ponyville. “Come with me.”
“Right behind you,” she replied.
We made our way to her house. I was still lost in thoughts. First why did Gransion give up so easily, second why does Zahra sound so familiar….and third Ponyville wasn’t attacked? I just noticed that now, why wouldn’t this place be attacked? Maybe we got to him fast enough….I don’t know my mind is gonna fizzle if I keep thinking like this.
We arrive in front of Bon Bons house. Bon Bon opens the door and I walk in behind her. “Lyra come down stairs,” I said.
“WHO’S DOWN THERE I GOT BAT!!!” Lyra screamed.
“It’s the guy who made you the promise,” I said. “Come down here already.”
Lyra slowly came down the stairs and saw Bon Bon. In the matter of seconds they were already hugging and Lyra was crying in joy. I smiled watching this, I walked over to the door to leave.
“Wait!” Lyra said.
I stopped without turning, “hmm what is it?”
“I need to thank you somehow,” she said.
“Lyra watching that hug was a thank you for me,” I said. “Don’t worry about it….it’s what I do.”
“But I-” I interrupt.
“Just enjoy yourselves,” I said. “I just want to go home at this point I’ll see you two around.”
“Alright….bye,” Lyra said a little disappointed. I shut the door behind and began to walk back to my house.
“Are you happy Mr.Wire?” a familiar voice said.
“Aeon I don’t have time for your games,” I replied.
“Dang I tried to scare ya to,” he said jumping onto my back. “Ah but you’re the same old you and that’s what I like.”
I smiled, “I assume you’re coming home with me?”
“That’s correct man, can’t handle those ‘high standards’ of Canterlot anymore,” he chuckled.
I chuckled to and continued to walk home. I don’t know what to think anymore. Yeah we stopped Gransion, yeah we saved like a lot of ponies, yeah his magic is canceled and all of the red rocks are vanishing. However he was after something and I assume it has something to do with this Zahra….I wish he would of let me help him.
I arrived at my house and opened the door. I flicked on the lights and slid Aeon off my back. “It’s been awhile since you’ve been here last,” I said to him.
“Yeah I know but right now I just want some sleep,” Aeon yawned. “I’ll just crash on the couch like always.”
“Alright goodnight Aeon,” I said.
“Goodnight Tech,” he said covering himself with the blanket on the back of the couch.
I walked upstairs and opened the door to my room. I closed it behind me and flopped onto my bed. “I guess it really is over….finally,” I closed my eyes…...
Four years later
Aeon, Vinyl, Octavia, and I were sitting in my living room talking.
"I'm glad you guys came to visit," Aeon said. "Daddy Tech won't let me have friends over."
We all chuckled, "oh shut it Aeon you know I don't care," I said. It's been four years since that final day and I still remember everything. I still think about it even and Zahra is still on my head to this day. I wonder if they still care...I highly doubt it they're just laughing and talking.
"Hey Aeon I've been meaning to ask," Vinyl said. "How did you and Tech meet?"
"I'm quite curious to," Octavia said.
"Oh this story," Aeon said.
"It's a very long story," I said. "Aeon would you like to tell it from the beginning?"
"You don't care?" Aeon said confused. "You usually don't let me tell this story."
"Go for it they have the right to know," I said.
"Alright I'll tell ya,"
