Augmented Realities

Fractal slowly opened the door, and stepped inside. The door creaked as it closed behind him. None of the lights were on, and no sounds were heard. He crept forward, seeking for any sign of habitation. The only thing that was present in the room was books. Books on shelves. He sighed exasperatedly, and released his grip on the sword on his back. He knelt, removed his helmet, and closed his eyes.

Magic began to flow, and he searched the auras present in the area. Hers was here, but it was faint, as if she hadn't been here for a day or two. The dragon's was here too, but more present. In fact, it seemed he had only left within hours. Fractal shook his head, and began to open his eyes. As he did so, a power overtook him, battling with his mind. Fractal, surprised as he was, still was able to resist the force, setting up barriers in his mind.

Eventually, the power ceased, and fled. Fractal concentrated, and captured a small piece of it before it could completely escape. He studied it for a short time before standing again. "I know this aura," He whispered, "Everyone's in danger." He quickly searched the rest of the library for any further clues. Finding nothing, he raced out the door into the streets of Ponyville. He stood in thought for some time, then raised his head to look at the sun.

The sun blazed as it ever had, and Fractal determined the time to be about 11 o' clock. Not much time remained. He lowered his head, and started his way back home, trying to think of some plan of action. He had an hour before he would be taken to Canterlot, and he needed to think of a plan.

"Why is it that Shining Armor is the only one that remembers me?" Fractal asked himself, seeking for an answer. "They would be thorough, if it is them that are doing this." He removed his helmet, placing it on his dresser, and he paced. Locks of black hair fell in front of his eyes, and his silver streak reflected the light shining from the window. "Where are the six? A wedding, but no one told me where."

"It is inconclusive." He sat on his bed, holding his head in his hands. He raised his head again, looking about the house. "Silent! Are you here?" He called out. No reply. Fractal frantically searched his house, finding nothing so much as a note. Silent Aria was not here. He sat, finally happy for once today. Silent was unknown to his enemies, it seemed. His daughter was safe, luck finally entering his day.

A knock came through the house, causing Fractal to go on alert again. He silently made his way toward the door, grabbing his helmet and placing it on his head. He checked his clock, reading the time as 11:55. It seemed the Royal Guard was early today. He opened the door, instead seeing Derpy standing there.

"Derpy?"

"Hey there, Fractal." She smiled at him, and waved, "May I come in?"

Fractal shook himself from his surprise, and smiled, "Absolutely." She entered, and turned toward him. Fractal looked out the door before closing it. He turned back and spoke first, "You remember me?"

Derpy laughed, "Of course I remember you! How could I forget the guy that saved Ponyville?"

Not sure which time she referred to, Fractal chuckled, "Of course. I should have thought of that." He sighed. "Nobody else remembers me though, it seems."

She looked at him as best she could, and nodded. "I noticed. But only after you helped me remember."

"What? Helped you remember?"

She nodded again, "I didn't remember you until you thanked me for the letter I delivered."

"Do you know why you forgot me?" Fractal motioned her to sit, which she complied to.

"No, but I think it had something to do with the strange looking guy that went into Twilight's library yesterday."

Fractal was about to ask another question when he heard someone yell, "Come out Fractal Blade, or we shall come in after you!"

"Derpy, hide in here until they leave." Fractal stood and looked out the window. His house was surrounded by Royal Guards.

"What's going on?" She looked concerned, and tried to look out the window. Fractal grabbed her and pushed her away from the window.

"If you are seen, you could be in danger. They are here for me."

"Okay..."

"Hide until they are gone." Fractal looked her in the eyes, and she nodded.

"Okay." Derpy's voice was quiet, and she complied. She hid in the other room of the house, closing the door behind her. Fractal turned the handle of the door leading out side, and breathed slowly, calming down. He needed to save his adrenaline. He swung the door open, and stepped out into the noon light.