Year 2308, 1150 Hours, Emerald Falls Youth Academy, Emerald Falls, Planet Mars

Vega

Three years have passed since I had revealed my secret to Auriel. In those three years, our perspective on the world changed dramatically, due to the knowledge I had been gaining from Belecruu and Twilight. Within those three years, I had become top in my combat readiness class, along with speaking Tallakan, and Psyonic sciences. Over the course of that time, Twilight and I had taken the necessary precautions In an event of emergency to rip a one way portal to Equestria, along with stashing several borrowed weapons, some of my invention and other useful tech in a pocket dimension that she taught me to create.

Auriel and I had decided to go to our usual hangout for lunch; The library. Sitting in the most secluded section, the both of us researched anything that could give further understanding on the Nether realm. Books were piled high between the us as we read everything from 21st Century Occult, to Ancient Sumerian Religions; none of which had an inkling of info on the Nether.

Sighing in annoyance, Auriel pushed herself away from the table as she closed the final book of that pile. "Nuquam... Ego can non reperio quisquam in Nether." She said with a huff, getting a smirk from me.

"Lustus iens habeo ut credo meus daemon." I replied with a shrug as I focused my mana onto the pile of books before us, levitating them back to their rightful places. Black lines began to form around my hands, as the Arcane circles appeared on the tops of them.

"Um Vega... Vestri vestigium es ostendo..." she said in a hushed tone. Realizing what was going on, I immediately reached into my pocket and fished out a pair of black Moorg leather fingerless gloves, and placed them on, covering up the markings.

"Gratias ago vos meus amicus" I replied with a sheepish smile as I got up from the table and stood beside her. "So what now?" I asked grabbing my book bag.

"Well, we head to our next hour classes." She replied matter o'factly, only to have me shake my head with a smile. This garnered a look of confusion on the young teen girl as she collected her things. "Did I say something funny?" She asked, a hint of confusion clear in her voice.

"No, It's not that. It's just you've seem to have forgotten that we have a free period together." I said smiling. "What I meant was, what do we do now since the library's a bust?" I explained, slinging the book bag over my shoulder.

"Well, we can always talk to Mr. Zerran..." She replied timidly, tapping the tips of her index fingers together while looking at the floor. The display, only made my heart flutter, as it was too cute to not smile. Seeing my reaction, only caused her to blush lightly, as she hid behind her long bangs. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She squeaked.

"Cuteness... Overload... Oh goddess why?!" Was all I could sputter out before collapsing to the floor, clutching my chest in a mock heart attack. I quickly felt a spike of pain as Auriel kicked me in the ass. A couple of seconds pass, and the two us burst out laughing. Of course our merriment didn't last as the librarian shushed us.

"So why don't we go and see Mr. Zerran? He should have this period free" She asked, helping me to my feet. I simply stood there for a few moments pondering the idea, then shook my head no.

"He has enough on his plate as it is. Perhaps we could head to the office and take a few hours off campus." I suggested with a shrug. "Maybe even go visit my aunt Terresa for a bit. I know how much you enjoy her cooking." I added with a wry smile, getting her to roll her eyes in response. "So, is that a yes?"

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Twilight

Three years had passed since I had made contact with Vega, and I must say they were the most successful years yet for me and the rest of Equestria. Thanks to the knowledge I had gained from him, Equestria had advanced technologically by fifty years. Medical science advanced as well, bringing Equestria to a technological golden age. Upon Vega's request on one of our previous meetings, he had me bring Princess Luna to speak with. Turned out better than how it began, as she immediately attacked him after spotting Belecruu. Being that it was my mind that was hosting them, I was able to separate them long enough for him to explain to her his relationship with the Daemon.

Many revelations were made in our short time as it turned out the whole reason behind Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, was because she too made a deal with a daemon. Turned out from what information Belecruu provided, the daemon was named Mitali, the deceiver. All in all what happened was, Luna let the Daemon into her body, and from there Mitali took over and locked Luna away in her own mind. As to what happened to her, Belecruu assumed that it was the elements of harmony that banished her and freed Luna. After several unmarked hours within the Psygick box as Vega called it, him and Luna seemed to have jumped straight to business, and by the end of it the two became mental pen pals.

I was sitting in the library reading over the newest schematic that Vega had sent me. From what he had explained, it was for collecting energy from the sun via special panels that absorbed sunlight, and from there could be hooked up to your home's power grid to power all electronic devices. It still amazed me, even after three years of advancement, Vega had plenty more to share. All but military weaponry and advancement. I could understand, seeing that Equestria isn't warlike, unlike the minotaurs and griffons. It was much to Princess Luna's disappointment that he wouldn't share but still was happy for the more practical advances.

After reading the schematic over for the tenth time, I placed it in my desk with all the others before getting up and heading outside to hang out with the girls. Apparently there was a magician in town giving a show. Stepping outside, I could already hear the excitement as all the citizens had gathered, along with the arrogant voice of the mare preforming.

"I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians: anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!?!" She said as Twilight made her way to the front of the crowd to be with her friends. What happened next was completely embarrassing for both Rainbow Dash and Applejack as the Azure mare made a mockery of the two. And despite Spikes constant insistence for me to show Trixie a thing or two, I didn't want my friends to hate me for showing off.

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1230 hours, Sugar Cube Corner, Ponyville, Planet Equis

"Come on Twi, you could have wiped the floor with her!" Shouted Rainbow Dash in annoyance. "I mean, one spell, and she would have been sent packin!" she added slamming her fist on the table for emphasis.

"Ah' gotta agree whit Dash on this one" Applejack added as she leaned back in the booth the six of them were sharing. "Ah' mean what's the problem? Yer plenty powerful, hay, you're Celestia's student for Pete's sake!" She said getting the others to nod in agreement.

I sat there silent for a few moments before getting up from my seat. "I have my reasons" I replied meekly before turning to leave. "I gotta go and... do some stuff." I said with some hesitance, but with a flash of light, I teleported out of the bakery before they could ask what. I found myself in the middle of the library, and quickly made my way to the basement. I was due for another meeting with Luna and didn't want to be late.

Opening the door to the sub level of the literal "Tree House", I casually descended the stairs. Upon entering the lab, basement, conference room, whatever you wanna call it, I channeled my magic into the circle i had burned into the floor. Immediately my consciousness was sent all the way to Canterlot, where I found Luna in her Dream scape. She normally would be asleep at this hour, but that doesn't mean i can't chat. After connecting with her mind, I spotted the Lunar diarch in her favorite dream. She was sitting on a grassy hill overlooking a waterfall, illuminated by nothing but moonlight. I quickly made my way over to the princess and took a seat beside her.

"How fare thee, Twilight Sparkle?" Luna asked, not looking away from the sight before us, a soft breeze causing the grass to ripple, and catching our manes.

"I could be better..." I replied keeping my gaze upon the landscape before me. "But that's not important." I quickly added before turning to look at Luna. She gave me a look that said I'll find out soon enough, then gave a nod to continue "Vega has sent another set of blueprints to me, and from what he explained, the technology will allow us to collect energy from the sun to power electronics and other appliances" I said with a toothy smile. Luna had to stifle a giggle from my clear adorkableness.

"We see. How is our friend Vega?" She asked clearly more interested in the Hybrida, than in the potential of these Solar Panels could have. I simply shrugged it off and remembered What Vega had told me.

"Well tensions are high between the Terrakian Republic, and the Council of Allied Races." I replied getting Luna's full attention. "As far as what Vega had told me, it would bring them into a new age of intergalactic brotherhood." I added casually. this seemed to get luna to smile, which after these last few years had been a common sight for me and Vega.

We had chatted for the next six hours, which outside the dream scape, was more like two. Deciding it was time to go, I broke off the connection. Almost instantaneously, my consciousness returned to my physical shell. I was met with a brief spell of dizziness, before getting to my feet. That's when i heard the roar.

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Vega

1230 hours, Alba House, Emerald Falls, Planet Mars

'......Scientists have confirmed that the expedition fleet is now on their way back from planet Arachnia, With confirmed reports of life on the seemingly barren world. More at 2100 tonight.' The Shiv News Anchor said over the holo-screen as Auriel and I enjoyed one of Terresa's freshly backed pastries as they lounged back on the couch. Neither of them know why, but it's always something about Terresa's cooking that makes it more desirable. And In other news, tensions are high, as peace talks with the Tarrakian Republic take place here in the Parliament building of New Alexandria.....' He droned on, as the three of them now had their eyes glued to the holo-screen.

"Oh... my... I hope peace can be made between our peoples. We really don't need another war" Auriel said as Terresa and I continued to watch the news. Grabbing the remote, she upped the volume, as Terresa collected their plates and brought them to the kitchen.

'....This is Hannah Fisher, reporting live from parliament . As you can see behind me, the Tarrakian ambassador is now entering the structure to meet with the Council of Allied Races." the reporter went on as crowds of Human, Shiv, and Hybrida could be seen behind her in front of the Parliament building awaiting the news of the council's decision. Even though me and the others were five hundred miles from the city, we too could feel the excitement.

Glancing at the clock, it read 1245 hours. I slowly rose from the couch, much to the other two's dismay and switched off the holo-screen. "Well, I figure it's time we head back." I said with a light yawn as he stretched. Several sickening pops could be heard, as several vertebrae slid back into place making me sigh in content. Thanks to the combat readiness classes, it sometimes left me all kinds of messed up, ranging from bruises, to dislocated body parts.

Giving our final goodbyes to my aunt, Auriel and i quickly made our way to the transit station, from where we would catch a ride back to the academy. It didn't take long for the both of us to reach the station as it was only a few blocks away from my aunt's. The two of us talked about what ever really came to mind, mostly about the prospect of new allies, and possibly new students to attend the prestigious academy. Not much was really known about the Terrakian people, so it really excited Auriel to learn their culture and history. I simply wanted to learn more about these potential allies, or if shit hit the fan, enemies.

As time passed, the cab that would take us to the academy arrived. Me being the gentleman that I was opened the door for my best friend and allowed her to get in first. The trip was quiet as we listened to the radio on the news of the Parliament peace talks. The both knew it would be hours till they reached a decision, but the anticipation of hearing what their decision is was too much for the two and of us and the driver. Upon arrival, I paid the driver his fare along with a generous tip for getting them back before we were missed by our teachers.

Turned out that all classes were cancelled due to the history being made between the four peoples. Students and teachers went about talking about the possibilities they could learn from them. The academy was a buzz with excitement that hadn't been seen in over 28 years when contact with the Shiv had been made. That was till the power went out.

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1305 hours, Emerald Falls Youth Academy, Emerald Falls, Planet Mars

Everyone had froze, as the power was cut. Students stood there wondering what was going on as teachers began following protocol, which consisted of sending the students to their rooms till the problem was fixed. It wasn't the first time they had a power outage, but it was a first to find that the back up generators and back up generators for the back up generators were not responding, bathing the whole academy in darkness. Hybrida and Halfbreeds such as Auriel and I, had no problem seeing in the dark, but for the Shiv and humans, that was a different story. I, along with others of my kind took it upon ourselves to lead the sightless to their dorms till they could get this power problem under control.

Leading a group of students that belonged to my floor to their rooms, I found that I was really enjoying having an advantage over the others when it came to night vision. Navigating through the halls was a slow and arduous task as several of them kept bumping into each other or into other obstacles that they failed to look out for whenever I warned them. Didn't stop me and the others from laughing at their difficulties, which were received with crude finger gestures and curses.

After five grueling minutes of cussing, running into objects, and more cussing, the emergency lights came on.casting the hallways in a dim orange glow. Able to see clearly, the human and shiv students made their way to their rooms without anything to impede their progress. I on the other hand decided to go find Auriel and make sure she made it to her dorm alright. The halls were pretty much empty at that point, so crowds were not an issue.

Walking down the labyrinth of halls and stairwells, the emergency lighting gave the academy an eerie feel, as if something wasn't right. I had only gotten half way through the main building when I heard it. There was a high pitch shriek from one of the girls that attended. It was close, and I could feel chills run up my spine as I stood there frozen with fear. The daemon in my mind simply laughed at me for the display, which only unnerved me further. The shriek was sudden and brief, which in my experience, meant trouble. Quickening my pace, I rounded the corner to one of the stair wells when I finally saw the source of the scream.

At the top of the steps sat one of my classmates, slumped over and facing in away. Slowly making my way over to check on her, I froze as the student began to speak, or in this case sing.

"The itsy bitsy spider, went up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out..." She sang slowly in a low tone, that was really freaking me out. Recognizing who it was, I slowly approached her, remaining extra cautious, as she continued to sing. Her name is Jade, and we shared a class together in Advanced Psyonic Sciences.

"Jade, are you alright?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear as i went out to place a hand on her shoulder. Her singing stopped as soon as my hand made contact. Slowly turning, she kept her face looking towards the floor as she started standing up.

"I am now Vega..." She replied with a giggle. Without a moment's notice, the student known as Jade pounced, knocking me to the floor, her weight pinning me as she brought her lips towards mine in what seemed to be an attempt to kiss me. This of course wasn't the case as she opened her mouth wide to reveal eight, nine inch long legs pulling it's way out.

Stranger Danger! Stranger Danger!The Daemon cried out in my mind. In an attempt to shake her free, one of my many contingency plans came to the front of my mind. It had been one that served e well over the years back at the orphanage. Making a fist with my right hand, I proceeded to punch her and the thing in her mouth as hard as I could. Being in Combat readiness,I knew i could hit damn hard, especially when scared shitless. There was a sickening Crunch as my fist dislocated Jade's jaw, knocking her off. As quickly as possible, I scrambled to his feet, adrenaline now pumping through my system as my mind entered the most primal of instincts, Fight or Flight.

The Creature formally known as Jade cried out in rage, slack jawed from the punch. She as well gotten back to her feet and started charging at me. Arcane Lines glowed across my body as instinct and training took over, and as soon as she gotten within three feet, Jets of white magical fire engulfed her. She didn't have time to scream, as she was reduced to a pile of ash. Only one thought went through my mind at this point. I gotta get to Auriel before these things do! As I took off down the hall, disturbing the ashes on the tiled floor.

Not even concerned about having killed one of my classmates, I sprinted down the halls as more screams and cries for help could be heard. Pushing all other thoughts from my mind, I focused on the task at hand. So I'm gonna guess and say that Contingency plan Alpha-Theta Niner is in effect. Right? The Daemon asked as i continued to climb the stairs to the sixteenth floor.

"Yeah... You have the address?" I asked, sprinting up the stairs, climbing three steps at a time. Those things, what ever they were, just had to cut the power. More screams filled the air, as I climbed. My tattoos were glowing with arcane power, as I finally made it to the women's dormitory. Without missing a beat, I focused my manna, and blasted the heavy wooden door off it's hinges. There was a crunchy splat, as the door impacted the wall smashing one of the spider-like things immediately followed by several female cries of rage. Turning to his right, he spotted eight of the thralls charging at him.

Kill them. Save the halfbreed Belecruu growled inside my head. They're no longer their selves. Obeying the daemon, I met them head on, snapping a front push kick to the lead thrall's chest. Immediately on impact, I could feel her ribs shatter. The force of the kick, aided with magic, sent her flying back, and into her friends knocking them down. Using what time he had left, he slashed at the air with an open hand, creating a tear in the fabric of space. The thralls quickly got back to their feet and let out a high pitched screech as I reached into the rift. Again the girls charged, what ever part of them that was left, now gone. As they closed in, I felt the cool ceramic titanium grip of a GSM-40C Rail assault carbine.

You see, a few years back, Auriel had the bright idea of stashing many military weapons, armor, and equipment in a pocket dimension. This being a military academy, we had the perfect source of military equipment, along with several projects I had saved.
As soon as they were within hands reach, I brought the weapon to bear and let loose a three round burst from the assault carbine. three rapid bangs could be heard along with the sound of brain matter and alien spider thing painting the walls.

Three more bursts followed, as the mag rail rounds ripped through them like wet tissue. Shards of bone, brains, and chitinous plating painted the halls, and within a couple of seconds, it was over. Adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I sprinted down the hall crying out for Auriel. Never in my years at the academy, have i ever been too her room. I guess today is my lucky day.

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Auriel

1325 hours, Emerald Falls Youth Academy, Women's Dormitory, Emerald Falls, Planet Mars

I could hear the screaming, even through the thick walls. I sat against the door, covered in the blood of my roommate. Well, at least what use to be my roommate. I Watched as that... Thing, forced it's way into Denalii's mouth.

I tried to help her, as she convulsed on the floor briefly. But by the time i could do anything, she attacked me! I could feel her claws dig into my shoulders as she forced herself on me. I tried to reason with her, but whatever that thing was had already taken full control. I grabbed the nearest object within reach, and... stabbed her in the eye with a pencil. So here I am, covered in the blood of my friend, weeping in the corner like a child. That was when i heard the report from a automatic rifle.

Four bursts of three. Although muffled by the thick walls, I could hear the sound of someone calling my name. It kept getting louder as he repeated himself. After the fourth time, my eyes widened when I recognized the voice of Vega. Slowly, I got to my feet and made my way to the thick oak door that separated me from the hallway.

Oh thank Selene! I thought as fresh tears streaked down my face when i opened the door. I found myself looking down the barrel of a gun, and Vega was on the trigger end. My hopes dashed as quickly as they rose. For about three seconds the two of us stood there in silence. Finally, he lowered the rifle as we both let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank Selene you're alright." Vega said wrapping me in a rib crushing hug, as fresh tears streamed down his face. "How did you know it was me?" I asked in my usual small voice as tears freely flowed from from my own eyes as well.

"Well one, you didn't attack me, and two..." he said pointing at the body of Denalii. "Also your behavior hasn't changed." He added turning to scan the hallway for more of those... Things... After a few more moments of silence his hands ignited with white mage fire as he created another rift in the fabric of space and time. Even after three years, it still amazes me what he can do.

Reaching into the rift, he pulled out two suits of MRC Assault Armor, Paladin variant, which Vega had designed for a project. The suit is made up of a carbon nano-weave fiber which makes up the underlay of the armor, making it flexible, yet tough enough to stop a .223 ballistic round. The outside is plated in a titanium ceramic alloy with depleted uranium as a catalyst. I'm no metallurgist, so i can't explain how it's made. The Helmet is made up of the same stuff, and features a built in Heads Up Display, rebreather, and motion sensor. He even went through the trouble of adding experimental jumpjets. Overall, an impressive piece of equipment created by a teenager in human standards.

We both wasted no time, putting on the suits, as we went over what were were gonna do. Apparently Vega had a number of contingencies made up, and this was one of them. Trusting his judgement, the two of us made our way to his room, where an inert spell was set up after collaborating with the Equestrians. Well Twilight and Luna.

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1330 hours, Town Center, Ponyville, Equestria, Planet Equis

The town was being razed, as a massive, and clearly pissed off Ursa attacked the inhabitants. Many homes were collapsed, some with families still inside, as the bear rampaged. Twilight and her friends were doing all they could to save everypony, and lead the monster away. But all their attempts to stop it were futile, as it seemed intent on killing an Azure mare. That mare Happened to be Trixie.

As Twilight tried to focus on a spell, she was nearly knocked on her ass from a massive magical surge from the outskirts of town. Every Unicorn in town felt it, even the Ursa paused for a moment. That was when an explosive went off in it's face dazing the monster. Moments later an armored figure sailed through the air, streams of exhaust trailing behind it as it landed between Trixie and the giant space bear. "Engaging hostile..." The Armor clad being said in a deep synthetic voice that would only seem to fit in one of Vinyl's mixes.

The Ursa now free from it's daze roared in rage as it found a new target. Lifting it's massive paw, it swiped at the new threat, only to miss as it rolled out of the way, and back to it's feet firing at it with what seemed to be some advanced weapon. The beast Howled in pain as pieces of metal were embedded into it's face. The Ursa tried again to swipe at the being, but it was too fast as it fired it's jetpack, sending it straight up.

Twilight and the others watched in awe, as their mysterious savior battled the Ursa. There was a loud Crack! as another wound blossomed on the bear's left side, followed by a small jet stream coming from the town hall belfry. Following the trail before it dissipated the Mane six Spotted a second Armored figure. None spoke as their attention was returned to the battle at hand. he first figure landed atop one of the ruined homes before firing on the Ursa once more. Once again, it roared pain, as the Electromagnetically charge rounds pierced it's hide. Blood poured forth from its wounds, turning the streets red.
"Reloa-" The figure started to say but was cut off by a massive paw swatting it off the house and into a anther one.

There was a collective gasp from everypony as they thought their savior was killed. That was until a hail of bullets flew out of the hole in the wall, and the figure stepped out holding an even bigger weapon. "Mother Fucker! Do you know how much one of those modulators cost?!" The figure said in a completely different voice clearly pissed off.

"Vega!?" Twilight shouted in both surprise and confusion.

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Twilight

I felt all eyes on me now, and slowly shank under their gaze. "Excuse me Twilight, But you know this fellow?" Rarity asked getting a meek nod from me in reply.

"Um... Girls, can this wait until the Ursa, is you know... Dead?" I asked getting completely shocked expressions from the girls. Fluttershy was the first to speak, as the butter colored pegasus teared up.

"Why would you say something like that?" She asked as tears rolled down her cheeks at the thought.

"Because he and his friend are are soldiers from a hyperadvanced civilization from another solar system, at war with another hyperadvanced race that wants to wipe out all life in the galaxy." Pinkie said popping up behind fluttershy making her jump. "

Me and the others stared with our jaws touching the ground as Pinkie explained them. "How do you know?!" I said confusion clear in my voice.

"Pinkie sense...." She replied casually before disappearing again

"Wait... So you're friends with Aliens?! That's so Awesome!" the Prismatic pegasus said before turning her focus back to the fight before them.

"But Why would they do such a thing?" Fluttershy bawled. "Why would they kill it? It didn't harm them..."

"Well Duh... They're protecting us you silly filly." Pinkie replied popping out of a random barrel

There was a loud crash as the Ursa finally collapsed. It's breathing ragged and heavy. After several seconds, silenced reigned over the partially destroyed town. The Silence was finally broken when Vega shouted "We've got wounded over here!"

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Author's Note

Sorry for such a long wait. I was suffering from a severe case of writers block. But now you have it, Chapter Six. I hope to begin the next chapter soon, so stay tuned for more