Chapters My Little Pony, My Little Pony,
Ah
Ah
Aaa...Bzzzt
Error. Error.
Rebooting....
Restricted Airspace 165 miles north of Winterhoof 2256 hours
A Raptor E57 flew through the air. Its twin rotors slicing through the snow flurries and howling winds. Inside the cockpit were two ponies. The pilot stared at the navgrid before him. Its orange glow reflected off his helmet's face shield. His companion fiddled with his holopad. The teal earth pony set the sleek silver pad down beside him with a frustrated sigh.
"No bloody reception," Timeline grumbled.
"It's the cloud cover," the pilot said," It messes with the satellites."
Timeline looked out of his window with a bored expression. He had been called out form his cozy home in Ponopolis to be a consultant on an archeological sight that had been uncovered. So he got on the first plane to Winterhoof and had been picked up by his current ride. Timeline was a History Professor in the Argent University and one of the leading intellectuals in the field of Ancient Equestrian History. He had been excited when he got the call but the only thing that dampened his spirits was the cold. He hated the cold.
The Raptor began it's descent onto a makeshift landing pad when a massive crystal spire came into view. There was a basecamp already set up at its base and a lone pegasus mare in a light parka stood at the helopad's edge. The twin rotors leveled out and the aircraft landed. The pegasus shielded her eyes as it kicked up snow as it landed. Once the Raptor's engines were cut off the loading bay lowered. Timeline pulled his hood over his dark blue mane as he stepped out. The mare trotted up to greet him.
"Hello Mr.Timeline," she shouted over the howling winds," I'm Right Angle I was asked to greet you."
"Th-thank you," he shivered. His eyes widened when he saw how lightly she was dressed in the cold," Ho-how are you not freezing?"
She raised an eyebrow and extended a wing almost twice the length of her body in response.
"Right pegasus," Timeline grumbled, inwardly cursing the pegasi's natural resistance to the cold.
She giggled and started down the ramp into the camp," Come on lets get you out of the cold."
"Sounds like a plan," he said as he followed her into the camp. Ponies ran in between the hexatents, carrying various types of equipment. It was sheer chaos but there was an underlying system to it all. As well he always marveled at the hexatents. Made of three enchanted platinum plate these arcane structures could protect against the most extreme elements. It offered a comfortable experience as well allowing temperature control and light at but a command.
"So have they figured out how old this tower is?" Timeline asked as they weaved through the ponies that went about their errands.
"Ms. Ambrosia thinks it's Pre-Argent Age," Right said.
'That's well over nine hundred years old,' Timeline thought as he stepped aside to allow a land cruiser through. He then spotted a Genesis Tech logo on the side of one of the hexatents.
Genesis Tech was a biotech company that had started up some eighty years ago. They started out by developing a cure for the Zeta Plague, a horrible virus that dissolved a ponies brain in a matter of hours. Since then they had become one of the leading bioware companies in the world. They had made breakthroughs in medical fields since then that had greatly benefited races around the world. Ember Gem had started the company and still ran it to this day.
"What is Gen Tech doing here?" Timeline asked as he raised an eyebrow at Right Angle.
She shrugged," To be honest we don't know. All they would tell us is that its just incase of a biological threat."
"They do realize that we're over a hundred miles away from the nearest city right? Besides that its frozen out here. What could be so bad that we'd need them here?" Timeline said.
"That's what Ms. Ambrosia said too," Right said," But they just pulled out a form that had Prime Minister Legal Access's consent for them to be here. Then they just took over the site."
"Let me guess Ambrosia response was to start smoking like a freight train," Timeline said.
Right stopped in her tracks just outside their destination, shocked," Why yes. How did you-"
Timeline waved a hoof and chuckled," She and I go way back."
And indeed they did. They attended Northern Canterlot University together and became fast friends. They shared a love for ancient languages and history and they graduated top of their class. He became a teacher while she had chosen to be an archeologist. That didn't mean they had stopped seeing each other though. She called him out to digs very often as a second professional opinion. Besides Timeline enjoyed getting away from stuffy offices and stuck up students.
Timeline walked inside the hexatent and was instantly hit with the stench of cigarette smoke. Holopads, books and loose papers littered the tops of the various tables. In the rooms center was a holotable that showed a detailed schematic of the crystal tower but what caught his eye was Ambrosia staring down a smaller lime green earth pony mare with a red and blue swirled mane wearing a winter coat over a white lab coat. Timeline couldn't help but think she looked familiar. Ambrosia wore a dark purple wool sweater over her mottled grey fur. A lit cigarette hung loosely from the corner of her mouth.
"Let me get this straight," Ambriosia said," You come in here start spouting some bull about this site being a biological threat. Then you start ordering my ponies around like you own the place and now your telling me I can't go down into the Spire. This is my bloody find you twit!"
The earth mare kept a neutral expression through Ambrosia's yelling which impressed Timeline considering how scary the unicorn could get when mad.
"Ms. Ambrosia I understand how annoying this can be," she said, her voice soft, refined," but this is for your own safety. I only wish to scope things out with a team of my ponies to see if the site is safe."
"Annoyed. You think I'm annoyed," Ambrosia scoffed as she took a puff from her cigarette," I was annoyed the second your crew showed up here. I was annoyed the second you started calling the bloody shots. I was annoyed the SECOND you entered my tent. No I'm not annoyed you little imp. I'm bloody furious!" she took another puff from her cigarette," This is the biggest archeological find of my career, hell of the bloody century. A bullet wound wouldn't stop me from going down there an if you think I'm going to let you and your lackeys go in first, quite possibly ruining the site in the process, then you have another thing coming Ms. Splice." Ambrosia emphasized her point by snuffing out her cigarette on a nearby table.
"I am authorized in this form by the Prime Min-" the earth pony began as she pulled a folded sheet of paper from inside her coat but Ambrosia stopped her.
"You bring that blasted form out and I'll shove it right up your puckered plothole. Now if you'll excuse me I have a guest to brief," she said motioning to Timeline," and an expedition to plan. We will be going down tomorrow as planned and you are welcomed to join us."
The earth pony pursed her lips," Very well then I see that I will be unable to dissuade you from this. I will see you tomorrow then." She nodded in greeting to Timeline before exiting the hexatent.
"0800 and don't be late!" Ambrosia yelled after her," Ooooh I hate that mare."
"Who was that?" Timeline asked as he took his coat off.
"Gene Splice one of GenTech's higher ups," Ambrosia said as she pulled another cigarette from a table and a lighter from a nearby table with her telekinesis. Lighting the cigarette she took a drag from it. She ran a hoof through her cherry red mane and let out a plume of smoke from her nose.
Timeline then remembered where he had seen Gene Splice before. She had been on the cover of a Scientist's Journal that he had read on the plane trip to Winterhoof. She was one of the leading genetic researchers in the world and Genesis Tech's star scientist. Timeline was confused as to why such an important figure would be here in the middle of nowhere at an archeological and not holed up in a research lab somewhere.
"So how was the trip up here?" Ambrosia said as she grabbed a holopad.
"Quiet," Timeline chuckled," My pilot wasn't much for conversation." He walked up to the hologrid," So this is it huh?"
"Yep," she said pulling the tip up to full zoom," What's sticking out of the ice is only the tip," she pointed to a line that appeared right at the top," The rest is buried under the ice. From what the scans told us this thing is almost a mile in height. I think its a palace or temple of some kind."
Timeline whistled impressed by the sheer size of it," What kind of crystal is it made of?"
Ambrosia grinned," It's atomic structure is similar to Diamet. Not only that but it shows trace amounts of Arcanium."
"Arcanium!?" he looked at her in disbelief.
Arcanium was one of the rarest minerals in the world and was highly sought after. A gram of the stuff could power a city's mana reactor for a year.
"Yep," Ambrosia grinned," And that was only a small sample too. We won't know what the mana percentage inside is until we get it open though. I already have a team working on drilling a hole into the spire."
"How long have they been at it?" Timeline asked.
"They just started today," Ambrosia said," They should be through by early tomorrow morning."
Timeline nodded as he stared at the schematic of the tower. Whatever lay waiting inside he knew was going to shed some light on an otherwise forgotten age. Everything before The Civil War a thousand years ago had been destroyed. It was recorded as one of the bloodiest wars in Equestrian history but was the beginning of the Argent Stone Treaty. He had gathered the warring ponies together and they built agreed to end the war. After that they began rebuilding Equestria into the republic it was today.
"We go down tomorrow. You can get some rest on one of the cots," Ambrosia pointed to a pair of military cots in the corner, each with a set of blankets and a pillow.
"Sounds like a good idea," Timeline yawned and trotted over to the cots.
Gene Splice was ecstatic. She and her team entered a massive hexatent and began placing the med tables in their designated areas. Gene trotted into up to the table holding the white alicorn with a small recording devise held in front of her by her unicorn assistant, Grey Matter.
"At 0857 hours four female alicorn specimens were found." She said speaking into the device. Her voice held a bubbliness to it," One pink, one blue, one purple, and one white. Each was unconscious when they were pulled from crystal structure while Pink has been determined as deceased. Autopsy was done on site. Blood and saliva samples were taken for later analysis. Reason for death was determined from severe Cerebral hemorrhaging and the mana cortex had been frozen solid. It was determined that Pink went through extreme psychological trauma minutes before death. A second mana signature that was not from any of the other alicorns was found inside body. Pink has been secured and sent to another facility for later analyisis. White and Blue were wearing plates, one gold and one black and tiaras, same color scheme. Purple and pink were wearing just tiaras as well. All items were removed and given too second team for examination. Curiously enough specimens were naked save for aforementioned items. White is the largest of the four, age unknown. Cutie mark is a yellow and orange sun. Mane is pink and long, as is the tail. Wing span is twenty-five feet and seven inches across, slightly above average pegasi's. Horn is five feet two inches long. Height is sixteen feet three inches. Vital signs are normal. Specimen unconscious from assumed exhaustion and possible mana overload." She trotted over to the blue alicorn," Blue is in same condition as White for same reason. Blue is fourteen feet one inch tall. Horn four feet two inches long. Wingspan twenty feet eleven inches across. Mane and tail darker shade of blue and seem to shimmer. Cutie mark is a white crescent moon over a black background. Age also unknown." Gene trotted over to the purple alicorn," Purple-" Gene began but was interrupted as a pair of guards escorting Ambrosia and Timeline inside
"Ma'am we found these two right outside," one said, stepping forward," What should we do with them?"
Gene turned slowly toward him, a furious glare turned on the poor stallion," And you thought the best idea was to interrupt my examination with a stupid question."
"Well um-" he stammered but Gene cut him off.
"What nothing to say hmmm? Nothing in that pea brain of yours butch?"
Timeline couldn't help but gulp. Angry mares always scared him and Gene seemed to fly right off the handle right there. Ambrosia glared at Gene unimpressed and angry. Though she was more angry she and Timeline had gotten caught than anything.
"Oh lay off him," she said," I demanded we see you shorty."
"Oh I hadn't realized you gained level one clearance," Gene said turning on Ambrosia with all the speed of a striking snake. Ambrosia just glared back unflinching.
"A gun to the side of one of his mates gave me that clearance," Ambrosia said and placed her snout inches from Gene's," Shorty."
"Call me that one more time-" Gene started.
"Dr. Splice," a deep cheerful voice said," Give the mare some credit she was able to slip by highly trained professionals after all."
All present turned to look at a young dark purple earth stallion with a bright green mane. He wore a smart dark blue suit with a small blue sapphire in the shape of a diamond on his lapel and a pair of sleek glasses on his muzzle. He had a bright, inviting grin on his face that reached his bright green eyes. Timeline wondered how he wasn't cold with only that suit on.
"Mr. Gem," Gene sputtered," Wh-what are you doing here?"
"When I heard of your success I couldn't wait to see them," He said with a chuckle," And I find myself again amazed at your efficiency." He looked at Ambrosia and Timeline," And I am sorry for my employee's brashness. She tends to be a tad zealous when it comes to her specimens. My name is Ember Gem. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
Timeline was surprised by this stallion's friendliness. He expected Ember Gem to be more stern and a lot older. This stallion looked not a day over twenty. He guessed that the name Ember Gem must be a family name.
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" Ambrosia screeched, stomping toward Ember. A guard tried to stop her but she pushed him off," Your goons came into my site and have quite possibly ruined everything. And all you can do is say sorry!"
"I can assure you," Ember said," You will be compensated for your trouble."
"I don't want your bloody credits!" She yelled, insulted he thought she could be bought.
"I'm not talking credits," Ember said simply as he walked around Ambrosia and up to one of the tables," Imagine the things these three could tell you much more than dusty old ruin. I will allow you to interview them if you so desire."
This stopped Ambrosia in her tracks. She hadn't thought of that. These three alicorns could tell her a lot about an otherwise forgotten age. While she contemplated the idea of being able to interview them TImeline stared at the earth stallion. He was curious as to how he and his ponies had known what had been buried here. After a moment of silence Timeline spoke up.
"How did you know they were here?"
Ember looked up from the purple alicorn, his eyes betraying a sadness before switching to their usual cheerfulness," I'm afraid I cannot disclose that information my dear boy. All will be explained in due time though I assure you."
Timeline raised an eyebrow at that. He was forty seven, easily older than this stallion. Ember turned to Gene.
"Continue with your examination Doctor," he said," I will see to these two."
"Yes sir," Gene said before turning back to the tables.
"Please follow me," Ember said as he left the hexatent.
Timeline and Ambrosia shared a look before following him out. As they walked through the camp ponies moved out of the purple stallion's way. Eventually they came to a Mk ! Traveler. A sleek white airship that allowed its passengers to fly in luxury and no small amount of style. Ember walked up its loading ramp. Ambrosia and Timeline followed him in and were greeted by a spacious living room. A plush white carpet floor began just as the loading ramp ended. There were a pair of loveseats facing a large plexiscreen. Ember was behind a counter to the right of them.
"Please make yourselves conformable," Ember said," Drinks will be along shortly then we can discuss business."
Ambrosia started to say something but Timeline stopped her and shook his head. He wanted to know what this stallion had to say. Timeline took a seat on one of the loveseats. Ambrosia huffed and took a seat beside him. Ember set a tray holding three wine glasses filled with a dark red liquid onto the table. He took one and settled into the loveseat across form them. Timeline took one and took a small sip.
"Mmm that's quite good," he said enjoying the wine's fruity bouquet.
Ember took a sip of his own glass," Indeed it is. It over a hundred years old. I have a weakness for old wines. Now then I believe you want to know what exactly is going on here hmm?"
"Gee how'd you guess," Ambrosia scoffed, her hooves crossed over her chest.
"Your look of anger tipped me off," Ember quipped before taking another sip of his wine," As to the topic at hoof. Tell me what do you know of dragons?"
"They went extinct six hundred years ago," Ambrosia said," Why?"
"Indeed," Ember nodded," Well over two thousand years ago there was an empire known as Draconia. It was the most powerful empire in the world before it crumbled in on itself. I need someone with the skill to find what had made them so powerful. The simple fact that you, Ms. Ambrosia, were able to find the Crystal Tower here means you have the skill to find what I need found."
"And how do you propose I do that," Ambrosia leveled a glare at ember.
"With this."
The earth pony set a book on the table. It was thin, tan and looked ancient. Timeline carefully picked it up and opened it. He saw the pages shimmer slightly, meaning they were enchanted with a preservation spell and an old one at that.
"This is Minect," he whispered in wonderment. Minect was the original language of the minotaurs. It had long since faded from history as the minotaur population dwindled. Now it was a dead language and only a hoofful of ponies could recognize it, much less actually read it.
"Where did you get this," Ambrosia stared wide-eyed at the ancient book," This must be well over a thousand years old."
"One thousand three hundred sixty two to be exact," Ember took another sip form his glass," It belonged to a Minotaur explorer by the name of Straight Path. Inside that tome the reference to something known as the Anima matrix is mentioned several times but I can't translate the rest and neither can anyone else I've brought it to."
"I can translate it," Timeline said," But it will take some time."
" Wait, hold the phone," Ambrosia said," Who said we were going to anyway. What is this Anima Matrix?"
"It, along with those three alicorns you found, are the key to stopping what is to come."
Timeline gave Ember a look," And what is coming?"
Ember looked Timeline straight in the eye," The end Mr. Timeline the end."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Javelin Seaside Post. 5 miles outside Seatones
High Tide grumbled as he looked at his hologrid. Rain pelted the glass of the small tower he was in. He and Staunchhoof had been suckered into a nightlong shift while everypony else went into the town for a drink. He was part of a security firm that worked for the government. He had been assigned here in Seatones some several months ago. It was right by the ocean and it rained constantly. They saw very little action here so he knew it would prove to be a boring night. He stared up at the ceiling.
"Remind me again how the hell we got suckered into the night post?" Tide said.
Staunchhoof looked up from his comic book," Because you were stupid enough to take Two's bet."
"Oh."
Suddenly Tide's hologrid started beeping. It read a massive mana spike just off shore before disappearing.
"What the-" Tide said.
Staunchhoof set his comic book down and went over to Tide," What was it?"
"I don't know the grid said there was a massive mana spike a moment ago then it just disappeared."
"Think it could be malfunctioning?" Staunchhoof asked.
"I don't think so they replaced these things last week remember," Tide replied.
"Yeah by Blue Wire," Staunchhoof said with a smirk.
Tide chuckled," True. Still though lets go check it out."
They went to the armory locker and pulled out a pair of Rectrifles, long barfreled and fired 50. caliber rounds. They had a scope attached that made shooting at night easier. Tide and Staunchhoof walked outside. Rain pelted them as they made their way to the beach. They looked out across the storming sea and all they saw was the flashing of lightning.
"Well I guess-" High Tide said before a black tentacle grabbed him around the throat and pulled him into the churning water.
"Holy shit!" Staunchhoof yelled.
He stumbled back and quickly raised his rifle. He looked around through he scope but couldn't see anything. Then tpo his right he saw movement. Whipping the gun around he stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw. A grey, furless pony stood. It towered over Staunchhoof. Clenched in it's jagged teeth was High Tide or what was left of him. It's eyes were black as the abyss. It dropped the half eaten body and lunged at the quivering stallion with a terrifying screech.
Celestia sat up with a groan. Her head was swimming and it took her a moment to get her bearings. The room she was in was alien, stark white walls and a polished black floor of a strange smooth texture. A strange machine stood next to her beeping softy every so often. Celestia looked down and saw she was without her torque. She was instead wearing a light green gown.
"Where am I?" she asked out loud. No answer came as she pushed her covers off and tried to get out of bed. When her bare hooves hit the cold floor she stumbled. Celestia felt weak for the first time in her life. She reached out to her sun and felt nothing. She began to panic. She had never been without the sun's presence. The machine began beeping at a quickened pace as Celestia began to hyperventilate. Suddenly a panel in one of the wall slid open to reveal a short lime green earth pony. She wore a white lab coat over a black pantsuit.
"I see you're awake?" she said as she carefully approached Celestia.
Celestia for her part pulled herself together. Thousands of years of control taking over. She calmed her breathing and looked down at the earth pony with a serene expression.
"Where am I my little pony?" She asked.
"You are in Genesis Techs main lab. My name is Gene Splice. We recovered you and two other alicorns from a ruin inside a crystal spire some time ago." Gene said, choosing to ignore being called little.
Celestia's ears perked up as it all came back to her. The windego attack on the Crystal Empire, the Elements failing and Cadence's sacrifice to take the Windigo's inside herself to stop their rampage. Celestia, her sister and Twilight had cast the spell to stop the errant magics from causing a rift in the world. They had succeeded for the most part but at what they thought was the sacrifice of their lives. Celestia closed her eyes as tears began to appear at the edge of her violet eyes. The machine beside the bed started beeping franticly.
"I can understand that you've been through some trauma recently but I need you calm down," Gene said.
Celestia looked down at Gene and nodded. She calmed the flurry that was in her mind. Gene breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good thank you," she said," I was afraid I may have to sedate you. Now then please can you sit on the bed."
"Where are Luna, Twilight and Cadenza?!" Celestia suddenly asked.
"I am sorry to-"
CRASH
"Attention all personnel this is a level three lockdown. There is a security breach. Attention all personnel."
Celestia was surprised at the sudden voice that seemed to come out of the walls. The room lit up with red lights as an alarm sounded throughout the room. Gene rushed to the door.
"I must ask that you stay here," she said as the door opened for her.
"What is going on?" Celestia said stepping forward.
"Stay here," Gene said sternly, surprising Celestia. She had never been talked to in such a way before. Gene looked to her right just outside the door.
"Keep her here," she said to somepony," I will have Temperance handle the situation."
"Yes Mother," came a rumbling reply.
Celestia watched in disbelief as a massive alicorn station a good head taller than her stepped into the room. He wore a dark grey jump suit that cover his entire body. It stopped just below a strange black mark on the side of his neck. His fur was gunmetal grey and his mane a lighter shade of grey. His eyes were light green and held a hardness to them. Secured along his sides just under his massive wings were a pair of strange tubes.
"You'll have to stay here for now until the situation is under control," he said as the door closed behind him.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To say that Luna was angry was an understatement. She had awoken from her slumber to find a pony sticking some sort of needle into her foreleg. What's worse she was without her torque and crown and in a gaudy green gown. She had responded to the situation by shoving him into a wall. She then blasted a hole out of the strange white room, determined to find her sister, niece and friend. She did not know where she was nor did she care. All that mattered was finding her fellow alicorns. What she found curious was her lack of connection to the moon but her warrior instincts had kicked in. She raced down the hall with a pair of ponies holding strange tubes to their sides. Whirling around Luna lifted them in her magic and slammed them into the wall.
"You dare come at your Princess with malicious intent," She said, pulling one of them up to her with her magic.
"Subject is in panicked state. Authorization to use heavy sedation," He said.
Luna gaped at this ponies impudence,' This one is speaking to spirits. Forsooth he is indeed mad. '
Suddenly he raised a hoof and tried to fire a dart at her but it stopped inches from her face.
"You seek to harm your princess," Luna shouted," Treason!"
She slammed him on the floor and continued on. Suddenly the red lights went back to white and the phantom voice stopped . A door to Luna's left opened.
"Well what are you waiting for," a voice said from a small panel beside the door," Get in."
"Forsooth what are you," Luna said inspecting the panel," A spirit?"
"No I'm a penguin," the voice deadpanned.
"What madness is this?! How are you doing this spirit penguin!" Luna shouted at the panel.
"Thanks for making my ears bleed and I'm not really a-," the voice gave an exasperated sigh," You know what never mind. Wow you're dense."
"We are not dense," Luna defended," We happen to have a wonderful figure."
"No dense means-," a frustrated sigh erupted form the panel," Gah! Just get inside before they catch you!"
"How can we trust you?" Luna asked, her muzzle inches form the panel.
"Hey your fogging up the screen!"
Luna moved her muzzle away.
"Thank you," the voice said," Your friends are just inside this room."
Luna gave the panel a glare," If you lie to us strange penguin spirit. You will know our wrath."
She stepped inside the room and the door shut behind her. She was met with three ponies in strange armor.
"Sucker," the voice chimed.
One raised a strange tube at her and Luna felt something hit her foreleg. She looked down to see a small silver tube sticking out of her leg. She suddenly felt woozy and stumbled forward.
"Forsooth, these stars are most unruly," Luna slurred before falling face first on the floor.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Twilight awoke to a strange blaring noise. She groaned as she sat up, a hoof going to her temple. Her head was throbbing and it felt as though somepony had placed her horn in a pencil sharpener. She opened her bloodshot lavender eyes.
"Easy," a voice said beside her," You've been through quite the experience."
Twilight looked to her left to see a purple earth pony with a bright green mane. He was wearing a black suit and had a pair of sleek glasses on. HIs bright green eyes showed concern that looked familiar to her. She looked around the room. The lights were red and the alarm proceeded to only make her head throb all the more.
"Where am I?" she croaked. Her mouth was painfully dry.
As if reading her mind the earth pony gave her a glass of crystal clear water. Twilight took it and took a sip. Her eyes widened at the taste. It was by far the purest water she had ever drank. She hoofed the glass back to him and he set it back on the nightstand.
"You're in one of my labs," he said," We pulled you and three other alicorns from the ruins of a crystal tower. Do you remember what happened?"
Twilight nodded. She remembered with painful clarity.
"Are the others alright?" Twilight asked.
"Luna and Celestai are but Cadenza," He sighed," She was dead when we found you."
Tears stared to flow down Twilight's cheeks. She buried her face in her hooves. She had lost another friend and a sister. Sorrow had come to make itself apart of her life, as was immortality's curse. First her friends and family die, then Spike goes into his hundred years sleep and now Cadence, her only living family, sacrifices herself for their kingdom.
"Who are you?" Twilight asked, looking up at the earth pony.
"My name is," he stopped his eyes flashing a hidden pain," My name is Ember Gem. I and my associates were able to pull you and the other two out of the crystal ruins. Twilight Sparkle you three have been asleep for over a thousand years."
Suddenly the lights turned white and the alarm shut off.
"Ah they must have handled the situation," Ember said with a chuckle," Come let us go see the others."
Celestia and Twilight gaped at what Canterlot had become as they walked out on the Geneisi Tech Lab's main airstrip. Skyscrapers rose tot eh sky and threatened to break through into space. Strange metal vehicles flew through the sky in lines and pegasi could be seen flying between the behemoths of metal and glass.
"This is astounding!" Twilight said in awe of it all. She looked over at Luna, who appeared bored," Aren't you amazed at this?"
Luna just shrugged," One temporal shock will last one a few hundred years at least. For us this is how they say been there done that."
"Still the things ponies must have accomplished while we were gone," Twilight beamed.
Celestia's expression was less amazed and more shocked. She felt so small, so obsolete. She had always been needed and now she was nothing more than a bed time story for foals. The kingdom she and Luna had built had managed, no thrived without her.
"Alright lets do this!"
They looked to see Ironsight and the other alicorns walking toward them but this time there was yet another alicorn with them. He wore the same uniform as his siblings but carried a pair of bulky retro head phones around his neck. He stood a bit taller than Luna and had electric blue fur and a dark yellow mane with white streaks in it. Luna immediately reckonized the voice and rushed him.
"Thou art not a penguin!" Luna shouted as she glared up at him. Celestia and Twilight shared a confused look.
The stallion blinked before he recognized her," Hey your that one crazy mare."
"We are not crazy and thou art a liar," Luna shouted.
"What did you do Infinity?" Ironsight asked as he walked up to them. Wildfire watched on curious from her perch on his back.
"Nothing just helped the security nab her," Infinity shrugged and placed his headphones on his ears.
"Thou said that our frends were in there," Luna said through clenched teeth.
"Yeah that's what we in the business call a lie sister," Infinity deadpanned.
"Then those commoners shot us with some strange tube!"
"First of all that was a dart gun and second chill out you were out of it for maybe three minutes before you came up swinging at Tempy," Infinity scoffed matching Luna's glare.
"Twas unpleasant!" Luna huffed.
"Ok what's with the archaic speech," Infinity asked," What are you from the dark ages?"
"Dark ages?" Luna saked, confused," What are these dark ages you speak of?"
"Ya know I'm gonna give up before you give me another headache," Infinity grumbled before clicking on a devise at his side. Loud music erupted from the headphones. Suddenly the wind picked up as their ride descended. It had red hull and was sleek in form. On its side was a phoenix with its wings outstretched. When the loading bay lowered Twilight made a bee line for the cockpit.
"How is vehicle powered?" she questioned," Is it powered by a combustible engine or mana powered?"
Infinity and Ironsight went inside with Wildfire bouncing beside them and took a seat on the metal benches. Luna and Celestia gazed up at the metal vehicle.
"Things are so different form your time aren't they?" Temperanced asked. She wore a sympathetic expression.
Celestia shook her head," There are some similarities but yes its...intimidating."
Luna put a comforting hoof on her sisters shoulder," I know tis sister but thou art not alone. We are with you and so is Twilight Sparkle. Now come we wish to see what this thing the little one called a Tertex is."
Luna headed inside and took a seat beside Ironsight. Temperance followed and after a moment so did Celestia. On the way to their destination Celestia stared out of the viewing screens at the sprawling futuristic city. Luna was deep in conversation with Wildfire. Though it more resembled an argument over what ice cream was and Luna was sadly enough losing to the smaller alicorn. Twilight continued to bombard the pilot with question after question from her seat beside him. He looked about ready to jump out of the window. Ironsight stayed silent while Temperance fussed with Wildfire's messy mane much to the excited filly's dismay. Celestia turned her gaze at the scene across from her. They looked like a family in truth and reminded her of the time she Twilight, Luna and Cadence shared.
'Cadence,' Celestia felt a tear roll down her eye. She was used to sorrow herself and she knew Luna saw sorrow as a disrespect but Twilight hadn't so much as cried yet save for a few errant tears. The smaller alicorn had lost so much in the years before the Windego attack on The Crystal Empire and Celestia feared she was close to breaking down entirely. Celestia was shaken from her thoughts as she felt their ride land.
When the loading bay lowered they started to get off. Celestia noticed Twilight wasn't moving from her spot as she continued to grill the pilot. She went over to the lavender alicorn and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"Twilight I'm sure you have many questions but we are leaving," she said. Twilight looked up at her and smiled sheepishly.
"I'm sorry I got a little carried away," she said with a nervous chuckle. They turned to leave and the pilot flashed Celestia a grateful look before beginning his takeoff sequence. Outside they saw creatures of all kinds running to and fro. All wore clothing of some form. Making Celestia feel strange in the jump suit she had been given.
"This way," Ironsight rumbled, taking the lead. They followed him down the sidewalk. The stone was smooth, like marble and without cracks or other blemishes.
Wildfire fell into step between Twilight and Celestia," So who made you?"
Celestia blinked at the small filly," We weren't made little one we were born."
"Born?" she cocked her head to the side," How were you born with wings and a horn?"
"We were destined for a great purpose little filly," Luna answered," We were chosen to carry the Moon and Sun. Twilight Sparkle ascended into her alicorn-hood when she mastered the magic of Friendship."
"Pfft," Infinity laughed," Wow that is freakin corny."
Luna rounded on him," Hold thine tongue. It twas that magic that saved us from ourself."
"Uh huh sure and next your gong to tell me she zapped you with a rainbow," Infinity scoffed.
"Yes they did," Luna said matter-of-factly.
Infinity only gaped at her before shaking his head," I'm gonna quit talking to you before I gag."
'The Magic of Friendship is a legitimate field of study," Twilight fumed suddenly in Infinity's face.
"Uh huh," Infinity chuckled and pushed past Twilight," Sure just keep telling yourself that toots."
"Believe it or not Infinity," Temperance cut in," Magic in that day and age was at it's most powerful whenever a caster held strong emotional bond to another and whether or not that bond was held by healthy emotions. The idea of Friendship and Love powering magic is accurate."
"And thank you Tempy," Infinity gagged," For that inspired speech."
"No need to be rude Infinity," Temperance said with an even tone. Infinity shrugged and caught up with Ironsight. Temperance sighed then turned to Twilight," Forgive him. He is.."
"A mule's posterior," Luna offered.
Temperance giggled," Sometimes but he means well. Get past his attitude and he can be rather sweet."
"We will believe that when we see it," Luna said," Now I must ask. Why do the ponies here seem to avoid us. I feel a fear in them."
Luna had noticed that since they entered the streets ponies wouldn't look at them and avoided them like the plague.
"That's because they do fear us," Temperance said shocking the three aliconrs," We were brought into this world by unnatural means and hold a great deal of strength. That and..." She trailed off.
"They fear us because of Bastion's rampage," Ironsaight said from in front of the group," He went rogue and killed hundreds of ponies before we were able to bring him down."
Temperance's eyes shown with sorrow at what Ironsight said.
"And who pray tell is Bastion?" Luna asked.
"A bad memeory," Temperance said ending the conversation there. They arrived at a small diner minutes later. Inside a massive minotaur stood behind the counter.
"Dicy!" Wildfire squealed and rushed the minotaur. She wrapped her hooves around the minotaur's leg.
"Little Fire how are you chere?" the minotaur's accent was distinctly Prench and high-pitched despite his massive size.
"I'm great," Wildfire beamed.
"C'est bien," Dicy chuckled," The usual je suppose?"
Yes thank you," Ironsight said as he took a seat at the diner's bar.
"And who are these belles juments?" Dicy asked gesturing to Twilight, Celestia, and Luna.
Twilight recognized the language instantly. She was amazed that the Prench language survived.
"Mon nom est Twilight Sparkle," Twilight said then gestured to Celestia and Luna," C'est Celestia et Luna. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer monsieur."
Dicy's eyes lit up while the others were shocked by Twilight's ability to speak Prench, save for Celestia. She knew her student knew just about every language under her sun.
"Je n'ai pas rencontré quelqu'un qui connaissait mon languige sauf pour quelques mots. Parlez-vous couramment?" Dicy said.
"Oui je suis. J'ai fait un point d'apprendre la langue après une rencontre particulièrement embarrassant avec un griffon chaud tête." Twilight said.
"Ah ces griffons peuvent être plutôt tempéré chaud hein," Dicy chuckled," Your food is on the house. Order what you like."
"Merci," Twilight giggled.
Wildfire stared up at Twilight in amazement," Wow your so awesome I've never met anyone that can speak Prench like Dicy."
"You like the Prench language?" Twilight asked.
"Uh huh," Wildfire said," I love their culture and I really wanna go to Poulis when I get the chance."
"Believe us little one," Luna said," Tis a most unpleasant place we suggest not going."
"You had one bad experience and lets face it you brought it on yourself,' Twilight said with a roll of her eyes.
"That commoner had no right to cover us in that dish!" Luna said trying to defend herself.
"You insulted his cooking and then proceeded to call him a peon," Celestia added," I love you Luna but I would have done the same thing."
"Whose side are you one?" Luna growled before crossing her hooves over her chest.
Celestia smiled and wrapped a hoof around Luna's shoulder," We are only teasing though you did have it coming. Now then lets have some lunch hmmm?"
Gene Splice could tell Ember Gem was furious the second she walked into his office. He was seated at his desk, glaring at her. His irises were narrowed giving them a draconic look. HIs office was cheery despite the ominous atmosphere the earth stallion gave off. The walls were decorated with vintage comic books framed in glass and Canterlot could be seen from the viewing screen that mad eup the wall behind Ember's desk.
"Take a seat Dr. Splice," he said gesturing to one of the plush seats.
Gene swallowed the lump in her throat and did as she was told.
"Now then," Ember began," Explain to me what happened earlier and why you chose to disobey my direct orders."
"Sir I wished to receive a blood sample from one of the alicorns and I will take full responsibility for the damages-"
Ember help up a hoof," I'm not angry about the hundreds of credits worth of damages that was done. I'm not even angry about the lawsuits I will have to put up with over the security personnel that were harmed in Luna's rampage." His voice started to raise in volume," What I am angry about Dr. Splice is the fact that you disobeyed my direct orders. I made it perfectly clear that I was to be present when they awoke and what's more you proceeded to make the situation worse by having her chased down like a wild animal!"
"She was a threat to-"
"She was confused! She woke up in a strange place with a strange pony sticking a needle in her arm," Ember bellowed," If you were in her place you wouldn't have been pleased either I gather! The only reason that I haven't fired you and had you blackballed yet is because you were able to get control of the situation with relative swiftness. They are ponies Dr. Splice not specimens to poke and prod and if there is another incident like today I will have your flank thrown out on the street so fast your head will spin. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir," Gene said between gritted teeth.
"Good," Ember sat back," Now then what have you found in your analysis of the foreign mana found in Cadenza's body."
Gene pulled a holopad out of her lab coat's pocket, turned it on and placed it in front of Ember. He picked it up and started reading he data she had gathered.
"From what we gathered the temperature lowers to the mana's influence. Also we found that the mana held the same 'sickness' we found in our samples of the tree we found in the Everfree. We exposed some to our samples to the mana we found and the most peculiar thing happened. The black crystal growths on the plant cells grew exponentially. This is no coincidence. I believe there is a connection."
"There is," Ember said his eyes not leaving the holopad," But this doesn't answer any questions. It only makes more."
"We did receive an answer though sir," Gene said," On a hunch I compared the mana the crystal's started to radiate to the mana that lingered on the specimen we found six years ago and its a match."
Ember looked up at her in shock. Six years ago they had lost one of their alicorns to the influence of a strange creature from another dimension. This creature looked like a pony but was grey and furless. It gave off a debilitating mana that ate away at a pony's sanity as well as their health. The loss of Bastion had hit Genesis Tech hard and they were forced to place a kill switch of sorts on their remaining alicorn's or be forced to destroy them. As for the creature they had been able to bring it down and now they studied it extensively. Ember had made it Genesis Tech's. He knew that wouldn't be the last they saw of these strange creatures.
"Your kidding."
"No sir."
Ember looked back at the holopad. Suddenly his phone beeped," Mr. Gem there's something on the news you need to see."
The office's plexiscreen turned on showing an earth pony in a smart black suit.
"This is Flash Point with a breaking news update. Today the Javelin Outpost outside Seatones was found to be destroyed. There were no bodies at the scene. I have Wide View with more information on site. Wide."
The screen showed a pegasus in a rain slicker with the ocean behind him and stormy skies in the background," Thanks Flash. So far High Tide and Staunchhoof, the security personnel that had been posted that night have been deemed missing. As well officials have asked that the public stay away from Seatones for the time being and an evacuation has started due to the spikes in mana radiation that has been reported just off coast. I'll have more tonight."
"Thank you Wide. In other news..."
Ember stared at the screen,' Unexplained mana spikes just li9ke last time. '
"Sir -" Gene began.
"Dr. Splice get the alicorns back here on the double and have Infinity start hacking the Javelin systems," Ember cut her off," I want all the data they were recording when the spikes started." He picked up his phone and dialed a number," Ms. Prior get me Ambrosia on the phone."
"Yes sir."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ambrosia looked up from her book when she heard her phone ring. She took a drag form her cigarette and picked up her phone. Timeline looked up at her from his spot across the room. His table had opened books scattered across it including the small journal they had received from Ember.
"Ambrosia speaking," she said.
"Yes Ms. Ambrosia. This Ember Gem," his tone held an urgency," I'm calling to find out how you are coming with translating the journal."
'Who is it?" Timeline mouthed.
'Ember Gem,' Ambrosia replied before placing the phone back to her ear," We're making progress but it's rather slow."
"Ah I see well that is good news. I know someone that could help you out. She's quite good with things like this and her linguistics skills are top notch."
"We are quite-" Ambrosia said.
"Then its settled I'll send her your way by tomorrow and please forgive her enthusiasm she can become quite excited when it comes to old books. Besides you will get that interview I promised you out of the deal. Tah~"
The line went died and Ambrosia had the felling she had just received whiplash. She slammed the phone down with a huff," Of all the nerve!"
"What happened?" Timeline sat up and stretched. Several satisfying pops resonated form his bones.
"Apparently we're not moving fast enough with our translation so Ember decided to send one of his lackeys to 'help' us." She made air quotes at the word help and slumped in her chair," I'm beginning to regret deciding to help this guy. I mean he hasn't even given us any straight answers."
"Don't worry we'll know soon enough," Timeline said.
"Wow look at you Mr. Positive Thinking," Ambrosia said with open sarcasm.
"Well someone has to look on the bright side," Timeline chuckled.
Ambrosia stuck her tongue out at him and snuffed her cigarette out.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"So tell us," Luna said over her drink," What was that power the filly used." She gestured to Wildfire, who was enjoying a bowl of ice cream and chatted with Twilight.
"Yes I wish to know as well," Celestia said after swallowing her mouthful of cake," It is like fire magic but then unlike it."
"Pyrokinesis," Temperance said casting a glance at Wildfire," She can heighten the temperature around her with but a thought. Unfortunately sometimes her mind can become erratic. That's when she loses control."
"I sensed magic at play but it was different," Celestia said.
"Magic is different now than it was back then for intense," Temperance picked up the saucer in front of her with her telekinesis. She explained how the races have evolved and in turn how mana was used now.
Luna found it unsettling still that there was no magic field around the saucer. Celestia in turn found it fascinating. True telekinesis had been the stuff of fairy tales for her.
"Simply amazing how for ponykind has come," Celestia said.
"Amzing bah," Luna huffed," The art of spell craft is all but gone save for us sister. I don't find that amazing." She looked at Temperance," And what pray tell can you and the behemoth," she gestured to Ironsight, who sat silent sipping a mug of coffee," Do exactly?"
"I have the inherent ability to sense the emotions of others around me," Temperance said.
"An Empath," Celestia said with wide eyes.
Temperance nodded," Indeed. As well I can access their memories an fd even if I apply enough focus alter them but tbhat trakes a great deal of strength for me to do. As for ironsight-"
"I am a soldier nothing more," Ironsight said. He had a steely gaze locked on the trio," The only skill I have is the ability to kill nothing more." He turned back to his coffee.
Temperance sighed," My brother is right unfortunately. He was made with militant use in mind, He is the strongest of us and his regenerative ability is double what mine is. As for infinity he is a genius at all things mechanical and computer related. He can connect his mind to any digital interface and hack it. As well his skill in mathematics is second to known save for Mr. Gem."
"Another question," Luna said," This Ember Gem. What can you tell us of him?"
"He built Genesis tech," Infinity said form his placed behind them. They turned to look at him as he pulled his headphones down," He's a freakin' genius at everything and I do mean everything. Guy has PhDs in almost every field. You name it Biochemistry, Genetics, Mathematics. Not only that but he's a ghost. No records of him exist, at least any that are real. Not only that but he knew you three were sealed in that spire to begin with."
"How could he have known that?" Celestia asked. She raised her eyebrow at the electric blue alicorn.
Infinity smirked," You find out."
Luna was about to inquire why until Ironsight sat up.
"We need to get back to the lab," he said going to the door," Mother has recalled us."
"Aww," Wildfire whined but one look from Ironsight cut off any further complaints.
Luna and Celestia looked at each other and nodded. It was time to question this Ember Gem.
Gene Splice greeted the alicorns as they returned to the lab.
"Mother what has happened?" Ironsaght said leading the group.
"I need Infinity to begin hacking the Javelin database. You and Temperance I need you both on stand by just in case," The three nodded and took off with Wildfire in tow. Gene turned to Celestia, Twilight, and Luna," Mr. Gem wishes to speak with you in the basement labs. Please follow me."
They went to the elevator and the earth pony punch in a series of numbers. They descended a moment later for quite some time until the elevator opened to reveal a long hallway with glass chambers on each side. Many chambers were dark. They came to one that was lit and they saw ember sitting at a table as a unicorn injected a strange glowing liquid into his foreleg. The door to the chamber opened and Gene led the bewildered alicorns inside.
"Ah yes there you all are," he greeted them in a grave tone as he rolled his sleeve back down," Come follow me I wish to show you something." He brushed past them and started down the hall," When we took a closer look at Cadenza's body we found something most peculiar. Her cells had began to show black crystal growths. They emitted mana similar to a specimen we came into contact with some six years ago." They stopped in front of a glass chamber with Cadenza's body suspended in an array of barriers. Most of her body sported black crystal growths that looked to be slowly growing.
"Why has she not been buried?!" Luna screamed as she rushed Ember. She slammed him up against the glass, cracking it slightly. For his part Ember looked unfazed by this and held up a hoof to stop Gene from sounding the alarm.
"My scientists needed to understand what happened when you three were sealed," He said in a calm voice," What happened to her also happened to her also happened to the Tree of Harmony."
Luna dropped him.
"The Tree!?" Twilight gasped, shock replacing her own anger," What's happened to it?"
"It withered and died," Gene said," And from the fact we found it petrified, some hundreds of years ago."
"It is why magic has all but faded from our world. I need to know what happened all those years ago." Ember said as he stood up, rubbing his throat.
"What happened is that my niece gave her life to stop an army of windigos from bringing another ice age to Equestria," Celestia seethed, flames appeared around her hooves as she stepped menacingly toward Ember," And you have seen fit to put her up like a trophy."
Ember matched the gaze of the angry sun goddess," You think I don't want to give her rest because I do but I needed answers. The world is in danger and the answers her corpse can provide us are essential."
"Danger?" Twilight asked. She steeped toward Celestia and placed a hoof on her foreleg. Celestia whipped around but caught the smaller alicorns hard gaze. The flames around her died down some.
"Six years ago we made contact with a being from another dimension," Gene said," It emits the same mana we found that was foreign in Cadenza and that killed the Tree of Harmony." She pointed to the chamber behind the alicorns," That is what we are dealing with."
All three alicorns truend and saw the most gruesome sight. Suspended much the same way as Cadence was the corpse of a grey furless pony. It was easily as big as Celestia and it radiated a dark magic. Large clawlike gashes marred it's skin as well as several smaller holes.
"Two thousand years ago," Ember said as he walked up to the glass," You both fought a being known as Sombra. The magic he used is a mutated version of what this thing used. He had somehow managed to learn how to open a portal to this thing's realm to draw power from it until your fight with him. Ever since then that realm's tainted magic has leaked into our world at a steady pace, like a faucet dripping. This 'dark' magic as you called it is like a virus that has infected our world until it killed the Tree of Harmony."
"Dark Magic is the cultivation of hate and fear not form some other realm," Luna scoffed.
"Tell me Luna," Ember said," Before your fight with him did either of you know that dark magic existed?"
"No," Celestia admitted," He channeled so much hate into his magic we assumed that was how he created it and we had even learned to do so."
"And my theory is confirmed," Ember said as he walked to the elevator," I believe these things will make another appearance but this time in numbers beyond what we can handle but I have uncovered something that will help us fight them."
"Why not use your 'advancements?" Luna scoffed," You seem more than capable of handling the situation without our help."
"Because last time this thing leveled a city on it's own," Ember's eyes bored into Luna's," It took everything we had to bring it down."
"How powerful was this thing?" Twilight asked.as she gazed at the creature, fascinated.
"It is on par with each of you in terms of magical strength," Ember placed a hoof on the panel and the elevator slid open. He stepped in," We have never dealt with an enemy this strong before and neither have you."
"We believe you are mistaken," Luna scoffed," Clearly you know not of Tirek."
Ember turned slowly toward the alicorn with a blank look before turning to Gene Splice," Dr. Splice please bring up the record accounting to the attack on Fillydelphia in 657 AF please."
The lime mare pulled her holopad out and started tapping the screen rapidly. She handed it Luna. Luna rolled her eyes and humored Ember and read the article that was on it.
'Fillydelphia Attacked by Strange Beast
Yesterday evening a creature similar to a minotaur was found attempting to drain magic from the recently built magic reactors. Power was drained from half of the old city and power has yet to be restored on some streets. The creature had stated a threat against Fillydelphia, its inhabitants, and Equestria as well. This threat was met with lethal intent by the Equestrian military. The old city had been evacuated and an aerial assault, led by Colonel Sparkplug, was initiated against the beast. The first sweep of fighter ships brought the beast down with minimal damage to property. Colonel Sparkplug had refused to comment on the assault only stating 'he was doing his job nothing more.' Unfortunately the reactors were heavily damaged. It has been estimated that power will be returned by the end of the week.
~Typed Point
Luna looked up at Ember who still wore a neutral expression," Is that the beast your referring to?"
Celestia took the device from Luna and read it herself. Luna gritted her teeth," This is a ruse surely. You can not honestly expect us to believe your military was able to bring down that monster."
"Oh believe me it is," Ember said, raising a hoof," The military brought the beast down with a barrage of Pulse missiles then hit him with a barrage of regular bullets The whole encounter if I did my research correct that is took a little over two hours and that included the evacuation."
Celestia looked up with a neutral expression,'Yes this confirms it they haven't needed us. they dealt with him easily and without our aid.'
Twilight looked up with an look that screamed 'not amused'." I met him in combat myself and we traded magic bursts that exceeded well over sixty thousand gigajoules of magic energy and your telling me that the military, our military that even at the time when we were in power had the benefit of powerful spell craft couldn't defeat Tirek, was able to miraculously bring him down.
"If I may," Gene said, cutting," At the time of your rule ponies were filled with a natural magic and if the reports are accurate this Tirek could absorb any type of magic. He wouldn't have been able to absorb magic from ponies when he attacked Fillydelphia because there was simply nothing there for him to absorb. Not only that but the magic in those reactors at the time held little mana. The only reason the military met him with lethal in the first place was because Equestria had only recently been in a war with Talonreach, one of the Gryphon countries."
Ember nodded," Basically he wasn't able to absorb enough magic to make him a walking powerhouse."
Twilight looked back at the article, still trying to believe what they were telling her. Luna stamped a hoof down," Then prey tell how you can't take this threat down yourselves."
Ember sighed," Because this threat has it's sights set on the world. This has been marked as the end of days and if you are still the ponies I know you are then you would do anything to stop this from happening."
Twilight lowered the device and focused her eyes on Ember as he debated with Luna. His eyes held a conviction and honesty to them that seemed familiar. The analytical part of her mind noted several quirks as well. A familiar twitch of the left eye, a slight bending of the back left limp, a gritting of the teeth that happened in three second intervals, and the air warping slightly with each breathe Ember took. Finally the lavender mare spoke," Who are you?"
Ember looked at her, surprised at her sudden question," I have told you I am Ember-"
"No your not," Twilight insisted, taking a step forward," At least not who you truly are. It's an alias isn't it? What I want to know is how?"
"Twilight Sparkle, why would you think this pony would give us a false name?" Luna asked.
"That's a good question," Twilight said as her amethyst orbs bored into Ember's green," Well Spike I'm waiting for an answer."
Ember sat at his desk, his gaze unflinching from, Twilight's. He had suggested they continue their 'chat' in the safety of his office. Luna was baffled that earth pony had been the small hatchling she had known all those years ago. For Celestia it all made sense. His mannerisms, the way he looked at them, particularly twilight and his knowledge of them.
"So why do you take this form?" Celestia asked, breaking Ember and Twilight from their staring contest.
"This form is easier to manage," Ember said not taking his eyes off Twilight," My kind are extinct due to the lack of magic. They died off years ago."
"Then how pray tell are you alive?" Luna asked, genuinely curious.
"The amount of magic that it took to hatch him was enough to power his body for a very long time," Twilight said, her tone holding the hardness of a lecture," That is why his growth was stunted. Add the the fact that he had absorbed magic direct from the Elements of Harmony when the girls and I used them it makes sense he wouldn't need to absorb magic around him which in turn what dragons thrived on."
"Yes," Ember said with a nod," You are correct."
"Then why didn't you until just now decide to pull us from our slumber?" Celestia asked, stepping forward. She stopped beside Twilight.
"Because it was only until recently that I was able to find you three. I woke up from my slumber a little under three hundred years ago. When I tried to find you three all traces that you existed was gone. Not only that but I had found that I was literally the last of my kind." Ember sat back in his chair and sighed." I was aghast at how much the world had changed. Over time I adapted and did what I knew you would have done found a way to help Equestria. And some eighty years ago I found a way by forming this company."
" And in this time you have made artificial alicorns," Luna said with a strained tone.
"To bring back what you three represented," Ember slumped in his chair," When you three were ruling Equestria rarely saw a dark day. You were symbols of hope, order. equestrian was constantly dogged by war and I wanted to bring that symbol back," He looked over at Gene Splice who stood beside his desk," Then I found her and she made it all possible. When we had created the first of the alicorns, Bastion. I was elated. I thought this would be the start of Equestria's rebirth. Our aliconrs were the market stone for a new era when they showed themselves on the battlefield." Ember's face darkened. "Until six years ago we lost pone due to a madness that thing in the sub-basement caused. Then it came tumbling down. The Equestrian Counsel screamed for our remaining alicorns to be euthanized saying,' Those abominations will be the end of us.' So we came to a compromise." He went silent.
"What compromise?" Twilight asked.
Gene was the one who answered. "A kill switch," she spat, her tone venomous," Those barcodes on their necks are actually a series of dormant Nano probes. When the command is given the probes will rip their brains apart cell by cell. Only myself and Ember Gem have the codes."
"So you may kill them when you wish?" Luna said with a dark sneer.
"It was either that or killing them outright and I refuse to do that."
"Why because they are a valuable tool?" Luna said. She took a step forward but was stopped by a hoof. Luna expected it to be Celestia who stopped her but it was Twilight who held her back.
"He has tried to do what is right," Twilight said her voice soft," And those other alicorns are living souls just as we are. Who are we to say they do not deserve to live even if we don't agree with how they came into this world." Her eyes stung with tears. Emotions raged in her mind, trying to determine between shock, joy and finally relief," Its good to see you again Spike."
Ember or Spike smiled at her with relief alive in his eyes," Same here Twi. I want us to catch up but for now we need to postpone that. I need your help with locating what I believe will help us in a big way."
Celestia couldn't help but smile at her one-time student. It was times like this that she was amazed at how Twilight had grown. She was ready to help against this threat as well if she was needed of course.
"And what is this thing you wish to find?" Luna snorted.
"Something known as an Anima Matrix," Spike said," It is often mentioned in a journal I acquired some years ago. It was what made the Draconian Empire so powerful."
"The Draconian Empire fell even before our time," Celestia said," I doubt that this artifact you wish to find is even still around."
"In that journal it states that the explorer Straight Path was able to find where these artifacts were kept. As well he found a prophesy stating the End of our world. Those were the only parts of the journal I could translate and that was only because he wrote it in Draconian ."
"What is the rest of the journal wrote in?" Twilight asked, intrigued.
"Minect. I already have two ponies hard at work translating it but I believe they could use some help. Besides during that time you should be able to learn more about this time form them."
Twilights ears perked at that. It was one of the many languages she had come to learn and if it is a familiar dialect she should be able to translate it. As well finding out what had transpired the last thousand years was greatly appealing to her. A familiar spark glinted in her amethyst eyes," When can I start?"
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Infinity stared at the screen in front him with a focused intensity. He had successfully hacked into the Javelin database but was have ing trouble finding the information he was hard pressed to find. Behind him his room door slid open.
"How is it going?"
Infinity turned to see Temperance take a seat beside him. He shrugged," Meh got in no problem but locating what we're looking for is another story. Hold up...hah! Here it is."He brought up a file that was labeled highly classified. He chuckled," Ooh they really don't want anyone looking at this. Just gotta get through the fire wall aaaaand got it." Infinity skimmed the file," No doubt about it same mana readings."
Temperance's face darkened slightly," Then I best inform Mother of your discovery."
Infinity put a hoof on her shoulder as she turned to leave," It'll be ok Sis. It won't go down like last time."
She smiled gently and nuzzled his cheek," Thank you Brother. I pray that you are right."
"Hey have I ever steered you wrong before," Infinity grinned. Temperance rolled her eyes playfully before leaving. When the door closed behind her Infinity closed down the hack he had going and sat back. On a whim he pulled up Genesis Tech's database and went straight tot the Level one clearance file. He skimmed through boring things like DNA samples of the new alicorns, data on the K2F Gene, and a detailed report on their psychological reviews. Before long he found what he was looking for and clicked on it. His screen filled with the specs for an apparatus that acted to bring out a pony's soul into the physical world. At best it had been a fairy tale but sfter three years the idea almost became reality. At the top of the screen the files name was in bold letters.
Soul Requiem Project.
This was a project that Ember Gem alone has been working on for the better part of five years. The only thing was that he was unable to get it to work. There had been many tests that had come close but nothing conclusive. Infinity wasn't really supposed to know about it. Ironsight, Temperance, and Gene Splice were the only ones that were allowed to know about Ember Gem's secret project but when your a hacking genius things like clearance tend to not bother you. Infinity wondered what the new alicorns had to play in all this. If he had to be honest they annoyed him, particularly the dark blue one. His ears still ruing from her nearly blasting them with her overly loud voice. He pulled up the security footage of Luna rampaging down the halls," Gotta admit though she's entertaining to watch."
Twilight still couldn't believe what she had been told. She and the others had been asleep for over a thousand years. She tried to comprehend this as Ember led her through the halls of the strange place she had found herself in. Ponies dressed in white lab coats passed them and gave Ember a respectful nod. When they saw Twilight though they eyed her as she would one of her own experiments. It was unnerving for the alicorn. Eventually they stopped at a door. With a beep it slid open. Inside was the biggest stallion she had ever seen and he was an alicorn too. She stared up at the hulking grey behemoth in dibeleif, her jaw threatening to hit the floor. The massive alicorn just stared down at her.
"Twilight!"
Twilight whipped her head around, shaken from her shock. Celestia stood at the other side of the room with a soft smile on her lips. Twilight rushed forward and into the larger alicorn's open hooves, relieved to see her lifelong teacher and friend. Celestia pulled her student into a tight hug.
"Celestia," Twilight cried," I'm so glad to see you."
"And you as well my faithful student," Celestia smiled down at the younger alicorn.
"Celestia, Cadence she-" Twilight said, tears stinging her eyes.
"Shhh," Celestia said holding Twilight close," I know I was told as well."
"Unhoof us blagard," a voice shouted," We demand you release us this instant!"
Twilight and Celestia turn to see Luna held upside down in the air by an invisible force. Beside her was an light blue alicorn as tall as Celestia. She wore the same suit as the larger alicorn stallion and had the same black mark. Celestia was agape at this. Here before her were two other alicorns that looked as old as her and her sister. Twilight was just as shocked.
"I will release you when you choose not to try to hit me again," the light blue alicorn said.
"Are you alright Temp," the larger stallion said his voice showing instant concern.
"I am well Brother," she said," It was a glancing blow."
He fixed a glare at Luna and she just glared right back.
"Forsooth you are a big one," she said before looking at Celestia and Twilight," Sister. Twilight Sparkle." Her face lit up," We are most glad to see you. We would embrace you but this one," Luna gave the captor a glare," Has seen fit to stop that."
"Will you behave?" the light blue alicorn asked.
Luna continued to glare at her. The light blue alicorn returned her glare with a neutral gaze.
"Fine," Luna gave a frustrated sigh. Without warning she fell onto the floor," Oof! You did that on purpose!"
Celestia walked up and wrapped Luna up in a spine crunching hug.
"I'm so relieved to see you Luna," she said.
"It is good to see you sister," Luna managed despite the amount of pressure that threatened to blow out her lungs," But we would be most grateful if you loosened your grip. We are having trouble breathing."
Celestia smiled sheepishly and dropped Luna, who was grateful for the gift of breathing again.
"Sorry Luna," Celestia said.
"Tis quite alright," Luna said before turning to Twilight.
"Twilight Sparkle. We are most relieved to see you unharmed," Luna said.
"Same to you," Twilight managed a giggle.
"We are guessing that Cadenza is no longer with us?"
Celestia and Twilight looked down, each with sorrowful expressions going across their faces. It was the only answer Luna needed.
"Then she died with honor," Luna said with a hint of pride in her voice," She will not be forgotten for her sacrifice."
Ember Gem cleared his throat garnering their attention.
"I am sorry to have to interrupt," he said," But we must get down to business."
"And who pray tell are you commoner?" Luna said, earning her a swat on the shoulder from Celestia," Oww. Sister what was that for?"
"I thought we had agreed to not use that word," Celestia scolded.
"You did," Luna huffed," We did no such thing."
Ember cleared his throat again," As I was saying. My name is Ember Gem. I am CEO of Genesis Technologies. We found you frozen in crystal. There were four of you but as you all know Cadence was dead at the sight. We brought you three here to one of my main labs in Canterlot. Now I must stress that the world is very different from what you remember."
"Why are my sister and I disconnected from the sun and moon?" Celestia asked, her tone stern.
"Without anypony to control them they stayed logged in the sky bathing the world in a perpetual twilight for quite some time. Then nine hundred years ago ponies discovered a way to begin the cycle again. Now the celestial cycle is managed by an array of satellites. They have safety measures set so no one pony can disturb the cycle."
"They are ours to manage," Luna growled, enraged at the idea of some machine doing her job," Give them back thief!"
"It's out of my hooves Ms. Luna," Ember said," Whatever connection you had to them is gone and the council will be hard pressed to let you take up the mantle again."
"Why? They're the Princesses for pony's sake," Twilight said.
Ember shook his head," In truth Ms. Twilight you three, according to lore, are a fairy tale. Any semblance that you actually existed is gone."
"You mean our little ponies have forgotten us," Celestia said," What of these two? If they are to talk-"
"They hold no power," Ember said cutting her off," They are a product of my head scientist's work. They were not born they were made."
Luna looked at him in disbelief," You mean these two are constructs? Illusions?"
"I assure you they are quite real."
Everyone turned to see Gene Splice walk into the room.
"Ah Dr. Splice," Ember said," So good of you to join us."
Thank you sir," Gene said," Temperance and Ironsights are flesh and blood. They were grown here to try to test the limits of genetic research."
"Genetic research?" Twilight asked.
"Yes," Gene explianed," They are the perfect combination of pegasus, earth pony and unicorn DNA. DNA is the blueprint of life. Every life form has its own unique genetic blueprint."
"Alicorns ascend when they master a type of magic," Celestia said her voice laced with barely contained disgust," This is blasphemy you've committed." She took a step toward Gene.
The large grey alicorn stepped between her and Gene his expression held a subdued anger.
"That is quite alright Ironsight," Gene said.
Ironsight glared at Celestia a moment before stepping back. He gave a snort and sat down. Temperance patted his shoulder with a comforting hoof.
"We are ponies same as you," she said looking at Celestia," We breath, we bleed and we feel same as you. I Aaah!"
Temperance suddenly fell to the floor clutching her head.
"Temp!" Ironsight shouted.
Gene rushed to her side," What is it?"
"It's Wildfire," Temperance said, tears streaming down her cheeks," She's having another episode."
"Can you walk?" Ironsights asked.
Temperance nodded and stood up. They rushed out of the room with Ember and Gene following close behind. Celestia, Luna and Celestia followed as well. The lights went red and the alarm began blaring again.
"Attention all personnel. Temperature spike in Lab C. Level six emergency. All lab technicians go to designated safe zones."
They followed Temperance and Ironsight into a large lab filled with tables and various equipment. In the center of the room was a red furred alicorn filly. Her golden mane was matted to her forehead with sweat. The room was unbaribly hot and the area around the filly had warped from the heat.
"Wildfire look at me it will be ok! Please you have to control it! Calm your mind!" Temperance shouted over the filly's screams.
"I-I can't," Wildfire screamed," It won't listen."
Celestia stepped forward without a word. Temperance and Ironsight moved to stop her but Ember Gem stopped them.
"She knows what she's doing," he said. Earning him a confused glance from them and Gene. Luna and Twilight watched, knowing the filly was in good hooves. Celestia for her part was barely feeling the heat as she approached the filly and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"It is alright little one," Celestia said, a serene smile on her muzzle.
"Who are yo-you?" Wildfire asked.
"My name is Celestia," She said," What is your name?"
"Wil-Wildfire," the filly stammered.
"Ok now Wildfire," Celestia said," I need you to calm your mind."
"I-I can't!" Wildfire cried, molten tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Look inside yourself," Celestia said," And envision yourself in front of a door."
Wildfire closed her eyes and did as she was told," I-I see it."
"Good little one. Now close it. I will help you," Celestia's horn began to glow a golden light. The larger alicorn felt a power in the filly that was different from any she had seen. The filly could use mana but the power was akin to an earth ponies innate magic, invisible but there. Slowly the temperature faded to normal inside the room. Wildfire wrapped her hooves around the larger alicorn's foreleg in a tight hug.
"Thank you!" she cried.
Ceelstia returned the embrace. Temperance and Ironsight rushed forward.
"Are you alright!?" Temperance said as she scooped the filly up and checked for any injuries. Wildfire giggled and squealed at the pokes.
"I'm alright," she finally said.
"Oh thank goodness," Temperance released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She turned to Celestia," Thank you."
"Yes thank you," Ironsight echoed, his tone was grateful but his eyes held caution.
Celestia nodded," I am just glad she is alright."
"Dr. Splice," Ember said," See to it that this lab is kept off limits. As for young Wildfire I believe a treat is in order."
"I will send for-" Gene began.
"No," Ember said a smile gracing his muzzle," Allow them to go into the city and show our three new arrivals around."
"Sir are you sure?" Gene questioned," I mean after an incident like that-"
"She is in good hooves," Ember said as turned to leave the room," Besides I believe these walls will get unnerving for them. Oh and once your done," his eyes narrowed and his tone became sharp," My office."
"Yes sir," Gene said.
All the while Luna watched him go. There was something about the stallion that unnerved her. She didn't trust him or the other alicorns for that matter. Luna knew they were at the mercy of these ponies though she didn't want to admit it. They were in another time without any way of knowing what had and hadn't changed. Everypony they knew was gone and all they had was each other. While Luna was lost in thought Twilight smiled fondly at the scene. It reminded her of the time Celestia had helped her when she had lost control of her magic those many decades ago. She had no doubt in her mind the three alicorns cared for each other. They had a strong bond between them, reminding her of the bond she had shared with her friends.
Gene cleared her throat pulling everyone's attention toward her," Mr. Ember has given clearance to allow you to show the newcomers around Canterlot. Ironsight you are in charge."
"Yes Mother," he said.
"Can I come too?" Wildfire asked. Her amber eyes cutely pleading with the stallion.
"As per Mr. Ember your all allowed to go," Gene said.
"Yay!" Wildfire squealed. She grabbed Celestia by her hoof and led her away," Come on I gotta show ya my favorite place."
Luna and Twilight followed after them. Temperance glanced at Ironsight, who looked lost in thought.
"What is wrong Brother?" she asked.
"I don't trust her or those other two," Ironsight said his gaze unwavering.
Temperance sighed. She knew her brother was overprotective of their siblings and with Wildfire it showed the most. She nuzzled his neck. "All will be well," Temperance said, trying to reassure him," They are good souls and without evil thoughts. The blue one seems to not trust us either but that is for her own family's sake."
Ironsight sighed, knowing she was right. After all nopony knew emotions like Temperance," Very well sister. Come lets go get Infinity or he'll be sore with us for not taking him."
"Is that simply an excuse to wake him?" Temperance asked, raising an accusing eyebrow at him.
"Maybe," Ironsight said, the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips.
The research team gathered before the spire at dawn. The team consisted of Ambrosia, Right Angle and Timeline. They all sported thick hiking gear and each had a Sabershield secured around their necks. They had them because the inside of the spire had heavy mana radiation inside. Where they were was protected by the barrier that was over the hole they were going to descend through. Heavy amounts of mana had adverse effects on ponies, making them extremely ill and can eventually kill them.
'Well it looks like she won't be showing,' Ambrosia smirked and secured her rope to a metal rod sticking out of the ice," Alright ponies its a fifty foot drop before we hit floor so," she looked at Timeline," Mind your hooves."
Timeline frowned,' You almost get a mare killed in an avalanche once and they never let you forget.'
Timeline secured his own line and looked up to see Gene Splice walking up. Flanking her was a light blue alicorn with a mint green mane. HIs eyes widened in disbelief at her. She easily stood head and shoulders above them all and her wings werea sight to behold as well as her long horn. She wore a light grey jump suit that covered her entire body. It stopped just below the barcode that had been stamped onto her neck. Her eyes were chilling to look at for they were milky white without pupils. Timeline had heard of these creatures. They were the crowning jewel of Genesis Tech's accomplishments. The alicorns, four in all, each had been made by Genesis Tech's leading scientists. He never thought he would see one in all his life.
"So you did decide to show up," Ambrosia said with a glare.
Gene met the glare with a neutral gaze," Yes it seemed a logical choice since you seem determined not to listen to reason." She looked up at the alicorn." Temperance." The alicorn nodded and lowered herself allowing Gene Splice to climb on." Shall we Ms. Ambrosia?"
With that the alicorn jumped through the hole at an astonishing speed. Ambrosia growled and jumped through the hole as well, followed shortly by Right.
"What the hay have I gotten myself into?" Timeline asked to nopony in particular as he braced himself and jumped through the hole as well. He slowly lowered himself to the floor. Ice covered everything in a thick sheet. Timeline marveled at the room they descended into. Even with all the ice he could tell this had once been a bedroom for an important pony and considering it's location, quite possibly the owners. Timeline landed and unsecured his rope. Splice jumped off the Temperance's back. Right Angle pulled out a small scanner.
"My word the mana radiation here is over three hundred percent," she gazed wide eyed at the scanner.
"Makes sense," Ambrosia said as she looked around like a filly would in a candyshop," This architecture has to be at least a thousand years old. Back then the mana radiation was much higher than it is now."
Timeline nodded," And over the years ponies had to adapt to the fading energies. For instance pegasi developed bigger wings and a stronger frame-"
"While unicorn's developed true telekinesis," Gene finished," Believe it or not pegasi used to rely on a flight aura to stay aloft while unicorns used magic to use a sort of pseudo-telekinesis."
Ambrosia ignored Gene and walked toward a nearby door. She tried to open it but it wouldn't budge. The alicorn walked forward," May I?"
Ambrosia shrugged and stepped out of the way. Temperance pivoted onto her forehooves and bucked the door open with tremendous force. The door flew clean off it's frame and landed in the large empty hallway beyond. Timeline whistled genuinely impressed by the feat while Ambrosia shrugged," Not bad. Come on lets go. Daylights wasting."
They followed the hot-blooded mare down the hall. Timeline and Right Angle marveled at the suits of crystal armor that lined the hall while Splice kept her eyes on her own scanner and stayed in the back of the pack. Timeline fell into step beside her.
"So why doesn't she have a Sabershield?" He asked motioning to the alicorn in front of them.
"Alicorns are extremely resilient," Gene said looking up from her scanner," Believe it or not she can withstand mana radiation triple this without incident."
Timeline's eyes widened at that. Gene refocused her attention at the scanner ending any further conversation with him. Before long they came to a throne room. Ambrosia beamed at the sight of the massive throne.
"I knew it," she said," This was the seat of power for a kingdom."
"What gets me though why we have no record of it," Timeline said," It's almost as if-"
"It faded from history," Ambrosia finished. Suddenly the alicorn's ears perked up and she galloped through a doorway. Ambrosia raised an eyebrow in question at Gene," Where is she going?"
Gene followed Temperance with a hurried pace, ignoring Ambrosia's question. Ambrosia looked at Timeline with her eyebrow raised while he just shrugged and they all followed. When they stopped they saw Gene and Temperance looking up at the ceiling with slack jaws. Ambrisia stopped beside Gene, huffing slightly from the run," What the hay was that about?"
Gene wordlessly pushed the unicorn's head up. Ambrosia,Timeline and Right Angle gazed up with disbelief at what they saw. Four alicorn's were encased in clear crystal above them. Three of them surrounded the fourth pink alicorn. The pink one had a look of pain on her face. The white alicorn, the larger of the four, had a look of subdued sorrow across her face. The dark blue one had a look of steel resolve on her face. The last one, the smallest of the alicorns, had been openly crying when they had been frozen in crystal.
"Say hello to Equestria's forgotten royalty," Gene said," Princesses Celestia, Luna, Twilight Sparkle, and Mi Amore Cadenza."
Timeline felt his mouth go dry as his rump hit the icy floor. He hadn't thought the legends were true. Everypony grew up hearing tales of an Equestria ruled by a benevolent and all-powerful royal family but that was all they had been, tales. Ambrosia couldn't believe her eyes either as she gazed up at the four ancient alicorns.
Temperance flew up and placed a hoof on the structure. She closed her eyes and was silent before she looked at Gene," Mother three are still alive."
Gene grinned," Good." she pulled out a small earpiece and put it on," Ricochet we found the target. This place is under quarantine as of now. No pony in or out. Understand?"
"Yes ma'am."
She looked at the three other ponies with her," I am sorry but I will have to have you all placed in confined quarters."
"Ambrosia stepped forward, lived," Why you bloody-"
She was cut off as all three of them felt an invisible force held them all in place. Timeline hazarded a glance at Temperance. She had landed and was staring at them, her gaze was unyielding.
'Telekinesis,' Timeline thought as he looked back at Gene Splice,' And bloody powerful too.'
"That wasn't a suggestion," Gene said.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"I can't bloody believe this!" Ambrosia yelled as she lit her sixth cigarette in the last ten minutes," They can't do this!"
"Well apparently they can," Timeline said from the chair he was currently slumped in.
He and Ambrosia had been escorted out of the spire and placed in Ambrosia's hexatent. Right Angle had been lead away so she could show them the research they had gathered on the spire. A pair of armed guards had been placed outside their tent's entrance to ensure they wouldn't try anything.
"I'm an Equestrian citizen," Ambrosia ranted," I have rights!"
Timeline rolled his eyes and looked out the viewing screen," Hey they're bringing out the alicorns we found."
Ambrosia looked out the window and sure enough she saw three medical beds floating off the ground each holding one of the alicorns. Leading them was Gene Splice with a holopad held in front of her by a unicorn stallion. They appeared to talking. Ambrosia leaned back and snuffed out her cigarette.
"Screw this," she said," Come on we're getting out of here."
"How?" Timeline said," In case you forget there are two ponies out there with guns."
"That's why your going to fake an injury."
"Fake an-" he started but Ambrosia kicked him right in the jewels,"Gah!"
She rushed over to the door," Guards come quick. I have an injured pony here."
She steeped to the side. A moment later the two guards rushed in. Ambrosia grabbed the second one coming in, a unicorn mare, and slammed a hoof into the side of her neck. She let out a strangled squawk. The other guard, an earth stallion, rounded on her, his rifle raised. Ambrosia grabbed the unicorn's rifle with her telekinesis and slammed it's stock against the side of his head. He went down with a grunt. Ambrosia turned just in time to see the barrel of a dart gun in her face.
"Umm," Ambrosia chuckled nervously," My bad?"
The unicorn sneered and moved to pull the trigger but a folded aluminum chair bashed her upside the head. Her eyes rolled up into her head and she fell to the floor unconscious. Timeline threw the chair to the side and gave Ambrosia a glare.
"Next time you fake the bloody injury," He said, still hurting from the pain in between his legs.
"Sorry mate desperate times," Ambrosia said as she grabbed some rock climbing rope from her trunk," Come on lets get these guys tied up. Then we can figure out what the hay is going on here."