Into Darkness

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Four

Chapter One

Lightning flashes across an infinite sky, darkness dominated an army of flickering candles spread out across several badly shaped pillars, their flames do not brighten further than their dancing bodies. Amidst a cloudy haze, an island floats in a dark, flashing sky of dread. A figure looms on the edge of its throne, eyes black, as if emanating the darkness itself, only a slight, choked shine of its body is shown.

"Such a fool for taking on destiny" it growled,

The vulgar words were pointed at a pegasus, a mature, blue Colt whose color had been faded. His eyes slowly grew black as his body stumbled wearily from fighting the darkness. His muscles tired from fighting, barely keeps himself from dropping a darkened object within his mouth.

"I’m not done yet!" the pegasus roared back, though it was weak and pitiful, it gave the throned figure a quiet chortle. The pegasus' eyes were locked onto the figure with only the thought of the figure's demise coursed through his mind. Kicking up the ethereal dust that lay on the barren island, he rushed headlong towards the heinous figure. As he swings, something blinds him.

Breathing heavy gasps the pegasus awakens on the cool morning ground of a lush forest. He quickly stood up, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. "Just a dream" He muttered, shaking himself awake, taking a hoof forward, he stumbles into a nearby tree, his thoughts are scattered as he hastily collects them, remembering his travelling journey. Birds chirp with gentle tempos, aromas of grass and flowers fill his nostrils in the morning air, the sun breaks through the leaves of the forest, creating a beautiful array of lights dancing across the Colt's body. His appearance is of a light blue coat, lined with a cyan streak looping across his body. A pair of deep blue eyes gaze out towards the sky. A small trio of metal struts veer slightly forwards, extending straight up from what was once his left ear, coupled by a long right ear. The Cyan lie branches off onto his wings, ending at their tips. His mane ends in a deep blue fire, spiking outwards towards the back of his head from a simple curve. Mimicking his mane, the same colored tail spikes into major patches of hair at three intervals, another curve tapers off, level with the ground into and S shape.

"Bad dream, BlueStreak?" a voice called from above. "As always Striker" he replied, BlueStreak gazed upon a tree branch nearby to see a hawk, with an unusual smallness to him, and a more unusual ability to talk. Three golden feathers create a natural crown behind his head, from the jutting crown, an ocean of beautiful deep blues race across his body. The same golden color circles his lively eyes as it races down towards his wings. The First stop of the golden lines veer towards the wing tips, with the last stop creating a large set of golden feathers on his tail. A black beak, legs and Talons finish the gorgeous appearance.

"So, where are we headed?"

"Cloudsdale"

“The city of flying ponies, got it.”

Bluestreak grabs his sword, admiring it with reborn curiosity. Bearing a curved hilt that branches off into two golden hued wings on each side, the middle of the blade contains a long steel blue stone that tapers sharply to the point of the sword, forged metal travels on each side, growing in thickness as the middle shrinks away. A white handle, bearing a pommelless end shoots twelve inches opposite of the metal. Sheathing it over his back, he starts towards Cloudsdale. Silence prevails, only to be driven away by the gentle breezes and forest sounds. Upon leaving Ponyville yesterday, Bluestreak gained word of an amulet somewhere in cloudsdale, an amulet said to be enchanted, that could protect any wearer from harm.

"You've been awful quiet buddy, are you sure those dreams are not getting into your head?"

"I'm fine Striker, I'm just... collecting my thoughts"

"They've been getting worse haven't they?"

"...Not right now Strike..."

Striker opens his beak to reply, but stops himself, honoring his words. Their Journey takes them the entire day to complete the trek, wandering through forests, mountainous terrain and other natural obstacles. For three years, Bluestreak and Striker have been traveling Equestria, three long, grueling years to earn enough bits to keep them fed. Raiding ancients ruins for priceless artifacts, hunting down the occasional thief, or simply living off the land. The tiresome adventures Bluestreak and his faithful hawk had, have created strong spirits, hardy bodies, and an inseparable bond between the two. Night attacks the sun as it retreats behind the flanking mountains. They arrive below the floating city, the stars are already dancing, with the moon emanating a gentle glow over the lands.

"So whats the plan to get up there partner, take a balloon?"

Bluestreak unsheathes his blade with a smile.

"Something better"

The sword which Bluestreak wields was found in a deeply overgrown cave near Canterlot. It sat gracefully upon a simply carved pedestal circled by several ancient pillars of symbols, not known to any textbook. Bluestreak pulled it out of the pedestal, though to the young pony’s expectation of traps, nothing happened. From what the pegasus knows, it could capable of using pure magic.

"Please tell me you're not not gonna activate that blade, remember last time?"

Ignoring his friends plea, Bluestreak charges the blade, a process in which the young pegasus must think an action with his mind. A humming begins to increase from within, the blade's ocean hued metal begins to glow.

Striker let out a worried squawk "Bluestreeeaaak?"

"Come on buddy, it’s not like we’ve done worse" The pegasus is sent upwards straight towards Cloudsdale, in a somewhat quiet manner. "Yes, we have..." Striker sighs, barely keeping up as his friend leaves a trail of bright energy in his wake. Cloudsdale's soft fluff is pierced with a loud poof, followed by Striker's less intimidating manner.

Chapter Two

Striker pops out from a stray cloud, surveying Cloudsdale.

"Blue come on, can we get this over with? BLUE!" Striker waits a few moments before his friend reples, "Y-yeah, ready"

"Seriously, Bluestreak what's going on?"

"Nothing, let's go"

Bluestreak slides out of a nearby cloud and begins trotting into the town. The little bird turns towards the streets, the night is at its peak, and most pegasi have gone to bed.

The hawk lands on Bluestreak’s spiked mane as they begin their search for the little shop. Lights dance upon the surface of the clouds, the sources of its grace coming from a beautiful array of burning lanterns forming at key locations of the erratic cloud formations. Houses are dark as they gape at Bluestreak with their quiet windows, the occasional breeze caresses the loose patch of mane hanging over Bluestreak's forehead, waving it around freely. After navigating the pathways and signs, they arrive before the door to the small building. Aboard a lonely cloud, its simple oak gives off a calmness from the other stone pillars. Covered in a recently placed thatch roof, two torches dance about safely in their hooks flanking the red door. The sign above them reading ‘Aveela's Artifacts’ welcomes them with a professional look, the inside is dimly lit.

Bluestreak summons his courage and enters the small store. The door creaks open with a jingle from a bell connected to the door, it repeats as the door creaks shut. Trinkets, odds and ends line the shelves of the well kept store, one in particular catches the blue pony’s gaze. An Idol sits atop the middle shelf, showing a masterfully carved pony, although the horn and wings seem broken off. What’s left is the mane, seeming to flow with the etchings of art waving on the strange equestrians mane and tail, the cutie mark is scratched out along with the rest of the idol. As they near the empty counter, they hear a troubled voice.

"Now where is that gadget at"

A female voice emanates from the counter, tail flicking from behind the wooden desk with focused curiosity. Striker clears his throat.

"Customer...O-oh a customer!"

The mare pegasus mumbles excitedly over her breath.

"She's your type Blue"

Silently chuckles Striker.

"Shut it"

Bluestreak hisses back.

"Welcome to Aveela's artifacts! How may I help you today sir?"

Aveela's fur creates an ice like color in the dim room, her long mane has a streak of white running along draped thread of hair over her forehead, a pale blue dominates the rest, her eyes are a deep blood red color, a cutie mark sports a scroll with a cloud behind it. Bluestreak's face grows with a faint flush.

"Uh... I.... uuuhhh... a-artif-fact..."

Striker pecks Bluestreaks head and takes over for him.

"We are here to buy an artifact"

"You are? Oh-I mean what are you searching for?"

"Wait, you aren't freaked out by a talking hawk?"

"Nope"

Aveela replies with a friendly smile, Striker’s response is a strange gaze.

"Really?"

"I'm completely sure"

"Now that’s freaking me out now”

“I think it’s adorable”

Aveela smiles once more. Striker pauses for a disturbed moment, then starts again.

“There's an amulet that you seem to hold in your store, the Protectors Amulet"

With a gasp Aveela rushes into the back through a door to her right, and comes out moments later brushing off the dust from the gem the amulet holds. The amulet in question sports a very bright blue rhombus-like stone embedded around a gold hued metal casing, mimicking the same form. Chained with platinum links, a slight hum is heard throughout the somewhat quiet store.

"This little guy?"

Bluestreak shakes himself back into focus

"Yes, that-"

Before he can finish, the amulet begins to react to Bluestreak as he nears the amulet, a sudden flash blinds the three, as Aveela opens her eyes, she gasps to see the amulet around Bluestreak's neck. The male pegasus, recovering from the disorienting flash, feels the cold metal chain around his neck.

"Magic, why magic? Why me?" Reaching up to touch the amulet, a small ball of light bursts Blue's hoof away as if to keep it from separating from its owner.

Aveela appears to be much more baffled than Bluestreak, who simply shakes his head in frustration. "Ok tough guy, you're going to tell me what happened" Striker's voice calls from below Bluestreak, with a smile, he answers, "It latched onto my neck, kinda like how you latch onto my head when you panic" Shakily raising his toothpick for legs up, the hawk seems to be stagger around blind with eyes closed, until smacking into Blue's leg. Tumbling back down, the hawk's black opals glare back at Bluestreak who turns back to Aveela.

"Do you have anything on this?" For a moment, Aveela seems dumbfounded before answering, "I know a place... of..." she bites her lip.

"Place of what? Don't you at least have a book?"

"Books solve everything" Striker adds. Aveela shakes her head, "No, I don't have anything on the Ene- ooohhh" she stammers.

Bluestreak leans on an imaginary pillar, an interested gaze peering towards Aveela's red eyes. "Come on, out with it"

"P-promise you wont reveal this to anypony else?"

"So long as you give me an answer" Bluestreak walks over to Striker, who is still recovering his vision fro the flash. "Deal, give me a few minutes and we'll be off" The duo waits, Aveela rolls her eyes "Outside?".

"Alright, no funny business" Bluestreak calls back, the bell rings twice.

Dawn begins to break through the trees once more, it has been four hours since Bluestreak, Striker, and Aveela departed for an unknown destination.

"It’s not far she said, four hours ago"

Striker's Complaint brings amusement to his partner who begins to chuckle. A moment passes by before Striker starts up again.

"There's something mysterious about her Bluestreak, and it won't go away either" Striker whispers, Bluestreak glimpses back at the hawk before replying, "Cutting to conclusions already?"

"No it's just, I don’t like it"

"Relax we'll be on our way back to Canterlot right after this quick adventure"

“I can never relax..."

Bluestreak rolls his eyes as the bird begins grumbling to himself before catching back up to Aveela, who has somewhat increased now to a trot. "A forest north of Cloudsdale... new" Bluestreak thought. The Rustling of leaves and the bright flowers in bloom create a beautiful imagery, birds flutter about their daily lives, the sudden and strange presence of magic starts to become a strong feeling. Aveela stops in front of an abnormally grown tree, not far from the forest’s border. Moss covers the rocks that the tree grows upon, though the rocks seem a little off to be such minerals, they display a sheen, like metal.

"Looks deceive"

Aveela comments, it becomes apparent that the rocks are actually part of an elaborate collection of metal plating, the more BlueStreak focuses, the more the rocks turn into an airship, leaned to one side ever slightly, buried deep into its mossy grave. She trots happily into a hole in the vessel's hull that has now appeared from the corner of Bluestreak’s eye, the duo follows. The hallway is overgrown, its turquoise metal glinting off the walls creates an otherworldly atmosphere, blue stone markings create patterns along the corridor, conveying a glow which appears to reach out towards Bluestreak, metal thumping echoes from Bluestreak’s hooves as he carefully navigates the vines and tree roots piercing into the structure. They stop in a large enclosed room, vines hang in a clumped array from a rippled hole above them as light peers in, glass seems to be cracked and broken through by nature itself. Pillars of metal and stone support the top, with no clear marks of aging from the rest of the structure.

"What is this place Aveela?"

"If I'm certain, this is one of the few Enerstone craft that have been found"

"Ener-what?"

Striker confusedly replies. Aveela motions them to follow to the upper deck.

“A long time ago, an empire utilized a stone, that would generate its own power source, they were called energy stones, or put simply, Enerstone. The technology that was used in their lives was beyond common engineering, they could operate large hovering vessels that could rival out own airships.

"And how do you know this?"

Bluestreak questions. Aveela's face fills with a hint of guilt.

"Book"

"Called it" Striker chortles.

Aveela The ice mare turns to a chest at the rear of the vessel, with a loud creak the lid pops open, revealing a somewhat preserved leather bound book, its thickness is a little less of a book than a journal. her hooves surround the book, lifting it to Bluestreak. Lifting his own for the book to lay on, he blows the dust off, before lifting the first page with his muzzle. The first thing that piques Bluestreak's read, are three words.

"Prince of...Darkness"?

"The Prince of Darkness, an ancient alicorn who appeared out of nowhere and wreaked havoc across a small portion of Equestria in ancient times"

"This was in the book as well?"

"Y-yes"

She replies.

"Wait, what does this amulet have to do with this empire, and the Dark prince, and Enerstone tech?"

"That stone is said to contain a mystical power, lost to time, and it appeared to react to you, and I believe it connects with the enerstone"

“How do you know?”

“I came here several times, exploring different sections, and it, also explains in the book”

"So, I'm special"

Replies BlueStreak

"That sounds... interesting"

Striker chimes. BlueStreak walks up to a blue flat stone embedded into the side of the room.

"So what do these ston-"

The stone reacts to BlueStreak’s touch, the ground rumbles violently.

Nobody speaks as a lifting feeling begins to take effect, Aveela's ears droop in fear. An ominous noise whines from the stones as they flicker, seeming to lose power, the vessel is already rising fast above the treetops allowing the vessel to teeter around wildly.

"What now Aveela? Aveela!"

"I d-dunno, this never happened before" She gazes around quickly, she rushes over to the middle of the room where a pair of levers and a wheel presents itself she grabs hold and tilts the vessel evenly to the ground below. Bluestreak runs up to her,

"What about us!?" Bluestreak's face appears to have a timidness to it. Aveela is almost torn away from the apparent controls when a loud pop sounds off from the back, seemingly forcing the vessel to rear itself in the air, Bluestreak catches her and pushes her back onto the controls.

Once more she gazes hastily, before noticing the withering blue stones, "I know this sounds crazy, but jab your sword into one the blue stone slabs!"

"WHAT!?" Striker exclaims.

"This vessel needs to land before the stones run out of energy, your sword has that same power, right?! I've seen it in a similar drawing in the book!"

The ship tosses and turns as it uncontrollably wanes over the ever dimming power, Aveela barely keeps it from capsizing as another loud snap comes from the rear of the airship. Unsheathing the sword, Bluestreak forces the blade deep into the soft stone, the blue thorn embedded within the two slivers of metal of his sword begins to dance in an array of blue hues, but nothing else happens, Bluestreak sighs as he reluctantly forces the same jet he used to climb into Cloudsdale, this time into the stone, bringing the ship to life, albeit slowly.

"C'mon BlueStreak!"

Striker yells with a panicked tone

"I got it handled!"

Aveela’s struggle to keep the airship upright becomes easier as she navigates to the ground.

"Blue, stop the jet!"

Striker yells with his tone again, before BlueStreak realizes what the little hawk meant, the blade flies out of the crack taking BlueStreak with it, the jet dies mid flight, it shoots out of his grip, from his mouth and disappears into the metal above. BlueStreak is tossed to the front of the airship, crashing loudly through the already brittle, fragile windows. pain envelopes his back, before smacking his face into the steel railing on the outside deck, everything goes black.

Chapter Three

“Bluestreak...”

The voice is faint, almost unhearable. Bluestreak opens his eyes, standing where he was knocked unconscious. Walking towards the controls, he expected Aveela to be there, only finding nothing, darkness, everything is still, no noise. He looked outside the cracked windows, darkness ever yet, not even the railing is present in the thick haze, not even the piece he brazenly smacked into. A sudden sobbing turns him around, almost stumbling backwards out of a nearby window as he looks in horror. Aveela is standing face to face with Bluestreak, her eyes are black, leaking out tears, she’s sobbing, something trickling down her chest catches Bluesstreak’s eye. Blood oozes from a hole, big enough to fit a hoof.

“Why?”

She whispered locking her eyeless sockets with his, her body fades away moments later, a dark figure looms from where she stood, staring at him like a stone statue, white fangs extend as it lifts its visible mouth, unleashing a frightening laughter. Bluestreak wakes up with a gasp, sweat running down his forehead as fear envelops him.

“Bluestreak, a-are you ok?”

It was Aveela’s voice, she stands nearby, who appears to have recently come back from picking berries. He gazed down, soft, moist soil wets his fur as he slowly stands up outside the airship.

“What, happened?”

“You were knocked unconscious bro”

Strikers voice emanates from a tree branch just above Aveela,

“And this lass was nice enough to not only save your ass, but save the ship, with my help of course“ Striker finishes with a proud look.

“Figures”

Bluestreak replies, something tingles strangely on his nose, pain shoots across his face as he attempts to wriggle his muscles wincing as he remembers, a small amount of cloth wrapped around his nose has blotted a small trickle of blood.

“Easy partner, you hit that railing pretty hard, you practically headbutted the railing enough to bend it three inches!”

Striker starts laughing uncontrollably.

“Get some rest please, your wounds will heal much fa-”

“Don't, don't talk like my mother”

Aveela's mouth stammers for words as she stands before her accomplice, before walking away with the basket of small berries, Bluestreak looks towards the intact airship, leaving Strike silent. The forest is much different, possibly took a long time to get the airship safely down. The sun's rays barely make it through the dense canopy as the wind bristles away at the leaves without a tempo from the birds.

"Isn't that a little harsh?" Striker asked, the blue pegasus sighs, lowering his head back to the ground, the tingle in his nose remains.

"No, it's not"

Falling back into his disturbed slumber, Bluestreak is able to sleep without the dreams leaving him restless.

Another day passes before the pain was bearable to move his muzzle. The Airship's plating is more clearer, possibly from Aveela cleaning off the vines and roots. Upon lifting himself from the ground, Bluestreak's realization of his missing sword sends into a panic, only to find it beside him. With a slightly embarrassed look, he sheathes back into the crude holster for his sword.

Before he starts towards the entrance, he takes one long glimpse at the airship. Although time has taken its tole on the ships well being, it still remains intact, albeit the massive holes all around the frame. The airship sports a split look, one section dominates above a long, slender piece of rusted white metal, which fattens towards the middle, and tapers sharply towards the front, with a dull taper towards the back. What appears to be an arched crescent lies behind the top of the upper section, possibly for stability during flight.

The lower section lags behind, a large blue stubbier piece, letting the upper portion jut out towards the front. The middle bears the cracked and broken windows of the middle deck features another deck outside the windows. What a poor sight Bluestreak thinks as he begins nearing towards the rusted hulk wondering what was in the other rooms before the accident happened. His wonder would become a quick reality a short time later, finding Aveela tearing away at a stubborn vine.

"Mernin', phoo" She said with a mouth full of vine.

"Uh, morning, you need any-" the vine gives way, snapping Aveela backwards, sending her crashing into a small blanket of leaves below.

"-help...?"

She recovers from the fall, shaking the leaves off her cyan body. "I got it!" she smiled, "Were you looking for your hawk?"

"No, I was wondering if you had any time to explore the airship?" She nods, "Sure! But, are you feeling- uh... I mean, If you're feeling good enough"

"A little slam to the face won't keep me down, let's get started"

Aveela nods once more leading him into the first location from yesterday, the large room.

"R-right now, we're in the middle section, where the loading areas are. To the front lies the cannons for the airship" Aveela explains.

"Cannons? This has cannons?"

"Well... they're broken, at least, that's what I think."

"Let's have another look then"

Taking a left from the portside, Aveela leads the way into a narrow corridor housing the gun mechanisms for four cannons total, two per side. One has already collapsed from its elevated porthole housing the other piece of the cannon.

"Huh, I forgot this ship is in bad shape..." Bluestreak comments,

Small extensions of blue rock juts outwards on each side of large rotary rings attached to the wall, various levers and instruments vein around the stones. A small ray of light pierces from the middle, a small scope, where the cannon operator could aim. Amongst the glauciuos steel walls are markings, one of them shows tally marks seven in total, whilst the rest meant for regality wander the walls in small patterns. Their hooves echo upon the twisted wooden splinters of wood as they exit towards the stern. Dominated by a large pillar of the same blue minerals, secured stones, what's left of the secured ones, dot around with only a margin still glowing, while others remain unsecured on the floor from weakening of the metal straps leaving them powerless.

With a telepathic nod, BlueStreak and Aveela strap the stones back into place, bending the metal struts to the best of their ability back into place, most return to the life, while the others are far too ruined to provide power.

"That should fix our power problem" Aveela says.

"For now" Bluestreak replies.

Once again Aveela leads the way up one of the offhand staircases between the loading hall and the Enerstone room. Getting a longer glimpse, Bluestreak can see how amazing it must have been to operate such an advanced airship. Today, shards of ancient glass, the same rusted glaucious metal, and an array of blue stone slabs and the controls at the front lay in a mess. Gusts of wind seethe through the windows, creating a multitude of whistling tunes of broken tempos. Striker flutters in through one, landing on the steering wheel of the airship.

"You managed to pilot this rusted can without crashing it?" BlueStreak questions, motioning towards the controls.

"B-beginner's luck?" Aveela replies with a confused tone.

Shaking his head with a smile he looks up, two staircases jut down, leading to the final section of the airship, Aveela follows him up the incline as Striker changes his perch to her. Into a dark, musty room full of torn sheets and beds, personal belongings and broken furniture scuttles itself across the room. Eight beds line the rusted brown walls, and something scrawled on the front wall brings attention of the group.

" Upon the corpse of our empire, the seed of knowledge shall be carried away from the Dark Prince, to which, it shall hide in the forest of the far north. "

"That's... a revelation. Did you know about this Aveela?" Bluestreak remarks.

"No, but there is no forest to the far north" Aveela questions,

"That's because nopony ever explored far enough into the frozen wastes" Replied Bluestreak, walking back down to the midsection. Aveela snaps from her deep thought, walking down to see BlueStreak at the front, next to the railing dent he made from yesterday. Aveela walks beside BlueStreak, looking out as the blue pegasus does.

"So, lovely day, trees, nature, a hunk of metal we're exploring where it shouldn't be that contains an ominous message" Striker begins,

"It brings the question, what now?"

"I... really don't know, nothing would work, not until you came here with your magical touch Bluestreak"

"I'm all for figuring out this mystery, but we can't begin unless this is fixed" he taps the dented bar, Bluestreak jumps away as the bar in question snaps off, thudding to the ground below.

"Wow, you know I did not see that coming!" Striker laughed, Aveela join in, before continuing,

"But how?"

Bluestreak turns to Striker, who answers with a shrug.

"We, uh.... know a friend"

"Can he actually fix it?"

"Things can happen when you don't see one another for three years, we'll have to see"

"Then, by all means you two ponies, let's get this show in the air!" Striker remarks as he flutters behind them.

The Enerstone hums to life, lifting the airship towards the clouds, the large nacelle engines flare with speed as they leave the vessel's grave behind, back in the sky, where it belongs.

Chapter Five

"It, it's real..." Bluestreak's voice becomes a shuddered chittering of teeth as the shrouded creature stares it's white eyes into Bluestreak's blue eyes. Its shape is only that of a dragon's, large, but barely visible beneath the shroud of it's own dark hues, even beneath the bright day, light struggles to unveil the beast. Four large legs leave behind a dying forest of grey, with each step the ground itself churns in darkness.

"Too easy" It whispers harshly, a dark mist begins to emanate from its mouth, a cue to make Bluestreak move.

Sliding the blade from his scabbard, Bluestreak finds himself paused into a hesitant thought. How do you fight something larger than life, foretold in your dreams?

The mist flies towards Bluestreak at blinding speed, before being shoved away by another body. The world freezes for a moment as he looks back, Striker is already charging blindingly at the large figure, wings glowing, Aveela is nowhere to be found, and Sword Gear's expression is anything but calm as something sharp begins to unfold in his metallic hands.

Nothing seems to make sense, a dream becoming reality, it was only speculated by Bluestreak's professor, a thought that foresight was a myth. The sudden barrage of Sword Gear's contraptions brings Bluestreak out of his speculative thoughts, each bolt sizzles upon the dark hide of the creature, seeming to effectively harm it, though it does not last long, the hide seals, and then the horrors of a mechanic becomes reality, the airship is bombarded with dark energy, almost as if turning the Spidocks to ash in an instant, the replacement metal upon the airship fairs only better in the fact that the arcane contraptions provided some cover from the true damage. Before long the metallic army retaliates no more.

"That is good whelp, watch, do not delay the inevitable!"

Bluestreak takes a step back, watching Sword Gear get thrown backwards piercing into the metal of the airship nearby from sheer force. Striker's efforts fail in vain as he himself is enveloped within the jaws of the giant monstrosity, gone. Bluestreak's body screams for actions, but his mind fails to respond, body shuddering from terror.

"A hilarious concept, to fight the spawn of the ancestor that struggled to hide"

"S-spawn?"

"Ah, unintelligent soul, you do not remember your father? He foolishly ran to his death, but I did not realize he left behind a wilting legacy"

"S-stop it!" Bluestreak stutters with exclamation, his muscles lock up, refusing to move ever yet.

"The Whelp finally spits a dull venom! Oh how I enjoy this moment" The dark being laughs hysterically.

"Fight!"

"Fight now!"

"and Carry our fury!"

"for thou wieldeth our blade with a true line!"

A collection of voices echoed storms his head, forcing him to move at last, though not him, but some unseen force looses his locked body. The dark being stops suddenly, watching Bluestreak dash right.

"Running will delay th-"

Its words are cut short as Bluestreak's sword propels him past the face with a burst of blue energy, slashing it harshly with satisfying result. It staggers around, recovering from the sudden blow.

"HA! A worthy performance, Bluestreak, but strength is against you!"

Rushing towards the airship, Bluestreak's opponent blasts his path with painful mist, he flaps upwards, dodging the vale and lands on the other side, the dark creature rushes at Bluestreak, clawing and spitting as Bluestreak struggles to dodge its attacks. A blinding light splits a small portion of the creature's belly open as Striker charges out of his prison.

"Striker! You're alive?!" Bluestreak yells over the painful howling,

"I was wondering when you'd take action!" Striker replies over the screeching, the hawk reforms with his friend.

Bluestreak's metallic ear ravages his head with horrible sound, causing him to stop and bear the pain with his head lowered. A dark claw smacks him through the hull of the airship, screeching across sodden boards and eventually thumping against a newly placed cyan wall, the overtone finally subsides. Bluestreak jumps up, smacking his metal ear against the cyan wall of the ship, disabling the device from further incident.

"Not done yet" Bluestreak mutters, charging from his hole back towards the beast, who is preoccupied with Striker after the smite of its claw, a perfect moment to strike.

His sword charges, waiting for a perfect time to dig his weapon into he creature, this time he was in control. It takes notice, flaring dark mist towards him, Bluestreak takes to the skies, circling around the creature, attempting to focus the charge of his sword towards the creatures head, he flies ever higher.

"Blue, ground yourself!" Striker yells, his voice dances with worry.

"Almost there" Bluestreak whispers.

"Blue, don't over exert yourself!" Striker's voice brings more worry. With glowing wings, Striker blinds his adversary, causing the creature to flail without a target.

"Almost....-ACH!" Bluestreak's wings flap opposed to one another, unable to work in conjunction, he finds himself falling towards the ground, his mind becomes a jumble of pain and forgotten thoughts. He watches through his blurred vision as his mind jumbles itself, it was now, or never.

He refocuses the remainder of his mind on the giant creature, and lets loose the charge. It flares him unerringly at a different target than the head. Plunging deep, the creature howls as its chest begins to crack with lines of white. Bluestreak digs it deeper, stopping only at the hilt as his sword hums mysteriously. The rumbling cues Bluestreak to pull the sword out, however it defiantly budges, forcing him to jump from the wound towards the ground without his prized weapon.

The darkness crackles as the lines grow deeper, before finally destroying the dark creature, revealing a colored set of scales beneath, and a reptilian figure any Equestrian would know. Striker flutters around for the longest moment, surveying the fainted beast, before landing on Bluestreak's back.

"So, it was.... being controlled?"

"I dunno..... what did you see in there?"

"Let's not ask that" Striker retorts.

Panic rushes down Bluestreak's spine.

"Aveela, Sword Gear, did you see them?!"

The hawk's head frantically searches before spotting one. "Sword Gear is over here!" Striker flutters over to the dented piece of brittle metal, only to find Aveela glowing red near Sword Gear, wounds close up his before the duo's eyes.

"A-Aveela?"

The words make her jump, the spell taking a new effect on her now. Before their eyes, their pegasus friend slowly turns into a new figure.

"No, that's... no!" The blue pegasus stammers as he struggles to puzzle the pieces together. Aveela, or what was once Aveela, morphs into a dark figure of glowing red, before its real image is shown. A Changeling appears before them, eyes with crimson, white with sailing pupils as they frantically look back to Striker and Bluestreak, her black body is lined on the occasional blood colored markings, her mane and tail appear strangely that of an equestrian's, though with the same flow of color, her legs are not misshapen, the only identity of her changeling presence are a set of sharp fangs poking from her muzzle, and her slit eyes.

"YOU WORKING FOR HIM!!" Bluestreak yells.

The changeling's eyes are wide with fear as she struggles for words "I was,- no,- I don't..." is all that comes out. Striker's face is straught beyond utter confusion, fearfully landing on the wet grass of the clearing behind his friend. The blue pegasus takes a hoof forward, his eyes deadlocked in hers with fury. A sudden kick of dust blasts him forward at the strange changeling, only stopping barely before a beige earth pony.

"You know, Bluestreak, you really need to stop making assumptions" Sword Gear coughs.

"She's a changeling Sword, I think that's more than enough for assumptions!"

"and yet she healed me, and yet she helped you, and ever yet she stands here, stammering for words! She hasn't run, like a changeling calling for her allies!"

Bluestreak snorts angrily, before stepping away, his eyes still locked to the false Aveela.

"Tell me changeling, where's the real Aveela then?"

"I... m-m...." she stutters, but her words fall away.

"I'm waiting" the blue pegasus replies.

"I made her up" She answered aloud, lowering her head.

"There's no such magic as shape shifting.... is there?" Sword Gear questions.

Striker flitters atop Bluestreak's head before joining in. "She's a changeling, or, part of one, doesn't that mean she can do the green woosh thingy in a different way?"

"Indeed she can" A deep voice answers, behind them.

The group jumps as they all swing around towards the towering figure, a dragon. Its red scales shimmered in the morning light with only a hint of grey from its apparent control. His eyes veer down on them, though in a friendly assumed way. None of them know what to say, cuing the red dragon to speak once more.

"Your friend here, is half Changeling, however I cannot read her other lineage" he bellows softly, wings slightly partaking with a gust of wind from up high, waving around as sails.

"And.... and you are...?" Sword Gear's voice trails off, unsure of how to finish.

"Kargis, I apologize for my sudden discreetness, however, you have forgotten the battle you had partaken?" his slit eyes are refreshed with a blink before looking around at the wilted and dying forest trailing behind him, the hill burning as strongly as ever.

The group looks to one another for direction with confused glances. Sword Gear gazes on at the hill in dismay, sadly showing he has no power in saving his home now.

"Hm, you may not know what any of you are dealing with, especially you young pony" he points a claw towards Bluestreak, ushering him forward. As Bluestreak nears, he sees a glimpse of his sword, behind the pointed claw lies a glinting metal, the dragon drops it to the pegasus, making a shallow and brisk rapping of metal on grass and dirt. before taking the sword, Bluestreak glimpses up where he had buried the sword, no wound, not even a scar or hint of battle appeared on the dragon, aside from his slightly dull red appearance. The blue pegasus nods, before sheathing the sword within its grass woven blanket.

"Why were you.... attacking us?" Striker asked, shifting his legs atop Bluestreak's spiked mane

The dragon sighs, a small puff of smoke rising from his nostrils. His look solemns from its friendliness to that of a distantly troubled face.

"I apologize, but it is best left to history, I have.... a lot to catch upon this land."

With that, Kargis extends his wings quickly, causing powerful gusts of wind to slowly push Bluestreak backwards, sending the little hawk flailing away.

Bluestreak looks back to the others, the changeling casting a red glow onto Sword Gear's wounds, minor cuts and gashes trickling with blood from the impact slowly seal up, though, he would have a lot of recovery time for the injuries of his body altogether.

Striker returns to his position from before looking around the clearing of the forest.

"Jolly good, we lost our answering machine" Striker states with an essence of annoyance, a noise of feathers ruffles from above.

"Can we stop with the jokes?" The eyes of Bluestreak point upwards towards the hawk, his head shaking in its own annoyance.

Before the pegasus takes a step, his mind begins to slow down, head spinning with a massive headache, the world around blurs.

"You, don't look too good........hey, are you okay?"

His eyes close.

Chapter Six

Their voices slowly caressed his ears, each moment of stir, they grew deeper in their plaintive, indescribable voices. It seemed like an eternity before his eyes opened. The voices increase, intensity unwavering as he struggled to pick himself up.

"Hello?"

"Bluestreak"

"Who's there?"

"Bluestreak"

The words were lost in the ocean of frantic whispers.

Holding his ears down, the whispers merely grew stronger before he snapped, "STOP" an echo carried his voice back to him, before dissipating into the unknown, intriguingly, the voices halt.

He stood up, gazing around as the stone island sailed through the soft fog, carrying Bluestreak with slow momentum, a sudden halt stumbles Bluestreak forward, landing him face first into the dusty rock.

Shaking his head of dust, Bluestreak turns around spitting out the occasional unpleasantness, watching a few more dozen islands of stone sway around in odd fashions. Almost as if they were orbiting something hidden, or continuing on until they were simple specks. Each boasted a flat top, with a spike of ground tapering below it, the origins of some ancient planet Bluestreak thought. The island begins to move once more, a few tacks of rock, inferior to Bluestreak's began to appear as he glided helplessly through the mysterious air.

The fog parted, he stood in awe, nothing but a vast horizon filled with its speckles and spheres of beauty stretched on for eternity. The sky gently swirled a magnificent array of colors alonside the atmospheres of what looks to be planets, beyond the colors and seemingly endless expanse, an ocean of stars looked down upon him in a warm welcome, as he stepped towards the edge to gaze below, a maw of darkness stares towards him with enigmatic presence.

"Where the hell..." A sudden rumble of the island forces him to back away, searching for the cause. A set of smaller islands had clumped together behind the blue pony, organizing themselves into a stairway to a higher island... which is about to hit.

Bluestreak is tossed around the island, the platforms shaking with untamed violence. He quickly recovers with a pause, hesitantly following the created path up to another larger piece of rock, ahead, was a strange round pool of glowing light.

The pool gleamed in its mysterious aura, Bluestreak neared with increasing curiosity, stopping as his hooves touched the first step, he leaned over the rim, gazing into the liquid. A mysterious array of lights within dance onto his face, twinkling atop his fur like an aurora contained in a radiant pool.

Before long, a mysterious voice would startle him, emanating nowhere, resonating everywhere.

"The first chapter is beginning, touch this stone, and learn your secrets" It said in a gentle hum, a yellow stone then rose from the radiant pool, swaying calmly as it neared the blue pegasus, he could feel calmness as it neared.

"Who's there!" Bluestreak called, he waited a few minutes, but the voice would not answer, with no other choice than to do what the voice explained, he leaned over the pool and pressed his hoof to it. Something sparked within his mind, that of war, he witnessed the countless battles of other equines, stripes similar to his all shared one thing, protection.

Everything began to glow brightly, until Bluestreak thought himself blinded by the whiteness, before opening his eyes to the real world once more, this time within the airship.

He found himself within the top section, it was dark, but the previous musty smell from before had now gone entirely. Bluestreak let his eyes adjust, the room was empty, a sudden thud from below alerted his ears, with a quick stretch and yawn, he made his way down to the middle deck.

It was moving, after what Bluestreak has witnessed before, he was surprised. A strong breeze was sifting through the spacious room, Darkblood was at the console apparently having noticed as he, letting out a soft "Eep!" As she watched Bluestreak climb down.

"... How-" he paused, startled by a sudden upstart.

"I told you not to touch that one!" A voice hollered from below.

"Well gee golly gosh tin arm, I thought it was the one labeled-"

"NO, None of the are labeled bent beak!"

Darkblood and Bluestreak gazed at one another with confusion before Bluestreak strode down to the engine room. Within the confines, Sword Gear and Striker were having a heated argument, half of the pylons were still laying about on the floor, though the airship apparently flew well without them. Lights flickered and danced across the metallic walls as they bustled with energy, veins of life coursing through the metal, much brighter than before. After a long moment of debating, they both turned towards Bluestreak, jumping back in surprise.

Sword Gear was the first to speak, "Bluestreak you're up! How'd... you-"

"We could hear you from above, I don't have to get you two back in line?"

"No, he was just... help-"

"Striker, I need your eyes in the sky again!" Darkblood called from above.

"Peace out tin arm!"

The Hawk sped off towards Darkblood with haste, leaving Sword Gear and Bluestreak in awkward silence. Sword Gear turns to Bluestreak with a strange look.

"You sure those dreams of yours aren't messing with you? You've been out for three days, mumbling hello every now and then."

"How the hell did I stay fed?"

"Well, Darkblood got the bright idea to spoon feed you in your sleep, I told her it was crazy, same with Striker," he rolls his eyes, "But... it worked"

"That's... reassuring" Bluestreak sighed.

"If you want your sword, it's in the left cargo bay, by a few of the boxes we managed to scrape from the fire, I could use some help over here when you can."

"Sure, just tell me what to do"

For the rest of the morning, the two stallions managed to repair many of the downed Enerstone pylons, strugglig to clamp two thirds of the total into place with their rusted braces. The additional energy boosted them forward with noticeable speed. As noon arrives, they crease a small hill, revealing the crystal castle across the vast grassy plains surrounding the rest of the empire. Sword Gear rushes up next to Darkblood, Bluestreak arrives minutes later.

"Alright, yeah, set us down there" Sword Gear whispered.

"Right behind the rock?"

"Right beside it"

Bluestreak raised a brow. "What are we doing near the Crystal empire?"

"It's our only idea of where to look, besides-" he winks, nudging Bluestreak's chest with his mechanical arm, "I've heard the mares in the Crystal Empire are quite as regal back in Canterlot."

With an annoyed sigh, and an irritated look, Bluestreak punches Sword Gear's mechanical leg, snapping its elbow joint in the opposite direction of its functionality, storming away down to the lower floor. Sword Gear struggles to keep upright with the joint unhinged.

"Much can happen in three years..." Sword Gear mumbled.

"Was, he not supposed to do that?"

"Uh.. well, not really no, at any rate, you should stay here with the ship, Blue and I will head into the city"

"Why here?"

Sword Gear fumbles around, bashing his free hoof into the broken hinge,

"Just in case, sometimes,... it's best to be prepared for anything... especially- CHINK ... well, since no pony else knows about this"

The leg slots back into its original place with a hallow thud of metal.

Aveela nods, "Alright," her head lowers. "Do... you think Bluestreak trusts me?"

Sword Gear's graspers retracted into place on his back before placing a hoof on her shoulder "He has to, don't worry miss I've known him for years, he may struggle to trust others at first but he's the most loyal friend you will ever meet, I assure you."

She smiles, "Thank you Sword Gear" Aveela turns away to the airship's controls as Sword Gear descends and exits the airship.

He finds Bluestreak already starting off towards the crystal city with Striker perched on his back, Sword Gear catches up to him, staring at a solemn face, he looks back to their path.

"You didn't have to be so hostile, especially in front of Darkblood."

Bluestreak remains silent, though his expression visibly shows more irritation.

"Alright Blue, what's wrong?"

"Nothing..."

"Sure isn't nothing, if there's anything that happened in the past three years, go ahead and say it, remember BFFL? Best Friends For Life?"

A moment passes before Bluestreak answers back.

"The dreams... began happening when I found the sword..."

"Where was the sword found?"

"Hidden within a chamber at the base of the mountain that Canterlot was built on, the entrance was thick with vines, well hidden from any prying eyes, I just so happen to... I just... found it"

"It seems to be of importance, especially with the abilities it provides as a blade from that attack."

"Maybe..."

"The dreams, tell me more."

Bluestreak sighed, looking up at the clear sky, the sun was at its peak, shining down upon them with soft warmth.

"Some of them.... are messages..... others... they're...."

"What?"

"...Threats."

A cold wind blew past them, sending a chill down Sword Gear's spine.

"So that's why you always wake in a panicked frenzy?" Striker cuts in.

"Let's talk about this... later... we're almost there." Bluestreak mumbled.

They passed the crystal arch leading into the city, open to all. Guards and equines of their respected crystal appearance chatted and gossiped, going about their lives happily. A few eyes darted to Bluestreak's appearance every now and then, giving Bluestreak a slight nervous feeling as they neared the center, towards the Crystal Castle. A few airships of small sizes sailed overhead towards an overhanging, elevated port on the other side of the tall castle, they all utilized hot air or other normal applications, nothing like the airship they had in their possession. Striker lights up excitedly.

"Hey, it's the crystal heart! Can we take a close look?"

"Quiet Striker, remember the rules." Bluestreak hissed back.

Striker began grumbling in silence as they pass the beating heart.

"Do we know where we're going?" Bluestreak asked.

"No, ask somepony for directions." Replied Sword Gear.

"Why me?!"

"Just do it sleeping beauty."

Bluestreak sighs in annoyance, walking to the nearest crystal pony. A mare about the same age as Bluestreak stops for him, giving a warm smile.

"Hello, do you nee- oh my, you have quite an interesting visage." She giggles. Bluestreak's cheeks grow flush.

"U-uh yeah, do you k-know where the library is?" He could feel his legs beginning to tremble.

"Of course sir, it's just over there on that side of our city." She continues giggling before pointing to a large building beside the Crystal Castle.

"T-thank you"

"You're most welcome! If It's not too bothersome, how did you get such an alluring stripe?"

"It's... uh, I was born with it."

"Oh, that is interesting indeed, I apologize if I was offensive." She smiles again.

"It's fine, thank you again." Bluestreak replied, smiling awkwardly, before they separated, he could still hear her giggling. Striker and Sword Gear are standing about.

"It's over here fellas" He motioned, crossing the large expanse of roadway.

Sword Gear grinned, "She ask about the stripe?"

"When do they not ask about the stripe... It really makes me nervous."

"Don't worry pal, we're here for you"

Bluestreak shook his head.

"Oh boy, looks like the Crystal City is getting a regal visit."

"What? Where?"

"Over there, the princesses."

Sure enough, Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight were strolling about a ways to their left.

"You don't see that everyday."

Striker chuckled silently before whispering, "Hurry up before they ask about Bluestreak's stripe as well" A low chortle could be heard from Sword Gear.

Stepping up to the doors, they are welcomed by the sight of two crystal griffon statues watching over the entrance. Bluestreak lifts a single wing upwards, Striker skitters beneath in answer. Sword Gear raised a brow.

"What are you two doing?"

"Libraries don't like birds"

"And you kn-"

"Let's just say I'm, slightly an egghead too." Bluestreak interrupted.

"You're putting emphasis on slightly"

"Yes, it's a fact." Bluestreak clarified with a hint of his emphasis.

Sword Gear rolled his eyes, giving up.

"And here I thought all pegasi were die hard athletes..."

"The more you know Tin arm" Striker commented below the wing.

They entered the library, expecting crowded aisles, constant whispers, and the occasional chuckle. Instead, barely anypony was within the premise. The Librarian greeted them, an aged Crystal mare with a soft pink mane and tail, her coat was a light violet tone, behind a set of antique glasses were a set of magenta eyes. "Welcome to the Crystal Library, if you need any help, feel free to ask." The group smile before moving on down a set of stairs to the base floor.

Bookshelf after bookshelf lined down the various paths of books and stairs, above, chandeliers of crystal flickered about with their magical flames, presenting a warm glow across the massive building of knowledge, Bluestreak never realized there were bigger libraries than back in Canterlot or in Ponyville. With a quick chain of nods, the group split up and began their ambitious search, Striker took the high shelves, haphazardly sifting through books with his beak and talons, before one slips from his grasp and clonks Bluestreak.

“Try not to get us kicked out?” Bluestreak hissed,

“Heheh sorry, musta slipped” He whispered from above.

Bluestreak rolled his eyes, focusing on the search. Meanwhile Sword Gear, on the other end makes use of his graspers, searching through page after page, nothing catches his attention other than mostly known locations of other empires.

Griffons,

Dragons,

Zebras,

Sea Ponies,

“Sea Ponies? Is this… What bloke wrote this?” He muttered to himself sliding the book uncaringly into its rightful, yet unlikely spot.

For the next four hours, nothing eventful happened, albeit half of the library had now been searched with no success of any forgotten empire. Bluestreak sends Striker to Sword Gear to meet in the middle.

“Any luck?

“Pffft, nothing” Sword Gear sighs.

“Maybe we’re not looking in the right place?”

“What if you tried really hard?” Striker cut in.

“Striker, you’re not helping”

“He never helps Blue”

“I’m glad we’re in agreement” Bluestreak grumbled.

Striker lands on a nearby bookcase, glaring at the two ponies talking him down. As the two look back towards the other unexplored end of the library, Striker wanders about the shelf, if felt loose under his claws, and certainly had not been replaced like the others in quite a long time, he swayed his weight as it creaked in a playful manner.

As he did, the board’s hinges grew loose, causing it to slide, Striker attempted to lift the heavy slab of crystal from falling, his talons simply scratched across its surface without traction, causing it to clatter loudly on the rocky floor, Sword Gear and Bluestreak freeze in place as the librarian comes over with a worried face, before gazing in shock at the bird.

“Hey! Go! Shoo!” she yelled at Striker, as he spread his wings, a book slid out beneath him, the door nearby faintly clicked as she opened it. The librarian then took it and attempted to swat the hawk towards the door, before a massive grinding noise froze her too in place. It was that of a stone slab sliding on another of its kind, heavy and drowning every bit of noise that was not of its own. Bluestreak rammed his metal ear into the stone, locking the main prong from overtoning like last time.

Four massive book shelves within the center where Bluestreak and Sword Gear were watching began rotating, knocking over the nearby pillars of knowledge. They all gasped as a storm of cluttering books and pages flapping in the wind amassed on the floors around them. The ground shook, tumbling them around, the circular middle began raising as the four large bookcases continued to rotate.

Bluestreak shoved Sword Gear off just as some of the books came falling down on them, from afar he could see a domino effect chaining towards the librarian, continuing its spiral upwards, Bluestreak jumped from the raising platform and glided over to the librarian who was too scared to move from the incoming book avalanche. Just in time, he grabbed her arms and threw her away, just barely escaping in time.

Then, everything fell silent, the last of the books had fallen, and much of the library was now a wreck of shattered crystal bookcases and heaps of disorganized books. The bookcases had stopped spinning and were all facing their elongated ends at the middle.

“Blue! Strike!” Sword Gear called out.

“Fi-...fine!” Striker muttered from a distance, popping out from a small pile of crystal empire history that took him down.

“I’m fine Sword Gear, how about you?” Bluestreak climbed over the piles, waiting for an answer, though worry had seeped through his mind, it was quickly replaced with surprise as Sword Gear stood before the raised platform in an abnormal silence. A glow emanated from the interior of blue, humming stone

“Enerstone here?” Bluestreak said with confusion, it twined its way through the small seven foot wide circular interior, but what had truly piqued Bluestreak’s curiosity was the small orb within the center, as Bluestreak climbed down level with the platform’s small entrance, his amulet began to hum, the closer he moved, the louder it became.

Something snagged his neck and yanked him forward as he came into spitting distance, it tethered him further in, acting almost like a leash to foil his escape. The sudden yelling behind them grew stronger, before Sword Gear could rush to his friend, two pegasi guards tackled him down before dragging him away

“Bluestreak!” He cried out, but Bluestreak’s gaze lay anchored to the large orb. He saw what others could not. Images of a past age flashed in his mind, before morphing rapidly into another form. A large circular building kept reappearing between courtyards and strange rock formations beside buildings. There were floating islands in the midst.

A strong hoof grabbed Bluestreak’s shoulder yanking him away, dissipating the images, but his neck caught on the tether, it was enough to shatter the orb, flashing brightly, the surprised cries of everypony sounded as the library returned to normal. It was then Bluestreak came to his senses.

Grabbing at one of the confused guards, he slams him into the other one whom was pinning down his friend, they fall to the hard floor in a loud clunk.

“C’mon let’s go!” Bluestreak dragged Sword Gear on all fours and they turned away from the orb. Bluestreak looked to his amulet, glowing, but no longer humming, peeking back, nothing was there, ‘what was that...’ he thought, before following his friend.

Striker swooped beside them as they dashed over the mountain of books, up the staircase and through the Library doors, a confused crowd awaited them.

Chapter Four

The ship waned and groaned as it soared haphazardly across the cycling sky of light and dark, the ship nigh lost power on several occasions but always managed to regain its wings. Bluestreak's navigation was off, but after fruitless searching, they finally reached the forest where Bluestreak's old friend hid himself for three years. A clearing presents itself, making a large enough space to land the ancient airship, the power cuts off just before it lands causing it to thump into the soft earth, making the ponies stumble around. Not a word is spoken as they wander through the dimming sun, but in the forest, it is already night. Small patches of flurried orange dart across the moist grass as the tired sun struggles to shine through. BlueStreak is the first to shatter the rustling silence.

"We're getting close, whatever you do, don't scream"

"What do you-" Aveela gasps, Bluestreak's hoof rushes to Aveela's mouth to silence her as they walk. Around them, countless sets of four yellow eyes follow them from the pitch black brush as they navigate a narrow path.

"You'll startle them"

"Wh-what are they?"

"Spidocks, well, some of them are, you can trust them" BlueStreak answers,

"Our friend, he's-"

"-Obsessed with Arcane contraptions"

Darker shades of movement flitter through the air with a bright blue glow, rushing around the trio. A large mound of a hill looms over them as they near, something strikes their curiosity up ahead. Metal glints from the sun's last ray, before disappearing over the horizon. A heavily rusted door reveals itself with a slight welcome of light pouring from rusted cracks. The sounds of an industrial complex blares towards their ears as the door grinds open, cringing Bluestreak's metallic ear. They walk in, Bluestreak leading the way. The Spidocks, lit by the light appear to be like giant ants in nature, some with stones glowing from their bodies, others with more advanced gear bolted to their abdomens, small little wasp like entities patrol around, their blue stingers ready to attack anything that so happens to barge into the secret cavern, though they seem to ignore the presence of the three entering, larger versions carry the beams, most of which being dropped due to the haste the refineries that spit the metal out.

Amongst the busy robots welding intricate machines and rows of intriguing tools shaking from the clumsy hot metal beams getting hauled away from opposite of the entrance, the trio can barely see a bage colored pony working on the central project, most of it which is covered by long white clothes. The pony's features are greasy fur, two metallic arms harnessed on his back swivel around, aiding his work another patched up metal leg appears attached on the front left. A pair of patched welding goggles are strapped above his forehead scuffling the front of his spiky mane, a short tail zigzags downwards behind him, his cutie mark features a developed sword, whose hilt is acting as a gear piece to another cog.

To the left and right of the rocky cavern, a pair of entrances work themselves past a bunch of doors constantly opening and closing from robots skittering through, some bringing back large colored glowing rocks of blue. The working pony barely notices Bluestreak before dropping one of his tools in surprise. After working his way through the crowded cavern Bluestreak and his apparent friend are hugging tightly.

"It's been too long Blue"

"You remember us?! Last I noticed your memory was-"

"Still the usual chatter beak I see Striker" Sword Gear chuckles as he cuts off the little hawk. Striker rolls his eyes.

"I see you've been busy Sword Gear" Bluestreak says.

Sword Gear looks behind him, turning back with an embarrassed smile.

"You could say that, but Bluestreak, what brings you-" Sword Gear looks behind the blue pegasus

"-and your friend here? It's been three years"

"You can fix an airship, right?"

"well of course, I did spend a part of my career servicing a few wooden vessels"

"Well-" Bluestreak pauses, scratching his head.

"It's a bit more complicated-"

Sword Gear's ears manage to perk up more than one should.

"Is it, a different material?"

"Well you cou-"

"YES, Sword, it's different from equestrian designs, my god you two are bad at fishing the words from your brains" Striker yells.

"And I don't suppose you know a thing or two about airships?" Bluestreak questions.

"Well, yeah, it's not like I spy on both of you reading books at night all those years ago, or the fact that I've been with metal ear here staring at airships with fat balloons passing overhead as we traveled." Striker shoots back with obvious delight.

Aveela giggles, before shying away from Sword Gear's eyes.

"And that would be?"

"Aveela, she's a friend"

"Of course, a close enough friend to be trusted, let's go take a look at that ship" Sword Gear shoots a nod towards her direction before trotting through the rusted entrance. Bluestreak and Striker glance at each other before following.

Sword Gear's mouth hangs open for a long moment, Striker tilts his head awkwardly towards the greased earth pony beside Bluestreak.

"You're kidding right?" Sword Gear exclaims, in obvious excitement

"Not really, it's barely able to fly" Bluestreak answers.

"No, you don't understand, these are ANCIENT, I thought these were..... h- how did you find this?"

"You should ask Aveela, she found it" Striker answers.

Aveela's eyes flicker from staring at the ship towards Bluestreak before looking to the ground.

"I was, I just found it when I was walking"

"Where was this found?"

"Near Cloudsdale in a nearby forest"

"Everfree..." Sword Gear finishes

"Certainly wasn't Everfree" BlueStreak corrects.

"Can you fix it?" The hawk flitters before Sword Gear's face

"Hell yes I can fix this! Give me two days, and it will be good as new"

Sword Gear dashes off, leaving the trio in the light of the moon. Aveela looks towards the blue duo.

"Camp here?"

The two glance at each other before looking back once more.

"Sure" "Yeah"

They agree simultaneously.

The same void presents itself whilst Bluestreak wanders the rotting airship in his dreams. Aveela's ghastly figure, as well as the strange dark figure behind her is no longer where he found them. The Darkness has cleared, and the mysterious lights from afar dance upon Bluestreak as he watches the beauty. Islands of dark rock float seamlessly across the horizon, appearing to all have flat surfaces atop them with jagged spikes lowering towards the gray fog below.

Something stands out, it nears the floating derelict Bluestreak stands on, the figure is large, it's enormous wings vigorously propel the figure forward. It roars fiercely echoing harshly across the dim lit space, its voice is distant, almost a deep whisper.

"Hear me, whelp, for I hold the key to your demise!"

The figure fades, almost as if it were an apparition, its gaping maw swings up from below the shattered ship, startling Bluestreak backwards from the shredded edge. Its white eyes glare menacingly at Bluestreak as the pony begins stepping back. Before a move can be made, a violent mist envelopes the pegasus with pain.

The void turns into day as Bluestreak lifts his head up in cold sweat, Striker is not far away, having noticed the sudden gasp for breath.

"Blue, are you sure those dre-"

"I'm fine Striker!" Bluestreak exclaims cutting off Striker's sentence. Taking flight, the hawk lands before Bluestreak as he stands up, almost halting the pegasus.

"When did you get those nightmares?"

Bluestreak pauses for a second.

"I'm, not sure Striker, I'll have to think about it, let's just go for a walk"

The blue duo trot off from the small dying campfire as the sun's rays begin to shine between a few clouds on Aveela's icy fur, leaving her to awaken at the distant clattering of metal welding and hammering works itself on the ancient vessel moments later.

With Blue and Striker nowhere in sight, Aveela decides to wander over to the busy vessel.

Swarms of Spidocks and flying metallic wasps of various sizes carry about their business, some skitter over to their master earth pony, receiving commands as they work.

"Morning, Aveela was it?"

Sword Gear's focus is still turned towards the airship.

"Yes, h-hello Sword Gear"

"Your ship is coming along nicely, I envy a chance to fly"

"why don't you come with us then?"

Sword Gear lets out a winded sigh.

"I'd love to but, I've got these lads to tend to, they're, family to me, as strange as it sounds, they think on their own, but they understand that I created each and every one one of them, plus this rust bucket can't hold every single Spidock, or my other projects"

Aveela stares precariously at some of the Spidocks with glowing stones protruding from their abdomen.

"They're powered by Enerstone?"

Sword Gear appears surprised, turning towards her.

"You know about the magical stones as well?"

Aveela perks up.

"Y-yeah, I learned about them from a journal in the airship, I have it laying at the top section, what about you?"

"It took a few years when I was a foal, but I was able to make my first Spidock using a small shard, maybe you can show me the journal after this?"

Aveela nods.

Sword Gear looks toward a few spidocks, he gives them each an order before turning back to Aveela.

"So why are you here Sword Gear?"

"Expanding my knowledge" Sword Gear enigmatically smiles.

Before Aveela asks any further, Bluestreak and Striker come back from the forest in their usual silence, though a noise behind them says otherwise.

A familiar sound hisses through Bluestreak's ears as he turns his head towards camp, it looms before him like a dark mountain, leaving behind a wilting forest, and a flaming hill, the same hill Sword Gear called home.