Wind. The howling cold wind of the Frozen North, constantly blowing out any poor ponies who dare step hoof outside. Such luck that wind doesn't penetrate walls, nor does it go underground. But what am I doing speaking of this anyway. Hello to you, I am Firelance, A unicorn mare designed by Princess Celestia to work on the M.A.T. (Magical Arcane Teleporter) project. And I thought this couldn't get more technical. I'm not even sure if I'm going to make it out of here, I can hear them banging on the door... But hey, since you decided to join me, I might as well explain what the hell is going on here.
The M.A.T. project was designed by Princess Celestia herself, we were supposed to create a device able to teleport us to alternate worlds. And, we did. Sadly, it didn't end happily, since half of our researchers are dead now. What we didn't expect was an Arcane Cascade while analyzing one of the purest crystal samples we found in one of those worlds. Ultimately causing chaos. And the worst part about it? Celestia sent an army of armed ponies to kill everyone associated with the project, as if we were a danger to society.
To be perfectly honest, I don't know what to expect anymore, so I might as well introduce you to the A.P.A (Arcane Protection Armor) suit I'm wearing. The A.P.A Suit was designed when the project first was assigned, it is made to protect it's wearer from virtually anything. Bullets, Arcane pulses, Even radiation. It is equipped with an A.A.S (Arcane Awareness Spell), which gives measure of the ammunition in your weapon, shows where enemies are, and even warns you when hazardous materials are near. It's a wonderful piece of Arcane Technology brought by one of the most talented unicorn in the project. Twilight Sparkle.
Look at me bragging about that. The only reason I'm still alive is because I'm wearing one right know. And the more I talk, the more the banging on that door intensifies. So, before I die, I guess I should explain to you what happened. From the beginning.
******
Chapter 1: The Daily Routine
The train, slowly moving using some kind of levitation spell. I've been on it so much I know every single details about it. The most annoying one being the voice, continuously saying the same thing every time. Speak of the devil, there it is.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Frozen North transit system. This automated train is provided for the security and convenience of the Frozen North Arcano-Research Facility personnel. The time is 4:14 P.M. Current topside temperature is 14 degrees with an estimated maximum of -4. The Frozen North compound is maintained at a pleasant 68 degrees at all times. This train is inbound from level 3 dormitories to sector 3 test labs and control facilities. If your intended destination is a high security area beyond sector 3, you will need to return to the central transit hub in area 10 and board a high security train. If you have not yet submitted your identity to the magical clearance system, you must report to Frozen North personnel for processing before you will be permitted into the high security branch of the transit system."
Oh how many times I've heard this announcer. I could recite it as it goes, but that would just be even more annoying. As the announcer continues, we're passing over important areas, like the robotics department, or the Spell-Crafters department. And HOLY SHIT! Is that a radiation leak? We're going to be KILLED by our superiors for that!
"Due to the high toxicity of material routinely handled in the Frozen North compound, no smoking, eating, or drinking are permitted within the Frozen North transit system. Please keep your hooves inside the train at all times. Do not attempt to open the doors until the train has come to a complete halt at the station platform. In the event of an emergency, passengers are to remain seated and await further instruction. If it is necessary to exit the train, disabled personnel should be evacuated first. Please, stay away from the arcane batteries and proceed to an emergency station until assistance arrives."
Yea, blah-blah-blah, keep on talking no one cares.
"Do you have a friend or relative who would make a valuable addition to the Frozen North Team? Immediate openings are available in the areas of: Arcane Research, Magic Physics and Scouting Teams. Please contact Frozen North personnel for further information. If you have an associate with a background in the areas of: Magic Physics, Arcano-Technology, or other magical disciplines, please contact our civilian recruiting team. The Frozen North Facility is an equal opportunity employer."
Thinking about it I do have a cousin that knows his way with magic...
"A reminder to all Frozen North personnel: regular radiation and arcane contamination screenings are a requirement of continued employment in the Frozen North Arcano-Research Facility. Missing a scheduled urinalysis or radiation checkup is grounds for immediate termination. If you feel you have been exposed to radioactive or other hazardous materials in the course of your duties, contact your radiation safety officer immediately. Work safe, work smart. Your future depends on it."
*******
Ah, there's my stop. The more I hear this voice, the more it sounds like Twilight Sparkle. Oh look who's here, Trigger Happy.
"Hey there Firelance, seems like you're late." So what? "Yeah, I know, it ain't like they're going to fire me for it, right?" I say, as he answers almost instantly "I highly doubt it, but you might get an earful from staff. Anyway, door's open, just go"
The immense room designed to let trains arrive leads to a humongous blast door, almost unbreakable, separating the train from the offices. As it opens, I walk my way through and the first thing I hear is- "Hey, You're late Firelance!" God damn it. Twilight Sparkle... "Y-yeah, Sorry!" What's she going to do? give me an earful? "Listen, Firelance, this is an important day in the Equestrian calendar, we have found an almost-perfect sample of Energy Crystal, thanks to our Scout teams. We need to get an analysis and I won't tolerate any more errors." Geez, talk about getting greeted. "Y-yes ma'am, I won't be late anymore!" Please just go away.
Finally the she-devil let me go. I might as well head towards the changing room to get my A.P.A suit on. Ah. Such a relief to feel that magic around me, protecting me. And that reassuring voice, ensuring it works properly.
"Welcome to the A.P.A. mark IV protective system for use in hazardous environment conditions. High-impact reactive armor activated. Atmospheric contaminant sensors activated. Automatic medical systems engaged. Defensive weapon selection system activated. Munition level monitoring activated. Communications interface online. Have a very safe day, in your Arcane Armor."
Time to head to the Analysis Chamber. As I trot there, several guards open doors for me, and I can hear unicorns blabbering about an "Arcane Cascade". Yea sure, like that is going to happen. Seriously, the odds for it to happen are so low there isn't even the need to pay attention to it.
As I walk into the huge chamber, plated with lead for safety purposes, I see the humongous machine designed to analyse materials taken from other worlds. As they initialize it, magnificent purple rays of arcane technology blast inside of it, it's like a firework. "The sample has been delivered, Freelance. Feel free to take it for analysis." Guess it's my time to shine now!
And after that, nothingness. Blackness. Am I dead?
*******
