Peter Smith and the Tree of Harmony

Chapters

Ch. 1 A Typical Saturday
Ch. 2 The Dream
Ch. 3 A Second Opinion
Ch. 4 The Mine
Ch. 5 Cave In
Ch. 6 A Magical Disturbance (unfinished)

Ch. 1 A Typical Saturday

It’s just another uneventful day for me as I sat at the register of the local hardware store in the town of spirit Creek. The store is not that big, consisting of only twelve aisles and small display area. We might not have much in stock, but if you’re willing to wait at least 24 hours, we’ll get you anything and any brand you need within reason. That being said we carry plumbing, paint, building materials, flooring, electrical, garden tools, hardware and automotive parts & pieces. Business is unusually slow for a June weekend so I was writing notes down in for a couple of projects in my notebook when Marcus came over from the fasteners aisle, which is closest to the register, with a large box to the counter. “Peter, I need you to drop this off at the church now, after that you can go home,” said the old shopkeeper in a gruff voice. Marcus is an old African American veteran; he came to spirit creek after he left the military. The name of the store, the Supply Depot, reflects that. I often see Marcus as a hero but Marcus claims he’s no hero.

“Yes sir.” I replied after jumping out my seat due to a near heart attack from when the box clatters on to the counter. After hanging up my apron and grabbing my things and the large box, I said “Have a nice day Marcus,” and stepped out into the blinding sunlight. The day was gorgeous as I oriented myself before towards the church some four blocks away. The town of spirit Creek is a small town with businesses on or near Main Street that run through town. Spirit Creek is probably the most remote town in the state because it’s located in East River Valley between five mountain peaks where the only way in and out town is along the river downstream. Even so there are five factories in town because of the rich resources here.

I was out of breath by the time I got to the church from carrying a heavy box with all my things on top for 4 blocks. This is because I do not have a car. I notice my mother’s car, a Honda Odyssey sitting in the church’s parking lot. “Mom must be in her office. Maybe she could give me a ride home,” I said to myself as I climbed the steps and entered the building. The church is being renovated in one of the workers notice me struggling with my load.

“Thanks for running over with that. You can set down there,” she said pointing to a table. I couldn’t remember her name but Julie sounded about right, I did remember seeing her often at the supply depot.

“Thanks, Julie right?” I asked. I continued after getting confirmation, “have you seen my mom around?”

“Yes, she’s in her office.”

“Thanks again, bye” I headed down the hall to a door marked pastor Linda Smith’s office where I knocked on the open door before entering. “Hi mom. Came back to drop some things that I saw you were here.”

“Oh, well hello Peter. I wasn’t expecting you but nice to see you all the same. So how’s things lately?” Said my mother.

“All right for now, could I get a ride home?”

“All right but you really should get your own car one of these days. I’m just about done anyways.”

Normally I walk or take my bike the 4 ½ to 5 miles from my dad’s house where I live to work. Today is no exception, but my bike is broken and with the temp at 95 F. I am likely to get heat stroke since I have no water bottle today. My house is isolated, perch on top of a wooded cliff overlooking the valley with my only neighbors being my aunt and uncles’ family.

Once I got to my mother’s car, his mother asks “so what are you up to these days?”

Pausing to let some hot air out of the car, peter thought for a moment before answering, “Nothing really, just building a robot.”

“What for?”

“I found an abandon mine shaft. For some reason I feel like I’m being drawn to that mine.”

Linda pulled the car to a stop on the side of the road and turn to look at her son. “Please tell me you’re going to be careful, Peter”

“What do you think I’m building a robot for?”

“Alright she said before pulling back into traffic I hope you get Eli involved.”

“Oh I don’t know”

The rest of the trip was spent in silence as I try to collect my thoughts. Once we got to my house, I said thanks, and got out. The house is a modest two storied building with a front porch running along the whole front side of the house. There wasn’t much in the porches over hanging roof’s protection, just two chairs and a table. I often like spending my time here whenever I have a good book. Today I just walked upstairs to my room, completely ignoring my dog midnight, but decided let him outside anyways.

My room is a mess; I have a collection of papers and games around my computer which sits at a desk across from my bed. A TV and DVD player sits on my dresser with another collection, this time DVDs. And finally I have a large collection of books filling two book cases and in large stacks around the room. The room also has a nice view of the valley which helps me calm my thoughts. Dropping off my bag, I headed back outside towards the workshop he and his dad built a few years ago.

My dad greeted me from the garden. “You’re home early. Had a slow day at work?”

“You guessed it; looks like you could use a hand.” I replied, noticing a collection of parts at my dad’s feet.

“Yeah, the water for the tomato patch quit working.”

“I’ll help you.” I said and we got to work. An hour past before the problem was fixed, afterwards I enter the workshop covered in dirt and sweat. The workshop has three rooms to it with the third room added just that spring.

The first two rooms were a work area and a supply room containing tools and project materials that are often being use for multiple projects. Some projects are geared towards eco-friendly living while others are just for fun. The third room is a basic lab that contains a display of rocks and minerals, a microscope, a centrifuge, and a chemical analyzer that I bought online. There is also some stairs leading to a home built observatory that monitors both visible light and radio waves that’s hooked up to another computer. Much of the lab is a gift from family and family friends after listening to me complaining repeated about not having access to the school lab after I graduated nearly 5 years ago

Wiping the sweat and dirt off, I sat down at another computer to transfer a few notes from my notebook. I work late into night after noticing odd readings from my observatory. No matter what I did, the data won’t fit in the calculations. Frustrated, I called it a night.

Ch. 2 The Dream

I landed in a dark passageway. Water drip from old rotten timbers and gently flowed over my feet pulling me in the direction I’m headed. So far I heard nothing but the splashing footsteps I take and the creaking of the timber overhead. Seeing a faint light ahead, I slowly started down the passageway. The air started getting surprisingly cleaner with every step I take. Then some glowing crystals started to appear at random intervals in the rock face as the tunnel made a gradual change from manmade mine to natural cave. Suddenly the passageway opened up into a huge cavern that’s lit by tons of glowing crystals around the space making such a beautiful sight to behold. The most surprising thing of all is the enormous tree sitting slightly off to one side but still in the center of the room made completely out of Crystal.

The tree glowed with its own rainbow colored light. There were symbols on the trunk depicting son the moon pink and light blue heart and a magenta starburst before branching off with other symbols on the branches. I felt completely at peace as I carefully made my way to the crystal clear pool of water as smooth as glass at the base of the tree. As I near the pool images started forming on the reflective surface. Fuzzy at first the images depicted peaceful land of pastel colored ponies playing in going about their business without a care in the world. Then the image change to one of conflict and oppression. Looking away I saw crystals card this from the trait change color from bright beautiful shades to ugly darkness.

I began to panic and ran towards way I enter but the passage had vanished. So I ran to another passage way on the opposite side of the cave. This tunnel led back into the mine as well. While looking over my shoulder after sensing something evil following me, t trip on some lose boards that had me tumbling into a mine cart causing the cart to start rolling down the tracks. The cart steadily picked up speed as it went before I got my head up. It was very much like an out of control rollercoaster ride as the cart went around bends at speeds that threaten to tip the cart off the tracks.

I try the brake which broke from the force. Cursing, I looked for anything that could stop this crazy ride. That’s when I saw the track end in a pile of rubble 150 meters away. Well, what a stupid way to die, a pile of broken bones and twisted metal half buried in a pile of rubble in an abandon mine shaft. Quickly I brace for impact and squeeze my eyes shut. The impact never came. So I carefully open my eyes and saw the cart had stop just feet from the rubble but that’s not the only thing to have stop. Time itself seems to have stopped for there are no less than five rocks floating above and around me as well as water that seems frozen but is not ice dripping from the ceiling and walls. Why am I not dead? I ask aloud. What’s going on here?

Well, to answer both of your questions, you’re dreaming. Said a female voice. The scene change to that of a starry night over looking a small town. I recognize it as the view of spirit creek from my home, so turning around I saw my workshop and house with the surrounding gardens, windmills and forest. But I also saw a midnight blue alicorn with a black field with a crescent moon on her flank and a flowing mane and tail that look like it’s made of the night sky. She, I don’t how I know that, wore a silver crown, a silver necklace that has a crescent moon the same as the mark on flank, and what amounts to 4 silver shoes. “So this is your home?” came from the alicorn.

“Okay. Now I know I’m dreaming. Who are you?”

“Oh how rude of me. I am Princess Luna, Princess of the night and keeper of dreams.” Said the alicorn. “Surely you know who I am?”

“No, but did you say Luna?”

“So you have heard me?”

“No, that’s the name of the moon.” I yelled while pointing at the moon. Take a deep breath, I kneel before Luna and said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Even if your apart of my imagination.”

“I’m not a construct of your mine, merely a visitor.”

I was just about to ask what she meant when a loud beeping sound pierce the calm scene causing everything fade out. Before I knew it, the sun shone through my window blinding me. My alarms blaring at me through my sleep induce stupor and a mountain of notes from late night studies. Groggily I press the off button on the clock and search for my journal which just so happen to fallen under the bed. Something about that strikes me as odd for a few reasons and I wanted rite both the dream and my thoughts down for a second opinion. Luckily for me it’s Sunday, meaning I got church to attend where could find Pastor Mom for help. Turning to the last few pages in the journal I realize that I’ll need a new one this week, well that something I’ll add to the TO-DO list.

My first thought on last night’s dream was how strangely vivid and detail it was. Most of my dreams I don’t remember the small details, but this time I remember even the tiniest detail. After writing down every little detail of the dream, I was down to my last page of clean paper just for my thoughts. Good thing I had a blank mined at that moment because of two reasons. First, I can’t really think before my morning glass of chocolate milk and shower. The second reason is that after I wrote down the details I forgot them as if the very dream they’re about was only staying in my mind until I wrote it down on paper.

Ch. 3 A Second Opinion

After I set down my journal on the nightstand I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stretch out some of the kinks in my back and neck that I got while writing. The first thing that got my attention was how painfully full my bladder was which prompt me to race toward the bathroom. I accidentally kick the door in my haste making my foot hurt like a ton of bricks just landed it. ”My God, that hurts!” I yell as I hopped on one foot into the bathroom while holding the injure foot in one hand. Setting my foot down in my pain induce haze, I didn’t notice the blood corning from some of my toes as I went about my business until I started to wash my hands.

“Of course I’m bleeding” I said as I grabbed a wash cloth off the towel rack next to the sink and proceeded to clean the injury was just peeling of the skin a little too deep on the tip of two toes on the right foot. “It doesn’t look too bad. At least I won’t need stitches.” At that time as I sat on the floor to get the first aid kid out from under the sink, my dad knock on the door.

“Are you alright in there, Peter?” he called through the door. “You’re not dying in there?” he joked.

Looking under the sink I couldn’t fine the first aid kit, so I called back. “No, I’m not dying, but where’s the first aid kit?”

“In the workshop. Why?”

“Because I tore some skin off by kicking the door. By the way why is the kit doing out there? Never mind, I don’t want to know.”

“Peter, don’t hurt yourself.” He joked.

“Too late there. Just get the first aid kit, please.” I called out.

“Ok, ok. I’ll get it.” Dad grumbles as he walked away. Minutes later he came back with kit in hand. “Ok, I got it the aid kit. Could I come in?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of blood.” He said as he opened the door. I was still on the floor bleeding quite a bit, but not as bad as before. Dad got me to sit on edge of the bathtub as he kneel on the floor and open the slightly used first aid kit which is more like a paramedic’s kit of sorts. Grabbing the antiseptic he said, “This might sting a bit, but it should clean out the wound.” As sprayed the stuff all over the injury. And boy did that sting, it felt as if I was being stung by a few bees and burning like my foot’s on fire or been dipped in a powerful acid.

“God, that hurts dad.” I exclaim as I jerked my foot out of his grip involuntarily.

“Well sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Now let’s get you patched up.”

After a few minutes, I was ready to continue with my morning routine which consist of grabbing a glass of chocolate milk, take my meds, let Midnight out, clean my room, clean myself up and get dress for the day. Limping just a little, I followed dad down the stairs to the kitchen where I saw Midnight outside the back door. He must have follow dad outside when dad got the first aid kit from the workshop oh well, that’s one thing on the list done. “Dad, could you take me to church today? I ask as I got a glass and a medicine bottle out of the cupboard.

Dad thought for a moment as he grabbed the griddle from under the counter and proceeded set up for pancake breakfast. “I guess I could, I wasn’t planning on going to church today. But since you asked I’ll go. Besides I need to make a few errands anyways.” He said as he pulled a few ingredients out of the fringe. “I see we need a few groceries.”

“Thanks” I reply, both for agreeing to take me and he just handed me the milk which was nearly empty, just enough for a glass. He wasn’t kidding when he said that last part apparently. Little else was said as I down my meds and let Midnight in. My dad and I have different political views but we both agree our current government is beyond help, something turning on the news quickly confirm as politicians from both parties are refusing to work together on one issue or another. There are a few topics my dad and I can’t discuss without nearly coming to blows and politics is one of them. Turning off the TV, dad set a small stack of pancakes in front of me. “Thanks.” I said.

“Don’t need to listen to any of political junk.” Dad said, “In my book that policy on gun control is a non issue.”

“Not this again, dad. Let’s not start on this and just get through today, alright?”

“Fine, you want to shower first? Or should I?”

“You should, I already showered last night.”

“Okay. Oh would you look at the Time.” Dad said as he got up from the table after finishing his food. “We gotta hurry if we’re gonna make it to church.”

A half hour later we sat in the car just pulling out the drive way. I saw Midnight in the window looking upset that he gets left behind for the trip to town. Glancing at my notebook I was lost in thought as I saw Princess Luna written down. Why is that name so familiar? And why was she in my dream last night? Well I’ll find out later, something just feels off. And that tree made crystal from my dream, I feel like I seen it before somewhere. Before I know it, we’re pulling into the cultural center’s parking lot. Wow there’s a lot of people here.

The Cultural center is what the town decided to renamed the church in the effort to make the town a little more open to other cultures. Whoever was the architect sure knew how to have the modern sections of the building to mix with old in a pleasing style. There’s still work going on but it looks great as I walk up the slight rise to the door. The door has a carving that depicts people from many different cultures living in a peaceful community, it’s a dream that I don’t think will happen given that about half or 60% of the town opposes opening the town to outside groups. Those people are the old folks who don’t like change. Just inside the place opens up to a spacious lobby that you sometimes find in a health club or a resort. Well come to think about it, the health club is part of the redeveloping project here and I guess that why the rest of town is getting behind the project.

“Hi, son.” Mom greeted me at the door to the sanctuary. “You don’t normally show up for church.”

“I know right.” I reply. “listen mom, I sort of need to talk you about something.”

“Sure thing. After the service Peter.”

The sanctuary is the oldest part of the building and it’s packed. Good thing dad and I are one of the last people here because the sanctuary had almost no seating left and with the service about to begin, there’s no time to really socialize. I don’t like talk with others, maybe because I moved around a lot as a kid has caused me to have a fear of losing friends. That and the fact I’m autistic, meaning I have autism which is neurological disorder. Anyways dad and I take our seats just as the opening music start to play signaling the start of the service. Nothing really connected with me during the service like most people who attend church. After the service on the way out I told mom that I’ll be in her office when she’s done talking to a few stragglers.

“Dad, you go do those errands. I’ll be a while.” I said.

“Sure thing, Peter.” Came the reply.

I then walked down a side hallway that ran along the side of the sanctuary and has five offices coming off opposite of the sanctuary. Turning at the door before the kitchenette at the end of the hall, I enter the office label Pastor Linda. Mom’s desk is clutter with various papers, files, and newsletters, but aside from that her office has a nice homely feel to it. Sitting in one of the chairs that sat across the desk in the corner of the room, I didn’t have to wait long for mom to show up.

“So what would you like to talk about Peter?” mom asked in a caring voice.

Pulling out my notebook and turn to my last entry I said. “Last night I had a dream.”

“Oh, what made this dream so special?” she responded from the chair next to me.

“For a couple of reasons. First, I remember even the tiniest of details. Second, I think God is trying to tell me something.”

“Would you like to share details?”

“Yes. It starts out like this. ‘I fell to the ground on my hands and knees. The cold water flowing around them numbs the pain. Shaking my head clear, I looked around. How did I end up here?’”

“Where are you?” mom asked.

“A dark passageway, the ground feels like stone and timber with what feels like rusty metal rails along the floor. The place must be a mineshaft. I follow the flow of water down the tunnel towards a lit opening. A possible way out?”

“Okay, then what happen next?” Mom asked.

“Well, as I head closer o the light the tunnel begins to change. First softly glowing crystal start appearing, then the beams holding the ceiling up become fewer in number until I arrive at a huge natural cave. That’s when I see it, the source of the light.”

“What does it look like?”

“A tree.”

“A tree?”

“Yes a tree. A tree made of glowing crystal.”

“Oh, is there any else? Like could you describe it?”

“Oh you could just read my last journal entry for the details mom. But before you do, let me describe the rest of my dream ok.” I said while handing her my notebook. “So, the dream changes to me seeing images in a pool of water at the base of the tree.”

“What do these images depict?”

“An evil so great that it spreads chaos and destruction throughout not one but two worlds. After that, a dark shadow figure started chasing me through the mine. When I came to a cave in, I thought I was going to die as a falling rock the size of a cart was about hit me. The crunch never came.”

“Did you wake up then?” Mom asked.

“No, this is going to sound strange. I looked up to see the rocks floating above me and all around me. Time itself seem to have stop. That’s when I asked ‘what’s going on?’”

“Really? Did anything else happen?”

“Yes to both questions. I then heard a female voice say “Your dreaming.” Then the scene change to just outside of my home in front of a creature I haven’t seen before but is oddly familiar. We talked a little then my alarm woke me up. As I said, please take a look at the last entry for details.”

“Why don’t give me a moment to read this.”

“Go right ahead, mom.” I said; as I sit back in my chair to get into a comfortable position. Mom started reading the entry occasionally muttering to herself, which was new for her, and pausing long enough to write a note in the margin every so often. After about 5 minutes she stops and handed back the journal. “So what are your thoughts?” I asked.

“Well you sort of asking me to be like Joseph from the bible, but I give you my speculation here. From what you told me and from your notebook, god is trying to tell you something. God is warning you that something will happen in the near future. Now my guess is that you’ll go on a journey full of twist and turns that will be hard on you. And when all seems hopeless, help will come in an unexpected way.”

“Thanks mom, but do you have any idea on that last part of the dream? You know the part about the visitor in my dream?”

“I have no clue. Is this all you want to talk about?”

“Yes, thanks again. Bye” I said getting up.

Ch. 4 The Mine

It was 2 in the afternoon when I finally got home. I carried groceries in with me from the car as dad went to put the food away. I finally know why Princess Luna seem so familiar. Apparently she’s a character from a TV show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, I found that out while at the book store for some notebooks. Dad thought I was crazy to buy the four seasons of shows and three movies on DVD and every book they had related to the series. At least until I showed him the last entry in my journal. Later in the car on the way home, I admitted that I might be a little crazy to have bought so much because I can’t afford parts for a robot now.

After getting the groceries put away and my things in my room, Dad made a quick lunch. “Dad, do know where we put the climbing gear?”
“I think Steve has it. Something about using it to train some people how to climb.”

“Well it seems like I’ll be paying a visit to the Hoffman’s. I said just before taking a bite of my sandwich. One of my new notebooks sat next to me on the table, I’ve already begun writing a check list of supplies. “Oh well, I have to barrow their ATV anyways.”

“So you’re going down that mineshaft?”

“Yes, but I need a buddy to help set up a base camp at the entrance.”

“I’ll help set up, Peter.”

“Thanks Dad.” I reply, my list so far consist of a sleeping bag and mat, a backpack, a ATV, 500 meters of rope (yes I use the metric system), and some food.

“Looks like you’re missing glow sticks, flares, flash lights, lanterns, and a few days worth of water.” Dad said, looking over my shoulder.

“I was getting there.”

“Alright already.”

Writing down what he said I need quickly enough. I got the next three day off so I could do this expedition. Creating a list of supplies took until 3:15 to complete. Now I have to track down the goods and get them down the mine.

“Let’s see here,” I mutter to myself. “Need a lantern with at least 3 cans of fuel.” I went to a door tucked away under the stairs in the kitchen. This door leads to the basement which acts much like a pantry an warehouse flipping on the recently replace light revealed neatly organized and labeled shelves of boxed and canned food closest to the stairs followed by toiletries. “I’ll be back for these later.” I thought as I made my way towards the back where there is some more stairs with a door that leads outside. It was near this entrance we keep equipment that gets little use during the year including holiday decorations, meaning this part of the basement is always a little messy. “Ah here we go,” I said as I found the lantern and four cans of fuel right next to a box of flares and another box of glow sticks. “Well that takes care of lighting.” I mutter while bringing all the flares, glow sticks and fuel with lantern upstairs to the kitchen table. Looking at the check list, I went back downstairs and grab three days worth of camp rations and a travel first aid kit I forgot about.

Next on the list is the climbing gear, which consists of a helmet, a harness, 500 meters of both static and elastic rope each, and a lot of carabineers. All of that is next door according to dad who decided to take a nap now that I think about it. Well I need to barrow their ATV anyways I thought as I walked out the door and down the driveway. Once at the end of the drive, I turn left towards the old saw mill down the road a little that’s next to my Aunt’s and Uncle’s house. My aunt and uncle bought the property not knowing the mill was there; and I don’t blame them for the mill was abandon for nearly a hundred years and was heavily over grown. Walking past the dilapidated building brought me their house with some parked vehicles outside it. Oh good, they’re home.

I waved in the front window as I approach their slightly dented front door before knocking. “Just a minute,” I heard from inside, giving me a chance to collect my thoughts. A loud bang like something large hitting the floor caught my attention before the sound of food steps, the lock clicking and the door. “Oh Peter. How nice to see you. Please come in.” said aunt Marry, stepping aside to let me in. As I step inside I saw the place was a mess with parts of a piece of furniture you buy online but have to put together at home.

“Hello and what have you got here?” I asked.

“Oh just a TV stand I bought online. So what brings you here?”

“A couple of things I heard that Steve barrowed my climbing gear and I need it for something.”

“Oh, I’ll get Steve in a minute. Is there anything else I could do for you?”

“Yes, I would like to barrow an ATV as well.”

Just then Steve walks in from out back. He’s a tall guy with buzz cut short black hair and a voice that always sounds happy. “Oh Peter, what brings you here?” he asked.

“Hi Steve, and I believe you have my climbing gear.”

His face showed confusion before coming to a smile “Oh yes. I do, I do. Just a sec.” he said as he went collect the gear.

“Also, I need to barrow an ATV too.” I called after him.

Steve came back with a heavy pack loaded with climbing gear and a pair of keys in his hand. “Just taking supplies to that site you found?” he asked keys still in his hand after he handed over the bag. It’s no secret about what I found with family, and Steve may sound carefree but he cares a lot. Also I have to be careful with the ATV because it belongs to the department of Natural Resources.

“Yes and I’ll bring it back Wednesday.” I answered his question. “Would you tell Jake to meet me at my place at 6:30 today?”

“Okay, yes I will and here’s the key” he said, handing the keys over.

“Thanks,” I said as I grabbed the bag and checked to make sure everything of my climbing gear is in it. Then I followed Steve outside to a shed where the ATVs are stored. “Which one is it?” I asked.

He pointed to the one on the right. “That one. She’s fueled up and ready to go.”

“Thanks again, bye.” I said as I tied my bag to the mounting rack, backed out, and drove off. Less than 5 minutes later I’m pulling up to my workshop where I saw dad at the door. He must’ve gotten up while I was next door at the Hoffman’s.

“I thought you would be reading a book, watching those movies you bought, or taking a nap right about now. Not prepping for a little adventure.” Dad stated, I have a habit of saying I’ll do something and not doing it.

“I know that’s what I usually do, dad.” I said in an annoyed tone before lightening up. “But I feel compel to go down and see what’s down there for some reason.”

“Well that’s a first. You’re not down there alone, are you?” he asked with concern.

“No, I’m not going down there alone. That would be stupidly dangerous. I got Jake coming.” I answered, “Now what’s left on the list?”

“Food?”

“Check”

“First Aid?”

“Check”

“Lights?”

“A lantern, 4 cans of fuel, 6 flares, 12 glow sticks, and 9 water proof flash lights of various sizes with extra batteries. Check”

“Wow, that many?”

“Yeah,” I said “What’s next?”

“Climbing gear. That’s a check. Let see, bed roll?”

“Check”

“Gas sensor and O2 mask?”

“Uh… I knew I was forgetting something/ Thanks,” I said as I walk into the workshop store room look for items. Old mines are known to have bad air at times. I quickly found the gas sensor and O2 mask and brought that with the bag of climbing gear inside to the kitchen table where the rest of my supplies are. “Gas sensor and O2 mask check.” I marked on the check list. The last 3 things on the list were a notebook and pencil, a waterproof bag for everything, and a good knife. Well I got the notebook and pencil in my hands and the waterproof bag has my climbing gear in it, so I could check those off. That just leaves the knife which is currently hidden in my room.

Walk to the stairs, I called to dad, “Dad why don’t you start dinner now.” I heard an affirmative reply from him as I climb the stairs. The knife is hidden in a secret compartment in the bookcase next to my bed. I got the knife from a friend who was like the older brother I never had. He made the Knife blade as a school metal working project that he gave to me. I remember the day Gabe handed me the blade with a smile on his Mexican American face.

“Here, Have this.” He said, the day after his graduation. “Sorry I couldn’t finish the handle for it got confiscated before I finished. I just got it back yesterday, but I want you to have it.”

Taking the blade I said, “Wow it’s beautiful. Thank you Gabe.” The blade looked like it was made by a professional smith for it was a piece of art. Fourteen inches of metal meant for cutting with a dragon’s head breathing fire etch on to both sides of the blade. “Are you sure you want to give this to me?”

“Like I said, I want you to have it in case I’m not around to protect you.”

“I’ll treasure it always.” I said to him, grabbing his right hand with my own like we were going to arm wrestle and wrapping my other are around him in a hug as he did the same to me. We parted ways with plans to meet up in a couple of weeks. A week later, the police arrived baring news that Gabe went missing while hiking some of the local mountain trails. The police were asking the local families to join a search party to help find him. I joined the search right then in my pajamas, not even bothering to change first for it was like I was searching for a lost family member. Unfortunately we never did find Gabe or any trace of him for that matter, not even the radio transponder that all hikers are require to have. Which didn’t even make any sense; it was like he ceased to exist.

Well I was pulled out of my memories when dad put his hand on my shoulder causing me to whip around and pull the knife from its leather sheath that I made for it nearly cutting dad in the process. I relaxed when I saw who it was, “Don’t sneak up on me like that dad.” I said as I sheathed the knife.

“Sorry but I was trying to get your attention for the last two minutes. Dinner is ready.”

“Oh, ok” I said as I followed him downstairs. My stuff was shoved to one end of the table to make room for two place settings and a pot of Mac-n-cheese and hot dogs. I can’t believe that I zone out long enough for dad to cook this, that’s like 20 minutes. Well I don’t have time to ponder the universe, so I grab a huge helping of food and wolfed it down like I’ll go for a long time without food. Hey its 5:30 right now and Jake will be here in an hour. Needless to say that I need to hurry before Jake shows up. I was just finishing packing when Jake drove up on his own ATV. He was deck out in combat fatigues with pockets all over to carry a large amount of small things.

I was similarly dress with cargo pants that have nothing in the pockets and a vest that had a few things for taking samples in its pockets. Hopping on to the ATVs we drove to the mineshaft that I found about a half mile from the house but is about two miles down a twisting trail with me leading. We stop in the clearing just outside the mine entrance after an uneventful ride. The place is just as I left it, a tunnel leading into the rock face with tracks coming out for about 50 feet, the shack built into the mountain side right next to the entrance like a guard shack you see in restricted areas, and a couple of abandon mine carts here and there. All of which is in remarkably good condition.

“Jake, let’s use the shack as a base camp. Then we’ll check out the tunnels.” I said, knowing that we got about two hours before we need to make camp.

“Alright,” Jake said as he opened the door to drop some things off.

I only put on my climbing helmet and headlamp and grab my heavy pack off the ATV I was driving. Jake follow suit shortly after me and we stepped into the tunnel. There wasn’t much but a few abandon tools and mine carts for the first 100 meters before we came to a fork. Against my better judgment I went left down a less stable tunnel. At about the time we had to turn back, I accidently knocked a timber lose causing a cave in.

Ch. 5 Cave In

“Peter, maybe we should head back about now.” Jake complained. I didn’t know Jake well before we enter the old mine, just that he’s a distant cousin that is a soldier in the U.S. military. The concern though was apparent on his face gave me little worry, I’ve learn to trust his instincts since we enter the tunnels. “Something just doesn’t feel right here.”

“I agree; we’ll get out of here just as soon as I finish this sketch.” I said, looking up from my notebook to a small carving in one of the timbers that was supporting the ceiling. The carving looks somewhat like a tree with gems sitting on six branches coming off the trunk of the tree.

“Ok, just make it quick.”

“Another line here and done. Ok, let’s get out of here.” I said, reaching up to grab something to pull me to my feet. As soon as I put my weight on what I thought was a sturdy board, the board shifted to a position that was no longer supporting the ceiling. “Uh oh, you might want to start running Jake.” I said as the boards supporting the walls and ceiling start to groan and break. “Jake RUN!” I yelled when I saw he wasn’t moving. That jarred him to action.

There was 10 to 15 feet between us as the first rock fell, too much for me to make it to Jake’s side which was the exit. A decent size rock nearly hit him as he yelled back over his shoulder. “But what about you?!”

“No time, just get help!” I yelled in reply over the noise of falling rocks and timber that was forcing me deeper into the mine. A rock came out of nowhere and hit my leg just below the knee. Before I knew what hit me I was on the ground eating a mouthful of dirt. Knowing that I was most likely going to die, I covered myself as the best I could and I prayed as I waited for the end. It seemed like an eternity before the rocks stop falling but it might’ve been seconds or minutes before everything settle down again. Looking up from my crouch position I can’t believe that I’m alive.

I broke into laughter as the tension melted away from sheer relief that I’m still alive. After a few minutes I calm down enough so that my sides would stop hurting to notice that my lower right leg bent at funny angle, and not the good funny but funny bad with a little pool of blood beginning to form under my leg. That’s when the most excessive pain I’ve ever felt that threaten to cause me to black out hit me. Knowing that I got to act fast or I’ll never see the light of day again, I toss my heavy pack off and grab the first aid kit from its pocket.

Starting to feel light headed from the lack of blood; I wrapped a strap around my upper thigh and pulled it so tight that it effectively cut off the circulation to my broken leg. This bought me some precious time, enough time to bandage the wound. This part is going to be disturbing for I need to move my pants leg up over my knee in order to see the damage. Upon seeing the damage my stomach roiled and very nearly threw my dinner up as there was a nasty gash about six inches long with the Tibia and the Fibula both broken in half stick out of the hole. Luckily it’s a clean break or otherwise there would be nothing I could do to survive. The pain was still excruciating as I straighten the leg to line the bones up right and back into place so I can sew the wound shut. I can’t use any anesthesia for two reasons; one I don’t have any and two it’ll put me out like a light and that’s a death sentence here.

When I got to the point that I’m no longer at the risk of bleeding to death, I looked around for anything to use as a splint for my leg. There were two broken boards just the right length that looked sturdy enough just out of reach across the tunnel from where I lay against the wall. Preparing myself for the pain I crawled across the tunnel floor to the opposite wall to where the boards lay while trying not to move my broken leg too much. Upon reaching the boards I took the two rolls of gauze in my hands and wrap the boards to either side of the leg over the pants protecting the bandaged wound. Knowing that I won't be able to put weight on it anytime soon I grabbed a third board to use as a crutch.

I made sure to leave a note next to an arrow to let whoever makes it through the blockage that I’m alive and that I went to find another way out. Every so often I made a mark on the wall which was spaced roughly about every ten meters with the exception that when I came to an intersection I put an arrow pointing the direction I went and where I came from just so I lost. After about two turns and an hour or so of painful limping, the floor gave out beneath me. I didn't have time to even catch myself as I ended up screaming the whole way down, landing painfully on my broken leg in another tunnel with a splash. The drop was about five to six meters judging from the flashlight that's illuminating the tunnel above from the ledge I was just on. My other flashlight had disappear but oddly I could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Could that be a possible way out? No, I’m too deep underground for that to a way out. Am I dead and that’s the way to heaven? No, my body is in too much pain for me to be dead. These thoughts were going through my head as I’m looking around before I realized I know exactly where I am. I’ve been here before in my dream, everything just lines up from the location to the cool water that’s flowing over my feet and the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I wish I had someone to share this moment with just to prove that I’m not going insane. Looking up I realize that I can’t climb with my broken leg I decided I’m going to crawl to the only way out of this tunnel which is unstable.

My breathing became easier as glowing crystals began to appear in the walls and ceiling of the tunnel and the air became fresh as if the crystals were air filters or the equivalent of plants. The water that I was crawling through was cool and crystal clear numb the pain to the point that I could stand again but I still had to lean against the wall. From that point on the timbers holding the ceiling up slowly began to become less frequent as I traveled along tunnel. It wasn’t long after I stood up that I reached the end of the tunnel which opened up to the most beautiful scenery that I laid eyes on.

It's an enormous crystal cavern filled with many multicolored crystals that glowed with a soft light from within. The light revealed many plants ranging from grass and wildflowers to trees and shrubs, some of which I couldn’t identify, giving the place a park like feel. There were small animals and critters all over the place making me feel like I am having “A Journey to the Center of the Earth” moment. Following the stream that flowed from the tunnel I was in lead me to a large pool of water that sat at the base of a giant tree. Upon approaching the tree I was surprised to find it made completely out of crystal.

The trunk of the tree was a dark blue color and despite being made of crystal it has the texture of bark. I noticed a golden sun at eye level with a silvery moon a few feet above it followed by a light blue and pink heart and a magenta starburst. From just above the starburst branched off six main branches, each with a gemstone in a different shape which were a pink butterfly, a red lightning bolt, a purple diamond, an orange apple, a blue balloon, and a two tone red and gold sunburst. Overall the tree looked to be a peaceful willow tree despite the rainbow colors and it being made of crystal.

My more immediate concern was to clean the dust and dirt off the many cuts and scrapes I've acquired during my fall. Approaching the pool I sat down next to the water's edge and began cleaning, not noticing the circle of crystals around me and the tree glowing brighter and sparking. I stopped cleaning myself as I noticed that a few of the cuts on my arms and hands started sealing themselves one by one. What? Such a thing should be impossible! I thought in panic. This is not possible as no one can heal that fast.

Then I noticed that the crystals around me and the tree itself is glowing a lot brighter and were sparking electricity. Panicking I tried to head back to the tunnel but just as I was about to take a step lightning jumped from crystal to crystal ending at the tree preventing any escape. Now I'm beyond panicking, I'm absolutely freaking out. That’s when something strange happen as a lightning bolt arced from the tree into my chest knocking me to the ground. Five more arcs of lightning struck me soon after making it look like I'm the center of a six pointed star in the middle of a circle. Oddly enough I don't feel the electricity coursing through my body but like my body is being pulled apart and in on itself at the same time. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, a flash of light blinded me as I fell to the ground after it vanished beneath me momentarily. My last thought as I lost conciseness is WHAT JUST HAPPEN!?!

Author's Note

Sorry for being late but I have no set time frame for this story.

Ch. 6 A Magical Disturbance (unfinished)

Ch. 6 A Magical Disturbance

In the world of Equestria, and in a remote mountain valley where the trees grow taller than the tallest tower of Canterlot Castle. The few families in the area slept peacefully or as peacefully as one could get while being within striking distance of a griffin warlord. Even the animals are easy to startled by the constant patrols. Everything was peaceful tonight with the wind gently blowing through the trees and the clear night showing a beautiful if faint light show in the sky. In a clearing birds resting were startled by a small pop that came from nowhere with a speck of light.

From this speck of light came the crackling buzz of electricity as lightning arc from the ball of light in random directions. Fires erupted into the trees and brush as the ball of light grew in size to that of a human with a large backpack before exploding in a blast so big that it woke everything within a roughly 5 mile radius. The blast had the added benefit of putting out the fires. In the center of the blast zone lay a young man in an unconscious state with a broken leg and his heavy pack on top of him.

That blast also produced a Shockwave that went beyond the normal senses thanks to it's magical origins that could be felt by only ten individuals from across globe.

…

Miles away a pair of guards were standing at their posts on top of a tower of an ominous castle that belongs to the griffin warlord. The first gard is a gray Pegasus stallion with a black mane and tail wearing black armor and has sword and spear x on a shield for a cutie mark. His partner is a purple unicorn mare with a two tone blue mane and tail also wearing black armor and has a book with an arcane symbol over a pair of cross swords for her cutie mark. Both guards were starting to doze off as the night bore on since their replacements have yet to arrive. So both of them missed the flash of light off in the distance, but the accompanying blast wave woke both with a start.

BOOM!!!

“Huh… wha? Are we under attack?! Sound the alarm Raven Spell!” called the stallion as he rang the alarm bell.

“Yes sir, Spearhead.” came from Raven Spell as she charged her horn before sending up a red flare. Around them the sleepy castle burst to life as guards started out of bed to grab their gear and hurried to positions or any threats and commanders trying to find out what's going on.

…

Down in the dungeon of the castle a golden yellow pegasus mare with a multicolored gray scale mane and tail and has a compass rose for a cutie mark was locked in a cell. The mare was reaching for the keys to her cell that hung around her sleeping guard’s belt. The guard is a massive minotaur that snore loudly, the chair he's in leaning against the wall just out of reach of the mare. Just as she nearly got the object of her desire a loud BOOM woke the guard just enough to hear the alarm go off. Pulling her hoof back in time for the dungeon’s door to burst open as a young griffin soldier rush into the room.

“Hey Steel Breaker, forget guarding Ms. Do. Your squad being deployed.” Said the griffin to the minotaur before rushing back out into the chaos.

Steel Breaker quickly left without noticing the cell keys on the ground where he dropped them when he was startled awake. Daring Do saw her opportunity to grab the keys but decided to wait a moment to see if anyone will come back to guard her. When no one came through the door, she quickly grabbed the keys and hid them in her trademark khaki shirt pocket. At this point she knew that she could get out, find her stuff, and most likely get away, but something in the back of her mind is telling her to stay put for now. Call it a hunch, but she's getting a feeling that explosion means she about to get a new cell mate very soon. And her hunches never been wrong before.

…

Many, many miles away in a quite large if somewhat empty library in a large crystal castle shaped like a tree a pony sat on couch reading and enjoying her time. She has a lavender coat with a dark purple mane and tail that has a pink and magenta stripe. Her cutie mark is a magenta starburst with white out line and surrounded by five smaller white starburst.

The book, or books in this case as she was researching magical theories for a friend, was floating around her with a quiet hum held in magenta auras that matches the one around horn. Suddenly a shock wave of magic passed over her, giving Twilight Sparkle a shudder as her magic winked out dropping the books and notes she has and her wings flared out with a boing. The noise of the falling books alerted the room's only other occupant from his comic book.

“Twilight, is something wrong?” asked a baby dragon that has purple scales and green spines named Spike.

Twilight Sparkle shook herself out of a daze and reply, “I don't know, Spike. I just don't know.”

…

A little ways away in the town of Ponyville in a building that sorta looks like a circus tent, a white unicorn mare with a purplish blue mane and tail and has trio of blue diamonds for a cutie mark was in her work room chatting with her younger sister while in the process of making a dress for a client. “Sweetie Belle, I don't know if I can watch you tonight. I got a big order to fill and you’ll just get in the way.” Said the unicorn, levitating some fabric, surrounded by a light blue aura that matches the one around horn, to a dress form.

“Oh come on, Rarity you promised me we could have some time together tonight.” whined Sweetie Belle, a white unicorn filly with light pink and light purple mane and tail. She also has a multi colored crest as a cutie mark that somehow matches her friends’ cutie marks.

“Oh I could let you help. Just so long as you don't mess anything…” Rarity trailed off as the pen, tape measure and scissors she was levitating all dropped to the ground, a shudder passing through her.

“Uh Rarity, are you alright sis?” asked Sweetie Belle, looking concern as Rarity stared off into space.

Becoming aware of her sister's question, Rarity levitated a fainting couch from somewhere over to her before laying on it. She didn't trust herself to remain standing as whatever passed over her has left a headache. “Well Sweetie Belle, I just had the most awfully dreadful feeling pass over me. It's like something just horrible just happened.” Rarity answered.

…

In another part of Ponyville a light pink earth pony mare was busy making plans for a party and talking to her toothless pet alligator named Gummy. This pink mare has a darker shade of pink mane and tail and has a trio of party balloons for a cutie mark. “Now should I give Dr. Stable a chocolate cake or vanilla cake for his birthday party, Gummy?” asked the pink mare. The alligator blinked just once, not interested in the mare’s actions. “You're right Gummy. What was I thinking, Dr. Stable likes marble cake!”

Just then Pinkie Pie shook and shuddered all over as an ominous feeling passed over her. In a moment the the feeling stopped just as quickly as it came. “Well I don't what that was but it sure is a doozie. Oh well where was I?” came from Pinky Pie’s mouth.

…

Not far away in a gorgeous house made out of clouds a cyan color pegasus mare with a rainbow colored mane and tail and has a multicolored lightning bolt coming from a thundercloud for a cutie mark lay in her bed reading. The latest Daring Do book sat on top of her covers as she was reading aloud to herself, her pet tortoise named Tank is next to her asleep. In the midst of turning the page, the mare felt a wave of magic passed over her. Shuddering with fright, she bolted to the ceiling of her bedroom and very nearly went through it.

“What the hay was that?” she asked her tortoise who woke up from being thrown from the bed in Rainbow’s dash of fright. “It sorta felt like the shock wave from my sonic rainboom, but way more powerful.”

Slowly she settled back onto the bed where Tank has already settled in for the night again. “Uh, maybe I should go see Twilight about that blast,” Said Rainbow as she zipped out the bedroom window and off into the night.

…

At the edge of Ponyville in a little cottage that looks like a small hill with a lot of animals in and around it, a butter yellow pegasus mare with a light pink mane and tail was busy tucking in some animals for the night. She has a trio of pink butterflies for a cutie mark and is absolutely the kindest and the most shy creature you'll ever meet. Her home became the neighborhood animal shelter and zoo of sorts with the number and variety animals in her care.

“Good night little kittens. See you in the morning.” Fluttershy said in a quiet and gentle voice, turning the light off as she climbed the stairs to her room. At the top of the stairs a magical shock wave passed over her. “Eeep!” she yelp as she dove under the covers of her bed faster than Rainbow Dash’s Sonic Rainboom.

Angel Bunny, her pet rabbit, woke from the commotion and looked from his basket and saw Fluttershy’s tail and hindquarters sticking out from under the covers. Shaking his fluffy little head, Angel hopped onto the bed next to Fluttershy and began thumping his foot like an upset parent trying to get their child's full and undivided attention. This tactic usually works for him when Fluttershy is upset or distracted when information needs to be conveyed.

“Sorry Angel, I’m not sure what came over me.” Said Fluttershy in an apologizing voice after noticing the rabbit was next to her. “It felt like something happened like a shock wave but I'm not sure what.” Angel raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner. “Oh Angel, I'll see Twilight about it tomorrow morning.” that seem to satisfy Angel enough for him to head back to bed. Sighing, Fluttershy turned off the lights and went to bed herself as well.

…

Just outside of Ponyville on an apple farm called Sweet Apple Acres, an orange earth pony mare was doing her evening chores in the kitchen of a beautiful farmhouse.

Author's Note

Sorry, This is all that I got at the moment. still working on it