Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother

Chapter 6
The Multiverse Theory

Manehatten was the busiest city in Equestria rivaled only by Canterlot. Thousands of ponies come here every day to seek fortunes and strike it rich in the business capitol of Ponydum. Many of the great companies that supply the goods and services across Equestria lie here, the largest being Spark Industries. Founded by Spark after he began creating armor and weapons for the Royal Guard and helping to develop technologies which help ponies live better lives. His company produces everything from cheap tools to anything that is mechanical in some way shape or form. He soon moved on to develop technologies that will change ponydom forever. As such a major manufacture in Equestria, the large compound of buildings is positioned just outside of the city next to the Camarillo River so that anypony heading into the city can see the grandeur of industry. On the far side of the city which sticks out into the Vast Sea and is bordered by the Camarillo River forming a peninsula, the two hundred foot, all steel Spark Tower stood dominating the skyline.

It is here that Dr. Whooves finds himself frequenting. Riding through the city in his new motorized carriage with his assistant, many ponies stopped to admire his strange machine. Improved from the last design which often over heated and exploded, this one was much safer, and could travel twice the speed of a running pony. Eventually, he hoped that they would replace drawn carriages all together. Unfortunately he could only ride it if Sparkler was with him, because the engine was powered by magic. He had to figure out how to make magic readily available for use in machines all across Equestria seeing as how two thirds of the population are not unicorns.

“Do you know what you’re going to be talking about?” Sparkler asked, looking at her mentor with goggles on as their vehicle had no windshield.

“Somewhat. I assume the princess wants to talk about my research into using magic as a form of energy. I’m hoping Spark will find it interesting enough to fund as well.” The doctor replied, pressing his hoof against the side horn, warning ponies of his rapid approach.

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“Well. For a long time now he has been looking into something called oil. It is buried deep within the earth and is made up of deceased animals and plants from millions of years ago. My problem is that it is just too smelly, dirty, requires constant maintenance and will eventually run out. But magic is an endless source. Maybe I can talk some sense into the stubborn mule.” All his life, the doctor had been in friendly competition with Spark. While they were both geniuses in their own right, Spark preferred to find the cheapest, easiest way to solve a problem and make the most profit out of it. The doctor preferred the slower approach to solve the problem outright, looking more in the long term then in the short.

Though he was beginning to feel that maybe Spark was the better stallion then he. Spark had all the money and power, with thousands of employees and dozens of contracts, a laboratory the size of a hospital, and enough assistants that he has one to press his shirts, he seemed a formidable foe. Dr. Whooves, on the other hoof, was working out of his homemade shed he had built in the back of his house with his niece as an assistant.

But the two were never swore at one another, as they both accepted each other’s work as being valid and necessary for the continued evolution of science and technology. Dr. Whooves just feared that his friend was looking too narrowly and was missing the big picture that could send everything into a downward spiral if thrown out of balance.

He stopped his motorized carriage in front of Spark Tower. The valet colt walked up and looked at the carriage with awe and confusion as to how he was going to move it.

“Just leave it here, and keep an eye on it. I don’t think anyone is going to take it.” the Doctor said, taking the ticket from the colt.

The inside of Spark tower was mostly hollow. The first several dozen floors were open with rooms connected to walkways along the wall, leaving a large space in the middle for a huge statue. The statue consisted of an Earth Pony, a Pegasus and a Unicorn standing heroically together, the light from the cathedral windows along the back side shined down on them as if they were made from the heavens. A golden plaque at the base read…

With science we ponies will be,
Brought up from the earth, heavens and seas,
To better our lives,
And change the world,
United we stand,
As Spark Industries.

A few dozen ponies who were visiting admired the statue and took pictures. It was a sight to behold, but Dr. Hooves did not like the idea of ponies considering themselves above the other species. It was all very elitist and corporate. The doctor preferred the philosophy that science and information should be available to all, and not charged a price for its use.

He led his assistant to one of the many elevators lining the wall. Shutting the grate, he pushed for the top floor; Penthouse as it said next to the button. The elevator shook, steadily climbing upwards. It was not very fast, but a heck of a lot better than walking.

“Wow, I feel like a Pegasus up here!” Sparkler said looking down. All the ponies in the atrium grew smaller and smaller until they looked like ants. They rose up next to the statue which was so tall it would seem that birds were nesting on the heads. But before they could see, they entered into a tunnel. The little light in the elevator turned on as they passed by different floors, each one dedicated to some kind of office space, storage area, meeting rooms, development or research labs. The elevator came to a stop on the top floor. A green unicorn mare sat behind a desk looking over several papers, her glasses sat halfway down her nose. She glanced up at the two exiting the elevator.

“Ah, Dr. Whooves. I’ll let Mr. Spark know your here.” She pushed on a buzzer, “Mr. Spark, the doctor is in.”

“Good send him through.” came a voice from the speaker. The attendant pushed another button which moved the four piston driven door openers to automatically open the thick wooden double doors leading to Spark’s office. The two visitors did not hesitate to walk in.

Spark’s office looked more like a very large living room. Spacious and well lit by the walls being windows, the room was very clean and modern looking. Couches and cushioned chairs took the places of standard office chairs and stools. A glass bar on the far side of the room held many expensive liquors and bottles of cider. A series of pipes poked out of the wall next to the bar as did a mean looking bird who eyed the guests closely.

A large balcony stretched outside overlooking the city. A red carpet was laid out supposedly for the princess’ arrival. The tops of the Spark Tower sign were visible looking out at all of Manehatten. On its opposite side, the Vast Sea stood silent stretching onward to the horizon. Spark himself was looking out at the sea. His velvet white waistcoat contrasted well with his azure coat and blue mane. On his flank, the all familiar white light contained within a circle of gold which Spark used as his company symbol. The same symbol that adorned all his products; followed by an italicized: Spark Industries.

Dr. Whooves loudly cleared his throat. Spark turned around and smiled, “Ah! Doctor, you made it!” the blue stallion cheered. Sparkler looked at her mentor confused; she was returned with a simple shake of the head.

“So good to see you after all this time! What have you been up to?” Spark shook his friends hoof with glee. The sharply trimmed beard on his chin gave him an air of sophisticated scruffiness.

“Just working to make the world a better place.” The doctor replied. Spark did not pay attention to his answer, instead eyeing the young mare next to his friend.

“And who might this be?” Spark picked up Sparkler’s hoof and gently kissed it, keeping his eyes on hers.

“My assistant.” The doctor pushed Spark’s hoof away.

“Sparkler.” The mare replied blushing.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Spark bowed. When he finished curtsying, his face turned serious, “Now doctor, I understand that you are here because the princess wished to meet with us.”

“That is correct.” The brown stallion followed Spark as his assistant stood ogling the billionaire pony.

“Did she say why?” Spark stepped behind the bar and began making himself a drink. He motioned to his friend if he wanted one.

The doctor waved a hoof in front of him, “I assume it has something to do with magical energy.”

“You still on about that? When’s the last breakthrough you’ve had on that? Two years ago? Give it up. You don’t have the resources or the help to figure it out. No one dose.”

“Oh, and oil is the future?” Dr. Whooves said angrily. Spark just glanced up and him before putting a garnish on his drink.

“Look, oil may not be the best scientific method. I’ll admit it, magical energy is the ultimate energy source, but there is just no way we can get to that now. Baby steps my dear doctor, baby steps.”

“If the princess would let me study the Elements of Harmony…”

“But she won’t. I’ve tried to and she has refused me time and time again. For now, I have moved on to other methods.”

“Like polluting the earth?” Dr. Whooves eyed Spark closely. The blue stallion walked over to the balcony to look out at the city.

“Look out there doctor, what do you see? Progress. That’s what that it. We can no longer live by pony power alone, we must move beyond, and if that means using something that is corrosive to the environment, then so be it.”

“You can’t be serious!”

“Doctor listen to me! I have to run a business. I can’t go off inventing gadgets and pouring my life into a single work all the time. I have to answer to my investors and backers here and in Canterlot. With oil we can create a whole new generation of machines to power our industry. I plan to have total control of the substance, its distribution and the products that use it so that it won’t get to crazy. With the monopoly, I can turn to matters such as your research.”

“You don’t give a damn about my research! You just want to make money like every other rich ostentatious pony!” Sparkler gasped, having never seen the Doctor so angry. Spark gave a reluctant sigh. He admired Dr. Whooves, he was defiantly twice the scientist Spark was, but he just did not have the grandiose vision of capital gain and control. Glancing back out the window he spotted a small dot flying over the city.

“The princess is here. I suggest we get it together and look appropriate.”

***{Legacy}***

Derpy returned home after a late night shift of mail deliveries. With the Doctor and Sparkler gone, the house was very quiet. Entering through the window to her room, she hovered over to the bed before plopping down, tired as a dog. After several minutes, her ears perked up. Something was wrong.

Getting up she crept out of her room and down the hall. The house was still. None of the pipes gurgled, nor the floor boards squeaked, nor the machines clank. She stood in the silence waiting for any peep. She spotted the door to Dinky’s room slightly ajar in the darkness. Derpy poked her head in. The room was clean as usual, but empty. Dinky was always waiting for her mother to return home from work. Always jumping on her exhausted mother when she was laying down. They would roll around on the bed laughing then take a nap.

She rummaged around the room thinking that she was hiding; nothing. Moving downstairs she searched the kitchen, living room, study, bath, and even the parlor. All were devoid of ponies. She looked at the calendar to see if something was happening at school. Her childish writing was scribbled all across the dates, but there was nothing.

Derpy hurried to the laboratory, feeling that this was not good. Searching through all of the equipment, she accidently activated one causing it to backfire on her blowing black soot all over her. After coughing up a fare amount of smoke, she still came up empty. Exiting out of the hole she made the day before, she flew off to town feeling that maybe Dinky was with her friends.

Flying over the filly school, Derpy spotted Cheerilee outside watering. Derpy quickly flew down in a hurry. “Miss. Cheerilee!” she yelled. The purple earth pony looked up to see Derpy frantically flying to her. She ducked just in time to avoid the mail mare, who rolled across the ground, coming to a stop a few meters away.

“Oh. Mrs. Whooves. Are you alright? Why are you all black?” Cheerilee asked trotting over to Derpy. The grey mare jumped up and looked directly into the other’s eyes. “Where is Dinky!” she said frantically.

“Uh… I don’t know. We did not have class today. She might be at the library study…” before the teacher could finish, Derpy had already taken off for the library.

The door to the library was locked, all the lights were out. Derpy banged her hooves against it hysterically trying to bust it open. Several ponies were watching her, but only Golden Harvest walked over to her from her stand, carrot apron on, a motherly look on her face. “Derpy, what’s wrong?”

“Dinky’s gone!” Derpy cried out. Tears streamed down her eyes leaving trails in the black soot on her face.

“What? What do you mean?”

“She’s gone! I can’t find her anywhere!” Derpy fell to her best friends hooves crying into the dirt. This was the first time Golden had seen her in this state. The other ponies nearby where staring. Watching the scene, Lyra and Bon Bon made their way over.

“What’s going on?” Lyra asked watching Derpy on the floor.

“Dinky’s gone missing.” Golden Harvest yelled over her friends crying.

“They might have gone to the Apple orchard. Pipsqueak sometimes talks about a hideout there.” Bon Bon said. This snapped Derpy out of her depression as she shot up from the ground and blasted off to Sweet Apple Acers. The three other ponies looked at each other before running after her.

Big Mac was busy bucking a grove of trees, the apples expertly falling into the baskets below. He whipped his brow and though of how much easier this would be if Applejack was here. Looking up at the sun to see what time it was, he spotted a pony flying straight towards him. Before he could react, Derpy flew right into the tree he was bucking getting caught up in all of the branches. She hung down, one of her back hooves caught in a branch.

“Have you seen Dinky?” the grey mare covered in soot said breathing heavily. Big Mac turned and bucked the tree. Derpy feel to the ground with a thud, but seemed relatively unhurt. “Nope.” was his response. The grey mare started to cry. Big Mac looked around, not quite sure what to do. He reached over and patted the poor pony on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. His effort seemed only to cause her more grief.

“Derpy!” Golden Harvest yelled as she, Lyra and Bon Bon ran over the hill. Big Mac looked worried as if they’ll think he made her cry.

“Big Mac. Where is the hideout that the fillies go to?” Bon Bon asked.

“In the back of the orchard. But it’s empty. I just checked.” He responded. Derpy cried out louder.

“Is Apple Bloom here?”

“Nope. Don’t know where she is.”

“That’s funny. When I went to Rarity’s Boutique it was closed. I think Sweetie Belle is gone too.” Lyra said.

“And with the library closed, Spike must be gone to.” Bon Bon added.

“Come to think of it where is Pip and Scootaloo. They usually run around town when Rainbow Dash is gone.” Golden Harvest thought.

“What’s all the ruckus going on over here?” Granny Smith made her way over looking at all the ponies in her field.

“Sorry Granny, but Derpy can’t find Dinky.” The orange mare said hugging Derpy who was crying into her coat.

“Dinky whose that?”

“She’s a little pink unicorn. Is friends with Apple Bloom.” Lyra explained.

“Oh that’s right. The little British pony always following her around. Well they came by yesterday and asked if they could barrow some apples for some trip. Oh those little fillies always looking for trouble.” Granny Smith chuckled to herself.

“Did they say where they were going?” Bon Bon asked.

“Oh what was it… Tartor… Tarner, Tartar…”

“Tartarus?” Big Mac said worried.

“That’s it!” Granny Smith smiled. The other ponies gasped. Granny Smith suddenly came to the realization of what she was saying, “Oh dang it.”

“I must go after her!” Derpy said. She attempted to take off, but was tackled by the others. It took all three of the mares to hold her down.

“Derpy stop! You can’t go alone!” Golden Harvest yelled.

“I got to save Dinky!” Derpy attempted to claw herself away from her friends like an animal evading capture.

“Derpy! You need to go tell the Doctor! He’ll know what to do!” Harvest said. Derpy turned to her long time friend who was like a sister to her. “The rest of us will go look for the fillies. Right?” she turned to the others who all nodded. Derpy gave a sniffling nod and wiped the tears from her face smearing the soot even more.

“We’ll bring her back safely. I promise.” The two best friends hugged.

“Thank you sis.” Derpy whispered. Golden Harvest was always looking out for her, even in the worst of circumstances. The grey mare waved goodbye before flying off to Manehatten. When she was gone, Lyra and Bon Bon turned to Carrot Top. “We could have used her you know?” Bon Bon said.

“Trust me. You don’t want Derpy with you on a search on rescue.” Harvest reassured.

“Now what.” Lyra asked.

“Big Mac, are you up for it?” Harvest asked the big stallion. He looked at Granny Smith who waved her hoof, “I’ll get the rest of the apple family over here to do the harvestin you go n’ get Apple Bloom back!”

“Alright then. Let’s get going.”

“But we don’t even know how to get to Tartarus.” Bon Bon said.

“No. But we know somepony who might.”

***{Legacy}***

Princess Celestia’s chariot gracefully landed on the balcony of Spark Tower to the attendance of Spark, Dr. Whooves and Sparkler. The princess stepped off her chariot, looking as regal as ever, and approached her subjects with a graceful gait.

“Good to see you Spark.” She said nodding her head to him.

The blue stallion gave a low bow. “The same, princess.”

“I am glad you could come to Doctor, and Miss. Sparkler.”

“Always a pleasure.” Dr. Whooves said. With the formalities out of the way, the group headed indoors. The Doctor noticed that the four Pegasus guards who pulled the chariot stood around it facing outward, at the ready. Normally they would just stay hooked up to the chariot waiting for the princess to return. Inside Spark’s office, the Princess took a seat on one of the lounge chairs facing her subjects who sat facing her.

“Now I know it must be strange that I have summoned you here.” She said to Dr. Whooves.

“Not at all princess. I come here at least once a month. I’ve been due a visit.” He replied. Spark raised an eyebrow at him. While it was true that the Doctor came here to do work and that they did not usually meet on such occasions. He was being very cordial with the princess; most likely to score a few points in his favor. Spark decided not to say anything, as he hoped the princess would see them as friends and not constantly arguing all the time. It would not be good if their disagreements were known by the leader of the land.

“Well I’m glad that I have not burdened you. It must be hard to leave your family constantly for your work.” The princess seemed sincere in her comment, though Dr. Whooves felt that it was strange.

“It can be. But I know that they will always be home when I return.”

“Family is important. They give us the strength to do what we ourselves believe is impossible. Without them, we are alone in this world.” While she was talking to the Doctor, he could not help but feel that she was talking about something else. The distant look in her eyes could be mistaken for tiredness, but having a family, he knew that it was depression caused by some deep rooted memory. Derpy usually had that look whenever she remembered her parents. She would never tell him what happened, always shuttering and coiling back when he did. So he figured whatever was eating at the princess, it was better not to ask.

“Yes it is. My family is very important to me, and their support fuels me to continue my work.” He said bravely. Spark gave a small cough. As a man without a family, this was all rather boring to him.

“Yes, family is good. But might I inquire as to why you have called this meeting to order.” Spark said.

“Ah yes. Apologies. I have heard from others in the scientific community that you Doctor, have come up with a theory of some kind.” The princess’ voice returned to its usual luster.

“You mean my magical energy theory?” Dr. Whooves said excitedly. Was she finally going to let him study the Elements of Harmony?

“No, unfortunately I cannot let you continue that research.” She said flatly.

“But… why?” he looked at her astonished. Even Spark was surprised. Sparkler held her hooves up to her mouth in shock. The princess hesitated for a moment looking at the brown stallion before her. She was choosing her next words wisely.

“The Elements of Harmony are sacred artifacts that have been put under my stewardship. I cannot allow you to do any harm to them.”

“But… they could be the answer to endless power!”

“Which is why they must never be used in such a way. I have read you research, and you are right, magic is the ultimate source of energy. But all that responsibility cannot be given to one pony. I am sorry, but I must deny you this. In compensation, the Royal Academy will fund you in any other work you might be doing.” She finished with a small smile, but the damage had been done. The Doctor was broken on the inside.

Without the Elements of Harmony there was no way his research would ever achieve the goal of free energy. He tried to think about it, but his mind was fogged up. Being denied like that after years of inquiry, he almost felt insulted. It was like she deliberately waited until he was so far into the research, only to then crush his dreams. He took a seat and stared at the floor, feeling that all his work so far has been for nothing. Sparkler put her hoof around her mentor, trying to comfort him, but there was just no way she could make him feel better.

“If you are not here about his magical energy research, then what research are you talking about?” Spark asked. As a fellow scientist, he could feel some of the pain Dr. Whooves was suffering. Being denied a life of work would normally spell the end of a career. He thought it was a miracle that she would still fund him when he seemingly had nothing else to do. But in his mind, Spark was only thinking that the Doctor’s research will be pushed back a few decades at least, leaving oil to become the dominant fuel and energy source in all of Equestria.

“I am here about a much older theory. The Multiverse Theory.” The princess turned to Dr. Whooves who looked up.

“The Multiverse Theory? But I haven’t done anything on that in years.” His sorrow was replaced by intellectual curiosity. Why was the princess interested in this?

“What is it?” Sparkler asked, having never heard of it before.

“It is a theory that Professor Galica came up with when I was her student at the academy. I helped her with some of the ideas… but it never got any grounding because it was so farfetched. What is your interest in it highness?”

“I wish for you to enlighten me about it. As your mentor has passed away several years ago, you are the only pony alive who knows about it.” Celestia said. Dr. Whooves looked at Spark who was also a student of Galicas’, though he was much less interested in the theory, claiming as many others did, that it was just too weird and impossible to prove.

“Well…” Dr. Whooves made his way over to a chalk board that stood in the corner of the room. On it was a formula of some kind. He flipped the board to the blank backside and began drawing on it.

“The Multiverse Theory states that there are many different universes other than our own. Each one was created to be its own entity, living separately from the others. What binds these universes together are bridges which we called ‘connectors’.” He drew several flat boxes in a line, each connected by a bridge that arched over a dark space between the boxes.

“These dark spots are called ‘void zones’. They are uninhabited regions of space-time and have no place in either. It is an endless darkness. Now this theory is not so outlandish and was widely accepted by the scientific community…” Dr. Whooves paused, looking at the board.

“What happened?” the princess asked.

“Professor Galica lost favor with the academy when she said that the universes were shaped by some other worldly being she called ‘the creator’.” Spark said, “That made her the laughing stock of the scientific community. She was so convinced that she was right, that she set out to find proof only to resurface a decade later, mad as a March hair, babbling incoherently. She was deemed unfit for the scientific community, stripped of her credentials, and put into a hospital for the rest of her life.” The room fell silent when he finished.

Sparkler felt a chill run down her spine. What did Galica see that drove her insane? Dr. Whooves looked away, remembering seeing his mentor in the hospital. She was babbling about strange worlds, creatures of unimaginable horror and beauty, about the creation of the world and creatures that have never known to have existed. The Doctor was so horrified that he had nightmares for a month. Even today, he was still stricken by his old mentor’s ramblings. Hoping that he will never become like her. When he looked up to the princess, he found that she was not so saddened by the story. Her face was still and seemed to be contemplating something.

“What was her theory before she fell from grace?” Celestia asked. Her voice was unconcerned about the fate of Galica.

“Uh… well. Galica believed that ‘the creator’ imagined all of the universes or ‘realms’ into existence. Along with ‘the creator’ there was also a ‘protector’ who would travel in-between the ‘realms’ and make sure that they stayed in balance. But Galica could find no proof of there ever being a ‘creator’ or ‘protector’ that existed in our universe. Some who followed the theory believed that you yourself was ‘the creator’ highness; but Galica was convinced that ‘the creator’ not only created this world but also you and your sister and was a being of much higher status. It was after this that she went off on her journey. All of her ramblings on her return were to unintelligible to form into anything coherent.” Dr. Whooves watched as Celestia seemed to be formulating the theory in her mind.

He could tell that she was hiding something from him, silence always gave that away. She also did not seem confused by the theory, more concerned, as if she was not expecting it. He knew he had hit a cord with her somewhere.

“Doctor. I want you to continue your mentor’s research. Retrace her steps and find out what she knew.” Celestia said after a long time. The three ponies before her looked at one another.

“Are you serious?” Spark almost laughed. The look on the princess’ face made him stop, “But… you heard what happened to Professor Galica, she went insane…”

“I have full confidence in the Doctor’s ability to succeed where Galica failed.”

“But why your majesty?” Dr. Whooves asked.

“This theory intrigues me; I wish to know all I can about it.” she got up and began walking to the balcony door. “I hope you will start right away.”

“I…” the brown stallion stopped at the sight of a Pegasus speeding towards the building. The four Pegasus guards outside launched off the roof after the mysterious pony; but Dr. Whooves already knew who it was.

“What the…” Spark whispered looking out. The four guards surrounded the flying pony, but were blasted aside as it sped to the window, smashing into it sending glass everywhere. Celestia used magic to shield everypony, turning the knife like shards of glass into puffs of smoke. The four Pegasus guards returned to the building ready to fight. Over in the corner of the room, Derpy jumped up, having ripped up several stone tiles from her landing. Covered in black soot and dirt, she quickly turned, breathing heavily. Spotting Dr. Whooves she ran over to him, only to collapse from exhaustion.

“My dear!” the Doctor ran over to her. Sparkler followed. Spark just watched the scene from a distance.

“She’s gone! She’s gone!” Derpy cried. Speaking with each breath she took, the Doctor picked her up, looking into her derped yellow eyes.

“Whose gone?” he asked.

“Dinky! Dinky’s gone!” Derpy cried. The black soot on her face was smudged all over making her look like she had some kind of mismatched coat.

“What?! Where is she?”

“She went to Tartarus with her friends!” the grey pony yelled. Everypony gasped.

“We have to go after them!”

“Sister, and others going.” Derpy said, starting to faint, “They… told me… get you…” she passed out.

Dr. Whooves turned to his assistant, “Get the… oh.” He remembered that the Dirigible Carrier was gone. Celestia approached him, concerned for her subject’s family.

“I have to find her princess.” The doctor said, looking up at the princess.

“I will send Luna out with the search party. She will help them find your daughter and her friends. In the meantime I suggest you rest here before heading back to Ponyville.” She said in a motherly tone.

“Thank you.” Dr. Whooves and Sparkler left, carrying Derpy between them.

Celestia turned to Spark, who was watching off to the side, “I have much to discuss with you. Starting with this oil of yours.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***