Author's Note

No power and no treasure can outweigh the extension of our knowledge.

-Democritus.

And there is some important exposition in here, just a heads up.

A Lesson Before Treasure Hunting

Let it be said that, through the actions of a wise man can yield better results than that of a fool's errand. It was a metaphor me and Rin came up with together whenever one of us had messed up. Big time.

And I got the full extent of a mouthing off, thanks to Rin. With me, in all my grace, I chose to let one of the key things that provided me with a shred of sanity when it came to dealing with my sister, Junko, out to Daring and her crew and Rin to hear about one of the many painful and surreal memories of my childhood where Junko would be the source of my pain. After thinking they would criticize and call me insane, an idiot or worse; nothing of the sort came. Instead, I was showered, or in my case told that they would all help me. That was only furthered reinforced by a creed about family. Is it cheesy? Yes. But, does it have a weight to it? Also yes.

To think, one summer and accidentally crippling my sister, who has suddenly changed on me would lead. . .to being in a place called Equestria.

Or in Rin's case, and mine: Horse Land.

Everything around us was moving so fast, from almost, 'though not really' being shot with arrows at a Pegasus that was scared out of her wits at us to heading to her camp to regain our thoughts and talk about where we were and how to get back home, only to have to fight a legend of human Mythology, then to meet some new faces and be inducted into Daring's crew, The Nameless Crew. In all, you'd think that would be too much with almost being killed more than 3 times over, but we as humans have our best quality constantly in play; to adapt to anything, not to say it was not a cakewalk.

But, the nature of getting home would be a whole different nut to crack. First off, with not knowing exactly we were, that left the question if we could even have a means of getting back to our own home, perhaps Time Travel could be a real thing, aaaaand I'm going to be quiet now, because that's probably not even real here. It certainly wasn't back home, but the closest thing was actually physically transporting a molecule to another place, so we 'kinda' have it available, but we don't know how to work it. With my proposed idea of using this Alicorn Amulet, seeing as it was the only thing mentioned that could have the power to send us home first, I pegged to use it, but Daring told me that it was very dangerous and would corrupt any who would wear it. Down one road, we go along with Daring's plan, get the Amulet, deliver to who'll put it away for good, and possibly spend weeks looking for a pony or spell that could send us home, or we yank the Alicorn Amulet from her and go home ourselves. Sounds selfish and impulsive, but when your home's in danger, what would you do?

Though, after hearing the last pony who used it was skinned to the flesh and bone and begged to be killed kinda put a pit in my stomach the size of Texas. I know that Daring is only looking out for me since me, Rin and our Fairies are part of her crew now, but what if there isn't another way to get back beside that? And it's important that we get back to Detroit as soon as possible, as our town's left at the mercy of my tyrant sister and there's nobody there strong enough to stop her, only to live in fear of her. I'd feel more at ease with me there, since I'm the only one can even have any chance of stopping her.

Ugh, I'm conflicted.

''So,-'' Rin said, stretching her arms and sighing. ''-how bad is this barrier problem of yours?''

Daring frowned.

''It's something that not a lot of Unicorns would have wanted to their hooves at. It's really been a challenge for some of the few of Canterlot's greatest to accomplish, given they know no more about the thing then we do. The barrier's one of their biggest problems to solve, and they couldn't. No matter whether its Distortion magic, Weathering magic or whatever; they just couldn't do it. We've kinda been at our wits end being out here for so long," Daring groaned. "But, I've been known to be stubborn, so I wouldn't give up. But when I saw you and Jamir, I kinda figured; 'why not, what else. . .do we have to lose?' and I hoped maybe with your unnatural strength, you could shatter the barrier or at least provide a window for Grass Song to try and pry the rest of the barrier open for us to get in," Daring said as she hopped over a small log.

''Really?'' I asked, unconvinced. ''It's that strong?'' my thoughts were hazy from thinking about too many things at once.

''Yea, it kinda is.'' Blank said, smiling. ''But, from what Daring told us from the Hydra you guys fought, which was awesome by the way,'' Blank congratulated, patting my leg. ''Wish I was there; boy would I have laid down the hurt. . . Anyways, my point is that with you two and your. . .little helpers, maybe we can finally get out of this accursed jungle.''

Pushing past some more vines and hopping over felled trees, the air began to get collectively thicker. At first, I thought it was just my mind playing tricks on me, but as the time went by, I found myself having a hard time to breath when it felt like inhaling stale, stinky jelly.

I hacked and gasped for clean air, but I was soon able to adjust thanks to putting my shirt over my nose and mouth, giving what little, if any comfort. The ground began to dip, leading to a crumbling stone trail that led to some ruins below us, wild vines growing everywhere over the weathered architecture.

''Welcome to the entrance of the Black Sun Temple,'' Daring swept a hoof in front of us, hopping down and flying up to a open crevice. ''Get the lead out of your ears and let's go!'' Daring called, Blank and Echo following her lead and waiting for us.

''Wait, how are you going to get up there?'' I asked Grass Song.

''Pssssh!'' Grass Song waved her hoof dismissively. ''Watch this,'' her horn took on a dirt green color and a flash of light filled my vision. Poof!

''How about you?'' Grass asked, with everyone else behind her.

''Easy.'' Rin said. ''Like this,'' I was gripped around my waist with one of Rin's arms as the other settled on the back of my neck so I wouldn't get whiplash. Before I could utter a response, Rin leaped forward, soaring in the sky for a few brief seconds before everyone moved out of the way as the ground mushed beneath us.

''That's how,'' Rin smirked, making Grass pout.

''Anyways, before we go any further, I should note that in the game of treasure hunting, it never pays to have too many eyes watching your back and surroundings for traps,'' Daring said, gaining my attention. ''So, I'd advise you and Rin to stay behind me as we go along in here. Grass Song, you're with us. Blank, Echo; you're on watch duty. If anypony or anything comes our way-''

''Rip 'em to shreds. Got it.'' Blank smiled, licking her fangs. ''Good luck in there, Boss.''

''You know I won't need it,'' Daring said as we walked further in. ''I've got two new members and my medic to back me up.''

As we traversed in, the slivers of darkness and light were balanced out. The air, like outside was stale and crude. Depictions of animals, strange letters and astrology symbols littered the wall. A present, but depressing feeling nipped at the back of my mind. The thoughts in my mind lingered, ranging from the perception of being in a jungle, who knows how many miles or dimensions apart I am from my home to what could the significance of letting a dangerous artifact that can posses, corrupt and deteriorate its user while also granting them destructive power do to get us back home.

Again, said no teenager ever.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts so much, but then I was pushed back off my feet and on the ground, Rin following as I groaned.

''What the-''

''We're here.'' Daring announced. When we looked up, a sight before unlike no other when we first arrived here was as breath-taking.

''Whoa. . .this is so cool. . .'' Rin awed at the sight, picking herself up. ''So where's this little barrier problem of yours?"

Fwiiisssh!

''Right here,'' Daring pointed a hoof forward, only for it to it act like jelly in the air, a thin white layer shifting back and forth. ''We've tried everything we could without letting nopony really know where this is at, and we have consistently come to a impasse.''

''Really?'' I hopped up, touching the barrier. It had the feeling of plastic and shifted to every touch of my hand. It surrounded the entire temple, no matter where we went. I tried firmly pushing against it, only to meet the equivalent of a brick wall on steroids.

''Yea!'' Grass Song trotted forward, poking the barrier with a hoof. ''But, maybe Rin can help!''

''So, you just want me to punch the ever-loving crap out of this barrier?''

''Yep.'' Daring and Grass nodded.

''. . .But I've never been asked to destroy stuff without some kind of consequence. Jamir. . .what do you think?'' Rin looked at me, twiddling her fingers nervously.

She's asking me that question? It sounds like a good deal unlike none before. She can let loose a little bit, and nobody wouldn't care.

''Go right ahead.'' I smiled. ''The quicker we get through this is how much quicker we can get home, so go all out if you want.''

When I finished talking, Rin smiled, no visible trace of her nervousness present.

''My question is, can you really do this? Grass Song is the best Unicorn that I've known whose broken some barriers before, but this one stumps her.'' Daring said, unconvinced of Rin's power. If only she seen exactly how the Hydra was killed.

''You seem to forget,-'' Rin walked back, crouching. Then she took off sprinting. ''I'm strong enough to break it!'' Rin bellowed, launching her fist into the barrier with a dull slam of against it, sending pebbles and dust flying in the air. The force behind her punch was so great, that the ground shook a tad as stones loosened. The damage done was a sick crack running up the middle of the barrier. Rin looked absolutely ecstatic, but when she drew her fist back, the space was barely enough to fit a fist.

''Whoa, Rin.'' Grass chuckled, backing away. ''Think you can do that again? It may just be just what I need to get us inside.'' her horn lit up.

''I can do you one even better,'' Rin uncovered her Life Drive.

''Wait, what's that?'' Grass asked, here focus on Rin.

''You'll see.'' I told her.

''Alright!'' Rin proclaimed, her fist in the air. ''Life Drive; Hallowed Gates! Fusion!'' the Life Drive's slots turned green, Hanabi, Takiko and Ko appearing before returning, the slots turning black, Rin's hands emitting a red, yellow and black aura around them and Magic Circuits glowing all around her body. The energy in the room increased to the point where Rin's body was literally vibrating. Rin smiled as she struck the barrier again, the result was much more destructive. Me, Daring and Grass Song were pushed off our feet, and on our backs slamming into the hard ground as a high-pitched sound assaulted our ears. The massive barrier shattered like glass, making the entire ground rumble even harder than before, sending quake after monstrous quake of the ground for what seemed like forever until it finally died down. Just like at Central, I'm shocked and relived that my ears were intact.

''That good enough for you?'' Rin asked Daring, who held onto her hat in a death grip.

''Yea, I'd say that's. . .more t-than what we n-needed. . .'' Daring said, shaking. ''We should get going.''

I second that.

''Grass, are you ok?'' I observed her stock still, facing Rin's direction with her eye reduced to pinpricks. I tapped her on the shoulder and she wobbled to the side a bit. ''Hello?~'' I asked, concerned. I flicked her ear and it twitched in response, making me hope she retained her hearing. Her eyes very faintly tracked my finger waving back and forth, but nothing more than that. She was barely breathing as her mouth was agape. I poked her on the nose, hoping it would do something.

Nothing.

Okay, this was officially starting to get weird. I was getting scared for a second, and Rin and Daring already were some paces ahead, out of earshot and I was left on the sea on a giant rock with no life jacket. I was preparing to pick her up like a rag doll when she spoke.

''S-S-S-S-he broke it. . .so easily. . .'' Grass Song said almost to a whisper. ''The entire thing. . .just gone. Like that. . .'' Grass hung her head low.

Oh, that's what she was so shell-shocked about. But, then again; so are most people when they see the amount of destruction Rin could do from first glance. I certainly know I was the time she she was upset that I was being bullied by this group of girls and didn't fight back because I knew they would eventually tire or pick somebody else, so she took her rage of that out by leveling a small abandoned apartment complex with just one hit and taking the liberty to break the arms and legs of the girls who bulled me. I would have took that as a sign to talk to her, but instead I did the exact opposite as observed by the Hydra fight earlier. Like Daring, for example. I could understand her fascination (or fear) at initially meeting me and Rin.

Not to say that we both know easily that she is still scared, even if it is a little.

''It's. . .certainly one of her better perks,'' I told my new companion as we walked ahead, rubbing our ears. ''But, now that we've gotten past that, do you guys know anything more about this temple?''

''Not really, the only thing we know is that the Alicorn Amulet is definitely in here somewhere.''

I dug in my pocket, pulling out a smushed pack of cherry bubblegum and unwrapped a piece, popping it in my mouth. I hummed in content.

''Exactly how do you know that?''

''I can track the aura pretty easy thanks to Graceful Wind. But that's where all our information ends; from this point on, we don't know what may lie in this place, so we should be on our guard.''

Comforting advice.

The walls around us were not as. . .I expected them to be. With that barrier in place, the average person, or in this case; Equine would infer dust, cobwebs and aged, crumbling statues and foundations. Instead, the place looked relatively well-kept, with unlit torches on stands as far down as we could see. The air felt not as chocking as outside, and the many passages leading to who knows where were in the same condition. Seeing Daring and Rin paused and turned back at us.

''Grass Song!~" Daring yelled. ''Which way?''

Concentrating her horn with magic, Grass yelled back: ''Straight ahead! It's strongest there!'' Grass said. Then she looked back to me as we continued on.

''So, I have a question,'' Grass Song said we continued on, while I was wary to see if we would set off any traps.

''. . .Shoot.'' I half-listened, looking around for anything out of place.

''Actually,-'' Grass twiddled her hair with a hoof. ''I have a few. Like first off, what was-''

''That thing Rin used?'' Grass Song nodded. ''That was a Life Drive. And what that is pretty much is what your horn is to you. Rin's Life Drive is The Hallowed Gates. Each Life Drive is unique to the user, so no two are the same. In Rin's case, she has a Tank, which takes the majority of damage in a fight, but in the case of a Fairy, or those little people you saw can turn that into her attack power. By herself, Hanabi is a feisty little firecracker. Then there's Takiko, her Long-range. She hangs back, covering from a distance. She can fire any kind of arrow imaginable, but comes with low defense; one good hit and she's out. And Ko. She's the healer, like you but also can provide backup.''

''But, how were they born?''

''My species artificially created them. Bred in the laboratory, a combination and miracle of science and technology. Most are helpers that perform basic tasks for my people.''

''So, where and when were they born exactly?'' Grass asked a question which answer is all too familiar with me.

''It was in my hometown of Detroit. On March 8th, 2014. They were our way of saying Detroit Vs Everybody in the world. Especially since we were and are the only ones who created The Fairies. Nobody could claim that right from us. But, the thing was. . .not everyone could get or have one.'' I smiled, but in a solemn manner.

''Why?'' Grass asked as we came to the edge, viewing a city down below, laden with buildings, statues, dirt paved roads and the like. Further down, the longest pairs of stairs spanned down, Daring and Rin still paces ahead of us, talking and looking around. ''Not enough money?''

''Well, for one, The Life Drives were very expensive to make and even more to buy since it houses, heals and helps The Fairies evolve. We've managed to create a Hammer-space, or a black hole which houses Fairies, their personal items and any other items that their Master may want to store. Each Hammer-space in The Life Drive is unique but is connected in that one Life Drive, making for easy communication and transference of items. The asking price for the latest model is about 900,000 dollars.'' I said, making Grass Song tilt her head at me.

''Uh. . .dollars?'' Grass asked, hesitant.

''900,000 of whatever your currency is.''

''Oh!'' Grass realized as we walked down the stairs.

...

''THAT'S BUCKING RIDICULOUS!~'' Grass Song bellowed, her voice echoing.

Ouch. My ears.

Though I can understand why she would be so shocked. Again.

''That's how it goes. The asking price for Fairies can be four times as much. A piece. . .''

''How did you guys get yours, then? You'd have to be a millionaire or more than that!''

''Well, Rin's mother actually was one of the key scientists who helped make The Fairies, or Project Daylight possible, so she had a team of scientists special make her Life Drive and Fairies for her.''

''And you?''

Me? Well that's. . .um. . .I don't want her to know that. . .I don't think her happy go lucky attitude could take it. Great, now I have to lie, to somebody I just met, nonetheless. Yea, that makes for building trust.

''The same as Rin.'' I said. ''Her mother was nice enough to give me my own Life Drive and Fairies, too.''

''But why don't a lot of your. . .people?'' Grass asked. I nodded. ''Have them?''

And there's the million dollar question.

''Well, a surprising 1,000 out of 7,000,000,000 people in the world from where I come from actually have Fairies that are equipped for combat, me and Rin being two of them.'' I explained as we came across a huge Colosseum, seemingly untouched by time with three spiked gates at different entry points that resembled a triangle. The gray bricks gave off a depressing feel and the surrounding architecture gave the whole underground the feel of the Roman era. Daring and Rin were still ahead of us, not caring to look back to see if we were okay. They were looking around, wary of their surroundings. The wind whistled through cracks in the walls as we followed Daring and Rin towards the Colosseum.

''And why not the rest?''

''Well, maturity issues, for one,'' I stretched my arms. ''Most people are perverts, morons, extremists, or just plain trolls who would abuse the Fairies that are genetically equipped for leisure and that would end up in rape, murder, small scale wars and a whole lot worse. The Fairies were one of mankind's greatest achievements, but the majority of people cannot handle having one for those reasons and more. Plus, just like Evolution and Natural Selection, there are those Fairies whose personalities are reflected in the eyes of those with special needs, and thanks to that small percentage, that was only furthered to keep Fairies away from the more dangerous and unstable people back on my world. For War Fairies, or the type Rin and myself have are all-purpose, are well versed in combat, strategy, espionage, hacking, you name it. But they're not alone; The Wisps are helpers for The Fairies, and together, they make a force equal to that of all my world's military at once.''

We came in front of the the gate that was half-raised, possibly telling me that somebody was here at one point. . .

Or could have just got here.

''I don't like this. KA-CHING!'' Rin uncovered her pistol, loading the chamber with a bullet. ''Stay alert.''

''I second that,'' Daring whispered, pointing her crossbow forward. Uncovering My Life Drive, I listened for any strange noises. The wind faintly whistled and I tensed, putting my body in front of Grass Song's. My muscles relaxed, waiting for anything. We slowly moved forward, crouching underneath the gate, looking up and around for anything out of place. What we found was a large cylindrical stand with a black tarp covering it.

''. . .Who goes there?!'' my voice echoed, hoping to scare whatever lurked around here. Instead, what I received was quiet.

Thwack! Daring hit my leg. ''Why did you do that?!"

''To see if anyone was here, and it looks like I was right,'' I walked forward, my Life Drive faintly glowing the lightest of reds, telling me that something was up. As I got closer to the stand, the stronger the color got.

. . .Something was seriously wrong.

''Get ready,'' I whispered back, everybody nodding. When I pulled back the cover, the last thing I expected to see was a glass case with. . .some kind of-

''Oh my bucking goodness!'' Daring yelled, making me almost drop the case as I picked it up. ''You cannot be serious!''

''What is it?'' Rin asked.

''It's. . .the Alicorn Amulet.''

Really?

''Really?'' I asked.

''Look at it for yourself,'' Grass Song nodded in my direction.

Oh, I guess I can kinda. . .see that.

''So that's it?'' Rin wondered, walking up to me and observing the amulet.

''Yes. . .'' Daring's ears folded. She trotted up to us, her eyes downcast. ''That's. . .it alright.''

''Hey, Daring. Are you okay?'' I asked, giving her the case.

''Yea, I just-'' Daring held her breath for a moment, then exhaled. ''I just. . .expected some danger or something! But this. . .was-''

''Easy, not full of danger and mostly quiet? Yea, I kinda like it like that,'' I folded my arms. ''You're kinda like those people back on my world who expects too much out of dangerous situations. Sometimes, the best treasure hunts are the ones where you get in and get out. If this is the Alicorn Amulet, you've just saved yourself a few more weeks in this place as opposed to be looking for a danger rush. . .so what do we do now?''

''We get out of here and get this to Graceful Wind,'' Daring tossed the case to Grass Song who enveloped it in her magic.

''And where is that?'' Rin jogged ahead for the exit.

''Somewhere cold and a place that neither of you know. Grass Song, if you could do us the honor?''

''Of what?'' I asked.

Poof! A white flash of light filled my vision.

When the light died down seconds later, we were at the entrance, with Echo and Blank looking at us curiously.

''You find it?'' Blank asked.

''Does this answer your question?'' Grass Song showed the case to the pair, both of their eyes widening.

''. . .Well, I'll be bucked,'' Blank chuckled. ''So does that mean?''

''Yep.'' Daring replied, popping the p. ''And it was thanks to our newest member, Rin and her freakish strength that shattered the barrier and let us waltz in and find the Alicorn Amulet.''

Shaking my head, I groaned, feeling light-headed. ''So, where are we going now? You said somewhere cold.''

Walking in front of all of us and pointing her hoof forward into the forest, Daring smirked and readjusted her hat.

''Crew! Our mission is almost complete! Next stop: to deliver the Alicorn Amulet to Graceful Wind in the Crystal Empire!" Daring then flew in the air, the sun being behind her at the right time as she pointed at all of us. ''Dechrau!''

''Huh?'' Rin asked.

''It's a word Daring learned from somepony on one of our expeditions,'' Grass Song whispered to us. ''It means start.''

Oh, a small quirk, but I am certainly not going to complain about it.

''Dechrau!'' we all repeated with power, holding our hands and hooves in the air.