Chapters The very next day, Noctis moved into Twilight's castle and set up a workplace in one of the empty rooms. He had also placed orders for alchemical supplies as he had planned to work as the castle alchemist. It took a bit for the supplies to arrive as everypony still felt quite apprehensive towards him, but luckily Twilight was able to convince them to deliver the supplies. Noctis had set up the room in an orderly and organized manor, though his labels and such where written in code and ciphers.
“So um, Noctis...” Twilight said. “Any specific reason you write these labels in ciphers?”
Noctis rolled his eyes and nodded. “The ciphers are a precaution for those who might seek to learn my recipes and use them for their own ill purposes.” He answered.
“Oh well, I don't think you have to worry about that.” Twilight said with a light smile. “Everypony here is pretty friendly.every pony I don't think they'd use your potions for evil.”
Noctis then raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn't they?” He asked. “And even if not, they're not the one's im worried about. Tell me, how many times has your kingdom been under attack by an immensely powerful magical being?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “Well... I guess there have been more than a few attacks on Equestria...” She answered.
“Indeed.” Noctis replied. “Your naive nature has once again blinded you from such a possibility. Your lucky im on your side now.”
Twilight frowned at Noctis's comment. “Well it's not like it could hurt to show a little trust.” She said.
“So you say.” Noctis replied. “But I beg to differ.”
“Were trusting you aren't we?” Twilight then said. Her expression showing more annoyance.
“Ha! As if that makes it any better!” Noctis said. “You don't even know me! For all you know, you may live to regret trusting me.”
A bit of worry then formed in Twilight's expression as Noctis had a point. Though she still trusted Celestia. “Celestia said we should try and bring out the best in you.” She said. “And I trust in her judgment. Even if I don't trust in yours.”
“I couldn't care less about the words of a princess.” Noctis sneered. “I stand by my actions. Many of these potions in the wrong hands could be devastating to the community!”
“Alright then.” Twilight sighed as she lolled her eyes. She then left the room.
“Wretched fools.” Noctis said to himself after Twilight left.
“I can't believe him!” Twilight said.
Spike walked over to Twilight after looking for her a bit. “Can't believe who?” He asked.
“Noctis!” Twilight answered. “He implied that we where all too naive and trusting! He even made it sound like it was a mistake to trust him in order to prove his point!”
“Huh...” Spike said. “Talk about stubborn. So what's his room look like?” His expression then lighting up with curiosity.
“He's set up an alchemy lab.” Twilight said. Her smile returning as she was glad to be talking to a friend. “It's pretty well kept. But all his labels are ciphered.”
“Really? Sounds cool!” Spike replied.
“I guess it's pretty impressive.” Twilight chuckled. “I just wish he wasn't so paranoid.”
“Yeah but he's probably new to that kind of stuff.” Spike said. “Im sure he'll come around if we keep trying!” The enthusiasm in his voice brightened Twilight's mood.
“Hey Twilight!” Pinkie Pie said as she jumped out seemingly from nowhere, startling both Twilight and Spike. “What do you think Noctis will like better? Red velvet cake? Or cherry cheese cake? Oh! Or maybe ice cream cake! Or triple chocolate fudge cake! Or coffee cake! Do you think he like's coffee?”
“Well... I don't think he'll appreciate a party Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said. “He seems a bit, paranoid.”
“Oh psh!” Pinkie Pie replied. “Who doesn't like parties? All he needs is some friends and a warm welcome to cheer him up!”
“I suppose it couldn't hurt.” Twilight said. “We are trying to bring out the best in him after all. If we make him feel welcome, that might help. So have you sent out invitations yet?”
“Oh yeah! I've sent out invitations to almost everypony!” Pinkie said. “Here you go!” She then gave one to Twilight. When she opened it, confetti and streamers came out. “Oh! That reminds me! I didn't give Arcane Mystic an invitation yet!” She then dashed off to Arcane's house.
Meanwhile, Arcane was working on a spell of identification. This spell helps to identify the magical effects of enchanted items and the like. However, he was trying to modify it so that it could help with the physical properties. This would likely be useful in not only items, but organic matter as well, making it a good medical application.
“Hey Arcane!” Pinkie said. “Did you hear about the new pony in town? Im throwing a party for him!” She handed him his invitation which when he opened it, squirted water in his face.
As he wiped the water off his face he though a bit about attending the party. Although he was busy he didn't like to disappoint a friend. “Well eh....” He said looking back at the materials he was testing, then back at Pinkie Pie, who was wearing a beaming smile. “Yeah, alright.” He sighed.
Back at the castle, Noctis exited his room and trotted up to Twilight. “Im going to collect a few ingredients for use. Ill be back in a few hours.” He said.
Noctis then left without a word, the castle doors closing behind him.
“Alright spike!” Twilight said. “Let's get everything ready!”
Noctis headed into the forest to collect the ingredients for his work and research. He spent hours gathering these ingredients as well as cataloging their location within the forest. He put down anything new he found in his notes and any timber wolves he found where promptly disposed of. “Hmm... Ill have to find the origins of these beasts later.” He said to himself after an encounter with the creatures. Once he returned, he found that most of the town was empty. He pondered what could have happened to cause their disappearance. Nevertheless, He continued to the castle.
When he reached it and opened the doors, to his surprise, he found a mass of ponies jumping out and shouting “SURPRISE!” To which he jumped back and bared his fangs in startlement before realizing it was just a surprise party. He then growled in annoyance. “What's all this then?” He asked in a frustrated tone.
“Why it's a surprise party silly!” Pinkie Pie said, enthusiasm and excitement in her tone.
“I can see that.” Noctis replied. “But why? It's ridiculous!”
“Oh don't be such a grumpy pants!” Pinkie Pie said. “Everyone need to have some fun every once and a while!” Her beaming smile and enthusiastic personality only served to frustrate Noctis.
“Out of the question.” Noctis said. “If I did that, then You wouldn't have anyone to tell you what an overly optimistic fool you are!”
“Hey! Come on!” Rainbow Dash said. “We all did all this to welcome you to ponyvile! Just lighten up already!”
“My job is to serve and protect you.” Noctis replied. “And I don't see myself doing a very good job of that if I partake in distractions like this!”
“Oh please! What's gonna happen?” Rainbow Dash said. “It's not like the worlds gonna end!”
Noctis growled in response, to which Twilight then tried to ease the situation. “Im sure you can afford just an hour or two can't you?” She said. “I promise, you'll be able to go back to your work once this is done. Please Noctis?”
Noctis looked around and sighed with a roll of his eyes. “Fine. But only for a couple of hours!”
The other ponies cheered and they started the party. Noctis took this opportunity to talk to the other ponies and get to know them better. Although he was reluctant to do so, getting to know the others would provide him with information that could aid in protecting the main six. Learning as much as he could was imperative to him in such a situation as he knew about the elements of harmony and their power over what seemed to be godlike beings.
One other topic he found surprisingly interesting was one with Arcane Mystic about his magical research and how alchemy could aid in it. Noctis was never too fond of working with others, but this type of research was pretty much his bread and butter.
Once the party was over, everypony left and Noctis took a breath of relief. “Finally.” He said. “I don't have to endure any more parties like that do I?” He then asked Twilight.
Twilight was hesitant to answer. “Well... Im not sure. But there may be events and meetings you'll have to take part in.” She answered.
“I see.” He simply said with what seemed to be an expression of disappointment on his face. He then headed into his room and started working with the components he collected.
Chapter Three: Arcane Mystic
Arcane Mystic sat at his workbench, examining a piece of wood he had infused with some of his magic. He used to do this all the time when he was just practicing his magic abilities. The Stallion had a snowy white coat and milky white mane as well as bright red eyes. His cutie mark was a shield with a magic star emblem on it.
He tried using the magic he infused into the wood to produce a series of different effects on it. Now that he was more experienced with magic he figured it would be more interesting. After a bit of focus, the wood started disassembling into threadlike fibers. Once he accomplished this, he then tried putting different effects on each of the fibers. The strength of the enchantment corresponded to the amount of magic divided into each thread. The enchantments varied from making the thread glow to increasing it's weight to causing it to burst into flames without reducing it to ashes. He also tested the durability of each one as many an enchanted item more often than not has it's integrity increased exponentially when enchanted.
Arcane's house was littered with notes on enchantment and magic spells he had developed or was working on, as well as projects that where less than successful. He also had a few books he had borrowed from Twilight. His main expertise in magic had to do with magic's effect on the body. Specifically how to increase one's physical attributes with magic.
When he was finished with hi notes he heard a knock at the door. He then answered it to find a little white filly with a purple and pink mane as well as green eyes.
“Hey mister Mystic!” She said with a smile. “Did you enchant the thread my sister gave you?”
“Heya Sweetie Bell.” Arcane replied. Circles under his eyes from working all night. “Yeah, hang on, Ill get it.” He then let her in where she sat on the couch. Said couch hadn’t seen much use since Arcane was often sitting at his workbench instead. He actually only got the couch for guests really. He looked through the shelf he used to the commissions he had finished enchanting. The several spools of thread Sweetie Bell had asked for. The thread was enchanted for durability, though he also added a pair of scissors to cut it with. He brought them to the little one and gave them to her.
“Ok.” Sweetie Bell nodded. “Thanks mister Mystic!”
“You can just call me Arcane Mystic if you want.” Arcane replied.
“Yeah, but mister Mystic is fun to say.” Sweetie Bell said. She then gave Arcane the bits her sister gave her to pay for the supplies and then walked out waving to him.
About half an hour later, Arcane was about to take a nap just before he heard another knock at the door. “Probably another customer come to pick up his order.” He thought. But when he opened the door, he found Spike carrying a letter. “Hey Arcane!” He said as he handed him the letter. “I came to give you this. It's from Twilight! She had your request approved!”
The white stallion's expression then went from tired to surprised. “Holy shit!” He said. “Er- I mean, Wow! That's awesome!”
The little dragon's expression showed surprise at Arcane's choice of words, but understood his excitement, so he didn't say anything about it. “Yeah! They're setting up a research center right now! They're probably gonna be done with it in about a month or so. Of course we also have to find you some partners to work with on the research.”
“Oh yeah.” Arcane said. His smile hiding his sudden anxiety. He forgot that a facility of research and development needed an entire team to work in it. And he wasn't exactly the social type. At least not with those he doesn't already know.
“Oh! What about Noctis?!” A familiar pink pony shouted excitedly, causing both the purple dragon and white unicorn to jump in startlement.
“Ah!” Arcane yelped. “Er, who? You mean the new guy? The one who almost burned down ponyvile?”
“Yup! He's got all that alchemy and research of his own!” Pinkie Pie said. “Maybe he can be a part of your research team!”
Spike pondered for a moment on weather it would be a good idea. On one hand, Noctis seemed quite effective in his research but on the other hand he was still evil, meaning the things he researches could have a negative effect on everypony.
Arcane scratched the back of his neck. “I don't know... I mean sure he seems to be a master of alchemy, but do we really need someone like that on the team?” He then said.
“Oh it won't be that bad!” Pinkie Pie replied. “Besides! Princess Celestia said to try and bring out the best in him! What better way then to put him on a team where he can make friends with everyone?”
Arcane pondered for a moment, still unsure of the idea. “Ill leave the decision to Twilight. If it's alright with her then we can see if Noctis even want's to be a part of the team.”
“Okie Dokie!” Pinkie Pie said as she then turned to rush out the door.
“Woah hang on now!” Arcane then said. “Before I forget, I finished that glitter you wanted.” He then got it from the shelf and gave it to her.
“Oh thanks Arcane!” Pinkie Pie said. “Now I can get started on the invitations for Gummy's birthday party!” She then rushed out the door.
Arcane and Spike looked in the direction Pinkie Pie left, both with an expression of confusion.
“So you want me to ask Twilight if it's ok for Noctis to join in on the research team?” Spike asked.
“Yeah. You go ahead.” Arcane said. “Ill figure out who else will be on the team.”
“Alright then. See ya later.” Spike said as he walked off.
Arcane then trotted over to the stove and made himself some green tea. He heated up some water over the stove and poured it into a mug with a T-bag in it. The liquid turning from transparent to green as it was being poured. His eyelids quite heavy as he let out a yawn. He waited about half an hour before drinking the tea. After which he then went to bed and took a nap.
When he woke up it was midnight. He then started work on some commissions he got earlier that morning.
Meanwhile, earlier that day, Noctis was working on some potions he thought may come in handy later. He then heard a knock on his door only to find Twilight once again with Spike.
“Hey Noctis.” She said. “Arcane Mystic is looking for others to build a team of researchers for the new department of research and development. Were putting together a new building in ponyvile. Would you like to join in?”
Noctis simply stared for a bit, then closed the door in her face. But as he trotted over to his workplace, he then gave it some thought and decided that being in a team of researchers may aid in protecting the main six, given the circumstances.
As Twilight trotted away from the door, a bit of disappointment in her expression, Noctis opened it again and asked, “How long till the building is complete?”
“About a month.” Twilight answered. Her smile returning.
“Anyone else on the team?” Noctis then asked.
“Not yet. But Arcane said he'd look into it.” Spike replied.
“Fine then.” Noctis then said. “I suppose I should start packing my things in a few weeks.”
“Great!” Twilight said enthusiastically. “Need any help?”
“No.” Noctis simply said as he shut the door again.
“Oh... alright then.” Twilight said. Her expression exhibiting disappointment again. Though her ears perked up again and her smile returned as she looked at Spike as she was glad that Noctis agreed to be on the research team. Spike smiled back at her and gave her a thumbs up.
The very next day, Arcane woke up to find he had some free time on his hooves. Given that he had finished all the commissions he received so far. He took this opportunity to do some more research. Before he could start however, a knock at the door met his ears. He answered it to find Noctis standing there.
“Oh hey.” Arcane said. “Your the one Pinkie Pie threw the party for.”
“Indeed.” Noctis said. “At any rate, Twilight asked me to be in your research team. That being said, I'd like to know who im working with. I'd rather rather not work with one who has no idea what he's doing.”
“Alright then.” Arcane said and invited him inside. Noctis then took it upon himself to examine Arcane's living space. He noted the pages and journals scattered about the area.
“One would think you'd have a more organized workspace.” Noctis said. “Your notes are in a sorry state. And they're in common. Just anyone could read them and use it for their own sick purpose.”
“Look, it's not that I wouldn't have them placed better if I could alright?” Arcane said. “Er... Well actually, I could have just gotten some more shelves and stuff. But I was saving my bits to help build the research center when my request got accepted. But it looks like Twilight's already taken care of everything already.”
“Everything except putting together the team.” Noctis said.
“Yeah...” Arcane said. “About that... Do you know anyone?”
“No.” Noctis said. “Not anyone we'd want on the team anyway.”
“Huh... I guess we'll have to look around then.” Arcane said. “Keep an eye out for anyone that we might want to consider.”
“I'd be surprised if we find anyone.” Noctis replied.
“Well I mean, not if we don't look, come on.” Arcane said as he then turned the sign on his door closing his shop and then heading out with Noctis following.
“Where do you want to look first?” Arcane asked.
“I believe we should start with an area with the highest population and go down from there.” Noctis answered.
“Like Manehatten?” Arcane said. “We can take the train.”
They then headed down to the train station and got on board to the next train to Manehatten. The two got in their seats and to pass the time they played a few games of shorties. A card game that was also a parody of ogres and oubliettes. Noctis was a pegasus rogue and Arcane was a unicorn cleric.
Noctis drew a monster that was beyond his level. “...Well...” he said.
“Looks like this is the end of the road for you buddy.” Arcane chuckled.
“It seems so. But I had a good ru- Ha!” Noctis said as he then used one of his single use treasure cards. “Potion of transference!” The card transferred the user to a safe location while the taking the other player to the monster.
Luckily the monster happened to be a zombie dragon, which could be beaten by a cleric with ease. “Ooga booga booga!” Arcane said as this was what the cleric had to do in order to defeat undead creatures without having to fight them. “You know I would have just helped you with the fight for free right?” he then said.
“True.” Noctis replied. “But then you would have gained a level.” The object of the game was to reach level ten first and while helping a player fight a monster wouldn't normally result in a level up as opposed to fighting the monster alone, Unicorns did have the ability to level up by helping other players in battle, which is why they could afford to help other players for free.
Arcane then drew a few treasure cards. “Well well well.” Arcane said. “The corset of giant strength!”
Noctis then laughed. “Sounds about right.” He said. “You wearing a corset.”
“Oh fuck you!” Arcane replied. Luckily they where in the very back of the train and the car they where in was empty save for them, so they could say whatever they liked.
Author's Note
Lot's of door knocking in this chapter...
Chapter Four: Dinner and a fight
When they finally reached their destination, they put up the game and placed it back in Arcane's saddlebags as they then left the train.
“Alright.” Arcane said. “Where to first?”
Noctis gave it a bit of thought. While he did so he commented on the place. “This city looks like trash and the ponies in it look like trash. Only too appropriate for such a wretched place.” He said.
Arcane simply shrugged as he hadn't visited the city before. He spent most of his time at home researching or working on commissions. They then looked on the map for a good place to start. “Hey! Rarity has a Boutique here!” He said. “Maybe we can start there. I mean I don't know if they have anyone were looking for, but they're from here so they should know some pretty good places to look.”
“I suppose it's a place to start.” Noctis said. Some reluctance in his tone.
Arcane then got out a map of the area and looked for the boutique. He was having a bit of trouble until he realized he was holding the map upside down. Once he found the map marker he then pointed in the direction to go and they headed there. Along the way they kept and eye out for anyone who looked like they could be of use to the team. They then stopped for some lunch at a nearby restaurant. The outside looked like garbage. Some of the bricks where cracked and worn, The windows where caked in filth, and the corners all looked as though they where gathering a chalk like substance on them. Arcane wondered if it would be funny to go inside and actually order something, or just stupid. Either way, the white stallion trotted inside.
Noctis followed, thinking it to be foolish to eat at such a poorly kept eatery. Though if their food had something on it he could use in alchemy, then that may be useful at the very least.
As the two came in through the front doors, seemingly the only well kept thing in the establishment, they then saw the inside which seemed to be a complete opposite from the outside. Arcane's jaw dropped in surprise as he saw the interior that looked like it could be a five hoof restaurant. Noctis on the other hand, didn't seem so impressed. He had seen stranger things. The two waited to be seated and took in the ambiance of the area. The walls where decorated in a pristine white wallpaper and a green ceiling with gold patterns that decorated it. The floor was carpeted dark gray, almost black. The counters and tables where all pristine.
“Right this way please.” The server said as she led them to their table. Once they took their seat they noticed how comfortable they where as well as how the marble table's seemed to be scratchless. The server then placed the menus on the table as well as utensils wrapped neatly in forest green cloth napkins.
“Here you are!” the server said. “Ill just give you some time to look at the menu and if you need anything, just call.” With that, she left them to search the items on the menu.
“What kind of place takes care of the inside only to neglect the outside?” Noctis said. “Ridiculous!”
Arcane shrugged and started looking at the menu. It was encased in a silicone envelope embroidered with leather and brass on the corners. The selection was quite various and plentiful. It took a bit for him to come to a decision. “Huh... this menu's got a lot of variety.” he said.
Noctis came to a decision more quickly, though once he put his menu down he found that the entire restaurant was completely empty. “Well well well.” he then said.
“Huh? What is it?” Arcane then asked as he then put down his menu and noticed the same thing. “What the hell?” he said. “What happened? Was I really looking at the menu that long?”
“No, only for about two minutes or so.” Noctis answered. “Not nearly enough time for everyone to just up and vanish. Not to mention there's no noise coming from the kitchen either.”
“And yet the lights are still on.” Arcane added. “You think there's some sort of trick going on?”
“I'd say this is a bit more than a trick.” Noctis said. “We may want to keep our guard up. I don't think this is one of Pinkie Pie's attempts at throwing a surprise party.”
“Something tells me your right.” Arcane replied.
The two Stallions got out of their seats and walked around the area. Arcane looked outside and everything looked normal. Noctis checked the kitchens and found no one. He looked around to see if anyone was hiding. Arcane tried looking outside but as soon as he opened the door, all he saw was the inside of the restaurant. As if it was a mirror image. He walked inside and ended up right back. He shook his head and thought for a bit. How was this happening? And what have they gotten themselves into?
“The kitchen's empty!” Noctis said. “Just as I thought!”
“You might want to take a look at this Noctis.” Arcane said.
Noctis trotted over to Arcane and watched as Arcane opened the door and waked through. However, this time it was a black void of nothingness and he would have fell in had Noctis not caught him. Taking him be the scruff of his neck with his teeth and pulling him back inside.
“Holy shit!” Arcane said as he then rubbed the back of his neck.
“What the hell where you doing?!” Noctis snapped.
“I swear, the last time I did it it there was a mirror image on the other side.” Arcane replied. “I walked right out and ended up back in.”
Noctis then had a pensive expression as he thought about that. In the meantime, Arcane looked around a bit. He found some stairs leading to the second floor. “Since there's nothing down here, maybe we should looked upstairs?” he then asked.
Noctis, locked in thought then snapped out of it and then nodded as he followed Arcane up the stairs. The Marble steps where embroidered with brass and decorative emblems littered the walls. Near the top was a glass window in the wall with brass gears on the other side. The brass railing going up the stairs where getting more and more tarnished as they climbed up. When they reached the top, they found what looked like a room not nearly as pristine as the room below. The marble floors where caked in dust and the brass linings where tarnished. The ceiling was cracked and the plaster yellowed. The lights where flickering and crackling a bit. But the most disturbing thing was that there was no one around. Noctis looked out a nearby window to see that it was night. He raised an eyebrow at the fact everything looked normal out this window when compared to the door downstairs. He looked around the room, noting the various hallways, looking for any indication to where they could lead.
Arcane tried to sense any magic in the area to see if he could pinpoint anything useful, but he sensed nothing but magic everywhere, as if the entire area was completely made up of magic. “Magic sense is useless here.” he said.
“I see.” Noctis replied. “Quite a few hallways to go through though.”
“Should we split up?” Arcane then asked.
“Why not?” Noctis replied as he then looked to one of the hallways and trotted to it.
Arcane headed over to a different hallway and trotted through it. The two ended up back in the same room yet again. After a few seconds looking around, Arcane then decided to run through a different hallway, Noctis doing the same.
“Looks like this place is playing tricks with...” Before Arcane finished his sentence, he noticed Noctis was mimicking his movements. It was like looking in a mirror, if the mirror's reflection showed someone else. Arcane started moving his hoof around, and Noctis simply mimicked the movement. When Arcane tried walking around Noctis, his mimicking Arcane's movements prevented that. Arcane then stared back at Noctis, trying to find out what was happening. Weather it was just a prank or if it was something else entirely. He examined Noctis for anything that might be different. He then noticed that his face expressed no emotion. Noctis often always expressed anger and superiority if anything. Arcane then tried going back through the hallway he came from but it was gone when he looked back.
“What the hell?” He said. He then quickly looked back as he figured it was probably best to stay on guard. He then saw that Noctis seemed to decay a bit.
Before it could do the same to Arcane however, he then found himself on the floor in a hotel room. Two figures standing over him. One revealed himself to be the same as the zombie pony with the pair of antennae. He had yellow eyes, slits for pupils, seaweed green mane, and sure enough, a pair of ant like antennae upon his head instead of a horn as well as bat like fangs. The other pony was Noctis. Arcane tried making no sudden movements just in case it was a trick to make sure. Noctis simply snapped at him to which Arcane replied by firing off a beam of magic in panic. Luckily, Noctis already had a magic shield up.
Chapter Five: Nimbus Colorcove
“Ahahahahaha!” Noctis laughed. “You where talking in your sleep and everything! Good lord your pathetic!”
The other pony also laughing then finished and took a deep breath. “You still did pretty well though! Managed to knock out both of the enemies I set for you!” He said.
Arcane simply rolled his eyes. He felt a bit embarrassed when he didn't realize that what he was going through was simply an illusion the whole time, and a bit betrayed that Noctis was in on it. But atleast he was safe in a hotel room now. “So then,” He said. “Who are you?”
“My name's Nimbus.” The pony replied. “Nimbus Colorcove. At your service!”
“Arcane Mystic.” Arcane replied. Introducing himself. “Now how the hell did you manage to sneak up on me and knock me out? Are you a friend of Noctis?”
“Ha!” Noctis said, now wearing his usual judgmental expression. “Of course not! I have no friends you fool!”
“...Noted.” Arcane replied with a bit of an annoyed expression.
“Well, I snuck up on you in a crowd of other ponies!.” Nimbus answered. “It wasn't easy with Noctis around. My illusions don't work on him it seems. To willful. But you where perfectly vulnerable to my spells. Now that being said, Noctis didn't take too kindly to me knocking you out at first but after I explained myself we then agreed to take you here and put you through a trial or two for fun.”
Arcane's expression then turned to a mix of confusion and anger as he turned to Noctis. “And you just let him?! What the hell?!” He snapped.
“Oh please.” Noctis said. “If he had done anything to harm you while you where under I would have known. And Nimbus would be promptly dealt with before he could even blink.”
“Somehow that doesn't make me feel any safer.” Arcane said.
“While you where out, Noctis told me about this team of researchers you where building!” Nimbus then said, some excitement in his tone. “Im quite partial to tinkering. Perhaps I could join in?”
“Yeah.” Arcane said. “Cause if anything, we need sick pranksters on our team.”
“He's also a master of illusion magic it would seem.” Noctis replied.
“Your going to entertain this?” Arcane then asked.
“This one seems to be the most qualified around this city.” Noctis answered. “Not to mention, tinkering and mechanical expertise may as well be the same thing anyway. You may have a magical aptitude, and I have mastery in alchemy, but that still leaves a mechanic missing.”
Arcane sighed and thought for a bit. Nimbus waited patiently for his answer. They did need a mechanic if they where to make any machines. And developing new machines could help Equestria greatly. Arcane put a hoof over his face, sliding it down with a sigh. “Im probably gonna regret this but... Fine.” He said.
“He he he!” Nimbus chuckled in relish, rubbing his hooves together.
“By the way,” Arcane then added. “Before I forget, there where three enemies, not two.”
“Wait... Three?” Nimbus said, confused.
Arcane nodded. “A zombie replica of both you and Noctis, as well as a changeling.” He answered.
Nimbus tilted his head in confusion.
Noctis then raised an eyebrow. “You didn't add the third then.” He said. “It seems someone was tampering with your illusion.”
“Wait, then that wasn't you?” Arcane then asked.
Noctis shook his head in response.
The trio then thought for a bit on what might have happened.
“If they tampered with your illusion directly,” Arcane said. “you'd probably know about it because they'd have to target you for the spell. But if they added a new illusion on top of yours then they would only have to target me.”
“Thus escaping your detection.” Noctis added.
“Huh... Wonder who could have done it?” Nimbus then asked.
“We can investigate later.” Arcane said. “It was probably just some sick prank on their part. For now let's find one more teammate. Four's a nice even number.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Nimbus replied.
The three then left the hotel to begin their search for the fourth and final member of their team. “By the way, what kind of pony are you anyway?” Arcane asked Nimbus. “I can't tell if your a unicorn or what?”
“Well, im a gomen.” Nimbus answered. “A form of psychic Bat pony. We don't use magic. But we do focus our psychic power through our antennae. Just like you focus your magic through your horn.”
“Huh... Guess that makes sense.” Arcane said. “I've never seen gomens in Ponyvile. Are you even from Equestria?”
“Nope.” Nimbus answered. “Im from a place called Arctos. It's a kingdom built under the mountains.”
“Nice.” Arcane replied. Having someone not native to Equestria might certainly bring some extra perspective to the team. “Remind me to ask about that later.”
“That being said,” Noctis then added. “Shall we keep looking around the city or should we try somewhere else?”
“I know a place you can look.” A voice then sounded from nearby. The three then looked to see a stallion standing there. With a pale blue coat, pale gray mane, and pale orange eyes with slits for pupils. The pony also had a pair of antennae it would seem. However, he also seemed to have wings. A trait not common to gomen. Nimbus looked a bit pleasantly surprised to see what appeared to be another of his kin.
“Where you the one who was messing with Nimbus's Phantasm?” Arcane asked.
“Me? Nah.” The pony said. “I was just passing by.”
“You mentioned someone you know who could fill the last position?” Nimbus asked. “Would you consider joining.”
“Not me.” The pony then said. “I have some business elsewhere. But there's someone in Canterlot. A bat pony. He's a good friend of mine. You should definitely consider talking to him about it.”
“Not so fast!” Noctis said. He found it suspicious that the newcomer knew they where looking for researchers. They had not made their search public, not to mention from outside the building. “How do you know we where looking for other researchers?”
“And who are you anyway?” Arcane added.
“A certain monarch told me.” The pony then replied. “As for my name, it's not important. Just know, im a friend. Needless to say, you putting this team together will be very important in the long run.” With that, he then seemed to disappear into the crowd.
“What the hell was that all about?!” Arcane then asked.
“Im not sure but I don't trust him.” Noctis replied. “All that secrecy, not a smart thing to go with if you want someone to trust you.”
“He said a certain monarch told him of the team were assembling.” Nimbus said. “Who else knows of this?”
“So far? Only Twilight as far as I know.” Arcane answered.
“Let's not forget Celestia and Luna.” Noctis added. “During the weeks I spent with her, she seemed to run almost everything by those two. It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume they may know as well.”
“Well I trust those three.” Arcane said. “Let's head over to Canterlot and see this bat pony that gomen was talking about.”
“This is a foolish idea.” Noctis said. “You're both morons.”
The three then boarded the next train to Canterlot in order to find their next teammate.
While on the train, Arcane got out one of the games he brought. This game was called road walker. It was a cross between a board game and a card game that was inspired by Ogres and Oubliettes. They set up the board and picked their character cards as well as their starting equipment cards. The goal of the game was to find the boss card and defeat them. Arcane used the fighter, Noctis used the rogue, and Nimbus had the bard. The game went well as they seemed to clear a few areas. That is until Noctis betrayed both Nimbus and Arcane, killing them both and looting their treasure to fight the boss on his own.
“Dammit Noctis!” Arcane said. To which Noctis simply laughed.
“I did not see that coming!” Nimbus added. “That was fun!”
“Why are you surprised?” Noctis asked. “You know that if I wasn't under contract, I would burn you both to ash.”
Arcane rolled his eyes and then turned to Nimbus. “By the way, what is gomen culture like anyway?” He then asked. It then started to rain. The shower picked up quite quickly into a heavy deluge. It quickly soaked the windows outside as the skies grayed.
“Well, the first thing to know is that gomens are very open minded.” Nimbus answered. “We need to be. Those of us who are close minded turn to stone. That's why you won't find many non eccentric gomens around. Except perhaps in the deeper parts of the underground. Far deep into the earth where a different variety of my kin live. They have found a way to escape such a fate by living much deeper within the earth than the rest of us.”
“Trying to hide from your gods?” Noctis then asked.
“Pretty much.” Nimbus replied. “Dig deep enough and there are places even they won't look for you. Which is quite odd considering.”
“Perhaps some extra-planar energies hiding them.” Noctis suggested. “When beings enter a plane other than this one that isn't part of a certain god's plane, then they're out of their jurisdiction.”
“What about education?” Arcane then asked. “How's that work there? Same as ours or?”
“It's quite similar.” Nimbus said. “But once we finish the basic classes we get to choose the subjects we wish to learn. Cutie marks don't mean all that much. Having an aptitude in something is nice. But it's even better to choose your profession. Even better when your talent actually matches your interests.”
“I see.” Arcane said. “Im guessing your's matched your interests. So then, is it common to see gomens with professions that don't match their cutie marks?”
“Oh yes.” Nimbus answered. “There are all kinds of skill one can learn. Why limit oneself to just one?”
“That makes sense.” Arcane then said. “How's graduation?”
“When a gomen graduates from their studies, we go through a right of passage called the great showing.” Nimbus said. “In it, we show the skills we've learned so far, as well as what we excel in the most. I did this by crafting a helper construct. It runs on homemade fuel. Alchemy is one of the basic classes we have. You'll find most gomens know the basics of potion crafting.”
“Any magic classes?” Arcane asked.
“None that are basic classes.” Nimbus said. “Were psychic, not magic remember?”
“Oh yeah.” Arcane chuckled. “You told me that earlier.”
“The most popular form of psychic proficiency is the illusionist arts.” Nimbus added. “We mainly use it for entertainment purposes. Since the only limit is one's imagination, it can be used to spin quite a tale.”
“Your kind is looking more and more to have a showman's culture.” Noctis said. “With what seems to be a few pursuits in research.”
“Perhaps so.” Nimbus replied. “An open mind is good for the imagination. And such a trait is a must for the art of entertainment.”
“Hmph. Your kind is a nuisance.” Noctis then said.
Nimbus simply shrugged with a smile.
When the train arrived to it's destination, the trio then exited. Unfortunately with what they had packed, they had no umbrella. Arcane provided a magical barrier however to act as one. They looked around the city to try and find the bat pony they where looking for. The heavy rain was thick enough that they could hardly see in front of them. This being the case, they then decided to get indoors till the rain subsided.
“So where to?” Nimbus asked.
“I don't recall ever getting anything to eat at that restaurant.” Arcane replied.
“Heh heh... My bad.” Nimbus then said.
The trio then headed to a nearby restaurant called the Fiddle Lucker. They looked at the sign for a bit thinking of why it was named that.
“...Hahaha!” Nimbus laughed. “I get it!”
“Huh?” Arcane asked.
“Replace the D's in fiddle with T's and switch the L and F.” Nimbus answered.
“Ah. I see.” Noctis then replied.
“Ha! Nice!” Arcane said.
“And they're none the wiser!” Nimbus added.
Chapter Six: On the search
The Trio then entered the restaurant. “Assuming Nimbus doesn't try anything...” Arcane said, leaving the sentence unfinished and looking at Nimbus.
“No promises!” Nimbus chirped.
They took their seats and waited for the server to bring them their menus. Once they did, Nimbus waited for the server to walk away before saying, “Hey punk.” In a nonchalant and overall not even a very unfriendly tone at that. He then lifted his menu and pretended to be reading it. When the server came back confused and asked what was wrong, Nimbus feigned confusion. The server then cleaned their ears thinking perhaps it was just their imagination. Once they left again, Nimbus let out a silent chuckle.
“Gotta love those bright colors!” Nimbus said, enthusiasm in his tone.
“They're too bright and too distracting!” Noctis replied. “Do you have any idea how much you can get done when your not distracted by unnecessarily bright scenery? It's as if this place is some daycare for foals! I preferred Manehatten.”
“How do you know it's the environment and not the pony in it?” Nimbus then asked.
Noctis simply rolled his eyes in response.
The group then reached a predicament. Arcane had spotted Applejack running around in a panicked manner. “Hey, c'mon.” He said to the others as they then followed to assess the situation. “Hey, you alright applejack?” he asked. “You seem pretty worried right now. What's going on?”
“Arcane! Have you seen Applebloom? I can't find her anywhere!” Applejack replied frantically.
“We haven't. What happened?” Arcane then asked.
“Well, I was going to make a delivery here to Canterlot, and I brought Applebloom with me, but somewhere along the way I lost her!” Applejack answered. “One minute she was by my side, and the next she's just gone and im really starting to get worried!”
“Alright then.” Arcane said. “We'll help you find her.”
“Between the four of us, we may want to check the four sections of the city.” Noctis added.
“I'll check the east!” Nimbus then said.
“Alright, I'll check the north then.” Arcane said. “Noctis, you should check the south, and Applejack can check the west.”
The four then split up and started looking for Applebloom in the four sections of the city. Noctis took to the skies as soon as he headed to the southern part of town.
“Tch, it's their own damned fault. The lifestyle they live is too lavish and docile. It put's it in their heads that nothing can go wrong.” Noctis said to himself.
Nimbus on the other hand simply walked to the east once he reached a place he thought was a good place to start looking. He also used hi illusion abilities to create music as he looked around. Once he looked through a good section of the city he started following a path that led into the outskirts. For all he knew, she could have wandered out of town.
He ended up in a section of wilderness that was said to have timber wolves. Though they would never bother him since he could simply use his illusion skills to hide from their view. He then heard some growling nearby and put up a cloak spell to hide himself while he trotted through the area. He then found a little filly with a yellow coat and red mane being apprehended by a group of timber wolves.
She tried to back away from them, she seemed frightened out of her mind.
“Your name wouldn't happen to be Applebloom would it?” Nimbus then asked.
The filly then looked at the timber wolves, then back at Nimbus in confusion. Though since Nimbus showed no concern to their presence, she figured she was safe from them. “Um, yeah.” She said. “So, are these here your timber wolves?”
“They are somewhere.” Nimbus said. “But here? Well, I don't think so. They aren't attacking because they can't see us.”
“Oh...” Applebloom said.
“At any rate, someone named Applejack was looking for you.” Nimbus then said. “She's-”
“You know where Applejack is?!” Applebloom then interrupted. “We where walking down the path out into the Canterlot outskirts and then we got lost. And after we looked around for the path back, she was gone.”
“Just like that?” Nimbus asked. “No warning or any sign that she was going somewhere out of your reach?”
Applebloom nodded.
“I see. Sounds like the work of an illusionist.” Nimbus said.
“Who do you think did it then?” Applebloom then asked.
“Well, other than me, I don't know many others here that can perform illusions.” Nimbus answered. “Though Im new to Equestria so I haven't had much time to look around and find one.”
“Did you do it?” Applebloom then asked.
“Now that's a good question.” Nimbus then replied. “I don't think so. I have no memory of the even if I did. Although, it is possible that I have a split personality and the other me performed actions without my knowing. I wouldn't have any memory of the event then. Ha! That would be quite something eh?”
Applebloom had an expression of confusion at Nimbus's comment. He sounded as if he didn't know very much about himself. “That sounds an awful lot like something Discord would say.” She said.
“Is it?” Nimbus asked. “I've never met a Discord before. But then, perhaps I am them and just don’t know it. Perhaps the Discord you know isn't even Discord? Well, that sure puts a few thoughts in my mind. So who is Discord?”
“Um, well... He's supposed to represent chaos.” Applebloom answered. “One time, he tried to take over Equestria and did all kinds of nasty things to everyone. Making them all act crazy and messing up everything. But Fluttershy became friends with him, so now I guess he's not a danger anymore.”
“Oh? What kind of things did he do?” Nimbus asked.
“Well, he gave all the animals really long legs, and he also turned gravity upside down in some places.” Applebloom said. “And I think he made pie fall from the sky and pink rain.”
“Sounds like fun!” Nimbus said. “It's too bad I wasn't there to see it!”
“Yeah, well, it wasn't that great.” Applebloom said. “He wasn't very creative at all.” She said this to try and get Discord to give up the disguise as she was sure that Nimbus was really Discord trying to play a prank on her.
“Oh? Then you Equestrians must be pretty creative and open minded.” Nimbus then said. “Im glad I came here!”
Applebloom stayed silent as she had an expression of suspicion, though ultimately decided to let it go as Nimbus led her back into Canterlot.
“My name's Nimbus by the way.” Nimbus said. “Nimbus Colercove. Im a gomen!”
“What's a gomen?” Applebloom asked.
“It's what I am.” Nimbus replied. “Specifically, a form of wingless bat pony. You know how you have the Earth ponies, Unicorns, an Pegasi?”
“Uh huh.” Applebloom replied.
“Well, think of a gomen as a unicorn variant of a bat pony.” Nimbus said. “Except instead of horns we have antennae. And instead of magic, were psychic.”
“Psychic?” Applebloom asked. “Does that mean you can read minds and see the future?”
“Hahahaha! ...Yup!” Nimbus said. “But only if were practiced in those disciplines. Me, im an illusionist, and telepath.”
“Telepath?” Applebloom asked.
“Yup. I can read minds and talk to others with my mind.” Nimbus answered. “I can also send phantasm's with my mind. A phantasm is like an illusion but instead of bending an image in a certain area, I create it in someone's mind and thus fool all five of their senses. It's like putting a dream in their head.”
“Oh.” Applebloom said.
“And the only limit is one's imagination.” Nimbus added.
“So if ya wanted to, you could make it look like your a lot more powerful than you really are huh?” Applebloom then asked.
“Oh yes.” Nimbus said. “The phantasm is the most effective illusion ability I have. However, It only works on one at a time. Also it doesn't work on everyone it seems. A fellow by the name of Noctis Phantasma could resist the effect completely.”
“Oh! He's new too!” Applebloom said. “I met him at a party Pinkie Pie threw for him. Do you think he could really beat Tirek in a fight?”
“You can beat anyone in a fight with the right preparation.” Nimbus said.
“I guess.” Applebloom replied. “Hey, by the way, you said that those timber wolves weren't yours here. What do you mean by that?”
“Well, by here, I mean this reality.” Nimbus said. “It's one of an infinite number of realities. Imagine the time line for example. It would probably take some thinking, but when you do, you learn quickly that it's not a line, but rather an ocean. It goes in every possible direction and has every possible event imaginable.”
“Ummm...” Applebloom said, unsure of what he meant.
“Imagine a world where you where the older sibling, or one where you had a different sibling entirely, or even one where you had no sibling at all.” Nimbus replied. “There are other universes where that's true.”
“But Applejack's always been my sister.” Applebloom said.
Nimbus thought for a moment of a way he could explain his theory. “Ok, tell me of a choice you had to make at one point.” He said. “It can be anything from what you where choosing for breakfast, to who you decided to talk to when you first made a friend.”
“Well...” Applebloom said as she thought. “There was this one time I was playing with my friends at school. We where going to play a game of Frisbee and we got into teams. There was a blue team and a red team. I chose the red team.”
“Ah, that's interesting.” Nimbus said. “Though while you decided to go for the red team in this reality, there's a reality where you chose the blue team. Or even the green team!”
“But there was no green team.” Applebloom said.
“Not in this reality there wasn't.” Nimbus said.
“Oh... so your saying there could have been a green team?” Applebloom then asked.
“Exactly!” Nimbus replied.
“I think I get what your saying.” Applebloom said.
When they reached the city, they then looked for the others. They eventually found Arcane. “Heya Arcane!” Nimbus shouted.
“Sup?” Arcane replied as he trotted over to the two. “Looks like you found Applebloom. Where was she?”
“She was in the outskirts.” Nimbus answered. “Of all places! Ha!”
“Huh...” Arcane replied with a confused expression.
“I think someone played a prank on her perhaps.” Nimbus added. “Though it could have also been an attempt to put her in harms way.”
“I see.” Arcane said he then looked at Applebloom who gave him a light smile. “Well, after we get you back to your sister, We'll have to look into that.”
“We where just talking about... um...” Applebloom said, trying to find a word for what it was they where talking about.
“Alternate universes.” Nimbus said.
“Yeah!” Applebloom said.
“Huh. How bout that.” Arcane said. “Alright, let's get you back to your sister.”
Once they found Applejack, she ran over to hug her younger sister. “Applebloom!” Applejack said. “I was so worried!”
While the two sister where talking, Arcane then whispered to Nimbus. “Hey er... You didn't tell her about the more... Negative side of alternate universes did you?” He asked. He probably didn't know of alternate realities to Nimbus's extent, but he had pondered on the matter many times.
“Oh no, of course not.” Nimbus said. “Though I may have told her of an alternate reality where she doesn't have a sister, but I don't think she'll take that too seriously. Amazing all the realities that exist. The infinity of it all. We could be anything! Like insects!”
“Or plants.” Arcane replied.
“Or even the sun!” Nimbus said.
“I was the sun before it was cool.” Arcane joked. The two then laughed.
Noctis then flew down once he saw the group together. “What did I miss?” He asked.
“Found Applebloom.” Arcane said pointing to Applebloom and Applejack.
“Obviously.” Noctis replied.
“We think someone might have tried to hurt her.” Arcane then said. His expression now more serious.
The group continued their search for their next teammate. They had looked all over town and finally decided to try the castle.
“This sounds pretty silly bothering the princess about this.” Arcane said.
“Oh no, of course not.” Nimbus said. “It'll be fine. Besides, after looking all over town, why not try the very last place we haven't looked? It seems like the most logical thing to do anyway.”
Once they reached the castle and gained entry inside, they found a bat pony talking to Princess Celestia. There weren’t many bat ponies running around Equestria to begin with, so they decided it was probably the one they where looking for. They waited till the two had finished their conversation.
“Oh of course! I think that would be lovely.” Celestia said.
“Cool. I'll tell the others to send the caravans over and they can discuss trading terms.” The bat pony said.
“Alright then.” Celestia said. “I'll arrange for a meeting in the Canterlot square.”
“Sounds good.” The bat pony replied as he then turned to leave only to find the three others standing before him. “Can I help you?” He asked.
“Ah yes! A friend of yours sent us to find you!” Nimbus said. “A winged gomen with a pale worn blue coat and pale orange eyes.”
The bat pony gave them a confused look. “Uh... I don't know anyone like that. I mean there are some in the clan im from that has that color coat, but I have never seen a winged gomen before.” He said.
“Oh... You must be the wrong one then.” Arcane said.
“Are you sure?” Nimbus asked. “We where told to find a bat pony here to join our research team.”
“Research team huh?” The bat pony said. “Well I do need a job at the moment if im gonna live in Equestria. What kind of research are we talking about?”
“It's pretty flexible.” Arcane answered. “Do you have anything you can contribute to researching?”
The bat pony thought for a moment. “Well, I am pretty good at anatomy. I often studied that in my combat training to figure out how to best take down an enemy quickly and efficiently. It also helps when you don't want to kill them.”
“Well would you be willing to join the team?” Arcane then asked.
“Why not?” The bat pony said. “Where's your research center at?”
“Well it's being built.” Arcane answered. “But it'll be in Ponyville when it's finished.”
“Alright then.” The bat pony said. “The name's Ironwing by the way. Nice to meet ya.”
“Arcane Mystic.” Arcane said. “And this is Noctis Phantasma and Nimbus Colorcove.”
“Cool.” Ironwing replied. “Before I can do anything though I need to get back to the clan and tell them to meet up with the merchants guild here in Canterlot.”
“Fine then.” Noctis said. “Let's hurry up and get this over with! I have work to do back home.”
The now full team of researchers then headed out back to the train, heading to the Equestria outskirts. This took much longer than the other train rides since there where many other stops before they got to the outskirts. They passed the time playing Ogres and Oubliettes.
“I pick up the box and shake it!” Noctis said.
“Alright.” Arcane replied. “Ironwing, you suddenly experience snowfall where you are and your torch goes out.”
“Wait what? How do I stop it?” Ironwing asked.
Arcane simply shrugged and shook his head in response. “But now you hear a troll coming after you.”
“Ill ready an action.” Ironwing said.
“Alright, and now the troll attacks.” Arcane replied. “What's that action your readying?”
“I wanna doge.” Ironwing answered.
“Alright.” Arcane said as he rolled s twenty sided die. “He attacks and misses.”
“Opportunity attack!” Ironwing said.
“Ok roll.” Arcane replied.
Ironwing then rolled a twenty sided die, rolling a natural twenty. “Crit! I got a Crit!”
“Alright, I won't bother making you roll for damage.” Arcane said. “You lop the trolls head off. Now then, Nimbus, what are you doing?”
“Im going to see if I can find any more treasure.” Nimbus said.
“Alright, make a spot check.” Arcane said.
“I got a seventeen.” Nimbus said.
“Alright then. You find a golden ship.” Arcane said. “Roll a knowledge check.”
“I got a nineteen!” Nimbus then replied.
“Ok, so you recognize this ship as the rigged dawn.” Arcane said. “It was created by magic users for study. You know that despite it being made of solid gold, it can still stay afloat in the water. You also know that it can turn into a submarine.”
“I wanna go inside!” Nimbus said.
The train finally reached the closest place to the outskirts of Equestria and the four then departed and started toward the camps that Ironwing's clan members had set up. Said camp was filled with bat pony nomads who seemed to have with them, portable smithies and the like for metal working. There where also a few caravans set up. Probably for the deal that Ironwing was setting up with Celestia. Upon closer inspection, the caravans seemed to be carrying jewelry and trinkets rather than weapons and armor like most of them seemed to be crafting on the camp.
“There are many different families in the clan.” Ironwing said. “Mine are the ones who can't fly.”
“Can't fly? Why not?” Arcane then asked.
“Well my family line is cursed.” Ironwing answered. “See this is a clan of adventurers and one of my ancestors did something to anger a powerful magic user over... something or other. I didn't really pay much attention to that part. But they cursed them and their descendants with the inability to use their wings for flying.”
“Huh.. sounds kinda harsh.” Arcane said. “I mean just because one did something wrong doesn't mean the entire family line needs to suffer does it?”
Ironwing shrugged. “I guess some are just that touchy.” He said.
“I assume you found some other use for you wings then?” Noctis asked.
“Yeah! I use them as extra limbs. Usually for sword fighting and the like.” Ironwing said. “I've trained my wings to the point where they're the strongest part of my body.”
“I see.” Nimbus said. “So in that regard, perhaps it's not as much of a curse as they meant it to be eh?”
“Pretty much.” Ironwing said. “In taking away my flight, they gave me extra fighting prowess.”
“So if your clan is full of adventurers... Do they have a main homeland?” Arcane then asked.
“Nope.” Ironwing answered. “There are other civilizations of bat ponies but ours are nomads and adventurers. There are other groups of us scattered across the world. Though sometimes we hold a moot to gather the other parts of the clan together.”
“Any specific reason you divide your clan into many different parts?” Arcane asked.
“To travel the world of course.” Ironwing answered. “Though the name for the groups are camps. That's just so we don't have to call them groups. I don't know how many camps we have, but im sure it's somewhere in the hundreds.”
“As big as this camp?” Nimbus asked.
“Actually from what I've heard, this is a relativity small camp.” Ironwing said.
“If that's truly the case, and you have over hundreds of camps, then you must have enough to make an entire nation.” Noctis said. “How old is your clan?”
“It goes back quite a ways.” Ironwing said. “Im not sure how old it is. You'd probably have to ask one of the older folks here.”
They then reached a large tent set up in the center of the camp. It seemed to belong to whoever was in charge. They entered the tent to find what seemed to be a mead hall or a grand feast hall. To think that they would have put up such effort to set this up every time they moved around. At the end of it where two thrones, and on one of them sat a grizzled looking bat pony with a short full beard and sporting worn and dented silver colored armor. Said armor held it's shine quite well considering. By his side was a large great axe, bigger than he was. It looked as though it could crush an enemy simply by dropping in on them. His coat was a dark midnight blue and his mane was a worn gray. His eyes where a forest green. He had stitches on his muzzle, and another one on his neck, going from his jawline, all the way down to his shoulder.
On the throne by his side sat what seemed to be his bride. She had a bright violet coat, a blue mane with white streaks, and her eyes seemed to have a gradient of red, yellow, and white that resembled flames. She wore scale armor and what seemed to be a double sword. The blades where clean and razor sharp, they shone as if new while the grip was worn, the leather wrapped around it tattered from use. She also wore a circlet on her head with an amber upon it that seemed to be cut into a sphere. The amber's colors matched her eyes.
A welcoming smile crossed the stallions face as he then chuckled. “Ironwing my buck!” He said,
“Heya uncle Thunderbreath, hey aunt Flamestorm.” Ironwing replied.
“How are you Ironwing?” Flamestorm asked in a soft and loving tone.
“Im good.” Ironwing said. “The princess seemed pretty eager to let us trade with them. We now have an open trade rout with them. They said to meet them at the city square of Canterlot to discuss where the kiosks will be set up.”
“He-hey! Nice going!” Thunderbreath said. “We'll send those caravans in then.”
“There's also something else I wanted to talk to you about uncle.” Ironwing added.
“Shoot.” Thunderbreath replied.
“Well, my companions here have a research team they're setting up.” Ironwing said. “And I said before that I was thinking about finding somewhere to settle down.. Er, well not really to settle down I guess. Just to live in. Ill still go adventuring whenever I've got the time on me. But I was wondering if I could have your blessing in joining their cause?”
“I see.” Thunderbreath said as he then stroked his beard in thought.
“May I ask what your line of research will be?” Flamestorm asked.
“It's kinda in the air at the moment.” Arcane said. “For now my department is magic, Noctis works with alchemy, and Nimbus works with mechanical work. Ironwing said he's good at anatomy so that'll be his department.”
“I see.” Flamestorm said. “Quite impressive. I look forward to seeing what your results will bring in the future.”
“Are you sure you want to leave your clan for our sake?” Nimbus asked. “That seems like quite a large decision to make.”
“Hah!” Thunderbreath said. “Of course not! Ironwing is simply leaving the camp, not the clan. He will always be part of clan Sanctus. No matter where he lives. And as such, he will always be welcome in our camp.”
“And since you are all his friends, that welcome shall extend to you as well.” Flamestorm added.
“Im honored to hear that milady.” Nimbus replied.
“Same here.” Arcane said.
“Of course you have our blessing Ironwing.” Thunderbreath said. “Have you spoken with your mother and father about it?”
“Not yet.” Ironwing said. “I'll go to them now.”
“And don't forget to say goodbye to your brother.” Flamestorm said.
“I won't.” Ironwing said as he then left the tent.
The others followed with him.
They then walked around the camp until they ran into a bat pony with a black coat and white mane as well as silver eyes. He had a few battle scars and a couple of swords. He wore leather armor.
“Hey dad.” Ironwing said.
“Heya Ironwing. How's the negotiations coming along?” The bat pony said.
“They where successful.” Ironwing replied. “I wanted to tell you that im moving into Equestria to join this research team that these guys are setting up.”
“Oh yeah? Research huh? What'll you be researching?” The bat pony then asked.
“Well be researching magic, mechanics, alchemy, and anatomy.” Arcane said.
“Nice.” The bat pony said. “The name's Midnight, by the way. Midnight Solace.”
“Arcane, Arcane Mystic.” Arcane replied. “And that's Noctis Phantasma, and Nimbus Colorcove.”
“Nice to meet ya.” Midnight said.
“Were pretty much going to be the main researchers in charge of each category.” Arcane said. “Im in charge of magic, Noctis is in charge of alchemy, Nimbus is in charge of Mechanics, and your son is in charge of anatomy.”
“Ha! That's my buck!” Midnight said.
“Heh heh.” Ironwing chuckled as he smiled proudly.
A little colt then trotted up to the group holding a dagger. The little guy had a dark red, almost black coat, like that of charcoal barely burning, a black mane, and green eyes. He seemed quite excited as well.
“Hey Ironwing!” The little colt said. “Mommy taught me how to smith a dagger!”
“Oh yeah? Nice.” ironwing said. “Hey Flexwing, is mom nearby.”
“Uh-huh.” Flexwing said as he pointed to the mare not far behind.
The mare had a cyan coat, with a silver mane and violet eyes. She wore a black smithing apron and a pendant with a blue gem in it, cut in the shape of a teardrop.
“Hey Ironwing.” The mare said. “How was your trip?”
“It went pretty well.” Ironwing said.
“Ironwing said he's moving into Equestria.” Midnight said. “He's gonna be in a research team.”
“Oh? That sounds exciting.” The mare said.
Midnight then turned to the others. “This is my wife, Radiant Edge.” He said.
“Nice to meet you ma'am.” Nimbus said.
While in the middle of introductions however, the sound of weeping could be heard. It was discovered to be Flexwing as tears started trailing down the little colt's face.
“Oh dear...” Radiant said as she gently wrapped her wings around her little foal.
“Hey, hey...” Ironwing said in a soft tone. “It's gonna be okeyittle buddy.”
“But I don't want you to go.” Flexwing wept.
“It won't be goodbye forever.” Midnight said. “We can visit him when we're close to Equestria.”
“Bu-but that won't happen for such a long time.” Flexwing replied.
Noctis looked away in what seemed to be disgust. For some odd reason, he couldn't stand to see this.
“I'll see if I can get on the trade caravans heading to Equestria.” Midnight said. “Then you can visit your brother on every trip.”
With a sniffle, Flexwing nodded. His mother smiled at him and kissed the little colt's forehead.
Ironwing then packed his things and got everything ready to move to Equestria. His family gathered to say their goodbyes. They stood at the edge of the camp.
Flexwing trotted up to Ironwing and gave him the dagger he had worked on. He then hugged his brother tightly. Ironwing hugged back.
“Im gonna miss you too little buddy.” Ironwing said.
Radiant Edge then trotted up to her son. She caressed Ironwing's cheek with a loving smile, tears welling up in her eyes. “*Sigh*... I remember when you where first born. You where afraid out of your mind of the world around you. I held you close to me and all I could think was how much I love you. How much I wanted to keep you safe. You where so tiny and helpless. You've gotten so big and strong since then.”
“Of course not.” Ironwing said. As his mother then gave him one last kiss on the cheek.
Midnight Solace then trotted up to Ironwing. They stared at eachother for a bit, Ironwing wiping the tears from his eyes. They then started laughing for no particular reason. At first it was awkward, and then realizing it was awkward made it funny. When they where finished, Midnight patted Ironwing on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself son.” He said. “Make sure to write whenever you can. Especially to your mother. Me and your brother will be able to visit every now and then but your mother will have to stay at the camp. So make sure to write her plenty of letters ok? Postcards too, if they're available.”
Ironwing nodded. “I will dad.”
Once the goodbyes where said, the four then departed and headed for the train. Noctis was already ahead of the others waiting for said train.
Chapter One: Noctis Phantasma
Leaves shaded the area of the forest. Roots and herbs of many kinds littered the verdant floor. Most of the light in the area came from the nearest visible exit from said forest, revealing the town of ponies, blissfully unaware of the danger that has been traversing in the green mass of trees and foliage. A deep blue alicorn with bat like wings, sharp fangs, silver eyes that shined red with slits for pupils, knife like ears, and a blade like horn ran towards the exit to the town with hatred in his expression.
The party of harmonizers then gathered to the area to assess the situation with a purple alicorn standing at the forefront. The bat like fiend then landed atop one of the burning houses and awaited their response to his attack.
“Who are you?” the purple mare asked, “Why are you doing this? What have we done to anger you?”
The the blade horned villain then slowly shook his head. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't.” He replied.
A sky blue pegasus then tried to rush at him with an orange earth pony holding her back. “That's it! Let me at em!” the pegasus said, to which the earth pony replied, “Dash wait! Don't go rushin in like that! We don't know what this here pony is capable of yet!”
“You'd do well to listen to your friend.” The fiend said. “I could kill you all in a blink of an eye. But no... I think ill prolong your deaths for a bit before I finish you off.”
The pegasus then got worked up again. “Why you!” She said, trying to get at him.
“But what have we done?” The purple alicorn asked. “Why are you attacking us? This must be a misunderstanding!”
“Yeah!” Added a pink earth pony in the group, her tone quite cheery and energetic. “So why don't you come down from there, and we can all play a game together? Oh! Or throw a party! I love throwing parties! Especially for new ponies like you!”
The fiend then sneered. “Your overly optimistic views and naive nature is a blight upon this, and all other worlds!” He answered. “It sickens me to know beings like you exist! So after I slaughter you like the mindless sheep you are, Ill reap your souls and that will be the end of that!”
The other pegasus in the group seemed to be quite frightened of the villain as she backed away a bit when he mentioned killing them. He decided to take advantage of that and fire a stream of lightning at her front hooves. The timid mare leaped and yelped in fear and the others jumped, also startled by the feign attack.
“I don't think we can reason with this one Twi.” The orange earth pony said. “Looks like were just gonna have ta settle this the ol fashion way!”
The purple alicorn then looked around at the burning houses and her ears seemed to droop at the sight as she nodded, not seeming to want to resort to conflict.
The blue pegasus then rushed at the fiend, hoping to attack him with the full force of her tackle, when the fiend then took a flask from his saddlebags and uncorked it, splashing it onto the mare and causeing her to crash into the roof of the house the fiend was standing on. The mare then found that she couldn't move and was stuck inside a burning building.
“If you do have a plan, then you may want to get on with it before your friend burns alive.” The fiend said. “Not that it will help.”
“Rainbow Dash! no!” The purple alicorn gasped.
“What are we going to do?” The yellow pegasus said in a soft tone. “That alicorn has Rainbow Dash!”
“We need help!” The purple mare replied. “Without Dash, we can't use the elements of harmony!” She then turned to the yellow pegasus. “Fluttershy, can you get Discord?”
“Oh... Discord's busy. He said he'd be gone for a few days.” The Fluttershy replied.
“Then we'll have to get princess Celestia or Luna!” The purple alicorn said. “Do you think you can get to the castle and have Spike deliver a message to her?”
“Ok.” Fluttershy said as she then headed in the direction of the castle. The others stayed put to keep the fiend occupied.
“Your efforts will only prolong your suffering.” The fiend said as he then took to the sky and circled around the four ponies remaining.
“Oh my...” The white Unicorn said. “Twilight, I think we'd better think of a way to defend ourselves against him until Celestia gets here.”
“What if we asked him if he'll wait?” The pink pony suggested. “Hey! Scary bat pony! Could you wait till Princess Celestia get's here?”
The fiend then thought it over for a bit while he circled the group. “Ill give you ten minutes.” He answered. He decided to continue circling them until then.
“Well, atleast that buys us some time.” The orange earth pony said. “But what about Dash? She's still in the house!”
“Take her then! It matters not to me!” The fiend replied.
The orange mare then knocked down the door the the building and rescued their friend just in time as the house collapsed.
Once it was finished, the fiend then shouted. “You have two minutes left!”
“Oh I hope Celestia get's here soon.” The white unicorn said.
“Me too...” Twilight replied.
Once two minutes had passed, the fiend then started to fire beams of red light on the ground, creating rune like markings on it.
“What was that?” The others thought as they seemed a bit confused and at the same time cautious about the whole thing. They backed away from the markings as he drew them.
Just then, a white alicorn mare soared through the skies at blinding speed. An aura of light surrounding her body. The fiend sneered at this as he seemed to hate the idea of such a celestial looking being.
“Princess Celestia I presume?” He said, now wearing a confidant smile.
The princess then looked at the fiend for a bit before turning back to Twilight and the others. “Take the others and get to the castle. I'll handle him.” She said. She then turned back to the fiend. “Yes, I am Celestia. And I won't let you harm these innocent ponies!”
“I see.” The fiend replied. “My name is Noctis. Noctis Phantasma. I thought you might like to know the name of the one who's about to end your life.”
Celestia's expression intensified as she then readied herself to fight Noctis.
Noctis then looked at Twilight and the others as they ran to the direction of the castle. “Those must be the guardians of your kingdom.” He said. “It'd be a shame if they didn't make it to the castle.”
“No!” Celestia said. “This is between you and-”
But before she could finish, Noctis activated the runes on the ground he had written beforehand. The runes released a blood red light and lashed out with hooked chains, holding Celestia's wings down. She yelped in pain as the hooks dug into the skin in her wings. The runes also drained much of her magic, releasing her only when it was finished taking most of her magic.
“Right then. You where saying?” Noctis said. “Actually, I think were done talking now, don't you?” He then fired a red beam of energy at Celestia who blocked it with a barrier of magic energy. Celestia used her magic to heal her wings and flew up to Noctis, firing a beam of white light at him which he promptly dodged. Noctis then sliced the air with his horn, creating a magic wave at Celestia. While she dodged it, Noctis flew under her and shot her with a beam of energy. Celestia's flying was hindered for a bit before she regained control.
Soon after, another alicorn mare flew over, this one was a midnight blue color with a horn as black as a starless night sky. Celestia saw her and tried to warn her of the Runes on the ground.
“Luna! Watch out!” She cried. But unfortunately the runes where again activated and ripped Luna out of the sky, draining her magic as well until she had little left. Atleast little left for an alicorn at any rate.
“You monster!” Celestia exclaimed. She then flew down to help her sister. “Why are you doing this?!”
“The time for talk has passed!” Noctis said as he threw another shock wave at the two.
Noctis followed them in, but he then growled as he started to weaken within it's walls. He then attacked them with another shockwave, but this time it was blocked by their magic barrier.
“He's getting weaker?” Celestia asked herself. She then took advantage of the opportunity and fired a beam of magic at Noctis. He was still able to block it but a beam fired from both sisters broke through his defenses. The twin beam shot just past Noctis's head grazing his cheek. He then growled in frustration as he then took flight to try and escape the chapel, but before he could he was then trapped in a spherical magic barrier.
“Damn you both to the nine hells!” He shouted as he attempted to break free. But the two Princesses where able to keep him encased so long as they where in the chapel.
When the others arrived they helped to make a permanent barrier within the chapel in which to keep Noctis trapped. He stood within his prison, a weary yet hateful expression. He refused to talk to anyone who tried most of the time, and when he did talk to them he only had such horrible things to say to or about them. The two princesses however where experienced enough to know that someone this evil and mean spirited may be in great pain as there must have been a reason for his aggression. Because of this, they tried talking to him and visiting as often as their schedule would allow to try and find a way to ease said pain in hopes that he could be reformed.
One day the main six came with Celestia when she visited Noctis. “He looks so tired...” Fluttershy said in a soft and gentle tone.
“He does look like he's ill doesn't he?” Rarity added.
“He's within hallowed ground here.” Celestia said. “While he's here, he's weakened. It was the only reason me and Luna where able to beat him. I've been trying to see if I could reach him, but so far it only seems to aggravate him.” She had a bit of a worried expression on her face. “Judging by his condition, he may not last much longer... If we cannot find a way to reform him soon, he may not survive.”
“Oh I hope he'll be alright.” Fluttershy said.
Noctis then looked at Fluttershy and bared his fangs at her. He despised it when others showed pity for him. Fluttershy backed away a bit when she saw this.
“Don't worry though.” Celestia whispered. “I think I may have found a way. If we can get him to agree to a contract, we may be able to reform him while he's in service.”
“I don't know...” Applejack said. “It sound's kinda like we'd be forcin him into it...”
“Maybe...” Twilight said. “But consider the alternative.”
“I guess.” Applejack said. Still not sure if it was a good idea.
“Woah woah woah! Wait!” Rainbow Dash said. “Were not actually going to trust this guy with a contract are we? I mean, he burned down most of ponyvile!”
Twilight thought for a bit. “And he did try to burn Rainbow Dash alive... How do we know we could trust him even if he agreed to the contract?”
Celestia then looked at Noctis with a small smile.
Noctis Growled in response. “Don't you dare look at me that way!” He said.
“If you where to agree to a written contract, would you keep to it?” Celestia asked.
“Don't insult me! What do you take me for? A coward?!” Noctis replied. “Only an unlawful being with the utmost of worthlessness would do such a thing! Not that it would matter. I don't see myself agreeing to any contract that guarantees your survival with me around any time soon.”
“Well I suppose you don't have to.” Celestia said. “But you'll stay imprisoned until you do.”
Noctis growled in frustration. Celestia then took out a rolled up paper with details of a contract agreement and handed it to Noctis through the barrier. He took it and read it's contents. After he was done reading he crumpled it up and threw it at Celestia. “I'm not agreeing to that!” He said.
“Well, im afraid it's the only offer on the table.” Celestia replied. “I suppose we'll have to wait until tomorrow and see if you change your mind.”
After mulling it over a bit, Noctis decided it was better than dying in the chapel. Especially since the hallowed ground wasn't just weakening him, it was reaping his soul. “Fine then! Ill agree to your infernal contract!”
“Oh that's good to hear!” Celestia said as she handed the contract back to him along with a quill and inkwell. He then signed it with his blood, refusing to use the ink. The barrier then dissipated setting him free. Or atleast as free as he could be at the moment.
“I sure hope Princess Celestia knows what she's doin.” Applejack said.
“So what where the terms of the contract?” Twilight asked Celestia.
“Noctis is to protect and serve the six of you from now on.” Celestia answered. “Also, many of his powers are forbidden to use except with your permission Twilight.”
“Just yours. No one elses.” Noctis added.
“Well I've got my eye on you!” Rainbow Dash said as she still didn't trust Noctis. “I won't get caught off guard again like last time!”
“Oh I wouldn't say that.” Noctis said. “Though the next time it happens, atleast Ill be on your side. To my great misfortune.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
“I guess we should find a place for you to live huh?” Fluttershy then added.
“Oh that's right! Noctis doesn't have a house here does he?” Twilight said. “I guess you can stay in the castle until then.”
“Fine then.” Noctis said as he then left the building. He didn't want to stay in the place any longer.
Celestia then spoke to the main six. “I'd like you all to try and bring out the best in him.” She said. “He'll likely be quite difficult, but try your best to bring out the good in him.”
Twilight nodded. “We will princess Celestia.” She said.
“Oh! I can throw him a party now!” Pinkie Pie said as she dashed out the building.