The Stable - A Thaumaturgical Backstory

Chapters

Chapter one - Discovery
Chapter two - Thaumic Foundations
Chapter three - Acquiring data
Chapter four - The Crystal Residents
Chapter five - A Cursed Partnership

Chapter one - Discovery

Ahead of me, I see a forest; Green fog hanging between the branches, tinged in blue. I stand steady, four hooves planting firmly into the hard dusty road, pushing up against the dense air.

I awaken, feeling strangely enlightened. After a quick stretch, I brush my teeth and go outside to greet the town folk. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a fair day in Ponyville. During my morning stroll, I pass a sign written by what seems to be a young foal. The sign reads: “Filly’s playground”. But that’s not right, Ponyville doesn’t have a filly’s playground near the Everfree forest. Huh, must have been another prank pulled by a careless foal.

I proceed past the sign before encountering another sign that looks- I stare at the sign in confusion, scanning the words, making sure I read with no error, it reads “Filly’s playground”... I look around, shocked, I’ve not walked anywhere, nothing changed! Did I just read my own future before it happened?

I refuse to bat an eye and continue forward, trying to shake the idea out of my head. I resume my morning stroll before I walk past a sig- Ok, what is going on?! I quickly drop into a defensive stance, screwing my face in annoyance. I look back at the sign as I walk away, daring not to blink.

I bump into something, I turn around and form a growl with my tensed muzzle, I stare down the… Pole… It’s just a pole… With a sign on top reading “Filly’s playground - One way”. My stomach hurts… I must be sleeping, this is not real, I am not awake. This is completely illogical.

I press my forehead into the ground and scream. Ponies look at me, some pulling their young close. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, relaxing in the process. I give an apologetic expression to the ponies around, and slowly turn to face the path.

Ahead of me, I see a forest; Green fog hanging between the branches, tinged in blue.

I slowly shuffle forward, my body leaning heavily against the fog seeping from that forest, dense, wet, and filled with pulsating evils. As I step cautiously closer to the forest I begin to feel light-headed, my body numbs and I can’t feel my hooves touching the ground. The air is so dense, it’s like I’m able to just swim through the fog.

The weightlessness has me feeling formless, like a free soul with no physical embodiment. I look down, realizing how insane this all sounds. I look at the ground, nothing abnormal... Where are my hooves?! Where is my muzzle?! I can’t see my muzzle! My body, it’s gone!

My vision darkens as the fog builds, thick, green, and tinged blue. I try to close my eyes but with no eyelids to close them- or eyes to be covered, I can’t. What I experience here is like nothing I can possibly describe because there is nothing to describe, but it’s there, isn’t it?

The fog has a voice. I can hear it, whispering to me, telling me- no- informing me… It is informing me of a power undiscovered by other pony folk, something unknown until now but it makes so much sense!

“The curse of the forest of which you tread has a form that is destined to be contained. Take what is yours and set me free in return for this knowledge.”

The forest has a voice and I like what it’s saying… I know so much, I feel so powerful, everything makes sense now. Magic? No… This isn’t magic, this is science. This is adventure, discovery, research… This is science motherbuckers!

Chapter two - Thaumic Foundations

I awaken. Energetic, like I had just been reborn. I have a new found reason in this ignorant world. I will change how ponies view “Magic”. I will be the founder of a powerful method to tap into the energy of the Forest of Knowledge- Yes… I like that name, that is what I will call it from now on, “The Forest of Knowledge!”.

I begin work right away, I will take notes of my findings and I will record them for those ahead of me to use and build upon my discovery! First, I should get samples from the forest. I need to understand the curse to manipulate it after all.

First thing’s first, I need a journal. I will make a journal for each entry to this magic, this first one I shall label “Initial Findings: The foundation for a new era”. I set up my workstation, an old oak table, ink and quill and a healthy supply of paper.

Now, I’ve stalled enough. It is time I get those samples… Somehow...

I first kit up. I fetch my saddlebag, levitate my scarf from the rack and suit it warmly around my neck, readjust my glasses, and set out. I proceed towards the Forest of Knowledge. By following the same path I can also check to see if the sign is still there, and sure enough, as expected... It was not. So this was all a vision, or perhaps it was taken down... Although, I seem to remember these same ponies from before.

The town folks seemed to bare no thought to my entrance into the "Everfree forest". I confidently stride forward, enter the dense fog once more. This time, I am aware; Every feeling and sight is familiar and within my capabilities to handle. I loosen my scarf, allowing myself to breathe the heavy air slightly easier, though still a slight challenge. I make my way to the place of which the knowledge was given. The environment is very familiar, this is the right place.

The fog this time was more blue than green... It was blue with hints of green, perhaps? Something worth writing down, it may come in handy later. I observe my surroundings, taking in every detail. "What would be a safe, yet a saturated source of this "Curse" that I could examine and perform experiments on without it being too rare or bothersome to find...", I think out loud to myself. After closer inspection, I noticed a blue flower, one which seemed easy to find, rich in "Curse" (Judging by the color) and so far, pretty harmless!

I step closer to the flower, lean down, and sniff at it; This results in a powerful sneeze. It hurt. "Yep, that's definitely cursed!" I joyfully remark, perhaps slightly ignorant of my low level of understanding. I levitate the flowers into the right side of my saddlebag (My secondary pouch). With every flower picked released a cloud of the blue color they display in their petals; I perhaps should move... This could be rather poisonous.

My return home was without hickup, with no fear of the Forest of Knowledge, it seems I am not bothered by the evils that lurk within. Perhaps it has something to do with this new "Essence" that surrounds my "Aura" (Words that I do not yet know the meaning of, truly, but it seems fitting).

Upon arriving home, I Set down my saddle bag, levitating it off my back and dropping it to the ground. A puff of blue mist scattered from the seams with the landing. A lot was to be written in this new journal.

Entry one - The Fog
It seems that The Forest of Knowledge has a cursed fog. I'm not yet sure what I will call this, but it emanates power, I can feel it. The fog seems to shift in hue, perhaps dependant on the observer. I should ask around Ponyville, see exactly what determines the color of the fog.

Chapter three - Acquiring data

So far my scientific method seems to be proving successful. I think now all that is left to do is gather data from the town folk and from The Forest of Knowledge. Once I have enough data, I can start to hypothesize and then the fun begins, endless experimentation!

I just have one concern; What if perhaps, this new found power is not accepted? What if I'm accused of using it for evil, or have evil intents... I may need to keep this information hidden for now. Or perhaps, find somepony that does accept it so that they can work alongside me in secret... Someone in power, associates of a princess even!... I must begin searching for a work partner right away, but who?

A letter to any pony of power would have me under suspicion right away. Damn, this is tough, I'm beginning to second guess whether I should have taken this responsibility- I don't think I really had a choice. But why me? Why did the forest choose me? I'm the worst pony to have depended on... This is all too much, but I must persist at this. I can't give up now.

Stable then proceeds to worry, stumbling around the house, scanning his personal library, sipping coffee. Without a partner, there is no way this could ever go out to the public.
With no sign of finding anyone by reading, Stable decides that a trip outside of Ponyville is shortly due.

After careful consideration, I've decided that I must travel to the third most populated region of Equestria; The Crystal Empire. I have chosen this place because Canterlot is impossible to get into without a good standing in society and Manehatten just seems like a place not fit for the more scientifically adept, like myself. The Crystal Empire is quiet, has much to offer in terms of population, and has proven its ability to emit strong power if faced with evil. It seems they know what they are doing.

I do not have much left in terms of bits, this will be a one-way trip. But it's my last option, without this, I simply won't be able to show this power to the world. I have no time to waste.

I saddle up once more, scarf wrapped tightly around my neck, glasses readjusted for the 16th time this hour. I begin my venture, locking my door with a satisfying click that only the most observant ponies can appreciate, like myself. First stop, Ponyville stati- Actually, on second thought, it's been a good half hour since my last mug of coffee, I best take a detour to the coffee shop first.

I arrive, sipping my coffee at the train station. It's not busy, actually quite shallow in terms of volume. The soft wooden ground is cold, as is expected in winter. Just wish those weather ponies would make the more densely populated areas a priority for good weather. I'm sure there's a reason they don't... I should probably just accept it and move on. I don't go out much after all and the rain is sometimes quite soothing (A good thing too. Failed experiments leave me in the most bitter state).

It wasn't long until a train arrived, I seemed to have predicted it almost!

I duck my muzzle into the many layers of my scarf, hiding a good portion of my face from the crowd that exited the train. A minute passed and the platform was packed; A good time for me to board the train and relax my hoofs. On this train were few ponies, all of which seemed rather happy about something, my bet is they are from the Crystal Empire (Or heading there). That place seems to be known for having a happy atmosphere.

The train was cold and slightly damp, not much in terms of heating in here. Once this new power is used commonly, everything will be convenient; Heating, housing, travel, and most importantly, coffee!

A slow hour and 2 stops later, I arrive at the crystal empire. The blue hue of the environment quite instantaneously relaxes me. The color blue does that, it seems. The gleeful ponies exit the train, beaming smile on their face, meeting their friends or family on the platform. I stand from my seat and drop to my knees- "Shit, shit, shit! Dead hoofs, pins and needles! Sharp, pulsating, endless pains! Gahh!" I gasp out in a loud whisper of sharp pain.

I readjust myself, ten seconds after the minor fit; I exit the train as if all was normal, nothing happened, just walk it off. Seemed like no one noticed- Good. I look around, check for any idea as to a direction I might head. I notice a pony levitating a book in front of him- or her, I really can't tell from this angle. All I see is a blue cloak with stars dotted all over, a book, and a messy orange mane. Probably a science pony, I should follow them, a possible candidate for this new study!

Chapter four - The Crystal Residents

The residents of this place seem all brightly colored; Both in terms of coat and emotion. I need to focus on this pony though, who is this? I must look further, keep following... Yeah, I don't like the sound of what I'm saying. This is an investigation, I am not stalking... Just thinking about that made it worse, ugh. I notice that this is, in fact, a male pony, scientifically determined based on his side profile while turning a corner- He has a beard, just as messy as his mane but holding such a magical shape.

I investigate my way to what seems to be his home, he blindly opens the door and walks in, still reading his book. I creepily hover outside his door, holding my hoof up to knock but something is stopping me, what is this, why am I frozen-... No, not now- If I can't overcome this damned anxiety I will never share this knowledge!

I remain frozen for a good minute or two before I feel a nudge on my shoulder, somepony attempting to get my attention, my eyes remain fixated on the front door and my hoof hovers, shaking in front of me. The pony places a hoof on my shoulder and asks "Hey, you feeling okay, fella?". I place my hoof awkwardly on the ground, close to my other one. I turn my head with a twitch towards the pony; my breathing is all over the place. I reorient my body and reply "Yes, no I'm fine, I- I just, I" I freeze up again.

The pony relaxes their hoof on the ground and off of my shoulder. "You know Sunburst?" He asks, seemingly referring to the pony that lives in this house. A brief observation determines that he is delivering post. I reply quickly "Well, no- no uh- not exactly, I just wanted to- well, I-"... I continue to stutter, unable to formulate a sentence, my mind is too busy. "Well here, let me help you out, I'll knock and you can take your place after I deliver the post. I must warn you, he's not one for conversation." He suggests with a smile. This might just be the only way I achieve any contact with this "Sunburst". "That sounds pe-perfect, thank you, thank you very much" I respond, relaxing my awkward pose.

The mail-pony knocks with a rhythm on Sunburst's door but to no response; He knocks again, this time louder and without much rhythm, this time, dramatic volume emitted the building. An inconsistent trot to the door later, the orange pony opened the door with the book still levitated in front of him. "Hello Sunburst, how was your trip to Ponyville?" The mail pony asks with a persistent smile. Sunburst lowers his book for the first time I've seen yet, his glasses were at the end of his muzzle. My hoof twitched, wanting so desperately to readjust them for him- dangit. "Oh, hello, sorry, it was... Exciting, worrying, pretty sporadic!" Sunburst responds. "That's nice, you have 3 more letters here, and a pony who wants to talk to you" The mail pony responds with a forced smile.

Sunburst takes notice of me, I put on a smile quickly, awkwardly glancing around, struggling to maintain eye contact. "He-Hello, hi Sunburst! That's your name I assume, I- I hope" I remark, hoping he's not busy or bothered. Sunburst looks at me, smiling before responding "Hello, what is it that you need?". I search besides me for the mail pony but it seems he had left already. Some of my confidence had returned, I look at Sunburst, step my front right hoof up one step before asking "Sunburst, your book, what is it about?". Sunburst looks at the book and then back up at me; "Oh this? It's about magic that can't be acquired by choice, something inherited? I'm not sure yet, that's why I'm reading it!". My eyes light up, I stare at the book and quickly back up at him before asking "May I come in?" in hopes that I can talk to him in private about my discovery.

Chapter five - A Cursed Partnership

It seemed that Sunburst was fond of my interest. His eyes, too, lit up, he stood aside and welcomed me with a flailing hoof; "Why of course, please! I'd be glad to talk. Coffee?" He asks as if reading my mind. "Yes, please, I'd love some." I respond before announcing "I take coffee strong, no sugar". Sunburst looks back at me while on his way to the coffee machine and responds "Well is there any other way to have coffee?". I smile, laughing lightly into my scarf.

I close the door, the house interior is dark, the windows are dusty and the entire place seems to be in complete disarray, how could any pony work in such conditions? I can see that if I were to partner with him, there would have to be some stark changes made. I lift off my scarf and set down my saddlebag beside me; "Should I just leave these here?" I ask, pointing a hoof. Sunburst looks over and claims "Oh, no, I have a system for placement, here, let me take those." He levitates my belongings and places them just half a meter ahead of where they already were. He's kidding, right? This mess has a system? This guy is mad, how can he find anything?!

There's not much in terms of seating in this place... Suppose he's not used to guests- I know how that is. I suppose soon I should ask about his relations, find if he is in contact with anypony who can help spread this knowledge. I search the room in attempts to find a place to sit, preferably not atop a pile of books. I must admit, this guy has one hell of a personality, even his home reflects that; No shame in expression here.

A few moments have passed and I find what seemed to be a clearing in the books, a place that surrounds you in all directions but still, a place to seat myself. I'm sure he won't mind- I step carefully over the books and look around me before I rest my flank, my gray tail covering a good portion of the books in my local surrounding. Sunburst is still distracted, preparing our coffee with an unhealthy obsession for detail.

I suppose now would be a good time to ask. As I search the books that surround me, I call out blindly to Sunburst, "So, what is it that you do? You seem to study hard, I'm sure you must have something that this is all for". The room goes silent for a moment and Sunburst makes a call "Hah! Perfect, the perfect cup of coffee!"... I turn my head to face him, my body at a 45-degree angle away. He apparently was not paying attention, rather rude if you ask me- "Well, you know, I deal with the major events here. I'm sure you've heard, I take care of the princess Flurry Heart from time to time" He announces out of nowhere, a snarky smirk showing prominently through his pride of perfectionism with coffee making.

I awkwardly sit, waiting for my coffee, unsure how to respond in a way at all fitting... It seems just difficult to generate an expression or response when people are so proud of themselves like that. I feel like no matter what I say, I will never serve justice to his pride. This is all too much for me, what will I do? This is so much pressure- it's too much, even... No, I need to calm down, I can not let this opportunity go to waste. I need to work on this anxiety, though.

Sunburst proceeds towards me after perfecting the mugs of coffee, I levitate one mug from him and bow my head before expressing my gratitude, "Thank you, I appreciate it. Now, Sunburst, I have something I need to ask of you". I look towards him. He is leaning against his counter, but he seems tense. This may be just a horsehair too sinister... "It's nothing bad so please, threat not. I just hope that it's not too bothersome for you. I have a personal research project that I want you to be a part of. I also need to be sure that you will not tell anypony about this project" I explain with a smile.

Sunburst's body relaxes, his stance stands more confident and he replies "Research, hm? Well of course! Absolutely!"... I give a shocked expression. He just accepts it? Just like that? He hardly knows me... Something must be up here. Nopony in their right mind would blindly pursue such an obscure mission. But then again, he does share some familiar curiosity, as determined by these books. I suppose he sees the same in me that I see in him, a nerd pony in need of a nerd pony partnership.