A new chapter

Chapters

Explanations
Revelations
Assembling the team
Going to Manehattan, Part 1
Going to Manehattan, Part 2
Going to Manehattan, Part 3
Going to Manehattan, Part 4
Going to Manehattan, Part 5
Going to Manehattan, Finale
Back to Ponyville
To Southern Equestria, Part 1
To Southern Equestria, Part 2
To Southern Equestria, Part 3
To Southern Equestria, Part 4
To Southern Equestria, Finale
Beyond Equestria, Part 1
Beyond Equestria, Part 2
Introductions
Twilight's massive, no good, highly stressful day.

Explanations

“Are those… highways? roads?”

“The Equestrian Inter-Region. Yes, they’re highways with a big H. We built them roughly between 1018 to 1022 After Lunar Banishment. It’s actually a project conceived by yours truly.” Twilight said, pointing her hoof at herself. “It’s meant to spur economic growth in the more remote regions of Equestria, you can guess with Ponyville below how that turned out.”

“Yeah, I saw that. Speaking of Ponyville, just how big is it? and what in Tartarus are those trains?!?”

“The Intercity Express and the ‘Growth Spurt’ period of Ponyville. Well, at least that’s what the government in Canterlot calls them. Firstly, the Express train, yeah. We built that roughly at the same time we built the highways. Felt appropriate to modernize our rail lines after we poured funds to improve our roads. Side effect of those two projects is further immigration into Ponyville. It’s nowhere near as big as Manehattan or Fillydelphia, but it is certainly not the small town I used to live in.”

Heeding Twilight’s words, I peered into the city once more. Noticing the still similar layout it has. That aside though, everything felt a bit too similar, yet bizarre at the same time. Asphalt roads now dot the streets of the small town. Some buildings are still built with the thatched roofs I’m familiar with, but some of them are built eerily similar to the older buildings I usually see back in Canterlot City.

It feels that I’ve missed out on a very important period of Equestria’s history. Finding more questions than answers the more I hear Twilight explain things, I promptly sat on my rump and sighed. “It feels like I missed out on a lot of stuff. What happened Twilight? The last time I was here, Equestria was nowhere near as… well, I guess I can say advanced, as today.”

Twilight’s face suddenly turned darker. As if my words there forced her to recount something that hurt her very, very deeply. She put her left hoof on her chest, her eyes closing, and she gritted her teeth.

Have you ever noticed when someone has a powerful emotional reaction just from the slightest of things? A single word uttered, a simple hoof gesture, even maybe the way you walk. Triggering something within them that makes them change their very nature. Perhaps it’s some trauma in the past, perhaps it’s some bad memory they couldn’t truly get rid of, perhaps it is something outside your control that disgusts them to their very core. Have you’ve ever seen it?

I’m seeing it right now, happening in front of my eyes. The Princess of Friendship’s demeanor changing from the somepony pleasant, into someone that I cannot recognize at all. This Twilight felt alien, unnatural, dark even.

What happened to her?

“I guess that the time dilation due to the portal spell breaking does have it’s own curses.” The purple alicorn said. Her face maintaining her darkened demeanor. “I guess that, since you haven’t aged a bit, that It’s only been, what? 2 years? 3 years down in your timeline?”

“Umm, I guess. Don’t you think that’s weird? Do you wanna explore it more Twilight? I can bring my research notes from my house. Just let me go to the portal for a while and-”

My attempted distraction, some effort to at least change Twilight’s alien demeanor has failed. I only saw a hoof stopping me from speaking further. It is a hoof-gesture I never thought Twilight would use, a single outstretched hoof with her face staring down at me. I only see it in Celestia whenever a couple of rabble rousers were turning courtly discussion away from being productive. It is something that she used incredibly sparingly. Only used whenever she felt that things needed to be settled here and now, and on her terms.

Twilight Sparkle imitated that gesture almost to a T. Stopping me from speaking at all. What happened?!? Why is she using that gesture?!?

“I don’t think that will be necessary Sunset.” She said, her voice now sterner and more neutral. “While I do like having you around, I think that what I have to inform you won’t be to your liking. I will have guards escort Sonata into appropriate accommodations. Sunset, will you follow me please?”

Not wanting to explore her changed demeanor further, I nodded and waved my goodbyes to Sonata. The seapony/siren woman only nodding at me in understanding as I left the room.

“As you can see, a lot has changed.” Twilight began, showcasing the scenery around her. From the cars parked at a car park near the castle to the maids using vacuum cleaners to clean the floor. “What I didn’t tell you is how much it cost us in the process.”

I see Twilight leading me towards a room. Opening it and showing me it’s insides, my eyes marveled at what was inside it. Staring in front of me were rows upon rows of books, thousands of them lining up in a neatly organized fashion. This is a grand library, a library to rival that of the Canterlot library and the Manehattan royal library. Perhaps even combined!

Twilight trotted past me and I followed her inside. The studious part inside of me was more than willing to lock myself up in this very room and peruse the thousands of books lining the shelves. “Princess Luna built this when we were expanding the castle grounds, said she ‘wanted to preserve the memories of those who were lost, and to create new memories for the ones we will make.’ Construction and organisation of this library took some 5 years to complete, an exhaustive effort to insure that everything within each of the official records here are as accurate as they can be, and it shows”

“Little wonder that it’s both officially called and popularly named as the Lunar Library of Memories, roughly half of the records and books here were printed within the last 25 years, and the other half being the slightly older books, printed just before or a couple centuries before Nightmare Moon’s return. Almost everything here is brand new.”

Twilight’s horn glowed, and a single book was floated off its shelves, falling down the table with a thud. The Princess of friendship motioning me to sit and read it. “Please, read it.” She urged. “I think it is best that you keep up to date with what has happened recently in Equestria.”

I nodded before sitting down, looking intently at the book. As I stared at the title, my mind wandered once again at what Twilight just said, how much did it cost? Expansion of castle grounds? Lunar library of memories? Everything felt so… blurry, now that I think of it. She seemed to be in such a hurry, almost desiring to bring me here and inform me of recent happenings.

Are the contents of this book that important? Now that I think about it, I didn’t manage to read the title, a bit distracted by my thoughts on the matter. No matter, I turned my face towards the face of the book, and in front of it, read.

‘A Record of The Recent History of Equestria. The Times of Turbulence. Rapid Modernization. And The Two Great Wars It Endured.’

‘By: Paperline Graph.’

My face turned towards Twilight. “Paperline Graph wrote this?” I asked. To read a book written by one of the most prestigious historians of Equestria, and by the looks of it, a recent one at that. This will certainly be an intriguing read.

I activated my horn, eager to discover it’s contents, after flipping a couple pages, mostly just a glossary and some random accessory blank pages. My eyes stumbled onto something unusual.

It is the ‘dedicated to’ section more specifically. Normally, being an academic myself, I usually glanced at the ‘dedicated to’ section and left it there, that section may be of some use, perhaps to highlight the author’s intentions or to be accounted for when analyzing the source’s biases. Nothing too special in all honesty.

This is perhaps the first time though, that I felt my face glued into that simple section. My face showing signs of confusion, horror, anger, fear. All not pleasant emotions, just from a simple section.

‘Dedicated towards the more than 9.800.000 Million lives, be they Pony, Griffon, Buffalo, Yak, or some other species, who died fighting for our country in both the Changeling-Equestrian War and the Imperial-Equestrian War. Without their sacrifices, writing this book would have been an impossibility.’

As soon as my brain had fully processed what I just read, my head turned towards the purple Alicorn Princess. Just like her, my demeanor had turned, now much more distraught and confused than the more solemn look of Twilight. I struggled to open up my mouth, my head buzzing with all sorts of random thoughts, trying to rationalize what I just read.

“9.8 million…” I said, my voice visibly quieter this time around. “Twilight, I’m sorry for sounding rude, but, I think I want to cast an instant-spell into this book, I don’t think I want to spend days reading this. I… feel like I want to, nay, NEED to finish reading this book ASAP.”

Fortunately, Twilight nodded her head, but not before cautioning me against the action. “I wouldn’t object, but please understand. The facts you are going to read will not be to your liking, are you sure you want to cast an instant-read spell?”

“I think I’ve been three decades overdue from casting such a thing.” I read. “Yes, I have to cast this, if only to fully grasp what happened.”

And from that moment, my horn glowed, it’s red tint enveloping the book, floating it as I began casting my spell. It is a spell most unicorns, okay, most unicorns who are scholars, usually learn when they’re in higher education. It makes them fully grasp the contents of the book, but it forces the caster’s brain to fully absorb an enormous amount of information at once. Typically resulting in a period of heightened emotion for the caster, depending on the book’s content, it can vary from happiness, to anger, to disgust, and even sadness.

My horn grew brighter, and the spell was cast. The book was dropped down onto the table as I finished doing the deed.

At first, I felt nothing, almost as if my brain was slowly but surely absorbing the information given to me. As the minutes flow through however. I began to realize just what I learned.

Tears began welling up inside of me as I fully understand what had happened. Gods! What happened? Knowing the full extent of the carnage, I turned my head towards the Princess, tears welling up within my eye, and asked the one question I had to ask.

“How much did it cost?” I asked. “For victory. How much did it cost?”

“The soul of a generation, more than 9 million lives, and the previous social order. I’m sorry Sunset. The portal malfunctioned just at the worst time of the crisis. Chrysalis’s defeat at the first battle for Canterlot forced her to think in a more… brutal manner, now wanting all lands in Equestria to be hers. She mobilized the military for a more formal, more militaristic push into Equestrian territory. All of us were warned about the impending attack, when Chrysalis began waging war on our neighbors, we were concerned, but not necessarily fearful, when Chrysalis began voicing speeches with such vitriol we ignored her threats. It was only when the bombs fell on Vanhoover that we realized that all of it wasn't just for show.”

Twilight continued. “Chrysalis’s armies were… modern, unlike anything we’d ever seen, hulking armored beasts rolling through the Equestrian grassland, it’s weaponry much more fearsome than we ever imagined, Changeling infiltrators disrupting our day to day activities, and on top of that, the millions of lives dying in the defense of the country. It was absolute chaos of the highest degree, and it cost us millions of lives just within those early years of war alone. I obviously don’t need to tell you this, but after our victory, other powers, like say, a resurgent Griffonian Empire, began looking at our newfound strength with fear, fear that we may use it against them. Against our will, just as we had finished one of our bloodiest wars in history, another bloody chapter was opened, and this time, we were more vengeful, and much, much less merciful towards the Griffonian aggressors.”

“And you won both of them.” I uttered. “You won two major wars against insurmountable odds, even if it cost Equestria millions of lives in the process.”

“Unfortunately, yes.” She replied, now casting her changed mood in a more understanding light. “Those roads you see there Sunset? They’re built explicitly to make it easier to channel military equipment throughout Equestria in the event of an attack. The railways will play a part too, but to a lesser extent, at least that is the original design of it.”

“And your changed demeanor?” I asked. Now deducing what happened to her. “You’re a lot colder than I remembered Twilight. Is this because of-”

“The wars? Partly. Just the burden of sharing duties with the other two Princesses would also do that to you, especially when what you’re doing amounts to wartime administration. Having to make decisions, hard decisions, decisions that can cost hundreds of thousands of lives to be sacrificed everyday? and when you know that the elements cannot work in this instance? yeah. That changes you, warps you, turns you into something you, nay, I myself, cannot recognize.”

I noticed a single tear coming down from the purple alicorn, her voice slowly breaking as Twilight seemed to realize what she has become. “Oh, what have I turned into… I’m sorry, Sunset, I’m sorry I couldn’t open the portal sooner, it’s just, it’s too heavy.”

Her tears fell down on me like a thunderstorm. All this time, I couldn’t have known any better. Her now teary eyes meeting mine, Twilight over realizing the implications of her actions, and mine about not acting at all, tears fell down both of our eyes as we both hugged each other. Myself and Twilight crying ourselves out within the library. “I’m sorry Twilight! I’m sorry!” I wailed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner. Now I know I should’ve investigated the portal sooner!! Gods!”

“It’s… It’s fine Sunset, you have your responsibilities, but… but.” Twilight hesitated, her face looking very much unprincess-like. “I couldn’t. I was busy fighting a war. I’m sorry Sunset, i’m sorry that I became something unrecognizable for you.”

We both cried for a good couple minutes, hugging and comforting each other as slowly the crying stopped. The library, once filled with the sounds of sobbing and one too many ‘I’m sorry’s!’ slowly but surely fell into it’s silence once more. Leaving both of us with only our emotions and bodily warmth to keep us comforted, realizing just how long we’ve been separated, and how much it hurt for us both certainly makes this reunion much more powerful.

I think I will be staying in Equestria for a bit longer. I have to tell Sonata about this. I hope she understands my reasoning.

Author's Note

I will try to update this story every Friday.

Revelations

The door of the Lunar library opened, revealing both of us exiting out of it. Our eyes practically bloodshot due to the crying, but a visible feeling of content can be seen reverberating out of both of us. I felt more mature, more knowledgeable, and seemingly more wise in the process.

“So, yeah. That’s how we got to this… status I guess.” Twilight said. Still accompanying me as we walked throughout the castle. “War forced us to innovate, and when it was over, the innovations spilled over into our daily lives, and, well.”

“Equestria became more advanced in the process.” I completed. “Well, It’s nice to see that Equestria is more modern now, it reminds me of the current place where I live. Still, that much blood…”

“Yeah. I don’t know now. If we still had Starswirl’s time spell, would I change our fate? Am I willing to trade all of this.” She gestured at the various contraptions that now dot the library. “For a more peaceful Equestria? Maybe we can utilize the elements of harmony on Chrysalis, but this time perhaps imprisoning her into stone just like we used for Discord. Maybe send more emissaries to the Imperial Capital, pleading with the Griffonian Emperor to stop his conquests…”

Twilight sighed, seemingly in defeat, a coming realization about how irreversible the current position this world is now. “Well, I guess that time has passed. And there is no turning back from what we have now.”

I was about to ask the prince- no, my friend about something else, but Twilight seemed to remember something she forgot to say. “Oh, and Sunset? Can you also keep a secret for me? Please?”

Twilight turned into a corner within the castle, our faces now overshadowed only by the various paintings within it. “Princess Celestia and Luna has given me the go-ahead to tell you this, but I need full confidence that you can keep this secret. Can you?”

“Uhh, of course!” I said, no hesitation in my mind. “I’m your friend Twilight, of course I can keep a secret for you.”

“Good, because what I’m about to tell you will be denied by all three Princesses, will land you jail time if spoken willy-nilly, and also be denied by my closest friends, understand?” She told me. I only nodded in response. Being Celestia’s prized student for a while, I did manage to gleam several royal secrets that I was forced to keep secret until my death. Of course, when I fled into the portal, all those royal secrets became null. But, knowing that I will be staying in Equestria for much longer, if only to discover just how much the country’s changed, I have no desire to burn bridges with Twilight Sparkle.

“Just tell me, what is it?”

The Princess Of Friendship knelt down and whispered to my ear. “We recently discovered that the Elements Of Harmony has just stopped working for all 6 of us.”

Ah, now I know why this is secret, yeah, that is certainly a conundrum.

“Seriously?” I asked. My tone much more hushed than before, and my mind now filled with a thousand questions. “What happened? Is it because of the war?”

“I don’t know Sunset. Something tells me it is, and how much myself and my friends have changed, but, truth to be told, we don’t know.”

“Is the tree still alive at least?”

“Yes. It’s still alive, and it is still keeping the elements, but whenever we tried to call upon it’s power, it wouldn’t respond. We realized what happened when we tried turning Chrysalis into stone, and didn’t work out. She’s currently imprisoned in a location I will not tell you. But yeah, this is a concern, a significant one.”

I whistled, my head shaking at the very thought of the elements failing. I mean, c’mon! It’s the Elements of Harmony! If the elements did indeed fail, does it signal that Equestria’s doomed? I hope not! The last time it failed to respond was when Celestia first banished Luna, and 1000 years of peace, okay, not exactly absolute peace, but peace nonetheless! Reigned over Equestria. But, in this time? Well, I don’t want to think what the ponies will think if the elements fail a second time, especially in the era they live now.

And let’s not even think about what our adversaries will think if that happens. This is an era of… yep, ‘Mechanized Warfare’ as the book puts it. Machine guns, complex spell matrices, tanks, steel warships, you name it. I don’t want to think about the possibility of that happening for a third time in Equestrian history.

No, I know what I must do now. And I will tell Twilight later in the day, but firstly, I must talk to Sonata.

“Umm, Twilight. Great info session, but do you know where Sonata’s located?” I asked. “I need to tell her about a couple things, I don’t think she wants to stay here any longer. What, with being a former exiled Siren and all.”

“Of, of course!” Twilight replied. “I have some duties to attend to, there are a series of laws that needs reviewing, boring stuff I assure you. Just walk across this hallway, suite number 365. That’s where Sonata is.”

And with that, the Princess of Friendship bowed towards me, and trotted away. “It’s nice meeting you Sunset, I hope you’ll stay here for a bit longer.” She finished.

“I wouldn’t dream of it any other way Princess.” I replied, now walking towards the room where Sonata was held.

There it is, suite number 365. The veritable room where Sonata Dusk is probably chilling inside. Eating Tacos or something (can seaponies eat meat? I guess we’ll find out).

My mind is pondering on this little pickle of a problem. On one hand, I do think that Sonata doesn’t want to stay here for any longer. I mean, hey, we stumbled into Equestria by mistake after all. On the other hand, what happens if Sonata doesn’t want to leave? I mean, what then? Do I have to drag her back to Canterlot High or something? Will she even be welcomed in Equestria? If she’s not, how will she react? How will the Princesses even react to this?

You’re overthinking things again. Sunset, you better stop it. Equestria doesn’t need another Twilight, just open the door and tell her that she should go or something. It shouldn’t be too hard now, should it?

My hoof pushed towards the door frame, the big white door opening up as I prepared myself to tell Sonata to leave. She is technically banished from Equestria, although, now that I think of it, how long has it been since the sirens were banished? 1000? 2000 years ago? maybe if I can convince Celestia…

“Oh, hey there Sunset!” Sonata suddenly greeted me. Floating as fast as she can towards me. “The guards just bought me a couple bowls of salad. Let me tell ya, those salads are probably the best salads I’ve ever tasted! I never thought Equestrian cooking would be so tasty even after all those millennia since we’ve been banished. Oh, and also-”

“Uhh, Sonata? Can we talk for a moment?” I asked. My voice significantly calmer than hers. The Siren/Seapony then cocked her head towards me, nodding her head. “Good, because I think that you need to go. Like, go back to the portal go.”

“Oh? Why?” She asked, visibly confused. “It’s been millennia since I’ve been here Sunset, and trust me, I am as good as Twilight when it comes to my, uhh, goodness! It’s not like I have my gems to try to convince ponies to fight against each other or anything. And c’mon, lightning never strikes twice right? or did I mishear that phrase?”

“Eheheheh.. heh.” I laughed awkwardly at her comments. “You’re riiiight, but, well, you’re still technically banished Sonata. I don’t want the Princesses to suddenly arrive here and banish you back to Canterlot High or anything. C’mon, let’s get you back to the mirror before-”

The door suddenly opened, revealing a figure that I really don’t want to meet right now, the first thing I noticed about her was the rainbow mane, and that crown. I instinctively bowed, her sudden presence definitely something quite unexpected. I can only hope that she doesn’t banish Sonata immediately, this is the last time where rash actions are needed.

“Please, Sunset, you don’t need to do that.” The white pony motioned. “I have experienced far too many formalities with regular castle duties, I don’t need more formalities when I’m visiting old friends. Least of all my former student.”

“Sorry Princess Celestia.” I replied, slowly raising my hooves to stand up. “I was just about to take care of Sonata here. She is just going to-”

“Hmm? What do you mean by taking care of? Is there something wrong with this wonderful seapony here? I take it she’s a friend from your world?”

“Well… yeah, she is, but, her history here is, pretty complicated. That’s why I’m kinda sorta urging her to leave.”

“Why is that? Has she done something wrong?” Celestia further asked, now pretty intrigued at the figure besides me. “Now that I think of it, she does look pretty familiar…”

“She’s uhhh… Sonata Dusk.”

“Pardon?”

“She’s Sonata Dusk. Like, one of the three sirens of old.”

“Ah! Ah…”

Her face slowly shifted towards her. “So, you’re a siren?” Celestia said, her tone now shifting visibly. Her voice became much more deeper, almost threatening.

“Uhh, yeah? I guess?” I heard Sonata reply.

“Intriguing. If I am not mistaken, Starswirl banished you from our world. How did you find your way back here?”

“Well, uhh, that’s kinda complicated. So, there’s this portal near Canterlot High, but I guess It’s the mirror portal in your world, and I was sitting with Sunset Shimmer here since she’s my, like, newest friend I’ve just made in that world, and conveniently we’re just sitting right next to the statue where the portal leads to your world. She just told me that the portal’s gone kaput for a while now and we both thought it’d be fine, but then, bam! we suddenly got teleported back to Equestria. I almost got zapped by Twilight and she ordered some guards to take me and here we are. Eheh. That’s the short version of it at least.”

One of Celestia’s eyebrows were raised, seemingly processing and taking apart every single sentence Sonata just made in that little monologue of hers. “Are you… Sunset Shimmer’s friend?” She asked. “I never thought my student would make friends with a former siren.”

“Well. Yeah.” I interjected. “To make a long story short, Sonata and I just clicked when we met for the second time. I don’t know, once the sirens lost all their powers, turns out that Sonata was the one most willing to make friends with me. I still don’t know why though.”

“It’s because you’re awesome Sunset! You’re dependable, reliable, certainly much nicer than both Adagio and definitely much nicer than Aria. I mean, I still like them. But I loooove hanging out with you more Sunset.”

I only smiled at her compliment. It certainly feels nice when a former villain states she likes hanging out with me more than her close buddies.

“But, I understand if you don’t want to see me here Princess Celestia. If you want to, I can just leave and I won’t bother you again, or something.”

Celestia’s face didn’t change after our little conversation a while ago. Her mind was probably still processing every single word Sonata has said with precision. Dissecting hidden truths or finding out hidden motifs that might indicate some evil intention.

Finally, seemingly out of middle of nowhere, Celestia approached the former siren, and smiled.

“I see no reason for why you should go back Sonata. I have seen that you are a reformed siren in your own right. Consider this official, but I decree that your banishment from Equestria to be revoked.”

I never thought, in all my life, that I would see a seapony (is she even a siren at this point?) fall down in amazement, the thought of such a thing happening never crossed my mind, I mean, how would a seapony ‘fall down’ in amazement in the first place? Nonetheless, here we are. Sonata suddenly dropped down. Her jaw opening wide open at what Celestia just said. I could almost feel the enthusiasm bursting from her.

“Is… Is this for real?” She asked. Only to get a nod from the Princess of the Sun herself. Before I could fathom what just happened. Sonata leaped towards Celestia, uttering thank yous with utter recklessness.

“You have proved that you can make friends even in a world not your own. And considering that one of your friends is one of my most prized students, well, former student, I see no reason as to why your banishment from Equestria should be maintained. I only hope that you make new friends whenever you visit here.”

“Visit? Aw tartarus no! I’m staying!!!” The siren cried. “I want to explore ALL the sights in Equestria, see how much has changed! I’ve heard from Sunset that there’s this huuuuge city called Manehattan, and it’s located in one of the former regions of darkness?!? Now THAT’s a sight I want to visit.”

The Sun Princess only giggled as the Siren is now fully detailing just how much she wanted to explore all of Equestria. While she’s busy doing that though, I slowly crept up towards the Princess, her attention focused on the former siren, she was a bit surprised when I crept up to her. There is something that I must discuss with her. And the former siren’s adventure can wait.

“Umm, psst, Princess Celestia?” I whispered to her ear. “Maybe we can leave Sonata here to just do her stuff? I have something to discuss with you.”

“Oh? And what is it dear Sunset? Is there something that is so urgent we have no need for Sonata Dusk’s input?”

“I like Sonata, but I don’t think she should hear this. It concerns the Elements of Harmony. Twilight told me everything.”

The now cheery Princess’ mood darkened suddenly when I mention that. “Yes, I don’t think Sonata Dusk should hear this. Alright then. Sonata!”

“Yes Princess?”

“Forgive the interruption. But Sunset and I have some urgent matters to attend to, I’m sure my former student would be thrilled to entertain you on a trip towards the various sights in Equestria, but we must discuss several issues first. In the meantime, would you mind staying in this suite a bit longer? I would make sure the chefs of the castle will bring you our finest cuisine.”

“Oh, of course! Bye Sunset! See ya later!” Sonta said, before Celestia closed the door in front of her.

Turning her attention towards me, Celestia moved her head, motioning me to follow her. “Follow me, there is a good, quiet, and soundproofed room where we can discuss further matters. Would you like to bring Luna and Twilight into the discussion as well?”

“Oh, uhh, maybe when you hear what I have to say on the matter, then you can bring the rest. But, maybe we can keep this just between the two of us.”

“If that is what you wish Sunset. Now, follow me.”

The room that she brought me towards felt weird. It doesn’t feel like It’s made in Equestria. It feels more like those weird boardrooms I see whenever a corporate drama movie came out. There are glass tables, with the window overlooking the Canterlot skyline. A skyline that, conveniently enough. Is filled with skyscrapers towering over Canterlot castle itself. The princess seated herself right next to me. Her form hugging a chair made with some artificial black leather and a metal frame supporting the structure of the chair itself.

This room feels more like the headquarters for an evil corporation than a meeting room in Canterlot castle. Nonetheless, Celestia is here, I am here, and I have something in my mind that I have to bring out to her.

“Princess Celestia.” I said, taking a deep breath before throwing myself into the unknown. “I come to you with a plan to find the new Element Bearers, if what Twilight says to me is true. Then the original Element Bearers might be deemed unfit by the Elements of Harmony for one reason or another. I am ready, with your support, to embark on a quest to discover the new bearers for the Elements of Harmony, and take them back to Equestria.”

Time seemed to stop as Celestia looked towards me, her face unchanging after I proposed my plan. Will she reject it? Will she accept it? I gritted my teeth for the oncoming response, before the Sun Princess opened her mouth.

“I’m glad you’d embark on that quest Sunset. Do you need any help from me? Do you need staff? Crew ponies? Anything? I must tell you, I’ve been visibly waiting for someone to come towards me with such a plan. Seems like everypony’s all too busy these days running official business to go adventuring just like that.”

I sighed in relief, well, that’s one hurdle passed. Now towards planning the adventure...

Assembling the team

“Thank you, Princess Celestia. Now, I probably should note that I cannot embark on this quest alone. You mentioned giving me crewponies, or something?”

“Yes, now that Equestria is at a state of peace, we have more than enough resources to lend you for your operation. What do you need? Weapons? Foodstuffs? Funds? Just tell me what you need and I’ll give it to you.”

I was taken aback by the sudden offer by her. Just like that? She’s going to offer me all the resources necessary for my quest? “You’re just… going to give all of that to me? I, I don’t understand. Is there like, some sort of process that I have to go through? Some hurdle?”

“Well. Normally, yes, but I did read your journal entries with Twilight while she was busy fixing the portal. I know that if there is one pony that I would trust with the resources I’d offer for this quest, it would be you. Your time in the other world has earned that and more Sunset.”

That, felt pretty heavy all of a sudden, this is the Princess of The Sun I’m talking about here, trusting me to such an extent? I mean, sure, I’m not some megalomaniac bent on taking over the world anymore, but, do I… deserve this? I don’t know, and something tells me the answer lies when I myself embark on this quest.

“T-thank you Princess. I will make sure I will never waste resources on things that are unnecessary.” I replied, bowing my head towards her.

With that out of the way, I also need to discuss several additions for the quest. She has given me the greenlight for this, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of a fight.

“Now, for the crewponies, obviously. I want ponies that I know I will click with, but also ponies that are capable in case something unexpected shows up, so firstly, I need someone just as knowledgeable as me in terms of magic.”

“Hmm.” Celestia pondered, I noticed her face gleaming towards the skyline behind her. Twirling her chair and contemplating. “I know that Twilight is unfortunately a bit too busy with her duties, and so is Luna, ah! would, say, Flurry Heart be of use?”

“Hmm, tempting. But I don’t think I need an Alicorn Princess for this one. I need someone that I know intimately. Someone I can trust.”

Taking a look into my memories, looking at the various ponies I’ve come into contact with over the years. My head clicked on someone that I know of. Oh yes! she’s definitely someone I can trust with... “Someone like, say, Starlight Glimmer? Would she be available for an adventure like this?”

“Starlight Glimmer. Current dean of the School of Friendship, certainly an interesting choice. I do know that she shares responsibility for the school alongside Trixie and Sunburst. Let me get into contact with her and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Great! Moving on. I need someone that knows how to hold herself in a fight. Well, I know a couple combat spells myself. But I wouldn’t call myself a proficient fighter. I need someone with experience. Probably someone with years behind her back.”

Then a proverbial light bulb hit my head again. Yes! That mare Twilight mentioned in one of her last journal entries! She’d be perfect! “Is… Tempest Shadow available?” I asked.

“Oh, General Berrytwist. Hmm, I’m not sure, she is a general in one of our army formations. I’ll see what I can do Sunset. But I can make no guarantees for Fizzlepop Berrytwist.”

Wait, what? Fizzlepop Berrytwist? “Umm, who’s Fizzlepop Berrytwist?” I asked, “Is she Tempest’s older sister? Her niece?”

“Oh, I guess Twilight didn’t mention it. Fizzlepop Berrytwist is Tempest Shadow’s actual name. I would like to explain it, but I think that she herself would be better at explaining it than I do.”

Oookay, that’s a weird alias to give yourself, from Fizzlepop Berrytwist to Tempest Shadow. Who does that? Does she have some sort of internal dark heart nobody understands about? Wait, is she a goth? That piece of thought won’t be leaving my mind for quite sometime now, too funny to just be ignored.

Ugh, I need to control myself more. Now, There’s one final someone that I must bring as well. But, I’m not sure if Celestia would approve of it. I gulped at the very thought of suggesting her to Celestia. Sure, she’s changed a lot. But I don’t feel too comfortable bringing her into the discussion.

“And finally, I want… Sonata Dusk.”

“Excuse me? Sunset, I think you didn’t speak loud enough.”

“I want… Sonata Dusk.” I said, very sheepishly. I know that this is a hard sell. But I need her in this, a part of me screams for me to bring her. She’s not only a good friend, but she is my rock, the only friend that I’ve known for a long time, and to top that off, she’s currently here, in Equestria!

Besides, I don’t think bringing any of my human friends here would be a terribly good idea. Mistaken identities and all that.

The Sun Princess seemed to pause at my request. Definitely thinking about the issue deeply. “Do you trust Sonata Dusk that much Sunset? I know that you are friends, but I am still not sure of trusting a former siren with such an important mission.”

“She’s trustworthy.” I replied, no hesitation in my voice. “I’d lay down my life for her. She has been nothing but nice, and kind, and friendly to me after the battle of the bands. I know that this might be hard Princess. But, please, trust me, at least for this one time.”

Celestia looked at me determinedly. Definitely still cautious about Sonata Dusk. I wouldn’t blame her, when the last time you heard about her was when they were bringing discord and chaos into Equestria. It does tend to colour your perceptions a little bit. I just need her to trust my judgement this one time. Please. Don’t say no Celestia, please.

“Alright. She’s in. But on one condition only. Do not mention your mission’s objectives to her unless absolutely necessary. That is my one request of you.”

“Of course.” I replied. An acceptable compromise if nothing else. With this, I have my crew, and the adventure seems to be forming up in my head. We’d explore vast cities, see the great sights of the world! Maybe even explore new countries outside of Equestria! The book mentioned just how much the Griffons have changed. Might as well try exploring that as well, see if potential Element Bearers might be of another species or something.

“Oh, and some funds and some form of Transportation to get us around, of course.” I finished. “I’m sorry for placing the burden on you Celestia, but, I just got here. And I feel like I have to do this quest, something tells me I have to do it. I can’t… put it to words.”

“Oh, think nothing of it! I’ll make sure arrangements with EquestriaRail will be made. In case you’re thinking of going outside the continent, I can spare a Royal Navy ship or two for that. When the project you specify is finding the new Element Bearers, listing it as of national importance is almost trivially easy Sunset. As for funding? Please, I’ll make sure my own personal treasury will finance your quest whenever you go.”

Have you ever had encountered such generosity that you didn’t know how to deal with it? Some weird processing in your mind that tries to deal with the sudden influx of new resources available to you, simultaneously excited, yet fearful at the same time? Like you’re grateful of this opportunity, but just don’t want to mess it up? Well, I’m wrangling with this feeling immediately, and predictably, I don’t feel I deserve all this. Celestia’s generosity feels almost… alien. Why is she doing this? Sure, finding the new Element Bearers are important. But, why trust me? what do I have that Twilight, or some other pony doesn’t?

Am I really that special? So skilled and talented that I deserve to get all this access and resources?

“Sunset, you seem uncertain. Are you alright?”

“No, I’m not. Thank you, Celestia, for this. I’m truly grateful. It’s just hard trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re doing this to me. Some ungrateful, self serving former student of yours.”

“Stop it.”

My head suddenly cocked towards Celestia, I’ve seen a lot of things, but Celestia suddenly being authoritative is certainly unusual. “What?”

“Stop hitting yourself for things that you’ve done in the past.” She said sternly. “What is done is done Sunset. You need to rid yourself out of that self deprecation. It serves no-one any good. Even yourself.”

Her face softened a bit after that. Probably noticing my shocked expression. “You’re going to be fine Sunset. I did tell you that I read your journal entries, right? a girl that is capable of all the things you did should be able to find the next generation of element bearers. I’m sure of it.”

“Now, I’m sure you are a bit tired after all this discussion. So why don’t you go and rest. I’ll have the cooks whip up your favourite.”

My eyes lighted up the moment she finished her sentence. “You mean, Carrot Sandwich with fried potatoes and mushrooms?”

“Also with your favourite walnut butter sauce. I’ll make sure the chef sprinkles extra paprika.”

I only have the most crap-eating grin the moment she says that. “Alright! I hope that the ponies I hoped to get are all available. Thank you, Princess Celestia. For everything.”

“It’s no problem at all Sunset. Seeing you back and wanting to do this quest is enough for me to fund this endeavor of yours. Do you have anything else you want to talk about?”

Seeing Celestia ask that question, with the background of skyscrapers and cars is more than enough to make me question many things, a great many things. But, I fear that I might waste the Princess’s time if I do so. So I asked the one question that has been in my mind this whole time.

This entire business of war, of destruction and death, of rapid modernization and social upheaval. Has it destroyed one of the values this land holds?

“Are Friendship and Harmony still alive, Celestia?” I asked. My tone showing the visible fear inside of me. Something inside of me yearns that the answer is ‘yes.’ Yeah, call me a Luddite if you want. But the fear, the fear that all this upheaval has brought friendship and harmony to a sudden halt is there.

“Yes. It’s not the same as you might think Sunset, but it is present, and It’s stronger than ever. I’m sorry that I didn’t allocate more time towards repairing the portal. We suffered, we bled, we died. But just like a Phoenix, we rose through the ashes stronger than ever.”

That’s all I need to hear. I bid my goodbye to Princess Celestia, and made my way towards my suite. I have a lot to discuss tomorrow.

Just as I was about to exit the room though, another thought clicked on me. “Also, Celestia. Do you have any ideas on where I should look for the new element bearers?”

The Sun Princess only responded with a knowing smile. “I thought you’d never ask.”

It is indicative that Equestria has changed so much when even the throne room has some notable additions to it. In addition to the various stained glass artworks on display. Some of them I didn’t recognize before. I also noticed that the style of the throne room itself has changed.

The throne room feels more mature. The last time I was in the castle, during that little adventure against Wallflower, I remember the throne room had a flowing red carpet, all leading up towards a golden throne where Celestia and Luna sat. The entire room was bathed in a pink colour, pink walls, pink pillars, pink ceiling, and there were notable tapestries hanging off of the ceiling. I still remember the maids having trouble cleaning the tapestry due to its placement. It felt indicative of Equestria itself. Youthful, innocent, yet energetic at the same time.

Now, everything felt colder. The warm pink was replaced by a shiny and reflective silver. There is still a red carpet, but it parted towards two thrones that are now at the center of the throne room. One with a silver sun, and one with a silver moon emblem on top of it. The fountain, formerly flowing into a drain somewhere, was also different. Instead of draining straight down, it meanders through the throne room. Forming an invisible barricade. A line where you do not cross, it shields the side walls and stain glass paintings this way. The tapestries, formerly showing brilliant colours, now only show the combined sun and moon logo in black and white.

And to cap it off. the throne room is at a level standing to the floor. Giving off some form of equality between the petitioner and the diarchs.

It felt less like a throne room and more like an office. The office of the Princesses of Equestria, as if that’s weird enough, the guard ponies, now wearing some sort of weird uniform and saddling up some form of rifle, felt just as bizarre as the radically changed throne room as well. Never in a million years would I thought that the first time I would see a gun in person would be in Equestria.

I checked the time. Apparently they have put a giant clock on top of the back wall. Its giant arrows pointing at 8:30 AM. Morning. I have some work to finish with the Princesses. Mostly just regarding travel plans and how I’ll report to them. But also because I want to see Starlight, Tempest and Sonata. Gosh, Starlight. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, I wonder how she’s changed.

The door suddenly opened, and out came a very groggy moon. A very groggy moon with a frazzled mane and currently holding up a plate of fried potatoes and some stir fried vegetables. Said moon didn’t notice I was there until it nearly hit me. Her unprincesslike eating habits suddenly coming to a halt, and a visible blush suddenly forms on the moon’s face.

“Sunset Shimmer! Forgive me, I didn’t see you there. I never would’ve thought that you’d be present so early.” She said. Now eating her food in a much more Princesslike manner.

“Oh, don’t worry about it Princess Luna. I was never that much of a morning pony myself. You holding up well?”

“As well as I can be Sunset. Handling the dreams of ponies is never an easy thing. Combine that with regular night court duties, and well, this is the result.”

Luna finished her plate and her horn lit up. One bright flash later and the plate was gone. The door once more opened, this time though, revealing 3 new personalities. Okay, I know one of them really well, and one them well enough during my time here. But the other mare, the one with the crimson coat and broken horn. One look at her and I immediately get chills just from looking at it.

Is that Tempest Shadow? She certainly does live up to her name. Very intimidating mare just by the looks of it. Her dark uniform and unique mane arrangement certainly didn’t help with things.

“Oh, right. Just want to inform you that Celestia made some calls, and the group you requested is present. Anyway, outside of that, there’s really nothing else that I must inform you of. Funds and Saddlebags for your little adventure have been delivered to your room, and your suite in Canterlot castle is available as long as you stay here. Good luck Sunset Shimmer.”

You can easily tell that, coming from the tone of the Night Princess, that she’s effectively done for the day. The way she delivered her message seems very dry and lacking any real poise. Just like someone who’s too tired to put in any serious effort to look presentable. Luna bid us goodbye, before disappearing outside the throne room, leaving me with the three personalities present. Oh, and the guard ponies, never forget the guard ponies.

“So. Uhhh, hello! I’m Sunset Shimmer. But I guess you already knew that.” I introduced myself, smiling a bit too widely, several drops of sweat falls from my forehead, accentuating my whole ‘new leader who’s super nervous’ look. “As you can see. We’re like, all here. Because we’re here on a quest! anyway. I’m Sunset Shimmer. And I know you Sonata, and you as well Starlight.”

“Hello!” Both of them greeted. Not sure if it’s to me or to each other. Now that you mention it, it gets very confusing when you have two ponies say hello to you. I mean, who do you respond to first?

“Hello Starlight, Sonata. Since I guess I know both of you well enough. Why don’t you introduce yourself!” I said, pointing my hoof at Sunset, “Why don’t you tell us your name, occupation, and preferences! I’m sure you have lots to share.”

This is admittedly a lame attempt at an Icebreaker. And Tempest looks definitely unimpressed, her face still showing the same lack of smile, and her eyes seeming to analyze every little bit of movement I made. The crimson mare then took a couple strides, before opening her mouth a little bit.

“Greetings, I’m Tempest Shadow, although I wouldn’t mind if you’d call me Fizzlepop Berrytwist. I am the general of Force Tempest, formerly second in command of the Storm King’s forces. I am here at the request of Sunset Shimmer, and I look forward to working with her.” She said, bowing her head to me.

Oh dear. She’s definitely someone I need to work with.

Going to Manehattan, Part 1

Have you’ve ever been on a train?

Silly question I know, most of you probably have been on one. Do you remember your first train ride though? How bizarre everything feels? The steam from the engine billowing past you. The countryside zooming past you with no abandon. And the little noises a train car makes, some bumps from tiny imperfections in the rails, all of that within a train ride.

For me. A train ride feels like a place where you can almost meditate. A train ride fits within a nice space in time. Fast enough to reach your destination, but not so fast you can’t catch your breath for a while. Seeing the countryside zoom past you, as your eye feasts on the changing scenery of the Equestrian countryside. It does put you into a more contemplative mood. just looking at the ever-changing scenery…

Of course, just like most things I’m experiencing nowadays, this train-ride feels a bit different. Firstly, the bumps of a train track is absent, this train ride is proceeding as smoothly as a baby’s buttocks, secondly, there is no smoke to obscure our vision, everything seems as clear as day, and thirdly, the speed. By Celestia the speed! I thought the Equestrian Steam Train was fast, but this? one moment you’re seeing farmlands, and immediately you’re inside a tunnel, probably already reaching the foal mountain range.

Predictably, the ridiculous speed of this train has me feeling a bit uncomfortable, no, not sick. Just a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps I’m just not used to the velocity of a high speed train. Celestia knows I haven’t explored anywhere outside the immediate Canterlot City area during my time in the human world. But gods, this feels unreal.

“I take it you’re enjoying your time?” I heard a voice ask me. A rather familiar voice.

“Yeah Starlight. I never thought I would ride on a high speed train in Equestria. It just feels weird y’know.”

“I wouldn’t imagine it. I was pretty surprised when Princess Celestia announced the project by itself. A series of rail-line expansions that would link Canterlot with the cities of Las Pegasus and Manehattan by a new experimental train. I never would’ve thought that the project would go anywhere, and yet, here we are! 5 years and the project’s still running!”

My mind remembered the first time I saw the train. The train that would take us to our destination. It was after a short meeting with my little group, some introductions and icebreakers, getting up to speed with current events, before we finally set off into adventure, or in this case, Canterlot Station. I’ve been discussing with Twilight about potential places where the new element bearers will be located. And the first thing she suggested is Manehattan.

I’ve read up about some weird new train system that regular ponies have been talking about, and when I’ve bought the tickets for this ‘Intercity Express.’ I just thought that It’ll be some kind of weird, but powerful steam train. I didn’t expect that this Intercity Express will look unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Covered in some weird orange colour, the train itself looks like some weird elongated bullet. A clear ‘muzzle’, if you want to call it that. At the front, lending itself to a sleek, and very uniform exterior. The cabin inside of it looks unusual. A series of row chairs with plastic looking walls lining It’s sides. Everything outside and inside looks minimalist, almost epitomizes the philosophy of ‘less is more’ to a certain extent.

“Yeah. It certainly looks… unusual.” I noted. Still busy regarding the unusual sights within the train. “Anyway, so how are you doing Starlight? Are you holding yourself up?”

“Oh, good old me? Yeah! I think the last time we met was… at that mall right? The one with umm, umm who’s that girl’s name?”

“Juniper Montage?”

“Yeah, her! Speaking of which. How is Juniper holding up? I haven’t heard of her for quite a while.”

“She’s doing well. I think she’s studying in college now for a movie production degree thingy. Not sure how that’s shaping up.”

“Nice, nice. Also. How are you doing Sunset? Sorry it took us some 3 decades to fix that portal back up. Y’know, wars and everything.”

“Wait, there’s a war?!?” Exclaimed Sonata. Now looking very confused, “Equestria’s at war?”

“Yeah, didn’t I told you about The Great War Sonata? The one between the Changelings and Equestria?”

“Oh, that. Yeah, you told me about that. Nevermind.”

An awkward silence permeated throughout the train cabin, silence throughout the cabin permeated while I noticed the sudden change in mood. Starlight and Sonata seemed chipper enough, but Tempest? Her unhappy face seems to drop the mood a little bit.

Then a ring from somewhere from the train broke the silence.

*Mares and Gentlecolts, welcome to Manehattan. The time is currently 3:05 PM Eastern Equestrian Time, and we will be arriving at Maneway Station within 5 minutes. The weather is currently sunny, with a spare few clouds here and there, and the ground temperature is currently 23 degrees celsius. Thank you for taking EquestriaRail, Equestria’s premier rail service provider.*

All of us seemed to be broken out of that silence, I peered the window to see the city. And my jaw dropped into the floor.

Why do I have a feeling that this will be rather frequent?

Manehattan was a magnificent city before I escaped into the Human World. A veritable metropolis of commerce and entertainment. It’s construction of skyscrapers were the first in the world. Triggering various reactions from shock to admiration to hatred to the ‘manehattan style.’ It’s always been a trendsetter.

And by Celestia is Manehattan still setting a trend. The city has grown considerably since I’ve left. I don’t think I can see the Manehattanite Skyline grow even taller, yet it did! The Crystaller Building seemed to have gotten a complete style makeover, somehow making it even taller. And even the nearby neighborhoods of Manehattan are growing to become cosmopolitan areas by their own right.

I trotted outside the station. Leaving it’s golden arches and chandeliers behind. I expected many things, majesty, style, beauty, elegance.

And the first thing I encountered was hitting the rump of a police pony. She turned around and scowled at me. Her face unamused while I myself am rightfully embarrassed.

“Sorry, sorry!” I said. Trotting my way out of the police pony. And seemingly entered into a different world. I encountered a sea of Ponies, Griffons and Changelings, each of them carrying banners as they march through the road just off the train station. Slogans like ‘EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK’ and ‘DON’T MOURN, ORGANIZE!’ were up in the air as Ponies were protesting… something.

My heart rate quickened.

I watched as the procession went on it’s way. Definitely hitting Bridleway if it continues to go on. With a flick of my hoof and a motion of my head. I brought my group straight into the thick of it. Melding with the various protesters and forging ahead.

“Uhh Sunset? Why do you want us to be in the middle of a protest?” Sonata asked, avoiding the sea of quadrupedal bodies. “I didn’t know you were politically active. Are you a supporter of the ELO-”

“No, well, I don’t know too much about whatever this ELO is. But that’s not the point! I think that whoever organizes these protests is an element bearer.”

“... What?” Starlight asked. “How?!? This seems like a weird place to get an element bearer. Are you sure about this?”

“Definitely! It’s hard to pin it down, but I’ve got a good feeling on this.” I replied, trudging my way as the protests move forward. We’re almost at bridleway at this point, and my group was nearly at the front. A clear voice ringed through the protesters, breaking through the various shouts and screams.

“We want fair wages! We want contracts! We want fair wages! We want contracts!” Screamed the leader. “We’ll never stop till all of us don’t get dropped! We’ll never stop till all of us don’t get dropped!”

“Stop exploiting changelings, we are equals too! Stop exploiting changelings, we are equals too!”

“United in suffering, United in Struggle! United in Suffering, United in Struggle!”

“Less wages for fat cats. More wages for all class! Less wages for fat cats. More wages for all class!”

I pushed through the front protesters, and my eyes cocked suddenly. That blue... Changeling? Yes, she’s the leader, that blue Changeling is definitely the leader.

My eyes caught the sight of a female with a blue carapace and a pink mane. She’s definitely a changeling, but what kind of a Changeling is that? She looks definitely like a ‘bug,’ but at the same time. Unlike the few Changelings I encountered, her colour schemes all of, and most importantly, I don’t sense any malice from her. There is rage, definitely. But it feels righteous. It feels justified for some reason.

“Ocellus?” I heard one of the protesters, definitely another leader approach Ocellus. “Scouts report that there’s a ton of MMPD Officers at Bridleway, we really fear that they might open fire at us. Are you sure that we must proceed?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I’m sure the officers won’t fire. They don’t want every newspaper in Equestria showing images of police officers firing on labourers protesting. Keep with the regular pace. We’ll disperse once we’ve crossed through Bridleway.”

The protester only nodded before he motioned the group to continue marching, chants and all. Myself only a curious observer regarding the events displayed before me. The moment this mass of labourers entered Bridleway, the hopeful energy suddenly dissipated. And I can see why.

Police Ponies, armed with batons and shotguns lined up the street. Police cars have formed a barricade, preventing the protesters from marching forward, they’re all wearing face-shields and some form of segmented body armour. I looked at their faces, all of them cold and determined, but none of them angry.

“Disperse!” A police pony screamed through a microphone. “Disperse! You are not an authorized to protest. Disperse or we will push through!”

The leader, this Ocellus. Walked right in front into the dead pony land between the protesters and the police. Her head cocked up, defiant against the show of force in front of her. “We are here to protest the rights of every species, yours included. Our demands are simple, better pay, and no discrimination in hiring. We do not intend to harm anyone, but we will if we must do so in self defense. Let us go through Bridleway, and we will not bother anypony.”

She sounds just as young as I did. But her tone shows that she’s aged beyond her years. Ocellus speaks, not necessarily with eloquence, but with a blunt tone, a veritable jackhammer if you want a visual metaphor. She isn’t a Changeling that will coddle your feelings, but one that will show the ugly truth no matter how hurtful it might be.

Wait, is she?

“Sunset. Sunset.” A voice came up upon me. I turned my head back around and saw Tempest, her eyes darting through the police picket line. As if she’s searching for something. “The police won’t budge.” She whispered. “I have dealt with the MMPD, and to say that they’re not good is underselling it. I fear that once things heat up, they will shoot.”

“Crap. I don’t think this day could get any worse.”

My thoughts were rudely interrupted by a sound I never expected to hear. I cocked my head back towards Ocellus and see that she’s fine, but there is smoke rising from below the asphalt. A quick inspection reveals a hole, and some object made of brass pummeled into it.

“That is a warning shot! Disperse!” The police spoke again on the loudspeaker. “Disperse or we will charge!”

Ocellus stood there, defiant, and not raising her voice any bit. She stood there, and started walking backwards, back towards the group. She was about to coordinate things when suddenly, another shot was heard.

Time seemed to slow down for all of us. I saw a bright flash from one of the police officer’s guns. The protester organisers seemed to be frozen as they saw the bullet travel from the police officer’s gun. The trajectory for sure will hit at least one protester. I felt like I needed to do something, cast a shield spell, do something to protect the organisers. But I turned my head and saw a crimson blur. A crimson blur with sparks of blue light emanating from it’s horn.

That blur ran towards the front. Into the no pony land, and her horn lighted up. In an instant the bullet crashed towards a brightly coloured blue wall. Landing on the ground with the tiniest of thuds.

My jaw dropped as I saw Tempest had created a gigantic shield off of her broken horn. The officers, probably realizing who she was, lowered their weapons. She only need to glare at the pony in charge of the barricade, before that pony ordered the police cars to open up the route, allowing the protesters to march once more.

There were no barricades after that. And the protest ended as peacefully as you can imagine.

As I saw the protest dying down, the workers now dispersing back into their homes. I proceeded to walk towards Tempest, and gave a slight hoof clap. “Well done Tempest. Quick thinking on your part. I never thought you’d be able to cast a spell with such a wide area.”

“I… didn’t. I never thought I could cast a spell like that at all. Sunset, when I was running towards the bullet, My mind was preoccupied with casting only a minor shield spell. Something to protect myself and my immediate surroundings, I don’t know. I just felt this feeling burning inside of me. Like I needed to protect these protesters or something.”

“Well, whatever it is, i’m glad that you didn’t let any lives be thrown today.”

I noticed that we are being watched. Turning my head towards whoever’s watching us. I noticed 4 figures all staring at our motley group, Ocellus being one of them.

“First of all, thank you for casting that spell.” Ocellus started. “And also, would you like to come with us? We would like to discuss some things with you. You don’t have to accept though. We are more than willing to just chalk this up under a happy little accident.”

Turning my head towards the group, none of them seems really fearful of Ocellus’ invitation. “Sure.” I replied. “We’d come, where will you be taking us?”

“Uptown, specifically the Pronx.”

Author's Note

Ocellus as a labour organiser. Heh.

Going to Manehattan, Part 2

The Train ride to the Pronx was relatively uneventful, I see the many apartment complexes, skyscrapers and shopping malls that form the Manehattanite Skyline pass me by as the subway plows it’s way through the city. It’s a beautiful city, especially now that the sun’s slowly turning away from the horizon, bathing the city in a warm orange glow. A glow that was to be soon replaced by Luna’s moon.

I heard another ring from the announcer of the subway. Pronx Central Station it says, repeating the same announcement twice before the train continues it’s journey in relative silence. Within this rather awkward silent though. I managed to see who this Ocellus is, and the more I see her, the more of an enigma she becomes, or at least that's what I think.

She’s certainly a Changeling, no doubt about that. But everything in her physique feels off. Her normally dark coat is now bright blue, A pink mane-thingy flows throughout her head, turning into folded wings on her back, before ending in a weird wing-like tail on her rump. She’s also wearing some sort of shirt, a very roughed-up shirt I might add. Worn down and losing it’s once brilliant yellow colour, you can tell by the stains i her shirt that this is definitely used for work. One wonders if this is Ocellus’ only shirt.

The other organizers, compared to Ocellus that is, felt relatively unassuming. There’s a brown Earth Pony Stallion, a yellow coated Pegasus Mare, and another purple coated Pegasus Mare. All of them seemingly taking orders from Ocellus, now that I think of it. Ocellus might be the ‘general’ of this group, while the others act as her ‘lieutenants.’

Any further thoughts from myself were rudely interrupted when the scenery suddenly changed into a rapidly moving metal platform. A platform that slowly stopped, before the doors of the train opened up.

Pronx Central, this is the place.

We walked off of the train, and quickly exited the platform. From there, Ocellus took us into a rather unassuming apartment building. It looks like your regular tenement in Manehattan. A building of red bricks pockmarked by windows in a symmetrical fashion, the entrance of the building also seems rather unassuming, we passed through an elevator, and then trotted into an unassuming room as well. Numbered 508.

The moment Ocellus opened the door though, the dullness of the Pronx cityscape seemed to just disappear into thin air. The interior of this apartment block feels starkly different, I see bright colours, plants, multiple flags of organisations I’m not really familiar with, and it feels positively… bohemian.

Everyone had the same reaction as we entered in. A mixture of awe and surprise as we entered into the apartment proper, some of us, like a certain blue siren, started exploring the building in earnest, eyes giddy in anticipation. While the rest of us were busy still staring at the interior of the apartment block, looking mighty impressed at what Ocellus has done to the place.

We were so busy staring at the various trinkets at Ocellus’ house, we didn’t notice that she was approaching Tempest, she looked at her, her petite form in stark contrast to Tempest’s, and opened her mouth.

“Why did you do that?” She asked. “I never thought that an Equestrian General would protect a labour protest march. What’s your reasoning?”

Tempest was taken aback, trampling just a couple steps as she now saw Ocellus. Slowly though, she composed herself. And responded.

“I don’t feel like seeing protesters die in the streets of Manehattan. Is that reason enough?”

Somehow I have a feeling that Ocellus won’t accept such an explanation.

“Explain, please.”

“Well, what more do you want? I don’t like seeing people die. I swore loyalty to defend Equestria, and that means that I will protect even the most invisible and most negatively perceived citizens who work in Equestria, and that means you.”

The female Changeling approached Tempest, squinting her eyes. Seemingly quite distrustful of Tempest’s sudden actions. After what seemed like forever, she broke eye contact from tempest, relenting by the looks of it. “Fine, whatever. I’ve seen some pretty unbelievable things in my life. This isn’t the most unrealistic thing I’ve ever seen. Anyway, if you want to leave, you can. I’ve got a labour organisation to manage and-”

“Wait!”

All eyes then turned on me, from my group which seemed quite surprised by the tone, and the labour organizers which seemed surprised by the announcement itself.

“Let us help you get this labour thingy off the ground! I think that you’ve just made some good progress with those protests, but do you want to take this movement truly off the ground?”

Ocellus’ eyes seemed to squint at my proposal. I do agree, it must seemed quite bizarre from her perspective, hey, when some noponies suddenly offered assistance, you’d be naturally cautious about their help.

“What’s your name?” She asked.

“Sunset Shimmer.”

“Alright Sunset Shimmer. What’s in it for you? What do you want from this? Why suddenly come into our assistance 2 years down the line?”

2 years? Wow, that’s certainly unexpected. I never thought that this little labour movement has been going for 2 years, and judging by that crowd. It seems that this Ocellus is definitely a good organiser/ orator. My mind drifted back into the protests, I suspected that she is a potential element of honesty, but I gotta make sure.

“Ocellus, why do you organise?”

“What?”

“I said, why do you organise? What’s your motivation?”

The Changeling seemed to be taken aback by my question. “Well, have you seen the working conditions at the factories here? Do you notice how just how horrible our pay is? And just how hard those robber barons seemed to squeeze every bit of bits from our hooves and claws? It’s horrible!”

She pointed her hoof towards the flag. A flag of a Griffon, a pony, and a Changeling holding their appendages together, hoisting a simplified image of Equestria, with a black hammer in the middle of it. ‘Equestrian Labour Organisation’ it reads on top. ‘For the advancement of labour, harmony and prosperity’ it reads at the bottom.

“I created this flag during a particularly bad work day, my local factory had an incident where a pony got her hoof stuck on a piece of machinery. Work has to be stopped for a while, and emergency crews have to force the factory to stop operating due to the nature of the injury, the supervisor was understandably not happy about this, and fired the worker on the spot, just as she was being hoisted into an ambulance I might add. We all got angry, but he wouldn’t yield, so, on the second day after her firing, I hoisted this flag on top of the factory door. one thing lead to another, and then all of Manehattan’s factories were suddenly closed as workers abandon their jobs and strike.”

“The 7 month strike...” I heard Starlight Glimmer whisper. “Did you organise that? I’ve heard that the shock of the strike forced the bosses to immediately raise wages and lead to the first legislation on addressing workers rights in Manehattan.”

“Oh we did more than that.” Ocellus responded, a slight smile forming. “The strike also forced us to organize a lunch program to keep each striker from starving, lead to a realization of our power as a collective, and of course, pissed those fat cats living in the central city right out of their fancy penthouses. It puts us on the map.”

“That’s why I organise.” She finishes. “I was appalled by the lack of generosity by those rich ponies living in Manehattan central, appalled that they wouldn’t just pitch in, just give a few bits to improve factory conditions, maybe sick pay in case some of us got into a particularly bad accident or something, maybe even better pay to help us improve ourselves. We don’t demand much, but the sheer selfishness out of everypony I’ve met who owns these factories, it forced our hoof to organise.”

I nodded at Ocellus’ reasoning. “So you think the ponies living in this city isn’t generous enough?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Everywhere I look, everypony acts like bits and only bits are the thing that matters to them. Being generous? Being charitable? Being compassionate towards the ones who aren’t so lucky? Well, too bad! I can’t stand that. If I must compel these ponies to be more generous, then I’d do it in a place I know best, in the factory floor.”

I nodded at Ocellus’ reasoning. I thought that she is the element of Honesty, and there is still a possibility for that. But after that? Potential element of Generosity seems more apt to describe her.

“Yo Starlight!” Sonata’s voice shrieked, seemingly breaking the rather tense atmosphere of the apartment. “Do you know Ocellus’ apartment has. A. Television. Set! There’s TV now in Equestria!!!”

The Changeling looked at her, one of her eyebrows raised, and then turned back towards me. “Does she… always snoop around?”

“She’s Sonata. She’s going to do whatever she’s going to do. Don’t worry. I don’t think she’s harmful, maybe…”

After Sonata’s sudden outburst, we continued discussing about the possibility of us aiding them. Ocellus’ comrades don’t seem to be trusting of a bunch of Ponies (and Siren/ Seapony hybrid) suddenly offering help, and I do have to bend the truth of our mission here in a very roundabout way. Stating that we’re here from Canterlot, volunteers to further the cause of Harmony in other places. Thankfully they seemed to believe that, although Tempest must explain her reasoning to be here in such a complex manner. Weaving a story about regret for lives lost during the Changeling-Equestrian war, and how she wanted to make lives better or whatever.

Eventually, they all seemed convinced, but Ocellus signaled that she has to talk to the other organizers in private. Wanting to clear her head about our sudden offer. They all entered into a certain room, asked us not to snoop, and closed the door.

We hard a lot of muffled words being thrown around, some banging of the table, alright, a LOT of banging, and all of that lasted for 10 to 15 minutes. Eventually though, the chaos seemed to subside, and the door opened. Ocellus stepping out first. “Alright, you’re in, all of you. We meet tomorrow at noon to discuss further plans, I’ve got an idea on how we can compel a Robber Baron to improve the conditions of his factories. But we’ll discuss that tomorrow. It’s getting late and we all need our sleep.”

We all nodded and left after some further pleasantries. The bohemian atmosphere of Ocellus’ room shifting into the dullness of the apartment block, before shifting again into the positively noir atmosphere of Manehattan at night. I looked at a clock hanging near a square, 8:35 it reads. Jeez, have we talked for that long? Nevermind. We only need to find a good hotel, rest our heads, and then-

My thoughts were once again interrupted by a black car suddenly stopping right in front of us. From there, a bunch of ponies, some of them wielding wooden sticks, but some of them wearing guns, suddenly came out and surrounded us.

“Come with us, we don’t want no trouble ladies.” One of them said. “We know that you visited the ELO leader. And we just want a nice, friendly, talk.”

To be honest, I never thought this would happen. A visit with a potential element of generosity and then we got roped into a bunch of goons? Well, at least my first day in Manehattan is rather... eventful.

I started powering my horn. But that thought was suddenly interrupted with Tempest tapping my back.

“Don’t turn your head.” A voice came straight into my head. “But I don’t think that we have to fight these ponies, let’s see where they take us, hopefully we can glean some information about who their leader is, and hopefully put an end into their petty schemes.”

Ah, using a mind-talk spell. Alright, hopefully she’s set up a two-way street for this. Here goes nothing.

“You’re sure about this Tempest? Don’t you know a thing or two about foalnapping? And the thing about ‘second location’ and such stuff?”

“Yes, I know that very well. I’ve been trained, both in the Storm King and Equestrian militaries on how to handle such a situation, don’t worry too much Sunset. I will not let them kill you or do anything stupid.”

I powered down my horn, but my mind’s still unsure.

“Calm down Sunset.” Tempest telekinetically spoke. “I wouldn’t do this if I don’t know what I’m doing. I know every last nook and cranny of this city and its surrounding area. Calm down, and get onto the car, okay?”

Alright then. I really hope she has a good idea of what she’s doing. I powered down my horn and opened my mouth. “Alright, alright. Every-creature, get onto the car, I don’t want to shed any blood tonight.”

“What?!?” I heard both Starlight and Sonata exclaim. Yeah, I kinda expected this.

“You’re just going to let them take you?” Starlight asked. “C’mon! We can take on these chumps.”

“Yeah! what she said.” Sonata complemented. “I may have lost my gem, but I haven’t lived this long just because of luck. C’mon Sunset, we can take ‘em!”

“No, we’re not going to. fight them, just get in the car.”

There seems to be some murmur of confusion, but eventually, both Starlight and Sonata conceded and both of them entered the car, myself and Tempest also joining with them. The interior of the car inside smells like a ton of cigarettes and old age, and as the other ponies entered in, weapons and all, the first thing they did was put a bunch of magic suppression rings into mine’s, Tempest’s, and Starlight’s horns. Before putting all of us into a blindfold.

The car ride was relatively uneventful, a couple of stops, some yelling from the driver, and just some bright lights filling in our heads. I do wonder what Tempest’s game is from all of this, but it better be good. I don’t want ‘dying’ as part of my resume at this moment.

The car eventually stopped, and the mafia wannabes pushed us into walking with them. A door was opened, we walked in, and after some very generous pushes, and a bunch of more closed doors. We all stopped.

They pulled out our hoods, and all I see was a room filled with Gems, Gold, and all manner of luxuries. Porcelain from the Kirin lands, elaborate carvings from Zebrica, even some Griffon fine craftsmanship was present as well.

And in the center of it, a turned chair with a pony staring at a distance, staring at a scenery of a beautiful garden from a glass wall. An elaborate wooden table right in front of the turned chair.

“Well, I certainly didn’t expect the Rector of the School of Friendship, an Equestrian General, and a former student of Princess Celestia to come up and ruin my plans. But I certainly welcome to challenge.”

The chair turned, and I saw the face of a purple Earth Pony with a rather gaudy silver mane. ‘Mr Gladmane’ reads the plaque in front of his table.

“Now then, why don’t you all fine ladies take a seat. You too Seapony.” He ordered, the mafia ponies cocking up their gun. Understandable, we all took a seat. “Tie them up gentleponies!” He screamed further, and an array of ropes and cuffs bounded us into our seats.

Tempest. You better be smart about this.

“Mr Gladmane is it?” I asked. Trying to not piss him off unnecessarily. “I assume you own a factory in Manehattan?”

“Oh? Factories? Me? No no no! I own hotels, resorts, luxury penthouses. All of them filled with honorable and hard working ponies.” He boasted. “Honorable and hard working Ponies that are just about to delude themselves into unionizing.”

“Now, I don’t seem to notice all you three lovely ladies have been ‘round these parts of town for quite some time. But I can tell ya this, stay out of mine and my good friends’ business, and you’ll be on your merry way to a life filled without worries. How ‘bout that?”

Gears inside of me starts to turn, if this person is what I think he is, from his flashy suit to his gaudy room and up to his horribly styled mane. I think I can gather some nice info about his whole posse of ponies.

“So, who are your friends exactly?” I asked. “And why would you must go all this way to foalnap us like this?”

“Ah, lovely mare. Well, that is quite a story. But I suppose you’re going to spend all night in the basement thinking about that. I ain’t giving no secret ‘bout my business partners and esteemed guests here in Manehattan! Nice try though.”

I only rolled my eyes and sighed. Well, it’s a good try at the very least. “Take these lovely ladies to the cellar boys. And make sure that they have the best accommodations for such prominent individuals. I certainly wouldn’t like it if the war hero Tempest Shadow is treated badly.” He ordered, as the orderlies started gagging us and lifted us up. He came forward to me and smiled. “It’s certainly nice meeting you miss Shimmer, Tempest, Starlight, and Sonata. But I’m afraid I have to call it a day. We’ll see you tomorrow, and discuss further matters.”

Going to Manehattan, Part 3

Gladmane’s cellar feels less like a cellar and more like a well lit storage room. With oppressively bright lights hanging from the ceiling, and of course. Wines and other vintage classics being stored at racks. I noticed some particularly fancy brands, coming from some Chateau’s in the Prance region in Equestria, some of them I’ve personally drink with Celestia before my trip to the other world. Say what you want about this Gladmane’s style, but at least he sure knows his wine.

Unfortunately, for all of us, we were bound and gagged, forced to observe in silence as silent mutters from Gladmane and the other Mafia Ponies emanate from the ceiling.

“I told ya! The society’s gonna loooove when they hear about some bigtime general and the rector of Ponyville’s finest school is acting in tandem with the common rabble. Just think about it, all the nobles, all those formerly rich landowners throughout Equestria, now knowing that the hero that saved Equestria is now on the side of the commoners? that’ll put some fire on the Princesses’s rump! that’s for sure.”

“But boss, you sure this’ll work? if everypony knows that these figures are on the side of the labourers, you think that’ll propel them to side with them even more?”

“Bah! We’ll just cut their pay if they show any affection to their cause, compel the rabble to our cause if necessary. Speaking of that, I think I’m going to have to publish a guide on how to do that. Hmmm… is ‘ensuring the Rabble stays loyal’ a good title?”

“Very good boss!” The mafia ponies seemed to cheer him on. “Anyway, I think we’re going to part away for tonight. It’s getting late.”

“Ah, of course! sleep well tonight. I’ve got some big plans for tomorrow.”

After that rather unusually nice send off by Gladmane. The silence of all of us looking at the conversation above turned into a frenzy the moment we hear Gladmane’s trotting ever more distantly. "Yo Tempest, is this what you want? a scenario that would befit some really bad fanfiction?" I asked. "I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be on the receiving end of whoever this ‘society’ is, sounds like a bunch of super shady ponies for me."

“That’s good, because I’m way ahead of you.”

I noticed everyone’s head suddenly turned and they all saw Tempest already freed of her bonds. I don’t know if her spell can also read emotions, but I hope that she doesn't read mine. If it weren’t for the gag preventing me from mouthing off, I would’ve dropped my mouth straight up.

Tempest’s horn glowed, her horn ring obviously missing, and proceeded to free us from our bonds. I also noticed that she severed her mental connection with me. Now leaving me free to wildly speculate as to how she managed to free her bonds so quickly. Does the Equestrian military include escape artist training as well?

“H-how?” I predictably asked. Adjusting my jaw as the strain from the gag is now being felt throughout my mouth. “How is that possible?”

“Just some training regimen during my time with the Storm King.” Tempest replied, “you learn a lot of things when you are the second in command of probably the largest army in Zebrica. And a lot of them also includes escaping from tight situations and/ or capture.”

“Anyway.” I heard Starlight replying. “That’s nice and all, but why do you bother getting us into such trouble in the first place? You know that we can gank those worthless two bit mafias if we want to.”

“Well, It’s simple. I want to see who our main foes are. If what Gladmane says here is true, which I don’t doubt it is, then we don’t really have the firepower to challenge them directly. We have to convince them to either back off, or get some firepower in the process. It’s fortunate that I notice a bunch of really official looking paperwork in Gladmane’s office, especially during his little gloating session about how he has captured us and all that fun stuff. Remain in here, I have to go fast but stealthy, Starlight, Sunset, can you prepare a teleportation spell? preferably back into that Pronx subway station?”

I looked at Starlight, we both smirked at each other, and nodded. “Of course. Just be careful tempest.”

“I will, don’t worry about me.” She said, trotting rather quietly into the cellar door. Opening it and surprised that there are no locks in place, and walked into the luxurious interior of Gladmane’s mansion.

Well, time to prepare that spell. “So, Starlight, rector of the School of Friendship. Nice job you have there.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it.” She replied, powering up her horn as we striked a conversation. The sudden change of tone from serious to now more jovial surprised the Siren for a bit. Looking at us with eyes that scream confusion all over.

“You ponies are weird, you know that?” She said. Both myself and Starlight ignoring her comments.

I didn’t sign up in the Equestrian Military just to see my country’s values of Harmony be destroyed just like that, I didn’t sign up and fight that war just to see ponies living in cities like Las Pegasus or Manehattan spit on Magic, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, and Kindness like It’s some archaic idea of a long dead nation.

No, screw that! I know very well of the potential risks of agreeing to Sunset Shimmer’s little expedition. I was one of the very few that was briefed on the full scale of what she’s attempting. I have to be honest, her methods are… unorthodox, what, with her potentially getting a Changeling to become an element bearer. It's certainly... unorthodox.

But, I must agree that sometimes, unorthodox methods may be the key to search for a solution. Even if it does include getting a Changeling to hold the Elements of Harmony.

These are strange times I thought to myself, my hooves trotted but leaving no noise, courtesy of the special shoes I decided to wear just in case something like this might happen. It’s only made for Equestrian Special Forces and Spies the last time I recall, allows us effectively infiltrate a facility with the littlest amount of noise, magically enchanted to make sure no sound can be heard, while still retaining some of the sturdy capabilities of a regular military boot. I sneaked through the now darkened interior of Gladmane’s house, trawling like a hidden shadow, my silhouette the only thing ponies can sense if they can’t see me directly.

It took some time, but finally I have arrived in Gladmane’s room, the same veritable gaudy interior felt like it still shines even at night. I proceeded to ransack the room, grabbing any valuable piece of paper I can find, private dealings, contracts, secret correspondences, all of it I grabbed with my horn, and put it inside my suit’s compartments. We’re going to need all the ammunition we can get.

Something feels wrong, this almost feels too easy. It’s like somepony wants to set up something for all of us, the bonds in those chairs are too loose to just be an accident. It’s almost like he wants us to-

Oh my Celestia.

I grabbed all the remaining paperwork and proceeded to trotted outside of Gladmane’s room. Now, to get back into the cellar. I need to cross this hallway with a flowing stairway in the back, and a massive door in the front, a veritable entrance to Gladmane’s house, this would be the perfect situation for a bright light to emanate right from a conveniently opened door, just a perfect scene for a setup.

I ran straight towards the corridor, and just like clockwork, I knew it.

Bright lights flashed. I instinctively shielded my hooves from it, and as my eyes adjusted, I saw a series of figures, Gladmane among them, all of them wearing fancy clothes, and some of them wearing MMPD uniforms.

Oh you freaking bucker.

“General Tempest Shadow, come out now! No funny business!” The loudspeaker roared. So, this is his game now? Buck, I should’ve known this from a mile away, how could I’ve been so stupid!

I stepped out off of the limelight. Only to see a bunch of police cars, black luxury sedans, and a lot of ponies hanging around, some of them looked like they come straight from the Canterlot Nobility, dresses and suits and all, while some of them look like super hardened police officers, probably some war veterans in the mix as well. I saw grizzled chins and well maintained mane’s, old, worn down MMPD uniforms and dresses and suits at the same time.

“Well well. If it isn’t our lovely guest.” A pony from the group speaks out. “Stealing trade secrets from Gladmane’s legitimate business I see. How in the world did the Princesses’ underlings stoop so low.”

“You’re the one to talk.” I replied. “Using hostages in negotiations with royalty? Union busting? Colluding with the Police? I don’t see any of those values ringing well with the majority of ponies!”

“Tsk tsk, General Tempest Shadow. Such Anger, it’s so unbefitting of a mare of your stature. Perhaps I have to introduce myself, oh, and don’t forget about your friends now.”

I immediately saw a bunch of tied up ponies being dragged from the police blockade, and thrown into my proverbial lap, and, not surprising me at all. It’s the Sunset and the rest of her gang. I immediately ungagged the rest of the team and leaned down on the team. “Sorry girls.” I said, “it seems I really did underestimate the enemy.”

“You think?!?” Sunset retorted. “Gods, now we have to not only fight these ponies, but the MMPD as well?”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

“I… think we’d have enough of your plans Tempest.” Sonata replied, something to which I cannot retort, just my mouth opening and closing again. Way to go Tempest, good way to ruin your first impression.

“I guess you’re right.” I replied, only now shutting up as a certain well dressed Pony started trotting towards us. By the looks of it, a Stallion with a noble upbringing. If his mane and his rather stiff upper lip isn’t any indication.

“Pleasure meeting you. Name’s Silver Plate, I suppose it needs no introduction, but could you please hand over Mr Gladmane’s paperworks?”

My body instinctively shielded itself from his proposal, a slight shift of the body to make my stance look harder. No way, I’ve worked this hard to gain those papers, and I am NOT losing them and probably die in the process. I was about to say something when Sunset then stepped ahead of me, her eyes still defiant at the odds presented to her.

“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible Mr Silver Plate. I’ve already seen what you’ve done to the labourers of Manehattan, and I cannot just stand by while you exploit them like that.”

“Ohohoh, you are indeed a brave one Miss-”

“Sunset Shimmer.”

“Well, Ms. Sunset, if your desire is to be with the rabble, then perhaps you can join them.”

As if on cue, all the corrupt police officers trained their weapons on us. “Take care of them boys. We have no need of them.”

I instinctively prepared for the worst, a shield spell was casted from my horn as the sound of gun shots suddenly rang out in front of me. Luckily, I noticed a sudden orange tinge as Sunset assisted me in casting the spell. Time seemed to slow down for a while, but as the first bullets impacted the shield, time seemed to return to a normal pace.

And it’s hectic. Bullets ringing, screams and shouts, my horn struggling to keep the shield spell intact.

I was about to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bullets impacted the shield when a flash of light blue magic blinded me, and everything felt quiet again. I turned my head, my adrenalin still hasn’t died down from that confrontation, and saw the Manehattenite skyline all over again.

“Did Starlight just?”

“Teleported us? Yes.” Sunset replied. “I’d be honest, we came up with that plan last minute, police officers were suddenly swarming with the place and I had to give Starlight some last minute orders. Thank Celestia we made that out alive.”

I only nodded. “Well, if we want to prevent the whole city of Manehattan from jumping down on us, we better move quickly and fast. I have the documents, do you know a place where we can be safe?”

I looked at the group and immediately knew the response, none of them are really familiar with Manehattan to such an extent. I sighed, rubbing my temples at the current predicament we’re now in.

We should’ve just dispatched those gangster ponies in hindsight, why are you so stupid!!

“Alright. I know somepony that lives here, I know that she lives right here in Manehattan, but I need to make some calls. Don’t worry, she’s as harmless as a fly, she also makes some great vegetable empanadas the last time I saw her. I uhh, I need to get into a phone booth somewhere.”

I was about to trot when Sonata suddenly stormed up in front of me. “Hey Tempest, no offense, but the last time we went with your plan. It kinda fell down by the wayside, with police cars and all that, are you sure, like, reeeeally sure, like seriously serious sure, that she won’t betray us or do something crazy?”

“I’m sure of it. We didn’t fight 2 wars together for nothing.” I simply replied. Walking to a nearby telephone booth, putting some bits on, and then ringing up an old friend.

I have a feeling everyone will freak with how she looked, not sure about Starlight though. I think she has seen her. Maybe...

The apartment that Tempest brought us into is the very definition of luxury. Tempest has talked with this mysterious mare in question, and judging by the general’s reactions, she seems to be quite willing to harbour us for quite some time. A good thing considering that the entirety of the MMPD will be gunning us after this whole debacle, hopefully they wouldn’t snoop too hard on the more richer parts of Manehattan central.

Apparently this mysterious mare also has a good style in taste, the reception desk of this very luxurious apartment is made out of solid mahogany, with the random pieces of artwork decorating the sides of the lobby. There are sofas, tables, even what looks like a closed down restaurant. It is midnight at this point.

I did not expect that Tempest would know such a mare in the first place, looking at Starlight and Sonata. They both also share looks of absolute incredulity, just who is she? Is she another famous business pony or something? Tempest says that she fought in the war, but from what little information I’ve gathered, the most famous generals seem to just… vanish after the war ended, perhaps they just wanted to live their lives in solitude?

Tempest was seen briefly talking to the reception desk clerk, and after some nods and random miscellaneous paperwork that she has to sign. One of the many elevators lining up the lobby opened, it’s golden doors greeting us into what seemed like another world.

The ride itself was uneventful, I myself only spending time within the elevator thinking of scenarios where we might end up on top, and the only thing that I can think of is what’s inside of Tempest’s pockets, those documents are the key. I can only pray that Tempest has snatched as much evidence as she can, because otherwise, I don’t see an exit path out of this.

The elevator dinged, It’s doors opening into a single door. I looked at my sides and only saw wooden walls and well manicured trees beside it. The crimson mare tapped on the wooden door, it’s sheen carved with a symbol of the moon, and the door, as if on command, opened up.

I couldn’t see much of what’s in front of me. She seems so small! Is she like the daughter of this mysterious girl Tempest’s been swooning about? Tempest seems rather excited talking to her though, discussing about recent events and recounting old memories, wait. Is she?

“Good news.” Tempest turned towards us. “Selenite here will allow us to stay for the time being, and she’ll try her best to do what she can so that we can weather this storm together.”

Besides Tempest, I can see a mare with a black coat and gray hair, she seems rather chipper for someone that seems to be woken up at night, her eyes are slitted, her mouth visibly sporting some fangs, and jet black leathery wings can be seen from her side.

“Your friend is a batpony?” I asked. “I never thought that-”

“Yeah, I know.” The batpony replied. Her voice much lighter and more chipper than I expected. “I guess us more ‘dark aligned’ ponies need to stay together or something. Come in, come in.”

“By the way, that’s a joke.”

We immediately entered into this batpony’s penthouse, a veritable treasure trove of luxury and riches, as the door closed. The full extent of her wealth became much apparent for everyone to see. Large TV Sets, a well endowed kitchen, sofas and rugs seemingly imported from Zebrica or Griffonia, and all of them styled in a way that fits more of a noble household than the home of such a seemingly small in stature batpony.

And by Celestia, she’s so small! Roughly half my height, she doesn’t seem to be particularly imposing at all, a definite break from the usually very intimidating creatures. This Selenite seems to be much more optimistic, her beaming smile almost radiating out of her very dark coat. I would’ve guessed she’s almost permanently happy to an extent.

If it weren’t for Tempest Shadow’s reference, I would’ve never thought of her to be a soldier. I guess wars can bring even the strangest of ponies into the limelight.

“Anyway.” She said, now laying down at her couch. Looking at all of us intently. “How can the former Night General Selenite help you? I’m sure my skills as a former Night Guard to Princess Luna can be of use.”

My head struggled to comprehend what was in front of me. Here is a batpony, usually a pony group much more reserved by Equestrian standards, and from my personal experience, never possessing this much wealth, a rather small batpony I might add, a contrast to the usual picture of what I think a batpony should be, seemingly living in the lap of luxury, in addition to being a former night guard of Princess Luna as well.

“Uhh. I, I need sometime to think.” I replied, having a hard time comprehending what was in front of me.

Going to Manehattan, Part 4

Alright, I guess some explanation may be needed as to why I’m rather surprised by her.

I guess everyone remembered the story of Hearth's Warming Eve, the story of the 3 tribes that banded together and formed Equestria. Well, the actual story, as in the literal book of Hearth's Warming Eve does mention that there is another tribe of ponies that followed the original three tribes into the land of Equestria, they call themselves Thestrals, although by the wider population, the term ‘Batpony’ is much more commonly used. Very much night creatures as their names would suggest, they usually reside on the southern jungles of Equestria, living off the land as best they can while mingling with the few tribal ponies that live there.

After Discord was defeated, and Princesses Luna and Celestia ascended to become Equestria’s new rulers. The Batponies, formerly ignored, began to venture out more into the world, interested in this so called Princess Of The Night, their culture would slowly evolve into one that would revere Luna significantly more than Celestia, partially due to their nature of being almost natural nocturnals, which makes them appreciate Luna’s night even more, and also due to the rather secluded nature of the Batpony tribe, leading them to develop a significantly different culture than the rest of the three tribes. Times were good, if a bit different.

Luna turning into Nightmare Moon would turn the world upside down for them. As Ponies began associating the Thestrals with Nightmare Moon, slowly, they distanced themselves, returning to their reclusive jungle cities in Southern Equestria. Princess Celestia, understanding the Bat Ponies’ desire to be forgotten, purged all pre-Nightmare Moon records of their existence, leading them to become a sort of ‘lost’ fourth tribe. As the years turn into decades, and decades turn into centuries, stories about Nightmare Moon turned to myth, and so was with the Thestrals as well. I don’t need to tell you that everything changed once Nightmare Moon returns and Batponies were then thrusted into the limelight once more.

I live in a weird time. I left Equestria too soon to see the Batponies return, yet when I returned, Batponies were not necessarily too integrated into society. It’s almost like I walked into a time capsule, seeing a society that was once shrouded in myth suddenly thrusted into modernity.

And a member of these Batponies was staring right into my eyes, looking very confused as she turned her head at my apparent daydreaming. “Hey uhh, you alright there?”

“W-what? Oh sorry, I was just daydreaming is all.” I replied, now rather embarrassed. “I’m sorry, but this is the first time I’ve ever met a batpony before, I’ve only read about your tribe from old books and Twilight’s journal responses. Guess i’ve got some catching up to do.”

“Uhh, i’ve never read Princess Twilight’s personal journal before, but i’m assuming that you’ve never encountered a batpony in person before.” She replied. “Well, I guess that for simplicity’s sake, i’ll just tell you that i’m not really any different from anypony you’ve ever met, I have my wants, desires, whatever. Only real difference is that i’m nocturnal and I love my fruits something fierce, other than that, nothing different.”

With myself still looking as if I just encountered some long lost treasure, I slowly nodded my head at the dark coated batpony. Not wanting to drag the issue further, i’m here on a mission after all, i’ll learn more about batponies once this whole ordeal is over, hopefully.

“Alright. So, Tempest, can you show me what you’ve got?” I asked. “You seem to have taken your time grabbing whatever documents were available in Gladmane’s house, let’s hope that the dirt you’ve got is worth it.”

The Crimson Mare nodded, walking over towards a coffee table before unloading various pieces of paperwork. As she is busy putting stacks of paper on top of each other, I trotted forwards and started looking at the documents, stacks of correspondences, discussions with fellow business owners, all the usual stuff.

Up until I stumbled upon a specific set of correspondences, a series of letters between Gladmane and a… well, that is certainly interesting. I’ll spare you the details, but it concerns some certain discussions between him and a very famous politician about attempting to break the power of the unions, and….. ah, delegitimizing Princess Celestia in the process, a lot of the wording sounds like it came straight out of some conspiracy, and it also didn’t help that the subjects of each letter was very blatantly saying ‘The Manehattan Plot.’

Looks like i’ve got my first dirt on this stallion. Raising my hoof, I motioned for Starlight to come forwards, “What do you think of this? Do you think that this’ll be enough?” I asked, giving the correspondence to her. The more she read it, the more I saw her eyes widened and her mouth frowned.

“Well, i’m going to assume that he’s in deep trouble.”

“Deep trouble? Sunset, this is a straight up conspiracy!!!” She screamed. “Conspiracy against the crown, conspiring with an elected official for private gain, corruption, arguably treason, all just from these sets of letters!”

I raised one of my eyebrows and turned to see that Tempest had just finished unloading all of Gladmane’s paperwork, now littering the coffee table. “I can only guess just how deep his correspondences get.” Starlight finished, now frowning very visibly. “I didn’t sign up on this adventure to get roped into a business conspiracy, but from what Applejack has told me, this Gladmane has always had a head towards trouble. I don’t need to tell you that these actions ain’t strengthening friendship and harmony in this city.”

She sighed, looking at the potential work in front of her. “Ocellus needs all of our help, if her employers are willing to go to such lengths to shut her down, we’re going to have to peruse every single piece of paper for evidence. Sunset, Tempest, Sonata. I know this is sudden of me to ask of you, but are you willing to help me in this? I ain’t standing by while Ponies like him act like they own Manehattan! Not while I'm still the rector of the School of Friendship.”

“Well, you don’t need to ask me twice.” I responded.

“You can obviously count on me.” Tempest said.

“Uhh, yeah. What do you think I am? A meanie?” Sonata replied.

“Alright then. Let’s get to it.” Starlight said, lighting her horn and immediately shifting papers around.

Well, this is certainly some very interesting paperwork to say the least. I am not very sure if it’s terribly illegal, but if what’s unearthed here is true, then i’m sure it will be all worth it.

Alright, a bit of a recap. After that little bit of a pep talk Starlight gave to us, with the added emphasis of helping Ocellus and her little labour union, we’ve found out that the Manehattan business community is just, well, terrible.

Strikebreaking, union busting, cajoling with politicians, bribing city officials and police officers, even planned assassinations! I want to say that they’ve overreacted, but considering the size of the strike we entered into, I’d say that this level of fear and disgust they’ve had towards Ocellus and her group is certainly, if not appropriate, then to be expected. Still though, such horrible ponies!

I think i’ve lost count at how many times they’ve mentioned the labourers working under them as ‘peons’ or ‘servants,’ with extra spice in case the workers they employ belong to another species. I haven’t been back on Equestria for long, but i’m pretty sure referring to Changelings as ‘bugs’ isn’t necessarily polite, nor appropriate.

Seriously, their lack of adaptiveness is mind boggling, heavily resistant to even the smallest of changes, even to the point of secretly referring to Rarity, Rarity! The Element of Generosity herself, as a ‘mistake!’ I think Ocellus would be very happy to see this, all of this, this is definite evidence we have against Gladmane and this little ‘society’ he’s a part of.

“Alright.” I said, wrapping up another series of private correspondences. “Don’t you think we have enough dirt on this Gladmane to have him rot in prison or something? I don’t know how many counts of bribery and corruption he’s going to get, but it certainly will be in the double digits.”

While I’m being rather pissed off, Sonata was silently comforting herself. This little group reading session was definitely hitting her. “I didn’t expect this Gladmane guy to be such an utter meanie!” Sonata said, wrapping her flippers around her chest. “I mean, why?!? For realsies why?!? Why can’t you pay your workers decently? Is it just too much to ask for?”

“Apparently for him, the answer’s a resounding ‘yes’.” Starlight responded. A hint of venom visible in her voice. “Well, at least we know what we have to do with this newfound information, although I’m not sure how we can convey it.”

“We can send a teleported letter to Celestia herself.” Tempest suggested. “She will no doubt take swift action once she receives this… disturbing bit of information.”

“No. I don’t think she’ll act, at least not in time.” I countered. “Taking such drastic action, without a good reason to do so will damage her reputation a bit. No, we need to set a primer. A way to set the conversation with the regular ponies of Manehattan. We need a public way to air this dirty laundry, and then we’ll have Celestia and the Royals take over.”

I was a former student of Princess Celestia, and I know that she doesn’t take things half rumped.Tempest’s suggestion might have worked, but it relies way too much on the situation on the ground. No, the groundwork must be set.

“Hey, Selenite.” I asked. “Is there a radio station in Manehattan?”

“Oh, yeah. Dozens, why do you ask?”

“Do you have a famous radio station where a sort of morning show is watched with millions of listeners tuning in?”

The batpony smiled at the tone of my voice. “Yeah, MNKV 105’s Morning Coffee for Manehattan. Are you planning to infiltrate that?”

“Sort of. I have a plan, and it hopefully won’t cost any blood. I just need an audience with the presenter, and potentially a bunch of cars. Can you do that?”

“Hmm.” Selenite pondered. “Well, I need to utilize most of my contacts here, but it is possible. Are you planning on doing a tell-all or something?”

“Yes, exactly that.”

“Alright then. I’ll see what I can do.” Selenite responded. Grimacing at the very thought of it. “You know that this will be a tough one right? MMPD and this weird ‘society’ thing is gunning after your rump, and the first thing you do is to waltz into one of Manehattan’s tallest buildings and announce to the world of their crimes.”

“I know that, but I must do this. I didn’t spend all that time in isolation just to be some inactive observer. And if my actions will help a good amount of ponies, and non-ponies, then i’m willing to take that chance.”

Selenite sighed, finally conceding. “I didn’t gain a comfy life just to potentially see all of it dragged into the muck. But you’re right, I can’t stand by and see creatures be dragged down and belittled like that. If anypony needs me, I’ll be right at the home telephone.” And with that, Selenite bolted out of the living room, leaving us to contemplate a plan.

“Alright, now we need to contact Ocellus, and about the cars...”

“Don’t worry about the car Sunset!” I heard Selenite scream across the hall. “I have tons of em, a lot of them are pretty fast too!”

The streetlight flickered off and on, it’s flickering the only thing illuminating the roadside at this time, Manehattan may be lively by day, but at midnight, and especially in early mornings, its streets were eerily quiet. Almost turning downtown Manehattan into a ghost town.

Suddenly, a door opened, myself exiting it. Only holding a cup of some particularly hot coffee, it’s insides drenching my mouth as I tasted it’s bitter fruit, it’s 5:00 AM, almost time for the plan to come to fruition.

I stared in front of me as the empty streets of Manehattan greeted me, the only thing of interest by the roadside was a black vehicle, a black vehicle with its engine still on, and inside of it, familiar figures looking back at me.

“I see that Manehattan’s Coffee Shops are still a thing huh? Never thought I can still have coffee with all the changes I see around me.”

“Well, that’s Manehattan for you.” I heard the driver, a certain Batpony, responded. “Always changing, but nonetheless, staying the same. I still don’t know why I chose to live in this city. I’ll be honest.”

I laughed a little bit before entering the car. “Has Ocellus been briefed about the plan Starlight? And have the cars been delivered?”

“Yep. Just sent a message towards her apartment, thank Celestia they have unicorns as part of her group. She’s gathering all the cars available within reach of her members, if everything goes according to plan, it should be a walk in the park.”

“And the other cars?” I asked.

“Selenite’s other cars have also been transported, Ocellus has told me that she’ll be there when it happens. You… were there when we teleported the cars y’know. Did you forget or something?”

A blush formed inside my cheeks. “Sorry, this whole thing sounds ludicrous, I just forgot that we teleported all those cars together.”

“Well, let’s hope they don’t wreck my other cars too much.” Selenite complemented. “I paid good money for those things, but considering the plan you propose….... Well, anything to expose their corruption I guess.”

“Don’t worry Selenite. I’m sure that Celestia will compensate you in some way or another. Especially once she has heard of your exploits this morning.” I finished. Still busy sipping my morning coffee.

As the darkened sky started turning into a more dark blue. I heard multiple chatters from the radio, all that chatter I slowly tuned out, revealing a single chatter of a certain Changeling.

“Hello, Sunset? You there?”

I grabbed the speaker of the radio. “Yeah, I'm here, you ready?”

“You sure about this? This plan seems rather… wild, don’t you think?”

“Well, if you have the MMPD and the entire upper class gunning after you, what do you think I should do? Just lay down and do nothing?”

“... Fair point, i’ll meet you in 2 hours then. Let’s get this show on the road.”

As if on cue, Selenite turned on the lights of her car. Her hind legs predictably pushing at the gas pedal, the car’s V8 engine roaring into life from it’s silent sputter.

“Alright then, we good?” She asked.

“Yep, let’s go!” I replied, and the car left, leaving behind a trail of rubber, smoke, and engine noises.

Author's Note

Sorry for the late update, so I guess 2 chapters is hopefully good compensation for my tardiness.

Also, Selenite's car, in case you're wondering.

Going to Manehattan, Part 5

Hey there, I'm Selenite, the batpony helping Sunset and her lil crew here, they’re currently sitting at the back of my car, talking to themselves about the little plan they just hatched, fun stuff! But you might be wondering about other things aren’t you? Like say, why I decided to help her, share my entire car collection with a group of labourers, and drive around the group in probably the car I cherished the most. For any normal pony, such a proposition would be insanity, but fortunately for Sunset, I am no normal pony.

To make things short, I'm a batpony, and throughout the centuries bigotry against batponies has been a near constant after Nightmare Moon’s banishment. Only recently with Luna’s return has that outright hatred been subsiding, and I feel for the labourers protesting for their rights. The long answer? Well, it’ll take some time to explain.

The radio chattered as I drove the car, the early morning slowly giving way as Celestia’s sun rose. it’s still a 30 minute drive to the building, but from what the radio’s been saying, everything’s going well.

Alright, back to the story. I guess we have to start my story with “How, how in the world did I gain enough cash to get a nice penthouse, some nice cars, and possibly the best view of Manehattan around?” Well, after the war, my pockets stacked with money from the veterans’ bill Princess Celestia had recently passed, I immigrated to Manehattan in search for a job, while in the first couple of months I found nothing, I met this quite amazing pony by the name of Coco Pommel. She mentioned a play that she’s working the costumes on, and while we talked, Coco talked about how the cast of that play needed some actors to play a role.

I heard that, decided that “whatever pays the bill, works”, and auditioned for the play. I didn’t get the role, but I did get the attention of some of the judges, judges that were working on other plays in Manehattan’s Bridleway. 2 weeks later, I received a letter detailing another audition, an audition one of the judges is working on. I took the job, and my name was immediately out. Selenite, Batpony Extraordinaire! Playing as the Countess of Mount Foalia!

I went from being a rather renowned soldier, into the talk of Bridleway all of a sudden.

One thing led to another, I got an agent, and a career as a Bridleway Actress just opened up to me. I wouldn’t say that I am the best at my job, but when Princesses Luna and Twilight have seen plays worked by you, in all it’s acting glory and all that. I think that I know a thing or two about acting nowadays.

And to think that I was planning to work in a freaking factory when I arrived in Manehattan! Life does throw you a lot of curveballs. Not every player can hit a curveball, but it appears that this curveball was beneficial for me.

Not every pony has the benefits I have, and I have every intention of helping them if I have the ability to do so. Being a former officer, a high ranking one, within the Equestrian Military does have some… advantages in terms of organising stuff.

My train of thought was suddenly broken when I heard police car sirens blare up, a car carrying a bunch of very pissed off factory workers were being chased by a police vehicle. Its sirens blasting as loud as it can as the car swerved into another road, the cops too busy chasing the car to give notice to the visibly orange mare sitting right next to me. And they just speeded off, past us.

“Well, it seems your plan’s working.” I said, looking at Sunset.

“I know it’s pure chaos, but it is working.” Sunset responded. “You know why we need this type of chaos right? Instead of just teleporting straight into the tower?”

I nodded.

After the war, a couple of technologies were developed to detect and prevent instant teleportation, military operations with teleportations are always a constant pain in the rump back then. What was once a system designed for the war slowly turned into a system designed by the Police Force to prevent unwanted intrusion. True, the number of unicorns that can teleport like say, Princess Twilight or Starlight Glimmer are few and far in between. Nonetheless, while technologies to prevent teleportation spells are still few and far between, technologies that can DETECT teleportation are a very different story.

And the MMPD conveniently has an entire department dedicated towards detecting any magical emissions from teleportation spells. A department that must be working overtime. I imagine, when you have Starlight and Tempest disagreeing with who you take money from, that they would think some teleportation spells would be in play.

“Sorry for putting you in the spotlight though.” Sunset continued. “There’s no other way to get your cars into Ocellus’ hoof without some massive teleportation spells.”

“Eh, don’t worry too much Sunset. I have my lawyers, you don’t get to become a famous actress without some insurance.” I responded. “Anyway, I think we’re nearing the building. Wanna call Ocellus?”

“Yep.” Sunset responded, grabbing the radio and adjusting it’s frequency. Anyway, where was I, oh, right.

I guess explaining some “whys” are also in order.

Why, why would some famous actress of a Bridleway stage show be more than willing to help out a bunch of factory workers? It does sound perplexing doesn’t it? Well, if you know anything about batponies, and a lil bit of my own personal history. It would make the reasoning obvious.

But since you don’t know both, I guess I should start with my own tribe. Thestrals are pretty unique within Equestria, a mysterious fourth pony tribe that did participate in the formation of Equestria, although in a much more roundabout way. Batpony tribes were busy doing a little bit of Earth Pony work and a little bit of Pegasi work when the Windigo storm hit. Knowing that there were better lands in the south, we didn’t bother ourselves with going to that fateful summit of the three tribal leaders. We just straight up packed up and left.

When the other three tribes settled their differences and founded the first iteration of Equestria, our existence flew straight under the radar of all three of ‘em. They thought that Thestrals died in the freezing north, particularly since not only did our tribe not participate in the summit, but there are no visible signs of us in this new land of Equestria.

For a while, this situation persisted, even before Equestria’s first founding, relationships between Thestrals and the other tribes weren’t necessarily the best, so we decided to live more isolated, trading occasionally with the southern ponies for what we needed. It was only when Princesses Celestia and Luna ascended to the throne after Discord’s chaos did we start venturing out, primarily encouraged by the Moon Princess herself, but after Nightmare Moon, bigotry against batponies rose to unprecedented heights, and with a collective sigh and much regret, we isolated ourselves once more with the help of Celestia.

It’s only with Luna’s return did we start venturing out again. Although it seems that our second venture is looking more successful than the last one. Batponies served in the military at an unprecedented scale during the war, yours truly included. We became generals, ministers, factory workers, you name it, and the sudden inclusion of batponies into Equestrian life, although it did garner some consternation, didn’t result in the bigotry that we expected. Thank Twilight and her friends for that. Magic of Friendship and all that jazz.

But still, the question persists. Why did I decide to help them? If the history of the batponies, and their near constant isolation and bigotry thrown into them isn’t enough of an answer, then perhaps the history of a certain batpony, a batpony that encountered frequent bigotry by her employers even after her escapades in the Equestrian Military, a batpony that only got her lucky break because a certain cream colored mare decided to be a good enough friend and put a good word out about myself, should be good enough to be enough evidence that this is a cause i’m very sympathetic to.

I’ve encountered enough crap from some very horrible ponies, even nowadays. I won’t let creatures that are less fortunate than me encounter the same problems.

Gosh, that was a very long series of monologues ain’t it? I really need to stop my daily self talk sessions, this is getting a bit out of hoof.

Good timing as well, since I see the visage of the Manehattan Comms tower right now. The bright banner of the host, Morning Coffee, hangs proudly at one of the tower’s commercial spaces.

“We are approaching the building, tell Ocellus to meet us at the Underground parking lot. Also, bring whatever protesters you have to barricade the building.” I ordered, turning the car and heading towards the conveniently located underground parking lot. So far, so good.

We waited for some time, I noticed that all of Sunset’s group were visibly alert and on guard, probably not wanting to take any chances. I could see the air, already stuffy and hot within the car park, turn even more hot just by the situation alone. Corrupt cops duking it out against war veterans and the rector of the School of Friendship has a very real possibility of turning real bad, real quick.

It’s a good thing that the next car that arrived after us isn’t some police cruiser, but a loaned vehicle I just donated, this time, carrying a certain blue Changeling as its passenger. This Ocellus quickly jumped off the car as it stopped, trotted rapidly towards Sunset, and nodded.

“So, you ready?”

“As ready as I'll ever be Ocellus.” Sunset responded, “Alright, we just need all of you to form with the rest of the group of protesters outside. Starlight, Tempest, if any cops start shooting, I hope you can create a barrier big enough to prevent the bullets from coming through.”

Both of them nodded and trotted out.

“Now, Sonata, I'd like you to distract the cops as much as possible, make yourself as distracting as possible. Create weird faces, taunt them, do whatever. If we can take off the head of the protesters, then that’s all the better for us.”

“Definitely!” the Seapony mock saluted, before she then set off to the parking lot herself.

“And Selenite. I know I'm already asking a lot of you, and it’s not in my place to ask for more, but would you mind acting as overwatch for the protesters? Point out some areas that they want to occupy, some areas they want to stay clear off, warn them of incoming police cruisers, all that stuff?”

I nodded without hesitation. “I’ve already helped you this far Sunset. Count me in.” And rapidly flew out of the parking garage.

I guess it’s time to show these police fools why me and my friends were called ‘Luna’s finest’ during the war. A single flap of my wing, a little bit of concentration, and I'm immediately overlooking the entire building from the sky, many ponies, buffaloes, changelings, and labourers of all species started congregating. And yet, I can visibly hear the police sirens from afar.

Alright, let’s get to work.

I’m nervous, and I shouldn’t be.

A short elevator ride took us off of the parking lot and into the main lobby of the big skyscraper, one does not need to be observant to see the thousands of protesters barricading the building, all of this just from the word of a single Changeling…

I could see their banners, bright, colourful, and brimming with dissatisfaction and anger. Some banners sported the same words i’ve already seen, but some of them sport new phrases, some of them sporting rather pointed reminders to the factory owners of who actually works there, while some of them focuses more on the discrimination non-pony species encounter in the workplace.

All of them are angry, and all of them look very passionate, some of them are cheering us very, very loudly, so loud that even inside the lobby of this building, with the marble pillars and a very visible glass wall separating us from the protesters, their cheers reverberate through the glass windows.

We both nodded and waved at the protesters, trying our best to not stand out as we made our way to the receptionist’s desk. A rather elegant wooden table with a glasses wearing mare sitting behind it. There is a small metal placard in front of her, and it reads ‘Silver Lining.’

“Welcome!” She greeted, her voice visibly chipper at seeing both of us. “I assume you are the two ponies that Selenite sent for?”

“Yes. We are.” I responded. “Sorry for the commotion outside, it seems that the protesters are rather rowdy aren’t they?”

“Oh, don’t worry about a thing Miss… uhh, Shimmer. We’re so used to protests happening in Manehattan at this point, it’s fine.” Silver Lining replied, her tone seemingly meant to comfort both of us. “Well, Morning Coffee is practically ready, take the elevator behind me, and just click on floor number 48. After that, it should be pretty straightforward.”

“Thank you.” Ocellus responded, promptly leaving her as we both made our way past the wooden table, and into the rather grand lobby room, we trotted rather quickly, walking past several busy employees and quickly reaching the elevator. I immediately pressed floor 48, and I felt like there’s a small uptick of gravity in my hooves, as expected from an elevator going up.

“Whew.” Ocellus sighed. “Are you still sure about this? I mean, you did show me the documents, and I did agree to expose it. But uhh, are you still sure? We are going to be taking a step into the unknown you know?”

“Yes.” I answered, no hesitation in my voice. “We are going to talk with Morning Coffee, expose the secrets of this weird ‘Society’ or something, and hopefully this will force the Princesses to take action. I wouldn’t be the pony I am today without having some empathy, and the dialogues Gladmane has with his associates are just… ugh.”

The blue Changeling nodded, her face visibly forming a disgusted visage the moment I mentioned Gladmane. “You can say that again.”

We talked a little bit more during our ride up, more about her labour situation, how Manehattan’s doing nowadays, and a bunch of other miscellaneous topics, some of them related to what we’re gonna do, some of them completely out of left field. Throughout this conversation though, I realized more and more that Ocellus could very well be the Element of Generosity, just hearing her talk about how it’s natural for reformed Changelings to share love to another species, and how this relationship is mutually beneficial for both the Changeling and the individual receiving love, and how she has been relatively generous with what little stuff she has, organising soup kitchens, helping the downtrodden by organising food collection services in conjunction with her regular job and her labour organising is very nice to hear.

A particular story stuck with me though. Ocellus mentioned about how, during one Hearth's Warming Eve, she was walking back home, and met a pony that she’s sure is freezing, other ponies just seemed to ignore the plight of this certain pony, but Ocellus noticed her, and not only brought her back home, gave her free hot cocoa and allowed her to sleep for the night, but even allowed her to stay in her house for like, 6 months until she could get a job and a new apartment. Talk about being generous, even I don’t think I could host somepony for half a year.

I probably need to talk to Celestia about her, she’s definitely a strong candidate for the Element of Generosity.

The elevator dinged, its doors opening, revealing to both of us the interior of a rather stuffy studio, crew ponies busy taking notes, making sure the radio equipment’s working, and in the center of it all was Morning Coffee, a white coated, brown haired Stallion, standing in the center of it all. His face looked rather chipper for someone regularly hosting a morning radio show. His face lightened up as he saw both of us. “Ah! Just the two ladies I needed. Come in Come in!”

We both entered into the radio room, a mix of foamy, noise cancelling material and some regular radio equipment I wouldn’t expect existed in Equestria at all. I saw metal microphones hanging off of the table, some comfortable leather seats, and most importantly, all of us were present in the room with Morning Coffee in tow.

“So, the show will start in like, 5 minutes. So just prepare everything you have and we’ll go from there, okay?”

We both nodded, and I started sharing documents with Ocellus. We discussed in detail which part we’re going to talk more, which part we’re going to talk less. By the end of the 5 minutes a clear plan formed within both of our heads.

Showtime.

“Aaaaaaand goooood morning Manehattan!!” Morning Coffee screamed through the radio. His shrill yet enthusiastic voice reverberating throughout the room. “I am your host, Morning Coffee, and you’re listening to Morning Coffee for Manehattan! How y'all ponies doing? Well I hope, another day of work and work and work and work, sure is a bit boring isn’t it? Well, worry not! For I have some rather spicy news items for our listeners. Here we have madam…”

“Sunset Shimmer.”

“And here we have!”

“Ocellus.”

“And these two ladies have just uncovered some rather interesting bits of evidence. Evidence that might SHOCK all of you to the core ladies and gentlemen!”

He then signals for both of us to start whatever it is we want to do.

“Well, thank you Morning Coffee.” I started. “Yes, it is indeed shocking, i’m sure some of you listeners might know of Ocellus here, and yes, this is the same Ocellus, leader of the Equestrian Labour Organisation standing right beside me here. I am also sure that the main points of resistance against Ocellus’ organisation is the mares and stallions within the Manehattan business community. Well, after a bit of digging, it appears that we have uncovered some serious bits of evidence that might prove to be rather… well, disturbing.”

“Morning Coffee, how about we start with the Business Community’s various plans to assassinate some of the leaders of the ELO?”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been through many things in my life, even through both wars, but oh my goodness! What you’re seeing here is the real deal folks.” Morning Coffee said.

“Well, that’s just the tip of it.” Ocellus replied. “We have discussed hmm, planned assassinations, cajoling with politicians, corruption, oh right! How about oligarchy huh? We have even more of Gladmane’s letters with some of his business friends here, let’s see…. Ah! Here it is. The subject reads ‘cooperation.’ Let me just read to you the contents of the letter.”

I glanced at the clock, it has been some 1 hour and 30 minutes since the radio show started, and Ocellus has just finished reading yet another series of letters from Gladmane, this time detailing Gladmane’s treatment of his workers, and just how horrible they are.

Wait, the show ends in an hour and 30 minutes right?

“Well, Ocellus and Sunset. I have to say, this is quite a shocker, I certainly never expected that such a wide conspiracy was right under our noses! I’m sure we will hear more about this in the coming days ladies and gentlemen, nonetheless, we are out of time. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I would end the show myself. But I think I'll let Ocellus end it, I think that it would be appropriate at the very least.”

“Thank you Morning Coffee. Firstly, I must say my thanks towards the millions of labourers that are members of our organisation, it is truly with your support that our cause has reached so far, secondly, I thank Sunset Shimmer and her group for finding these sets of papers and informing the ELO about it. If it weren’t for her, this opportunity to expose the corruption within the Manehattan business community would not be possible, and thirdly, I must thank Morning Coffee for willingly hosting both of us in his show. You have provided a platform for exposing just how far this conspiracy has reached.”

“I implore you, Manehattenites of all kinds, to bring accountability within the Manehatttan Business community. I wish that we all just worked constantly and received good wages, but, as these papers have shown, even the most ‘well intentioned’ stallions won’t give us the pay that we worked for. If you want to join the organisation, just meet one of the protesters currently protesting at the building where this show is held, or go to the ELO headquarters in your respective boroughs. It will be the one building with the logo of Equestria and multiple appendages holding it, with a black hammer in the center. We will never decline any willing volunteers, and we need all the help we get.”

Ocellus then nodded, and then the show immediately cuts towards a commercial break. Morning Coffee looked at both of us, before he then grabbed something from a bag below the table, and started unveiling a checking book, and a notebook.

“Alright. So that is pretty disturbing.” He said, writing down a check. “And I am not going to associate myself with those kinds of disgusting ponies, you said you need any form of assistance right? How does a check for 50,000 Bits sound?”

We both opened our jaws, Ocellus then frantically nodding at the request. “Don’t worry, I was born in a poor family myself, some nothing farmers just outside Manehattan. I know what it’s like having no way out. Just consider this a helping hoof.” Morning Coffee said, ripping the piece of paper and then giving it to Ocellus. “Just use it wisely.” He said, before he then grabbed a notebook and started writing.

“There is a member of the Equestrian Diet that I know of, although she doesn’t work in Manehattan. But she does have a good ear on helping underrepresented individuals, here’s her Phone Number, get into contact with her. Last time I heard, she’s working on the same thing but in Las Pegasus.”

He ripped the paper apart and gave it to Ocellus. His face was smiling as he gave it. “Now get out of here and make a difference!” He declared, both of us nodding and promptly exited the building.

The first thing I noticed as we exited the elevator was just how significantly more sizable the crowd had gotten. There were now I think hundreds of thousands of Ponies and other species protesting outside the building. A police presence has now visibly formed, but judging at just how huge the crowd has gotten, I don’t think provoking them would be in the police’s best interest.

The second thing that I notice though, are two Alicorns talking to each other right in front of us. The morning sun reflecting on both of their forms perfectly. Almost as if they’re being backed by the sun from behind.

“Well, yeah i’ve thought about it. But don’t you know just how difficult it is to organise a snap election? I mean, screw the Mayor, and probably all the City Administration for that matter, but what about maintaining governance? What about some temporary administrators from other regions?”

“Do not worry too much, young Twilight Sparkle, I might have spent my millennia in the moon but I am not without experience. My sister has given me a full mandate to rule all of Manehattan if necessary. Night Court will be adjourned for the moment, but if it means cleaning up Manehattan, then it would be worth it.”

“Princess Luna? Twilight?” I asked. “What are you two doing here?”

Both of them turned their attention towards us. “Ah! There you are Sunset.” Luna greeted. “We just heard of your little radio interview with Morning Coffee, and we came here as fast as we could.”

“Needless to say, S.M.I.L.E is launching an investigation into the Manehattan Regional Government and for the moment, all their authority has been suspended.” Twilight complemented. “Anyway, can we talk about this further? Like, in a more private setting?”

“Uhh. First of all, good morning your majesties.” Ocellus greeted. “And secondly, maybe my house? Although i’m not sure about the crowd out there, I probably need to announce something or they’ll suspect I’ve been foalnapped or something.”

“Worry not Miss Ocellus.” Luna responded. “I have convened your staff and have informed them of our urgent need to discuss things with their leader. I have assured them that no harm will come towards you.”

The blue Changeling blinked a couple of times, seemingly surprised at the Night Princess’s initiative. “Uhh, well, sure I guess. You do know where my apartment is right?”

“But of course, I have asked your staff that same question. Now, we shall go.”

A sudden flash of dark blue enveloped all of my senses, and we were gone.

Going to Manehattan, Finale

Alicorns really are special aren’t they? Transporting 4 ponies simultaneously from Central Manehattan right into the Pronx was no easy feat, and yet when we arrived at Ocellus’ house, Princess Luna seemed to not have even broken a sweat. To be fair, I would fare just about the same, being Celestia’s former student does have its perks, but not all Unicorns have the chance to study under the direct tutelage of the Sun Princess, and the fact that Princess Luna is that powerful is, if not unexpected, then certainly impressive.

Doubly so since I hadn’t seen Twilight help her at all.

The muted atmosphere of Ocellus’ house was suddenly broken by the flash and the sudden displacement of the 4 of us, the mood of the house lightening up immediately after our arrival, I would guess that it’s perhaps due to the sudden barrage of a conversation we were having.

“So, this seems good enough.” Twilight said, turning her attention towards the both of us. “Rather homey I think.”

“Anyway, I guess some formalities are in order, but thank you Sunset.” The purple Alicorn declared. “We have been suspecting that something’s wrong in Manehattan, labour unions suddenly disbanding, significantly lower income rates than the rest of Equestria, as well as a regional government not caring for all of those problems. After that radio broadcast, now we have a reason to go in.”

“Yes, you have done well Sunset Shimmer, and also Ocellus.” Luna said. “We must thank both of thee for your assistance. Celestia is currently pushing for a bill to mandate a higher minimum wage and new standards for working conditions, adjustments for separate regions included. Without these revelations, it wouldn’t have been possible to push for the bill, and for that we thank you.”

“Wait, what?” Ocellus asked. “You mean that bill proposed by Golden Heart? That labour bill? How in Equestria did that happen?”

Princess Luna was about to answer, but just a moment of seeing Twilight’s face and she immediately closed her mouth.

“You. You happened.” Twilight responded, her face seemingly softening after she said that. “You were the spur for the change needed. After that radio broadcast, Celestia is not going to just sit around her throne and do nothing. So she contacted Diet Member Golden Heart, and the bill is going through the Diet as we speak.”

Diet? I thought. Equestria has a Diet? Like, the same diet in Neighpon in the human world? Really?

“Yeah, Twilight, I've been meaning to ask you this, but we have a diet? Since when?”

Twilight’s ears perked up when I asked that question, an understanding smile emanated from her. Gosh, I really do need to learn a whole lot more about Equestria now that i’m back.

“Since the end of the war with the Changelings actually. I mean, if you wanna learn more, I can give you some books about it, but I think you two have done quite a bit doncha think? Just a couple of days and already you’re changing Equestria for the better.”

“I would also inform you that, as of right now, the entire region of Manehattan, not only just the city, is now part of my demesne. At least until a new government is elected.” Luna announced. “In the event of anything unforeseen, my residence will be at the Governor’s Mansion within downtown Manehattan.”

Luna’s face suddenly jerked towards the window, her face staring at the Manehattan skyline. “That being said, could you take care of Sunset and Ocellus, Twilight? I have a certain bunch of ponies that I need to arrest and confiscate their properties from.”

The purple Alicorn nodded, seemingly already expecting Luna’s question. And with a flash from Luna’s horn. She was gone.

Huh… Manehattan being ruled directly by a Princess. I’m pretty sure that there are fanfictions lying around about this exact same situation, this whole society thing is really forcing the Princesses hoofs aren’t they?

Speaking of direct rule.

“A tad bit overkill don’t you think? I mean, turning Manehattan into Royal Crown lands until things settle down?” I asked.

A pregnant silence fills the room. With Twilight just standing there grimacing at that statement, you can tell that there was a little bit of an argument before this decision was taken.

“Well, yeah. I think so too, but honestly, what are the alternatives? Now that we know all of the regional establishment is probably knee deep with Gladmane’s groupie thingy or whatever.” Twilight said.

“You had a fight with Celestia over this, don’t you?”

“It’s that easy to tell huh?”

I nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, we had a fight over this, while Luna proposed ruling the region directly, at least until elections can be held, I proposed handing the task over to a bunch of senior civil servants. In the end, well, you’ll probably hear about the result of our debate tonight. Let’s just say that Luna is not in the mood to be kind towards The Society. Whoever ‘The Society’ might be.”

Twilight sighed. Her face rather showing some bitterness. “But I don’t want to talk too much about politics right now Sunset. I’m actually here to discuss Ocellus. Do you really believe that she’s the one?”

I nodded. “WIthout question, her resumé speaks for itself, and her actions right now, even though it’s the right thing to do, risks her getting fired from the job. I’m not 100% sure that she’s Generosity, but she does fill in a lot of it’s categories.”

“Well. Then I guess we’ll make it official then! Ocellus!”

The Changeling, too busy hearing the conversation I had with Twilight, immediately snapped back into attention. “Yes your highness?”

“Can you keep a secret for me? Don’t worry, it won’t harm the ELO’s standing or anything. I imagine Sunset’s been twisting words so hard since she arrived here.”

A nervous laugh came out from my mouth, a reaction which raised the eyebrow of Ocellus, yet garnering a knowing smile from Twilight. Is she really going to do it? I mean, i’m sure of it, but this fast?

“Ocellus. Right now, there is good reason for us to believe that you will become the next bearer of one of the Elements of Harmony. I’m not 100% sure, but I do trust the word of Sunset Shimmer.”

Ocellus’ raised eyebrow turned into a look of utter confusion. Her head turned towards me, and then towards Twilight, before once again switching back at me. “What?”

“I guess some explanations are in order.” Twilight says. “Sunset? You wanna do the honors?”

“Mmmm sure, why not? Ocellus, as of right now, Equestria’s Elements of Harmony have stopped working. They’re not responding towards Twilight and her friends’ call for them, now. I am currently on a mission to find the new Element Bearers, and it seems that you might very well be the Element of Generosity, the new bearer of it.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I know, it just happened after the two wars actually. Twilight and her friends, I assume you know her friends, tried to use the elements on Queen Chrysalis, but for some reason it didn’t work.”

“What?!?”

“And yeah. Now we’re kinda busy looking for the new Element Bearers! Having one of your most important defenses being down like that would do that, and it appears that the new bearers don’t even have to be ponies at all!”

“WHAT?!?”

Once more, just like Twilight, another pregnant silence fell down between the three of us. Ocellus seemingly processing the sudden influx of new information with head shakes, blinking eyes, and various facial expressions. I wonder, if she’d been younger, what would she’d look like, making all these facial expressions?

I’d bet she would've been cute.

“Why me? I mean…. you know what. Can we talk about this tonight Sunset? I have a protest in the MNKV building that I need to disperse.”

“Oh, right!” Twilight said. Lighting her horn and then teleporting us back to the thick of the protest. “I guess i’ll be leaving you two for now. Is that alright Sunset?”

“No, that’s perfectly fine. You have other stuff to do right? Then go. I think I can handle things from here.”

Twilight nodded her head, and just like that. She’s gone.

Now, for the hard part. Breaking up a strike like this. I started trotting towards the front when my head suddenly felt rather woozy. An overwhelming feeling washed over me, it feels like something that I tried suppressing for a couple hours now just came back, and it all culminated in one big, drawn out yawn.

Oh horseapples. I need to make this quick.

I woke up in what looks like a rather luxurious bed. The soft fabric and the even softer blanket hugging my form rather snugly.

“Oh, you’re awake. Well, took ya long enough.”

I got out of my bed and saw… The batpony. “Selenite? Really? You?”

“Yeah. You’re actually sleeping in my guest bedroom. All of us were kinda shocked when you suddenly passed out like that, especially when Ocellus is telling the protestors to disband. The protests kinda fizzled out after that, no creature really wanting to risk another creature suddenly passing out like that.”

“Ugh, I feel like my head’s been pummeled.” I rubbed my head. “I’m pretty sure that I slept well yesterday. Why did I pass out like that?”

“Beats me. Anyway, c’mon. We have Ocellus with us.” Selenite says. Motioning me to wake up. “Also, you might wanna watch the TV, there’s an announcement here that you might find interesting.”

“Huh? What do you mean by interesting?” I asked. Following Selenite towards the living room, and then seeing a television broadcast where… Princess Luna is making an announcement.

“And so, it is with a heavy heart, that I announce that the region of Manehattan will be placed under direct Lunar administration for the time being. All applicable regulations and laws of Equestria will be applied, all elected officials for the time being will be stripped of their positions, and snap elections will be held in 2 months’ time. Further information will be delivered in due time as we stabilize the region. Thank you for your attention my fellow Manehattanites, I understand that the events this morning might be troubling for many of you, but rest assured that I, Princess Luna, will work tirelessly to ensure Manehattan’s prosperity does not end up within the hoofs of just a few concentrated special interests. Thank you for your attention, and Hail to The Night!”

The TV show suddenly switched back to some regular programming after that. My 3 compatriots and Ocellus, their eyes formerly glued towards the TV, now turning back and chatting with themselves, utterly oblivious to the fact that I'm standing right behind them.

“Well. It appears that I’ve missed a ton of things, now haven’t I?”

The group suddenly turned, with Sonata in particular coming straight towards me and hugged my body like there is no tomorrow. “Oh Sunset! Don’t you DARE fall down like that ever again! I thought that you were dead. Dead I tell you!” She said. “Are you dead?”

I could only give a chuckle. “No, no I'm not. I think. Just a bit tired all of a sudden. Though, I don’t know ‘why in Equestria did I suddenly fall down like that?’, sure, we stayed up all night, but i’m not usually that tired. I don’t know.”

“It feels a bit convenient too, isn’t it?” I heard Tempest say. “Here you are, just finished with the Princesses, just returning, and then you suddenly collapsed and slept for like, 8 hours after that.”

“You suspect someone cast a sleeping spell on me?”

“It would be far too easy, and no, I don’t think it’s a sleeping spell, I suspect something far worse. The situation after the revelation was chaotic. A practical mess for all intents and purposes, it would be trivial for somecreature to cast some sleeper spell on you or something. Hmm, now that I mentioned it. Starlight, could you scan Sunset for any potential spells?”

The purple unicorn raised her eyebrow at the request. Clearly confused at the Unicorn General’s request. “I seriously doubt somecreature would case some sleeper spell on Sunset, and c’mon Tempest, respect a mare’s privacy wouldn’t you?”

“I’m just concerned for her safety. There’s no other intention I have in my mind.” Tempest countered.

“Listen, Tempest, you’re overblowing things here. Look!” I said, my horn glowing, bathing my entire body with a warm, red glow, before the spell eventually dissipated. “Nothing! Nothing for you to be concerned about.”

A visible grimace formed in Tempest’s face. “It feels like you just cast a rather rudimentary scanning spell, I don’t think that-”

“Tempest.” Starlight interjected. “I know what Sunset cast, and that is no regular scanning spell, I felt the emission, and I can tell you that she’s thorough.”

Tempest, taking a deep breath, seemingly backed off. “Sorry, I'm just, I'm just concerned for all of your safety okay? I mean, we’re only in our second day of this adventure and already we’ve found the Element of Generosity.”

“Tempest, it’s okay.” I replied. “I like that you’re concerned, but just… try not to be too concerned okay? I’m not an idiot, and I did learn a few bits and pieces of spells when I was a student of Celestia’s.”

You can tell that Tempest is concerned about this. If her scrunched up face, peering eyes and visible frown didn’t give it away, then it’s probably her stance, her neck lowered, seemingly paying attention towards me and me only. Like a predator tracking her prey...

“Fine.” She relented, relaxing her stance, almost like predator backing off, seemingly waiting for another day. “Anyway, what is it that you want to talk about?”

“Yeah. Well, Ocellus? You wondered why you’re a candidate right?”

Ocellus, busy regarding our little spat, lying down on a couch and practically eating some imaginary popcorn at this point, suddenly stood up, her eyes paying her utmost attention towards me. “Uhh, yeah. Seriously though, why me?”

“Why not?” I countered. “You’ve shown that you are more than willing to sacrifice yourself for the betterment of others. You’ve confronted ponies who are not generous enough and, through whatever methods you chose, convinced them to give labourers, or at least some labourers, a living wage. I mean, just look at your accomplishments! Organising protests, organising food banks, organising soup kitchens, willing to risk your job just to expose how corrupt the Manehattan establishment is, just for the betterment of workers that may not be in your little labour union. You seriously embody Generosity Ocellus, and I don’t make that claim lightly.”

The Changeling blushed a little bit. Definitely not used to compliments, hesitation very visible within her face. “I… suppose so, I guess my accomplishments prove that i’m generous or something. Heh, i’m still not used to it though.”

“Well, if it’s any comfort for you, you’ll probably have the favour of the Princesses of Equestria, and you can use that to push for better labour conditions. But anyway, I think that’s enough compliments. Now we have identified one element bearer, we need to find the other five.”

The group seemed to be thinking, wrapping their heads around potential locations around Equestria. I myself have no idea where to even start. Equestria is a big country after all, with lots of places to look for a potential Element Bearer.

“Hmm, if I could suggest something.” Ocellus said, garnering all of our attention. “So, you may not know this, but before I went to Manehattan, I did attend some classes at the Friendship School, and I met five other friends there. We spent a lot of time together, and if I had found a job in Ponyville, I would’ve stayed with them until we all graduated., Well, I found a job in Manehattan, and we parted ways. But if you’re looking for potential Element Bearers, maaaaaybe they could be the ones? They’re all good creatures, and I do notice that they took their lessons more seriously than the other students.”

Starlight’s ears perked up, now giving Ocellus her undivided attention. “Could you name these other students? A bad lead is better than no lead at this point.”

“Yeah. Sandbar, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona, and Smolder.”

“I think I recognize those names. Wait… You six, Ah!”

Starlight then turned her head towards me. “I know those Students! It was just five years after the two big wars, they entered in as part of a new generation of students! Gosh, I really do remember them! Sad that they parted ways after 3 years though. They would’ve been great graduates, no doubt about it.”

“So that’s… what, 10 years before today?” I asked. “Hmm, seems like a stretch, I mean, 10 years can certainly change someone…”

“Not them, Sunset. Definitely not them.” Starlight retorted. “Ugh, now I REALLY should’ve pushed for a Scholarship for those 6. Their bonds are seriously like glue. they may not have been the most studious bunch, but they do embody the spirit of friendship stronger than anypony i’ve ever seen. Ocellus is right, they just might be the next generation.”

She blushed at Starlight’s mention of their studiousness. “Yeah, sorry that we didn't always turn our work in on time. Gallus was always too busy playing with Silverstream and Yona.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” The purple mare responded. Smiling at the blue Changeling. “I mean, you’re no longer in school right? And besides, in hindsight, I don’t think you needed anymore friendship lessons anyway.”

Starlight then turned towards me, her eyes twinkling and sparkling like a bunch of stars at night. “Anyway, Sunset, we need to go back to Ponyville, like maybe tomorrow. The school does have records of where they are, and it should be easy tracking them down, I mean, yeah yeah 10 years and whatever. But i’m very sure that they’ll still be trackable. You don’t develop friendships like that and just disappear off the map.”

“Well, I guess we can go to the friendship school.” I said, before a visible yawn was emitted by my mouth once more. “After we all get our beauty sleep for the night.”

“Agreed.”

“I am quite tired myself, no questions from me.”

“Yeah Sunset! Another sleepover party?!? Woohoo!!”

“I wonder how many bodies I can stuff in the guest bedroom...”

“I guess I should be going home now…”

I ran towards a telephone line, the situation outside rapidly deteriorating as a bunch of Ponies wearing black suits and sporting guns surrounded the mansion. Much to my good fortune, the moment I dialed the phone, the other side responded almost immediately.

“Yes?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard of what happened in Manehattan by now, do you have any further orders? I am sorry for Gladmane’s incompetence, he will pay for it with his life.”

“Silver Plate, you are a fool to invite Gladmane into our little organisation.” The responder practically screamed. “Not only does he have an ego like an overinflated balloon, he could potentially jeopardize our ENTIRE operations in Equestria. This situation is bad, but it is salvageable.”

“I will not repeat myself, burn all evidence of your involvement with us, and I will try to get you all into safety, personal belongings included.”

The phone line terminated, and conveniently enough, a stack of papers was in front of me. A stack of papers that is filled with documents detailing our dealings, the louder knocks at my house’s front doors and the shouts to come out with my hands in the air was enough evidence to show that I will be spending time in jail.

There is a fireplace conveniently placed in the same room, and my horn lit up. Better make this quick. Real quick.

Author's Note

And so one arc ends, and another one starts.

Can you guess which element bearer they're going to visit next?

Back to Ponyville

Ponyville has certainly changed.

Its streets are now paved with asphalt, and I see more than one car parked on the sidewalk, cars which ponies are driving occasionally. Yeah, that… ponies in cars, yeah, that felt weird.

And it seems to me that I wasn’t the only one that was very confused about the whole thing, Sonata Dusk was having wide eyes, and perhaps most importantly, sparkly eyes. Seeing the whole change from a Siren that has only probably seen Equestria back during its medieval days.

I imagine it’s going to be much more impactful for her than for me.

“Yoooo, Sunset!” Sonata said. “Take a look at THAT! Is that a TRUCK?!? A truck in Equestria?!? Y’know, like the one Applejack has in her garage? What?!?”

“Yes. I see that clearly Sonata. In fact, that truck seems a bit too familiar.”

I want to change course, probably inspect the truck and probably meet a mare I haven’t seen for far too long. But I shook myself out of that thought, i’m not here to meet the old Element Bearers. I’m here to potentially scout new element bearers -if it’s at all possible.

We followed Starlight into the School of Friendship. Apparently that is a thing now, just as we are about to enter though, I noticed that there is a parking lot with a rather peculiar sign post in front of it, I took a short detour, and promptly laughed a bit before motioning Sonata to follow me.

“Yo, Sonata!” I said, Sonata quickly following me and promptly bursting out laughing alongside me.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?” Starlight asked. Walking towards us.

“No no no. It’s nothing, c’mon, let’s get inside and check on where Ocellus’ friends are.” I said, silently giggling much to the confusion of Starlight Glimmer.

The sign reads ‘No Student Parking in the Faculty Lot.’

“Hmmm. 1022, 1023, 1025, Aha! Class of 1027. Graduated by 1031. Obviously Ocellus and her friends didn’t graduate.”

I was busy looking at Starlight’s personal office, an office with a good variety of potted plants, books and other miscellaneous objects lying about. The purple mare promptly brought the book to her work table, setting it down and opening the book. Pictures of Mares and Colts belonging to various species raced through my eyes, before finally I looked at a picture of 6 individuals.

A Yak, A Griffon, A Pony, a Hippogriff, a Dragon, and a Changeling. All of them grinning widely within the picture. ‘Best Friends Forever’ read the bottom.

A rather charming bunch of friends aren’t they?

“Let’s see.” Starlight said, now flipping page after page within the yearbook. “Aha! Where they’ll go! I know this isn’t the most comprehensive search ever, but let’s see here.”

“So, we have Yona, who said that ‘Yak want to go see the world! Share Yak wisdom and culture of smashing! Yona thinks she would go to Griffonstone and then to Centaur Lands next!’”

“Well, we know where she would go. Centaur Lands huh…. so, Rainbow Harbour?” I asked.

“Definitely Rainbow Harbour. Now, let’s see here. Ah! Gallus says that ‘I don’t know, maybe I wanna stay in Equestria for a while. I heard that there’s a bunch of Pony Nations outside of Equestria to the east of Griffonstone, so I might wanna go there, go on an adventure, do odd jobs on the side.’ Interesting, so, Eastern Pony Lands.”

“Ah, Gallus is going to the Riverlands! Never been to River Cities before, might be interesting.”

“And we have Silverstream, says that she’s ‘super bummed out by our sudden breakup, but it’s okay! I can make new memories in Equestria! I heard that Princess Celestia is building something veeeery secretive and veeeery important down in Southern Equestria, and I definitely want a part of it!”

“Southern Equestria? That’s an interesting choice.” I further commented. “Although, no idea about this whole ‘secret’ project though.”

“It’s probably the rocket site. The rocket site in Yucca island.” Tempest responded, seemingly unaware of my reaction as she finished that sentence.

“Rocket… Site?” Myself and Sonata both asked.

“Equestria has a rocket site?”

“Well, yeah! Where have you been? Living under a rock? Oh...”

“Yeah.” I responded to Starlight’s inquest. “I was living on another world when Equestria decided that a rocket program was worthwhile or something. Seriously, what’s that about?”

“I mean, yeah, what’s that about?” Sonata commented as well. “I know that, back in our world we have these weird things called ‘space programs,’ I always kinda get confused whenever space is mentioned. But for realsies? Equestria has a space program too?”

“Yeah. We do.” Starlight responded. “It’s still in its infancy, but if I know one thing about Silverstream, it’s that she will not stop unless she knows absolutely everything about the thing she’s interested in. I do wonder if she works in the space program… that’s a potentially scary thought.”

“Well, we also have Smolder, saying that ‘I really don’t know, maybe I wanna go back to the dragonlands, a part of me wants to go to the Northern Griffon lands though, or maybe Zebrica… hmm, definitely Zebrica. I heard that there’s a long lost tribe of dragons there. That’s definitely going to be a fun ride!”

“Alright, so we have Yona and Smolder potentially going to Zebrica, Silverstream and Ocellus staying in Equestria, Gallus going to the Riverlands, and there’s one other friend in the group, right?”

“Right, now. Sandbar entry is… huh, that’s… WHAT?!?”

“What’s wrong Starlight? You look like you got spooked or something.”

“Uhh, Sunset. You might wanna read this.” The purple mare said, handing the book over to me. Curious at Starlight’s sudden outburst, I flipped the pages and finally, the entry for Sandbar appeared.

‘Honestly. I think I wanna go exploring. I heard that there’s this mysterious land past the world ocean! And I really want to check out whether this ‘mysterious land’ is real or not. Maybe with our current technology we might actually find out! Fingers crossed, but I am confident!’

“Huh… is… is Sandbar planning to circumnavigate the globe? Wait, seriously?!?”

Alright, a lil bit of exposition here. First off, no, the world isn’t flat, sorry to burst your bubble, but mathematicians and scientists have, very conclusively, proven that this world is round, and we also know that exact size of the planet as well. Doing the calculations to figure out the size of the world is laughably easy at this point. Or at least I imagined it being so.

What is not so simple though, is trying to chart out every single corner of the planet. Charting from Equestria to the Griffon Lands is relatively easy, charting the lands of Zebrica even moreso. But past the Griffon continent, if you continuously move westwards, that’s unknown territory. Why is it unknown? Well, there is indeed a sort of ‘shroud’ covering up the ocean beyond both the Western Side of Equestria and Eastern Griffonia as well, it’s commonly called the world ocean, and a constant within this world ocean is this ‘shroud.’ Ships would enter, and they would never leave, like, it’s almost as if it is a constant. You never, ever try to circumnavigate the globe, or the shroud will just eat you up.

Speaking of circumnavigation…

“Starlight, Tempest. Is that Rocket Project thingy designed so that we can now know what our world looks like?” I asked. “I mean, props to ingenuity at the very least.”

“Well, you hit the mark right on the head.” Tempest replied. “We are not going to risk sending modern Aircraft Carriers, Warships, even Scout Planes worth millions of bits into this ‘shroud,’ not worth the lives nor the bits. So, Celestia decided that a space program, designed to see the shroud from beyond the planet’s boundaries is warranted. It’s originally a very top secret project, but it slowly opened up to the public as time went by.”

“...Huh. Sonata, you think that’ll work?” I asked.

“Uhh, why are you asking me? I’m not the sciency type.” Sonata responded, definitely confused by my question. “Why ask me in the first place?”

“Eh, just wanna know.”

So, we have this Silverstream girl probably doing something with rockets, Yona and Smolder going on an adventure in the Zebrican continent, Gallus venturing to the Riverlands, and Sandbar probably mounting an expedition that’ll likely cost his life.

“Well, since we know where they are now, or at least a rough approximation of where they are. You think that they’ll be there, Starlight?”

“Hmmm, I can’t say for sure. But it is worth an attempt at least. I think Tempest can call S.M.I.L.E in the event that one of the members is missing or something.”

The maroon mare only raised an eyebrow at Starlight’s suggestion, clearly not amused by it. “Starlight, I would like to inform you that SMILE isn’t a-”

“I know I know! Say that it’s a ‘person of interest’ or something! We’re clearly looking at potential Element Bearers aren’t we?”

“Well, I cannot say that. That’s a State Secret.”

“Then tell that we have… y’know what? Nevermind, we’ll just search for all these Element Bearers manually if we have to.”

I chuckled a bit, the spat between Starlight and Tempest reminds me of the time I spent with my friends. I can always recall Rainbow Dash arguing with Applejack over who's the most athletic. Anyway.

“Now then. Where do we wanna start?” I asked. “Silverstream is certainly the closest. And then we can go to Zebrica or something, not sure how we’re supposed to go there though.”

“Oh, Sunset you haven’t heard?” Starlight responded. “EquestriaRail has just completed their new ‘Sunset Line’ from Canterlot towards Southern Equestria. We can also take the plane if we want to.” She further suggested.

“Wait, plane?”

“Yeah! Like an Aeroplane! Not all of us are Pegasi after all.”

Well, looks like this trip just got a whole lot more convenient.

The tropical humid air washed over my body as I stepped out of the train and into the platform. ‘Yucca Island Station’ it reads.

The trip down towards Southern Equestria was definitely… something, the High Speed train plowed through a massive change in scenery. From the forests and fields of Ponyville, and then towards other small towns in Central Equestria, before finally giving way to the Jungles of Southern Equestria.

There is one other interesting sight that greeted me as I was about to enter the station though, and as we walked past the crowds of tourists. The sight greeted me like a slap in the face.

A MASSIVE facility stands overlooking the entire island, launch pads, rocket sites, even some miscellaneous buildings labeled ‘R&D’, ‘Command and Control’, ‘Astronaut Training Facility’, and even ‘Rocket Build Site’.

This all feels rather overwhelming. And the tourists flocking towards this island are now slowly being corralled by their tour guides, I guess I forgot to mention that Starlight told me about how Yucca Island is now a bit of a tourist hotspot due to the whole Rocket Facility thing.

Now, where to find Silverstream in all this mess…

“You’re right Starlight, this certainly feels… odd.” I said, taking all of it in as I feel the Tropical Heat beam down on me, the Rocket Sites, the hordes of tourists, even the rather modern looking aesthetic of everything on this island.

I turned around, my head swiveling back and forth, searching for a Pink, potentially hyperactive Hippogriff in the crowd of ponies. I was taking my group for a rather leisurely walk, blending in perfectly with the tourists due to my relative inexperience with seeing a Rocket Launch site in Equestria, when I suddenly bumped into somepony.

The impact dropped both of us to the ground. Slowly regaining my footing, I was about to apologize when the Pony in front of me smothered me with questions.

Or rather, the Hippogriff.

“Oh my gosh! I’m sorry sorry sorry sorry! I was about to go back to do my R&D when I thought ‘Hey! Why don’t I take an even longer break than usual!’ So I went outside the facility grounds, mingling with everypony when BAM! I hit you! I’m very very sorry, will you forgive me?”

“Yeah… I guess…”

“Oh thank goodness! I really don’t want to make your first impression of this veeeery advanced facility in a bad light! What’s your name by the way?”

“Uhh, Sunset Shimmer. Nice to meet you, miss?”

“Oh, Head Researcher Silverstream. I work at the Rocket Site, actually, you’re a tourist right? How about I take you for a ‘I’m very sorry for crashing into you so now I will show you the sights they don’t normally show to tourists’ tour! Whaddaya think?”

“Oh… I think that’ll be nice, Miss Silverstream.” I responded, silently processing the sheer inexplicability of this sudden meeting.

“Oh, and that’s your group right?” She asked, looking at the other three figures besides me. “Hey there! Wanna come with me! I can show you to SIGHTS! Since, y’know, I work here! Oh… WAIT A MINUTE!”

The Hippogriff approached Sonata, her eyes practically twinkling, much to Sonata’s discomfort. “Oh… My… Gosh! Are, are, you an, an original Seapony?!?!? I thought that they went extinct! Oh, you have to tell me where you live, you have to tell me everything!”

Sonata, now visibly discomforted by Silverstream’s seeming lack of knowledge of personal space, only looked at me with worried eyes, with me only slightly amused by it all. Her discomfort then turned into anger as she silently asked me to remove Silverstream from her presence, I chuckled as Sonata was practically barraged with a variety of questions from the Hippogriff, before I finally lighted my horn and floated the Hippogriff away from an almost overwhelmed Sonata.

“Sorry, but Sonata doesn’t take well to be barraged with sudden questions like that.”

“Oh, well, sorry for that!” The pink Hippogriff responded. “I just have NEVER seen an original Seapony before in my life. Anyway, that aside. Let’s go!!!!”

I have a sinking feeling that Silverstream might very well be laughter. But i’m going to hold back on my opinions until something confirms it, i’ve been wrong before, and nothing says that I wouldn’t be wrong again.

Author's Note

To Southern Equestria, Part 1

Silverstream, a scientist? Huh, wow! I certainly didn’t expect THAT out of all things to happen! I mean, okay, when I was teaching Silverstream, she wasn’t exactly the type of Hippogriff to just put a lot of concentration into one thing, she’d always have her mind on one thing, get interested in another thing, and then promptly forget the thing she was last concentrating her mind on. Textbook frazzlebrained behaviour.

“Oh, and this here is the Rocket Testing Site! Look at IIIIIIIIITT!! It’s pretty cool isn’t it?” Silverstream beamed, outstretching her claws to the gigantic, white tubular thing standing upright, symbols of the Sun and Moon abound. “So this here is what we call a multistage device, this big thing over here, will separate into the ocean and then a much smaller module will be brought into the upper atmosphere, where it will then separate into the crew module and then the ponies inside that big can will be in SPACE. Cool right?!?”

“Uhhh, yeah, I guess.” I heard Sunset respond, not sure if her reaction should be awe or confusion.

“So uhh. Silverstream! Do you like, work in a specific part of the spaceship? Or something?”

“Oh, hey there Headmare Starlight! Gosh, I almost forgot about you in all this chaos! Of course! I work in life support systems, like supplying oxygen and everything! It’s deeefinitelya big responsibility, but i’ve got my Big Hippogriff pants on and we’re making progress on how long we can supply oxygen for the ponies going to space!”

I am not sure if I should be concerned or delighted that Silverstream is now working in such an important part of a spaceship. Judging by all of everything, I am leaning more towards concern. “Well, I guess you landed a nice job and everything.”

“Oh yeeeaaahhh. I certainly didn’t expect to get this job here when I did my liiiitle exploration party down south, I mean, making friends with Batponies are fun and all, but I ceeeertainlydidn’t expect that all that friendship would bring me here, like HERE here! Get it? B’cuz back then this site was really top secret and I had to sign a bunch of NDA’s and everything. But, alright, so I went back to school, with my friends and Queen Novo willing to pay for my education. Gosh, did I tell you that Queen Novo is just the sweetest Seapony imaginable?”

We all shook our heads.

“Well, see, the Queen was all official like and saying this was ‘a good opportunity to deepen ties between Seaquestria and Equestria.’ But I wasn’t thinking about the whole diplomatic shebangebang thingy when I finished with my degree in… guess what?”

“Uhh? Rocket Science?” I guessed.

“Nope! Engineering, silly! Rocket science is for the nerds who build the rockets, the rest of us here are Engineers. But, anyway, where was I? Oh right! I think our little tour here is done, now. Can I actually talk with that Blue Seapony? Please please please???”

I looked at Sonata’s very uncomfortable face. She was unsure, and definitely uncomfortable with discussing her seaponyness with Silverstream. “Can… Can I opt out of this? I don’t like talking about my past, for realsies.”

“Awww you shouldn’t!” Silverstream responded. “You know, growing up in Seaquestria and all that, we wondered what happened to the original inhabitants of the lands downstairs, and wow. Don’t you know that there was an original Kingdom of Seaponies? Like, actual Seaponies?”

The Hippogriff touched the gem in her chest, transforming the hippogriff, her form surprising Sonata. “And we also took inspiration from your forms when Queen Novo was busy tinkering with the Pearl of Transformation, we have to thank you for that.”

I tried attempting an intervention, since Sonata Dusk seems to be rather uncomfortable discussing everything with the very energetic Hippogriff, but to no avail, she just continuously barraged Sonata with questions, so much that, to a point. The blue Seapony decided that she had enough.

“ENOUGH!” Sonata screamed, her voice warping a little bit and much louder than usual. Shocking both Silverstream and all of us into silence. “Fine, Silverstream, if you want to talk about the original Seaponies, then alright, we’ll talk. But not here, and definitely not with all these ponies around. Got that?”

We all seemingly nodded our heads. With Silverstream, back in her Hippogriff form, now looking much more somber than usual. Her eyes and face seemingly filled with regret.

“Look, I uhh, I have energy problems, that’s what my coworkers always tell me. And I always have to let out steam once in a while.” She said, surprising me with how much deeper Silverstream’s voice can be. “When I see that a creature from rock carvings in the middle of the ocean suddenly appeared…... Well, it has been a long work week, and I thought that I must know all of you better.”

“Well, there’s a reason why we almost went extinct.” Sonata replied, drawing the attention of all of us. “And, sorry Sunset, but for realsies? I don’t wanna talk about this in front of you. Can I have some private time with Silverstream for a while here? They seem to have the magic of the Pearl.”

Sunset only smiled and nodded. Letting both of the figures go. “So uhh, see you all back in 15 to 30 minutes? Right here maybe?” Sonata said. To a chorus of nods. “Alright, see ya!”

As the Seapony and the Hippogriff left. I was left standing with 2 other mares, and a ton of spare time to boot, I certainly didn’t expect that this Sonata girl would scream like that.

“Anyway, i’m starving. Wanna go hit up lunch?” I asked, both Sunset and Tempest nodding to my offer. A good break is definitely needed from all those rapid questions from Silverstream and the sudden outburst from Sonata. Maybe a hayburger…

Fun fact. ‘Original’ Seaponies can fly, and fly really well.

This is a fact that is used to my benefit, as we both flew to the outskirts of the Rocket Launch facility, landing in a nearby meadow. Perfect! This seems like a perfect place to talk some sense into this Silverstream.

And it appears that she seems to be the same big ball of energy that I just met when Sunset crashed into her. All very enthusiastic about hearing my story on the sirens.

Okay, i’m usually just as cheery as her, but discussing my species’ extinction? That tends to get me in a really bad mood, and I don’t like being in a bad mood.

Gosh! Just what happened to me? I seem to talk like Sunset all of a sudden? That sounds really weird!

“Okay then, now, whaddaya want to know about me?” I started, better finish this conversation ASAP and move to nicer things, like things for lunch, or maybe more space stuff. Human space stuff is always so fascinating! And I really, really want to know more about this pony space program thingy.

“Well, EVERYTHING! What happened to you? It is said that when Queen Novo obtained the Pearl of Transformation from Mount Aris, it allowed us to go beneath the waves and turn into Seaponies! And down below, while we were building our new kingdom because there’s a mean old Storm King terrorizing everything above, we found out these reeeeally unusual sets of rock carvings, depicting the ‘Original Seaponies’ as we called them. They’re being preserved because, y'know, history. But really! What are you though?!? And why aren’t you around anymore?”

I sighed. “You know Silverstream. It’s not really nice to ask why your species nearly died, I mean, do you think that it’s a nice thing to ask someone?”

Ah! Now she realized what she just asked, and her ears predictably drooped down, honestly I would’ve done the same if I realized the implications of what I'm asking.

I placed my fins on Sonata’s shoulders, comforting her. “Hey. It’s fine, we all make mistakes, some of us bigger than others, don’t worry too much about this okay? Maybe next time, try to be more considerate when asking questions?”

I took a deep breath, alright, let’s get this little bit out from my head. I guess I also need to get some closure from the extinction of my species.

“So, you have this ‘Pearl of Transformation’ right?”

“Well, not me specifically, but Queen Novo has it! She just found it lying around in Mount Aris one day, and when she unlocked its powers, BAM! A world of opportunity arose!”

“Well, yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised. That little pearl your kingdom has? Probably one of the most potent magical weapons we sirens had, I believe… and sorry, but my memory is very spotty, that it’s called the Seamstress’s pearl. Because it used to belong to a very old, and very powerful Queen of the Sirens, who was also conveniently a Seamstress by hobby! I think she’s called Queen Siren Song or something, sorry, that’s like, ancient history even for someone as old as me!”

“But anyway, that pearl is probably one of the reasons we Sirens are extinct by now. How long have you been living in Equestria by the way? Just wanna know.”

“Oh! It’s been ages. I actually lost count.” Silverstream responded, her characteristic cheery side of herself showing up once again. “Maybe 10, no, 8 years. Eh, it doesn’t matter.”

“So you have heard of the story of the three sirens right? The ones that sow discord and distrust between the ponies? With Starswirl and all that?”

“Oh, yes! Definitely! They sure are a bunch of pretty mean Sirens aren’t they?”

“Yeah, I reckon…”

My suggestion didn’t seem to create much of a reaction from Silverstream. Seriously? Does she not realize that I’m...

“You do realize that I was one of the sirens right?”

“Oh, yeah… Wait WHAT?!? Seriously?!?”

“Yeah, I was one of the sirens who ‘bought chaos and discord throughout Equestria’, and yeah the stories are all true. We were big time meanies, we did reform though! For all that’s worth…”

I noticed the gears moving from Silverstream’s eyes. “Ohhhhh, you’re probably that blue siren right? The one with the ‘most insane’ personality, at least that’s how Starswirl writes of you.”

“Yeah, i’m that one. Did Starswirl ever mention why we caused chaos though? Like totally? At all?”

“Nope! I just read the book and all of it is just Starswirl rambling about how evil you sirens are. I think that’s called a uhhh… what’s that called?”

“Biased?”

“Yeah! Yeah! Biased! That’s the word! Gosh, I'm learning all these new concepts after I landed here. I mean, professionalism? Biases? Academic Neutrality? What is that?!?”

I laughed a bit at Silverstream’s confusion. She reminds me of, well, me after I arrived in the human world, trying to get our bearings together after that fateful battle against Starswirl and his pillars. Man, the human world back then was not kind towards females, let me tell ya, we had a rough time adapting to the social norms and adapting to human culture and all that shebang.

I still sometimes wonder why we’re still alive. Especially after all our escapades in the human world.

“Anyway, Sonata, why did you cause all that chaos? You don’t seem like a particularly bad siren or anything.” Silverstream asked. Very curious as to my answer.

Who wouldn’t be, one close look and a short chat with me is all you need to know that I would never hurt a fly. So why did I do all that?

I sighed. “Well, to keep things short, way back in those times, the sirens were dying. There was a sort of plague that was killing all of us, and the Queen Of The Sirens back then ordered the three of us, Adagio, Aria and myself to find a good source of energy to sustain our bodies while the Sirens searched for a cure. One thing led to another, we found that causing discord is a really good source of energy, and we got banished to the human world for a very, very long time.”

“Yeah, with us gone, I think we’re extinct at this point.” I finished, closing my eyes. “Don’t worry about me, Silverstream, my only hope is that wherever the Sirens are, they’re fine.”

I did a short prayer for the rest of my siren friends that must be departed, I have been over this grief for a very long time. Centuries of living in the human world have allowed me to process my grief and come to terms with it, I was almost about to cry, but I held back, no Sonata, now’s not the time to cry.

I opened my eyes and swiveled my head. Only to see a sobbing mess of a Hippogriff standing in front of me.

“That’s... that’s so SAD!!! Oh, I'm very sorry for asking you that question Sonata. It must’ve felt really, REALLY bad for you!”

She was practically sobbing at this point. Tears were streaming from her eyes and snot was running down from her nose. I patted the pink Hippogriff on the back just to make sure that she is fine. “Hey, it’s water under the bridge now. It’s way too late to do anything, and your Queen stumbling upon the Seamstress’ pearl just like that is very indicative that the rest of us are probably dead. It’s fine Sonata, it’s way too late to do anything anyway.”

That certainly didn’t stop the crying of the Hippogriff in front of me. Which, in a sudden move, decided to hug me, still crying her eyes out. Heh, this is new, telling your story and then having the listener being the one crying. Shouldn’t this be the opposite?

We returned back to the place we left. That ‘Rocket Testing Site’ Silverstream gushes so often about, and, as expected, we saw our friends.

I smiled at Sunset. “Hey girls! You okay?” I asked. “Y’know, we had a nice, good, and very looooong talk with each other. Don’t you know that they’re still discovering several places in Seaquestria that are like ancient Siren settlements? Let me tell ya, that’s a very good trip down memory lane, with all the weird descriptions Silverstream had for things I know about, heheh.”

It's a bit funny for me, whenever Silverstream mentions a certain archeological site or something like that. I’m always quick to correct her about the correct term for the place, it’s fun seeing her describe vividly places that would be just like, a toilet or some siren’s house for example.

“Anyway, I think that-”

“SILVERSTREAM!”

The pink Hippogriff suddenly froze up, and turned to see a dark coated mare. “We kinda need you over here. The life support team says that we’ve made a breakthrough in oxygen creation!”

She beamed after that. “Alright then! Sorry girls, I’d love to talk to you, but duty awaits! Maybe we can meet with each other at like, sundown? You’re staying here right? Please say yes! Please say yes!”

I giggled at her. “Of course we are, silly! We’re not just some random tourists y’know!”

“Oh, great! Here, let me scribble something.” Silverstream said, taking a single piece of paper and then scribbling some notes in it. “This here is an amazing restaurant in the nearby town of Portland, I live there by the way, and I’m sure that you’d be staying there, why don’t we talk at like, 6 or 7 at night?”

Sunset nodded. “We’ll be there Silverstream.”

“Great! Now, I must go back to work, so see ya!”

As the Pink Hippogriff left, I saw Sunset turn her face towards the other ponies in the room. I could barely hear her talk. But I did hear one thing though.

“She’s Laugher isn’t she?” Sunset whispered.

“Oh yeah, she’s definitely Laughter.” Starlight countered.

The train platform felt very warm when I stepped out of it. The typical cold weather of home now a distant memory for me. I looked at the sign above, ‘Welcome to the Yucca Island launch site, home of Equestria’s Space Program!’.

Smiling, I started walking out of the platform, into the various throng of ponies milling about. For a formerly classified rocket launch site, it certainly is quite lively. Ponies are talking to each other, seeing demonstrations of the current progress of Equestria’s space program, and all around doing touristy stuff.

“Well hello there!” I heard a voice greet me. “Are you here to see the sights and sounds of the launch site?”

“Well, yes. But I do have my own tour guide, thank you.” I responded, smirking a little bit as the enthusiastic wannabe tour guide deflated and walked past me.

Well, let’s get this over with. Tightening my saddle bags, I proceeded to walk past the throng of ponies milling about. I have a job to do.

And that white rocket is my objective.

To Southern Equestria, Part 2

I stared at the sign ahead of me. “Seaquestria Diner” it reads. With a neon sign of a seapony waving her hands towards whoever enters that door. I honestly don’t know what to expect, but looking at the blackboard and the type of food they offer. I definitely would be very interested in eating Hippogriffian food.

Kelp rolls sound delicious.

“Yo Sunset?”

“Wha?”

“Where’s Silverstream?”

“Well, if she’s late then I think that we can just go in and probably reserve a table, it’d be the least we could do.”

Walking towards the restaurant reminds me of eating out at that place where Pinkie Pie worked. The only major difference is that all the dishes served here are vegetarian, never in a million years would I see a bunch of ponies dancing to a jukebox and server ponies wearing frilly skirts, along with a checkerboard floor and chrome lined walls being a thing here.

It truly is a new Equestria.

“Oh, there you are!” I heard a voice shout out toward us. “Guys, i’m here!!!”

We all searched the restaurant for that pink Hippogriff, and fortunately found her, furiously waving her claws out to us.

As we took a seat in the visibly 1950s looking chair. The atmosphere is rather lively and yet… old at the same time. It’s probably just myself though, everyone else sitting rather comfortably in their chair, seeming as if there’s nothing wrong with the current arrangement.

“Yo, Sunset.” I heard Sonata whisper to me. “This looks like one of those diners we used to go to. Man, this brings back some serious memories.”

“Don’t you usually go to that diner where Pinkie worked?”

“Yeah, memories…”

I would imagine, considering how old Sonata actually is, she could very well be alive when the human world went through a similar phase. Must feel like she’s reliving history right now.

“Anyway, you girls said that you wanted to talk to me right? So, what is it?”

“Well, uhh, how do I phrase this… have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony? Like, those six gemstones and stuff like that?”

“Oh, definitely. Headmare Starlight constantly talks about the Elements whenever she’s teaching. How they’re Equestria’s greatest weapons and whatnot.”

“Have you ever thought that, just maybe, you could be one of the Bearers Of The Elements?”

“WHAT?!? No! Like, what, me? What kind of question is that Sunset? Of course I am not. I’m just some simple dropout of the Friendship school that just got lucky that I landed a good job building rockets! There’s nothing really special about me, well, maybe the occasional parties I host whenever we have downtime. But that’s it!”

I lifted my eyebrows. Not really sure about her response, on one hoof, the fact that she hosts parties and is currently within this rather jovial mood even when discussing topics like the elements is certainly telling. But I don’t want to push things too hard on her, she seems rather giddy, and if Pinkie’s anything to go by, it would be a bit too easy to push her into anger.

Why are giddy people so ferocious when they’re angry anyway? Perhaps that’s a question that will never be answered…

“You know what Silverstream?” I said, while motioning a waiter to come in. “How about we order some food right now and talk about this later?”

The facility is dark, everypony at this point having gone back to their hotels at the nearby city to have fun, do some parties, and rest for probably a tour of the Southern Equestrian jungle tomorrow. Actually, now that I think about it, these ponies are really, really content with their lives. I wouldn’t doubt them a little bit, Equestria as a general rule is by far the most prosperous country in the world at this point.

Still, I find their bliss to be a bit disturbing. Perhaps it’s just because of the confines of home, but I found the sheer wealth casually paraded around here to be… if not so jarring, then at least very questionable.

Should ponies, nay, should creatures period even be granted this level of wealth?

Egh, I shouldn’t be thinking about this. I do want every creature to live prosperous lives. What am I even thinking? That’s why I do this mission in the first place! But perhaps, perhaps… we need to reassess the values we have now that we are super rich or something.

I stared at the chain-linked fence in front of me, looked left and right for any signs of unicorn guards. They would surely cramp my style if they detect my presence here, with the coast clear, I spread my wings, and fly into the facility.

Thank goodness for that invisibility cloak I got from supplies. This is definitely a handy tool to keep around.

I flew past the various ponies making their rounds within the facility tonight. Guards talking with each other, hanging out in what is surely a rather slow day, must be feeling complacent due to the lack of threats or something, other guardponies walking around with a flashlight in their mouths or…..

Crap.

I ducked down to a nearby roof. This facility certainly has no shortage of boxy buildings with flat roofs and air vents sticking out of them like a sore thumb. I noticed the telltale sound of an active magic spell, looked around, and found it.

A Unicorn guard. To be expected, but nonetheless a pain in my butt given the circumstances. I can choose to wait it out, but something tells me that he’s not going to finish playing his little poker game with his friend anytime soon.

So I did what I could, grabbing something from my saddlebags, I unfurled a small gun with some very special rounds inside it. Two silent gunshots later, and two now deeply in sleep guards were seen below me.

I proceeded to fly further into the facility, they’d probably wake up in the morning with no idea what just happened. That’s the magic of a forgetfulness spell infused inside a sleep dart. What? I’m not some endlessly cruell Griffon, I'm not the type of Griffon to just kill someone just because they’d cross my path or something.

Nah, that’ll be too cruel for the plan to work, we have to show everyone of our righteousness by our actions.

Finally landing at the place of interest. And finished looking around the perimeter, I smiled as the wide black letters of the building stared out in front of me. ‘Princess Cadence Rocket Experiment Facility’ it reads, noticing a door beside me, I grab the handle and pull it. Surprisingly enough that simple trick worked, and in no time at all. I am inside the facility.

Right, time to get to work now.

There are 3 giant cylinders in front of me. Must be part of the rocket assembly or something, I grabbed something from my saddlebags, a peculiar looking stick with some elaborate engravings in it, and started chanting.

Unfortunately, it would be utter gibberish for anyone who’s listening, but my ‘gibberish’ did manage to get the wooden stick glowing. Chant finished, I waved the stick into each of the rockets stationed inside the facility, a couple of light shows later, and it was finished.

They’re in place, and all I need to do now is to get out of here. I would guess that the researchers would get a pretty nasty surprise when they test their rocket in a couple days time. Ah, that’ll be rather fun, seeing Equestria getting taken down a peg or two.

Now, as to my escape plan…

“Oh wow, really?!?”

“Yeah, that’s what happened.”

“Oh wow Sunset. I… I mean, how?!? How’s that even possible?”

“I personally don’t know Silverstream, but it seems that it’s a phenomenon that even the Elements are unable to decipher. I mean, Twilight has a working theory, in that it’s because of their experiences in the war that changed their dynamics. But she hasn’t yet proven that that’s the case.”

We were now at the hotel room where all of us are staying, I've just told Silverstream about everything, the situation of Equestria, the Elements, me and my friends here going on a quest to find the new Elements. The whole nine yards.

“Wow, and you think that I am an Element bearer? I mean, I can see that, but I never thought that something this crazy would come true! Oh, oh! What element do you think I am? Would I be Generosity? Loyalty? AHHHH, MAGIC?!!?”

“Laughter.” Sonata flatly replied, a reply which unusually made Silverstream deflate a little bit. Does she not like laughter?

“Awww, but I liked the idea of me being a bearer of Loyalty!”

A little bit of silence followed by a bunch of ‘nahs’ were all Silverstream needed to know that her proposition won’t go through. And she proceeded to deflate further, only to just reflate back and turned her attention wholly to me.

“Sunset!” She screamed. “How will I continue my job if I'm the Element of Laughter? I mean, I love my colleagues, but c’mon! if you’d know just a little about them, they’d all collapse without me! What do I do?!?”

“Uhh, you can do both at the same time y’know. I mean, look at Rainbow Dash, she’s still a Wonderbolt and a bearer of Loyalty, or Applejack! I mean, you’ve tried Sweet Apple Acres’ Apple Ciders right? Gosh, didn’t know that they’re everywhere at this point.”

“Oh yeah! You’re right! I probably need to change some of my work habits though. Gosh, that’ll be a pain in the flanks let me tell ya.”

“Don’t worry Silverstream. Honestly, nowadays, we probably don’t need the Elements of Harmony as often as we used to.” Starlight Glimmer replied. “We have Special Forces, big Armies, and Diplomacy to maintain Equestria’s safety.”

There was a visible silence after the Purple Mare said those words. A definite air of surprise and skepticism surrounds her.

“Yeah, I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

“Wow, Jinx much?” I asked.

“Yeah yeah Sunset I get it! We all need the Elements and Harmony and all that. Jeez, stop it! Stop judging me!”

We all laughed afterwards, much to Starlight’s pouty face and red cheeks. I never expected her out of all Ponies to say the things she said. Gosh, military in exchange for Harmony? What is Equestria turning into!

And now i’m sounding like those old men I usually encounter back home…

“Now. Silverstream, i’m sure that you’re super busy with other stuff. So I only have one request of you.”

“Mmhm? What is it?”

“Can you keep this a secret? We don’t need the entire city knowing that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy no longer can summon the Elements or something.”

“Oh, of course Sunset! I can definitely keep a secret.” The pink Hippogriff replied. Nodding her head furiously as she finished her sentence.

Something tells me that she won’t be able to keep it. Memories of Pinkie Pie not being able to keep my secret resonated within my mind.

Well, outside of killing or arresting Silverstream, and I am definitely not in the mood for those two things, there’s no real way I can ensure she’d keep her mouth shut. I guess trust building is also a valuable aspect of Friendship.

“Well, anyway. Shouldn’t you go home?”

“Oh, yeah. See ya Sunset! Is there anything else you wanna talk about? We’re like 2 days from a major rocket test. Maybe you wanna see that!”

I turned around to my friends, all of which signaled no problem towards Silverstream's proposal. Hey, at least we’d have some entertainment after the chaos in Manehattan. Maybe even a short vacation of sorts.

“Yeah, we’ll come.”

The midnight oil was burning when the train finally arrived, figuratively of course, we don't use oil in our lamps anymore. Anyway, the spell had been put in place, everything needed for the spell to work was already cast, so I boarded the train, its destination set for Canterlot, my suitcase in claw.

As the train started rolling out of the platform. I only looked at the Window, memories of my childhood flash before me. Way before everything, way before Equestria took everything from me.

Yes, time to take down Equestria a peg or two. That’s the least they’d deserve for what they did.

To Southern Equestria, Part 3

It’s mooorning agaaaaaiiiin!!

I woke up once more, the bed creaking yet again! And yet I don’t care, cause I'm just that type of Hippogriff! Yeeeeaaaaaaah Silverstream.

But seriously, I need to buy a new bed. Don’t know how to dispose of this one though, hmm, maybe my friends might know a thing or two about how to dispose of them.

I flew downstairs, me being fortunate enough to have a house with 2 floors, weird design though, lots of empty spaces that I will probably just fill in with more of my stuff. What’s up with ponies and their rather airy houses anyway?

Opening the fridge, and cringing the moment I saw barely anything inside it. I realized that there’s this rather newfangled bagel shop in the block. Hmmmm bagels, maybe with vegetarian cheese and some veggies with that…...

I trotted out of the house, walked to the nearest bagel shop and bought it right away. And oh my Celestia it is D-I-V-I-N-E! The creamy cheese, the fresh vegetables, everything tasted great!

It… reminds me of Gallus. I remember those days when Gallus and I was busy chatting it up during our School of Friendship years, he mentioned about how he makes some crazy good bagels, and after a couple of kitchen disasters later, some of them requiring the intervention of a certain Pinkie Pie, heheh, we finally made a bagel with a creamy spinach topping and some mushrooms.

I wish I could get to meet them again. My old friends….. I love my life, don’t get me wrong, but… I don’t feel like my colleagues in that space assembly yard are really into Friendship. They care more about connections and ‘career building’ rather than making lifelong friendships.

I sighed, reminiscing the old days is certainly fun. And yet, I must go. I finished my bagel, returned to my house, grabbed the car keys and left. There are some life support facilities that I need to be attending to. And Poindexter ain’t gonna finish all of that by herself.

“Heeeeyyy there, Poindexter!” I exclaimed, bursting through the door like some crazy mad mare. “How’s your day going? I hope it’s been going well. I know work has been rather craaazy lately.”

There was a silent mare, her horn charged with a faded white glow, her hooves busy writing notes as she stared at a screen, and her eyeglasses thickly rimmed with jet black colouring. “Me? Oh, oh yeah. I’m fine Silverstream, the reports on the latest tests are on your desk by the way.”

“Aww, thanks Pointy.” I replied, unfurling my wings before I flew into my table (flying’s more convenient for me, with how large this whole office is). Just as Poindexter said, there is a pile of paperwork standing right in front of me. Boring titles such as ‘Y Axis’ Proposal For Oxygen Creation, An Analysis’, ‘Testing Logs From Proposal 5’s Water Filtration System’, and ‘Proposal For Refrigeration In Space’. I looked at them and My Eyes Glazed Over everything. I would read them all, of course. (Though Celestia knows how I would stay awake through it all.) I mean, I am the lead scientist that needs to worry about all this.

The hours went by though, and I was plowing steadily through the mountain of reports, making notes, asking Poindexter to send some of the paperwork back to the scientists, and keeping some of it for myself, when I stumbled upon something, something rather weird.

‘Incident Report, Last Night’s Incident Concerning Two Guards That Fell Asleep.’

Huh?

“Hey uhh, Poindexter? Are you seeing this?”

“Huh? What is it?” She asked, walking towards my desk. “A security problem?”

“Seems that way.” I said, reading the papers for myself. “Hey uhh, you think there might be something up? There are reports of unusual activity at the… rocket storage site. Huh.”

I hand it over to Poindexter, hoping she could get something out of it. “I will be honest Silverstream. I don’t know either. This seems like a rather odd bunch of events to be happening at night. But then again, this is southern Equestria, there’s a lot of creatures here that could get past the defenses. Maybe it’s just some weird animal or something. I have some friends here that speak of a bird that could put ponies to sleep if they felt threatened.”

I pondered on Poindexter’s statement, and she might be right, there’s a ton of weird creatures out here in the jungles of Southern Equestria.

Then again.

“Hey uhh, Poindexter. Could you run a small investigation for me?” I asked. “I know that this is weird, but I think there might be somepony breaking and entering the facility here.”

The white coated mare only stared at me with confusion, almost as if what I just said is something utterly incomprehensible for her. “What? How did you-”

“I know I know, but… pleeeaase? Can you? I’ll promise I will finish your work in the meantime, notes and everything too!”

She still seems unconvinced by my offer. Scratching her chin at the thought of my offer. I do keep trying my best though, making offers for dinners, even trips together, and fortunately enough, she relented. “Okay, okay fine. I’ll investigate it, just for you, okay?”

I beamed as she replied. My grin and my giddy face were more than enough of a response for her to start floating the paperwork from her desk to mine. “I’ll be back to collect those dinner ‘dates’ and plan for our trip to Griffonstone, alright?”

And at that point my grin drooped down once more. Ah buck, what did I promise to her again?

I only stared at the still mountainous sheets of paper in front of me, now included was Poindexter’s work concerning magic in space. Oh no… What have I done?

I have a feeling that this will be a long day for me. It’s already lasted a week and it isn’t even lunchtime yet.

Uuugh, why am I doing this?

I certainly didn’t graduate from Manehattan Technical just to do some investigative work, and I certainly didn’t get accepted to work at one of Equestria’s most prized projects just to see myself be subordinated to some hyperactive hippogriff. I love Silverstream, I really do, but I’d love her better if she had volume control and a ‘pause’ button. A part of me seriously wonders how in Equestria she got the job.

I still remember the day I first got appointed to my office. That Flying Pink Monster flies over, like some bat towards fruit, introduces me to the rest of my work group, and starts chatting it up like I’ve just been rescued from a desert island and needed some socializing. It’s honestly a bad impression, and I have no idea why the rest of Silverstream’s group are all so… happy around her.

I really, really don’t like her. There’s something about her bubbly personality that just pisses me off, she seems unprofessional, not worthy of her job, and yet now she has the gall to order me to ‘investigate’ something that is clearly beyond her jurisdiction? Just what kind of Hippogriff is she?!?

Hah.

Alright Poindexter, you need to calm down. We just need to make sure this investigation is professional, no need for unnecessary flare ups like that. You have your issues with Silverstream, but it shouldn’t impede your work right now. No distractions, all investigation!

Silverstream doing my work out also helps…

I walked right into one of the guards. These should be the two that suddenly fell asleep that night. Conveniently enough, they were both about to finish their shifts. Graveyard shifts by my guess.

“Umm, excuse me, but are you Silver Shield and Forest Grace?”

“Uhh, yeah, what’s up?” One of them, an Earth Pony with a Green Coat answered. “Forest Grace at your service ma’am, this here is Silver Shield.”

“Ah, thank you. I’m Poindexter, are you two the ones that fell asleep last night?”

“Oh, yeah. That’s definitely a weird thing to happen.” The Grey Pony besides Forest Grace, presumably Silver Shield responded. “We were just playing some card games, and then suddenly things went really, really dark for some reason. No idea why at all, a rather good night’s sleep though, that’s for sure.”

“Did you feel anything weird at all right before you fell asleep? Anything?”

“Well, there was this rather weird prickly feeling in my neck when it all happened. I started feeling drowsy for some reason.. When I woke up, I checked my neck, and there were no wounds, no nothing, not even a scar. We checked around for needles, and yet nothing. We kinda thought that there was an infiltrator or something, but it seems that there wasn’t any. Still reported it to my superiors though”

That’s probably because the infiltrator pulled out the darts while you’re asleep.

“Anyway, is that it? Also, you work here right?”

“Umm, yeah? I’m just taking a short break right now. I just wondered what happened, that’s all. Anyway, good day to you Sir and Ma’am.” I finished, walking past them, now left with my own thoughts on the situation.

Okay, first off, so someone is interested enough to bother infiltrating a freaking rocket research and testing facility, interested enough to fire dart rounds filled with anesthesia into the two guards that were busy not doing their jobs. So they were probably guarding the way towards… somewhere I guess, not sure where.

No alarms were sounded, so that’s pretty unique. Either this infiltrator knows their way with magic spells or is able to fly, and a spell with that type of skill will lead to some magical residue somewhere, most likely within the path trod by the infiltrator. it’s faint, but I think a Unicorn with my skills should be able to detect some faint magical residue.

Unfortunately, 15 minutes in and with a rather sore horn, I decided that this infiltrator is not an active magic user, so definitely neither a Kirin nor a Unicorn. He/she must have flown into the facility, I'm pretty sure of it.

So where was the infiltrator headed?

I walked past various buildings, trying my best to answer that very question. Something tells me that this question better be answered and answered soon.

Much to my misfortune, there are multiple buildings that are present within the facility, so searching for that answer is going to be rather troublesome. Well, I do have all the time needed to find it out, so maybe I could try all of the buildings for some magical residue. It’s probably the least I could do at this point.

Alright Poindexter, you may not like Silverstream, but you might as well impress her with this weird side-job you’re doing. Let’s go!

“I have to say, this is quite an honour Princess Twilight.”

The purple pony who was busy reading a newspaper only responded with her typical ‘uh uh’, at this point, I'm rather used to the initial nonchalant attitude of the Princess, it makes her more charming when she realized she had not paid attention.

And she’s about to realize that in 3… 2… 1.

“Oh, crap!” She said, folding her newspaper and then immediately turning her eyes on me. “Sorry! Sorry! I was rather busy reading the news lately and whatever. Anyway, do you know why I summoned you here?”

“Heheh, I thought you’d never ask.” I responded, grabbing something from my shirtpocket and handing it to her. “I’ve been tracking the activities of this mysterious group for a while now, and although I still don’t know much about them. I do know that now they are doing some rather extensive operations in Equestria. For what purpose I don’t know, but from what I've seen in Zebrica, it’s not good.”

Twilight looked at the sets of pictures now laying in front of the crystal table, pictures of griffons, ponies, zebras even. Some hauling weapons, some of them chatting with each other, and some of them looking like several characters from the last years of the Griffonian Empire’s existence. All this seems wrong, and I can visibly see it in the Friendship Princesses eyes.

“Alright. So apparently this society has struck a blow in Manehattan. And I want you to investigate matters further, but firstly I would like you to protect the safety and security of these 4 ponies.”

She floated another set of pictures, and I looked at them, a set of 3 ponies and 1 seapony. All of them seemingly just getting to know each other, but nonetheless possessing some sort of chemistry that I can already sense from the picture alone.

“Are these the group that you told me were attacked in Manehattan?”

“Mmhm.”

“And where are they now?”

“Oh, Yucca Island, Southern Equestria.”

I raised my eyebrow right after Twilight said that. Yucca Island? The rocket launch site? Pretty weird place to find an Element Bearer, but hey, who am I to judge.

“Alright. I’ll try to write regular reports for you Princess, though I make no promises.”

“That’s all I need to hear. Oh, and Daring?”

“Yeah?”

“Try to wear some sort of disguise, I know you’re a S.M.I.L.E agent now, but you’re still rather famous in the novel business, try to think of another alibi than A.K Yearling, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll think of something.”

That was roughly 5 hours ago. I had some more discussions with the Princess after that, it turns out that their names were Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Sonata Dusk, and Tempest Shadow. She also told me that they were all quite occupied with a secret mission, and ‘you should try your best to protect them at all costs’, and unfortunately that’s it.

Not a lot to go on by the looks of it. Still, I have my mission, and I intend to follow it to the letter.

The plane landed on the nearby airport, a small propeller plane with an Earth Pony pilot more eager to taste flight for the first time rather than delivering his passengers to their destination. A quick trot out of the small Portland City Airport, and I'm in.

Alright, Daring. Maybe I should start at the facility itself, get myself acquainted with this ‘space-program’ Princess Celestia constantly gushes about whenever I mention it.

Author's Note

Sorry for the very long update. I have a bad case of writer's block and I seem to can't find the motivation to write.

Don't worry, I am not abandoning this project, not until it's finished, and it's still a long way towards the finish line.

To Southern Equestria, Part 4

Is Silverstream really an element bearer? Sorry, dumb question, I know. But it’s good for us to make sure that she is one. One needed to be very, very careful when you’re searching for element bearers, or at least that’s what I’m thinking right now. I guess this is just some part of my legacy, being the Princess’s student and all coming into play, all those nights researching about this subject or that subject really turns you into somepony that cares a lot for details.

And something tells me that Silverstream, while she definitely is an element bearer, I can’t shake the fact that this whole adventure down south feels too easy. Maybe it’s just expectations and all that, the first time we found a potential bearer of Generosity, we have to organise a massive rally in front of a building while simultaneously confusing the police force. I don’t expect something as dramatic as that happening, but the lack of conflict really feels unusual.

Something must be wrong with Silverstream, I don’t know what, but i’m sure of it.

“Hey, Sunset? You daydreaming again?”

I snapped out of my trance, yet again. This is getting tiring, I really, really need to stop worrying over the tiniest of details.

“Yeah, you know me Sonata. Why do you keep asking though? You know i’ll probably respond with the same excuse.”

“Yeaaaaahhh.” Sonata replied back, a knowing grin plastered all over her face. She’s also giggling a little bit as she makes her response, it’s the typical response I'd get whenever I'm talking with Sonata and there’s some inside joke we all get. It’s honestly cute now that I think about it. “I remember you when you were so busy studying and I asked you some very embarrassing questions, remember when I asked you whether you’re dating Twilight and you just said…”

My face turned sour, with both Starlight and Tempest now peering into the conversation.

“C’mon Sunset, say it. We’re all friends here.”

“Uh-huh.”

“THERE YA GO!!!” Sonata replied in glee. “Gosh, you were so busy reading all those equations that you just said ‘yes’! I asked the same question, literally 5 seconds after that on whether you were dating Rainbow Dash, and you responded with ‘uh-huh’ again!”

I only stared at Sonata. My face envoying disappointment, betrayal and rapid eye-twitching towards the Blue Siren. “Okay Sonata. I think that’s enough about me, how about-”

“Oh! Oh! Oh! There was this time during the Starswirl Festival, which is just some music festival in case both of you don’t know, and Sunset was busy playing a game with Rainbow Dash. I remember asking her whether she had kissed Twilight before, and her response was the same! She didn’t even flinch at all!”

At this point Starlight was lying on the floor, laughing her brains out, while cracks started appearing in Tempest’s face. Definitely trying to contain her laughter at the expense of my dignity. “Gosh I love it whenever Sunset’s focused on something, she’ll just admit to practically anything. Oh yeah, I remember the time when we are both together, we’re also still playing games, and I started asking questions on Flash Sentry.”

I immediately cast a spell, practically ‘poofing’ out Sonata’s mouth, leaving only muffled sounds coming out from where her mouth was.

“So, Sunset. Who is this Flash Sentry?” Tempest started asking. Now visibly curious more than anything else.

“No-one okay! He’s just a former boyfriend of mine, well, colt-friend to use Pony terms, he isn’t important!”

It took awhile for Tempest to start connecting the dots. But she eventually did, much to my misfortune, in a sudden reversal of her normally stoic self, she grinned at the implications of my conversation with Sonata.

Ugh, kill me now.

Sweet Celestia, this facility’s big.

There are multiple buildings that dot the facility, hundreds of Ponies walking about in lab coats, and probably just the same number of guards that are present as well. The Princess was not joking when she said that this project is personally important to her. Who would’ve thought that the Princess of the Sun likes going into space?

Okay, in hindsight, that might have been a bit obvious, still, seeing the various ponies milling about, it just gives you the sense of scale this project has progressed to.

I almost forgot what my objective is while I was gawking all over the place, acting like some kind of tourist or something. I was just walking outside the facility, blending into the crowd of ponies that are still very busy doing touristy stuff. I would bet a lot of savvy sales ponies would make a killing setting up a souvenir shop here, and that was when I noticed her.

A mare with a white coat, wearing jet black glasses, her hair just as white as her coat, and she is busy doing something with her horn. Is that a tracking spell? What is a Scientist casting a tracking spell for?

I broke from the crowd, preparing my S.M.I.L.E agent ID just in case I needed it, this mare seems interested in investigating something, and judging from the lack of weird glances pointed at her, she’s on the staff at the facility.

Admittedly I'm kinda deviating from the initial plan to protect Sunset Shimmer and her friends, but this seems to warrant my attention, S.M.I.L.E agents are protectors of Equestria from threats both internal and external, after all.

I approached the gate to the facility. The guard just simply brushed me off like I was some lost tourist, I rolled my eyes and showed my ID, just as the guard was about to freak out about how a fictional character is somehow alive, I shut him up. Really not wanting the entirety of Equestria knowing that I’m here, my secret identity has always been my greatest asset.

After a short talk with the guard, with assurances of legal repercussions in case he talked about my real identity, I entered in, and immediately came towards the White Mare. Well, it was more like the white mare suddenly bumping her face towards me.

“Hey there.”

“Oh, sorry. I was busy doing something, don’t mind me.”

“Actually, miss, would you like to step over here for a second?”

The white pony raised an eyebrow, seemingly confused, but she shrugged and did so anyway. Great! Now to find out what she’s been doing.

“I’ve noticed that you are running a particularly powerful tracking spell, miss…”

“Poindexter, and who might you be?”

“Oh, me? I’m Compass Point, but, back to the question, what are you doing? Are you busy tracking something you lost?”

“Umm, why do you think I would share that info? Wait, you don’t seem like staff around here, are you lost? Ugh, I probably need to call security to escort you out.”

“Oh, not at all miss Poindexter, you see, i’m from S.M.I.L.E, and my name’s actually.”

I unfurled something from my wings, the black coat I’m wearing providing convenient cover for my cutie mark. Poindexter’s horn lighted up, and she herself was curious to find out who I was. The moment she did though…

“D-d-d-d-d-d-d da-”

I forced a hoof onto her mouth, only shaking my head as the white pony freaks out over my true identity.

“Listen ma’am. I don’t want anypony to know who I truly am, but it seems that you are doing something very important. Would you mind telling me what you're doing? Oh, and please, use the name Compass Point from now on.”

“Oh, uh, okay. I assume you’ve heard of this, but there was an incident last night within the facility. Someone, not sure if this individual’s a pony or some other species, broke into our facility in the dead of night, and left just as mysteriously as well. 2 guards were shot with tranquilizer darts while this mysterious individual wandered off into Celestia knows where to do, well, something, well I’m investigating that something as of right now. Don’t want to leave this incident unattended for too long.”

“Huh, and you’re using the tracking spell to pick up any magical residue?”

“Yeah, but i’ve been receiving no indication of where he/she is during that fateful night. Must be some powerful spell. He/she is definitely flying, I can read that, but where he/she’s going is a mystery to me.”

Interesting, someone just flew into a heavily guarded facility, darted two guards, and then did something fast before flying off? That’s unusual. “Say, do you know the location where the two guards are darted at?”

“I, huh, I actually don’t know. I might wanna check them out on that.”

It didn’t take long for us to eventually arrive at the location, after pestering some more guards and a little bit of deduction on our part. The location was unassuming, just some space between two large buildings housing laboratories to the left and testing facilities to the right, but something was up here, it was enough to warrant this white mare to start investigating on her own.

“So, and I’m assuming here, the two guards ponies were darted from up high, because from your previous interview with them they said that they felt a weird prickly feeling without seeing the attacker.”

“Yeah.”

“So the attacker must’ve come from either the building right or left of the guards, and considering that the building on the left just leads to the gate. I’m assuming that the assailant is moving deeper into the facility.”

“To the testing facilities? Probably, you wouldn’t just dart the guards and go away. But there are many buildings to the left of this space, Stalwart, how are we supposed to go and investigate an entire facility?”

“Well. How about we start reducing the possibilities. What are the most important buildings you would think of in this space? Any sites of particular importance.”

“Well, there is the testing facility for the crew module, the rocket facility, fuel research labs, magical testing labs. In all honesty, they’re all important.”

“Well, why don’t we pick one site out? Like, hmmmm, the Rocket Facility?”

Poindexter looked at me with incredulity, it’s as if I just said something offensive to her, her retracted facial expressions really says everything that I need to hear. “Did I just say something wrong?”

“No, it’s just. Picking one facility at random seems… uhh, not methodical.”

“Well, we gotta start somewhere right?”

“Well… I guess that’s true enough.”

Jeez, what’s taking Poindexter so long?

Sure she’s a perfectionist when it comes to everything, but it’s really nearing lunch break and I still haven’t seen her. Just where in the world is she? I probably have to get her some take-away, she seems really busy doing this investigating stuff.

I reckon she would be really great at being a detective or something, Detective Poindexter of Canterlot! A nerdy mare by day, a dashing police officer by night! Defeating all manner of ne’er-do-wells and criminals as she waltzes beautifully with those thick rimmed glasses of hers. Yeah!

I really need to stop fantasizing.

Well, with work practically half done, I decided to grab myself some lunch. “Hey everyone, so uhh, it’s almost 12 midday, so you can probably take your 1 and a half hour break now. See-ya in a bit!” I declared, much to the relief and cheers of my coworkers. I don’t signal an early break often, but with progress in life support going this moothly, I might as well give some leeway to my coworkers. They’ve been doing fantastically these past few months.

Poindexter included of course.

But really, all I need now is a good bowl of kelp noodle soup, anything to get my mind off of the coming drudgery of doing both mine and Poindexter’s workload in the coming couple hours. So, in a typical me fashion, I sauntered off of the facility, heavily intent on getting my fill of some Southern Equestrian delights, and who did I bumped into but Sunset Shimmer and her pals.

“Oh, Sunset Shimmer, hello there!” I greeted. “Wow, what are you doing back here? Oh, are you in some kind of seeeecret adventure? Probably thwarting enemy spies from stealing our research notes or something? Or maybe you’re like, in some sappy romance where you are desperate to find your one true love within this sea of tourists and people really not interested in that sappy romance stuff?”

The fiery haired Pony only laughed at my antics. “No, nothing too dramatic. I actually wanted to talk to you! And also grab some dinner, but mostly talk to you.”

Sweet! It’s like we’re on the same wavelength, I can definitely hang out with friends over lunch. I do wonder what Sunset has in store for today though.

“So, Sunset. Whatchu wanna talk about?” I asked, slurping the noodles that the server brought for me. We went to a different restaurant, more southern equestrian rather than seaquestrian, still good though. No doubt about that.

“Well, it’s less what I want to talk about, but more about what you have in store.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“I meant in the sense that we should honestly talk about you. How’s your day going? Are you doing well? Do you have any concerns?”

“... Aaaaahhhh! Wow, you really sure you just wanna come here and talk about that?”

I looked at everypony, and their response, all the way from Starlight to Tempest was vigorous nods. (especially vigorous on Sonata’s part), well, if they really wanted to listen to my story.

“Okay, so, do you know that I am a headmare for the Life Support department right?”

They all nodded.

“Alright, so there’s this mare called Poindexter, and honestly, even though she’s been working with me for many, many years now. I still feel that we don’t click.”

“Why so?” Sunset asked.

“Well, that’s the problem. I don’t know, I really really don’t know, there’s something about Poindexter that makes all my moves for her seem to deflect, it’s honestly a lil bit frustrating, but yeah, I honestly don’t know what to do with her.”

“Well uhh, what do you wanna do with her Silverstream?” Starlight now taking the turn asking. “Do you wanna be friends with her? Do you wanna be just professional partners? What do you want?”

“Well, Headmare Starlight. that’s the other problem, I DON’T KNOW! I really want Poindexter to be my new friend, I've practically made all the staff within my department my friends, we have monthly dinners together, we play board games sometimes, I even once organized a trip down to Seaquestria for all of ‘em! But Poindexter… she seems to be just, well, absorbed in her job. It’s like I have a bad feeling for her, she seems like the mare that would run herself to the ground.”

“Well, if that’s your concern, then why don’t you let her do the talking. I mean, I have a ton of experience dealing with friends that tend to be noncooperative, but let me tell ya, just give that girl some breathing room and she’ll open up to you. Mean girls are mean usually for a reason.”

“Hmmm, you might be right Sonata. But, I don’t know, I feel like i’m leaving everything to fate.”

I slurped another batch of noodles from the bowl, I was just confused by Poindexter’s behaviour before, I mean, everypony wanted to be friends with me when they first met me, so why is she different? I tried my damndest to be a good friend with all my other coworkers. Heck, there was this one time that I even bought cake for a birthday a coworker of mine forgot about! But I don’t think Poindexter would’ve appreciated it much if I did that for her.

If trying so hard didn’t work, maybe I should try harder? Or maybe… just forget about it? No! Bad Silverstream! I will not rest until I make a friend out of Poindexter!

But, but how? I don’t want to become known as Silverstream the Restless!

“Silverstream. I know that I am still new in this friendship business, but it seems to me that you have a rather bad case of over-control, you try so hard to be friendly with other ponies, that you forget their personal boundaries altogether. You might wanna change that, everyone needs their personal space, Silverstream, even mares like me.”

The rest of the group turned their heads towards Tempest, her face, formerly stoic as she delivered that advice to me. Suddenly, it turned embarrassing as she stared at all the eyes looking at her.

“Didn’t think that you had it in you, Tempest.”

“Wow, that’s… that’s really good advice!”

“Buck yeah! Tempest, you rock!”

The Crimson Mare only blushed as I saw her three friends react to her advice. Reactions and embarrassment aside, that… makes sense. I….I haven’t cared much about the personal space of my coworkers, I think I might need to fix that. I have to make it up to Poindexter.

And I think I know just the way to do it.

Author's Note

Next chapter will be published Friday this week.

To Southern Equestria, Finale

Twilight stared at me, her face not very happy as she shifted her gaze, firstly towards me, and then towards the newspaper she’s holding by her horn. I may not be a reader of the Ponyville Times, but considering her reaction, I can easily guess what the headlines are.

“So I'm assuming that we’re talking about the near disaster?”

“... yeah? Just what happened there Daring? Alright, credit where credit’s due, you averted what could be a disaster, sinking potentially millions of bits into the drain, but how in the world did you not detect this whole disaster in advance?!?”

“Twilight, i’m not a know-it-all okay? I literally just arrived mere days before the rocket testing was about to go off, what do you expect me to do?”

The Princess let out a groan of physical frustration as I responded with that, she knows i’m right, but I can sense that there is a frustration building up within her that I must address. Yes, this is a disaster, and Twilight is rightfully confused, angry, and most of all, maddeningly curious. How in the world did someone manage to infiltrate a Rocket Site, install that spell, and have that spell avoid detection for so long?

It is something that warrants further investigation, which is why both of us are standing within a nondescript looking room, in a location that I cannot fully disclose.

Okay, it’s the Friendship Castle, in case you’re curious.

“Alright Daring, now uhh. How do I even tackle this? Buck, can you maybe start at the beginning?”

I turned towards the seemingly blank glass, knowing who is behind all that, and I sighed. “Is Sunset the one who encouraged you to ask those questions?”

“Well… I can’t tell you that, but that’s still a good question, right?”

I bit my own tongue at Twilight’s reply. The fact that it makes perfect sense makes it even more frustrating for me.

“Alright, perhaps we can begin at where Silverstream started getting close to Poindexter, let me tell ya, if that Pink Hippogriff sets her sights onto something, she will get what she wants, no matter what the cost.”

The first time we bumped into Silverstream was when we were finally making progress. Poindexter decided to choose the Rocket Assembly building for our little excursion, and, with a little bit of worker privileges, we managed to get in. I’m not sure if it’s coincidence or fate that we bumped into Silverstream while we’re there, but it made the investigation a lil bit more complicated.

“Poindexter? What are you doing here?” She asked, clearly curious as to why a Life Support Scientist was somehow within the Rocket Assembly Building. “And who’s that pony besides you?”

The White Pony was almost startled when she saw the Pink Hippogriff. She was supposed to be investigating the matter with me personally. Poindexter was not sure about her suddenly entering into the fray.

“Heeeeyyy Silverstream. What’s it hangin?” She responded awkwardly, the intonations of her voice clearly indicating nervousness and just a little bit of fear. “This is my friend, uhhh, Compass… Point?”

Good one Pointy.

“Yes, Compass Point. Nice to meet you.” I greeted Silverstream. “As you can see, I am here with Poindexter because we’re following up on your request to her.”

“Oh, really? Wow, didn’t expect that you’re following up on my request. Wait, who… who are you? You do seem similar to some novel I just read…”

Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag. I approached her and flashed my ID, a move that was followed by an imminent explosion of emotions from the Pink Hippogriff, an impending explosion that I put down immediately.

“No, not right now. Please.” I begged her. “I don’t need everyone to know that I’m Daring. Not when I’m so close to wrapping the whole thing up!”

Oh dear, it could turn out that this Silverstream girl could just explode any minute now. Her face and various small movements in her body indicate that she’s a fan of my works. In the least opportune time at that.

Sometimes I wonder if I just have the most rotten of luck.

Luckily, she calmed down. And after some polite attempts by myself to make sure she wouldn’t tell anyone of what we’re doing here, she, mercifully, went away. Quite an energetic woman, a diametric opposite of Poindexter for sure.

I wonder how in the world she got this job. Seems like the last Hippogriff on this planet that could get the job that she did, based on what Poindexter told me anyway.

“Hey Pointy.” I called her, now formally searching the room for any potential interference. “How did you get to work for her?”

“What? Why do you ask?”

“I’m just wondering. She seems like the complete opposite of you. You’re calculating and calm, and she’s… well, I don’t want to be mean to her. But she’s not that.”

“Sometimes I wonder about that same thing myself, Daring. And to be honest, I have no good answers. I wanna say that it’s just bad luck that I was assigned to someone who’s the opposite of me. But honestly, I don’t know, I really don’t.”

“Interesting.” I responded. Looking intently at one particular rocket. “So you hate Silverstream?”

“Hate’s a… pretty strong word, so no, I don’t hate her per se. I can hang out with her sometimes, and we can connect on some stuff. I find it pleasing that both of us are technically proficient in what we do, but it’s just… ugh, it’s just her personality that irks me. She has way way way too much energy for me to handle.”

“I can understand that. But… maybe, I don’t think you’re giving her much a chance to begin with.”

I then stumbled into something rather interesting on this particular rocket, it’s super faint, but I can definitely sense someone has etched something into this thing, might need some time to figure out what it is though. Call this my intuition or SMILE training, but I feel like something feels wrong here.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, you don’t like Silverstream right? But is it caused by her intensity, or did you feel some instant repulsion of her when you first met her? Despite not knowing who she is or what she’s working on?”

There wasn’t much of a response from her.

“The second one, not sure why I felt like that though.”

“Ah, you remind me of myself during a certain adventure with a friend of mine. She was also the opposite of me, athletic, for sure, but much more brash, clumsy, and not as methodical in her wit or her charm, nor was her personality compatible with mine. But, I gave her a chance, and she turned out to be the most loyal friend a pony could ask for.”

“Maybe your assumptions of Silverstream are poisoning your relationship from the start. So perhaps… maybe give her a chance?” I finished, still trying to figure out heads or tails on the etching.

There wasn’t much of a response, but I did hear hoofsteps coming closer and closer to my location.

“Hmm. I’m not sure, but I think… I think you might be right Daring, I have always avoided her, never giving her a chance. And, yeah yeah yeah. No, you’re right. Gosh, how will I make it up to her.”

“Hey, we can talk about that later. Pointy, do you know what this etching means?”

The white unicorn took a slight glance at it, and predictably nodded. “Well, that’s weird. Never seen a rune ordered in that way before. Can you scoot over? That is definitely not a standard rune that we use.”

She was busy analyzing the contents of the rune when all of a sudden, I heard the door opening up. That garnered my attention, what garnered my attention even more though, was their topic of conversation.

“Hey, so we’re testing that new rocket over there tomorrow right?”

“Oh yeah, the tourists are going to be flocking the beaches and wherever they can find space for their cameras. I’m sure it’s going to be pretty awesome, the damn thing’s practically our latest project in terms of showcasing our engineering chops. Heard that a Princess is planning on seeing the launch of the rocket.”

“What? You’re joking!”

“Ummm I don’t know Rocket Boom, Princesses can show up anywhere, if my encounter with Twilight is anything to go by.”

And what would you know, both ponies are headed our way.

“Umm, Poindexter, have you finished with doing your analysis thing yet?” I whispered. “In case you don’t know…”

“Yes yes I know, just give me a second.” She whispered back. The sound of her activated horn being ever present.

“Hey, Boom. Do you hear that?”

“What’s up?”

“It sounds like… a unicorn’s horn. Near the test rocket.”

Crap.

“Yep. I’m done.” Poindexter curtly responded. “Got any ideas on how to get out of this?”

“Do you know an invisibility spell?” I rapidly asked. Those hoofsteps are getting closer and closer.

“I know something better.” She replied, and her horn lighted up.

For a moment, I was in a void, senses all turned off, seeing nothing, hearing nothing.

And then, a rapid rush of your senses as you quickly adjust yourselves to your new surroundings.

Did we just teleport?

“Ah, back in the train station, just as I’d planned.” Poindexter smiled.

Yep, definitely teleportation, and if my experiences with Twilight taught me anything...

“Pointy, you know how loud teleportations are right?” I asked, a question Poindexter replied with only a sly smile.

“That’s the difference. Did you hear anything?” She pointed out, her smile widening, much to my casternation, which then turned into fascination.

She’s right, whenever I teleported with Twilight, there’s always a loud bang, which then followed by our arrival. I didn’t hear as much as a pop from Poindexter.

“Silent teleportation spell. I learned it from my mom. She was a former soldier during the war, and had to improvise such a spell when she was caught behind enemy lines.”

I can only offer blinking eyes as a response. “I never thought that such a spell was possible, pretty creative of you to think of that on the spot.”

“Yeah, now uhh, what do we do? I think I know what that etching is, but it doesn’t make much sense as to why someone would put it there.”

I tapped my hooves for a moment, “Why don’t we discuss it further in your house? Silverstream said to take your time right?”

Well, I think it’s safe to say that we have progressed to new levels of bafflement..

We arrived at Poindexter's house, and she calmly explained how that rune works. It’s a simple rune, a bit too simple for my liking really. It essentially changes the gravity of a rocket, changing it’s trajectory mid flight.

This would’ve been a significant cause of concern. But there’s one thing that she mentioned that put my mind at ease, the fact that there are other runes active on the rocket that would help guide it into the desired trajectory, a failsafe if you will.

We have been trying to make sense out of the whole plan, with both of us theorizing into the night, and even after some sleep (Pointy was generous enough to let me borrow the couch), we still have a hard time deciphering what the intent of the rune placer is.

But then, in the early morning, as we tried our best to understand what was going on, a visit from Silverstream changed everything.

“Honestly, I think we should just let the rocket launch happen and then we’ll figure out what that damned rune is there for.” Poindexter argued, much to my disagreement.

“Pointy, the last thing we want is to have a ballistic missile barreling down on the nearby city. If anything, the rune could be pointing that whole thing to land in a city.”

“But I told you Daring. We have other spells at work within that rocket to prevent such a thing. You know I couldn’t just waltz into the director’s office and tell him to cancel a rocket launch because of some flimsy excuse like that. It wouldn’t work!”

“And now we are ETA 2 minutes from the test launch of the new rocket model, the Luna 3 Rocket.” The radio interrupted. “It’s going to be a great day for Equestrian spaceflight should everything go well.”

I cringed at the announcement, as much as I am concerned, Pointy is right. This is an important rocket launch, and we couldn’t stop it lest some divine intervention occur.

Then there was a knock on the door .

“it’s open.” Poindexter replied, and the door then swung to reveal Silverstream. Kinda groggy, but nonetheless fully awake and carrying a bunch of paperwork.

“Heyyy there Pointy, Daring.” She greeted, sauntering herself into the living room where we were discussing things. “I don’t know if this will help your investigation or whatever, but I’ve got some paperwork for you to think about. Wow, never thought that my simple request would turn out to be such a big deal huh?”

“Yeah, yeah it is. But honestly, I don’t know at this point. The rocket’s about to launch, and I’m not sure if our intervention is going to do anything.”

“Oh, you’re investigating the rocket? Sweet! Oh, and by the way, I just got a phone call from the director. Today’s going to be a ‘no magic’ launch day. So they’re going to test the rocket without any spells or runes on. Don’t want our spells to fail when we were in space, so we’re testing them without any spells today!”

A palpable silence falls into the room. A silence only betrayed by Silverstream’s unknowing smile.

“Silverstream.” I calmly responded. “You said, no runes or spells?”

“Yep! What? What’s wrong?”

“Yesterday, when we were investigating the rocket. I noticed a gravity changing rune etched on the side of the rocket, it barely emitted any magical signature at all and it required a ton of magic to fully analyze the damn thing. If what you’re saying is true, then…”

Everything seemingly clicked for all of us.

“Wait! WHAT?!? There’s a rune in the Rocket?!?!?” The Pink Hippogriff screamed. “Wowowowow, that’s DANGEROUS! What happens if it hits the city?!?”

I don’t want to think about that. The consequences of that happening is… immense. Maybe a bit too immense.

“Hey, Silverstream, you have a car?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’ll try to drive as fast as possible. C’mon, get in!”

I’m not gonna lie. The rooftop of the hotel had a really good view.

Sonata and Starlight were over there, talking with each other, while myself and Tempest were a bit occupied with baking ourselves in the southern sun. The rocket’s about to launch, and it seems like Silverstream’s going to ‘join’ us when this is over.

This seems to be a little bit too easy, and a part of me says that something very wrong is about to happen. I just can’t figure out what it is.

“Hey there. Umm, do you mind if I put my chair over here?” I heard someone say.

“Um, yeah, sure. No problem.” I responded.

30 Seconds to launch.

“Ah. This should be good, Tempest. Watching the rocket launch while we lay back and relax here. Never imagined this to be part of your mission right?”

“It is… unusual, I’ll give you that. But I don’t hate it.” She responded. “Now hush, I want to sunbathe and enjoy the rocket launch.”

“Heh, me too Tempest, me too.”

“3. 2. 1. And we have liftoff!!” The radio next to us announced. Much to the cheering and amazement of the other ponies in the crowd. Alright, once this is over, let’s get to Silverstream’s house and-

Wait. What’s that?

“Tempest. Look.” I said, throwing off my sunglasses and looking at a bright red light on the side of the rocket, a bright red light that, not sure if it’s correlated, but it’s turning the rocket into our direction.

“Uhh… Oh crap. Tempest? Starlight?” I said, turning my heads into the group. My face quickly turning pale as I saw the ever increasing pandemonium. “We have to shoot that thing down, NOW!”

A burst of electrical energy came out of nowhere, hitting the rocket, and it didn’t even change the trajectory of the damn thing. “Buck! That’s my best shot!” I heard Tempest scream. “Sunset, if you have an idea, I’m very much open to it.”

“Starlight, Tempest, you know the spell you use to hold things right?”

“Yeah, but… oh, I get it. I’m not sure if we can do it on something that big and that fast though.” Starlight commented. Her eyes eyeing both the chaos and the incoming rocket.

“Well. It’s the only idea that I can come up with, and it’s worth a shot.” I responded. Activating my horn and trying my best to ‘grab’ the rocket.

A red aura surrounded the rocket’s tip, but I can barely budge the damn thing. Starlight then assisted me, her cyan glow accompanying mine, and Tempest’s similarly coloured light blue glow came as well.

C’mon… C’mon!!! Move that damn thing to the OCEAN!!!

And… thank goodness, I’m seeing movement, the rocket’s budging, and yet I don’t think it’s enough. It’s going to hit the city’s outskirts at this point! Oh gosh, if something doesn’t improve soon, then I don’t wanna know the consequences of this.

Please for Celestia’s sake. BUDGE!!!

“Let me help you.”

“What?”

A golden glow then filled the entire rocket. Complementing all the magical aura colours as finally, thank goodness finally, the rocket started moving towards the ocean. It splashed just off of the beach, creating a huge explosion as a mini tidal wave made everypony in that beach a bit wetter than usual. But when it’s all finished, a disaster was narrowly averted.

I sighed, we all did, as a disaster that could’ve cost thousands of lives ended in some ponies having to dry off a little bit. But wait.

Who’s the Unicorn with the golden aura?

“Whew. Thank goodness. I thought I was a goner.”

I turned my head and saw the hooded figure taking off her cloak. And dropping the whole thing entirely. “That is a really ingenious plan. I guess some props to you are in order.”

Wait, pink coat, colourful hair, and wings? “Are… are you Princess Cadence? You looked a lot different than I thought.”

“Oh, no. I’m Flurry Heart. Daughter of Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armour, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Beyond Equestria, Part 1

The window of the aeroplane is an interesting place to stare at. Especially when you are reserved in your own seat while Sonata is still busy gawking at everything she could get her flippers on.

Let me start from the beginning. Twilight bought us some tickets to New Mareland, okay, that’s fine. The one thing that she didn’t tell me is that the Airport in Canterlot looks more like some luxurious old house, the ones where Kings used to live than your regular old airport. Security was a bit too lax for my liking, even as news of the Yucca island incident circulates across the country.

As the aeroplane took off, I found myself wondering what this shadowy organisation’s desires are. It’s for certain that the incident in Yucca island is orchestrated by The Society, the thing that I want to know is why, who is in control of The Society, and why are they so focused on Equestria right now.

If recent history is to be believed, it could potentially be anyone, Discord, disgruntled Griffons, Changelings, or maybe even some Ponies. There’s a lot of things to be angry about in this new world, I’m really afraid about Discord personally, I’ve heard stories of his antics from Celestia, and no one knows what he can do should he have a chip on his shoulder.

Gosh, thinking about these things is making me quite terrified, let’s not go full Twilight mode while on a plane Sunset.

“Attention Mares and Gentlecolts, please fasten your seatbelts, we are now only 15 minutes from arriving in New Manehattan. The weather is clear, with 25 degrees celsius ground temperature and no massive cloud formations near the city. Thank you for flying Pegasi Equestrian. The premier airline of Equestria, serving more than 200 destinations in Equus, Griffonia and Zebrica.

I straightened up my seat and fastened the seatbelt. I've never really flown in an Airline before as a human, much less fly in this so-called ‘Business Class’ that Twilight booked for all of us. It’s an interesting experience, the only time I’ve ever travelled a long distance was on a boat, a Steamboat from Manehattan to Las Pegasus, and now we are arriving in New Manehattan after only a day of flying.

I also don’t know what to think that I’m flying on a plane as a Pony first, rather than as a human, shouldn’t that be the other way around? With how advanced technology is in the human world? Eh, beggars can’t be choosers this time around.

I also saw a bunch of Pegasi boarding the plane at the gate. Knowing their… inherent abilities, It felt weird, but I do see the convenience of taking a plane instead of flying to Griffonia by yourself.

Wow.

You know, I’ve been to a ton of places during my life, I’ve been to Manehattan, Las Pegasus, the Crystal Empire, even Yakyakistan and the Changeling lands for that matter. Some of those places I’ve visited multiple times.

In the human world mind you, not here in Equus.

And yet, this planet just found even more ways to astound me. Because of this city, New Manehattan. Oh my goodness…

I’ve seen the statistics before, technically speaking. Manehattan does have a larger economy and city population. But by Celestia does New Manehattan make it look like Manehattan is just some regular old city. Shiny new buildings are being constructed and brought up, an airport that makes Canterlot’s airport look like a chump change, and when we exited the airport, the outside has a gigantic park where Ponies and Griffons are frolicking around.

All set on the backdrop of massive Skyscrapers, when we landed in New Manehattan, there were skyscrapers, where we exited the aircraft, skyscrapers dominated the skyline, and when we exited the airport itself. Even more skyscrapers. Pinkie would’ve called this town ‘Skyscrapertopia’ for sure.

An impressive city. A metropolis on the other continent that matches the splendour and cosmopolitan feeling of Manehattan, but we’re not here to take a road trip, we are here to get an Element Bearer.

And we don’t know where to start.

“Alright, Sunset. So, we’re here, in New Mareland, where do you want to begin?”

“Hmm, I don’t know, does anyone have any ideas?” I asked the group. “I’ve been thinking that we should go to the City Center first, and look at the sights for a while. I always found that wandering around the city can be rather… interesting, you discover a ton of new places just from wandering around.”

I looked at the other compatriots of Sunset’s group, Tempest is nonchalant as always, but Sonata? Her eyes are heavily fixated on the Skyscrapers overlooking the airport. One wonders whether Sirens really like flashy stuff, or if it’s just Sonata being Sonata.

“Fine, let’s take a taxi and get on with it,” I said, only for Starlight to look at me with confusion.

“Sunset, there’s literally a subway station over there.” She pointed out, rightfully, at a nearby small tunnel. The ‘New Manehattan Transit’ sign emblazoned on top of it. “We can just go there and try to find out who’s the next Element Bearer we’re going to meet.”

Ah, I didn't notice that there’s a station there. Alright, let’s see where this new transit system will take us.

It didn’t go as planned.

Sure, we reached the centre of town, sure, Sonata gets to fly and see all the new sights and sounds of the city, much to the surprise and interest of the local pegasi who never saw what a Siren looked like, and sure, all of this distraction is proving to be a rather enlightening study at how Griffons and Ponies can live and work together. As a former student of Celestia, I can tell you that Ponies and Griffons don’t have the best history with each other.

But it doesn’t change the fact that we’re nowhere near an Element Bearer.

As if that’s not enough, it’s almost sundown and the Hotel Management must be rather miffed at how their supposed VIPs still haven’t checked in. Yeah, we were bringing all our baggage this whole time while we were adventuring/ vacationing in the city. What’s that about thinking things through? Yeah, we collectively forgot about all that.

“Sunset, don’t you think that we should call it a day for now? It’s clear that we won’t find any signs of Gallus at this point. It is a big city after all.” Sonata suggested, already looking exhausted after all that flying around.

The last time Sonata suggested that, well, the last 3 times she suggested that, I brushed her off, saying reassuring things about how it’s all going to be fine. But now? All of us are looking exhausted after spending hours upon hours of searching, looking at everyone around us who might look like a new element bearer.

Fine, even I have a heart sometimes okay? I didn’t get reformed by the human mane 6 for nothing.

“Alright, we’ll go check in the hotel, the whatsit called?”

“The Coltdorf Ponystoria.” Sonata replied.

“Yeah, yeah that. Apparently, this hotel’s pretty famous in town right?”

“Twilight told me that it is the best place to stay in Manehattan, and said that she has booked 4 separate rooms in the ‘Royal Suite.’” Starlight commented.

“Hmm, sounds fancy.” I remarked, thoughts about Twilight crying for the bits she’s about to fork over flashed in my mind, and further thoughts about Celestia looking at Twilight with a disappointed look, lecturing the purple Mare about ‘reckless spending habits’ also flashed inside my mind. It made me laugh a little bit.

It’s probably not true, it looks like Princess Celestia was the Pony who arranged our flight and accommodation, but it’s still a funny thought. Bookworm Twilight the reckless spender, ah… the wonders of the imagination.

“Alright, where is it? How many blocks do we have to trot to?” I asked the group. We are taking directions from Starlight and Tempest collectively, both mares knowing the city like the back of their hoof.

I tried remembering the specific directions Twilight gave to all of us during the meeting, it’s just right after that map was reactivated. “Get to the downtown train, if you see a building with pointy spears sticking out and grey bricks, then you’ve arrived at the hotel.” She said.

Hmm, grey bricks and pointy spears, isn’t that?

I turned my head around and yep. There’s a building just across the block with the same description that Twilight told me. With the visible logo of the Coltdorf Ponystoria on the walls. “I think we don’t have to go far. It’s literally right there.”

Everyone turned their heads, a collective look of interest washing over them. “Well, I didn’t expect the hotel to be that close.” Starlight commented. “Wait, are we just walking in circles this whole time? I thought I remembered where the Coltdorf’s located…”

“Well, evidently not,” I replied. “It’s not a big deal, big cities like this tend to be confusing even to the best of us. C’mon, let’s get in and relax. Our next element bearer should still be here in New Manehattan.”

We entered the hotel's front entrance. With everyone feeling rather tired and lounging at the massive couch located in the central part of the lobby, trust me, I would’ve done the same thing, but I, Sunset Shimmer, still have to do this whole Check-In thing so that we can properly rest and relax.

“Welcome to the Coltdorf Ponystoria, how may I help you.” A Griffon staff greeted me, dressed immaculately in a brightly coloured uniform. His monotone voice

Hey… he looks familiar… Didn’t Starlight tell me that one member of that friend group’s a Griffon?

“Yeah. Did I get a reservation under Sunset Shimmer? We’re from Equestria.”

“Hmmm… Ah, got it right here. 4 rooms for 4 right? All in the Royal Suite too.” He whistled. “Alright, let me get those keys and get someone to bring you to your room.”

The Griffon then did some things in his drawer, called out a Pony from somewhere else, and promptly handed me 4 keys. “Alright, so these 4 keys will lead you to rooms 4506, 4507, 4508, and 4509. They’re all located on floor 45, so take the elevator over, and you’re all set. Loyal Service will be your bell mare for now, she’ll take care of your baggage needs alright?”

A red-coated pony in the same uniform as the Griffon greeted me. All was going well, but there was one thing that I needed to ask him first. I have this sneaking suspicion, but I need to confirm it with one simple question.

“Excuse me, but is your name, Gallus?”

The Griffon almost did a double take. Yes, apparently he is Gallus, his changed demeanour certainly indicated such. “H-how did you know my name?”

“Just one second,” I said. Quickly running towards Starlight and bringing her towards the front desk. The headmare’s facial expression changed from confusion to excitement immediately after seeing the Griffon. “Oh my gosh! Out of all places! It’s nice meeting you again Gallus. Gosh, how long has it been since you graduated? Ponyfeathers. I can’t wait to tell Ocellus and Silverstream that you’re here.”

The blue Griffon’s face paled immediately at that mention. “Please don’t. I don’t want anyone to know that I’m working here, please…”

“Oh fine, but do come to our rooms after this whole ordeal’s finished okay? Do we need to rest for like… 3 hours from now? So knock on our doors at like, 7 or 8 or something. We have a lot of things to catch up on.”

The Griffon didn’t manage to blurt out a response, just standing there with his mouth agape as we slowly corral ourselves (and the Bellmare) into the elevator, eventually reaching the 45th floor and subsequently relaxing for the rest of the day.

Doing a bubble bath with a view of the New Manehattan Skyline really does wash away your tiredness like it’s nothing.

Really, Gallus and how he ended up here has become our new priority for the moment. I can’t wait and listen to what his story’s like.

Beyond Equestria, Part 2

While we all waited for Gallus. Myself, Starlight, Sonata, and Tempest were all talking with each other in my own hotel room about the events of the day. It’s been rather hectic, all things considered, but it ended well, and that’s all that matters for us.

Tempest was busy telling all of us her stories during the war that we almost didn’t realize the phone rang. My horn lighted up and stopped the incessant ringing by picking up its receiver. “Hello, Sunset Shimmer here.” Not really expecting anything.

“Hi Ms. Shimmer. This is the Coltdorf Ponystoria, we have here a staff member of ours telling that he is invited per your request, we are wondering if that is true or not.”

“Oh yeah, send him in, please. I’ve been waiting for Gallus here to come.”

“Of course, ma’am, thank you for the clarification.” The staff member said, closing the line.

“Hey Sunset, did the hotel ask about Gallus or something?” Tempest asked, correctly deducing the conversation I just had.

“Yeah, a bit concerned about strangers entering our room or something.”

“Fantastic! Now that he's coming, what do you girls think his story’s all like? Perhaps something moody? Perhaps something sweet? Gosh, I can't wait!!!” Sonata screamed. Getting a collective nod from all of us.

I’m personally curious as to why such an illustrious graduate of the Friendship Academy ended up as some hotel staff here. Seems like some job someone takes out of desperation rather than choice.

Gallus could only stand there, the Royal Suite in the Coltdorf stunning the Griffon by the looks of it. He could only look in awe as the meticulously decorated room showered his eyes with views of luxury furniture, soft rugs, and the most advanced technologies Equestria has to offer.

I personally think the interior decoration is a bit too tacky, but hey, who am I to judge? If Ponies want this kind of furniture then it’s the Coltdorf’s prerogative to provide it.” I said. Not really helping his sense of awe a little bit.

And speaking of providing something to us.

“Gallus, hello?” I asked the Blue Griffon. “Equus to Gallus?”

“Wha? Oh, oh yeah. Hey there miss… Sunset?”

“Correct! Welcome to our lil get-together.” I greeted the Griffon. “Come in, come in. We have a lot to talk about.”

I brought Gallus towards the main living room where all my friends are hanging out. Talking with each other about their lives and some random miscellany, Sonata seems to be regaling the group about my exploits when I arrived with our featured guest. “And here is Gallus everypony.” I introduced him. “Gallus, please take a seat wherever you like. We’d love to hear your story.”

Sonata was the first individual to greet Gallus. The Siren shaking Gallus’ claw like nothing else matters. “It’s lovely to meet you, Gallus, from one non-pony to the next, I’d love to hear many things about your life here!”

Gallus could only give an awkward laugh, I don’t think he even knew what a Siren is. Good on him for keeping silent and nodding though.

Tempest was the next. Offering a simple gesture with her left forehoof. “Pleased to meet you. I am Tempest Shadow. Former general in the Equestrian Army, I would be looking forward to cooperating with you.”

Gallus could also give a nervous laugh. Perhaps it is the almost natural animosity Griffons and Ponies have for each other considering the recent history Twilight taught me, but it is certainly interesting to note.

Then there was Starlight, and it seems that Gallus was at the most ease. She is the one control factor that Gallus is desperately looking for all this time. “Hi, Gallus! Been a long time since we met huh?”

“Yeah. How’re things in Equestria Headmare Starlight?”

“Oh well, same old same old. Trixie and Sunburst are always the best-worst colleagues I can ever have. I guess that comes into the territory of having your best friends by your work buddies, but anyway, let’s not talk about my boring old life here. Let’s talk about you! How’s life in New Manehattan Gallus? I can see that you’re working as a… hotel staffer. Not exactly a job I’d expect, but if that’s what you like, then uhh, good on you…”

Even Starlight knew that being a hotel staffer ain’t exactly the job she envisioned someone like Gallus would undertake, and pretty much all of us agreed with her.

Gallus, in response, only muttered a sigh, sitting in one of the chairs in one of the living rooms. “I guess we’ll have to start with the mess after our ‘graduation’. I think all of you should take a seat for this one. This is gonna be very long.”

As we all crowded the big couch surrounding Gallus’ single chair. The Blue Griffon started his story. “So we were supposed to graduate by… 1031 if I’m not wrong? Sadly things didn’t pan out and my friends and I were separated. Well, sad to say that I probably have the worst.”

“Got denied job opportunities left and right due to that war thing between Equestria and the Empire. Even once the war’s over. I stayed a little bit in Ocellus’ apartment in Manehatttan. But I really don’t want to burden her even more, so I decided to take my chances and go to New Manehattan. And… eh, could be worse, but it could be better.”

“Still. If I thought that New Manehattan would be different than old Equestria then boy am I wrong. More opportunities for sure, but… the same old speciesm, the same old bigotry I encountered back in Equestria. Decided to join an organization promoting Griffon equality here. And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”

I turned my head towards Starlight and Tempest, and both seemed shameful when Gallus mentioned the fact. “It’s… a work in progress.” Starlight mentioned. “Do you know Ocellus is a labour organizer in Manehattan? Feels weird that both of you are championing the cause for better treatment of non-pony species.”

“Wait… huh?” Gallus responded. “Ocellus is a labour leader? Huh… I guess we haven’t contacted each other for a looong time, but the thought that we’re doing something similar… feels nice.”

I could only smile as Gallus smiled at the thought of Ocellus doing the things he’s doing, separated by an ocean, and yet united under a similar banner. That must feel nice for him.

“Say, why don’t you take us to one of your Griffonian rights orgs right now?” I asked. “Perhaps we can help out on some stuff, right girls?” Earning nothing but interested nods from everyone.

At the moment I mentioned it. Gallus’ face went cold all of a sudden. Is it the thought that we may not mix well with his friends?

“Uhh… maybe let me make some calls first? We do need more Griffonpower right now, but I don’t think they might be imagining a former general joining their ranks to promote their cause right now.”

That must’ve been an interesting phone call. All I can hear are screams and assurances from Gallus as he talked away on the phone on a bedroom he locked the doors on, owing to the fact that he can’t be there forever. The griffon quickly exited the room he was in, his face seemed pale.

Must’ve been the thick air on the room and nothing else, I’m sure of it.

“Alright. Sunset?” He mentioned me. “You can meet me other friends, but Tempest here’s the problem. You’re going to have to put a blindfold on all of your heads, they’re spooked Tempest might be an informant and will tell the authorities where our HQ are, let’s just say that we don’t have the best relationship with New Manehattan Cops.”

Tempest’s head turned, her eyes blinked multiple times and a weird smile crept up her face. “So… like a ponynapping I presume?”

“Heh… sorry.”

The maroon mare put her hoof over her head, shaking her head and then turning towards me. “If things go south Sunset. We exfil immediately, no ifs and buts okay?”

“So that means you’d agree?”

A reluctant nod and a sigh came out of her. Pretty much a green light all things considered.

“Alright, are we going tonight then Gallus?”

“No Sunset, tomorrow night, I don’t have to work tomorrow, we’ll meet at the back entrance, you should see a van parked right next to the curb, enter it, put on the hood, and then we can go. Is that good for all of you?”

Being ‘ponynapped’ is definitely not something I have in mind when we arrived at this city, but it would certainly be an experience I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. I nodded and then turned my head to see everyone else nodding with varying levels of anticipation. Sonata seems especially eager for some reason, nodding her head rapidly.

“Ooooohhhh. I’ve only heard stories of girls being ponynapped and then whisked away like that. It’s something else let me tell you, to think that I’ll be the one to be kidnapped like this… ohhhhh.” The Siren smiles with a glee that shouldn’t be there. “Oh, just make sure you’re not actually ponynapping us, Gallus. I may not have the gem but I still do have my claws and pipes. And you don’t wanna know what a siren can do if she’s pissed. Okay?”

Goodness, the whiplash! Turning from glee to threatening in a moment. Gallus only nodded eagerly, giving assurances to Sonata that yes, he’s not actually ponynapping anyone here.

“Well alright then.” Sonata eased, seemingly content by the Blue Griffon’s fear. “Now… what do you girls think we should do tonight? Board games?”

The night came, and we all stood by the curb of the hotel, all anticipating the white van to arrive, I was thinking of whipping up my smartphone for a moment, but I realized that Smartphones don’t exist back here. Leaving us only with each other, let’s just say that talking about the best pie recipe has never been more riveting with good friends at your company.

And sure enough, the white van arrived, with Gallus opening the door. “Get in.” He mentioned, Quickly giving us black scarves once we got in. “Alright, This should be a short ride, so put those on and we’ll be on our way.”

It turns out that the ride is much longer than expected. Not that we can complain about it considering that we were blindfolded along the way there, but, sure enough, we did arrive at our destination.

And what greeted us there was… surprising, to say the least of it.

It seemed that we are inside some building, on the outskirts of New Manehattan judging by the dense foliage I can see outside the building, but perhaps the most important individual I can see, however, is the Griffon staring right in front of me.

She is wearing a top hat, with a rather dapper-looking tailored suit, complete with a monocle, and looking at us with curious eyes. “Say, Gallus. You mentioned that there will be a former general in front of us, someone that might be a threat to the movement, but from the looks of it. All I see are great and capable mares staring in front of us.”

“Uhh, what? I didn’t lie Genevieve. The Pony with the Maroon coat is the general ma’am.”

“Hmm… You might see a former general, but all I see is somepony that literally rescued me from the clutches of Griffonian Empire troops, somepony that liberated my homeland, and somepony that I am confident will have our best interests in mind. Am I right Fizzlepop?”

The maroon mare only nodded and smiled. “Say, I didn’t realize that you are a Civil Rights organizer Genevieve. Has age treated you so poorly that you resigned from your position as mayor to lead this? I assume you desire a challenge?”

The Griffon scoffed at Tempest’s attempts to annoy her. “Please, if that is your attempt at provoking me then you truly are beyond your best years now Miss Berrytwist. Where is that sass of yours when we were trading insults with each other over tea”

“Same to you Miss Guildedwing. I didn’t know that the literal former mayor of the richest city in Griffonia is holed up somewhere in the wilderness, what happened to you? Did you lose an election perhaps?” Tempest retorted. Smirking as the Griffon rolled her eyes

“Brute General.”

“Snobby Noble.”

“Uncouth barbarian.”

“Stuffy Politician.”

“... Friend.”

And with that, the tension seemingly dissipated as both the Griffon and the pony rushed to hug each other. “Oh, how I missed you miss Fizzlepop. Liberator of Skyfall and Dear friend of mine. How are things?”

“Oh well, same old same old. Still serving the crown but not in any official manner anymore.”

“Oh pish posh Fizzlepop. If you’re not working for the crown then I must assume you’ve decided to take up my offer and become one of Skyfall’s many bankers no?”

“Me? a Banker? C’mon Genevieve, I’d sooner die than become one of your insufferable bank tellers within your town’s gilded banks.”

Both of them laughed as they traded insults and retorts to each other, and I couldn’t understand what is happening all this while. Are they friends? How are they friends? I turned to look at Gallus and my other friends and they all seemed confused at the sudden tonal change within the room. Surely enough, after some time reminiscing with each other, both Tempest and the Griffon motioned us to stand up. The monocle-wearing Griffon introducing herself to all of us.

“Greetings all of you, if you're a friend of Miss Fizzlepop here then you are a friend of mine. My name is miss Genevieve Guildedwing. Former mayor of the Skyfall Trade Federation and currently the head organizer of the GEF, that’s the Griffon Equality Front if you don’t know what that means.”

Author's Note

Sorry for the ultra-long wait. Life stuff happens and I'm in College right now doing stuff.

Also, In case you're wondering what Genevieve looks like.

Introductions

Adventure. Such a simple word, only three syllables, and yet, that single word can contain so many memories for so many ponies. For one, it can mean travelling into the unknown, searching for something new and risking your life just for the thrill of the discovery. For another, it means the process of discovering oneself, journeying into the deepest recesses of the mind in order to found something you never thought you had it in you. Even for some people, it just means a little bit of both, venturing into the unknown, and discovering oneself in the process.

The current predicament I am in seems to firmly fit into the third category. I am discovering new things, and learning a great many things about myself in the process. Well, perhaps less on myself and more on the companion that is sitting right next to me right now. A companion that’s looking at me, drinking her coffee, and generally having a good time in the coffee shop right now.

“Hey Sunset? What’s wrong?” The companion asked, her bulbous eyes intently looking at my face, seemingly examining every single muscular movement I did. “You seem to be lost a while back.”

“Huh? What?” I replied, finally snapping back to reality from my extended process of introspection. “Oh, It’s nothing Sonata. I’m just wondering about stuff, that’s all.”

“And what’s that stuff about?” She pushed. “C’mon Sunset, the battle of the bands is sooo like a couple years ago.”

Alright, this ‘adventure’ isn’t really an adventure at all, unless you count hanging at a coffee shop and talking with your best friends as an adventure. Still, with our history together, I can’t help but feel like we’re both writing a new chapter in some big adventure book somewhere, when your friend is a former siren, lots of things can feel like an adventure for you.

I sighed at her. She’s such a sweet girl. If it weren’t for the fact that I knew her as a siren, I would’ve never thought she’d do half the things she did. After the battle of the bands, we’d… kinda separated on our own ways. I myself have school to finish, while Sonata was doing… Wait, I don’t think I know what she’s doing nowadays. Is she going to some other school? Is she still singing? How did she even make money in the first place?

Huh, that’s an interesting thought, and with that in mind…

“I was actually thinking of you Sonata. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen you in school or anything, how do you pay your bills? I mean, surely you work or something.”

“Oh, that? Paying the bills and stuff? Pffft! That’s easy! we did a TON of gigs at various clubs and stuff! They pay us REALLY well Sunset, let me tell ya. Honestly, with someone like you, I think they’ll pay you really well too. You should probably try it!”

It took me a couple of seconds to process what she just said. This is an outcome I certainly didn’t expect, I originally asked that question on the intent to distract her, skew her off into a tangent, make sure my musings are for me and me alone to contemplate. Did she just? Is she?

“Sonata, are you uhh… you know, working those kind of jobs? Not to shame you or anything, but… are you?”

“Huh? What’re you talking about sunset? What kind of job?”

“You know.” I said, slowly moving closer and whispering something to her ear. I noticed Sonata’s face change, her eyes widened, her cheeks flushing, and her mouth now forming a big O.

“Oooohhhh, that. No, I don’t do that kind of performance Sunset, just some singing! Nothing really sleazy or whatever. Gosh! I don’t think I could live with myself if I did those things. Heheh.”

I sighed, this time in relief. Truly, this is an adventure, an adventure of the mind and heart.

“Anyway, Sunset. I can tell that you’re a bit peeved about something. Did something happen?” She asked. “Is it your love life? Because if that’s what you’re thinking, then I know a perfect remedy for-”

“What?!? No! No!!” I stammered. Where did Sonata even get that idea in the first place? “I’m fine Sonata. It’s just… ugh.”

“Is it that portal by the high school?” She then asked. Completely to my surprise, how did-

“How do you know about the portal? I thought nobody knew about that outside of…”

“Your friends? Oh yeah! Definitely, I just heard Pinkie chatting up about it the other day. No biggie honestly, I’m not really interested in getting all that Equestrian magic back honestly. That’s more Aria’s thing.”

I facepalmed as Sonata explained how she got the whole idea. Honestly, I have to talk with Pinkie about not blabbing around whenever she pleases, It’s going to lead to us to deep trouble one day.

Speaking of trouble. I know there’s one thing I must do.

“Hey, Sonata, I know that we’re friends and all. But can you keep that to yourself? You know, the thing about the portal and all?”

“Oh, definitely!” Sonata answered, her usual happy go lucky tone bleeding through as usual. “Your secret’s safe with me Sunset. Although I’m not sure about Pinkie Pie… she seems to be too much of a blabbermouth to keep anything on tight lip.”

“Oh, oh yeah. Don’t worry about that Sonata. I’ll take care of that one.” I finished. Now drinking my coffee in earnest. I kept a note on my mind to visit Pinkie someday, but for now, I just need to finish my day with Sonata and check at the portal again.

“Oohh. So this is where the portal’s located!” Sonata said, the former siren looking over the statue, examining, prodding, and touching every single piece of marble she can get her hands on. She’s almost acting like a kid in a candy store, with the candy being the statue of course, incessantly and unapologetically curious and yet, at the same time, in awe at the display in front of her. “I never thought that the way back home would be located in here out of all places. I mean, who knew?!? Just right under our noses is Equestria itself!”

“Hey uhh, Sonata. You’re getting a bit close to the portal. I don’t want you running off into Equestria or something.”

“What? oh, don’t worry about that Sunset. It’s not that I want to go back anyway. I know the last time I was there, didn’t really ended up well for the three of us.”

I breathed a sigh of relief the moment she said that. It has always been in the back of my mind now, Sonata and her dazzling pals silently slinking off into the night, evil intent in mind, before she suddenly leaps off into the portal and unleashes chaos in Equestria.

Well, fortunately for me, assuming that happened, there’s a current predicament with the portal that’ll give all of them a nasty surprise.

“Well that’s nice Sonata, I thought you would’ve jumped into the portal or something. It would’ve been such a weird trip to the hospital, telling the nurse that you got a head injury because you jumped into a statue.”

“Hmm? What? What are you talking about sunset?” the Siren questioned. “What head injury? wouldn’t I’d be fine if I jumped into the portal? At least from Pinkie’s explanations, the portal is like, not solid right?”

“Normally, it should be. It should be just a jump and I’d be back in Equestria. But...”

I walked into the portal, hand outstretched into the mirror-like walls, and felt the cold touch of concrete and glass on my hands. “For some reason the portal’s not working. I’m not sure what happened on the other side, because I’m pretty sure I did nothing much to interfere with the portal’s mechanisms, but something happened on the Equestrian side that made the portal go haywire.”

My explanation seems to have piqued the interest of the blue haired girl. Now walking towards the wall and touching it as well. “Oh wow!” She said. “It is just solid wall. Who would’ve thought?!? That’s super weird...”

“But, don’t you have that book where Princess Twilight tells you about stuff? Y’know, that kind of text messaging book or something? Shouldn’t she tell you what happened on her side?”

I raised my eyebrow once more, firstly thinking that Sonata was some sort of psychic, but a thought dawned on me as I pieced the puzzle pieces together. “Pinkie?” I asked.

“Yep!”

“UUGH!! Now I really need to talk to her!! What in the world is she thinking?!? Blabbering secrets like that!!”

Now I’m not happy, visibly frowning now, just thinking about the stuff that I need to talk to Pinkie, about keeping secrets, about being trustworthy, about being dependable and maintaining a quiet mouth is just making me even angrier. C’mon Pinkie! just what are you thinking?!? Blabbering about the portal just like that! What kind of friend are you?!?

I imagine that Pinkie will be super peeved about that, but a good friend doesn’t mean being nuzzly and friendly all the time. The sooner I get this over with, the better.

“Anyway, to answer your question. She would’ve, but whenever I wrote on the book, there’s literally no response. Like, at all. And before you ask, it is weird.”

It’s way more than just feeling weird, I feel like I’m stranded, almost left for dead if you want to stretch it. Perhaps It’s just Twilight being busy, or something else that’s much more mundane, but being away for this long. So long that It’s been a couple of years since the portal opened. Well, I can’t help but get a little bit nervous. I mean, what if something happened to Equestria while I’m gone? Is there a war? Did Equestria get destroyed or something?

This lack of answers have been gnawing at my mind for years now. It’s past 30 moons already for pony’s sake! this damn portal should open! I want to see Twilight again and…

I miss Equestria…

“Sunset? Are you alright?”

“What? Oh, I’m fine. Thanks for the concern Sonata.” I said, now leaning into the now defunct mirror portal. I mean, the portal’s dead and all, what’s the worst that could happen?

“I’m Just wondering what happened to the portal, that’s all. Y’know, just concerned about what’s Twilight doing. All that fun stuff.”

Sonata listened, her head nodding and her interest now piqued, further interested in what I have to say, she stopped prodding around the statue and started getting closer, now leaning into the same defunct mirror portal with me. Giving me her ear and listening attentively as I spilled more and more about my concerns to her.

This feels nice.

“I mean, she is the Princess of Friendship, and also probably one of the best spell casters of all time. So I don’t expect her to need my help or anything. But, y’know, it’s nice to keep in touch and all. Don’t you agree?”

“Oh yeah, definitely.” Sonata nodded. “One of the things I missed about Equestria is just how calm everything is. Sure, there’s like, a buuunch of areas around Canterlot city that’s like, super calm and everything, but it doesn’t feel the same y’know? The calmness around Equestria is much more natural, much more serene, I don’t usually hear the sounds of cars when I’m in a forest back in Equestria. Ugh, cars. Hate them.”

“Definitely!” I complemented. “Never was a fan of cars, big, hunking, high maintenance pieces of metal. I don't know if you were there to watch it, but there’s a time when some of Flash’s friends just trashed, and I mean trashed his car, and-”

I didn’t manage to fit in that last sentence when the world suddenly turned upside down, all I see are rainbows as my body felt stretched and modified beyond belief. Wait, is this?

“Whaaaaat iiiiiiiiiissss haaaappeeeeniiiiiing?!?” I said to myself, in confusion by what’s happening around me. Is the portal really opening at this moment? When myself and Sonata are just talking about stuff? Chalk that up to my misfortune I guess…

Suddenly, everything went blank, and everything was blank up until I opened up my eyes. The first thing I saw with my two eyes is white, almost pure white marble. I shook my head as my vision got clearer, and it seems that I was in what looks like the interior of Canterlot castle.

And in front of me is what looks like a purple pony. A purple pony that I may be all too familiar with.

“Oh gosh! The spell worked! It actually worked!!!” The purple pony exclaimed, now rushing into my direction and hugging me, my body visibly deforming as she squeezed me into submission.

“Twilight, Twilight!! Stop it. I can’t… breathe…”

“What? Oh, sorry sorry!!” Twilight said, now backing away and smiling at me. “Well, at least it worked!! Sorry for the very long AWOL sunset. I know it must be hard on you.”

“Well, yeah. What happened Twilight?” I asked her. Now standing up and shaking my head, the remnants of my disorientation going away the more I looked at her. Ponyfeathers! She has indeed grown! Maybe not Celestia tall, but she’s certainly taller than me. Also, is her mane flowing? W-wow! How old is she even?

“Well, a lot of things have happened since that portal went haywire. Like, a lot. Maybe It’s better to show you than to explain it to you.”

At that moment, I noticed the place that we’re standing in. Hmm, it seems that we’re in some room within Canterlot Castle, I look upwards and saw chandeliers hanging above me, and all around me are numerous pieces of paper strewn around, an old wooden table, a wooden chair, and what looks like a makeshift bed as well.

Now that I think of it, the room kinda smells. It smells like sweat, body odour and probably a bit too much recycled air inside here. Something tells me that Twilight has been a bit too busy researching how to make the portal work again. The condition of this room tells me everything I need to know about her.

“Hey Twilight? Just how long have you’ve been researching on the portal?” I asked. Following her towards one of the closed windows within the room. Wait, what is that sound? It sounds like an engine revving. What?

“Oh, years Sunset. Celestia and Luna actually gave me this room to do my research. It’s been almost 3 decades since you’ve been gone Sunset. And a lot has changed in Equestria.”

“Wait, what? What has changed?” I heard a voice behind me, turning my head around. I saw a sight I certainly didn’t expect.

Sonata Dusk, not in human form, but… in… Seapony form? She looks like a crossover between a seapony and a siren, and she’s also… floating? I have so many questions right now.

“Sonata!! I thought you’d be more, uhh, sirenish!”

“What?” She questioned, then turned to look at herself. It didn’t take a long time for her to look just as confused as I do. Scratching her hoof flipper thing on her head. “Yeah, that is weird.”

“Wait, Sonata Dusk? As in, the Dazzlings?” Twilight asked. Her face taking a more serious turn as she started powering up her horn. “Sunset, stay back. If Sonata tries anything to hurt you I’ll-”

“Wait wait wait!! Twilight, stop!! I’m friends with Sonata!”

The princess of friendship’s focused determination took a sudden hit from that last statement of mine. Like a flick of a switch, her horn powered down and she looked at me with visible confusion. “You’re friends with her? What happened?”

“Well, not a lot honestly. Sonata’s the nicest out of all the Dazzlings, and after that battle, and a couple of meetings together, we… kinda, well, clicked. Okay, It’s perhaps a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the gist of it really.”

Twilight seemed unconvinced by my sudden explanation, natural given that that the last memory between herself and my friend here is during a battle to determine a high school’s fate. Nonetheless, she seemed to have dialed down her hostility towards Sonata, at least for now.

“Well, I may not believe her, but I do trust your judgement Sunset. Anyway, I think that you need to see just how much has changed.”

She finally opened the curtains, and I started trotting towards it to see what was in front of me, the more I looked, the more my face turned from visible interest, to just outright confusion. I turned my head and saw Sonata forming a similar face, pointing her hoof-flippers at certain sights while her eyes squinted for sometime, before widening up, and then squinting once more. Her mouth mimicking the movement of her eyes to an extent.

It feels like we’re back at Canterlot city once again, a bit less technologically advanced, but nonetheless still back. The curtain revealed a window towards the valley below the mountain, where I saw not only train tracks, but visible tracks of asphalt, and… are those cars? They have cars in Equestria now? And what are those trains? They’re unlike any of the trains I’ve seen.

Also, wow. That’s Ponyville? That sizeable city in the valley below is Ponyville?

“Twilight, I have so many questions.”

“I’m sure you do Sunset, please, ask away.”

Twilight's massive, no good, highly stressful day.

“And that’s how disaster’s almost prevented.” I explained. “Silverstream would later remark that she wanted to ‘set things right’ with Poindexter, and they’re currently on vacation somewhere in Vanhoover last time I heard of her. She also said she wanted to ‘spend more quality time with Poindexter after all that happened.’”

“Well, good on them I guess.” Twilight replied. “The director of the space program is currently being grilled in Parliament and Celestia has ordered a halt on all operations within the facility, said something about security and other such things.”

The Princess sighed. “I loved Yucca Island, let’s just hope my mentor didn’t take things too far.”

“Aw, c’mon, cheer up.” I said. “Sunset Shimmer and her friends did some real good work in preventing what essentially amounts to a missile attack, they’ve shown their chops at the very least. Shouldn’t you at least give them that?”

“Ugh, why does everything have to be so complicated. I feel useless here, seeing you go off on some adventure while I can only look from behind and cheer on. Feels unfair. Sorry Daring. I… I feel like things are falling apart or something, we’ve been trying to make things right after all those deaths, those wars, those massacres, and yet Ponies and other creatures are still trying to ruin everything for everyone…”

“I know how that feels Princess. It doesn’t get easier as you do this everyday. Trust me.”

The moment Twilight heard that, she looked at me with a rather confused expression on her face. “Wow, thanks for the pep talk Daring. Thought you’re more supportive than that, don’t you have something more positive to say? May be more appropriate considering recent events.”

“Well, I will say that it is worth it, and if the Ponies on the ground is anything to go by, all of you three Princesses are still loved by Equestrians, even despite the wars and stuff, heck, I support your rule Twilight. so at least you’re not doing something wrong.”

I smiled a bit at the Purple Alicorn, garnering only a deadpan stare, quickly softening as she decided to brush off today’s events. “Thanks Daring. Now, I’m sure you’re busy doing SMILE stuff, so don’t let me stop you from that. I still have Sunset Shimmer and the rest of her gang to meet with, so get outta here will you!”

The last part of her sentence is done in a very joking tone, and I can only reply jokingly as a response. “Of course Princess. Have fun!” I said, standing up and leaving her office.

After all that happened on that island. I am currently on paid leave (Twilight doesn’t need to know that), and the big ponies in Canterlot are tearing each other apart over how such a breach of security happened under their watch. Oh well, not my problem for now, I do have a certain rainbow haired pony I wanna meet today though. Wondering what she’s up to nowadays.

Starting my mandatory holiday with a visit to an old friend’s house is surely a good way to start it off right?

Well. That was a right handed mess. Celestia and Luna have officially launched investigations into what happened, but it can be assured that this mess will haunt the country for years.

A terrorist attack that nearly costed the lives of Ponies in Yucca Island. The so-called ‘Jewel of the South’ by some Ponies, questions are now being raised on what happened there, how in the world did these infiltrators got in, and whether or not Equestria should tighten security down there. A lot of big questions are being asked right now, gosh darn it.

Speaking as the Princess of Friendship. I don’t want to be in Celestia’s position right now, she’s handling all the complaints with the usual tact and class, but I know that she’s stressed after this.

Right, I have to meet Sunset and her team at the table. The not working cutie map table. Heeehhh, I miss a working Cutie Map table.

“Hey everyone.” I greeted them. “How’s your day going?”

“Umm, pretty well Twilight. Did you have a bad morning or something? You already look exhausted.” Sunset asked.

“You can say that, with all the media frenzy around the recent attack. Good job on that spell though Sunset, that’s some creative thinking if I have to say so myself.”

“Aww, thanks Twilight.”

“Yessssss Sunset, please, keep feeding me your compliments and gratitude.” I replied, sarcasm practically dripping off of my mouth. “Equestria knows that the Holy and Inviolate Princess Twilight Sparkle needs her daily dose of good feelings, and I hereby command you to shower me with further good feelings and compliments.”

“Please, you couldn’t even eat your hayburgers with dignity, you really think that we’d consider you Holy and Inviolate?” Starlight replied. Inviting a swift and fierce scowl from my face. Such uncouthness could not be left unresponded!

Aaaand we both laughed at the silliness of everything. “Eheheh, yeah. Nah, the Inviolate and Holy Twilight Sparkle seems a bit too tacky and gaudy for me. I already got this literal crystal castle anyway.”

That whole banter between myself and Sunset lightened up the mood a bit. Something we all needed after recent events. “Anyway, what brings you here Sunset? Last time I recall, you said that you wanted to bring all of these new ‘element bearers’ back to Equestria right?”

“That’s actually it. We came here because of this.”

Sunset then tapped her hoof on the crystal table. Earning a raised eyebrow from my face.

“The map? Why do you need the map? Don’t you have the approximate locations of everyone?”

“Well, yeah. But you know, Ponies move around. And I’m kinda thinking of using the Cutie Map to find the new bearers. Make things more precise don’cha think?”

I shook my head at Sunset. “Sunset. The Cutie Map has been offline ever since the wars ended, trust me. I tried every spell in the book, even brought in some of my friends over to do some friendship things. I still remember when Pinkie Pie bought all her board games from Sugarcube Corner here, spent all night being best friends and all, didn’t work.”

That memory left a bitter taste in my mouth. “It’s honestly better if I just send a request to SMILE and have agents manually track them for your convenience, Sunset. It’s just too… out there, sadly, to turn on the Cutie Map again.”

“Well, I didn’t arrive in Ponyville to just waffle around Twilight, and since we have this opportunity, why not try it again?”

I raised my eyebrow, clearly skeptical over Sunset’s unwarranted enthusiasm, but when I turned my head to see Sonata practically vibrating on the chair, and both Tempest and Starlight looking at me for answers. Well…

Sunset planned this didn’t she? Trying to bring the team here to do some bonding activities and maybe activate the table. Eh, might as well give it one more try, it wouldn’t hurt.

“Fine.” I replied. “What do you have on the table Sunset?”

“Alright, so. Here’s the plan, we’re all from very different backgrounds and lived very different lives, even you and myself have different life trajectories despite being Celestia’s students, so. Why don’t we try to collate all these diverse experiences, put it on some spell, and blast it on the Cutie Map?”

I blinked for a couple of times, this is certainly an… odd suggestion from Sunset. Quite out there, and I think might be borne out of desperation or something. I feel compelled to ask about the specifics of her plan though.

“Why do you think that’ll work?” I asked. “Collate experiences? Do you mean that you’d do a spell that would gather all the experiences of everypony here and blast it on the map? Would the Cutie map even respond to a collective blast like that? Do you have a rationale as to why it’ll work? Potential risks?”

“Alright, let me elaborate first, so, all your friends came from either Ponyville, Cloudsdale or Canterlot right? They may live different lives but they’re geographically close, and, well, they’re all ponies in a sense right? And you’d notice that my group here hail from all over this world, with none of us being native to Ponyville right?”

“Yes.” I responded. Not following the pony with the sun cutie mark. “But I still fail to see how being from more diverse backgrounds and lives can contribute towards reactivating the Cutie Map?”

“Twilight. Equestria is becoming more diverse as we speak, we have Dragons, Griffons, Hippogriffs, and even Changelings living and working together with Ponies, back then. It makes sense for the Tree of Harmony to pick only ponies to be the bearers of the elements, but since times have changed. I think the Cutie Map is trying its best to change with it, we’re already seeing it in the new Element Bearers, and I think channeling the same energy into the Cutie Map might be a worthwhile effort to restart it.”

Hmmm. That does make sense, I doubt that the Elements would’ve picked a Dragon or a Griffon when Nightmare Moon came back, and I guess her rationale holds. Still, I’m kinda unsure about doing the spell on her suggestion. Lots of potential factors that might destroy the Cutie Map rather than reactivating it.

“Twilight. I know you’re having doubts.” Starlight then started chipping in. “But why not try it? You gave me a chance, and Sunset, and Tempest as well. And we never failed you, have we?”

“Well. I suppose not.”

“Then trust us Twilight, if it fails, then we’ll just move on with tracking the new bearers manually.”

I sighed, clearly they’re not going to give this up at this point. I can also just call the whole day off should I expend too much energy. “Alright, Sunset, how do you wanna do this?”

Alright Sunset, let’s do this.

We were all closing our eyes, our poses almost meditative as all of us were following my orders. Recall all of your fillyhood (or in Sonata’s case, Fryhood) memories and trace that to the present. How you met Twilight, how much you sacrificed along the way, and how much you gained as a result.

I don’t know what Sonata was reminiscing about, but I hope that she’s doing something similar.

Focus on both the good and the bad, how much you struggled to accept friendship, and how it got you here.

Still have no idea what Sonata has going inside her, she’s the odd one out.

I focused on Celestia, how much of a guiding light she used to be, how I betrayed her, all in a ploy to further my own selfish ambitions, and how I repented, made friends, and got to where I am today.

A Wondercolt for life, a Canterlot high graduate, a friend with a former enemy, and now, adventurer in the making. It’s not all good memories, but they are precious to me. All of it.

“Now Twilight.” I ordered. “Activate the spell as we made it.”

The purple Alicorn casted the spell, our memories copied and pulled towards Twilight’s horn, all collected into a massive ball of mana, and then blasted to the map. A laser that lighted up the surface of the table, before being absorbed into the Cutie Map like it was nothing. Crafting that specific spell took hours, hours of theorizing, experimenting, and arguing between myself, Twilight and Starlight. Books concerning magic from all eras are strewn about, their knowledge ravenously consumed by the three of us as we theorized and crafted the spell that would suit our needs.

This is a shot in the dark, a wild card idea from the one and only Sunset Shimmer, and I hope that my knowledge as Princess Celestia’s former student won’t let me down now. It can be said that the fate of Equestria lands on this spell working.

“Alright, the spell’s active.” Twilight said, “you can open your eyes now, and let’s see how the table reacts.”

And so we all waited, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, and Twilight’s expression soured from cautious optimism to visible disappointment. her ears dropped as the minutes went by, her eyes not as focused on the map anymore, and her smile slowly, but surely going away.

At the 5 minute mark. The Princess of Friendship finally shook her head. “Sorry girls, I know this must be disappointing, but I don’t think that the map’s going to-”

A single flicker, at the very edge of the Cutie Map. It’s small, almost imperceptible, but that flicker grew into a distorted image of the world map, which turned on and off at random intervals. We were all anxious at what might happen. “W-what?” Twilight queried, activating her horn and channeling more magic into the map. “I can feel it! The map… it’s coming to life! C’mon, just a small boost…”

And then, at long last, it flickered into life, much to the surprise of everyone, the map, long dormant, revealed itself in its colourful glory. I can see Twilight shedding a single tear, like meeting a long lost friend. The purple princess could only nod at me, tears now more readily flowing from her eyes, a silent thank you for taking up on my suggestion.

“It actually worked!!” She smiled, drying up her tears and analyzing all the new features the map has to offer. “It’s gotten way bigger and way more detailed than I thought. Wow!”

“Oh hey look!! They’re now showing planes in the sky!!” Sonata cried. “Sunset, look, they have planes now in Equestria!”

“I see it Sonata, I see it.” I responded back, visibly smiling at the now back in business Cutie Map. Smiling at Twilight and then looking at the map once more. “Now, where do I find the next element bearer?”

I looked at the map, unsure whether I could find my cutie mark anywhere, I expected it to be somewhere exotic, maybe some jungle in Zebrica, or some place far away in Griffonia. Always wanted to explore the Eastern Griffonia myself.

Little did I know that I found my Cutie Mark, and Starlight’s, and Tempest’s, and Sonata’s (Do Sirens even have Cutie Marks?) in the most unexpected of places.

“Seriously, there?” I asked.

“Well, that was unexpected.” Tempest commented. “Never been there before though, so it might be interesting.”

“Oh wow. Looks like we’re crossing the Ocean girls!!!” Sonata cried, yet again.

“Any comments Twilight? Didn’t expect that town out of all places.”

“Huh. New Manehattan, New Mareland. That is interesting. I’ll contact Princess Celestia about this and arrange a flight as soon as possible. Just hang tight okay?”

As Twilight teleports away from the room. I couldn’t help but stare at the city itself. I have heard stories of this town, a city in Griffonia that rivals Manehattan in size and splendor, a haven of both Ponies and Griffons, the most cosmopolitan city east of Equestria proper, and yet, I’ve never visited it.

And a part of me burns to explore it. If half the stories about New Manehattan are true, then we’ll be having way, way more fun in this city than we might bargain for.

Geez, what’s taking Auntie Twilight so long? She said that she will come talk to me later today. Well, it’s almost night time and I still haven’t seen her. I know that the Princess of Friendship has her duties and all, but even my mom, the Crystal Princess herself, isn’t this tardy.

I was just having some fun down south anyway, I swear on mommy’s behalf that I behaved well too! Honestly, I think that this talk is really unnecessary. Can I catch the train back home already?

I noticed the door opening, gosh, being stuck in the guest room is sooo annoying. At least Spike’s nice though, flying and playing with him is always fun.

“Flurry Heart?” I heard Auntie Twilight saying. “Can we talk?”

“Yeah, sure, whatever.” I replied as I walked to her. “What is it? Wanting to scold me again because I saved a city?”

“Well, the opposite actually. I’m actually here to Congratulate you. You did good Flurry Heart, and Auntie Twilight’s proud of you!”

… And here I was expecting a massive scolding from Auntie Twilight, and maybe a lecture about the importance of maintaining privacy and stuff. “Umm, okay, thanks I guess. But whatever. I only did that because I’m in town anyway. Is that all you have to say to me though?”

“Well, Princess Cadence will probably want to see you afterwards. But you can stay the night in my castle and catch the train tomorrow. I’ll talk to your mom on the phone about your accomplishment. I’m very certain Princess Cadence would be proud of you once she’s heard of what you’d done.”

I couldn’t help but smile at Auntie. “Thanks Aunt Twilight. I just did what I had to do y’know.” I responded, unexpectedly yawning a little bit. “Now, I need to go to sleep, do you know where the Guest bedroom is?”

“Oh yes, just off to that corner to the right Flurry Heart. Now go, rest, I’ll talk to your mom in the meantime.” She said, leaving me to my own devices as Auntie Twily goes into her room.

All’s well that ends well I guess.

Author's Note

Don't worry about Twilight, she has her friends at the end of it all.

Sorry for the extended absence too. I've been trying to find a direction for where the story should be going, let's just say it took much longer than expected.