My Little Pony Spark of Harmony

                                                                                      My Little Pony

                                                                               Spark of Harmony Part 1

                     ''Long ago, the world was created by Talina, the all powerful, all knowing, and all loving goddess of the known universe. Unfortunately she fell sick, and from her sickness came the OmniVirus, which is the source of such evils as; magic, falsehoods, natural disasters, and all other gods. She created countless galaxies, each containing countless stars with planets orbiting them. In each star system she created three children to make a cure. In our star system there was the Divine Brothers Prometheus, Atlas, and Epimethius. For thousands of years they created all kinds of creatures of all shapes and sizes. 2,000 years ago Prometheus, learning from his countless past mistakes through trial and error, created Humanity. Atlas didn't approve of his creation, and got into an argument with him.''

                         ''Eventually he decided to give them a chance, but believed they where inferior to him, and tried to make them his slaves. Prometheus didn't like this, so he created fire to set them free. This fire embodied all of humanities virtues such as determination, intelligence, ambition, and most of all friendship. Atlas saw what his brother had done, and stole it from him. Prometheus managed to trick Atlas by turning into a horse, and stealing it back while he wasn't looking. Because the fire brought a new age of peace for humans, the fire became known as the Fire of Friendship, aka The Spark of Harmony. Atlas was infuriated, and punished his brother by making him live the rest of his immortal life as a horse. Once that was done, he founded a nation that would discipline the human race. A nation called Atlantis!''

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            ''And that's why horses are sacred to the Atlantian Empire.'' A lady around her 20s closed the history book that she had just finished reading for her son, Phillip.

                     Phillip was only four years old when his mother first read that book to him. He looked a lot like his mother, with his red hair, and blue eyes.  He was close to her, and she always showed him the best of humanity. He would often ask why she gave him such a name as Phillip. His mother, Lady Clymene, who had long red hair, white skin, and blue eyes, would always comment on how fascinated he was with horses ever since he was a baby, so she decided to name her second born son 'Phillip'.

                    He lived in the stud farm of the glorious country of Atlantis, which demanded high expectations, especially from a prince such as Phillip. He would get mocked and teased by his older half-blood siblings for his name, and his mom would always remind him that he can interpret his name however he wants. His mother was an exception since her names meaning was unknown.

                     His mother loved horses. In fact, she owned an agricultural reserve where she could breed them. Phillip was absolutely fascinated with horses, which meant a lot to the Atlantians since horses where considered sacred. She would teach Phillip how to care for Equines daily, but he loved everything about horses, and he wanted to ride one as soon as possible, and he had very little patience.

                     He looked up to his mother with a big wide grin ''Mommy? Can I ride a pony?''

                     His mother looked down to him and said ''I'm sorry, but it's getting dark, and we must be getting home.

                     Phillip pouted ''But I want to ride one now.''

                     His mother sighed and said ''I'm sorry Philly, but no means no.''

                     Phillip looked down and kicked at the ground, and they both started walking down the trail in front of them, but after ten seconds of silence he spoke up ''Why are horses sacred?''

                     ''Because our creator and light bringer Prometheus is famed for turning into a pony in order to steal the Fire of Friendship. They are like brothers and sisters to humanity.''

                     Phillip asked another question ''Mommy, what's alchemy?''

                    His mother told him ''Alchemy is transmuting one element of the periodic table into another element through the use of Alko.'' She looked up to the sky and continued ''Only royalty are allowed to wield it's power.''

                    He continued with his curiosity ''Whats Aliko?''

                    Clymene smirked ''Aliko are alien organisms with a crystalline form. They can absorb energy of any kind; such as electrical, thermal, chemical, nuclear, etc, and use it to synthesis elements. They are the they are the fundamental core of Atlantis. After all, it wouldn't be called the Crystal Empire if their where no alchemical crystals.

                    Phillip looked down to the ground again in satisfaction, but seconds later looked back up to his mother and said  ''Whats magic?''

                    His mother stopped walking, sighed, and in a cold tone told him. ''Magic is an abomination to the universe. By ignoring the laws of physics, it ignores the laws of Talina.''

                     Phillip was confused. He didn't know much about theology, but he didn't like the whole 'Dominate nature and slaughter all who oppose us' vibe. He couldn't understand the difference between alchemy and magic. He bit his lip in anxiety and said ''Mom! Whats the difference between Alchemy and magic?''

                    There was another long silence until she finally looked back down to her son, and spoke in a stern voice ''Magic is the greatest taboo! It's very nature breaks the laws we as a scientific, and technological society follow.'' Her facial expression softened as she said ''Alchemy is when Aliko synthesizes energy to convert one element of the periodic table into another.''

                    Phillip looked towards Atlantis City, which was far off in the distance, past the vast plains and rivers, with the smoke emitting from its industrial buildings being the main indicator of its presence. It was the capital city of Atlantis, with its brilliant golden walls surrounding the utopian metropolis. He couldn't see much due to distance, but he would have to be blind to not notice the Spark Tower that reached into the heavens, the tip of which emitted a brilliant golden light.

                    Lady Clymene spoke up with surprising hostility in her voice ''It is our right, and responsibility as the dominant species to bring order to this savage, and chaotic world we live in. The universe is full of cosmic horrors that are hiding in the dark, waiting for us to lose our greatest defense, the Spark of Harmony.''

                    Phillip said with a look of concern of his face ''Is that why Atlantis is trying to conquer the world?''

                    His mother sighed ''...Yes!''

                    ''What are these cosmic things? Shouldn't we make peace with them? What if they just want to be our friends?''

                    Clymene continued ''They are the embodiments of nature. Savage, barbaric, and chaotic, ...they only want to turn our planet into their own personal playground. They will know peace when we eliminate them, and...'' Phillip was startled and scared due to her sudden outburst of anger. She wasn't yelling but she had such determination and scorn in her that horrified him. Clymene noticed and composed herself ''And we can never co-exist with nature, only dominate it.''

                    ''But are they not living things themselves?'' Phillip was certain that since they where living entities, they could co-exist with humans... right?

                     His mother ignored his question and said ''Why don't we get going? We don't want to keep your brother waiting do we?'' As much as she wanted to believe what they where doing was right, it made her son feel uncomfortable. Despite that however, Phillip still loved his mother very much.  He took his mothers hand and together, they walked down the trail laid before them.

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                    Over the next two years, Phillip would learn everything his mother knew about horses. He would dream of one day running the farm. His mother was the best Equenologist, and horse breeder in all of Atlantis. He would hope to succeed his mother, and take over for her. Unfortunately, his simple life would change when his mother was assigned a mission by the Emperor of Atlantis, his father, to transport an entire herd of purebred warhorses to a Atlantien outpost off in the far east.

                   ''You can't hide from me forever.!'' Phillip was wondering around the grasslands near their farm looking for his brother, until he noticed some brushing in the bushes at the base of the fence. Not thinking for a second, he charged at it to see if his brother was inside, but before he could make contact, he heard a scream. ''Eep!!''

                   That was all it took to know he was in there. Phillip placed his hands on his waist, with a confident smirk on his face in triumph, and said ''Geez Alex, you're really easy to find when you're such a scardy-cat.'' His brother crawled out of the bushes, with some leaves and dirt left on him. His blue-dyed hair, and green eyes where distinguishable as he pulled himself up. He wore a blue silk wardrobe with green diamond patterns, which was now all covered in dirt and grass.

                   Phillip wasn't happy ''You know, I really would like for you to be more assertive, I mean really?''

                   His brother looked down in disappointment and whimpered ''I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give myself away its just that y-you where charging at me, and I got s-cared.''

                   Phillip and his brother Alex where done playing a game of hide-and-seek when they heard their mother calling ''Phillip! Alex! Come here please.''

                   They both heard her, and rushed past the barn and into their house to where she was. Phillip was wondering what she wanted since all the horses where already taken care of. When they found her, he noticed she had a sorrowful expression on her face. He also noticed she was holding some scroll.

                   Phillip walked over to his mother and asked, ''What's wrong, mother?''

                   Clymene, who now had a blind fold covering her eyes said with a hint of depression ''I'm sorry my sons, but it seems I must transport the warhorses to an outpost in the far east from here.''

                   Phillips heart sank ''W-What? But you belong here with us.''

                   His mother smiled ''Don't worry I'll come back soon sweetie.''

                   Alex tried to protest, but couldn't say anything. Phillip was scared and said ''But we don''t want you to go. I don't want you to leave me, and Alex here alone.''

                   ''I'm sorry Phillip, but I must do this for our country.''

                   Phillip ran over to his mother and hugged on to her waist ''Take me with you!''

                   His mother chuckled at his devotion to her ''I'm sorry, but it's dangerous out there where barbarians live.''

                   ''I'll protect you!'' he begged. Tears clearly gushing out of his eyes.

                   His mother took on her stern tone ''...Phillip...you must stay here, and that's final!''

                   ''NO!!!'' he screamed at the top of his lungs, with tears pouring down his eyes.

                   Alex jumped in shock at his brothers volume, with tears dripping from his eyes as well. With all the resolve he could gather, he said ''M-Mother, can't someone else take the m-mission?''

                    His mother sighed ''I knew this would happen.''

                   They heard a buzzing sound as a giant airship came toward their direction. Clymene looked up and said ''Well...looks like my rides here.'' She looked back towards her children and smiled ''Don't worry. Your mother-in-law will look after you while I'm away.'' When the airship landed, and the doors opened, she walked toward it with her herd of warhorses.

                   Phillip and Alex remembered about their nine mother-in-laws. They remembered all of them, and how they where the children of just one out of nine of the Kings wives. Phillip didn't hang out with his half-brothers, and half-sisters very often, considering they liked to make fun of him thanks to his name. Alex was too shy to interact with them, so he decided to hang with his energetic brother Phillip.

                   Clymene walked over to Phillip, knelled down, and said ''Before I go Phillip, I want you to have this.'' She pulled out a book with a gold horse on the cover. Phillip eyed it with curiosity, and hesitantly grabbed it from his mother.

                  After examining it, Phillip looked up to his mother and said ''What is it?''

                  His mother giggled ''It contains all the knowledge you'll ever need to become the horse-breeder I've always hopped you would be, and if you pay attention to the content, you'll find something surprising.'' She then whispered into his ears ''Outside of the farm. Trust no one!''

                  Clymene turned to Alex ''Don't worry! Everything will be alright. I will only be gone for a few months.''

                  Alex was crying quietly, but eventually said ''Y-You will come back, right? Promise?''

                  His mother placed her hands on his shoulders and said ''I promise!'' With that she pulled her two sons in for a hug that lasted roughly a minute, until she let go, and proceeded into the airship. Once she stepped into the airship, she had a little chat with some other figure they couldn't make out. When the other figure stepped out of the airship, Phillip and Alex found it to be none other then their mother-in-law Maria.

                  She had green-dyed hair that looked like a birds nest, and a pair of hazel eyes. She held a beer in her left hand, and belched. She seemed to be tired as she was limping down the stairs. With a yawn she greeted them ''Well, hello there.'' Just when they thought she couldn't get anymore laid-back then this, she broke wind and said ''I'm Maria, and I'll be your baby-sitter for the month, while your mother is away.''

                  Alex snift the air and covered his nose while uttering ''Its nice to might you.''

                  When all was set and done, the airship lifted off and flew to the east. Maria looked at Phillip, then Alex, and said ''Well I'm sure your both upset about your mother leaving for a while and I feel bad for you, but I assure you everything will be just fine. Now how about you show me around quickly, so we can all go to bed.''

                   After showing her around the farm, the two brothers went to bed to think things through.

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                   Phillip woke up in his bed and looked around frantically once he remembered what had happened. He jumped out of bed and ran outside, hoping it was all just a dream. He got off of his bed, walked out of his room, and continued down the stairs and into the living room. When he came in, he saw a rejuvenated Maria and downtrodden Alex.

                   When Maria noticed Phillip, she said ''Ah, Phillip! Your awake!''

                   Phillips heart sank, as he realized it wasn't a dream. He asked in a hopeful, and somewhat desperate tone ''Where's our mom?''

                   Maria looked concerned for Phillip and spoke in a soft voice ''She is on an errand for your father. She will be back in a month. While she is away, I am given the task of watching over you.''

                   Phillip dropped to his knees, and tears started building up in his eyes ''Why did she have to go?''

                   Maria walked over to him, knelled down, and hugged him ''Because Phillip, everyone has responsibility's they must take care of.''

                   ''But what about me, and my brother?''

                   Just then Alex spoke up ''D-Don't worry brother. It will only be for a month.''

                   Maria said '''My sister-in-law has responsibility's in Atlantian affairs. I have responsibility's in taking care of you while she is gone, and you and Alex have responsibility's in managing the farm. We want to make her proud don't we?''

                   Phillip sniffled ''O-OK, I g-guess I can w-wait for m-mommy.''

                   She smiled ''That's the spirit!'' With that, Maria stood back up and asked ''Now then. Who wants some eggs to lighten those spirits?'' At that, Phillip looked up at her with a weak smile.

                   For the next few months, Alex helped Phillip with everything he needed. Phillip and Alex would often angst, and mourn about how much they missed their mother. Over time, Phillip became more and more accepting of his mother leaving. He still missed her a lot, but Maria and Alex where always there for him, the same way their mother was always there for him.

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                   Clymene was sitting in one of the passenger seats, accompanied by other passengers on board a Royal Aircraft. They were currently flying over the vast ocean. With the warhorses finally settling down in the outpost she was assigned, she decided to get back to the farm. She felt really bad about leaving her two sons, while she carried out her mission. Her thoughts where interrupted when the pilot made an announcement.

                   ''Attention all passengers on board! We are sorry to inform you that our radar has detected a storm heading our way, so we'll have to make an emergency landing on one of the nearby islands, and set the aircraft to camp mode.''

                   Clymene looked confused ''A storm? That can't be right?''

                   This was surprising to Clymene. She thought it was supposed to be a little rain tonight. Suddenly the rain grew heavy and thunder could be heard all around her. The aircraft started to shake violently. Clymene grabbed on to a handle bar above her to keep from getting flung out of her seat.

                   The passengers where beginning to panic, which made it hard to think of a way to counteract the storm. Just then a bolt of lightening struck one of the engines of the aircraft, creating a powerful shock wave throughout the aircraft. Sparks where flying and the lights were flickering on and off. ''That's impossible! This aircraft sports a special anti-storm coating that makes it immune to lightening strikes.'' She thought of a possible explanation for this to happen, then realization hit her like a ton of bricks ''OH NO!.....No No No No NO!!!'' She looked out the window to her right, and saw red lightening surging through the black storm clouds.

                   This was no ordinary storm. This was the work of magic. She went to the captain of the vessel to notify him of their situation, but by the time she reached the pilots another bolt of crimson lightning struck the aircraft's wing. As the aircraft started to descend down into the ocean, the passengers in the back started to scream in fright.

                    She looked around at the pilots only to learn to her horror that they were dead. ''This can't be happening!'' was all she could utter. She pulled the pilot corpse out of the pilot seat, and strapped herself in. Clymene never worked an aircraft before, but she had no choice in the matter. She got on the radio and said ''Attention passengers! I am sorry for the inconvenience, and due to current circumstances, I am going to be your new pilot. I am Queen Clymene, 'Guardian Angel' to the Emperor. Don't worry! I'll make sure we are all safe.'' When she was done with her little speech, she heard the passengers panic somewhat die down.

                    She looked for an nearby island to land on, and spotted an island with forest, a few mountains, and a river. She decided to steer the aircraft toward that landmass, but realized she would never see her family ever again. She teared up, and mumbled ''Forgive me...Phillip,...Alex,....my family!''

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                   Phillip liked the experience of taking care of horses. However, one of the mares was now pregnant with a foal. Phillip decided to read up on the book his mother gave him. It's been almost a month now and he has gotten over his mother leaving, but now he was excited since his mother was coming back soon.

                   Phillip said to the pregnant mare ''Don't worry. Everything will be alright when mom comes back.'' The mare chewed on some grass from the dirt ground, and flicked its tail. Phillip knew what this meant ''I take it, you want to be left alone. Well that's OK!'' He loved all horses, but the kind he loved most were ponies. He liked how they were smaller, and more peaceful compared to the disciplined, and battle-hardened warhorses that his mother shipped off with.

                   He didn't have many friends, but that was alright, because as far as he was concerned, ponies where his friends. It was the middle of the day, when Phillip was busy caring for the horses in the wide open fields and meadows. The weather was a little cloudy but mostly sunny. He was in the middle of cleaning the hooves of some of the ponies.

                   Phillip was in the stables tending to the horses when his brother Alex came to give him terrible news. He never really hung out with any of his other siblings before, but there was Alex, who always treated him with respect. He would always be there for him in his time of need. He knew that despite his shy and timid way of life, Alex was a lot more mature then the others. Alex was always using manners and etiquette, and would always follow rules to an uncomfortable degree. It was almost creepy how he would always insist on doing things by the book. His brother came riding down toward him with a look of shock and depression on his face, which worried Phillip.

                   Phillip walked over to his brother, and said ''Hey Alex! What are you doing here? I thought you where at Atlantis City?''

                   Alex said nothing for a while, but he seemed to be having trouble even speaking a sentence. A moment passed as Alex started to finally speak ''...Phillip...I...I'm sorry.''

                   Phillip raised an eyebrow at this ''Sorry about what?''

                   ''Phillip...mother's aircraft got caught in a storm, and...its now missing.''

                   Phillips eyes shrank in pure shock ''W-what do you mean?'' he stuttered

                   Alex closed his eyes and tightened his fist ''She...is currently M.I.A. and could very likely be...'' It took him awhile to say the word, then with one gulp he screamed ''SHE MIGHT BE DEAD!!!''

                  Phillips eyes widened as the realization of what his brother was saying kicked in. His heart skipped a beat or two as he stared wide-eyed at his brother for what seemed like hours. He knew his brother better then anybody else, and he doesn't lie. His mother could be dead, and now he and Alex where all alone. Tears fell from his eyes as he stood there frozen in shock and horror.

                  All those times she was there to comfort him in his time of need. All those times she told him to look at things in a positive way. All those things she taught him when he was younger, and all the times she played with him. Now...she was gone...forever! This can't be what happened, so he decided to find Maria to see if it was true. Phillip looked to his brother and said ''Alex do you know where Maria is?''

                 Alex just sat their sobbing silently before pointing toward the house and saying ''Y-Yeah, shes in her room.''

                Phillip raced to the house and into her room screaming ''Aunt Maria!!!''

                Maria was sitting near the window and writing something down of a piece of paper. She turned to face him ''Judging by your expression, I take it you know?''

                ''Then its true? Mother really is missing?''

                Maria said ''Your mother is currently nowhere to be found, and the aircraft was struck by lightening.'' She got up out of her seat and walked over to Phillip ''In any case, it looks like I'm going to be watching over you, and your brother until Clymene is located.''

                ''How long will that take?'' he said

                ''I'm not sure. However, you can't just pout about her potential death. You and Alex along with your other siblings are the seed of life for this empire, and you need to have hope that she is alive.''

                Phillip rubbed his eyes ''A-Alright, I'll try!''

                Maria smiled ''Besides even if she has moved on, she will always be in your heart.'' She hugged him and said ''Now then! Do you need help with anything in particular?''

                Phillip looked out the window to the stables ''Well, I do need some help in caring for mom's ponies.''

                Maria looked towards the herd of ponies, then back to Phillip and said ''Well i don't know much about caring for horses, aside from what little I've observed from you and your brother, but I'll do what I can.'' She hugged him one last time before going outside.

                Phillip retreated into his bedroom, fell onto his bed and cried himself to sleep.

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                 He woke up 4 hours later, and pulled out the book his mother gave him, and started reading. He noticed the tear stained bed-sheets, but didn't care. It wasn't long before he came across something that made him curious. Something about "Will Branching". He closed the book and went outside to find Alex.

                When he found him, he walked up to him and said ''Alex, do you know what a Will is?

                Alex cocked his head sideways ''What?''

                Phillip continued ''This book says something about ones 'Will', and I don't understand.''

                His brother said ''O-Oh, your talking about when someone has some goal, but is incapable of fulfilling it, so they pass it on to their children. Right?''

                ''Is that what it is? Passing your dream on to your offspring?''

                Alex confirmed ''Well, pretty much.''

                Phillip got antsy ''Do you know what mothers Will is?''

                ''I don't know what her Will was, but they said it will be revealed at her funeral, which is a month from now. Knowing mother, it probably has something to do with horses, but I could be wrong.'' said Alex

                Alex knew that royalty would set a fixed Will for themselves when they reach 12 years of age, which would become there purpose in life, along with their name of course. If they were ever unable to fulfill their Will, than the honorable thing to do would be to pass your life-work to your descendant. It was said that your Will should always be kept a secret from others, so they don't try to take advantage of it, unless you are passing the Will to them.

                After a while of chatting, Alex said ''Well, I have to go now...hope you feel better soon, because if she really is gone, then we must grow up and be the fine men she would want us to be. ...Oh, that's right! I almost forgot!'' He reached into his saddle pack, and pulled out what looked like a purple book. He took a look at it, blow on it a little, then rubbed his hand on the cover.

                Phillip looked at it with curiosity and said ''What is it?''

                ''Some book that had significant meaning to our mother. She wanted to give it to you when we came of age, but I guess our time was cut short.''

                Phillip grabbed the book out of his brothers hands ''Um, thanks!''

                Alex whimpered in response ''Your welcome!''

                Phillip watched as his brother left to go to the stables. Alex left while saying ''I'm going to go feed the ponies now.'' As he disappeared out of sight, Phillip opened the book and started reading it. It was a science book about a something called 'Equas Sapiens'.

                Phillip found the idea of sentient horses to be interesting. He put in his bag and went to help his brother. He wouldn't read it for a few weeks, because he was too depressed over his mothers death. When Phillip read it a few weeks later, he had a new found confidence in himself.

                He read a few more times, so he would memorize it, and immediately know what to do. ''I will make Atlantis proud, and make Alex proud, and...mother.'' As much as this book was lifting his spirits, all it took was his memories with his mother to send back into a depressed state. He closed the book, crouched down on his knees, held the book to his chest, and cried...quietly.

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               Phillip woke up in his room screaming, confused, and sweating. He looked around and saw that he was in his room. He got out of bed, and looked through his window. It was a nice day out with plenty of clouds. He saw all the horses running around in the field playing and grazing.

               He heard knocking at the door, so he opened it. There standing at the doorway was his mother, who looked shocked. ''Phillip dear, whats the matter? I heard screaming, so I came up stairs to see if something was wrong. Is everything all right?'' Phillip just stared at her for what seemed like hours.

               She said ''Phillip are you alright?''

               ''M-Mo...Mother?''

               ''Yes Phillip...it's me.''

               Phillip ran over to his mother and cried out ''MOTHER YOU"RE ALIVE I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!''

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               Phillip woke up dazed and confused, and realized it was just a dream. He seemed to have cried himself to sleep in the stables, and had a dream. A dream that was like a nightmare because it filled him with false hope that only made the whole ordeal worse. It was now night time, so he had to herd the horses into the stables for the night. He then went into his mother's house and walked into his room.

               Weeks passed by as Phillip continued to grieve the loss of his mom. Sadly, those weeks turned into months and with it, his mother went from MIA to KIA. Phillip didn't believe it was true though, because he knew his mother was to much of a badass to get snuffed out by a storm cloud.

               He was a curious little boy. If he ever found something new or mysterious, he would want to know everything about it to satisfy his curiosity. And he was most curious about the world outside Atlantis, and now he wanted to go find her on his own, but as a prince, he was unable to travel to very many places until he got older. However, he could read books about the world outside, and maybe get an idea of his mothers whereabouts.

               ''Don't worry mom. I'll find you.''

               Unfortunately being a prince meant he couldn't go out and explore. It didn't matter that he was a prince, because he was trapped against his will. As far as he was concerned, he was a glorified slave, who longed for freedom, just like his little ponies.

               His room was spacious, with decorating and paintings on the walls. He walked over to his book shelf to read a book to kill some time. He was skimming the bookshelf when a certain book caught his eye. He wasn't familiar with this particular book, but he looked at the cover and it's title 'The Golden Garden'. He walked over to his bed and started reading it.

               When he was finished he placed it on the table next to him. That book was pretty interesting with it's claim of The Golden Garden's apples being able to grant immortality and boost intelligence to whoever consumed it. He wondered for a second if he should go to Atlantis City to obtain one of these apples. Such thoughts were short lived as he lay down on his bed and tried to go to sleep. Memories of his mother quickly entered his mind, and he started crying again.

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               The next morning was dreary and gray. Phillip was still in bed staring at the ceiling. He turned towards the window, and looked to the clouds. They were dark and covered the entire sky, which gave the environment a gloomy feel. Phillip got out of bed, and went outside.

               It was nighttime with a storm moving away from their house. He felt the cool air breeze pass him, as he walked towards the stables. The grass was wet from recent rain. He could hear thunder off in the distance, and see a storm cloud slowly head towards Atlantis City.

               When he reached the stables, he saw all the ponies sleeping soundly. He made sure all his ponies had everything they needed. Phillip searched for their collection of hay. To his surprise they seemed to be out. Phillip face palmed ''Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Alex must have fed them too much.''

               He decided to go back into the house and went to Maria for help. He found her at her desk sitting their in thought. As Phillip walked into her room, she heard his footsteps and looked over her shoulder. With a tears running down her face, she smiled ''Phillip! What brings you to my room at this hour?''

               Phillip stuttered for a bit then said  ''A-Are you alright?''

               Maria got out of her seat and walked over to him. She kneeled down and gave him a big hug. ''I'm SO Sorry!'' Phillip stood there stunned for a few seconds. Maria looked at him face-to-face and said ''I know it must be really hard for you two, now that your mother is gone.'' Her face grew determined ''So I will personally take you and Alex anywhere. You name it!''

               ''Um, could we go to the Gold Gardens in Atlantis City tomorrow?''

               Maria closed her eyes and chuckled ''Of course we can. Just so long as Alex gets to decide the next location. I'll sign us up for a tour of Atlantis City.''

               Phillip smiled ''Thank you, Maria.''

               ''Your welcome!'' she replied.

                He ran over to his aunt and gave her a hug, then went back to his room, and went to sleep.

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                Phillip jumped out of bed and got everything packed up for his big day. He ran down stairs and saw Maria and Alex waiting for him near the cylinder tube that stuck out of the wall. Maria said ''Is everyone ready for our trip to the Gold Gardens of Atlantis City?''

                Alex double checked everything and said ''I have all the currency and maps.''

                Phillip did the same only to realize he forgot his Equas Sapian book. In a rushed tone he said ''I'll be right back!''

He ran upstairs, charged into his room, and grabbed his book. He then ran back down stairs, tripped, and fell the rest of the way down.

                Maria gasped as Alex held his hand out ''Are you all right?''

                Phillip got back on his feet ''Yeah, I'm fine.''

                The three of them heard a buzzing sound. Maria stated ''Ah, that must be them now.'' Phillip and Alex looked outside in curiosity and saw in the sky, a giant Airship similar to the one their mother had gone on.

                He didn't go away from home very often, but he remembered the few times he and his mother would use it to travel long distances. He would travel to the Gold Garden, and with his being a prince, would collect some of these fantastical apples, and feed them to the pregnant mare. He didn't know what would happen to the mare, but his mom's books said that you need to feed a pregnant mare a gold apple. He shrugged as he, Maria and Alex waited for it to land, then walked aboard the Airship.

               Alex asked ''Maria, whats that?''

               Maria looked down to her sword, where he was pointing ''Oh, this is my Alikord. As a Guardian Angel it is my duty to always carry one around. Especially with that cloud slowly making its way to the city, but I doubt we'll be in trouble.''

               ''Whats Aliko?''

               ''You'll know when we get there.''

               The airship lifted off and ascended into the sky. Phillip looked around the interior of the vessel, which had lots of passenger seats, each with prepared foods and drinks, and a small table. Most of the seats where occupied by other passengers except for the few open, yet distant-to-each-other seats   They gave their tickets to the register to stamp, and took their seats.

.

               Phillip took a seat at the right side in the mid-section. He looked around the area, but couldn't find his family. He sat their and muttered ''Great! Now I have to sit here and do nothing but wait for this ship to reach the city.''

               ''If it makes you feel better, I can tell you about Atlantis City.'' Phillip blinked and looked toward the source of the voice.

                It was a girl around his age. She had brown hair, hazel eyes, and she was wearing what looked like typical brown peasant cloths. She looked at him with an eccentric expression on her face, and said. ''Though, judging by your attire, I take it your royalty?''

                Phillip was dumbfounded. Never before had he heard of peasants, who spoke in such a casual manner towards royalty. Her appearance and casual yet assertive personality actually made him blush.

                She giggled at this ''Well, looks like I've got an admirer.''

                His blush deepened ''Its not that! Its just ...I've never knew you could give such ...direct and blunt welcomes from a peasant.''

                The girl raised an eyebrow ''Really? Huh. I guess you don't get out much.''

                Phillip wasn't concerned with whether what she just said was an insult or not, and probably didn't care. He thought all peasants where very meek and soft-spoken, but he was wrong. He remembered that a good Atlantian would discipline any who spoke out of line, but that wasn't his way of dealing with things. He preferred to let things work themselves out.

                 He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and admitted ''Well I have never been to Atlantis City, so I guess I don't know how things work over there.''

                The girls eyes widened ''What! You mean you've never been to Atlantis City before?''

                Phillip blushed again ''Yeah!''

                ''Well I suppose I should make you feel more comfortable since its your first time.'' She offered her hand and said ''My name is Acacia.''

                Phillip shook her hand ''My name is Phillip.''

                Acacia looked at him in amazement ''Phillip. Really? Wow. that must suck.''

                Phillip said ''What do you mean?''

                She giggled ''Well, you do love horses.''

                Phillip scrunched and protested ''That's not funny.''

               ''So what brings someone like you to the number one city of all Atlantis?'' Phillip couldn't help but wonder why she seemed to take pleasure in embarrassing him.

               ''Me and my family are going to the Gold Garden. Have you ever been there?''

                ''Oh yeah! My dad works there. In fact, I'm on my way there now.'' she said matter-of-factually.

                Phillip remembered wait his mother told him and eyed her suspiciously ''Really? Just like that?''

                Acacia gave a blank expression ''What do you mean?''

                Phillip continued with his suspicion ''What are the odds of me having met someone who just so happens to be going to the same place as me?''

                The girl took on a dead pain expression ''You do know this airship is exclusive travel to and from the Gold Garden. Right?'' Phillip was caught off-guard and looked at the monitor at the front of the room for all to see, that said in big letters 'Welcome to the Gold Garden Express.' Phillip face-palmed at his stupidity. Acacia continued ''Besides, even if I wasn't planning to go there, you still have thousands of people who go there every week, with hundreds of gardeners working there every day, so its no surprise.''

                ''Wow, must be a big place.''

                 She nodded ''Oh, It is.''

                 Phillip looked over her shoulder to take a look out the window, but he couldn't help but be distracted by the big ominous storm cloud that was nearing the city. It was at this point the airship started to descend down towards the airport.

                 Phillip said ''So ...do you want to go there with me and my family?''

                 She beamed ''That would be great. I love to hang out with you some more.''

                 Once the Airship landed in the hanger area, everyone started getting out of their seats and out of the airship. Phillip and his new friend waited for everyone else to get off board. When the area was clear enough, Phillip and Acacia walked over to the doors and reunited with Alex and Maria. Maria noticed him and said ''Phillip. Glad you made it.''

She then took notice of Acacia ''And who is this young girl?''

                 Acacia spoke up ''I'm Acacia, and I'm headed for the Golden Garden as well. So I decided to accompany you to our shared destination.'' She sniffed the air only two cringe and hold her noise.

                 Maria took notice of this and smelled herself. She was she took a bath this morning. Alex scaned her and said ''Hey Maria, Did you remember to clean your close before we left?''

                 Maria said ''Huh, guess I forgot.'' she shrugged ''Ops.''

                 ''Ops?'' Acacia stated ''That's all you have to say?''

                 Maria waved her off ''So what of it?''

                 Acacia stuck her tongue out at her and said ''Well I'm going to ask my parents to notify our King.''

                 While Maria and Acacia had their little dispute, Phillip went over to Alex ''OK, now I'm confused! How is Acacia able to just call her out when shes just a peasant.''

                 Alex said with worry ''Just a peasant?''

                 Phillip corrected himself ''Well, what I mean is I didn't think commoners could just question authority like this.''

                 Alex said ''Phillip, do I need to remind you that we live in a technocracy? Where the ruling class consist of scientist, who promote logic, research, and constant challenge and debate of our societies beliefs.''

                 Phillip stated ''But doesn't that cause unnecessary conflict?''

                 ''Sometimes in order to mend, you must first rend.''

                 Phillip just blinked ''Excuse me?''

                 Alex sighed ''In other words, it allows us to hold multiple views, with each one pointing out the flaws and mistakes of others. What this idea aims to achieve is having all parties learn from their mistakes and correct whatever flaws are presented. It allows us as a society to better ourselves.''

                 Phillip knew that the Empire was split between to parties. One promoting dominance and mastery of the nature and the self, with the other advocating peaceful coexistence with nature and abandoning their technological lifestyle. They

would constantly debate about what humanities relationship with nature should be.

                  Phillip and Alex went back to listening to the argument.

                 ''Because I wish to one day enforce the law.'' Acacia's fist tightened.

                  Alex spoke up ''Your going to join the armed forces?''

                 Acacia broke away from her little spat with Maria and confirmed with much more enthusiasm ''Why yes I am.'' Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her ''Oh my, I'm terribly sorry!'' she held out her hand ''My names Acacia, and you are?''

                 Alex smiled and said ''Alex is my name.''

                 Acacia cheerily said ''Nice to meet you Alex. At least someone has there act together.'' she glared at Maria.

                 Maria sighed and grabbed Alex's hand ''Come Alex, lets not be late for the Aliko Field Graduation.''

                 Alex looked to Phillip ''Hey Phil, are you coming with us?''

                 Phillip responded ''Actually, is it aright if I go with Acacia to the Gold Garden.''

                 Maria protested ''No. I can't let you go without an adult.''

                 ''Actually my dad should be here soon, so he can watch over me and Phillip.'' said Acacia.

                 Maria gave up ''Fine! Go ahead. So long as an adult is watching over him.''

                 Acacia looked around and beamed ''Oh, there he is.'' Everyone else looked to where she pointed.

                 They saw a man wearing the usual peasant close and a straw hat, with some work boots and gloves. He had a brown beard and mustache and a tired expression on his face which quickly vanished the instant he saw Acacia. With a wide grin on his face, he leaned done and opened up his arms to her. Acacia ran up to him and they shared a big hug that only family could give.

                 When they where done, she told him ''Father, its nice to see you again.'' she continued to hug him.

                 Her father spoke ''Same here honey. How was your trip to the festival?''

                 ''It was great! But I had to cut it short due to... '' she looked up to the looming dark cloud in worry and finished ''THAT!''

                 Her father said ''Don't worry my little girl. The King announced that it wasn't a threat, and that the most it came do is disrupt radio frequency which can be transferred from surrounding Element Cities.''

                 Acacia smiled in relief at that, than remembered ''Oh, right. Dad?''

                ''Yes!''

                Acacia gave him pleading eyes ''Can Phillip go with us?''

                Her father looked over to the others and his expression turned from one of joy to one of shock. He quickly walked over, bowed, and said ''Please, forgive me. I didn't notice we where near royalty. I'm terribly sorry if my daughter said anything disrespectful.''

                 Maria reassured him ''Oh, your fine.'' she chuckled ''Kids these days think they can say whatever they want and get away with it just because the law allows them to speak their mind.''

                 Acacias father rubbed the back of his head ''Tell me about it... So.''

                 Maria sighed ''You can take Phillip with you so long as he stays out of trouble.''

                 He looked back at Phillip and Acacia who both smiled at him expectantly, and he said ''Alright. You can come with us.''

                Phillip walked along side Acacia as he, her, and her father walked down the hall with the neon sign 'This way to Golden Gardens', and had a lot of people running through it. They followed the vast group of peasants who where all going to the gold garden, but wouldn't blend in into the seemingly endless crowed of brown clothed people with plain black or brown hair, with the occasional red or blond hair, and their skin tone ranged from white to yellow to black.

                Caucasian, Asian, African, American, it didn't matter what ethnicity they where. They where the lower class, who must submit to the Atlantian race. The race that (by consisting of all other ethnicity) had the right to rule. We where the superior race that embodied all of the different human bloods, and since morality was carried in the blood, we where believed to be in harmony with our own species, and thus better then all Non-Atlantians. That's what everyone was expected to believe, but that's not what Phillip wanted to believe.

                 Phillip continued down his original path with her making sure not to bump into anyone. The hall was quite nice, with all the colorful power cords decorating the metallic walls and ceiling, and the upper parts of the walls were lined with monitors. Some where 3D maps that showed where they where in the vast city, while others showed things from advertizements, to news, to entertainment, to propaganda. Phillip and Acacia didn't speak through out their walk through the halls.

                When he finally reached the end of the long hallway, he found himself outside. It was the middle of the day by now, so he could see everything clearly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Buildings everywhere, each one tall enough to reach the heavens. It was like a race to see which one would touch the clouds first, but the one that out stood them all was the tower with the bright pink light emitting from its top.

                Phillip said in awe ''That must be the Spark of Harmony.''

                He looked towards himself and saw a beautiful forest of trees. They looked like they had apples on them. He wanted one so badly. Unfortunately, he had to wait to register himself so he can be allowed in. Ounce he let the machine scan his DNA, he was allowed in.

               The gates of pure gold slowly opened, which only served to increase Phillips anxiety. When they where fully opened, everyone waited for the all-clear. Phillip was inpatient as he wanted one NOW! It was what his mother wanted and he just had to sit their.  Finally, the speakers called out to the people.

                        ''FAIR CITIZENS OF ATLANTIS! WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN GARDEN'' With that, the large crowd started to slowly move forward

                        Phillip squeed like a kid on their birthday. He couldn't wait to get his hands on them. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to see who is was. Acacia looked him in the eyes with part proud, part worry, and part strict expression ''Calm down, Phillip. You will have to wait to get a look.''

                        Phillip took her words in and composed himself ''Sorry. It's just that I'm really anxious.''

                        A few minutes passed as Phillip walked next to Acacia and her father. But already, he was getting impatient.

With an annoyed tone, he whined ''Can't we move faster?''

                        Acacias father reminded him ''Patience, young lord. We can always bring you here next week.''

                        Next week? He didn't have the patience to wait that long. Besides, he was a prince, so he should've been able to do what he wanted. Phillip complained ''I don't need patience. I NEED MY MOTHERS DYING WISH FULFILLED!''

                        Phillip pushed passed the large amount of people and ran over to the nearest tree. Acacia ran after him screaming ''NO! STOP! You'll get in trouble!'' Phillip ignored her warnings and once he got to the tree, he started to climb.

                        Her father tried to plead ''Prince Phillip, Please! We beg you to get away from that tree. You're not old enough to consume one. It's illegal even for royalty.''

                        Phillip countered ''But I'm not getting it for myself. I'm getting it for a friend.''

                        Acacia said curiously ''What friend?''

                        He waved her off ''None of your business.''

                        She looked to her father ''Dad, what do we do?''

                        The apples where a beautiful hue of red, and the trees leaves where a light green in color. He could see the apple orchard for miles. Phillip was anxious to get at least one of these delectable fruits off the trees. He knew Atlantis put a lot of emphasis on growing apples, but he didn't think they would make a whole forest full of life-enhancing apple trees.

                         His thoughts where cut off when he heard a hissing sound. He turned towards the direction of the sound and came face to face with what looked like a green metallic snake. ''GA-AAH'' Startled, Phillip jumped back and fell of the branch he was sitting on, causing Acacia to gasp in shock. As he fell down the tree, Acacias father quickly rushed over to catch him. He succeeded in saving Phillip from any severe injuries.

                        The the scruffy farmer said in a panic ''ARE YOU ALRIGHT?''

                        Phillip got up and dusted himself off ''NO, I'm not alright. My mother wants me to get at least one of those. And I can't even do that.''

                        Acacia spoke up ''Why can't you just wait until you're an adult?''

                        Phillip crossed his arms and huffed ''Because I don't want to what that long, duh.'' He looked back up at the green metallic snake with red eyes ''Those must be an Ouroboros. Robotic serpents who guard the trees from any perceived threat.'' He took some time to actually think about it. ''Man, that would've sucked. I would've been bitten if I didn't hear it.''

                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Alex couldn't wait to go to the Aliko fields to see the demonstration. He always dreamed of one day, being able to wield those 'space crystal plant sword' things. He and Maria continued down a bridge-like hallway that had balconies stretching all the way across both sides of said hallway. Passed the balconies, he could see the vast field of rocks.

                       He held Maria's hand and said ''So ...this is the Aliko fields?''

                       Maria nodded ''Correct. We are going to see a demonstration, once we get a seat.''

                        Alex and Maria went to the register and got signed in. Once that was done, they took a seat in the balconies. Alex saw the Aliko fields and felt disappointed. It was a vast land of dirty ground and countless rocks of various sizes, and the occasional boulders dotting the landscape, ...with some mountains off in the distance.

                        Alex sighed '',,,W-Well it wasn't what I expected, but I'm still going to watch.''

                        Maria smiled ''Sometimes a dirty rock can turn out to be a shining gem inside.''

                        ''Is that supposed to be literal or metaphorical?''

                        ''Literal.''

                        They both fell silent as a group of people came out, and lined up next to what was basically a rock farm. He couldn't make out much, due to them looking like ants from his distance, but he saw that they where graduates in their Aliko Academy. He managed to get signed up for said academy, only a few months ago. He couldn't help but imagined being there in that group of people.

                        They watched intently as the students spread through out the rock farm with some small tools. They then started to tap the rocks and listen, then move on to other rocks. Alex was confused ''Maria, what are they doing?''

                         Maria explained ''Their going to use those the hilt's pummel to check to see which rocks a hollow on the inside. That will tell them that said rock has Aliko growing inside it.''

                        Some of the students seemed to finally find hollow rocks, as they flipped the hilt to the other end, which had a drills sticking out. They drilled into the rocks and waited for some minutes. Alex was too far away to tell what was going on, so he asked ''What are they doing?''

                         Maria answered ''Their drilling into the rocks to attach the hilt to the aliko, then waiting for the drill to transform into cross-guards, which is the OK signal, that shows that the Aliko has given consent.''

                        He understood that Aliko was living creatures, who's consent was required for their human masters to be able to wield them. He witnessed the students start pulling out their hilts, which varied from a few seconds to possibly hours. If their struggle was anything to go by, than it was pretty challenging to get those suckers out of the rocks.

                        After roughly 30 minutes, some of the students managed to pull their crystals out of the rocks. Even from as away as he was, he could see the crystalline blades that now attached themselves to the handles of their students. Each one having a different color, and surging with electrical energy. They where absolutely beautiful. He remembered that they were called Alikord, which was the combination of the words Aliko and sword.

                        By the time the rock farm was closed, those who succeeded where applauded, while those who failed would have to what till next month. They would have still had time left, had it not been for sudden events.

                       By the time most of the students succeeded in retrieving their Alikord, the storm cloud had fulling covered all of Atlantis City. And at that instant, red lightening shot from all sides of the outer rim of the cloud and struck at the golden walls of the city. Alex and Maria looked up to see the center of the cloud begin to spiral. The skies where covered in black clouds and crimson lightening.

                       It was obvious what was happening. Atlantis City is under attack.

                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Phillip, Acacia, and her father stared up at the sky in shock, and horror. Never before has something like this ever happened before in their lives. Immediately after the red lightening struck at the walls, the center of the storm started to spiral inwards, and a huge flock of demonic vaguely bird-like creatures descended from the misty blanket and started attacking citizens indiscriminately.

                       Phillip was confused and scared ''WHAT-WHATS GOING ON?'' he said, as the ground beneath them began to shack, causing some of the apples to fall to the ground. He decided to sneak one into his pocket, while no one was looking. He knew it wasn't the most ideal time to deceive his friends, but was now convinced that if he wanted to prevent crap like this from happening, he would have to take the only opportunity he could ever get in his childhood.

                      He needed to find Maria and his brother.. Everyone was running away from the creatures that came from the giant black cloud above the city. A few of them flew towards the Gold Garden that Phillip was in, with on of them coming strait at him and his friends. The rugged old farmer grabbed him and Acacia and pushed them out of the way, as the demonic bird from hell landed where they use to be.  He now had a better look at them. They had no eyes, with beaks that hid a set a razor teeth, bat-like wings, a demon tail, large talons, and a snakes tongue.

                      Phillip coward away, and shouted ''N-NO! STAY AWAY!!!'' as the hellish monster closed in on him, while growling. Phillip closed his eyes and began to shake. Just then, he heard the sound of flesh getting ripped open, but he didn't feel anything. At first, he thought he was dead or something, but he was wrong.

                     When he opened his eyes, he saw a man in a black cloak and shades, with green spiky hair standing over the dead corpse of the creature, that was about to tear him to peaces. Phillip also saw that the corpse was impaled by a crimson-red Alikord, which contained so much heat, that it caused the air around it to ripple. The bird thing was no doubt, cooked from the inside out, after being impaled.

                      Phillip was absolutely petrified. He couldn't even think of moving, and it wasn't because of all the screams of terror, and pleads for help. His heart was racing and his face was covered in sweat. He just sat their looking at all the carnage and mayhem that surrounded him. Atlantis's mightiest defenses where completely destroyed and they where now at the mercy of these abominable things. All he could think about was how he was just now almost died.

                      Finally, Phillip found the strength to speak ''...help ...HELP ...HELP!!!'' The man looked to him and said in a stern and commanding voice ''Well what are you waiting for? GET GOING!!!'' The man gave the farmer a plain sword to defend Phillip and Acacia with and said ''Head for the halls for shelter while I stay here and protect from outside.'' than he went to help other civilians who where in need of protection. Phillip and Acacia started to run as fast as their legs could carry them, while tears began flooding out of their eyes.

                      He, Acacia, and her father ran back into the hallway for shelter against the invasion. The place was packed with people, with the adults comforting their children. It was than that Phillip wondered how Maria and Alex where doing. Thoughts of them dead quickly flooded his mind, as he and others saw severely wounded civilians being carried in.

                      Acacia hugged her father for comfort and asked ''Father! Will everything be alright? Whats going to happen to-?'' she cut herself off as she started crying uncontrollably, just like all the other children.

                      Her father pulled her and Phillip in for a hug, and reassured them ''Don't worry! We'll get through this and everything will be fine. I'll protect you even if it cost-'' He couldn't finish his sentence since he didn't want to fill his daughter with the idea of him dying.

                      They ran through crowds of people, who were to scared to notice them pass by. As they went through the crowds, he slowly got separated from Acacia and her father until he was all alone. He saw the clouds over the Spark of Harmony began to reach out like a tornado.

                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Maria had her Alikord drawn out and ready. She and Alex where in the shelter area, where Maria commanded all the professional Aliko Angels in the Acadamy to protect the citizens of Atlantis. Since she was one of the seven Guardian Angels, she was one of the highest authority figures in the entire nation.

                      Alex could see the many towers had Angels on them using their Aliko to draw the monstrous birds to them and ambush whole flocks of them in an ambush. Every now and then, he'd see a bird corpse falling from the side of said buildings. The ground was littered with the dead of both citizens and birds, with a few unfortunate Angels.

                      As the physics defying storm cloud was grabbing for the Spark, the Emperor of Atlantis King Iapetus stood there defending the Spark of Harmony, and pulled out his Alikord Spear. He pointed it up at the storm cloud and shouted ''Sing, CONVICTION!'' and shot a gold laser beam at the dark cloud. The dark cloud gave off a screeching noise that would shatter windows if they weren't sound proof. The laser ripped the tornado apart, the red lightening stopped, and the cloud started slowly fading away.

                     The demonic birds hissed at the blinding light and flew away. Everyone just stared at what just happened. Phillip than decided he would look in to this later, and went looking around for Maria and Alex. He found them, and together they went back home to their peaceful farm.