My Little Pony Spark of Harmony

                                                                       Spark of Harmony part 2

                    As they where going home by train, Phillip hugged his brother and cried ''I-I am SO GLAD you...'' He couldn't finish as he cried into his brothers shoulders, who just stared in shock at what happened just moments ago.

                    Maria, who had a regretful expression on her face said ''I ...shouldn't of taken us to Atlantis City ...Its my fault we where in danger. I'm sorry!'' She held them both in her arms to comfort them. She knew this event would leave them traumatized for life, and she was partly to blame.

                    Phillip hugged them back, while crying and said ''What where those things?''

                    ''You'll understand when you're older.''

                    He looked outside and saw that the storm cloud was gone in place of what looked like an electromagnetic barrier stemming from the city walls, and surrounded the entire city. The whole city was on lock-down, and on high alert.

                    After wiping away his tears he tried to lighten the mood ''Man, they sure know how to make someone feel welcome.''

                    Maria sighed and scolded ''Phillip, now's not the time for humor.''

                    Phillip looked down in shame ''Yeah, I ...guess so. Sorry!''

                    Alex sighed ''...''

                    Phillip was wondering why Atlantis City had to set up a electromagnetic barrier. 'Shouldn't it be able to transform into a ship or something and travel through the sky?' He wondered if his brother would have the answer. ''Hey, Alex.''

                    ''...'' his brother didn't respond, as he just stood there staring into space.

                   Phillip was confused ''...Um, Al?''

                   ''It seems to me that he's not only shaken by the attack, but his nation was completely crippled by it. I've heard him gosh on about how unbeatable our nation was. Poor boy must feel so vulnerable right now.'' Maria concluded with observation.

                    Phillip didn't know what to say that would cheer Alex up. After all, he was able to get through with their mothers disappearance by carrying out her dying wish. He asked ''Hey um, ...Maria?''

                     His aunt raised her brow ''What is it?''

                     Phillip gulped and asked ''I have adopted mothers will, and by doing that I'm honoring her, right?''

                    ''Yes!''

                    ''And the law says that multiple children can carry on the will, right?''

                    ''You want to know if Alex is allowed to help you with your mothers will, correct?''

                    ''Well, yeah.''

                    Maria put a hand on Phillips shoulder ''Phillip, I appreciate your concern for your mothers dream, but Alex has just lost his trust in our nations efficiency.''

                    ''But what about our father single handily defeating the threat?''

                    ''That was the work of the Spark of Harmony. Not the cities own defense.''

                    ''What do you mean 'the work of the Spark of Harmony'?''

                    Maria closed her eyes ''That's classified information. I may be laid back when it comes to social laws, but I'm adamant when it comes to political business.

                    ''Oh come on!'' he begged

                    ''I don't know either.'' she said matter of factually.

                     Phillip grinned sheepishly ''...Oh.''

                     ''Man your full of questions lately.'' she deadpanned

                     Phillip smiled weakly ''Hey, I'm just curious'' His enthusiasm immediately died when he looked back at the heavily guarded city. It would only be a few more minutes until they where finally home.

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                     After the invasion of Atlantis City, the whole nation was on high alert. Once everyone was back at the farm, they decided to feed the ponies their fresh batch of hey. Alex left his brother to finish up with his ponies after 3 hours had passed to go to his room, and just sit their to reflect on what happened on that day.

                    He couldn't figure out how they were left at the mercy of a storm cloud so easily. Alex looked at the world atlas and spoon it around ''I-I'm so confused! I thought we where unstoppable, and nothing could disturb our peace. I feel ...like some random stranger just walked in and burned down our entire house. Like everything I know and love could be taken from me tomorrow.'' he stopped it and wrapped his arms around it '' ...I'm scared!''

                    Back outside. Phillip went over to the pregnant mare and brought out one of the special apples. He knelled down and reached out to her with it. ''Here you go. This will make you tie you over till dinner.'' The mare sniffed it then immediately started chowing down.

                    The mare consumed the 'gold' apple, and was supposed to give birth to a 'Equas-Sapien' She seemed to enjoy its taste and texture. Phillip decided now would be a good time to brush her mane. He got out a bucket with a brush and started grooming her. It was only 6 more months away until she would give birth.

                    ''So how was your day? Did you eat plenty of hey and grass? Did you get plenty of exercise?''

                    Phillip knew she couldn't understand him, but he could dream could he? Sadly, with their mother not being found for months, she was declared dead. Phillip didn't believe it was true though, because he knew his mother was too awesome to get snuffed out by a storm cloud. He was anxious since her funeral was coming up next week, because he wasn't sure what his mother's 'will' would be. So how could he prepare?

                    Being 6 years old, he had quite the imagination. He would fantasize about what the world would be like if he went all the way through with this. He took out a book about Greek Mythology and started reading to the 'Pregnant One'.

                    ''Wow! This is amazing! I wish I could meet the kind of creatures in this book. Especially the horses.''

                    He liked the classical mythology of Greek culture. It was a shame since Atlantis defeated them roughly 1,000 years ago, because these tales served as a means of escapism for one like him. He wondered what it would be like if he could actually create the five types of magical ponies that where featured in these stories. Pegasus, Hippocampi, Mares of Thrace, he loved it all. Unfortunately, these creatures were magical in nature and he saw what that was like. He shivered.

                    He and his brother would continue caring, grooming, feeding, their ponies. Alex became more competent and savvy in horse care over time. They would play together, laugh, and hang out on the farm. The 'soon to be mothers' diet consisted of hay, and pasture for the rest of her pregnant days.

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                   It was the day of the funeral and Phillip was having trouble preparing. He wasn't used to high society despite being a prince. 'Not all royalty are stuck up snobs. We come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.'

                   Its been a week since Phillip took the apples from the trees of Gold Garden. Phillip wished he could feed her a second gold apple. Phillip was sure to keep it a secret from Alex. He felt bad about it, but Alex became more devoted to the laws for the sake of their nation, and Phillip didn't want to risk getting in trouble with the law.

                   Phillip was in a nice red robe for the ceremony, but never wore one before. Alex, whom was more familiar with these customs, had to instruct him on it. After Phillip managed to get his fancy clothes on right, he ran outside to the pregnant mare.

                   He walked into the stables and petted her ''Don't worry girl. I'll be back soon. For now, go play.'' He let her go out into the fields.

                   He walked back to their house to see Maria and his brother facing away from him and waiting. She was wearing a blue robe with a Black Hole at the center of her back side. Alex wore a red version just like himself.

                   Maria spoke up ''Ready?''

                   ''Ready!'' he confirmed.

                   She gave him a weak smile ''Alright! Today's a big day for all of the Crystal Empire, so I expect you all to be on your best behavior.''

                   With everything set and ready, the three of them went to the Airship, which was crowded with other people who where likely also attending the funeral, if their attire was anything to go by. After a few minutes, the carrier set off to Atlantis City for not only his mothers funeral, but all those who lost their lives in the attack afterword.

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                   When they returned to Atlantis City, they found it filled to the brim with guards and cameras. Phillip was intimidated by all the robot guards with giant rifles attached to their right arms. All it took for Alex to be scared was the guns alone, but the presents of many fully-armored and sinister-looking robots was to much for him.

                   He coward behind his aunt, who just rolled her eyes in annoyance then said ''Well lets get going. We don't want to be late.''

                   Alex questioned ''So ...W-Where is the funeral taking place again?''

                   ''In District 8.''

                   ''Oh, OK.''

                   Maria guided them to the place where all the family members where supposed to meet. It was a wide open field full of tombstones, which where divided into groups. The ones on the left where simple slabs of rocks with a small gem sticking out of each one, while the tombs on the right where bigger and more decorated. Each of these tombstones had an Alikord embedded at its tip. His looked around for his mothers and found it. He noticed that it was the only one that didn't have an Alikord, but it did have a slit placed in the same location that the other Alikords where.

                  Off to the right Phillip could see a small house full of people. Maria took him and Alex by the hand and walked them over to the group of people.

                  ''I take it that's where our other family members are?'' Phillip said with a curious tune.

                  ''Yes, that is where we're going to be for the next hour or so.''

                  Phillip whined ''But I don't want to hang out with my extended family.''

                  Maria scolded in a hushed tone ''PHILLIP?!! Where is your respect for your loved ones. Do not disrespect your mothers death.''

                  Alex spoke up ''Um ...I'm just going to go on ahead, alright?

                  Maria nodded in approval then turned back to Phillip who argued ''Mothers not dead. I know it.''

                  She sighed ''Phillip! We can't search on forever.''

                  ''But we have the technology to find her right away, don't we?''

                  ''Exactly! It's been a long time since anyone has seen her. If we can't at least locate her body, then she is probably at the bottom o-'' she cut herself off just in time. She didn't want to hurt Phillip by throwing around horrifying ideas that her beloved sister-in-law might of experienced before death. In fact, now that she thought about it. She shouldn't of said anything, since he was just a kid and had a fragile mind. She cursed herself and knelled down to his level, patted him on the head, and reassured him ''Actually ...Now that I think about it. You're right! We should hope for the best.'' She hugged him before getting back on her feet and walking over to her fellow Guardian Angels.

                  They walked over to their other family members to say hello. Alex was showing an elegant and sophisticated side. Phillip on the other hand lived on the farm, so he wasn't going to bother with such formalities. Now he didn't have anything against the law, but he wasn't the kind to act graceful, and the whole dressing up thing was really bugging him. The only reason he was even wearing it was in respect to his dead mother ...and because Maria forced him to.

                  ''Well now, if it isn't Phillip the 'horse lover'.''

                  Alex groaned ''Oh No!'' and turned around to see a few of his teenage half-siblings looking down on his brother  He walked over to his brothers rescue.

                  ''What do you want now?'' Phillip asked in a irritated tone.

                  Their leader, a blond female defended herself ''Whats your problem?''

                  Phillip stated ''Look, I don't want any of your mean words alright?''

                  ''We just came to warn you that you're going to get in trouble if you keep hanging around those horses, instead of actually bonding with your family.''

                  Phillip deadpanned ''Gee! I'd love to, but unfortunately, certain people like to bully me.''

                  They reassured him ''We're not bullying you. We have grown out of that. We're just teasing you cause ...well ...you know?!''

                  ''Well I don't like it. It's stuff like this that make me want to stay at the farm with my ponies.''

                  ''Couldn't you at least ride one to Atlantis City?'' the other teenagers suppressed their obvious laughter, which earned them a glare from their blond haired leader.

                   Phillip scrunched ''My mom said my name meant friend to horses, not romance. That's gross!''

                   They stopped their laughter when Alex came walking toward them. He had a stern look on his face. ''Excuse me gentlemen, but you're being disrespectful at MY moms funeral, at HIS moms funeral, and at a funeral that will forever be remembered as a day of mourning throughout the ENTIRE country!''

                   They looked around and saw quite a few adults where eying them ''Fine! I suppose you're right about that.'' He waved his hand to signal ''Come on. Lets go see how Maria is doing.'' The older half-brother of theirs left them alone.

                   Maria walked up to the gang and scolded ''What was that all about?''

                  ''Its nothing!'' They said in a panic.

                  ''Didn't sound like nothing.''

                   Their leader sighed in defeat ''Well, Its just that we're concerned for Phillip.''

                   She wasn't buying it ''Sure, that's why you had to make fun of him, when you KNOW he doesn't like it.''

                   ''OK, OK, OK! Maybe we were a little mean back their, but we didn't mean it. Old habits die hard, ya know?''

                  Maria realized something ''Wait! What do you mean when you say 'we're concerned for Phillip'?''

                  The teen rubbed the back of her head ''Well, ya see? Ever since the city was attacked, the Emperor has gotten more and more strict with his laws, and their have been instances where people would get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. We just worried about Phillips whole 'Ponies are my best friends' fad.'' she through her arms out to emphasize ''...Also, there's news that during the attack, one of the apples from the Gold Garden went missing, and the Ouroborus recorded Phillip trying to grab one. We're just worried that it'll make people suspicious of him.''

                   Maria boasted ''Well you won't have to worry, because I don't know if you heard but I'm ...oh you know ...his Guardian Angel, ...so his sons are under my protection.''

                  The blond girl blushed in embarrassment ''Oh, right! Ha, ha, ha. I forgot that your raising them.''

                  After a few hours past with everyone getting reacquainted with one another, they got to the important part. It was sunny and a little windy today. Their were many graves covering the wide fields, but these graves where for commoners. Angel graves are below the ground, via elevator.

                  They couldn't help but notice the unreasonably high amount of guards in the area.

                  Phillip looked a little nervous ''Hey Alex?''

                  ''What is it?''

                  ''Why are their so many guards in the area? Don't you think that's a little over doing it?''

                  ''The Emperor of the Crystal Empire is attending the funeral of not only one of his wife's, but the funerals of hundreds of citizens who lost their lives is he not?''

                  ''Yes, but still. Its like he thinks he's going to get attacked anywhere he goes. In fact! I heard he is actually very paranoid.''

                  Alex snarked ''Wow, you're full of ideas.''

                  A bell rang indicating that their father was done with the ceremonies of his distressed citizens. It was time to get going with their mothers funeral. The commoners would stay on the surface to mourn their dead, while royalty would descend down into the ground to proceed with the royal funeral.

                  Their father came in ''Alright everyone! lets proceed.''

                  Everyone in the small house entered a large cylinder tube. Ounce everyone was inside, King Iapetus pressed a button. The doors closed and everyone felt lighter for a brief second as the elevator descended. 15 to 20 seconds passed until the doors opened up again.

                  To say Phillip and Alex where awestruck would be an understatement. They found themselves in a vast, wide-open, dome-shaped area with thousands of pillars of light shown down on the ground. Speaking of the ground, the floor consisted entirely of diamond with names scorched into its surface. It took him time to notice that each name was directly under a pillar of light.

                  The family walked down the seemingly endless forest of lights, until they reached a light that had no name under it. This was clearly going to be their mothers grave with her name embedded in the diamond floor of the vast open area, with a piller of light shining down on it from the ceiling.

                   Phillip and Alex walked up to their mothers grave, with Alex barely holding back his tears. Phillip didn't seem very upset because he believed his mother was still alive. They saw Iapetus standing over their mothers grave. The two brothers walked up to their father and bowed deeply. Phillip could barely contain his anxiety, while Alex was breathing heavily in uncertainty.

                  Their father looked at Phillip and then to Alex. After what felt like a minute he said with a low, and stern voice ''Prince Alex....Prince Phillip....you may rise.'' They rose to their feet, and their father pulled out her will. It was a gold scroll with the royal Atlantian seal on it. Both Alex and Phillip placed their right hand on the scroll.

                   Their father looked to Alex and said ''Do you Alex! Prince of Atlantis vow to carry your mothers fire in her passing?''

                    Alex stuttered  ''I vow to h-honor my mothers passing by ...'' he took a deep breath then finished ''devoting my life to her will.''

                    He then looked at Phillip and repeated ''Do you Phillip! Prince of Atlantis vow to carry your mothers fire in her passing?''

                    It ticked him off how his father just assumed she was dead, but he wouldn't let that ruin this day of mourning, so he confidently said ''I vow to honor my mother by devoting my life to her will.''

                   ''Very well.'' He let go of the scroll, so the boys could open it.

                   The two released the seal on the scroll, and opened it. Their mothers Will was predictable, but in a way they didn't expect 'To bring peace to the world with horse power'

                   After a long silence Alex spoke ''Well that's ....nice.''

                   Phillip said bluntly ''I don't get it.''

                   Iapetus explained ''This vow is actually the Will of your distant ancestors, and was passed down through the generations. Your mother devoted her life to raising horses on the farm in the hopes that they would play a vital part in our nations history.''

                   Phillip on the other hand was relieved ''I look forward to fulfilling mothers will.''

                   Once all was said and done, they stepped back and saw the light above intensify into a lazer that scorched the ground. It was a quick and bright flash that returned back to its usual state. The brothers walked over to it and saw their mothers name carved into the ground.

                   Iapetus wrapped up the funeral with pulling out the Kalm, which was their nations guide lines on how to live. He said ''Our beloved Clymene will be missed, but do not cry for her. As a scientist, she lived to discover the truth, and now she has passed into the Great Unknown.'' He and everyone else took this time to reflect on our memories of her.

                   He than opened up the Kalm and started reading the scripture ''We do not know what happens after death, nor can we ever return, and although that is why we fear it, we shouldn't fear the unknown, but be accepting of it, and take comfort in the reality that all living things eventually die. Atlantis is a Maltheistic Technocracy, who's purpose is to shed the lies and false truths that plague our species and improve the human condition.''

                   He closed the book and closed his eyes ''Death is like a Black Hole; because it is one of the ultimate mysteries that our society strives to unveil, and once crossed, one can never return. and is the ultimate fate of existence. It constantly looms over our lives and strikes fear in the hearts of those whom are aware of its existence.''

                   Phillip tried to listen to his fathers speech but it was so boring. He knew Atlantian society had a love/hate relationship with things like death, and black holes, and other dumb stuff.

                  After the ceremony ended. Phillip and Alex stayed to talk to some people. Maria hugged Alex to comfort him, while Phillip was eager to get back to the farm and get out of his dress. Once an extra hour or so passed, everyone started leaving.

                   Alex was busy wiping away his tears, than looked to Phillip with a smile and said ''Well ...looks like I'm going to hang out with you a lot more often.'' He chuckled ''Of course, I still have the academy and stuff.''

                   Phillip felt bad for him ''What! I don't understand! Why are you throwing away your dreams?''

                   Alex raised an eyebrow ''Um, what are you talking about?''

                   ''Wont the Will impede on your life goals? Don't you want to stay in the academy to do whatever it is you wanted to do?''

                   Alex reassured him ''Phil, I knew mothers will would be something like this. It won't get in the way of my dreams. In fact, I'm actually planning on using her Will to further my own dream.''

                   They went back home to the farm. Phillip didn't know what to think about his brother devoting his entire life to this cause. On one hand he needed an extra hand in managing their mothers dream, and he did need someone to be able to talk to. On the other hand he feared his brother would eventually find out about his plans.

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                    Its been 6 months since he first gave the mare the gold apple. Now 'The Pregnant One' was ready to give birth. Phillip was now 7 years old. He became more snarky and confident overtime.

                   Phillip shivered as the memories of that day remained fresh in his mind. Neither, he nor Alex would ever forget how Atlantis fell like a tower of cards that day. They would often visit their mothers grave to tell stories about their day. Alex was now taking classes in Aliko Academy, so he could improve their nations system.

                   Alex said ''So...the pony is going to have a foal early in the morning?''

                   Phillip scratched the back of his head in embarrassment ''Yeah.''

                   ''Its too bad I wont be able to see her give birth.''

                   ''Yeah I'm really anxious. I mean what if 'The Pregnant One' fails to give birth?''

                   Alex frowned at that and said ''Phillip, for the last time, she's not 'The Pregnant One'. She's just a horse.''

                   Phillip sighed ''Technically, shes a pony.''

                   Alex rolled his eyes ''Look I can understand your anxiety, but we have read everything we need to be able to do this right. Trust me! So long as you didn't feed her any kind of food that wasn't on the list, she should be fine.''

                   Phillip felt uneasy about that last statement. With all the stuff put away they both went to bed.

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                   It was morning and the sun was shining through the windows, causing Phillip to wake up. He was sleeping like a log with arms spread out, but the light was too bright, so he tried repositioning himself for better rest. It wasn't until a few minutes later that his sleep was interrupted by the voice of Maria.

                   ''Phillip, wake up its time to go check on the mare.''

                   Realization struck him as he jumped out of bed ''Holy Crap!!!'' and ran outside.

                   Maria stood there and yelled back ''Or, you know? You could of said 'Thank You!'.'' She, however, would have to stay to take his brother to the Academy. She sent Alex to the Academy from 8 am, till 4 am, as was the appropriate schedule for students at such academies.

                   Unfortunately, the mare was expected to bare young around 10 am, so Alex wouldn't be able to witness the birth. She didn't know much about horses, but she knew plenty about birth, and she wanted to be there as Phillips guiding hand for the newborn. After she took Alex to the academy, she came back to the farm.

                   Phillip was busy trying to come to terms with what he found. What he saw was the most precious thing anyone could ask for. 'The Pregnant One' was now a mommy to a cute little foal.

                   It was a girl, with an adorable brown coat with white spots. However upon closer inspection the filly looked...different. One of the most notable oddities about it was her all around facial appearance looked vaguely ...human. The muzzle was more round and stubby. Its neck was stocky, and its legs where less scrawny and bony, and more cylinder-like.

                   Phillip was confused with his mind spinning around in circles. ''Is...Is this it?'' He was fascinated by her appearance, and walked up casually and said to himself ''What's wrong with her face?''

                   Maria looked her over ''She appears to have a birth defect, though I've never seen one quite like this.'' She turned to Phillip ''Did you give her mother anything during her pregnancy?''

                   Phillips shivered as he was so caught up in the moment that he completely forgot about Maria. He knew from the book that this was the clear resolt of feeding a Gold Apple to a pregnant mare. He didn't know what to say, but he didn't want the law to keep him from fulfilling his promise, so he lied ''I don't know how this happened?I''

                   Maria folded her arms ''I see!''

                   Phillip said in worry ''She is still going to live on the farm, right?''

                   ''Yes, but me and the others have to check her health.'' she demanded.

                   ''How long will that take?''

                   ''Only a few minutes. Once they check her health, we'll be able to tell what she has done throughout her pregnancy.'' she sighed ''It's too bad there's no security cameras around here.''

                   Phillip leaned his head sideways ''We?''

                   Maria waved her hands around ''The Angels of Hippology!''

                   ''They study horses?''

                   ''Yes.''

                   Phillip was now concerned ''Um ...Is it possible for them to tell what she ate?''

                   Maria grew skeptical ''Of course. That's why we're doing this.''

                   He gulped ''Oh, you don't have to do that. I'm sure she'll do fine.''

                   Maria's expression turned stern ''Do you really want us to just sit here and let her suffer whatever kind of unknown symptoms she might have.''

                   Phillip suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine ''Can I come?''

                   ''No. You'll be in bed asleep by the time we do tests on her.''

He pushed Phillip away and yelled ''WHAT YOU'VE DONE IS AGAINST THE LAWS OF NATURE!''

                   ''Technically using technology is against the laws too.''

                   Alex's eyes widened at his brothers blasphemous insult. ''HOW DARE YOU!''

                   ''I'm just saying if that is the only reason magic is taboo then maybe we shouldn't use technology either.''

                   ''Have you learned NOTHING from our studies. Technology is a gift, no a blessing to humankind from our Goddess Talina. She gave it to use, so we could heal her. The world is broken and dangerous, because she is wounded. She wants use to us technology to restore order to a broken world.that is Talina.''

                   ''OK OK chill out.''

                   Phillip pulled out the instruction guide that Alex gave him months ago. ''Do you remember what this is?''

                   Alex took some time trying to process what his brother just said. ''Of course I do! That's the book that mother wanted you to have when you where 12.''

                   ''This book is an instruction manual for a theory our mother had called 'Hippos Sapiens'.''

                   ''What?''

                   ''I believe our mother was planning to create sentient ponies for whatever reason.'' He pointed at the green maned foal. ''She is an Hippos Sapien.''

                   ''Are you saying our MOTHER intended to break the laws of god?''

                   ''Well...that's not exactly what I'm saying. I believe we should honor her passing by making her theory a reality. If you don't believe me then read this.''

                    Alex took the book from his hands, and started reading through. He had to admit it was his mothers handwriting. An hour or so passed until Alex was done reading it. Phillip was caring for the little foal in the meantime. He stopped what he was doing when Alex walked up to him.

                   ''You're still committing a sin you know that right?''

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

                   Alex was caught off guard by that statement ''What?''

                   ''In other words their are times when you must further damage something in order to fully repair it. That's what mother believed, and what better way to carry out her will then adopting her philosophy.'' Phillip walked over to the green maned foal and gave her a hug.

                   ''I don't see how that would work.''

                   ''Criticism as a philosophy!''

                   ''So...by pointing out the flaws in society. You think the system will improve?''

                   ''Uh no...I guess that was a bad analogy. Think of it as me being a doctor who's fixing a patient called the world, but has to cauterize the wound in order to stop the bleeding, or has to perform surgery.''

                   ''You do realize people could use this philosophy to justify crime right?''

                   Phillip smirked ''Thank you for supporting my belief by pointing out the flaws. That's all the more reason we should keep it secret.'' He nudged his head towards the green maned pony.

                   ''That doesn't even make sense.''

                   Phillip sighed ''Alex, Please!!! Do it for me, for mothers will. Just give this a chance.''

                   ''...Fine!''

                   Alex submitted to Phillips plea, and helped raise the foal. He didn't like deceiving the empire, but if this is what their mother wanted then so be it. He could only hope things turned out good in the end.

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                  It was about 3 to 4 years now since the green maned pony was born. She would run out and play with Phillip, while Alex would prepare food and water. Phillip and Alex were both 11 now.

                  Phillip decided to name the foal after the Celtic God of Horses and fertility 'Epona'. Phillip also renamed 'The Pregnant One' to 'Maria' since his brother preferred it, and you know ...she was no longer pregnant.

                  Alex would visit the city often to catch up with old friends. When his brother would go to the city Phillip would hang out with Epona. It was funny how he was raising her along with Maria, and yet he himself was just a kid. You could say he was like a stepfather to her.

                  He knew she was smarter then any pony he ever seen before, but nothing could prepare him for what happened next.

                  Epona looked up to him and with a very human smile said ''Fil.''

                  Phillips eyes widened at this. Did she actually just speak? He didn't even teach her anything. He didn't even know she was capable of speech up until now.

                  Were those apples he gave Maria more potent then he gave them credit for, and were they the reason Epona was capable of speech.

                  He sat there pondering until he felt something pull at his pants. He looked down to see Epona pulling him with her mouth. When she noticed his eyes were on her she ran over to the field and pranced around indicating she wanted to play.

                  He decided to go and play tag with her. She was so full of life and energy. He honestly wanted to be with her, and raise her as his own.

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                  The buildings were tall, and dark. The weather seemed to be nice today. Ever since that storm attacked the city the Atlantian militia has been on high alert. Alex was trying to gain excess to the archives for information on Hippo Sapien.

                  Unfortunately he was denied entrance to the Atlantien Royal Archives by a guard.

                  ''Why can't you let me through?''

                  ''I'm sorry prince Alex, but its orders from the Emperor.''

                  ''Surely his own children would be an exception.''

                  ''Actually that's the very reason he gave us this order.''

                  Alex was completely dumbstruck. 'Did his father have something against his children,...or was it something else?'

                  ''Fine.''

                  He walked off to the Castle at the center of Anthropolis where his father was. He didn't want to think about the idea of their being distrust in the family, but he needed answers.

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                   Phillip and Epona were playing hide and go seek in the barn. Phillip felt good inside. He hadn't had this much fun since...mother. He stopped looking around and just sat their deep in thought.

                   Epona noticed this and walked over to him. With a squeaky voice she said ''Phil hip?''

                   Phillip broke from his trance, and looked to the ground to see Epona look up at him with those big pink eyes of hers, and a curious expression on her face.

                   He kneeled down and lied ''It's nothing Epona.''

                   Epona smiled at him, and nuzzled his cheek. Phillip was relieved to have someone who was so full of life and not all fancy, and worried about consequences.

                   He decided to read Epona to sleep with the purple book he read in the past that lead him to create her. As he was reading he came across some typos in the text. He figured it was just a genuine mistake, but he noticed something about these typos. He started jotting them down on a piece of paper. All the missing letters he filled out when put together formed a message. When he was finished he was blown away. It was a hidden code.

                  'Draw a Transmutation circle in the stables.'

                   It showed a picture of the circle. Was this also what mother wanted him to do? He decided to try it out once Epona woke up. He decided to sleep next to her. He wondered what was taking Alex so long. He should of been back by now. Phillip decided to pass it off as traffic, or something. He cuddled up to his little pony and went to sleep.

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                  Alex arrived at the gates of his fathers grand castle. He got their as fast as his legs could carry him, and traveled down the main street to get here. When he finally reached his destination the entire castle was on lock-down.

                  ''Dang it!''

                  He looked up at the sky to see the sun vanish in the horizon.

                  ''Great! Now I have to wait till morning.''

                  He went to a nearby bench and decided to go to sleep until morning.

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

                  Phillip woke up with a few apples placed in front of his face.

                  ''What the heck!''

                  He looked over to see Epona eating some apples, with her hooves. He was surprised to see her using her hooves like hands, but that was nothing compared to what happened next. Epona grabbed another apple, (not with her hoof) but with her green TAIL. She didn't seem to notice him, as she kept eating away. She sure loves apples!

                  ''Wow! How did you do that?''

                  She looked over to him, and smiled widely. She pounced him, and knocked him to the ground, than nuzzled him some more. Phillip picked her up and sat her back down on the floor.

                  ''OK that's enough fun! I got to go take care of some business.''

                  She went off to her mother Maria, and started drinking from her milk. The sight made Phillip mildly depressed.

He was still upset over his mothers death, but he learned to accept it over time. He would still have dreams of her being alive and well, only to wake up to the terrible reality of it all. He knew he would eventually see her again in the afterlife.

                  He went to the stables, started making the transmutation circle.

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

                 Alex woke up and saw that the gates were open, and their where guards positioned there. The sun was shining brightly today, and the sky was clear of clouds. Their were people in elegant dresses walking towards the doors that lead to the throne room. He walked up to one of the guards at the gates.

                 ''Excuse me!''

                 The two guards bowed ''Prince Alex! To what honor is it that you'd speak to us?''

                 Alex didn't like it when others put themselves below him. It made him feel like crap. He bowed respectfully to them, and said ''Is my father available for a meeting with his son?''

                 ''Yes! He is in his throne room eating.''

                 ''Thank you!''

                 ''The honor is ours prince.''

                 Alex walked to the door, and opened it. When he went inside he saw his father with his jet black hair that ended in a ponytail, and green eyes, eating a steak. He saw some servants doing what he assumed to be taste testing the drinks.

                 He walked up to his father. The Emperor of Atlantis took notice of him, and stopped eating to acknowledge his presence. Alex bowed deeply in respect for his father, who waved his hand to show that he was allowed to stand back up.

                 ''Alex my son! What brings you to my castle?''

                 ''Father! I would like to know why the archives are on lock-down.''

                  His father glared at him ''Because Alex the archives contain all the secrets of Atlantis. We cannot let our enemies gain access to such vital knowledge.''

                 ''But Atlantis is the most powerful country in all the world. No one would ever dare oppose our conquest.''

                 ''That's what I thought too, however their are forces beyond the understanding of science who seem to have found us.''

                 Alex raised an eyebrow ''What do you mean?''

                 ''It seems are enemy whoever or whatever they are, has managed to breach our defenses.''

                 ''I don't understand father?''

                  His father sighed ''Alex Atlantis was created for the soul purpose of protecting humanity from the many cosmic horrors hiding in the voids of outer space.''

                  ''WHAT!''

                   Alex just stared at his father trying to process what he just heard. Either his father really was paranoid, or their was a lot more to Atlantis then he first thought. He didn't like either one, but he would go with the far more logical choice of him being delusional.

                   His father interrupted his thoughts ''If you don't believe me then you are welcome to look it up in 'Theogony'

and 'Light Bringer'.

                   Alex went to a isolated room and read them both. He was disturbed to find out that his father was right. Their are unknown horrors lurking in the dark waiting for the light (The Spark of Harmony) of Atlantis to go out.

                   ''OH MY GOD!!!''

                   He didn't know what to think. All this time, and no one knew about it. He knew Atlantis was founded by Atlas who wasn't really human, but still.

                   He went back to the throne room to his father ''Father why doesn't anyone know about this? Have we been keeping them in the dark all these years?''

                   ''Yes!''

                   ''Why are you telling me this?''

                   ''Because the storm that attacked Anthropolis left the public in a panic. Up until then they believed nothing could be a threat to them.''

                   Alex looked down in thought. He wanted to protect his people from harm, and bring peace to the world. He then realized he had what could be a glimmer of hope in this dark revelation. ''...Well maybe its time to rid ourselves of these demons once and for all.''

                   ''Well what do you have in mind?''

                   At that point Alex decided to tell him everything about Phillip, Epona, the Gold Apples, everything.

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                                                                                 AUTHORS NOTE

                                     Hey everyone! Hope you like my story so far. If theirs anything wrong with the writing than please point it out. I would greatly appreciate it.