Fallout Equestria: Luna's Daughterby The High PriestChaptersChapter 1, Coordinates (Velvet)Chapter 1.5, Unexpected Arrival (Violet)Chapter 2, Waking Up (Nebula)Chapter 2.5, A Feared What Could Have BeenChapter 3, ExplanationsPrologueChapter 1, Coordinates (Velvet)“Velvet, love you need rest. You've been working all night.” “I know Calamity but I Can’t the Followers of the Apocalypse have been having so much trouble. Creators are having a hard time believing in trust. Radiation from outside Equestria has seeped in. The NCR is growing more unstable with the institute running amok. And…Violet and Jesy have got their own hooves full as it is. Violet is running things up north, and I don’t even know what Jesy is doing anymore; he is his Fathers son.” Calamity blushed at that remark. “Well…Violet is her mothers daughter. She always listens to you, and wishes to heal the wasteland the same way you do, and acts the same way as you. You know. I wish Littlepip was still here; she would figure something out, maybe she could have foal sat Jesy when he was a colt.” Before we could continue a unicorn mare with the same black coat as me and calamities main rushed into the room bumping into Calamity. I recognised the mare as Violet immediately. “Violet, what are you doing here?” “It’s urgent! Where is Fluttershy? I need to speak with her immediately!” Calamilty quickly put his hives in Violet’s shoulders. “Well show you where she is but you need to explain why on the way.” We quickly rain down the hallway as Violet explained. “ was going through some files that were in the possession of Red Eye. One file contains coordinates to someplace in the Hallow Shades. Me and a group of ponies and griffons went to the coordinates and found a stable. We were unable to get the door open. It has the same restrictive entry as the SPP but Fluttershy instead of Rainbow dash; It's made for star metal too, so cutting isn't an option. A hellhound tried to dig but fawned out the stable buried within the Hollow Shades bedrock.” At that very moment we reached a room with dozens of ponies in it. Violet quickly saw Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo in their wheelchairs playing checkers and ran over. “Fluttershy could I-” “Yes, I'll help you enter Stable 777.” “W-What, how did you know?” “I could hear you mention Hollow Shades bedrock. You're a loud talker.” “Hold on there. Everyone knows Stable 777 is just a story. Even Littlepip did that's why she never mentioned it in her book.” “I assure you it’s very real. It was keeped so secretive because of its inhabitants.” “Well, let's get going. I asked uncle Windsheer to stock Sky Bandit 2 for the trip.” That response earned Violet a noogie from Calamity. I walked over to help push Fluttershy's wheelchair when I saw Ditzy do writing on her chalkboard if she could come. “Violet, could you come over here and help with Ditzy’s wheelchair.” Quickly we made our way out of the building and outside where Sky Bandit 2 was waiting. Sky bandit 2 was a double decker carriage and had been completely refurbished. Unlike Sky Bandit 1 which was single leveled and only mechanically restored. After boarding Calamity and Windsheer began pulling Sky Bandit 2. After getting Fluttershy and Ditzy situated I saw Violet gesture to a mattress. “Mom, you need to take a rest. Use the mattress over there. It's a 6 hour trip to the Hallow shades.” I don’t abject, I just lie down and drift to sleep. Chapter 1.5, Unexpected Arrival (Violet)The first hour of the ride was calm until Xephyr came flying in with the use of a bloodwing Talisman. I was perplexed at her sudden arrival. “Xephyr, what are you doing just showing up here? What before you tell me come up the second level with me, Velvet is sleeping down here.” We walked up to the second level and sat down. “Now, why did you show up so suddenly? “I overheard your conversation with Fluttershy and I had to know if the story is true.” “What story?” “The Story of stable 777. It’s said the stable was built in a remote and isolated location so the Ministry of Peace could safely carry out less ethical medical research. Now everyone knows that version of the story but I remember hearing another story that ties into stable 777.” “What story would that be?” “The legend of Luna's daughter. Luna was believed to have had a relationship with ministry mare Twilight. Luna eventually became pregnant through the use of magic and had a daughter. Luna and Twilight chose to name their daughter Nebula Sparkle. When Nebula became an adult she reluctantly took the position of principal for Luna's school for gifted unicorns when she wanted to fight in the war. Before she was denied enlistment however she had signed a contract with the Ministry of Peace that they could have her body for medical research in the event she died.” “Which is why I agreed to help you open the door.” Me and Xepher immediately turned to who just spoke suddenly. We were surprised to see Fluttershy standing with the use of her cane. “Fluttershy, what are you-? “JUST BECAUSE I USE A WHEELCHAIR DOESN'T MEAN I NEED IT FOR GOING SHORT DISTANCES!” Me and Xepher clung to each other at hearing Fluttershy yell, but quickly broke away from each other after she calmed down. Flutershy quickly took a deep breath. “Sorry, it just upsets me when ponies think I can’t handle myself. Now as I was saying, the cataract she signs is the reason I agreed to help you because after the Littlehorn massacre her body was recovered and taken to stable 777 to be used for a project called Project Necromancy. My goal for Project Necromancy was to find a way to bring a soldier or civilian back from the dead. I desire to know if it was a success and if the results gave a positive success. "What do you mean by positive success?” “Well… you see, I-I made use of the Black Book.” Me and Xepher just went silent processing what we just heard. We had never seen the Black Book but we knew how dangerous it was. Xepher was the first one to break the silence. “Well it may be a good thing I brought this.” Xepher sayed before taking something out of her saddlebags. “Your Acupuncture kit?” “Supposedly Nebula developed a liking for zebra medicines in her teenage years. According to Zecora’s journal Nebula came to hear about an imbalance in her magic believed to be due to the alicorn magic that passed from her mother to her. After several acupuncture sessions the imbalance was cured but now that this project has exposed her to the Black Book it may have caused another imbalance in her magic if the project was a success that is.” “Please, acupuncture isn’t real medicine. It’s just a placebo effect!” “I assure you it’s not! I wouldn't have run to grab it before catching up with you if it wasn't!” That rest of the ride was spent in silence. Chapter 2, Waking Up (Nebula)Opening my eyes, I’m floating in a vat of orange liquid, and I can feel a mask over my face. Where am I and how did I get here? I think to myself; the last thing I remember was blacking out after jumping through a window. I quickly hear a robotic voice sound. “Healing session complete. reviving protocol executed, draining system initiated.” I could feel the orange liquid drawing for the vat and replacing it with water. When the vat fully filled with water it began to drain the water too. When the water fully drained the walls of the vat receded into the floor. I quickly remove the mask over my face and rise to my hooves. “W-Where am I? How did I get here? What a minute. are those hoof prints?” Walking over I see a place we’re the dust had not settled as heavy as everywhere else. They capsule be hoof prints but it’s hard to tell. I need to find a security room. Maybe there are some cameras I can check the footage of. I do one final scan of the room and notice a package with my name on it. Opening it saw my old saddle bags and a PipBuck but it didn't look like any I’ve seen before. I quickly slide the Pipbuck on my leg and lock it into place. Once it’s fully on it covers most of my leg leaving a few inches before my torso free. Moving my leg around I find it does not impair my legs movement. Turning the pipbuck on I notest it read Prototype PowerBuck. The screen lit up with weight; the first thing to catch my eye was it showed two centuries and two decades have passed. Searching further I noticed an audio recording was present. Using my magic to let it play I was surprised by Pinkie's voice. “Hi Nebula, if you're hearing this it means I’m dead and you’ve fully recovered. I'm just letting you know you've got a long road in front of you and a hard life behind you, but that’s not my reason for leaving you this. I’m confessing you weren't allowed to fight because I convinced Luna to deny you enlistment. Your enlisting would have led to a worse future. You would have died and Littlepip would have ceased to exist; your death wouldn't have been at the hooves of zebras, but at the hooves of dictator Flurry Heart.” I was bewildered at hearing that last part. My cousin wouldn't want me dead and she isn’t a dictator. How could Pinkie make such a claim; it’s quite the stretch even for her. “Now I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true. Flurry has become a dictator over her populace by the time you hear this. The only one who can stop her is you. I’ve left some other gifts scattered across Equestria for you. You should be able to use the PowerBuck’s map to find them.” Having listened to the recording I began to walk across the room to a door. The door opens up into a hallway with another door at the end the 3 on each side; peeking into one of the side doors I see it similar to the room I was in but showing signs of never being used. I run to the end of the hallway and come to another hall but with signs showing me directions. I start to follow the signs to the security area. Reaching the security room, I find a pistol and a pair of stable barding with the number 777. I conclude I must be in a stable of some kind, but I've never heard of a stable with the number 777. I put the barding on and place the pistol in my saddle bags and make my way to another part of the security section. I quickly find a room full of monitors. The monitors were viewing cameras all over the stable. I couldn't make sense of what I saw on many of them but I could see the stable door, and it was opening. I could hear the sound through a speaker. I was the only pony here so someone is entering from outside. I need to figure out who that is. Good thing these cameras appear to have audio. Watching the new arrivals on the monitors: 2 unicorns, 3 Pegasus and a zebra, I didn't recognize any of them but one. “Is that Fluttershy?” I think to myself she looked like her but much older and in a wheelchair. They start talking and I decide to listen in the way they say. “So this is Stable 777. What experiment did you use Nebula’s remains for?” “The experiment was for testing a new healing device called the Phoenix Chamber. The chamber was supposed to heal the occupant of any injury and even revive them.” “Really that's great could we-” “Tests showed it doesn't work if the body is completely dead, only alive. Nebula's remains were taken to see if it could work on some pony who was brain dead.” My blood ran cold at hearing what I just heard. I had been brain dead for over 2 centuries. And the Phoenix chamber brought me back to life. “Hey, look over here. There appears to be hoof prints leading this way.” I quickly saw they were now heeded my way. Without a second thought I drew the piston from my saddle bags and took a defensive stance. They could be friendly but I couldn't take that risk; my paranoia had taken effect. When they entered the room they gasped at me. Fluttershy withdrew a cane and made to get out of the wheelchair. The older unicorn tried to stop her but she gave the unicorn a whack on the hoof with her cane. I placed my pistol back into my saddle bags once Fluttershy walked to me “Welcome back Nebula.” “Uh Hi Fluttershy. What's happened in the 220 years I’ve been brain dead?” “ What, what made you-” “These cameras have audio.” “Oh, well…that's not the full story. When your body was recovered you were deemed brain dead, but after a CT scan was carried out it showed activity was returning to the brainstem.” “Like a Canterlot ghoul.” At my confused expression one of the pegasi started to explain. After hearing a lengthy explanation on ghouls I managed to put 2 and 2 together. “So I was turned into a ghoul when pink cloud flooded the school.” “We call it the Little Horn massacre. Now we should tell you our names; I’m Calamity, this is my brother Windsher, my wife Velvet, and our daughter Violet.” “Nebula, when you woke up, why did you come here instead of the exit?” “I have reason to believe you're not the only ones to visit this place after the bombs fell. When I first woke up I saw what I thought were hoof prints in the dust. I came to this room to look at the footage.” I quickly saw Violet and Velvet exchange a look of worry. “What’s wrong?” “It’s who was in possession of the stable's cowardness that led to this stable.” “Didn’t Fluttershy tell you about this stable?” “Let's look at that footage before we continue.” Chapter 2.5, A Feared What Could Have BeenLooking through the security system we quickly found the last time the stable door was opened was twenty years ago. Waiting for the footage to load I choose to make small talk with Calamity. “Why are you eyeing the pipbuck on my leg?” “Because it’s not just an ordinary pipbuck.” “I know that already. It’s a Prototype PowerBuck.” “The only prototype. I read about the Power buck in a Ministry of Wartime Technology file years back. After the first prototype was tested Applejack had it taken somewhere else saying the research had been compromised.” “Well seeing as I found the Power buck in a box with my name on it and it has an audio recording of Pinkie's voice I’d imagine that was just a cover up.” “The file had a photo and said it was scheduled for reallocation at midnight before the bombs hit. That is why I recognized it.” “Well, you can’t have it!” “It’s fine. Just warning you there are ponies out there who know about the power buck and would kill you on sight just to take it from your corpse.” “Thanks. That's very reassuring. I’ll look into getting something to cover it with. “Um, you two. We're ready to watch the footage.” The footage started with the door opening. Violet was shaking, mumbling something about how she didn't want it to be who she thinks it was. The first pony to be visible was an earth pony with a red coat and black main. One of his eyes was cybernetic. Calamity and Windsher had angry looks on their faces while Velvet and Violet had a look of worry. I just stood there and listened to the audio. “Don’t touch anything here; we only came to observe.” Behind him a small group of ponies walked in. They quickly followed the signs and made their way to the room my healing chamber was in. He just stood there observing it. “So this is where the daughter of Luna resides. In a vat of orange liquid slowly healing her comatose body.” “Sir should we-” “No. Tampering with anything could damage her life support.” “Yes sir, but why are you so intrigued couldn't she undermine your plans more than anyone else.” “Not if we can convince her to join us. Imagen it princess Nebula Sparkle on our side; we would be unstoppable. The system indicates she still requires 20 more years till she has healed and once she sees how I've rebuilt Equestria she will have on reason to refuse my offer.” “What would that offer be?” “In 20 years time we will return here. She will see what we've done and I’ll offer her to become princess of the New Equestria.” “And maybe you could offer her a male alicorn she could keep as a husband.” “Maybe, but for now let's return to Fillydelphia.” Chapter 3, Explanations“Who was that?” “Red Eye. he wasn't a good pony.” “Let's get out of here and explain when we're outside.” Walking outside I couldn't help but start shaking from hunger. Violet offered me an apple which I gladly accepted. It keeps the shakes at bay but I would need a full meal. Exiting the stable I turned on the PowerBuck’s map. My expression turns bitter seeing it read the Hollow Shades Valley. “Does this place bring back bad memories?” “Sort of, the Hollow Shades Valley was a considered location for Luna’s Academy for young unicorns but too many ponies were blind.” “What do you-” “There were signs of an approaching war before construction began! My time abroad made that obvious to me. Of all the locations my Aunt Celestia could have gone with the Hollow Shades would have been the safest.” “Ooooohh, I see.” Looking around I saw there were other ponies then the ones I just met around. Many were wearing an emblem that looks like a modified Ministry of Peace emblem. Velvet and Fluttershy were talking to a group of them. I could hear them say something about what rooms they could and couldn't go into before they made their way into the stable. I was about to head over to them but I couldn't help but notice something in Violet’s magic. A rectangular prism with Fluttershy's cutie mark on it. “Violet, what’s that supposed to be?” “I’m unsure, I think it's some kind of talisman. It was among the items that belonged to that Red Eye freak I found when obtaining the coordinates to the stable.” “Well I can see screws holding one of the sides in place. Maybe if we removed the screws we could take a look inside.” Violet nodded her head in agreement before pointing over to a double decker sky wagon. We walked over and went inside. Violet opened up a tool box and took out 2 screwdrivers. She passed one over to me and gestured to a staircase to the second level then at a sleeping mare in a wheelchair. As old as the mare was I could still recognize Ditzy Doo. On the second level violet set the device on a table and pulled over to chairs. As we began to take the device apart I attempted to make small talk. “So does this wagon belong to your family?” “Yes, we call it Sky Bandit 2. Sky Bandit 1 was destroyed before I was born. It was single level, and in worse condition due to being exposed to the elements according to my parents. We found Sky Bandit 2 in a warehouse that still had an intact roof when I was 7.” “And how old are you now” “I’m 20 years old. I was born a few weeks after an event called the Day of Sunshine and Rainbows.” “I’m going to assume that's referring to the activation of Gardens.” “Um yes how did-” “My mother twilight told me about gardens when she designed it. I think she jumped to the conclusion I would be the one of the six to activate it.” “Ok, well may I ask how the spell that created you works? “It converts an egg into a sperm. The rest should be self explanatory. It’s primarily used by Filly-Fooler couples like my parents as one of the mares can carry the filly. Colt-Cuddlers would need a surrogate and the spell would be harder.” “You said filly earlier, did you feel foal?” “No I meant filly; mares can only give X chromosomes. Finally unscrewing the device I’m left perplexed to see it only contained one pink leaf. Violet hastily picked it up in her magic and pulled out a magnifying glass. “I think this could have been from Flutter Tree. Fluttershy had been turned into a tree for a time.” We heard someone coming up the stairs. Turning our heads we saw Velvet making her way up. When she reached the top she informed us they had food down stars and wanted to give me a full explanation on what had happened while I was in a coma. Coming down the stairs we sat down at a table with Calamity, Velvet, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and a zebra. “This is Xepher,” Violet said, gesturing toward the zebra. Velvet began to give out sandwiches. Looking at my sandwich I see it's vegetarian. “You wouldn't happen to have any meat would you?” “W-what?! Ponies aren't supposed to eat meat!” “Correction. Ponies without the right traits aren't supposed to eat meat.” My response gave Velvet a confused look while Fluttershy smiled and rolled her eyes. “I’m afraid I forgot to tell them you could eat meat before coming.” At Velvet’s confusion I use my magic to pull my lower lip to show my teeth then let go. “Y-your teeth-” “Are sharper than most ponies. Yea I get that from anyone who notices. They always think it’s unnatural but they're naturally sharp. You see, I have a recessive trait called meat stomach syndrome. I can eat and digest meat without any problems. My mother Luna only had the recessive and my mother Twilight had the trait but it was dormant because she had the dominant trait. The dominant is the cause of having issues with eating and digesting meat. ” “Interesting. Now we should give you an explanation on what has happened in the time you were in the stable.” “And after things began to settle down Velvet told me she was pregnant. Violet was born a week later. Fifteen years ago we had our son Jesse. I joked about naming him anarchy but Velvet was against it.” “Why is your son not her?” “He takes more after his dad. Incredibly rebellious, we don't know what he's up to right now.” “Did he get his mother's horn or his father’s wings?” “His dad’s wings.” “Well you can never fully control a bird.” This remark drew a laugh from everyone, and Dizzy wrought on her chalk bore she thought it was funny. “Now, what about Littlepip?” “She passed away 5 years ago and that’s when more trouble came about.” “What do you mean?” “There's this group called the institute.” “What's the institute?” “An organization running amok throughout northern Equestria. They are believed to be scientists. No one knows what their goals are. There is worry they might start moving south.” Processing what I had just been told I started looking at my PowerBuck’s map. There were several markers which I assumed were the places Pinkie's other gifts were located. Luckily none were in northern Equestria. I can’t help but think Furry Heart has something to do with the institute. Looking through my PowerBuck’s other features I take note of a built-in Magnet Horseshoe and Remote Detonator. The frame was also reinforced. I need to test if it can be used as a weapon outside of detonating explosives. Looking up I see Violet was showing the leaf to Fluttershy. Velvet was examining the talisman with shock. After a moment passed Velvet passed the talisman to Calamity and Windsheer who examend it for themselves before Windsheer slipped it into his saddle bags. Looking back to Fluttershy she has run a string through the leaf and has it around her neck as a necklace. Before I could think of something to say, Velvet said my name. “Nebula, or Princess Nebula, what do you prefer?” “Just Nebula will do. If what you have told me is true, which I have little doubt in what you told me being true; I’m no more a princess then you are a queen.” “Ok then just Nebula it is. So seeing as you're new to the changes in the world we are willing to provide you with a place to live. It wouldn’t be as lavished as what you're probably used to but it’s something. There must be so much you could teach about the pre war era.” That made me freeze up. I could already tell Velvet was already a pacifist but to think I was one irritated me, and how did she know about my experience with teaching. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Xepher face hoof. Then speak up. “Poor choice of words Velvet. Nebula was never a teacher willingly.” Without another word I get up and walk outside. “Nebula, where are you going?” “I’m sick of taking suggestions.” “W-What?” “Velvet, you claim to know about the war but you weren't there, and you just assume I wish to go back to teaching! I WASN'T ABLE TO DO WHAT I DESIRED BACK THEN. I’m doing things on my terms.” Before I can hear anyone object I extend my wings and fly through an opening in the mountains. PrologueThree years after my mother was brought back by the Elements of Harmony and one year after the Crystal Empire’s return the world entered a new area of peace and prosperity. Trade was higher than ever before and technology saw a massive increase. This is the world I was born into, but it didn’t last. The ideals of friendship gave way to greed. I was 23 when the war started. I wanted to fight but my mother who became ruler when my aunt resigned refused. My other mom wasn't any help either, claiming that I needed to be protected in case something happened to Luna. Through the war I lost many of my friends; some died, and others left for the Crystal Empire, or were exposed as double-siders. Individuals who helped both sides during the war. I was stuck as principal of Luna’s Academy for young Unicorns until the Little Horn Massacre. I saved as many foals as I could but I couldn't save all of them nor any faculty. In a desperate attempt to escape after a magical burn out I leaped through a window; the pain from the glass shards, pink cloud, and hitting the ground caused me to screen louder than I have before blacking out.
Chapter 1, Coordinates (Velvet)“Velvet, love you need rest. You've been working all night.” “I know Calamity but I Can’t the Followers of the Apocalypse have been having so much trouble. Creators are having a hard time believing in trust. Radiation from outside Equestria has seeped in. The NCR is growing more unstable with the institute running amok. And…Violet and Jesy have got their own hooves full as it is. Violet is running things up north, and I don’t even know what Jesy is doing anymore; he is his Fathers son.” Calamity blushed at that remark. “Well…Violet is her mothers daughter. She always listens to you, and wishes to heal the wasteland the same way you do, and acts the same way as you. You know. I wish Littlepip was still here; she would figure something out, maybe she could have foal sat Jesy when he was a colt.” Before we could continue a unicorn mare with the same black coat as me and calamities main rushed into the room bumping into Calamity. I recognised the mare as Violet immediately. “Violet, what are you doing here?” “It’s urgent! Where is Fluttershy? I need to speak with her immediately!” Calamilty quickly put his hives in Violet’s shoulders. “Well show you where she is but you need to explain why on the way.” We quickly rain down the hallway as Violet explained. “ was going through some files that were in the possession of Red Eye. One file contains coordinates to someplace in the Hallow Shades. Me and a group of ponies and griffons went to the coordinates and found a stable. We were unable to get the door open. It has the same restrictive entry as the SPP but Fluttershy instead of Rainbow dash; It's made for star metal too, so cutting isn't an option. A hellhound tried to dig but fawned out the stable buried within the Hollow Shades bedrock.” At that very moment we reached a room with dozens of ponies in it. Violet quickly saw Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo in their wheelchairs playing checkers and ran over. “Fluttershy could I-” “Yes, I'll help you enter Stable 777.” “W-What, how did you know?” “I could hear you mention Hollow Shades bedrock. You're a loud talker.” “Hold on there. Everyone knows Stable 777 is just a story. Even Littlepip did that's why she never mentioned it in her book.” “I assure you it’s very real. It was keeped so secretive because of its inhabitants.” “Well, let's get going. I asked uncle Windsheer to stock Sky Bandit 2 for the trip.” That response earned Violet a noogie from Calamity. I walked over to help push Fluttershy's wheelchair when I saw Ditzy do writing on her chalkboard if she could come. “Violet, could you come over here and help with Ditzy’s wheelchair.” Quickly we made our way out of the building and outside where Sky Bandit 2 was waiting. Sky bandit 2 was a double decker carriage and had been completely refurbished. Unlike Sky Bandit 1 which was single leveled and only mechanically restored. After boarding Calamity and Windsheer began pulling Sky Bandit 2. After getting Fluttershy and Ditzy situated I saw Violet gesture to a mattress. “Mom, you need to take a rest. Use the mattress over there. It's a 6 hour trip to the Hallow shades.” I don’t abject, I just lie down and drift to sleep.
Chapter 1.5, Unexpected Arrival (Violet)The first hour of the ride was calm until Xephyr came flying in with the use of a bloodwing Talisman. I was perplexed at her sudden arrival. “Xephyr, what are you doing just showing up here? What before you tell me come up the second level with me, Velvet is sleeping down here.” We walked up to the second level and sat down. “Now, why did you show up so suddenly? “I overheard your conversation with Fluttershy and I had to know if the story is true.” “What story?” “The Story of stable 777. It’s said the stable was built in a remote and isolated location so the Ministry of Peace could safely carry out less ethical medical research. Now everyone knows that version of the story but I remember hearing another story that ties into stable 777.” “What story would that be?” “The legend of Luna's daughter. Luna was believed to have had a relationship with ministry mare Twilight. Luna eventually became pregnant through the use of magic and had a daughter. Luna and Twilight chose to name their daughter Nebula Sparkle. When Nebula became an adult she reluctantly took the position of principal for Luna's school for gifted unicorns when she wanted to fight in the war. Before she was denied enlistment however she had signed a contract with the Ministry of Peace that they could have her body for medical research in the event she died.” “Which is why I agreed to help you open the door.” Me and Xepher immediately turned to who just spoke suddenly. We were surprised to see Fluttershy standing with the use of her cane. “Fluttershy, what are you-? “JUST BECAUSE I USE A WHEELCHAIR DOESN'T MEAN I NEED IT FOR GOING SHORT DISTANCES!” Me and Xepher clung to each other at hearing Fluttershy yell, but quickly broke away from each other after she calmed down. Flutershy quickly took a deep breath. “Sorry, it just upsets me when ponies think I can’t handle myself. Now as I was saying, the cataract she signs is the reason I agreed to help you because after the Littlehorn massacre her body was recovered and taken to stable 777 to be used for a project called Project Necromancy. My goal for Project Necromancy was to find a way to bring a soldier or civilian back from the dead. I desire to know if it was a success and if the results gave a positive success. "What do you mean by positive success?” “Well… you see, I-I made use of the Black Book.” Me and Xepher just went silent processing what we just heard. We had never seen the Black Book but we knew how dangerous it was. Xepher was the first one to break the silence. “Well it may be a good thing I brought this.” Xepher sayed before taking something out of her saddlebags. “Your Acupuncture kit?” “Supposedly Nebula developed a liking for zebra medicines in her teenage years. According to Zecora’s journal Nebula came to hear about an imbalance in her magic believed to be due to the alicorn magic that passed from her mother to her. After several acupuncture sessions the imbalance was cured but now that this project has exposed her to the Black Book it may have caused another imbalance in her magic if the project was a success that is.” “Please, acupuncture isn’t real medicine. It’s just a placebo effect!” “I assure you it’s not! I wouldn't have run to grab it before catching up with you if it wasn't!” That rest of the ride was spent in silence.
Chapter 2, Waking Up (Nebula)Opening my eyes, I’m floating in a vat of orange liquid, and I can feel a mask over my face. Where am I and how did I get here? I think to myself; the last thing I remember was blacking out after jumping through a window. I quickly hear a robotic voice sound. “Healing session complete. reviving protocol executed, draining system initiated.” I could feel the orange liquid drawing for the vat and replacing it with water. When the vat fully filled with water it began to drain the water too. When the water fully drained the walls of the vat receded into the floor. I quickly remove the mask over my face and rise to my hooves. “W-Where am I? How did I get here? What a minute. are those hoof prints?” Walking over I see a place we’re the dust had not settled as heavy as everywhere else. They capsule be hoof prints but it’s hard to tell. I need to find a security room. Maybe there are some cameras I can check the footage of. I do one final scan of the room and notice a package with my name on it. Opening it saw my old saddle bags and a PipBuck but it didn't look like any I’ve seen before. I quickly slide the Pipbuck on my leg and lock it into place. Once it’s fully on it covers most of my leg leaving a few inches before my torso free. Moving my leg around I find it does not impair my legs movement. Turning the pipbuck on I notest it read Prototype PowerBuck. The screen lit up with weight; the first thing to catch my eye was it showed two centuries and two decades have passed. Searching further I noticed an audio recording was present. Using my magic to let it play I was surprised by Pinkie's voice. “Hi Nebula, if you're hearing this it means I’m dead and you’ve fully recovered. I'm just letting you know you've got a long road in front of you and a hard life behind you, but that’s not my reason for leaving you this. I’m confessing you weren't allowed to fight because I convinced Luna to deny you enlistment. Your enlisting would have led to a worse future. You would have died and Littlepip would have ceased to exist; your death wouldn't have been at the hooves of zebras, but at the hooves of dictator Flurry Heart.” I was bewildered at hearing that last part. My cousin wouldn't want me dead and she isn’t a dictator. How could Pinkie make such a claim; it’s quite the stretch even for her. “Now I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true. Flurry has become a dictator over her populace by the time you hear this. The only one who can stop her is you. I’ve left some other gifts scattered across Equestria for you. You should be able to use the PowerBuck’s map to find them.” Having listened to the recording I began to walk across the room to a door. The door opens up into a hallway with another door at the end the 3 on each side; peeking into one of the side doors I see it similar to the room I was in but showing signs of never being used. I run to the end of the hallway and come to another hall but with signs showing me directions. I start to follow the signs to the security area. Reaching the security room, I find a pistol and a pair of stable barding with the number 777. I conclude I must be in a stable of some kind, but I've never heard of a stable with the number 777. I put the barding on and place the pistol in my saddle bags and make my way to another part of the security section. I quickly find a room full of monitors. The monitors were viewing cameras all over the stable. I couldn't make sense of what I saw on many of them but I could see the stable door, and it was opening. I could hear the sound through a speaker. I was the only pony here so someone is entering from outside. I need to figure out who that is. Good thing these cameras appear to have audio. Watching the new arrivals on the monitors: 2 unicorns, 3 Pegasus and a zebra, I didn't recognize any of them but one. “Is that Fluttershy?” I think to myself she looked like her but much older and in a wheelchair. They start talking and I decide to listen in the way they say. “So this is Stable 777. What experiment did you use Nebula’s remains for?” “The experiment was for testing a new healing device called the Phoenix Chamber. The chamber was supposed to heal the occupant of any injury and even revive them.” “Really that's great could we-” “Tests showed it doesn't work if the body is completely dead, only alive. Nebula's remains were taken to see if it could work on some pony who was brain dead.” My blood ran cold at hearing what I just heard. I had been brain dead for over 2 centuries. And the Phoenix chamber brought me back to life. “Hey, look over here. There appears to be hoof prints leading this way.” I quickly saw they were now heeded my way. Without a second thought I drew the piston from my saddle bags and took a defensive stance. They could be friendly but I couldn't take that risk; my paranoia had taken effect. When they entered the room they gasped at me. Fluttershy withdrew a cane and made to get out of the wheelchair. The older unicorn tried to stop her but she gave the unicorn a whack on the hoof with her cane. I placed my pistol back into my saddle bags once Fluttershy walked to me “Welcome back Nebula.” “Uh Hi Fluttershy. What's happened in the 220 years I’ve been brain dead?” “ What, what made you-” “These cameras have audio.” “Oh, well…that's not the full story. When your body was recovered you were deemed brain dead, but after a CT scan was carried out it showed activity was returning to the brainstem.” “Like a Canterlot ghoul.” At my confused expression one of the pegasi started to explain. After hearing a lengthy explanation on ghouls I managed to put 2 and 2 together. “So I was turned into a ghoul when pink cloud flooded the school.” “We call it the Little Horn massacre. Now we should tell you our names; I’m Calamity, this is my brother Windsher, my wife Velvet, and our daughter Violet.” “Nebula, when you woke up, why did you come here instead of the exit?” “I have reason to believe you're not the only ones to visit this place after the bombs fell. When I first woke up I saw what I thought were hoof prints in the dust. I came to this room to look at the footage.” I quickly saw Violet and Velvet exchange a look of worry. “What’s wrong?” “It’s who was in possession of the stable's cowardness that led to this stable.” “Didn’t Fluttershy tell you about this stable?” “Let's look at that footage before we continue.”
Chapter 2.5, A Feared What Could Have BeenLooking through the security system we quickly found the last time the stable door was opened was twenty years ago. Waiting for the footage to load I choose to make small talk with Calamity. “Why are you eyeing the pipbuck on my leg?” “Because it’s not just an ordinary pipbuck.” “I know that already. It’s a Prototype PowerBuck.” “The only prototype. I read about the Power buck in a Ministry of Wartime Technology file years back. After the first prototype was tested Applejack had it taken somewhere else saying the research had been compromised.” “Well seeing as I found the Power buck in a box with my name on it and it has an audio recording of Pinkie's voice I’d imagine that was just a cover up.” “The file had a photo and said it was scheduled for reallocation at midnight before the bombs hit. That is why I recognized it.” “Well, you can’t have it!” “It’s fine. Just warning you there are ponies out there who know about the power buck and would kill you on sight just to take it from your corpse.” “Thanks. That's very reassuring. I’ll look into getting something to cover it with. “Um, you two. We're ready to watch the footage.” The footage started with the door opening. Violet was shaking, mumbling something about how she didn't want it to be who she thinks it was. The first pony to be visible was an earth pony with a red coat and black main. One of his eyes was cybernetic. Calamity and Windsher had angry looks on their faces while Velvet and Violet had a look of worry. I just stood there and listened to the audio. “Don’t touch anything here; we only came to observe.” Behind him a small group of ponies walked in. They quickly followed the signs and made their way to the room my healing chamber was in. He just stood there observing it. “So this is where the daughter of Luna resides. In a vat of orange liquid slowly healing her comatose body.” “Sir should we-” “No. Tampering with anything could damage her life support.” “Yes sir, but why are you so intrigued couldn't she undermine your plans more than anyone else.” “Not if we can convince her to join us. Imagen it princess Nebula Sparkle on our side; we would be unstoppable. The system indicates she still requires 20 more years till she has healed and once she sees how I've rebuilt Equestria she will have on reason to refuse my offer.” “What would that offer be?” “In 20 years time we will return here. She will see what we've done and I’ll offer her to become princess of the New Equestria.” “And maybe you could offer her a male alicorn she could keep as a husband.” “Maybe, but for now let's return to Fillydelphia.”
Chapter 3, Explanations“Who was that?” “Red Eye. he wasn't a good pony.” “Let's get out of here and explain when we're outside.” Walking outside I couldn't help but start shaking from hunger. Violet offered me an apple which I gladly accepted. It keeps the shakes at bay but I would need a full meal. Exiting the stable I turned on the PowerBuck’s map. My expression turns bitter seeing it read the Hollow Shades Valley. “Does this place bring back bad memories?” “Sort of, the Hollow Shades Valley was a considered location for Luna’s Academy for young unicorns but too many ponies were blind.” “What do you-” “There were signs of an approaching war before construction began! My time abroad made that obvious to me. Of all the locations my Aunt Celestia could have gone with the Hollow Shades would have been the safest.” “Ooooohh, I see.” Looking around I saw there were other ponies then the ones I just met around. Many were wearing an emblem that looks like a modified Ministry of Peace emblem. Velvet and Fluttershy were talking to a group of them. I could hear them say something about what rooms they could and couldn't go into before they made their way into the stable. I was about to head over to them but I couldn't help but notice something in Violet’s magic. A rectangular prism with Fluttershy's cutie mark on it. “Violet, what’s that supposed to be?” “I’m unsure, I think it's some kind of talisman. It was among the items that belonged to that Red Eye freak I found when obtaining the coordinates to the stable.” “Well I can see screws holding one of the sides in place. Maybe if we removed the screws we could take a look inside.” Violet nodded her head in agreement before pointing over to a double decker sky wagon. We walked over and went inside. Violet opened up a tool box and took out 2 screwdrivers. She passed one over to me and gestured to a staircase to the second level then at a sleeping mare in a wheelchair. As old as the mare was I could still recognize Ditzy Doo. On the second level violet set the device on a table and pulled over to chairs. As we began to take the device apart I attempted to make small talk. “So does this wagon belong to your family?” “Yes, we call it Sky Bandit 2. Sky Bandit 1 was destroyed before I was born. It was single level, and in worse condition due to being exposed to the elements according to my parents. We found Sky Bandit 2 in a warehouse that still had an intact roof when I was 7.” “And how old are you now” “I’m 20 years old. I was born a few weeks after an event called the Day of Sunshine and Rainbows.” “I’m going to assume that's referring to the activation of Gardens.” “Um yes how did-” “My mother twilight told me about gardens when she designed it. I think she jumped to the conclusion I would be the one of the six to activate it.” “Ok, well may I ask how the spell that created you works? “It converts an egg into a sperm. The rest should be self explanatory. It’s primarily used by Filly-Fooler couples like my parents as one of the mares can carry the filly. Colt-Cuddlers would need a surrogate and the spell would be harder.” “You said filly earlier, did you feel foal?” “No I meant filly; mares can only give X chromosomes. Finally unscrewing the device I’m left perplexed to see it only contained one pink leaf. Violet hastily picked it up in her magic and pulled out a magnifying glass. “I think this could have been from Flutter Tree. Fluttershy had been turned into a tree for a time.” We heard someone coming up the stairs. Turning our heads we saw Velvet making her way up. When she reached the top she informed us they had food down stars and wanted to give me a full explanation on what had happened while I was in a coma. Coming down the stairs we sat down at a table with Calamity, Velvet, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and a zebra. “This is Xepher,” Violet said, gesturing toward the zebra. Velvet began to give out sandwiches. Looking at my sandwich I see it's vegetarian. “You wouldn't happen to have any meat would you?” “W-what?! Ponies aren't supposed to eat meat!” “Correction. Ponies without the right traits aren't supposed to eat meat.” My response gave Velvet a confused look while Fluttershy smiled and rolled her eyes. “I’m afraid I forgot to tell them you could eat meat before coming.” At Velvet’s confusion I use my magic to pull my lower lip to show my teeth then let go. “Y-your teeth-” “Are sharper than most ponies. Yea I get that from anyone who notices. They always think it’s unnatural but they're naturally sharp. You see, I have a recessive trait called meat stomach syndrome. I can eat and digest meat without any problems. My mother Luna only had the recessive and my mother Twilight had the trait but it was dormant because she had the dominant trait. The dominant is the cause of having issues with eating and digesting meat. ” “Interesting. Now we should give you an explanation on what has happened in the time you were in the stable.” “And after things began to settle down Velvet told me she was pregnant. Violet was born a week later. Fifteen years ago we had our son Jesse. I joked about naming him anarchy but Velvet was against it.” “Why is your son not her?” “He takes more after his dad. Incredibly rebellious, we don't know what he's up to right now.” “Did he get his mother's horn or his father’s wings?” “His dad’s wings.” “Well you can never fully control a bird.” This remark drew a laugh from everyone, and Dizzy wrought on her chalk bore she thought it was funny. “Now, what about Littlepip?” “She passed away 5 years ago and that’s when more trouble came about.” “What do you mean?” “There's this group called the institute.” “What's the institute?” “An organization running amok throughout northern Equestria. They are believed to be scientists. No one knows what their goals are. There is worry they might start moving south.” Processing what I had just been told I started looking at my PowerBuck’s map. There were several markers which I assumed were the places Pinkie's other gifts were located. Luckily none were in northern Equestria. I can’t help but think Furry Heart has something to do with the institute. Looking through my PowerBuck’s other features I take note of a built-in Magnet Horseshoe and Remote Detonator. The frame was also reinforced. I need to test if it can be used as a weapon outside of detonating explosives. Looking up I see Violet was showing the leaf to Fluttershy. Velvet was examining the talisman with shock. After a moment passed Velvet passed the talisman to Calamity and Windsheer who examend it for themselves before Windsheer slipped it into his saddle bags. Looking back to Fluttershy she has run a string through the leaf and has it around her neck as a necklace. Before I could think of something to say, Velvet said my name. “Nebula, or Princess Nebula, what do you prefer?” “Just Nebula will do. If what you have told me is true, which I have little doubt in what you told me being true; I’m no more a princess then you are a queen.” “Ok then just Nebula it is. So seeing as you're new to the changes in the world we are willing to provide you with a place to live. It wouldn’t be as lavished as what you're probably used to but it’s something. There must be so much you could teach about the pre war era.” That made me freeze up. I could already tell Velvet was already a pacifist but to think I was one irritated me, and how did she know about my experience with teaching. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Xepher face hoof. Then speak up. “Poor choice of words Velvet. Nebula was never a teacher willingly.” Without another word I get up and walk outside. “Nebula, where are you going?” “I’m sick of taking suggestions.” “W-What?” “Velvet, you claim to know about the war but you weren't there, and you just assume I wish to go back to teaching! I WASN'T ABLE TO DO WHAT I DESIRED BACK THEN. I’m doing things on my terms.” Before I can hear anyone object I extend my wings and fly through an opening in the mountains.
PrologueThree years after my mother was brought back by the Elements of Harmony and one year after the Crystal Empire’s return the world entered a new area of peace and prosperity. Trade was higher than ever before and technology saw a massive increase. This is the world I was born into, but it didn’t last. The ideals of friendship gave way to greed. I was 23 when the war started. I wanted to fight but my mother who became ruler when my aunt resigned refused. My other mom wasn't any help either, claiming that I needed to be protected in case something happened to Luna. Through the war I lost many of my friends; some died, and others left for the Crystal Empire, or were exposed as double-siders. Individuals who helped both sides during the war. I was stuck as principal of Luna’s Academy for young Unicorns until the Little Horn Massacre. I saved as many foals as I could but I couldn't save all of them nor any faculty. In a desperate attempt to escape after a magical burn out I leaped through a window; the pain from the glass shards, pink cloud, and hitting the ground caused me to screen louder than I have before blacking out.
