Warsong: Primordial Conflict

Stepping into the building, I honestly should have expected the illusion. Yet, it still surprised me just how massive the lobby was. Must be the size of an entire stadium! And yet, what would have probably been clean, marble flooring, intricate furnishing and architecture was sadly muddled by the vast amount of petrified alicorn statues putting us on edge. Sonata looked surprisingly shocked at this. Activating our light spells, we descended the steps. Walking through the crowds of alicorns, we could see that they all had varying expressions and gestures. Some looked confused while others were panicked or in the middle of running away from something. There were even occasional ones that seemed to be bounding towards other areas of the Astrologias.

Sonata walked towards a terrified alicorn statue and brushed their cheek softly.

“By her light and love, let her guide you into rest.” She uttered loudly. Scribble cautiously studied one that looked to be scrambling away.

“I… Can we be sure they aren’t under any form of petrification spells? These aren’t made by cockatrices. Unless it’s a massive one, the cockatrice makes smoother petrifications. But even then… all of them are facing different directions.” He tapped his chin. “A basilisk? Gorgon? They are known to petrify many creatures at once… but then again… they have smoother petrifications…”

“Could it be like the thunder birds? A variation of those creatures?” Thi asked as she tapped an alicorn who seemed to have seen better days. Sonata shook her head.

“Nay. These are not subject petrifications. Nor can I detect casted spells.” Sonata spoke, placing a horn to a petrified alicorn. Her horn glowed for a brief moment before she pulled away. “Odd… I can’t quite put my hoof on it. They… are no longer alive. But they are… sleeping? In stasis? No life but preserved.” Sonata rubbed her muzzle, clearly frustrated. I exchanged a quick glance with Thi.

“We should keep moving.” I told her. Sonata sighed and nodded.

“This way.” Sonata led us through the field of statues and over to a strange looking pad. We stepped inside of it as Sonata walked over to what appeared to be a strange console. She waved her hoof over a crystal and the machine blipped to life. “At least the aetherite mechanism is working. Regesitras Illion sos vas Moonlight Sonata, Research and creation department 137-RCI-S297, requesting access to Illion sas van Rosette Nebula, head creator department 576-HC-V997.”

The machine blipped for a brief moment before the screen flashed red. Sonata repeated her words, and the machine repeated the flash. She gave a grunt of frustration and smacked the machine. It buzzed before flashing yellow.

Warning: Containment breach detected. Floor inaccessible. Please await further instructions as we proceed to contain and secure.

The voice came from the machine.

“Guess we are taking the stairs.” Thi spoke.

“There are no stairs here. The aetherite mechanism transports us, body, mind and soul to the other departments of the Astrologias. Machine, status report departments. All floors.” She replied. The machine blipped and buzzed before flashing green.

Multiple containment breaches detected. Containment in progress. Please await further instructions. The machine replied. Sonata frowned before crouching down and using her magic to rip the underside of the machine apart. She got on her back and began to mess with the wiring. Thi arched a brow.

“Huh. Didn’t take you as the technician type.” She said.

“Need I remind you that my Triad is at the ready with plenty of approved designs and schematics created by yours truly. I did not build my empire in one day.” Sonata said coldly. Flitter balked.

“That’s incredible! But then… why use them for conquest? Couldn’t you have put them to better use in aiding Equestria?” She asked. Sonata continued to work as she replied.

“I will not aid the likes of Celestiales brats. Their high and mighty ideals overshadow our Creation Mother’s love by falsely announcing it so in a test of ego. King Solar and Queen Lunaes felt that all mortals should be graced with their presence in a move to enslave the minds of the landers. They succeeded.” She ripped a wire out and tied several more together. “When they birthed the two sisters you call your rulers, they had high ambitions. They even turned to a mortal who had stepped into our realm only once to teach them the ways of mortal kind in an effort to rule over more than they should have.”

I had a slow dawning feeling.

“Grumpy with a beard?” I asked. Sonata sighed.

“Unusually grumpy. Not only did they entrust the mortal with their children, but they bestowed the children with powers no filly should have control over. And it shows with the many ‘accidents’ those two had in the millennias they were in land.” Sonata paused in her work to look at us. “All our research requiring sun and moon were either destroyed due to their clumsiness or the many apocalyptic events they created caused mass hysteria in subjects, killing our own.” Sonata went back to work as she continued. “Before my people were forced to evacuate during the Celestiales invasion, it wasn’t only a declaration of war to stop our research from going out of control, for I have heard that their land was slowly being consumed of life. And they deemed to have newer pastures in the announcement of ensuring our downfall.” We looked at each other, uncertain of how we should respond. Scribble spoke up.

“So… Celestia and Luna might have… caused all this… by accident?” Scribble asked, looking around.

“I have a feeling they are in due part responsible for it. But I cannot be for certain just yet, much as I want it to be true. My boon being that they have yet to even try and return to their homeland. All for the better. Little fillies like them would not handle the amount of blood they have caused on their own kind.” Sonata replied.

“But we did have wars under their ruling in the past. You think it was just a game to them?” Cloudchaser spoke. Sonata nodded.

“Most likely. Doesn’t help that you mortals are prone to unwanted desires for blood and wants. Amazing what can be accomplished when a single alicorn can lead so many to their deaths out of curiosity.” Sonata closed the compartment and stood up, glaring at us. “You all are just worms that had no direction for yourselves. You needed children from the sky to send you to your deaths and fulfill your ambitions. It disgusts me.” I quickly glanced at Thi.

She was deep in thought. Perhaps even conflicted. I wouldn’t blame her. I too was feeling odd about all this information.

“Not that it matters anymore. This millennia has been… stale. This threat to our realm is the only thing to have majorly occurred during this time. But it proved to me that even your princesses are incapable of doing the bare minimum, relying on mortals once again to save their sorry flanks. If they cannot attest to their might with my Triad, then they deserve to have their heads rolling at my hooves.” We remained quiet as Sonata tapped several keys with a hoof. The platform underneath began to glow and we felt ourselves suddenly being ripped apart.

And as quickly as it happened, we were put back together. We fell to our stomachs, feeling sick and disoriented. Sonata stepped off the platform, looking no worse for wear. I stood up and rubbed my stomach, looking around. It was rather dark enough that our light spells were only able to illuminate a small radius around us. Taking a moment to gather ourselves before following after Sonata, I was growing a little nervous about the expansive darkness around us. I took a deep breath and felt a warmth surround me. I held out my hoof and blew into the fire I had conjured in it. Three wispy balls of fire floated out in front of me. Din directed them to spread out around us. The room we were in was decently sized enough. But it was our ground that made me suddenly have vertigo. I held onto the railing, feeling sick as the abyssal drop led to nothing.

Thi helped me steady by leaning on her and we carried on across the walkway. We arrived at a door and Sonata waved her hoof over the runes. They glowed and the door hissed open. It led to a split hallway that curved around at both ends. Sonata looked at the destroyed signs against the wall as Din’s fire floated down the hall.

“Hmmm… it seems I miswired something. We are in the right department, but it appears we are in the Contra Wing. Our destination is in the Observation Wing. Come. We are not far.” Sonata spoke before going right. We proceeded down the curved hall, passing by rooms that looked to be broken into, doors no longer functioning properly with barricades either jamming them or spilled out into rooms. Sonata looked cautiously at each one we passed. This had us on edge more than the lobby. Cloudchaser had stopped suddenly and lifted her hoof up, making a disgusted face. We looked down and saw what appeared to be blood and a strange viscus-like substance. The further we progressed; a foul odor began to waft around us. Din hummed as she focused my attention straight ahead. I stopped and readied myself. My friends stopped. Sonata must have been alerted to it as well as she quickly unholstered an ivory arc pistol at the ready.

We waited in anticipation, Din bristling at the presence. I could feel it too. Unnatural. Unstable. Sickening. Strangely familiar to that strange creature back at Midnight Castle. My ear flicked as we heard loud stomping down the darkened hall. Din directed her flame further down the hall, pushing it as far as several doors down. It reached the end of the hall that seemed to split again. It hovered for a bit, the stomping getting louder. Suddenly, the stomping picked up pace and a strange growl rumbled around us. Something big zipped by, dousing the fire immediately. Sonata and I nearly hurled. Cloudchaser and Thi helped me steady while Flitter and Scribble helped Sonata, who was retching.

“What was even that??” Cloudchaser spoke. I spat out some saliva, the burning taste of this morning’s breakfast hanging in my throat.

“Something we should definitely avoid…” I rasped. “Even Din is retching inside my mind. That thing… it isn’t natural like that creature in Midnight Castle.” I replied. Sonata wiped her muzzle and nodded.

“Tis no Kalenite… Something else.” She replied.

She speaks true… it’s an essence of the Highest Evil… Din said. I felt a cold chill run up my spine.

“But… how did it get in here?? It’s not an escaped subject??” Flitter asked. Sonata shook her head as she proceeded down the hall.

“Wh-what?! We’re going down there?!” Cloudchaser balked. Sonata glanced over her shoulder.

“Tis in the way of my goal. Steel yourselves. I don’t plan to fight it. But I will hinder it if it gets in my way.” She rasped. We exchanged worried glances before following after her.

“I get that you want to find out what happened to your home, Sonata.” Thi began as she cantered to stay in pace with her. “But how about a counter point. We ditch this place and go somewhere else that won’t lead us to being horribly digested by something.”

“We must require Rosette Nebula. She has all the answers we need. I would not waste time shifting through forty-one millenias of history to get what I want.” She replied quickly.

“Forty-one!?” I balked. Sonata shushed me and clamped my muzzle. Sonata shifted her wing as we came to a stop at the end of the hallway, keeping our ears open for the stomping. It sounded close before but now it now, nothing.

“Tis an exaggeration. Let us focus on the objective right now. Eyes and ears.” Sonata whispered. We stuck close, following Sonata. She ordered us to cancel our light spells and rely on our primal sight to guide us. I felt relieved that my friends wouldn’t have to witness the creature should they come across it and go insane. They bit down on my tail and cloak as we made our way through knocked over barricades and such. It wasn’t long that I began to notice some alicorn statues inside the barricaded rooms along with skeletal ones. The statues all had varying expressions once again, however, I noticed they didn't seem... bothered? They showed fear and concern, but they looked to have been... trying to survive? Could the monster we saw caused the petrification? But then... how is such a thing able to roam around here? It looked big enough to take up the whole hallway and quick enough to gain plenty of distance. Din is on high alert. Sonata and I could sense the creature still roaming somewhere nearby. The stomping could be heard everywhere and nowhere.

We crept hurriedly through the hall, only stopping to take cover as we thought the creature was becoming closer. Aside from the horrible gut-wrenching feeling Din and I were having, the creature never made itself known. Sonata led us further, taking turns and short cuts through rooms. Eventually, the stomping of the creature became distant as we entered what appeared to be a data vat server room. The white and green glows of the vats allowed us to see a little bit better. Sonata trotted over to a console and began tapping away at it. Thi proceeded to be on lookout with Flitter and Cloudchaser while Scribble and I walked over to Sonata.

“Are you sure we should be looking through data right at this moment?” I asked. Sonata shifted her frown.

“I’m merely looking for third eye footage of what has happened here. Perhaps even a whereabouts of Rosette’s location.” Sonata replied. Scribble and I peeked over her shoulder. The screen was scrolling quickly with hieroglyphs of what I am assuming is the Illion language. It didn’t take long for Sonata to pull up what looked to be a log. She scanned it for a moment before tapping the keys and working on something else.

“All third eye footage has been corrupted. Figures if the aetherite systems are disrupted and left to rot. However, it appears the tram system is working.” Sonata spoke.

“Tram?” Scribble asked curiously. Sonata glanced at him briefly before looking back at the screen.

“Yes, mortal. A tram. Something Rosette made herself as a backup in case our automatic transports and aetherite systems went down. Need I say more?” She asked rather rudely. Scribble rubbed the back of his neck.

“Nope. I believe I can put it all together.” He replied. Sonata sighed.

“If I had known mortals were that curious about things, I should create an almanac. But that’ll defeat the purpose of what makes my kingdom greater than the rest.” She scoffed before tapping the key. There was a loud mechanical clanking sound followed by a screech nearby. We froze, realizing how loud it was. As expected, a guttural and inequine sound echoed it and the stamping became erratic. Thi and the sisters backed away from the doors, allowing them to close as we proceeded to scramble around to look for a place to hide.

Sonata rolled her eyes and when her horn glowed, I felt my body freeze. I looked down and I began to see stone forming on me.

“Wh-what?! Sonata, you-!” Thi began, struggling to move towards her. Sonata only looked at us as her petrification formed fully. We struggled against our own petrification, but to no avail. When our bodies froze, I had a very strange sensation wash over me. I could make out everything in front of me. As if everything had been frozen in time. Is this what petrification feels like?

My thoughts were cut off as the erratic stamping got louder and louder. Whatever creature it is, it didn’t waste any time barreling through the hall. When the door opened, a fleshy tendril with several eyes and strange, realistic looking fur lashed in. I felt Din doing her best to not hurl once more. From the eyes came thin lines that snaked throughout the room. I could only watch as the thin lines caressed us in an uncomfortable manner. A guttural groan retracted the tendril as the stamping continued further down the hall. I listened as the creature seemed to grow distant. After five minutes of silence, I began to feel my body able to move. The stone cracking as we broke out of our petrification. It led to all of us feeling sick. Cloudchaser wiped her muzzle, looking pale.

“I… think that is… the worst experience I’ve had… since going on this adventure…” She rasped with a cough.

“I think I’m done being an adventurer after this…” Flitter said, looking green in the face. Sonata unfurled her wings and a soft glow resonated around her body. We felt a soothing wave wash over us, quelling our sickness and feeling a burst of energy. Sighing in relief, Thi cracked her neck.

“That was very risky, Sonata. If that thing knocked over anyone of us…” Thi frowned.

“I was hoping it’d knock you over, but sadly, my dreams are always crushed when you are around.” Sonata quickly replied disappointedly. Scribble peeked out of the doorway.

“I’m hoping you know where the tram is?” He asked. Sonata nodded and walked past him.

“We follow the way of the creature.” She said.

“Are you serious?!” Cloudchaser began.

“So long as we remain silent when boarding, all should be well, yes?” Sonata retorted. Flitter pat her sister reassuredly on the back. We braced ourselves before adventuring out into the hall. There was no longer stomping, but our senses were on high alert. I could feel Din’s uneasiness rise as we progressed. It felt like an eternity being cautious before we arrived to what looked to be a monorail station.

We hurried across the platform towards a bulky, steampunk-ish trolley. Sonata clicked her tongue.

“It’ll have to do…” She said more to herself. Sonata waved her hoof on the side of a window, the runes glowing and the window hissing open. We stepped in, having to squeeze ourselves past each other. Sonata took a seat behind a console desk and began tapping in stuff.

“You sure this’ll take us to Rosette?” Thi asked.

“Not directly. But close. Keep yourselves aware. This’ll be loud.” Sonata replied. The windows hissed closed and as expected, a loud screech of metal and groans of an engine reverberated around us. The tram jolted forward and we began to move, slowly at first before picking up speed. Thi and I looked out the back of the window. There was a flat bed for what I’m assuming is transportation trailing right behind us.

I glanced at Thi.

“So, what do you think?” I asked. Thi looked at me quizzically. I motioned with my head towards Sonata. “She’s been rather… cooperative.” Thi snorted and looked back out the window.

“We are a means to an end. Once she gets what she wants, we’ll for sure be on our own. She does it plenty of times to her own troops.” She replied sourly. I took a quick glance over to Sonata before looking back at Thi.

“I mean, regardless of the history you have, she’s been helping us survive. She honestly could have picked her own troops for her expedition, but she picked us. Even her own worst enemy. That has to mean something, right?” I said with a small reassuring smile. Thi shook her head.

“You can’t justify her actions for anything. She’s made it clear that everything we’ve gone against, Triad wise, has been approved by her. Our nation is at war at the same time we are on the brink of a realm ending crisis. And we are just exploring a lost civilization to sate the morbid curiosity of a tyrant while Equestria is fighting amongst themselves.” Thi sighed. “I’m only holding my breath that when we find this Prisma Nexus and gather everycreature at the Tree of Power that we can finally save ourselves.” I couldn’t help but softly giggle.

“It’s not like you to get so worked up all of a sudden. What happened to the hot headed and brash ready-to-throw hooves Thi Billet?” I grinned. Thi seemed to slump at this.

“I… I don’t know who I am anymore. I like to think I still am the best friend abandoning, thrill seeking fascist terrorist. But I also love to believe myself a changed pony, who is trying her best to make amends with the very pony she abandoned.” Thi said. She rested her head against the glass, looking exhausted. “I’m a screw up, through and through. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to make things right. I’m still on auto pilot. I have my heritage. I have my friends, Scribble and you. But it still feels so far out of reach from me. And now, I’m partnering with my immortal enemy. I should have studied more in CSGU.” I couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, if it makes you feel better, I do notice a change in you. But I’m on the fence it had to deal with the fae or not. Regardless, I am seeing it. And I… well…” I took a deep breath. “I don’t want to lose you as my best friend. We’ve been through so much already that I just… don’t know what I want to do with you.” It was my turn to press my head against the glass. “I’ve tried punishing you in a way that isn’t cruel. I didn’t want to leave you with fae, and I certainly didn’t want to leave you stranded in another nation that wants your head. I am still trying to think of a better, suitable punishment that also won’t have you having your head being rolled.

“But I just can’t think of any. And it’s because I desperately wanted you back. I know you are hot headed. I know you are brash and trigger happy. I befriended Thi Billet, the punk troublemaker who pulled silly pranks and copied my homework while taking no shit from any pony. The years may have changed us, but I want to know the real Thi Billet as she is now. The Thi Billet that has gone on adventures. Has seen the world and made plenty of more mistakes in her life. The Thi Billet that finally got her act together and came back to me.”

Thi looked at me, stunned. She then gave a small chuckle, as did I. We then hugged each other.

“I can’t believe I was such an idiot to have nearly lost you. Divine fate must have led me to you.” Thi said. I giggled and ruffled her mane.

“How corny. But… sweet. Let no pony ever think I never enjoyed your company. You made my dull life interesting.” I replied. Thi smiled, but then quickly lowered. I noticed it too. We looked back out the window and our eyes widened. Our friends noticed it too.

“Sonata? Now would be a good time to go extremely fast.” Flitter spoke. We couldn’t hear the stamping, but it was clear what we were seeing. So much so that Din was quick to alter our vision of it. A biblical creature transforming into an amalgamation of melted together alicorns, reaching out to us. Black limbs flailed wildly as the creature pulled itself at roughly the same speed as the speeding tram. Sonata quickly tapped on the screen as the creature was slowly gaining on us.

“Dammit! Defense systems are jammed!” Sonata exclaimed, looking over her shoulder. “You two! Activate the manual rear canons!” We looked at her in confusion.

“This thing has weapons??” Thi asked. Sonata motioned at us frustratedly.

“At your hooves! There is a button! Get on with it!” She ordered. Thi and I looked down at our hooves. Our eyes found the buttons at the bottom edge. We stepped on them in unison and a loud hiss and cranking sound resounded outside the tram. The creature let out a guttural roar as we saw crawling from the top of the tram domes that lined itself symmetrically along the body. A small console rose from the ground from a hidden compartment and began a heat signature display that was unable to correctly capture the creature.

“Keep the reticule on the beast! Increasing speed output by ten percent!” Sonata called out. The tram jerked and began to screech as the walls around us began to zip by in a blur. Thi and I exchanged questioning glances as our hooves tapped and swiped at the screen. We then found that the reticule moved when Thi turned a knob on the side. My hoof found another knob on the opposite end and together we worked to keep the reticule on the creature. The system seemed to be struggling as the turrets spastically fired at it.

We looked to see that the creature was trying its’ best to shield itself from the barrage of arc fire, slowing it down to some degree. Just what in the world is this thing?! Din was panting, as if trying to fight for her life to stand up.

Blasted, foul whoreson! I’ve had enough of you!! Din snarled. I felt a sudden warmth flow through me and my horn being pressed against the glass. Din roared as a massive fire beam unleashed from my horn. This knocked Thi back and took the rear end of the tram out. A direct strike on the monster.

Din’s magic pierced the creature, engulfing it in fire and causing it to screech and wriggle in whatever pain it was feeling. This stopped it completely as the creature disappeared into the darkness of the tram tunnel. I felt a wave of exhaustion hit me and I fell back on my haunches, panting. Din growled, wiping her muzzle.

I despise that blight… I’ll wipe the Highest Evil from existence!! Din declared loudly in my head. I rubbed my head.

“Take it easy and warn me next time, Din!” I rasped painfully. Din only scoffed in response. I looked over to my friends, who were stunned. Sonata, however, looked pissed. “Everypony alright?” I asked as I stood up. My friends nodded, having been snapped out of their daze. Sonata scoffed.

“Arrogant fool! Have you no control over your element?! Here I thought you were responsible with Din! Lux, explain yourself!” I heard Lux’s voice resonate in my head.

And what’s to say you have control over me, vessel? I’m only merely here to aid you. You accounted it yourself. Din’s reckless action boosted us farther than anticipated. She replied soothingly.

“She could have killed us all!!” Sonata barked. Thi snorted.

“That’s rich, coming from you. We are supposed to find the Prisma Nexus but no, we are out here trying to satisfy your curiosity on what happened to your people!” Thi retorted. “Don’t be high and mighty with us, your majesty. You aren’t our princess!” Sonata rose from her seat and stomped over to Thi.

“You insolent pissant! I command respect and I will have yours!!” Sonata flared. Thi smirked challengingly and clashed her horn with Sonata’s.

“You only deserve the respect of my hoof up your-“ Thi spat but was interrupted.

“Uhh, guys?? We aren’t through yet!” Cloudchaser said as she backed away from the open end of the tram. We looked to see that the creature was now gaining on us. A little too quickly. A massive hole where Din had struck it hissed with steam. Sonata rolled her eyes.

“Oh great! Din’s actions only made it lose weight. Fancy that!” Sonata shoved Thi aside into the wall of the tram as she turned to sit back down into the seat. “Increasing speed output thirty percent! Since you are so inclined to lose your head, give us a boost in the process!” Thi grew beet red with anger, but it was Scribble who shook his head with a hoof on her shoulder. Thi spun on her hooves and cantered over to the edge with me.

“Can we extract Lux from her and leave her to rot with the rest of her people?” Thi asked me. I gave a worried look and she sighed. “I am only kidding…” I stepped in front of her and aimed my horn. Din cackled.

Unleash hell flame!! I command you, kneel!! Din flared and I felt a hotter warmth than before. A big sphere of fire formed at the tip of my horn and Din unleashed her magic onto the creature. The tram jolted and my friends held on as we sped through, the fire engulfing the creature again. Yet, this time it seemed to press onward, ignoring Din melting it in the process.

“It’s not slowing down!” Flitter shouted as she proceeded to fire an explosive arrow into the creature. She struck it and the explosion made it trip, but it quickly regained its’ balance and picked up speed. Scribble stood in the back but crushed several rocks in his hoof and began tossing out fire and lightning out at it. This seemed to slow the creature down. Din readied herself for another charge of magic, grinning maniacally.

I can hear it sing for me!! Hahahaha! Yessss!!! Sing in my grace!!! Let the fire cleanse you of filth!!! Din laughed. Flitter and Scribble retreated a bit as Din unleashed her magic once more, creating another hole in it. The creature was limping, but it still pulled itself along, keeping up with the tram.

“How is it still going?!” Thi exclaimed in shock.

“Do not even think of questioning an abomination! We eliminate it or not at all!!” Sonata shouted as she quickly tapped in the console. “Output fifty percent!” I nearly lost my footing and had to hold onto the tram wall. As I rightened myself, we left the tunnel. The creature had lunged at us in an attempt to catch us, but it failed and ended up tumbling in a fiery ball of flames out of the tunnel and down into the clouds. I took a moment to gather myself before looking around. We were skimming the skyline, the clouds splitting as we carved through.

Looking at the opening behind us, we were directly above the Illion kingdom. However, the buildings were way taller than I expected. Another layer of clouds above us hid the rest of the buildings. As we sped through, I pulled back and looked to my friends.

“That… was rough…” I panted. My friends seemed to ease a bit. Sonata, however, scanned the console.

“We are finally coming up to the Observation Wing. Let us not delay any longer.” Sonata spoke. I slid down onto my haunches, sighing in relief.

‘Thanks, Din.’ I thought. ‘Sincerely.’ Din rose from her position and wiped her muzzle after spitting again.

Never thought I’d have to experience the sickening feeling of the Highest Evil once more. But I should have guessed it to be inevitable. Din rasped. How long has it gone unnoticed? That comet… twas it not it? Din tapped her hoof impatiently, her thoughts scrambling to make sense of it all. This puzzled me a bit but I cleared my head to let her think better as I turned to my friends, who were also taking a moment of respite. I looked out towards the way we came, the tunnel growing ever so distant.

My eyes then noticed a faint light zip into the clouds nearby. I blinked. Was that a sprite? I shifted over to scan our surroundings. I wouldn’t be surprised if sprites were tested on in this kingdom. Who knows what is what and where it came from. My mind went back to the alicorns. The Illion tribe members all petrified by some unnatural cause and the rare few that seemed to have perished.

My eyes glanced at Sonata. I can understand what she is thinking. If any of her other members survived, they’d have to be somewhere. And if not, then if they were in her shoes, they’d probably do anything to see them again. I frowned. It’ll have to be a last resort. If Lux can’t reign in Sonata, it’s up to us to extract her. Din was not pleased with the idea of sharing her domain with her sister, but even she had to begrudgingly agree on my thought. I sighed and sat back down.

‘Hey Din.’ I began. I heard a shift inside my head but no response. ‘Ya’ know. After everything we’ve been through, it almost… feels like I’ve had you forever ago.’ Din shifted her unamused look.

Mortal time is lost upon one such as I. Forever ago was the day I was created. Din replied. There was a strange hint of uncertainty. I furrowed my look.

‘Din? What are you thinking?’ I asked her.

Not your concern. Din quickly spoke.

‘It is definitely my concern, because it’s seeping into my own head and it is bothering me. Unless you want more clutter in my mind, tell me what you are thinking.’ I explained. Din became quiet. I sighed. ‘After everything we’ve been through, I was hoping you’d open yourself up just a little bit. I thought we were making good progress.’ Din hummed.

Twas it not you who said I have no time for friends? The notion does not become me. Yet, the allies we’ve accumulated, annoying as they are, have been beneficial to my ascension. She responded.

‘I said that if you were unable to make friends, then at least make them allies. You and I are friends, right?’ Din grew quiet again.

The notion bothers me too much to provide an answer. You are an alley whom I share a parasitic connection with. Tis only that. She grumbled. I smiled a little.

‘I’ve seen you capable without me. Even when I had died in the other realm, you managed to live on.’ I replied.

Twas only because the phoenix’s heir took me in. Without her, I would have vanished. Need I remind you that when you perish, I perish.

I nodded. ‘I know. But instead of just thinking about the logical, beneficial aspect of it, you could manifest yourself in physical form right now and be able to walk free of me. Would it still matter to be around me?’ Din gave me a look.

Do you really want to set yourself up for this? To answer that, yes, it does not matter. For I would not have to rely on somepony else and deal with the weight of friendship. I want to rule this place of my own free will and being, and restrict power to those that think it is fair against me or dare to ruin my realm. If I manifested right now, without any of the strings, I would extract Lux and fly off leaving you all stranded and helpless. I hummed.

‘I’m not convinced.’ I replied with a smirk. Din was taken aback by this.

You belittle my promised threat?? Din was about to say more when she stopped and groaned, crossing her forelegs. I do not wish to argue this with you. It is taking all my will power to not skin you all considering. She grumbled. I gave her a worried look.

‘So… you really have no empathy for anything other than yourself? No given emotions to those around you? Are you really all “evil”?’ I asked her. Din scoffed.

We are necessary. I can do without the rest, but the bylaws of the Creation Mother dictate so. It’s her law that commands me to fulfill it. She growled.

‘But… then maybe you seven are following it wrong?’ I stated. Din balked.

You question the mother of all?! She glared. I nodded.

‘It’s my mortal right. You can’t expect us to be a bit skeptical when it comes to gods and goddesses. Let alone the supposed mother of all creation. Sure, she may have set laws into place for this realm. But who’s to say she didn’t break any of her own to make you?’ Din lowered herself.

How can one so perfect and indescribably loving break her own rules when they are ingrained into the very realm itself?! This is blasphemy!! Din snapped. I smirked.

‘Not so different from our Princess Celestia and Luna. She may have set the laws and ingrained them into the very foundation and walls. But it’s inside the laws that can be worked around. She probably designed them as a guideline to ensure she wouldn’t mess up on this place. The laws were meant for her. And she probably felt that other beings might need laws to ensure everything is in balance.’ I explained. Din went quiet, clearly about to say something, but stopped herself.

For one who speaks of the Creation Mother so, but still question her creations… I… I’ve never heard so much heresy in my life. Din seemed distraught now. I tilted my head.

‘She probably questioned her own creations as well. Usually, a scientist creates something that may benefit others but have no idea what to call it. They know how it works and all, but how can they ensure it can be released into the wild without something to keep it in check? Why would she need seven elements to ensure balance in our world when her pet snake was in charge of it? How is Ouroboros able to break free of the responsibility and keep the world taped together? Perhaps, this universe's laws were intended to be broken and recreated to fit appropriately to everything else. Mortals adapt, no matter how hopeless. And as from what Sonata has shown, even immortal beings can adapt to the harshness of broken laws.

‘Even you Din. You broke free of the serpent’s bylaws but still uphold the Creation Mother’s. Or so you would have others think. You said it back on Manehatten coast. You plan to take the powers of the other sisters, despite them arguing that it goes against the very bylaws that the Creation Mother has set.’ I smiled. ‘You’ve already broken her laws and look at you now. On your way to ascension with a rag tag group of mortals who are way in over our heads. So, tell me Din. Do we not really matter? Without us, you wouldn’t have made those decisions yourself. You didn’t rely on us to give you that idea of taking their powers for balance sake. That was all you.’

Din was extremely quiet. I shivered a bit and threw my hood over my head as I waited for her response. When I felt like I wasn’t going to get anything yet from her, she then spoke.

Quiet Fire. She began. I paused. That wasn’t irony, was it? Din ignored my surprise. I do not know what it is you want from me in this discussion. Do you truly wish to offer more than a parasitic acquaintance? We are of one mind, so I can sense when you hesitate or have… primal urges. But I cannot sense anything out of your words. I smiled sincerely under my hood and bangs.

‘You sure you can’t sense it? Or are you just continuing to deny yourself? You don’t need to answer me right now. But do think about it when you can. For me, you and I have become friends. We just need to take that appropriate step forward, and I can’t do that without you.’ I said. I then winced, seeing flashing images of another pony in my mind. Words I cannot understand echoing. Yet, the pony turned to me and smiled. Din let out a small gasp and held a hoof to her head.

I… She hesitated. When she rightened herself, she looked straight ahead into her field. I will think more on it. She said. I smiled and nodded. The tram then jerked, slowing down. My friends and I stood up and looked ahead. We were approaching a docking station. Ahead of us was another tunnel, but it appeared to be blocked by another tram. Sonata clicked her tongue.

“As expected… We will enter through the emergency docking station.” Sonata said. Thi stretched and rolled her neck. I paused a bit when Scribble walked by and she playfully gave him a peck on the cheek. Scribble flushed a little as he stepped off the tram. My eyes narrowed a little. As I stepped off, I was glad I had thrown my hood on. It was surprisingly windy and cold. Sonata trotted up the steps and over to a door, waving her hoof over the wall. The door opened and we followed after her.

We were stunned a little to have stepped into a lounge. It had a bar and tables and… pool tables? Isn’t this supposed to be an Observation Wing?

“What kind of employee lounge has a bar?” Flitter asked with a scratch of her head.

“Ones who are cordially invited by Rosette Nebula herself in an effort to destress those under her. Rosette can be very… demanding of her work. She created most of the aetherite systems and several beneficial projects for the betterment of the kingdom. And she would ask nothing short of perfection. Any flaws in her algorithms and code tampered with and it's back to being demoted to ‘janitorial services’ as we called it.” Sonata explained.

“We? You worked under her here?” Cloudchaser asked. “I assumed it was in another part of the Astrologias.” Sonata had a small smirk that quickly vanished.

“Twas a glorious time in my fillyhood. To have a chance would be foolish had I not taken it.” She said as she trotted over to the door. Scribble examined the bar as we followed Sonata.

“Filly… as a filly? What’s the drinking age here?” He asked curiously. I couldn’t help but snicker a little. I too was curious as I examined a bottle of a strangely named alcohol on a table.

“The concept of age for drinking is non-existent as almost all will not have that luxury in their lifetimes. Sadly, I cannot be sure who indulged themselves while the kingdom…” she hesitated before continuing on as we exited the lounge. “Regardless. Alicorn alcohol is not for mortal consumption. The beverages are heavily fermented to make up for our metabolism. Should a mortal take one sip would instantly contract lethal dosages of poisoning.” She then gave an eerie smile. “Though, it does do wonders for silent executions.”

I felt disturbed by this revelation as well as disappointed I wouldn’t be able to at least try alicorn beverages. I didn’t realize how sober I was. At this point, I didn’t have the urge to drink at all lately. Though, I’d welcome it if I had a chance. We proceeded up some steps before walking out into a massive room with white and green pillars towering higher than I can see. Along the pillars were hexagonal slots mostly filled but some empty.

“Whoa…” Flitter gasped. Sonata seemed to puff her chest out in pride as she made a presenting gesture.

“Be lucky to have witnessed the exo-heart of the kingdom. These data vats carry the exaggerated forty-one millennias worth of information. Every new project. Every new discovery. It is backed up into here. Rosette spent most of her lifetime watching over these and- DO NOT DARE TO TOUCH THEM WORTHLESS SCUM!!” She pointed demandingly at Thi who had her hoof primed to tap on one of the data vats. She quickly put her hoof down and gave a nervous smile.

“Ehehe…” She chuckled. Sonata scoffed.

“These data vats are heavily secured and physically guarded. Should any tampering, let alone breathing be placed upon them shall be eradicated into nothing. Because that is what you are, Thi Billet!! Nothing!!” Sonata huffed. Thi blinked in confusion. Sonata cleared her throat and straightened her coat. “Let us reach her office. Before we lose our matter permanently.” She turned on her hooves and pointed at an empty hexagon as she walked by a data vat. We noticed the edge of the hexagon glowing.

Thi rubbed the back of her head.

“Sorry…?” She said before catching up to us. We proceeded along a smooth walkway in between the many rows of data vats. The more we looked, the more noticed certain platforms moving about. It must be tiring at somepoint to be flying around here I guess. Sonata eventually came to a stop and looked upward. We followed her gaze and our jaws dropped. Hanging over us was a massive robotic looking wolf with a bright white chassis decorated with grey lining. From the looks of it, it looked to be a bipedal type of machine with the way the design looked.

“He watches over the data vats when Rosette is away on business. Hmm… odd.” Sonata tapped her chin. “With what has happened to the kingdom, he is not activated.” Sonata looked around. “We continue cautiously.” She proceeded to walk under the wolf like robot and over to a spacious platform. We followed her and stepped onto the platform. The white glow turned green before turning yellow.

Unknown guests detected. Please identify. A voice said. Sonata held up a wing.

“Illion sos vas Moonlight Sonata. Research and creation department. I wish to speak with Illion sas van Rosette Nebula. My guests are mortal recruits under protection of his words.” Sonata spoke. The platform glowed blue.

No records from King Illion has been directed for approval on mortal visitation. Requesting validation. The voice replied. Sonata darted her eyes in thought.

“New Frontier.” Sonata said. The blue light changed to a green with a strange blip.

Registered mortal visitation group designated: New Frontier. Welcome Excalibur and friends.

The platform began to move upward at a fast but not sick inducing pace. However, our attention fell onto Sonata. Sonata faced ahead, not even acknowledging us.

“Excalibur… no way… he actually…” Scribble began, his face in shock. Sonata glanced over her shoulder.

“Surprised? Yes, as much as it maybe baffling, Excalibur and his war-band came looking for something I cannot recall at the moment. They had seeked the aid of our King Illion and Rosette Nebula in regards to it. However, that information has been scrubbed from the records. I only heard about it as I met them in my time here.” Sonata explained.

“Y-you know one of Equestria’s legendary ponies of the old age?!” Scribble balked, dropping his entire stoic facade. Sonata snorted.

“That fool considered himself many things. Legendary was not one I would call of an individual of his standard. But yes, I do know of your Excalibur. The only reason they had any right to be here at all was because of the exiled children of the king and queen. Unfortunately, Rosette made her work far more important than to keep track of what was happening. And yet…” Sonata darted her eyes in thought. “Perhaps it has something to do with what happened here.”

While Scribble was sputtering and frying from his brain (Thi and Flitter patting him in the shoulder while Cloudchaser was also just a shocked), I grew quiet. Din had full attention now. Thi looked at Sonata and stepped towards her. She held out her hoof and in a bright golden flame emerged the sword Excalibur. Sonata looked over her shoulder with unamusement.

“Recognize this?” She asked. Sonata studied the blade before looking back ahead.

"A mortal blade enchanted with a spirit of old. But tis no surprise to me that you would hold such an item that rightfully belongs to the Triad." She said. Thi shook her head.

"This sword belonged to Excalibur." She replied. That got her attention. "The fabled sword of yore. You know what it used to be? The one-eyed bat I've hit you so many times with." She met Sonata's look. "Wanna know how I got it? Let's just say, my bloodline maybe far more important than you think." Sonata finally turned to face us.

"No..." She began. Thi nodded.

"Surprised?" She smugly smirked. Sonata's eye twitched. Thi flourished her blade before letting it vanish from her hold. "Who would have thought that something so far out of the way in a rundown ruin would be so significant. That leads me to think that the pieces are coming full circle. So, Sonata. Perhaps somethings need to be thought about before throwing us into the fray." Sonata looked between each of us. She then met Thi's look.

"This. Changes. Nothing." She said before turning back around and quietly fuming. Thi, pleased with herself, rested a foreleg around Scribble, the stallion still trying to process everything. Flitter and Cloudchaser looked at me to see if I understood this. I only shook my head and shrugged. The rest of the way up was quiet. We watched as the data vats slowly began to dim, as if reaching their limit before vanishing entirely as we sped to the top. The platform slowed, coming to a stop not long after.

Designation: Rosette Nebula’s office. Please, mind your manners and know that the Creation Mother’s laws is her laws. The voice spoke. We stepped off the platform and out into a spacious dome office. A strange chandelier with floating color blobs slowly floated around the room. To the right appeared to be an assortment of a personal library and science lab that’d make Twilight herself jealous. A massive white board dotted with formulas, drawings and notes sat in the center of the set up.

Not too far off looked to be a workshop desk. Scattered papers, crumpled or otherwise, littered the area. Several drawings and formulas covered the board and wall. To our left was a love couch that had a few fermented alicorn beverages. Must be stressful being the one who made most of the work here. Several science and astrology books littered around the couch in a disheveled manner. Behind the couch is a strangely modern kitchen, with the inclusion of Rosette’s own appliances of aetherite standard.

Above the kitchen were steps that lead to a half circle walkway. We could see past the railing what looked to be a living space with more bookshelves and scattered drawings. We could even make out a foot of a circular bed that looked to have been unkempt since last she was here. And yet, despite the sign of disorganization, there wasn’t a hint of a struggle or let alone, anything that stood out that wasn’t intentional. No, this genuinely looked to be an overly worked science mare’s room with extra lavishes of personal touches.

In the center of all of this, was a circular desk that was littered with papers, books, some pushed aside empty plates and several consoles all blackened out. Sonata walked forward, taking in the design of the room.

“Hmph. What a disheveled mess from one so brilliant. T’were she who has commanded us to maintain a clean environment.” She said, her horn glowing suddenly and began to neatly stack and clean up the room. We spread out, curious as to how an alicorn of such high regard lived. I brushed the surprisingly smooth leather of the love chair. A groove in the cushion caught my attention. I could imagine the alicorn lounging and reading through several science books in her spare time when she could.

My attention then fell onto Sonata. I rose a brow quizzically. She was taking it upon herself to adjust, straighten and clean up her work areas. Thi whistled from up above the overhead balcony.

“Is this what an egghead’s room looks like?” Thi asked.

“Everything looks… familiar, yet different.” Flitter chimed in as she examined the kitchen counter.

“Sonata.” Scribble spoke. The stallion was behind the circular desk, looking at a console that was humming with life. Sonata trotted over, looking over the stallion. “I’m no detective. But these hieroglyphs…” he began. Sonata leaned in and scanned the screen.

“The Ancient’s language. Rosette was a cultural hobbyist. I never understood what was so fascinating about learning mortal traditions. We had our own, much better celebrated cultural acceptances.” Sonata commented. Thi leaned over the desk with a frown.

“And yet, you hold her in such high regards despite it.” Thi spoke. Sonata glared at her.

“Despite the unusual hobbies doesn’t quell her standing. She is brilliant. Always striving for the next greatest achievement. And she has the means to do so. Just look upon our kingdom. She helped changed it for the better. It was brilliant. Lively. So how…” Sonata trailed off.

“So, how can this kingdom fall if a mare with so much brilliant knowledge for her people fail to save the Illion kingdom?” Flitter finished for her. Sonata lowered her expression, troubled as she thought on this. Thi waved a hoof in front of her.

“So, we have her personal consoles available to us. You came all this way, Sonata. Don’t tell me you want to deny yourself the answers.” Thi said. Sonata hesitated. This baffled Thi. “Ohoho… Afraid to find out the truth? That your idol may not be everything she was cracked up to be?” Sonata’s eyes flared as she stared down Thi.

“Silence. Your. Tongue. Ingrate.” She venomously replied. Thi returned her flaring look with a frown.

“Then prove me wrong. Unless you want to keep house cleaning. That’s something a queen shouldn’t do.” Thi said. Sonata scoffed and lifted Scribble out of the seat and plopped him down onto the other before she took his place. She began to tap away at the keys, pausing after a few seconds. Her expression softened to genuine confusion. We waited for her to continue, but when she didn’t, Flitter waved a hoof in front of her.

“Err… Sonata?” She asked. We looked at the screen. Only several hieroglyphs were displayed and highlighted. Thi was about to speak when Sonata finally pressed the button. The entire desk quickly shrunk into the ground, causing Thi to fall flat onto her face with a yelp. What took the place of the desk was a strange set of rods with weird looking eye lenses at the top.

There was a click and the room darkened, only lit by the strange floating colorful blobs. I was about to activate my light spell when a loud crackle of static echoed around the room. Suddenly, a glowing alicorn stood before us, causing me to stumble back onto my haunches. We looked in awe at the soft blue-grey alicorn, her rose mane tied into a bun that resembled slightly to that of a flask, albeit skewed with a bit of frizz.

The alicorn adjusted the square rimmed glasses on her face, her tired ruby eyes staring straight at Sonata. The alicorn, despite having clear features, was transparent. Ethereal even.

Language settings defaulted to auto correction. Life signatures read year -BRRRzzrrRRttzzZ- Equestrian nationality. Loading voice module… complete.

A masculine, garbled voice spoke. The alicorn cleared her throat and stood straight, as if addressing us.

“To you whom it may concern. I am Illion sas van Rosette Nebula. But to you, my road weary travelers, may just refer to me as Rosette Nebula. Or Rosen, if you so choose. Let me congratulate you on finding this log. If you are seeing me as I am now, I fear that my immortal shell has been long discarded or tampered beyond recognition. Or perished, if that is your preferred meaning. I digress.

“Listen well, for I have much to express.” From out of nowhere, Rosette levitated a pad and swiped through it. We gathered around her, still in awe at the visage. Deep down, I was excited. Another natural born alicorn, in the ethereal flesh. Rosette tapped on the pad a few times before putting it off to the side and clearing her throat.

“As you can already assess, our kingdom is no longer the beating heart of our beloved Creation Mother. It’s beauty rotten, decaying. Its’ people… my people. My king. My queen. All hath suffered the events of a Severance Cascade. A phenomenon of my own doing, I’m afraid. The mortal’s wars polluted our faith. And in turn, that pollution began to slowly seep into the darkest crevices of our home. We have been divided. And with this division, came cries for blood.

“The Celestiales are currently invading as I relay this log in an effort to prevent me from continuing my research. I’m uncertain of how much time I have, but I’ll make this as brief as I can.” Rosette removed her glasses and dropped them on the ground, taking a deep breath. “I have failed. In my want to pursue beyond the stars, I’ve ignored the plight of my kin. And as it stands now, considering the situation, I do not have regrets on turning my back to my kingdom. We are born to pursue knowledge. For we were born with naught. So many eras have come and gone. Their advancements slow, but admirable.

“I grew jealous of this fact. And in my haste, I began to cut corners in my projects. My kin had every right to worry, but what could I have done differently? My standing amongst the kingdom is immovable. And I’ll admit, the freedom it gave me was a blessing from the Creation Mother herself. And that led me to an epiphany.” She began to pace back and forth, keeping her eyes fixated on us. “Why be blessed with the boons our Creation Mother left us, when we could give back onto her tenfold? The answer to this hypothesis… our immortality.”

Sonata let out an audible gasp. We exchanged worried glances.

“I kept this epiphany hidden from all records. The only storage it shall remain in is my own. And with it, I begun to work. And I have succeeded.” There was a loud clank and we looked up to see the dome suddenly open up. My eyes widened. The starry expanse of space loomed over us. We could make out the moon peeking over the massive blue globe that was shadowed. Not too far off, Celestia’s sun peeked just over the horizon. I noted that not only these were viewable, but it seems that other planets were visible as well.

But the obvious thing that stuck out from it all. A massive, intricately built cylinder with strange panels reflecting the sun. The size of it must be as big as the entire Illion kingdom itself. A large, open hole aimed at the globe. No… not at the globe. With a second look, I noticed that it was angled to aim at the sun. Rosette rose a hoof in presentation to the sight.

“Armageddon Mark XIV. Code name: Chalice. The final step to give back onto our Creation Mother. And the very creation that has put us into this folly. I’ve kept this project hidden for the consequences would be dire should it get out. And despite all my fail safes. All my planning. The project leaked. A backdoor that had been installed with no identification as to who had installed it. Only the phrase: May his ever-gazing eye bless you.” Rosette sighed and looked up to the massive creation. “Oh, how I wished that I could take it all back. But as a faithful pursuer of knowledge, I must try again.

“I have kept a recorded file of the Severance Cascade separately from all the other data vats in my bed.” Rosette smiled. “My dreams are the best muses I could have. And now, I must face my final curtain. I will leave one more personal log for somepony who’ll know exactly where. You only need to look to her light. Isn’t that right, my ever-curious student?” Rosette chuckled, her head lowering. Rosette vanished and the lights clicked back on. However, the dome remained open.

We couldn’t take our eyes off the sight. Sonata snapped out of her stupor and proceeded up the steps to the bedroom area. She turned over the bed and withdrew a box of rattling data vats. When she descended the steps and set down the box, she paused before turning and trotting towards the workbench area. She flicked on a lamp and begun to mess with it. After a bit, there was a click and something extended out from the base of the lamp. She levitated what looked to be a chip. Thi furrowed her look.

“Sonata?” She asked. Sonata seemed to snap out of her trance, pocketing the chip in her coat.

“We must report back. This has been… a rather tiring day.” She said, turning to walk past us and pluck the box up with her magic and heading towards the door. We exchanged glances again before looking back up at the sight one more time. Din hummed.

Such a brilliant mind indeed. She said softly.