Twilight moved through her library like a whirlwind, still in her scientist coat. Obviously, this would lead to her house being turned into the dumpster, if it wasn't for Spike, who did his best to keep up with her. Usually, he'd stop and calm her, but this time was different. Too much has happened too quick, and Twilight was the one to take the burden.

First of all, it turned out that the creatures that appeared in the Everfree Forest had Umbra in their bodies. Not much is known about this matter, other than the fact that it's directly connected to Sombra and his dark magic. So, obviously, there is a high chance that those creatures could turn out to be one of his constructs. Every scientist and Twilight truly wanted to believe that this is just a theory...

Second this that has happened, was Chrysalis arriving at Ponyville to... Surrender. This in itself is an absolutely unexpected. However, her wounds and her story only added more questions and concerns. According to her words, she had already managed to meet those creatures, residing in the Everfree. Chrysalis agreed to share her information, only if in return, ponies agreed to give her some love to recover (No matter how weird or wholesome it may sound). Well, what she shared was quite alarming. Even though Chrysalis met only two of them, it was enough to make her resort to surrendering herself.

First of all, their appearance. They are biped creatures, mostly without fur or hair. They wear lots of clothes, as well as accessories. Chrysalis was pretty sure that those two were soldiers, as one of them seemed to carry something resembling a weapon. It was way too complicated for Chrysalis to describe, but she was sure that it wasn't some kind of a trinket.

Now, moving into the other known information, these species possess high amounts of intelligence. Not only because they are able to construct complex weapons (Once again, just a theory), but also because they are able to communicate with each other using language. Yes, an actual language. Chrysalis was clearly able to hear them talking to each other.

..now, onto the other disturbing news, apart from their species advancements in the weaponry.

At the mere thought of the second individual, Chrysalis's attitude changed during the interrogation. Still, she did manage to say that, quote:

"That thing... It's not even comparable to a minotaur, dragon or a Timberwolf"

..and THIS, was just enough for Twilight to understand just how STRONG those species can get.

So, what was she doing right now exactly? Collecting information about all biped creatures ever recorded in Equestria. Even though those were absolutely new species, there is a good chance that there could be something, ANYTHING, about those. So far, Twilight was able to find around 4 scrolls and 2 books... Not as much as she'd like to have, but better than nothing. Finally, Twilight made a sharp turn towards her basement and galloped inside, slamming the door shut behind her.

Spike meanwhile, looked around and sighed, as he realized that despite his best efforts, the library was a mess "Well... Guess that's another several hours wasted"

With that being said, the dragon begun to pick up the fallen books and papers. Afterwsrds, he'd have to deal with the dust and make some food for Twilight and scientists (they all tend to forget to eat). As he begun to carefully place the books back in place, Spike noticed a faint glint beneath the sofa.

"..Must have fallen out of Twilight's coat?"

After quickly rearranging the books and placing the documents onto the table, Spike approached the sofa and looked underneath it. Apart from quite a large amount of dust here, there also was a small flask with something inside of it. Obviously, Spike tried to reach for it and succeeded. After holding it up however, Spike shook in his place, as he realized what it was.

"O-Oh geez..."

Spike was holding the very flask Twilight was terrified about. It was a small amount of blood from one of those mysterious creatures living in the Everfree. No matter how tough Spike wanted to look for others, he couldn't look at blood without getting shivers up his spine. He averted his gaze towards the door leading into the basement, as he begun to make his way towards it.

'I should really give it back to them... I mean, they will probably freak out if they find our that it was lost, but it's way better than not telling them, right?'

Spike placed his claws on the doorknob. As he was about to turn it and walk inside however, he overheard the nervous voices of the scientists and Twilight. Spike couldn't make most of it out, but they all seemed to be in stress. Literally any disturbance could cause them to completely lose it and... Something bad might happen. Spike felt it in his gut, so he quietly closed the door and clenched the vial in his arm. He walked away from the basement, as he nervously smiled.

"I'm... Better off going out to get some snacks for myself. Yeah..."

With that, Spike was about to leave the vial on the table and leave... However, he facepalmed and instantly turned around to make his way back to the basement.

Yes, Twilight and scientists WILL freak out. Yes, they MIGHT argue with each other... But in the end, nothing bad has happened, yes? They are all grown ups after all and eventually, they will go back to working. And besides, Spike didn't want to be the culprit to whatever could happen if that vial got destroyed.

Finally, the dragon opened the door to the basement and entered it, preparing to hear lots of yells and groans.

"Alright, that should be it"

The Survivalist threw the bag over his shoulder, as he huffed quietly at it's weight. After glancing back over at it, he approached the rest of the group. It was early in the morning, and naturally people would be sleepy. Well, everyone but Lazarus and Berserker, obviously. They decided to leave so early in order to have more daytime on their hands. Everyone was already packed and ready to leave their temporary camp. The only one without a backpack was the Artillerist, due to the fact that he would have to go further ahead to scout the area... And of course because of his size.

"OK, I made sure that we are good to go! All the fire is out, chemicals are either packed or disposed of and all the food that we had is with me" He pointed towards his bag. "Anything else before we set off?"

Lazarus stared at the place they once called 'A camp'. They made sure to destroy the buildings they've made throughout their stay here. Now, the only trace of them being here were the absent patches of grass and perhaps a missing tree here or there. They've managed to do all this in a matter of 2 days, including packing up and destroying the said chemicals.

Lazarus shook his head at Survivalist's question "No, let us proceed with our trip" he turned around and begun to walk. Naturally, everyone started to follow him.

Artillerist rubbed his backhead, as he raised his eyebrow "So... When do I have to, you know, go forward to scout?" he was eager to make himself useful. After all, Artillerist didn't like being the only one without the task. It made him feel useless.

Lazarus simply shrugged "Not now for sure"

"...Riiight" Artillerist groaned and crossed arms on his chest.

As the group was walking, noone tried to stir a conversation. They were moving in complete silence, with the only exception being occasional bird singing above them or a branch snapping. One could even describe this trip as serene. Matter of fact, the entire time they've been here was relatively peaceful, compared to what they had to go through during their stay as the agents... Well, they still ARE agents. It's just that they aren't under the management command for now. And so, they've been walking like that for around 2 hours, untill Lazarus hummed and stopped moving, as he stared nowhere in particular. Everyone else did the same, except for the staring.

Artillerist approached their leader and looked around, as if trying to find the source of Lazarus's pondering "Well?"

Lazarus rubbed his beard and narrowed his eyes slightly "Yes, Alexander. Well indeed" he then pointed forward with his thumb.

Artillerist was baffled by the mention of his name and a weird statement alike "Wh-" as everyone stared forward however, their gazes were met with an actual well. It was old, with its stone walls being covered with moss and its rope being barely recognizable. Yet, it was definitely a well, which means that someone had to make it.

While Artillerist was staring at the well, Lazarus snapped with his fingers "Roman, what will you say?"

Riskrunner tapped on his cannon, as he approached the well and examined it "Mm... 'Tis thing's t' least 60 years old, doc." he then tore some moss off and made direct contact with the stone "The structure's funky... It shouldn't be possible t' stay intact. These are jus' stones put togeth'r with nothin' t' keep' 'em t'gether" he was right. These weren't even bricks or carved stones. Just some rocks placed on top of each other with seemingly nothing but magic holding the structure intact.

Lazarus approached the well, as he was still rubbing his beard "Nothing is keeping the stones together you say?" he then put his hand onto the stone.

Survivalist tilted his head "Shouldn't that mean that there is a civilization nearby? I mean, who would build a well somewhere in the middle of a forest, yes?"

Riskrunner nodded "Yes, yes! Dat means we're gettin' closer 'n closer t' the civilization!"

Artillerist snorted "Yeah, and what makes you think that they aren't hostile or at least can speak our language?"

Riskrunner glanced towards the Artillerist and snorted "Remember 'dat incident with ma hand?"

Artillerist rolled his eyes "Oh please, don't be so smug! If others are as hostile as the one you met back then, then we are in trouble!" he then poked Riskrunner in his formerly detached arm "Dunno about you, but I'm not all that happy about losing my limbs"

Riskrunner groaned and grabbed the Artillerist into a chokehold. Obviously, he was way stronger than his target, so poor gunslinger could only kick and yell at him. Survivalist was quick to come to his aid, as he tried to release the Artillerist from the grasp of a laughing Riskrunner. Obviously, the commotion was way too loud.

Meanwhile, Lazarus removed his hand from the well. His usual weak smile was replaced with a somewhat concerned face "Most curious..." he then raised his arm and stared at it for a few moments, before looking to his left. Berserker noticed this weird behavior, but as always, decided to keep to himself.

Lazarus snapped his fingers, instantly grabbing the attention of everyone around "Artillerist." the then simply pointed to his left. Riskrunner let the young man go, as he rubbed his back head. Meanwhile, Artillerist, after quickly dusting himself off, rushed in the direction pointed out for him.

Survivalist followed his comrade with his eyes for a few moments, before looking at their leader "Uhm, sir? Did you find something out?"

Lazarus rubbed his beard, as if thinking about something "..I'm not sure." he sighed, as he looked at the well again "Nonetheless, I think that I got the lead. I will explain everything on the way" and with that, he simply begun to walk where the Artillerist had left a few moments ago.

While Berserker simply followed him, the Survivalist was clearly confused. Never before had he heard that Lazarus 'isn't sure' about something. Still, just like everyone else, Survivalist begun to follow him, several questions brewing up in his head already. Those would be asked in the future, however.

As they were walking through the forest, Riskrunner was the first to speak up "So... Guess 'dat wasn't an ordinary well?" he found it harder to walk through the thickets due to him carrying his weapon around.

Lazarus nodded, as he raised his arm slightly once again "Indeed. Since you said that it wasn't held together by anything in particular, I wanted to try and figure out what could possibly keep it intact." he then clenched his hand into a fist slowly, as he turned his head to face the people following him "So, I tried to check whether it had some energy within it. As you could have guessed, I was correct." Lazarus tapped his head with his finger and hummed "But it's way different from Occult Sorcery. You could say it's more... Harmonized? I will have to look into it in the future." he then focused his gaze back on the way "For now, let us proceed with our trip"

And that they did. Each of them had something of their own on their minds. Riskrunner was thinking about their destination. Lazarus had curiosity about the newfound energy stuck in his head. Survivalist had even more questions than before. And Berserker? Well, nothing. Silence took it's place once again... That was so, untill some time later, the talkie walkies on the waists of each Agent didn't come to life. Everyone but Lazarus turned them off.

The leader took the device in his hand and placed a finger on one of the buttons "Artillerist, repeat."

Several mushed noices later, the voice of Artillerist could be made out "KRR-ation! There is- KRRR-ne!"

Lazarus hummed and pressed the button again "Artillerist, repeat everything slowly"

For a few seconds, there was no response from the scout of the team, as if he was thinking about forming a propper sentence. Then his voice, much clearer now, spoke up again "KRR-azarus was right. After I went forward I begun to notice that the area seemed to be a bit lighter. Then- KRR- ctually stumbled onto a house! A weird one but let's not talk about it. There was also a path leading somewhere, and-"

Riskrunner suddenly took out his talkie walkie and begun talking "Just tell us what you saw matey!" he sighed and put the device away, for real now.

Lazarus stared back at the Riskrunner and locked his eyes with him for a moment. The guy seemed to sweat a bit from it, as he averted his gaze. Then, the leader looked back forward and begun to talk "I suppose that you could skip the unnecessary details."

The Artillerist was quick to respond "Right uh, there is something like a small town here. There are no people walking around right now, but I'm more than sure that it's inhabited."

Riskrunner and Suevivalist widened their eyes, as they stared at each other and then directly at Lazarus. It seemed that whatever his theory was, it turned out to be correct.

Lazarus simply nodded approvingly and spoke "We are going to your location now. Start moving in our direction."

"Got it."

As the talkie walkie stopped making any noices, Lazarus hummed and stared at it for a few seconds. Then, after putting it away, he turned around to face his team "I suppose that I don't need to remind you about the need of caution?"

Everyone, even the Berserker, silently nodded. They've has several experiences with meeting the inhabitants of another planet. Some were hostile, some were neutral and very few were actually friendly. However, never before have they stumbled upon a civilization... Which was weird, now that Survivalist thought about it. How could Lazarus possibly know that this world in particular had one? They did meet that hostile one however and since it could talk, one could make assumptions...

Lazarus interrupted the flow of his thoughts, and clapped his hands together "Gentlemen, prepare yourselves!" he made that smug smile that was constantly on his face and put his arms behind his back "It is time to finally make a first contact with another civilization."

Author's Note

It took way too long for me to write it. Thank you for waiting and reading!