Fallout Equestria: The Seekers of Truth

Author: McMesser

Synopsis:

Finishing Touch, a Smooze, a creature with a past unknown and a future uncertain. Joined by The Seekers of Truth, he journeys to find out about himself and other lost legends of the once magical land of Equestria. With the most unlikely of companions , the young gryphon cub Featherjoy and the Professor Osmosis

Together they take each day as they come, as any family does in these trying times in the Equestria Wasteland.

Prologue: Let me tell you a tale..

Before we begin, I must tell you of the creature I came to call friend and father, a creature by the name of Finishing Touch. For he is a creature unlike any other. Unique to the once desolate wasteland we call Equestria. He is a Smooze. A shapeless, purple mass, able to morph himself into any shape he desires. He was found, trapped deep beneath the city of Chicacolt’s museum. How he came to be imprisoned here, well that will be told within these pages, but he was freed from his prison by the Alicorn Radiant Star, the legendary ‘Ministry Mare’ and saviour of the city of Chicacolt. For how he was freed, it’s best you seek out the story ‘Starlight.’ The book is held within this library of Canterbury, alongside the story of ‘The Lightbringer’ and other heroes of this land.

Leaving the museum Finishing Touch only found hatred and fear in the Wasteland. None would welcome him in or give him the chance to find his place in the world. But as luck would have it, he came across the small caravan of the Professor Osmosis and myself. The Professor told Touch of his search for the museum that the Smooze once dwelled in, of his search for the Smooze which legend only whispered of. Their search took them far and wide across the Wasteland, finally returning to the Chicacolt museum in hopes of finding information on his origin, but with little success.

His newly found freedom was rewarded with an act of betrayal by one of our own, for The Seekers of Truth were not always known as such. The unicorn Truth Seeker, one of the original founding pair of brothers, moved against us and took control using dark and forbidden magic. Now calling himself ‘Inquisitor’ he attempted to syphon the power of the Smooze and control him as he was aeons past for his own dark plans. The Inquisitor was stopped, his madness cured by the now Honoured and sorely missed Professor Osmosis. Friend, guide and once leader of The Seekers of Truth he found forgiveness in his heart to give his brother another chance, a chance to atone for his crimes. A chance not many in this world get.

So now we begin our tale afresh. A tale of second chances, unknown past’s and uncertain futures. Let me, Chancellor Featherjoy of Canterbury, take you on a journey, a journey starting some 110 years ago.

Chapter 1: 'Joy and the Giant Vine

Nothing can stop the Smoooooze….

Not all tales from this corner of the Wasteland are tragic. In the remote town of Arlington, just south of Chicacolt, the ponies there have just made acquaintances with the most unusual of pairs. A being known as a Smooze by the name of Finishing Touch and a gryphon cub named Featherjoy have traveled to this place with their friend, one Professor Osmosis, leader of the organization “The Seekers of Truth”. They’ve come to help the ponies of Arlington rebuild and to seek ancient truths from beneath the town’s Stable

*****

“You called for us Professor?” asked the Smooze as he and a small gryphon cub walked into the Lab. In that cluttered space of science, reading a half-dozen pre-war books and glancing at a terminal screen was Professor Osmosis.

“Ah, yes. Finishing, Featherjoy good to see you. Thanks for coming down so early” said the bright blue unicorn stallion as he looked up to the new arrivals, only to be nearly knocked from his seat by Featherjoy’s leaping embrace.

“Morning Professor!” Featherjoy said as she left the Professors arms.

“What do you need help with Professor?” asked Finishing Touch, smiling at the embrace of his two closest friends.

“Right, yes. As you two know I’ve been looking into some of the books that we’ve found and information we’ve come across here in the Stable. It points to another smaller research facility on the other side of the Stable that we’re hopefully opening later today and I was hoping that my favourite little assistant,” said the Professor as he ruffled the blue tipped feathers on Featherjoy’s head “would be interested in joining the research team that’s going in?” at this the young gryphon’s eyes grew wide with excitement.

“Oh, can we go Touch? Can we please please please!?” she called rushing over to the Smooze.

“Hold on one moment Featherjoy. Will it be safe Professor? After what happened at the temple and all the trouble with Truth Seeker...” asked Finishing Touch.

“From what we’ve seen so far the Stable defenses have been deactivated, and the research in this area was low key environmental studies.” The Professor said, gesturing to the open books before him. “Studies of light and enclosure on bone growth, that sort of thing. I will however, be sending a few security gentleponies down with you... Just in case.” the Professor said as he walked back to his desk. “It’s up to you Finishing, but I think this will be perfectly safe. Otherwise I wouldn’t send you two in... After all the trouble I caused you two recently” the stallion lowered his head as he recalled the harm that befell the two only a few weeks ago.

“None of that was your fault and you know it. If it wasn’t for you coming to our aid we wouldn’t have made it out at all” Touch said as he walked up to Osmosis “We’ll go on this little expedition, it will be good to see how things are actually done around here”

At this Featherjoy jumped in the air “Yes!” she called out. “Oh, I’m gonna need to get my things ready! I need my notepad and pens and...  and..  Actually Professor what will I need? I..I’ve never actually done this before..” She asked scratching the back of her head.

“You shouldn’t need much else my dear, just note down anything you notice, just like when you help me with my other research and don’t touch anything till Researcher Artifact tells you it’s safe” chuckled Osmosis.

At this the young gryphon nodded “I’ll do my best Professor, I won’t let you down!” she called as the practically flew out of the room to get ready for her small adventure.

A few hours later three earth ponies, a gryphon cub and a smooze waited by a door with ‘Environmental research’ written on the top as one of the ponies worked on the terminal by the door. “I should have the door opening in just a moment... there we go!” called the cream coloured mare as the door started to rise from the floor. “Now, lets see what we have in here shall we my little gryphon?” asked Researcher Artifact as she glanced down at the gryphon.

“Yeah, I wonder what we’re going to find in here...” she said with a hint of worry creeping into her voice, the enthusiasm from before seeming to have completely left her.

“Don’t worry Featherjoy, everything will be okay. Just think of all the research you'll be able to go through with everyone when we get back and the secrets that you’ll be the first to see in nearly two hundred years” reassured Finishing Touch as he placed a gloopy hand on Featherjoy’s shoulder. Nodding and smiling at the kind and encouraging words from her friends the young gryphon walked into the previously sealed room.

What little light that penetrated the darkness of the room came from the now open doorway the single live Stable-Tec terminal that sat on the far side of the room. “Let’s see if we can get the lights back on shall we?” asked Artifact to no one in particular as she moved over to the terminal and started to access its systems, a few moments later what lights that remained bathed the room in light.

“That’s better, now lets see what we have here shall we Featherjoy?” Asked Finishing Touch as he looked around the room with his young gryphon companion.

With a small leap Featherjoy landed on one of the tables as the group started to search the area “Hmmm, I think I have something here” called Researcher Artifact “it seems like they were working on the effects of radiation on the local flora and how to counteract the effects. Some notes seem to point toward medical applications as well... interesting” mused the researcher.

“If you say so Arti, I don’t know if I trust anything created by radiation to actually help ponies, all it seems to do is bring us problems. Just look at them damn ghouls, they’re created by radiation right?” called one of the guards, a dark gray stallion as he rummaged through the shelves.

“Now, Iron Sights, you know better than that. Not all ghouls are feral, we’ve met many nice and friendly ghouls over the years. You can’t paint them all with the same brush, that would be like saying all Alicorns are bad and we just know that’s not true. Isn’t that right Feathers?” replied Artifact as she smiled at the small gryphon, who nodded in response with a big smile on her face.

“Yeah, Radiant Star saved us all from Seeker! Even you Sights.” The stallion only grumbled in response, to which the other occupants of the room giggled at.

“Gerr, there’s nothing here!” Called out a annoyed gryphon, as she pushed a 200 year old cup of the desk in frustration “I’ve got to bring something back to the Professor!” she pleaded as she turned to look at the smooze who was inspecting one of the walls.

“Now Featherjoy, what’s the Professor always told you about being impatient and rushing things?” He said as he glanced at the gryphon. “But it would seem there may be something here - I can feel a small gap in this wall that isn’t anywhere else in the room. Artifact, can you see anything that could open this on the terminal?” Asked Finishing as he still pressed himself to the wall.

Turning back to the computer the mare nodded and searched through the computers files once again. “Let me see, ahh here we go ‘Compartment One. Status - Sealed’ let’s open it and see what we have, shall we?” Pressing the button on the terminal caused the compartment to open up. Featherjoy flew the short distance to perch on the shoulder of Finishing Touch “What’s in here Touch?!” she wondered once she landed on her friend.

In front of the two was a strange sight, sat on a cradle was a peculiar looking stone that pulsed with a green glow, the room itself was covered in vines that seemed to be growing from a small potted plant next to the stone. The vines clung to every available surface and burrowed deep into the solid metal floor. “Oh wow, what do you reckon this is?” asked Featherjoy as she started to scribble down notes in her notepad “it seems to giving out some kind of... energy? maybe it’s feeding the plant and causing it to grow all big n’ stuff?”

“This must be what they were using to conduct the tests on the flora.. Seems like they had some success. But why was it sealed away?” Mused the smooze as he turned to the researcher.

“We’ll we’re going to have to run some test on this, find out if that things even safe to move and how far those vines go down. It’s not giving off any harmful levels of radiation, so it should be safe to take a closer look at” The mare replied as she trotted up to the smooze, “I didn’t see anything about controlling it the test on the monitor, but I’m not the tech wiz. I’ll have Hard Drive look into it, see what he can find”

“You sure it’s not dangerous? It doesn’t exactly look friendly?” asked Finishing Touch as he leant closer to get a better look at the stone.

“Positive, PipBuck’s not picking up any dangerous radiation levels from it. If the research into the flora went really wrong it would’ve been a lot harder to open. I’m going to send for the Professor to come down and take a look at this” replied Researcher Artifact as she nodded to one of the guards who trotted off to find Osmosis.

Jumping off from her perch after hearing it was pretty much safe Featherjoy fluttered to a  landing next to the stone. “The vines definitely started from this plant pot. It looks like the growth rate has been sped up by whatever this is” she said as she poked the stone. As her claw touched the stone it released a bigger pulse of green energy, causing the vines nearby to grow around the small chamber caging the small gryphon inside. “Ahhh, Touch! Whats going on!” Cried Featherjoy as she jumped away from the stone, panic sharpening her voice as she fell.

“Featherjoy!” called out Touch as he slammed into the vines that covered the once open compartment “Keep calm, we’ll get you out of their. Just don’t touch anything else till we know what’s going on... “ said the smooze, trying to calm himself as much as the trapped gryphon cub.

“Touch, what’s going on? Get me out of here... I don’t like it in here, the vines are still moving...” whimpered the cub as she curled up into a ball “Touch... Help...” Pounding on the other side of the vines, Finishing Touch attempted to force his way past the vines

“I.. I can’t get in. It’s too tight.. What are we going to do?” He begged Artifact, looking toward the mare, fear gripping his eyes, hoping she would know what to do.

”There maybe some way we can open up a gap to get her out, we could possibly cut a hole in the vines?” Suggested Iron Sights from the side of the room as he approached the two.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, we don’t know if any vibration could set it off again... And burning them could spread to the other vines. But we’ll find a way Touch, we’ll get her out” Said the researcher as she placed a hoof on the smooze’s shoulder.

“Maybe something in the compartment? They may’ve had someway to remove the vines after testing... Let me have a look at the terminal again” Pondered Artifact as she moved back to the terminal. Leafing through the files once again, nothing seemed to point towards a way to free the cub. “Nothing here, sorry Touch. All we’ve got is a plan of the lab.... Wait, looks like there should be some air vents or something? They may be small enough for her to climb through, see if she can see any Touch.” She suggested, smiling at the smooze who nodded in response as he moved back to the vines.

“Featherjoy, can you hear me?” He asked.

“Touch! Wha...what’s going on? I’m.. I’m scared, I don’t like it in here!” The gryphon shrieked as she rushed to the wall of vines.

“I know ‘Joy, we may have found a way out, can you see anything that looks like an airvent?” Asked Finishing Touch as he leant against the vines.

“Ermm, I can’t.. Wait, yeah I see something in the ceiling that looks like a vent. It’s all busted, some of the vines have gone up it.” chirped the gryphon as she stood “I can probably fit through it!”

“Just.. Just be careful Featherjoy, we don’t properly know where it leads...” Said the smooze with concern in his voice. On the other side of the vines, Featherjoy readied herself to jump up to the vent and climb her way to freedom.

“I’m going in Touch, I’ll..I’ll see you on the other side...” Said the young gryphon as she lept and flapped her way up to the vent, digging her claws into the vines that  wound their way through. Dragging herself up the vine Featherjoy managed to get into the vent and start to squeeze her way along the shaft, hoping to find her way to freedom.

“Where will that vent shaft lead Artifact? Do we even know?” asked the smooze as he moved back over to the terminal next to the researcher.

“Ermm, by the look of things, it should be a standard air vent, so it should have several openings along the way that she can get out of. Closest one to us... Looks like it’s back in the hallway, at least I think.” Answered Researcher Artifact as she looked over the floor plan for the labs. At this Finishing Touch ran back out into the hallway looking for the air vent that would grant his friend her freedom.

“I can’t see it, where is the vent?” worried the purple smooze as he frantically looked around the hallway “She.. She’s going to be so scared, I need to be there to meet her..” He mumbled as he paced up and down the hallway looking for the vent.

“Touch.. Calm down” reasoned Artifact as she and Iron Sights stood in the doorway smiling down towards the other end of the corridor “I have a feeling everything will be fine.” She gestured down the corridor as Professor Osmosis trotted down with what looked like a small gryphon covered in two hundred years of dust and dirt, Featherjoy perched on his back, hugging his neck. Her eyes grew wide as she saw her friend, jumping from the back of the Professor she charged towards the smooze “Touch! I got myself out!” she yelled as she jumped up to her friend and embraced him in a hug.

“‘Joy, Oh thank Celestia you’re alright..” He mumbled as what looked like tears rolled down his face. Seeing this Featherjoy leant back, concern covering her face

“Touch.. What’s wrong, I got out and I’m okay” worried the gryphon.

“He’s just very happy to see you’re okay Featherjoy, isn’t that right Finishing?” said Osmosis as he walked up to the two friends, placing a hoof on the shoulder of the smooze.

“Yes, I just didn’t want to see you get hurt again because of me, it’s just like that blasted temple all over again...” said Finishing Touch as he glanced down away from the two.

“That’s not true at all!” Shouted Featherjoy as she hugged her friend even more.

“Tell you what you two, why don’t you go and get a drink and some snacks... and maybe a wash while I take a look at this with Researcher Artifact? You can come back when you’re ready, if you’d like.” Said the Professor as he patted Featherjoy on the head and walked towards the lab towards the remaining two earth ponies.

“Hey, how come I can’t get anything!?” Complained Iron Sights, only to receive a knock to the back of the head from Artifact.

“Oh do grow up Iron, I swear you still act like you’re a foal. What would mum think if she saw you still complaining like this when you don’t get your sweets..? Now come on, we’ve got work to do.” She said as she turned back into the lab with Osmosis and a slightly wounded Iron Sights.

“That sounds like a good idea, what do you think ‘Joy?” Chuckled Finishing as he turned back to his friend as he carried her down the hallway. “Yeah! That sounds great!" She chirped happily as she moved to rest on the smoozes shoulder. “So.. How did you find the Professor first anyway...?”

*******

“So, what do we have here?” Asked the Professor as he walked back into the lab with Researcher Artifact and Iron Sights “and would someone care to explain what happened here?”

“Well, we found what looked like a stone in the compartment” replied the researcher as she  walked up to the vine covered compartment “It seemed to be giving off some strange green glow, but my PipBuck wasn’t picking up any dangerous levels of radiation from it. That’s when Featherjoy touched the stone, which apparently caused the vines to grow at a greatly increased rate trapping her inside” explained the mare.

“Hmm, so it reacts to contact, or at least it seems to. I wonder what they were testing and where this came from.” Pondered the Professor, “Any idea how we can get into it?” Joining the other two at the vine covered alcove , Iron Sights tapped his hoof to the vines. When nothing seemed to happen

“Well, now that Feathers out, we can try to cut the vines free and see if we can get to it that way?” he suggested.

“We can try that, if we take care with the cutting to minimize any vibrations that could cause it to activate again...” The Professor nodded to Sights as Artifact shrugged.

“I’m not sure what else we could try” said the mare. “Right, go and get your tools Sights and while you’re out grab Hard Drive, see if he can get anything out of that terminal.” Continued the Researcher, nodding as Iron Sights left to go about his task.

A few minutes later Sights returned with some cutting equipment and Technician Hard Drive, “I hear you had a terminal that needed looking over Artifact?” Asked the green unicorn stallion as he pushed up a pair of glasses on his face, smiling at the mare.

“Ah, yes. Right over here, it has a little bit of information on it regarding the tests that were taking place here, but I think some more maybe hidden somewhere else. I couldn’t find anything, I was hoping you could find something more..” replied Researcher Artifact as she led him to the Stable-Tec terminal.

“Do not worry Artifact, I’ll find the hidden information for you in a jiffy!” said the Tech as he sat down infront of the terminal “Anything for you my dear. How would you feel about dinn...” Started to ask the stallion was interrupted as the Researcher walked off.

“The answers still no Drive...” heading back to the other side of the room to the chuckling, smiling face of her brother as he began setting up the cutting equipment. Slumping his shoulders in defeat, as he logged on to the terminal

“Right.. Ermm yes. Anyway, onto the task at hoof.” Glancing through the files on the terminal it didn’t take him long to find evidence of a hidden set of files that seemed to have been deleted very quickly. “We definitely have something here, but it looks like it was deleted, probably when everyone left the stable. Let me see if I can get them back” he mumbled to the others, only to be joined by the sound of power tools revving up as Iron Sights started to cut at the vines with a saddle mounted saw.

“Sorry, what was that?” Called the Professor, shouting over the sound of the saw as he turned to Hard Drive.

“I may’ve foun.. “ he started to yell only to be drowned out as the noise from the saw grew in volume “I.. never mind” he mumbled as he turned back to his work, attempting to piece together what bits of the deleted files he could find, after several long minutes of searching Hard Drive managed to retrieve a partially deleted report on the terminal. “Hey, Artifact... ARTIFACT!” he shouted to the others, only to be greeted by stares from the others as the sound of the tool died down.

“No need to shout buddy, we’re only over here” called back Iron Sights, allowing the power saw to cool as he inspected the results of his labor.

“Right.. right, sorry. Well I’ve found something anyway. One of the reports wasn’t fully deleted, I’ve managed to put part of it back up.” pointing to the terminal screen.

“Ah, great work. Let’s see what it says shall we?” Asked the Researcher as she glanced at  the Professor as she walked towards the monitor followed by Osmosis.

“Right, so it would seem that the last thing they were testing was the prospect of speeding up growth of plant stuffs to be used as food, probably for the front lines where it may’ve been difficult to get food to the troops.” Said Hard Drive as he read over the document “but something caused them to cancel the experiments.. Listing something about... Wait that can’t be right.” The sound of cutting started up again briefly in the background.

“I’m nearly in, won’t be a second” called Iron Sights.

The sound of ripping vines filled the room as Sights pulled free the remaining part of the vines, falling back as the piece came free. “Oghff, right. I’m in” said the stallion as he stood back up, looking inside the compartment he was met with something new. “What the heck is that? That wasn’t there before.” He called out as he gazed upon the new resident of the alcove, inside now wasn’t just the stone but 5 large green pods that emitted a green gas around them. Rushing back over to see what Iron Sights was on about the Professor gazed at the new residents of the alcove.

“Oh wow. You say these weren't here before?” Asked Osmosis.

“No, just the stone was inside previously” said Researcher Artifact as she left Hard Drive, still gazing at the monitor, tapping away at the terminal.

“This could be what the previous inhabitants of the Stable had been researching, if we can get this stone back home to Canterbridge, we could possibly find where they went wrong. Bring food to the inhabitants of the wasteland!” Said Osmosis excitingly.

“Erm, guys..” Mumbled Hard Drive at the computer.

“We’ll need to find a way to move the stone from the cradle” Ignoring Hard Drive as she talked with the Professor.

“Guys.. “ Called Hard Drive again.

“We can see what set’s off the effect and maybe find... “ mused the Professor only to be interrupted by the Technician.

“GUYS! I really think you should see this!” He shouted to the rest of the group as they turned towards him. “I.. I think these pods are what caused the other researchers to abandon all this. One report mentions some kind of creature to came out of the pods.. By the sound of things it mimics the last thing that touched the stone” Panicked Hard Drive, “Reports say that once they got out, they turned hostile towards anyone that got too close to them and that any attempt to make contact was ignored completely”

A soft hissing noise came out of the compartment that housed the stone and the new pods, only to be followed by a popping sounds and a screech. “Oh shit!” Called out Sights as he jumped back from the alcove “one of the bloody things just opened” throwing off his saw he quickly grabbed his shotgun in his mouth. The sound was repeated four more times as the other pods opened, only to be drowned out by a blazing siren and yellow flashing lights as all other lights went out followed by the door slamming shut. “What..” called out Hard Drive as the terminal shutdown, flashing up the message ‘Quarantine in effect, biological spores detected. Please stand by’ “Oh.. We’re so screwed. What now...?” He asked to the others.

******

Meanwhile, safe and sound outside the Stable, Finishing Touch and his freshly cleaned gryphon companion Featherjoy sat. Over looking the one vibrant town of Arlingtion, recently destroyed in a attack by the Steel Rangers. But with the aid of the Seekers the town is once again being rebuilt. Looking up at the smooze the young gryphon smiled “It’s good to see so many ponies getting along and helping each other, isn’t it Touch?” She said.

“That it is Featherjoy, just shows that there is still hope for the world.” replied the smooze as he stood up, “How about we go get you something to eat?” he smiled at Featherjoy as she nodded and jumped up to his shoulders.

Walking a bit further into town, the two soon found a small vendor selling food to the ruined town. After acquiring a bit of food the two walked into the town itself, the sound of rushing hooves greeted the two as a group of five young colts ran around the corner. “See, told you it was real! An’ you lot said I was lyin, still not sure what the ‘ell it is..” called one black earth pony colt as he faced the group.

“Hey, don’t be so mean to my friend!” called Featherjoy from atop the smoozes shoulder, jumping down to face the group “his name’s Finishing Touch and hes my best friend!”

“Wow, a gryphon too. Now this town’s just gettin interestin with you Seekers of whatever ya called turnin up!” Chuckled the colt as Featherjoy just glared at him. “Sorry, where’s me manners. How’d you do, my names Urchin. At least that’s what everyone calls me.” Gesturing back to the others “these are my ponies and this’s my patch. Not much to look at, nothing posh , but we makes do wiv what we ‘ave, ain’t what right boys!” Said the young colt, smiling back at the others as they cheered with their leader. “I didn’t mean no disrespect to ya friend, we’ve just never seen one of his kind before.... Ermm, what are you anyway?” He asked glancing up at the smooze.

“Well, we don’t properly know. It’s a long story but that’s why I’m with the Seekers. But like my friend said, my names Finishing Touch and this is Featherjoy” said the smooze as he pointed down to the still angry gryphon.

“Nice to meet ya” said the colt as he walked up to Featherjoy and held his hoof out, smiling at the gryphon, shaking the hoof with her claw she smiled back at him. Fluttering back up to the shoulder of her friend, looking back down at the colt and his friends she waved to them as they ran off, no doubt to go and cause more problems for the local ponies of the town.

“Well he was rather nice, don’t you think Featherjoy?” asked Touch as he turned back towards the Stable hidden deep below the town.

“Ermm, yeah I guess he was nice, a bit rude at first” she replied. “We heading back to the others? I’m sure they’ve found something out by now.” she said to her friend.

“Yes, they’ve probably worked someway to get back to the stone” said the smooze as he walked into the Stable.

“I’m.. I’m sorry about that Touch.. I didn’t know that would happen” said Featherjoy as she looked down at her claws.

“It’s okay, no one blames you for what happened as everything was okay in the end.” Said Touch as he glanced at her and tickled just under her beak, making her giggle.

As the two neared the lab, they were greeted by a flashing yellow light illuminating the hallway. “Oh that can’t be good Touch, we better hurry” said Featherjoy as she jumped from her friends shoulder and flew down the hallway, followed by her smooze friend. Coming to the now sealed door to the lab the two stopped and banged on the door.

“Professor, you in their? Can you hear me?” shouted Finishing Touch as he banged on the door, trying to find away inside.

“Touch, lift me up to this thing!” shouted the gryphon as she rushed to the terminal on the side of the door as the smooze lifted her up. Pressing a few buttons on the terminal suddenly the voice of the Professor came out of the speakers on the terminal.

“Hello? Touch is that you?”

“Yes, Professor, we’re both here! What happened!?” Asked the small gryphon, talking into the terminal.  The voice of the Professor once again crackled over the speakers.

“We’re not quite sure. We cut open the vines that covered the alcove that contained the stone, but we we did we found 5 large green pods. These pods apparently contained some kind of green creature. They aren’t attacking us yet but I’m not sure how long that will last.” said the stallion, worry thick in his voice.

“We’ve no way to open the door from inside here, th.. the terminal has shut down. So, if you’d kindly get us the hell out of here!” Screamed the voice of a very panicked Hard Drive, followed by the sound of a angry mare shouting something in the background.

“We’ll see what we can do Professor... But we can’t see any option on here to open the door from the terminal. It keeps on flashing ‘Quarantine in effect, biological spores detected’...” Said the smooze as he glanced over the gryphon.

“Wait, I have a idea! If we can cut the power to the door, will that unlock it?” She asked frantically to the others behind the door. After several minutes the voice of Technician Hard Drive came over the speakers.

“It-it may do, but then we won’t have a way to open the door, that thing looks pretty heavy!” His voice now a lot calmer than before.

“I could possibly lift the door if I can get under it. But how’re you going to cut the power, ‘Joy?” He asked the gryphon as he glanced down.

“I saw some cables that lead into a big box while I was in the air vent, it looked like the other ones I’ve seen around the Stable. I think that’s the power box for the door” she said glancing back up at the smooze “I don’t know what else we can try, and we gotta try, Touch!” Closing his eyes, deep in thought for a few seconds he nodded to her.

“Okay, as long as you keep yourself safe and don’t do anything silly. Just cut the power then come straight out” he said as he lowered her to the ground.

“Right, I’ll be back as soon as its down.” Announced the gryphon as she ran down the hallway, back to the air vent that granted her escape a short few hours ago.

“Don’t worry Touch, she knows what to do. I’ve never met anyone like that cub before, I’m sure she’s going to grow into a fine gryphon one day and on that day you’ll be proud to be the one she learnt so much from.” Said Osmosis, calming the smooze as he watched his young and first friend run down the hallway.

“Yes, I know she will too Professor. I just hope she lives her life and stops putting herself in so much danger” replied Touch. A few moments later the power went out, the wall terminal shut off, the flashing lights stopped and the door lifted from the floor slightly allowing the smooze to flow under the door.

Poking his head under the door he smiled as he saw the 4 ponies. The Professor and Artifact stood by the door, with a very panicked looking Hard Drive sat in the corner as Iron Sights stood aiming hid shotgun at the five small gryphonish green creatures, who now stood directly in front of the group slowly inching their way closer. “Oh, hello Touch, great to see you. But if you’d kindly open the door that would be great” said the Professor as he smiled down at the smooze who simply nodded in reply as he slipped back under the door.

Gathering as much of himself under the door as he could, Finishing Touch started to reform himself and slowly raise the door from the floor. “You're doing it, Touch. Just a bit more!” Cheered on the Professor from inside the lab. As he turned back to the others a shot rang out inside the lab, blasting back one of the spore creatures but doing little damage to its tough green hide. Another few shots rang out as Iron Sights blasted back the others, attempting to keep them at bay while the door opened.

“We need to get out of here now!” Called Iron Sights as he re-loaded his shotgun while the green spore creatures regained their footing.

With the door half way up Touch moved as much of himself to one said as he could “Quickly, get out now. I’ll close the door and trap them inside” he said to the others as they quickly fled the lab. As soon as the last pony left the lab, Finishing Touch slipped away from the door. But something held it in place, one of the vines had grown along the wall and was trapping the door half way up.

“Oh, crap. That’s not good” called Iron Sights as he blasted one of the creatures back into the room. Looking at the others around him the Professor nodded.

“Only one thing left to do, as my good friend the Doctor.. “ He was drowned out temporarily by the blast of another shotgun round hitting a creature in the leg “used to say, Run!”

The remaining ponies and smooze started to run as fast as they could down the hallway, running into Featherjoy as she left the air vent. Being grabbed by Touch as he ran past her, placing her briskly on his shoulder. “What’s going on!? Why are we running?” She asked to the others.

“Running now, explanation later!” shouted Iron sights as he and the others ran for their lives. Running down another corridor the group came to another large set of quarantine doors that was open. The Professor, now panting heavily from all the running shouted to Featherjoy.

“We need to close those doors, Featherjoy can you be a darling and run ahead and get ready to close them when I say?” She nodded and lept from the smooze shoulder, flying at great speed down the hallway. The young gryphon latched onto the terminal and swung to a stop, tapping away at the controls.

As she got to the control terminal, the creatures turned the corner and charged at the ponies at a greater speed. “What the hell, why are they so quick now!” Yelled Hard Drive as Sight’s blasted a few more shots at approaching creatures.

“We need to hold them back while Feathers gets the door ready!” Yelled the Professor as he lit his horn, flinging a bolt of blue light at a pod creature, knocking it back down the hallway into one of the others.

Dodging a shotgun blast one of the creature leapt at Hard Drive only to receive a buck to the face for it efforts. Turning towards the others with a big grin on his face “I got one!” he cheered, only to narrowly miss a attack from another one. He screamed as he jumped aside, only for the creature to be enveloped in purple goo and flung back at the other small green gryphons

“I’m ready Professor!” Called Featherjoy, still gripping to the terminal.

“Come on everyone, through the door now!” he shouted as he jumped over the threshold, only to be followed by the rest of the group. “If you’d be so kind Feathers!” The Professor quickly called to the gryphon as she slammed a command key, causing two large door to close either side of the corridor trapping the five creatures inside.

A new command popped up on the screen ‘Quarantine in effect, biological spores detected. Purge hallway 5B? Y/N’ Quickly tapping Y the gryphon saw the hallway covered in flame, seeing the creatures contained within disappearing to the flame.

“Oh.. Well. That was a certainly interesting afternoon.” Hard Drive called sarcastically as he panted for air from the floor.

“Yeah, you didn’t do too bad Drive, I half expected you to fall and become plant food for a second” Said Iron Sights as he helped his sister up off the ground. Smiling at Sights the Technician just chuckled as he flopped his head back to the ground.

”Professor, I think I need a vacation..” he moaned from the floor.

“Oh, come on now Drive, this is half the fun” joked the Professor as he stood up from the floor “I’ve not had a good run like that in.. Well it’s been quite a while and everyone’s okay, thanks to our feathered friend” he continued, walking up to Featherjoy and ruffling the feathers on her head as she sat on Touch’s shoulder and smiled  at the Professor. “But now, now we need to find a way to deal with the stone. Suggestions anyone?” He asked to the group.

“Well, looking at the quarantine zones through the Stable, I think there must be a way to purge the lab. Maybe from the Overmare’s office?” Suggested Artifact “but I don’t know how viable it’ll be to work with the stone, I think the best thing to do should be to send it back to Canterbridge for safe storage in the vaults. If we can get it away from the vines we could probably make a sealed container to transport it home in.”

“Yeah, I unfortunately have to agree. This thing is far too dangerous. Mr Drive, would you be able to check on the Overmare’s terminal for a way to purge the vines from the area? We’d best get everyone out of the surrounding area to be on the safe side. Could you and Iron see to getting everyone out?” Said Osmosis as he nodded at Artifact “We’ll explain everything when we’re done. Featherjoy, Finishing would you care join me and Drive in the Overmares office? ” Said Osmosis to the two..

“Of course Professor” said the smooze as he and the rest of the group split up to go about their tasks to save the Stable. It didn’t take long for the group to arrive in the two hundred year old office, sat in the middle of the office was a large semicircle desk with a large terminal resting upon it with a large bank of monitors occupying most of the wall behind it.

“If you would Mr Drive?” said the Professor, smiling at the stallion as he gestured to the terminal. “and Featherjoy, if you could watch the monitors and tell me if you see the room with the stone in it please?” He asked to the small gryphon who nodded.

“Sure thing Professor, come on Touch!” said the enthusiastic cub as the smooze walked over to the screens. “Ah, yeah found it... Says ‘Lab 5’ on the screen” pointing towards one of the monitors at the top, fluttering her wings from atop her friend.

“Right, I’ve got in the terminal... Bringing up the lab reports for lab 5... Project Green Dawn, gotta be it. Only project from that lab... Oh damn, it won’t let me start a purge in just the lab. It’s reading spores all over the lab and the surrounding corridors” Said Hard Drive as he stared at the terminal. “Professor, I’m going to need to purge that whole level, from 5A all the way to the lab and the connecting air vents.” He said, looking up towards the blue unicorn.

Nodding at the techichine “Do it, we don’t have a choice. We’ve got no idea how far these vines will spread if we don’t do something” said the Professor as he walked up to look at the monitors, awaiting the flash of flame to stop the plants growth.

“Okay, starting purge in five seconds...” Announced Hard Drive as he pressed a few more buttons on the terminal, glancing back at the monitors along with the others. A few moments later a bright flashing light filled several adjacent monitors followed a few seconds later by a bright flame filling the rooms and corridors. After several long seconds a beep sounded from the terminal, flashing up a message on the screen ‘Purge of level five complete. No biological spores detected. Repeat purge? Y/N’ Hard Drive tapped N, and the flashing lights stopped on the monitors.

“Right, lets go and check on the others.and see about getting this thing out and away from the town... I may also want to tell Muddy Waters what happened. That’ll be a fun conversation” Osmosis grumbled as he lead the others out of the office as Featherjoy and Touch chuckled together.

“I’m sure it won't be as bad as you think it’ll be, she’s a nice mare.” Smiled Touch as he walked with the Professor “Just tell her what happened and that we’ll get rid of it so it won’t effect her town.”

“Yeah, I guess when she sees that we have the town best interest at heart she won’t be too mad that we came close to something going very wrong” He replied back to the smooze.

*****

After inspecting what was left in the lab and finding no evidence of the vines anywhere Featherjoy and Touch joined the Professor and the others as they explained what happened to the towns leader, Muddy Waters and a few other mares and stallions.

“We’ve purged what was left in the lab and surrounding area and we’re going to look into removing the stone from the lab and send it back to Canterbridge to be stored away in our secure vaults till a time we can safely destroy it.” Announces Professor Osmosis to the group, some of them clearly not happy that a dangerous situation was narrowly avoided and started to shout for some kind of punishment for the ones responsible.

“You’d want to punish a young child for a simple mistake? One that none of us could see happening and would have probably done ourselves?” Said Iron Sights as he stepped in front of Featherjoy as she dropped her head at the shouting ponies.

“We came here to help you rebuild this town, we give you assistance in every way you ask and in return all we ask for is access to the stable to see what we could find to help not only this town but the Wasteland as a whole.” Called Touch as he walked up beside the Professor, some of the crowd clearly still not happy with having the smooze creature here in town. “We’ve only began to scratch the surface of what this Stable may contain and after being trapped in a facility myself for years, who knows what we could find. Some of it may be bad, but some will help this town. We’ll be removing the artifact so it will never endanger this town or you ponies again” he shouted over the crowd. “But you won’t pin this on my friend, she didn’t do anything wrong and she even risked herself to help this town. So before you jump so quickly against someone, find out what the whole story is first!” He growled in anger at the crowd, darkening in colour as glared at the shouting ponies.

“Touch... C-c-calm down, you’re scaring them.” mumbled the gryphon from atop her friend as she placed a claw to the side of her friends head. Turning to look at the small cub Touch dropped his head

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted, just know we are working along side you all, rebuilding this town with you” He said as he glanced back up at the group.

“Don’t worry, We’re thankful for the help the Seekers have given us and we’re willing to help you get rid of this stone as soon as you can. We don’t want it in this town, but we do want you” said Muddy Waters as she stepped away from the group heading towards the smooze and gryphon. Smiling back at the mare, Touch nodded in agreement.

*****

Several days later Researcher Artifact, along with the aid of her team had fabricated a special steel box that would allow them to transport the stone and its cradle to Canterbridge to be stored away safely. After loading the stone into the steel box it was loaded onto the back of a caravan, awaiting transport back home.

“Looks like it’s all loaded up and ready to go” Said the Professor as he walked along with Artifact inspecting what’s left. “The caravan will take the safest route, we’ve also had a couple of volunteers from the town to escort it and stay in Canterbridge.” Turning to the stallions pulling the caravan “Good luck, see you guys soon” he called, waving farewell as the started to head off out of the town.

“Let’s just hope they make it, last thing we need is that thing becoming lost out in the Wasteland. But we’ve got some of our best going with it.” Said the mare as she watched them leave, turning back towards the town she noticed the Professor still watching them, “Don’t worry Osmosis, we’ll be heading home soon. We’ve just got a bit more work to do here. Come on, lets go find the others.”

“Yeah, soon we’ll be home.” Looking out in the direction of Canterbridge, smiling “I’ll be home soon my love. Just a little bit longer” He mumbled to himself, turning back walking towards the town. He came along the sight of Featherjoy running around with a group of other young ponies, being chased by a young black colt, a big smile on her face. Standing off to the side smiling and chuckling to himself at the joy of his friend living her life as a young child should, simply having fun in this hard time and during such hardships.

He walked over to join the Smooze and smiled at the sight, thinking to himself ‘I’ve got some great stories for you and great people for you to meet, but I’ll just be a bit longer my love’.

****************************************************************************************************

We'll, this is my first attempt at any real form writing and I’ve actually really enjoyed it. So I think I’ll be giving this ago again sometime soon. So thanks to Volrathxp for pushing me to try writing in the first place and Wirepony for working his arse off to make this readable. You guys rock so hard, I loves ya!

This was originally posted as a part of volrathxp's 'Tales of Chicacolt' short story family. But now it can take it's place here as we start the journey of the smooze and Featherjoy.

Chapter 2: Finishing Touch and the Tomb of the Alicorns

Not all legends are true. Not all myths are worth uncovering. But once upon a time, in the irradiated land of Chicacolt lies a legend that may just be true, a myth that may just be worth uncovering. But what truth will it bring of a magical land lost to war and time long before even that. For The Seekers of Truth and their new found friends it may just lead to truths about one of their own. But the truths they uncover may lead to roads less travelled and to darker legends and troubling myths.

*****

“Featherjoy, please be a dear and pass me the book ‘Ancient Equestrian Legends and Myths.’” called Researcher Artifact as she stared at three different books leaning on a table, covered in hastily scribbled notes. “I think we may be onto something here.”

“Really? What is it!” the small gryphon asked as she fluttered up to the top of a bookcase, sending a few loose pages flying across the room as she went. “Ahh!” shrieked the gryphon, grabbing the book from the shelf, the extra weight proving too much for her small wings. She frantically flapped them in a vain attempt to stop herself from falling from the book case, nearly dropping the book as she tumbled to the ground, landing in a small pile of books and notes on the floor.

“Oh, do be more careful Feathers, some of these books are over two hundred years old. We wouldn’t want to damage anything now.” said the cream coloured mare as she lifted the gryphon and the book up off the floor, adding the book to the others amidst the chaos on the table.

“Sorry Arty, I didn’t mean to fall. It was just too heavy.” said Featherjoy as she pawed at the floor, attempting to look innocent as her eyes looked everywhere but at the mare.

Chuckling to herself Artifact grabbed the cub and embraced her in a hug “Oh, how could I ever tell off a face like that? Now, shall we get back to work. I think we may be close to something here.” Opening up the book ‘Ancient Equestrian Legends and Myths’ the researcher pushed aside a small pile of old notes and cups of old stale coffee, revealing a massive map under all the chaos.

“Now, according to these books a few thousand years ago, before the rule of Celestia and Luna, even before the unification of the three pony tribes there was a large tribe of earth ponies called the Crail. They ruled over most of the area we now call Chicacolt, even heading all the way north towards what was then land ruled by the Gryphon Empire.” said Artifact as she pointed at the map as Featherjoy jumped upon to the table.

“So, if they expanded all the way around here, how come it was the other Earth pony tribe that went to join with the Unicorns and the Pegasi? What happened to them?” she asked as she sat on the table looking over the map.

“A very good question, but we’ll come to that later. The books point towards the tribe worshipping ‘several ponies of the earth, born with the magic of the ancients and the wings of the immortals’. These four ponies apparently had ‘mythical God-like powers’ at their disposal.” said the mare as she walked around the room, reading aloud to her companion.

“The same description appears in all four books, but they all only list one. Never detailing the other three. In ‘Mythical Myths’ it tells of a purple stallion with a blue mane called Phobos, in ‘Legendary Legends’ it describes a red stallion with a yellow mane named Aithon. In ‘Fictionial   Fables’ we have a green stallion with a red mane called Konabos and finally in ‘Ancient Equestrian Legends and Myths’ it mentions a black mare with a white mane called Phlogios.” said Artifact as she pointed to each book in turn.

“Wait, these sound like Alicorns. Like the Princesses, but how come we’ve not heard about them before?” questioned the gryphon as she moved closer to get a better look at the books.

“We’ll, thats what we will have to find out. According to all the legends it says that each one ruled over the tribe alongside the other in perfect harmony, just like the two sister Princesses before the war, and that they brought peace to the region. The legends state that when ‘the four left the world they commanded their greatest to dig deep and return them to the earth’. And I think we may have one of these tombs nearby, if we can locate it just think of what we could learn of our history, of what was lost even before the Great War.” marveled the mare as she walked around the room, a big smile on her face at the prospect of finding something undiscovered for thousands of years.

“But, how’re we going to find these tombs? I guess they didn’t leave a map or anything...” asked Featherjoy as she walked up to one of the books, flipping through a few pages starting to read what was written within.

“That, my young apprentice, is half the fun. We’ve got all the information we need in front of us, we just need to piece it all together. So Featherjoy, what do you say? Do you want to help me dig up the past and see where it leads?” asked Researcher Artifact, a broad smile crossing her face.

Nodding at the mare the gryphon returned the smile “Yeah, lets find this place. I’ll go get Touch to give us a hand!” she said, leaping off the table and gliding out the door as she went off in search of her friend.

*****

“So, what do we know so far?” said the Researcher as she walked around the room, notes covered nearly every wall surface and table space available. It’d been several days since the earth pony, gryphon and smooze began their search for the tomb of the four mythical god like ponies.

“Well, we’ve managed to find out that the centre of their worship happened primarily around this region, judging from what was found before. Just to the south of Arlington was one of their larger towns.” said Finishing Touch as he pointed a purple gloopy hand towards a point of the map. “But, nothing points towards any burial tombs or chambers anywhere.”

“Maybe the books are wrong? Something got mistranslated along the way...” suggested the mare as she flopped down in defeat in a chair, folding her forelegs on the table and resting her head against her hooves. “What’re we missing?”

“Wait, Arty, come look at this. I think I may’ve found something.” said the small gryphon as she leant over an open book, resting upon the table. “It says here ‘And so, on the end of days, when the Sun met with the Moon in the sky the four would rejoin with the earth at the ‘Mountain Of Rebirth’ There can’t be too many mountains around here?”

“Mountain Of Rebirth... No mountains around here by... Wait a second!” shouted Artifact as she jumped up off her seat, dashing over to the other side of the table grabbing a book from the shelves as she went. “There’s a small mountain range nearby, before the war it was famed for it’s population of Phoenixes.” said the mare as she flipped through the book “Yes, here we are. The locals named it ‘Rebirth Mountain’ for it’s high population of them. So that has to be it” she said as she placed the book next to the map on the table.

“So, we’re onto something at least. I feel it’s time to go and have a look at this mountain.” said Finishing touch as he smiled at the two, who nodded back.

*****

Four days later, after traveling the long distance to Rebirth Mountain, the small group of would be explores set up camp at the base of the forest that covered the mountain in search for the entrance of the tomb. “Okay, everyones here, now. How do we get in?” asked Iron Sights, as the earth pony stallion looked around the small tent, his gaze lingering on the smiling face of his sister as she started to unpack a few books with Featherjoy and Touch on the other side of the table

“Right, well from what we know from our research the four ponies were buried somewhere inside that mountain. We’ve got a couple of leads that we can go on, we also know of several paths that the legends tell us the tribe used. So, I feel that will be our best place to start looking in the morning. We don’t want to be out here at night, I don’t trust the area.” Said Researcher Artifact as she placed the books on the small table.

Fluttering from the shoulder of Finishing Touch to land on the table, Featherjoy removed a small notepad from her pack. “Well we know that the tribe buried them ‘at the end of days’ whatever that means” she said as she flicked through the pad.

“It could mean the end of their calendar year? But why would they be buried or leave behind the tribe on just a year change?” suggested the smooze as he approached the table. “Something else must’ve forced these creatures to be buried.”

“Well, the legend said they had themselves buried when the sun met the moon in the sky, right Feathers?" said the cream coloured mare, glancing at Featherjoy as she leant on the table.

“Yeah, but it’s only in one book, it didn’t appear anywhere else.” said Featherjoy as she nodded back at the mare.

“So, a eclipse or some other kind of celestial event may have forced these alicorns to leave?” pondered the mare.

“Or, maybe the sun and moon in your little story are actually the first sightings of Princess Celestia and Luna?” mumbled Iron Sights as he cleaned his shotgun by the side of the tent.

“What was that Sights?”  said Artifact as she looked up from the book.

“The sun and moon. Couldn’t they’ve been good old Celestia and Luna appearing for the first time? They could’ve appeared and freaked out the locals or something?” said Sights as he shrugged to the others.

“That’s a good theory, but why would Celestia and Luna appearing cause the others four to leave?” wondered the mare out loud.

“I have a feeling the only way we’re going to find out is when we find this tomb we seek. As to where ever it is, we do not know." said Finishing Touch.

“Wait a second, you say this mountain used to be known for its wildlife, namely the phoenixes?” asked Featherjoy, her beak buried in another book.

“Yes, the local town apparently did tours and studied them before the war. Why do you ask?” replied the researcher.

“Well I’ve been looking into more of the legend’s and one passage in particular I don’t properly understand, it was part of the instructions left by the four alicorns to their tribe. ‘Follow the path of the immortals, their shall you find the place of resting. Seek us here and you shall be given passage.’” read the gryphon as she pondered the meaning, looking up from her book she walked towards the other end of the table, dropping down from the table heading for the exit.

“Path of the immortals? But any path would’ve been destroyed by the war, not to mention the passage of times itself.” said Finishing Touch

“Might be another mention of this path in another book? I’ll start to look, but it’s getting dark, maybe we should get some sleep? We don’t all need to be up.” said Artifact as she walked to the collection of books she brought with her on the trip.

“Wait, everyone look! Up at the mountain.” Yelled Featherjoy as she jumped and fluttered her wings in excitement, hovering in place pointing at the mountain side.

Upon the mountain, the native but now slightly mutated Balefire Phoenixes nestled in for the night. But what they illuminated in their glowing majestic glory revealed the true meaning to the passage that bothered the young cub. Lighting up what appeared to be a winding trail amongst the trees leading to the top of the mountain, the original pathway lost to time long ago.

“By Celestia, that must be the Path of the Immortals, the birds still nest in the same place their ancestors did many years ago. This is amazing, simply amazing. Well, looks like we’ve got a trail to follow tomorrow.” said Researcher Artifact as she walked up to the entrance to the tent, gazing up on the beautiful sight of the nesting birds lighting the trail to the tomb.

Soon the whole mountain side was joined by many more of the irradiated creatures, returning from who knows where. Lighting up the whole area, bathing it in a eerie green glow. The four friends and soon to be explorers of ancient tombs settled down in each others company around a small but warm campfire, trading stories of adventure of days gone by and expectations of the future to come.

What they they didn’t know, is that as they slumbered for the night, they were being watched by the inhabitants of the mountain.

*****

Daybreak seemed to come far too quickly for the group, as the sun rose from its slumber to take over the watch of Equestria from it’s sister the moon, the mountain side erupted in activity and noise. From every nearby tree flew a large flock of Balefire Phoenixes, flying over the camp and out into the Wasteland, what is left of the once beautiful land of Equestria.

“Oh, wow Touch. Look at all of them, aren’t they so pretty.” called out Featherjoy as she jumped around the small camp, eyes glued on the nearest phoenix as it circled the camp a few times, only to stop and hover staring directly at the cub.

“Be careful now Featherjoy.” warned the smooze as he walked towards Featherjoy “these are wild animals, we don’t want to scare them.”

“Why is this one just.. hovering their, what does it want? It after food or something, ‘cause it aint getting any.” said Iron Sights as he stared at the creature, who still flapped its great green and golden wings hovering in place above the camp.

“He’s so pretty.” said Featherjoy as she moved a little closer to the phoenix but with a shriek the he flew off deep into the forest, leaving the group and the camp behind.

“Aww, you scared him off Sights, another fan of your amazing personality it would seem.” said Artifact as she walked up beside her brother Iron Sights tapping him on the shoulder.

“Oh, harhar very funny.” said the stallion as he walked back into the tent “lets get ready to go, we don’t wanna be caught out here in the dark.”

Several minutes later standing at the edge of the forest, ready to go looking for the long lost tomb of the four alicorns were two ponies, a smooze and a gryphon cub. A stranger sight wouldn’t been seen on the mountain side for many years to come, but the group none the less entered the forest in search for the tomb.

“So, we’ve got a good idea of the entrance of the tomb. The trail lit by the phoenixes last night led about half way up the mountain, so if we follow the path that was lit last night we should find it quickly” said Iron Sights as he led the group heading up the mountain, his shotgun in his holster at his side.

Following right behind him was Researcher Artifact and Finishing Touch with Featherjoy on his shoulders, her eyes glued to the tree top in search of any sign of the inhabitants of the forest. The leaves rustled with the activity amongst them.

Several hours of travelling into the forest, a loud screech rang out from the tree tops as a green and golden phoenix swooped down in front of the adventures landing on a near by tree top. Squawking as it landed, staring straight at the gryphon still perched on the shoulders of the smooze.

“Oh hey, it’s the same phoenix as before. The one from the camp this morning.” called Featherjoy, pointing at the phoenix as he rested in the tree.

“What, how can you tell? They all looked the same.” said Sights as he looked back and forth between the cub and the phoenix.

“Well if it’s the same one, what does he want with us...” asked Artifact, scratching the back of her head in slight confusion.

“He’s maybe here to help us?” said Featherjoy as she jumped from the shoulders of Finishing Touch, walking towards the new arrival. As she closed in on the bird, it shrieked in what appeared to be approval and dropped from the branch circling Featherjoy. A single green feather fell from its wings, landing in front of the cub, then flying slowly deeper into the forest.

“He want’s us to follow him! Quick, come on before we lose him!” called the cub picking up the feather and putting it amongst her own on her head quickly, before running off after the phoenix.

“‘Joy, wait!” called the others as they all ran off after her, catching her up as they pursued the gryphon and the phoenix deeper into the forest.

*****

After following the phoenix, the creature flying from one tree to the next leading the group further up the mountain and towards the tomb of the alicorns. They finally came across a vine and moss covered stone archway, leading what appeared to lead to the tomb, deep beneath the mountain of rebirth.

“Well what do we have here.” called Artifact as she came from behind the last of the trees.

“It would appear we’ve found the entrance of the tomb, our little green friend showed us the way after all.” said Finishing as he ruffled the feathers on Featherjoy’s head, the gryphon smiling back at her friend.

“Now for the fun part, lets see how we can get in.” said Researcher Artifact as she walked towards the archway, clearing away some of the vines.

Lighting up her PipBuck, she gazed into the darkness that awaited the group just past the archway, but the light was absorbed by the darkness before it could light anything up. “I can’t see anything down here, It’s far too dark. It’s almost as if the darkness is eating the light.”

“Hey, Arty. Come look at this.” called Iron Sights as he cleared away more of the vines covering the archway revealing some form on writing carved into the stone hidden beneath.

“Oh, wow... This, this is ancient Equestrian. The language that predated what we use today. If I’m reading this correctly.. and I’m not sure if I am. It say’s ‘to be allowed passage to the resting place of the gods, you must first be one with the immortals.’” said Researcher Artifact as she gazed upon the writing on the stone archway. “One with the immortals, hmm.”

“Well so far everything to do with the immortals in the legend has been the phoenixes. But, how do we become one with them?” said Finishing Touch as he moved towards the entrance to the tomb with Featherjoy close behind him.

As soon as the cub got close to the archway the feather upon her head glowed with a green magical light. Another squark was heard from the tree tops as their guide returned, landing upon the archway and spreading its glorious green and gold wings wide, lighting up the stone in some display of ancient magic. The phoenix once again gave a little shriek as it took off from it’s perch and flew around and down into the tomb entrance, lighting the way and several torches as he went.

Gasping in a strange mixture of delight and shock the small gryphon, Featherjoy turned around to the others, a broad smile covering her face. “Come on, lets see what’s in here” she called as she walked on. down towards the tomb.

Walking down the now green lit passageway, down into the tomb hidden deep inside the mountain, the passageway was covered in vines and moss, it hadn’t seen any travellers in many many years lying undisturbed by pony kind since time unknown.

At the end of the passageway lay a grand chamber, dimly lit only by the phoenix whom sat on a perch sticking out the backwall. The walls of the chamber depict a story, showing the arrival of the four god like beings and the expansions of the tribe of Crail under their rule.

“Oh, wow. This is rather interesting, it shows at least part of the story of the alicorns.” said the Researcher as she ran to the walls looking over it frantically “look, we’ve got the expansion of the tribe, looks like they annexed other tribes into their own, by it be by force or not. A bit of a bloody start..”

As Featherjoy walked into the chamber the phoenix feather on a top her head flared a bright green glow, lighting up the remainder of the chamber.  At the sight of the cub, the phoenix flared out his left wing, pointing the way ahead and flying off down the passageway lighting more torches as he went.

“Ohh, looks like our friend has shown us the path once again. But, what’s he got with Featherjoy, he seems to only interact with her.” asked Iron Sights as he walked towards the passageway, following their new friend.

“Hmm, well maybe he just likes me?” said the gryphon as she looked up at Touch, making her way after her new phoneix friend with the rest of the group.

Following along after their newfound guide, the passageway that funneled the group along their path towards their final goal of finding the resting place of the four alicorns. The passageway walls themselves continued the story of the tribe, depicting a shadow falling upon the land causing destruction as it went.

“Oh oh oh, look. The stories continued on the walls. It.. it says ‘from the heavens fell a great stone. A great shadow of evil creeped forth from it, spreading and corrupting the land as it went.’ But it doesn’t say what it was...” said Artifact as she ran her hoof over the writing carved into the wall.

“A.. A great shadow... “ mumbled the smooze from the back, fear creeping into his voice as he thought about the ancient words carved into the passageway walls.

“Pardon Touch? What was that” said Artifact, turning to face the smooze

“Oh, ermm nothing. Just thinking over what you said about this horrible creature. It must’ve been some kind of horrible being to do this to the ponies...” said Finishing Touch as he looked around the room, avoiding the gaze of his friends.

“Ermm, okay. Lets see what else we have and where our brightly coloured friend went, shall we?” said the mare as she stared at Finishing Touch, starting to move back down the passageway, searching for the phoenix and what other secrets the tomb held within.

Opening up into another large room, their phoenix guide flared its wings again in greeting to the group as he flew around the room lighting a few torches along the walls and settled on the far side of the room. Squawking at the group and gazing straight at Featherjoy as she walked into the room with the others. As she crossed the threshold of the room once again the phoenix feather upon her head flared a vibrant green, bringing light to the whole room. A large, stone plaque sat in the middle of the room, engraved upon its face it continued the tale of the four alicorns.

“Lets see what this tells us.” said Researcher Artifact as she ran up to the stone plaque, once again running her hooves over the surface “It continues the story.. It says ‘The great shadow stretched across the land, bring destruction and death to all in its way. The great shadow, now a large creature of purple darkness, spoke of its intent to destroy all life to all who dared defy it.’”

“So, the story from the temple was true. This, this creature this tomb speaks of... It.. It’s me, or at least was something like me.” said the smooze as he started to shake in fear at the thought of the story, the story that showed a being like himself nearly destroying the world.

“What, what story?” Said Iron Sights as he moved up towards the smooze, only to be beaten to him by Featherjoy who jumped up to her friend, embracing him in a tight hug.

“No, it’s not true at all Touch! Remember what Star said, It’s up to you to decide who you are. No story or legend can tell you that.” she said as he returned the hug.

“But it tells the same story as the book did in the temple, it told of a creature like me or maybe it was me. That, it attempted to take over and corrupt the world.” he said as he looked away from Featherjoy who was still hugging him, tears starting to drip down her face.

“It... It does sound similar to the story here. But more is told, it tells of the four holding it back for a time.. Until ‘the Sun and Moon arrived, bringing with them the six Lights of Hope. One for each Moon and Sun, four bestowed upon our gods. Casting their light upon the shadow the being was purged back to the stone from what it emerged and casting it back to the heavens.’” said Artifact as she finished reading from the stone.

“Touch, this creature isn’t you. We may not know everything about you but you’re a good friend and a good career to young Featherjoy here. She wouldn’t be the same without you.” said Iron Sight as he walked up to the smooze, placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder.

“Maybe you’re right..” mumbled Finishing Touch as he looked at his friends, returning encouraging smiles.

Dropping down from her friends shoulder, wiping her eyes as she landed, Featherjoy moved deeper into the room, the feather on her head lit up once more causing a green glow to surround a portion of the far wall as writing appeared on the surface.

“Ermm, Arty. What’s this...?” asked the gryphon as she moved closer.

“Ohh, ohh this just gets better and better!” she called as she hopped over to the new writing, joy almost dripping from her voice. “Hmm. Oh, I do love a bit of magic, ermm sorry.. It say’s ‘Only the one with the Blessing of the Immortals will open the way to the future’... I’ve an idea. So far this place has only responded to Featherjoy, ‘Joy could you please come here a moment.”

Nodding to the mare Featherjoy started to move towards the newly lit wall, as she drew near the surface the phoenix once again flared with wings and taking flight as it circled the room and landing on the stone plaque. Once the young gryphon got close to the back wall the section bathed in the new green light disappeared revealing a small book on a pedestal.

“I thought as much, you my little friend have the Blessing of the Immortals.. Whatever that means.” said Artifact as she patted the head of Featherjoy, walking into the new room and opening the book and reading from its pages. “Most of it tells of the burial of the four and how after they purged the shadow they fell into weakness and left this world. This bit’s interesting ‘After fire rains from the sky an ancient evil shall return to the land, only to be tempered by friendship and kindness.’ Now that sounds like someone I know...” She said, smiling at the smooze.

Touch moved up into the new chamber, the phoenix keeping a watchful eye on the smooze as he did so. “Does.. Does the book say anything else?” he asked as he placed a gloopy hand on the book. But once his hand touch the book a bright green flash of light pulsed out from the book, causing the phoenix to screech and fly around the room attempting to grab the book from the grasp of Artifact.

“Ahh, no you don't!” shouted the mare as she turned away from the phoenix, blocking its attack causing it to squark in anger before flying off deep into the tomb.

As the phoenix fled the tomb itself start to rumble and shake as the green lights surrounding the room started to go out one by one, the tomb crumbling around the group.

“Okay everyone, field trips over. We gotta get outta here, NOW!” shouted Iron Sights as the ceiling started to fall around him. Turning and running towards the rooms exit with the others, as they neared the passageway a door started to slowly slide into place attempting to block their escape.

“Oh crap.” called the stallion as sprinted to the door, attempting to slow it down to little effect. “If everyone would kindly vacate the room, that would be lovely!” he said as the others stared to file out of the room. Grabbing Featherjoy as she went, Artifact placed her on her back as she slid under the door followed by Touch and Iron Sights, ducking under the door as it slammed to a close.

“Lets keep moving, we need to get... “ started Iron Sights as he was interrupted by the sound of loud rumbling and stone grinding against stone as the top of the passageway started to slid back. “Oh what now!” finished the stallion.

“Well, I think it’s unwise to wait and find out, so lets go shall we?” said Finishing Touch as he helped Artifact and Featherjoy up off the floor, taking off down the hallway to escape the horrors now attempting to trap them all inside. A loud thud and a rumbling sound echoed down the passage as a large boulder fell from the newly opened ceiling, rolling towards the fleeing group.

“Oh great, that’s just great! Now a giant rock!” yelled Sights as he ran with the others from the giant boulder that now chased them towards the next chamber, the stone getting ever closer to its goal of crushing the explorers. The door ahead started to close like the one behind it, hoping to trap the group inside, to be crushed by the pursuing boulder.

“Gogogogogogo!” called out Artifact as she and the rest of the group jumped under the door into the next chamber. Landing in a pile made of each other, narrowly avoiding the pursuing boulder as it slammed  and the door slammed to a stop, rocking the foundations of the room.

“Come out to the tomb, we’ll get together have a few laughs. Last time I listen to my sister..” mumbled Iron Sights to himself from the floor.

“What’s happening, why is this going on all of a sudden Touch?” asked Featherjoy as she picked herself up from the pile, staring at Finishing Touch.

“I don’t know, this all happened when I placed my hand upon the book. Maybe some kind of protective spell?” said Touch as he picked himself up “Seems like the tribe doesn’t like me very much if I caused all this...”

“Well, we should keep going. We’ve no idea what other little presents this place has in store for us.” said Iron Sights as he stood up from the floor, then moving to help his sister as well. “This always happens when you find some new place Arty, can’t you take me to a place that doesn’t start to fall apart at the end?”

“Well, yes. But then where would the fun be in that?” replied Artifact as she dusted herself off.

A bright flash of green light heralded the return of the phoenix this time joined by three others, flaring their wings they hovered in place in front of the group. The shaking of the tomb stopped as one of the phoenixes flew down, landing directly in front of Finishing Touch, staring directly into his eyes for several long moments.

“Touch, what is it...” asked Featherjoy as she moved towards her friend, only to be stopped as he held out a hand towards her.

“We mean you no harm... I do not mean you or this world any harm, if the tale that this tombs tells is true, then I’m sorry. But as the book we found said I’ve been tempered by the friendships I’ve found.” said Finishing Touch as he slowly lifted a hand up to the phoenix.

The phoenix eventually closed it eyes and leant into the outstretched hand, nuzzling it. The phoenix flew back up to rejoin with the others hovering in place above the group. A moment later several bright flares of multi-coloured magic flooded the room, as the phoenixes spun around bathed in the light and lowered to the ground. In their place stood four tall alicorns. Three stallions, one purple, one red and one green and one mare her coat black as the night.

“We’ve looked into your heart creature and found it not filled with the hatred of the Shadow of aeons passed.” said the black mare as she walked forward.

“But now filled with the kindness and love of those that surround you.” said the purple stallion, walking up beside the mare.

“The prophecy we foretold has come to pass, the creature we fought for so long has returned.” the red stallion said as he walked next to the others

“And has been tempered by the kindness and love of others, stopping his accent to evil.” said the final green stallion as he joined his brothers and sister.

“You.. You’re the alicorns of old. Phobos, Aithon, Konabos and Phlogios.” said Researcher Artifact as she pointed at the four alicorns that now stood before the group.

“Wait what, they passed away and were buried here after they used the Light thingies... How can they... You know what, I’m not even gonna think about it. I’ll leave that to you Arty.” said Iron Sights as he shook his head in slight confusion.

“Yes, Artifact, pony of earth. We are the ones who helped save this land with the ones you knew as the Sun and Moon.” replied the purple coated stallion, Phobos.

“As we wielded the Lights of Hope we poured our essence into the spell, sacrificing much of ourselves to save the world that was.” said the black coated mare, Phlogios.

“We pushed back the shadow, saving the world that was. But we did not survive, we returned our bodies to the earth, our magic to the heavens and our wings to the immortals.” the red coated stallion Aithon said.

“We return now to see that what was foretold came to pass and we may now rest, knowing that our duty is done.” said green coated stallion, Konabos.

“It’s true, I mean this world no harm. I just wish to live and to protect the ones I’ve come to call my family.” said Touch as he smiled at Featherjoy and the others, smiling back at his words, Featherjoy fluttered her wings, flying up to his shoulders.

“Yes, we see that now. The small one who received the Blessing of the Immortals, her heart holds great love for you Finishing Touch.” said Phlogios as she smiled at the two

“As long as she is with you, to temper your heart with kindness then the world shall know no fear from the Shadow.” Aithon said to the group.

“Keep her close and keep her safe, for the Blessed of the Immortals have a lot to give in this world.” said Konabos, staring at the gryphon.

“We must now go, our time upon this world is now spent. We pass our watch now to you Featherjoy of the gryphons, the newly Blessed of the Immortals.” said Phobos as he and the others moved back from the group.

Four bright lights filled the room once again, fully encompassing the four alicorns. The lights started to slowly rise as the four merged into one, bursting at it reached the top of the chamber the small sparks of light fell towards the small gryphon Featherjoy, still perched on the shoulder of the smooze. As the falling sparks reached the young gryphon they fell upon her, covering her in the same light that was the alicorns.

Once the glow faded from Featherjoy she didn’t seem any different, apart from the green phoenix feather that once nestled amongst her white feathers, now were four multi-coloured feathers. One purple, one red, one green and one black sticking out as if they were her own.

“‘Joy, your feathers!” called Artifact from behind the two, approaching them.

“What, what’s happened, what happened to my feathers?” said Featherjoy as she ran her claws through the feathers on her head.

“You’ve got some new ones, it’s the Blessing of the Immortals. The alicorns gave you a gift my friend, what it is. I do not know.” said Touch as he scratched just under the gryphons beak, making her giggle at the touch.

“Maybe the book will have more answers, I’ll have to study it when we get back to Arlington. Oh the Professors going to have fun hearing about this one.” said Artifact as she put the book back in her bag.

“Yeah, I think it’s time we leave this tomb. Let’s head home.” said Finishing Touch as he started to move towards the exit with the others.

“So, anyone care to explain how were they buried here, yet be the Phoenixes? I just don’t understand.” asked Sights as he ran walked with the others

“Well.. It’s all very simple Sights. Magic!” replied Artifact smiling at her brother as he shook his head, the sound of Featherjoy chuckling to herself from her perch filling the chamber.

*****

The journey back down the mountain was a quiet affair, upon leaving the tomb the group found that the mountain side was once again lit by the presence of the native balefire phoenixes. The one’s lining the path leading from the tomb seemed to dip their heads at the group as they walked by as a sign of respect to the newly Blessed of the Immortals.

“So, what does this Blessing mean?” asked Featherjoy as she jumped down from the smooze, landing in the camp.

“We don’t know, but we’ll find out, trust me.” said Touch as he walked towards the tents.

“We’ll see what we can find when we get back. Don’t worry Feathers, we’ll find out what you’ve been given.” said the researcher as she walked past into the camp. “But I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m gonna get some sleep. It’s been quite the day”

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I’m knackered.” yawned Iron Sights, moving towards the tents of the camp.

“Too much thinking for your liking Sights?” joked Artifact from the entrance to her own tent.

“Well next time you come to me asking for help when you go off raiding tombs or whatever, I think I’ll pass. Being crushed by a giant boulder isn’t in my job description.” complained Iron Sights as he walked into his tent.

A few hours later, as the moon hung highly in the sky one member of the group found himself unable to sleep. Sitting alone, gazing upon the tomb that told of how a creature just like himself nearly plunged the world into darkness and death, worrying what the future held for him and his newly found friends.

“Touch, what’s wrong. Why aren’t you asleep?” asked Featherjoy as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh, ‘Joy. It’s nothing. Just thinking about what happened today. This story, it seems to follow me like a curse. Yet I have no recollection of it myself. If what the alicorns in the tomb say is true, then it was me all those years ago. I was the one who nearly destroyed the world.” said Finishing Touch as he looked upon Featherjoy and her new coloured feathers resting upon her head.

“It may’ve been you all those years ago, but now you’re not like that. And that’s what matters, it’s up to you to make your life what it is.” she said as she moved up next to her friend. “and like the four alicorns said, as long as we’re with you you’ll be fine.”

“Yes, indeed my friend. As always you’re right.” he said as he picked her up in a hug.

“Of cause I am. Now, lets get some sleep.” said the gryphon as she dropped down from her friend and walking back to the tents.

The morning arrived just like any other but the phoenixes this time didn’t leave the mountain, instead they lined the edge of the forest, watching as the group prepared to leave the Mountain of Rebirth.

“You know what, I’ll be so glad when we get outta here and away from the annoying birds! Just sitting there, watching us. I tell ya it’s down right creepy...” complained Iron Sight as he helped break down the camp with the others.

“I think there just watching me, making sure we get home safely. They don’t mean us any harm.” said Featherjoy as she looked at the tree line and the phoenixes inhabiting them.

“Yes, well I think it’s time we headed home” said Finishing Touch as he loaded the last of the packs onto the cart, as the group headed away from the mountain the phoenixes of the mountain let out a final loud squawk as the blessed left the mountain.

*****

“So, that’s when the four alicorns disappeared in a bright flash of light, turning into little stars that fell into me. That’s when I got these!” said Featherjoy as she pointed to the new feathers on her head. Having returned back to Arlington several days later, Featherjoy and Finishing Touch found themselves in the office of Professor Osmosis telling him tale of what happened at the mountain.

“So, you’ve received this Blessing of the Immortals from four long dead alicorns? Well it sounds like I’ve missed quite the trip.” chuckled Osmosis as he sat at his desk.

“Artifact’s going to look into what else she can find out about what this blessing does and what else these four alicorns did, the fact we know so little about them is odd. You think someone else would’ve found out about them.” said Finishing Touch

“Well, sounds like you’ve got some work to do.” said the professor as he smiled at the small gryphon.

With more knowledge of his past, but the future still uncertain, Finishing Touch looked upon what favours he’d been given. A unusual but loving family, a family who cared for him and who he cared for himself. A friend who’d go to the end’s of the earth with him to find out about his past, a friend who would do anything for him, a friend who would risk her own life to protect his. A friend who was now the newly Blessed of the Immortals.

As the three friends sat their, telling of their adventures in the tomb, the soft voice of Sweetie Belle floated out of the radio resting on the cluttered desk of the professor. Singing of a time lost long ago, but a time not unlike their own. A time of uncertain futures where all you needed to get through was a good friend at your side to guide you along the right path.

********************************************************************************************************

Well here we go, my second chapter. This has once again been a lot of fun to write, seeing our little band of explorers finding out more about the smooze and ancient alicorns but what’s to follow and what’s this Blessing of the Immortals that poor little Featherjoy’s gone and gotten herself.

Chapter 3: Featherjoy and the Library of the Hallowed

They say the future is uncertain. That no one can tell what will happen. Few claim to be able to see the future, fewer still claim what they see to be true. They say that only you can shape your own future, but when you’re shown your own future do you make that future yours or do you do all you can to change it?

*****

“Gahh, this doesn’t make any sense!” shouted out Artifact as she slammed her face down into the book, resting upon the table in the busy cafeteria of the Stable deep beneath the town of Arlington.

“Now Arty, it can’t be that bad. I’m sure you’ll find something soon.” replied Iron Sight as he placed two trays of food down on the table, sliding one in front of the mare.

“That’s the problem, nothing in this book makes sense. It tells of the tribe burying the four alicorns, which we know about having talked to them. But then it talks about six other ponies being the ‘Hallowed’ ones or something and another location. A ‘Library of The Hallowed’ if I’m even translating all of this correctly, but it doesn’t hint at or say anything about where it is.” mumbled the mare as she poked at her food.

“Well, I think you’ve been working too hard on this. You need to take a break or you’ll burn yourself out.” said Professor Osmosis as he started his lunch. "You remember what happened last time.."

“Wait, you said hallowed?, That's like holy or something right, could these others have been like Featherjoy?” said Sights as he munched away at his food. “Hallowed could be the same as this blessing that she got. Maybe like in the tomb only one of them can find out where this library is? She did open up the wall to where you got the book.” he said, shoveling another mouth full of food into his mouth.

“Yes, that’s it! Featherjoy might be able to activate something within the book, the tomb was covered in old magic after all, maybe the book is as well!” said the mare as she bolted up from the table. “Sights you’re a genius, it’s not true what the other academics say about you!” she said as she hugged her brother from across the table before running off. “I’ve got to find those two, I’ll see you later.”

“Ahh, ermm. Glad to help?” said Sights as he looked towards the quickly disappearing form of his sister. “Wait, what does she mean ‘It’s not true what others say about me?” he said looking towards the Professor who just smiled back.

“Ermm.. I ermm, I’ve no idea..  Bread roll?” he chuckled back to his friend as he offered him some of Artifact’s forgotten food.

*****

“So, you want me to take a look at this book?” said the small gryphon as she jumped up onto the table in the office of Researcher Artifact as she and Finishing Touch entered the room. The once cluttered table in the middle of the office was now clear, showing off the map underneath, sat in the middle of the table rested the book found within the Tomb of the Alicorns a few short day's ago.

“Yes, I think that like in the tomb there may be some kind of magic that can reveal more about the ancient tribe. You see,” said Artifact as she moved towards the book, flipping through the pages. “It mentions several other ponies being called the hallowed and some kind of library. But it never say anything really about them or where this place is. We think that the hallowed might have got a similar blessing that you’ve got. So, I hope that you’ll be able to reveal something. Because, we’ll I’m kinda stuck.” she said as she looked at the gryphon as the Smooze, Finishing Touch, moved up behind her.

“Well, let me take a look.” said Featherjoy as she looked up at her friend, Finishing Touch,  who smiled back down at the young gryphon as she moved over to the book. Placing her claw upon it, she carefully perused the pages. As she flipped through the book, green writing started to flash up along a few of the pages, the magic within the book writing a secret message that only the blessed gryphon could see.

“Oh wow. Look at this. More writing’s appearing, just like in the temple.” said Featherjoy as she pointed to the newly appeared writing on the page.

“What, new writing? I can’t see anything..” said Artifact as she looked over the gryphon. “Can you see anything Touch?” as she looked towards the smooze.

“No, nothing. Must be something to do with the Blessing like you thought Artifact.” Said Touch as he looked between his friend Featherjoy and the researcher.

“Oh, right. Well it talks about some kind of.. library I guess? It say’s ‘The newly Hallowed shall light the way back to the knowledge of truth and what’s to come’.” Featherjoy said as she ran her claw over the page, as she turned the page a bright green wave of light flowed out of the book, flowing over the whole room, covering the walls and tables.

“Oh, wow. I definitely saw that. Now, what did it... Ohhh, that’s interesting.” said Researcher Artifact as she looked at the map upon her table.

The wave of light that spread over the room now settled over the table in the middle of the room. Hovering just above the table rested a magical portrayal of a map of ancient Equestria. Several markers blinked on the virtual map.

“A map? It’s not quite right, of course this will be thousands of years old. I know, lets do this shall we..” said Artifact as she lined up the map on the table with the new map, floating just above the table. “Well, that icon there must be Rebirth Mountain.” she said as she pointed towards a symbol of a phoenix “We’ve got the mountains to the north, what was the gryphon empire... If we match them up, we can estimate the other locations..” finished the mare as she stepped back from the table once the icons lined up.

“But which one’s the library?” asked Featherjoy as she walked closer to the map. “We’ve got so many icons.”

“See what the book says, it may give more information on what these icons mean.” said Finishing Touch as he gazed at the new map that lit the room.

Nodding to the smooze Featherjoy once again flicked through the book, her eyes dancing along with the ancient words written upon its pages as the magic buried within the book flared to life once more bringing with it hidden text for the Blessed gryphon.

“Oh, here we go ‘Once the Hallowed lights the way, the journey back shall become clear, the water shall welcome her return’. Well that doesn’t help very much and what’s this ‘water’ it suddenly mentions?” said the small gryphon as she placed a claw upon the page. Once the claw touched the paper of the book a green bolt of light streaked out of the book, striking the magical map and bringing with it a new icon. An open book with a sword resting down its middle.

“Ohh or it could be just what we were after. Now, looking at it’s location from Rebirth Mountain and this mark here, which I think is where there main town was.” said Artifact as she pointed to another symbol to the south of Arlington. “So, that would put it about four to five days journey west of us, looks like its near what was an underground reservoir, that’ll be the water it mentioned in the story.” said the mare as she pressed a few buttons on the PipBuck attached to her leg, entering the map coordinates of the library.

“Well, now we know of our destination we should see about planning another expedition. This one’s a lot farther away than the mountain was.” said Finishing Touch as he leaned on the table, staring at the map. A worried look upon his face as he thought and feared about what new secrets will be uncovered about him, the world that was and what dangers awaited him and his friends.

“Don’t worry Finishing, we’ll be ready for the journey and what we’ll find this time.” said Artifact as she walked up to the smooze, placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder as she saw the worry that consumed him.

*****

Several days had passed since the location of the Library of the Hallowed had been discovered by Featherjoy and the others, the ancient book revealing no other secrets that it may contain.

“So, we all ready to go?” asked Artifact as she looked upon the small group that gathered around her and a small cart containing all their equipment.

Jumping up to the shoulders of her friend Finishing Touch, the small gryphon Featherjoy nodded in excitement to the mare “Yeah, I think we’re all set. You ready Iron?” she asked as the dark grey stallion walked up to them with Professor Osmosis just behind him.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this again. How did you convince me again Arty?” asked Iron Sights as he smiled at his sister.

“Wasn’t me this time, you’ve got Featherjoy to blame.” chuckled Artifact “All your determination useless against sad gryphon eyes” as she remembered the young gryphon becoming rather upset when Sights refused to go this time, needless to say the look that she gave him soon made him rethink his refusal.

“Oh yeah, that was it... That look shouldn't be allowed.” said Sights as he smiled at Featherjoy as she chuckled and smiled back at the stallion.

“Right, well I think we have everything we need. Shall we.. “ Professor Osmosis started to say as he was interrupted by a shout from behind the group. as a small group of young colts came running around from behind a building.

“‘Ay, Feathers!” called the colt, Urchin, at the head of the small band of friends “We heard you lot was off out again. Where’s ya goin?” he asked as he skidded to a stop.

“You!” shouted Professor Osmosis as he turned to see the new arrivals “you’re the one who keeps sneaking into my lab and making a mess of things! I’ve lost days of work due to you and your friends!”

“Ohh, ermm hey Professor. We err, just thought we may be able to ‘elp you is in all, in your ermm research?” said Urchin as he attempted to avoid the gaze of Osmosis.

“No harm done Professor, just sounds like they were bored.” said Artifact as she moved up to Osmosis, smiling at Urchin “Ain’t that right?”

“Yeah, didn’t mean to ‘cause no trouble Professor!” replied Urchin as he moved up to the carts, looking at what was inside.

“Hmm, fine. Just don’t sneak in again, okay?" said Osmosis as he watched the colt.

“Okay, you’re the boss! Where you guys off to anyway? Wow, Feathers. What happened to you, you got some funky new hair style or summit?” called Urchin as he looked up at Featherjoy, staring at the new feathers atop her head.

“Oh these? Ermm well we don’t properly know yet, but err. well four old alicorns used some kinda magic on me and I got these, we’re hoping to find out something new, that’s why were heading out again..” said the gryphon as she scratched the back of her head from atop her friend.

“Well, sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure. We’ll, when you know more, let us all know. We’ve missed ya, ain’t we guys?” called out Urchin as he started to walk back to the small group he arrived with as they called out in agreement.

“Okay, I’ll see you around Urchin.” called out the gryphon as she waved at the small group before they ran off back towards the town.

“Shall we get going then? It’s a long walk to this library of yours Featherjoy.” said Osmosis as he started to hitch himself up to the cart, smiling at the sound of laughter and the sight of his two closest friends readying themselves for yet another adventure in the Equestrian Wasteland.

*****

Several days had passed as the group journeyed to the reservoir and the supposed location of the Library of the Hallowed. The end of their uneventful journey found them setting up camp just outside of a cave entrance that lead deep into the earth.

“Well, looks like we’re here. This is the location that the spell pointed to.” said Artifact as she looked at the PipBuck on her leg.

“Right, well lets stay here tonight. We can go in tomorrow when it’s light. Lets get set up.” said Iron Sights as he moved up next to his sister as they both looked out towards the cove entrance.

“What do you think we’ll find this time Iron?” Asked the mare, concern and worry creeping into her voice as she glanced at her brother.

“Well, hopefully answers for our little feathered friend over their. But whatever we find in this place we’ll find it together.” replied Iron Sights.

“I guess, but after last time in the tomb... we nearly didn’t make it out.” mumbled Artifact.

“Arty, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I’ll always be here to protect you.” said Sights as he placed an arm over his sister. “I’ll never let anything really bad happen to you or any of our friends, you know that right?”

“Yeah, yeah. I know” replied Artifact as she rested her head against her brother. “Lets head back to the others, we can look at this properly tomorrow.”

Turning back toward the others the two ponies made their way back to the camp, unaware that from deep within the entrance to the cave the eyes of a being long forgotten to time watched and waited for them to enter her Library and to find out the truth that they think they seek.

*****

The next day dawned like any other over the Equestrian wasteland, bringing with it hope and worry to the explorers of the Seekers of Truth. As the light of the sun flowed over the camp, allowing the small band of friends to begin their adventure into unknown and ancient territory, some were not quite ready to face the dangers of the unknown.

“Five more minutes mom.” mumbled the voice of Iron Sights as he rolled over again in the cot, attempting to ignore the shouts from outside to little effect.

“Come on Sights! You need to get up already! Aren’t you excited to find out what we’ll find?” said Featherjoy as she fluttered around the entrance to his tent, only to hear a mumbled shout and shoring from the tent.

“You won’t get him up, only one thing ever gets him up this early. An luckily for you, I just happened to have brought some with me” said Artifact as she moved a pan over the small camp fire. Removing a small plastic tub from her bag she placed several strips of meat on the pan as it started to sizzle.

“Is that what I think it is?” Asked Professor Osmosis as he moved over to the camp fire as he levitated a small pack of oats next to himself, enjoying his own basic breakfast. “Where the heck did you get Radigator meat from? We’ve not been anywhere near a vendor that sold that stuff in weeks?”

“Radigator? Oh, yes I’ve read about them. Large reptiles that live near water, not very friendly to ponies if I remember correctly.” said Finishing Touch as me watched the pair from the other side of the camp.

“Yup not the nicest of things you can meet in the Wasteland but if you can get the things down, well you get Radigator bacon. An if I know my brother...” she started to say as she looked over to the tent that contained her slumbering brother. A strange grumbling noise emerged from the tent as it started to shake from movement within.

“Aww, is that?” called out Iron Sights as he poked his head out of his tent “Radigator bacon!” Running out of the tent to the campfire next to his sister he snatched the plate from her hooves as she offered it to him, devouring the food on the plate.

“Works every time.” said the mare with a small smile upon her face.  “Anyone else want some?” as she started to place more food on the pan. After enjoying a full breakfast and getting all their equipment ready The Seekers of Truth prepared themselves for whatever awaited them deep within reservoir and the Library of the Hallowed that lay within.

“Well, what do we have this time?” said Researcher Artifact as she moved over to the entrance to the cave with the others behind her. “Last time, the entrance to the tomb was covered in ancient writing..” mumbled the mare as she moved her hoof over the caves entrance.

“Anything this time Artifact?” Asked Finishing Touch as he moved up next to the mare with Featherjoy once again resting on his shoulders.

“No, nothing. I thought there would’ve been something” replied the mare, glancing at the others.

“Anything Featherjoy?” the smooze asked as he looked at the young gryphon on his shoulders.

“Ermm, no. Nothing.” said the gryphon as she jumped down from the shoulders of her friend and walked towards the cave. “At least nothing yet.”

“Well, looks like we’ll have to do this the good old fashioned way.” called Professor Osmosis as he walked forwards peering inside the cave. “Well shall we?” said the stallion as he lit up his horn, bringing light to the darkness of the cave.

Walking down the passageway, now dimly lit by an assortment of small torches, PipBucks and the magical light spell fromthe Professor’s horn, the Seekers of Truth journeyed deep down into the earth, the way leading them to an end. A large round door covered in writings from a time long lost awaited them.

Researcher Artifact rushed up ahead of the group to the door that barred their path, swiping her front hooves over the surface as she quickly looked over the door. “Oh wow. Ohh this is interesting! We’ve not seen anything like this before..” mumbled the mare to herself.

“What does it say?” asked Osmosis as he walked up next to the mare, bringing more light to the door.

“Well, for one. It’s not all in ancient Equestrian. Some of it seems to be written in ancient Gryphish, used by the Gryphon empire around this time.” said Artifact as she gazed upon the stone door.

“Gryphish? But why would that language be written here?” questioned the smooze as he moved forward, Featherjoy perched upon his shoulders.

“Well, I don’t rightly know right now and I must say my Gryphish isn’t that up to snuff. But it starts off in a different language, Old Equestrian; ‘The Library of the Hallowed will enlighten all, for within they await the last who shall lead the way home’” said Artifact as she read aloud to the others.

“But this is where it starts to get odd, I can only make out certain words. Here we have the Gryphish word for ‘Young or Offspring.’” she said pointing to the door. “Here we’ve got the words ‘Protector’, ‘Knowledge’ and what I think is ‘Everlasting or Eternal’?” said the researcher as she pointed to several symbols on the door.

“Well ain’t that something? Anything about how to open the darn thing?” called out Iron sight from the back of the group.

“I’m sorry Iron, but these kinda things don’t just have a big button to press that says ‘Open’. So you’ll just have to wait.” Shouted Artifact as she looked back at her brother.

“Wait a second” said Featherjoy as she jumped down from the shoulders of her friend walking up to the door, the sounds of Artifact and Iron Sights arguing in the background filled the passageway,

“What is it Featherjoy?” asked Finishing touch as he moved after his friend.

“I’m not sure, something just feels strange about this bit.” said Featherjoy as she looked upon the door. As she approached the door another bright flash of light flared from the feathers atop her head, illuminating the passageway as the light settled around the edge of the door.

“What was... ?” asked Professor Osmosis as a loud rumbling noise started to fill the passageway, followed by the sound of falling water, the door rolling to the side and a waterfall taking it’s place. After a few seconds the waterfall started to part in the middle, revealing a grand chamber of the Library of the Hallowed, an ancient room long forgotten to time and filled with shelves upon shelves of books carved into the stone of the earth.

“Just like the book said ‘Once the Hallowed lights the way, the journey back shall become clear, the water shall welcome her return’” mumbled Artifact to herself as she looked into the newly opened chamber.

“Oh, oh wow.” mumbled Featherjoy as she and the others started to walk into the library, looking as slowly torches around the room flared to life, bringing with them more and more shelves. “Look at them all Touch. This place... It’s huge.”

“That it is Featherjoy” replied the smooze as he looked around the room, now fully lit by the torches.

“Oh my, Professor we’re gonna need a bigger cart” mumbled Iron Sights.

“I think you might be right my friend” said Professor Osmosis.

“So, so many books. I’m.. I’m.. I’m. How am I gonna be able to read through all of these!” called out Artifact as she and the rest of the Seekers moved deeper into the chamber, walking past rows upon rows of books and old tables as the eyes of the being of old gazed upon the new arrivals to her library.

“Well, don’t worry my dear. I’ll send a message back to the Vice-Chancellor back home at Canterbridge. I’m sure she’ll send some people down to catalogue all these books.” said Professor Osmosis as he looked towards Artifact as she nodded.

As the group ventured deeper and deeper into the ancient library a blue glow emanated from the back of the chamber, bringing with it the sound of flowing water. Resting upon a pedestal surrounded by water being fed by a small waterfall rested a single book .

“Oh, wow. What’s this?” asked Featherjoy as she fluttered over to the pedestal, latching onto the side to look upon the old red faced book.

“Please be careful Featherjoy.” said the smooze, Finishing Touch following up behind the small gryphon as she moved to open the book.

“Don’t worry Touch, It’ll be...” started Featherjoy as she reached to open the book, a brilliant bright blinding flash of light came from the book filling the entire room.

“Ahh, son of a!” cried out Iron Sights as he lowered his hoof from his eyes, only to be greeted by the sight of a empty pedestal. No sign of the gryphon cub to be seen.

“Featherjoy!” called out Finishing Touch as he dashed up to the pedestal where his friend once was.

*****

“Touch, Professor...!” called out Featherjoy as she looked around, surrounded by nothing but a white empty expanse. “Anyone? Artifact? Iron... Please” she called out once again, fear starting to creep into her voice as she started to realise that she was all alone.

“Do not fear young one. You’re safe here.” came a voice out of a almost blinding light, as a blue earth pony mare with a long white mane and tail walked out of the light towards Featherjoy. A sense of calm came with her, soothing the terrified young gryphon.

“Who.. Who are you? Where am I?” asked Featherjoy as she looked up at the new arrival to the blank white room.

“I’m Lexicon, known as The Librarian. One of the Six Hallowed of the Crail and as to where you are? We’ll you’ve not gone anywhere.” Said the mare as she started to walk around Featherjoy.

“Wait you’re one of the six Blessed? You’re just like me, what does this blessing mean.. and what do you mean I’ve not gone anywhere!?” said Featherjoy, looking confused at The Librarian.

“Blessed? Yes, I guess you could’ve called the six of us that. We all tried to make the world a better place, all but one of us anyway...” said The Librarian as she looked down, deep in thought for a second before looking back at the gryphon. “Ahem, anyway. As for you my dear, well your blessing is an interesting one. Yours is linked to another, one we once called our enemy. I feared for this day and hoped it would never come to pass, for it meant the return of The Shadow. But as was foretold by the Four, a creature of wing and talon came to temper the heart of The Shadow and stop his ascent to evil.” continued the mare.

“Finishing Touch, he’s not like that shadow. He’s our friend!” called out Featherjoy as she glared at the mare as she continued to walk around the gryphon.

“So it would seem, but for how long? That will depend on you, for you’ve been granted the blessing of eternal life, Featherjoy The Eternal.” said The Librarian as she bowed down in front of the gryphon.

“What... Eternal life? That’s what my blessing is...” replied the gryphon as she fell backwards in shock of the news.

“An aspect yes, but more so it will be protecting the world from The Shadow. For you have the potential to save it, to make it into a world of your liking or to rule it as your own. It’s up to you which comes to pass.” the mare said standing in front of the gryphon.

“How do you know what’s going to happen? You can’t possibly predict the future.” mumbled Featherjoy as she looked up at The Librarian.

“I’ve seen much, many of the prophecies have come to pass. For they told of the seventh blessed being of talon and wing, the return of The Shadow and how she would temper the creatures heart.” she said as she walked away from the gryphon. “Many possible futures, but none are certain and always changing. For you, three are constantly merging and changing. Not one is set.”

A green light flared, changing the white room to a small town in the midst of chaos. Many ponies ran around screaming in terror as the sounds of battle ranged forth.

“This is the focal point where they change, for the choices made here will change the course of your history for better or for worse for the world.” said The Librarian

“What, where are we?” said Featherjoy as she walked up to the mare.

“The name of this town is not known to me, the details are never accurate. But what is important is the choices you make. For what is known is that this town is doomed to fall to a enemy unknown to us, familiar to a time long lost. ” said the mare as the chaos of battle flowed over the town.

“Three versions are known. A valiant defence and a fall to darkness and hatred, for the loss of others is a heavy burden. You take it upon yourself to change the world to how you see fit. Removing the evil from the world but becoming one yourself.” said the Librarian as the town fell to ruin around them, a dark smooze surging forward to cover the area. Overhead, a large gryphon hovered, hatred and rage heavy on her face, the colourful feathers atop her head a discordant note of brightness against her filthy frame.

“That’s.. No it can’t be. I’d never do anything like this!” cried out Featherjoy as she stared at The Librarian.

“But the peace you bring after is a long one. No one would dare challenge you or The Shadow at your side, the world would know peace. Isn’t it a small price to pay to be ruler of a world that knows only peace?” asked the mare as she looked down at the gryphon.

“I..I don’t know” replied Featherjoy

“This is just one possible version of the future. Here is another where you take a different path. A sacrifice made, one lost to protect the world from it’s horrible power. A future where many can feel safe and learn of the past, strengthening them to live in their uncertain future, free of the ancient evil that threatened them.” said The Librarian as the town changed into a large old style building teaming with ponies running in and out. In front of a large window stood the same gryphon as before, but this time where hatred and rage had marred her face, now sadness and tears lingered. Next to her was nothing, an empty space where her friend once stood.

“Why are you showing these to me?” cried the gryphon “I just want to go home, back to my friends!”

“There is just one more possible future you must see, one not filled with strife or struggle for you. But filled with a short life, one full of love and the sorrow of loss. For when the final day dawns, a friend must make a choice that could doom the world to darkness and war once again” said The Librarian as once again the scene around them changed. A small open casket, it’s sole occupant a old gryphon with blue tipped feathers. But at the back a smooze stood silent , a struggle with grief for a creature who lost his last friend began.

“I could take away your gift, remove the blessing and allow you to live a mortal life” said the mare as she looked upon the gryphon once again.

“So, you’re saying you can remove my blessing. But what would become of Touch when I... No, i need to be with him. I won’t allow any of your futures to be, I was told by a dear friend that you make your own destiny, no one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s down to you and you alone.” said Featherjoy as she turned to look at the mare who’d shown her her own possible futures, her face defiant and stern.

“A bold statement, one many have made in the past but few have changed what I see. You know of what will happen if you fall to darkness yourself, or give into fear. I just hope you make the correct choice.” said The Librarian, standing in front of the gryphon with two of her future selves.

“You’ll know what to do in the future, I trust you to make the correct choice.” one of the gryphons snarled, her face still warped in a rictus of anger.

“Don’t forget the consequences of your actions.” said the other gryphon, her face still sad.

“I’ll return you to your friends now, they’ve been quite worried about you” the Librarian said. Her horn flared, and a blinding white light took Featherjoy away.

*****

“Featherjoy.... Featherjoy, where are you!” shouted Finishing Touch as he and the others ran over to the pedestal where their friend was just a few seconds ago.

“What the heck... Where’d she go?” asked Iron Sights as he looked around for the small gryphon.

“This.. This doesn’t make any sense, I know we’ve seen magic in these kinds of places before. But nothing to this extent.” said Artifact as she walked up to the pedestal, placing her hoof upon it to no effect. “Hmm, as I thought.”

“Professor, what’s going on? Where’s Featherjoy, she could be in danger, all alone. We need to find her!” called out the smooze, panic clearly taking over as he started to worry about his lost friend.

“Don’t worry Touch, I’m sure wherever she is, she’ll be fine. All these things with her blessing and being able to manipulate the magic in here to some extent makes me think she won’t be harmed” said Professor Osmosis as he walked up to the smooze “You need to calm down, getting all worked up isn’t going to help us, now let’s see what we can find out. Anything in the book, Artifact?” he asked as he turned from the smooze heading towards the mare as she started to flick through the ancient book.

“Ermm not much. It’s names the six blessed of the tribe who led them to greatness, but nothing that hints to where Featherjoy went” she said as once again a blinding light filled the room, revealing the forms of Featherjoy, The Librarian and the two future gryphons.

“Featherjoy!” called out Finishing touch as he ran towards her.

“Touch!” yelled the gryphon as she too ran towards the smooze, jumping up to embrace him in a hug “I’m safe, I’m okay.” she said only to be greeted to the sound of a few sniffles from the smooze as he hugged her tight.

“I’m sorry Featherjoy, I’m sorry. I couldn't protect you again” he said as he leant back from the hug to look her in the eyes.

“What? It wasn’t your fault, anyway I’m the one who told Star I’d protect and help you remember?” she replied with a smile on her face.

“Ermm, sorry to interrupt. But who are these three and why do two of them look like Featherjoy?” asked Iron Sight as he looked at the new arrivals.

“Oh, yes. Well I suppose introductions are in order. I’m The Librarian. And for these two, well They are Feartherjoy, at least a potential version.” said The Librarian

“It’s good to see you all again, it’s been so long since I saw you all.” said one of the Featherjoy’s, the anger that once covered her face falling at the sight of her long lost friends.

“Yes, it’s been so long. Professor you look so young and Artifact, Iron Sights it’s good to see you.” said the other gryphon as she smiled at the others.

“Wait, you’re The Librarian? One of the six blessed?” said Artifact as she flicked through the book.

“I was the last, but now the seventh has been found and knows her place in the world. She will guide you along the path forward, where remains to be seen.” said the Librarian. “But she is yours and you are hers” said The Librarian. “But for now, we must leave. Hope we don’t need to meet again Shadow.” Said the mare as she stared at Touch.

“Remember Featherjoy, live the life you want. Not the life you feel you must.” said the two gryphons in eerie mimicry, as for a final time a blinding flash of light filled that room, leaving behind nothing but the five friends.

“I will.” said Featherjoy as she leant against her friends neck. As once again a bright flash of light filled the chamber, blinding everyone, Once the light faded the the mare and the two gryphon’s had gone.

“So, what was all that about Feathers?” asked Professor Osmosis as he looked toward the sight of Featherjoy and Finishing Touch.

“Well, The Librarian, she told me a lot. She told me about my blessing and about the future. I’m apparently the last of the seven they were looking for for when the this ‘Shadow’ they keep talking of returned.” Said Featherjoy. “She called me The Eternal, saying that I’m going to live a very long time, that my life was linked to yours Touch. I’m not quite sure what she means..”

“Wait, wait wait! I’m sure I’ve seen something about that somewhere in this book.” Artifact called as she started to flick through the book that once more rested on the pedestal. “Ahh, here we are. ‘Once The Eternal is found, she will calm the return of The Shadow. Turning him to light or dark, for she is the one to guide and teach this world and shape it, for it be for peace or war.’” Finished the mare as she looked back at the others.

“So, you’re saying that me and Featherjoy have been destined to meet by some old book?” said Finishing Touch as he looked at the small gryphon on his shoulder.

“It might be, but I feel that doesn’t change anything.” Professor Osmosis said walking up to the two, placing a arm on his shoulder. “Finishing, you may be some creature from the stars that was once used to nearly destroy the world. But you’re not now and never will be again because you have a friend and guide in Featherjoy here. And you, Featherjoy have been blessed, but this blessing doesn’t define you. Only you can shape who or what you become and like Finishing Touch, he’s also your guide and teacher.” the stallion smiled at the two.

“Yeah, you’re right Professor” said Featherjoy as she jumped from the shoulders of Touch hugging the Professor as she landed.

“Well, it’s getting late and there's no way we can get all this stuff back to the town on our own, for now I’ve got this little font of knowledge to go through.” said Researcher Artifact as she held up the new red covered book. “So, lets head back and get word to the University. See if we can get a team back here for all this stuff.” she said as the others nodded, moving back towards the entrance to the underground library.

“So, where did you actually go Feathers?” Asked Iron Sights.

“Well, according to The Librarian I didn’t go anywhere.” said Featherjoy, fluttering around the group.

“But, you definitely disappeared. In a bright flash of light and everything, we couldn’t see anything. I still can’t really” mumbled the stallion, waving a hoof in front of his face feigning temporary blindness.

“Grow up Sights, you’ll be fine.” giggled Artifact along with the others, giving him a slight bump on the back of the head.

*****

Several days later, back safely in the Stable hidden deep beneath the town of Arlington, the town standing once again defiantly against all the horrors the Wasteland could throw.

The Seekers of Truth once again gathered,  this time in the office of Researcher Artifact to learn what secrets had been revealed by the book. “Right, I’ve had chance to go over the book and learn all I can” said Artifact as she took a look around her small office, placing the book on the table surrounded by Featherjoy and the others. “It’s told me a lot about the other blessed. All six of them were listed in here.” patting the book resting on the table.

"The first it tells of is called ‘The Valkyrie’. Told to be a mare who led the tribes warrior’s in defence of the tribe. Say’s that she was ‘granted the wings of the gods’, so she could’ve just been a pegasus or maybe the blessing actually changed her.” said the Researcher as she opened up the book, pointing to the first entry.

“A warrior general of sorts? Did the tribe really have that many enemies?” asked Iron Sights as he leant on the table, staring at the book.

“Well, it doesn’t say much. Just talks of a few battles with the Gryphon Empire as it attempted to expand and a few small skirmishes with the other local tribes. I’m sure we’ll find out more when we get into the Library properly and get a chance to look at all the books.” replied Artifact, glancing up at her brother.

“The next blessed it tells of is The Librarian, who we already know about, at least a little bit anyway. The book doesn’t really tell much, just that she had ‘The gift to see the ripples that life casts in the waters of life’.” said Artifact as she once again read from the book.

“Yeah, she said she could see the future and that it was always changing. But, I don’t want the futures she told me of to come true." said Featherjoy as she remembered the two possible futures she’d been shown. Of what she could become and how she would change the world.

“As you’ve told me Featherjoy. Only you can shape your own future, no one else. So don’t dwell on whatever The Librarian showed you. Live the life you want, not the one you feel you must.” said Finishing Touch, echoing the words of the gryphon's from the possible futures shown to Featherjoy.

“For the third blessed listed in the book it doesn’t tell much. Tells of a stallion called The Wayfarer, who was meant to protect the tribe from the outside but that’s about it. Doesn’t say how or if he had anything... Special about him.” The mare said, turning the page in the book

“Well, if by the sound of things he was separate from the tribe, they wouldn’t know much to put  in the book. Or that’s what I’d guess anyway.” Professor Osmosis said as he walked up to the table, leaning on it.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. We may find out more later, I hope. Would be a shame if we didn’t find anything.” said Artifact. “The fourth blessed was listed as The Hierophant, a stallion who was the head of the religious group of the tribe. Now this guy was interesting. He was the closest to the four alicorns, the only one to really see them and acted as their voice.” the mare said as she picked up the book , starting to walk around the table.

“One passage in the book says ‘The Hierophant was of the ponies, leading them along the path of the immortals to be reborn amongst the tribe, passing judgement upon the departed, lighting the path to the Gates of the Immortals.’ We already knew the tribe believed in being reborn or at least some kind of afterlife. But this takes it to a whole new level.” Artifact said as she looked up at the others gathered around the table.

“So, they believed they’d be reborn? Reborn as what, another pony?” asked Iron Sight.

“Not quite sure, from some of the books we’ve gotten a couple of different beliefs. One side said that the righteous would return as the phoenixes at Rebirth Mountain. Another sect believe that they came back as part of the earth itself, as the plants and trees. Very interesting stuff. A part of me wants to think it’s all a load of rubbish, but with what we’ve seen over the last few weeks... Who knows.” Artifact said.

“The last few days have certainly been interesting, at this point it’s safe to say that anything’s really possible.” said Finishing Touch.

“Yeah, that’s for certain. Ain’t that right Feather’s? Or should I say ‘The Eternal’?” mocked Sight’s as he stared at Featherjoy, a smile creeping to the corners of his mouth.

“Ermm, yeah. I guess so.” replied Featherjoy as she looked sheepishly down at her claws, attempting to avoid eye contact with the others.

“Hey, ‘Joy I didn’t mean anything by it.” said Iron Sight’s as he placed a hoof on the shoulder of the young gryphon.

“I.. I know Sights. I just, I’m not sure what to think on this whole eternal life thing.” she said as she looked back up, look at each of her friends in turn.

“Don’t worry Featherjoy. We’ll just do what we can and take each day as it comes, it’s all we can do in this world and I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Said Finishing Touch, smiling at his young friend.

“But what happens. What happens when you all...” Said Featherjoy as she once again looked around the table at all her friends gathered around the table, tears starting to well up in her eye’s.

“Oh Featherjoy!” called out the Professor as he picked her up from the table, embracing her in a big hug. “Don’t you worry about that. We’re not going anywhere for a long, long time.” he said as he hugged her tight, tears starting to flow down both of their faces as well as the others gathered.

After a few minutes, the two left each others embrace to the sight of their friends smiling faces. “I know Professor, I’ll try my best.” mumbled the gryphon

“That’s my little girl, keep that beak up and you’ll be fine. We’re with you every step of the way. Now, where were we?” said the Professor as he smiled down at the young gryphon, the worry of the future leaving her face for the while.

“Right, the next entry refers to another stallion called The Archon. Like The Hierophant this guy was one of the leaders of the tribe. He was meant to be the head of tribe as a whole, the entry say’s ‘Blessed with the strength of the earth but burdened with the struggles of all, The Archon will lead us all through the curse of the Shadow and into the light of the new dawn’.” said Artifact, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“So the four alicorns didn’t run the tribe itself?” asked Finishing Touch as he picked up Featherjoy, resting her on his shoulders. “If they spoke through The Hierophant and The Archon and the other’s ran the tribe, what did they do?”

“Well, we know the tribe worshipped them as god’s, or at least god like. But as to what they did, they seemed to be more of a set of figure heads than actual leaders of the tribe.” said Researcher Artifact.

“For the final Blessed it takes a darker turn compared to the rest.” said Artifact, looking at Finishing Touch. “He seemed to have a link to The Shadow.”

“What? What did he have to do with me?” said Touch

“Well, he was known by a few names. He was known to be a bit of an outcast from the rest of the tribe, referenced as ‘The Deceiver’, ‘The Puppeteer’ but the name that’s mentioned the most is ‘The Fallen Hallowed’. The book tells of him adventuring north when The Shadow first arrived. The book says ‘The Fallen Hallowed once one of us, controlled our darkest enemy. Using The Shadow to corrupt all that he dared claim for his own, plunging our world into darkness’.”  Artifact said as she read aloud from the book to the others.

“Controlled? You mean that someone could use me to their own ends and I not be able to stop them?” worried Finishing Touch, the idea that one day his actions might not be his own troubling his mind.

“We don’t know Touch, but at a guess from what this book talks about the stone that you supposedly came from has some kind of magic in it. You said before that there was nothing in the museum where the others found you?” the mare said as she looked into the eye’s of her friend, clearly troubled by the recent news.

“No, we didn’t find anything at the museum when we went back. But this news is something we may need to look into further, I don’t like the idea that someone could simply control my friend and force him to act against his will.” said Professor Osmosis.

“Maybe Truth Seeker will know something? He hasn’t spoken much about his plan, it may’ve had something to do with this.” Iron Sight’s suggested.

“Yes, I’ll ask him in the morning. Don’t worry Touch, well get to the end of this, I assure you.” Osmosis said, placing a hoof on the shoulder of the smooze.

“I remember The Librarian mentioned something. She was talking about the six of them, that they all tried to make the world better, but she said one of them didn’t. You think this was this guy?” suggested Featherjoy

“Could be, as the only one that acted out against the tribe it certainly sounds like him.” replied Artifact.

“Hey, you guys hear that?” said Featherjoy as the muffled sounds of arguing filtered into the room from one of the air vents.

“What” Osmosis started to question as the air vent above the table collapsed, the four small occupants fell to the table below with a thud.

“Aww, I told ‘ya not ta move so much! Now look what ya did!” argued one of the new occupants of the office. Untangling himself from his friends Urchin looked up at the others around the table “Oh, err hello again Professor... Ermm how was ya trip?”

“What did I tell you about sneaking into places you weren't meant to?” asked Osmosis as he stared at the small pile of colts, the rest untangling themselves from their black coated leader.

“Yeah, I know. But we heard about Feathers comin’ to this little meetin. An we was worried about her, we ain’t seen much of her in ages. I.. We just wanted to know if she was alright.” the young colt said, avoiding the piercing glare from Osmosis

“The information we were discussing was private, ever think you weren’t meant to know?” Osmosis said.

“How much did you hear?” asked Researcher Artifact.

“Ermm. Not much, just about some old guys and some shadow. I couldn’t hear much ‘cause of this lot,. ” Urchin said, gesturing back at his small band of friends. “I didn’t mean to be dropping no eaves Professor, but what I did hear was Featherjoy getting a tad upset over something about some eternal stuff. You okay Feathers?” Asked Urchin as he looked up at Featherjoy.

“Ermm yeah. I’m okay now. I’ll tell you about it later.” said Featherjoy.

“How about we leave it for today? We’ve got a lot of information to go over Professor, especially when we get more of the books back from the Library. And Sights, I need a vent fixed” Artifact said as she looked at her brother.

“Fine, I’ll take a look at it. But you four are gonna help me, don’t think you’re getting out of this so easily.” Iron Sights said, looking down at the young colts.

“Aww, come on. We didn’t mean to break it!” one of the young colts complained.

“Whether you meant to or not, you broke the air vent. That means you get to help me fix it, don’t make me have to hunt you down later.” said Sight’s, pointing at the young colts. “For now, get outta here. I’ll come find you later”

“Okay, Mr Sights. We’ll see you later. You comin Feathers? We’re gonna go have some fun.” asked Urchin as he and his friends started to jump down from the table.

“Go ahead Featherjoy, go have some fun. We’ll talk about all this later.” Finishing Touch said as he looked at the gryphon.

“Thanks Touch!” said Featherjoy, jumping down from her friends shoulders and landing next to Urchin, “I’ll see you all later!” she called out before jumping down from the table, running after the others.

“It’s good to see her happy and making friends with others. Even if all they do is get into trouble. Right, I’m going to go and send of that letter to the Vice-Chancellor back at Canterbridge. See if we can get any help.” said Osmosis as he walked towards the door followed by Sights.

“Alright, Professor. I’m gonna go grab something to eat. You wanna come Touch?” asked Artifact as she too moved to leave the room.

“No thank you Artifact. I have some things I need to... Think over” Touch said as Artifact nodded and headed off to get something to eat.

Being left alone in the room Touch working over  the new information he’d learnt. Was it possible that someone could simply force him to do things against his will, what if someone managed to gain control of him like this Falled Hallowed did? But what worried him the most was Featherjoy. She was scared of the fact that one day, she could outlive all her friends and be left alone, just with himself for company and a future uncertain filled with potential darkness and danger.

********************************************************************************************************

And 3rd chapter down, really enjoying this writing melarkey. Thanks to WirePony and volrathxp for editing and pre-reading for me, making this into something that is actually legible.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Let me tell you a tale..

Chapter 1: 'Joy and the Giant Vine

Chapter 2: Finishing Touch and the Tomb of the Alicorns

Chapter 3: Featherjoy and the Library of the Hallowed