For a Thousand Years... (CableZ) (Finished)

[CableZ]

Dread Lock stared at the pony again, it was hard for him to get over the fact he was having a conversation...or at least what he thought was a conversation. He stood as straight as always with his head slightly further down the the average pony which hid his true height. He wasn't sure where to look, how to stand, how to act, how to speak, what to do, etc. He decided standing perfectly still would be the best thing to try for this conversation, he'd hopefully get a chance to try other things at later conversations.

When she spoke again he sighed at the lack of helpful information, it frustrated him slightly but he figured if she didn't know anything what could be done about it? He however did listen intently to the description he then received about the voices this pony had heard, which struck him a odd. Did every pony hear voices? Was he just strange for not hearing voices. He found it odd for her to tell him that she heard them if it was normal to hear voices, but he didn't want to assume anything. He did however note that she heard had heard voices of varying tonal types and made sure to not forget it. He then listened as she gave her theory on where they were and how it had something to do with the relic, he thought it had that they had the same idea. However he then remembered reading about this sort of thing, it was a coincidence...was it? oh well it didn't really matter. He lisntened again to something that shocked him quite a lot.

A name.

Dread Lock hadn't had somepony introduce themselves to him in a very long time and it was even longer since he introduced himself to anyone. He'd have forgotten his own name a long time ago if he didn't have to sign it on various documents and contracts to do with his work. the matter of fact being that he just didn't tell other ponies his name. This was an interesting development and made Dread Lock think. He thought for awhile before noticing that this 'Hasta' was waiting on him to respond. How was he supposed to respond? Just tell her his name and go from there? That seemed like the best idea and he would know if it was the right way to go from then on if not.

"I'm...err...I'm." Even though he knew his own name he had to remember how to pronounce it. This of course didn't actually seem weird to him. "I'm Dread...err..Lock...Dread Lock" he confirmed his own name more to himself but it would clear things up for Hasta aswell

[P Exterians]

When Ventris opened his eyes, he confused why everything is dark. As far as he knew, he was visiting Alicorn dig site, but couldn't catch up with the guide tour and his group due his shyness & slowness. So he decided to watch the artifacts on his own. However, a bright light appeared and once he looked to it, everything went dark.

He then panicked that he thought that the whole dig site is a trap. He tapped his sides and relived that his saddlebag keep intact. He activated his magic, making his surrounding slightly brighter and looked inside his saddlebag. He sighed and thought "(Phew, good thing my magic amplifier & bits are intact)". He closed his saddlebag start trotting around to find his exact location.

[Xelliea]

Hasta stood completely still, just at this point taking in how antisocial Dread really was. Did he really not know now to panic... how to feel any emotion. That he could be so ignorant of social laws, it smashed into Hasta like she had run head first into a brick wall. She prided herself on, nay, lived by her social ability. Her ability to deceive, her ability to cheat, her ability to socialise... but it was all worthless now. When it came down to it, she was trapped here, and there was nothing she could do to talk her way out of this.

Hasta thought back to previous assignments. They countless groups she had infiltrated and arrested. The treasures she had stolen for the Night Guard. All the intelligence she had gathered. She'd done so much, learnt so much, but... right now... it wasn't any of those skills that were required. Despite all had learnt, she was left bare.

Dread, in his ignorance, was in a better position than she was. He could see things as they were, never looking under the table, never checking his back. In because he could do that, he could deal with the situation better, he could see it in a clearer light. For Hasta, dwelling on that fact for too long made her head spin. She blinked herself out of the daydream. She wasn't going to continue thinking such pointless thoughts.

In the darkness, the all enveloping darkness, Hasta saw something, somepony, move a short distance. She made a brief comment to Dread to follow her, to keep close, then began to make her way over to the other pony. Dread, it might be best if I do the talking here. She said with a slight humour in her voice and a wink.

Happy that she had the possibility to use her practised charisma once more, she called out to the unknown stallion. It's good to see another friendly face, I started to worry I would go made with just the two of us. Her voice had gained a tone of confidence that was previously lacking. Are you all right and... do you have a name?

[CableZ]

Dread Lock was so unsure on how to proceed with that current situation, he opted to stand completely still. He didn't even blink, until his body forced him too that is. He tried to recall if any of the books he had read on manners and such pertained to any situation in which where you are transported to some pocket dimension. Sadly he couldn't think of any, he'd have to check if he had any such books once he got home. It then occurred to him that being in such a situation might make it so that he might not be able to return home at all. Now its true that Dread Lock doesn't know how to react to social interactions, even talking to a pony was a task for him. He did however know how things made him feel on the inside when they were not caused by another pony, and not being able to return home was something that really...really...
Ok so he might not know how to describe the feeling but it was certainly not a happy feeling. He sighed in frustration slightly, he had little choice but to try and find a way out. This meant working with others. Something he hadn't done in a long time.

Dread Lock was slightly perplexed when Hasta told him to follow her. He turned to look in the direction that she was now walking toward before actually following. Seeing another pony, he came to the conclusion that they were going to talk to him..although he wasn't sure. He trotted over quietly, following behind Hasta. When they approached this pony, Dread Lock studied him for a moment. There wasn't much to think on, Dread Lock couldn't judge character nor made no assumptions about looks. When he was told that Hasta would cover the talking, he thought on just what exactly could be said. He decided to listen intently, maybe he could learn something from this.

[P Exterians]

Ventris was trotting randomly in confusion. No matter where he trotted to, everything is just pitch black darkness. He then start thinking "(Maybe I can use the magic amplifier)". "(But-)". He surprised and stopped his thought when he heard a brown mare saying the situation right now and asked his name. Ventris became nervous and start wondering, is she another victim or one of the foalnapper? He nervously said "I...". "My...na...me...is...Ventris". He hoped he doesn't make a mistake.

[Xelliea]

Hasta rolled her eyes slightly. Another socially shy one. Not that she was unhappy to have a larger company, but it aggravated her slightly that said company seemed almost as antisocial as Dread was. She rolled her shoulders briefly, trying to work out what to do. There would have to be a way out of this relic, there had to be. She pushed her brain to the limit, trying to work out what was going on here, then it hit here. The house always wins... She blurted out at a surprisingly high volume.

She turned to Dread. He would likely not even begin to understand her plan, but it was worth a shot. She took a step back, so that she could address both Dread and Ventris at once. Whoever built this relic, they must have designed a back door, a hidden exit. You see it looks as if we can't escape, as if we're trapped, but that's because we aren't the ones who made this. I'm confident that that we can get out if here if we can just find...

Hasta was interrupted, forced into silence by pure awe. The area above them, the ceiling if that was what it was, where as once it was a mass of pure darkness, was now enveloped in a bright light. The drastic change in luminescence made Hasta coverer her eyes. Or... or they could just clear the table. She tried to laugh, to calm and mask her nerves, but, at this point, nothing could cover up her fright.

I've done it. I've actually done it! A voice echoed through the air, a voice Hasta was sure she had heard before. The bright ceiling of light began to grow in size, a strong wind blowing down from it onto the three ponies. It wasn't just a light, it was a doorway, and there was something on the other side. Within the second, the darkness had been expelled, leaving nothing but the glow of the white light. Once again, a series of flashes pulses across the ponies' vision and a sinking feeling overwhelmed them.

________________________________

Hasta lay on her side, once again completely unconscious. Though her eyes were not open to see it, the very world around her had changed. No more dark void, no more mind piercing light. The landscape was natural, material. Woods spread as far as the eye could see, and then even further. It held some noticeable similarities to the Whitetail Wood, to whence the three ponies had come. Yet, something was off. There was no dig site, there was only an outdoor shrine and temple. The trees were different, somehow, to the ones back in Whitetail. Everything was a little... off.

Two tall, imposing ponies stood over the unconscious three. There size was beyond that attainable by even the largest average pony. Their demeanour was much more arrogant, much more powerful. Still, all of this was comparatively meaningless. For not only did a horn rest on their foreheads, but on their backs laid a pair of wings.

[Boom Rainbow]

((OOC: Make sure you take turns in order P Exterians, from what it seems it was going: cablez, P Exterians and then Xelliea. Stick to that order!))

[CableZ]

Dread watched the exchange between Hasta and Ventris with a stoic gaze, he really had nothing to think about the matter. After the short exchange was over, Dread then cocked his head to the left slightly as Hasta began explaining some things. Dread had to think why anypony would hide an exit, aren't exit's supposed to be easy to find. Maybe that fire safety leaflet he read once was wrong. Before she could finish explaining the plan that wasn't really a plan, She was interrupted by more strange occurrences. Dread looked up at this large light that now loomed over head and gave a slight sigh. He knew this was going to be a long day. The voice they heard booming just added to his exasperation. He wanted to fit in, not get trapped in some weird place by a relic he had little interest in.

Unconscious again, although this time seemed different. Dread Lock could hear his own thoughts, interesting. Thinking over the current progression of events, Dread had to agree with Hasta that there would be some way of getting out of this predicament that involved the relic. Once again, Dread was the first to stir from the slumber that had been forced on them. A quiet groan escaped Dread's lips as he moved slightly, he felt a warm breeze failing to get through his mane. Opening his eyes before getting up, he immediately saw the 2 ponies that stood over them, this probably wasn't a good sign. It was a struggle to get to his hooves, it felt like he had been asleep for a long time. When he got to his feet he looked around, things looked different. However he was fairly certain they hadn't moved in location from where they were first sucked in by the relic. His gaze then met the two unicorn..pegasi's? Well this was odd, he'd read about Alicorns but never seen one in person. He'd never even seen one of the Princesses. He shifted on his hooves uncomfortably. He didn't say anything, just stared at them. He noted the fact that Hasta and the new pony were on the ground closeby, but thought it best to keep eye contact with these large ponies.

[P Exterians]

OOC: Sorry, unless I've been told, I won't know there is a turn. But, I'll try adapt next time.

When the brown mare rolled her eyes, Ventris become slightly disappointed and thought "(Maybe I should be more confident next time...)". Ventris listened to the brown mare as she start explaining. When he heard the word 'relic', he surprised and thought "(Relic? Does that means we're teleported to it?)". However, before he could ask, a bright light started to brighten up the whole place, forcing him to close his eyes for awhile. He became slightly excited at this, thinking that he will get a good knowledge about relics. But, he couldn't see anything except bright light. Ventris became surprised as he heard a voice came out of nowhere. After that, the light become brighter and a strong wind blew him & other ponies. When he lands, he passed out again.

Ventris woke up and tried to get up, but couldn't for some reason. As he looked to his surroundings, he surprised that the scenery is natural. He saw Dread is awaken from his sleep but he doesn't have anything to say, so he left him alone. After that, he saw 2 ponies beside him and his 'companions'. He looked to them closely and noticed that they have a wings & horn. He surprised that he's meeting the alicorn closely and hoped that they aren't hostile.

[Xelliea]

Do they speak? The larger Alicorn, over a foot higher than his companion, spoke with a booming and imposing voice. His arrogance was clear through the way he looked at the three ponies with piecing sky blue eyes. (Clear, that is, for everypony except, perhaps, Dread). His mane and tail, if they fitted that description, flowed like a thin fog in the sunrise. His coat was a fantastic blue colour, as bright as a spark. On his brow rested a crown, silvery blue and studded with a faceted sapphire. It didn't take a genius to realise he was royalty.

Next to him, stood a smaller Alicorn. He still stood higher than the average pony. His mane was much more similar to that of a normal pony. In lay on his head in streaks of green and brown. In contrast, his coat was a darker green. With a look of curiosity, he slowly paced around the three ponies, seemingly trying to learn more about them. High Noon! Answer me! Do they speak!?

At this point, Hasta awoke suddenly from her stupor. She got to her feet much slower than she had previously, having been knocked unconscious twice seemingly taking it out of her a bit. I guess... I guess. She stumbled back in a flash when she saw the two Alicorns, along with their surroundings. Wait... what?!

The Alicorn, apparently named High Noon, chuckled to himself slightly. Yes sir, it would seem that they do. Both of the Alicorns looked at the three ponies, unsure as to what to do. And they're actually from the future? Noon, you've really out done yourself this time. The royal Alicorn took a step closer to Dread, looking him up and down. What is he even meant to be, anyway? I can't tell the lesser races apart.

He would be an... an Earth Pony if my notes are correct. You know, the ones that live in the country villages. P... Prince Caelum? But the prince, Caelum, was too distracted with investigating the three ponies in front of him. Odd cutie mark you have there, boy. He spoke, his eyes seemingly fixed on Dread.

His gaze was broken as Hasta finally spoke up. I realise your a prince, but I... we demand answers. Where are we? And who are you? Caelum glanced over to Hasta, stepping away from his position close to Dread. You really don't know where you are? Why, my little pony, you are in the great Whitetail Wood. And, as for myself, I am Prince Caelum, heir to the throne and future king. And, we? We are Alicorn!


Chapter II - Year Zero

[CableZ]

Dread watched as he was being watched, it wasn't uncommon for Dread to be stared at. He usually stared back thinking it was what you were meant to do, however it just made whoever was staring at him feel awkward. He watched the larger of the two circle around them, no emotion expressed on his face. Dread noted all the features of this pony: Wings, Horn, long flowing mane, height. It was obvious to Dread Lock that these were Alicorns, the same as princess Celestia. Dread had spent a good few days reading about the history of Equestria during one winter when he was ill, Alicorns existed over 1000 years before the present Equestria...interesting. While Dread was making deductions of his own, the Alicorns were learning more of the trio that stood before them. With one sentence from the larger Alicorn, Dread's suspicions were confirmed. They were in the past.

Any other pony would be insulted when someone refereed to them as a lesser race, but Dread Lock didn't think much of it. It just went right over his head. He noticed that the larger one, now named as Prince Caelum was studying Dread specifically. At mention of his cutie mark, Dread turned to look at it himself. He'd never known what it truly meant, he couldn't remember how he'd gotten it if truth be told. Dread was silent for the most part, he didn't think that the prince's observation needed a retort...or did it? Regardless, Dread kept his mouth shut. When Hasta spoke, she echoed the questions that Dread had in his mind.

The answers they had gotten were pretty much what Dread expected, things he had already figured out. He looked around at the familiar yet different scenery, a sigh escaped his lips as he did so. He turned to Hasta and mustered up the courage to say something.

"We've....gone back in time" He said with no hint of sarcasm or disbelief

[Xelliea]

Caelum finished pacing, finally returning to High Noon's side. His gaze seemed to periodically fix on Dread. They look so similar to the ponies of the present. You're sure they're from the future? Noon nodded in response to Caelum's question, causing the Prince to hum, intrigued. And none of them are Alicorns, did something go wrong? The smaller Alicorn took much longer to think of an answer to this question. After an extended pause, he stamped his hoof on the ground in realisation. I think, from how they have reacted, Alicorns must be much rarer in the future. We should really...

Silence! You speak beyond your knowledge, Noon! Alicorns can never decrease in number, in fact, in a few hundred years, I doubt that there would be any of the lesser races left! And I, I will lead them. This must be an illusion. He dashed forwards, standing within an inch of Dread. He spend over five minutes examining the Earth-pony, trying to find any signs of an illusion... but none were found. So, you three, tell me, how many Alicorns are there in your time? Thousands? Millions? Three. Caelum was taken aback by Hasta's reply. He found it hard to find words with which to communicate. T...three? Clearly I must be among them!

Hasta chuckled to herself. She actually found this Alicorn's reaction to be rather amusing, though even she knew that making this too obvious wouldn't end well for anypony. Nope. As far as I know, you are not. With a look of utter shock, after standing almost paralysed for a moment, Caelum turned to Noon. Sir, if you would allow me to accommodate one of our new guests, I could try and use their connection with their time to... I don't care, just do it! After snapping at the smaller Alicorn, he levitated Ventris over to Noon, dismissing them with a flick of his hoof.

Ministry headquarters are Tele-locked. Hope you don't mind flying. And with that, Noon had slung the stunned Unicorn on his back, and taken off. He seemed much more worried about delaying and incurring his Prince's wrath, rather than about the Unicorn's comfort or well being. Caelum was left alone with the two Earth-ponies, his temper thankfully beginning to calm. I'm sure there was some mistake, like those paradoxes that Noon keeps going on about. He shook his head a couple of times, trying to make sense of what he had heard in the last few minutes.

I suppose I should apologise, such anger should not come from a Prince. His gaze darted between the two ponies in front of him, trying to take in as much as he was able about them. I don't believe you introduced yourselves... he turned to Dread ... and you haven't said much at all. Come, both of you, speak up.

[CableZ]

Dread watched at this Prince Caelum pace about, as he walked back to the side of the shorter Alicorn. He began speaking to this ' High Noon' again, this time doubting the origins of Dread, Hasta and Ventris. His doubts seemed to stem from the fact that they were no Alicorns, or at least that was part of the reason. Confirmation of this came when the prince dimissed Noon's theory due to egotistical pride. Dread knew what pride was, he even knew what an ego was. He was never sure how to judge these things, surely having pride was a good thing? At least that's what he assumed from others, being proud of your work was a good quality he thought. An ego he thought was a display of confidence. It wasn't until now however that Dread understood that having too much of either of these traits led you to being arrogant. Dread had always wondered was arrogance was and he had a clearer picture now, during this relization however he missed a lot of the conversation that was taking place.

When Dread snapped out of his thought filled trance, The prince seemed to be in some sort of daze.He had completely phased out while the prince was staring at him for 5 minutes, to the others it would just seem as if he was staring back at the prince (he didn't even blink in this entire time.) Not only this, but Noon seemed to be taking Ventris away somewhere. Now Dread would have liked to know how things had gotten to this point, but he thought it rude to ask. Not because it would appear he wasn't paying attention, he assumed it was because it was none of his business to know. He got a clearer picture when the prince tried to reassure himself by saying there was a mistake made at some point. Another symptom of arrogance, Dread thought. He then became more formal, pardoning his attitude. Dread hadn't noticed that his attitude was bad...should he have?

At the mention that no introductions had been made, Dread became rather annoyed at himself. He had read that 'it was proper to introduce one's self after another has been introduced to you', Although it made Dread wonder when would have been a good time to introduce himself. He then noticed that Caelum was nice looking directly at Dread, it looked like he was expecting something. Dread became even more annoyed at himself when the prince pointed out that Dread had said very little.

'Oh shoot was I supposed to have been talking?' Dread thought to himself.

Not wanting to appear ruder than he already must have seemed, he decided to speak first this time.

"I...I'm Dread Lock..." There was a pause in his speech "Pleased to...meet..you?" Dread mispronounced the word please and it sounded like he was asking a question.

[Xelliea]

Caelum was happy that Dread had decided to finally speak. His head tilted slightly when Dread asked his pseudo-question. Why of course I'm pleased to meet you, young Dread Lock. His smile was welcoming, but condescending. Breaking his gaze from Dread, he turned to Hasta. I don't believe I heard your name either. Hasta frowned slightly, she didn't like people asking her anything personal, especially if she'd just met them. My name... my name is Yathan.

Caelum raised an eyebrow, his expression riddled with confusion, or was it disbelief. Alicorns were harder to read than the other races, Hasta thought to herself. Well then, Dread and Yathan, I'm sure you're wondering why you are here, why I've brought you back in time. He cleared his throat a little, then stood as tall as he could. His horn began to glow a silvery blue, and a thin mist appeared at his side. Upon closer inspection, it became more obvious that this mist was forming what appeared to be something similar to a video screen.

The screen began to show various pictures as the Alicorn spoke. I think I'll start from the beginning. The beginning of the story, anyway. Once, there was a great Alicorn, her name was Queen Vincere. She ruled over her people, Alicorns and lesser races alike for hundreds of years. The screen showed a tall, imposing Alicorn, standing over legions of smaller ponies, each one of them with their heads bowed. You see, my little ponies, Queen Vincere was my mother. She was a good mother... He sighed, the screen changing to show the tall Alicorn sitting with two Alicorn foals. ... and we, my sister and I, loved her beyond the threshold that words could describe.

She lived in Equestria for a thousand years, but there came the time when she decided to make the next step in the voyage of her life. Eventually, just as all the Alicorns before her had, she turned to the Void of Harmony, the next step from the physical realm. After she ascended, the throne was left empty. The screen now showed the tall Alicorn stepping through a mystical gate, leaving an empty throne behind her. Alicorn law stated that the throne was to belong to me, the first born child. But, the problem came when the ponies of Equestria refused to accept me as the heir to the throne. They all called for my sister, Princess Stygian, to be their next ruler. It made no sense, she even said to them that she didn't want the throne. The screen showed crowds of ponies bowing before a recoiling female Alicorn.

So, we are locked. Law vs people, right vs demand. Stygian refused to take the throne, and I will not give up what is rightfully mine, yet the people call for my sister. The screen showed a final image, a throne with a crack down the middle, before disappearing into nothingness. You see, little ones, I have brought you here to help both my sister and I show these ponies the light. We hoped that if you, civilians like themselves, told them how things stood, they would finally understand and stop all their pointless behaviours. He began to pace again, having finished his story. His gaze alternated between the two ponies before him. However, the problem is that the ponies, especially the Alicorns, may not listen to members of the lesser races such as yourself.

Still, I invite you to stay at the castle as my guests of honour. I'm sure we can sought something out along the way. Until then, you may have whatever you desire. if it is in my power to grant, it will be yours. His tone was certainly different from when he was shouting and screaming no less than twenty minutes ago. Hasta found such a shift in tone unsettling, but felt that it was wise to at least feign trust for the time being. So, Dread, dare I ask what you think. She whispered to him once Caelum had broken eye contact.

[CableZ]

Dread smiled very slightly at the happy reaction he received from Caelum, it was something that he couldn't control nor did he understand why he did it. The prince finally looked away from Dread, which caused him to give a sigh of relief. It was not that he didn't like the conversation and while he was used to being stared at, he didn't enjoy it. He listened as Hasta spoke with Caelum, he became rather confused. She told Caelum a different name, or was the name she told him wrong? Dread was now very confused as he thought over the possibilities of what Hasta said could mean. He was snapped out of this confusion as Caelum began speaking again and raised a good point. Why were they in the past?

Dread listened intently as the prince explained the current state of affairs in his land, while watching the screen that he had conjured. Dread had read about the Alicorns, they're empire, what they did. However he recalled no information about the rulers or politics, yet he was certain he'd read about it. Dread then recalled the books he read on time travel, both fact and fictional and from this he came up with a theory. However he thought it not the time to bring this up...when was the time? The time now was not to think about that sort of thing, he was sure it wasn't important. He listened to the rest of the details and thought over what they were being asked to do, it didn't seem too difficult. However Dread was not good at talking, so trying to convince other ponies of anything would be difficult, let along trying to convince the high class alicorns. He thought over the information a few more times until his concentration was broken by Hasta whispering in his ear, or was it Yathan?

"So, Dread, dare I ask what you think."

Dread thought about this, did she want him to repeat the facts. That wasn't what he thought...he thought. Thinking it over again, he had to assume she meant what he thought of the situation. He believed this was called an opinion.

"Well...hm, I think that...this is not very...usual?" He hoped they were the right words "I think that..we effect what happens to this situation...I can't recall what I read about...this" He hoped that he was also making sense. "I'm hesitant to trust him...but what else can I...err i mean we do?" was he supposed to say we, they were in the situation together after all.