Returning to the castle, Starlight constantly questioned Alan about what had happened. She was very curious about this whole phenomenon. Previously, she thought that the tree of harmony could only interact with its chosen guardians. But now, seeing what had happened, she was no longer so sure of it.
Unfortunately for Starlight, Alan declined to disclose details until they met Twilight so as not to repeat it twice.
Noticing the approach of the couple, Spike, who was standing on the balcony, immediately reported this to Twilight, who immediately went out to meet them. But before she had time to leave the castle, Alan and Starlight dragged her back, while adding.
— Let's talk inside.
Sitting in the guest room, Alan began his story, mentioning his entire encounter with the tree of harmony, which, as it turned out, has a mind. And as soon as this event was touched, Twilight immediately exploded.
— YOU WHAT?
Twilight sat with round eyes, and with a face full of surprise.
— I was surprised as well as you.
Said Starlight, who was pleased with her friend's reaction. Twilight breathed deeply, and, trying to regain her composure, began to mutter something to herself.
— How is this possible? The tree of harmony never showed signs of intelligence before, but now it does. And the first, with whom it, or as Alan said, "she", came into contact, this is a brand new earth pony, which can also be the cause of the map breakdown. And if we assume that Alan also has some kind of connection with the tree, then…
Twilight continued to chatter to herself, inventing various theories and answers to the question. Starlight and Alan just looked at each other, not knowing whether to interrupt her or not.
When Twilight finally calmed down, she coughed and said.
— Sorry, I'm a little... Distracted. So what happened next?
— Well…
Alan continued the story, describing his communication with Driana, not forgetting to replace the moment of his arrival from another world, with the one where he was outside Equestria. Since so far he did not want to disclose such information. It was enough for him that Luna knew about it.
— So something was affecting the normal course of time, and when Driana noticed it, she tried to find someone to help fix it, right?
— Yeah, and as I understand it, in the future Equestria may face some problems, which seem to be not easy to solve.
Nodding her head, Twilight asked.
— Did Driana indicate any specific events, or did she give approximate dates of what should happen?
Alan answered with a bitter smile.
— Honestly, she herself cannot say anything for sure. Not that she could speak in principle. It was very difficult to understand her images and visions. I only saw pictures of what could happen. But it was as if I saw a random picture from a book, not understanding what it was and when it happened.
— This is bad…
Tensely said Starlight, under a frowning nod from her friend. In this hanging gloomy atmosphere, Spike, who had been silent all this time, decided to take the floor.
— I cannot say that I fully understand the magnitude of future troubles. But on the other hand, I'm sure that Twilight and her friends will find a solution, as always, and we will go through all this together!
The dragon gave a good speech to cheer up the two unicorns, and seeing this, Alan banged his hoof with the dragon's fist, showing him a mini respect, and then said.
— As Spike said. There is no point in worrying too much about it, all we can do is be on the lookout, and maybe prepare some countermeasures. Although I don't know when these or those events will occur. I can say for sure that in some of them, certain creatures are to blame.
Alan could well have named the type and names of some of the creatures he saw, but in order to preserve his legend of a pony who came from afar, he withheld some information.
— Can you describe their appearance?
Twilight was immediately interested in what was said, as well as Starlight, they were sure that with their knowledge, they would be able to identify the kind of creatures that Alan saw.
— Yes, but only those that I could see and remember well. These visions from Dryane were not very clear though after all.
Having received a nod from the mares, Alan began to describe everything he saw, and after 10 minutes, Twilight and Starlight were able to identify a possible enemy.
— So it turns out that of those whom we know, and that you were able to clearly describe, it was definitely Tirek and Chrysalis.
Starlight said with a complex and thoughtful expression on her face. Twilight knew that after the last meeting, Chrysalis left only because Starlight decided to give her a chance, hoping that she would soon be able to change her mind and return to her swarm. But now, having heard possible problems in the future with her participation, she realized that she might have made a mistake.
Putting a hoof on her shoulder, Twilight smiled encouragingly at her friend and said.
— Don't worry, Starlight, it's not your fault. Tirek is currently caught and is sitting in Tartarus. But this did not prevent him from becoming a participant in a future possible catastrophe. As the Tree, or now Driana said, the future is still hazy. And we do not know what awaits us. Maybe everything will turn out in a completely unexpected way, and Chrysalis will not even be our enemy. It may also happen that she even becomes our ally!
Smiling, Starlight said.
— Yes, you're right Twilight, it's too early to hang up. Nothing has been decided yet.
Twilight nodded and continued the previous topic.
— Now about those creatures that are unknown to us, and those that you do not remember very well.
— Yes, I remember one pony, with a black misty mane, red eyes emitting purple magic, and a red horn. The details of the rest of his body were too vague.
Twilight plunged into light thoughts until she suddenly realized who it might be.
— Looks like I get it. I think this is the former ruler of the Crystal Empire. King Sombra.
Spike jumped on the spot when he heard the name and asked in dismay.
— But how is this possible, we defeated him, right?
— I don't know Spike. But Tirek was also imprisoned, but somehow became a possible participant in future events. Alan, is there anyone else you can describe in any way?
— Hm…
Raising a hoof to his chin, he answered.
— There was one character somewhat reminiscent of Tirek. He is also tall and with horns, but only he had a slightly monkey body…
Suddenly, Alan realized that he had already seen him in his past world. It was one of the antagonists in the full-length movie. He saw him in trailers and movie synopsis. But he doesn't know his exact name. Unless only the title, which he was named in one of the reviews that he read.
This was a very significant moment at the moment, since according to the description, he came from outside Equestria, that is, there are two possible options. First, he is a big shot, and anyone living outside Equestria should know him, and second, he is known only in certain places, and only a few know about him. Deciding that his exact name did not matter right now, he quickly decided that, according to his legend, he should know about him.
— You know, now that I thought better and remembered him well. I think I know who it is.
— Seriously?
— Who is this?
The mares and Spike awaited his answer with interest.
— This is the Storm King. He's a pretty big bump, and a very dangerous type. He lives outside Equestria.
Wanting to know more, Twilight clarified.
— How dangerous?
— Um, well... Let's just say. He calls himself king for a reason. As far as I have heard, he has his own small army.
Having said that, he thought to himself.
«At least according to the trailers and descriptions, it is. Eh, it's a shame that I didn't have time to watch the movie myself, but instead pulled it up until I finished the seventh season. Damn me, and my urge to see everything in the right order.»
After some thought, Twilight said.
— Okay, anyone else?
— I don't think I can tell you. The rest of the creatures were too vague and incomprehensible to even remember anything about them. Unless I can single out the fact that some of them had very advanced technologies.
— I see. Spike, take a note please. I'm going to inform Princess Celestia of what we have learned. About this Storm King, and the return of Chrysalis, Tirek and Sombra.
— Got it!
Having said this, the dragon took out a sheet of paper with a pen from somewhere behind his back, and began to write down everything that Twilight dictated to him. After that, the Dragon rolled up the envelope and immediately breathed its magical green flame on it, sending it straight to Princess Celestia.
— Done!
Nodding her head, Twilight turned her gaze to Starlight and Alan, and said.
— Alan, until Princess Celestia takes action and sends additional clarifications or instructions regarding this situation. How do you look to start your first lesson in learning magic?
Hearing her, Alan thought a little and answered.
— Honestly, I wouldn't want to start studying magic without Maud. In addition, I now have the ideal materials to create an updated version of the bracelets and horns, so I would like to start making them first, and already start my magic lessons with them. I am sure it will be much more effective this way.
Hearing his reasoning, Starlight nodded and said.
— He's right, if these bracelets impose some restrictions on him, then the more complex use of magic for Alan and Maud will be much more of a problem than for an ordinary unicorn.
Agreeing with this point of view, Twilight nodded, and looking at Alan said.
— Okay, then as a princess, I'll give you permission to use any Ponyville workshop you need so you can complete your upgrades as soon as possible, and then we'll begin our classes. We must prepare ourselves as much as possible for what may happen in order to be able to react correctly according to the situation.
— Great, thanks Twilight. Then I will return to the cave and warn Maud. Oh, I'll have to retell everything from the beginning again.
Smiling, Twilight reminded him.
— Well, for your information, we still need to tell everything to the rest of our friends, and it's not a fact that we will be able to convene them all at once.
Seeing Alan froze with a sour face, Starlight and Twilight laughed, and Twilight added.
— Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I will only ask if you meet any of my friends along the way, notify them that I am waiting for them at the castle to clarify the situation. And don't forget to say it's urgent. That's all.
— Fewh, no problem then. If I meet any of your friends, I will immediately refer them to you. Okay, I can't wait to get started with the upgrade, so I'm leaving now. See you, beauties.
Having said so, Alan dashed off without even noticing what he said. Twilight stood with her mouth open, looking after him, and said.
— Just now, he?...
— Yeap. Don't worry, it's just Alan. He often says these embarrassing things openly. You will get used to it.
Starlight said with a little amusement as she watched her friend's emotions change.
Shaking her head, Twilight came to herself, postponing this question for later, and turning to Starlight, said.
— Starlight, while Alan is busy with his bracelets, we should also delve deeper into the research. Perhaps we can find information about the time shifting phenomenon, creatures with advanced technology, and the Storm King.
Receiving a nod from her, Twilight turned her gaze to Spike.
— Spike, go find the others, and inform them of the gathering in the throne room for a serious conversation.
— On my way!
With these words, the dragon left the castle, in search of the rest of the keepers of harmony. Twilight and Starlight made their way to the library to begin their research.
* * * * * * * * * *
Returning to the cave, Alan just found Maud returning from the recess of the cave. Despite the fact that she was a little dusty, he abruptly ran up to her and gave her a deep kiss. From this, even the always calm Maud was a little surprised, but realizing who it was, she responded to a kiss.
When Alan finally pulled away from her lips, he immediately spoke.
— Maud, I have a lot of news for you, but I'll start with the most interesting one.
— M-okay.
Seeing his agitated state, the mare just nodded, waiting for him to continue. But instead of explaining, he reached into his bag and pulled out some of the purest, faintly glowing crystals.
Seeing them, Maud frowned a little, and taking one in her hoof for a detailed examination, her eyes widened slightly, and she said.
— They are perfect. It must be essence crystals. I've never met them before.
Very surprised, Alan said.
— Seriously? Why? I thought you had already seen absolutely all kinds of stones and crystals.
Shaking her head, Maud responded in her measured voice.
— The thing is that essence crystals can be born only in the very heart of a magical vein, which is at least several thousand years old. The full conditions of their appearance are not described, but it is described that these crystals, even after extraction, retain their connection with the vein, and as if the living ones can adapt to various magical sources. It was from such crystals that the most powerful and destructive artifacts in history were created.
Then, looking down at a bag filled with a dozen of these crystals, she added.
— And now, you have enough of them to jeopardize any kingdom.
Hearing this, Alan swallowed nervously, and not thinking to question the words of such an expert as Maud, he decided to hide them more securely, leaving only four pieces for making two bracelets and two horns.
— How did you get them?
The mare's question brought Alan out of his thoughts.
— Oh yes, that's right. I have a whole freaking story for you. Grab a snack, make yourself comfortable, and listen.
And Alan told everything that happened to him, starting from the very morning with Dashi and visiting Rarity, and ending with a meeting at the castle and a trip to Dryane, and then returning to the castle.
After listening to all this without a single change of emotion, Maud just said.
— Cool.
Alan was surprised at first, and then laughed, because this was the very Maud that he liked so much. While Alan was laughing, the mare thought and asked.
— So what's the plan now?
Calmed down, Alan answered with a bright smile.
— Well, first we make new bracelets, then we learn magic from Starlight and Twilight, along the way we try to open our own MiB artifact store. And if there are problem guys or villains, we lather their neck.
(Author's Note. Russian expression meaning "Kick someone's ass" I'm not sure if I can say that in English, but I decided to leave it for further joke.)
Nodding, Maud said.
— Okay. I'll grab the soap.
With a little laugh, Alan proceeded to the first point in the plan.
* * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note:
The final chapter in a series of frequent publications for BNS fanfiction.
Next, I'll work on the chapters of Naruto fanfiction.
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