//------------------------------// // The Assignment // Story: Fatelocked // by Pon13 //------------------------------// You take a few cautious steps forward, your senses heightened as you enter the dimly lit hallway that leads to the heart of the house—the kitchen. The air carries a faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the comforting scent of spices and home-cooked meals. Soft rays of moonlight filter through the curtains, casting a cool glow upon the cozy living room that branches off to the side. As you explore further, you can't help but notice the meticulous attention to detail that makes this small house feel like a sanctuary. The walls, painted a pristine white, serve as a canvas for a collection of cherished family pictures, capturing moments of love and laughter frozen in time. Each photograph tells a story, adding a personal touch to the ambiance of the home. The polished wooden floor beneath your feet is adorned with a long, slender rug that stretches from the hallway to the kitchen entrance. Its intricate patterns and rich colors add a touch of elegance, inviting you to traverse its soft surface. The gentle sound of your footsteps creates a comforting rhythm, amplifying the sense of familiarity within the house. A happy family lives here, you can feel the energy. But at the back of you mind something feels a little off. "Come on Anon, the ghost's don't normal jump out right away. Besides, nothing seems abnormal so far..." Dawn says walking behind you. Encouraged by Dawn's reassuring words, you find yourself drawn closer to the kitchen—a place where the magic of culinary creations and shared meals resides. The dining table, positioned in the center of the room, awaits your arrival, its smooth surface cleared and ready as if to be adorned with delicious dishes and lively conversation. You carefully place your backpack on the dining table, appreciating the solid wood and the way it feels beneath your touch. The table exudes an inviting warmth, as if anticipating the gatherings and moments of connection it will facilitate. "Good choice. Always use the room with the biggest table to set up our base. It makes organizing things easier," Dawn remarks, placing her saddlebags on the table. She pulls out a small pink glow stick, cracking it on the side. Within seconds, a soft pink glow emanates from her surroundings. "You have one in your bag too." You reach into your backpack and retrieve a glow stick similar to hers, cracking it on the of the table, causing it to emit a gentle green glow. "Do we all have different colors? And I thought bat ponies have night vision," you inquire. "It's mostly so we can identify each other from a distance. For you, it's mostly to see what you're doing. I assume you can still see, right?" Dawn responds. You nod. "My eyes will adjust soon enough." "Now, onto the mundane part. We need to survey the house. But before that, let me introduce you to more of your kit," Dawn says, shifting the focus of the conversation. "Sounds good to me," you reply, intrigued. "If you retrieve your Ki-meter from your bag, it should look like this..." Dawn pulls out a wooden box with several gauges and dials from her saddlebags. After a moment of searching, you find a similar device in your own bag. "This box will be your best friend, as it'll be your eyes and ears," Dawn explains, pointing at the gauges. "Keep it with you whenever you leave the base." "Alright, but I have no idea what these gauges are indicating," you admit. "It's simple. The first needle, called Zen, measures the background magic. If the needle moves back and forth slowly, it means the area you're in is in a harmonic state. It will oscillate more erratically if the magic becomes more chaotic. If that happens, run," Dawn elucidates. You observe the needle swaying in a slow, steady rhythm. "Alright, I understand. And the next gauge?" "The middle one is Ki, a term borrowed from the Kirins. It measures life energies. At the moment, it should be around the two mark, detecting you. But if I stand a little closer, it jumps to four," Dawn explains. "So, if it jumps from two to six with just the two of us, it could mean there's something else present?" you theorize. "Correct. Now, the last one, Tau. Like Zen, it measures magic, but instead of Harmonic and Chaos, it measures Light and Dark. Currently, it should be hovering around zero, indicating no dark magic nearby," Dawn clarifies. The needle hovers around the one mark. "For instance, if Zen were normal, but Tau were around seven, that would indicate Dark Harmonic Magic, right? That doesn't make much sense," you inquire. "Alright, basic magic 101. When we refer to Harmony and Chaos, we're talking about the state of the magic fields. If they flow slowly and rhythmically, they are Harmonic. If they are out of sync and flowing rapidly, they are Chaotic. You're familiar with Discord, right?" Dawn asks. You hesitate before answering, "...Yeah." "Well, he uses what you can call Light Chaos magic. When Luna was Nightmare Moon, she used Dark Harmonic magic. There's more to it than that, but that's the basic idea," Dawn explains. "I think I have a rough idea," you respond, keeping your eyes on the gauges of the Ki-meter. "Just remember, we call it a Ki-meter because we primarily use it for that purpose. If you're using the Zen or Tau gauges, then it's probably time to run," Dawn advises with a slight smirk. Both of you tuck the glow sticks into straps on your armor. "Now, let's survey the house. The kitchen seems fine, so let's start with the living room," Dawn suggests, leading the way. You step into the inviting living room, noticing the dormant fireplace that occupies the center of the space. Two cozy chairs sit in front of it, patiently awaiting the warmth and crackling flames that will bring them to life. Though currently unlit, you can envision the intimate conversations that would have taken place in this cozy setting, imagining the comforting ambiance that will soon fill the room once the fire is ignited. Your gaze then drifts towards a majestic glass cabinet standing tall in the corner, proudly showcasing an assortment of family ornaments and treasured keepsakes. Each delicate item within the cabinet holds its own tale, whispering stories of cherished memories and sentimental attachments. Their presence adds a touch of nostalgia and a sense of continuity to the living room, reminding you of the bond shared by those who call this house their home. Pausing for a moment to gather your thoughts, you glance down at your Ki-meter, the device that measures energy and presence. Its readings remain steady and unremarkable, offering no indication of any abnormal activity. The atmosphere in the room feels tranquil, as if holding its breath in anticipation of what lies ahead. Dawn stands in the doorway, her curiosity evident in her gaze. "Anything?" she inquires, her voice filled with hope for a clue or sign. You shake your head, a tinge of disappointment mingled with determination in your reply. "No, the Ki levels are normal, as are Zen and Tau..." A reassuring smile graces Dawnlight's face, illuminating the room with its gentle warmth. "That's a good start," she says with encouragement. "I'll head upstairs, and we can divide the rooms between us." With a shared understanding, you both embark on your individual paths, ready to unravel the mysteries that await in the upper reaches of the hous You both go room by room, calling "clear" after a few minutes of observation with the Ki-meters. Once you finish checking the two bedrooms and the bathroom upstairs, you meet again on the landing. "It all seems clear to me," you report. "That's because we only tested the baseline for each room. Now, if we enter a room and the readings change, we'll know the environment has changed..." Dawn's ears twitch, and she raises a hoof, signaling for silence. "You hear that?" You strain your ears, and just above your heads, you can faintly hear a few sudden hoofsteps. Slowly, you raise your Ki-meter and press the back of it against the ceiling. The needle starts to creep up to five before falling back to four. "Well?" Dawn looks up at you eagerly. "It reached five then dropped to four," you inform her. "Not a significant jump, but combined with those hoofsteps, it warrants an investigation of the attic," Dawn decides. She flaps her wings and hovers a few feet from the floor. "Come on, let's open that hatch." You turn on your heel and walk towards the ceiling hatch, pulling the string and causing the hatch to open with a loud clunk. "Hmm, the ladder seems to be stuck. Give me a moment," Dawn says, trying to resolve the issue. You watch as your co-worker fearlessly flies up through the hatch without a second thought. This mare must have nerves of steel or simply be reckless. "Is it caught on anything?" you call up to the attic, growing concerned. Silence. "Dawn?" Worry begins to well up in the pit of your stomach. "Are you alright?" Suddenly, the ladder clicks and slides down, narrowly missing your head by a few inches. "Hey, watch it! That would've hurt!" you exclaim, slightly annoyed by the close call. Once again, there's no reply. "Alright, I'm coming up," you assert, determined to check on Dawn's well-being. With cautious steps, you plant your foot on the bottom step and begin your ascent, the ki-meter securely in your grasp. As you pull yourself up into the expansive attic space, a dim green light emanates from the glow stick attached to your armor, casting an eerie glow that reveals the immediate surroundings. The ethereal illumination dances upon the walls, exposing the hidden secrets of the attic. Your gaze scans the scene, taking in the sight of numerous silhouettes scattered throughout the area. Boxes, weathered and aged with time, stand as silent sentinels, their contents concealed and mysterious. The weight of forgotten memories and untold stories lingers within their confines. Old furniture, worn by years of neglect, is stacked haphazardly, its once-grand stature diminished by the passage of time. The atmosphere is further intensified by the presence of long, sprawling cobwebs, woven intricately across the corners and crevices of the attic. The gossamer threads, glistening faintly in the green light, drape like delicate tapestries, shrouding the treasures that lie beneath. The air feels thick and dusty, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. "Dawn?" you call out, your voice echoing in the attic space. You pull your legs up and find yourself in a crouched position, trying to avoid hitting your head on the low roof beams. "Dawn, if this is some prank for the newbies, you got me," you say, keeping your eye on the Ki-meter. "Shhh!" Dawn hushes you before pulling you by the hand. "Come here." She leads you a few feet to the right. "Now, stay within the ring," the bat pony whispers, pointing down at the ring of salt that encircles you both. "Epon' salt." "Should I be worried?" you ask, matching the volume of her voice. Checking your meter once again, the needle sits comfortably at five. Something else is present. "No, it's just a precaution... Now, listen," Dawn instructs. You peer into the darkness, straining your ears to catch any sound. From the far side of the attic, you can hear faint knocking. "I hear knocking..." you whisper, confirming the eerie sound. "That seems to be our ghost. Now, let's see, what's the reading on the meter?" you ask, referring to the Ki-meter readings. "Zen harmonic, Ki Five, Tau one... Did I say that right?" you confirm. Dawnlight nods approvingly. "Yes, that's correct. It means there's more life energy than there should be, and our ghost appears to be harmonic, probably not a demon or dark spirit. However, keep an eye on Tau because demons can easily deceive, which is why we have the salt circle." You contemplate the significance of the Ki-meter picking up both you and Dawnlight. "If the meter picks up both of us, I suppose we count as two Ki each?" "Correct. Although, you can use the dial on the side to fine-tune it," Dawnlight advises. You run your finger along the side of the device until you find the dial and adjust it. The Ki needle drops to three. "So now I guess we count as one Ki each," you remark. Dawnlight nods in agreement. "It's important to fine-tune when necessary, especially in a full unit. Otherwise, you might end up detecting another agent upstairs or in the next room. Now, let's find out who this spirit is. Would you like to ask a question?" You agree, curious about the ghost's identity. "Sure, what should I ask?" "Let's start with simple yes or no questions. First, ask if anyone is there—one knock for yes, two for no," Dawnlight suggests. You direct your question into the darkness. "Is anyone there? One knock for yes, two for no." Both of you listen intently, and to your relief, you hear one distinct, quiet knock from the far end of the attic. "Good, now we know it's not a residual haunting. This spirit is aware of our presence. Let's try another question. How about asking if it's a mare or a stallion? One knock for mare, two for stallion," Dawnlight proposes. You repeat the question, waiting for a response. After a brief moment, you hear one knock from behind you, followed by two more. Feeling slightly unnerved, you desperately scan the area to determine the source of the knocks. Dawnlight's hoof presses against your side, offering reassurance. "It's alright. Spirits can move around, and they probably wanted to take a closer look at us." Curiosity piqued, you inquire about the significance of three knocks. Dawnlight admits uncertainty and suggests asking if the spirit is a filly or a colt. With anticipation, you ask, "Are you a filly or a colt?" Suddenly, the floorboards vibrate with a knock just outside the salt ring. Your gaze instinctively follows the vibration, but before you can react, a small black mass shoots away from you and disappears behind some boxes. "Did you see that?" you exclaim in surprise. Dawnlight calmly responds, "Don't worry. You just scared her." Confused, you ask, "What do you mean I scared a ghost?" "Shh, let me handle it from here," Dawnlight says, assuming control of the situation. Dawnlight steps out of the salt circle and adopts a comforting, motherly tone. "It's okay, we're here to help you," she coos. As if in response, a few boxes tumble over, spilling out old antiques from years before. Dawnlight sighs, her voice switches to a stern motherly mode. "Come on now, I've seen far scarier things than that, young filly. I know you've been here for a long time, and your parents are waiting for you. You do love them, right?" A knock resonates from close to you, followed by four consecutive knocks near you. "That's Anonymous, he's a friend. But let's not change the subject. Your parents are waiting for you. It's time to go," Dawnlight insists. Two more knocks ring out. "You've been making a young colt very ill, haven't you?" Dawnlight confronts. Feeling a sudden pang of nausea, you clutch your stomach, growing increasingly dizzy with a fever. You wipe your forehead but notice the absence of sweat. "Dawn, I feel sick all of a sudden," you state before a sickly burp escapes your windpipe. "Just relax," Dawn whispers, returning to her previous tone. "You're making Anonymous here feel sick. Are you trying to tell us something?" A knock follows her words. "I already know. You died during the great plague, didn't you?" Dawn inquires. Another knock confirms her assumption. "That was five hundred years ago. I think it's time to let this family live in peace. We know your story, Thatch Straw. Your parents are waiting," Dawn asserts, her smile returning. The thick air dissipates along with your nausea, and the mood in the attic shifts to match the rest of the house. "Is she gone?" you ask, seeking confirmation. "Sure is," Dawnlight assures you. "How did you know all that?" you inquire, amazed by her knowledge. "Research. Always look into the history of the house or grounds. During the great plague, this area of Canterlot was the slums, and unfortunately, it was hit the hardest," Dawnlight explains. "Then you checked the death register from that era?" you speculate. "Yep, it took me all night to match the name with the address. A small filly died in one of the bedrooms," Dawnlight confirms. Curiosity piqued, you question why the ghost chose to haunt the attic. "Her body was stored up here. These houses don't have a basement, and it was well reported that it took days before a coroner came to collect the dead. In the middle of summer, I can't imagine the stench in this part of town back then," Dawnlight reveals, reflecting on the grim past. Shaking off the somber atmosphere, Dawnlight brightens up. "Anyway, there are a few more tools in your kit that I want to go through with you." "Sure," you respond, ready to learn more. Returning to the kitchen, Dawnlight lights a few candles and places them on the table. The warm glow illuminates the area as she rummages through her saddlebags. She then holds up a handheld pickaxe, or rather, a snowpick. "What do I do with this? Am I supposed to climb mountains or search for ore?" you ask, rolling the small pick handle in your hand. Dawnlight laughs and shakes her head. "No, compared to the Ki meter, this is your second-best friend. Ghosts, especially poltergeists and demons, love shutting doors or trapping lone agents in rooms. While most poltergeists are just tricksters, demons are a different story. This tool, your pick, comes in handy. You use the flattened end to open doors. If that fails, use the pick end to break through the wood and call for help. Additionally, some demons and dark spirits may try to pull you into a room. In such cases, use the pick end to jam into the floor. As two-legged creatures, they would target your ankles, while we ponies have our tails as a potential target." Concerned about potential property damage, you ask, "Should I worry about damaging others' property?" "Not at all. We're insured by the Crown. Princess Luna would rather have you alive than dead because you didn't want to bash through a door in a life-threatening situation," Dawnlight assures you. Realizing you should have been carrying the pick earlier, you comment on the situation. "So, I should have had this thing with me tonight?" "Normally, the team leader advises you on the necessary tools. For tonight's assignment, it seems Bright Eyes deemed it safe for a newbie after conducting the research," Dawnlight explains. Curious about what else is in your kit, you inquire further. "Epon' salt. There should be a bag of powder," Dawnlight informs you. You retrieve the bag from your backpack. "This is the stuff in our armor..." "Correct. I used it in the attic too. This powder provides protection. If you have any doubts about what you're dealing with, create a ring with it. It will keep the majority of paranormal entities at bay and keep you safe," Dawnlight instructs. "And I use this with the salt blaster?" you ask for clarification. "Yes, load it up and fire away. Though it won't be needed tonight, you would carry one on more dangerous missions. We'll go through your blaster another time," Dawnlight confirms. Curiosity piqued once again, you inquire about the next item. Dawnlight pulls out a small book with a black cover, with a small piece of chalk hanging from a loop in the spine. You reach into your bag and find a similar book. "This book is also for protection. Each page contains a rune that can be drawn, with the purpose written above," Dawnlight explains. Flipping through your small black book, you notice numerous rune symbols, mostly circular but with some linear ones as well. Above each illustration, there is text indicating the rune's purpose. It didn't take long to pack up your equipment and secure the attic door behind you. As you step out onto the midnight streets of Canterlot, a cool breeze brushes against your skin, carrying a hint of mystery in the air. The cobbled streets, usually bustling with activity during the day, now lay deserted under the silver glow of the moon. Dawnlight's wings flutter gracefully as she hovers next to you, her eyes still sparkling with the thrill of the mission. The two of you walk side by side, the sound of your footsteps echoing softly in the quiet night. "You haven't stopped smiling since we started packing up. I take it you enjoyed our little mission?" Dawn asks, her voice carrying a lazy yet content tone. "Yeah, in fact, I did. Knowing that the filly is at rest gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside," you reply, a genuine smile gracing your face. Dawnlight chuckles softly. "I get that too. It means you're a good... well, person. Not a monkey either." You share a light-hearted laugh as Dawnlight stumbles over her words. Despite being from different worlds, there's a connection between you, a camaraderie that transcends species. "Sorry. You know, it's weird. You're a cryptid, but it's like talking to another pony sometimes. It's almost like you're not a furless bipedal primate," she muses, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Technically, I'm an alien from Planet Earth," you say, raising a hand with your palm facing Dawn. "I come in peace, take me to your leader!" you add in a cheesy, stereotypical martian voice. Dawnlight giggles, her laughter infectious. "...Really? How come SMILE hasn't caught you yet?" "Trust me, they tried. Took them all day to pry me out of Celestia's bathroom... It's a long story. Besides, SMILE is supposed to be top secret," you reply, a mischievous glint in your eyes. "We work with them from time to time. Ugh, trust me, if you're on an assignment with them, just keep out of the way. It's all protocol this, report that... Makes me want to kick those stupid shades right off their faces," Dawnlight grumbles, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Sounds like you have a bit of a history with them," you observe, sensing her underlying annoyance. "Some. The assignments always end in arguments on who is leading who. They think that because they're governed by Celestia, we should kiss the ground they walk on," Dawnlight replies, her voice tinged with a mixture of exasperation and defiance. As you continue walking down the streets of Canterlot, you reach a familiar area—Main Street. Normally bustling with activity, it now lays empty, the cobblestones bathed in a soft glow under the moonlight. A few guards patrol or stand watch at posts, adding to the serenity of the night. You gaze up at the sky, taking in the breathtaking display of stars. Constellations stretch across the vast expanse, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of light. "I guess there are still a fair few hours left till dawn," you remark, mesmerized by the celestial beauty above. "There is. So, we need to find something to do!" Dawnlight declares, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "A midnight tour?" you ask, intrigued by her suggestion. "Something like that. Come on, this way!" she urges, nudging you to turn left toward Canterlot station. You both enter the quiet train station, a hushed atmosphere enveloping you as you step inside. During the day, this bustling hub serves as a vital connection for travelers, but now, with the sun setting on the horizon, the station is closed for the night. The remnants of daytime activity still linger, with traces of passengers' comings and goings evident throughout the space. The ticket booths, though unattended at this hour, stand as a testament to the station's functionality during the day. Neatly arranged chairs await weary travelers, their emptiness now emphasizing the stillness of the late hour. The platform, once filled with bustling footsteps and conversations, is now bathed in a serene silence, interrupted only by the distant echoes of departing trains. "Don't worry, Anon. There's nothing here. Now follow," Dawnlight reassures you, fluttering toward a gated doorway at the bottom of the second platform. Relieved by Dawnlight's reassurance, you gather your courage and follow her lead. With each step, a renewed sense of curiosity propels you forward, eager to discover what lies beyond the gated doorway at the bottom of the second platform. Dawnlight's wings flutter gracefully as she approaches the rusty gate, a symbol of the station's forgotten past. She applies pressure, and with a resolute push, the gate groans and reluctantly gives way, revealing a hidden passage. The locks, remnants of a time long gone, have succumbed to the wear and tear of countless years, allowing access to this mysterious realm. "The locks have been broken for years," she explains. "Down here, come quickly, or we're going to miss it." "Miss what?" you ask, your curiosity piqued, as you eagerly trail behind Dawnlight, descending a flight of metal stairs. The steps, crafted from sturdy steel, emit a faint metallic echo with each footfall, a rhythmic symphony that accompanies your journey into the depths of the station. "You'll see. You might want to crack open another glowstick," she suggests. You oblige, snapping another glowstick to illuminate the path ahead. The stairs lead you deeper into the underground, and as you descend, the air grows colder, thinning as if you're entering a different realm. Finally, you reach a level with old stone-tiled flooring. The silence intensifies, and a sense of anticipation builds within you. As your gaze scans the surroundings, you discover a solitary underground platform, a testament to a bygone era. With cautious steps, you make your way toward the edge, drawn to the faint glimmer of green light that illuminates a pair of rusty rails. Time has not been kind to the once vibrant tracks, now marked by the relentless corrosion of neglect. "Alright, it's an underground platform. Why are we here?" you inquire, eager to uncover the secret behind Dawnlight's excitement. Dawnlight's smile widens, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Just wait a little longer. But if you follow the rails to your right, you'll see the exit to Canterlot's abandoned tunnel two. Look to your left, and those rails lead to the mines in the mountain." You peer down the tracks leading to the mines, a seemingly endless expanse of darkness stretching before you. "I imagine this place would have been pretty smoky from those steam trains," you comment, imagining the atmosphere filled with billowing clouds of smoke. "They were," Dawnlight confirms. "According to old accounts, this place had a rudimentary air filter system. Though state-of-the-art at the time, if you look above you, you'll see long pipes." You crane your neck to gaze upward, spotting the black pipes hanging from the ceiling. "I see them." "Those were the filtering systems. On the upper level, where the first platform is, there were steam pumps that brought in fresh air and extracted the smoke. However, when the trains left the station, the poor miners would get covered in soot. They called it the 'morning soot' or being 'soothed' when you boarded the train," Dawnlight explains, her voice tinged with a mix of historical knowledge and empathy for those who endured such conditions. "It sounds like those miners had it tough. I can't imagine being smoked out on the way to work," you remark, acknowledging the hardships of the past. "Back then, miners were still considered the underclass here in Canterlot. Their health wasn't a concern; it was all about getting them to work on time. But things have changed since then," Dawnlight says, her tone filled with determination. "You sure love your history," you note, appreciating her wealth of knowledge. "I do! Trust me, knowing this stuff has saved my flank a fair few times. Now, shh!" Dawnlight interrupts, her eyes suddenly sparkling with excitement. You listen to the complete silence coming from the platform exit and mine entrance tunnels. Faintly, you hear a distant clanking and chugging of what reminds you of a train. You listen intently as Dawnlight explains the phenomenon you're witnessing. The distant clanking and chugging sound becomes more distinct, resembling the rhythm of a train. However, you are certain that trains don't run at this time of night. "I hear a train, but they don't run this time of night, do they?" you inquire, your curiosity piqued. Dawnlight's grin widens as you both hear a faint whistle in the distance. "What we're experiencing here is a residual haunting," she explains, her eyes gleaming with excitement. As the sound of the train grows louder, you feel a rush of air sweep past you, carrying the distinct smell of burning coal. The scent fills your senses, confirming your suspicion. "I think the train is here," you mutter, your eyes fixed on the empty tracks stretching out before you. Dawnlight's enthusiasm is palpable as she approaches you. "The next part is my favorite, but I need you to do something. A male's voice seems to work best. Shout 'all aboard' really loud." You raise an eyebrow, a mixture of confusion and anticipation filling your expression. "Why?" "Just do it! Trust me," Dawnlight urges, her voice filled with anticipation. Reluctantly, you clear your throat and shout, "ALL ABOARD!" The sound of your voice reverberates through the underground platform and echoes into the mines. Feeling slightly ridiculous, you turn to Dawnlight, waiting for an explanation. Her gaze is fixed on something down the platform, and she motions for you to watch. "What am I seeing?" you ask, your eyes following her hoof. "There," Dawnlight points, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. A single orb bobs towards the tracks, followed by another. "Wow... Are they...?" you trail off, unable to find the right words. "Shh! Just watch," Dawnlight whispers, her attention focused on the ethereal spectacle. Before your eyes, you're surrounded by countless orbs, floating and slowly bobbing toward the rails. Their soft light illuminates the surroundings, creating a surreal and mesmerizing sight. You stand there, awestruck, as the orbs continue to drift past you, disappearing once they cross over the edge and disappear. Minutes pass, and the last of the orbs evaporate as they cross the threshold. "That was cool, or what?" Dawnlight asks, her voice filled with wonder. "That was... something," you reply, struggling to find the words to describe the experience. "Were they... the miners?" Dawnlight's smile fades slightly as she nods. "Yes, those were the miners. Although it's an awe-inspiring sight, it has a sad story behind it." "What happened?" you inquire, your voice tinged with sympathy. "What we saw there were the two hundred miners who never came home from work," Dawnlight begins, her tone somber. "Due to their underclass status, their work conditions were deplorable. They were crammed into the carriages, nose to tail, with no seats. The journey to the furthest mine took almost an hour, and the heat and smoke were unbearable." "It sounds like a recipe for disaster," you remark, your heart heavy with the weight of the tragedy. "It was. The train caught fire due to a furnace rupture, instantly killing the engineers. Many of the miners, packed tightly, had nowhere to run and burned to death. Some survivors who tried to return on foot ended up suffocating due to the lack of air," Dawnlight explains, her voice filled with sorrow. "A rough way to go. But those orbs... are they their spirits?" you ask, curious about the ethereal entities you witnessed. "Kind of. It's a residual haunting," Dawnlight responds, her gaze fixed on the empty tracks. "It's like seeing a snapshot of time. We're still not fully sure what causes it, but after a tragic event like this, enough energy gets stored in the stones. It's like a cinema projector replaying the event. I assure you, every spirit has crossed over, and what we're witnessing is just a replay." "So, no spirit is trapped here?" you seek confirmation. "No," Dawnlight confirms, shaking her head. "The event will continue to play out until the area runs out of residual energy. This anomaly used to occur every week when it was first discovered decades ago, but now it's just every month or so. Early reports of this haunting mentioned seeing the train smoke and headlamps coming from the tunnel. And the orbs were actually shadow figures. It goes to show just how much energy was stored here." "I'm glad I got to witness it. Thanks for showing me this, Dawn. It was pretty fascinating," you express your gratitude, despite the sadness surrounding the event. "Well, I've got one more place to show you. It doesn't have a sad story behind it; it's just... weird. Not spooky weird, just your above-average weird," Dawnlight says, a hint of excitement returning to her voice. "Alright, sounds good. Lead the way!" you reply eagerly, ready to embark on the next intriguing adventure with your co-agent. You and Dawnlight leave the station, continuing your walk through the quiet streets of Canterlot under the enchanting blue moonlit sky. The conversation shifts to your home planet, Earth, and Dawnlight's curiosity about what it's like living there. "I don't know, it was called Earth before I was born," you reply with a shrug. Dawnlight's expression reflects her fascination as she glances around at the houses lining the street. "What is it like on Earth? Your home, I mean," she asks, her curiosity shining in her eyes. "It's mostly the same as here, but more technologically advanced, and there are no talking equines," you explain, realizing the difficulty in capturing the essence of your world in a few words. Dawnlight scrunches up her muzzle in confusion before responding, "That's a bit vague... Wait, there are ponies in your world?" You nod, smiling at her bewilderment. "Yes, there are ponies and horses too. But they are considered animals and look nothing like the ponies here." "I guess that makes sense. You do look like a chimp," Dawnlight remarks, causing you to playfully feign offense. "Hey! I'll have you know, we evolved from a chimp-like species. They are our close cousins, in fact," you explain, enjoying the opportunity to share a bit of evolutionary biology. "Really? What about ponies in your world? What do they look like? And why can't they talk?" Dawnlight's curiosity continues, her questions flowing naturally. "Well, they are much taller than here, with longer muzzles and smaller eyes. They don't possess magical abilities like here, so they are essentially just animals," you respond, trying to paint a picture of the stark differences. Dawnlight's expression reveals her fascination. "What about pegasi and unicorns?" "They don't exist as they are depicted here. They are purely mythical or classified as cryptids in our world," you explain, knowing how deeply ingrained these fantastical creatures are in Equestrian culture. "And you knew about pegasi and unicorns before coming here?" Dawnlight asks, her curiosity growing. You chuckle, remembering the folklore and legends from your world. "Oh, absolutely. Pegasi, unicorns, and even dragons are dotted throughout our myths and legends. But trust me, trying to reconcile it with reality can be mind-boggling. It even drove Celestia's top student a little crazy. She spent days without sleep, trying to make sense of it all." Dawnlight lets out a laugh, seemingly entertained by the thought. "I won't dwell on it too much, but it is fascinating. What about bat ponies?" You contemplate her question before responding, "The closest equivalent in old fairy tales would be thestrals." Dawnlight's reaction is priceless. "You're kidding..." "I'm not," you assure her, knowing that the ancient race of thestrals is long extinct. "It's not that; thestrals are ancient history to us bat ponies. Think of them as bat ponies, but as tall as the princesses," she explains, her tone conveying a mix of awe and astonishment. "I take it they're extinct?" you inquire, already anticipating the answer. Dawnlight nods solemnly. "Yes, they are. We are the descendants of the thestral race. Many eons ago, there were two main races in Equestria: the Alicorns and the Thestrals. A war broke out between them, and as you can guess from who resides in the castle, you know who won." "Celestia and Luna," you respond, the history of Equestria slowly piecing together in your mind. "Correct, though it was a pyrrhic victory, and Equestria's lands were left devastated," Dawnlight elaborates, her voice tinged with a sense of sorrow for the past. You take a moment to absorb the information, realizing how little you knew about Celestia and Luna's early years, as they rarely spoke of it. "How did the other races come to be?" "That, I'm not sure of. That part of history has been scrubbed from the records," Dawnlight admits, leaving the gaps in Equestrian history open to speculation. Deciding to shift the conversation, you ask, "Are we nearly there yet? We've been walking for ages." "It's just around this corner," Dawnlight responds, pointing towards a narrow street ahead. As you turn the corner, you find yourself on a typical Canterlot residential street, with cobblestones and old townhouses lining each side. At first glance, nothing appears out of the ordinary. "We're here!" Dawnlight chirps, pointing at a house with the number 233. It seems like a normal house for this part of Canterlot, with an old-style tiled roof, an attic window, and wooden-framed windows adorned with crests on the upper floor. The large bowed windows on the ground floor and the old oak front door complete the picture. "It's a house, but is it haunted?" you inquire, peering at the seemingly ordinary dwelling. "Not quite. This house doesn't exist," Dawnlight reveals, her voice filled with intrigue. "But I can see it," you protest, confused by her statement. "Yet it doesn't exist. There's no record of this house ever being built, sold, owned, or even appearing on any map of Canterlot," Dawnlight explains, emphasizing the anomaly. "Could it have been an oversight? Maybe the numbering of the houses is incorrect," you suggest, searching for a rational explanation. "It's possible, but here's where it gets even more interesting. Find a stone and throw it at the house," Dawnlight urges, assuring you that this isn't some prank. You hesitate for a moment, unsure about vandalizing the mysterious house. But after considering Dawnlight's reassurance, you find a stone on the road, pick it up, and throw it at the house. To your surprise, the stone passes right through the house, as if it were a mere illusion. "I didn't expect that to happen," you admit, intrigued by the peculiar phenomenon. "Weird, isn't it?" Dawnlight remarks, sharing in your astonishment. "PHEERs agents have been pondering over this anomaly, but so far, we have no answers." You contemplate the situation, concerned about the implications. "Is it safe to leave it like this? Shouldn't the area be closed off?" Dawnlight shakes her head. "Unless someone points it out to you, everyday ponies would simply walk by without noticing. Even the neighbors believe the house is vacant." "Is it still worth trying to stop the anomaly?" you inquire, concerned about the potential consequences. "Some things are best left alone. Sometimes, the paranormal should be treated like a wild animal. If it isn't causing harm, then it's better to leave it be," Dawnlight responds, her voice filled with wisdom. "I presume there's a risk of provoking something more sinister if we intervene?" you suggest, recognizing the potential dangers. "Yeah, a benign spirit can turn dark if provoked enough. The same rule applies to cryptids," Dawnlight explains, motioning for you to continue walking. "Let's go. I'm starving, and we still have a few hours left. I suggest we grab a snack before heading back." Your growling stomach agrees, and you respond, "Sounds good." Together, you and Dawnlight continue your journey, leaving behind the enigmatic house and venturing towards a well-deserved snack.