It started in a place with nothing but darkness everywhere. I call this place the “Void”. It was a lonely place obviously, with only me the only in the place just floating around without a care in the world. Even if I was alone, I was still content. I felt at peace when I was there for some reasons. Maybe it’s because I had nothing to worry about at the time. But all of that changed when a robotic voice pierced through the silence of the Void.

“Warning. Power Error. Power is not sufficient enough to continue -bzzt- Error. Please evacu-bzzt- Power Failure inevitable. Activating emergency -bzzt-”

Then a loud hiss interrupted whoever or whatever was speaking. I tried covering my ears to at least soften the sound. The voice then continued speaking as soon as the hiss subsided.

“Opening-bzzt- cryo-bzzt- Please stand-bzzt- Opening p-bzzt- i n 2 m i n -BZZT-”

The voice finally stopped talking and I thought it was over. I was wrong. Pretty soon after, a magnificent white light pierced through the Void, making the darkness retreat. I stared at the light in awe as I watched it grew brighter and bigger until it finally consumed me. The hiss returned and it lasted for what felt like an eternity. I think I lost consciousness but not before hearing one last sentence.

“-BZZT- has been successfully c o m p l e t E-FZZT-”

I immediately woke up, taking in deep breaths, as my eyes tried to understand my surroundings. As soon as my vision cleared, I realized I was staring at a ceiling. Very slowly, since my body did not feel like cooperating with me, I sat up. My vision suddenly blurred as a sharp pain hit me straight in the head. I took deep breathes, trying not to pass out from the pain. As the pain slowly subsided, I moved my limbs around. For some reason, they were stiff and painful to move. After enduring the painful reintroduction to having a body, I decided to get used with my environment. Despite the flickering lights, which hurts my eyes, I still could see my surroundings with at least in decent detail. I realized that I am sitting on a weird looking bed and I could still see even more of these “beds” beside me, except there’s glass covering what I presume would be where a pony would sleep.

“Hello?” I yelled out, hoping for a response. Instead, I get a deafening silence.

I slowly got out of the bed. As soon as I standing up, my legs threatened to buckle. Once more, I took a while to get used with myself before proceeding. Finally, I decided to check the weird-looking beds. I pressed my face against the glass screen of the nearest bed to see who or what was inside. I was horrified to discover a rotting corpse. I quickly backed up, close to vomiting whatever was in my stomach. Though I did not want to continue, my curiosity pushed me on to explore.

Looking around the room, I found an exit out of the nightmarish place I was trapped in. As I walked past the beds, which I suspected to be sleeping pods now, I noticed some of the glass of some beds were cracked or smeared with blood. In other cases, I found strange liquid would be leaking out from the pods or the whole pod filled with said liquid. Finally, I exited the room to find myself covered in darkness once more. Panicked, I stayed in place until my eyes adjusted to the darkness. I cautiously continued my journey to find a real exit out of this place, sticking next to the wall.

After what felt like hours of being in the dark and bumping into random objects, I finally saw light. It wasn’t flickering too which meant whatever was the source of the light would be something else other than the room I woke up in, right?

I ran towards the light, tripping many times over objects which I did not want to know, and felt very eager to get out. But when I reached the source of the light, I was disappointed but at the same time surprised. It was a computer and a very high-tech looking one too. I checked it to see what I can do it with it and found words on the screen.

“Please connect device(PipBuck, D.E technology, etc.) to terminal.”

I stared at the screen, wondering what the said devices were. I don’t think I’ve seen any technology(other than the pods) on my way. Then again, I’ve never seen one. Before I could think any longer, another robotic voice cut in.

“Device detected. Compatibility with terminal: High. Status of device: Offline. If possible, please connect device to terminal.”

Again, I was stumped. I decided to look around for the said device but the light coming from the terminal screen wasn’t bright enough to light up a good chunk of the place. At best, it was bright enough just to light up itself. Then a random thought just crossed my mind: What if the device was already with me? I found it a silly thought but it was worth a try.

Using the screen light, I checked myself out to see the said device. Sadly, I did not see such thing but I did notice something interesting. I found what looked like metal braces(or robotic parts) attached to my hind legs, one of my forelegs(the right, specifically), and on my back. They were interesting but it wasn’t what I was looking for.

Annoyed and frustrated, I stomped my hoof on the ground. I heard a crunch as I felt my hoof crush something hard. I then noticed a green light blink in the darkness nearby. It was also near me, just few steps away from the terminal. Maybe, just maybe, it could be the device I’m looking for. With the location of where the light blinked in my mind, I carefully felt the floor for it. Soon, I touched something and decided that I found it. I grabbed it(with a bit of difficulty in holding it) and walked back to the terminal. Finally, I could see how the device looked like.

It was a device that was built for your legs(the front ones anyways) and it looked like a portable computer. I examined the front area of it, noticing the buttons and the gear placed on the device, checking the screen which was blank, and also tried pressing any of the buttons to see if anything would happen though nothing happened sadly. I examined the back area, finding a port that looks like it’s used to connect to the device. Still very careful on what I was doing, I did not wear it for I did not trust it to be on my leg, yet. I looked for a cable that could connect to the device and found one just behind the terminal. I quickly placed the cable on the port(the port was luckily a universal one, I thought) and waited for something to happen. I checked the computer screen and was a bit surprised to see this message:

“Error, device is not connected to a host. Host of said device is encouraged to wear it and try again.”

Sighing in annoyance, I disconnected the device from the terminal and wondered if wearing it would be a complicated task. Luckily, it seemed to use a latching mechanism. After some tries, I got the device on my leg(The left one) and stared at it in awe. Once more, I connected to it at the terminal and waited. This time, the robotic voice spoke.

“Device has been successfully linked with terminal. Checking info about connected device. Task complete. Device is a D.E.-PipBuck 3000 Mk IV Prototype II Hybrid. Status of device: Offline. Initiating reboot of device.”

The screen on the “Pip” lit up and a string of code was displayed on the screen. After that, the screen glowed blue as a cog was displayed on the screen with the words “LOADING” below it. After a few minutes passed, there was a click as the cog display was changed into a pony with bars on each limb, torso, and head. The voice then continued to speak.

“Rebooting complete. Initiating secondary task. Checking all database for user of device. Task complete. User of device is not found in the database of the D.E. main computer. Restricting user to guest functions only. You may now disconnect the device. Thank you for cooperating.”

I stared at the screen as new words were displayed. Most of them were “[Access Denied]” but I noticed one choice that seemed a bit too convenient for this situation. It read “Initiate secondary search about user on D.E. supercomputer”. It was the only option there available so I chose it. I heard another click as the computer suddenly displayed lots and lots of numbers being highlighted quickly. Not long after, it stopped on the number 35. I stared at the screen for some time and since nothing was happening, I checked my PipBuck. This time, the display changed once more into the words “Confirmed” and below that word was the option “Initiate administrator access”. I tapped on the option and the display once returned to the normal “Pony stats”. I then heard a different voice, though it still came out from the same terminal.

“Terminal has recognized user. Identified as -BZZT- aka. Project 35. Granting -BZZT- access to the database of -BZZT- 0.”

All the choices that had the words “Access Denied” slapped onto it was finally accessible. The new choices were information about this place, info about Proj. 35, info about the PipBuck, and “Back to the surface”. I tried choosing the info but the file is corrupted. Same goes to the PipBuck, what a bummer. The only choice that involved information was about 35. I decided to choose it, feeling a bit curious about 35. It did state that the owner of the PipBuck, or me maybe, was called Project 35 for reasons. When it did show me the info, I was quite surprised.

“Project 35, also known as [CONFIDENTIAl], is one of the many subjects D.E. experimented on. Subject is a male Earth pony. Project 35 was one of the most successful projects D.E. did, earning him the nickname “Eclipse”, named after the event that happened involving him during an eclipse.”

Feeling a bit satisfied, I finally disconnected the PipBuck from the computer. When I did, I noticed a new option pop-up on the screen: Play recording “Urgent Message”. Since the 2 other files were corrupt, and I had no way of fixing or retrieve the info, and I wasn’t sure about the other option involving the “surface”, I played it. The message started with someone, who was a female, shouting some orders to whoever it was on the background.

“Make sure the computers are up and running!”

She then cleared her throat and started her real talk.

“Ahem. This message shall act as a guide on using your PipBuck. If you happen to be the lucky ones who got the special ones, then it’s no surprise that you’re listening to this You see, this message only appears to those who have the unique version of the PipBuck. If you are really interested on knowing how to work the device, then a new audio tutorial shall be downloaded to your PipBuck shortly. Don’t worry, you don’t need to connect the device just to download it. In fact, the audio tape will be automatically downloaded to your Pip if it’s in the range of the terminal after this recording. Good Luck.”

Then a click. I would have thought the recording was over if it wasn’t for the amount of minutes left before the recording ends displayed on the screen. I was quite confused when 1 minute and 30 seconds of silence passed before the same speaker returned. This time, she sounded less confident than before.

“If anyone is listening to this, then I expect it to be Eclipse. We modified the Supercomputer in away that if it’s Eclipse, it would allow access to this point of message. How? Using the unique Pips. In any event that one of the unique ones tries to identify its user, via the tiny needles that will insert itself into the user’s skin for a short time to get the user’s DNA, and it found it that the user is Eclipse, the Pip will send a signal to the supercomputer or terminal, as long as the tech is made by D.R.P. The signal that was sent to the terminal or supercomputer will allow administrative access to any technology created by D.E. or D.R.P.

Eclipse, if it is really you, then I am in lose of words. Either the inevitable happened or something triggered the system’s emergency plans. I hope it was the latter. Whichever the case was, you woke up. You also have no memory of who you are, what happened, or anything at all...right?”

I was shocked on what I heard. It couldn’t be, I thought. I racked up my brain but it was blank. I couldn’t remember anything at all.

“Just a reminder, Eclipse is your nickname. So don’t think it’s your real name. Anyways, I am sorry that we had to do it. It was our biggest regret to do it to you. Unfortunately, I could not tell much about you. Doing so would be a violation of our rules and recording this is just enough to get me killed. And even if I can, it would be impossible. After the experiment, we too were subjected to this experiment, though at a smaller scale. Every information about you was wiped out from our memories except your nickname.”

She was suddenly interrupted by someone shouting in the background, followed by footsteps that grew louder and louder as it moved closer towards the poor speaker. She spoke once more, her voice desperate.

“Don’t become the monster they want you to be! You are better than them. Better than anypony from this cruel facility. Please, stay safe…for the sake of your...No, NO! GET AWAY FROM ME! NOOO!”

The recording ended there. I was unable to move, her screams still in my mind. I wondered what happened to her and what is this place. I also wondered why I was here in the first place and why...I can’t remember my own name. Do I even have a name besides Eclipse? Another click brought me back to reality. Tracing the source of the sound to my PipBuck, I checked the screen to see a message pop-up.

“Requesting access for downloading new software for D.E.-PipBuck3000 Mk IV Prototype II Hybrid. Y/N?”

I tapped on the yes option and watched the PipBuck reboot once more. While it was downloading the new software, I shifted my attention back to the terminal. There was only one last option left. I looked around one more time to see if there’s anything worth checking, which there was none, and waited for the PipBuck to be done downloading. Once the new software has been installed and the PipBuck is finally back to normal, I took a deep breath and hesitantly clicked on the last option. I prepared myself for anything dramatic but nothing happened. I stare at the terminal for sometime before the old robotic voice spoke once more.

“Please stay put while the platform is moving. Please refrain from tampering with the terminal while platform is moving.”

Then alarms sounded as red lights began to light up the place.

“Preparing platform to return back to surface. Checking radiation levels on surface entrance. Radiation danger:0.00%. Opening tunnel hatch. Platform is now online.”

The ground beneath suddenly shook as I heard a hissing sound followed by a loud screech above me. I looked up to see the ceiling split into two and a tunnel, that was covered by said ceiling, being illuminated by lights on the sides. As soon as the ceiling stopped moving, the floor I’m standing on slowly ascended. The alarms continued to blare as the platform continued to move up. After sometime, I heard another screeching sound, though this one is louder, and noticed bright light passing through the widening cracks of another ceiling. The same robotic voice spoke one more time before fading out.

“Opening primary hatch. Thank-BZZT- for staying with-BZZT-G o o d-FZZT-”

When I reached the surface, it was somewhat dark. Still, there was light. It took sometime before my eyes adjusted once more to the new surroundings. When my eyes finally adjusted to the light, I gasped. What I saw saddened me greatly. Dead trees, grassless land, and the howling wind. Stunned, I just stared at the environment, mouth agape. I turned around to see what else there is to be seen in this place and saw a ruined town nearby. Broken down houses and roads littered with debris. Near me was a broken down sign. It was very dirty and damaged but I could barely see the words.

As soon as I read the sign, my head ached. An image popped into my mind as my head continued to throb. I could see the town, alive and beautiful, with ponies around. It felt like I was here before. As soon as it came, my headache disappeared, along with the image of the town. Shaking my head, I decided to explore the place. I walked down the ruined paths, looking at the buildings. I wondered if anyone was living here, though that was unlikely. When I reached to a point where I could see a white and purple building nearby(named the Carousel Boutique), I heard sound as loud as thunder. I also heard shoutings. I then noticed a pony near the white building. The pony was a unicorn mare and was wearing what looked like to be a blue and yellow suit

.

Finally! I thought, Another living being!

I slowly walked closer to the building, ignoring the loud noises, until I noticed the dark splotches on her suit. From afar, it did not look suspicious, but at a closer look, I realized it was blood. I also noticed she was carrying some sort of weapon, a combat shotgun maybe. It wasn’t too soon before she noticed me too and aimed her gun at me. I froze. This was happening too fast. I just got to the surface and now I’ll be shot? Before any of us could make a move, I heard another loud sound(which, at this point, I recognized as a gunshot) and she quickly retreated into the building. Seeing my chance, I ran away from that place and towards to a building colored dull-pink. I stopped at the entrance to catch my breathe and took the time to look at the sign at the building.

Sugarcube Corner

I quickly entered the place and saw what a mess the place was. Overturned tables and chairs littered the floor. I later noticed a dead pony next to the counter. I tried not to gag as I noticed the pool of blood beneath him. I also noticed a weapon, a double-barreled shotgun to be exact, next to the corpse. Not wanting to be in the same room with the corpse any longer, I quickly went to the stairs nearby and ascended to the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor was not as damaged as the 1st and everything looked clean and inviting(Amazingly). While most of the rooms on the floor was boarded up, there was one room that was open. I carefully walked towards the room, still unsure if I’m finally alone. Once I reached the room, I finally felt safe since there no other ponies to be seen in this place. I decided to explore the room and see if there’s anything useful around. When I first entered the room, I noticed a safe on the corner of the room. I inspected the safe, seeing if it has been damaged or if it’s already open. I was surprised when I found the safe to be open and still have items inside.

Since I don’t want to be caught off-guard, I first went to close the door and locked it. Better safe than sorry. After that, I walked back to the safe. Inside were interesting items I did not expect to be in a safe or to be still in a safe that had been opened already. I inspected the first thing that caught my eye: a gun. It was a revolver with 2 roses, crossed, engraved on the barrel. It was built in a way that one can shoot the gun with their tongue. It looked mighty strong and seemed to be still in a decent condition. I also found a box of ammo and a holster for the revolver. The next thing was a small chest. When I opened it, I discovered a lot of gold-looking coins. It looked valuable, even if it looked dull and rusty.

The last item was the most interesting one. It was a saddlebag. I checked each bag to find what looked like a pink pony statuette. I also noticed writings engraved on the stand. Now what’s so interesting about it is how it made me feel when I touched it. It made me feel more alive and more aware in some way. I stared at the eyes of the pink pony, feeling its eyes look at me with glee.

Pinkie Pie…

That name just popped out from nowhere. I had no idea how or why I thought of that name but it seemed pretty fitting. This made me wonder even more. Did I know who this pony is before? It could be just a statuette that had nothing to do with me or is not even based on a real pony but yet again…

I thought a long time while staring at the statuette. Maybe, just maybe…

I smiled a bit and put the statuette back in the bag. I also placed the ammo box and the small chest along with it. I strap on the holster and debated if I should put the revolver in the holster or not. I decided to just place the revolver on top of the safe for now. I’m not planning on leaving it there though. I looked at the door and sighed. I wasn’t ready yet and I was very tired. There was a bed in the room and it also seemed to be in good condition. I made one last check on the door lock before I went to bed. I lay down, staring at the ceiling and wondering what to do next.

Just sleep, I thought to myself. I’ll think about what to do once I wake up.

To others, it would be a bad idea just to sleep after seeing a pony aiming a gun at you and a dead corpse. But in my dazed state, it was the perfect thing to do.

I closed my eyes and emptied my mind of any problems. I was at peace once more and soon, I fell asleep.

Awareness! It was under "E"!
Perception +1