Having completed everything they could within the crater, the players regrouped at the lift to the Snowy Mountains. It was a tight fit, but they all managed to squeeze in.

“Such a creative people,” Silver offered dryly as the lift carried them up. “Snowy Mountain. Spider Caves. So clever with their names.”

“There’s been somethin’ itchin’ at mah head fer a while now,” Honey informed. “If all this is goin’ on in our heads, couldn’t we put it in a memory crystal or somethin’?”

Luna hummed thoughtfully. “That should not be too much trouble. What did you have in mind, exactly?”

“Well, if we’re havin’ all this fun playin’ around in this world, maybe other ponies’d like the same? Maybe we could give a copy ta that Fantastic Fantasies place?”

“That’s actually a clever idea,” Moonlight congratulated.

“Well ya don’t have ta act so surprised about it,” huffed Honey.

“Yeah. Don’t act all surprised,” Surprise added. “If you do that, how am I supposed to keep up with the competition? Hehe.”

“Frankly I’m surprised you don’t make that joke more often,” added Thomas.

“You can’t be surprised. You don’t have the flanks for the job.”

“When you put it like that, I don’t think you have much to worry about,” Thomas offered. “Not too many ponies out there who can match you for curves.”

Luna cleared her throat.

“Well maybe the alicorns, but I don’t think it’s fair to count them.”

“Anyway, about what Honey was saying,” Moonlight spoke up. “I also like the idea. Fantastic Fantasies wouldn’t be able to make the scenes as expansive or have the same response to the player’s wishes, but I like the idea of putting the story out there and seeing what the public comes up with.”

“Fanfiction’s a mixed bag,” Thomas informed. “Like all ideas, most of them are crap, with only a select few as dull or sparkling gems. Personally, I’d like to see what else people come up with as far as expanding the lore of the world.”

“‘Tis certainly an idea worth considering. However, I believe we have arrived,” Luna informed as the lift came to a grinding halt.

Disembarking, the group were immediately set upon by hordes of snow lurkers, blue of fur with white animal pelts tied around their backs. They proved much tougher than their magenta cousins, fighting to the last with no signs of surrender. Thankfully, the modified scout flies managed to keep the bulk of the beasts at bay while the party fought them off a few at a time.

The cold was bitter and biting, seeping through the group’s thin garments and stabbing into their flesh. Surprise and Silver weren’t too bad, originally being winged creatures meant their bodies were naturally accustomed to cold temperatures at higher altitudes, but the others weren’t nearly as well off. Thankfully, having anticipated this plight, Honey pulled out the thick winter coats Trant and Mant had bought for her. She giggled when Silver asked what she did to earn such a reward, but no one was actually curious, already having a pretty good idea of what went down. Everyone hurriedly dressed before doing anything else.

Lurkers up this high were a tough sort to contend with. The snow lurkers had near endless numbers, the common magenta variety seemed hardier, and even the small hopping lurkers could pose a threat in big numbers, resulting in a great many more injuries than the party was used to. As such, all were immensely grateful for the abundance of green eco stored away in boxes and red eco vents generously scattered across the frosty crevices.

Thomas silently attributed this to the more competitive of the mares wishing for more of a challenge. Luna in particular was enjoying channeling the red eco as it put enough force behind her punches to allow her to stand on equal footing with the others. Many fights required more careful planning, usually kiting the enemy hordes into a narrow passage where their hulking forms would work to their disadvantage.

“Any inkling where the people of these mountains might be hiding?” Silver asked as the group trudged through knee-high snow. “I should think making contact would make this journey significantly easier.”

“Well, there was a lurker fort somewhere around the top,” Thomas replied. “Maybe it’s owned by humans this time? There’s also some ice tunnels that lead to a big yellow eco switch that’ll act like the one in the jungle temple, turning on vents around the world.”

“Would it not stand to reason that there would be such switches for all forms of eco?” Luna asked. “Unless eco is a nonrenewable resource, why turn them off at all?”

“The last game in the franchise addressed that, something about a special device that generates the eco being out of whack or something, but the game was too wonky and I never finished.”

“A shame,” Luna replied wistfully, “but there is nothing for it, now. All we can do is just enjoy the game for what it is.” The others agreed.

After a while, the group stopped to rest by one of the red eco vents, using the elemental energy as a makeshift fire. They weren’t physically tired, but at the same time the idea held its appeal for all.

Moonlight reached out and dipped her fingers into the red flames, experimenting with how much of her arm would be effected by only slight touches. “This eco is truly a fascinating substance. A shame there isn’t more detail on it.”

**********

“Chirpy!” squeed Surprise as she ran up to the flutflut standing atop the transpad and began her assault of affection. “I’m so happy to see you again. Did you miss me?”

“Brrrr,” Chirpy cooed in affirmation.

“Damn! She’s big,” Thomas remarked. He estimated the baby flutflut from the original game was about 6 feet tall. This one was pushing 10 as she cooed and leaned into Surprise’s scratchy scratches.

Honey joined in feeling the softness of the bird’s feathers, but frowned as she regarded the transpad. “If they can jus’ wink big ol’ birdies from swamps ta mountains, how come we didn’t jus’ come here from the start?”

It was a valid question that Thomas hadn’t considered.

“It’s the teleporter gates,” Kiera answered over the scout fly. “They act as hubs in the network. So long as they’re off, the transpads are basically useless.”

“Thank you, Captain Exposition,” said Thomas.

“You’re welcome, soldier. Now get back to work!” the good captain barked, causing Moonlight and Surprise to reflexively snap to attention. Everyone, even Chirpy, chuckled at this response.

This time it was Honey and Luna’s turn to ride Chirpy. Surprise planted her backside down on the button, activating the platforms for them to cross. Honey hooped and hollered, riding the bird like she’d been doing so her entire life; which was odd given that ponies didn’t really have beasts of burden. Once she’d reached the other side, she sent Chirpy back to the transpad, allowing the flutflut to return to the others so they could all have a turn.

Thomas noted the absence of the switch that brought down the fortress’ front gate, but wasn’t bothered. So far the game had left quite a lot out from the original, but managed to balance it out with more than enough to keep him and the other players occupied.

The party took another hover platform up, finding themselves staring down a squad of lurkers being led by a portly fellow with red skin and wearing full workman gear. The party and squad stared at each other for a moment, the latter especially surprised to see foes just pop up from a platform that wasn’t there before. While the party tensed, ready for battle, the portly lurker took a long, considerate look at his squad.

He gave a roar and motioned for his squad to flee back the way they came. One of the magenta lurkers gave a protesting grunt, but the commander just slapped him across the face and pointed again, shouting more aggressively. Reluctantly at first, the lurkers of the squad beat a retreat while their commander held up his shield, ready to cover his team’s retreat.

Moved by this selfless display, the notion of attacking was simply out of the question. As such, careful to keep facing the red lurker at all times, the party endeavored to sidestep around the noble commander, going down the path opposite of where the squad had retreated.

The lurker commander peaked over his shield, grunting in confusion as he watched the party depart. He barked once, tilting his head.

“Go be with your people,” Luna urged, her voice thick with grace and authority. “Your kind has suffered too much already. It would not do to lose such honorable leaders like yourself.”

“Urgh?” the lurker asked.

“Seek out those whom the dark ones call traitors,” she continued. “Listen to what they’ve accomplished. Consider the prospect of peace.” And with that, the party was far enough away that they felt safe in turning their backs on yet another honorable lurker.

Lurker attacks became scarcer after that encounter. Blue and magenta lurkers had become few and far between, though the small hoppers were just as numerous and aggressive as ever.

“I take it that’s the fortress?” Moonlight asked rhetorically, pointing at the tall wooden walls. What were once full grown trees had been latched together with thick ropes and the ends sharpened to menacing points. Lit torches lined the inside of the wall with a great deal more smoke rising from within. Figures could be seen walking between the sharpened points, but their race could not be made out from this distance.

“Human or lurker?” Luna asked, addressing Thomas.

“At this point it could go either way, but I’m betting they’re the mountain tribe we’re looking for. Probably not a very nice bunch if the fortress is anything to go by.”

“Definitely doesn’t look too inviting,” Surprise agreed.

“Human or lurker, how do we approach without spooking anyone?” Moonlight asked, sticking close to Thomas as she surveyed the area.

“Kiera,” Silver called to the scout fly.

“What’s up?”

“Did Shant happen to mention anything about how her people would approach the snow people? A pass phrase, perhaps?”

“Oh yeah,” Shant’s voice came over the fly. “Forgot to tell you guys that. The Snow Tribe has this special password they like. Lurkers can’t talk, so these guys figure anyone who doesn’t know the phrase doesn’t have any business with them, anyway.”

“I thought so,” Silver said smugly. “What’s the phrase?”

Shant snorted a laugh. “My nipples are frozen.”

The party blinked once, twice, and a third time as they processed what was said. Surprise could barely contain her own laughter, Silver face palmed, Moonlight and Luna rolled their eyes, and Honey gave no overt reaction, seeming to have the easiest time accepting this revelation.

“Hello!” someone called from atop the fortress wall. “Someone out there? Pretty sure I heard something about nipples freezing.”

“That’s us,” Honey called back. “My nipples are freezing.”

Again Surprise giggle snorted.

“You from the Crater?” the same man asked. “How’s the red sage doing?”

“Still missing,” Moonlight added. “We’re actually from Sandover. Shant sent us up here to check on you and see how you’re holding up.”

“Fort’s standing, so that’s something,” the man replied. He held up a torch and shook it to make sure he was seen. His most distinguishing feature was the large bone tied atop his head, much like Samos’ log. “I’m Cole, by the way. Come around to the front and we’ll open the gate for ya.”

“Much appreciated,” Luna thanked and the party was off.

The sun had just finished setting by the time the gates opened, plunging the temperature down several degrees. By contrast, the heat from within the fortress was like a sauna in comparison and the party about tripped over themselves as they scrambled inside. They were greeted by large, stocky men and women wrapped bodily in thick white furs. The inside of the Snow Tribe’s fortress had a few buildings lining the interior, with a large stone tower in the center, and a couple farm patches off in the back. They gleefully welcomed the players into their home, forcefully herding the lot of them to the nearest fires to warm up.

“You’re certainly a strange bunch,” said the man the party recognized as Cole. “What are you anyway?”

“Ponies,” Silver replied, enjoying the heat from the fire. “We’re on a quest to save the sages and stop the ones leading the lurker army.”

“Lurkers,” a woman spat the name like it left a bad taste in her mouth. “They’ve always been a pain, but lately they’ve been making even more of a nuisance of themselves than usual.”

“Not so much to the south anymore,” said Moonlight. “Believe it or not, we’ve managed to convince a great many lurkers to choose cooperation over conflict.”

“You’re right.” The woman snorted a good quart of flem and hocked it into a nearby spittoon. “I don’t believe it.”

Moonlight scowled at the woman, not appreciating her flagrant dismissal of her and her friends’ peacemaking efforts.

“Believe the only way they could’ve made it this far was through wit or brute force,” Cole asserted, shooting the woman a warning look. “If you lot can do that, maybe there’s a way you can help us, too. Off in the woods,” he gestured, “there’s a hidden cave with a Precursor artifact that controls yellow eco. Lurkers turned it off and we’ve been running low on power to keep our homes warm. Lurker patrols have been too tough for our scouts to bypass and we can’t lead a full assault without risking them taking the fort in our absence. If you young’ns could turn the artifact back on, we’d be eternally grateful. Heck, I’d even be willing to trade ya every power cell we’ve got in storage. Stupid things don’t work with our machines anyway,” he added with a grumble.

“You can count on us, good sir,” Luna vowed.

Once the party had filled their bellies with the village’s hot broth, they promptly departed for the cave. Patrols weren’t nearly as heavy as Cole had made them out to be, likely thanks to the efforts of the brave adventurers.

“It’s great to help,” chirped Surprise as she led the way into the cave.

“Ah’m a little surpr-” Honey stammered, shooting a stunned look at the white woman. “It’s, uh, unexpected,” she nodded, smiling at her word choice, “that those guys didn’t have more missions fer us.”

Surprise tittered at her green friend’s evasive stumble.

“Stuff must be wrapping up. I think we’re about at the three quarter mark,” Thomas said. “How many power cells do we have, anyway?”

“Kiera?” Silver asked.

“About a hundred and fifty,” she replied, sounding distracted. “That’s the bare minimum for my modified heat shield, but you should-gah!”

“Kiera!” Silver called urgently. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s, uh, nothing,” she replied, sounding out of breath. “It’s just I was in the middle of this, uh, project, and someone doesn’t know how to follow directions,” she admitted angrily as a second female voice could be heard giggling.

The players exchanged looks, which quickly evolved into smirks as the females’ ears began to twitch.

“Just, uh, maybe some more power cells,” Kiera panted out. “Just a few more should do the –OH!–trick.”

“You sound stressed,” Thomas teased. “Want us to stop by Spider Caves for the cells, or maybe go straight to the hut?”

“Cave. Cave!” cried Kiera. “Go into the-woah! Not my cave!”

“Sorry,” apologized a familiar red head who didn’t sound the least bit sorry.

“Sheesh. Anyway, Shant says to be careful. There’s some kind of creature that moved into the caves some time back. The villagers don’t go in there anymore because it’s too-yowzah! Nnngh, oh right there,” she purred.

“You freaks perverted my daughter!” shouted a very irate Samos. “Just wait ‘til I get my hands on you!”

The players all shared in a laugh as the fly went silent, resuming their mission of making timed jumps over precariously frozen ledges.

“I’m so proud of her,” chirped Surprise. “She’s really come out of her shell.”

“All thanks to the pervert squad,” Thomas remarked idly.

“It’s actually not that surpr-” Silver stammered, “unexpected when you think about it, what with her being a green sage in the making.”

“How so?” Honey asked, pulling Silver and Thomas up an especially tall ledge.

“Well, if green eco represents life, it stands to reason that a green sage would have a natural compulsion to spread life to their fullest ability.” Silver paused to perform a double jump and spinning kick to give that extra boost to counter the momentum of an ice patch. “Now that her body has sampled the most natural way of doing so…” she trailed off.

“In short, we have awakened a sleeping lioness,” remarked Luna with a playful grin.

“So why don’t Kiera have more siblings?” Honey asked. “From the sound of it, she’s basically an earth pony, so why didn’t her daddy give her a whole heepin’ helpin’ o’ siblin’s? Fer that matter, why ain’t Sandover overrun with green skinned folk? Even the sparsest earth pony towns don’t stay that way for long.”

“That is a fair point,” agreed Luna.

Thomas would have interjected, pointing out that this was all purely speculative and that saying green sages were actually like earth ponies was probably some sort of fallacy. However, remembering how the dream pulled from the views and beliefs of the dreamers, he quietly conceded that the mere suggestion of possibility automatically made it so.

“Kiera’s mother was absent from the flashbacks,” Luna continued. “So it seems safe to assume that she must have died early and that Samos never took another mate. Even allowing for that, it stretches plausibility to suggest that Samos’ parents went through the exact same tragedy, rendering him an only child.”

“I can answer that, but only if the scout flies aren’t listening,” said Thomas, finding it amusing that the bulk of their focus was on talking and not the hazardous terrain.

“Done,” Luna said flatly. “Now please, share.”

Thomas chuckled. “Simply put, Samos isn’t native to Sandover. Kiera was born there, but Jak and Samos came from somewhere else.”

“Well that would certainly explain it,” Silver agreed. “In that case, is there some distant land abounding with green sages?”

“Not as far as I know, but that’s not all of it.” Thomas smiled at how the ladies were completely ignoring the yellow eco artifact shimmering just a few meters away. “Samos and Jak aren’t just from another place, but from another time.” His grin broadened as he took in the looks of awe from his audience. “Yup. Sequel game is all about them going to the future and Jak fulfilling his destiny, but that’s all I’m gonna spoil.”

His declaration made, Thomas urged the others to hurry along and finish their quest. The yellow eco vents were activated and the players returned to find the Snow Tribe blasting away at a poorly organized lurker assault. Naturally, the brave adventurers did not hesitate to jump into the fray, using more gentle attacks to encourage the lurkers to retreat. In just under five minutes, the fort was saved.

“Halleluiah!” Cole proclaimed. “You young’ns did it! Those lurkers won’t be coming back for quite a while. For that, I’d like to award the lot of you with our five power cells.”

I feel like I’m starting to wind down with this story. Just not feeling the same excitement as before. Regardless, this still turned out alright. I’m finding that having these characters talking about the world and its lore more fun to write than having them do the quests. Hopefully you guys are enjoying these conversations as much as I am.

Also, sorry if things seem a little jumpy in the middle. I’d hoped inspiration would find me on what exactly eco was, but it never did.