Chapter 1
"What is taking the man so long?"
The man sat at his desk, overlooking the files that had been on his desk for quite a while. The files showed schematics, drawings, part lists. All of which shown a large circular device, what you and me would call a portal.
The man in question was dressed in a white lab coat. He was in his mid 30's and was already beginning
to show age. Stress shown evident in his eyes.
The phone rang
"Finally!" The man almost jumped at the phone on his desk.
"Dr. Abernathy"
"Dr. Grant, have you received the schematics for the Warp Gate?"
"I have. Everything looks to be in order. When will it be ready for testing?"
"Very soon. Within three days"
"Excellent. I will begin plans to meet you there"
"Your coming here sir?"
"Of Course, I would not want to miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime. Just think, if this works, we will be able to travel to different worlds. Just think of the possibilities!"
"We will make sure it lives up to your expectations Sir."
"Make sure it does. It is your jobs on the line after all. Don't fail me Dr. Abernathy."
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
*WHACK*
"Huh, What!?"
With ruler in hand, Mr. Winters stood above me, a disapproving look on his face.
"Good morning Mister Pierce. I trust that you had a good nap."
The entire class burst into laughter. I look around the room, half asleep, as the other students laughed. It wasn't really that bad. I had gotten used to it by now.
"Sorry Mr. Winters. Had a long night."
"I hope it was a long night of studying, because that's exactly what you need. Now pay attention."
Yeah, that's gonna happen.
Yeah, that's me. The guy who sleeps in class because he always finds an excuse to stay up late. My name is Brandon Pierce Just your typical college freshman.
Lets see, a little about myself. Well, back in grade school they used to have you write a paper on yourself and your experiences up to that point. Lets try it that way.
This is probably what it would look like.
Hi, my name is Brandon Pierce I was born in Brigham City, Utah. I have short curly hair, green eyes, and huge cheek bones. I was raised by my loving mother and father, who have taken care of me very well as far as I can tell. I never had to move away from Brigham City until recently, when I finally became old enough to move out on my own. I decided to go to Utah State University to study Computer Tech and Music Exploration. I've had a pretty standard life, compared to my fellow students. I currently live in a student housing center on campus.
My Hobbies Include:
Playing Acoustic Guitar
Video Games
Yeah, that's about it... At least, that's what I would be willing to put out there. If I were to be completely honest, the ending would look something like this.
My Hobbies Include:
Playing Acoustic Guitar
Video Games
Watching My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Reading MLP Fan Fiction
I've become a totally different person haven't I?
I have been a Brony for approximately 6 months now. I was sucked in due to a friend from my old school telling me to watch the first few episodes before I made any judgments about it. Well, it worked. I enjoyed the bright colors of the land of Equestria. I enjoyed the adventures that Twilight and her friends went on. Whenever I watched the show, i felt good inside.
Despite this, I have done my best to keep my like of the show a secret. I don't walk around school carrying a badge, I don't post anything online about ponies, I don't even talk to other bronies about the show. I just keep it to myself. Mainly because I knew that If anyone were to find out, my brothers would find out. And if my brothers found out... lets just say that there would be carnage.
I don't regret not telling anyone. I've been perfectly fine with keeping it to myself. It is my own little secret I plan to keep it that way.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
"Alright class, any questions?"
I look up at the board, there was so much stuff written on it that I didn't understand. Maybe I should have been keeping notes.
"Remember, there will be a test on this on Friday."
Yep, I really should have been keeping notes. I look up at the clock. Only 5 more minutes till we can leave. Just let us go early please.
"Alright, class. Before I let you go, I'd just like to remind everyone that there will be a field trip tomorrow at the Logan State Science Lab. I trust that you will all attend. It is worth 10% of your final grade."
My first thought was Yes! a break from this boring crap. My Second thought was ugh, I don't want to go to a boring science lab. Were probably just gonna be looking at test tubes or something. But, 10% was a lot, so i guess I was going.
*Rang*
Thank you Bell.
I pack up my things and head out the door. The smell of the Late summer air filled my lungs as I began my walk to my apartment. As I walked I weighed options in my head.
Lets see, study for the science test, watch ponies. Study for science test... watch ponies...
It wasn't very hard to make a decision.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep
I can't believe it. I swear I just lay'd down a second ago to sleep, Now its time to wake up?!
I throw my arm in the general direction of my alarm clock and slam on the snooze button.
"How late did I stay up last night?"
I remember it now. I had found a new Pony Fan Fiction and had read the entire thing in one night. I must have only gotten a few hours of sleep.
Before I knew it, that dreaded sound came back
Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep
"I swear I'm gonna kill that alarm clock one of these days."
I slowly lift my head up, then an eternity later, I lift my myself up. Another eternity later, I get out of the bed. I was in my bedroom, a small room big enough for a bed, a drawer for my cloths, and a desk with my laptop on it. I feel my way over to the bathroom were I begin to take a shower.
"Maybe if I turn on the cold water, that will wake me up."
Long story short, don't ever turn on the cold water in the shower.
After the shower, I fumble my way downstairs were I begin to look for some kind of breakfast.
I sit there, eating my Captain Crunch, thinking over the simple fact. "Is it worth 10% of my grade to go to this thing?" Honestly, If I had had that thought when I was in my bed, I would have immediately fallen back asleep. But now, I was up, showered, and had food in me. There was no turning back now.
Chapter 2
"Come along class, we have much to see"
This.. is not worth 10%.
We were inside the Logan State Science Center, walking down a hallway with several doors, all closed, with signs on them depicting what went on in those places. It might have been pretty entertaining to watch the experiments, but, of course, were we not allowed inside the rooms. This, coped with the fact that out guide was the most undertone, tired, and incredibly boring person to ever wear the title of Doctor made it unbearable and I was already tired from not getting much sleep.
The only thing that caught my eye during the tour was a certain door. It was colored white with big bold letter written above it. "Top Secret".
"Excuse me, sir." I said to the guide.
"Hmm"
"What goes on in that room?" I said, pointing to the door.
"Can't you read, its top secret fella, meaning you don't need to know."
Well, it was worth a shot.
After what seemed like an eternity, we were brought into what looked like a viewing room. There were chairs lined up in front of a projection screen.
A Movie? Hmm, maybe this won't be so bad.
We all took our seats and the movie began.
First off, it was a complete insult to call this... thing a movie. It was one of those science shows, talking about the process that a micro-thingamajig splits into other things and such. I didn't know, I was too busy keeping myself awake to pay attention. How long is this movie gonna take? I'm about to pass out here.
Then Mr. Winters spoke up. "This movie will last for the next two hours, so get comfortable."
He was met with a resounding groan from his class.
Yeah, I'm not staying awake just to watch this and be bored.
I excuse myself from the group, and began to walk toward the door. I half expected Mr. Winters to say something, but he just kept watching the movie. How in the world is he interested in this? I thought.
I begin to walk the halls, looking for someplace that no one would notice if I were to crash for an hour. I then noticed a certain door. There were no words written on it so it wasn't an office or a lab. I opened the door to find a small room with a mop, broom, and several different kinds of cleaning equipment.
"Janitors closet, huh. That'll do." I say to myself.
Making sure no one was watching, I crept in and closed the door behind me. I look around the small room, noticing a small area behind on of the shelves of cleaning detergent. It looked big enough for me to lay down in. I fold myself into the area. A tight squeeze, but better than nothing. I situate myself until I was as comfortable as I was gonna get.
I'll just get an hour or so of sleep, just enough to get me through the rest of this dang trip.
I close my eyes, and, almost immediately, fall asleep.
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I dreamed about Equestria again. I dreamed about how life would be if I were a Pegasus pony, flying through the air with not a care in the world. I flew over the land, waving to the other ponies as I passed. I felt as though I could take on the world. I felt incredibly happy. I mean, what brony would not feel happy living there. Not everyone would like to admit it, but all bronies have had the thought or dream of living there. With the magic, the joy, the adventures, the colors, its all so appealing. It's all... so... real...
My eyes darted open.
Dang it! Another Dream.
Honestly, I didn't really know what I was expecting. It's just a cartoon show. Nothing more. Its not real, it was created by a company to sell toys to people.
Then why do those dreams seem so real?
Wait... what time is it?!
I quickly grab my phone and turn it on.
Oh, no...
We had arrived at the Facility at 9:00 that morning. The tour had taken until 10:30, and we were going to leave at noon.
It was 4:00.
I was asleep for 5 hours!
Darting to my feet, I think over what I was going to do. Everyone is long gone now. I'm technically not supposed to be in this part of the facility. If I get caught, I could get charged for trespassing. Ohh, this isn't good.
Okay, Okay, calm down. All you've gotta do is sneak out of here. That shouldn't be to hard right?
I collect myself, turn the handle to the janitors closet, and slowly open the door.
Chapter 3
The hallway was clear, no sign of anyone. The halls were lit only by the windows from the other rooms.
Is this place closed already?
I begin to sneak down the hall that we had come from during the tour. I was a lot more awake now, with the combination of intense fear, and 5 hours of sleep. I continue to sneak thought the halls. Checking every one of them before I advanced.
So Far So good, I'm almost our of here.
Footsteps.
I froze in place, my heart pounding in my chest. What do I do? I can't get caught! I've gotta hide! The footsteps were getting louder and I could now hear men talking. They were getting closer.
I turn to my left to find the Top Secret door. At this point, I had no other options. There were no others doors nearby. I go for the handle, praying that the door would be open. I turn the handle. The door opened.
Thank you, Thank you!
I rush into the room, quickly but silently closing the door behind me. Hopefully, they will just walk on by. They're probably just guards patrolling the halls before locking up.
It was then that I finally noticed the room itself. It was about the size of an average lab, looked about the same to. Although there was one key difference. Sitting near the wall to the far side of the room was a large, circular machine. It was made out of what seemed like stainless steel, shaped into a large, doughnut like shape. There were large amounts of blinking lights around it, seeming to fill the room with light. To the left of the machine was what looked like a control panel. It was covered in button and switches that were beyond my understanding.
"Wow... This is awesome!" I said to myself. "Is this some kind of transporter? I didn't know that this was possible."
The door began to open.
Crap!
I quickly hid behind the machine. Those two men had come in here. Here, out of all the others rooms in the lab, they had to choose the one that I was hiding in! Thankfully, they hadn't noticed me because they seemed to carry on their conversation.
"I assure you Dr. Grant that the Warp Gate is now in working condition. It has taken us months, but were believe that we have found the problem."
Another man, his voice a lot deeper, spoke
"You better hope this works Abernathy. The government has spend hundreds of thousands getting all the necessary parts for your machine, and even more to keep it hidden from everyone. This is your last chance, Doctor. If it doesn't work now, mi shutting this down."
"You need not worry sir, In positive that this will be a tremendous success."
The voices began to drift toward the control panel. They were about to turn the machine on!
How in the actual heck am I gonna get out of here now? I'm trapped! Wait... did they say "Warp Gate"?
"Sir, you might want to put these on." Goggles were exchanged between the two of them.
"Alright, lets see if this has been a worthy investment." the deeper voice said.
"Commencing start up in 5. 4. 3."
Ahh, crap what do I do?
"2. 1."
I'm screwed
The machine then roared to life. I could hear parts touring inside of it. Electricity roared though as more and more sound began to generate from its core. Then, a bright flash. The sound dissipated, replaced with a low hum of energy.
"Hah! Its Works!" yelled Dr. Grant "Abernathy, you Genius, It actually works!"
"Like I said sir, we have made sure that the device is in perfect condi.."
Then, without warning, something inside the machine exploded.
"Oh no" said the doctor.
"What do you mean Oh No?"
The machine began to rumble and a buzzing noise could be heard.
"Something inside has malfunctioned!" said the doctor
"Well then turn it off!"
"I can't it's not responding! The world changer is going crazy!"
Nows my Chance! If I don't leave now, I'm dead!
I jump from my hiding spot and run for the door!
"Get Down!"
I Turn to face the machine. The machines light grew, the purple vortex expanded, the noise grew. Then... it exploded. The vortex shot out of the crumbling machine like a cannon... and I was right in its path.
I shield my eyes in a hopeless attempt to block the coming blast. I stood there, frozen in place, the world seeming to slow down to a crawl. This is it I thought. This is how I die.
I stood there for what felt like forever, waiting for the intense pain of death. I waited... and waited... and waited.
Wheres the pain? Am I dead?
For some reason, I felt... weightless. Like I was inside a pool. I didn't feel anything. The air around me just felt... different.
I slowly open my eyes. What I saw... was both terrifying, and beautiful.
I was... floating... in what look like a ever expansive purple void.
I've got to be dead. This can't be real. Where am I?
I quickly turn around to see what remained. There, a few feet away from me, were bits and pieces of the machine that had exploded. Flying through the space, like they were in orbit.
Was I sucked through the vortex?
I immediately thought it was a stupid question. Of course I was. How else could I have ended up here.
Well... now what do I do?
Then, it was like gravity was switched back on.
I was falling. Falling through endless space. I didn't scream, either because I didn't know where I was falling, or because of intense fear. What was happening? How in the world could this be happening? There is no way that this could possibly be happening! I've got to still be dreaming! That's it! I'm still in that closet, sleeping like a baby. I'll wake up soon and this nightmare will be all over!
Directly below me, something was happening. What I can only describe as another vortex. And I was heading right for it. I could see... light! A brilliant blue sky! Outside! The way out of this place!
I kept falling, drawing closer and closer to the unknown vortex. This is my only chance of getting out and I was going to take it, no matter where it led me.
Chapter 4
Dr. Abernathy watched as the machine he'd worked on for so long began to crumble before him. There was no way he could save it. It was going to explode.
"Get Down!" he yelled, shoving Dr. Grant down to the floor. In the instant he did so, he saw someone else in the room with him. A young man had been hiding behind the machine and was making a run for it.
Abernathy went to speak, to tell the boy to get behind something. But before he could... disaster. The portal exploded before his eyes. The vortex shot out from it, and Abernathy watched as it completely enveloped the young man, sending him into whatever place the world changer had selected before the catastrophe.
Minutes past and the dust began to settle around the shattered lab. Dr. Abernathy, with fear in his eyes, slowly looked around what remained. The portal was destroyed, a pile of steel and ash. The room was blackened, covered in the remains of the Vortex. Worst of all, the boy they Abernathy saw was now nowhere to be seen.
Abernathy didn't know what to think. So much was going through his mind. His last chance in becoming the greatest scientist the ever lived was gone. Worse, he may have just killed a poor young man. How did he get in here in the first place? This was supposed to be top secret.
That didn't matter. What mattered here was that he had unwillingly sent someone into a completely different world. He didn't want this. He wanted his invention to help people. Not condemn them. There was only one way.
He had to find the boy. He had to bring him back.
"ABERNATHY!"
Abernathy turned toward the voice, only to be met with the face of a very angry Dr. Grant. His face was completely red, it seemed as though steam could come out of his ears at any moment.
"Sir, something has happened. There was a boy, and.."
"Do I look like I care?! You said that this... thing... would be in working condition! Now look at it, it's a pile of scrap metal!"
Abernathy tried to reason with him. "Sir please, listen to me. We have to help him!"
Grant didn't seem to listen. "All of the money that we gave you to make this! Gone! This is the last straw Dr. Abernathy!"
"No, please sir, You don't understa.."
"I completely understand. Your a failure Doctor. We put our trust in your skills and you've failed us! Your Fired!"
Abernathy was stunned.
"Sir... we have to help him."
Dr. Grant seemed to stare into his soul
"Help...Who..."
Chapter 5
The vortex drew closer and closer with every passing second. I braced myself for what lied ahead. Wherever this is taking me, it sure is a lot better than here. Closer... closer...
Three...Two...One...
I Shot out of the vortex like a bullet into the clear blue sky. The air immediately changed. It felt a lot warmer. Though I couldn't really check for sure due to me still falling. In fact, I felt as though I was falling... forwards.
I looked down.
I was miles above the ground below
No! NOOO!
More falling. This time, towards the ground. Now, I began to scream. Due to the turbulence around me, I didn't get too far with it. I was only able to get out a few screams before my throat closed up. I was falling a lot faster now. The ground getting closer and closer.
OK... THIS... is how I die.
It was a strange thought. After what had just happened, with the near death experience, I was going to die anyway. I guess whatever luck I had when I first started had finally run out. I began to think of my family. They will have no idea what happened. to me. I don't think that whoever was running that machine saw me. They will think that I just... vanished. Never to be seen again. The thought just killed me. Maybe they will discover my body, recognize it as me, and bring it to them. Ohh, who am I kidding, at this height, my body will be completely unrecognizable. I will just be a lump of broken bones and flesh. The thought made me gag on the inside.
I watched though squinted, tear struck eyes and the ground grew ever closer. From what I could see, I was gonna fall into a field of trees, with a big red bard directly north of them.
My body's gonna be found by a farmer!? This is just PERFECT!
BAM
I was suddenly grabbed by... something... in the sky. I could feel something underneath my arms, trying to lift me up, but whatever It was behind me, I could tell that they was struggling.
"Man, your heavier than you look!"
That voice... It sounded familiar. Someone was trying to save me. How did they know I was falling in the first place. Its not like I announced my presence. I tried to look back at who was helping me, but I was still frozen in fear. All that I could see was... two... things under my arms. They were a light blue, cyan really. They looked like arms, but they didn't have hands. Just what looked like...
Hooves
"Yeah, There no way I'm lifting ya."
There was a pause.
"That hay bale looks soft enough."
Wait? WHAT!
I was dropped.
Arms flailing, I began to scream again! This time, when I looked down, instead of a forest of trees, there was a large stack of hay in my path. It wasn't long before I was about to hit. I braced for impact. Going into a fetal position.
THUD
