> Equestria: Godzilla Awakens > by Migol-18 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 1. The Summer Islands Test. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 8th, 1016 ALB, Trotter Atoll, 915 kilometers east of Puerto Caballo. After many weeks of indecision, the Princesses have already given the military the green light to begin the tests in the southern seas, but these are not just any tests, it's a hunt. Trotter Atoll is a hive of activity, everyone doing their part in the test: soldiers, engineers, scientists, marines and pilots, all working to complete preparations on time. Operation Hurricane was reaching its final preparatory phases, the small island chosen among the other 22 of the atoll is called Anguila, or that is the name given by the fisherponies of Puerto Caballo. Multiple rings of sensors, cameras and measuring instruments were installed around the island and in the center was the burning heart of the operation: Hurricane III, Equestria's third nuclear device, whose capacity was approximately 25 kilotons, designed by the Luna Nova Institute of Nuclear Research; approved by Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle themselves. A few hours before minute 0, aboard the battleship ERNS Puddinghead, General Whiplash was speaking with Admiral Madoor Stroghammer: “Admiral, how long until the test?” “About three hours and twelve minutes until our objective arrives; according to the hydrophones, it is south of the Méridiennes – he says, checking his notes – Why, general?.” “Just curious, Marshal Blueblood and the Princesses want to put an end to this possible menace immediately; they're worried about the growing power of the Griffonian Empire and Stalliongrad, so Their Majesties wanted whatever is there to disappear.” The general says. “Don't worry, Whiplash, after this firecracker goes boom, Their Majesties will have no more worries about creatures attacking ships. – Says the admiral, looking through her binoculars – Oh, look, the New Mareland, Hippogriffia and Puerto Caballo Fleets have arrived.” "Indeed... – Says the general – I hope we are at a safe distance, this one is more powerful than the others.” “We are 30 kilometers from the island, Whiplash, calm down and enjoy the fireworks… – after checking the clock – By now, they should be starting to evacuate the atoll.” 15 minutes until detonation. The last ships to leave Anguilla finally join the joint fleet, 50 kilometers from the island. Alerts and orders could be heard on the megaphones: “Attention, everypony to your positions, 15 minutes until detonation. I repeat, everyone to your positions, 15 minutes until detonation.” On the bridge, the atmosphere felt extremely anxious, Admiral Stronghammer, although undaunted, felt the enormous pressure of the mission entrusted to her. “Attention, gentlemen, target less than 15 minutes away, everyone attentive.” Whiplash was also feeling the pressure, "Will it work?" was the question that clouded his mind. 5 minutes until detonation. Once everyone was in their positions, observing and waiting. The atmosphere was tense. Scientists and soldiers making their last estimates and bets before the moment of truth. "Tell me, Whiplash... what'd happen if this creature doesn't go to Tartarus after such explosions." Asks Stronghammer. "I can't imagine, one worked well for Vraks, maybe we'll need a bigger bomb?" Whiplash says. "Who knows..." “Objetive in sight, 10 kilometers, at 9!” A sailor shouted. Suddenly everyone turns to look in unison, the tropical sea, so calm at this time of day, begins to rage when something enormous makes an appearance, giant thorns, a moving island comes out from the water; they can't see anything below water but it's certainly enormous. Alarm sirens are heard from the dozens of ships gathered there, conversations fall silent. “Well, Whiplash, here comes the moment of truth – says the admiral before taking the intercom – Attention, four minutes until detonation.” 1 minute until detonation. “Attention, 60 seconds!” Immediately afterwards, everyone puts on their eye protection glasses. "30 seconds." On that island, on the nuclear device, an image of a crossed-out creature is seen. This bomb is for that thing. "10 seconds." The creature approaches that paradise island. "5" "4" "3" "2" The waves of the sea, already raging by the enormous creature, become even more agitated when a huge head starts coming out of the water. "1" . . . Silence, everything was silence when the evening sky began to shine as if Celestia had summoned thousands of suns in a second on that little southern islet. The silence only meant one thing: Hurricane III had successfully detonated. The silence was thunderous, as everyone was shocked by the enormous fireball that was unleashed on Anguila. Tartarus has been opened. Seconds later a wave of energy would come that shook everything, from the entrails of the ponies to the keels of their ships, sounding their alarms. Admiral Strongahammer had a hard time getting up from her daze, but when she recovered she saw nothing on the island and said: “General Whiplash… call Canterlot. We've got it." > 2. Dragon Islands Mining Disaster. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 21st, 1020 ALB. Ponyville, Equestria. It was a normal day in post-war Ponyville, the land and nature were slowly recovering after the horrors suffered by the Great War, Ponyville had been devastated after the Battle of Canterlot between the armies of the United Ponies Alliance and the Changeling Hegemony, the capital fall thanks to the intervention of Stalliongrad. This was no longer a small town, it was already a small city, with incipient industrialization. War changes the world and also changes the ponies, our mane 6 were no strangers to this: Rarity managed to expand her fashion and clothing business thanks to uniform contracts during the conflict; Although that was not entirely to her liking, she couldn't complain much. Pinkie Pie enlisted with her sisters in different services during the war. Thanks Celestia, they managed to survive the war by being part of the officer corps, with major battles and decorations to their credit. The psychological recovery at the end of the war in 1014 wasn't easy, the traumas will remain, but so will the parties. Applejack was also a member of the officer corps, along with her brother, and received numerous decorations for great battles and defenses. Today they work on their farm like in the old days, however, the war forced the Apples and other producers to mechanize and industrialize production. Sweet Apple Acres still maintains its essence, but there is no denying the large amount of machinery and automation there is. Rainbow Dash was no stranger either, as a prominent member of the Wonderbolts, she flew hundreds of dangerous missions, losing one of her own wings in the process, forcing her to sit in an office until they got her a metal prosthetic. Her rehabilitation and reintegration into post-war society took time, but she remains part of the Royal Equestrian Air Force. Fluttershy joined Twilight and Spike as heads of the alliance's joint research program, especially the nuclear program, one of the highest priorities of the war; They were even ahead of time when the first test was done there in the deserts of Mixie at the beginning of 1014. The advances were significant and the war was won thanks to this device. After the war, Twilight and Fluttershy would return home for a well-deserved rest, however, a new global order was being established, Stalliongrad and the Griffonian Empire grew significantly stronger during these years. Stalliongrad was granted an area of influence to the north of Equus and the territories to the south that they claimed in exchange for helping in the war; as expected, Canterlot-Stalliongrad relations deteriorated significantly after that; likewise with Griffenheim, now a powerful empire that threatens the River Federation to the east. This tense atmosphere led to an accelerated arms race, therefore, there was a need for more weapons research and with that Fluttershy and Twilight were called back to duty. Their friendship remained strong, however, Equestria called and everyone must do their part. At the Luna Nova Institute, they also met Twilight's former friendship student, Starlight Glimmer and her great and powerful friend Trixie, also recruited as a junior researchers because their great knowledges in magic, being a complementary members of the institute's research. That day in Ponyville was a normal day, everyone was finally able to coincide on their days of rest, so that was the ideal day to be able to get up to date with their friendship. This time it wasn't as big a party as Pinkie knows how to make them, but it was something more discreet; They needed a quieter situation than the hustle and bustle of their lives. Just a moment of talk and enjoy a bit of slice of life. “And tell us, Dash – says Rarity – what jobs do you do now at the Wonderbolts? It seems like they hardly do stunts anymore after the war.” “Oh yes, after the reforms we dedicated ourselves to training new pilots and parachutists on the new jet airplanes, I still can't get used to the fact that anyone can fly on those machines; but yeah, it seems like the higher ups don't want to waste time on stunts when you have commie MiGs on the border flying, so it's not as cool as it used to be.” Dash says in a disappointed manner. “Oh, darling, I hope you'll be able to do those wonderful stunts again one day…” “Tell us, Twilight, what are ya and Fluttershy searching now, uh?” Applejack asks. “Oh, girls, I have already told you that unfortunately we had to sign for our silence, the nature of what we do is classified, otherwise, I would tell you without a problem.” “And what about Starlight?” Applejack asks again. “Sadly she was sent at the last minute as a consultant on nuclear energy and magic to New Manehattan, there in New Mareland. Trixie went with her. – Twilight responds – They will be there for a couple of weeks, according to what the Princesses and the ambassador informed me.” “Shame…” Applejack says. “Uh… Twilight…” Spike intervenes, who seems to be choking. After a light tap on the back, the dragon finally burps, revealing a card. The letter had the CLASSIFIED seal and the seal of the two sisters. Twilight knows exactly what the symbol means and who it belongs to; It is not only a letter from the princesses. “What is it Twilight?” asks Fluttershy. While her other friends only watched with curiosity what the alicorn was reading. It's classified, unfortunately, Fluttershy, but it looks like we'll have to leave tomorrow. Fluttershy also understood the meaning of that and nodded. "Well, I guess this mean we'll have to accelerate this party a bit more before you leave..." Said Pinkie her new party howitzer. May 23rd, 1020 ALB. Open Pit Crystal Mines, 50 kilometers southwest of The Mountain, United Dragon Islands. Among the mountains of the dragon islands, a helicopter could be heard passing by, a REAF Dragonfly brand-new helicopter, there were Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike observing the landscape, very far from home. “How serious do you think this incident was? – asks Fluttershy, almost deafened by the pistons of the vehicle's engine – This is the first time something of this magnitude has happened in all the time of investigation. “Apparently from reports, pretty bad, flutters, Admiral Cynosura didn't say anything else to me when she met us at the port.” “From what I see in the report, Twilight, it is serious.” Spike says, flipping through the papers. After a few minutes, the helicopter passed the last mountain, flying towards a large esplanade between the cliffs, revealing the mine and the magnitude of the catastrophe that had occurred: More than half of the open pit mine had collapsed into a huge sinkhole whose depth could not be seen, beside the big landslide that destroyed the other half. “Dear Celestia.” The three exclaimed. After circling the mine a few times looking for a landing spot, the aerial vehicle finally prepared to touch down. There Dragon Lord Ember, a General and two ponies cream and cyan ponies dressed in suits were waiting for them. “My pleasure, Your Majesty, I am General Whiplash, commander of the Southern Military Region. How good it's you that you arrived; I guess you already know Dragon Lord Ember and the SMILE agents, Lyra Heartstring and Sweetie Drops.” The general greets. “Hi, Ember, long time no see.” Spike says, going for the hug. “Hello, Spike... how long too.” Ember says, a bit embarrassed. After everypony greeted between them, Whiplash intervenes: “As you know from the reports, Your Majesty-” “Just Twilight, please.” “Apologies, Miss Twilight. The situation is changing and workers and machinery that were buried by the collapse continue to be found, however, we haven't descended into the abyss; the truth is, we already gave up on those who fell.” Whiplash says. “How many workers were there?” Fluttershy asks. “Approximately 200 died in the slope collapse, and we believe that another 100 fell into the abyss. Most of them are ponies and zebras that were unable. The injured are thousands, Celestia-knows-how-many missing there are.” "Oh no." Fluttershy says, her heart shrieking. “And why was SMILE called to this place? It was just an earthquake, wasn't it?” Twilight asks. “That's a good question, Twilight.” Lyran intervenes, as Sweetie pulls a blade from her saddlebag, with a seismograph pattern more like a plateau than natural seismic waves. “You see, Twilight, this seismological pattern seems extremely strange to us, we cannot identify it or know its origin; but this was what was detected at the time of the collapse.” Sweetie says. “How strange, I have never seen patterns like this... – Twilight says, seeing the sheet – Have they already gone down to the mine? There may still be people.” “We would do it ma'am, but we are waiting for the Special Engineers Corps.” Whiplash answers. “Special Engineers? Couldn't they just fly down or on a rope?" Spike asks. “It's true, sir, but we have detected large concentrations of radioactivity in the crystals down there, whoever goes down without a special suit has probably already died painfully by now, so the Corps of Engineers will arrive in an hour, they're prepared. ” “I'll help with the injured in the meantime, if you don't mind.” Said Fluttershy. When the engineers arrived, they began to prepare for the descent; In the end, Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike weren't able to fly there, because those HAZMAT suits were extremely cumbersome to wear. "Rarity'd have a stroke if she saw one of these..." Twilight thought. The descent was slow but sure. Approximately 50 meters down, the cavern was extremely spacious and dark. “Are you sure I have to go too?” Fluttershy asks, terrified. “You don't have to, flutters, you can stay and continue helping, we'll communicate on the radio. Channel 1.” Twilight says before the soldiers help her hook onto the rope and go down as well. “Team from surface to descent, do you copy?” Says one of the soldiers who accompanied them. "Strong and clear." They answer him. Several soldiers and workers also went down with them. “How strange, this doesn't seem natural either, I've been to many caves, mountains and so on, I've never seen anything of this magnitude…” A soldier mentions. “Curious,” a soldier remarks when checking his Geiger counter, “the radiation levels are at half, it is as if contact with the outside air had catalyzed something.” “Spike, do you see this?” Twilight points out with her lantern. The ponies accompanying them, in order to have more visibility, turn on several halogen spotlights, illuminating the cavern entirely, revealing that in front of them an enormous bone, a giant rib; not just one, but an entire row, a spinal column that stretched across the cavern leading to the fossil of an absolutely gigantic skull. "A dragon?" Sweetie Drops asks. “I don't think so, this is something much bigger, I don't think the largest modern dragons could ever have been so massive, this one is over 100 meters.” Pointed the purple alicorn. “Could this be what you've been researching all these years, Twi?” Spike asks. “It's possible, but I don't think it's him either, this one is fossilized, this es very old; It must be older than Equestria itself, easily millions of years.” Twi emphasizes. “Hey, look at this!” Lyra shouts. As they all go they see two huge fang-shaped protuberances hanging from the ceiling of the cavern, they look like rock formations, but they are definitely not rocks. As they approach, their Geiger counters began to crackle. "What's that?" Spike asks. “Perhaps a kind of egg, a sleeping spore… the bones are fossilized and this is not; perfectly preserved for millennia.” Analyzed Twilight. Upon illuminating this tusk, she finds another one that looks similar, however, it was broken. “Fluttershy, can you see from there?” Twilight calls on the radio. Fluttershy's crackling voice could be said "Yes... more or less... it's like something... came out... of that thing..." The attention of everyone there was interrupted by the sound of a helicopter at the end of the cave, towards the other side. “Fluttershy, has the helicopter taken off yet?” This is Twilight. “Yes… ten minutes ago.” she responds with some static. So the group begins to walk towards the other side of the skeleton, finding a huge skylight in the cavern that led outwards, dazzling all the members of the expedition, towards where the helicopter was flying over a second entrance and a huge trail of sinuous destruction that led to the Dragon Sea. “H-1 to mission control… Do you copy?” "10-4, H1." Whiplash says. “We have something big out here.” > 3. The New Manehattan Nuclear Accident. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 20, 1020 ALB. Luna Nova, Equestria. Starlight Glimmer has definitely had bad weeks before, especially during the war, she did everything to support the war effort, she even enlisted, although in the end she was relegated to the second line, at least she did her bit for victory and that was more than enough for her. After she walked away from Twilight and her friends and left Ponyville to seek her own adventures with her powerful friend Trixie, life ultimately hasn't always smiled on Starlight. When they were recruited for the Manehattan crystal-based atomic bomb project, chosen for their great knowledge in crystal science and unorthodox magic, she didn't expect anything until she ran into Twilight, Fluttershy, and Spike again, situation which she did for some reason never imagined she would live, but she was happy to finally see them again after a long time and not just by correspondence. Although life and work did not always smile at them, being with familiar faces in such a transcendental project is something that keeps their morale high, despite the fact that the three ponies already mentioned are called from time to time to jobs that, at the it seems Starlight and Trixie aren't authorized to know. They weren't allowed to get answers, so they stopped worrying about it, plus they weren't the only ones having fun, misses Lulamoon and Glimmer were also sent to... Seminars, tutorials and consultancies? Yes, this definitely wasn't an adventure, but the pay is good and they get to travel from time to time, so they don't complain much either. The worst comes when they were finally able to go to Ponyville again to meet up with those friends they left in search of adventures, however, they were told that they will have to postpone it unexpectedly because a colleague got sick and now they will have to travel to New Manehattan. “Great, now that we could finally go to Ponyville after so long and now this, what could be worse?” Starlight exclaimed. "Don't worry, Starlight, we can go back to Ponyville one of these days, Twilight will have to wait for us, because I will be the greatest and most powerful consultant on magic and atomic stuff that New Mareland has ever seen, and you as my faithful assistant... of course." The blue unicorn says, much to Starlight's dismay. May 22nd, 1020 ALB. New Manehattan, New Mareland. The Sapphire City was a large metropolis, as bustling as its original counterpart in Equus, built by migrants from the three continents, one of the commercial epicenters of Griffonia, this city is the second most important in the Commonwealth of New Mareland, as well as one of the great centers of operations for the United Ponies Alliance, not many miles from the shores of the empire of the young Kaiser Grover VI. It was a mild morning in the city and the newspapers announced a moderately hot day. Starlight and Trixie had barely arrived at their lodging in the early morning, with good views to the bay, by the way. “Well, Trixie, good morning, as I remember when they told us when they picked us up at the airport, they will come for us in an hour, so we better get ready.” Starlight says, flipping through the newspaper she bought a few hours ago. “Don't you find it fascinating how technology has advanced so much that now planes can take us across the ocean in such a short time? The great and powerful Trixie is still amazed by that.” “Yes, I think that was part of the development program of Equestrian Airways and Northern Development… – Starlight stops her talking to focus on an article – Wow, it says that there was a mining disaster on the Dragon Islands, it says that the Special Engineers Corps were deployed to prevent more victims from the collapse…” “You know, Starlight, mining is dangerous work. – Trixie responds, interrupting. – By the way, don't you know if I brought my toothbrush? May 22nd, 1020 ALB. New Manehattan Nuclear Plant, New Mareland. After passing through a couple of security checkpoints and identifying themselves about five times, Starlight and Trixie are finally greeted by another general and the head of the plant. “Good afternoon, Trixie Lulamoon and Starlight Glimmer, I am Radiant Glow, head of the New Marelander nuclear program; I have heard many things about you and your work, as well as Twilight and Fluttershy. I am sure it will be an honor to work with you.” “The pleasure is ours, we also know of your good work in this part of the world.” Starlight states. “Good afternoon, ladies, a pleasure, I am General Nightlight Charm, head of the fourth military district; an apology for the high security, but we are worried that some infiltrator of the empire will enter a place as delicate as this and we cannot make exceptions. We even have magic inhibitors in the facility, only telekinesis is allowed, by the way.” The Thestral says. "Don't worry, general, the great and powerful trixie will inform you of any irregularities if there are any." “Well, very well, ladies, I will show you your temporary offices. Over here please. – Radiant Glow tells them. – As you will see, we are an institution…” His presentation was interrupted by a slight earthquake that caused the lights in the corridor to flicker. “What in the name of Tartarus was that?” Starlight asks. Radiant Glow exhales, thinking about what to respond, while Nightlight intervenes: “We have been suffering from those tremors and earthquakes for the last twenty-four hours; it is possible that it is of imperial origin, but we do not have much to support that statement.” “Yes, just that, this is a problem that we don't know what it is or what causes it. Please join me here better.” The yellow unicorn tells them. Thus, Radiant Glow takes them to the plant's control room instead, taking a sheet of paper coming out of the seismograph and computer reader. “As you will see, the patterns of these earthquakes are abnormal, even the aftershocks have exactly the same pattern. It doesn’t seem natural.” The drawn pattern on the paper looked like a plateau, rather than seismic waves. “This is weird, I can't imagine what this is either, it doesn't seem like any natural pattern that I know of.” Supports Starlight. “Trixie doesn't know this pattern either.” May 25, 1020 ALB. New Manehattan, New Mareland. “Yes, Radiant Glow, it doesn't seem like this is tectonic. I am seriously worried about these earthquakes… yes, we will get there in a few minutes… yes, thank you.” Starlight says before hanging up the phone. “This is definitely serious, Starlight.” Trixie says. “I still can't explain what those patterns are... Changing the subject, you did decide to be part of the supervision of the maneuvers in the reactor, right?” Starlight mentions, making notes in her notebook and making copies of the patterns. “Indeed, Starlight, the Great and Powerful Trixie will be supervisor as you requested.” Said the ex-magician, combing her mane. "Be very careful please." May 25th, 1020 ALB. New Manehattan Nuclear Plant, New Mareland. The situation was tense in the corridors of the plant. “How serious are these earthquakes?” Starlight asks. “Same pattern as the last few days since we detected them on the Dragon Islands, but they're getting stronger. The last one was detected off the coast of Port Harbor.” Radiant Glow says, pulling out more measurements while trotting. "When?" "Two hours ago." In the basement, Trixie and several other ponies, dressed in HAZMAT suits, prepared to enter the service corridors. “Alright everypony, Trixie wants us to do this soon.” As they reached the bustle of the control room, Starlight became increasingly uneasy about what she saw on the screens and papers. “I think this is a serious security risk, Radiant, we should shut down at least part of the reactors until we know what these patterns are and resolve them.” Starlight demands. "But…" “The safety of this plant and the city are at risk, Radiant, that's much worse for your reputation than a blackout.” Before the discussion could continue, they got interrupted by another earthquake, this one stronger than the previous ones, causing the lights to fail. "You see? Shut down the plant and we’ll figure it out.” Thus, all the workers began their work on their panels. Starlight, worried about what's happening, grabs a walkie-talkie. “Trixie. Starlight speaking, you copy?” In the basement, Trixie's squad was trotting. “Okay, everypony, once-” She was interrupted by an strong earthquake, and the end of the hallway began to fill with a thick white gas that advanced towards the group rapidly. “Dear Celestia... run!” “Trixie! Do you copy me?” "Yes, Starlight." “Get out of there immediately, if there's a leak in the reactor, your suits won't protect you for more than five minutes, you hear me?” Anxiety was beginning to wash over Starlight, making her act. “Radiant, put the doors in that hallway in manual, I'll go wait for them.” "But is dangerous." “Trixie's down there, I won't leave her there!” The race against time was running out as both ponies ran to the entrance of that hallway. Starlight passed by many ponies fleeing the disaster on the way out until she reached the entrance of the hallway. “Radiant, I got to the door, tell me it's in manual.” This is Starlight on the intercom. “Affirmative, but we must close it now.” “I'm already here, when they pass I'll close it immediately.” Starlight says before taking the walkie-talkie. “Trixie, I'm already at the door… Trixie? I am waiting for you…" “I know, I know.” Trixie said before a pipe burst, causing the group to stumble and fall, knocking one out. “Starlight, we need to seal the hallway, otherwise the entire city will be irradiated.” Said the intercom. "I know!" Starlight said with teary eyes. Before returning to the walkie-talkie. “Trixie?” “Starlight…” “Trixie, I'm here, do you hear me?” “Starlight… We won't make it. You have to close the door... Take care of yourself." “No, no, no, don't say that, run as fast as you can, please.” Starlight said, desperate. “Starlight Glimmer, close that door, please.” They tell her over the intercom. With teary eyes and a cloudy mind, Starlight refuses to close that door. No, she can't leave her behind. She can't. She can't leave Trixie. Suddenly, from the end of the hallway a thick white gas begins to approach Starlight rapidly. “Starlight!” In a cry of desperation, the unicorn presses the button, sealing the door permanently. The alarms were ringing and Starlight was in the floor, sobbing. Suddenly a knock is heard on the door, drawing the attention of a devastated Starlight Glimmer. In the small window that overlooked the hallway, several desperate ponies, including Trixie, could be seen peeking out. “I'm sorry.” As a second set of security hatches were closing, the two inseparable friends see each other for the last time. “Don't worry, Starlight… – says Trixie, taking off her helmet – The great and powerful Trixie will be able to handle it… take good care of yourself.” Definitively closing the hatches.