My CPU's are running on overdrive as I run through Ponyville. Nopony was in sight, but that didn't concern me. I had to get to the library, fast. The gears in my legs make a lot of noise, not used to being put through this much stress, but I pushed them on. A yell from my left distracted me, I turned just in time to avoid Rainbow Dash as she's thrown back by what looks like another unit!

I glance at Rainbow Dash, making sure she's alright. She's unconscious. I turn back to the unidentified unit, preparing myself.

...I'm programmed to have nightmares...

We crash together, gears grinding in our efforts to overcome each other. I was steadily being pushed back though, the unit being built more heavily than I am. I had to think of something. I scanned everything within my vision, trying to find something I could use.

There.

I broke off to the side, causing the unit to move with me, right into the park bench, which I had gone under. I slid out under the unit and forced all my hooves upwards, aiming for the barrel.

...I'm programmed to feel...

I held my cheek in my hoof, the metal there heavily dented. It would hold for now, but I have to be more careful.

I stared the unit down, it hasn't moved since I put a dent in its chest.

Suddenly, I was hit from my side. I grunted, before turning to check what it was.

Another unit.

...I'm programmed to think...

I was close to finished, I'd underestimated the first units agility, however it seemed to excel in strength. That, I could barely deal with. But this second unit seemed to excel in agility, I will not underestimate it's strength.

Rainbow Dash was still unconscious behind me, I'd kept the units away from her as best I could, but I don't know how much longer I can go on for.

The Agility unit moves, rushing off to my right, while the Strength unit rushes off to my left. I looked both ways, they're trying to trick me.

A full second it took me to make the decision, I turned and ran, scooping up Dash as I did so. It would hinder my speed and I'm more likely to take some devastating blows, but I need to get Dash to safety.

...I'm programmed to live...

I'd thrown Dash as carefully as I could into the Library. I knew the others would find her there, wherever they are.

My main goal now was to eliminate the threats in any way possible.

Even if it killed me.

I was on my last legs, I'd damaged the Agility unit heavily, it wasn't made to take blows, merely avoid them. I'd gotten the hits on it by pure luck and anticipation of its movements. One more blow to the cranium should take it out.

I rushed the Strength unit, then jumped as I approached. It anticipated this and grabbed my rear hooves, slamming me into the ground.

I could feel wires getting taught inside me, some already ripped and sparking. My armor was heavily dented, I could barely move my right forehoof. Regardless, I bent up and slammed both forehooves into the joints of the Strength unit's forelegs. It worked in getting it to let go, with the bonus of almost disabling them.

I rolled out of the way, right before the Agility unit slammed its hooves where my head had been. I got onto my hooves and jumped towards it. My hoof swinging down onto its head.

The hit connected. It fell in a heap, dead.

The Strength unit had recovered and charged me, its head low. I jumped, pivoting on my arm, over the disabled Agility unit. The Strength unit barreling past me.

...I am not, however...

I felt a magical shot hit me from behind and my entire system took the hit as it punched through my armor.

I turned and briefly caught the silhouette of a stallion, before my vision went black.

...Programmed to die.

I am FalAIr.
I will live. I will learn.

But I will not die.
Not yet.
My time comes on my own terms.

I will protect those I care about till the very end.
Even if I have to break myself in the process.

Author's Note

Just a little short I thought up, thought I might post it.

I'll post a short every ten chapters, probably. Just to get the thoughts flowing.

I know, it's horrible, probably cliche too. BUT I LIKE IT!