Augmented Realities

by Nonexistent

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Human
Length: 2864

Fractal Blade finds things are not quite right in Equestria. The Mane Six have disappeared, the Royal Guard is coming for him, and there is a wedding he supposedly made a threat to. Also, the ponies have turned human.

Fractal Blade, a Lieutenant of the Royal Guard, is stationed in Ponyville. His recent adventures have left him with many enemies, and they are working to stop him. He awakens one morning to find that his physical form has been changed from unicorn to human, luckily retaining all his magic. He is wanted as a suspect to a threat he supposedly made, and everypony in town has forgotten about him.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-09 00:50:03 UTC

Awakening

Fractal yawned and stretched his limbs, shoving his blankets off of him. He stood, stretching more, and rubbed his face. He felt strangely groggy, which was unusual for him. Usually, he would be alert immediately after he woke up. As such, he failed to notice a crucial piece of information until he opened his wardrobe to don his armor. He paused, staring at the strange appendage on the end of his leg, and jumped backward, standing straight on his back legs.

“Celestia’s Light! What happened?” He studied himself as best he could without a proper mirror, using his armor’s reflective plating as one. His face, legs and body had assumed a form not unfamiliar to him. “Human? But…why?” He grabbed his armor off of the stand, strapped it on, and grabbed Hope before he dashed out the door.

In the town, it was no different than the day before. Ponies went about on their daily business, not stopping to notice the anxious Guard approaching at a rapid pace. Fractal slowed upon reaching the edge of town. Not only had he roused later than usual with a numb head, but the ponies that had previously been ponies were now also human.

He could still tell who was who, as each one looked similar to themselves in their original form. Another observation he made quickly was that the townsfolk acted as if they had been bipeds their entire lives, not once tripping over their feet. "What is going on?" He felt some unusual magic, but was interrupted before he could concentrate on it further.

“Hey, look! A Royal Guard!” Somepony shouted. A few gasps of surprise and awe reached Fractal’s ears, and everypony turned to stare at him.

Fractal was surprised, “I’ve been living here for a few months now, and you are surprised now that I am a Royal Guard?” He smiled, but frowned inwardly, thinking. Something is off here. Not only are we all human, but they all act as if they don’t know me.

“Lived her for a few months? I don’t remember you. You must be awfully reclusive for that to be the case.” One of the crowd stepped out, looking him over critically. Fractal recognized her as Cheerilee.

“No, I'm not...” Fractal stopped smiling and crossed his arms. A thought had come to him. “Where is Pinkie Pie? If I was truly new here, she would be one of the first to greet me.” The townsfolk turned to each other, speaking softly. He heard some say something about Pinkie not being there, and wondering about whether they should tell him or not.

"And now they think I'm deaf." Fractal muttered, walking on through the crowd.

“A letter here for a ‘Fractal Blade’”. A voice behind him called out.

“That’s me.” Fractal turned to see the mail carrier. She ran up to him, handing him the white envelope. “Thanks, Derpy.” The mail mare gave him a strange look, spread her wings, and flew away.

“Huh. Guess racial features still exist.” He turned to face the crowd once again, Cheerilee again stood in front, ready to speak.

“Pinkie is not here. She is assisting at a wedding.”

“Wedding? I didn’t hear of a wedding.”

Cheerilee scoffed as she would have at one of her students, and waved dismissively as she turned around. “Evidently, you were not invited.” The crowd dispersed, leaving Fractal standing alone.

“Somepony, uh, someone would have told me. It’s not like…” He stopped, and opened the letter in his hand. His eyes narrowed in confusion, then widened as he read.

To Lieutenant Fractal Blade (alias Silver Requiem),

You have are hereby charged to deliver yourself up to your commanding officer, me, by noon today, or force will deliver you. You are to be imprisoned as a suspect in a threat made against the bride and groom of the approaching wedding in Canterlot. Your trial will be held after the wedding is over. This is your only warning.

-Captain Shining Armor

Fractal crumpled up the letter in his hands, and cast a simple fire spell, burning it up. His hands dropped to his sides, fists clenched tight. “Threat against whom? I don’t even know who’s getting married." He shook his head, then jumped slightly in alarm. He started running, his head piecing together information as he ran. “For Luna’s sake, please don’t be right this time.”

He rushed through the town, checking five significant locations. All were empty, and he as he raced toward the sixth, he hoped that he hadn’t made the connection correctly. It was quiet, dark and the magical aura normally penetrating the building was dulled.

Empty Homes

Fractal slowly opened the door, and stepped inside. The door creaked as it closed behind him. None of the lights were on, and no sounds were heard. He crept forward, seeking for any sign of habitation. The only thing that was present in the room was books. Books on shelves. He sighed exasperatedly, and released his grip on the sword on his back. He knelt, removed his helmet, and closed his eyes.

Magic began to flow, and he searched the auras present in the area. Hers was here, but it was faint, as if she hadn't been here for a day or two. The dragon's was here too, but more present. In fact, it seemed he had only left within hours. Fractal shook his head, and began to open his eyes. As he did so, a power overtook him, battling with his mind. Fractal, surprised as he was, still was able to resist the force, setting up barriers in his mind.

Eventually, the power ceased, and fled. Fractal concentrated, and captured a small piece of it before it could completely escape. He studied it for a short time before standing again. "I know this aura," He whispered, "Everyone's in danger." He quickly searched the rest of the library for any further clues. Finding nothing, he raced out the door into the streets of Ponyville. He stood in thought for some time, then raised his head to look at the sun.

The sun blazed as it ever had, and Fractal determined the time to be about 11 o' clock. Not much time remained. He lowered his head, and started his way back home, trying to think of some plan of action. He had an hour before he would be taken to Canterlot, and he needed to think of a plan.

"Why is it that Shining Armor is the only one that remembers me?" Fractal asked himself, seeking for an answer. "They would be thorough, if it is them that are doing this." He removed his helmet, placing it on his dresser, and he paced. Locks of black hair fell in front of his eyes, and his silver streak reflected the light shining from the window. "Where are the six? A wedding, but no one told me where."

"It is inconclusive." He sat on his bed, holding his head in his hands. He raised his head again, looking about the house. "Silent! Are you here?" He called out. No reply. Fractal frantically searched his house, finding nothing so much as a note. Silent Aria was not here. He sat, finally happy for once today. Silent was unknown to his enemies, it seemed. His daughter was safe, luck finally entering his day.

A knock came through the house, causing Fractal to go on alert again. He silently made his way toward the door, grabbing his helmet and placing it on his head. He checked his clock, reading the time as 11:55. It seemed the Royal Guard was early today. He opened the door, instead seeing Derpy standing there.

"Derpy?"

"Hey there, Fractal." She smiled at him, and waved, "May I come in?"

Fractal shook himself from his surprise, and smiled, "Absolutely." She entered, and turned toward him. Fractal looked out the door before closing it. He turned back and spoke first, "You remember me?"

Derpy laughed, "Of course I remember you! How could I forget the guy that saved Ponyville?"

Not sure which time she referred to, Fractal chuckled, "Of course. I should have thought of that." He sighed. "Nobody else remembers me though, it seems."

She looked at him as best she could, and nodded. "I noticed. But only after you helped me remember."

"What? Helped you remember?"

She nodded again, "I didn't remember you until you thanked me for the letter I delivered."

"Do you know why you forgot me?" Fractal motioned her to sit, which she complied to.

"No, but I think it had something to do with the strange looking guy that went into Twilight's library yesterday."

Fractal was about to ask another question when he heard someone yell, "Come out Fractal Blade, or we shall come in after you!"

"Derpy, hide in here until they leave." Fractal stood and looked out the window. His house was surrounded by Royal Guards.

"What's going on?" She looked concerned, and tried to look out the window. Fractal grabbed her and pushed her away from the window.

"If you are seen, you could be in danger. They are here for me."

"Okay..."

"Hide until they are gone." Fractal looked her in the eyes, and she nodded.

"Okay." Derpy's voice was quiet, and she complied. She hid in the other room of the house, closing the door behind her. Fractal turned the handle of the door leading out side, and breathed slowly, calming down. He needed to save his adrenaline. He swung the door open, and stepped out into the noon light.

Capture

The Guards had their weapons drawn already when Fractal stepped out of his house. They looked confused when they saw him. They had been told that they were going to take in a Royal Guard, but not an Elite Guard, as Fractal's armor signified him as being. Fractal closed the door behind him, and straightened to his full height. He looked out among the ranks, searching for the Captain.

Soon enough, Shining Armor stepped forward, sword drawn. "Drop your sword, Lieutenant. Come quietly." Fractal looked around again, counting about twenty Guards. He couldn't fight all of them, even with Hope. He sighed, and drew his sword. It was a simple-looking blade, with five circular slots at the base near the cross-guard. He held the sword up to the sun, watching the Celestial Steel glint in the sunlight.

"I submit, Captain." He threw the blade down, the point sticking between his commanding officer's feet. "Take me in."

* * * * *

Fractal Blade sat between two Guards, and three others sat a few feet away, weapons drawn. The train ran down the track toward Canterlot, and time was running out. The Guards had taken his sword and armor, leaving Fractal in a plain gray tunic and pants. They had also bound his hands together with rope.

He sat silently, looking out the window at the quickly approaching mountain. He saw a tunnel approaching, and he smiled. The Guard in front of him noticed, and scoffed. "Have a plan, convict?"

Fractal stayed silent.

The Guard leaned back in his seat, and shook his head, turning his head away from Fractal. The tunnel enveloped the train, and Fractal jumped to action, clubbing the Guard to his right with his fists. The other Guards stood, ready for a fight. Fractal kicked out the legs of the Guard on his left, and the car went dark as it entered the tunnel. The Guards, already swinging, ended the swings to avoid hitting each other, leaving them out of position. Fractal, using his Magic Sense, knocked out three Guards before light returned to the car. The remaining Guards watched carefully, preventing Fractal from getting closer. He dropped the cut ropes on the ground and smiled.

"Thank you, gentlemen, for your time." Fractal bowed slightly, and jumped out the window as the car was once again plunged into darkness. Fractal held onto the outside of the train, grateful for hands. This would have been impossible with hooves. He pulled himself along the train, steadily making progress toward the front where his equipment was being kept. He could sense the movement inside the train as everyone on board was alerted to his presence.

Crossbows held by magic aimed out of the windows, and Fractal pulled himself as close to the train as he could as bolts flew past him. He climbed to the top of the train, struggling to maintain balance on the fast moving vehicle, and ran as quickly as he could toward the front. Guards that were previously Pegasi flew out of the train, attacking from the air. Fractal dove down to avoid a spear, and grabbed the roof of the next car, dangling down between the cars. Other Guards from inside the train opened the doors, and start attacking. Fractal swung his legs forward, kicking the first two in the door before him, he swung again, letting go of the ledge and rolling into the next car. He grabbed the spear thrust at him and swung it around, throwing the Guard off of it. He tripped another with the pole end, and ran to the door to the next car.

Using the spear in hand as a vaulting pole, he stabbed the point into the wooden floor board, flinging himself onto the roofs again. Flying Guards were onto him immediately, rushing in from behind. "Time for a bit of magic." Fractal launched a wave of flames toward his opponents, forcing them to break formation and slow down to avoid the scorching rays. "That should buy some time." Fractal turned and sprinted forward again, eventually reaching the forward car.

He reached down into the window, and pulled his body inside, kicking aside the Guard inside. Fractal slammed the window shut using magic, and faced Shining Armor. Shining Armor drew his sword, swinging it toward Fractal. He rolled to the side, pulling Spectrum out to him. The five-holed sword shot out of a small chest, shredding the wood.

Blades in hand, Fractal and Shining Armor circled each other. Blow for blow, they were equals, and every blast of magic was countered by the other. Fractal, unarmored, was at a serious disadvantage, using his skill with the sword to avoid being hit. Blows were traded again, and Shining Armor charged, sword raised.

Fractal jumped, pushing off the walls of the car to get behind his opponent. He reached inside the destroyed chest, pulling out and donning his helmet. Shining Armor turned, locking eyes with Fractal. "You didn't think you could win, did you?" He advanced, guard raised.

Fractal began casting a spell, allowing himself only one witty remark, "Only as much as you did." With that, Fractal vanished with a flash of silver light, reappearing next to Shining Armor. Fractal grabbed the Captain's head, covering his eyes, and let the memories flow with his spell. He felt Shining Armor struggling turn sluggish and finally cease as his memory was unlocked.

Shining Armor collapsed, unconscious. Fractal fell back, tired. His escape was not yet complete, and he was too tired to fight for any longer. He heard the Guards on their way, so he pulled out the rest of his armor, donning it as quickly as his magic would allow.

Within minutes, Fractal was armored and battling again, slowly being pushed back from the doorway. He parried another blow, and heard Shining Armor stand up behind him. "Hope that spell worked." Fractal grunted, a spear point glancing off his chest. Another sword swung down from behind him, cleaving the shaft of the offending spear. Shining Armor jumped into the fray, pushing the Guards back out into the other car.

The door locked, Fractal turned and faced Shining Armor, who looked right back at him. They stared silently for a short time, and they started laughing. They both leaned against the wall, still laughing.

Shining Armor recovered first, and shook Fractal's hand. "I never thought that I would be fighting against my own soldiers, especially with you."

Fractal agreed, "The irony is fantastic." They sat down against the wall, and listened. The Guards were quiet, so they were planning. Shining Armor looked out the window, and saw gleaming gold and white towers approaching.

"We're almost to Canterlot." He said, sheathing his sword and standing. He offered his hand to Fractal, who grabbed it and pulled himself up.

"Good. That means I can..." Fractal narrowed his eyes, and looked Shining Armor in the eyes. "Who's getting married, again?"

Shining Armor groaned and removed his helmet, rubbing his head.

"Who?" Fractal looked worryingly at his C.O.

"It's Dissonance and..." He cut off again.

"And...?"

"Twilight." Shining Armor looked perturbed.

"Dear Luna, no." Fractal shook his head, also disturbed by the thought that the chaos being known as Dissonance was marrying Twilight. Not only that, but Dissonance had been one of the three leaders of the army that had tried to conquer Equestria only a few months before.

"Well, let's get down to scheming then. Or whatever it is you do." Shining Armor pulled Fractal over to the center of the car and began to discuss what to do.