The Metal Complexityby GalacticJamChaptersReunionNew BeginningsInvestigationConflictReunionLuna ran up to the mysterious pony and pulled off the cloak that they had been wearing. Luna gasped; it was a young grey colt. He had a grey and white mane and a digital pattern. “Hey! What gives?” The young colt asked “Huh, you are not who I expected to be. Most important of all, what are you doing here,” Luna asked in shock. “I bet you were looking for Dad. I still can’t believe you can’t remember me. It’s me, Ironplume,” The young colt told “Oh of course, I’m just like your father,” Luna said. The young colt then proceeded to hug Luna. Luna then blushed as she glanced at Fluttershy. “It’s complicated,” Luna whispered to Fluttershy “Where have you been all this time Mommy?” Ironplume asked. “Oh, I was in a place far away, but I was watching you,” Luna explained, “What did that riddle mean?” “Oh, many people don’t even know that I exist, so I have to hide but many ponies have a story of me that I am just as bad as Dad. Most people are scared of me because of my circuit mark. Oh, and Dad is much stronger than me,” Ironplume explained. “I see you had your circuit mark, not long before you get your cutie mark,” Luna said optimistically. “Yeah, my cutie mark. Can’t wait to what destiny I am permanently bound to,” Ironplume said sarcastically. “So what are you doing here, shouldn’t you be out with your friends?” Luna asked suspiciously “Friends, what friends, soon as you disappeared I was dragged to this boring place. I have even forgot what the sun even looked like now,” Ironplume sulked “Right, we are going to find your father and we are going to give him a piece of your mind,” Luna sternly said. “Fluttershy, you can come along if you…” “Fluttershy?” Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen, she must have ran away once she saw Ironplume. Luna put Ironplume on her back and ran around like a headless chicken, trying to find the room “One question, how come you and your Dad are still as young as I last saw you?” Luna inquired. “Oh that’s simple. The room is filled with a gas that stops ageing. Magic or science I'm not sure, the difference between is blurred now,” Ironplume explained, “Wait, stop here”. Ironplume stumbled off Luna’s back and went up to a small control panel. It seemed to be a map of the facility. Ironplume placed his hoof in the small circle shaped receptacle. The map expanded to a much larger tunnel network. “Ok, I know where to go. I’ll guide you along,” Ironplume ordered Luna and Ironplume began to venture deeper in the facilities’ bowels until they reached a much bigger room. A circular room full of levers, buttons and TV screens. This seems to be a recurring theme of control rooms. But this one was different. In the centre of the room was a button. Ironplume ran up to the button and slammed his hoof against it. The room suddenly went pitch black, the giant metal doors behind them slammed shut, and then a spotlight came onto a balcony with a shadow like pony on the edge, looking down on them. “I thought I taught you not to press random buttons,” The shadow tutted. Luna then appeared out of the shadows, being a pony of the night really helped when blending in the darkness. The Shadow looked at her for a short time and then looked away. “He…He doesn’t notice me,” Luna sobbed “Well duh, this isn’t Dad in his physical form. He is in Sector A in the command centre, this is just a shadow copy of him,” Ironplume explained, “He was always paranoid, so he made copies of himself and commanded them from here. Though I haven’t found any books in the library about what technology he is using to control them,” “Silence fool, you shall fear me as you fear the monsters of the night,” The shadow rudely interrupted. “You shall not address the son of Princess Luna like that you peasant!” Shouted Luna, in the traditional Canterlot voice. “Hmmm, it has been decades since I have witness a voice like that, but you do not threaten me, I have heard worse,” The shadow mocked. “Enough discussion, let us do this,” The shadow said, summoning out a sword out of pure darkness. “Yes, lets,” Luna agreed, doing the same spell. “Ah, I see you are experienced as well in the shadow arts,” The shadow complimented The 2 ponies locked swords, fighting with fury while the grey colt watched the fight in horror as he saw his 2 parents fighting to the death. The shadow pony used all of his might to break Luna’s defence and cause the sword to fly away. He then raised his sword and then got held back by a magic, he looked at Ironplume who was casting a levitation spell to rip the sword from his hands. Luna summoned a new sword and ran it through his chest, causing him to drop to the floor like a stone. The shadow dissipated in the air. Luna dropped the sword and stared at her hooves, she began to cry. “I…I killed him,” Luna sobbed. Ironplume ran up to Luna and tried to reassure her by giving her a hug. Before Ironplume could say anything a loud alarm began to blare amongst the tunnels of the facility. The massive metal doors opened with a Stallion in the doorway, he had black metal legs that made him taller than Celestia and wings that shined in the dim lights. He had blue eyes that could melt a mare’s heart in seconds and on both sides of his head was a digital pattern. His grey and white mane was shining under the artificial lights. It was Steelwing in his original form. He groaned in pain, rubbing his head with his hoof. He attempted to walk up to Ironplume but fell halfway. Ironplume ran up to him and tried to get him back up on 4 legs. “What…happened,” Steelwing asked, still groaning in pain. “I don’t know, might be a corrupt clone I think,” Ironplume explained. Steelwing laughed to himself and rubbed his hoof in Ironplume’s mane. “You have learnt so much in so little time,” Steelwing said proudly, he then proceeded to hug him. His eyes darted over to Luna standing in complete shock. “Who is this Ironplume?” Steelwing asked suspiciously. His head began to hurt even more. “You don’t remember me?” Luna asked sadly. “I can’t say that-,” Steelwing trailed off before having a massive migraine. His head began to hurt that he fell on the floor, rolling around in complete pain. He was screaming, but the only thing that Luna and Ironplume could do was watch as they knew what was happening. He stopped rolling around and dusted himself off. He opened his eyes and looked at Luna, he stopped in complete shock and began to cry tears of joy. “Luna?” Steelwing whispered. “Luna, it’s you! Eros, I thank you for this blessing.” Steelwing rejoiced. Luna and Steelwing ran up to each other and hugged each other. Ironplume put his hoof near his mouth in the way that would make you sick. “Luna, oh Luna, it has been centuries since I last seen you. Please, don’t leave me like that again,” Steelwing said, still blinded by tears. “It was my sister who sent me away, she didn’t like our ideas and banished me to that grey and rocky wasteland,” Luna explained, “My sister…MY SISTER,” Luna remembered. “My sister has gone completely insane, we need to rescue the 6 ponies who uncovered the facility and exposed my sister,” “Well, come on lets go. And don’t think you are coming with us Ironplume; you go to the nearest town and wait for me there. I don’t want you in any danger,” Steelwing ordered “But Dad, I want to stay and fight with you,” Ironplume moaned. “No buts, you go to that town and stay there. You are too precious to lose,” Steelwing told. Ironplume flew to the facilities exit while Steelwing and Luna ran around, trying to find the assembly chamber where the 5 ponies were being held captive. “Wait, I need to do something.” Steelwing said. He went into a room they just passed and brought a massive metal cylinder. “What purpose does that serve,” Luna inquired. “Don’t matter; I hope I don’t have to use it. Let’s move before Celestia blows up the place, or worse keeps it,” Steelwing avoided. The 2 ran around until they finally heard a maniacal laughter emanating from a nearby room. They looked around the door and saw Princess Celestia looking at the giant robot’s construction. She then looked at the 6 ponies suffering. Rainbow Dash was nearly dead, Twilight was starving, Pinkie Pie was bored out of her brains, Rarity was screaming and Applejack did nothing. Fluttershy was on the floor next to them, tied up to watch their friends die slowly. “That’s a Titan class assault bot, we used it in frontal assaults but we never managed to construct more than 2,” Steelwing explained, squinting at the giant robot, “If Celestia uses that, Equestria is doomed,” “Well, let us make haste,” Luna rallied. “No, we need to go silently. Celestia still has influence on the defence grid and can wipe us out when she sees us. I need time to hack the grid control console,” Steelwing rambled, while Luna stared at him blankly. He groaned as he forgets that the technology being used by the Metaquines is much more advanced than simple pony folk. “You distract her while I switch off her weapons,” Steelwing ordered sharply. Luna flew up, revealing herself to Celestia. “Well hello little sister, I wasn’t expecting you here. I thought you were supposed to be asleep at this time,” Celestia said in surprise. “Your time is up big sister, release the ponies and surrender and you get to keep your royal throne,” Luna threatened. Celestia laughed. “You really think you, the little, stupid, weak mare who I banished to the moon for 1000 years, can defeat me?” Celestia mocked. Luna shuddered at the word moon; even the mention of the word brings back memories. “What has happened to you sister, you were sweet and kind, and a good leader too. Now you are this tyrant who is killing her own friends!” Luna shouted. “Friends, Friends! Who needs friends when you got everypony wrapped around your hoof? What I say goes and nothing is going to change that, nothing!” Celestia laughed manically. “I got it!” Shouted Steelwing. “Who is that, I don’t remember anyone else entering the facility,” Celestia asked in confusion. Then Steelwing flew up and glared at Celestia. Celestia squirmed under that glare and then her jaw dropped. “That’s impossible, how did you get out of the tube?” Celestia asked in fear. “Long story, but now are you prepared to surrender, or be succeeded?” Steelwing asked, giving Celestia a last chance. “Try me, tin can,” Celestia insulted. “That’s it, prepare to be dethroned!” Steelwing unsheathed the large metal cylinder that he got from the previous room. “Behold, my weapon against your tyranny,” Steelwing announced “Ha, what you going to do, package me,” Celestia mocked. “Forget this nonsense, I’m just going to do it,” Celestia said, she then powered up her horn and tried to fire a sun beam at them. “Face the fury of the sun,” Celestia shouted. Steelwing dropped the giant, heavy metal cylinder and flew out of the way. Celestia, taking her chance, flew towards it and grabbed it with one quick swoop. “Ha, I now have disarmed you; you have no chance of victory. I recommend you leave now, otherwise I will dispose of you,” Celestia commanded. Steelwing looked at Luna, who was looking at her sister in slight shock. He then looked at the Mane 6, suffering with their curses. “No, I have a different plan. I will leave you be, if you release those 6 ponies from their suffering,” Steelwing negotiated. He then glanced at Luna and winked. Luna was staring at him. “Seems fair enough, those 6 were messing up my new floor anyway; fine I shall release them,” Celestia agreed, she removed the curses. Rainbow Dash was near death and would have died if it weren’t for Steelwing negotiating. “Run, go to safety,” Steelwing ordered the 6 weakened ponies. “Now, fulfil you part of the bargain,” Celestia shouted. “You’re messing up my new factory. “Very well, enjoy your tyranny,” Steelwing replied in disgust. “Let’s go Luna, we don’t want to be anywhere near here,” Steelwing said quietly. New Beginnings“Why did you do that you stupid colt?” Luna asked in rage. “Come on, we want to get out of here before Celestia changes her mind,” Steelwing advised. They then ran as fast as they could to a tunnel exit, the Facility had many tunnels that lead to different places in Ponyville. They burst out of the metal door and then took flight to get away from the Everfree forest. “Well, what now? Equestria is doomed now, thanks to you,” Luna told Steelwing off, like a teacher told off a small child. “Oh, I wouldn't say that,” Steelwing replied with a smirk on his face. “What do you mean?” Luna asked. “Let’s just say I gave Celestia a homecoming present,” Steelwing said. He pulled out a small device with a button on it and then pressed it with his hoof. Meanwhile at the facility Celestia was overlooking the construction of the massive robot until she heard a bleeping sound. She looked around to find the source of the bleeping until she saw the black cylinder had deployed into an explosive device. The clock on the device was counting down from 10. “Touché Steelwing,” Celestia complimented. The device detonated into an inferno, the bunker walls were strong enough to contain the explosion. Jets of fire flew out of the entrance tunnels. Celestia managed to survive; casting a force field around her but was ejected from the bunker by the force of the explosion. She crash landed near the town. Steelwing and Luna looked at each other and flew to the crash site. “Checkmate,” Steelwing said to himself. “See, now you know why I said we shouldn't be anywhere near the facility,” Steelwing said, with a smug look on his face. Luna sighed. “I shouldn't have doubted you from the start; I remember when you always kept on beating my sister at chess,” Luna laughed, “So, what now?” “Well, what do you want do with your sister,” Steelwing asked. Celestia looked up at Luna and Steelwing in tears. Luna then walked up to Celestia and picked her up carefully. “You forgave me for my atrocities, time for me to do the same,” Luna said calmly. “I'm really sorry; I just wanted to make everyone feel safe. Please forgive me,” Celestia begged. Steelwing rolled his eyes and then flew away into the forest. “Go, you have some catching up to do. When do you want me out of the castle by?” Celestia asked. “Oh you fool; I do not want you gone. All of us have their ‘moments’,” Luna tutted. “We still have a country to keep mind you. See you at home big sister.” Luna flew towards the forest, where she saw Steelwing with a group of robots. “Steelwing you fool, get away from those before you get hurt,” Luna ordered. “You worry too much dear, these are worker bots, and they are ready for the restoration,” Steelwing reassured, he then nodded his head and several large robots jumped in the tunnel. “Restoration, so you are going to rebuild the thing that almost doomed us all!” Luna shouted. “That was under control by a psychotic princess, no offence, I want to make Equestria feel safe, without the cost of millions,” Steelwing lectured. "Now we can really have a defensive force without relying on the elements of harmony". "I guess, I'm trusting you Steelwing. If this happens again, I will not be a happy pony," Luna declared but then sighed. "What's the matter?" Steelwing asked with concern. Luna then wrapped her front legs around Steelwing for a hug. This stunned him for a while as being in that bunker for a long team, meant that he never had any social life. He then snapped out of it and then returned the hug. They stared into each others eyes for a while, until Steelwing asked, "Shall we go somewhere nicer than the edge of the Everfree forest?" "OK, how about..." Luna agreed, until she was cut off by a loud crash. Steelwing was startled by this and put up his wings in a striking pose. "Show yourself!" Steelwing demanded. Looking around he couldn't find anypony in sight. He then closed his eyes for a second and then shouted. "There you are," he said menacingly. He then closed his feathers on his right wing to form one clean blade, pulled it back and stabbed it into a bush, however he only hit some twigs and leaves. "Humph, your a nimble one I'll give you that," he shouted out. Luna on the other hand powered up her horn. She blasted a pulse of energy. "Nopony seems to be here," Luna stated. "Fine, I'll spare you...this time," Steelwing sulked. "Anyway, where were we." "Oh, we were just at the part where we both make up 1000 years of being split apart," Luna seduced. "How could I forget?" Steelwing replied. They flew off together to Canterlot castle. Upon landing in the middle of Canterlot, everypony seemed to panic and began running away from them and dashed into their homes. Steelwing looked around and found the place deserted. "Well, I thought that went well," Steelwing sarcastically said. "I do not know why they are in fear, they have nothing to fear in the first place," Luna muttered. Steelwing raised his wings and looked at them to give Luna a hint. "Yeah, I wonder why. I think it's my breath," Steelwing said, yet again sarcastically. "No need to be arrogant, this is Nightmare Night all over again!" Luna groaned angrily. "Anyway, you should get some rest, I'll pick Ironplume up from Ponyville". Steelwing then slightly panicked, but then let out a sight of relief. "Good thing he is 76, way above the age of him not being able to fend for himself," Steelwing reassured. "76! He looks about 7!" Luna then said in surprise, however this wasn't heard as Steelwing took flight to Canterlot Castle to return home and check if Celestia didn't plan yet another way to take over the world. Upon arriving in Canterlot Castle, Steelwing was approached by 2 Royal guards. "Halt, who goes there?" The guard demanded. "It is I, Steelwing. Princess Luna wishes for me to wait in her quarters," Steelwing replied. The two guards looked at each other and laughed at him. "Very funny I must admit, Princess Luna hasn't even had a Stallion in her life," The guard mocked. This changed Steelwing's mood as he frowned disapprovingly at the guards. "Need I remind you who you are talking about," Steelwing snapped. "Yeah, whatever. Get out of here before I make you," The guard shooed. The two guards then turned to each other and began talking again. "Was I not clear, scram!" Steelwing stood still, staring down at the guards. "Right then, have it your way". The guard then proceeded to grab Steelwing, where then he lifted his wing and knocked the guard away. "I'm afraid you need to do better than that," Steelwing taunted. The guard then pulled out his spear and charged at him. Steelwing moved out of his way and grabbed the spear, then throwing him out of the way." He then proceeded into the main hall of the castle. Upon entering the castle, every guard was on high alert. They readied their spears and aimed it at Steelwing. Steelwing look around the castle, seeing every guard in a striking position. "Well, what are you waiting for, I thought these were the elite guards," Steelwing taunted even more, hoping to get every guard charging at him. He got what he wished for as several guards flew at him, he then spread out his wings and batted 2 guards away with his metal shield-like wings. He then took flight and dived straight down, knocking a group of guards unconscious. Seeing the strength and danger of the colossal, metal pony, the guards retreated into the throne room. Steelwing flew up and went the opposite direction to the bedrooms. Confused, two guards burst out of the room and perused him until they stopped outside of Luna's bedroom. "I don't think he was kidding," the guard muttered to himself. "What?" his comrade said. "Oh, apparently that's Luna's coltfriend. But she hasn't even had one in her life," he replied. "T..that was Prince Steelwing?" The guard shouted in shock. "Yeah, why, what's the matter," "That was the prince of Siliconius, my brother was on that scouting party that was checking out that odd colony on the outskirts of the country," The guard replied. "And... it's only a small village" His comrade said jokingly. "It's much more than a small village, try a empire twice the size of Equestria!" "Er..." The guard then nervously said. The two guards knocked on a door, only to be invited in like nothing had happened. "Come in Gentlecolts," Steelwing greeted politely. "I just want to say, on half of Equestria, we are sorry for the inconvenience at the lower levels of the castle," The guard apologised. Steelwing burst into laughter. "I like a good fight anyways, I think some training drills are to be made though. You seem to be inexperienced on my standards," Steelwing mocked. "You are dismissed". The two guards looked at each other in surprise and exited the room. It wasn't too long before Luna flew on the balcony and landed. Steelwing looked outside and smiled at Luna, giving a wave of his hoof. Luna however, had a small frown upon her face. "Could thou explain what thou had done in the lower levels of the castle with my sister's guards?" Luna asked angrily. "Training drill, and the fact they didn't believe I was courting with you," Steelwing replied. "But you didn't have to destroy half of the royal guard!" Luna complained. "Well it's their fault for not being skilled" Steelwing snapped back. Steelwing raised his slightly and looked at the door, he squinted and saw an eye looking through the keyhole. "I can see you, you know," Steelwing shouted to the eavesdropper. However upon further inspect he say that the eye didn't belong to a normal guard. It had a small second iris in its pupil which twisted and turned. Steelwing rubbed his eyes and the eye was no longer there. "You need some rest," Luna said sternly. "Indeed we do," Steelwing flirted. This completely diffused Luna's anger as she sighed heavily and hugged Steelwing. "As I said before, 1000 years," InvestigationEquestria has seen wars, tyrannical leaders and old legends come true, but nothing can compare to the sheer power of the ecosystem that the ponies make. The sun rose over the green hills of Ponyville and pierced through the clouds. The residents of ponyville were dragging themselves across the cracked dirt town centre, trying to get through another day without passing. “Phew wee” Applejack cheered, “The Pegasus ponies sure are embracing summer!” “Well we got clear skies for the entire week!” Rainbow Dash shouted to Applejack. “Like the week before,” Applejack complained. “Well it’s not me who makes the decisions,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Well you just tell your boss that if we don’t get any rain soon, I'll be out of a job and Ponyville will have to get their apples from somewhere else!” Applejack ordered. “Well apparently all of the rain cloud machines have broken, I don’t know, I’m not an egghead,” Rainbow Dash argued back. Rainbow Dash flew off in the distance, going onto a small cloud and then began to fall asleep. “Applejack, there you are,” Twilight called. “Howdy Twilight, what brings you here”? Applejack inquired. “It’s to do with this odd weather; I came to you as your profession would mean you could find the source of this problem with me much more effectively,” Twilight lectured. “Yup, Sweet Apple Acres is drying up and I aint had one drop of rain for 2 weeks!” Applejack recalled. “Twilight,” Spike shouted. “What is it Spike”? Twilight replied. “A letter from Princess Celestia,” Spike said, handing Twilight the scroll. Twilight opened it up and began muttering the words on the letter; she closed the scroll and then declared. “Princess Celestia needs us in Canterlot for an urgent meeting” Twilight cried. “Well, let’s move our caboose and get moving” Applejack said. “Rainbow Dash, rise and shine, Princess Celestia needs us in Canterlot” Rainbow Dash yawned “I’ll round up the rest, get to the train station and I’ll meet you there,” Rainbow Dash moaned Rainbow Dash flew into the distance, Applejack and Twilight arrived at the train station. This train was different than the others; it had metallic train carts and several royal guards on small watchtowers which stuck out of the train. 2 Royal guards emerged out of a cabin and bowed; they then invited them inside the cart. The other 4 then followed behind who arrived just in time. “May I ask why the added security on the train,” Twilight curiously questioned. “Of course, your highness, strange things are happening all over Equestria. Scorching weather, the weather factory being taken out of service frequently and the most recent, the attack on The Crystal Empire,” The royal guard explained. “The Crystal Empire was attacked, is my brother ok,” Twilight anxiously asked. “Yes, your highness, Prince Shining Armour is ok. The attack was on a small district in the suburbs of the empire. However, we managed to capture 3 spies when they tried to escape from the empire, but they escaped and left a letter to the Princess,” The royal guard continued. “What did it say”? Twilight asked curiously. “We do not know, it was for the Princess’ eyes only,” The royal guard informed. The train set off to Canterlot, the entire train system was shut off to make way for the giant metal armoured train. The royal guards kept their eyes open the entire trip, looking for suspicious activity on the horizon. Twilight looked out of the window; she then saw a shadowy figure. A shadow, in pure daylight, he squinted to see more, but the shadow then burst into a vapour and flew away. The train rolled up into the Canterlot train station, the place was crawling with royal guards. Twilight got up and went out of the train. She was met 5 elite guards who paid their respects and escorted her and her 5 friends to the castle. The mane 6 proceeded into the castle hall. “Ah good, you are here,” Celestia said. “As you were probably told, I have a letter from the spies that were found in the Crystal Empire,” Celestia sighed and looked out of the window to the city. “Princess, what’s the matter”? Twilight asked Princess Celestia handed Twilight the letter, she opened it and her eyes quickly skimmed across the scroll. She looked at it, confused and asked, “What does this mean? Isn’t the return of an empire a good thing?” “Yes, but it isn’t the empire I’m worried about, it’s an order that go under the leaders of the empire that went corrupt soon as the empire disappeared,” Celestia said “So why are they doing this, the attacks, and the sabotage of the weather system?” Twilight inquired. “The cult thinks Equestria has been occupied, their Queen was the first leader of Equestria and they have a bloodline of their people in the Royal Family, but it ended soon as Discord took over. They will more than likely corrupt the rest of the empire along with them,” Celestia informed. “I need to show you something” Princess Celestia took out a metallic chest, covered in symbols of an unknown language. Its craftsmanship was divine, with jewels never seen before by anypony. On the top of the box was an odd combination lock, it looked like keys on a piano. “Oh my gosh, that looks just fabulous! That gives me some new ideas…” Rarity complimented. “Excuse me princess, but what empire has exactly returned” Applejack asked. “This is a lockbox, owned by a travelling Zebra merchant who gave it to me as a gift,” Celestia explained. “But the craftsmanship is different, not by Zebras or Changelings,” “I have reason to believe that this belonged to the Shadow Operative himself, Steel Cyberius Wing,” “Wait, THEY have returned. I thought it was some ancient empire like the Crystal Empire,” Twilight said, shocked. “Excuse me sugar cube, but what exactly is coming,” Applejack asked again. “More than likely it’s a species that is more powerful than anything we have ever known. No creature can match the intelligence and strength of this species. Half metal, Half pony, they are what we call the Metaquines,” Celestia answered. “This is bad, the Metaquines helped found Equestria, heck even our first Queen was a Metaquine. If they are doing this, then I’m guessing a larger invasion is going to follow,” Twilight followed on. “I need you to find the Shadow Operative and ask him to come here to Canterlot, most of the cult will listen to his orders and we can stop these operations from happening,” Celestia ordered. “We won’t fail princess, we will be back with him,” Twilight said optimistically. The mane 6 walked out, the other 5 looking confused. Twilight explained the Metaquines, their empire and the legend of the Shadow Operative. The mane 6 began to search into the Everfree forest. “Are you sure he is going to be in here,” Fluttershy asked. “Well, no. But it’s the best chance we got,” Twilight said. “Ok, I’ll just tur-“Fluttershy said who was then dragged in the forest by Rainbow Dash The mane 6 trekked lightly in the Everfree forest, making sure not to run into any trouble along the way. They searched for hours, with no sight of any suspicious activity. When they was about to give up, Rainbow Dash noticed a plaque, which had the same runes on as the lockbox that Princess Celestia had. Twilight examined the plaque further; it seemed to have the same kind of lock as the lockbox too. Twilight cast a spell on it to try and open it but she was met with a counter spell which knocked her back to a nearby tree. Suddenly 2 hulking metal bipedal robots emerged from the ground. The mane 6 did what they could only do at this point. Run. They dispersed along the forest; Rainbow Dash flew away then turned back and hit one of the robots with a giant kick, almost turning over the robot. The robot managed to stabilise and then hit Rainbow Dash with one powerful swing. The metal juggernauts deployed something from their shoulders and began to rain bullets from their shoulders. However the robots weren't the most intelligent and soon discovered that the ponies had gone down their transport pipe to the facility. The architecture wasn't anything like the ponies had seen before in Equestria. The metal pipes ended at a large and dark room. There were metal catwalks and a series of tubes with inactive robots of different varieties. Some small, some extremely large; the only ones active were arms that had different tools to build/repair the inactive bots. “What is this place?” Applejack asked in awe “I don’t know, but if this has been in the Everfree forest, it must have been a long time,” Twilight replied, amazed of the sheer number of tubes holding robots. “Well, enough of sightseeing already and let’s get this loser” Rainbow Dash interrupted. They looked for some kind of switch which would hopefully turn the lights on, only the tubes were illuminate which made it hard to find any kind of switch. Suddenly Fluttershy bumped into a small control panel, screamed and ran into Rarity. “What this?” Twilight wondered It was a small metal panel with several buttons, in the same runes as the plaque and lockbox. A button which had an odd bulb shape with 3 lines looked like the best bet. Twilight pushed it hesitantly and suddenly the room was brilliant with light. But a number of lights turned on systematically to reveal a massive, giant, pony shaped robot. Shocked, the ponies had to report this back to Princess Celestia. Until they heard something in the shadows, Rainbow dash immediately went to attack it but then looked at who or what it was. It was a pure white Alicorn mare, it was Princess Celestia. Conflict“I see you found our plan to defend Equestria once and for all,” Celestia said menacingly. “What is this Princess?” Twilight asked angrily. “Oh you think that you’re Elements of Harmony is the only thing protecting Equestria? Ha, not at all,” Celestia mocked. “With those gems out of service, we need the Solar Flare Order more than ever!” “Don’t try and take all the credit Celestia,” An unknown voice announced. “It was I who built all of this,” “Who is that, princess,” Twilight demanded “Oh my partner, the one who will defend Equestria from those Changeling scum, a quick swat to those bugs,” Celestia planned. “And my slave as well, control spells are fun, are they not,” Celestia then looked away at a clock, counting down. “Soon I shall mount my invasion on the Changeling homeland. And teach them a lesson,” “Princess, this is madness! Stop this right now,” Twilight ordered “Humph, perhaps you don’t know your place, maybe you need tutoring on discipline,” Celestia scowled. Her horn began to glow and a beam of light was cast on Twilight, she then was imprisoned in a bubble. “Release her now!” Rainbow Dash shouted “Looks like your loyalty went with your element Miss Dash,” Celestia mocked. Rainbow Dash attempted to charge at her but it was hopeless as she was blasted with magical laser. “RAINBOW” The other 5 screamed in unison. Rainbow Dash was squirming and writhing in pain, her life signs slowly fading. “Enough, I have had enough of your brutish ways, what happened to the graceful and glamorous princess we all knew?” Rarity said “I guess you all need a lesson, such a pity. You were very useful to me,” Celestia announced. She then fired a spell at Rarity, changing her into a spider, then a spell at Applejack, banishing her into the form of an apple tree, Pinkie Pie was frozen and made to stare at a grey wall, Twilight was kept in the bubble prison and Rainbow Dash was simply left to die. She looked at Fluttershy, who was in a corner, covering her eyes, with a menacing look. She was crying so much 2 puddles formed under her head. “You have been the most obedient of your traitor friends. But you are still a problem here,” Celestia said. “I…I promise I won’t tell anybody,” Fluttershy cried with complete fear. “Pfft, You are so pitiful, it’s a wonder why they have you as a friend, just get out of my way,” Celestia mocked. She fired a spell at Fluttershy which knocked her unconscious. When she woke up, she found herself in a room. The room was nicely decorated with cushions. This room looked familiar, it looked like Canterlot castle. She stood up and looked around; perhaps something would give her some clue to where she is. She opened a drawer and found a diary which was black and blue and had a Moon and Stars on it. She opened it to her first page which read: “Dear Diary, We have finally defeated Discord, my sister and I have took control of this dying country and hope to bring into a golden age of harmony”. “Should I be reading this,” Fluttershy questioned herself. She began to flicker through the pages until she saw one which caught her eye. “Dear Diary, I have found love! He is the most charming pony I have ever come across. While most ponies are scared of me, he just bowed and greeted me. Most ponies thought he was crazy but he then proved that I mean no harm. I haven’t felt this feeling since I was a little filly. I just hope I see him some more. He appears to be old friends with the captain of the royal guard,” Fluttershy began to wonder, who this pony is who is writing this diary. Suddenly she heard the door creak where a blue Alicorn was watching her; she had a blue mane which had some kind of sparkle to it. It was Princess Luna. “Enjoying story time?” Luna said angrily. “Oh…I…I’m sorry it just that I-“Fluttershy stuttered in complete fear until Princess Luna pinned her against the wall. “What art thou doing here in my quarters and why art thou reading my private diary!” Luna demanded “I don’t know, I was with my friends then Princess Celestia cast a spell on me now I’m here,” Fluttershy screamed. “An unlikely event to happen, why are you here and what do you want,” Luna still demanded, not believing Fluttershy. “Please, I was in some creepy place with loads of mean metal animals and then Princess Celestia cast a spell on me then I woke up here, just please don’t hurt me” Fluttershy cried. Luna began to think she was telling the truth, was it really her sister who had done this. She released Fluttershy and reassured her. “We are sorry, We do not think that my sister would do something like this,” Luna wondered “Did she mention something about some kind of Solar Order?” “Yes, why is it important” Fluttershy replied. Luna sighed “This is wonderful news then!” Luna rejoiced “What, why?” Fluttershy asked, but Luna was mesmerised in thought. “Err, Princess?” “Oh, Sorry. So she must teleported you to a random location, unlucky for her for you to be here,” Luna said. “And it’s a good thing because we finally get to see him again,” Luna was like a teenage filly. She took out a picture of her diary and showed Fluttershy. It was a Stallion with a grey and white mane and a dark grey skin and was unusually tall, but his main features were that his legs were made of metal and he had some kind of pattern on his head. The picture was old, ancient in fact. It was the Stallion and Luna together next to some odd stone covered in the same runes as before. “We know, we know he is a Metaquine, but we simply cannot stop thinking of him.” Luna dreamed “Is that him then?" Fluttershy asked “Yes it is, my sister must of imprisoned him as slave when I was banished to the moon, the cold, grey, dark moon,” Luna shuddered of the thought of the moon. Luna snapped out of it. “We must see him again, we can break my sister’s spell by reconnecting one of his memory links,” Luna decreed. “We?”Fluttershy asked. Luna groaned, most ponies don’t understand the medieval dialect she is used to using. “We as in I,” Luna corrected “Let us make haste, before my sister does something she shall regret,” Luna and Fluttershy flew back into the Everfree forest and managed to get into the facility unseen by the hulking security bots that were patrolling the forest. They entered a room which was full of computers, buttons and screens. Both of them had culture shock from Metaquine technology. They looked at the end of room was a pony observing the screens in front covered in a black cloak. Factories, testing and storage, this is the main control room of the facility. “So kind of you to join me ladies,” The pony said. “I rarely get visitors, they usually run”. “Who are you?” Luna asked angrily. “My oh my, you are rude one aren’t you,” The pony replied mockingly, “I shall tell you, but only in Discords way,” the pony declared. "I am a legend known by few. I am feared by most but loved by few, a mere echo of a stronger being”.
ReunionLuna ran up to the mysterious pony and pulled off the cloak that they had been wearing. Luna gasped; it was a young grey colt. He had a grey and white mane and a digital pattern. “Hey! What gives?” The young colt asked “Huh, you are not who I expected to be. Most important of all, what are you doing here,” Luna asked in shock. “I bet you were looking for Dad. I still can’t believe you can’t remember me. It’s me, Ironplume,” The young colt told “Oh of course, I’m just like your father,” Luna said. The young colt then proceeded to hug Luna. Luna then blushed as she glanced at Fluttershy. “It’s complicated,” Luna whispered to Fluttershy “Where have you been all this time Mommy?” Ironplume asked. “Oh, I was in a place far away, but I was watching you,” Luna explained, “What did that riddle mean?” “Oh, many people don’t even know that I exist, so I have to hide but many ponies have a story of me that I am just as bad as Dad. Most people are scared of me because of my circuit mark. Oh, and Dad is much stronger than me,” Ironplume explained. “I see you had your circuit mark, not long before you get your cutie mark,” Luna said optimistically. “Yeah, my cutie mark. Can’t wait to what destiny I am permanently bound to,” Ironplume said sarcastically. “So what are you doing here, shouldn’t you be out with your friends?” Luna asked suspiciously “Friends, what friends, soon as you disappeared I was dragged to this boring place. I have even forgot what the sun even looked like now,” Ironplume sulked “Right, we are going to find your father and we are going to give him a piece of your mind,” Luna sternly said. “Fluttershy, you can come along if you…” “Fluttershy?” Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen, she must have ran away once she saw Ironplume. Luna put Ironplume on her back and ran around like a headless chicken, trying to find the room “One question, how come you and your Dad are still as young as I last saw you?” Luna inquired. “Oh that’s simple. The room is filled with a gas that stops ageing. Magic or science I'm not sure, the difference between is blurred now,” Ironplume explained, “Wait, stop here”. Ironplume stumbled off Luna’s back and went up to a small control panel. It seemed to be a map of the facility. Ironplume placed his hoof in the small circle shaped receptacle. The map expanded to a much larger tunnel network. “Ok, I know where to go. I’ll guide you along,” Ironplume ordered Luna and Ironplume began to venture deeper in the facilities’ bowels until they reached a much bigger room. A circular room full of levers, buttons and TV screens. This seems to be a recurring theme of control rooms. But this one was different. In the centre of the room was a button. Ironplume ran up to the button and slammed his hoof against it. The room suddenly went pitch black, the giant metal doors behind them slammed shut, and then a spotlight came onto a balcony with a shadow like pony on the edge, looking down on them. “I thought I taught you not to press random buttons,” The shadow tutted. Luna then appeared out of the shadows, being a pony of the night really helped when blending in the darkness. The Shadow looked at her for a short time and then looked away. “He…He doesn’t notice me,” Luna sobbed “Well duh, this isn’t Dad in his physical form. He is in Sector A in the command centre, this is just a shadow copy of him,” Ironplume explained, “He was always paranoid, so he made copies of himself and commanded them from here. Though I haven’t found any books in the library about what technology he is using to control them,” “Silence fool, you shall fear me as you fear the monsters of the night,” The shadow rudely interrupted. “You shall not address the son of Princess Luna like that you peasant!” Shouted Luna, in the traditional Canterlot voice. “Hmmm, it has been decades since I have witness a voice like that, but you do not threaten me, I have heard worse,” The shadow mocked. “Enough discussion, let us do this,” The shadow said, summoning out a sword out of pure darkness. “Yes, lets,” Luna agreed, doing the same spell. “Ah, I see you are experienced as well in the shadow arts,” The shadow complimented The 2 ponies locked swords, fighting with fury while the grey colt watched the fight in horror as he saw his 2 parents fighting to the death. The shadow pony used all of his might to break Luna’s defence and cause the sword to fly away. He then raised his sword and then got held back by a magic, he looked at Ironplume who was casting a levitation spell to rip the sword from his hands. Luna summoned a new sword and ran it through his chest, causing him to drop to the floor like a stone. The shadow dissipated in the air. Luna dropped the sword and stared at her hooves, she began to cry. “I…I killed him,” Luna sobbed. Ironplume ran up to Luna and tried to reassure her by giving her a hug. Before Ironplume could say anything a loud alarm began to blare amongst the tunnels of the facility. The massive metal doors opened with a Stallion in the doorway, he had black metal legs that made him taller than Celestia and wings that shined in the dim lights. He had blue eyes that could melt a mare’s heart in seconds and on both sides of his head was a digital pattern. His grey and white mane was shining under the artificial lights. It was Steelwing in his original form. He groaned in pain, rubbing his head with his hoof. He attempted to walk up to Ironplume but fell halfway. Ironplume ran up to him and tried to get him back up on 4 legs. “What…happened,” Steelwing asked, still groaning in pain. “I don’t know, might be a corrupt clone I think,” Ironplume explained. Steelwing laughed to himself and rubbed his hoof in Ironplume’s mane. “You have learnt so much in so little time,” Steelwing said proudly, he then proceeded to hug him. His eyes darted over to Luna standing in complete shock. “Who is this Ironplume?” Steelwing asked suspiciously. His head began to hurt even more. “You don’t remember me?” Luna asked sadly. “I can’t say that-,” Steelwing trailed off before having a massive migraine. His head began to hurt that he fell on the floor, rolling around in complete pain. He was screaming, but the only thing that Luna and Ironplume could do was watch as they knew what was happening. He stopped rolling around and dusted himself off. He opened his eyes and looked at Luna, he stopped in complete shock and began to cry tears of joy. “Luna?” Steelwing whispered. “Luna, it’s you! Eros, I thank you for this blessing.” Steelwing rejoiced. Luna and Steelwing ran up to each other and hugged each other. Ironplume put his hoof near his mouth in the way that would make you sick. “Luna, oh Luna, it has been centuries since I last seen you. Please, don’t leave me like that again,” Steelwing said, still blinded by tears. “It was my sister who sent me away, she didn’t like our ideas and banished me to that grey and rocky wasteland,” Luna explained, “My sister…MY SISTER,” Luna remembered. “My sister has gone completely insane, we need to rescue the 6 ponies who uncovered the facility and exposed my sister,” “Well, come on lets go. And don’t think you are coming with us Ironplume; you go to the nearest town and wait for me there. I don’t want you in any danger,” Steelwing ordered “But Dad, I want to stay and fight with you,” Ironplume moaned. “No buts, you go to that town and stay there. You are too precious to lose,” Steelwing told. Ironplume flew to the facilities exit while Steelwing and Luna ran around, trying to find the assembly chamber where the 5 ponies were being held captive. “Wait, I need to do something.” Steelwing said. He went into a room they just passed and brought a massive metal cylinder. “What purpose does that serve,” Luna inquired. “Don’t matter; I hope I don’t have to use it. Let’s move before Celestia blows up the place, or worse keeps it,” Steelwing avoided. The 2 ran around until they finally heard a maniacal laughter emanating from a nearby room. They looked around the door and saw Princess Celestia looking at the giant robot’s construction. She then looked at the 6 ponies suffering. Rainbow Dash was nearly dead, Twilight was starving, Pinkie Pie was bored out of her brains, Rarity was screaming and Applejack did nothing. Fluttershy was on the floor next to them, tied up to watch their friends die slowly. “That’s a Titan class assault bot, we used it in frontal assaults but we never managed to construct more than 2,” Steelwing explained, squinting at the giant robot, “If Celestia uses that, Equestria is doomed,” “Well, let us make haste,” Luna rallied. “No, we need to go silently. Celestia still has influence on the defence grid and can wipe us out when she sees us. I need time to hack the grid control console,” Steelwing rambled, while Luna stared at him blankly. He groaned as he forgets that the technology being used by the Metaquines is much more advanced than simple pony folk. “You distract her while I switch off her weapons,” Steelwing ordered sharply. Luna flew up, revealing herself to Celestia. “Well hello little sister, I wasn’t expecting you here. I thought you were supposed to be asleep at this time,” Celestia said in surprise. “Your time is up big sister, release the ponies and surrender and you get to keep your royal throne,” Luna threatened. Celestia laughed. “You really think you, the little, stupid, weak mare who I banished to the moon for 1000 years, can defeat me?” Celestia mocked. Luna shuddered at the word moon; even the mention of the word brings back memories. “What has happened to you sister, you were sweet and kind, and a good leader too. Now you are this tyrant who is killing her own friends!” Luna shouted. “Friends, Friends! Who needs friends when you got everypony wrapped around your hoof? What I say goes and nothing is going to change that, nothing!” Celestia laughed manically. “I got it!” Shouted Steelwing. “Who is that, I don’t remember anyone else entering the facility,” Celestia asked in confusion. Then Steelwing flew up and glared at Celestia. Celestia squirmed under that glare and then her jaw dropped. “That’s impossible, how did you get out of the tube?” Celestia asked in fear. “Long story, but now are you prepared to surrender, or be succeeded?” Steelwing asked, giving Celestia a last chance. “Try me, tin can,” Celestia insulted. “That’s it, prepare to be dethroned!” Steelwing unsheathed the large metal cylinder that he got from the previous room. “Behold, my weapon against your tyranny,” Steelwing announced “Ha, what you going to do, package me,” Celestia mocked. “Forget this nonsense, I’m just going to do it,” Celestia said, she then powered up her horn and tried to fire a sun beam at them. “Face the fury of the sun,” Celestia shouted. Steelwing dropped the giant, heavy metal cylinder and flew out of the way. Celestia, taking her chance, flew towards it and grabbed it with one quick swoop. “Ha, I now have disarmed you; you have no chance of victory. I recommend you leave now, otherwise I will dispose of you,” Celestia commanded. Steelwing looked at Luna, who was looking at her sister in slight shock. He then looked at the Mane 6, suffering with their curses. “No, I have a different plan. I will leave you be, if you release those 6 ponies from their suffering,” Steelwing negotiated. He then glanced at Luna and winked. Luna was staring at him. “Seems fair enough, those 6 were messing up my new floor anyway; fine I shall release them,” Celestia agreed, she removed the curses. Rainbow Dash was near death and would have died if it weren’t for Steelwing negotiating. “Run, go to safety,” Steelwing ordered the 6 weakened ponies. “Now, fulfil you part of the bargain,” Celestia shouted. “You’re messing up my new factory. “Very well, enjoy your tyranny,” Steelwing replied in disgust. “Let’s go Luna, we don’t want to be anywhere near here,” Steelwing said quietly.
New Beginnings“Why did you do that you stupid colt?” Luna asked in rage. “Come on, we want to get out of here before Celestia changes her mind,” Steelwing advised. They then ran as fast as they could to a tunnel exit, the Facility had many tunnels that lead to different places in Ponyville. They burst out of the metal door and then took flight to get away from the Everfree forest. “Well, what now? Equestria is doomed now, thanks to you,” Luna told Steelwing off, like a teacher told off a small child. “Oh, I wouldn't say that,” Steelwing replied with a smirk on his face. “What do you mean?” Luna asked. “Let’s just say I gave Celestia a homecoming present,” Steelwing said. He pulled out a small device with a button on it and then pressed it with his hoof. Meanwhile at the facility Celestia was overlooking the construction of the massive robot until she heard a bleeping sound. She looked around to find the source of the bleeping until she saw the black cylinder had deployed into an explosive device. The clock on the device was counting down from 10. “Touché Steelwing,” Celestia complimented. The device detonated into an inferno, the bunker walls were strong enough to contain the explosion. Jets of fire flew out of the entrance tunnels. Celestia managed to survive; casting a force field around her but was ejected from the bunker by the force of the explosion. She crash landed near the town. Steelwing and Luna looked at each other and flew to the crash site. “Checkmate,” Steelwing said to himself. “See, now you know why I said we shouldn't be anywhere near the facility,” Steelwing said, with a smug look on his face. Luna sighed. “I shouldn't have doubted you from the start; I remember when you always kept on beating my sister at chess,” Luna laughed, “So, what now?” “Well, what do you want do with your sister,” Steelwing asked. Celestia looked up at Luna and Steelwing in tears. Luna then walked up to Celestia and picked her up carefully. “You forgave me for my atrocities, time for me to do the same,” Luna said calmly. “I'm really sorry; I just wanted to make everyone feel safe. Please forgive me,” Celestia begged. Steelwing rolled his eyes and then flew away into the forest. “Go, you have some catching up to do. When do you want me out of the castle by?” Celestia asked. “Oh you fool; I do not want you gone. All of us have their ‘moments’,” Luna tutted. “We still have a country to keep mind you. See you at home big sister.” Luna flew towards the forest, where she saw Steelwing with a group of robots. “Steelwing you fool, get away from those before you get hurt,” Luna ordered. “You worry too much dear, these are worker bots, and they are ready for the restoration,” Steelwing reassured, he then nodded his head and several large robots jumped in the tunnel. “Restoration, so you are going to rebuild the thing that almost doomed us all!” Luna shouted. “That was under control by a psychotic princess, no offence, I want to make Equestria feel safe, without the cost of millions,” Steelwing lectured. "Now we can really have a defensive force without relying on the elements of harmony". "I guess, I'm trusting you Steelwing. If this happens again, I will not be a happy pony," Luna declared but then sighed. "What's the matter?" Steelwing asked with concern. Luna then wrapped her front legs around Steelwing for a hug. This stunned him for a while as being in that bunker for a long team, meant that he never had any social life. He then snapped out of it and then returned the hug. They stared into each others eyes for a while, until Steelwing asked, "Shall we go somewhere nicer than the edge of the Everfree forest?" "OK, how about..." Luna agreed, until she was cut off by a loud crash. Steelwing was startled by this and put up his wings in a striking pose. "Show yourself!" Steelwing demanded. Looking around he couldn't find anypony in sight. He then closed his eyes for a second and then shouted. "There you are," he said menacingly. He then closed his feathers on his right wing to form one clean blade, pulled it back and stabbed it into a bush, however he only hit some twigs and leaves. "Humph, your a nimble one I'll give you that," he shouted out. Luna on the other hand powered up her horn. She blasted a pulse of energy. "Nopony seems to be here," Luna stated. "Fine, I'll spare you...this time," Steelwing sulked. "Anyway, where were we." "Oh, we were just at the part where we both make up 1000 years of being split apart," Luna seduced. "How could I forget?" Steelwing replied. They flew off together to Canterlot castle. Upon landing in the middle of Canterlot, everypony seemed to panic and began running away from them and dashed into their homes. Steelwing looked around and found the place deserted. "Well, I thought that went well," Steelwing sarcastically said. "I do not know why they are in fear, they have nothing to fear in the first place," Luna muttered. Steelwing raised his wings and looked at them to give Luna a hint. "Yeah, I wonder why. I think it's my breath," Steelwing said, yet again sarcastically. "No need to be arrogant, this is Nightmare Night all over again!" Luna groaned angrily. "Anyway, you should get some rest, I'll pick Ironplume up from Ponyville". Steelwing then slightly panicked, but then let out a sight of relief. "Good thing he is 76, way above the age of him not being able to fend for himself," Steelwing reassured. "76! He looks about 7!" Luna then said in surprise, however this wasn't heard as Steelwing took flight to Canterlot Castle to return home and check if Celestia didn't plan yet another way to take over the world. Upon arriving in Canterlot Castle, Steelwing was approached by 2 Royal guards. "Halt, who goes there?" The guard demanded. "It is I, Steelwing. Princess Luna wishes for me to wait in her quarters," Steelwing replied. The two guards looked at each other and laughed at him. "Very funny I must admit, Princess Luna hasn't even had a Stallion in her life," The guard mocked. This changed Steelwing's mood as he frowned disapprovingly at the guards. "Need I remind you who you are talking about," Steelwing snapped. "Yeah, whatever. Get out of here before I make you," The guard shooed. The two guards then turned to each other and began talking again. "Was I not clear, scram!" Steelwing stood still, staring down at the guards. "Right then, have it your way". The guard then proceeded to grab Steelwing, where then he lifted his wing and knocked the guard away. "I'm afraid you need to do better than that," Steelwing taunted. The guard then pulled out his spear and charged at him. Steelwing moved out of his way and grabbed the spear, then throwing him out of the way." He then proceeded into the main hall of the castle. Upon entering the castle, every guard was on high alert. They readied their spears and aimed it at Steelwing. Steelwing look around the castle, seeing every guard in a striking position. "Well, what are you waiting for, I thought these were the elite guards," Steelwing taunted even more, hoping to get every guard charging at him. He got what he wished for as several guards flew at him, he then spread out his wings and batted 2 guards away with his metal shield-like wings. He then took flight and dived straight down, knocking a group of guards unconscious. Seeing the strength and danger of the colossal, metal pony, the guards retreated into the throne room. Steelwing flew up and went the opposite direction to the bedrooms. Confused, two guards burst out of the room and perused him until they stopped outside of Luna's bedroom. "I don't think he was kidding," the guard muttered to himself. "What?" his comrade said. "Oh, apparently that's Luna's coltfriend. But she hasn't even had one in her life," he replied. "T..that was Prince Steelwing?" The guard shouted in shock. "Yeah, why, what's the matter," "That was the prince of Siliconius, my brother was on that scouting party that was checking out that odd colony on the outskirts of the country," The guard replied. "And... it's only a small village" His comrade said jokingly. "It's much more than a small village, try a empire twice the size of Equestria!" "Er..." The guard then nervously said. The two guards knocked on a door, only to be invited in like nothing had happened. "Come in Gentlecolts," Steelwing greeted politely. "I just want to say, on half of Equestria, we are sorry for the inconvenience at the lower levels of the castle," The guard apologised. Steelwing burst into laughter. "I like a good fight anyways, I think some training drills are to be made though. You seem to be inexperienced on my standards," Steelwing mocked. "You are dismissed". The two guards looked at each other in surprise and exited the room. It wasn't too long before Luna flew on the balcony and landed. Steelwing looked outside and smiled at Luna, giving a wave of his hoof. Luna however, had a small frown upon her face. "Could thou explain what thou had done in the lower levels of the castle with my sister's guards?" Luna asked angrily. "Training drill, and the fact they didn't believe I was courting with you," Steelwing replied. "But you didn't have to destroy half of the royal guard!" Luna complained. "Well it's their fault for not being skilled" Steelwing snapped back. Steelwing raised his slightly and looked at the door, he squinted and saw an eye looking through the keyhole. "I can see you, you know," Steelwing shouted to the eavesdropper. However upon further inspect he say that the eye didn't belong to a normal guard. It had a small second iris in its pupil which twisted and turned. Steelwing rubbed his eyes and the eye was no longer there. "You need some rest," Luna said sternly. "Indeed we do," Steelwing flirted. This completely diffused Luna's anger as she sighed heavily and hugged Steelwing. "As I said before, 1000 years,"
InvestigationEquestria has seen wars, tyrannical leaders and old legends come true, but nothing can compare to the sheer power of the ecosystem that the ponies make. The sun rose over the green hills of Ponyville and pierced through the clouds. The residents of ponyville were dragging themselves across the cracked dirt town centre, trying to get through another day without passing. “Phew wee” Applejack cheered, “The Pegasus ponies sure are embracing summer!” “Well we got clear skies for the entire week!” Rainbow Dash shouted to Applejack. “Like the week before,” Applejack complained. “Well it’s not me who makes the decisions,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Well you just tell your boss that if we don’t get any rain soon, I'll be out of a job and Ponyville will have to get their apples from somewhere else!” Applejack ordered. “Well apparently all of the rain cloud machines have broken, I don’t know, I’m not an egghead,” Rainbow Dash argued back. Rainbow Dash flew off in the distance, going onto a small cloud and then began to fall asleep. “Applejack, there you are,” Twilight called. “Howdy Twilight, what brings you here”? Applejack inquired. “It’s to do with this odd weather; I came to you as your profession would mean you could find the source of this problem with me much more effectively,” Twilight lectured. “Yup, Sweet Apple Acres is drying up and I aint had one drop of rain for 2 weeks!” Applejack recalled. “Twilight,” Spike shouted. “What is it Spike”? Twilight replied. “A letter from Princess Celestia,” Spike said, handing Twilight the scroll. Twilight opened it up and began muttering the words on the letter; she closed the scroll and then declared. “Princess Celestia needs us in Canterlot for an urgent meeting” Twilight cried. “Well, let’s move our caboose and get moving” Applejack said. “Rainbow Dash, rise and shine, Princess Celestia needs us in Canterlot” Rainbow Dash yawned “I’ll round up the rest, get to the train station and I’ll meet you there,” Rainbow Dash moaned Rainbow Dash flew into the distance, Applejack and Twilight arrived at the train station. This train was different than the others; it had metallic train carts and several royal guards on small watchtowers which stuck out of the train. 2 Royal guards emerged out of a cabin and bowed; they then invited them inside the cart. The other 4 then followed behind who arrived just in time. “May I ask why the added security on the train,” Twilight curiously questioned. “Of course, your highness, strange things are happening all over Equestria. Scorching weather, the weather factory being taken out of service frequently and the most recent, the attack on The Crystal Empire,” The royal guard explained. “The Crystal Empire was attacked, is my brother ok,” Twilight anxiously asked. “Yes, your highness, Prince Shining Armour is ok. The attack was on a small district in the suburbs of the empire. However, we managed to capture 3 spies when they tried to escape from the empire, but they escaped and left a letter to the Princess,” The royal guard continued. “What did it say”? Twilight asked curiously. “We do not know, it was for the Princess’ eyes only,” The royal guard informed. The train set off to Canterlot, the entire train system was shut off to make way for the giant metal armoured train. The royal guards kept their eyes open the entire trip, looking for suspicious activity on the horizon. Twilight looked out of the window; she then saw a shadowy figure. A shadow, in pure daylight, he squinted to see more, but the shadow then burst into a vapour and flew away. The train rolled up into the Canterlot train station, the place was crawling with royal guards. Twilight got up and went out of the train. She was met 5 elite guards who paid their respects and escorted her and her 5 friends to the castle. The mane 6 proceeded into the castle hall. “Ah good, you are here,” Celestia said. “As you were probably told, I have a letter from the spies that were found in the Crystal Empire,” Celestia sighed and looked out of the window to the city. “Princess, what’s the matter”? Twilight asked Princess Celestia handed Twilight the letter, she opened it and her eyes quickly skimmed across the scroll. She looked at it, confused and asked, “What does this mean? Isn’t the return of an empire a good thing?” “Yes, but it isn’t the empire I’m worried about, it’s an order that go under the leaders of the empire that went corrupt soon as the empire disappeared,” Celestia said “So why are they doing this, the attacks, and the sabotage of the weather system?” Twilight inquired. “The cult thinks Equestria has been occupied, their Queen was the first leader of Equestria and they have a bloodline of their people in the Royal Family, but it ended soon as Discord took over. They will more than likely corrupt the rest of the empire along with them,” Celestia informed. “I need to show you something” Princess Celestia took out a metallic chest, covered in symbols of an unknown language. Its craftsmanship was divine, with jewels never seen before by anypony. On the top of the box was an odd combination lock, it looked like keys on a piano. “Oh my gosh, that looks just fabulous! That gives me some new ideas…” Rarity complimented. “Excuse me princess, but what empire has exactly returned” Applejack asked. “This is a lockbox, owned by a travelling Zebra merchant who gave it to me as a gift,” Celestia explained. “But the craftsmanship is different, not by Zebras or Changelings,” “I have reason to believe that this belonged to the Shadow Operative himself, Steel Cyberius Wing,” “Wait, THEY have returned. I thought it was some ancient empire like the Crystal Empire,” Twilight said, shocked. “Excuse me sugar cube, but what exactly is coming,” Applejack asked again. “More than likely it’s a species that is more powerful than anything we have ever known. No creature can match the intelligence and strength of this species. Half metal, Half pony, they are what we call the Metaquines,” Celestia answered. “This is bad, the Metaquines helped found Equestria, heck even our first Queen was a Metaquine. If they are doing this, then I’m guessing a larger invasion is going to follow,” Twilight followed on. “I need you to find the Shadow Operative and ask him to come here to Canterlot, most of the cult will listen to his orders and we can stop these operations from happening,” Celestia ordered. “We won’t fail princess, we will be back with him,” Twilight said optimistically. The mane 6 walked out, the other 5 looking confused. Twilight explained the Metaquines, their empire and the legend of the Shadow Operative. The mane 6 began to search into the Everfree forest. “Are you sure he is going to be in here,” Fluttershy asked. “Well, no. But it’s the best chance we got,” Twilight said. “Ok, I’ll just tur-“Fluttershy said who was then dragged in the forest by Rainbow Dash The mane 6 trekked lightly in the Everfree forest, making sure not to run into any trouble along the way. They searched for hours, with no sight of any suspicious activity. When they was about to give up, Rainbow Dash noticed a plaque, which had the same runes on as the lockbox that Princess Celestia had. Twilight examined the plaque further; it seemed to have the same kind of lock as the lockbox too. Twilight cast a spell on it to try and open it but she was met with a counter spell which knocked her back to a nearby tree. Suddenly 2 hulking metal bipedal robots emerged from the ground. The mane 6 did what they could only do at this point. Run. They dispersed along the forest; Rainbow Dash flew away then turned back and hit one of the robots with a giant kick, almost turning over the robot. The robot managed to stabilise and then hit Rainbow Dash with one powerful swing. The metal juggernauts deployed something from their shoulders and began to rain bullets from their shoulders. However the robots weren't the most intelligent and soon discovered that the ponies had gone down their transport pipe to the facility. The architecture wasn't anything like the ponies had seen before in Equestria. The metal pipes ended at a large and dark room. There were metal catwalks and a series of tubes with inactive robots of different varieties. Some small, some extremely large; the only ones active were arms that had different tools to build/repair the inactive bots. “What is this place?” Applejack asked in awe “I don’t know, but if this has been in the Everfree forest, it must have been a long time,” Twilight replied, amazed of the sheer number of tubes holding robots. “Well, enough of sightseeing already and let’s get this loser” Rainbow Dash interrupted. They looked for some kind of switch which would hopefully turn the lights on, only the tubes were illuminate which made it hard to find any kind of switch. Suddenly Fluttershy bumped into a small control panel, screamed and ran into Rarity. “What this?” Twilight wondered It was a small metal panel with several buttons, in the same runes as the plaque and lockbox. A button which had an odd bulb shape with 3 lines looked like the best bet. Twilight pushed it hesitantly and suddenly the room was brilliant with light. But a number of lights turned on systematically to reveal a massive, giant, pony shaped robot. Shocked, the ponies had to report this back to Princess Celestia. Until they heard something in the shadows, Rainbow dash immediately went to attack it but then looked at who or what it was. It was a pure white Alicorn mare, it was Princess Celestia.
Conflict“I see you found our plan to defend Equestria once and for all,” Celestia said menacingly. “What is this Princess?” Twilight asked angrily. “Oh you think that you’re Elements of Harmony is the only thing protecting Equestria? Ha, not at all,” Celestia mocked. “With those gems out of service, we need the Solar Flare Order more than ever!” “Don’t try and take all the credit Celestia,” An unknown voice announced. “It was I who built all of this,” “Who is that, princess,” Twilight demanded “Oh my partner, the one who will defend Equestria from those Changeling scum, a quick swat to those bugs,” Celestia planned. “And my slave as well, control spells are fun, are they not,” Celestia then looked away at a clock, counting down. “Soon I shall mount my invasion on the Changeling homeland. And teach them a lesson,” “Princess, this is madness! Stop this right now,” Twilight ordered “Humph, perhaps you don’t know your place, maybe you need tutoring on discipline,” Celestia scowled. Her horn began to glow and a beam of light was cast on Twilight, she then was imprisoned in a bubble. “Release her now!” Rainbow Dash shouted “Looks like your loyalty went with your element Miss Dash,” Celestia mocked. Rainbow Dash attempted to charge at her but it was hopeless as she was blasted with magical laser. “RAINBOW” The other 5 screamed in unison. Rainbow Dash was squirming and writhing in pain, her life signs slowly fading. “Enough, I have had enough of your brutish ways, what happened to the graceful and glamorous princess we all knew?” Rarity said “I guess you all need a lesson, such a pity. You were very useful to me,” Celestia announced. She then fired a spell at Rarity, changing her into a spider, then a spell at Applejack, banishing her into the form of an apple tree, Pinkie Pie was frozen and made to stare at a grey wall, Twilight was kept in the bubble prison and Rainbow Dash was simply left to die. She looked at Fluttershy, who was in a corner, covering her eyes, with a menacing look. She was crying so much 2 puddles formed under her head. “You have been the most obedient of your traitor friends. But you are still a problem here,” Celestia said. “I…I promise I won’t tell anybody,” Fluttershy cried with complete fear. “Pfft, You are so pitiful, it’s a wonder why they have you as a friend, just get out of my way,” Celestia mocked. She fired a spell at Fluttershy which knocked her unconscious. When she woke up, she found herself in a room. The room was nicely decorated with cushions. This room looked familiar, it looked like Canterlot castle. She stood up and looked around; perhaps something would give her some clue to where she is. She opened a drawer and found a diary which was black and blue and had a Moon and Stars on it. She opened it to her first page which read: “Dear Diary, We have finally defeated Discord, my sister and I have took control of this dying country and hope to bring into a golden age of harmony”. “Should I be reading this,” Fluttershy questioned herself. She began to flicker through the pages until she saw one which caught her eye. “Dear Diary, I have found love! He is the most charming pony I have ever come across. While most ponies are scared of me, he just bowed and greeted me. Most ponies thought he was crazy but he then proved that I mean no harm. I haven’t felt this feeling since I was a little filly. I just hope I see him some more. He appears to be old friends with the captain of the royal guard,” Fluttershy began to wonder, who this pony is who is writing this diary. Suddenly she heard the door creak where a blue Alicorn was watching her; she had a blue mane which had some kind of sparkle to it. It was Princess Luna. “Enjoying story time?” Luna said angrily. “Oh…I…I’m sorry it just that I-“Fluttershy stuttered in complete fear until Princess Luna pinned her against the wall. “What art thou doing here in my quarters and why art thou reading my private diary!” Luna demanded “I don’t know, I was with my friends then Princess Celestia cast a spell on me now I’m here,” Fluttershy screamed. “An unlikely event to happen, why are you here and what do you want,” Luna still demanded, not believing Fluttershy. “Please, I was in some creepy place with loads of mean metal animals and then Princess Celestia cast a spell on me then I woke up here, just please don’t hurt me” Fluttershy cried. Luna began to think she was telling the truth, was it really her sister who had done this. She released Fluttershy and reassured her. “We are sorry, We do not think that my sister would do something like this,” Luna wondered “Did she mention something about some kind of Solar Order?” “Yes, why is it important” Fluttershy replied. Luna sighed “This is wonderful news then!” Luna rejoiced “What, why?” Fluttershy asked, but Luna was mesmerised in thought. “Err, Princess?” “Oh, Sorry. So she must teleported you to a random location, unlucky for her for you to be here,” Luna said. “And it’s a good thing because we finally get to see him again,” Luna was like a teenage filly. She took out a picture of her diary and showed Fluttershy. It was a Stallion with a grey and white mane and a dark grey skin and was unusually tall, but his main features were that his legs were made of metal and he had some kind of pattern on his head. The picture was old, ancient in fact. It was the Stallion and Luna together next to some odd stone covered in the same runes as before. “We know, we know he is a Metaquine, but we simply cannot stop thinking of him.” Luna dreamed “Is that him then?" Fluttershy asked “Yes it is, my sister must of imprisoned him as slave when I was banished to the moon, the cold, grey, dark moon,” Luna shuddered of the thought of the moon. Luna snapped out of it. “We must see him again, we can break my sister’s spell by reconnecting one of his memory links,” Luna decreed. “We?”Fluttershy asked. Luna groaned, most ponies don’t understand the medieval dialect she is used to using. “We as in I,” Luna corrected “Let us make haste, before my sister does something she shall regret,” Luna and Fluttershy flew back into the Everfree forest and managed to get into the facility unseen by the hulking security bots that were patrolling the forest. They entered a room which was full of computers, buttons and screens. Both of them had culture shock from Metaquine technology. They looked at the end of room was a pony observing the screens in front covered in a black cloak. Factories, testing and storage, this is the main control room of the facility. “So kind of you to join me ladies,” The pony said. “I rarely get visitors, they usually run”. “Who are you?” Luna asked angrily. “My oh my, you are rude one aren’t you,” The pony replied mockingly, “I shall tell you, but only in Discords way,” the pony declared. "I am a legend known by few. I am feared by most but loved by few, a mere echo of a stronger being”.
