The Last Wishes of an Old Friend

Chapters

Prelude
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III- Battle I
Chapter IV
Chapter V- Battle II
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX

Prelude

The doors to one of the old corridors of the palace. Two silhouetted figures stepped through the doors into the darkened room. The age of the corridor showed more age than the rest of the Royal halls that lain within the complex. The floor and walls were cracked, cobwebs accumulated near the arched top, and silence. Almost completely silent save for the light tapping of metal shoes against the cold cobblestone floors. They two ponies dare not speak to one another as the traveled the lonely length to a second door.

"Are you sure about this dear sister?" The smaller figure asked timidly, head turning to the slightly taller one.

"Of course sister, you know as well as I do that we wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure." The figure responded with a soothing and calm voice.

Both of the figures placed a hoof one the double doors and pushed. A loud creak tore through the next room. What waited for them was a large rounded chamber with a single carving of a statue that read 'wisdom' at its base. As the two approached, torches started to light the room one at a time. Revealing the entities to be the royal sisters known as Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.

The younger sister looked to her elder with a bit of worry as they stood in front of the statue. The actual formation was a strange creature in nature, but known to be wise at the time. Celestia had a small smile on her face and an aura of confidence for what she planned on doing.

"Sister." Celestia called out, eventually looking to her kin. "You seemed worried about something."

Luna closed her eyes and exhaled as she turned her head to the floor. "It is just.." she looked back to her sister, eyes seeming like they were about to form tears, "..what if.. what if he is not willing to help us, Tia?"

Celestia's head went back just a small centimeter, nothing noticeable, but a bit surprised that Luna had used her nickname from when they were fillies. Yet she kept the smile. "LuLu, he's one of our oldest friends, I don't doubt that he'd just turn away from us now, not in a time of need."

"I am still.. not sure about this... sister." Luna commented as she turned her gaze back to the rather calm statue in front of her.

"Hm." Celestia looked away from her sister shortly after as a thought entered her head. "We seem to be holding our own just fine in this war so far... so if need be, we'll come back down here and retrieve him, deal?"

Luna looked to her sister once more. "...Deal..."

With that said and done, the two alicorn rulers made their way out of the chamber. As the doors creaked shut behind them, Celestia started to recall the last thing that was said to her by their friend before the incident. Words she held on to even today.

If you ever need help with something you can't defeat on your own, you can always call upon me to help.

It was a promise, not only to her, but to her sister as well. Luna wouldn't admit to it since she wasn't there to hear, but Celestia would nine time out of ten. Yet back in the room, the torches never extinguished themselves. Just kept the room lit as the sound of breathing slowly filled the room. If one were to inspect the statue with close eyes, one would not the small crack from on its underbelly. Then the faint chuckle of a hearty voice filled the room before it sealed back up in a green glow.

Chapter I

Celestia took her place on her throne and looked over the battle reports. Of course, it had been a few months since her last visit to the chamber, but their war with these 'Crimson Soldiers,' as her ponies referred to them, had been going on for about six years now. It was strange to say the least. These troops just seemingly appeared out of nowhere and turned the desert around Dodge Junction into a battle ground. Wild fire, it grew as more and more of the red armored creatures just appeared, turning half of Equestria into a warzone within a few months.

She hadn't a doubt for her guard ponies. They have been holding out well up to this point in time, fighting back tooth and hoof. And with a combination of Luna's Night Guard in the fray alongside the Royal Guard. Celestia was close to calling it a day and tending to her other royal duties until the doors burst open.

A night guard clad in full dark navy armor rushed in. The pony came to a near screeching halt before lifting up her face guard, panting and wheezing from having to run in such a weight of the metal. The guard eventually got her bearings together and cleared up her throat before speaking.

"Princess Celestia. I bring news from the Applewood front." The bat pony said sternly before reaching into her bag and pulling out a small scroll.

Celestia nodded to the mare in a silent thanks that was returned with a bow. Then she took the scroll in the familiar golden aura of her magic and unfurled it. Her eyes started to scan the page as she read further. Her calm expression getting more serious by every passing word. Celestia quickly rolled the scroll back up and looked to the Night Gaurdsmare.

"You are dismissed."

The bat-pony nodded and quickly made head way out of the throne room. Celestia rose up from her seat and started a quick pace to her sister's chambers. Luna probably wouldn't appreciate being woken up at this time, but this was serious and she needs to see.

The door to the dark chambers swung open and let in some light, standing there was Celestia with a scroll. "Sister, you need to read this."

He remembered a lot of things, just not really anything too exciting since he was sealed away. Mostly he stayed in a meditative state and not paid any mind to the world around him. He had his own issues to deal with, but still didn't keep him from coming out of his trance every once in a while to see if anything has happened. Eventually he lost track of time and had no idea just how long he had been like this.

Of course, he liked to dwell on his fondest memories of his friends, almost like family to him. It would be strange, really, since his race isn't known for making allies, having friends, or being family. Just known to blindly follow leaders and run into battle without a real strategy. Just run in and try to overwhelm with brute force. Sure, it worked some of the time, but never most. An internal sigh as he remembered the name of these beasts: Metal Heads.

Did he despise his roots as being a creature made of Darkness? No, he did not. His strength was only second to his sentience. He was a better tactician then most of his kind, a gift bestowed upon him since birth from the dark pools of goo where he once lay. He did, however, resent what his kind had become. To him, they had just become mere pawns acting purely on the instinct to kill anything that wasn't a Metal Head.

His thoughts were quickly broken by the sound of the doors creaking open. The way he was positioned only allowed him to see very little of the chamber he was in, just the entrance. Yet, he was glad to see who was approaching, two ponies,both alicorn, and both royalty. He knew them by name definitely, but his happiness was short-lived as he could see their faces.

"Are you ready to reverse this Luna?" Celestia asked as she looked to her younger sister.

"Of course sister. As part of our agreement." Luna replied and both of their horns lit up.

Agreement? That word left a somewhat chill up his still moving spine. He felt a familiar magic course through and around him. The very same magic that sealed him up as this statue. Slowly, he could feel his stone prison weaken and chip away. Gradually feeling his ability to move come back to him.

Luna and Celestia watched on as they continued to put their magic towards the statue. They witnessed the stone start to crack and chip away at a very small pace. Soon, the creatures tail started to move, swinging free from the rock covering it. At the tip was a glint of metal forming a short and jagged blade. More of the dull grey and hard substance cracked more, chunks now falling off him. Both sisters halted their magic and now observed. He started to shake and wiggle, sometimes a violent thrash and more pieces fell off.

There, standing in front of them was their ally, in his returned flesh. in the dark yet somehow lively colors. A dark creature with fur dark like night, but if hit just right, would show some shade of purple. Along his back were green crystal-like nubs that seemed to glow with life. Eyelids opened to dull lime-green eyes and a friendly smiled with pointed teeth along the jaw. Metal that seemed to have naturally formed against his face with a glowing orange embedded into the top of his skull. This very creature, he was, their ally and their friend.

He looked at them with a grin. "It's sure nice to see you girls again!" He exclaimed in heartily deep voice before standing up on his hind legs.

"It's nice to see you too Genesis." Celestia replied in a less than calm tone. "Now isn't the time to catch up though. Something serious has come up and we may need your help."

"Oh.." Genesis looked a little down but retreated to his fours, "..what happened?"

"DAMMIT!" The Metal Head cursed as he burst through the large, gilded, double doors to the throne room. "Why didn't you wake me as soon as you made contact with the Krimzion Guard!"

"Krimzion... Guard?" Luna asked as she followed Genesis alongside her sister.

"The bipedal creatures in red armor you keep getting reports about." He replied, stopping and looking back to the two as he stood up now.

"We didn't feel that it was necessary to summon you when our guard are well capable of holding them off." Celestia calmly replied as she just seemed to walk past the Metal Head. "Have been in the last four year that we encountered them."

"How?" Genesis asked as he watched on of his long time friends. "It's not like Equestria has proper weapons to defend themselves against the KG."

"Genesis, you seen t have forgotten that we can use magic against them. Shields for defense, magic blasts, sometimes daring pegasi strike using the sun as cover." Celestia sat down in the large, cushioned chunk of metal that was molded.

"Clever of the pegasi." Genesis commented. "They could just resist the blasts if they wanted to. I proved that last time, which was when...?"

"At least one thousand years." Luna answered as she accompanied her eldest sister.

Genesis' jaw just dropped as his eyes went wide. He suspected that it was a long while since he was able to move, but not that long. He was more surprised that the mares haven't even showed a day that they aged. Probably shouldn't surprise him considering his own age, but he had his reasons for not showing it.

"They don't know that they can, neither do I think they figured it out yet. Their armor, however, can resist the blasts of magic. They stumble which opens up a window to knock pieces of their armor off with a second blast before taking them out." Celestia opened up as she watched the beast of an ally suddenly switch faces and begin to think.

"Then what do you need me to do?" Genesis just asked, which earned his a small smile and Celsetia looking to her surprised sister.

"Told you he wouldn't go back on his word." Was all she said to Luna.

Chapter II

Genesis listened to the familiar clinks of his armor pieces as he moved his spine accordingly. The bronze looking metal was a bit old, but he could rely on it. Both sisters just looked at him, not fully understanding why he was currently enjoying the sound, nor understood the actual metal he preferred. To them, it was just bronze plating.

"Genesis." Luna piped up. "Wouldn't you like something more.. reliable? Like steel."

"Steel?" Genesis looked at her in confusion. "Steel doesn't compare to Precursor Metal."

"Genesis." Celestia cut in before he could go on. "We don't really have time for a debate about this. We are in the middle of a war."

"Ah yes.. I almost forgot." Genesis refined himself a bit more as he looked at the sisters. "Where am I being sent first?"

"Right now: Nowhere." Celestia replied, Luna looked at her and Genesis hid his surprise. "You are being appointed Royal Adviser for the time being."

"And uhh..." Genesis stammered a bit as he looked to her, "... Why am I not going to the front lines?"

"You are too valuable of an asset to just throw into battle so easily. You know a lot more about this enemy than we do. That's why we need you here. "Celestia went on to explain in her usual calm demeanor.

Celestia was nearly an expert at hiding anything that bothered her. Genesis could only pale in comparison to her despite his own age. Yet, he had to respect he wishes as he promised. If she didn't want him on the front, then so be it, but she has to know that he is always combat ready. Mostly, anyway. The day droned on as Genesis spent time readjusting his armor to himself. The armor on his legs needed tightening, the pauldrons needed loosening, but the plates that were meant to cover up his spine were jut fine.

He had to multitask, of course. Giving military advice here and there to help these poor ponies stand a livid chance against the KG. He knows that KG aren't really the ones for mercy either. So he offered what he really knew. Ceramic plating was tough, usually needed wearing down if he wasn't available.

He remembered his first KG kill. Multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen as a crimson liquid as red like the armor worn. Genesis stood over the dying soldier, panting, growling, before roaring out in a stained victory. The very same liquid dripping from the tips of his jagged blade fixed to the tip of his tail. Splattering to the dull and dead ground below. Cracks surrounding holes made through the tough ceramic plating. His deathly roar ringing out across the empty field that was beginning to turn into a real battlefield.

A war that has finally opened between the Guardsmen and their own creations now. The two armies clashing only for a wildcard to enter the fray.

Genesis was snapped out of his daydream by Luna nudging him back to their reality instead of his own memory. He looked to the Princess with a puzzled look only to be directed to the approaching mare. Another Royal Guard pony with dark navy armor instead of the usual gold. She bowed before Luna then turned to Genesis with a static face.

She was scared of him, she didn't need to show it either. Genesis could tell just by the look in her eyes. He calmly nodded to her and she nodded back, revealing a rolled up parchment under her wing and handed it over to Metal Head. Genesis nodded to the mare again and she turned and bowed to Luna again before silently leaving the room.

"She was holding her breath the entire time she was here." Genesis casually commented as he unfurled the piece of information.

Luna looked to the long friend confused. "How can you tell?"

"I heard her exhale as soon she was out that door. I terrified her." Genesis responded back as he looked over the report.

Luna watched with intrigue as Genesis started moving pieces around a map of Equestria. "You do... kind of.."

"I give off an unsettling presence because I am a creature of darkness, meant for evil, but id fighting for good." Genesis finished what Luna was about to say, he just looked over the map as the final pieces were moved into place.

"How is it looking?" Luna asked as she leaned it a bit closer to the table.

"The Royal Guard is being pushed back. Not by KG either." Genesis commented as he looked at the area labeled 'Dodge Junction.' "It's... confusing."

Luna was looking at the map, and true to his word, there was a considerable gap between a group of yellow/navy pieces and red pieces. They had been pushed right into the small frontier settlement and the Krimzion Guard seem to just be sitting there. Genesis looked at the report and analyzed it.

"They say that the fire from the 'crimson soldiers' stopped, but something else started attacking both sides and started to push their front back..." Genesis then looked to the map and started to move the red pieces back just a tiny bit. "... which means the KG are also getting pushed back."

"Yet, by what?" Luna asked, a bit worried as she looked to the Metal Head.

"If it's what I fear.. Equestria WILL be in grave peril. Not just the war-zones either." Genesis replied gravely, looking to the report. "This feels.. modified though. It claims something but no other details. Like some one was trying to keep those details hidden."

Luna looked away for a moment for a moment and to the door then back to the Metal Head. He looked to her, his brightly lit lime eyes piercing into her soul as he stared. Reading her as they just kept contact with their eyes. Genesis kept looking as he slightly inhaled.

"Luna... what are you not telling me?" Genesis deadpanned as he looked deep into her hiding teal eyes.

Luna sighed in defeat and she accepted defeat as she slightly groaned. "Okay... Celestia cast a spell over this room to to hide certain detail depicting a creature of silver metal.."

"FUCK!" Genesis roared out as he slammed a fist against the table. Deep purple sparks flew out from the strike and the surface split in two. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THE MECHA HEADS WERE HERE?!"

"M.. Mecha HEad?" Luna stepped back as she watched Genesis regain his composure.

"Yes..." HE exhaled as he looked down. ".. KG created robots modeled after Metal Heads to take my kind out... but something went worng and the two started to fight eachother... Mecha Heads are ruthless, strong, and are more of a match for he KG than Metal Heads ever were."

Luna gulped down a lump as she watched her old friend go into a state of remorse as he went on. "Ar...are there and specials types?" She shakily asked.

"Alpha, Delta, Sigma, and Omega." Genesis looked to her. "And those are just the ones I've encountered."

Chapter III- Battle I

The doors to the throne room were thrown open by the large Metal Head. The guards breathing a sigh of relief that they weren't within reach of the solid gold carvings. Genesis, however, was growling as he stormed towards the center of the room. Celestia looked up from a scroll that had her occupied and smiled at the Metal Head.

"Genesis." She said calmly as the scroll floated away. "You seem a bit irritated."

"You held some important information from me." Genesis grunted back as he went to his fours. "About a 'creature' clad in silver."

Celestia looked away for just a moment before looking back to him. "We didn't feel that worrying you more about the state of Equestria more than this KG threat."

"You mean this thing that pushed your guards back into the small town of Dodge Junction?" Genesis deadpanned as he started to go forward. "Because whatever is out there is a threat far worse than the Krimzion Guard could ever be!"

Celestia took this moment to process just exactly what he was saying. "What is this 'creature' then?"

"It isn't a creature, it's a machine. Modeled after my kind to exterminate us. Dubbed a Mecha Head." Genesis replied, stopping at the foot of her throne.

Celestia opened to mouth to say something but was cut off by clattering armor as a guard pony was on his way in. A grey unicorn by the looks of him. He quickly bowed to Celestia then gave Genesis a small note.

"Also, your highness." The guard spoke just slightly out of breath. "There is something approaching the castle. It's moving so fast that we can't even land a blast on it to get it down."

As the guard was speaking, Genesis noticed something out of the corner of his eye and went to the window. He peered out the window to see a small dot in the distance, quickly getting bigger. Genesis started stepping back and taking in a deep inhale.

"Everypony down!" Genesis commanded, cutting the guard off, and causing the two to look his way.

Genesis reacted quickly when he window came crashing in. Time seemed to slow for him as he landed a well place punch to the center of the invading metallic mass. The bug-like machine lost its pattern, crashing into the wall above Celestia and the guard.

"YOU!" Genesis pointed to the guard, who squeaked a bit in response. "Get the Princess out of here! I'll take this thing on." He turned to the other two and pointed at them. "You two! On me!"

Quickly obeying the order and converging onto the Metal Head as the messenger started to usher Celestia out of the room. Whirring could be heard as the flying machine started to free itself from the stone and landing behind the throne. Genesis began to steady himself and the guards quickly went into battle mode. They looked with forced glares as turbines started to lift the large metal chassis above the throne, this machine being bigger than a normal pony.

"Fly around it! Try to mess with the sensors!" Genesis commanded.

The two guards nodded as their wings immediately shot out and they took off, flying a crossing pattern around the drone. The tail unfolded from under the chassis to reveal a blaster and started to charge up with a barely audibly hum. Genesis saw a blue glow before it fired, catching one of the guards and stunning him. The guard fell to the ground twitching as he lay.

"Careful! That fucker has Blue Eco!" Genesis exclaimed as he flipped backwards over another blast.

The guard only flew faster around the machine as Genesis kept flipping backwards from each of the ever rapid blaster fire until he was against the door. The Mecha Head started to swivel in the air. Genesis smiled and took his chance, starting his charge by digging into the rug as he gain his speed. He soon reached halfway through the room, the Metal Head launched his mass into the air.

The guard saw this and quickly flew away as the creature flew through the air and latched onto the metallic machination. Genesis put his hind claws against the center of the chassis and grabbing the turbines. The Metal Head began to pull, the sound of metal disconnecting and sparks starting out small then gradually growing as the being continued to pull.

The two bodies came crashing to the ground with Genesis being smacked against the floor. The turbines rolled away form the two and the flightless Mecha Head could only be helplessly pushed off its fleshy cushion. Genesis got to his claws and looked over at the machine as it tried to charge a blaster shot. Genesis was quicker and beat it to the punch as he quickly ripped the barrel off and launched it back out the window. The Metal Head growled a bit as he plunged another claw in the chassis and ripped out its power source: a mere blue crystal.

The machine started to power down as Genesis started walking away and over to the stunned guard and attempted to wake him, but first he had to check for a pulse just in case. Genesis picked out the closest thing to a wrist on the pony and pressed.

"Shit." Genesis cursed and looked to the remaining guard. "He's losing his pulse. We, or I, must to something quick."

The guard just looked at Genesis.

Genesis held out the crystal. "This. Right here. Is probably what can save your comrade."

"What is it?" That guard asked as he came a bit closer.

"An Eco Crystal. Can be a powerful tool or weapon." Genesis wrapped the item in his claws again.

The guard started to step back as he witness the crystal start to get brighter in the creatures claws. Watching the color change from blue to a teal in a matter of seconds. Genesis looked down at the guard and revealed the same crystal now pulsing blue and green before settling in a teal.

Genesis looked to the guard before going back to tending to the fading one that lay in front of him. Putting the crystal in the tip of his claws and pointing the tip towards the chest. A light started to emanate from the crystal as it came into contact with the fur of the unconscious guard. The crystal flashed before going black, then slowly blinking blue.

The beast sighed and leaned down to the stallion's chest, his ears tuning in to a familiar beat. Thump----Thump He smiled a bit as he listened to it grow in strength. The beat getting faster with time as it found renewed health. Genesis sat back with a smile as Luna was coming in. The nightly princess gasping at the slight disrepair of the throne room.

"What happened here?" Luna asked as she was making her way over to her old friend.

Genesis stood and bowed to her before pointing over to the slight mangled pile of metal. "Mecha Head assault. Judging by the model: A grunt unit, more specifically a scout your highness."

Luna just looked over to disabled Mecha Head with wide eyes before looking back to Genesis. "And our Guard?"

"Stunned. I managed to stabilize him as the voltage was a bit much for his systems, but he should be fine now." Genesis reported.

"Corporal." Luna's voice went dead as the Guard snapped to attention. "Take the Sergeant to the infirmary.. I wish to talk to our Commander in private."

Commander?

"Yes ma'am." The Guard saluted before picking up his comrade and carrying him out of the room, leaving Genesis and Luna alone.

"Commander?" Genesis asked, looking at her.

"Yes. If those things are now attacking directly, then Tia will see the same decision be made. We much rather have you act as our might in this war in case this happened, and sooner than we anticipated." Luna explained as she walked over to the empty metal shell and examining it. Not even noticing her sister was now in the room.

"No doubt you're more then prepared for the path ahead of you, our dear friend?" Celestia glided over to Genesis with her same calm look, but her eyes were all he needed to look at to know how she truly felt.

Genesis got up on his hind legs then knelt in front of the now pair of royalty, bowing to them with an arm across his chest. "I will fight for the Sun and the Moon. Defending Equestria til my last dying breath. This is the promise I made one thousand years ago as I make it now."

Both sisters smiled down at their friend.

"Good." Celestia spoke as she walked around til she was opposite her sister. "Then prepare to go to Dodge Junction to take care of their threat."

Genesis nodded as smiled at his new-found purpose as a warrior for his friends and their country. He wasn't about to just lay down his arms that quickly and just let these poor ponies fight a threat that they barely known in four years time. Instead of being a wildcard this time though, he was now a soldier in an army where tactics matter.

"Bring the fuckers, I'll show 'em all true hell."

Chapter IV

Genesis arrived in the center of a town by a gold and teal light. He stumbled a bit since he was used to a different form of teleportation and not sudden. The creature shook his head and bit and looked around the seemingly deserted town. He noticed that the outskirts weren't exactly seen from a rather unnatural sandstorm that swirled around the perimeter.

Not really much else either.

"Hello?" Genesis called out into the empty landscape and being surrounded by guards seconds later. "Fast response times are admirable."

"Who are you?" One of the guards asked.

Genesis flipped a part of the scarf he was given by the sisters to show a pendant with the sun and moon overlapping etched right into the metal. The guards recognized the pendant a immediately stepped down, leaving the commanding officer with Genesis. A misty colored mare with yellow eyes.

"Please, excuse our please excuse our reaction. Things here haven't really been in the best." The mare explained as she started to follow the creature.

"I understand why your soldiers reacted the way they did. It only seems natural to guard your own even when strange beings are about." Genesis replied and looked a the mare. "Name and rank please?"

"Oh.. uhm.. Major Thunder Strike." The mare looked to the creature with wide eyes

"Genesis, Royal Commander." Genesis stated as he walked into where he believed as the saloon.

Thunder Strike just looked at the creature with her mouth agape. She couldn't believe that the Princesses would just trust this creature with such an honor, but it wasn't her place to question it. She watched him stop at the door then look back to her. She snapped to attention.

"At ease." Genesis chuckled lightly. "I won't bite... at least, not you ponies."

Major Thunder just watched this strange creature walk about the main street before approaching her. Genesis pulled out the note he had received shortly before the attack back at the castle. Flipping it to show her.

"This is from you. Correct?" He asked her suddenly.

She silently nodded. "Uh-uh... y-yes sir... We found something recently from one of the nearby mines. We don't exactly know what it is but we have a top scientist working on it."

"A top scientist?" Genesis asked as he put the note away.

"Well... he isn't really a scientist but we let examine whatever it is we found." Thunder replied is a somewhat shaky tone.

"Take me to it." Genesis commanded.

"W-what?! That would interrupt the professor's work!" The mare rebutted, stomping a hoof against the dirt.

"I thought we made it clear that this pony isn't really a professor." The Metal Head pointed out with a smile. "Now take me to it."

The Major opened her mouth to say something in argument, but closed it and sighed in defeat She lowered her head and started to walk passed Genesis and down the street. The creature started following the pony, keeping up as he followed by her side. Thunder refused to speak as she led him to the Sheriff's office in the middle of town. Waving a hoof in the door's direction.

Genesis nodded to the mare and stepped through the doors. An immediate change was felt in the office, a familiar change. Upon inspection he found machinery strewn about around a center console containing a vial. Two ponies seem to be present, both stallions. One seemed to be looking at the vial while the other is running about the office in a flurry of papers.

"Ahem." Genesis cleared his throat that caught the one stallion's attention.

"AH! What in Tartarus are you doing here!?"

The pony then proceeded to attempt pushing the creature but was pushed down to his flank. Genesis got in his face with a dead look in his eyes.

"You do NOT push me." Genesis deadpanned as he then backed away then bypassing the pony.

"You shouldn't be here! This is a highly dangerous area!" The pony seemingly whined as he just helplessly watch this creature.

Genesis then looked back to the pony. "Do you know what this even is?"

"Well... of course not... otherwise I wouldn't be here." The pony shrugged. "What are you anyway? And why are you here?"

"I'm a Metal Head, on orders as Royal Commander to check up on you all here." Genesis replied as he then looked to the standing pony. "What's wrong with him?"

The active stallion immediately stood up and saluted the creature. "O-oh! S-sorry sir! I had no idea! I'm Professor Suntilt" The stallion quickly clambered over. "Uh.. he's been standing there for a few hours now..."

Genesis glanced over at the stallion. "Are you really a scientist here?"

"Well, no-"

"Then you don't need that professor title."

"-BUT I'm know this region like the back of my hoof.... sooo.. I was the most likely candidate for this assignment." The stallion went on to explain. "Mysterious relics and what not are usually my thing."

Genesis didn't bother to respond as he went around to the front of the other. He was surprised to see the dark powers already at their work on this poor pony as his eyes were pitch black, almost hollow, with pupils being replaced by small whit pinpricks and a gaping mouth with the same darkness inside it. Quickly snatching up the vial from its pedestal and turning to Suntilt as the purple liquid-like substance swirled calmly around in its container.

"H-hey! You can't just take that! That's for-" Suntilt was soon cut off by a growling Metal Head in his face.

"No, you have no idea what you have found!" Genesis lifted the vial back into view. "This here is Dark Eco! A dark force neither this nor any world can comprehend! Just being near this shit is enough to drive a being insane!"

Suntilt whimpered a bit and pointed a hoof behind the irritated creature before him. The direction was at his colleague. Genesis followed this hoof to see just what exactly did make the stallion whimper to see that same empty look now at him. The Metal Head just looked at the pony for a moment before smashing his fist to the side of his skull, effectively knocking the pony unconscious.

At that exact moment, a ghastly metallic roar rang out outside causing Thunder to barge in and look at Genesis. "Uh.. sir... we may have a problem."

"Which is?" Genesis asked as he now made his way over to the Major.

"Our silver fiend is back... and the sandstorm's gone." Thunder replied, opening the door to reveal a construct of metal standing on the edge of town.

Genesis looked out to the glinting metal before to the mare beside him. "Looks like that copy cat bastard really was here..."

Chapter V- Battle II

"What?" Thunder asked before she peered over the the horizon to see just what he meant.

The mechanical menace had gotten closer, near the center of town as Genesis was on approach also. This thing was a near shining but built to take after the Metal Head that was approaching it. Sleek plating that tried to shine beyond the dust that has taken to it. Genesis tucked the vial under his leg and got down to all fours.

"Why are you here?" Genesis asked as an order.

The machine just hummed.

Genesis started to think for a moment. "Designation Alpha. What is your objective?"

"Primary Objective: Collect Eco Samples." The machine answered in a cold, and emotionless tone.

"Well that's sort of a re-"

"Secondary Objective: Capture local civilians."

"Okay.." Genesis looked around to see ponies appearing at windows and guards stepping outside with weapons ready. "..they may have a problem with that and I have a problem with that."

"Give us the Eco you obtain within the building and be terminated peacefully." The machine spoke out again.

Genesis got up on his hind legs with a growl. "Now that's something you'll have to take over my dead body."

"Accepted." The machine rang out before digging its metal limbs into the ground and the plates resembling the back started to slide open. "Alpha, Combat Suite: Engaged."

A device rose from the open panels, the barrel expanded towards the head. The machine's head ducked under its body as the metal plates on the leg shot out and down into the ground. The cannon charged to life as yellow filled in the inner barrel. Genesis quickly grabbed the vial and was about to step back.

"You cheating bastards upgraded the damn thing?!"

The cannon fired a blast of fired-up rage at its target. Genesis' reflexes kicked and and he swiftly brought his forearm up to block the blast, but the force of impact was a bit much for the Metal head and sent him flying backwards until he smashed throught the window of the Sheriff's office.

"Commander!" Major Thunder called out amidst the shattering glass.

"Question." Genesis stated as he rose up from the shards. "How much force can to deliver and how much pain can you handle?"

"Uh..." The Major looked at the creature for a moment. "I don't know?"

With a smile, Genesis popped open the vial and gulped down the Eco. "Wanna find out there, Major?"

The mare could only look on as Genesis casually strolled back out. A glint of the dark purple shaded over his eyes and a smile went on his face as he just stared down the Mecha Head. Major Thunder Strike was soon by his side with a nervous look about as she just glanced between the two.

"Major..." Genesis called out as he looked to her. "... would you kindly demonstrate just how strong ponies can be?"

Thunder hesitantly nodded and threw her wings out, stiff as boards. Then took to the sky in a blaze of dust. Genesis heard a click from the direction of the Mecha Head to see the cannon now aiming at the pegasus while gradually charging again. This time though, the shot was charging blue.

"Major, now's the time to strike!" Genesis ordered as the pegasus flew wildly about above.

Without a second thought, Thunder flew in at near blinding speeds towards the mechanical mobile artillery. At about halfway, she flipped around and stuck her hind legs out so that her hooves were aimed for the cannon. The cannon fired, but not at its target. The blast of Blue Eco whizzed elsewhere and blew a massive hole into a building. The force applied to the cannon, applied with the recoil of the shot, caused the entire swivel to just snap and give out.

The Pegasus retreated back to the side of the Metal Head, but as her hooves made contact with the ground, her hing legs gave out. Thunder groaned out in pain and Genesis looked to her, then a group of nearby guards. His claw pointed to the group then to the mare next to him. It immediately registered and the group hurried over to take Thunder Strike away.

Genesis started to make his way back over to the Mecha Head. "It's just you and me. You mechanical bastardized copy."

The Mecha Head's tail shot out towards Genesis. A bladed tip similar to the Metal Head's own aimed for the chest. Genesis blocked the strike with his own tail before bringing an elbow down on the robot's head. The machine got slammed into the ground and kicked up a bit of dust.

"I dismantled you once before..." Genesis growled and lifted up the Mecha Head. "..and I'll do it again!"

With a massive heave, Genesis swung around and threw the metal mass back to the edge of town. The machine started to whir again as it was slowly getting back up. The Metal Head only watched, waiting to see what this mechanical copy of him would do. The mecha beast rose back to its feet and stared down the organic creature.

"Alpha: Back-up Protocol Activated." The machine rang out before emitting a high-pitched pulse that made almost everypony cringe.

"You cheating fucks." Was all Genesis could manage before the Dodge Junction was shortly being overrun by Mecha Heads the size of dogs.

The machines swarmed from every corner outside of town and ran in the streets as they began to surround every pony and building alike. Even making a large circle around Genesis, who paid them no mind. The creature just stared over at the larger machine, it was apparent now that his little copy got upgrades.

Genesis picked one of the smaller machines. Its head was just big enough to fit the Metal Head's claw and wiggled about in an attempt to break free from its captor. Genesis started to snarl at the machine with an otherworldly sound as he started to squeeze the head in his grip. The sound of waning metal could be heard for a brief moment before the head was crushed like aluminum.

Genesis watched the body fall limp before dropping it to the ground. "Pitiful imitations."

Ponies only watched in surprise as the metal body hit the ground, and watch Genesis get swarmed up in mere minutes as more of the things just piled on top of the beast. Seconds went on by into minutes as the guards watched in silence. The pile of machines seemingly growing. That is, until a might roar was heard and the pile got disbanded.

Mecha Heads went flying in all directions and crashed against all manners of things that included themselves. Genesis grabbed on of the machines by its tail as it was flying away from him only to use to smash another into the ground. Effectively crushing both enemies. He then flattened out his claws so that most of the tips met in the center, which were only two, to make some sort of short blade. Most of the Mecha Heads were starting to get back to position and pounced.

Any that actually tried to jump the Metal Head were quickly cut open or kicked to the ground and stomped on. Watching this sight began to inspire some of the guards to enter the fray. The guards that did learned from Genesis, they kick down any leapers and stomped them into the ground without a second thought. Even the pegasi guards dive bombed with that idea from their major.

Genesis looked around to the fighting guardponies and nodded in reaction to being impressed with their spirit. Then his gaze was set upon a charging blur that was coming for him. The Metal Head's reaction time was quick and he immediately caught the charging command unit and tossed it over his head.

"Nice try there Alpha..." Genesis commented as he watched the larger Mecha Head land on its back.

Alpha rolled over and rose again, then charged at the Metal Head yet again. Genesis caught the mass of metallic battery ram while trying to stay his ground. His feet dug into the dirt as he was being pushed back. He noticed the metal had a slight blue tint to it and silently cursed to himself before hopping onto the back of the Mecha Head.

Genesis tried to hang on as Alpha started trying to get him off its back. It bucked about and tried slamming into anything nearby in attempts to just peel the organic mass off its back. Genesis went to quick work as he blindly started stabbing his tail's blade into the center of the mecha's chassis. Alpha's sensors started picking up the sudden intake of damage from the one's tail and quickly flipped its head around and opened its mouth to cause a stream of yellow to come out and burn Genesis.

Genesis growled as his metal face plate was suddenly heating up and jumped off before anything serious could be done to it. The rushing Mecha Head did a one-eighty degree turn and came charging back at the Metal Head. Alpha soon launched itself into the air at him. Genesis spun around with a leg out and delivered a kick to the head of the robot, knocking it out of the air and to the ground. Alpha crashed but quickly got back up and let out a metallic roar out at Genesis, gradually rising to its back legs to match that of its foe. Genesis saw the light punctures he n doubt made to the machine's hull. The Mecha Head then ran at the creature with a bit less speed than if it were still on fours.

Claws met shoulders as the two locked in the center of the battle between the lesser mechas and guard ponies. Alpha was staring down Genesis. The outcome was quickly changing as the number of Mecha Heads were slowly coming down. Alpha started opening its mouth again only for Genesis to bust the eco thrower.

What shortly followed was surely reflecting of the current, larger fight: Genesis kept Alpha in his grasp as he used his tail to puncture the center with a bit more accuracy and landed on target. The Mecha Head was now losing power from the blows. Each time the blade of the tail punctured the hull, it also was hitting the main core.

Genesis pushed the weakened Mecha Head to the ground with a slight snarl. "You should have never endangered these ponies, especially while I'm around." He then stomped into the chest of Alpha, crushing the core and effectively shutting off the machine for good.

Cleaning up the husks of the machines was all but difficult. The real problem was seeing to the damage done to some of the nearby buildings. That hole was definitely going to be the bigger problem, but the Guards and ponies of the town were willing to do whatever needed, even Genesis helped them with repairs, with extended his stay by a few more days.

He honestly couldn't complain. The ponies, despite showing their fear of him, eventually became accustom to him and thanked him for his help. Genesis looked over to the pile of mechas, mainly towards the bottom where Alpha was buried. Its head and neck stuck out as the Metal Head made his way over.

Major Thunder was on approach and watched the brief moment where the creature tore off the machine's head. "Uhm.. sir?"

"Please Thunder, Genesis is fine." The Metal Head replied as he turned to her with the head, using a single one of his claws to break the lenses of the optics.

"Uhm.. Genesis.. sir.. if I may... " Thunder shifted a bit uncomfortably in her place. "It's sort of been an honor fighting along side you."

"Sort of?" Genesis asked, looking to the mare.

"Well.. I did injury myself when that thing first started attacking." Thunder stated as she looked away a bit.

"Oh yeah... sorry about sending you in like that. How are your legs?"

Genesis showed a genuine concern for this pony, for this pegasus mare. It felt strange to, but he knows his own promises and makes sure to keep them. Even when they introduce him to new allies or..... friends. Each new experience was always welcome to the Metal Head since his age wasn't a common number.

"They're fine... I think. Kind of sore but the med pony says that I'll be okay." Thunder mentioned.

Genesis nodded and looked to the head in his grasp. "That's pleasant to hear." Genesis looked around at the light lively hood of the town. "Can you all handle any incursions from here?"

"We can try... don't really know how long we'd hold out though." She then looked at the head in the creatures claw. "What're you going to do with that?"

"Take it back to Canterlot. Examine it. See what kind of intel I can get out of it." Genesis replied.

Thunder nodded her head and started to watch him leave. Genesis walked out a good distance before stashing the head and getting al his fours. Kicking up the dust behind him as he ran. Not too far off from a plateau a soldier in red armor was watching the Metal Head run through the desert by sniper scope.

"Shit." The solider muttered to himself.

He scrambled to his feet and haphazardly gathered his things. He was packing various items into boxes attached to the sides of his zoomer as he knew his mission was over and made a checklist. He packed away ammo, provisions, a bag for sleeping, flares, and a latern. His rifle was slung around him and to his back as he hopped on to his zoomer and fired it up before leaving.

Chapter VI

Genesis was able to make it to the Everfree by sundown. Not an area he was hoping to make camp, but there was a place that he wanted to revisit: the Old Castle Ruins. The memories started to creep back to the forefront of his mind. None more prominent than the memory of his arrival.

-Years Ago-

A heavy storm was brewing outside of the castle. Rain assaulting the window panes with their heaving taps, thunder practically shaking the grounds, and lightning flashes making the late night outdoors seem like day for only seconds at a time. The strom was like thid for over an hour now, with no signs of clearing yet. This slightly worried the Royal sisters as they just watched from one of the chambers.

Then something strange happened. Lightning struck the ground outside the doors of the castle. Unnaturally staying as it began to turn into a shade of purple. The duo watched with interest as they started to gather up some guards as another bolt struck the same area, turning into a shade of brilliant green. They couldn't believe their eyes when an ethereal skeleton of a creature they had never seen before formed from the lightning and let out an otherworldly roar before disappearing again.

The sisters quickly gathered a good number of their armored guard and sent them to the outside of the castle. The rain hit hard against their shining plates, causing the noise to ring in their ears. Another massive bot struck the center crest at the bottom of the stairs. The creature appeared again in a fuller appearance and was thrown into a nearby tree from the force. The guards quickly approached and surrounded the beast.

The monster curled up a bit as it was bearing large burn marks and scars, heaving slowly as his chest expanded from his lungs filling with the new air. Cowering a bit from the surrounding figures, aggressive looking with their armor, and not able to fight much in his weakened state. That is, until the circle parted for two taller kinds that looked down on him not fear, but worry.

The darkness crept in as the leaned in close, and he, lost consciousness.

-Present Day-

Genesis could only describe the memory as disorienting, confusion, and sudden. Yet, the sisters took him in that fateful night , helped him heal and gain his strength, forged everlasting bonds. That is, until he was sealed away. Genesis grimaced at the thought, he made his mistake and paid for it.

The small fire burned bright as he stared into it, gathering his thoughts on the current conflict now. He needed his full strength, his eco, but he question if he was really ready for it. Genesis removed the small, empty vial of the Dark substance and looked to it. He questioned how much time it would take for him to lose control.

Genesis placed the vial back in his bag and sighed, his mind was on overdrive and Luna's night will be a long one for him. Loss of sleep wasn't common for him, but did impact the Metal Head sometimes. Just too bad he was miles away from the nearest book to occupy himself with. So he started to draw in the dirt, using his claws to draw out crude representations of himself, two ponies, and two other figures.

A tear well up in the corner of his eye as he looked upon his representations. Carefully using his tail to wipe it away. Then used his leg to wipe away the dirt drawings and curled u for the night, letting the fire die out. Genesis was now left in darkness, listening to the wind blow through the plants, listening to the sound of the crickets and other local wildlife.

Celestia's early morning sun shone down upon the forest's ruins. A ray shining on the wide awake Metal Head, sitting himself up against the truck of the very tree he hit. He always loved watching the sun come up, even back on his world, when he was outside the walls. Something about it, captivated him. It made Genesis feel at peace. The Equestrian sunrise, however, was a bit more special to him. For one reason or another.

Genesis spent enpugh time sitting still, rising back to his feet. Now was time for him to depart from his campsite, and report back to his closest friends. The Metal Head took off at a blinding speed towards the capitol, towards Canterlot.

Celestia listened to one of her veteran guards angrily ramble on about letting a creature into the ranks. Being a purist of a pony, he was less than ecstatic when he caught wind of the story from Dodge Junction. He firmly believed that the Princess' guard should be exclusively ponies and nothing else.

"Admiral." Celestia interrupted the veteran pegasus, he hushed to her out of respect. "You're ideals on this matter are not relevant on the war at hoof. Genesis is very capable and knowledgeable to combat both enemies of the state."

"And how do you know that this thing hasn't allied with the other factions?! We don't know anything on it!"

Celestia's mouth open but the doors to the court flew open before she could say a word. Both of them looked to the source of it and the Princess gave a sly smile to the familiar creature in the doorway. Genesis strode right in, bypassed the pegasus and knelt in front of the Princess. A fist to the ground and his head low.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, my friend." Celestia said with a warm smile.

"Your highness, I apologize if I had interrupted your business." Genesis replied, then looking to her with a smile also. "But I bring news from the front."

"Oh no, my guest was just about to leave." She shot the Admiral a short glare before looking back to the Metal Head before her.

~Elsewhere~

"Ma'am." A scout entered a tent, looking at the commanding officer at the table. "We may have a problem."

The woman looked up from the table and at her solider with curiosity. "Report."

"The inhabitants, these 'ponies,' have a Metal Head in their ranks. Appears to be a Leader Class."

The woman grit her teeth a bit and cursed under her breathe before sending the scout away. "This isn't good... for anybody in this war."

Chapter VII

Genesis sat on his thoughts, his memories, in the middle of the royal gardens. He laid at the roots of a tree. Staying still with his eyes completely closed. To an untrained eye, the creature may have looked like he was a garden statue. Birds and other small wildlife had surrounded him.

"Thought I'd might find you out here." A familiar voice called out.

"You girls eventually got to reading me like a book, especially you, Luna." Genesis responded with a smile and opening his eyes.

Luna gave him a small smile, but didn't come any closer to her old friend. Genesis now noticed all the birds and squirrels hanging around him. He moved one of his legs out and caused them to fly and scurry away to other treetops or above him. He gazed back to Luna and smiled at her.

"You seem like you were thinking. Remembering some things." Luna commented as she finally made her way over and laid next to the beast.

"I may have been, memories of my life before Equestria still remain." Genesis shifted over a bit, despite not having to.

Luna couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by the Metal Head's size. Even as they were laying he was bigger than her. Luna was determined to not let it show as she just shifted herself. Then she lightly poked the beast's size with her hoof. Genesis just looked back at the princess' smiling face.

"What was your life like before ours?" Luna asked with curiosity.

Genesis gave out a sigh, his eyes shifting to the ground as they started to fill with somber. "War and Hate filled world with my species being hunted without mercy. The only things I had known then: survival, combat, and friendship."

Luna sat silent, then started another question. "What did we teach you?"

"Family."

Luna's eyes widened a bit as she just stared at the large mass. His head raised to look at the alicorn princess next to him. A smile started to form on his face as face as he rose on his claws. Now standing proud as he stood next to his friend.

"You both, as sisters and as companions, taught me what it's like to be apart of a family. To be loved even if I wasn't a true relative to either of you. It was refreshing. I now know true loyalty, and You and your sister are to thank for it."

Luna sniffled a bit, causing Genesis to look back down to her. She had been crying silent tears of joy as she just listened to him. Genesis laid back down and put his leg around her pulled the princess in close to his side. Luna, for the first time, felt Genesis' skin. His fur was shorter than a ponies, but didn't lack in a luscious soft feeling as she just laid against him.

The galloping of hooves against the stone caught their attention as a royal guard ran up to them, he huffed very little from his galloping only to speak few words.

"Princess Luna, I must ask you come with me. A matter most urgent has come up."

"My apologies, Genesis, but I must attend to this."

Luna bowed her head to the Metal Head and got up to leave with the guard. Genesis, however, got an idea once she left his presence and soon he scampered off to another part of the castle to tend to his own business. Once Luna had entered the throne room, she saw a female figure standing in front of her sister, a helmet tucked under her arm with a mane as red as fire flowing down her back. Her ears are what peaked the interest the most, they were long, pointed, and jutted out from the sides of her head.

"Don't you lie to me, Princess." The woman hissed at Celestia, "Where is the creature?"

"I do not mean to interrupt, but is there a problem?" Luna asked as she approached from behind.

She could feel a hostile stare hit her. "Oh great, another one."

Celestia just raised the brow of her only eye, keeping the other tucked away under her mane. This was a hostile negotiation: one thing she was getting annoyed at. This battlefield commander was making demands about some 'Creature' with out a threat. Genesis had crept his way into the back room behind the throne.

"Listen, you can either hand over the Metal Head in your possession over to us." The woman demanded.

"What if we don't?" Genesis appeared in the door off to the left of the throne, a dead stare at the solider.

Chapter VIII

The field commander gritted her teeth. If it's one thing she didn't like, it's finding out that she doesn't take kindly to being called out. Genesis stepped out from the doorway and stood his ground next to the sisters. His arms crossed as he stared her down with a stoic expression.

"Surrender yourself over to the custody of the Krimzion Guard..." She paused for a slight second, "... or we blow this castle and it's surrounding city to dust."

"Typical." Genesis stated, then shrugged as he started to walk forward. "Guess I don't really have a choice."

"What?!" Both sisters were in question.

Genesis stood before the commander as she attempted to restrain him. He turned his head to both sisters with a smile of reassurence. Celestia was in awe at his action, Luna seemed to be on the verge of tearing up as they just watched him.

"Ladies, don't be so selfish," Genesis told them as guard just took him by the arms instead, "This is for the safety of Equestria."

Deep down, Genesis knew he couldn't trust their word. His brain was already on work of a plan as he was being taken away. His eyes soon fixed onto the commander's head. She was walking at a brisk pace just in front of him, fixing her helmet on. He observed her armor; more ornate in nature, but also heavier. As they approached the castle's front doors, Genesis caught eye of the transports.

Three

Genesis was escorted onto the center transport speeder with his guards and their leader. The engines hummed with life as they started to take off, the door hanging open as they were getting ready to depart. Genesis could see all of Canterlot now, and for the first time, appreciated the view.

The extravagant buildings, Unique architecture, and how the sun hit it just right. The Metal Head knew something though, just playing the waiting game, waiting for his que.

"This is Carmelita." The commander radioed over. "Start the bombings. I want to see that Palace leveled."

Right after she gave that order, Genesis easily rammed the guards into eachother and let them drop to the speeder floor. Carmelita growled is disapproval before turning around and throwing her fist into the Metal Head's jaw. Missed. Genesis tackled her down easily and ripped off her helmet, letting out a roar to her face.

The commander just bared her teeth and turned the tables onto her combatant, pinning the monster to the floor instead. Genesis smirked at her and managed to fit his legs between their bodies and pushed. In one powerful kick, the commander hit the top of the speeder and landed just before the now standing creature.

Genesis placed his foot on her back and she locked eyes with him. "Have a nice trip."

He easily pushed her out of the speeder and down to the forest below, knowing this wont be the last time he'd see her. He then picked up the unconscious guards and threw them over. The pilot was unaware at the moment, waiting for the green light to finally leave. Genesis grabbed him before he knew what was going on and roared at him. The pilot screeched and was let go, immediately running away from the Metal Head and jumped out. Allowing Genesis to finally take control of the craft and pilot it.

The castle rumbled as the strikes continued. Celestia had ordered a full evacuation of the city while the Royal Guard were trying thier best to shield the castle. She was pacing around the throne room, determined to see her little ponies safe, and more importantly, worried about Genesis. He had easily given himself up so easily, surely not without coming up his own plan.

"Sister." Luna called out as she trotted up to her eldest sibling. "We should leave, it's not safe here."

"No, not until the citizens are out of the city." Celestia sternly stated, her pacing continued.

"Tia, we can't guarantee every pony's safety, there's simply to large of a population." Luna tried to reason with her sister.

Celestia stopped an looked at her younger sibling. "Then we have to try."

Just before Luna to retort, a large vehicle busted through the side wall. The sisters went on the defensive as they watched the craft back out. All eyes watched the speeder reverse direction as the back was now fitted through the hole, the door hissed as it popped open, slowly opening wide.

"Hopefully you girls didn't think I'd really give up on you." A familiar voice called out.

A sight of relief blew over them as the door finally opened and Genesis stepped forth. The Metal Head was immediately jumped upon by two bodies as he started to chuckle. The group hug was brief as he looked at them both, finally feeling something he had never really felt. Genesis was smiling wide as he looked at the sisters.

"Gather any guard you can and bring them here." Genesis ordered as he was about to head off.

A hoof wrapped around his claw. Stopping him.

"We can't just leave the city without making sure the citizens are safe!" Celestia yelled to him.

The hoof wasn't Tia's though, it was LuLu's. "Where are you going?"

"Tia, your ponies are in the care of your guard, they'll be fine." Then Genesis turned, placing his hand on Luna's hoof as he looked at her. "I have to get something from my room. I'll be back."

Luna and Celestia nodded and Genesis disappeared into the back room Celestia soon left to go round up what guards she could. Luna stood in the room. Staring at the doorway Genesis had gone through. The city was in chaos, buildings in ruin, fires spreading throughout the streets. Celestia was relieved to know that most of the citizens were away from this part of the city.

Shells of fire continued to rain down from their aggressors, but at this point, safety was more of a priority. Celestia saw the train leave Canterlot Station, escaping into the tunnels untouched. It nagged at her that the train surely didn't have enough space for every pony. Celestia turned back to fly back to her castle. There has to be a way...

Celestia returned back to the throne room at the same time as Genesis. Genesis had a map and bag with his as he looked to Luna, then smiled at her a bit. His eyes then shifted over to Celestia, still keeping the same small smile on him. It wasn't long before the trio boarded the speeder with the handful of guards Celestia managed to gather on her way back.

With the group aboard, Genesis took the pilot seat and rolled the map out on the control console. Luna couldn't help but look over his shoulder when a quill came out and he circled an area near the badlands. Genesis quietly tucked the quill behind his ear and pulled a compass from his bag.

"What's out there?" Luna asked as the speeder pulled away from the castle.

"Royal Empire's forward camp. Don't worry, I've been busy myself these past days." Genesis replied, steering the speeder in the desired direction.

The guards and Celestia watched as the castle came down on top of itself. Then falling away from its mountain placement, with the rest of the city following. Rebuilding wasn't an option anymore, yet, something came over Celestia. It wasn't remorse for the loos, but something that urged her to see the loss of those who brought it upon her.

Celestia soon popped up near the Metal Head. "Genesis."

Genesis didn't look away, but acknowledged. "Yes, Celestia?"

"I want their base found, and burned to the ground." Celestia ordered, firmly placing her hoof on his shoulder. "I want to see them run for their very lives. Running away from your might."

Genesis didn't respond and silently nodded. He had no other choice but to follow orders like a solider.

Chapter IX

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