The World Changes

The World Changes
Ch. 3: What’s Yours is Mine And What’s Mine is Yours.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to MLP or Gundam 00.
Edited by: hunterman3

Princess Celestia stood atop her tower, her horn glowing bright. Tall and dignified, Celestia performed the single most important job of her office. Her pure white fur and the flowing colors in her mane showed pure in the glow of the morning sun. Celestia’s gold crown and slippers sparkled in her morning light. The glowing ball of light slowly lifted to the horizon in the east, casting rays of bright red and purple across the sky. “Another beautiful sunrise,” Celestia’s eye glimmered at the sight of her bright ball of burning gas.

Calmly, Celestial moved into the castle. Several of the castle’s staff greeted her warmly. Celestia acknowledged them with a simple nod of her majestic head.

The staff watched Celestia march past them. On the outside, Celestia may be calm but the slight shifting of her large eyes revealed the distress the Sun Princess was experiencing. Even with the burden of a nation weighing on her shoulders, Celestia worried about her young niece. My little Cadenza.

Celestia’s hooves carried her to the dining hall. With a flicker of her horn, Celestia pushed open the tall ornate double doors to reveal a long dining table decorated with priceless golden dishes and rich red dining cloth of smooth silk. Rows of chairs lined both sides of ornate table. “Good morning, Lulu,” Celestia giggled. Across from Celestia’s seat sat her younger sister.

Princess Luna’s dark blue coat and star covered flowing mane drooped over her sagging shoulders. Bits and pieces of Luna’s mane stuck out in odd directions to complement her crooked crown. Dark circles were visible under Luna’s eyes to accompany her frazzled mane. “Ugh,” Luna groaned into her bowl of mixed fruits. “How can you be so chipper in the morning sister?”

Celestia shrugged, “Coffee. How was your night?”

Luna rubbed her blue slipper to her aching head, “Why did you have to move Blueblood’s annual tax review to my Night Court?”

Celestia calmly took the seat across her sister, “I thought it would be good for Blueblood to spend some time with you.”

“He spent five hours prattling on about tax breaks for the rich,” Luna said, her expression deadpanned.

“And that was five hours you got to spend with your favorite nephew,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Hmmm!” Luna huffed indignantly.

Celestia chuckled at Luna’s pouting face. With a flicker of her magic, Celestia grabbed a bowel of fruit and a glass of orange juice from the food between her and Luna. Silently, the two alicorns enjoyed their meals.

The sound of hooves clattering against the hard floor approached Celestia. The haste at which these hooves were travelling caught Celestia’s attention. I wonder who it is?

With a loud bang, the two double doors burst open with enough force to rattle the chandlers high above their heads. Standing in the doorway, breathing heavily, was Celestia’s personal maid and secretary. A unicorn with light yellow fur, Sunbeam’s normally kempt mane-bun was completely disheveled. Bits of her bright red mane poked out in every direction. “Princess Celestia!” Grasped tightly in her magic appeared to a rolled up newspaper. Celestia noted Sunbeam’s paled expression.

Luna covered her ears, her tired mind being assaulted by Sunbeam’s loud voice. “Yes, Sunbeam?” Celestia asked calmly, confusion written across her face.

Sunbeam trembled, slowly bringing her towards Princess Celestia. “Y-Y-you need to read this,” Sunbeam stuttered, her wide eyes conveying to the princess her urgency.

Celestia reached out with her magic, grabbing hold of the rolled up newspaper with her bright gold aura. Celestia unrolled the paper before her. To her surprise, a single letter fell from within the confines of the Equestrian Times. Celestia’s eyes widened when she caught sight of the front page.

Luna looked to her trembling sister. The newspaper shook inside Celestia’s tight grip. “Tia?” Slowly, Celestia turned the paper towards Luna. Luna’s eyes mirrored her sister’s reaction. Almost half of the front page was taken up by a single photo. A white stallion stood triumphantly in the middle of a crystal street wearing deep blue and white armor. “Shining Armor?”

Celestia turned her attention towards the letter. The newspaper dropped from Celestia’s magical grasp to land heavily on the table. With trembling hooves, Celestia opened the letter addressed to her.

Luna, eyes wide, watched Celestia read Cadance’s letter. Celestia paled as her eyes moved further down Cadance’s hastily written words.

Silence fell heavily inside the dining hall. Celestia worked her jaw, grinding her teeth together as her mind ran a mile a minute. One important thought overshadowed all others: I need to get to the Crystal Empire.

Celestia tore from her thoughts to instead focusing on Luna’s concerned eyes. Luna’s deep blue eyes conveyed the worry and the sadness for the burden Celestia bore. Celestia spent so many wakeful hours in fear for her niece. A now this had to happen.

Celestia’s eyes became firm with determination. Celestia turned to Sunbeam, “Sunbeam.”

“Yes, Princess?” Sunbeam asked, every vein with adrenaline.

“Please inform the nobles that today’s court will be closed and I will be on a short leave of absence,” Celestia said.

“Are you sure? I can come with you, if you want,” Luna offered.

Celestia shook her head, “No Luna. You should remain here. Canterlot needs a princess on the throne.” After a moment, Celestia tried to offer Luna a sad smile, “We don’t want our ponies panicking.”

“We could always get Twilight to come over to foalsit,” Luna said in a halfhearted attempt at humor.

Celestia shook her head, “No. Twilight will only have one thing on her mind when she gets the news.”

“Meaning, she’ll head straight for the Crystal Empire.”

Celestia stood, turning away from the dining table and leaving her barely touched breakfast. Celestia marched out of the dining hall with her head held high calling, “I better not find all of my cakes missing when I return.”

Luna scoffed, “Your accusations fall on innocent ears. I have no idea what cakes you are referring too.” Celestia moved into the hallway, Luna’s voice carrying down the straight walls, “An even if I did, I certainly wouldn’t know you kept them behind the poster of Fall Out Colts secured by a three inch titanium steel safe with three different combination locks.”

Celestia’s low chuckle were all Luna received as the Sun Princess made her way into the court yard. Chariot would be too slow and the train would be even worse. In a flash of blinding white light, Celestia disappeared from the walls of Canterlot and effectively scaring most of the Royal Guards.

0 0 0

Spike was not a happy dragon. Today, the small purple dragon was working diligently on cleaning the giant castle of purple and blue crystals. Spike’s green underbelly was a stark contrast to the darker purple scales that ran across his back and arm with green vertical spines running down his back. Standing atop a tall ladder, Spike’s small ivory claws held a duster as he feverishly tried to remove the thin layers of soft dust covering the thick leather bound books lining Twilight’s library from one wall to the other. Dark circles stood out against the purple scales under his eyes.

I mean, sure I’m surrounded by some of the most delicious looking gems imaginable, but Twilight won’t let me eat any of it!

Spike grumbled to himself. It wasn’t even worth trying to talk to any of the ponies around because Spike was all alone in the Castle of Friendship. The air was still. Spike took a step down the ladder to work on the next shelf. The only sound Spike could hear was his own singular breathing and the soft swish, swish of the feathered duster.

Spike’s green eyes held a deep sadness. It’s been two weeks since Twilight last visited. Currently, the Princess of Friendship was consulting a pony in Pranceton about a possible experimental procedure. I think his name was Hoarse… or something?

The silence was getting to him. The cold floors and empty halls were getting to him. Spike was accustomed to having Twilight leave the house for a couple of days, but this was something else. Seeing Twilight in that state, her frantic search through the library tearing through every book of medicine and magic she could get her hooves on. There was nothing she could find, no magical cure to bring back Shining Armor. It got to him, made him feel useless. I guess, more useless than usual, Spike thought with disgust.

Spike sighed loudly, his voice sounding louder than it should in the wide empty room. Spike couldn’t feel at home here. There was nothing here to comfort Spike. No Twilight, no basket, no oak tree, just cold hard surfaces and silent air.

Spike’s cleaning came to a halt. Sliding down the ladder, Spike mentally pushed these ideas to the back of his brain. I’ll finish later, Spike shrugged halfheartedly. After disposing of his trusty feather duster, Spike made his way out the front doors of Twilight’s Castle and into the cold morning.

The cold morning air filled Spike’s lungs, invigorating him. Spike’s eyes scanned the deep green grass covered in specks of frozen dew. Lying on the pristine lawn was the morning paper wrapped in a clear plastic bag. The young dragon waddled forward to grab the paper. I hope the funnies are good today.

With the paper in hand, Spike entered the castle once again. Spike followed the long hallways to the kitchen. The white flooring and pristine clean countertops waited patiently for Spike, even going so far as to sparkle in the early morning light for him. When Twilight enters the room, they trembled in fear. Spike deftly tossed the paper onto the countertop before turning to the stove.

For breakfast, Spike chose to make scrambled eggs and toast topped with strawberry jam. Deciding to eat in the kitchen, Spike sat in front of the bar on a tall stool. Spike eagerly readied to eat his food, his fork held at the ready.

Bang!

Spike froze. His forkful of egg suspended an inch away from his open mouth.

“Spike,” a very tired voice called from the entryway.

Spike quickly jumped from his stool, sprinting towards the front door of Twilight’s Castle. Turning around the corner, Spike felt a mix of emotions pass through his heart when he came face to face with Twilight.

Twilight’s dark purple mane was a mess. The circles under Twilight’s eyes almost appeared black. Twilight’s once clean fur appeared oily and unkempt, as if she had barely slept in a proper bed or bathed for the past two weeks. Twilight’s eyes were red.

“Are you okay Twilight?” Spike asked worriedly, speeding towards her.

Twilight shook her head. Slowly, the alicorn stumbled forward. Spike was at her side in an instant, placing her foreleg over his shoulders to steady the worn out princess. Grateful, Twilight stumbled against her Number One Assistant as he led her into the kitchen.

Spike deposited Twilint onto a nearby stool before fetching a glass of water. Twilight accepted the glass with a soft, “Thank you.” Twilight placed the glass against her dry, cracked lips and pulled her head back.

Spike watched Twilight drain an entire glass of water in one fluid motion. “Twilight, what’s wrong?” Spike finally managed to asked after Twilight slammed the glass onto the crystal countertop with a tired groan.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked tiredly, turning her eyes towards Spike. “The world is wrong. The state of medical magic is wrong. Dr. Hoarse and his entire practice is wrong.” Twilight voice grew in pitch, almost to the point she became hysterical, “I mean who in their right mind would put a patient’s life in jeopardy just to win a bet on if he could go a week without taking a single Vicodin.” Twilight slammed her head into the countertop to try and divert the migraine growing behind her eyes. The pain and pressure building in her skull was unbearable. “Freaking druggy!”

Spike winced at Twilight’s tone. Twilight continued to grumble to herself. Her incoherent ramblings flittered through the air without any care for Spike’s sensitive ears.

With very little alternatives, Spike grabbed his plate and slid it towards Twilight. “Here Twilight,” Spike said with as much warmth as he could, “Eat this and get some sleep.”

Twilight pealed her forehead away from the once clean countertop, leaving a filthy film of sweat on the surface. Twilight’s lost eyes turned to Spike. Slowly, her lips lifted in a shallow smile.
Spike felt some glimmer of hope. Being here for Twilight was the most important thing for the young drake. Twilight slowly lifted the fork with her hoof, taking a bite of the slightly cold eggs.

With Twilight taken care of, Spike turned to the stove to prepare another plate. Spike ignited the stove top, heating the pan before adding his eggs. The uncooked eggs sizzled against the hot metal with a loud hiss.

With his back to her, Twilight’s smiled at her Spike. The amount of concern he felt for her warmed her heart. The emptiness she felt better at the sight of Spike. Twilight continued to eat, slowly chewing her food as her eyes drifted around the tidy kitchen. Slowly her eyes focused on the plastic wrapped newspaper.

Twilight’s brow furrowed. What is that?

Through the crinkled plastic, Twilight could just make out a face. That square jaw, strong brow and flowing two toned mane. No… It can’t be. Twilight’s horn shimmered weakly with purple aura as she wrapped her flickering magic around the rolled paper.

Dragging the paper towards her, Twilight dislodged the Canterlot Times from their protective cover. Unfurling the paper before her eyes, Twilight’s violet eyes widened in shock at the image of her own brother wearing some of the most advanced armor she had ever seen on the front page. The caption bellow his image read, ‘Rise of the Crystal Prince: Shining Armor lives!’

Spike’s head snapped away from his food, Twilight’s loud gasp startling him. Swiveling around, Spike the dragon watched Twilight trembled on the barstool. Weakly, she held onto the edge of the countertop for support. Shutting of the flame off, Spike moved to Twilight’s side. Climbing on the barstool next to her, Spike placed a concerned claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “Twilight, what’s wrong?”

The look of Twilight’s pale face filled Spike’s stomach with dread. The very ground beneath her was disappearing, leaving her to fall into fear and uncertainty.

Unable to form any civilized word, Twilight deftly pointed at the newspaper sprawled across the countertop before her. Spike followed Twilight’s trembling hoof. Spike peered at the picture with shock.

Spike and Twilight simple sat there, looking at the newspaper with reverence. Spike couldn’t move. His mind stalled, taking in every aspect of the picture and its caption. There was just no way this could be real. Twilight had spent the last month with barely any sleep or rest to heal her brother and now he’s back. Something was very wrong here. Spike could feel it in his gut.

“Spike?”

Spike turned to Twilight, “Yeah Twilight?”

“Get the girls,” Twilight’s gruff whisper reached Spike’s ears. “We’re going to the Crystal Empire.”

Spike dumbly nodded before turning tail and flying out the castle’s front doors into the streets of Ponyville. Today was going to be a long day for the young dragon.

0 0 0

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Crystal Palace. The tall spire sparkled under the Celestia’s sun. Through the tranquil hallways, the Crystal Guard marched through the open halls. The only sound accompanying these stoic stallions were the clip clop of hooves.

“Good morning Flash,” one of the Crystal Guards said to the orange Pegasus limping his way down the hall.

Flash offered the Guard a smile and a nod. Never would he have thought the morale of the Crystal Ponies would be so high today. Even right now, the main dining hall of the palace was filled with dozens of families happily enjoying a breakfast procured by the caring staff. One thing was on every one of the pony’s lips; Shining Armor.

Flash Sentry couldn’t help his mind from wondering about what had transpired yesterday. Even now he could barely believe the power Shining Armor displayed. When the might of the entire guard wasn’t enough, one pony was able to crush the opposition in a single swoop. Flash continued his way to the dining hall to see if any waffles were left.

Approaching the tall double doors, Flash caught sight of a bright flash of light burst from the underneath the heavy doors. The collective gasps of dozens of ponies caught Flash Sentry by surprise.

With a burst of speed, Flash threw open the doors to the dining hall to come face to face with Princess Celestia.

All around the Princess, ponies bowed low to the ground towards the Sun Goddess. Flash hurriedly threw himself face first into the floor at the sight of Princess Celestia’s flowing multi-colored mane.

Princess Celestia offered them a kind smile, “Please rise.” All of the crystal ponies and Flash stood. Celestia turned to Flash Sentry. Flash froze as Celestia’s eyes focused on him. “Flash Sentry?”

Flash’s training took over his movements. With a sharp salute, Flash responded with a curt, “Yes, Princess?”

“Could you escort me to Cadance? I wish to speak to her,” Celestia asked calmly.

The orange Pegasus nodded before performing an abrupt about-face and marching out of the dining hall towards Cadance’s room. Celestia followed Flash Sentry with a soft, “Thank you.”

The pair moved through the halls. Every pony Celestia passed offered her a low bow and friendly smiles. The spirits of the crystal ponies intrigued Celestia. Even after such an attack, the morale of the crystal ponies seemed to be on the incline.

Moving down the hallway, Flash’s and Celestia’s ears caught the faintest traces of low grumbling echoed down the crystal halls.

Flash Sentry stopped directly in front of the double door. The two Crystal guards standing in front of the door offered Celestia a quick bow. Behind the double doors, Celestia could hear the loud snoring of the two sleeping ponies inside.

Flash turned to Celestia with some hesitation in his eyes. From the sound of the noises inside the room, the two members of royalty would prefer not to be disturbed. With a shaking hoof, Flash gently knocked on the wooden door.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at Flash Sentry’s poor excuse for a knock. Flash’s face turned a bright red before he smacked the door with his hoof.

Bang! Bang!

The hallow sound of Flash’s hoof echoed loudly inside the room. Cadance jerked awake as the loud noise assaulted her ears. What?

Cadance’s mane stood out in every direction, her gaze moving wearily around the room. The whites of Cadance’s eyes were puffy and red. From the corner of Cadance’s mouth held the telltale sign of drool that her pillow regretfully had to absorb.

Cadance turned to the pony next to her.

Setsuna’s head rested peacefully on the soft satin pillow. With each breath in and out of his lungs, air passed though Setsuna’s sinus cavity creating the phenomenon known as snoring. The white unicorn’s expression was of absolute bliss.

Cadance chuckled at the sight, How did I sleep through that?

The knocking at her door persisted, loud and already pulling on her last nerve. Groaning, Cadance slid out from under her comforter and sheets. “This had better be important,” Cadance grumbled under her breath.

Cadance pulled open the door with her magic, covering her eyes from the bright corridor. “Yes?” Cadance strained out her tired mind.

Flash Sentry took a step back at the sight of Cadance’s grotesque appearance. Cadance blinked rapidly, trying to force her tired eyes to see the pony in front of her.

“Um… Princess Cadance,” Flash said, “Princess Celestia is here to see you.”

“She is?!” Cadance spun her head to face her aunt.

In that instant a thousand volts of terror jumpstarted Cadance’s brain, effectively sending it into overdrive. “Oh my goodness,” Cadance pressed a hoof to her lips. “I’m so sorry, Auntie.”

To Celestia’s credit, she managed to keep her smile small and not to chuckle at Cadance’s destroyed mane. “Hello, Cadance,” Celestia offered kindly wrapping one of her forelegs and wings around her niece.

Cadance melted in the embrace. For that single moment of contact, Cadance felt the warm and love of Celestia’s heart. Celestia held Cadance against her, offering her every ounce of strength she could in this simple gesture.

When they broke, Celestia’s smile faltered, “I received your letter today.” Cadance felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “Would you care to show me what you’ve been up to?”

Cadance looked to the ground, unable to meet the bright eyes of Celestia. Silently, Cadance led Celestia into her room without any objection.

Flash watched the two Princesses enter the dark room. With nothing else to do, Flash stood next to the other two Crystal guard in silence.

Cadance motioned towards the still snoring Setsuna. Celestia slowly approached him, watching him carefully for any sudden movements. Setsuna remained oblivious to the Sun Diarchy’s advancing behind his back. What did concern him was that annoying itch.

Celestia froze, holding absolutely still as the thick comforter started shifting. Setsuna’s hoof wandered around his foreign body.

Cadance snickered at Celestia’s expression. From the position she was stuck in, it appeared as if Celestia had been caught with her hoof in the cookie jar. Her voice louder in the room as Setsuna shifted under the covers mumbling under his breath.

After Setsuna settled into a comfortable position, Celestia moved next to the large bed. Her long horn began to glow with a bright glow. Golden rays of Celestia’s magic bathed Setsuna in their radiant light. Cadance watched patiently as Celestia scanned Setsuna from head to tail.

Celestia’s brow furrowed, searching for any sign of dark or malignant magic. Through every muscle, organ, tissue and bone Celestia searched for anything that could prove useful in identifying the cloaked figures identify or purpose. Celestia stopped her search. Something was inside Setsuna’s chest.

Celestia magic focused on the center of Setsuna’s broad barrel. Pushing he scan deeper, Celestia could feel something there. It was solid, almost like an oval crystal had been implanted just under Setsuna’s heart. What surprised Celestia the most was the power that radiated from it. Celestia hummed to herself, deep in thought.

Celestia turned to Cadance, “Cadance?”

“Yes?”

“I sense something inside Shining Armor’s chest,” Celestia explained slowly. “And the article in this morning newspaper said Shining Armor exhibited a strange green particle and wore a unique armor while he was fighting. Could you describe what you saw?”

Cadance took a deep breath before divulging everything she could remember about yesterday and the day before. Celestia listened intently. Her flowing mane continued to flow in the unseen breeze. Cadance felt a weight slowly lift from her chest. It felt like such a relief to confide in Celestia.

When she was finished, Celestia sat remained silent. The only sound between the pair was Setuna’s continued snoring and the occasional murmur escaping from his muzzle. “Gundam…”

“Well,” Celestia finally broke the awkward silence, trying desperately to think of something. “This is quite the unusual situation.”

Cadance nodded in agreement. Ya think?

“I do have one idea though,” Celestia said slowly. Cadance looked to her aunt with an inquisitive glance. “It may be prying, but I think it would be best if we take a look into this Shining Armor’s past.”

“How?” Cadance asked. She didn’t know any spell that could do that. But then again this is Celestia we’re talking about. She’s been around the block a few times.

“During sleep, the subconscious remains in an active state allowing the creation of dreams. During dreams the line between fantasy and memory become blurred. Using a spell, I can circumnavigate any dream a pony is experiencing to view the memories held within,” Celestia explained. Celestia blushed slightly as she finished, “Luna’s better at this than I am, but I should be able to use my magic to enter Shining’s head and view some of his memories.”

Cadance shifted uncertainly. There was something wrong with idea, but the pony lying unconscious in that bed was still a mystery. Who was he? What was he?

With a heavy heart, Cadance nodded. She had to know who this pony was. Was it Shining Armor or somepony else? “Will he remember this?” Cadance asked. “Remember us looking into his head?”

“He will experience everything we see,” Celestia nodded. “To Shining Armor, it will only be a dream.” Her horn burst with golden light. The bright light of her magic flowed from Celestia’s horn to attach to Setsuna’s horn. Cadance waited patiently, watching Celestia’s knitted brow. Slowly, Celestia pushed herself into Setsuna’s mind. Thankfully, Setsuna mind was pleasantly blank. Celestia pushed deeper into the veil of darkness. All around her mental probe, Celestia felt hundreds of glowing strands flowing softly inside the current of Setsuna’s mind. Each one held a single memory. Celestia just had to pick the right one. A single name echoed inside Setsuna head. Setsuna F. Seie., the feminine voice revealed the name of who was occupying Shining Armor’s body. Celestia wanted more than just a name. Celestia wanted something with a little more substance, something that would reveal who Setsuna F. Seie was. Celestia felt it. In front of her mental probe was the brightest strand in the flowing current. This was the memory she wanted, a single point in Setsuna’s memory that defined him.

Cadance watched with interest as Celestia projected the memory before them. A cloud of gold shimmered over Setsuna’s body. Sparks lanced across Celestia’s magic. Celestia and Cadance watched the cloud swirl. Slowly, something began to appear.

Before Cadance and Celestia, the image of a worn town stood under the relentless heat of the afternoon sun. The dry desert heat and stark vegetation surrounded the shabby buildings before the two princesses. Streaks of orange plagued the brown and tan bricks of broken homes of Setsuna’s home town. Windows were blown out, roofs were collapsed and rubble littered the streets and alleys. Some walls still stood, providing cover for the fighters for the Republic of Krugis. Dark shadows stretched away from setting sun. There was no protection from the searing heat rising from the desert sand reaching as far as the eye could see.

A low voice rolled into the picture, surrounded by radio static as it announced its message. “This battle is a holy war in the name of God.”

Standing tall in the streets, bulky green and brown mobile suits fought against several humans littering the town. Celestia and Cadance stared in awe at the monstrosities raining death from the large rifles strapped to their right arm. Walking on two legs, these machines were humanoid in appearance but their faces were square and pushed forward. A red light shown from the center of the blank machine’s face, the sensor relaying the environment to the pilot deep within its metal body. A secondary turret was placed underneath this pushed out face.

From the crumbling walls, members of the KPSA fired on the advancing mobile suits. The anti-government guerilla forces fires waves of bullets and rockets on the Union’s machines. Bullets tore through the brittle brick walls. Even though they were greatly outclassed and outgunned, the members of the KPSA continued to fight in this hellhole of a battlefield.

Cadance and Celestia held a hoof to their mouth. Many of these guerrilla fighters were children. Some were barely five feet tall, wearing tattered clothes and helmets. Each one wore a look of sheer determination. It was the eyes that were haunting. Eyes filled with an anger and rage. These were the eyes of a person prepared to die in the name of their lord.

”We shall strike down the infidels that disrespect our traditions and lay waste to the land of God.”

The image before both princesses was focused on a single child, barely ten years old. Cadance and Celestia took in the features of young Setsuna. His dark olive skin, jet black hair and striking brown eyes were completely foreign to the two ponies. Every inch of Setsuna was covered in a thin layer of dirt and sweat. Setsuna breathed heavily, clutching the assault rifle tightly to his chest.

”We must not submit to the infidel.”

Setsuna tore down the alleyway. An opening was coming up on his right. Setsuna fired wildly as his passed. Bullets riddled the tough armor of the mobile suits, sending sparks across the machine’s surface. A stray rocket flew past Setsuna, exploding behind him.

“Ah!” Setsuna screamed, flying uncontrollably through the air. Setsuna rolled across the hard ground scrapping his arms and legs.

When he stopped, Setsuna quickly grabbed his rifle before taking shelter behind a thick wall. The hot smooth stone pressed hard against Setsuna’s back. Setsuna breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath in the few moments of calm during this battle.

”By dying in battle, we shall be led into the presence of God.”

Setsuna’s eyes scanned the ground in front of him. Setsuna’s eyes focused on a cracked porcelain doll with a frilly purple dress. Setsuna’s grip tightened around the rifle. Anger filled his mind. So much death. So many of Setsuna’s friends were left in the middle of the streets, their blood quenched the dry sand of thirst. “In this world, there is no God,” Setsuna growled to himself.

The sound of machine gun fire drew closer to Setsuna. With a start, Setsuna ran away from the wall as several bullets punched foot wide holes through the brown brick. Setsuna ran down the streets at full speed. The man’s voice repeated over the radio, “This battle is a holy war in the name of God. We shall strike down the infidels that disrespect our traditions and lay waste to the land of God.”

“In this world there is no God,” Setsuna said to himself, passing piles of bodies. Men and children littered the empty streets alongside their weapons. Scarlet blood flowed freely across the ground. Celestia and Cadance felt sickened at the sight of so much blood and destruction.

Today was the most important day for Setsuna. This was the day Setsuna would find his destiny.

Setsuna took a sudden right, dodging the fire from one of the mobile suits. Setsuna crouched low behind a partially remaining wall. Setsuna’s eyes became glued on the machine in front of him. One of the Union machines looked down at him, its turret turning to face the child soldier below him. Setsuna grimaced, preparing for his inevitable death.

Then, a miracle happened.

From high above a bright bolt of energy tore through the machine’s head. Surprised, Setsuna rose from his crouched position to catch sight of several more pink energy beams tear through the remaining machines. All of the UN’s forces toppled to the ground. Holes of melted metal littered their bodies.

Dumbfounded, Setsuna turned to face his savior. Hovering high above the child, Setsuna’s eyes widened in sheer awe. Bright particles flowed from the back of the humanoid machine standing tall above the battle field. With white limbs and a blocky blue torso, O Gundam held in one hand a plasma rifle and a bright red shield in its left.

Setsuna could not take his eyes away from the Gundam. GN particles flowed from each side of O Gundam, appearing as if it had luminescent green wings. This was Setsuna’s future, to become a Gundam.

Celestia let the magic slip. The image before her dissipated into nothingness. Cadance stared blankly back at her aunt. There were so many things going through their minds. They could not comprehend what they had just seen. The blood spilt and the machines used were unlike anything Equestria had experienced before. Yes, Equestria had been forced to face many dangers and lives were lost in the inevitability of war. But this single memory was unlike anything Cadance had ever experienced. The child in that memory now occupied Shining Armor’s body. That child raised in a cruel world was here.

But he wasn’t evil. That’s what concerned them more. How could somepony grow up in that kind of environment and not be twisted or corrupted?

0 0 0

Twilight stood in front of her friends with her castle at her back. Spike stood close to Twilight’s side. Applejack was the only one that appeared to be awake at this moment. Her orange coat and long blond mane bound by her usual hair bands were in perfect order, complementing the Stetson she wore on her head. Applejack’s green eyes watched Twilight with a worried look.

Rarity’s usually lustrous curly purple mane seemed less shiny this morning. The Prima Dona rubbed her tired eyes absentmindedly.

Rainbow Dash was halfway to becoming fully conscious. Her eyes were lidded, revealing only a small fraction of her magenta eyes. Rainbow Dash’s multicolored mane was still as shaggy as always.

Pinkie Pie sat silently on the ground, which was surprisingly odd for the hyperactive pink pony with the bouncing mane. Pinkie Pie muttered a happy hello while she drank from a cup of steaming hot cocoa. One would question why a pony was drinking hot cocoa in the middle of July, but Twilight learned not to question Pinkie.

Fluttershy remained quiet for Twilight’s entire narration. The only sound Twilight could hear from the yellow Pegasus was the occasional movement of her hoof as she brushed her long pink mane from her eyes.

“That’s the basic story,” Twilight finished.

Applejack raised a hoof. “Yes, Applejack?”

“So what yur saying is that we have to visit yur brother all the way in the Crystal Empire after he just miraculously got better after betting two of his legs blown off?” Applejack asked with some concern.

“Yes,” Twilight nodded her head. The look on her face was one of determination. She would find out what happened to her brother.

The rest of the Mane 6 nodded, some still half asleep, in acknowledgement. Rainbow Dash asked, yawning widely, “How are we going to get there? The train?”

“No,” Twilight answered. “I’ve been studying long range teleportation spells so we’ll try out my new spell.”

This statement woke all of the ponies up real fast. The last time Twilight tried a new spell wasn’t a very happy memory.

“Um, Twilight dear,” Rarity asked, forcing a calm demeanor in her voice. “Would this happen to be anything like the time you tried the inter-dimensional window spell?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Pinkie Pie asked, her usual smile was strained. The images of a giant monster with an octopus face, long dangling limbs and a tiny little bat wings protruding from its back. The black leathery wings stood in contrast to the monster’s slimy green skin.

“T-that was not entirely my fault,” Twilight stuttered. Heat began to build in her cheeks as the memory played through her head.

Spike eyed Twilight indignantly, “You were lucky Pinkie Pie was able to calm Cthulu down.”

“Who knew giant octopus head liked cake?” Rainbow Dash rubbed her head still trying to make sense of Cthulu’s fascination with white marble cake and pink frosting.

“But I know this will work,” Twilight stood firm, stomping her hoof against the crisp stalks of grass.

Seeing the fire in Twilight’s eyes, all of her friends knew she would leave no matter what. The five mares and Spike circled around Twilight. If Twilight was going to do something reckless, it’d be best if all of her friends were there to help.

“Thanks girls-“

*Cough*Cough*

“And Spike,” Twilight quickly remedied her speech. “I’ll need everypony to hold hooves. This spell will require me to draw from all of our energy to fuel it.” Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Spike followed her instructions without hesitation. When all of their hooves and claws were connected, everyone present looked to Twilight expectantly. “Now I just need to concentration.”

Twilight closed her eyes, diving deep into her mind for her magic. Like a rushing river, Twilight dove straight into the current of power. All of the ponies and dragon were forced to close their eyes. The glow in Twilight’s horn started as a dim glow before quickly turning into a miniature sun. Bright violet light burned violently, casting deep shadows against the tall castle walls and windows. A wild wind blew through the calm streets and between homes. Air pushed out from the circle of friends, sending tufts of grass and dirt in every direction.

Inside Twilight’s head, she focused on what she wanted. She focused on the image of her brother. His wide goofy smile, the way he read stories to her at night. The memories of them playing together in the back yard as their parents looked on from the porch.

Then, like a whisper on the wind, the wind went silent. The violet light disappeared along with Twilight, Spike and the rest of their friends.

0 0 0

Celestia and Cadance grimaced, their hooves shooting up to cover their eyes when a bright purple light filled the room. Several voices screamed loudly as the Mane 6 and Spike materialized over Cadance’s bed. Celestia could just make out the sound of several bodies colliding with a springy surface.

When the light faded, Cadance and Celestia beheld a very peculiar image. A mass of multi-colored limbs covered the large bed, twitching and groaning in pain.

Twilight hissed loudly. Her back had painfully collided with some kind of sturdy object. Her head felt like it was splitting in half from the base of her horn to the back of her skull. Twilight’s skin felt burning hot, yet her insides were as cold as ice. I guess this is what a TV dinner feels like. Twilight pushed up, her hooves digging into the bedding and something squishy.

“Good going egghead,” Rainbow Dash grumbled with her eyes closed. Her head pounded and the world spun whenever she opened her eyes.

“Whooooo!” The words garbled out of Pinkie Pie’s wide open muzzle. Strange spirals occupied where her eyes should have been. “Let’s go again! Let’s go again!”

“Twilight?” Cadance asked in pure disbelief. A sickening black hole filled Cadance’s stomach. What am I going to say to her?

Twilight turned to face Cadance, a worn smile crossed her muzzle. “Hi Cadance.” Twilight tried to extract herself from the pile, but too many bodies were weighing down her lower extremities.

“Um, Twilight?” Celestia asked concern in her voice evident.

“Pr-Princess Celestia,” Twilight gasped in surprise. Twilight redoubled her efforts on getting free, but only ended up creating an orchestra of complaints from her friends.

Celestia ignited her horn before she lifted the six ponies and dragon off the bed and deposited them safely onto the cold ground. Celestia waited patiently while the Mane 6 untangled themselves. Cadance shifted uneasily, continually shifting her gaze from Twilight to Celestia.

After several minutes of cursing, Twilight and her friends were finally able to break free. Standing in front of the two princesses, Twilight turned to Cadance. The strain was evident in her voice, “Cadance?” Cadance felt her heart stop. She knew it was coming, the question that Cadance feared to answer. The level of concern was so great, Cadance didn’t even remember to do the rhyme and dance with Twilight. The dance she always loved to do with the small purple foal Cadance use to foalsit. “What’s going on? Where’s Shiny? Why was he wearing that armor? Where did he get that armor? How did he grow back his legs? What have you been doing? Why’s Princess Celestia here?” Twilight fired off questions left and right. The speed at which she spoke was so rapid, Pinkie Pie was impressed.

“Whoa.”

“What?” Cadance asked, unable to process Twilight’s words.

“What’s going on?”

Before Cadance or Celestia could answer, a new voice entered the conversation. This one was angry and distinctly male, “I’d like to know that too.”

Cadance felt a cold chill run up her spine. That familiar voice struck a chord into ever heart like a cold knife. Slowly, very slowly, all eyes turned to face the conscious pony standing on the bed.

Twilight turned to look directly at Setsuna. The familiar features of Shining Armor were pulled back into a scowl that would strike fear into the hardest of ponies. His eyes were worse. Those warped irises of bright blue melting into dark amber captivated her. There was anger in those eyes, a deep rooted anger that could only exist from a pony that had experienced many hardships in his life. Setsuna’s eyes were haunting and his voice hard.

Every inch of Setsuna’s muscles burned and his bones ached. But after being crushed, Setsuna was fully awake and wanted answers. Setsuna didn’t understand why he was standing on all fours. His back and limbs felt like this posture was natural. Setsuna main focus was the group in front of him. Those large heads and colorful nature were too foreign for him to understand why they were like that. They’re some kind of horse. But the wings and horns? How does that happen? He looked at the purple unicorn… Pegasus… thing with a suspicious eye. Emotions played across the purple equine face. Sadness, despair, fear and so many others filled those wide eyes.

“Big Brother,” Twilight whispered in a hushed voice.

Then Setsuna spoke again. His words cut worse than any sword or steel blade could to both Twilight and Cadance.

“Just who the hell are you people?”