Destiny is a Fickle thing

The princess Celestia just gawped at me in horror, Twilight was actually puking.  “YOU KILLED HIM?”**

“Yup, blew him up”

She backed away in horror, Don't know why since they've killed before.  “You *KILLED** a SAPIENT BEING?  Surely you could have talked something out with him, we both know you had the power to knock him unconscious to stop him!”*

“And then what? Imprisoned him?  Banishment?  Yeah, I could not see that coming back to bite me in the ass.” I said sarcastically.

“But we've proven dragons can be negotiated with!” Twilight said, seems like she's feeling better.

“True,” I replied, “But you have to understand this guy wasn't the dragons you have work with.  He's killed both Diamond dogs and the hybrids, he was to volatile to negotiate with.  If I had imprisoned him I would have had to take care of him, and he would be a danger to everyone in town!”

Celestia turned around, still trying to process my answer.  Twilight looked conflicted.  Ugh, it seems the real world has yet to hit her.  Maybe it was due to the dependance on the Elements, being able to magic away your problem make things to easy.

“Listen Sparkles,” I said, “We can't just use magic and friendship to solve our problems.  One day, who knows when, you'll come across a problem the will make you choose between life and death.”

“Let's get back to the story….” I hated this mushy world sometimes, it seemed fake.

The Diamond dogs were quick to join me.  Like dogs they need an alpha, since their former alpha was dead they choose me to replace him.  Of course the townies folk were less then happy about the dogs living in the town, but they seemed to understand the Dragon's control on them.

With the Diamond Dog tribes constantly at war, you need the biggest baddest boss you can get.  Even if their a total d#*$.

I learned that when a politicians made promises, people loved them when they followed through on those promises.  So, I promised them I would free them from the Diamond Dogs.  Not only did I mange that, but I got the dogs to preform some community service.  My second promise, the one where I'd server their ties to Equestria and help them live on their own.  That took more time.

When I took leadership, seems the dragon ate their last leader, I needed to get the hybrids to sustain themselves.  Spook became my official adviser, helping me rebuild the town's educational system and organize the agricultural groups.  She also helped me get two know the town's problems.  I learned from Celestia's failure that it was better to rule with a select group of individuals instead of nobles or running it herself.

Next, I need to gear up my troops.  The dogs had what they needed, but the town didn't.  We fortified the defensive’s in case of wild creatures or other Diamond dogs.

After that, I gathered up as much willing volunteers I could.  I started training them with the help of Shadow Flight.  They weren't Guardians, but they were damn good at fighting.  They just need more training and to be more organized.

I talked over some ideas with Dinklebot and Strong Bow.  Strong Bow was a genius inventor and blacksmith.  With his skill and my, and Dinklebot's, knowledge we were able to create some impressive weapons.

The first thing we did was give Shadow Flight an edge when it came to fights.  We created some talon-like boots.  It was made of reenforced steel and had a system the allowed it to rotate.  It would allow her to grab items and scale walls.

The second thing we made was a weaponized tail shell.  It not only had a wicked blade but fired electric bolts from the tip of the shell.  We figured out how to store lightning in a capsule that would be released from a mechanism located inside the shell.

Last of all, we fashioned a knight's armor that would protect her and her wings.

Strong Bow was excited on what we made.  But I had to stop him from trying to examine the inside of my Ghost.

“That's ingenious,” Twilight said, “Augmenting soldiers could give other races advantages in warfare.” Writing furiously on my description, trying to get a copy of our design.

“Better yet,” Celestia added, “We could bring Equestria back into major crafting industries.  Not longer would we just need unicorns to make/use certain tools!”

“So ponies don't have control over certain industries?” I asked.  I mean, I know they have hooves…

“Yes,” Celestia answered, “We rely on some species like Griffons or Minotaur’s in order to produce many items.”

“That's….slightly disappointing,” said, “but sometimes we got to work with what we have.”

The last of my group of leaders was Mimic.  Mimic was a…..complicated case.  Being part changeling was not common among hybrids and she seemed certain she had not talents to use.  I wasn't convince however and I went to the only people who could help me.  The only people who knew her and changelings the most.

Her parents…..

(Mimic's house, dinner)

Bumble Buzz and Mirror Shine we surprised to have me over to dinner.  It seems I'd become something of a celebrity among the inhabitants.  Not many had seen me without my helmet, so they were surprised.  They were even more surprised when they learned the meaning of my visit.  Their daughter.

That and Bumble Buzz's meat pie was legendary among the populace.

Bumble Buzz was a yellow changeling with black stripes.  Both were young to have a daughter Mimic's age, Mimic being 19.  Bumble Buzz was a yellow and black changeling, a former member of one of the Eastern Changeling Hives.  Mirror Shine was a navy blue unicorn with a black mane, her cutie mark was a book representing her passion as a teacher.  Both were 37 years old.

I'd come without prior warning, not wanting Mimic to be home while we talked about her.  I need to understand somethings about her, and it was best if I could ask my questions with just her parents around.

Anyway, I came bye during dinner because her and Shadow Flight were on some kind of date.  I had thought the two had been close, but not that close.  Getting back on topic.  Mimic's parents we ecstatic to have me over and treated me like a welcomed guest.  I see where Mimic gets her kind nature.

“So,” Bumble said after we had finished our meal, relocating ourselves to the living room.  “What has got you interested in our daughter?”

“When I talked to Mimic, she seemed….determined that she could be of no use as one of my closest advisers,” I answered.

“And do you believe her?” Mirror Sine asked.

“On the contrary Mrs. Shine.  I believe the Mimic has a lot of potential, waiting to be untapped.” I said, “She seems to be holding herself back though.  Now I know she's shy, but I have the feeling she's holding onto something.  Why is she like this, what is she afraid of?”  Both parent looked sadly at me.  I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what was going on with her.

Finally, Bumble answered my question.  “Mirror, Mimic, and I lived in Fillydelphia (Urk, the horse puns.  It burns!) before we moved here.  You see, Mirror and I fell in love with each other at a young age.  She was the first to love me for who I really was.”

“A changeling?” I asked.  Changelings are know to be shape shifter.  I had assumed Mirror didn't know till later on in their relationship that Bumble was a changeling.  Good for them.

“Yes, though my parents didn't approve of our relationship,” Mirror said, “They had a family reputation to withhold, and their daughter dating a changeling was not...acceptable in their eyes.”

“So we ran away together. Started a new life,” Bumble continued, “We had Mimic and life seemed to be fine.”  Not good, what happened.

“What happened,” I asked, “Surely Mirror's parent didn't pursue you two, did they?”

“No, nothing like that...” Mirror said, “You see, Mimic is unique.  I know all mothers say that about their children, but at a young age Mimic was excelling in illusion magic.”

“That and her Shape shifting was highly advanced for her age.  It usually took us changeling years to master it.”  Bumble Buzz add.  Okay, so it seems like she had a great life.  Right?

“But when she started going to school….” Mirror trailed off.

“The students and teachers harassed her.  She started to fail in her studies because the teachers made things difficult for her.  She…. She never told us what was happening, she was scared we'd blame her.” Bumble said.

Well shit.  It made sense why she was scared about what I thought about her.  It seemed she didn't want to disappoint anyone….. “When did you find out, did she tell you or someone else?”

Bumble shared a look with Mirror before answering me. “It was actually Shadow Flight who told us.  She and her parents lived in Fillydelphia, they were part of “Dragon Town” as many call it.  Her parents died a couple years ago.

“I had no idea they knew each other so far back,” I said, “Knowing Flight, she probably stood up for Mimic?”  Both shook their head that I was correct.  “So….what did you do?”

That's when they started smiling.  “We decided it was in our best interest to leave.  We weren't the only ones, Flight's parents are the ones who brought up the idea.”

I looked shocked at that.  I understood why they left, I hated being bullied and it seemed that it wasn't only kids who gave Mimic a hard time.  But to leave everything just in hopes of going to a town that might or might no accept you….wait.

“You came here?” I asked.

“Yes, we were told of a place called Evermore that supported people who were cross species.” Mirror said.  “while the town was secret, it often sent ponies out to offer ponies like us a better life.  Of course we knew the dangers and the issues of the town before hand, we knew that it was the only place where our daughter could grow.”

I had appreciated them telling me this.  This was a personal question, to talk about such hard times.  It also told me a little more depth of Shadow's affection for Mimic.

“And now we get back to the question of what Mimic can do,” I said, “She very well could be the greatest spy in Equestria.”

“With all due respect Lord Virixas,” Mirror interjected, “But the Equestrians have counter measures against changelings.”

“Your right,” I answered, “Changeling wont be able to sneak into places like Ponyville, Canterlot, or The Crystal Empire.”

“Yes, so I honestly don't understand why you would put Mimic in that kind of danger?” Mirror asked angrily.  I could understand him being angry, if he was talking to some stupid.  But I'm not stupid.

I held my hand out stopping her fuming.  I looked at both of them, Mirror looked flustered while Bumble stared at me with his big blue eyes.  He seemed to try to read me, to sense what emotions I was feeling.

“Let me ask you both a question,” I said, “While normal changelings would not be able to breach Equestrian security, is it not true that Mimic is not an ordinary changeling?”

Bumble's eyes widened at my question. “Of course,” he said, realizing what I was planning, “so that's why you came to use!”  Mirror looked at her mate confusedly.  Understandable since her knowledge of changeling hierarchy was not as wide as Bumble's.

“Would you mind telling me what he's talking about?” Mirror asked her husband.

Now, time to reveal my plan.  “You see Mirror,” I said, “While Mimic is part changeling, she is also part unicorn.  Most changelings have limited spell besides the queens.  But Mimic can access both unicorn and changeling magic….”  Bumble then finished what I was getting at.

“She could create illusions that would reinforce her changeling spells!” He said, shaking his head disbelievingly.

“By manipulating her illusions, she could trick the detection spells into thinking she doesn't even exist, or that changeling magic isn't being used.  Heck, she could even make copies of her self or others, she could be a master deception!” I finished.

I remembered the Ghost Army the United States Army utilized in WW2.  They created fake armies with inflatables and fake radio transmissions.  Their deception helped lead to our victory of D-Day!

“This is brilliant,” Bumble exclaimed, “this could revolutionize warfare!”  A little extradited, but through my extensive reading of war novels and history books from the library I….borrowed.  From what I learned, the tactic was never heard of.  And even if they expected it, there was no way to prevent it.”

“That's why I need you two,” I affirmed, “I need your help to not only train her, but to give her the confidence she needs to do this.  So what do you say?”

“…..” both were silent, staring in each others eyes.  Then Bumble and Mirror looked back at me.

“She's young.  What your asking would be hard for someone her age,” Mirror pointed out, “While she's no helpless, I don't know how I would feel if you sent my baby girl somewhere she could get hurt.”

I smiled at her, I could see Mimic in both of her parents.  “Yes, I agree it's dangerous.” I agreed, “But, I should tell you that I'm 18.”  Both their jaws dropped and my confession.  “My goal is that with her training, she won't be in danger.”

It took them sometime, they went into the kitchen to discuss with each other.  I sat there on the couch patiently.  I was hoping they would agree, Mimic was my best shot besides my Ghost at gathering information.  That and I wanted the girl to fit in, build some confidence.

Both came out after the were done deciding.  “Alright, were in!” they both said in unison.

(Mayor's Office)

My new office was decently sized.  Most of the stuff of the former mayors stayed inside the room, mainly books and furniture.  I had sat down after long hours of Spook lecturing me on what was needed to be done and how to do it.  She was loyal to the job, and seemed to be experienced with my….ignorance.

“Hey Dinklebot, you got a moment?” I asked, the mental connection we shared allowed me to project my thoughts in pictures and words.  It allowed me to converse with him when I need to recap something.

“Yeah buddy, I'm open.”  He also seemed to be more….alive, maybe he always was and I never noticed in the game.

“I wanna try out that idea you had, the one where you become my eyes and ears.” We tinkered a bit with my helmet screen.  We found out a way to project what Dinkle was seeing and project it back to me.

“Yeah, let's try it out!”

His eye started to glow and soon I could see the room in his perspective.  Okay, let's see if we can dig a little in on what our little ponies in Ponyville were doing.

Dinklebot took off and speed out towards Ponyville.  The first thing that caught my mind was the hut the was in the Everfree.  Apparently some voodoo zebra lived here as well.  This might be a problem.  While she didn't know where we were, she could be a great guide to the Equestrians.

I decided I would check up on her later, back on track.  We soon reached the outskirts of Ponyville, coming across another tree house.  One of the Elements, yellow and pink, was talking to some birds….

“Hello their mister tweety..”

Okay….weirdo.

I went to the market place.  I was trying to figure out their currency system better.  It seemed like I wouldn't get much out of it.  Damn, now I'm gonna have to get Spook to lecture me on this as well.  They way the bought stuff was confusing. A bunch of the items they were selling had the same price, like apples cost the same as apple pie.

I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't learn nothing in the market, so I flew off to the only place where you would most likely learn is this place.  School.  I had Dinkle float off into the school building.

“Good Morning, class!”  Ah, so this is their teacher.  The children were around the age of 10 and up.  She droned on for hours about friendship this and friendship that and that friendship is all you need to solve you problems!

Gag me.

Another thing she was good at was spreading that propaganda bullshit of how great and wise the princesses are.  That their compassion was unrivaled.  I know when I wanna say hi I blast mind washing rainbows at them.  After the class, recess started.

This is one of the reason I came the school.  Adults are more reclusive to talk about stuff like secrets, but in they're home they fell more open.  Sometimes kids are around to hear stuff, and there less shy to talk about it.

What I saw was something I didn't expect.  I've had some oblivious teachers, ones that would have s@#* happen right in front of them and they would never notice.  It seems that some of the children didn't listen to any of the crap that teacher went on about.

It was some pink filly with a crown, perhaps royalty, and her hipster glasses friend.  They went on about how lame the colts were, the poor kids, that one orange chicken who can't fly (Hating on others with disabilities), and “blank flanks”.

My hatred burns for her.  She's a bully, and a low one at that.  What's the point of the educational system to force friendship down their throats.  They had their own Rainbow of Lobotomies with these kids smashing down dreams and feelings.

School went on and finally it was over.  I made sure to follow the pink one, just in case my royalty theory was right.  Along the way we passed the library, maybe if we could sneak in…..

“Alert, Guardian,” Dinklebot's voice echoed in my mind as we went to go inside the house, “We've seem to set off some sort of alarm, I suggest we leave immediately.”  Alarm!  What is he, OH SHIT!  Sparkles was staring right out the window, her muzzle scrunched. I had to admit her facial expressions were kinda cute. She opened the window, seeing nothing she turned back to whatever she was doing.

We went back to following the pink terror.  Most ponies stayed clear of the menace as she went on to her path as she went on her unknown mission.  She finally reached her destination.  I appeared to be a store.

Shit, I thought.  Walmarts' influence even stretches here!  Can nothing stop their expansion?

Anyway, she walked in.  "Welcome to Filthy Rich's Barnyard Bargains!" the clerk at the counter drawled.  I was forced to activate cloaking on Dinklebot.

“Is daddy here?” The brat asked the clerk.

“Yes Miss. Tiara, he's in his office right now.” he answered.

Daddy huh, if he was any bit like his daughter.  Well, he was corruptible.  He was owner of this store, and there are somethings that we can't get in Evermore.  If I offered him money, we might be able to work out a deal.

Anyway, the kid went to her dad's office.  “Daddy!”  Tiara said, hugging her father.

He returned the hug.  “Hey, pumpkin,” he said, “How was school?”

“Perfect as always daddy!”  The next few minutes consisted of my life being drained away as Tiara went on about her day to her dad.  Begging for items she saw on the way to the store, Filthy Rich just nodded and smiled “yes, pumpkin”.  When she was done, Mr. Rich finally spoke, “Tell you what pumpkin, you go and look around the store.  I've got some papers to finish and then I'm off to Sweet Apple Acres.  Afterwords, we can get you a treat at Sugarcube Corner.”

“Alright Daddy.”  She gave him one last hug before trotting out the door. “Love you!”

“Love you too dear,” Filthy said, closing the door behind her.  Okay show time!

“Truly touching,” I said as Dinklebot uncloaked, our voice echoing in the room.

“Who are you?” Filthy yelled.  Good, fear me mortal or I shall smite you.  This was kinda of fun, being the mysterious villain and all.

“My name matters little,” I stated, Dinklebot's voice modifier making me sound cold and metallic, “What does matter is that I have a business proposition for you.”

He looked at Dinklebot sceptically, but my word caught his interest.  “What sort of proposition?”

“I wanna buy stuff. Due to my….seclusion I don't usually get out to the nearest store.  So, if you get me the goods I want, then I will pay you.”

“Goods?  What kind of goods?”  He asked

I started to list off the items with what Spooksy told me we needed, “Flour. Sugar. Salt. Cooking oil. Baking powder. Vinegar.  Cloth by the bolt.  Hammers and Nails.  Medicines.  Uh...what the….okay and I want some candy, chocolate if preferable.”

“Candy?” he asked

“Yes, it's not something I can have on hand.  Plus, everyone needs candy!”  (Spook loves her candy.)

“Every..one?” he repeated in a puzzled voice.

“Yes, and I'm ordering it in bulk.”

“Okay, alright I can do that.” he said, listing down what I ordered.

“Yeah, and I'll pay an extra fee to have it brought to Sweet Apple Acres since it's on short notice.” I finished.  I could hear his heart stop when I said the words “pay” and “extra”.

“You've got yourself a deal,” Filthy said, “How about we say two hours from now?”

"Don't be late," I said, “just one more thing Mr. Rich…….”

His ears perked, waiting to hear what else I had to say.

Dinklebot's eye glowed a blood red.  Immediately flying up to his face forcing him to back up against a wall.  "If you cheat me I WILL KNOW, and the consequences will be dire!”  with that Dinklebot flew off, cloaking as he went back to Evermore.