'Till Death do us part

“You guys go back to town, I'll go get something for my idea.” I said, my grin never left. Jace looked at me with narrowed eyes, until I gave the face that said ‘I will shoot your balls off if you don't listen’.

His eyes grew and walked towards town with Fawkes and Chrysalis opted to guard the bomb and no one had any objections.

I looked to my left and saw that Twilight never left. I felt guilty, even though she said she still liked me but I feel like betrayed her trust.

“Twi, I-” I was silenced as my lips were sealed by her own. Surprised but not paralysed, I returned the kiss.

She pulled back, allowing me to see her beautiful violet eyes.

“I know what you were going to say, but let's talk about after all of this is over.” She said with a smile. I nodded with a smile of my own.

“Mom/Twilight!” We heard four little voices behind us. I noticed I was still out of my disguise and was about to place it back on but Twilight stopped me.

“You need to let Scootaloo know, she looks up to you like isaw u were her father.” She whispered to me.

I took a glance behind me and saw the pegasus filly. ‘She thinks of me as…’ with that single thought in mind, I nodded to her.

I turned around to face the filly, causing them to stop in their tracks.

“Twilight, who's that?” Scootaloo asked, trying to hide her fear. I crouched on one knee and got to her eye level.

“Hey, Scootaloo.” I greeted her. She looked at me with her her tilted, until she finally recognized my voice.

“S-Steel?” She stuttered out, surprised from the revelation.

“Yeah, it's me.” I said. She walked up to me and tackled me in a hug.

Of course, this wasn't the reaction I expected but I'm not complaining.

“I thought the worst when I saw the big mushroom cloud in the forest. I thought you died.” I heard her say as I started to stroke her mane.

“I'm not planning on dying, Scoots.” I said to her.

I stayed like this for only five minutes before Scootaloo got up.

I had explained to them to get to town. That something bad is coming this way.

Nyx and Scootaloo had opted to help us but I told them that it was too dangerous. They understood and left but I called out for Applebloom and told her to get her family to town as well.

With that done, me and Twilight headed towards the now know Everfree Crater.

Jace

“If it wasn’t for the fact that he has good aim I would kick his ass into the next plane.” I grumbled as I kneeled over making runes on the ground. Fawkes when into town to set up defences and I would do the same here. I wrote a shield spell in the ground. It was a small one but what I had in mind should work.

As I finished I looked at the rune and check to see if I did everything right. I stood up and rubbed my hands together. I poured white mana into the rune and made it expanded a bit. It did a little bit and stopped. I frowned but as I got near it the rune shot out and expanded at an alarming rate. I blinked a bit and saw the mana covering the sky. I smiled as the shield is now up.

“Now let’s see Ulysses try and bust this.” I looked around a bit and nodded to myself.

“Life..all..lies.” I spun around and saw one of those synths things. It looked like it took a blast it the face. Half of its skin was gone. I pulled out my gun and aimed it at it.

“Trying to sneak up on me, well you shouldn’t, start talking.” I clicked hammer back and aimed. I looked at it and saw that it looked familiar. Then it clicked. “You're that one guy that blew us up in that place I came into.”

“Accusation, acceptable...Yes.” It said with a loud buzz between its sentence. I tilted my head. Odd.

“Why are you here?” I asked it not lowering my gun.

“Data not recognized...I don't know.” I paused at that. He dosen’t know? Did the blast knocked its circuit board loose?

“Do you know why you are here?” I asked.

“Data found...Wondered here...Processing.” It answered. I looked around to see if there’s was more. Call me paranoid but sometimes it can save ya.

“Status: Paranoid...Acceptable... I am alone...I know.” It continued. It’s alone? What does it mean by that?

“What do you mean you're alone?” I asked it.

“Data verified...I alone know...truth.” It answers in a cryptic manner.

“You alone know the truth? What do you mean.” I said to it. I started sending Steel a message.

“Life...meaningless...Drone...I mean...nothing.” I stared at it. This drone, he thinks it’s life is meaningless. I tighten my grip of my gun as I sent my message. ‘Steel, get your insect ass over here. This is important.’

“Why do you say that? What do you mean that your life is meaningless?” I asked.

“I am... not me...just another drone...for war...Hive is...cl0n1n9 facility.” I narrowed my eyes at it. He glitched at the last part but I think I knew what he said.

“Clone facility. That’s what you said right?” I waited for a reply.

“Yes...millions made...you only faced...fraction...more to come...bigger numbers...Sky Fortress...Danger.” it said. I didn’t like the fact it said that there’s more to come, sure I knew that what we faced was a small group but I just didn’t how big her army it. The Sky fortress didn’t sit well with me ether.

“Why are you telling me this? What do you want out of this?” I asked it.

“Answers.” It answered with one word.

“You want answers?” I asked it. Answers?

“Seeking...answers...must know what...truly...am.” It answered. I stared at it as I heard footsteps coming behind me. I didn’t turn.

“I heard your plea, synth.” I heard a gruff voice behind me. I turned my head and saw who it was in the corner of my eye. It was Fawkes.

“Nice to see you Fawkes.” I said to him. I only earned a grunt as a greeting from him.

“Designation...Fawkes...elaborate.” The Synth (Synthling?) asked.

“You are confused from being free of all that holds back your will. I may not be able to answer the meaning of your life but I don't have to.” Fawkes said, causing the Synthling to tilt his head.

“Elaborate.” It repeated.

“You need to answer that yourself, live life as if you had meaning. Live a life of freedom, away from Protocols and Orders. Once you have lived a life, then you'll know your meaning.” Fawkes said.

“In short, do what you wish is right, learn, live, fight.” Fawkes added. The Synthling looked down onto the ground as it contemplated.

“Direct- No...No more computing...Freedom...wish more...knew.” The synthling said in a quiet tone before looking at Fawkes.

“New Designation: Liberty...I am Liberty...I am Free.” it declared, excitement could be heard in his tone. I lowered my gun and looked at Fawkes.

“You have a way with words.” I told him.

“I know his pain.” He said to me. I frowned and looked… Umm Liberty?

“So we call you Liberty?” I asked him… or is it a her? I don’t like call it a ‘it’.

“Yes...Ugh...System has suffered immense damage, repairs needed....” He said. I heard a loud beep from him only seconds later.

“Mechanic detected...Description: Pink mare, curly hair.” He said afterwards. My jaw dropped at that as I watched him walk off.

“She’s a mechanic here, Pinkie is a mechanic…..” I felt my brain did a reboot. As it did I realize something. “OH SHIT!”

“What?” Fawkes asked.

“He’s heading to Ponyville and if he does there going to be a panic about it!” I started to run. Only to be stopped by Fawkes.

“They have seen Prime, The Enclave and me, I doubt a synthetic being would cause anything though those Flower trio always exaggerate.” He said as he followed behind.

I stared at him for a bit. I remember those flower trio. I made their plants come alive once.

“So, how are the defences in town?” I asked him.

“I didn't have time but I gave the medical supplies to the Hospital and told them that it was for serious injuries only after explaining what'll happen. Now come, we might need to keep those trio from causing a riot.” He said to me. I chuckled a bit and we headed to town.

I saw Fawkes stop as He saw the Synthling look back.

“Warning, major sizement activity...I believe... that is the cause.” He said as he pointed behind all of us.

I looked back as Fawkes did the same. I felt my eyes grow at what I saw.

“Please tell me that’s on our side…” I asked Fawkes.

“Oh, most definitely. Meet Liberty Prime, the bane of The Enclave.” He said.

“Well if it’s on our side I’m happy.” I looked at Liberty.

“Scanners show twenty primed nuclear warheads and two life forms...I believe...it...help against your...enemy.” Liberty said.

“Voice module online. Audio functionality test... initialized. Designation: Liberty Prime. Mission: Protection of Ponyville and Canterlot.” I heard a voice boom through my ears.

“Damn, Twenty primed nukes, what is Steel planing.” I looked at Fawkes as he stared at me. “Ohhh…” He nodded to me.

Afterwards we continued to follow Liberty through town in search for Pinke.

Steel Breaker

Yup, I had doubted that the explosion took Liberty Prime. Before activating him, I had tweaked a bit of his programming and with Twilight's help, he got back to his normal size.

Ordering him to pick up the Bomb and place it on his back with the rest then telling Chrysalis to go back to town, I had then told Prime to walk towards Ponyville with me and Twilight on his shoulder.

He's slow but he gets the job done. On the way, I could see a couple chariots heading to Ponyville. I could also see something else amongst the chariots.

Focussing my sight, I couldn't help but laugh. A Verti-bird with Celestia and Luna’s cutie mark was flying between a load of chariots.

I felt my stomach rumble, signaling me that it was time for me to eat something. I looked through my Pip-boy and took out a fresh apple.

Before I did anything else, I looked over to Twilight as she was staring off into the horizon. I split the apple in two and gained her attention.

“You want one?” I asked, offering her the other half as I took a bite out of mine. She took it with a smile and took a large chomp on the apple.

We both sat and leaned on each other, enjoying the view as it went by.

Thirty minutes of Liberty Prime walking, we finally made it to the outskirts of town and Prime stood still. He then raised his right hand to us, allowing us to use it as a lift.

Once on the ground, I had ordered Liberty to stay and keep an eye out.

Turning to look at the town, I could see the chariots and Verti-bird land in town.

“A Verti-bird, where the hell did they get one?” I asked myself as me and Twilight walked into town

Walking through town, I could see that a few ponies have been giving me the stink eye while others didn't seem to mind. I felt really uncomfortable with the stares.

Twilight saw this and took hold of my hand. I looked at her as she gave me a comforting smile.

“Thanks.” I said to her, earning a nod from her. We passed by Sugarcube Corner and stopped as we saw a closed sign that looked like it was written by a five year old with crayons.

We walked closer to the door and I slowly opened it. I was greeted with the sounds of someone using a wrench.

I walked in and held the door for Twilight, then headed towards the source of the noise, upstairs.

Walking up the stairs and standing in front of what I thought was Pinkie's room, I could hear the sound was emitting from inside.

I opened the door and saw Pinkie covered in oil, wearing what looked like mechanic clothing. I saw Fawkes inside as well.

I walked in, making Pinkie turn to look at us with a serious face.

“Tell anypony I'm doing this and I quit.” She said. I nodded, not expecting her serious behavior. Walking in and closing the door behind us, I then realized that she looks exactly like someone I knew in Megaton. Crazy bitch, funny and helpful but still crazy.

Walking up beside Pinkie, I saw that she was working on a synth. I looked over to Fawkes with a questionable look and he began to explain.

While Fawkes explained the reason for why there's a synth here, Twilight helped Pinkie by giving her the thing she needed.

“Sensor module.” Pinkie said and Twilight gave her something else. Pinkie noticed this and looked at Twilight.

“That ain't a Sensor module, hon.” Pinkie said, placing a hand on her hip. Twilight apologized and gave her the right item.

It took almost an hour for her to finish and calibrate the synth known as Liberty. But once It was all done, Pinkie yelled out.

“There we go, a few broken modules replaced and new sensors along with voice module, the Synthling is okay and can speak without any trouble.” Pinkie explained as she wiped the oil off her forehead.

“You're exactly like Surprise.” I muttered to myself, but apparently she heard it anyway.

“I know! Now out, out, out, out,!” Pinkie shouted, pushing everyone out of her room.

Once everyone was out, she slammed the door shut, only to open it a few seconds later with a new set of clothes.

Jace

I said it once and I will say it again, there’s nothing wrong being paranoid. Sure being jumpy may look weird but I been through about A fuck ton of wars, assassination attempts, and everything in between you're allowed to be paranoid. Case of point right now I’m making runes that when one of Ulysses soldiers step on one they will go up higher than kingdom come.

As I made my rune for my landmines I went over my plans for defending the town.

Big protection bubble around Ponyville: Check.

Creatures to summon to fight army: Fire Servants and elementals, maybe Slivers. Check.

Way to take down Sky fortress: Working on it. Lighting? Dragons? Big fuck off storm?

Fully loaded gun and Cane sword at the ready: Double check.

Landmine runes:...

I place my left hand on the rune I made and poured red mana into it. I looked up and cast the spell I wanted. Across the large field I saw red glows started popping up. I smiled at the landmines. Check.

I looked up at Liberty Prime. I know that it’s on our side but I still feel uneasy about it. The fact that it has enough explosive in it to level the land maybe the reason for it. I looked straight ahead and sighed. One thing I never liked is people or ponies watching me as if they know that I don’t know. Who ever it is they been there for about half an hour.

“I know you are there.” I said out loud. I heard nothing at first but I heard a sigh from behind me.

“How did you know I was here?” The voice asked. I snorted at that.

“You hide your magic scent poorly.” I told her. I saw her and her sister come in on a copter thing.

“Are you saying I smell?” She asked me. I chuckled and turned around.

“No, I’m just saying that if you want to sneak up on someone with some idea of using magic it’s better to hide it.” Luna rolled her eyes. She wore...strange clothing for a princess.

“That’s good to know, also we never met before,” She put out her hand. “I’m Luna, Princess of the night and professional assassin.”

I chuckled a bit and took her hand. It’s funny to be greeted but the same pony that calls you uncle in another world. Though, assassin?

“Hello there I’m Jace, I’m a friend of Steel’s.” I told her. She raised a brow at me.

“Really, he never mention of you before.” Luna said. I smiled a bit.

“Oh we met not to long ago, you can say that he dropped in.” She nodded slowly.

“Well since I’m done with my paranoia, let’s go find Steel. I believe that he’s at Sugarcube corner.” I told her.

“I believe so, my sister was on her way over there as well.” She told me. I smiled at her.

“Well let’s head there, I think your sister would like to see me.”

Walking to Sugarcube corner with Luna from another world is interesting.. Sure I knew her pretty well but seeing another version of her and talking to her is nice. I saw Steel, Twilight, Fawkes, and Pinkie talking to Tia. As we got there Tia looked over at me and blinked. I just smiled at her and look at Steel.

“Well my paranoia is sated.” I told him. He stared at me.

“Meaning?” He asked. I pointed up to the sky.

“The bubble around Ponyville with make sure that no long range shots will hit the place, not even a warhead can get through and trust me someone tried. The only problem is that they can get in, so I placed some ‘landmines’ for them.” I air quoted the word landmines.

“Well, the cloning Facility that Liberty mentioned to you, I know where it is.” He said. I could feel that he was uneased by the location and I could swear I heard him mutter Gary.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing!” He yelled back. We all blinked at him.

“Ok geez no need to yell.” I told him. I crossed my arms together. “So I guess we head off to this Facility.”

“Correction: Vault 108.” Liberty said, drawing gasps from Luna, Celestia and Chrysalis while Steel kept muttering Gary. I looked at him for a minute and look back at Liberty.

“Looks like you're all fixed up.” I told him.

“Correct, I have also been installed several new combat protocols. Thanks to this settlements mechanic.” Liberty said. A thought came to mind.

“Do you have laser cannons?” I asked.

“No, but I can break your skull six ways from Sunday.” Liberty said. I nodded.

“Damn it Sam, you and your cannons.” I muttered to myself.

“Liberty.” I heard Steel call out. We both turned to look at him.

“You said you can get us inside the Prydwen, how are we going to be able to do that?” Steel asked, only for Liberty to point at the weird looking V-tol.

“Discard the marks and put the mark of the bull. Ulysses had mentioned that we would replace Caesar’s Legion with our numbers. We cut off half of the army in the Vault, the rest will be difficult but not impossible.” Liberty explained.

“So we go in, shut the place down and kill anything that shoot at us.” I said with a grin.

“It won't be easy, we are divided by Power, Perception, Stealth and Elite. Once inside, we find the Reactor and Mark it for your Little Friend over there.” He said, pointing behind towards Liberty Prime.

“So what’s the plan on getting inside? Try to sneak in or fight our way in?” I asked.

“No, I'll go. They wouldn't suspect me of treason and I know the ins and outs of the Vault.” Liberty said. Steel placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I'll go as well, I'm able sneak past Machines with ease...no offence.” Steel said.

“Some taken.” Liberty replied.

“So what do you want me to do?” I asked. I looked around a bit. “Want me to stay here and sure up the defenses?”

“Evacuate the settlement, the town needs to look desolated in case of a fight while we fly over to Infiltrate the Prydwen. All residents must leave this place until further notice.” Liberty said to Fawkes, Chrysalis, Luna and Celestia.

“Hey Jace?” I heard Steel say.

“Yeah?” I asked and was soon greeted by a green rifle.

“How good are you at shooting plasma?” He asked with a grin. I blinked at the rifle and took it.

“I'm a good shot, why?” I asked as I looked down the sights.

“Good, you'll need these as well. You'll be able to go invisible, I'll need another guy to watch my ass while in the Vault.” He hinted as he handed me a similar set of clothing to Luna’s.

“Right.” I said.

“The Gun has about fifty microfusion cells in case things gets dicey.” He said. I nodded to him.

“I'll keep that in mind, if things get really dicey I still got Fate here.” I patted my gun. Luna snorted.

“And what would that thing good for, it looks like it belongs in a museum.” I flashed her a smile.

“Trust me, she does wonders.” I told her. Then frowned. “ Also don't dis Fate, she's sensitive.” everyone stared at me.

“Your gun has.... feelings.” Tia deadpan. I frowned at her.

“Yes she does, now if you excuse me I have to go and put on my ninja suit.” I said as I walked off.

Steel

“Yes but we need silenced weapons for now, so take it.” He said, handing me instead a silenced pistol.

“We head-” Liberty was cut off by Steel.

“East of Old Canterlot, Near an old settlement I knew.” Steel said as he walked towards the forest.

“Old Canterlot?” I asked Liberty as he looked at me.

“Capital of Equestria before the Great War, those ruins could contain death. So as your friend said, East from the ruins.” Liberty said as he followed behind Steel. I looked at the suit Steel handed me and snapped my fingers, causing my clothes to switch for the suit.

Steel Breaker
Two hours later

Turns out we had to go through the ruins in order to get to Vault 108.

So seeing the city I fought in, raided in and lived in kinda gave me the sense of nostalgia.

I was taken out of my thoughts as I was pulled onto the floor and shushed. I looked and saw that it was Liberty that did that and pointed forwards.

I didn't have to look at what he was pointing at, because as soon as I heard rapid clicking sounds followed by growls, I knew we needed to think of something quick.

Guns blazing is out of the question, I don't need a horde of fifty of these things.

I looked at the source seeing only one Lobotomite moving ecstatically. I got a good look at it and it seems that it the lobotomite used to be a male business griffin judging by the torn suit and tie it wore.

Half its face was either there or not. The half that had skin was a grey color and eyes were a glowing yellow. Its skin had bubbles along the cheeks and it had its tongue out. It was a spiked tongue.

I looked at that jaw of its beak, judging by the wrinkles that it could stretch four times its normal size. Yup, screamer.

“Why does that guy look like shit?” I heard Jace whisper.

“Creature known as Screamer, it's self explanatory.” I heard Liberty say. I decided to try my luck, stealth suits and stealth boys are useless against these things, they smell to find you.

I walked towards a nearby lobotomite corpse and saw it still seeping blood out. Covering my arms and face with its blood, to my dismay.

That done, I sneaked up behind it and was about to snap its neck but it turned around and looked at me. It gave a few clicks before staggering away.

Taking out a combat Knife, I jammed it in its throat. It tried to let out an ear piercing scream but found it impossible as its lungs began to drown in blood.

As soon as the yellow eye turned pitch black, I let it go and took the knife out. Quickly taking out a bottle of purified water, I used it to wash out the smell.

While I did this, I could hear Jace laughing his ass off before getting hit by something metal.

Liberty walked passed me and stopped to look at me. I could tell that he was smiling.

“Eight point five out of ten.” was all he said.

“That was at least a nine out of ten.” I said as I followed behind as Jace did the same.

On the way, we managed to pass by Bethesda Offices. Of course, I laughed at that even though I got stares from both Jace and Liberty.

We arrived at our destination and, well it's changed. Ulysses apparently dug up the Vault, only showing the door that was guarded by two Power armor wearing Synthlings.

Putting the Stealth boy on my wrist and activating it, causing me to turn invisible. I turned to see Jace waved his hand and went invisible as well.

“Never liked invisibility, always prefer indifference spells but I think robot soldiers can see through that.” I heard Jace whispered.

I heard Liberty growl at Jace.

“Sorry.” Jace said as we followed Liberty towards the Vault door. He was stopped by one of the guards while the other emitted a bright red beam that shone up and down at Liberty.

“Designation: Elite Drone 67553. You were presumed to be destroyed, explain this error with our data.” The guard on the left said while the one on the right stopped its scan.

“You try getting away from an explosion that almost killed me. I am here to get a new synthetic skin, this time more resistant to explosions.” Liberty said. The guards looked at each other then back at Liberty.

“Enter.” They both said as the Vault door screeched open. I've gotten used to the loud sound of the door but I can't say the same thing about Jace.

Sneaking behind Liberty, entering the Vault. The door closed behind us as we continued inside.

Traversing through hallways of the Vault, I could see that they had remodeled it completely. The cloning bay was changed into a production facility of clones, the common area was turned into a large docking bay, though it was empty from what it's supposed to be in there, I could see Verti-birds with The Legion’s mark of the bull.

On the way towards our objective, a few drones had been staring at Liberty like if he was a ghost. There was a was another hallway that had the sign R&D.

“I must get a new skin layer, you two go to the reactor a few floors down.” Liberty said as he headed to Research and Development. Jace and I continued to the Reactor without any troubles.

We arrived at the Reactor and saw that there were a few drones posted around the room with some unarmed drones working on the terminals.

I had signaled Jace to take the two guards on the left while I took the two on the right. I had taken out an infiltrator rifle and aimed at the farthest.

Jace killed the farthest on his side while I did the same and we simultaneously killed the nearest ones before they had a chance to do anything.

With that done, I walked up to the drone on the terminal and slit his throat, cutting the wires behind the layer of fake skin. He held his throat to keep the fluid from flowing out but only for said fluid to flow through its circuits and fry them.

Moving the dead Synthling away from the terminal, I then took out a tracker for Liberty Prime to target. Once I placed it on the terminal, it activated for a second before shutting down.

I frowned at this, sure it was expected but now, really? Anyway, I took hold of the tracker again and opened it up and began to tweak it.

“What's going on?” Jace asked me.

“Piece of shit broke on me, I'm trying to see what's the problem.” I said, carefully moving a few wires.

I was then pulled to the other side of the Reactor by Jace.

“Someone’s coming.” He whispered as I heard the door slide open.

“Show yourselves you two, It's me.” We heard Liberty’s voice. Getting up and walking back towards the tracker, I began my search for the problem, again.

Liberty

Frowning as I looked at the one known as Steel Breaker. I walked up to him, took the tracker from his hands, much to his dismay, and shocked it with enough electricity to power another clone.

The tracker beeped as it activated and gave it to Steel. He then placed it on the terminal but as soon as he did that, the alarms were activated.

(Optional)

“Security breached! Eliminate the infiltrators and the traitor amongst them!” I heard the voice of our enemy through the coms. I ran up to the doors panel and smashed it, causing the door to seal up, not able to open without force.

“How the hell did they find out!?” Jace shouted as he took out a gun and checked if he had ammo.

“No, I'll handle them just find a way out.” I said to both of them.
“Prime is set to throw the bomb in thirty minutes. Make sure you get out of this alive.” Steel said as he jumped and grabbed hold of the vent. He entered the vent with ease.

“Wait, throw!” I heard Jace say.

“Yes. I'll explain when we're out of here!” Steels voice echoed through the vent. Jace muttered something and followed.

I looked at the door as the enemy was cutting through it. As the two laser cutters met, the door busted open.

Two elites drones and five power drones in armor swarmed the room.

Without delay, I took hold of the first elite wearing a stealth suit by the arm then spun him around, making him crash into the other elite. The Power drones saw this and began to open fire, their bullets had no effect.

Then one Power Drone shot the right side of my face with a laser rifle, melting the new skin, revealing half my skull.

As the other opened fire again, I grabbed an elite, using it as a bullet shield. The elite died during the bulletstorm and I tossed his corpse at the Power Drones.

I ran up to them and slid under them, allowing me to grab a hold of a plasma grenade from one of them. I pulled the pin and dropped it as I slid under them the rest.

I quickly got to my feet and ran, only hearing the explosion of the grenade. Running through the hallways, I had passed a few patrols with ease but was ambushed by three more elites holding Plasma Casters.

My eyes grew in surprise, knowing that it could kill me. As they were about to pull the trigger, the earth shook a couple of times.

The elites were distracted by this and it have a chance to use something I had been recently installed.

Raising my hand, firing a laser out of my palm. I managed to kill one before they noticed.

They looked at me and got ready to fire as did I but couldn't as I felt a click on my hand.

“Uh oh.” I said to myself but I quickly silenced myself as two plasma shots were fired from the vents, killing the remaining two elites.

Not questioning anything, I continued my escape only to get cut off by a Stealth class near the docking bay window.

We were sent through the window, falling fifty stories down onto a Verti-bird.

Due to my reinforced exoskeleton, I had survived the fall. I can't say the same for my assailant.

The Verti bird took damage to its right wing from our descent. Getting off the wing, I looked around finding the area empty.

My gaze focused on a fully repaired Verti-bird. I ran towards it, grabbing a wrench on the way. I looked over to the button for the giant bay doors and threw the wrench before entering the Verti-bird.

Knowing how to fly one can come in handy from time to time, so without further delay, I had activated the ship.

The propellers began to spin and in a few seconds it spun in its maximum velocity. The bay doors fully opened, allowing me to fly up.

As I flew farther up, a few dozen drones came out and opened fire. I wasn't worried, Verti-birds can't be damaged by normal ammunition.

I quickly drew the thought out as the left propeller bursted into flames.

“Chance of escape: 40%.” I said to myself. I didn't stop flying and finally flew out the docking bay.

While I was still in the air, I saw a large bomb spinning through the air and landed right where we left the tracker.

Jace

We got out of the place after a bit. Following Steel as we made our escape out of the place. On the way we took out more guards. It took us a bit but we got to a place that was a bit more quieter. I reach forward and grabbed Steel and ported us away of the place. Steel turned to look at me.

“Why didn’t you do that before?” He asked me.

“You try concentrating while an alarm is blaring in your ear.” I replied. I crossed my arms at him. “If I did we would of been inside a tree or something.”

“Whatever.” Steel said as he took out a small case and opened it, revealing a small console.

“Boom!” He shouted as he flipped a switch. A second later there was an explosion coming from where we were at. I had to cover my eyes from the light of it.

“Well, you do know how to leave a lasting impression.” I told Steel. I looked up at the sky and saw something coming towards us. It looks like…

“OH SHIT, MOVE!” I yelled and grabbed Steel and moved him away from where we were standing. A copter crashed down on the ground and kept going. The wings got torn off as it went.

“Do you think-” I started but Steel ran after the copter and I followed after him. We got to the crashed site and saw that the copter banged up. I heard some explosions coming from behind us. I turned and blinked in front of Steel, grabbed him and blinked back.

“What are you-”

BOOM!

We turned and saw the copter exploded. After a minute we walk over to the wreckage. We stared at it until a piece of it flew off and we saw something climb out of it. It looked like a scene from Terminator. I saw the thing climb out and looked around. It saw us and waved.

“Damn, first a warhead and now this, you just don’t know how to stay down.” I told Liberty.

“I was designed to kill him.” He said pointing at Steel.

“The only thing I can be killed is plasma.” He said afterwards. I nodded.

“Yup, definitely Terminator.” Liberty tilted his head at this. Steel got it.

“Which one, Arnold or the other one?” Steel asked me. I looked at Liberty for a bit.

“Arnold.” I said. I clap my hands together and looked at them.

“Well! Since that done I guess we head back to town.” I said. I put my hand on Steel and on Liberty. Good thing I had gloves on or doing that would hurt. And I ported us back to town.

We popped back in the middle of town during the evacuation of the place. I double over and groaned a bit.

“Are you ok?” Liberty asked me. I did the so-so geaster.

“Teleporting long distances gives me a massive headache and it doesn’t help with the fact that I had two others with me.” I told him. I snapped my fingers and my clothes changed back to normal and I stood up. I looked around and saw the mane six and the two princesses coming over to us. Twilight ran up and hugged Steel.

“We saw the explosion, I thought, I thought…” Twilight started but Steel hugged her a bit more. He whispered something to her to calm her down. I looked to see the others.

“WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!” I jumped as Pinkie yelled Liberty. She didn’t look happy at all.

“Uhhh, I crashed down in a Verti-bird and it exploded.” He told her. For the first time in my long life I saw Pinkie eye twitched. I put my hand on my head as a throb of pain started again.

“Ya alright there sugarcube?” Applejack asked. I looked at her for a moment.

“I’ll be fine, how’s the evacuation coming?” I asked her.

“It's almost finished, the remaining ponies are still shaken up by the explosion.” Luna said while Celestia glared at Steel.

“You know the radiation will just get snuffed out by the F.E.V.” Steel said in his defense.

“Right.” Celestia said, crossing her arms together.

“Just wish I could've seen it up close.” I heard her mutter to herself. I just stared at her.

“How long do you think until the evacuation is finished?” I asked them.

“In a few seconds, the last train is now being boarded.” Celestia said. I saw Steel look over to the distance and Liberty did the same.

“Hurry, we don't have much time.” As Liberty said that I caught a glimpse of a griffin standing in the distance.

He turned and walked away before I could call out to him. I turned back to the griffin.

“Who’s he?” I asked outloud.

“Who?” Steel asked. I nodded towards the griffin. He look where I was looking.

“There's nobody there, man.” Steel said. I blinked at him. What?

“I must of used more mana then I thought.” I looked back and saw the griffin. I was getting a bad feeling. “I’ll be right back.”

Steel was about to say something but I ported closer to the griffin. I got ten feet from him and stopped and looked at him. He wore a brown overcoat and fedora. He looked at me for a second before vanishing.

“What the..” I said to myself. I looked around and saw nothing. I shook my head. “Am I seeing ghosts again?”

Steel

We don't have much time, I feel it and it's getting closer by the second. I looked around the station, seeing ponies still boarding the train.

The mane six had offered help for the fight but I told them it's extremely dangerous, that it won't be like it was in the crater.

Before they had taken off, I had promised to come back for her. I knew that was a lie, Ulysses isn't like most of my enemies.

Seeing her enter the chariot and take off, I muttered sorry. I felt someone tap my shoulder, I turned and saw that it was Chrysalis holding a paint brush.

“You're lucky I remember the flag of the Legion.” She said as she gestured to look at the Verti-bird, seeing the mark on the side.

“We were in the legion for a few days before killing Caesar.” I said to her as I took a look at the Verti-bird.

Seeing that Celestia had taken good care of it over the years, though I still want to know where she got one in the first place.

“Estimated time: Now.” I heard Liberty say as we all looked up at the clouds as a large zeppelin came out of them.

“Holly shit.” I heard Chrysalis say in awe. Liberty climbed board of the Verti-bird and sat down on the pilot seat. I followed behind him and sat on next to next to him.

We turned on the rotors of the ship. The Ship was starting to hover.

The ship tilted a bit but Liberty fixed it in time before the rotors came into contact with anything.

I looked to the side and saw Fawkes, Chrysalis and Jace hoping in.

“Everyone secured!?” Liberty shouted out back, receiving a few taps from the floor.

With that said we took off towards the Prydwen.

Soon Verti-birds were despatched from the Prydwen and flew towards Ponyville.

“That’s not good!” I heard Jace yelled.

I was about to say something but seeing a few of those Verti-birds explode. I looked at the source and saw a few sentry drones placed around Ponyville.

“Are they yours?” Liberty asked me.

“No.” I answered and I caught a glimpse of someone wearing a brown overcoat and fedora on the roof of Carousel boutique before hopping off the building.

“What?” I said to myself. Jace yelled yelled and pointed at me.

“You saw him to! You saw the griffin guy!” I blinked at him.

“All I saw was the coat, that's all but...he seems familiar.” I said as I handed Stealth boys to everyone. Jace looked at it.

“You know I can go stealth on my own right?” I just stared at him.

“Yes, and I recall you saying that you used too much mana, this is a mana free way to go invisible.” I stated. He stared at me and then nodded and took the Stealth boy.

“Cloak now, we're in range of their scanners.” Liberty said. Soon everyone placed their stealth boys onto their wrists and activated them.

“Try not to move.” Was the last thing I said before turning mine on.

“Survivor of the Cloning factory. Designation: Elite 67553.” We heard Liberty say through the intercom.

“You are free to dock.” We heard a drone say. With that out of the way, Liberty docked on the nearest platform.

The doors opened and I jumped off first.

“You guys go fuck the engines, destroy their guns. Ulysses is mine.” I said as I began my side of the plan.

Jace

As Steel went off doing his part the rest of us split up. I remember Liberty said something about stealth, but as I walked off and decided to find the guns and blow them up. I’m not one for stealth as you can tell. I walked around until I found a row of turrets. I smiled and pointed my sword at them.

“Kaboom.” I said as I shot out a bolt that went through the turrets that made them explode. I heard an alarm go off and saw something that looked like a security camera. I turned the Stealth boy off and looked at the camera.
(Optional)
“Come on you jackasses! Come and get me!” I yelled and swung my sword, sending a slash that cut the camera in half. I smiled and continued on. That should get them to come after me.

Sure enough I looked down the corridor and saw a group of them running after me. I smiled and donned my armor and pulled up my shield. As they fired I felt their shots hit my shield. Luckily I dropped my big dome shield and landmines back in Ponyville so I can have my shield up better. I grunted as one of them shot what I can guess a shotgun at me. I charge my sword and slash them, cutting them down in a swipe. I made my sword disappear and made Fate appear and ran down the hallway.

As I went down one hallway to another hallway, I fired at groups of them and some turrets on the way. I even found a place for guns. I thought of destroying it but thought of something better. I went in and found all their guns. I grabbed some more microfusion cells and some other guns that I think would be useful. I even found a weird looking minigun and a 50 cal sniper. After sending them to my personal plane and a lot of ammo I made a orb of red mana and dropped it in the room and left. Ten seconds later I heard a explosion.

Some time destroying everything in sight

“AHAHAHAHA! This is fun!” I yelled as I shot one of them in the head and threw the gun at one of them. They are sending I think everything, even those mindless monster ones. I just shot them down. I used a bit of red mana so I used fate and the plasma rifle Steel gave me. The rifle didn’t do as much damage as Fate but it did it’s job nicely. As I went I found more of those supply rooms, I duck into those rooms and grabbed more ammo, guns and other stuff. I even found those needle things Steel uses. Slimpack or something. After blowing the supply rooms up I continued on.

I rounded a corner and saw a big door. I pushed the button and made it open. I found a big room that seemed to be turned into a warzone since gun fires was going off. I saw both Chrysalis and Fawkes pinned down by a group of enemies. I put Fate in her holster and pulled out a catapult looking this that I found that Steel uses. I grunted by the weight and used a spell just for me to hold the damn thing. Made sure it was loaded I aimed for the other group and pulled what I think is the trigger.

Wumph!

I heard the rocket thing shot out and saw it exploded. All I saw after was a big ass hole. I put the thing away and blinked over to the other two. I grabbed them and blinked over to an open door on the other side. Once there I press a button to close the door.

“So how’s things?” I asked them, they looked at me.

“Well things are going good, we didn’t really run into resistance but I’m guessing that was you.” Chrysalis said. I smiled at her and saw Fawkes shake his head.

“Why did you go and do something like that?” He asked.

“Well if I get them to chase me then you all don’t have to worry about them coming after you.” I told them. “Also I think you might want these.”

I snapped my fingers and the weird looking minigun and an assault rifle appeared. Also a bag of needle things.

“I think these will help?” I asked them. Chrysalis took the rifle and smiled.

“Oh yeah, this will do.” I also saw Fawkes put on the minigun.

“Well I don’t know about you but there’s still stuff to blow up so see yeah.” I tuned to run but I saw Steel ran by us.

“The Prydwen is heading to Canterlot! Go!” He yelled at us. We stared at him for the most part. Holy hell what happened to his arm?

“Get your asses in gear and get the fuck out of here!” He shouted at us. I saw one of those copters and head towards it. I saw Liberty getting in.

“When did you-” I began but he glared at me.

“Just get in!” He yelled. I got in as the other two got in as well. Just as they did and sat down the copter dropped.

Steel
Minutes Earlier

(Optional)
“I will cut you to pieces for that.” Ulysses shouted as we ended up in the engine room. I've been using magic to reinforce my chitin and had gave me a strength boost.

I tried punching her only to hit the wall behind her as she dodged. She took the chance to grab my synthetic arm and rip it off, causing me to scream in pain.

I held on to the open wound, allowing her to kick me away. I landed on the floor. Not wanting to let her win, I took hold of my infinity Plasma pistol and fired at her.

As the shot hit her chest, I swore I could see our surroundings change to a familiar underground missile silo.

I looked back at Ulysses and saw that she looked exactly like she did back then with her duster. I grabbed hold of a hammer next to me and lunged at her despite the pain.

Catching her by surprise, I striked her arm, crippling it with a sickening crunch. As she held her arm, I could help but smirk.

“Can't feel pain my ass.” I said to her as the wall behind me blew open. I could hear the screeching of air behind me and Ulysses saw this, then charged at me. It knocked us both outside and landed on one of the turbine engines.

Unfortunately, I was the one on the floor near the turbine exhaust. I couldn't get up, having only one arm does this to ya.

I felt Ulysses’ hoof stomped on my chest, making me cough out blood as the result.

“You lose.” She said to me as she got ready to drop me in.

“Au contraire mon ami.” I said, taking hold of her foot and pushed it up with all I got left. Holding her up and balancing her, my lips formed a grin.

“You lose. Au Revoir!” I said as I spun her around and dropped her in the turbine. The turbine exploded in flames soon after, causing the zeppelin to rumble.

I looked at the horizon, seeing Canterlot closing in fast. I stood up and ran back in.

I met up with the group at the docking area. I ran past them, heading to the bridge.

“The Prydwen is heading to Canterlot! Go!” I shouted as I climbed up the stairs. I looked back at them as they just stared at me.

“Get your asses in gear and get the fuck out of here!” I shouted. They boarded the Verti-bird and I pressed the button, dropping the Verti-bird.

Shaking my head, I continued my sprint to the bridge.

Jace

As the copter fell only one thought went through my mind. Normally it would be something funny or a plan of some sorts. No, I was thinking the samething as I was saying.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” I screamed. I saw Liberty press some buttons, trying to get the it to start. I saw things light up and loud beeping was going off.

“We’re going down to fast, we need to slow down!” Fawkes yelled. Chrysalis grabbed by my coat.

“YOU HAVE MAGIC, DO SOMETHING!” She screamed. I blinked at her and well I panicked. I used a spell at random and I hoped that I didn’t kill us. The sound went down to the point that I could hear myself think. I opened one of my eyes and saw that a bubble surrounds us. No one talked as we just floated there.

“Liberty, can you get this thing airborne?” Fawkes asked. Liberty nodded and soon I hear the rotors start up. I dropped the bubble and we dropped about a foot until we headed to Canterlot. After the danger of falling passed I had time to think what just happened in the blimp.

“I guess that Steel beat Ulysses.” I said as I watched the blimp as it head for Canterlot. Smoke trails followed behind it.

“I don’t know, Steel killed her a long time ago and she still came back.” Chrysalis said. I looked at her for a moment then at the blimp. I could see Canterlot from here.

“Liberty, how long do you think that blimp has until it gets to Canterlot?” I asked him.

“I don't think that's important.” Liberty answered as he pointed out side towards the blimp. I saw that one of the turbines was gone and it slowly turning to the right and dropping.

The blimp crashed through one of the towers of the palace and crashed behind Canterlot, plowing through the forest behind the mountain before exploding. I watched that happened and blinked once.

“I think he’s fine.” I said out loud.

“Negative, chances of survival zero.” Liberty said as he flew us down to Canterlot.

“What are the chances of surviving a warhead blast at ten feet away?” I asked him.

“One.” He answered. I grinned at him.

“And look I’m still here, now come on let’s see if we can find him.” I told him.

Steel Breaker

(Optional)
Pain is all I felt, I think. I don't know anymore, I couldn't feel my left leg while my others was burning under a large metal beam.

Soon my vision was blurring through the intense feeling. I could hear someone coming closer.

I looked to my left and saw two black leather boots inches away from my face. Looking up, I could see blue and brown.

Squinting, I could see a little better, allowing me to see a blue jumpsuit and a brown overcoat.

Finding the face of the person above me, I couldn't help but smirk.

“You got a lot of nerve showing up.” I coughed out as he took hold of me by the shirt and started dragging me away from the wreckage.

Looking down onto my legs, I saw that my left leg was blown off. Chuckling at this was the last thing I did before darkness took me.

Jace

As we landed I got out to look around at the wreckage. I frowned and looked at the others.

“Let’s split up, cover more ground.” I said to them. Fawkes and Chrysalis nodded but Liberty just crossed his arms.

“I’m telling you, there’s a zero chance that he survived.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“And I’m telling you that he did, you need to put more faith in him” I said as I went off.

I looked around the wreckage. I frowned at the sight. The place was a mess. I decided to use something that will make me have headaches. I place my hand on the ground and used some black mana. I cast something I like to call a life sense.

I felt my sense expanded a bit and I felt some sources which I knew was Fawkes and Chrysalis. But I didn’t sense Steel. I frowned and opened my eyes and kept looking.

After looking I came to a bit of a clearing and saw what looked like drag marks. I followed them and found a body.

“Steel!” I ran over and saw that he has lost his left leg. I kneeled down and put my ear on his chest. Nothing.

“Oh hell no, don’t you go and fucking die on me you asshole.” I said as I summoned a bag of those needles. Stimpaks as the others call them. I took three and used them on him. Again nothing.

“Fuck!” I yelled out for the rest of them that I found him and looked back on him. ‘Come on, come on think! There has to be something!’ I looked down at my left arm and saw the black gem. A spell popped into my head.

“Steel you so~ owe me after this.” I place my hand on him and focus on my black mana. If the life sense is going to give me a headache this is going to give me nightmares. One of the things that kept me alive over the years is that I some know how life and death works. Black mana is just that, death but it can also be life. I knew that this will be a pain since I had to pay a price for this but I can shave off a few years of my life. I did it once and man that was weird. I started to hear voices around me as I charge my spell and I felt tired quickly. I didn’t know how much of my life I’m pouring in but I knew that it could be around a few thousand. What I fit and healthy and magic.

I was finish with my spell and I fell on my ass. I looked at him and put my fingers on his neck.

Nothing… Nothing… Nothing…

“Come on lover boy, I don’t want to tell Twilight that you died, I think she would kill me.” I don’t know if it was her name but I felt it.

Ba-dum, Ba-dum, Ba-dum.

I smiled as I heard him groan a bit.

“Decided to take a dirt nap, Steel?” I asked him. He turned his head at me.

“Fuck you too.” He said with a cough at the end. I laughed and looked behind and saw the rest of the group coming toward us. I waved as they came closer.

“Impossible…” I heard Liberty said. I chuckled as I got up. I stumbled a bit but Chrysalis caught me.

“Thanks.” I told her. She nodded and she helped me back to the copter. Fawkes got Steel and carried him. Liberty walked up beside us.

“How is it possible?” He asked. I stared at him and gave him a mad grin.

“Magic, I don’t have to say shit.”

Steel Breaker
One day later

The annoying sounds of beeping were the first things I was greeted with when I regained consciousness. Without opening my eyes, I smashed the source of the sound.

“Good morning to you too, Steel.” I heard Jace said. I opened my eyes and turned to see Jace in a hospital bed. I looked around and saw I was in one to.

“I'm not a morning person without food.” I said. He shrugged.

“Well lucky you didn’t hurt your guest.” I stared at him as he pointed. I looked and saw Twilight sleeping beside me.

“Thanks to Salvador, you were able to find me.” I muttered to myself as wrapped my only arm around her.

“I have to say you gave me a scare there Steel, if I didn’t know some death magic you wouldn't be here.” I turned to Jace a frowned.

“Funny, because magic was the same thing that killed me.” I said with a chuckle.

“Magic has a weird way of doing things, anyway just to let you know that you might have some nightmares, shaving a bit of my life can do that to you” He told me.

“Good thing Luna taught me the way of Lucid Dreams.” I said. He nodded and went back to his book.

I raised my arm up and looked at my wrist.

“Pip, search Dream of the sky by Miracle of Sound.” I said, causing the pip boy to glow a bright green and started playing the song.

I heard Jace hum along as he read. I saw him raised his eyebrow as the song picked up.

“Just wait till you hear a Scatman John song.” I said to him.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He said as he started to cough violently a bit. He sat back and groaned. “I hate black mana sometimes.”

“And I hate fighting, but we don't always get what we want.” I said to him. He snorted at that.

“You have no idea how right you are, but meh just roll with the punches… or uhh bullets” Jace said. I heard Twilight groan and sat up. She looked up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She looked at me.

“Steel?” She asked.

“That's my name, don't wear it out.” I said with a smirk. I saw tears form at the corners of her eyes. I moved my hand to wipe them away.

“What did I say about crying, hmm?” I asked her. Her reply was a passionate kiss.

“Kid you're not supposed to be back here!” I heard someone shout, a nurse maybe.

“I don't care, I need to see him!” Scootaloo? I pulled back from Twilights kiss, allowing me to shout.

“Scootaloo!” I shouted and the doors soon opened the filly in question ran in while being chased by a nurse.

“You! Leave her alone.” I shouted at the nurse.

“She isn't supposed to be here, visiting hours are-” She was interrupted by a loud click. I held in my hand a .44 magnum and aimed at her.

“Finish that sentence, I dare you.” I sneered at her.

“Oh would you look at that, visiting hours have started up again.” She said before running out the door.

“Was that necessary?” Twilight asked.

“Hey, no one lays a finger on her without my okay, okay?” I said to her as I placed the gun on the table behind Twilight.

I coughed out as I felt pressure on my chest. Looking at source, I saw that was Scoots.

“I knew you'd make it, I just knew you would.” She said. I unwrapped my arm from Twilight and wrapped it around Scoots.

“I promised, didn't I?” I asked as I stroked her mane.

“Oh don't mind me, just going to sit here and read my book.” I heard Jace say. I saw Twilight look over to him.

Five minutes later, Nyx had arrived and hugged her mother like if she hasn't seen her in days.

‘How long was I out anyway and why can't I...oh, right.’ I thought as I looked at the remains of my left leg.

“Well, I can't walk this off.” I said to myself.

“Well you can’t walk it off but you can sure hop it off.” I heard Jace said. I glared at him and he just gave you an annoying smile.

“Your an ass you know that.” I told him. He’d moved as if he was proud of it.

“I know.” He said before returning to his book.

Jace

I left the hospital to leave the four of them alone. I know I shouldn’t leave since I’m a patient there but other than the coughing I’m find. I appeared in the middle of town. Luckily the place didn’t get destroyed and everyone returned and going on with their lives.

I walked to Sugarcube Corner and walked in. I saw both Chrysalis and Fawkes sitting in a booth. I went and got some coffee and a muffin. After paying for it I went and grabbed a chair and sat at the end of the table.

“So is he..” Chrysalis began but I stopped her with a look.

“Other than having no arm and leg he’s fine, he’s with Twilight, Nyx, and Scootaloo.” I took a sip of coffee.

“That’s good to hear.” Fewkes said. I nodded and looked out the window.

“So what happens now?” I asked. They both looked at me and at each other.

“Don't know, I only had a synth army in case of emergencies and to attack Canterlot so I could keep my sister from taking over before we even had a chance.” Chrysalis said.

“I will be returning to Canterlot so I may continue my studies on the art of war and peace.” Fawkes said. I nodded to him and looked out a bit.

“So… what about the changeling race? What’s going to happen them that?” I asked. Chrysalis looked down at the table.

“Don't you get it, there isn't a changeling race. Me and Steel are the only ones.” Chrysalis said, a bit of anger in her tone. I frowned and looked away.

“What are you going to do?” Fawkes asked me. I shrugged.

“Well here I don’t know, Steel needs to send me back home and there I don’t know, live out my life until something happens.” I told them.

Taking another sip of my coffee, I looked out the window behind Chrysalis and spotted a griffin in a blue jumpsuit walking by. Normally I wouldn't judge people by what they wear but the numbers on his back made me rethink that.

In fact, I think it's the same griffin I saw from before, from when Ponyville was getting evacuated and when I was on the copter yesterday.

“I’ll be right back.” I said as I left the table. I got out of the store and looked around. I saw him walk into an alleyway. I followed him into the alleyway.

*Click*

“Not. another. step.” I heard someone say behind me. I blinked at the voice. How the hell did he get behind me.

“You're the guy that I saw yesterday, first I thought you were a ghost since no one could see you.” I told him.

“Trade secret, now explain why you're following me. I already helped Steel, so I owe him jack shit.” I shrugged.

“Well when Steel said that he saw your coat I knew that he saw you, and I was curious about you. Nice aim by the way.” I told him.

“Curiosity can kill, you know.” He said. I snorted.

“If you can’t be curious how will you learn?” I said.

“Oh I learned alright.” He said sarcastically.

“And it only cost me a few organs and limbs.” He said. I raised an eyebrow.

“So what now?”

“Now, you take these to Steel and tell him Salvador sent his get well gifts.” He said followed by another click and a large sack with something really heavy hitting my back.

“Hey, what the-” I turned and saw that he disappeared. I looked around and then at the sack.

“Now I know how everyone else feels like when I port out.”

Steel Breaker

I talked to Twilight, Nyx, and Scoots for a bit. They were all worried about me the whole time. I was going to say something but I heard yelling outside of my door.

“Sir! Your should be still in bed!” A nurse yelled.

“And I told you that I’m fine! Now go tend to others that need it.” Jace said as he opened the door. I saw that he had a large sack on his back. I frowned at him. He saw me and blinked.

“What?”

“Nothing, just can’t believe that you left the hospital just to get back into it.” I said to him. He rolled his eyes.

“Well I’m weird, anyway,” He slung off the sack and placed it by the group. I heard something heavy in it. “Delivery!”

We all looked at the sack and eyed it. Jace stranded near it and was inches from it.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Don’t know, all I was told is to take it to you and say that ‘Salvador sent his get well gifts’.” He told me. I groaned at this.

“If he thinks that by dragging me out of the wreckage and giving whatever is in there will wipe out his debt. He owes six thousand caps, I know they're not currency but come on!” I said as I opened the bag. I took out the first thing I touched inside and saw that was another arm.

Giving it a look around, seeing that it was made with reinforced Plasteel. Without any hesitation, I placed it on the stump of my right shoulder and felt something pinch it.

I tried moving the fingers and succeeded.

“What else is in there?” I heard Twilight ask. I pulled out the last item inside and was surprised by what it was.

It was a synthetic leg and fortunately looked to be the height it needed to be. I looked over to Twilight, Nyx and Scoots, seeing them look at the leg in awe.

I found a note attached to it and read it.

“Six thousand caps worth of material, told you that you needed back up synthetics.” I read out. I sighed as I crumbled the note.

“Could you all wait outside, I need a minute to put this on.” I said to everyone. Jace walked out without a word, Scootaloo hugged me before leaving, Nyx did the same but longer and Twilight gave me a peck on the lips.

Once the door closed, I held onto the bed frame as I stood up. I looked to the side of my bed and saw two crutches, I bent over and picked them up.

Using the crutches, I made my way towards a mirror. As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but frown at the sight.

A Wastelander out of his element, a broken stallion turned changeling. That's what I sawnthrough the mirror but I knew it wasn't true. The Wasteland never left, just changed and I'm happy, for the first time since I arrived in this world, I was proud to be what I am now.

I released some air I didn't know I was holding and made my way back to the bed.

“Maybe it's a sign for me to stop.” I said to myself as I looked at the synthetic leg.

“That’s the question we all asked ourselves.” I looked up and saw Jace standing beside me.

“Didn’t you leave.” I asked him. He shrugged and hold up his book.

“Forgot this.” He looked at the mirror. “You know Twilight asked me if I was lonely down in Megaton.”

“Yeah, so?” I asked.

“I told her that it wasn’t that I’m lonely, it’s that I’m tired.” I looked at me and crossed his arms. “And I can see it in you, you're also tired”

“I'm not tired...I'm exhausted, sick and tired of all the shit I've been through. I think...I think it's time for me to stop, to stop being The Wanderer.” I said.

“You have a nice thing you got here, wish I got something like that back at home.” Jace sighed. I looked at him for a moment.

“What do you mean?” I asked. He looked at me with a serious face.

“Do you know how old I am.” I blinked at him. That came out of left field.

“No, neither do I want to know.” I said to him. He snorted at that.

“Well let’s say that I’m really old, I seen so much of the land and history in my world,” His face darkened a bit. “And I seen too much fighting, and I did things that I regret, I seen close friends die in front of me, I seen the depths of hell and then some and every time I asked myself one thing, Why.” He looked at the mirror.

“Yes but look at you, you're not slowly turning into a machine. I pay for my mistakes and I'm running out of things to pay them.” I said to him. He looked at me and I saw something that I never saw about him. I remember that he was some happy crazy asshole that blows stuff up with a snappe of his fingers. Now I see him much differently. I see scars that aren’t there, brushes that are overshadowed by something. He looks like someone that’s body is barely holding on with loose thread.

“I may not be turning into a machine but you have something that I would never have.” He said.

“And that is?” I asked him. He nodded to the door.

“A place to stop.” I looked at him and he continued. “I have no place to stop, I no one to care about deeply, sure I have friends but they just don’t know how much I been through, you may not believe it but I payed so much of me that it’s stupid, so back to the question of why? Why don’t I stop, and for me it’s two things.”

“And those are?” I asked him. He walked up to me and stared.

“If I stop walking, who will? If I stop paying the price, who will pay?” He said and disappeared. I stared at the spot he was standing.

I sighed knowing my answer. Looking over to my Pip-boy and typed a few things, resulting in the Pip-boy to shut down.

Removing it from my wrist without any problems, I then placed it in the bag I got the synth limbs from. I then began to put on the synthetic leg.

Jace

We all waited for Steel to come out. As we waited some of the doctors came and tried to do some check ups on me. I started to get annoyed that they keep on coming.

“I told you that I’m fine, now leave me alone!” I yelled at one of them.

“But we had to make sure that you’re in good condition to move around.” One of the doctors said. I angrily rolled my eyes and glared at him.

“If I wasn’t fine then I wouldn’t be moving around that much but as you can see I’m moving so that means that I’m fine.”

“But-” I glared at him and pointed.

“I’m fine, you have other patients to deal with.” He blinked at me and turned and walked away.

“You don’t have to be mean to him, he was just doing his job.” I heard Twilight say. I cross my arms over my chest.

“Then he shoulda taken the hint then.” I told her. I looked and saw Chrysalis staring at me. Before she could say anything the door opened and Steel walked out. He didn’t look like a merc, he looked like a normal stallion that lives here. Twilight walked over and hugged him.

“So you made your choice?” I asked him. Everyone looked at me and at him confused.

“Yeah, I did.” He said. I walked up to him and put out my hand. He took it and shook it. I turned and looked at Twilight.

“You are probably the most luckiest mare in this world, and you should know that.” She looked confused and looked between the two of us.

“What happened with all that talk in room before?” Steel asked. I smiled.

“You should also know that I’m the biggest ass and that’s never going to be taken.” He stared at me and started to laugh.

“Yes you are.” I smiled at him and looked around. I nodded and looked back.

“So you have anything else planned or we’re done here, I don’t know how time works between world but if it’s the same then I need to head back, unless there’s something else you need help with.” I asked. Steel placed a hand under his chin then snapped his fingers.

“There's one thing you could help me with.” He said with a grin. I raised a brow.

“And that would be?” I asked.

“How good are you finding some ponies?”

I knocked on the door of the place that I found. After Steel told me why I was more than happy to be helpful. I waited and looked down at myself. Yup look like I been through a warzone. The door opened and I saw a pegasus stallion with purple mane and dark green fur. He eyed me.

“Who are you?” He asked. I smiled at him and looked behind him. I saw a pegasus mare with orange fur and a yellow mane.

“Sorry to bother you but is that your wife behind you?” I asked him. He crossed his arms and glared at me.

“Yea, why do you want to know?” He asked.

“Just wondering, now I have to asked about a filly named Scootaloo.” I watched his face turn angry. I also saw his wife did the same thing.

“What about her? She was a brat that never listened.” She called out. I tilted my head and looked at the stallion.

“If you’re here to say that you found her then I say you can keep her.” I was about to say something until he cut me off.

“Should of been done with her before, nopony even cared.” Yup two assholes right here. I dropped my smile.

“Wrong answer.” I said as I kicked him in the stomach and sent him flying. I walked in and saw that he was at his wife's feet. She looked at me with fear.

“Now, you two are coming with me.” I said as I grabbed them and ported back to Ponyville.

I appeared outside of Ponyville with the two in hand. I started dragging them through town. I saw the townsfolk watching us come through. The two in hand started to claw at my hands.

“Let me go you bastard! You have no right!”

“Please help us! This thing is crazy!” I rolled my eyes a bit and kept going. I got to Twilight's castle and kicked open the doors and walked in. I continued until I found the doors to the throne/ map room as I call it. Again I kicked it open and walked in. I saw Twilight sitting with Tia and Luna standing at her left. To her right was Steel, Nyx and Scoots. I also saw the rest of them, even Chrysalis, Fawkes and Liberty. They all looked unhappy, other then Scoots she looked shocked.

“Well you asked and here they are.” I throwed them in front of them. Steel nodded at me and I walked back and closed the doors. I saw my boot print on the door. Whoops.

“Thank you, now Mr and Miss. Chaser.” Tia said. I raised an eyebrow at that. Scoots last name is Chaser here? Huh.

“We have been told that you have been treating a filly named Scootaloo harshly by both beating and keeping food from her when she was under your care.” She continued. Mr. Chaser looked up at her with fear. Miss. Chaser looked around at all of us.

“W-W-W-We never done anything like that Princess, she just a child and she has a wild imagination.” Mr.Chaser said. I’m going to start calling him Jackass and Miss. Chaser Jackass two.

“Subject heart rate is higher than normal and is both sweating and hands are shaking.” Liberty said. Applejack looked at Jackass with anger.

“He’s lying.” She said. The stallion looked at her and back at the Princesses.

“Do not lie to us, it’s not a good idea.” Luna said. Twilight looked at them with sadness.

“I just want to know why? Why would you do that to a filly, to your own child.” Jackass two looked at her with fear and made herself smaller. Jackass on the other hand stood up with anger.

“Why you ask. I’ll tell you why. She’s a mistake!” He pointed at Scoots who looked at him in fear. “She nothing but worthless to us, she never listens to us so we tried to teach her the hard way, but that didn’t help. She just an eyesore and nopony would want her.” Silence. No one said anything. I saw Steel glared at Jackass with so much rage that I could feel it from here. Surprisingly so did Chrysalis, she had the same look on her. I remember what Jackass said in the house and I guess I should bring that up.

“And if she stayed you would of killed her.” I said out loud. He turned to me and glared. The wife on the other hand was still making herself small.

“If she did then I woul-” He started but got cut off when Steel punched him in the face.

“Puto Cállate!” He yelled. Even though he said in some other language, I was sure it didn't mean anything nice. The wife looked at him in fear and back up. Steel looked like he wasn’t finished.

“Scootaloo is not a fucking mistake. A mistake is letting you two keep her since birth, a mistake is missing a shot and a mistake always bites you in the ass in more ways than one.” He said. I looked at the other and heard her repeating the words ‘I’m sorry’ over and over again.

“Steel enough, we can take it from here.” Tia said. It looked like Steel was going to argue but didn’t. She then looked at Jackass.

“You two are lucky for one thing. Back then crimes of such magnitude are punishable by death.” Tia said. I heard Chrysalis mutter something about crucifying them. Wow.

“And for the fact you aren’t from where I belong, you would have to worry with something more than death.” I said to them. Jackass glared at me and Jackass two just kept saying those two words. I thought of something that I remember a kingdom did to people like this, and Jackass pissed me off. Jackass two, not so much.

“I don’t know about Jack- errm Miss. Chaser but I got something for Mr. Chaser and it doesn’t involve death.” I said. Steel looked at me for a moment. Twilight whispered something to Tia and she looked at me. Then nodded. I walked up to Jackass and snapped my fingers. Blue chains shot up and brought him to kneel in front of me. My hand glowed Black and red as I place my hand on him. He started to scream as runes began to appear on him. The wife looked at him wide eyed. When I was done runes covered his body. He tried to speak but couldn’t.

“This is called the Punishment of Memory or as a old kingdom called it, The Walk of the Darkened Mind. It goes as follows, the one who has been marked are tasked to walk for the rest of their lives with the memory of their crime. They can’t speak to anyone for help or take anything that’s they can get on their own, not even to buy anything. Here’s the kicker, every day those memories get worse as time goes on.” I looked at the stallion and grabbed him by the throat.

“But for you there’s one more thing, on today of next year you will be killed by that your memories had made, it’s an older version of the spell but I think you deserve it.” I whispered to him. I threw him on the ground and stood over him. “Now walk.”

With that the runes glowed and he stood up and started to walk out of the room. I turned to see the rest of them. My sight caught the other as she looked at me with fear. I looked Tia.

“Her punishment is yours to place.” I said to her as I stood by the door and crossed my arms.

“Very well, Miss Chaser you are hereby sentenced to life in prison, maybe there you will understand the wrong you have done.” She said. Two guards walked up to her and picked her up. She had her head hung low as they took her away.

I looked back at Steel and saw Scootaloo hugging and crying in Steel arms. I walked over to him. He looked a me.

“Thanks, for the help. So, how do I send you back?”He asked.

“Just say ‘You service is no longer needed.’ And the portal will open.” I told him. I felt someone grab my leg. I looked down and saw Scoots hugging my leg.

“Thank you.” She said. I smiled and rubbed her head.

“Anytime.” I looked at Steel and raised an eyebrow.

“Alright, your services are no longer required.” Steel said. As he said that the portal opened behind me. I looked back and shook Steel’s hand.

“Now I know that you're done with the whole thing but don’t be a stranger!” I said to him and walked through the portal.

As I walked through the portal I saw that I was in the cave I was in. I looked at the bodys of the wurms I killed and saw that something was eating them. I guess that I was gone a day and sighed. I began to walk out but I saw something sparkle out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and saw something in the wall.

“Hello, what’s this?” I said as I walked over. I saw that there was a tunnel that leads down. I walked for about five minutes and came to a room that had weird goo on the walls. In the center of the room was something that made my eyes widen.

“You gotta be kidding me.” I said as I pulled out a pen and paper.

Steel Breaker.

I watched as the mane six walked out of the room with Fawkes following them. I stood by Twilight and Chrysalis.

“So what are you going to do now Steel?” Chrysalis asked me.

“Live a normal life, something I've always wanted to do.” I answered her. She nodded. I felt Twilight nuzzle up to me. Before she could say anything I heard a popping sound and a letter appeared in front of me. I grabbed it and saw it was from Jace.

“What is it Steel?” Twilight asked me.

“I don’t know, but it’s from Jace.” I answered her as I opened the letter and read it.

‘Dear Steel and comp.

I don’t know if this is a bad time but… QUICK HISTORY LESSON!’ I frowned at that. What are you doing Jace.

‘Slivers: Hive mind creatures that adapt to anything and can share those abilities with others to their hive. Alone they are nothing more than a pain, but as a swarm. Things of nightmares.’

“Okay so why are you-” I said out loud but stopped as I read the next part.

‘Interesting fact, a group of them went out and evolved a bit and got the ability to shapeshift, these sub-race of Slivers are know in my world as Changelings.’

“Steel what’s going on?” Chrysalis asked me. I looked at her and before I could speak I was a flash of light. I covered my eyes at it. When it died I looked and saw them.

Eggs. Four green looking eggs.

“What are they?” Twilight asked me. I shook my head and looked at the letter.

‘Those are know as proto-queen changeling eggs, they are unaltered, unfucked up, pure changeling eggs. I have no use for them and I can’t take care of them and well I think that with Chrysalis and you are the only two Changelings around I decided to change that.’

“Eggs, changeling eggs.” I said. Chrysalis looked at me in shock.

“But that can’t be, we’re the last two left.” She said. I shook my head.

“Multiverse.” Was my answer. I then started to hear something cracking. I looked at one egg as it started to crack.

The top popped off and I saw a female baby changeling. I guess that they are all are since Jace said that they are proto-queen eggs. The baby climbed out and fell. It looked around and set her eyes on Chrysalis and began to get closer to her. She stepped back and fell. Soon the baby got to her and started to nuzzle her.

“W-what is it doing?!” She said. She looked shocked at the baby.

“If these are changeling eggs then they would look for their mother and well you’re the only female changeling here.” Twilight said. We watched as the rest of the eggs hatched and the other’s did the same thing. What surprised me is that they have different colours eyes and manes. It goes from blue, red, purple, and orange. Chrysalis looked at them as they nuzzle her. I chuckled a bit.

“What’s so funny?” Chrysalis asked me.

“They see you as their mother.” I said to her. She looked at them for a moment.

“Why, why would he do this.” She said. I see tears falling from her face. One of the changelings looked sad and got closer to her.

“It’s like he said in the letter, I guess he wanted to help rebuild the changeling race.” She looked at me and then at the four little changelings. She hugged them all and started crying.

“Thank you Jace, thank you.” She sobbed.

“We'll leave you with your new foals.” Twilight said with a smile. With that said, Twilight, Scoots and I left the room.

Once out of the throne room, I closed the doors behind me.

“Steel, what happened to your-” Twilight started but I cut her off.

“I don't need it anymore.” I said to her and felt someone took hold of my right hand. I looked down to see Scootaloo.

“You okay, kiddo?” I asked her. She slowly nodded at me.

“Yeah. Just a little shaken up but I think I can manage.” She said. I frowned at her answer, I knew this might happen but pretending to be fine is something no on- noPONY should do.

“Whoa!” Scoots yelled as I held her up. I then carefully placed her on my shoulder.

When she looked at me ready to ask why I did that, I smiled at her. Nyx walked beside me and took hold of mine and Twilight's hands.

“Hey Twi?” I called out. She looked at me, tilting her head as I opened the doors.

“Now that I'm done, you want to go out on a date Friday?” I asked her with a smirk.

“I’d love to.” She answered. I smiled as I looked up at the clear blue sky. I closed my eyes as I began to think.

‘From just another guy in a convention to a hero of the wastes. I've made many mistakes in my life, I felt as if I would end a hollow shell of my former self but turned out I just needed encouragement to go on. I may have given up something that could lead me towards adventure but I had enough, my Wandering days are done and now starts a new chapter in my life. I was The Wanderer.’ I smiled as the sunlight of a new life greeted me outside.

“Tag! You're it!” Scoots yelled as she tapped my snout and flew away. I looked towards Nyx and grinned.

“No, No, No.” She said as she ran as fast as her legs could before flying away with Scootaloo.

“Hey! No fair!” I shouted as I tapped Twilight.

“You're it.” I said before breaking into a full sprint into the town, hearing the shouting of Twilight behind me.

Author's Note

Thanks to my good friend DemonG we were able to make this a long chapter and hopefully a good one too.

Though I'd like to point out that he did most of this, so if you liked the chapter, go follow him as well. He's an amazing writer in the making and deserves some of, if not all your gratitude.

He's character Jace is from his fic, Magic: the Gathering, Friendship is Magic -I think?-.

Anyway, I think I'll be making an Epilogue after this one.

Hope you enjoyed. Leave a like and comment. And enjoy this wonderful song
[youtube=https://youtu.be/nZdnZufotAw?=1]