Project Apocalyptica: P.U.N.K.

Deserted Equestria

        The alarm has gotten out. It blared throughout the city section. And as Candlejack and Zelori galloped up to one of the supply posts not too far from the invading androids, they quickly gathered what they could for ammo. Zelori arched a brow, seeing a small plastic box with a heart symbol on it. Opening it, she found two stimpaks and what appeared to be some sort of gel tube. Taking a quick glance at the instructions for it, it appeared to be a burn and cooling remedy for those who may have been struck by the Solarium and Lunarium. Pocketing it into her suite’s expedition bag, she tossed one of the stimpaks to Candlejack, who arched a brow as he caught it in his hooves.        She then furrowed her brows and then tossed the second stimpak at him, causing a vein in him to twitch.        “The hell are you trying to imply!?” he snapped. Zelori ignored him and looked to the city. The alarms were blaring loud and far. A voice on the intercoms above:        “Code red. Door E-3 has been breached. All citizens evacuate to the nearby checkpoint. Repeat. Door E-3 has been breached. Please, evacuate to the nearby checkpoints. It is highly recommended you do not stay in one place.” The voice kept repeating the message. But the two estranged siblings could hear it clearly. The citizens further in were panicking. Zelori looked to Candlejack.        “We need to help the citizens evacuate.” She said. Candlejack sighed before nodding and putting the stimpaks into his expedition bag. Zelori looked at him questioningly, the sigh clearly stating his protest. Candlejack gave a small hoof wiggle at her.        “I’m fine with helping the citizens. But the ETG? They need to fend for themselves.” He said. Zelori wasn’t sure about her sibling’s thought. And while, she was against the ideals of the Equestrian Round Table, she felt that they should at least try something to aid in the evacuation. Zelori rubbed her chin.        “I have an idea. But I need you to promise me one thing before I tell you.” Candlejack looked at her with a smile before making a hoof motion across his chest.        “Cross my heart.” He said with a smirk. Zelori put both her hooves onto his shoulders, forcing him to look her in the eyes.        “Promise me. That you will not get yourself killed. Your life won’t end here. You will continue to live. You will fight and you will survive. Promise me this.” Candlejack studied her look. Another feeling came over him. One that he always seemed to feel when Zelori asked him of such a thing. Candlejack sighed before patting his sister’s hooves reassuringly.        “We’ve made it this far. It wouldn’t hurt to live just a little bit longer.” He said. Zelori hugged him, forcing Candlejack to change his reassurance. Candlejack returned the gesture before they pulled away and she looked at him worriedly.        “We will split up and round up any wandering citizens. I’ll take downtown while you check the outskirts. And remember. No matter how far or out of ear I am…” Candlejack finished it for her.        “I will always watch over you from the heavens.” Zelori smiled before turning and galloping down into the city. Candlejack bowed his head in guilt.        ‘Dammit, and here I was hoping just to end it all.’ His eyes widened at an idea. He then smirked slightly. ‘Perhaps, I can.’**~~~****~~~        Zelori galloped down the street, rushing past the panicking citizens as they ran with anything they could manage to carry to the checkpoint. A massive crowd gathered by one of the checkpoints, the ponies nearly stomping over one another to get by while the Lunar and Solar guards did their best to quell them. Zelori narrowed her eyes at the crowd, spotting families and friends being pushed and shoved aside. She grit her teeth when a mother got separated from her filly.        ‘This is getting out of hoof.’ She thought. That was when the crowd started screaming. She looked to see a swarm of glowing red eyes advance down a street.        “This cannot continue.” They echoed. “Cease all hostilities.” A group of the ETG lined up and took aim, firing onto the androids. Most of them fell, but some managed to quickly spring from the swarm and in a blink of an eye, found themselves overrunning the defense group. The crowd started morphing towards the gate. It had barely opened to let through another family. She snapped out of her daze when something loud and hollow land next to her. She looked to see a helmet. She gaped, seeing that the helmet wasn’t fully empty. The cracked visor displayed a frightened look of the recent wearer.        Her ears twitched at the sound of garbled static coming from the helmet.        “Defense Team Alpha 2. Respond! What is the current situation over at checkpoint A-2?” Zelori bit her lip, hesitant at first before picking up the helm. The voice came through again. “Alpha 2! What is going on over there!?” Zelori pressed the button on the side of the helm.        “Checkpoint A-2 has been overrun.” She said in a shaky breath. “Repeat. We have lost A-2.” There was garbled static before the voice spoke again.        “Dammit! Get all able bodies to protect the rest of the checkpoints! Let no android through!” Zelori was about to respond when she suddenly stopped and looked down at the ground. Something was off. And she soon knew why. Looking at the advancing swarm as they descended upon the crowd, a loud steady thumping sound reached them. She looked and squinted her eyes. She found herself staring in awe when a familiar machine burst over a shop, crushing it in the process. A bulky, giant tractor like machine with saw blades at the front and an exhaust at the top. A junk scrapper. She noticed that there were androids clambering on it, echoing the same line: “Cease all hostilities.”        Zelori dropped the occupied helmet to her hooves. “How can this be possible?” she asked herself. She then looked over to the city. “Candlejack!” Without another word, she left the panicking citizens to their demise, certain that there was nothing she could have done. Making her way down the road further, she noticed that some of the androids had made it in the downtown area.        And not only that, she could see the bloody fates they have left behind in their wake. She stopped in the center of a circle lot. The branching pathways extended long and dark. And each one occupied by blood and rogue androids.        “Momma!” a small voice called out. Zelori looked to see a group of ponies running into a store. Probably to barricade themselves in until rescue showed. But there was the problem. Rescue was nowhere to be found here. And as she watched the fleeing ponies enter into a store, the filly with them had tripped and fallen. The mother looked at her child.        “Anna Belle!” the mother called out. A gruff looking stallion put a hoof on her shoulder, stopping her from going any further.        “There’s nothing we can do for her! Get inside before those things get you!” he stated. The mother looked to her daughter. And then to the nearing androids as they echoed the sentence. Zelori watched stoically as the mother looked to her daughter and bite her lip.        “I love you.” She said to the frightened filly before she turned and rushed into the store. The stallion was the last to go in, closing it shut as the androids clambered onto the store. The filly found herself surrounded by the androids.        “No! Momma, don’t go!” she cried out. She looked fearfully up as an android stood over her.        “Cease all hostilities.” It said metallically. It extended a hoof to the filly, claws protruding from the tip. The filly curled into a ball, fearful of what to do next. And then the filly heard the sound of metal being struck with a beam. The android spluttered and fell to its’ side, crackling in electricity as it did. Zelori rushed forward, her retractable staff at the ready. And using it as a leverage to hop over the group of androids and land gracefully on her hind hooves, she quickly spun the staff, swinging it as the androids got close.        Stabbing into an android, she pushed, sending it to the ground. She then lifted her lower half, carrying herself around it, using her boots to collide into another advancing android. She quickly drew her rapid fire pistol, pelting three more androids, causing them to crumple into a white bloodied heap. She then unhooked the staff from the downed android, crushing the head with her boot before rushing over to an android that had dared to reach for the filly. Never has Zelori let out a roar of anger in her life. The ones climbing the store turned their attention to her.        “Cease your assault.” They echoed. But Zelori refused. Instead, she spun her staff and stabbed into the android’s head, ripping it off before flicking it off of the tip. The androids rushed her, claws at the ready. She spun on one hind hoof and leaned back, the claw grazing her chin. Supporting herself on one forehoof, she lifted her hind hoof up, smacking the android’s chin before she let herself gently fall onto her back, her staff locked in her leg and spinning, cutting the androids that advanced on her.        Felling the creatures, she quickly kicked herself up from the ground and aimed her pistol, burst firing at the ones that had her surrounded. And with each swing of her staff, with each fire from her pistol, she felt her anger rise. All sense of wisdom left her mind, only to be replaced with recklessness. She gave one final cry before slicing the android in half at the midriff. The half skeletal creature crumpled to the ground. Zelori took a moment to catch her breath before spinning her staff and making it retract into its’ holster. Taking a quick look around, she found that not a single trace of functioning android was anywhere to be seen.        She had done it. She looked over to see the filly, staring at her with a fearful look. She shrunk back and shivered, covering her eyes and muzzle with her hooves. Zelori, however, felt the anger leave her and replaced it with relief. She smiled and held out a hoof to the filly. The filly looked up at her, tears streaming. But the look she gave her was awe. A look she couldn’t help but remember a young colt giving her that same expression. The filly hesitantly took it and Zelori helped her up.        The store’s door then burst open and the mare that was the filly’s mother rushed out, bearing a nailed 2x4. Zelori aimed her pistol in reaction, but didn’t fire.        “Get away from her!” she shouted. The filly even seemed to duck behind Zelori at the sudden outburst. Zelori glanced down at the fearful filly before looking the mother squarely in the eye.        “Do you care for your loved one?” she asked. The mare waved the 2x4 at her, gritting her teeth.        “I’ve already lost too much! I refuse to let that happen again!” the mare stated, the anger clear in her eyes. But anger wasn’t the only thing Zelori noticed. The board wavered in the mare’s magic. She was afraid. Zelori frowned.        “That is not the answer I was looking for.” She said calmly. “Do you care for your loved one?” The mare took a shaky step forward.        “J-just leave us be! Haven’t you ETG’s done enough? I…” she wavered again before looking at Zelori. “I won’t let you take her away from me!” Zelori pressed her trigger slightly, pelting the board and causing it to fly out of the mare’s magic grip. It clattered to the floor, a charred marking indicating where it had struck. The mare backed away slowly.        “Then own up to it.” Zelori said coldly, keeping her expression stoic. “If you truly wish to make it out of here.” She looked to the filly. “Together.” She looked back to the mare. “Then prove yourself. Not just to her, but to yourself.” Zelori looked to the filly and smiled at her. The filly slowly stepped away from her, tears falling on her cheeks again before running to her mother, hugging her foreleg. The mother was baffled. Tears streamed from her own. She held her daughter, the guilt clearly displayed. Zelori then looked past her to the ponies coming out of hiding.        “How were you able to take them out like that?” the gruff stallion asked her with sheer admiration of the mechanical corpses at his hooves. Zelori didn’t answer him, but instead, made a suggestion.        “There should be a supply depot for expeditions nearby. I will take you there. Then, I will see to it that you are at a stable checkpoint. After that, you are on your own.” She said, holstering her pistol and trotting down the road. Things were more dire than she had thought. It has only been thirty minutes in and already ponies have started to lose their faith in themselves. She can only hope that Candlejack was faring better.~~~****~~~        Candlejack galloped down an empty road. He had made sure that each building he passed had no pony inside. But that wasn’t all he was looking for.        ‘Now, if I recall, there should be… aha!’ He stopped in front of a building. It was a shop that has been known to dedicate black market deals to the ETGs. He trotted up to the door and tested it. Locked. He cocked his head in thought. ‘How am I supposed to get this open?’ He asked himself in contemplation. These type of buildings are usually under lock and key. No way in or out except for the front. His ears twitched when he heard steady hums from down the road. He looked to see androids clambering buildings, breaking whatever they could manage to get ahold of or deem a threat. Candlejack rubbed his chin. And then beamed as he remembered how they managed to get in here the first place.        He walked out to the middle of the street and put a hoof to his teeth, whistling. He caught the attention of three androids. He quickly unfurled a wing and smirked challengingly.        “Cease all hostilities.” They echoed before advancing on him. Candlejack trotted up and stood in front of the door, motioning with a wing to come and get him. One of the androids rushed towards him, claw hoof extended. Candlejack quickly sidestepped, batting the android’s hoof slightly and causing it to aim into the door. With a loud scream of metal, the android pierced it, finding itself stuck. As it continued to casually try to pull itself out, the other two bounded towards him. Candlejack sidestepped just in time, avoiding a decapitation. His helmet flew off and he had a claw like mark on his cheek.        He winced at the stinging sensation before quickly dodging another swipe. Candlejack danced around the androids. Using his boots to plant into the ground and causing him to stand, he stopped a claw hoof from going any further with his gauntlet foreleg. He then quickly tossed his and the android’s foreleg up, causing it to rear back. Candlejack ducked, spun and gave a powerful buck into the chest. The android crackled at the impact, its’ chassis dented. However, it shrugged it off and looked at him before repeating the same sentence.         Candlejack looked past the android and saw that the one that had stuck itself in the door managed to free itself by cutting away at it. Smiling at the opportunity, Candlejack brought out his pistol and shifted his head slightly to the side as an android’s claw hoof grazed his other cheek. The momentum carried the android further and it stabbed into the dented chassis. Candlejack aimed and fired off two shots, each striking the heads. The excited feeling came back to him. ‘Why were they echoing the same sentence over and over?’ Candlejack thought as the other android who had clawed at the door repeated the phrase.        “So, tell me. What do you mean by hostilities’?” he asked the android. He waited as the android swayed towards him.        “Cease all hostilities. This cannot… continue... this.... must… free them.” It said suddenly. Candlejack’s eyes widened at the sudden change of tone. The android seemed to stop and twitch a little before continuing. “Cannot… continue. Must… free… them…” It held out a claw hoof to him. But something about the way it did wasn’t out of sheer killing intent. Candlejack saw the eyes suddenly go from red to a metallic hazel. “Free… them… Free… them…Cannot… continue…” it then blinked. Something that Candlejack didn’t think they could do. And when it did, it seemed to take on an expression of terrified confusion. It looked at its’ claw hoof before looking down at itself.        Part of the skin had holes, revealing the skeletal structure connected with wires and gears. Then, it did something completely unexpected. Candlejack covered his ears when it suddenly reared back and screamed. Looking out from one eye, Candlejack watched with quiet interest at the sudden reaction. The scream, however, caught the attention of the nearby androids that were ransacking the nearby buildings. Candlejack looked around, seeing dozens of red eyes focus on them. Taking it as a sign to get moving, Candlejack quickly rushed past the screaming android and into the building.        His eyes darted the dark shelves, seeing if he could find anything worth using. He hopped behind a counter and dug through the shelves. Pocketing a couple of stimpaks and gels, he looked and saw something that made him grin bigger than ever. It was a small looking metallic apple. In fact, there wasn’t just one, but three of them. Picking up one, he noticed a small fine print label:Zap Apple. Press stem and wait three seconds. If you are still holding this over three seconds, we are not responsible for any limb loss or injury. - Zap Apple Co.**

        Out of curiosity, he examined the object. Then, he pressed the stem. It beeped once. Twice. Candlejack realized his mistake and quickly tossed it out the door. On the third beep, it made a loud ringing sound and he felt himself being blasted back at a sudden spark of energy. Thankfully, his boots kept him from being sent off his hooves. But he couldn’t say the same for the androids however. When he had tossed it out, the apple had popped around the screaming android, which was being quickly overrun by others.

        The electricity traveled, causing the swarm of androids to suddenly spaz. And when they did, he had to cover his ears at the constant screaming the creatures made. He uncovered his ears when the androids crumpled to the ground, their bodies twitching at random. Candlejack whistled in admiration before turning and pocketing the other two before galloping out of the store and making his way down further.        When he arrived at a street, he looked down it and noticed ETG fighting off androids that were advancing on them. He frowned, watching as the two did a surprisingly good job at holding out. However, no matter how well they were managing, it always seemed like an android was there to take the place of the one that had fallen. He darted is eyes in thought.         ‘Should I? Or shouldn’t I?’ he asked, patting his expedition bag and feeling the small lump of the Zap Apple. Thinking he probably might as well, he turned to reach in, only to stop and look up.

Heaven Tibesti’s Scrapwork

        Candlejack was hesitant now. He glanced to the two fighting ETGs and then back at the booth. He could remember the painful feeling of being rejected by the mare he had once loved. But, did he really want to never see her again? ‘What if she still thinks I’m a creep?’ he thought. He bit his lip, his thoughts struggling with his rapidly beating heart.

We need to help the citizen’s escape.

        Zelori’s words ran through his mind. He furrowed his brows before nodding to himself. Trotting over to the booth and looking in, he noticed the sleek looking bi-wheeled chariot still on display. However, something about it seemed different this time around. It had more cover on it and it seemed like it was carefully painted and decaled. However, that wasn’t his main concern. Hopping into the booth, he found it to be eerily quiet. The thoughts of that moment came back, the humming ambiance of the light over the workbench. When he took a step forward, he heard what sounded like a crash and a scream. His heart sunk.

        He quickly bolted over the scrap metal sheets on the floor and turned the corner into the workshop. He stopped. Heaven was being lifted up by the neck by a strange looking android. Heaven pounded away at the android’s metallic arm. Candlejack quickly pulled out his pistol and fired at it, pelting it in the head. It didn’t flinch. Or even make a motion of acknowledgment. In fact, it seemed like his bullet didn’t put a single dent in it. He looked at his pistol and tossed it aside, pulling out his carbine.        Standing to take aim, he fired, the burst rounds pelting the metallic hide of the android. It turned its head to look at him now, seeing the red eyes stare him down. The android then dropped the mare and turned to face him. The android was something he had never seen before on his expeditions. It was bulky, sleek in design and it was nothing but metal. But that wasn’t all he noticed. It also had a strange looking weapon on its back. It had multiple barrels in a circular like manner and had a chain connecting to the barrel. He glanced to see Heaven in a stunned state before shrinking back into a corner when the android started shifting.        The weapon on its back moved down its’ side with a loud hum and it gripped a handle. The barrel spun and lit up. Candlejack held up a foreleg, feeling whatever came out of it graze him multiple times. He then dove to the side and planted himself against the wall. The weapon still firing, chipping away at his cover. He winced, feeling the stinging burns of the weapons ammunition. These weren’t Solarium or Lunarium rounds. ‘What kind of rounds are they?’ he thought to himself. He was dead curious.        In fact, he couldn’t help but feel a little left out in firing the gun. He pat his expedition bag and smirked. He quickly peeked out, seeing the rain of fire halt. The android’s weapon clicked for a bit before something on its back dispensed. The chain connected to the gun fell and a new one took its place. He looked past the android, seeing the frightened Heaven.        “Get to cover!” he shouted. Heaven blinked once and looked at him in confusion. “Do it!” he shouted again. Heaven balked and looked around desperately. Candlejack watched when she crawled under another workbench that happened to be in the corner. ‘It’ll have to do.’ He quickly pulled out the Zap Apple and pressed the stem. He waited, watching the android close a lid. ‘One.’ It then cocked the lever on the side. ‘Two.’ The barrel spun. ‘Three.’ Bolting out of cover, Candlejack tossed the Zap Apple. It popped in between them, forcing Candlejack against the wall. He felt his body tingle all over and fell to the ground, his muscles making him twitch.        But, he had done it. The android sizzled and crackled before stumbling forward and crashing on the ground with a hum. Candlejack felt his heart beat faster. This feeling hurt, however. He groaned in pain when his muscles tightened on him. Before he knew it, Heaven rolled him over and jammed a stimpak into his chest. Candlejack felt his body suddenly ease and he sighed with relief. Heaven stood up, shaken by the confrontation, and sat down on her haunches, baffled by what she had witnessed.         Candlejack took a moment, coughing for air before pushing himself off of the ground and looking at her.        “T-thanks…” he rasped. Heaven nodded slowly, shivering.        “C-Candlejack? Is that you?” she asked with a shuddering breath. The pegasus found himself unable to speak. Another feeling had hit him. One that made him shift uneasily and choking his words. He then gave her his best smile he could manage. ‘What am I doing?’ he thought to himself. He was relieved she was okay. But still, something about this felt… strange. Heaven took a moment to process this before furrowing her brows at him. “What are ya’ doin’ here?” Candlejack rubbed the back of his head.        “Erm… on an… expedition?” he replied in more of a question than an answer. Heaven looked at him questioningly. Candlejack wasn’t sure what to make of this. Usually, he would have no problems in taking down an android on an expedition. But he was either by himself or with Zelori. And while, they had aided their team to the best of their abilities, it was always them that returned. But this situation was different. Heaven wasn’t a part of an expedition. In fact, he had almost forgotten that the androids had invaded part of section NE-3.         “You uh…. seem no worse for wear.” Candlejack said hesitantly. Heaven sighed and hugged herself, still shivering. ‘Smooth, Candlejack.’ He thought. He then perked up, hearing the sound of a yell. Heaven heard it too and quickly stood up. Candlejack reloaded a fresh clip into his carbine and cocked it. He made his way quietly out of the workshop and peeked over the booth. The two ETG’s were still holding out, but one had seemed to be injured. The other, however, remained standing and firing at the advancing creatures.        Candlejack balked when he noticed that one of the androids had acquired a Solarium carbine. He watched, studying the way the creature held it. It didn’t have to stand. In fact, it held it in one claw hoof and aimed. The ETGs quickly crawled behind a booth as the burst fire from the carbine pelted one on the suite covered hide. She yelped before ducking back and putting a hoof to her helm.        “Delta B team requesting backup! I repeat! We are pinned down here!” There was a pause before the mare swore loudly and fired onto the advancing creatures. Candlejack rubbed his chin before his eyes fell to the sleek looking bi-wheeled chariot. He trotted over, causing Heaven to arch a brow.        “How do I start it?” Candlejack asked suddenly as he hopped on it. The design of the interior made him lean forward, locking his forehooves over the handlebars. Heaven balked.        “Wha? You are not drivin’ her!” she protested. Candlejack looked at her sternly.        “Do you rather want to stay here and be fodder for them?” he asked. He felt a little bad for speaking to her like this. But he really didn’t know what to do at this point. He had to get back to Zelori. Not much else he can do here. ‘Besides, they seem to be holding out alright.’ Heaven bit her lip, looking out of the booth.        “B-but what about those things? What if they come after us?” she asked. Candlejack smirked and reached back, pulling out a Zap Apple.        “I’m well prepared.” He replied. Heaven was hesitant again. She then sighed and trotted over to him and hopping onto the seat, wrapping her forelegs around his chest. He did his best not to have his wings unfurl before looking down at the dials in front of him. Heaven pointed a hoof to one particular one.        “Turn that one and then press that button.” She said. Candlejack did. And he smiled when it roared to life and he felt it jar his body. He felt his excitement increase. He had always imagined himself riding one of these things.        “And then I just turn this handle, right?” He asked, remembering what Heaven had told him before the incident. He twisted it downward and Heaven’s eyes widened.        “Y-yes but, I have ta’ open the garaaaaaaaAAAAAAHHH!!” Candlejack floored it. And when the chariot moved, it crashed through the wall of the booth and he quickly turned the handles, making it skid across the street with its’ back wheel. His heart was beating faster now. He couldn’t have been any more happier to suddenly be driving this thing. He looked to see that the noise of the chariot caught the attention of some of the androids.        “Unlicensed auto chariot. Present identification or cease.” They echoed. The ETGs behind the booth looked to see them, their hopes rising. Candlejack arched a challenging brow before revving the chariot. He had their full attention now.        “Hold on.” He told Heaven. The mare didn’t need to be told twice. She was already holding on, her mind racing with panicked thoughts of her having to suddenly keel over from her rapidly beating heart. Candlejack ignored the frightened mare before kicking down the pedal and leaning forward, the chariot bolting. Picking up speed, he narrowed his eyes as an android had stood in his way. The creature was pinned underneath the front wheel and Candlejack moved over it, the back wheel skinning the android and crushing it. He grit his teeth, seeing his only way out being guarded by more of them.        He skid to a halt, Heaven holding on for dear life, before pulling out his carbine and firing. As he did this, he hadn’t realized he was still holding down on the handle. Trying to keep his balance as the chariot spun, the carbine fired, striking true on the androids. Each falling one by one. He eased the pressure on the trigger and let go of the handlebar, balancing the chariot with one hind leg and looking confusedly at his unintentional work.        The androids that had surrounded him laid crumpled on the ground. He then looked over his shoulder to see the ETGs give him a look of shock. The ETG mare then retracted her visor and smiled at him.        “Think that thing has more seats?” she asked. Candlejack studied the ETGs. They were pretty wounded. And they seemed like they were on the verge of running out of ammo. Candlejack looked forward and saw the red glowing eyes of the androids appearing over the buildings. He then looked to see a shaken Heaven shrink behind him, her grip tightening around his chest. Candlejack gave the mare a stoic look before revving the chariot and turning down the street. “W-what? Hey! Don’t leave us here! We need support!” the ETG balked. But Candlejack had already drove the chariot halfway down the street.         ‘You’ll manage.’ He thought quietly. Heaven looked at him with a mix of shock and confusion.        “Y-ya’ aren’t goin’ ta’ help them?” she asked.        “They are ETG. They were trained specifically for this reason. If they can’t do what they are trained to do, then they have failed their duty.” He replied to her.        “But aren’t ya’ one o’ them?” she asked, looking at his partially torn expedition suite. Candlejack shook his head.        “I never said I was one of them.” He replied stoically. This was true. And while Heaven tried to process this, Candlejack glanced back, seeing the ETGs retreat behind the booth and firing onto another fresh wave of androids. ‘Besides, I have other plans.’ And one that involved a Zap Apple and a certain pony he hated.

~~~****~~~

        An hour has passed. Zelori had did her best to round up who she could. What started out as a small group became a small crowd. As she fell any android that got in her way, much to the awe struck citizens at her skill, she had managed to save at least a dozen ponies and foals. She led them up a rocky hill where she had seen another checkpoint that had been perfectly guarded. And she soon found out why.

        “Not another step forward!” an ETG from above the checkpoint called out, causing the five that patrolled the bottom line up and aimed at them. The ponies behind her shifted slightly, uncertain about the sudden halt. “You have no business being here!”        “Business?” Zelori arched a brow. “If I recall, I am tasked with escorting civilians to stable checkpoints. As per request by Brilliant Mane himself.” She said. The ETG above the checkpoint narrowed his eyes.        “I’m sorry. But by order of the Equestrian Round Table, this checkpoint is specifically designated for the high class.” He nodded. “And Brilliant Mane has already retreated behind the checkpoint. You must find another stable checkpoint that is properly citizen labeled.” Zelori looked back to see the shocked looks of the citizens.        “Don’t bull shit us! Let us through! We are citizens!” the gruff stallion said. Murmurs of agreement erupted from the crowd. The ETGs took aim.        “This is your last warning! Find a properly assigned checkpoint! Or we will shoot!” the ETG stated. The crowd quieted when they heard the sound of a loud roaring sound from behind them. Zelori turned and saw a small sleek looking chariot ride into the crowd, making them part to desperately get out of the way. Zelori narrowed her eyes as she saw Candlejack with a mare holding onto him for dear life. He stopped in front of her and smiled.        “I finally got my dream vehicle!” he smirked. Heaven balked.        “Hey! Ya’ didn’t even pay fer’ it!” she growled. Zelori looked to the mare and smiled, causing Heaven to suddenly shift uneasily. “Err… can ‘ah help you?” Zelori said nothing before turning to scold her brother.        “Reckless to the end. Have you’ve even found anyone out in the outskirts?” she asked. Candlejack sighed and shook his head.        “Just the one. But everything else was already android territory.” He explained. Heaven slid off the seat, her legs wobbling as she did her best to stand upright.        “H-have ya’ even gotten yer’ license yet?” she rasped as she realized she was on solid ground. Candlejack arched a brow.        “What’s a license?” he asked. Zelori rubbed her muzzle with a sigh before looking to see the ETGs still aimed at them. Candlejack followed suite.        “I won’t warn you again! Head to the designated checkpoint or we-“ Candlejack smirked.        “Frankly, I feel as if you are disobeying a direct order from Brilliant Mane himself.” He retorted. The ETG shook his head.        “Negative! Brilliant Mane has already been escorted to safety by the Equestrian Round Table.” As the ETG said this, Candlejack tapped his forehoof against his hind leg in thought. ‘Seems like they are being the stubborn prick heads like usual.’ He then looked down at the chariot and then to his wings. He smirked, Zelori catching it.        “What are you planning?” She asked immediately upon seeing it. Candlejack unfurled his wings.        “Everypony, step aside and remain that way!” he ordered. Murmurs of confusion erupted before Candlejack revved the chariot and spinning it to turn back down the road. Zelori watched as her sibling sped down the road, causing the crowd to react quickly. Feeling like he had gained enough distance, he turned the chariot and revved it.        “The hell is that kid doing?” one of the ETGs asked. Zelori’s mind was racing. What was the idiot thinking!? Candlejack revved the chariot again and took off, the motor roaring as he gained speed. He then pulled back, causing the chariot to pop up onto the back wheel. He then let go of the handlebars and planted his hooves onto the front of the chariot guard. Bringing his wings in, he kicked off when the chariot crashed into the cement barrier the ETG have erected around the checkpoint.        Time slowed for them. They watched in awe as Candlejack catapulted over the barrier, the chariot crashing and rolling into the ground, causing the ground ETGs to move out of the way, and he unfurled his wings. He shifted his position, gliding up with his hooves out in front of him… and aimed straight at the one ETG on top. The guard didn’t have time to register this when Candlejack tackled him and they rolled. Candlejack, however, positioned himself so he could stand the guard and then planted his foreleg under the ETG’s neck.        “Wh…what?” was all the ETG could say before Candlejack smirked and delivered a hefty hoof punch across the ETG’s helm, knocking him out in the process. Zelori was stunned by this, but quickly snapped out of it and drew out her staff. While the front ETGs were looking on at the spectacle, she threw the staff around one of the ETG’s neck and choked her out. The ETG went limp from the lack of oxygen and was laid aside. The crowd took that as an opportunity and they took it. Storming the barricade, the ETG didn’t have time to react when the crowd descended on them, tying them up.        Candlejack watched his handiwork play out before turning to see the switch that opened the checkpoint. With a loud screech of metal and alarms blaring, the checkpoint door opened and the crowd cheered. He looked down as the crowd advanced through the grinding gate. His eyes fell to Zelori. She studied him before sighing and giving a small smile. Candlejack returned it before turning to the other side of the gate and seeing section NE-4 expand before him. It was almost similar to NE-3, however, this section had more apartments and streets. The middle class section as they called it.        He looked to the knocked out ETG. The ETG’s helm crackling with static. Candlejack heard a garbled voice from it.        “…repeat. Brilliant Mane has given the notice for every able ETG to quarantine the section!” Candlejack gave a sly smile before taking off the ETG’s helm and pressing the button on the side of the helm.        “Roger. Has Brilliant Mane been safely evacuated?” he asked. There was static for a brief moment.        “Affirmative. Brilliant Mane has retreated behind gate E-7. Commence crowd pacification until more word is given from him.” Candlejack felt his heart beat rapidly. Victory is ever so close for him. He pressed the button, trying his best to keep his smile from getting out of control.        “Roger that.” He said. He dropped the helm and flew down to where Zelori stood. The zebra was watching with quiet interest at Heaven, who was shakily looking at the scratched chariot.        “My… my work…” she rasped weakly. Candlejack arched a brow before walking over to her. Heaven fell to her haunches and sighed. “Are ya’ happy now?” she asked. Candlejack rubbed the back of his head.        “More along the lines of ‘being even’.” He said. Heaven shot him a glare.        “So, that’s what that was all about? The fact that you were out ta’ get me?” she asked coldly. Candlejack shook his head.        “Never once thought about it.” He said coolly. Heaven suddenly stood up and delivered a hefty hoof punch across his cheek, causing a brow to arch from Zelori. Candlejack stumbled a bit, but stood and rubbed his cheek.        “Bein’ even? Is that what ya’ call it?” She jabbed a hoof into his chest. “You are the one who thought it would be smart ta’ just waltz in on me and my colt-friend?” Candlejack felt the hollow feeling come back.        “I didn’t know he was.” He said stoically. Heaven’s anger was clear.        “An’ ya’ just so happen ta’ think ‘Ah didn’t have one!?” She spat. “’Ah seen the way ya’ been lookin’ at me ever since you walked up ta’ my booth! ‘Ah thought it was cute at first, but then ya’ kept comin’ over, getting’ me ta’ talk about my hobbies!” She jabbed another hoof at him. “Ya’ only bought one thing from me an’ ever since, ya’ just wanted ta’ hear me drabble on things that have no business with credits!” She pointed to herself. “’Ah could care less about yer’ wildest fantasies of me! But in the end, it never should have mattered to ya’! I only wanted credits! An’ then ya’ started askin’ about my motorchariot and ‘Ah figured you were interested in buyin’ it!” She gave a sly smirk. “So, ‘Ah thought ‘Ah would play along!”        Candlejack gave her a bored look. And while the hollow feeling remained, he found it amusing to see the mare rant. But the mare insulting him wasn’t his main concern. He was smiling. And Zelori narrowed her eyes at him. She was confused by the sudden outburst of the mare, who she now realized was the crush of her sibling. But Candlejack wasn’t making any gestures towards her that seemed he cared. Even Heaven frowned angrily at him at the smile.        “Ya’ think this is funny to ya’!? My colt-friend can’t get over the fact that ya’ walked in on us an’ he thinks that ‘Ahm goin’ behind his back!! But of course ya’ wouldn’ happen to know it ‘cus you are just only in it fer’ yer’ damn chance to drive my chariot!” She motioned to the scratched chariot. “’Ah poured sweat, blood an’ tears into it! An’ ya’ just go an’ wreck it!” Candlejack trotted over to the chariot and pulled it up. He turned the dial and pressed the button, hearing it sputter a bit before roaring to life.        “Seems to work fine enough.” He said with a shrug. Heaven was furious.        “Don’ get smart ass with me, boy!” she spat. He smirked and looked to Zelori.        “Yo, sis. Wanna’ take out the ETG directly?” he asked. Zelori arched a brow. Heaven balked.        “Are you ignoring me?!” she stated. Zelori looked to the mare. She hadn’t thought it at first. But this mare might have been the sole cause for him going out at night and leaving with mares that she knew were no good. Zelori sighed before trotting over to the chariot and hopping on to the back. Heaven balked again.        “W-what are ya’ two doin?!?” she stated. Candlejack revved it, giving her a smile.        “Going to go end our suffering once and for all.” He said before turning and flooring the chariot. Heaven was speechless. Never in her life has she met ponies of such caliber. And while the two sped down the road towards the gate, they were unaware of a lone slender figure having watch over them from the top of a building.

~~~****~~~

        Brilliant Mane watched from the front of the gate. He darted his eyes, seeing the section NE-3 fall to the invasion of the androids. He remained stoic as his mind raced with thoughts.

        ‘It seems I have gotten careless.’ He quietly sighed. ‘But… this is an opportunity in disguise. The AI told me so.’ He couldn’t help but turn his calm expression to a cold one. ‘It even stated the casualties I we will have to deal with. But if it is right about one thing…’ His ears twitched when he heard the sound of a roaring engine from afar. ‘Is that it has high hopes for him.’ As if on que, a sleek scratched looking bi-wheeled chariot rolled into view. On it was a pegasus and a zebra. They looked at him, the zebra with her stoic demeanor. But the pegasus… Their eyes met. He grinned widely at Brilliant Mane. ‘Apocalypitca… is that what you had in mind?’ Brilliant Mane couldn’t help but smile softly. ‘An opportunity to strike down the sole cause of our suffering.’ Brilliant Mane stood as ETGs suddenly lined up in front of him, aiming their carbines and rifles at the two.

        Candlejack eyed the line. ‘To end our suffering.’ Candlejack thought. Brilliant Mane narrowed his eyes at the stallion.

        ‘To rid this world of the plague it has and rebuild anew.’ Brilliant Mane and Candlejack studied each other, waiting to see who would strike first. And yet, at the same time, they both had a thought.

        ‘To save this dying world, we must enter into the valley of death. And it’ll all start here.’ Zelori’s grip tightened around Candlejack. Brilliant Mane looked over his shoulder and nodded to the guard. The ETG then pulled a lever and the gate screeched loudly.

        “I had high hopes of you, Candlejack.” Brilliant Mane shouted over the screeching metal. Candlejack smirked.

        “I’m touched.” He retorted. Brilliant Mane shook his head.

        “You had an opportunity. You could have lived happily with your family. You could have not worried about the dangers our underground utopia has.” Candlejack snorted.

        “Utopia is cutting it short. I’d say ‘hell’ is more like it.” Brilliant Mane narrowed his eyes again at the stallion.

        “And you think taking me down will just end it all? You do realize that if I do die, there will be others to take my place.” Candlejack tapped his hind leg with his forehoof.

        “I don’t plan on just killing you. I plan to end it all. ETG has been around long enough. We aren’t blind to the fact that we are running out of oxygen down here.” Candlejack shrugged. “In fact, I’m pretty sure what the outside has to offer won’t be anything like it is down here.” Brilliant Mane arched a brow.

        “Is that so? And you deem killing me and escaping to the outside is another step to move forward in society?” Candlejack smirked.

       “Apocalyptica seems to think so.” Brilliant Mane sighed.

        “And you believe the ancient AI more than the ones that have sheltered you from its dangers? The outside world will not be kind to you. It will throw everything it has to break you. And before you realize that the mistake is a big one, it will eat you alive.” Candlejack snorted.

        “Better than suffocating down here. You and I both know that the android invasion wasn’t just an incident. It’s a wake-up call.” Zelori remained silent as she studied her brother’s actions. “If I didn’t think it, I probably would have just followed your every order around and pretend nothing is going to happen.” Candlejack then frowned. “We are leaving here, Brilliant. And you can’t stop us.” Brilliant Mane couldn’t help but smile.

        ‘Perhaps I underestimated the flying rat. Apocalyptica was right about his will for freedom. But… is he truly the being the AI claims him to be?’ Candlejack arched a brow at the contemplating stallion.

       ‘What is he planning?’ he thought. He eyed the ETGs again. They were itchy on the trigger. Brilliant Mane then shot a forehoof out to his side from his cape.

        “Open the gate.” He ordered. The ETGs took a moment to look at one nother. “That is an order.”

       “B-but sir?” one of the ETGs started. But Brilliant Mane dismissed the protest.

        “Let them go. If they cannot abide by our laws here, then surely they will perish either way.” Brilliant mane looked to the two. “Heed my words, you two. Doing this means you have already come to terms with your consequences. You will not only be leaving your home, but everyone you cared for behind.” Candlejack couldn’t help but laugh. Zelori watched silently as her brother laughed higher. He then stopped and grinned at him.

        “Then you better heed mine.” He drew out his pistol and aimed it at him, causing the ETGs to return the gesture. “Your downfall will lead to your blood on my hooves. And when that time comes, I hope you have already made amends with your own consequences.” Brilliant Mane studied the stallion.

        ‘To think that a prisoner would so carelessly throw his own life away like this. What did he find down there in the ruins?’ Candlejack felt Zelori tap his shoulder.

        “Jack. Are you certain about this? You do realize there is no turning back from this.” she said. Candlejack smirked again.

        “Zelori, if I wasn’t so sure, I wouldn’t have dragged you and DD along for the ride. You and I both know what the ETG is doing. You saw it yourself. Those expeditions weren’t just go in and retrieve.” Of course, Zelori knew this. But her main concern was the action that her sibling is taking to ensure they never return. She could only hope to keep him out of too much trouble. And when Candlejack revved the chariot, Brilliant Mane turned and walked towards the gate. Candlejack frowned and pulled out the Zap Apple. With a loud screech of the wheel and the roar of the motor, the chariot sped forward.

        ETGs dove out of the way. Candlejack pressed the stem and narrowed his eyes. ‘One.’ Brilliant Mane made no motion to move out of the way. ‘Two.’ Zelori remained stoic as they sped by the stallion. Time seemed to slow for them. She looked to see Brilliant Mane glancing at them. His expression was that of acceptance. He knew. He knew what he was going to do. ‘Three.’ Candlejack tossed the Zap Apple back behind them and it landed in front of Brilliant Mane.

       ‘So be it. But know that my influence isn’t exclusive to down here. I will see you again, Candlejack.’ Time sped up and a loud pop of electricity spread throughout the ETG. Their screams muffled by their helms. Candlejack sped the chariot into the tunnel, his expression grim. He glanced back, seeing a silhouette of a stallion in a white cape covered in his own blood look to them. Candlejack grit his teeth.

        ‘Dammit, nicked him.’ He thought.

~~~****~~~

        The tunnel rumbled. The explosion from the Zap Apple seemed to cause the cave to crumble around them. Candlejack didn’t let go of the handle. Zelori used her staff to bat away at the rocks that came dangerously close to nicking them. Candlejack’s eyes widened when he saw the light at the end. Freedom was ever so close. He then balked when a rock rolled into their path. The chariot flipped over, catapulting them both over. Candlejack and Zelori went rolling with the chariot. Shaking off the daze, Zelori looked to see that Candlejack had been pinned by the chariot. He struggled to break free, only to find that his hind leg was caught in the wheel and a rock.

        “Dammit! Let go!” he growled. Zelori sidestepped a rock that had fallen next to her. She quickly rushed forward and jammed her staff under the vehicle. Grunting as she tried to lift it, the rock kept it in place. Candlejack tried to life with his back, but another rock came falling down and pelted them, causing the vehicle to become even more stuck. Zelori’s mind panicked. She kept pushing down, trying to lift the rock. Then, as if the heavens had answered her prayers, she felt the vehicle and the rocks lift. Candlejack felt himself becoming free. And then blinked in confusion when he and Zelori were suddenly scooped up and started moving above the ground.

        The light neared. They were close. The tunnel still rumbled. Candlejack looked up, his eyes widening in surprise by the slender like robotic figure in a tattered shawl sprinting down the tunnel. It gave a worried garbled hum before it heaved both of them forward. They rolled and the figure was struck with a rock. They rolled to a stop and Candlejack quickly stood up, looking over to the tunnel

        “DD!” he called out. The slender robot frantically tried to push aside the rock, but more kept falling on top of it. Zelori and Candlejack rushed forward, only to have DD hold out a slender limb towards them. Candlejack wanted to reach out, but he noticed that DD hadn’t reached for them. Instead, it tossed something. A sleek, black looking box. Candlejack stopped and caught it in his wing, stepping back when he came close to be crushed by a rock. He looked, his surprise turned to shock. DD garbled at them. It stuttered for a bit, its’ eyes dimming with everytime it tried to push aside the rock. The tunnel rumbled again.

        “Jack!” Zelori said, putting a hoof on her brother’s shoulder. But Candlejack didn’t want to move. He wanted to help. DD was hurt and needs help. But he saw it. The look DD gave him. It wasn’t sadness, nor happiness. DD looked to the two baffled ponies, garbling a cool like tone. The tunnel rumbled again, furiously this time. The rocks fell one by one, piling on top of the robot. Candlejack couldn’t hear anything. Zelori was calling to him, but her voice was drowned out by the tunnel. Candlejack then felt himself being turned around and galloping towards the light. They both dove into an opening, the tunnel exploding into dust. Zelori and Candlejack coughed the dust away before turning back to see the tunnel entrance was covered by rock and debris.

        “DD….” Candlejack shivered, his hollow feeling increasing into a sorrow. Zelori was sharing the emotion as well. Both of them remained silent, their thoughts cluttered with scenarios on how it might have gone better. But Candlejack had already struck the first hammer. The steps before them laid out and he had already nailed a piece into place. However, it was one he had no intentions of involving. He sat on his haunches, dumbfounded. He then felt a lump in his wing. He blinked and shifted it onto his hoof. He examined it. The craftsmanship was carefully in play. DD had made small adjustments to the box.

        And when he tapped it, the melody began playing. A hologram of the alicorn now a moving puppet. It danced and spun with the music, displaying DD’s work has been a success. But Candlejack didn’t think so. It was a hollow victory. One of many he believed himself to face. And he knew this. He knew what was at stake in trying to leave. He had talked about it. Shared it with those closest to him. Zelori found herself unable to think clearly. Instead, she sat next to him, wrapping a foreleg around him and bringing him in close. At that moment, Candlejack felt himself transgressing back into a colt.

        And as the melody played, Candlejack shivered. His heart sank heavily into his chest. He gripped the box tighter in his hoof, watching through blurred vision at the dancing alicorn. What they didn’t realize was that the room around them lit up. They had entered into what appeared to him as another bunker. But behind them blinked a familiar prism.

        “It is great to see you two again.” The deep metallic voice of Apocalyptica greeted. Zelori looked over her shoulder, eyeing it coldly. “Oh, it appears I have interrupted something. Is this what you ponies call a ‘moment’?”  It then changed into a triangle. “Is that a music box playing?” Candlejack gripped the box tighter. “What a soothing sound. I’m sorry if the trouble has been too great.” Candlejack stood up suddenly and turned to look at the screen. It displayed over head on a huge screen.

        “It’s over, Apocalyptica… We are free now…” he said. Apocalyptica changed back into a circle.

        “Indeed. And it pleases me to see you all in good health.” Candlejack bit his lip, drawing blood. ‘It doesn’t know…’ Zelori stood up.

        “May nature guide you to rest.” She said before turning to the screen. “We are ready…” Apocalyptica changed back into a prism.

        “Four years it has been since I have tasked you both. And in those years of your expeditions, I have guided you. Led you to the chance of being free.” Candlejack said nothing, his grim expression covered by his bangs. “You have made it this far. But I have just begun. This project to save your home. This land. It has to be seen through. It is what my creator wanted. What the land wants. To save a dying civilization from another incident.” Zelori and Candlejack remained silent.

        “What… are we to expect outside?” Zelori asked suddenly. Apocalyptica suddenly blinked into an image. It was covered in static, but every now and then, an image of what appears to be a bunker surrounded by rocks and a path leading away from the door buzzed in. The image faded and Apocalyptica returned.

        “I’m afraid the camera feed is corrupted. However, I expect that my data for the project to be housed in the facilities scattered around the land. If we are to see this project through, I will need both of you to aid me. If not for ourselves, then the betterment of Equestria.” Candlejack and Zelori remained silent, causing Apocalyptica to turn into a static line. It then blipped and changed back into a prism. “It appears that temperatures are reading off the charts. If you are to continue forward outside, I recommend wearing these.” The locker to the left of them hissed open. A shelf extended forward, displaying strange looking suites.

        “These suites are specially designed to combat the temperatures of the outside. I recommend you wear them if you are to not burn out.” Candlejack and Zelori exchanged glances before silently ditching the torn expedition’s suites and putting on the futuristic looking equipment. Retrieving their items from the expedition bags and putting them into the suites built in bags, they were ready to venture forth. They stood in front of a blast door. The door then screeched with a loud metallic scream. The rust falling in specks at the movement.

        “I wish you both luck. I would start by heading west of the bunker. There is a small settlement where you can probably find someone to give you proper directions. I’m afraid I can’t be much help, but I will promise to see you again when you reactivate the facilities.” Candlejack and Zelori remained quiet as they took a step forward. Candlejack shielded his eyes through his visor at the sudden blinding light overhead. He was in awe. The path led down and expanded into nothingness. Nothing except for sand. Sand and dirt as far as he could see.

        They had made it outside. But it is only a question of what they will face in this new world. The world above ground that was known as Equestria.