Mechanical Masterpiece

Chapters

Chapter 1 Mechanical Revelation
Chapter 2 The Past Revealed
Chapter 3 Part of the Guard
Chapter 4 Truth of Love
Chapter 5 The First Day
Chapter 6 Preparations
Chapter 7:The wedding
Chapter 8: Aftermath

Chapter 1 Mechanical Revelation

Sweetie woke up and jumped out of her bed. She quietly walked into the bathroom trying not to disturb her sister. She brushed her teeth, knowing her sister will be upset if she didn’t. She ran down the stairs quietly to see her sister, Rarity, sleeping on her work table.
Her friend shouted as she opened the door “Sweetie, something big is happening!!!” Rarity moaned slightly in response.
She whispered “Scootaloo, lower you voice.”
Scootaloo replied “Come on, Applebloom is waiting. The Great and Powerful Trixie has arrived in town.”

Sweetie asked as they run out “Who is Trixie?”
Scootaloo shouted shocked “You don’t know, The Great and Powerful Trixie, she is said to be one of the most powerful mages out there.
”She replied “Oh.” They arrived to see Applebloom looking at the huge float go by.
They shout in unison “Applebloom.” The pair almost crash into their friend. Applebloom told her 2 friends to look at the top.The pair turn to to see The Great and Powerful Trixie standing at the top of a huge float. Sweetie realised she looked aged as if her body was failing.
A stallion shouts “I heard that most of your work is made-up.” The Great and Powerful Trixie looked at the Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie and smiles.

The Great and Powerful Trixie looks around at the crowd. She thought (My last show is going to be fantastic. It won’t be long before I can start.)A stallion shouts “I heard most of you work is made up.” She looks around and sees Sweetie with her 2 friends.
The Great and Powerful Trixie whispered smiling “Sweetie, The Great and Powerful Trixie will show you what your mother can really do today.” The Great and Powerful Trixie throws her hat and cane into the air.
Another Stallion shouts “Is that all.” The crowd watched as her hat enlarged to enormous size. The Great and Powerful Trixie dives into her hat and then land on her cane, 1 hundred hooves in the air.
Several ponies shout “How did she end up there?” The Great and Powerful Trixie starts walking across the air, causing her audience to gasp. 2 large fire dragons pour out of her horn, scaring many of the audience.The 2 fire dragons suddenly fly towards and then many look in shock and horror as they follow her as she falls to the ground.

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo looked at the ash as do many other ponies.Sweetie Belle jumped as the ash glowed. Then in a huge burst flame, The Great and Powerful Trixie soared on flaming wings. She landed in the middle of the crowd. Everypony clapped as she walked through the crowd. She turns around and smiled at Sweetie Belle as she walked past. Her features had changed looking younger and more vibrant. The CMC left after the crowd died down. Scootaloo said “She seems to like you Sweetie.”
Sweetie Belle asked “Who does?”
Applebloom answered “Trixie.”
Sweetie Belle asked “How do you know?”
Applebloom and Scootaloo said “She looks at you, specifically.”
Sweetie Belle said irritated “It’s not important, we’ve got crusading to do.”
Applebloom responded “Ah, agree.”
Scootaloo said “Let’s do it.” They run over to Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash was sleeping in one of the trees as they headed over to their hideout.

Rainbow flew over to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack shouted from behind her “come here.” Rainbow gasped as Applejack bolted towards me.Rainbow stares at her for several minutes.
Applejack said “Ah love you.”
Rainbow replied “I love everything about you from you beautiful blond mane to your...”Rainbow suddenly slammed into the ground. Applejack asked “I didn’t know you knew the word beautiful?” Rainbow opens her eyes to see Applejack standing there, looking at her. She started to panic.
Rainbow said “I have something important to attend too, I will see ya later.” Applejack watches as Rainbow flies away from the farm.

Rainbow arrived at Sweet Cube Corner. She entered only to hear “RAINBOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!” Rainbow scrambled off the floor as Pinkie bounced around.
Rainbow said calmly “Pinkie, please stop. I have something important to tell you.”
Pinkie runs up to her excitedly “What is it?”
Rainbow whispered “I have a crush on Applejack and I don’t what to do about it.”
Pinkie whispered back “I think you should tell her.”
Rainbow replied “I don’t think I can but thanks for the listening.”
Pinkie replied loudly “No problem, I understand the struggle.” Rainbow walked out wondering what she meant by the last part “I understand the struggle.”

Sweetie pulls out a checklist with a list of things they had tried.Scootaloo said “Come on Sweetie, we should do something.”Sweetie said pulling out another checklist “It seem the next on the list is demolition.”
Applebloom asked “Why do you, suddenly, have checklists?”
Sweetie said “Twilight said it will help keep activities in order, no point redoing the same things over and over.”
Scootaloo asked “Well, how are we going Demolition?”
Applebloom said “Scootaloo’s right, we have been banned from all fireworks and explosive stores after last time.”
Sweetie smiled “I got it covered, there is a cave that need to sealed. They have the explosives all there, we just need to blow up the cave.”

The bolted out of their hideout, running to the demolition site. It was dark by the time they arrived. Scootaloo asked “I’m all for doing crazy things but can’t it wait till morning?”
Sweetie replied “The demolition is scheduled for tomorrow. It is now or never.”
Applebloom asked “Are you sure this is safe?”
Sweetie replied “I think so as long as we are careful.” The 3 fillies put the explosives into a cart and push it into the cave. They push down on the detonator but it doesn’t work.
She frowned as she said “They must have turned it off to prevent it from being set off by someone.” A few moments of silence later. Scootaloo asked “So what do we do now?”
Applebloom said “We should go home.”
Sweetie said “I have a way, one of us must light one and put it in there ourselves.”
Scootaloo asked “Can I do it?”
Applebloom shouted “This is too dangerous, you know what happened last time.”
Sweetie said “Yeah, I got hit with a firework. I’m going to do it myself.”
Scootaloo whined “Awww.”
Applebloom said as she put a hoof on her shoulder “Come on, let’s go home this is too dangerous.”
Sweetie said “I know what I’m doing.”Sweetie walked in and lit of one of the explosives.Scootaloo read the box they took them out of. It read in big read letters warning(Short Fuse). Scootaloo was about to call out, when the explosive exploded in the cart.
Scootaloo was temporarily blinded by the flash of light from the blast. When she got up she looked at Applebloom. Scootaloo ran over to Applebloom, she was crying. Scootaloo looked at the cave and realised what happened. Scootaloo started to cry as well.

Pinkie was watching the store when she had felt a overwhelming feeling of sadness wash over her.Pinkie slowly walked up to her room as she cried. She quickly laid in her bed and let sleep take her.She sits there crying in a black room.
A voice called out “Pinkie, what’s wrong. Your dreams are usually so over the top, even mine pale in comparison.”
Pinkie cried “Discord, I’m feeling so upset, I felt like something bad happened and I can’t explain it.”
Discord picked her up and hugged her.She clung to his fur.
Discord said “It is possible these feelings are coming from your Pinkie Sense.” She looked at him and asked “Why does it hurt so much? It never hurt like this before.”
Discord replied “Remember how I said your abilities are enhanced by a small amount of chaos magic in you body enhancing your natural abilities.”
She managed to say “Yeah.”
He replied “I have been increasing that amount at you request, remember.”
She smiled slightly “Yeah, I do.”
He said “It is is possible that, the pain your experience is coming from your enhanced abilities.”
She asked “Do you know what is causing me to be upset?”
Discord replied “No, I don’t Pinkie. All I know is I love you and it pains me to see you this way.”
Pinkie said “I love you too.”
Discord said “It feels like day is coming, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Sweetie wakes up and looks around the cave. She tries to stand but feels a immense pain from one of her hooves.
She looks at it, she shouts “Horseappleeeeeesssssss!”
Her right, front leg, has wires sticking out and gears turning inside it.

Chapter 2 The Past Revealed

Sweetie noticed a HUD come in her field of vision. She shouted “Battery level, temperature, why are these here?” A recording started playing on her HUD. The room had The Great and Powerful Trixie in it wearing a lab coat. The Great and Powerful Trixie said “I’m hope your alright, my daughter.” Sweetie thought (Why is she not speaking like she did before?)
The Great and Powerful Trixie continued “I know you may be confused. The reality of it is you are an artificial filly built to be my partner in my immortal life. I however realised you couldn’t live the life a filly should live.”

Sweetie thought (That explains why I am here.)The Great and Powerful Trixie said “I never thought you’d find out, you were built out of Ilumium, a near indestructible material. Still I thought to be prepared in case of this happening.Anyway I think it’s time to get down to business. First we should remove your restraints. Use this code.” The code 51258 appeared on her HUD.
She queried her system “Where is the restraints?” The system pulled up the restraints on her HUD. A icon stood out in red letters REMOVE ALL RESTRAINTS. Sweetie clicked on the icon. A system warning came up saying passcode protected. Sweetie input the password, then huge lines of code with everything from weapon systems to the increased strength poured over her screen.
The Great and Powerful Trixie said “With that done you I think it’s time to show you the first 2 years of your life. ”Another video turned up on her screen pausing the other one.Sweetie watched as events from her first 2 years of life flashed back to her. She started as she saw everything from her first birthday to the day where her memory was erased. She smiled but one thing was off, the fact her mother kept calling her Mel. The first recording of her mother resumed.
Trixie said “I hope to see you again, remember using your enhanced abilities will drain on your batteries.”The recording ended. Sweetie heard crying coming from a small hole which she could see the outside.

Rarity cried “Where is my sister?”
2 younger voices said as they pointed to the cave “Sorry.”
The demolition workers said “If what you said is true and she was caught in the explosion then there is no point. That cave was made of incredibly strong materials. The explosives, we would’ve used were considered to be used on Discord. It would only take 1 shot even for him.”Rarity cried even louder.
A voice came from inside the cave called out “I'll be fine, don’t worry.”
Rarity shouted “Sweetie!”
The demolition workers said “Nothing can remove, that boulder. It is made of Titanite the stuff used to make Ilumium. It is impossible to move or break without Ilumium alloyed machines or a ton of explosives.”The shock on all the ponies faces as the boulder started to be pushed out of the cave.What shock them even more is Sweetie was pushing the huge boulder with no trouble.

Sweetie noticed her batteries were at 60%. Sweetie dashed off knowing she had to meet with her mother. Rarity shouted as she bolted after her “Sweetie, where are you going?” Sweetie thought to herself (My name is not Sweetie.) She continued to gallop faster and faster, Rarity struggled to keep up. She arrived at where she thought her mother was staying. There was carnival rides and rollercoasters everywhere. She noticed exactly what she was looking for. A small hut that stood out due to all the large nosy things around it. Her batteries had dropped to 30% from the trip. She sighed “I hope my mother has some improved batteries, I will not last 1 hour in a day.” She knocked on the door. Trixie opened the door slowly, her eyes widened as she saw the little filly. Trixie shouted “It’s so good to see you Melanie!”
She asked “Is that my real name?”
Trixie said “Yes, your full name is Melanie Lulamoon, my daughter.”
Melanie jumped on her “Mother, I’m so glad to see you again.”
Trixie smiled “I’m so glad your here, I did that little stunt in town for you.”
Melanie shouted “Really, thank you mother.”

Melanie realised her battery was running out. Melanie asked “Umm do you have a spare battery?”
Trixie said “Oh I see your new abilities drain you battery too much, I have a much better one in the basement.” A hoof banged on the door. Trixie opened the door. Rarity stepped in angrily, pushing Trixie back . She shouted “Sweetie, you’re coming home with me.”
Melanie glared at her “My name is Melanie and that is my mother!”
Rarity shouted “What?!” Trixie looked at the sisters for a few minutes.
Trixie said “It will all make sense soon, besides I need an extra pair of hooves will not hurt with this.” Trixie pressed a button and they descended into a large lab.

Rarity was shocked by the large lab. Bits and pieces of metal and wires were scatted all over it. Blueprints of every type were scattered across several work desks. Melanie and Trixie walked to the largest desk. Rarity darted after them. The wall had a blueprint on it. It detailed every aspect of Melanie’s construction.
Trixie asked “Melanie would you like to get on the table?” Melanie nodded and climbed onto the desk. Trixie got a screwdriver and stuck it into Melanie’s side. Rarity shouted “What are you doing?”
Trixie popped a screw on the table and sighed “I didn't think I would be doing this again. I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t come down here again after Melanie was complete. Not after I lost her predecessor.”
Rarity looked at the screw for 10 minutes straight. Trixie put a hoof on her shoulder, her voice returning her to reality. She said “Rarity, It’s done come on over.” Rarity walked over, her eyes widened.
Trixie slapped her “I need you to get the spare battery it’s in one of those draws.” Melanie looked at her sister who was whiter than usual as she opened draw after draw.
Trixie said “You should go into sleep mode, which only uses reserve power. There will be a little icon which will say whether you can deactivate sleep mode. It will go grey for moment when it turns back on you can use it.”

Trixie removed the battery and looked at Rarity, who had just found the battery. Melanie could here some noise, she saw only black and the little grey icon in the corner. Rarity carried the larger battery over silently.
Rarity asked sombrely “Is she still my family?” Trixie was confused by the question. Trixie quickly said “Of course you are, you think I left her with just anyone. I did my research and you were perfect for the role you had a generous heart and a solid work ethic. You see the best in others when they can’t see it in themselves, an admirable trait.” Rarity smiled slightly. Trixie grabbed the battery in her magic and then carefully lowered it into place. She then attached the wires. Melanie jumped off the table, breaking part of the floor. Her green eyes shone like the sun. Melanie asked “Do you mind if I try some of my new abilities?”
Trixie said “There is practice room used for testing, you should do it there.”

Trixie led them to the practice room. Trixie pointed to one door, while opening another. Melanie asked “I go through here and you will watch from there?” Trixie nodded, smiling. Melanie walked into a high tech but empty room with several holes in the floor and walls. Rarity asked “What is going to happen in there?”
Trixie replied “The walls and floor contain gun turrets with associated targets this is a maneuverability and aim test, this is to see how well she could use her weapon systems and maneuverability skills.”
Rarity shouted “Weapons, maneuverability, are you mad, she is going to get killed.”
Trixie said “She has been through this test before. This is just a refresher on how to use her abilities.” Melanie smiled at them and nodded. Trixie activated the weapon systems. Guns started firing at Melanie from all sides. Jets fired out of Melanie’s back hooves and she easily dodged all incoming fire. 2 Ilumium blades tore through several of the guns, as she darted past. Melanie then fired rockets at all of the other guns tearing them to pieces.

Melanie left the room Rarity looked at Melanie. Melanie said “I knew what I was doing.”
Rarity said angrily “It was still dangerous, you shouldn’t put yourself in danger.” Melanie shouted in her more robotic voice “What is the point of having these capabilities if your not going to use them.”
Rarity said “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Melanie said “I know you do but you will try to prevent from doing what I can. I am going to move in with my mother. We have a lot of catching up to do. I will visit you as well.” Rarity cried as she walked out with them. Rarity thought (I’m going to be alone.) They returned to the house above. Melanie said to Rarity “I will always be you sister, no matter what happens. You gave me some of the best years of my life. It will hurt when you leave, still that is a long way off.” Rarity smiled as she walked out the door but those last words echoed in her thoughts (It will hurt when you leave, still that is a long way off.)

Chapter 3 Part of the Guard

Trixie smiled looking at her daughter. Melanie smiled back.

Trixie said “Be careful in the Everfree Forest, it’s dangerous.”

Melanie responded “It is a place for practice but I won’t hold back should I get attacked.”

Trixie said “Good luck with the practice.”

Melanie smiled “Thanks, mother.”

She darted into the forest as her mother waved behind her.She entered an empty clearing surrounded by freaky trees.

Melanie smiled “This is perfect for practice.”

Melanie’s twin hoof blades extended from her front hooves. The Ilumium glowed in the darkness of the forest.She tore through several trees when she heard somepony scream “Hydra!” Activating her jethooves she flew off in the direction of the sound.

3 large Unicorns and a small filly wandered through the Everfree. One of Unicorns asked “Sergeant, why is this little filly with us?”

The Sergeant replied “She is Iso, the latest invention of the mechanical soldiers program this is a mere test run.”

Iso shuffled her hooves nervously as the large unicorns argued. She hated being treated like she was simply a prototype to be scraped.
The largest Unicorn shouted “We shouldn’t allow them just to give us their half baked inventions, Sergeant Veren.

Veren shouted “Don’t you shout at me, Appleeye, I am your commanding officer.”

Appleeye shouted “Come on, Defie , I am right.”

Defie screamed “Hydra!” as her one of her front legs was torn off.

The huge creature tried to crush her. Iso, however, was struggling to hold up the large leg of the Hydra. Iso shouted “Run, I am nothing but gear and wires, I am replaceable you are not. This is the purpose for which I was built.”

The Hydra was suddenly knocked away by a super fast object.

Melanie shouted “I will handle this” as she tore through the hydra’s chest.

The Hydra roared viciously swinging it’s large heads angrily. Melanie knocked the large creature skyward before tearing it to pieces. Melanie landed in front of the 4 four shocked ponies. Veren regained composure and asked “Who are you?”

Melanie replied “I am Melanie Lulamoon, a mechanical pony as you saw.”

Appleeye and Defie shouted “A mechanical pony, that is impossible. This one was only recently built.”

Melanie said “I am not a soldier model, I was designed to be a civilian living in Ponyville with defence mechanism designed to defeat creatures that live in the Everfree.”

Appleeye shouts “She should be take into custody, she is a weapon.”

Melanie roared slamming the large unicorn into a tree “WE ARE NOT MERE MACHINES, WE ARE ALIVE, WE SHOULD BE TREATED AS PONIES NOT WEAPONS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY, SHE ACTS LIKE HER LIFE IS WORTHLESS” as she pointed at Iso. Iso shuffled nervously.

Veren said calmly “Get off him ,I will deal with his outburst later. It was unprofessional.”

Melanie stepped back letting the large unicorn down. She said “See to it that you do.”

Veren said “I have a proposition for you.”

Melanie asked intrigued “What kind of proposition?”

Veren said “The Everfree Patrol is always underhooved, we have 3 squads to cover essentially, what is a job of easily ten times that number. After your performance today, I would request that join the Everfree patrol, I could use more skilled personnel.”

Melanie said “I think I would like that, a place where my abilities can be used.”

Veren said “Well then, I think you should come with us. After our patrol end we will go to Canterlot to fill out the paperwork and get you a suit of armour.”

By the time they arrived at Canterlot, Luna had already raised the moon.Melanie as she walked towards the castle realised something was bothering her. Melanie asked “Do you think they have armour that can fit me?

Veren said “Your about the same size as Iso, you'll fit into something.”

Melanie looked at Iso and felt sorry for her. She reminded her so much of herself, her red eyes glowed through the metal armour she wore. Melanie slowed down to match Iso’s pace. Melanie asked as she patted her silver mane “Are you okay?”

Iso shouted “I’m fine.”

Melanie said “I know your not.”

Iso shouted louder “You know, nothing.”

Melanie said “I’m sorry but you really if you need to talk to somepony, I’m here.”

Veren looked back at them for a moment before continuing.Appleeye grunted ,not because of the weight of Defie on his back. Veren said scowling “What is it, Appleeye?”

Appleeye warned “You know we shouldn’t have exposed to this kind of behavior. She is a machine that can’t feel.”

Veren said seething with rage “One, as proof by Melanie a mechanical filly can have feelings. Two, she is not completely mechanical.”

Appleeye asked “confused “Not completely mechanical, what do you mean by that?”

Veren said solemnly “The mechanical soldier’s program couldn’t build a computer powerful enough to run such a complicated system.So they came up with alternate solution, they were going to use a pre-existing computer, a pony’s brain. My daughter suffered from an illness that was incurable she was about to die. They came to me saying they could save her. I accepted not knowing what that meant.”

Appleeye looked down at his hooves “Sorry, sir.”

Veren said “It’s fine, soldier. I am glad you listened to me.”

Melanie said “It seems we have arrived.”

When they entered, Veren said “Take Defie to the infirmary.”

Appleeye nodded. Melanie,Iso and Veren went up to the barracks. The guard in charge of recruitment said “Sergeant Veren, what are you here for other another request for more troops.” We have recently received word of an impending attack, we can’t afford to spare guards.”

Veren said “I am actually here to help somepony to enlist.”

The recruitment officer, looked at Melanie and him. He said “You must be joking.”

Veren said “She is a mechanical filly and killed a Hydra with no sweat.”

Iso added “I witnessed and recorded the whole event.”

Iso replayed the entire event to the guard. The recruitment officer sent a messenger to the captain of the guard. The Captain entered only to be taken aback by what he saw.

Melanie shouted “Your Shining Armour, Twilight’s sister.”

Shining said “You are Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s sister, Twilight has mentioned you in letters.”

Veren frowned before speaking “She told me her name is Melanie Lulamoon.”

Shining glared at Melanie. Melanie said “I had just discovered that I was not real. So I visited my real mother, Trixie Lulamoon. She showed me the truth of who and what I am. A mechanical filly who name was changed to fit in with her adopted family. Sweetie Belle is not my real name, Melanie Lulamoon is.”

Shining asked “Are you sure about this?’

Melanie said “Yes, definitely.”

Shining said “Fine, I will fill out the paperwork you are assigned to Veren’s squad as of tomorrow, be there at 9 in the morning.”
Veren gave her a small suit of armour, as well as bottle of armour polish and told to head home.

Melanie flew home in her armour smiling. When she arrived her mother was angry. Trixie shouted “How could you be out so late?!”

Melanie said “I was helping the Everfree patrol with their rounds.”

Trixie shouted “What?!”

Melanie said “I am now an official member of the Everfree Patrol and will be on my first patrol tomorrow.”

Trixie panicked “Whatifyougethurtordissambledor....”

Melanie said “I will come back, I’m sorry I didn’t come back earlier, just they had to make it official and get me my suit of armour.”

Trixie said calming “I understand, just remember get home before dark if possible.”

Melanie nods before going to her bed wondering what the future will bring. Little did she know she would have much bigger responsibilities coming her way.

Author's Note

Next chapter, will leave Melanie and pick up on some other characters. I hope you enjoy what I have done with this story so far. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 4 Truth of Love

Pinkie wakes up, looking around her room. She feels small stub sticking out, she then reaches around to the two stubs on her back. She then smile knowing this is a result of her abilities being slowly enhanced. She smiles thinking about the last 2 months with Discord. Her first lesson in basic magic spells having passed the boring lessons on basic chaos magic principles in the first month.

1 month ago

Pinkie bounced up and down as Discord laughed. Pinkie asked still bouncing “So what are we going to do actual real magic, tonight?”

Discord smiled as he summoned several targets. He said “First lesson, simple target practice.”

Pinkie looked confused. Discord said “What are you... Oh, of course.” He clicked his fingers. Where the Pink Earth Pony stood was know a Alicorn with a long sharp horn and bright pink wings.

Pinkie flew around on her wings for a few moments, her pink mane flowing chaotically as she landed. She asked bouncing excitedly “How did you do that?”

Discord chuckled “My dream, my rules.” Pinkie giggled in response. Discord then pointed to the targets. Pinkie turned several targets into flying marshmallow monkeys.

Discord chuckled nervously “Um, that’s not exactly why had in mind. Still it shows you have a great potential for chaos magic.”
Pinkie nuzzled his chest. Discord smiled at his young marefriend.

Discord said cheerily “When I first arrived in the dream I never thought this would happen.”

Pinkie smiled “Me, neither.”

Discord cried “I’m really sorry about trying to manipulate you before I got to know you.”

Pinkie nuzzled him again “It’s okay Dissy, I love you and you love me that’s all that matters now.”

Pinkie’s daydream ended with a shout from downstairs “PINKIE!”

Meanwhile, Discord in his stone prison smiled inside remembering the first night with Pinkie.

2 months after being turned into stone again, Discord reached out looking for one of the 6, who turned him stone. He smiled thinking about who he would manipulate (Twilight, no too smart. Rainbow, no too suspecting. Rarity, no she hates me. Applejack, no she would see through the ruse. Fluttershy, no too easily intimidated. Pinkie, yes perfect she enjoyed my chaos. Maybe I could even convince her to join me.)

He chuckled as he entered her dream state. He we given the greatest shock of his incredibly long life. The dream world was in such a chaotic state that made his dreamscape look normal. He darted through looking for the pink mare amongst the madness. As soon a she spotted her he grabbed her and took her to his dreamscape before she could utter a word. Pinkie asked “What are you doing here, My Meany Pants.”

Discord said “I just want to talk.”

Pinkie asked confused “What do you want to talk about?”

Discord said “It is so lonely in the statue, I just want company.” Discord knew it was somewhat true. He had been alone for the longest time.

Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and created a huge party. Discord eyes widened as he looked at the huge party. Pinkie shouted “Party time.” She pulled Discord through the huge party, challenging him to an eating contest before playing a game of twister which ended in a tie. Discord by the end laughed so hard which caused the pink mare to smile extra wide.

Discord watched her for a few moments. He felt odd, a feeling he hadn’t felt in a thousand years. He didn’t want to believe it. He sent her out of his dreamscape as quickly as he could.

Discord was returned to the moment by the sound of arguing. He eagerly awaited the night.

Rainbow was flying around Sweet Apple Acres in a circle. She asked “Why is this so hard, you are so capable? You are the best flier in Equestria. Why can’t you ask one mare out on a date?”

A voice called “Rainbow, Ah don’t know what ya plan on doing up there but it is scaring the cows.”

Rainbow landed in front of Applejack. She said “Um Applejack.. I have to tell you something.”

Applejack frowned, Rainbow is rarely nervous about anything and Applejack knows this better then anypony. “What’s wrong, sugarcube?” she asked.

Rainbow mumbled “I’m....”

Applejack said “Rainbow, spit it out already.”

Rainbow said “I’m....”

Applejack said “Rainbow, are you okay, you sound like Fluttershy. Come on, sugarcube I’m sure we can talk about this over......” Applejack collapsed.

Rainbow shouted, worried about it being her fault “Help me somepony, anypony! Applejack is unconscious.”

Big Mac heard the shouting and ran up to find Rainbow standing over Applejack.
Big Mac looked at his sister for a moment. He turned to Rainbow with a serious look “Rainbow, leave.”

Rainbow shouted “But she’s my...”

Big Mac glared at Rainbow "Go Rainbow, this is your final warning.”

Rainbow said “Fine, but when she recovers, I want to know.”

Big Mac replied “Ah will.”
Rainbow flew off without another word.

Big Mac thought (I’m glad that stubborn mare is gone, she could have really complicated things.)

He lifted her sister onto his back and headed back towards their home. He opened the door and pressed a button on the side. A small stairway uncovered itself in the center of the room. Applebloom and Granny Smith heard the sound of the stairs. The rushed down as fast as they could. Granny Smith saw Applejack and almost burst into tears. Applebloom said “Our sister is tough, she will make it through, Ah’m sure of it.”

Big Mac looked at them as he walked down the stairs. He was not sure how much longer his sister would hold out. The basement was covered in cobbled together machine parts from scrap metal. Applebloom and Granny Smith followed him closely.
Big Mac placed Applejack on the table. Granny Smith sat on a rocking chair. Big Mac said “Screwdriver, wire cutters, spare wires, extra gears.” Applebloom gathered the materials quickly and chucked them on the table. Big Mac shook his head at her before looking at his sister.

Big Mac said “Well, let’s see the damage.” Applebloom turned her head away. She was still struggling to accept the truth. Big Mac used the screwdriver on Applejack’s back. He placed 4 screws on the table, he then pulled open a hatch revealing gears and wires underneath. He pulled a light closer revealing a torn wire. He scowled, this was the same wire he repaired a month ago. He had the skills to fix her. He did specific courses in both engineering and robotics for this purpose.

The materials he had to work with, however were not suitable for the task. He replaced the wire very carefully and then carefully resealed the hatch. He woke Granny Smith and then carried Applejack back up to her room. All 3 of them smiled as she was reactivated.Applejack yawned blissfully unaware of what happened. She asked “What, happened?”

Big Mac said “You had another incident.”
Applejack said “Oh, Ah’m sorry.”

Big Mac shook his head before heading to his own bed.
Applebloom said “Everything will be fine.” Applejack looked at herself as Applebloom went to her bed.

Granny Smith said “Ya should sleep. There is a lot of work to be done tomorrow.”
Applejack agreed with her Granny. She would need the sleep for the chores in the morning.

Rainbow took her sweet time getting to Ponyville. It was getting dark by the time she arrived at Twilight’s home. Twilight heard Rainbow knocking. When she opened the door, she was surprised. Rainbow rarely if ever used a door. Rainbow said “I’m worried about Applejack. She fell unconscious and was taken into the house. Big Mac also behaved oddly strange. He knew more than he was letting on.”

Twilight asked “Are you sure you are not being paranoid? Maybe Applejack is just overworked.”

Rainbow said “No way, I am not saying we should go and barge down the door. I just thought you could gather information about anything weird happening around Sweet Apple Acres.”

Twilight said “Alright I’ll do some digging for your sake, Rainbow.”

Rainbow smiled “Thanks Twilight, I need something sweet. I’m going to head to Sugar Cube Corner.”

Rainbow arrived at Sugar Cube Corner, when she entered she saw something strange. A young filly was upset that all the chocolate cupcakes were gone. Pinkie smiled at the filly and her father. She grabbed a blue berry muffin from under the counter, and then she caused her hoof to glow. She tapped the muffin and it turned into a chocolate cupcake. Rainbow looked away and looked back, only for her to grab another and repeat the process. She then gave a second one to the filly. Pinkie said “It’s on the house just don’t tell Mr and Mrs Cake.”

Rainbow asked “How do you do that?”

Pinkie smiled innocently “Do what?”

Rainbow said “You turned two blueberry muffins into chocolate cupcakes.”

Pinkie went completely silent, her mane going completely flat. She frowned as she said “I’d prefer not to talk about it.”

Rainbow said “This is not like you Pinkie, you don’t keep big secrets like this.”

Pinkie saw the look in Rainbow’s eyes and knew she wouldn’t get out of this easily. Pinkie said “Fine, I will tell you but you must Pinkie promise not to tell anyone. Especially Twilight.”

Rainbow nodded as she lazily performed the motions “I Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye... Ow.” Pinkie dragged Rainbow up the stairs into her room.

Rainbow asked slightly confused at the serious tone of her usually energetic friend “So what is this all about?”

Pinkie said “I have a special somepony who taught me how to do this.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow “How come none of us have seen him?”

Pinkie said “I only see him in my dreams.”

Rainbow asked “If he turns up in you dreams, how do you know his real?”

Pinkie shouts angrily “Because I can do this.” As she magically throws a chair at Rainbow.

Rainbow shouted “What was that for?”

Pinkie said sadly “I’m sorry, just this is something i don’t want to tell you yet.”

Rainbow said “Sorry.”

Pinkie replied “No, it’s alright.”

Rainbow asked “Who is this mysterious Stallion?”

Pinkie said “He’s not a stallion, he’s a Draconequus.”

Rainbow looked at before realising who she meant. Her eyes opened wide as she said “No, no you can’t mean.”

Pinkie hissed “Yes, I meant Discord and you will hold that promise to your grave, you understand.”

Rainbow gulped “I will.” as she darted out of the building. Pinkie then decided to close up shop and then to go to bed.

Pinkie smiled as she waited for Discord to arrive and take her to his dreamscape. Discord arrived smiling at her. He grabbed her in his two front appendages and teleported them to his dreamscape. Discord asked cheerfully “Do you want to learn more or do you want to muck around.

Pinkie said nervously “Um, I told somepony about us.”

Discord shouted “What?!”

Pinkie said “I made them Pinkie Promise, that they wouldn’t tell anypony.”

Discord said “I knew you would but I’m still worried, because she will turn up soon I fear.”

Pinkie was about to ask who when she heard a loud shout “Discord, thou dare to harm our subjects. Thou shan’t prevail over us in our own realm.”

Discord summoned a solid of steel, he hid did himself and Pinkie inside it. Pinkie asked “If you do that thing I will be able to confront her.”

Discord said “She won’t like me doing that.”

Pinkie replied“She won’t like you doing anything including existing.”

Discord said “You’re right.” He clicked his fingers turning her into a Alicorn and she blasted her way out to face Luna. Luna blinked at what she was seeing.

Pinkie flashed back to Luna’s first Nightmare Night and got a idea. Pinkie roared in a variant of the Royal Canterlot Voice. “DISCORD MEANS NO HARM, JUST LET US EXPLAIN.”

Luna landed shocked at what Pinkie had just done. Luna regained her composure after a few moments. Luna shouted “Why do you defend him!”

Pinkie roared “I love him!” Luna took what Pinkie into consideration before Discord gave Pinkie a hug from behind. Luna saw what they were doing and then he saw the look in his eyes. Luna realised the truth of those words.

She spoke to Discord “I have not seen thou look at anypony like that in over 1000 years.”

Pinkie asked “What do you mean?”

Discord sighed “I will tell you the full story, I am the only one here who knows all of it.”

***Over 1000 years ago***

Draconequi were once more common. They had a small village on the outskirts of the Equestrian borders. Of course one faithful day a small Draconequus was born. He was seen as a blessing for the small village, he grew so powerful in his first few years that the village earned a visit from the King and Queen of Equestria.

King Ventum was a massive Alicorn his mane shone with might of the heavens. Queen Midnight contrasted him, her mane was darker then the night and radiated out the spirit of the night. They met the elders of the village to arrange the future marriage of the small Draconequus to their eldest daughter,Celestia.

Years past the small Draconequus grew to be tremendously powerful and at the age of 15 his first visit to Everfree Castle was an interesting one. He met with his future bride to be.
Celestia said “Discord, we are glad to finally meet thou.”
Discord kissed her hoof and smiled “It’s an honour, milady.”

Celestia said “Thou should join us for tea.”

Luna ran up to Discord “Who art thou?”

Discord said “I am going to be your big brother soon.”

Luna jumped up and down “Big brother, I'm going have a big brother, woohoo.”

Celestia shouted “Luna, thou art a royal. That is incredibly uncouth.”

Discord said “Come on, Celestia, don’t be a stick in the mud.”

Celestia scowled “Don’t encourage her.”

Discord asked cheerfully ignoring the comment “What do you do for fun around here?”

Celestia said “You’re going to join me for a meeting with the nobles.”

Discord snarled “Nobles. I met enough them when I first arrived they all have their hooves stuck up their flanks.”
Celestia fainted at those words. Discord carried his future bride to her bed with Luna following behind.

Discord asked mischievously “Luna have you ever played paintball?”
Celestia awoke several hours later to the loud sounds of screaming. She ran out to see Discord and Luna chasing down nobles with paintball guns.

Celestia shouted at them “You shouldn’t behave like that.”

Luna looked upset but Discord barely was miffed. Celestia took them to throne room.
Celestia said ‘Mother, Father thou should be concerned. Thy youngest daughter and son to be have attacked the nobles with these foul contraptions.”

King Ventum and Queen Midnight looked at Discord and Luna as well as the paintball guns on the ground. Ventum burst into laughter while Midnight softly giggled much to the shock of Celestia and Luna. Ventum said continuing to laugh “Now that is funny. I haven't had a good laugh in 3000 years. All I do is deal with are those arrogant self centered nobles, if you asked I would have gladly joined you.”
Midnight nodded with a smile.

Celestia said “Father, you can’t be serious.Those are the proud noble families.”

Ventum simply chuckled “When you have lived more then several mortal lifetimes you will understand just how arrogant they are.”
Celestia scowled as the 3 of them left the throne room. Discord returned to his village later that day.

3 Years past Discord and Celestia struggled to keep up with each others differences. Discord’s fun loving and silly nature clashed with Celestia’s devotion to proper behaviour and etiquette. This finally came to a cataclysm that would shape all of Equestrian history. Celestia was sitting next to Discord, she asked “Come on, Discord come up to my room we can do special things together.”

Discord was a smart Draconequus and knew exactly what she meant. Discord said “I have barely got to know you, all you do is attend is events and high end parties. I want to simply learn more about you one on one instead of the face you wear at social functions.”

Celestia stormed off angrily “I’m going to make him pay for this, he has said no to me for the last time.”

Discord ignore her words as usual. He found Luna standing next to him. Discord asked “You up for paintball.”
Luna nodded smiling. They had an aerial paintball competition they used clouds as cover.

Discord realised it was time for him to return to his village. He said “I have to go back to my village. I was going to visit today.”
Luna nodded as she flew off looking for nobles to shoot.

Discord flew to his village, but when arrived all he saw was the burnt remnants of buildings. He ran around desperately looking for any survivors until he found a small piece of cloth. It had a mark of the sun on it. Discord roared “Celestia, you will pay for this.”

He flew back to Everfree Castle and landed in throne room fire surging around him. Ventum asked “Discord, what’s wrong?”
Discord showed them the cloth “I found this in the ashes of my village.”

Both of them gasped at the realisation of what their daughter had done. Discord roared “I will kill her for this.”

Ventum and Midnight begged “Please don’t take her life, take ours instead. She is young and foalish.”

Discord said “This is not your fault, you shouldn’t die for it.”

They both shook their heads “She is our daughter and good parents protect their children. Not to mention, it is our fault we didn’t teach her better.”

Discord looked at them both “Are you ready?”
They nodded and he tore their hearts out, he then sat there crying at what he had done.

Discord said to Luna and Pinkie “So now you know the story.”

Luna asked “Why did you tell the story in third person?”

Discord replied “Because it makes no sense and there is no fun in making sense.”

Pinkie hugged him crying “That story is so sad, how did you cope?”

Discord said “I became a tyrant, and went half insane.”

Pinkie hugged him even tighter. Discord said “I can’t breath.”

Pinkie said “Sorry.”

Luna was about to fly off when Discord asked nervously “Will you tell Celestia?”

Luna said “I will decide to trust you, now I know the full story. Beside the last time I didn’t trust your words, I ended up on the moon for a thousand years. I should have headed the warning you gave after you were first turned to stone.”
Pinkie and Discord smiled as Luna left the dream comforted by the fact at least one of the princesses was on their side.

Author's Note

I know this chapter was a lot loner than the other chapters and introduced a lot of major plot points. If you want me to divide this up into to separate chapters just ask. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 5 The First Day

Melanie yawned “It’s my first day on patrol.” She jumped out of her bed. She grabbed a hay sandwich and quickly shoved into her mouth as she ran down the stairs.

At the bottom she saw her mother and came to a screeching halt. Trixie said “I know your excited but slow down you don’t want to overdo it on your first day.”

Melanie said “I know, it’s just I’m glad I can make a difference.”

Trixie said “Of course, just don’t forget your armour.”

Melanie smiles nodding as she puts on her armour. She holds her helmet to her side as she darts out the door.

Two fillies meanwhile were watching. Applebloom asked “Scootaloo, do you have any idea why Sweetie is acting like this and why she keep calling herself Melanie?”

Scootaloo looked back at the last few days investigations and replied “No, I don’t have any idea.”

They followed Melanie to the guard barracks. They watched Melanie enter the guard barracks. They observe the barracks until Melanie walks out with 3 guards. Scootaloo said “I think Melanie is part of the guard.”

Applebloom shouted “That is crazy, fillies are not allowed in the guard.”

Melanie turned towards the bush. Scootaloo quickly put a hoof over Applebloom’s mouth. The two ponies next to her asked “Is there a problem?”

Melanie replied “No, I thought I heard something.”

Applebloom and Scootaloo follow them until they arrive at the edge of the Everfree. Applebloom said “Ah don’t think it’s wise to enter the Everfree. What if we get attacked by a timberwolf.”

Scootaloo said “We will never discover what’s happening if we don’t enter.”

Applebloom said “Fine, as long as we’re careful.”
The two little fillies entered the forest, being careful not to draw the attention of the guards, and their friend.

Further ahead Melanie was keeping a close eye on the are around them. She knew from what Rarity told her of the Everfree that it was easy to get lost. Veren and Appleeye were out in front steadily moving forward. Iso was looking at her hooves trying not to say anything. Melanie heard a rustling nearby. She asked “Did you hear that?”

Veren asked “What did you hear?”

Melanie said “Something quiet, probably something small ,still with the Everfree it could pose a threat whatever it is.”

Appleeye said “Then it’s not a issue. Unless it sounds large ignore it.”

Veren said “No, she’s right, this place has taken one too many guards. Defie nearly died from that mindset and she will never fight again.”
Iso let out a small whimper. Melanie asked “Iso, are you okay?”
Iso said “I’m fine.”

Melanie put a hoof on her back “It’s clear you not okay, It’s important to share you feelings.”

Iso looked away, trying not show her tears. Appleeye said “Look the little machine is crying. “
Iso burst into tears. Appleeye laughed until a hoof collided with his face. Appleeye glared at Melanie. He realised that she hadn’t moved. He turned to face Veren who was absolutely livid.

Veren roared “How dare you, she has a reason to be upset. One of us got hurt. We put our lives on the line every day. I have nights when I wake up in tears about guard ponies I couldn't save. Ones I had lost to this foul forest.”
Appleeye was about to reply when a loud scream came from behind them.

10 large timberwolves are chasing Applebloom and Scootaloo. Applebloom shouted “I told you we should have gone around.”

Scootaloo said “I thought we would lose them.”

Applebloom said “It would have helped if you didn’t step on one of their tails, ya know.”

One of the timberwolves was just about to bite Applebloom when Melanie slammed into it’s head with her hoofblade. Applebloom stopped as she noticed her friend behind her. Melanie said “You shouldn’t have followed us, we travel through the most monster filled parts of the Everfree.”

The other timberwolves prepared to strike. Machine guns popped out from Melanie’s forelegs and tore through them as they charged. Scootaloo ran back to see the carnage. Melanie frowned at her 2 friends just as Veren, Appleeye and Iso caught up. Appleeye asked angrily “Applebloom, what are you doing here?”

Applebloom cowered as she told them why the 2 fillies were there. “We were wondering why our friend was with the guards, Ah didn’t recognise you it’s been so long, Appleeye.”

Melanie said “I am part of the Everfree Patrol. We are a patrol group whose job is to tame the Everfree. The goal is to restore to the way it was a millennia ago. I am not with the guards, I am a part of the guards.”

Scootaloo asked “Why, are you part of the guard your just a filly and so is she, just noticing Iso.”

Applebloom sighed as she saw what Melanie had done “It’s because they are not like us. They look like us but they are closer to a toaster then a pony.”

Scootaloo said horrified “That’s a horrible thing to say.”

Melanie said “No, it’s not. She is just stating a fact. We were not born, we were built to serve a purpose. Iso is designed to be a combat unit. I was designed to be a civilian with weapons designed to deal with the worst of the Everfree as well as incredible durability so I would not ever die.”

Scootaloo went completely silent as if tiring to rationalise what she had just been told.
Applebloom asked calmly “Why do you call yourself Melanie?”

Melanie said “Because that is the name my mother gave me. She built me, to be her companion yet she gave me up so I could live a better life.”

Veren’s squad escorted Scootaloo and Applebloom out of the Everfree. They then returned to their patrol which largely remained uneventful.

When Melanie had returned she decided to pay a visit to her sister before heading home. Rarity opened the door to see, her sister outside. Rarity gave her a big hug. Melanie realised how frail her sister looked. She was hauntingly pale and her mane was a mess. Melanie asked “Why do you look so frail?”

Rarity said “I’m fine just tired. I really missed you, it hurt to see you leave.”

Melanie frowned “It’s only be a few days. I’m you sister I won’t just leave you. I may be a machine but I am still capable of love.”

Rarity smiled “I know you are. I need some sleep i have felt really tired lately.”

Rarity walked to her room and closed the door. Melanie was about to leave when she heard sobbing coming from Rarity’s room. She crept up to the door. She heard her sister crying “I know she has met her mother but it is so hard. She is my sister and I love her. I wish I was a normal pony. Instead I’m this.” A white light shone past the door.

Melanie pushed open the door to the shock of her sister. Melanie frowned at her sister’s true form. Rarity’s mane was like a purple cobweb. Her eyes where narrow and slitted.Her horn was crooked and had holes in it. Her hooves had holes in them as well. She also had small transparent wings which shared her mane’s colour. The rest of her body was white and cracked. Rarity screamed “Don’t look at me, I am a monster.”

Melanie gave her sister a hug. Rarity looked shocked. Melanie laughed “I am not exactly normal either. We are both hiding what really are from so many ponies. We are still family.”

Rarity said “Thanks Melanie. I guess the secret’s out, I’m a changeling and I will get kicked out of Equestria. Maybe it’s for the best, I feed on love and without you here I can’t get enough.”

Melanie said as she left “You feed on love, well then I guess I will spend 3 day a week living with you and 4 days with my mother. I will keep this secret, only me, you and Trixie will know.”

Melanie exited the Boutique leaving Rarity who resumed her true form, smiling as she watched her sister leave. Melanie arrived back home. Trixie asked “How was you first day?”

Melanie said “Good. I have something important to tell you.”

Trixie raised an eyebrow “What is it?”

Melanie said “Rarity is a changeling and she...”

Trixie interrupts shouting “A CHANGELING WE MUST REPORT THIS NOW! THEY STEAL LOVE!”

Meanie said “No, she’s still my sister. She has been feeding of the love I've giving her for years.”

Trixie looked at her daughter who eyes were filled with determination. Trixie said “Fine.”

Melanie said “I will stay with her 3 days a week and spend 4 days here. Hopefully that will be enough for her to keep going.”

Trixie said “Okay, I’m sorry it’s just I’ve heard so many rumours about changelings and love thief is the word I hear the most.”

Melanie said “It’s time for me to get some sleep. Today was exhausting, we will have another patrol in 2 days.”

Melanie crashed into her bed when she realised that her friends may spread who she really was to others. She worried all night about it.

Chapter 6 Preparations

Melanie wakes up next to her sister. It has been 2 months since she had joined the guard. She quickly and quietly entered the kitchen, she set up the kitchen and then started to make pancakes. 1 hour later, Rarity yawned and realised just how early it was. She was about to go to sleep when she noticed the delicious smell that wafted from downstairs. She quickly got herself ready for the day and headed down the stairs to see Melanie sitting there eating breakfast.
Rarity asked “Why are you up so early?”

Melanie replied as she finished the last of her food “The guard has been called for an emergency meeting. The captain has called everypony there, I have to leave for the train station in 5 minutes.”

Melanie put her armour in a few minutes and then said as she darted out the door “I hope your enjoy your breakfast.”
Rarity smiled simply enjoying the newfound relationship with her sister, one without lies and secrets.

Melanie arrived at the train station to see Iso, Appleeye and Veren standing there in full armour. Veren smiled “I’m glad you made it.”

Iso said “Me too.” Appleeye grumbled as they all boarded the train.

Melanie asked after several minutes of sitting there “Why are we being called to the Castle, is it important?”

Appleeye said “It about the rumor that has been spread around the guard in the castle, that we may be invaded.”

Iso said “That doesn’t sound good.”

Melanie snarled “They should have informed us earlier, we are under prepared for any kind of invasion.”

Veren said “I’m sure the Captain has his reasons.”

Melanie replied “That is not an excuse, all of the guard should have been informed as well as the elements of harmony who stopped both Nightmare Moon and Discord.”

Appleeye frowned “We should not rely on them for everything.”,

Melanie glared at Appleeye “I am not saying we should rely on them but we need all the help we could get.”

Veren said “We’re almost there, Captain Armour will tell us.”

They arrive at the Castle to see all of Canterlot’s guards at attention. They are called into the main hall in Canterlot Castle.
Captain Shining Armour walks up to the podium. Melanie watches carefully. He said “I understand why you are all here. The rumor that we are under threat from an unknown assailant. It is true.”

Many of the guards were shocked at the revelation. Shining Armour said “Celestia and I wanted to keep it secret in order to prevent a panic. However, once the rumor spread we had no choice but to reveal it. You will all be required to take position at the Castle in preparation for a potential invasion. You are all dismissed.”

Most of the guards, left except Veren’s squad who had some misgivings. Veren asked “Why are we only defending the castle, we have an entire kingdom that needs protecting.”

Shining Armour said “My wedding is happening in a couple of days and we are confident that is the day they are going to attack. All the nobles will be there. They could wipe out all of Equestria’s leaders. It would tear our nation apart.”

Veren, Appleeye and Iso walked out to begin preparations with the rest of the guards. Melanie stayed behind. She asked “Why have you not informed the Elements of Harmony?

Shining Armour said “I shouldn’t get them involved until I understand the threat.”

Melanie said “Not about that, Twilight is your sister, right.”

Shining Armour nodded then his eyes widened as he realised. He shouted “I forgot to inform Twilight I’m getting married. I will ask Celestia to send a letter as soon as possible.I have to set up the barrier soon.”

Melanie joined her squad in the guard barracks which almost full. Veren said “It has been the consensus of all of us, that we spend the next 2 days getting prepared. Captain Shining won’t be able to command, so we have all agreed on a temporary captain in his stead.”

Melanie asked “Who?”

Veren said “Me, it was decided as I am the most experienced member of the Everfree Patrol. We are the ponies who see the most action.”

Veren shouted “Now we are all here! Let’s get down to business.”

He explained to everypony the 2 basic tactics. He said “Open and closed formations are the simplest yet most effective tactics. Open formations are used to take down large opponents such as Hydras, they grant superior mobility around bigger or stronger opponents. Closed formations on the other hand are used to out large groups of smaller, individually weaker targets. They prevent you from been swarmed by opponents with superior mobility as the formation is tightly packed shoulder to shoulder.”

Many of the guards nodded, however on the practice field showed a wide range of competency. The Everfree Patrol squads performed admirably. Many of the Castle guards performed poorly, years of not seeing any real action had left sloppy and predictable.
Veren sighed “This is hopeless.”
Melanie said “No, we just need to be a little more creative in our training. The members of the Everfree Patrol will practice with the royal guard squads until they get it, there are 12 of us. We will divide the royal guard into 12 and teach our own groups.”
Veren said “That is actually not a bad idea. You have a real future with the guard.”
Melanie smiled as she heard the words. She had finally found a place where she could make a real difference.

Author's Note

I know this chapter is short and slightly rushed but I a lot is going to happen in the next chapter.

Chapter 7:The wedding

Melanie was patrolling, checking all of the guard squadrons before reporting to the acting captain and her squad leader.
She knows how important this day is. Appleeye bumps into her as he heads toward the captains office.
He sneered “Why are you not at the captain’s office?

Melanie replied “I was making sure the guards are ready.”

She then followed him to the Captain’s office. Veren was sitting there, he was deep in thought. Melanie asked
“Do you have orders for us captain?”

Veren responded “Appleeye, you will gather your squad and then get them patrolling? Melanie you will escort the
Elements of Harmony to the castle then take charge of your squad.”

Melanie froze “My own squad but I’m a little filly who has only been a guard for 2 months.”

Veren replied “I understand your misgivings but you have more practical combat experience then most of the guards you command. Years of peace and prosperity have left them soft. I want to spread the best we have leading the squads in
order to protect them, your squad is the most important and I need my strongest soldier there.” Melanie nodded though
she didn’t quite understand what most important meant.

Melanie galloped as fast as she could in order to get to the station. She saw the ponies she was meant to escort. When she got close Pinkie jumped over her head smiling. Melanie said “I’m here to escort you all to the Castle.”

Applejack said pointing to Rarity “Ah’m sorry but our friend needs to be taken to the castle immediately she started
vomiting on the train.” Melanie stares at her sister for a few seconds while being grateful her identity is concealed under
her helmet.

Melanie escorted Rarity to the Castle leaving the other to look around. Rarity smiled as she felt herself feeling a little
better. Melanie asked “You needed some love, didn’t you?”

Rarity responded “Yes, that barrier drained out quite a bit of my power and I almost couldn’t hold my disguise.”

Melanie said “Well, let's go in and then I will meet with the rest of my squad.” Rarity simply smiled at her sister growing up so fast.

Veren walked up to her and asked “Where are the others?”

Melanie replied “Rarity was sick earlier and was of utmost importance to get her here quickly.”

Veren said “As you were.”

Melanie escorted Rarity to her room. Rarity smiled as she entered. They avoided interacting too much as they both had
important work ahead of them. Melanie approached her squad. She looked at the table of her squad, it had her in the
ceremony hall much to her confusion. She knew she had an important job but protecting the bride and groom, that was
too much. Still she shook her head and said “Private Sharpshoot, Lasersight and Swiftstrike, we are going to our post.”

Sharpshoot said “We shouldn’t be...”

Melanie shouted “I have given you an order, follow it. We don’t have time to waste we have the most important job,
we should be ready for anything. This means a full inspection of the area, to make sure there are no infiltrators.”

After checking the entire area for infiltrators Melanie told the guards to take their posts, Her and Sharpshoot at the door.
Lasersight and Swiftstrike at the windows.

Rarity was busy with Cadence’s dress. She was appalled by the princesses behaviour. She had insulted her friends, still she said nothing about all of it trying to be polite as she prepared the dress. Cadence entered for the fitting.
She snarled “Let’s get this over with.”

Rarity smelt something off and realised where it was coming from, Cadence herself. Rarity new this smell all too well, it was a smell her own body naturally emitted, but she had learned to conceal it with her disguise when she was a young
hatchling. She realised Cadence was a Changeling Queen in disguise, still she thought maybe Cadence was always a queenlike she was and this identity was her own.

She continued with the dress fitting, despite Cadence’s consistent complaining. After the dress making she went to her
room and slept for a little while. 1 hour later she heard a loud knocking. A servant of the castle said “Cadence wishes you
to be one of her bridesmaids. The ones that were supposed to be her bridesmaids have disappeared mysteriously.”

Rarity replied “Tell her I accept her offer.” She had a dress already made. She arrived at the wedding rehearsal and she
was smiling this meant she could keep a close eye on Cadence.

She then notices Twilight burst in. She watches carefully as her friend backs Cadence into a corner, she then shouts “She’s evil.” All of the other ponies were shocked leaving Cadence to run out of the room, crying.

Rarity said “I'll go to find her.” She searches all over the castle but couldn’t find her. She then returns to see her crying. She puts her hoof on her head and said “It will be alright.” Cadence smiles slightly, Rarity leaves as she gets herself prepared
for the ceremony.

She arrived at the ceremony and quickly took her position only to be surprised by the fact, Twilight was nowhere to be
found. Rarity smiled as the pair made their vows, until Twilight burst in with another Cadence. Rarity frowned realising this was an invasion. The Changeling Queen revealed herself as she spoke “This has been too easy, you are completely
defenseless.” She then made Shining drop the barrier letting thousand of changelings course through the Castle.
The Guard was doing their best to hold back the onslaught.

Celestia shouted to us “Get the elements, now. I will deal with this.” Rarity ran down to her friends and they rushed off
only for Celestia to be easily defeated by the Changeling Queen. The Changeling Queen, faster then anypony could blink
teleported in front of them and blasted them all towards the walls. She boasted “I Chrysalis, Queen of Changelings have
defeated the Princess of the Sun.”

Melanie was fighting and tearing through multiple changelings but their numbers kept increasing. Melanie noticed all the guards had started to panic as they heard that the acting captain had been captured and rushed into the room causing
more confusion. Melanie shouted “Stop everypony and form ranks, we will turn the tide we may die today but all of
Equestria will know we fought to out last breath to protect our home. Close ranks.”

Her order was quickly implemented as her speech renewed the guards fighting spirit and they formed a tight nit wall of
shields and magic bolts turning back the invaders.

Chrysalis realised this and, even more changelings poured in to try and overwhelm them. The elements however had started to fight against the invaders as well. Pinkie rushed the Changeling Queen, avoiding her spells. Chrysalis then threw one of her own soldiers down allowing her to hit the pink mare with a spell. Chrysalis then started to beat the pink mare with
her hooves.

Meanwhile outside of the Castle, Discord’s statue who Celestia ordered to be placed in her private vault was left lying there in the castle garden cracked open from the chaos caused around it. Discord stood up and looked around before
shouting “I’m free.” He then heard Pinkie screaming, he roared “Pinkie.”

Chrysalis was laughing until she felt the hive mind go completely quiet. She looked around to see unconscious changelings all around her. She then heard a voice seething with rage shout “Let go of my mare.” She instantly dropped the mare and backed away, the sound of the voice scared her. She stepped back to give the Lord of Chaos space, hoping to receive what little mercy he was capable of giving. Discord picked up Pinkie and asked “Are you okay?”

Pinkie coughed crying “No, sorry Discord but as much as I hate to say this, I probably won’t make it.”

Discord carried the bloodied mare in his arms and said “I won’t let you die. It’s time for me to complete the spell I began
months ago.” Before Pinkie could say anything, he forced his magic into her body rapidly until she glowed with a pink light.He panted as he smiled. The pink mare's small disguise spell faded revealing the small lump on her forehead and the
small stumps on her back. The lump burst forth revealing a marvelous pink horn. The stumps grew into two beautiful pink wings. She jumped on Discord and smiled “I love you" kissing his cheek. Twilight's eyes went wide as her analytical mind
processed what was going on.

Then she and Discord turned to Chrysalis as she tried to back away only for Rarity to say “Pinkie is not the only one with a secret.” Rarity in a burst of white light revealing her changeling form for all to see. Twilight eyes grew wider. The 3 of them started approaching Chrysalis who tried to back away.

Twilight trying to distract herself went to check on Rainbow Dash and Applejack. When she approached Applejack, she saw a hole in her chest. She looked in only to find that there were mechanical parts moving around instead of flesh and blood.

Twilight snapped to the point that Chrysalis and those who were approaching her stopped “ I’ve had about enough of
today, first my former foal-sitter who is marrying my brother without me knowing, might I add, is replaced by a evil
changeling queen. Then one of my friends is turned into an Alicorn by the Lord of Chaos who is also her coltfriend. Then I discover Rarity is a Changeling Queen and Applejack is a robot. If one more thing weird happens I’m going to lose it."

Applejack looked at her insides and cried “Ah’m not real, Ah’m just a living toaster.”
Rainbow Dash smiled and gave a kiss to her mechanical friend. Applejack’s eyes went wide a she stuttered “Rainb-ow.”

Rainbow said “I love you Applejack, I just didn’t have guts to say it but the look in your eyes made me realise just important you were to me.” Applejack cried on Rainbow’s shoulder. Chrysalis used the opportunity to escape only for Melanie to
knock her back.

Chrysalis then realised she was only a guard, she could escape. She fired a super powerful spell at Melanie. Rarity, Discord and Pinkie only just saw it as the spell hit. Rarity cried “My precious little sister, why, WHYYYYYYYY!?!” Chrysalis tried to run through the smoke only to dart back into the group as she was cut by something sharp.

A voice said “Do you think that a filly would get into the guard unless they were something more.” Melanie stepped out,
her fur and mane were gone. Her mechanical eyes stared at Chrysalis, her Ilumium body shined in the light. Twilight then collapsed on the ground, her brain overloaded. Chrysalis realising she was surrounded with no way out, casts a spell,
teleporting herself and all of the changelings somewhere.

A mare burst in through the window. Only to see the mess. Melanie shouted “Mother.” Much to the confusion of many.
Trixie replied “Sorry I was late, seems you all did well today.” Melanie smiled as she introduced her mother to the others.

Melanie then said “Also I think you need to help one of your projects get repaired.” Trixie looked confused. Melanie said “Urghh, remember your last project. The one that went missing.”

Trixie said “You mean Project Applejack?. I lost her around Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack’s eyes widened as she heard
every word. She couldn’t believe it. Melanie pointed at Applejack. Trixie cried as she hugged the confused orange mare “I shouldn’t have left you there, I thought you were destroyed after I lost you.” She let go of Applejack and said “I’ll fix you up good and proper, I have plenty of high end spare parts.” Melanie nodded to Applejack.

Applejack was uncertain until Rainbow smiled “I will be with you all the way, I love you, don’t forget that.”

Applejack replied smiling “I love you too, sugarcube. I just never told you because I was too stubborn.” The pair with their
tails intertwined in the shape of a love heart followed Melanie and Trixie.

Fluttershy asked in her usual quiet voice to Discord, Pinkie and Rarity “Umm, how are we going to wake her up.” They all looked at Twilight before she sighed. They knew getting Twilight to accept this without fainting would be a nightmare.

Author's Note

I hope this chapter is okay I got my editor too edit it but still it may be a bit rushed sorry about that.

Chapter 8: Aftermath

Applejack, Trixie, Melanie and Rainbow Dash were heading to the Canterlot Train station.

Rainbow Dash asked “When did you start having feelings for me?”

Applejack said “It was a month before cider season. Ah started getting this warm fuzzy feeling in my chest whenever Ah was around you.”

Rainbow asked confused “That was over 6 months back, why didn’t you act on it?”

Applejack chuckled “Ah did, too bad you weren’t a farmer or else you would have known. Ah sent you a barrel of free ciderduring cider season.” Rainbow looked at her confused. Applejack said “If we have feelings for somepony, we send them a barrel of cider.”

Rainbow opened her mouth in an O shape as she realised what that meant, she blushed furiously. Melanie said with a smirk “We have arrived at the train station.” Melanie and Trixie entered the train with Applejack dragging the stunned Pegasus into the train.

Rainbow asked “Why didn’t show it, 6 months is a long time?”

Applejack replied “Sorry, sugarcube it’s just Ah didn’t think you would be interested. You were so obsessed with being cool, Ah thought you found romance, stupid.”

Rainbow replied blushing “I did until I started feeling strange around you. I asked Pinkie and I tried to take her advice unfortunately that was the day you collapsed. I didn’t get another chance until today.”

Applejack said smiling “Well, when we think Pinkie can’t surprise us anymore, she does. She is the marefriend with the
spirit of chaos and disharmony. Not to mention the fact she is now an Alicorn.”

Rainbow chuckled nervously “Yes, that is weird. Umm, I’m curious where do we stand? I mean I’m still struggling with this love thing.”

Applejack said “Before we are officially going out as marefriends, we should go out for a few dinners, Ah love you Rainbow and I know you do love me as well. It’s just this is an entirely new field for you, so we should take it slow.” Rainbow nodded for once deciding to take it slow.

Applejack asked “So how do you think Twilight is handling all of this?” She points her hoof to the whole in her chest.

Rainbow smiled as she said looking back at Canterlot “She has much more to deal with than just the fact you are, well, um a robot.” Applejack laughed at Rainbow’s attempt to find another word as she looked back at Canterlot.

In Canterlot, Twilight started open her eyes. Rarity asked “Are you alright?”

Twilight responded “I’m fine, I just had a horrible nightmare, you were a changeling queen. My sister in law to be was replaced by a changeling queen, Applejack and Sweetie Belle are robots built by Trixie, and Pinkie Pie has ascended to Alicorn status due to her coltfriend, Discord.”

Rarity said nervously “Twilight this may shock you but that was no dream.” Twilight started to feel faint, only for Rarity to slap her with her right hoof.

Rarity shouted “This is the truth, Twilight! I know it’s harsh but you need to accept this.” Twilight stared at her friend in shock.

Discord asked “I think you may have broke her brain. Do you have any other ideas?.”

Rarity angrily shook her head. She was about to snap. Discord stepped in front of Twilight and said “I understand this is a lot to take in but push it from your mind. We need to make sure everypony in this castle gets treated for any injuries caused and to prevent another invasion.”

Twilight blinked before asking “Discord, why are you being so kind?”

Discord said “I love Pinkie and you are her friend. That is reason enough for me to treat you with respect. I have plenty of plans to help bring smiles to others. I have a few prank ideas Pinkie helped me work on. After all the best use of chaos is to create laughter, just this time the laughter is not for me, it’s for everyone.”

Twilight nodded quietly before helping her brother Shining Armour and his wife to-be Cadence. Pinkie bounced on him smiling. Discord smiled back at his marefriend. Rarity asked “How did that work? I thought she would faint.”

Discord said “Simple, I just gave hear something to distract her mind from the more complicated issues.”

Shining Armour got up and walked over to Discord. He said “I suppose I owe you a favor. I don’t know who you are but
you have my thanks.” Cadence pulled Twilight to her side as they walked towards Discord.

Cadence said “You remind of a statue in Canterlot gardens. Are you sure we haven’t met.”

Discord frowned before replying “You two, probably know me as King Discord.”

Shining scowled “King Discord, the evil tyrant that ruled Equestria 1000 years ago before being defeated by Celestia and
Luna?” Discord looked down ashamed. He could see the resentment in Shining's eyes.

Pinkie shouted “Leave him alone, He has done more than enough to gain your trust!! If he wasn’t here we would all have
been overrun by changelings!” Twilight and Cadence were shocked by the usual happy mare’s outburst.

Twilight said trying to prevent an incident “My BBBF didn't mean anything by it, Pinkie. He is just a little stressed out from his wedding being ruined.” Shining was about to speak when Twilight scowled at him, he closed his mouth quickly in
response. Twilight thought about Celestia and ran off to find her.

She helped Celestia to her hooves when she found her. Celestia asked “What happened?”

Twilight replied “It would be easier to show you.” Twilight guided her injured mentor into the ballroom as she had been
moved to a different part of the castle by changelings.

Celestia looked around until she noticed Discord. She roared “Discord, what are you doing back!” She charged only to
collapse half way.

Discord asked “Are you alright?” Celestia stared at him lividly before trying to get up before falling over again. Discord said “Pinkie I need to go, I have stop our wayward Princess from hurting herself more.” Pinkie smiled wider than many thought possible happy that Discord was being kind. Discord teleported Celestia and himself into the infirmary. Doctor Heartbeat, a small mare with a red mane and white coat quickly took the princess to a bed.

Celestia asked “Why are you helping me? I hate you and you hate me.”

Discord replied “I was a fool 1 millennia ago, I let my rage control me and I killed your parents. In the end I became no
better than you.”

Celestia roared “I am nothing like you!” Doctor Heartbeat struggled to hold the princess till until Discord used his magic.

Discord said “I don’t want to cause trouble anymore, I found something I thought I would find with you. You destroyed
everything for me that day.”

Celestia fired a spell at Discord only for him to dodge out of the way. She collapsed on the bed the last of her reserves
spent. Discord returned to the others. Celestia woke in a dark room, she saw a evil changeling queen staring at her. The
Queen hissed “The great and mighty Celestia, hahaha, what a joke. She will provide us the perfect snack.”

She felt the world shift and then she was standing in a palace. Then suddenly she heard a loud cackling. Discord stood in
front of her but not as he is. King Discord laughed “Celestia, you weak thing defeated by a mere bug?. What a joke!” He
clicked his fingers and she found herself in a centre of a large crowd of Discords. She saw she was dressed as a clown.
They started throwing all kinds of rotten vegetables and fruit at her.

The room shifted again to be in her palace at night. A shiver went down her spine as a voice spoke “1000 years on the
moon, that’s what I suffered. It’s your turn, weakling.” Nightmare Moon cast a spell sending her to the moon locked in
shackles. She screamed but no sound came out. She cried silently.

Then a voice boomed “Nightmare, begone.” Celestia looked around only to see darkness. Luna put a hoof on her sister’s shoulder “I’m guessing you know everything?” Celestia nodded silently.

Luna said “I assume Discord is back, your nightmare was quite hard to get into. You are still troubled by my banishment I
see.”

Celestia cried “Why, does this happen to me?”

Luna replied “I don’t know, sister. I have no idea what that bug creature was but clearly that is the source of your
problem.”

Celestia shouted “No, it’s Discord he is always there hounding me.”

Luna scowled “Sister, I have seen him. He is not the enemy anymore.”

Celestia roared in her Royal Canterlot Voice “WHAT?!”

Luna said venomously “Discord is not the same Draconequus he was, not to mention you burned his village to the
ground.”

Celestia shouted “You believed him, he is the embodiment of chaos and disharmony a trickster, a monster!”

Luna walked right up to Celestia’s face. When she couldn't get any closer, she roared “THE LAST TIME I DIDN’T LISTEN TO
HIM, I ENDED UP SPENDING 1000 YEARS ON THE MOON! HE TOLD ME YOU WOULD BE SO SELF-ABSORBED, THAT YOU
WOULD LET ME FALL BY THE WAYSIDE! I DIDN’T BELIEVE BUT MUCH TO MY ASTONISHMENT IT ALL HAPPENED! I FINALLY
UNDERSTOOD BUT IT WAS TOO LITTLE TO LATE!”

Celestia looked stunned as her sister walked away. She woke with a start, her wounds had healed. Celestia saw Discord
standing there with a paw out. He said “We can never go back to what we were but we can still be friends. You are not the same Alicorn I knew a millennia ago." Celestia smiled and took it. He helped get to her hooves. Celestia stepped out to see many ponies outside. Discord teleported away. Celestia smiled to her pony subjects.

Melanie had just arrived at the barracks. She had left Rainbow and Applejack behind as soon as she confirmed that
Applejack was okay. She smiled knowing Trixie would do a marvelous job of the repairs. Appleeye yelled “Where have you been?”

Melanie replied “Making sure the one of the elements of Harmony was okay. I was given the order to make sure they were comfortable and that order technically wasn’t ever revoked.” Appleeye scowled at her statement.

Veren said “I was just informed I have the power to choose the successor for Captain. I believe you Melanie are the right
choice, you took charge and turned a bunch of floundering guards into a fighting force.”

Melanie shook her head “No ,I can’t take that position. I believe you should get somepony else. I am still a young filly, I may have the talent but somepony with experience should take the role. I may consider when I’m a full grown mare.”

Veren nodded knowing he couldn’t stop her, he said “I would like you to at least take command of my squad, I am crippled for life.”

Melanie replied “I can do that.” She left for Ponyville to get ready for her new role.

Applejack smiled finally having been repaired. Trixie said “That will be all you need, I suggest you go home and get some
rest.” Applejack nodded as she got up. Rainbow Dash was lying on the floor asleep. Applejack lightly shook her causing the Pegasus mare to wake. Rainbow looked at Applejack with a smile, she slowly dusted herself off and the 2 of them, then
silently left beginning the long trek to Sweet Apple Acres.

They arrived to see the farm bathed in moonlight. Applejack knocked on the door. Big Mac opened the door and gave his
sister a big hug, Applejack said “Ah, don’t want to be broken again.” Big Mac frowned much to Applejack’s confusion, until
she realised they might not know.

She was about to speak when Big Mac said quietly “So you found out.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked confused.
Granny Smith and Applebloom came down the stairs.

Granny Smith said “We heard the whole thing, I’m sorry we couldn’t tell you.”

Applejack and Rainbow frowned. Applejack said “Why didn’t you tell me the truth. I could have a nervous breakdown.”

Applebloom said “We’re sorry, we just didn’t want you to think that you had no value because of the fact you are a robot.”

Applejack said “I see, thanks for trying to spare my feelings but next time it would be easier if you just told me.”

Rainbow said “Anyway I think we should head to bed. Today has been a long day.”

Applejack nodded and the pair both flopped haphazardly on Applejack’s bed. Big Mac relocated them so they wouldn’t freeze in the night. He smiled as his sister and the mare she loved laid on the same bed.

Author's Note

This will be the final chapter but don't worry I will write a sequel, I just hope you enjoyed the story.