Replicated Wanderer

Chapters

II. Recover (unedited)
III. Repel
IV. Relate
V. Review
VI. Recollect
Interlude 01. Reexamine (unedited)
VII. Request (unedited)
VIII. Retaliate (unedited)
IX. Repent (unedited)
X. Retrace (unedited)
XI. Revert (unedited)
XII. Revoke (unedited)
XIII. Reveal (unedited)
XIV. Reheat (unedited)
XV. Require (unedited)
XVI. Reseal (unedited)
XVII. Reassess (unedited)
XVIII. Response (unedited)
XIX. Rethink (unedited)
XX. Reckoning (unedited)
XXI. Realization
XXII. Results (unedited)
Interlude 03. Reignite (unedited)
XXIV. Return (unedited)
XXV. Reseize (unedited)
XXVI. Restraint (unedited)
XXVII. Revulsion (unedited)
XXVIII. Reinforce (unedited)
XXIX. Reestablish (unedited)
XXX. Revive (unedited)
XXXI. Retry (unedited)
XXXII. Reflect (unedited)
XXXIII. Revile (unedited)
XXXIV. Regretful
XXXVI. Reintegrate (unedited)
I. Reploid
Interlude 02. Restructured (unedited)
XXIII. Remorse (unedited)
XXXV. Retrogress

II. Recover (unedited)

Author's Note

Unfortunately for our 'X' things will always be harder than they appear. Since I'm pretty sure there are enemies hiding in the shadows lol

II. Recover (unedited)

“Now son I know you wanted to stay home but this is getting ridiculous. You are staying with your uncle and learning something constructive instead of sitting around playing games.” My father loudly raised his voice.

“But I'm only twelve dad.”

“And that's two to high to sit around playing games.” He answered dismissively.

I sighed internally. If I vocalized that he would lecture me… again. I didn't need to hear another spiel on the importance of doing something with my life with another long winded tale that usually went nowhere.

The car bumped on the now beat down dirt path as we headed towards my uncle’s house. Funnily enough, he was on my mother’s side of the family and my dad and him didn't like each other. How they put aside their differences just to make me more active in life was beyond my comprehension that was for sure. The car finally rolled to a stop as we reached a large two story log cabin with an extra attachment off to the side where a steady stream of smoke poured from the smokestack from all the projects he would work on. I just sat there knowing that this would entirely suck.

“Enjoy your summer son. Your mother will call you tonight.” My dad mentioned as he rushed me out of the car with my two suitcases.

Claudius was a stern man. The moment I got there I was dragged over to the kiln and had a large apron draped over my chest.

“Keep the fire going by pumping air into the furnace. I'm testing out an old method and now that my free la- you are here I can actually do it well. Now get your butt over here and work the bellows.” Claudius ordered.

“Right…”

This was the second time he made me work during the summer. The radiating heat had already sent me into a constant sweat which trickled down my neck and turned my shirt from light gray to dark gray. The steam from when the drops hit anything that was heated nearly threatened to blind me from the sweltering searing heat.

“Ok that's good. Get on the anvil and try to drag out the stock a couple more inches.” Claudius commanded as he sent me over to get one of the smithing hammers he kept close by.

It took me a while to get the right length out without thinning the metal. He was always particular about how I went about forging armor and was the most critical the first time I did it during the previous summer. Through constant trial and error I figured out how to accomplish at the very least a breastplate before my summer was over.

It took me several hours before I could fully realize what was where I could actually be. A different dimension or another planet were the only thoughts in my mind now. The cold mountain air blew past me but I didn't feel cold at all. I stared at the now setting sun which didn't harm my eyes. My own sensors actually mentioned placing on tinted lenses over my mechanical eyes to filter out the intense rays of the sun.

=Reception acquired. First capsule located far to the south=

“Seriously… I got reception only because I'm this high.”

I could feel the intense heat build up in my system of misguided rage. I couldn't even tell what I was truly angry at though, my situation or myself. I had to keep the despair at bay for now… there would be time to sulk after I made certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that nothing would be able to kill me. If I could figure out my own systems I could effectively be immortal.

=Capsule specified area. Two hundred miles of current location.=

“Looks like I get to jump.”

Before I could go a small compartment opened up on my arm revealing a small device. I thought it was one of the modules until I took it out of my arm and examined it more closely. Several files seemed to flashed through my mind from the central processor there. I placed it on the very top of the mountain leaving it behind as the files finished scrolling through my mind. A teleportation point should I ever need to find new places. It would be a fitting place to at the very least have a place to easily get back to find more capsules. Satisfied that I at the very least didn’t need to climb back up with my own two feet again I looked out to the horizon.

Throwing all caution to the wind I dashed off of the peak directly south allowing gravity to take me all the way down. It had to have been over ten thousand meters though the sensors in my body were unable to accurately measure just how far I had climbed. Eight thousand meters, my body felt the rush of wind as I sailed further down. Five thousand meters and I couldn’t even make out shapes anymore. Three thousand meters and colors no longer existed. At one thousand meters my legs automatically activated halting my momentum enough to grab onto the mountain cliffs. The momentum still carried as I nearly tore through the sheer rock wall leaving several grooves where my feet had touched while my hand tore through the stone easily enough.

Once I hit the ground I took off running back through the forest. While I couldn’t exactly see that far ahead of me the internal sensors I had seemed to be guiding me directly south. The world still seemed to be an untamed mess and I needed to get something to give me an edge. That… creature hadn’t appeared throughout my climb but he could probably appear at any moment. Wasting little time I dashed faster tearing through any brush that got in my way which startled several random creatures in the forest who all ran at my presence. I could’ve sworn that one of the creatures looked like a snake and a chicken had a baby. It had tried to stare into my soul but I rushed so fast past it I nearly flattened it under my boots I wanted to say.

“No time for a fricassee, I’m off on the hunt.” I muttered more to myself to break that monotonous silence that would threaten me every once in a while.

The forest kept surprising me in new ways as several creatures would stare out from the darkness at me but my charging advance would send them fleeing. I didn’t want to stop either, otherwise, I didn’t think I would get back up. I didn’t want to voice it out loud but that despair was still hounding me even after the fall. The fact that I didn’t activate the dash attachments in my legs willingly told me everything I needed to know. It was going to be trying to crush me anytime I let my guard down.

Starswirl sat at the table a bit annoyed at that moment. Celestia and Luna had once again forgotten their homework. Unsure of how to handle the sudden lack of things to grade Starswirl decided a lecture was needed.

“Girls… girls… girls…,” Starswirl started only to find it harder than he thought to speak, “You need to know the importance of this lesson before you head out to handle the rest of the world.”

“But Starswirl~ Golems are boring. Every golem that is made effectively only survives for one year if at that. They can’t do more than mine things and act as physical barriers.” Celestia grouses slightly.

“Doth mine sister speak the truth Starswirl.” Luna intoned though with her small stature she lisps it out instead in a highly childish manner which hurt Starswirl on an emotional level.

“Yes. It is very important. Look… Golems are a new form of magic which can functionally handle the wear and tear of the environment better than ponies can and with their effective casing and magical circuits within they could function more efficiently on jobs that are extremely hazardous to others. One golem could effectively equal hundreds of ponies on what they are capable of. While they are fragile think of what could be accomplished should we ever figure out how to make one run longer than a year… The possibilities are endless.” Starswirl fantasized outloud.

“Starswirl, most golems usually end up in insane fits of not knowing the difference between being alive and functioning. The ones who do burn up their crystal matrixes trying to come to terms with their own functional mortality. Nopony has ever managed to create a golem that would do more than work.” Celestia explained.

“If it is so easy to explain the nuances then why do I not have your homework on my desk at this very moment then Princess?” Starswirl countered quickly enough that Celestia was caught off guard into a stammering mess.

“W-w-well I-i-i j-j-just… Ok fine. I forgot I’m sorry I was attending to learning more about the movement of the sun.” Celestia pouted as she stared holes into the floor.

“Luna?” Starswirl started.

“The moon. Something about it felt natural.” Luna groused as she bowed her head letting her ears droop.

Starswirl was uncertain how to continue this. They were doing exactly as was foretold in tying bonds to the very celestial objects that governed the sea of stars beyond even their individual magical reach. He couldn’t be mad at them nor could he be disappointed if only because they were doing what came naturally. Celestia looked over the notes about golems as did Luna but their interest was low on this aspect as Starswirl had predicted.

Golems were a branch of magic involving Runic Spells and partial Soul Bindings. It was a messy ritual that would give many pause for thought on how to go about it. The fact that all golems that had been created turned into such dangerous monsters over time due to the constant wear and tear of their crystal processors and fragile nature of their internal parts made him extremely wary when his former colleagues tried to create one. They had wound up destroyed by their own shortsightedness.

“Princesses. It is important to learn these things in case something happens that requires you to deal with situations that may come up whenever you least expect it.” Starswirl lectured on until a door burst open from the side with a servant barreling through straight for the three of them.

“Starswirl! Starswirl! It’s terrible.” The servant cried out as she tripped over her own hooves landing in a heap before the three. Celestia and Luna’s chuckles didn’t deter Starswirl’s sudden shift towards wondering if he was asking for trouble the moment he said that.

“Art thou okay?” Luna hopped off her seat managing to get the servant back of their hooves.

“Yes. Thank you Princess Luna. I’m sorry for barging in at such an unmannerly hour but something was seen wandering the forest to the west by one of the guard patrols. It looked like a functional golem but it was bipedal in nature and covered entirely in blue armor.” The servant announced to the surprise of all three.

“Starswirl can you tell the future!?” Celestia cried out as she feverishly poured over the notes on Crystal Golems and any weaknesses that they might have with Luna right on her flank helping out.

“Please watch over them. I shall get the pillars to assist me in dealing with this golem.” Starswirl sharpened his gaze as he trotted out of the room to the chagrin of the princesses and relief of the servant.

“Oh thanks the stars...:” The servant muttered turned away from both princesses as her eyes quickly shined to yellow sclera with red pupils before returning to their original purple irises.

With his plan in motion the servant in mare’s clothing complied with Starswirl’s request if only to play the long game. It wasn’t his ideal chaos but it would pay off in spades the moment that Discord decided he had had enough fun. Besides… what they don’t know wouldn’t kill them… Well it might…

‘Perhaps I should have thought this more thoroughly…’ Discord mused before continuing with his random tasks for the Princesses before getting another one of the servants to take over and disappearing from the castle.

It took me several hours of meticulous guess work to figure out where I was going exactly. I knew south was the right direction but it was becoming ridiculous with how many twists and turns I had to make just to get through the underbrush. Finally as I reached the point that I was supposed to get to I had to make another detour to the west where the beacon in my head was droning with the constant beep.

‘Shut up beep. Shut up beep. Shut up beep. Shut up beep. Shut up beep!’ I mentally commanded and if by magic my body complied with the demand.

At this point I needed to check on my weapons system. By sheer accident I had attacked something with what could be considered lethal force and while the creature survived with only a small scratch the look on its face told a different story. That was the first time it looked as though something was capable of scratching it in any capacity. I was in a dangerous body in a sense. The X frame and body was built with limitless potential and constant improvement. Every section of the body was meant to increase in capabilities through time. That unfortunately meant I needed to tone down the weapons system to a more manageable level.

I am not a killer. I might be capable of it. I’m certain anyone is if pushed hard enough but I didn’t want to do it and find it easier with every execution. The creature that attempted to mess with my mind was a panicked response… though with the look they gave me I was more than certain that they didn’t see it that way and considered it a declaration of war. Looking through the mental files within my brain I found the weapons output of the X Buster. Really, it was the Mega Buster MK-17 but that was a mouthful and unwieldy to say outloud. I looked through the setting finding out just how lethal my shots would be. At only a twenty five percent charge I could tear through concrete without too much problem… and flesh would be seared from the power. With a few mental commands I place the number down to ten percent output which seemed to alo pull off the taxing feeling I was getting during my trek south.

“Is there a way to merely stun opponents…?” I muttered only to find the safeties on for my buster. Apparently any flesh and blood targets would only be stunned from even a charged shot which was weird because that creature was targeted with more than fifty percent power at that moment. Which meant it wasn’t flesh and blood or the moment it tried to mess with my head the limiters immediately went off. Too many unknown variables meant caution was to be stressed more than ever.

Even then I still hadn’t met any other sapient creatures. A large lion with bat wings and a scorpion tail had tried to kill me only stopping when he realized that I was made more of metal than anything. The flying spider things ran off when they realized I could actually endure and outright ignore their wrath. The chicken snake creatures tried to stare into my eyes only for me to ignore it and nearly run right over it. Nothing had tried to talk to me even though that first creature did.

“Perhaps I’m getting too antsy now… Don’t assume and you’ll be fine. Right?” I patted myself on the back for whatever fleeting comfort I could get out of it. My nerves were still shot at the difference of the continent and how… clear the skies were. There were still plenty of clouds in the sky and everything seemed to be naturally spreading around but every once in a while, while I was on top of that tall mountain a cloud would instantly disappear as if someone kicked them out of the sky. That was absurd though… I’m sure of it.

After tearing through another twelve tree roots I finally opened my eyes to the sight before me. There were several large caverns in front which seemed utterly ghastly. I felt somewhere deep inside of me that something died. I don’t know why either. Undeterred by the weird feeling I immediately dashed into the caverns with nary a worry in my soul… since I didn’t exactly have a beating heart.

“Are you certain this is where it went Starswirl? A golem hasn’t been around these parts for years.” Rockhoof started as he led the way the two lanterns hanging on his sides.

“From what the servant managed out that is the case… Look.” Starswirl pointed at the long strides and heavy prints in the ground. The figure who stood moments ago being heavier than even Rockhoof on a bad day.

“We have something Swirls. The figure rushed into the Ghastly Caverns.” Magnus stated as he slung his shield across his back.

“They certainly were a golem. I sensed no emotions from it… At least I don’t think I did. Something was off about the golem. It seemed to move with purpose. It’s eyes showed a certain reasoning. It even smiled I think.” Somnambula spoke drawing both Mistmane and Meadowbrook’s attention.

“We must be careful then. Ghastly Caverns is dangerous and could bring our doom.” Meadowbrook muttered as she placed her mask on.

“I’m sensing a lot of Dark Magic in this place Starswirl. More than I thought was possible. Are you certain we should enter this place. What if that golem is drawing magic from here?” Mistmane whispered to Starswirl who actually contemplated it.

“I have prepared a banishment spell should it ever come to that point. Golems are not that strong and the dark magic would cause the crystal circuitry it runs off to sputter and expire from the constant exposure.” Starswirl patted his fellow unicorn on the back.

Unbeknownst to all that went into the inner sanctum of the caverns as murky black shadow slowly slid across the ground looking intently into absorbing more of the darkness that dwelled within.

I made my way around the large sections of serrated stalagmites and stalactites without too much trouble. The ones I did get too close to actually snapped whenever I pressed too hard against them. The path through was a twisted mess of dead ends and pitfalls. My eyes had adjusted to the dark easily enough and parts of my armor had started to glow to illuminate my path. It got so bad that I actually felt enough of a twinge of fear to give myself at the very minimum fifty percent lethality to my weapons system. The built in limiter pulsed from time to time if anything sapient showed up but I wasn’t sure that anything that survived by more than instinct lived within this place.

“Why the hell does it want me to go fifty meters down now damn it all…” I hissed out in exasperation.

The trip inside had started out fine up until I hit the first dead end and my sensor reoriented themselves. I had barely gone in for twenty minutes and I was already reading three new tunnels had somehow been dug out within seconds. That was impossible for any creature to do that easily. Then I found one of the dug out paths and found that it was spacious enough for me to jump and touch the ceiling. Apparently I was little over 160 centimeters and I could hit the ceiling just barely… that meant whatever dug these things were well over three meters in diameter and pretty long from the dimensions of the tunnel. That also meant I could effectively jump little more than twice my height.

“Huh… more you know then... “ I muttered to myself. Once again the loneliness was starting to get worse by the second.

Finally after several times being turned around and other times falling deliberately into deep pits because I thought they would lead me somewhere my sensors finally started to ping for some reason. In front of me were two large metal discs stacked one on top of the other. As I drew closer it opened up revealing a glass tube between them.

My mind clicked instantly to the times that Dr. Light would appear from the capsule. I waited a moment hoping that there would be an A.I. also willing to assist me… those moments became minutes… then those minutes became an hour. The internal clock in my head couldn’t be lying either. Sighing, I stepped up into the glass tube and suddenly several files were jammed into my head including the armor parts of the first set of Light’s upgrades followed closely by the weapons archive of the first eight mavericks. The armor set would not immediately activate. Twelve hours were apparently needed to integrate the upgrade efficiently without rendering me catatonic.

After stepping out of the capsule it immediately started to short out before disintegrating into dust… “What the absolute f-”

I stopped at that moment. For some reason I couldn’t explain why my motion sensors were going off revealing twelve different creatures within these tunnels. Six were closing in. Five were at random places digging around which meant they were most likely the tunnelers. The last one… that one was skulking around following the six carefully…

“Crap… crap crap crap crap… ” I rushed off in case something went horribly wrong.

III. Repel

Author's Note

Thanks to FTR2017 for looking through the chapter and helping with edits and such. You are great.

III. Repel

“Have you sensed anything yet Starswirl?” Mistmane called out as her horn pointed out allowing a cone of magic to scan the area.

“No not yet. It’s as if this thing doesn’t have a magical signature… that should be impossible. A golem always has a magical signature denoting who built it and what its function overall is. I still have yet to sense anything that could determine what this golem was used for.” Starswirl trailed off thinking of the possibilities and the dangers of a rogue golem.

Sentience wouldn’t be bad… sapience might turn it against those who created it.

Mistmane made a small grunt to keep Starswirl away from the dark corners of his mind. While nopony wanted to say anything something was missing from the group. They all knew what it was but they all averted their eyes from what was wrong. Seven were supposed to head out… only six went in.

“All I’ve been feeling are those dang Quarry Eels digging through this place. They’ll be a problem alright, sooner or later. And this place’ll be lost.” Rockhoof muttered, if only for the change of topic.

“Are you certain that that golem came this way?” Meadowbrook lifted her mask inquisitively staring at Starswirl. “Golems usually aren’t smart enough to look through these caverns and there is nothing left to get in these caverns. Diamond Dog raiders already mined these caverns out.”

“Perhaps it was created by the Minotaurs. You know that some ponies decided to live amongst them to escape the strife Equestria is going through.” Magnus brought up gripping his shield tighter. He didn’t have the freedom of movement he would in the air.

“At the very least it was only one golem. We are six ponies. I am certain we will handle things easily enough.” Somnambula mentioned as she took point flapping her wings lightly enough not to zoom into the ceiling.

“It'll be a blessing if we find it before the quarry eels do. Those things are monstrous enough without seeing them close up.” Magnus shuddered as he remembered the last time he dealt with them.

The six of them soon fell into an uncomfortable silence as the echoing of the clip clip of hooves and the flapping wings was the only companion they had. Starswirl lit up his horn casting a few will o'wisp spells to allow them a safer path. Still no contact was made.

“I don't like this. Even quarry eels would have attacked us ten times over and nary a single one has bothered us. This golem is not this important.” Rockhoof snorted though he followed along uncertain of the shadows that escaped his gaze.

“Perhaps but if it becomes a problem I would hate to allow it a chance to grow into one.” Starswirl admitted through gritted teeth.

Rockhoof nodded in understanding but the sharpness of his gaze never faltered from peering at the shadows.

Stygian had listened to the darkness carefully. It had told him how to gain respect. It had told him where to gain more power. What they didn't expect was the arrival of the pillars in the same place where darkness gathered. Incensed Stygian wanted to strike back, to right that which had been done wrong.

The darkness instead erred on the side of caution. Stygian had only gotten used to the darkness within the last cycle of the moon. They were not ready.

“And when will I be ready then?” Stygian snarled.

“When you can notice the chaos god looming around us.” The darkness answered back surprising the young unicorn.

“That's a thing?” Stygian backed up forcing their shared body to back up as well.

“He is being very sly moving around, but even then I can sense the ha- the flow of his magic.” The darkness spoke catching itself before it could speak on the hatred that it felt.

The darkness was a being that fed on the darker emotions of life hence the name. Stygian’s hatred for being ignored and abandoned had been a five course meal that constantly replenished itself on an hourly basis. The sheer festering bile he felt crawling upon his back had completely empowered it to the point where he could now sense one of his ancient foes. Discord was watching now but unlike most instance he didn't make a move. His focus was placed on something else within the caverns.

‘What are you planning…?’ The darkness mused as it went back to their original plan on gathering enough darkness to power up.

“Is there nothing we could do?” Stygian whined as he felt the darkness gather more shadows into itself.

“Of course, my friend! I have something to appease you but it is not guaranteed to work.” The darkness smiled within the confines of Stygian’s mind which translated onto their shared body as well.

A quarry eel burst out of the wall nearby charging straight for the unassuming pony only to stop as the shadows burrowed into its flesh. Stygian smiled as the shadows danced and writhed around the body, turning it a sickly shade of the orange it once was as obsidian-looking teeth took place of the fangs it once had. The tongue grew long spines as it lashed out in service of its master.

Stygian, without worry, placed his hoof against the creature and slowly rubbed the spot beneath its jaw eliciting a growl of contentment.

“Go deal with the pillars. Show them humility for their sins against us.” The darkness ordered as the quarry eel backed up before burrowing towards the pillars at high speed.

Discord felt something at the edge of his focus, and turned to the strange little pony with the slowly changing coat they had going from a dull grey to ink black. Snarling slightly he was about to snap his fingers when he got a wicked idea. A wicked and awful idea that caused his smile to get wider than it ever did.

The thing that hurt him was made of metal, and every predator deserved a chance to survive long enough, didn't they? After all, what is life but a bundle of chaos searching for fun? He snapped his fingers causing the obsidian like teeth to become sharper and more durable. While he couldn't just curb stomp the little bug due to it being too orderly, he shuddered at the thought, he could make that metal menace’s life a living Tartarus.

He chuckled maliciously as he summoned up some opera glasses, and kicked up his feet to watch the destruction of a metal biped.

I raced ahead, completely convinced something was wrong. That dot had stopped a few moments ago as another joined it. The dot that had joined the first was stationary for a few moments before making a beeline for the six dots that were walking further into the caverns.

“Why!?” I screamed into a stifling growl as I kept quiet once again. I was a reploid at this point, a replicated android of advanced make, and capable of combat. I wasn't a fighter though I had very few lessons on how to fight from my uncle and the only reason he taught me was to strengthen me up to work the forge.

He showed me only the barest minimum of boxing which at least gave me a solid stance when he ordered me to keep the metal from shifting around too much. Dashing through another tunnel, I carefully charged up a buster shot to keep in reserve. The glowing of my armor might have given me away, should anyone be walking through the darkness but my danger sense was tingling. At least I'm sure it was that, what with the android brain and the constant flow of several concepts of technology and armor configuration bouncing around in there.

My uncle was also very hands on, and taught me by forcing me to defend myself at random times. It wasn't an ideal way of learning, or had any appeal but I managed to always give back as well as I got in the end. I never expected much out of his little regiment but it did stick when I first faced that monster. I had pulled up that training instinctively. It had been useless in hindsight but it stuck regardless of what others thought.

“Now where are those six dots…” I growled out as I had to climb some more vertical tunnels. I was closing in on the dots in question. As I turned the next corner I stopped mid stride.

Standing in front of me were six tiny horses of varying heights. The one in the lead wore a shabby wizard outfit, one that looked as though it had seen things that most could only dream about - not to mention the impressive gray beard he seemed to have flowing down his face. His silver or gray coat seemed to denote his age.

The tallest tiny horse was aqua or teal in color, with several orange braids in its mane. He, as I could tell by his beard, was wielding a shovel upon his back. The yellow-ish pony on the right wore centurion armor while he held in his hoof a shield of some sort. The armor needed to be buffed out some more and the crest looked a bit worn from age.

While those three stood stock still I noted that the center one had a horn while the yellow one had wings on its back. I definitely was not on planet Earth as I noticed the other three come out from behind. I noted that they reminded me of a weird dungeons and dragons themed party. Though I didn’t exactly see their thief amongst them which I totally would have played as, if I knew them better. It would fit me perfectly since as X I could take another’s powers, albeit only robotic creatures, which there are none here.

The three others seemed to be female if their eye types were of any help, and the sensors in my head were reading it right. The tallest was purple and had a curved horn slightly while its mane seemed to flow all on its own with no visible wind affecting it. The next had a mask on its head but it was lifted up showing a very curious tiny horse. The last seemed to have an Egyptian theme going on and seemed the most wary of me.

‘So a wizard, a viking, a soldier, a florist, a cleric, and an oracle walk into a cave… I was certain that the joke was going somewhere, but even I don't think I have the processing power to figure it out. There are tiny horses in front of me and they are wearing clothes and wielding tools apparently.’ I wanted to scratch my head or even facepalm at that moment but the one in the wizard outfit seemed to have a lit horn for some reason.

I didn't really move at that point but I was ready to dash around the corner. At least that would have been the plan if that other dot wasn't closing in on our small combined group. Still the unicorn wasn't taking that horn off of me. It didn't look so tough though. Then again the creature I faced tanked a buster shot that was still at fifty percent power. I was about to race off for that dot that was closing in when I heard them speak.

“Why is it just standing there looking at us.” Magnus harshly whispered towards Starswirl.

“I don't know. I’ve got my binding spell ready if it moves. Rockhoof think you could trap it?” Starswirl muttered under his breath as he lowered his horn slightly.

“Aye. If your spell works I can put him down before it moves.” Rockhoof nodded though his gaze tipped when he felt the vibrations in the ground.

“Are we certain it's hostile? It hasn't done anything to us yet so it's probably still peaceful.” Mistmane called out before the others could attack.

“It seems to be aware of us completely and that glow is suspicious.” Somnambula sneered slightly though it might have been dust since she sneezed a short bit afterwards.

“Bless you. We should come to a decision since that golem seems to have escape routes, Starswirl.” Meadowbrook motioned her hoof towards it.

“But golems are incapable of speech. It is an impossible act to give a golem sapience. The closest one went insane and tried to kill their creator and then eliminate all, in their words, ‘flesh sacks’. This one only seems sentient so we should-” Starswirl started and the golem seemed to open its mouth.

“I can understand you, ya know?” The golem called out.

‘Yup six tiny horses all speaking about me in uncertain terms. You'd think they know what a male is… then again I don't exactly have the junk to prove I'm male.’ My eyes trailed to the largest male. ‘So this is Rockhoof apparently. I don't think he has the strength to stop me but appearances are deceiving. So the females are more perceptive I guess? That one seems to not trust me… oh wait they just needed to sneeze. That one is the smartest then and capable of figuring out I can escape.’

My eyes trailed around as I noted that the dot was now circling us while I kept my hands down and remained as non threatening as I could be. Whatever was chasing after them was turning into a shark, circling with predatory cunning for the first of the herd to break formation.

‘Wait… did that unicorn just call me stupid or something? Or that I'm incapable of speech. Rude.’ I looked towards the wizard who I now knew as Starswirl. He was the one with the lit horn.

“I can understand you, ya know?” I answered his long winded speech which I immediately cut off.

What I saw were six very shocked faces and then Starswirl’s horn went off as the spell went for me. I dashed around the corner dodging the blast, I assumed, and keeping behind cover. I was ready to fight back when I felt the ground shake.

A giant burrowing worm threw itself towards me, forcing me to lift both my hands to catch the upper edges of its maw, my feet in the ground firmly placed. The force caused me to skid into the ground shearing away stone as it pushed me back into the group of ponies whose still seemed to be after me.

“Quarry eel! Mistmane! Prepare your spells!” The yellow Pegasus called out as it pushed me back another two feet into their presence.

“Oh dear.” Mistmane shuddered as her horn lit up and a large gale of snow pushed into its mouth. It did little to stop the quarry eel as it was apparently called.

My body was coated in saliva as the drips poured over my head, and the frost did little to keep the liquid from dropping on my helmeted head. It was disgusting, and was the first time I was glad that I couldn't feel things. Still, the ice whatever it was didn't do much but make the eels’ mouth cold.

I planted my foot down to keep from being pushed any further as we were locked in a struggle for dominance. Several of the tiny horses were striking against the eel’s sides bashing as best as they could. The ones with horns seemed to fire off laser beams which just confused me to the point where I decided that it wasn't my problem anymore. That was future X’s problems.

The maw grew smaller as I felt the large fangs suddenly touch my shoulders and easily slice through the armored portions. It actually sent a buzz of pain through my body, waking me up immediately to the fact I was finally feeling something. Wrenching one of my hands free I aimed my buster into its mouth.

Before I could release the shot the tongue snaked out wrapping around me. It pushed me back making the fangs rake against my shoulders before tossing me off to the side.

It hissed furiously before turning its attention on Starswirl. With a calm collected look he flung up an energy shield of some sort just as it sunk its fangs into it. The blackened teeth pierced through the magic but the shield stood strong through the assault.

Rockhoof, Magnus, and Somnambula leapt against the eel knocking it off the shield wrenching its mouth in a weird angle. Mistmane grabbed the jaws with her magic as Meadowbrook tossed a few vials into its mouth.

The beast lurched about drunkenly as it crashed into the walls before sliding out through another tunnel. The pillars all sighed in relief until I stood back up.

There were small gashes in my shoulders which were now sparking from the ventilation I was now afforded. Still I was standing so that was a relief. Starswirl slowly stepped up to me warily taking stock of my hands apparently.

“You understand me Golem?” Starswirl intoned.

“Yes.” I answered resolutely as the sensors in my head started to beep internally once again.

Before we could continue once again I rushed toward him, causing him to flinch. Before I could be stopped the quarry eel burst out of the wall for the tiny regular horse with the mask. Dashing in with buster ready I fired a shot releasing a large blue blast of solar energy into its open maw.

As the blast hit the eels throats it spasmed and writhed as the damage caused it to scream in rage. It hit the ground with a dreadful scream as it convulsed from the stun effect I managed to program into my buster whenever I was forced to fight organic creatures.

For reasons beyond my control I felt so exhausted as my arms fell limp. I looked towards my arms noting that I was more drained than I should have been. The eel remained somewhat still, but it was still breathing as I looked towards the tiny horses again. They rounded on the masked pony though I remained still. I needed to plan out an escape route at this point since I did have to find more capsules.

“Um… thank you for saving me golem.” A voice called out behind me.

I looked down seeing the tiny masked horse bashfully thank me. The other ones seemed to regard me a bit less warily. I couldn't lift my arms very high which meant I needed to be as diplomatic as I possibly could be without looking like an asshole.

“No problem… did you actually want to talk to me or was there some other reason you six are still here?” I piqued my head in a confused manner towards them which caused the leader, I supposed, to step forward.

“I'm sorry for suddenly releasing that spell on you earlier. The fact you spoke just… unnerved me more than I thought it would. What sorcery powers you?” Starswirl slowly tapped my arm revealing it was made of metal causing his eyes to bug out in scientific curiosity.

“Sorcery? You mean magic?” I motion my fingers out wiggling them when I said magic.

“Of course I mean magic golem. You are a creation of magic as well.” Starswirl stated matter-of-factly and the odd smugness of his pose.

“Right… well I did just barely wake up two days ago with very limited knowledge…” I instantly felt a light bulb in my head go off. “Say… you wouldn't happen to know about the world or any teachers who could show me the ropes seeing as I'm near newborn status.”

“Of course golem. I shall teach you the ways of ponies everywhere…” Starswirl started before being interrupted by a cough. “Yes Meadowbrook?”

“Perhaps I should teach it.” Meadowbrook intoned placing a firm hoof against his chest I guess. He started to sweat slightly looking a little uneasy, but quietly nodded in agreement.

“Yes, of course. Perhaps we should discuss this more in detail somewhere more hospitable. The darkness here is stifling.” Starswirl coughed to the stifled chuckling of the other tiny horses.

After further review I'm thinking I should just call them ponies since they're all really tiny. Also tiny horses probably is demeaning to them, at least it possibly could be, if I had said it out loud.

“So which way do we go to get out of here?” Somnambula asked only to get a few stutters of uncertainty.

“I know the way…” I muttered out getting a few quirked eyebrows. “I really know the way. I've been keeping track of the way out.”

“Sure golem. Lead the way.” Starswirl spoke out first. I grimaced slightly and decided that perhaps it would be fine to show some backbone otherwise they would think me as a pushover. It actually made me think for a moment. If magic was a thing would revealing my real name allow others to control me. I had read books where if your true name was known it could give others power over you. They even admitted to having magic which meant that that creature was trying to do something with magic that affected my mind which didn't...

“My name is X. Yeah, X is my name.” I responded earnestly.

‘Tone it down. Keep your tells damn it. He could be watching…’ I mentally chastised myself which thankfully went too unnoticed though the ponies were looking at me with some trepidation.

“X, is it? A f-f-fine name of course.” Starswirl stuttered slightly but quickly regained his composure. “Lead the way if you please.”

I nodded and followed one of the closer paths which quickly lead out to the sunlight. Strangely my armor started to repair itself and my internal energy sources started to recharge. I pushed it to the side as the ponies immediately took the lead though for some reason their formation brought to mind imprisonment. I decided to go along with it since I had set a warp point back to the large mountain in the center of the continent and the peak would remain one of my safe spots.

Discord huffed slightly as he noted that his modifications did nothing for him. The so called ‘Pillars of Equestria’ had once again managed to circumvent another one of his chaotic schemes. He remained still though, steepling his paw and talons as a cruel smirk danced across his face.

“X was it? Seems as though we're playing a decent game of poker now. Go ahead and stack your deck. Continue drawing from your little well of resources. In the end I'll be playing the winning hand.” Discord sneered as he snapped his talons erasing the changes he made to the quarry eel.

As if on a switch the other quarry eels pounced onto their weakened brethren devouring it on the spot.

Stygian was flabbergasted. Someone managed to defeat something he created albeit with help from another. Dismayed, he focused on gathering power now. Discord, as he now knew, ignored them as he continued with his own plans.

“We must speak Stygian.” The darkness spoke.

“Yes, my friend.” Stygian answered in a cheerful tone.

“Yes friend… We must do something I would never think of asking unless I was certain we needed it. It is one that will ascend us into legend.” The darkness monologued monotonously causing Stygian to freeze.

“Uh… what is it?” Stygian cringed uncertain of what was to happen.

“We must take up the mantle. A title that will inspire others. Send fear into those that would seek to undermine us. To belittle us. We must not be forced back into that life.” The shadow bellowed which made Stygian feel something within his chest. Pride. Confidence. The certainty of being.

“What do you suggest?” Stygian asked as the darkness slowly enveloped him further. His eyes flowed with power as the shadows oozed from his body.

“We shall be known as the Pony of Shadows. All shall fear our reign. Once those Pillars have fallen all of Equestria shall know our name.” The darkness screamed for all shadows to know.

The mind of Stygian slowly subsumed into darkness until there was no Stygian left. There was no darkness either.

All that existed for now and forever after would be known by only one name.

The Pony of Shadows lived.

IV. Relate

Author's Note

Once again thanks to FTR2017 for editing this so quickly for me. Stay awesome.

IV. Relate

We have been walking for the better part of an hour without much incident - though I could tell how on edge everyone was. I couldn't see Starswirl’s face but his stance did say that he was tense. Rockhoof remained stone faced but the grim frown on that face said volumes of how he really felt. The yellow pegasus was in a very wide stance even though he needed to walk. He seemed ready to take off to strike whatever he could at any angle.

Taking a chance I glanced behind me and the other three got just as tense. The orange pegasus seemed to want to gallop away as fast as she could but didn't, even when I looked at her. The lilac unicorn kept her horn somewhat lit but not enough to seem threatening though she seemed shocked when I noticed. The blue pony kept her mask down making it impossible to tell what she was thinking though her steps were long and deliberate as if she was lost in thought.

‘So is this what constitutes for hospitality, or am I just that odd looking? I mean, yeah - I'm a bipedal warbot from an alternate future version of earth, but there's no need to be giving me the silent treatment at all.’ I kept moving even though I didn't really know where they were taking me - still it was better to play along in the long run. I didn't know anything about, I guess magical pony land, and if I could gain info about different topics I would at least be more wary of things around here.

‘What are we going to do…? It's sapient. Horseapples this is worse than I could possibly imagine. Next thing you know it'll try to take over Equestria. No! No Starswirl, calm down. It's latched on to your team as its pillars of understanding. That gives all of you the chance to get him under your thrall… no not thrall, stop thinking of it, no, him as something you can control. Reformation and any mental spells only work on organic minds. All you need to do is get him to consider being on your side. You can do it Starswirl… right?’

Starswirl immediately thought himself as the biggest plot hole in the history of plot holes, and he didn’t even know what a plot hole was... but that it felt appropriate at this point.

‘Well… this is something weird. A golem that is stronger than even I. Didn’t think that was possible, still, that means we have something in common. There is a chance now to grow stronger.’

Rockhoof absentmindedly nodded to himself. He was sure of his path and ready to follow through on the path he decided on.

‘Brave for a golem. Then again I doubt it would actually know what true bravery was. From all those times Starswirl lectured us on the practicality of golems on the battlefield I doubt it would actually know what fear truly was. Still… maybe finally I can get some of the other pegasi trained to fight against golems. The Crystal Empire still has stubborn problem with keeping their idiot politicians from trying to expand deeper into Equestria.’

Flash Magnus immediately flapped his wings and kept at a personable hovering height. His excitement was as palpable as his need to keep flying.

‘His armor is healing… he is healing in the sunlight. The golem has now shown more than I thought was possible. He runs off the energy of the sun. He is able to hold a monumental amount of weight from crushing him and anyone under his protection. He has an arm mounted weapon capable of firing blasts of light comparable to the sun. Somehow he is capable of exploring locations and finding his way through labyrinthian proportions. This makes him both a danger to all ponykind and a commodity that could be used for its betterment if we can bridge the gap between us.’

Meadowbrook kept her emotions hidden beneath her mask but the smile that adorned her face was looking forward to the attempt at making a new ally.

‘Magic is not flowing off of him. All of my aura detecting spells sense no amount of mana off of him. Still the form he wears is very streamlined. Capable of great feats of strength as he towers over all of us. Even Rockhoof barely reaches his shoulder. He is no minotaur either. What is he?’

Mistmane pondered over the ramifications that the new being before them held. She was excited and slightly scared of what this all meant - but there was always a certain beauty to a new mystery to uncover.

‘We must remain wary. This figure is so different than any other being we have ever met in our life. I may be hopeful but… I don’t want to let my heart be hurt again. Stygian left too big a mark. Starswirl is certain that he was trying to steal our powers but… I hope he is wrong. I hope he will come back to us one day to reconcile what he was doing. I should give this ‘X’ the benefit of the doubt. I cannot let fear destroy the hope I feel for a new being to earn our trust. He has complied with following us back and that means he is understanding. I’m sure of it.’

Somnambula smiled to herself keeping that flame of hope burning brightly within her heart. She would not be deterred by the perceived betrayal she felt. There was a reason and she was sure time would reveal it all.

‘Damn it all to Tartarus. That plan was not sufficient enough. Still new things were learned all around at the very least. Still… he was found by the pillars, and that will be harder to turn things to my advantage. While I am the spirit of chaos and disharmony, my powers are still a bit too weak for my tastes. I still haven’t been able to change the very environment around me to my liking. There’s enough chaos as is but so far there hasn’t been something created to balance me out. How strange that I would need something like that to fully exercise my full power. Still… that means that there is still further I could go. That blasted… golem, I think, managed to hurt me and that is something that can never be forgiven at all. Petty? Maybe. Doesn’t matter. I’ll crack that toy for daring to play back.’

Discord cracked his paw and talons before snapping once again. He needed to create a pocket dimension for now at the very least. With the pillars still around it would be difficult to truly manage to have as much fun as he possibly wanted. They did far too well in banishing those idiot sirens. What the buck were their names anyways? Didn’t matter to him in the least at the very least. He needed to plan his next move on that blasted X.

‘We have been at it for days Shadow. What are we looking for?’

‘There are creatures of shadow that we must drain slightly. Even now we are still too weak to face all the pillars without being dragged into limbo. I will not permit us to be taken without a fight. To do that we must gain more strength.’

‘This is slightly frustrating though. What are changelings? Why not just gather strength from the wastelands beyond the Ghastly Caverns? Or even the island out closest to Griffonstone where dragons enjoy striking for their own amusement? Even the Crystal Wastes to the north probably hold more darkness. It’s frustrating to look for myths.’

‘I assure you that they are no mere myths. They - like the Nightmares, the Umbrum, and the Stormlings - are true beings out in the wide world. Even beyond what you and your former associates know of. Changelings are merely the easiest to filter darkness out of. Their screams will fill us with more power than you would ever think possible.’

‘I suppose. Still, the Badlands have been completely barren for the last couple of hours. We would have more luck finding things to feed my power deep within that jungle, or even battling the Arimaspis that live on the mountain due west of us.’

‘Another day, trust in me friend.’

The Pony of Shadows ‘consulted’ his other half. In truth, the entity was slowly eating away at the pony’s sense of self. While he was fully entranced into darkness there were still doubts and fears breaking through the two becoming more than they could be. It would take time but eventually it would be strong enough to not be overwhelmed by useless emotions. It carefully treaded around the topic as the shadows fully explored the badlands to their fullest.

If I had to think about it logically... it felt as though everyone here was frustrated. We could probably relate to each other through our mutual confusion.They knew nothing of me and I certainly knew nothing of them. It’s quick, but everytime I glance in their general direction or peer at them from the corner of my eyes, I can tell. I was never good at reading others - my uncle especially - but these ponies wear their emotions on their ears. Almost all of them were pointed down and each were either scowling, staring, or furrowing their brows. The only mysterious one was the mask wearing one.

My own examinations only came in small bursts but after three or four days in this realm... I think I’ve identified four different sapient species.

Whatever that creature in the forest was was probably something I would never understand in the long run.

The winged one were pegasus-like so that would probably be their catch-all term, even though I’m still confused on how they are flying, especially the one with armor.

The ones with horns are obviously a homage to unicorns though the female one behind me actually has a curved horn for some reason. Also their hair looks to be moving on its own. Magic was a thing, huh? Well I can’t be dreaming if the worm managed to hurt me back within those caverns.

Finally there were regular ponies though they had the strangest abilities out of the rest. The big guy, Rockhoof I think, was far bigger than a pony should be. Maybe he would be the only horse like creature… maybe. The mask wearing one I could have sworn teleported somehow and even that is pushing it; even if she actually disappeared from my sensors for a moment and reappeared back in the caverns.

All in all this trek gave me time to check on other things. The weapons archive was finally done activating and the seal was undone.

=Weapon Archive Unlocked=
=Releasing Series One Seal: Eight Armaments Unlocked
-Fire Wave: Flame Mammoth Module unlocked
-Shotgun Ice: Chill Penguin Module unlocked
-Electric Spark: Spark Mandrill Module unlocked
-Rolling Shield: Armored Armadillo Module unlocked
-Homing Torpedo: Launch Octopus Module unlocked
-Boomerang Cutter: Boomer Kuwanger Module unlocked
-Chameleon Sting: Sting Chameleon Module unlocked
-Storm Tornado: Storm Eagle Module unlocked
=Weapon Capabilities Series One Cannon Upgrade
=Arm Cannon Upgrade… Searching… Searching… =
=Downloading: In Progress=
=Weapon Limiter - TBD=
=ETA:15 Hours=
=Armor Synthesis: In Progress=

“We’re here… X, if you please follow me. Welcome to our humble home. We need to show you to the guard we have on staff for now, to make sure they don’t try anything stupid.” Starswirl explained as he opened the door.

Surprisingly, the stone floors were polished to a lustrous shine as several guards seemed to stand at attention. The ones who saw me immediately raised their weapons - which were an assortment of spears, swords, shields and crossbows - until Rockhoof and the amber colored pegasus raised their hooves to stop them. I really need to figure out all their names eventually. The unicorns I seemed to know, since the unicorn mare seemed to be called Mistmane, while the stallion was called Starswirl.

“But Sir!”

Some random guards started saying a lot of racially bias things which made me quirk an eyebrow. As far as I could see a lot of ponies were basing their opinions off of my appearance. At the very least I thought they were when I realized just what they were actually saying.

“A golem! Are you mad!? They always go insane!”

“Hurry! We must deactivate it before it goes the same route as Raven Scar!”

“It’s looking at me funny…”

“Another golem! I can’t do it! I just can’t!”

Right then… looks as though I’m in a very bad spot. All I have to do is keep my arms down and not get dragged into a dangerous fight. I would be in a very bad position in the long run, as I haven’t even managed to unlock my first armor set and the buster enhancements would make it so I could turn intangible or generate a shield… not to mention that my sensors haven’t even managed to find the next pod either. I don’t need more enemies around me - like that lizard bird pony thing in the forest. I think having one is enough and I still haven’t sensed him around me since that night.

“ENOUGH!” Rockhoof immediately slammed his hoof down, silencing every single pony in the room and forcing them to attention once again. The floor had a large crack reaching the walls which I think was a thirty foot range. “You will all conduct yourself as one of the guards chosen for our new burgeoning kingdom. You were chosen under careful consideration by Commander Hurricane, Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead to be the best of the best and not a roving band of barbarians!”

Several of the guards flinched at the mention of those three for some reason. The ones with wings nearly curled said wings at the mention of this Commander. The Unicorns held their horns at the mention of the princess and the regular ponies curved their hooves at the chancellor.

At the very least, this unpleasant scene is giving me plenty of information on the inner workings of the government without me having to appear too ignorant, or gain antipathy by asking them openly.

Even at this point I had to think further on the cries the guards gave. Raven Scar was a golem apparently but it had a name… they also talked about it as if it were dead. I’ve read enough about the inner working of robotics to see that they probably did something stupid that made whatever created life they had turn against their masters. It was something I saw within the Megaman series as I played through it. While I will always contend that the X series was my favorite I also knew more of the lore in it.

The Maverick Wars, in story, were some of the most destructive conflicts within the entire series with the Zero series being the only thing that reached that level of horror. That game explicitly spelled out that over ninety percent of all reploids and seventy percent of all humanity was wiped out before that first game was even released. Those numbers would be in the billions on both sides depending on how advanced those worlds got.

“He is a golem but he is under my control. It is a project I was working on for several weeks already. Golem please stand before me.” Starswirl commanded me.

I was lucky that I found out I could dampen my emotions enough to not show how bad an idea this was. I wanted to immediately kick his ass right then and there for improvising without consulting with me… but with a robotic brain dictating my thought processes I had to conclude that it was a decent plan to keep ponies from trying to pick fights with me. The sensors in my head also found that all six of the ponies who found me had actually seized up. While I couldn’t see the ones behind me, the ones in front were frozen in complete worry. I took a few steps in front of Starswirl and saluted him. It was best I didn’t talk yet.

“You see. He is perfectly safe and not one of those… other ones we’ve dealt with. His designation is X, and he will listen to me and the pillars and only us.” Starswirl was sweating at this point.

I really doubt that improvisation was something unicorns were comfortable with - if the deep concern and worry in Starswirl’s eyes was anything to go by. I think he could tell I wasn’t exactly happy with this development.

‘Damn it! Damn it! Starswirl you flankhole! Why didn’t you think before you opened your mouth!? He doesn’t look pleased at all! Please… please be understanding, X. At this point we can at the very least keep the ponies on your side - even with their bad blood with golems in the past.’

I mentally sighed at this point. I needed to find more of those pods that would deliver me weaponry to deal with any threats and armor to keep from being ‘destroyed’. It was working as several ponies seemed to ease themselves back down. They still gripped their weapons to make certain that nothing bad would happen.

When my eye looked over their weapons though I felt something deep within cringe in horror. Their weapons were horribly maintained… so many chips and cracks. How did they fall to ruin so badly? I have to fix those mistakes. I must fix those mistakes that they call weapons - so goddamn horrible to look at.

My inner blacksmith, as my uncle would call it, demanded that these mistakes be fixed up.

“How can we trust that it not go rogue? Don’t you remember what happened with all the others we’ve faced? Raven Scar nearly killed your apprentice Starswirl! How could you forget about the terrors of the Lavan and Charlatan golems that were created. They managed to nearly destroy several landmarks of Dream Valley before they were stopped.” A large grey regular pony with very heavy armor stepped up confronting the pillars.

This one seemed to have seen a lot of bad things in life, judging by the thousand yard stare in his eyes - and they were locked on me intently. I could see the horror deep within him - which made me more than curious about the golems that were created. It sounded almost exactly like the mavericks in some case but at the same time it sounded different.

A blip appeared in my sensors again as I tipped my head slightly. It was faint but off in the corner of the main hall of this fortress was a very tiny pair of eyes staring at me, each a sickly yellow with red dots watching me closely.

I knew he would come for some reason. I don’t know how, but I could feel the logic centers of my brain try to drill into my brain the fact and warning that he was always watching me. The guard noticed me not looking at them anymore and peered into the corner I was staring at. He dismissed it immediately.

“This golem is looking at the ceiling for some reason… I think it’s trying something funny…” Another guard clutched his weapon tighter as the heavy armored pony stepped forward as well.

“ENOUGH! We shall handle all this. All guards back to your positions now!” Rockhoof ordered with another stomp getting every single pony aside from the armored one. He gave me in particular one more harsh glare which I didn’t react to, otherwise all the work already set in place would go to waste.

And sure enough all I could see was frustration on everyone’s faces that matched and in some cases exceed even my own by country miles. Throughout that, all I was certain was this: I could hear cackling come from Discord… loud enough to be heard for miles with only me privy to his existence...

V. Review

Author's Note

Thanks to Editor FTR2017 for helping me get this out so fast after the holidays XD

V. Review

It took a few minutes before I was ushered into a new room far from prying ears and watchful eyes. Starswirl and Rockhoof quickly excused themselves, one on the grounds of being the princess’ tutor and the other needing to keep an eye on Vicious Aegis, who most likely was that pony who gave me that sour look before their dispersal.

That forced me to think once again. All their names so far have been… things turned into names descriptive of what they look like. Starswirl wore clothing that had stars which seemed to swirl on him. Mistmane’s mane flowed like mist which was a little too on the nose in my view. Rockhoof seemed to have hooves that could break rock. Was I overthinking this? It felt both right yet wrong at the same time. Everything felt like it was a joke waiting to happen yet I couldn't tell why. My musings lasted up until the regular pony with the mask tapped her hoof against the table they had brought me to.

The room was littered in times and charts of varying origin. I even saw a map of this world which just confirmed that this place, wherever I was was indeed wasn't Earth anymore. The lettering also seemed very different and more symbols than actual letters seem to be the focal point for their system. The earth pony tapped her hoof again gaining my attention.

“Sorry.” My eyes were focused mostly on my hands before finally looking back into the pony’s eyes. I was still uncertain of her name in particular.

“It's fine, X. I'm sure that being alive and all is something wondrous which we've all experienced. We need to get introductions out of the way. You know of three of us since I noticed you were listening whenever our names were spoken.” The earth pony started raising a hoof towards me in expectation.

“Unicorn male is Starswirl. Unicorn female is Mistmane. Male pony is Rockhoof.” I answered tersely - only to I realize the fact after I said my answer. My emotions had still been suppressed in order to keep up the charade that Starswirl had cooked up. My tutor looked a bit confused by the intonation I voiced.

“You sound… very monotonous. What's wrong? You didn't take Starswirl seriously did you?” She gasped slightly while fidgeting in place - needing both the unicorn and the female Pegasus to calm her down. I merely shook my head and held up a hand to stop them. I was lucky that that gesture was still known here. Didn't know how but I didn't want to look a gift pony in the mouth.

I would have groaned had my emotions been on at that moment.

“It's not that. I shut my emotions off for a bit to keep up with his plan. Sorry, please continue with the introductions.” I lightly shook my head tapping my hand against the helmet part to physically show my emotions were back… easier than flipping a switch, at least, now.

“Right…” she continued. “As I was saying we should introduce ourselves more clearly. I am Meadowbrook.”

“I’m Flash Magnus soldier of the Pegasi Legion.” The amber pegasus proudly announced.

“I am Somnambula, Advisor to Prince Hisan.” The scarlet Pegasus mentioned.

I, at the very least now knew everyone’s name. I still wasn’t sure how every being in this dimension was a pony. Still, now that I knew their names I had some frame of reference to be somewhat polite. Honestly I could still see the apprehension in Mistmane and Somnambula. Meadowbrook and Magnus were both looking at me differently. Appreciation seemed to radiate off of the regular pony while a challenging stare was on the pegasus. It wasn’t the look of thinking I was a threat… it felt more like that look my uncle gave me whenever I did a decent job on a new piece of armor. I was a pedestal to climb over somehow.

I wanted to scoff out loud at his look, but I kept my emotions in check through a whole set of logic gates that seemed to be streaming through my head. I had once read a book on the importance of safeguards through robotics. Albeit I was smart enough to know that these weren’t concrete laws on the aspects of robotics. Merely guidelines that could never truly exist because there is no set way to program ethics into something that didn’t have an understanding of what they are beforehand.

I was in a world where there were no humans at all. The laws held very little to a robot. I was technically just a robot. Reploids were the catch all term for every robot created in the likeness of X… who I am now. In that canon X, for all intents and purposes, was an anomaly because somehow… he had ethics placed into him that could shift and transform as he acquired more experience over time.

“I am X. I’m basically a ‘crystal golem’ created by Doctor Light from far across the sea. I don’t really know how I ended up here of all places. I just remember falling into a forest and being… aware.”

It was the best lie I could think of. I did stress the crystal golem line but that may have been stress at this point. I had to learn several thousand new concepts before I left this place to look for more of my - I guess they really were - capsules. Luckily something I noticed before I got close to one of them was that they seemed to resonate with me on some fundamental level almost with the same protection my mind had against that creature’s magic. I really should have learned his name before I shot him.

“Across the ocean? How far away are you from!?” Meadowbrook looked gobsmacked as if I had revealed the Arc of the Covenant… only without the face melting effect.

“I… don’t really know. My sensors weren’t calibrated when I was transported and I wasn’t active at that point. The impact made me awake. I just know it’s far away but not the direction or the relation of where in the world it is.”

There were looks of sympathy and while it was a lie, it wasn’t a complete lie. I did come from far away… it was just another plane of existence or even another dimension. Strangely those were two different things when looked at through context. The lack of a heart was coming in handy at this point even as it unsettled me with how unnatural I felt… I wondered if this was how most reploids feel when they weren’t performing their tasks and were left to act human. I was glad that they were not going too in-depth with any probing questions. My story is flimsy enough without the use of X’s story. All of it was metaphorically true… it just wasn’t my story.

“I’m sorry to hear that. No wonder you wanted to know more about Equestria - but I’m not certain how that would help.” Meadowbrook mused aloud showing some interest in my answer. An answer I didn’t really have.

“I felt it would be the best thing I could do with myself since I have nothing else I can do right now.” My hands were now wringing themselves on the table mostly out of habit. I could see it within my periphery and I was glad they didn’t know me well enough. It was a tell I figured I had whenever I was trying to lie, judging by my track record with my parents’ unerring capability to tell when I was bluffing..

Up to now, I was actually counting how many times I’ve lied to them so far. In total to this point... probably four times, depending on which statements could be considered lies. I wasn’t a crystal golem. I wasn’t created by Dr. Light technically. I was completely aware of how I ended up here. I did have something else I could do but it would take hours… maybe days just to figure out where a certain capsule could be. I had gotten lucky when I found that first capsule.

There were a few hums from Somnambula who seemed uncertain of the whole ordeal. Magnus was crossing his arms as he idly flapped his wings in a thinking position. Mistmane pondered by tilting her head back and forth, most likely weighing the pros and cons. It wasn’t until Meadowbrook placed a book on the table that the others were broken out of their mental debating.

“I can teach you a little of Equestria as it is now but I’m not certain if we can tell you much about it since we are still exploring it entirely. There are still many mysteries to uncover in this world. I, in particular, come from the swamplands out to the southeast from this castle in the Everfree Principality. Magnus comes from Cloudsdale, the pegasi capital near Mount Canter off on the east side from the peak.” Meadowbrook informed me.

“We’re in the process of moving the entire city in order to curb the wild weather.” Magnus cut off Meadowbrook before looking sheepish at her withering scowl.

“Yes… Mistmane knows about the eastern coast of Equestria, and Somnambula can tell you about the deserts to the southwest of Mount Canter. If Rockhoof was here he could tell you of the island nation he lived on that’s close to the Dragon Nesting grounds. Starswirl knows more about the other reaches of Equestria but I think he’s taking care of our resident alicorns now.” Meadowbrook finished.

“Alicorns?” My head tilted slightly in confusion… at least what I hoped came across as confusion. It sounded like a made up word… but english had made up so many new words already so it wasn’t that much of a stretch. I was getting a bit frustrated at the constant stream of information flowing into my brain even if my brain was better than multiple supercomputers at this point in my life.

“Yes. Alicorns are the collective aspects of all three pony tribes. They are to work towards being a symbol of unity and harmony when our triumvirate finally passes. Unfortunately, they will carry the gift and burden of immortality. Hopefully they will be able to make the most of their rule once they reach the maturity needed to hold that crown upon their head.” Mistmane explained as she used her magic to create an illusion of each three pony types and the collective known as an alicorn.

“Are there any other races out there that are just as sapient as ponies?” I let my hand fall down to urge her to continue. I needed more information. I needed to be prepared for anything and everything that could possibly happen. That creature in the forest would take whatever chance it was presented to it, if he was as persistent as I thought he was.

“Sapient?” Magnus questioned looking perplexed by the word. Mistmane rolled her eyes though.

“It means he wants to know about any races that have the ability to reason.” Mistmane chided the centurion pegasus.

“Oh… well, if he wants to know about other races then I can explain a few. Out to the far east are the Griffons. They are very militant and seem to always be running drills while working with the weather like us. I think far to the west are the Zebra tribes with the Minotaurs south of them. I guess you could consider the crystal ponies of the Crystal Empire to be another pony race. South of these lands is the home of the buffalo. To the far northeast lies the capitals of the yaks. Finally there are also… dragons if you must count them.” Magnus shuddered at the mention of the dragons.

Mistmane performed some more magic for me which allowed me to examine the races they knew of more closely. I was living in a pseudo monster manual maker’s wet dream at this point… I felt a bit sickened by that but quickly pushed it out of my mind. My mind actually made digital recreations of the illusions Mistmane had somehow created. Magic was beyond me and I still didn’t know if it could affect me like it did them. From what that thing did to me no one knew about him in any manner. I didn’t even know if it was magic and I just have to assume the worst given how vindictive he sounded after I wasn’t affected by whatever he was doing.

“There are quite a lot of beings here in Equestria, isn’t there?” I coyly closed one eye though I didn’t smile. Maybe it made me look lost in thought, I wasn’t sure. I only knew what ponies knew at this point. About ponies I could get every piece of information possible. When it came to other species… I was left wanting. Their dismissive tone did nothing to dissuade my conclusions. Race was a big thing among every single species on this planet and I was one of the more hated beings on the planet… by everyone.

“Sometimes ponies are the only ones you can trust to do anything right.” Magnus sternly muttered under his breath.

Apparently some ponies also didn’t think much of other races. If you weren’t a pony then it meant nothing in the long run. I noticed that all the mares - I think that’s the term - stared at Magnus with a disbelieving look. They acted as if he had killed a small innocent animal and the mother had found out they did it. The three looked at me which caused me no small amount of concern. They were trying to walk a tightrope that stretched over the pit of their own ignorance teetering on a rope I gave them which could have been a suspension bridge for all I cared. Statements made of disparaging remarks came from two places. The first would be horrible if I thought that that was what he meant. It was borne out of ignorance and should be hit in the face for. Something I did when they made fun of me for being of a latino persuasion. No. This was born from experience. Most likely from having to fight other creatures out in this world. I could tell the warrior outlook that painted his muzzle.

“Magnus! Stop thinking about the dragons!” Somnambula was the one who spoke surprisingly with a tone I didn’t think she was capable of. It was full of seething fury.

“Bah! It’s best to be honest about things. Remember how many disputes we’ve had with the buffalo even though we stopped trying to encroach on their lands. Nopony has even met with a yak in ages since their isolationists are starting to win seats in the war houses. The griffins are usually the only civil beings we’ve met with in ages and they are still prideful arrogant jerks from time to time. I haven’t even met any zebras in years either. The Crystal Empire is being run by some arrogant jerk known as King Corundum. I won’t even mention dragons… for obvious reasons. You won’t meet a more peaceful race out here in Equestria for another thousand years or so.” Magnus griped.

“That sounds like a very divided land…” I chided slightly. Enough to show concern if anything. I felt my mind burn with constant processes while my arms curled into each other trying desperately to shield me in some way. There were places I was going to be forced to go and most of those places would never allow me to walk around safely.

“Yes… it is. There are even rumors that some chimeric entity is out there messing with everypony but there haven’t been too many real sightings. The buffalo call him a chaos entity while the zebras refer to him as a god. There are some rumors out of the dragons that call him a chaos spirit who damns the name of dragons for being made of dragon parts. Though those dragons disappear soon after if the rumors are to be believed. There are whispers of some being only known as Discord.” Meadowbrook lectured once again.

“That is merely a legend. Unlike windigos some being like Discord would be impossible to exist.” Magnus dismissed the thought.

So… I now knew a name to the sight of my constant companion. I’ve noticed… he’s been watching me intensely during my entire time sitting her. Examining me as if under a microscope to the point where he has shown me that no one can see him. It’s almost like a perception filter has been placed so no one can notice him unless he lets them. I’ve had to ignore seeing yellow eyes with red irises, otherwise, they would think me insane. At least that’s what I thought.

Now that I knew that there were supposed sightings of that chimera I had a chance to find actual information on this being since he seemed to have taken great offense to the moment I wounded him, even if he healed it within seconds. There were several pieces of information I needed and while I may need to see other races on their rumors about Discord; I , at the very least, had a path I could finally walk.

“Please tell me more about Equestria as a whole, Meadowbrook.”

“Starswirl? Have you finally caught the golem? … Did you destroy it?” Celestia fidgeted in spot while Luna clung to her side worried as well.

“Well… no I didn’t. He is actually sapient.” Starswirl cautiously stated.

“What!? That’s impossible. Nopony has ever created a golem that had any form of self awareness without going insane from the sudden embrace of cognizance.” Celestia shouted out.

“Mine sister has been indulging in the dictionary once again.” Luna deadpanned.

Starswirl merely raised an eyebrow causing Celestia to blush in embarrassment. This wasn’t the first time she found her way into the bigger words and using them without really understanding what she meant.

“Did you finish your homework?” Starswirl calmly asked.

Celestia looked around making certain not to even look him in the eyes. Luna, in contrast, cooly shook her head up and down. Starswirl rubbed between his eyes slightly in disappointment and sudden acceptance since it meant he didn’t have to look over the homework and he could figure out what X really was. In context, he was a crystal golem but if what Mistmane said was true there were no signs of magical circuits nor the sign of aether crystals in any of his limbs.

“Sorry, Starswirl. The servant you left us with didn’t exactly keep an eye on us for very long. Don’t know why, but she just disappeared a few moments later - leaving one of the guards of this place with us instead before coming back and leaving again in a hurry.” Luna explained allowing Celestia some wiggle room for excuses.

“She? That servant was a stallion, Luna!” Celestia chided Luna, who gave Celestia a raspberry.

“Was a mare!”

“Was not!”

Starswirl interrupted their exchange, and asked: “Did she? Strange… did you get the name of the guard before she left?” Starswirl thought out loud.

“I think the guard called himself Twisted Spiral… but it was really weird - just like Topsy Towel, I’m not certain that he was a stallion or a mare… It was very confusing. After he left though we noticed that several of the guards started to get jittery. The talk of golems made everypony very nervous and Vicious Aegis was once again riling up several of the more… enthusiastic guards into a patriotic fervor. We had to remind him of Commander Hurricane once again to curb that enthusiasm.” Celestia announced almost regally… had Luna not been hanging on her head like a hat ruining the image.

“We never hired anypony named Topsy Towel… nor any guard named Twisted Spiral.” Starswirl muttered under his breath, making certain that neither of the future princesses could hear.

Too many thoughts swirled around Starswirl’s head that it was becoming hard for him to be objective or subtle about the possibilities of there actually being a spirit of chaos actually existing. Scorpan had assured him that it was a possibility since his father had actually met with the spirit once before. Abyssinia, also had met with him once before. The cat people of that realm had been oppressed by the dog people and Discord instigated a rebellion and their freedom at the expense of harmony.

Neither good nor evil he was said to be the true embodiment of chaos in their system of harmony. But… that also meant he was here in this realm dealing out chaos… secretly in fact. The problem was now figuring out if he even had a goal within the bounds of Equestria seeing as he had never made a move against ponies yet.

“Starswirl?” Celestia called out.

Then the implications of this golem appearing were starting to bring about new questions. There was a chance that he was a construct formed from Discord to sow and create chaos in some form but Mistmane noted that he was an extreme form of order with hardly any chaos within. There was some, she pointed out - but it was miniscule and organized in a way… it made no sense to him. Alternatively he could be a spirit of order given physical form to fight against the chaos… bring harmony instead. There were too many variables and not enough information to go off of.

“Starswirl!” Luna cried out trying to get his attention.

There were other possibilities though. He could just be a crystal golem and the chaos they felt was Discord giving him sapience… if he actually existed. The fact that Discord was kept so quiet in any history book made it impossible to actually find out anything about him. That was entirely reliant on whether or not he was real in the first place. X wasn’t a villain as far as he could tell and there was no doubt in his mind that he would not falter off that path. He was certain of his creed. Once a villain, always a villain. Once a hero, always a hero. Simple as day and night.

“Starswirl!” Celestia and Luna joined forces as they shook the stallion out of his revelry.

“Huh? Wha? What’s wrong you two?” Starswirl finally woke up from his thoughts.

“You spaced out once again, like those times you wanted to study those dimensional mirrors as you called them. They look like regular mirrors to me.” Celestia groaned from the strangeness of her experiences with the mirror. She had tried to go through it only to smack against the glass shattering it. Starswirl would never tell her that it was the wrong mirror.

“What is on thine mind, teacher?” Luna quickly refocused the derailed conversation.

“Nothing of too much importance. The golem is at the fortress with the rest of the pillars. Eventually we’ll integrate it into Equestrian society.” Starswirl quickly thought up.

“Really? Seems like that’s more trouble than it’s worth.” Celestia commented.

“Sister, you forget your place. He is a hero of this land and the redemption of others makes him such. Do you not realize the importance.” Luna groused seeing a bigger picture.

“Yes… that’s exactly it.” Starswirl answered immediately.

Both mares smiled at the sudden realization while Starswirl mentally sighed at the multitude of things he would be doing in the coming days now. He wasn’t even certain that X would even stay anywhere near them. They had never asked him what he was even doing in the Ghastly Caverns but those moments had been punctuated by fear and quarry eel attacks. For now there was more information to gather but with the moon now up he would have to reconvene at the fortress with the other pillars for future planning.

“By the by, shall we ever meet thy companions, Starswirl?” Luna immediately brought up, eyes shining with hope and curiosity.

“Someday Luna. Remember each of us is protecting Equestria one step at a time. I will eventually get them all to meet with you.” Starswirl responded.

“I shall hold you to that.” Luna smiled.

“Come sister. It’s time for bed.” Celestia called out as the two went off to their rooms.

Starswirl watched them go off before he sat at the table nearby in their study room and rested his head against the oak slab. Several lies were told today in order to keep the peace for some greater good. There were now several problems already coming along the horizon - should he exist, Discord was watching them in some unthinkable way and had gotten close to the princesses without even trying.

The next issue hid an at home threat in the form of Vicious Aegis. A Captain of their meager guard force who was a survivor of several fatal tests against crystal golems. The arrival of X had exacerbated that problem into a cancerous growth that would eventually spread to the entirety of the guard. It was no secret that only Rockhoof could get him to back down at the tone of his voice. Respect earned from their numerous sparring sessions he mused.

Another problem in progress was the constant threat of King Corundum, who had been specially searching for ways to make crystal golems that didn’t go insane. Their purpose was unknown but it was clearly not for a peaceful venture as he so constantly boasted whenever diplomatic ventures were made. Pansy had been certain that he was leering at her… undressing her with his eyes as she so aptly put it. Already Starswirl wanted to shoot a laser through his smug head.

Yet another place hid the other threats - with Yaks threatening for immediate shut down of their borders; Buffalos willing to trample ponies who entered their territory; Dragon attacks off the coast of the Hayseed Swamps.

Secretly, there were even talks of the deer kingdom not liking the encroachment of ponies into their realms either. Even a new pony tribe had been found in the western parts of the continent. Thestrals, as they were called. Too many problems and Puddinghead, Hurricane and Platinum were breathing down his neck to assist in matter of diplomacy which he barely had any experience at.

He could feel it. Being used as a cudgel whenever diplomatic meetings were made. Then there were the final two problems. The first he would handle immediately. X was an anomaly. But he was also more than likely built for combat… reluctance would have to be placed aside in order to persuade X to ally with the Equestrian government as is. That also meant that he would need to meet with the leaders...

The second… was Stygian, who had so far disappeared to places unknown.

Starswirl picked up a nearby candle with his hoof and threw it against one of the walls. The entirety of the staff was asleep though but he didn’t pick up the mess.

“Motherbuckers…” Starswirl groaned as he got up from the table and teleported back to the fortress.

Discord was upset. When he noted the strange magical energy, he thought he would finally have something interesting to keep him entertained - believing he had gotten a new toy that he could use to terrorize other beings of the realm - non-lethally, of course. Instead, it had resisted and made itself a player on the board - mocking him by negating the one power he really enjoyed using on others because chaotic things happened as a result.

In his deck were the powers he held and several artifacts that he had found over the years. A decent hand to say the least. In his opponent’s hand, though, were the Pillars of Equestria. So called ‘heroes’ of the realm with several names he couldn’t be bothered to remember. Another mediocre hand but Starswirl was the clincher. A real ace in the hole with his banishment spell. While an easy fix for him, Discord despised going to other dimensions since they were already chaotic without him to influence it, not to mention spread or increase it. They were retirement places for when he decided he wanted a break for a while - not a place to be sent to.

The cards were not in his favor and he hated it. What he hated even more than that thought was what X was doing now… just talking. Talking for hours on end about the state of Equestria which was still in the blank canvas state without his chaotic paintbrush to guide it. Boredom was the true thing he could hate, as even on the instinctive level he sometimes left his brain to follow whenever he needed to sleep within his chaotic pocket he conjured up.

Then again… there were other players at the table. None as powerful as he was but promising all the same. The anger he felt slowly ebbed away to a dull curious tingling in the back of his paw. It was itching for something chaotic and sooner or later it would come.

This so called ‘Pony of Shadows’ would sooner or later deal with the Pillars without him needing to lift a talon. Amateurish at best it was merely a stepping stone in the grand scheme of things. The fact he could undo all the magic it was performing was merely the icing on the cake.

The other one though was… worrisome on some levels. It wasn’t because of his strength, smarts, good looks, ruthlessness or anything of the sort that made Discord worried. It was merely his willingness to create chaos without even meaning to. It was disgraceful but he couldn’t snuff out anyone just because they were an amateur as well. King Corundum needed to be given something to test his true mettle against. X was his to deal with but… maybe it would be fun.

Stygian was tired. They had found the so called threat of the changelings after allowing the shadow to rest in his body. They surrounded him until they got too close. The shadow took that opportunity to grab several dozen in its shadowy appendages that sprouted from his body and began to drain them of their magic and inner darkness. They didn’t stand a chance as more fell to the shadow’s might.

A larger one came out with a strange crown and attempted to attack him only for several of the tendrils to drain them as well. Whether male or female didn’t really matter. When they all fell they were merely exhausted and nearly unable to move.

“Hear me O’ Shadowed denizens of stealth. Today is the day you shall forever know as the coming of the Pony of Shadow.” The shadow’s voice came out of Stygian who merely allowed himself to be used as a mouthpiece.

Within second shadow wings burst out of Stygian’s back as his horn was covered in shadows and curved. The few remaining changelings who remained grabbed the larger one while the ones on the ground lumbered back to their feet to protect it.

‘It must have been the queen or something like that.’ Stygian pondered while the shadow began to hurt the changelings roughing them up slightly. Before any fatal blows could be struck Stygian would stop the shadow. Grumbling, it complied… if only barely. Soon it slunk back into the shadows, much stronger than it was before - taking Stygian along for the ride as they made their way out towards the forbidden jungles on the outskirts of known Equestrian lands. More darkness would be needed to face the pillars.

VI. Recollect

There was far too much data to shift through - and I was certain that It had taken several hours just to get through the lecture of how Equestria was run that I'm certain that the moon had nearly fallen below the horizon. My internal clock brought me out of that idea, as it actually hadn't and I was just imagining things, since I was in a room with only a small slit in the wall that hardly constituted a window to see outside. It paled in comparison to how much data my brain was forced to collate and interpret.

I thought learning about my world was complicated.

This world I'm on relies entirely on others to do nature’s work for it. The few natural places where clouds move on their own and the circle of life of predator and prey are considered unnatural. I really wanted something to punch at this moment for how weird it sounded. Nature is nature because it happens without the interference of others, but here… it's a built system that took effect during the Hearthwarming Eve Massacre. That… that was something I could have done without knowing.

Picture a collection of clouds made of ice but sapient and cruel. Now picture it feeding off of anything that they caught, before shattering their prey and harvesting their soul into another abomination as it was. That was what windigos were, and were one of the few creatures ever driven to extinction because of their natural hatred for every other being on the planet.

At the same time that also forced ponies onto the world stage. They were recognized as a legitimate nation and not a collection of tribes that would die out eventually. Apparently their first home of Dream Valley was frozen over leaving nothing but frozen wastes behind because of the windigos. At the same time they were also seen as a threat. The price of genocide is both worry and fear.

While the Triumvirate were able to smooth things out for peace I could tell they were still preparing for war. Their soldiers had already seen combat against golems of some sort and were more than ready to deal with me. I didn't want to fight, mostly out of unwillingness, but if push came to shove self preservation would prevail over the robotic part of my mind wanting to remain mostly peaceful.

After the second hour Starswirl had returned alongside Rockhoof, and proceeded to lecture me on Equestrian society. Meadowbrook and Mistmane had handled most domestic topics including the nature of all three races and their places in society. Somnambula spoke at length about the wild creatures out in the wilderness of the world.

When I spoke about my encounter with a manticore - as I came to know its name - and how I broke the stinger without any problem she balked at the notion. I then showed her the small stinger piece I had managed to find still stuck to me. Honestly I had thought I bent it, not broke it. Though at the time I had been partially walking with no destination in mind and not really paying attention to anything in my out of mind state. The despair episode I felt on Mount Canter broke that feeling almost immediately.

She stared at the stinger then at me. Her gaze was a mixture of awe and fear. It was an unpleasantness that would have made my skin crawl… if it wasn't already synthetic and unfeeling as it was. I dwelled far too long on that train of thought.

Regardless, they continued their lecture with Rockhoof and Magnus explaining the bare basics of their military. It was a bit of a slog through that since I was never that big of a military buff though I did at the very least know the bare basics. Noticeably, they never went into great detail about their tactics or any of their long term strategies. I didn’t say anything about it since I could see the writing between the lines. It didn’t really bother me though… at least not enough to actually breed distrust. I was an outlier, an entity not bound by their pre-conscripted morality. I did have a moral code I followed, but it made concessions based on what happened out in the real world.

My uncle, in particular, lived in the middle of the woods in a log cabin. He did get attacked some nights by wolves and the few summers I did stay with him were more harrowing than what should be possible for a teenager, at the time, to go through. He had wolf pelts for a reason and made certain that I earned them myself… I didn’t enjoy those summers in particular - even if I had learned how to tan hide into leather, to make the padding for certain breastplate configurations to be both more comfortable and yet functional.

“That is not what the earth pony regiments are for Magnus. It’s like saying the unicorn branches are only good for artillery.” Rockhoof argued. They had been on this kick for the past couple of minutes on the importance of each branch.

“It’s pretty accurate though. They are the best at it. The Pegasi legion specialize in hit and run tactics and of course aerial combat.” Magnus proudly stated.

From their boasting and arguing on the semantics of their branches of military might I found out plenty of things. Earth Ponies, as they were called, were in charge of the main assault force and seemed to handle the largest of the legions that ponies commanded - since their high birth rates and usually large clans made it easy to gain soldiers. The earth ponies garnered a lot of power through their distribution of food and weaponry. Since they were responsible for the production of food they had monopolized on that bit to contract weapon development as well. The fact that most of the weaponry was built to be used mostly by mouth or wings meant that the diversity of weapon types was very low compared both earth and the megaman world.

Spears, crossbows and hoof guards were the staple of their arsenal and from my trained eyes they were poorly maintained. Even looking at the shovel that Rockhoof held would have made my stomach churn from how shoddy the metal work looked to be. I would look extensively over the entire armory if I could as soon as I find the Archive Pod X-SWRI#8. Most of the weapons in that particular archive would need to be overhauled to be even somewhat usable. Though one in particular, in that grouping, could find specific minerals whenever used. I wouldn’t be able to find force metal like some new age reploids had but the likelihood of finding titanium or tungsten would be ideal in the long run.

Pegasi Legionnaires were more trained than their earth pony counterparts. Since they specialized in flight they were extensively trained in three hundred sixty degree combat and hi-speed espionage. I was dubious about their stealth capabilities because of all the colors I've seen in the past few hours amongst the guards. Magnus also spoke at length about cloud warfare and using their magic to create what they called… weather bombs.

“Weather bombs?” I tipped my head utterly confused about how they would even work.

“Yeah. Picture a tornado pushed into a cloud then charged with lightning and packed into a small ball of pressure waves. Then it's lowered below where it should remain stable to explode in a maelstrom of cyclones and lightning storms. Very amazing to see, of course” Magnus boasted in depth.

“Sounds dangerous…” I motioned for him to continue.

“Well… yeah it is. Hardly anypony knows how to do it well anymore - with very few of the generals and some of the elite soldiers like yours truly being the ones capable to achieve it. The problem is more that it's been unnecessary to actually do as of late… “ Magnus seemed to stare off into space.

“There will always be threats out there but for the most part they aren’t as intimidating or as powerful as those sirens were.” Starswirl mentioned offhand.

“Sirens?” I was still lost on the entire range of their sapient races out in the entirety of Equestria.

“They were a fish pony like race that fed off of hatred and negativity. They could also fire large sonic blast from their mouths with their magic gems.” Starswirl quickly explained.

“Uh… alright then. What about Unicorns in the military?” I quickly shifted the conversation back towards our topic since we didn’t have all night to speak on random topics.

“Ah well Unicorn are the spell masters. They weave offensive and weakening spells against their enemies, defensive and strengthening spells for their allies and provide decent info with their scrying spells… provided we can train said unicorns to perform those spells.” Starswirl muttered the last part under her breath. My eyes seemed to be able to read his lips… somehow.

What followed was one of the longest spiels about the intricacies of magic and how it worked that I have ever heard that wasn’t in a fantasy show. That, at the very least, accomplished explaining everything within a half hour. By the time Starswirl finished I was certain the moon had started to fall down below the horizon. I didn't feel sleepy and I had realized the first day/night cycle I had been through that I wouldn't really require sleep at all.

“You all look tired… go rest. I'll be right here when you get up.” I extended my arms in a placating motion.

They merely stared, though some yawned at me, the concern etched on their faces. I didn't really know why they would be concerned… until I remembered that, as I am their charge, should anything happen that involved me in some way, they would be held accountable for whatever destruction occurred. Mentally, I was kicking myself for the constant scrutiny I was under though the robotic half was agreeing with the intent logically. On the outside, I was an unchanging stone with most of my mouth motor functions for frowning turned off. I was surprised I had something like that. Though Meadowbrook seemed to know what I was thinking… somehow.

“We can't leave you alone X. With Vicious Aegis being the hot headed foal he is, he might try something foalish.” Meadowbrook mentioned in whisperings. The fortress had ears apparently though I knew they had eyes as well.

“Aye, it's true. That braggart hates golems with a passion, though I cannot blame him.” Rockhoof muttered passively while the other all seemed to curl their ears.

“He was involved with one of the golem projects that a former royal alchemist was working on. His name was Goring Corundum and he was the lead earth pony alchemist on the creation of the crystal golems.” Starswirl explained in that scholarly tone he took though there was sadness in his voice as well.

“You are right though. We shall speak on it at length tomorrow. Please, stay in this room. We cannot keep an eye out for Aegis all the time and there is no telling what ponies will try when they are afraid.” Meadowbrook pleaded - using a technique I've never been affected by, puppy dog eyes.

While it didn't affect me I followed through on her words nodding in agreement. Smiling, she trotted out first followed by the others aside from Starswirl who remained behind for some reason.

“Yes, Starswirl?” I leaned back in my chair trying to take a relaxed position. It was sturdy but far too tiny for my frame so I was forced to hunch over resting my elbows on the table, hands clasped together.

“There is something far more important that we need to talk about, but it will have to wait. Part of it involves Corundum, and another involves somepony who shouldn't really exist. When we finish speaking of it later in the evening tomorrow - or today as it would be - I hope you would consider siding with us ponies.” Starswirl suggested to me, before giving an odd bow and closing the door behind him with his magic.

I was left alone with my thoughts, seating inside a library and parlor room hybrid of sorts - all while the night sky passed through the horizon. There were a lot of strange threats appearing now that I had time to actually think. Ever since I wound up in this body I've noticed weird things going on - and Discord wasn't even close to being on that list.

For all the warfare and strides they had made in their technology, there were no radios of any sort. The music was all made live instead of listened through recordings - and yet I detected radio waves from the top of Mount Canter. I was certainly high enough to pick up the electromagnetic waves that naturally appeared at points in the stratosphere, but I shouldn't be anywhere near that place if I was only at the top of a mountain. That possibly meant that the atmosphere in this world was more compact. It might even be the reason why magic permeates the entirety of the world, held in by another atmospheric shell that helps saturate the world with its power.

My second problem that brought me a lot of concern, was in fact an internal one. My emotions were in constant flux and by the time I had checked my more explicit thoughts, they were in the process of being purged of everything that didn't make sense for my human side. I wasn't able to fully internalize everything that was said, which was why the robotic side extrapolated the important points and condensed them into a bulleted list from least to greatest importance.

The last point was the ponies that these six were most worried about, Vicious Aegis and Goring Corundum. The first mention of their names made both halves of me shiver in uncertainty. The fact that names do not exactly mean that they are bad didn't change the looks that these six had when they were mentioned. The first garnered sympathy and shame. The latter brought anger and contempt. Both were involved with the incident about crystal golems - and I didn't know the process or the consequences behind it, but it had to be bad for the feelings of hatred that came off of Aegis.

The Suffering Circuit was something I didn't know much of, even if it was part of my body. The black box it was part of was encrypted - even to the point where the moment I even thought of looking into it closer, several mental circuits had nearly shut down just to dissuade me from looking too deep into it - and I must assume it was done for my own safety. It was the same reason that I could sense feelings, something so complex that no one knew how they felt in intricate detail - much less could be programmed - and gave me a detailed assessment on their inner nature at the same time.

There was still another hour until the detailed portions of my armor finally were unencrypted. Archive Pod One was almost completely unpacked, though eventually I would need to find a place to actually live...and if I'm as smart as I appear to be, perhaps I could create something to take me back. It was a long shot and very unfeasible in the grand scheme of things, since I probably couldn't even get my original body back…

“Maybe I should see if sleep mode actually works…” I muttered to no one in particular as I buried my face into my hands. I would weep if I could actually do so. When it actually started happening and I could sense the tears actually falling from my eyes I felt a weight on my chest slowly lift up. It no longer felt as heavy as it did beforehand.

Discord scoured the lands to the north of the Everfree Principality as it was known for now. ‘Soon, it will be the Chaos Capital of the World, CCW, patent pending.’ As he thought of those happy thoughts, he kept looking for something that would benefit his plan…

He needed something in particular, something that would create as much chaos as possible.

Out of the corner of his mismatched eyes he saw exactly what he needed. Down below the common eye was a small encampment run by several unicorns dressed in gaudy crystal armor which was poorly designed to guard against physical attacks but perfect against magical ones and acted as an amplification nexus for spell crafting.

It was exactly as he needed down to the pompous fat unicorn running the encampment, gorging himself on crystal radishes and carrots. The only crystal thing about them were that they were grown in the Crystal Empire. Discord scoffed at the sight before him.

“This is the master race set to lead this land into prosperity. Truly the hallmark for awe and wonder.” Discord mockingly stated to the very heavens, ignoring the feeling of groans and jeers from the invisible audience he sometimes felt.

As if on cue the fat slob of a unicorn belched out an unfinished radish - before stuffing it back into his disgusting gullet in a blink. Discord cringed at the sight, and forced himself to be psyched out. He needed more time until an opposing force came out to balance his actions. With the pillars still around and the likeliness of war on the horizon... chaos would be prevalent but not his doing,

He would not stand for chaos not coming from him.

Still, with X looking to be the most likely candidate for his opposing force, why not tip the scales in his favor? That pile of scrap would be put back in the toy box if he wasn't up to snuff!

Absentmindedly he rubbed the section where the blast of solar energy had hit him. It didn't singe, didn't burn, didn't twinge, didn't churn a single molecule of his very being but the moment of impact had made him very aware of something he didn't fathom to be real.

He had been injured, even if only slightly.

That grudge would last for as long as he lived. No being in existence had managed to hurt him, not even slightly. This would not stand, lest it gave others the idea that him - Discord, Lord of Chaos - was there to serve as target practice. He slowly glided down to a secluded part of the camp and dreaded what he would have to do. Shifting his body, Discord slowly let the metal plates come out the same cerulean blue that he came to hate. His face melted down and his green eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness. One card was placed on the table and it was time to up the ante.

Ruby Geode loved his position. It took plenty of blood, sweat and tears from his ‘servants’ to accomplish, but he had finally made it to the good life. His leader was an absolute rube who had no idea how to run a country - but his brilliance with crystal golems was beyond compare. ‘King’ Corundum was nothing more than another stepping stone for him and the other commanders to finally put in place their own system.

“Honestly what has a monarchy done for us lately. It is a decrepit relic of a time long past. Isn't that right my dear Concerto?” Geode purred as he looked towards the mare in chains near his table.

The tressed up unicorn mare merely nodded in agreement. Her mouth was jammed shut due to a bit and bridle which was keeping her silent. She had been one of the daughters of the former queen of the Crystal Empire. Corundum had made most of them disappear… she was all that was left. Her turquoise coat was covered in welts and scars from her time talking back to Geode. It was short lived and while they didn’t do anything… horrible to her, she was beaten whenever she tried to be more than she was now.

The Crystal Empire had fallen many pegs since the rise of King Corundum and his retinue. Crystal Golems were the norm now and most of the populace had gotten used to them living in a prosperity that most had never known until this day. Slaves weren’t accepted within the empire… but the former royal family had become unponies the moment he took the throne.

A loud explosion shook the entirety of the camp as several guards ran to and fro trying to put out the fires. Geode immediately took Concerto in his magic outside of the cabin - where several of the Crystal Guard were suddenly flung at him knocking him to the side - and freeing Concerto from his magical hold in the process… only for them to see a large crystal golem clad in blue and cyan armor, which was destroying several of their makeshift barrack tents.

Menacingly, it strolled through the camp destroying other golems that tried to stop it without even trying. They were the mundane models which could barely do anything more than walk towards their target and bash them with their spindly limbs. That was when it came up to Concerto who looked down on her. She could feel the same fear she felt when Corundum had sent his specialty golems to deal with her family… and it was raising the small cannon in its right arm down at her. She had seen it shoot large fireballs from it without even trying. The barrel was pointed down at her.

‘Life seemed simpler back then… it would be a decent reprieve. Maybe… maybe I can finally join them.’ She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. She would die in Equestria… far from her home but she would finally be free.

The shot fired and the heat washed over her body - as she thought of the peace and stability of her family, keeping her safe in their embrace. She waited for the feeling to stop, and was left with nothing but coldness… and she waited. Then she waited some more. She could still feel the heat and still hear the screaming orders of the upper brass trying to calm the guards even though most of the golems had been destroyed almost effortlessly.

Concerto opened her eyes and the golem continued away from her. It was something she didn’t think possible as it avoided killing anypony. It merely caused as much damage as possible. As much chaos as was possible without letting anypony die.

‘Why did it save me…?’ She quickly shook her thoughts away and managed to get the bit and bridle off of her. While the chains on her legs were still connected to the braces she could finally move all four of her own legs without too much trouble.

“All of you from the Crystal Empire hear me! I am X! I will wipe the Crystal Empire from the face of Equus! Enjoy your gross misuse of power while you can, because by the end of the year nopony will know the Crystal Empire even existed!” The blue and cyan golem that called itself X declared out loud for them to hear.

Concerto took her chance and immediately ran towards Equestria. X, while a threat, was exactly what she wanted. The Crystal Empire had fallen to decadence and corruption due to a tyrant and false king that is Corundum. So with all her strength she ran past the ramshackle walls that surrounded the ‘forward base’ as they called it. It was merely a shoddy collection of specialty tents that were kept for quick encroachments.

Concerto kept galloping through the midnight hour as the screams from the camp soon died out from her hearing. The sight of smoke still wafting through the air as she left the sight of her home behind and looked forward to something new… something with less chains.

Discord immediately finished his work causing as much chaos as possible for both his own amusement and other subtle plans. Ruby Geode needed to see ‘X’ destroy their encampment. The threat needed to feel real. Once out of sight of anypony, he slithered back into the shadows in his own beautiful body, by his own words, and watched as the crystal wimps ran to and fro looking for the elusively evil X. Chuckling, he turned his sight back to Equestria. There were still more hornets left to stir.

Geode was unhappy. It wasn’t very often that he was this unhappy that required a few sessions with his punching bag. Unfortunately said punching bag was nowhere to be found. Several of the guards spoke of that stupid crystal golem incinerating her with its cannon. Geode growled in constant irritation since the loss of his stress tool.

“Report! How bad was the damages to our forward base!” Geode screamed to one of his guards.

“I’m sorry sir. Most of our golems have been destroyed and several of the servants have fled out into the wilderness, most likely deeper into Equestrian territory. There were some unverified rumors that Concerto was amongst them. So far there were no casualties from the assault by this… X figure. The golem displayed cognitive functions and was fully sapient from the looks of his attack pattern.” The guard started before Geode slammed his hooves against the only remaining table. He wasn’t strong though… so his hoof throbbed in pain from the sudden blow he tried to strike to appear intimidating.

“What- owch! What do you mean sapient!?” Geode hissed out as he held his wounded hoof, cradling it like a child.

“It spoke, sir. It made explicit mention about destroying the Crystal Empire screaming out loud of our imminent destruction.” The guard coolly stated. It wasn’t his first time talking to Ruby Geode.

Ruby Geode was a slob of a unicorn who once worked for the Amore family which ruled the Crystal Empire. Supposedly they had ties back to Queen Majesty, and they had been given right to continue ruling the entirety of the Crystal Empire. Geode and several like minded ponies had decided that that particular bloodline… needed to be cut off.

“So what if it spoke, you blasted mud muncher! I want all golems to be salvaged immediately! Captain Flint, get in here!” Geode yelled as another pony came in. The earth pony guard who had been yelled at immediately got out of the room.

“You called Geode?” A taller unicorn with an ashen coat and a flint stone for a cutie mark trotted in.

“Get one of your pegasus messengers to deliver a warning to the King. A golem got out of control and needs to be put down.” Geode snidely dismissed the incident to something much smaller.

“I’m certain we should try to capture this golem… call it a hunch, but we will need the pony power to deal with the entirety of Equestria - and with this much collateral damage... wouldn’t it be better to have on our side?” Flint calmly tried to soothe the furious General.

“Are you out of your bucking mind!? Did you even see what it did to our base!? What in Tartarus makes you think we could even capture it?” Geode growled out incredulously at his subordinate, seething in fury at the very notion of that insane idea.

“Perhaps you’re right. Obviously, delivering something like this to the King would be the career changer and grease the wheels even more - provided one survives the ordeal. I suppose you are right, General. I’ll send a message back, detailing the dangers of this particular golem so we can terminate it.” Flint smirked as he pulled out a small roll of parchment ready to detail everything for the king.

“Wait…” Geode halted Flint’s report.

“Yes General Geode?” Flint looked up from the parchment.

“Tell him only the bare minimum… We’ll get this golem back for the eggheads to look over. Golems this powerful will make us an unstoppable force, right?” Geode grinned as he seemed to look out at the sky from the tent flap.

“Most likely. What a wonderful idea General.” Flint answered as he began writing once again only with less vigor.

“I’m glad I thought of it.” Geode stated with such smugness that had anypony else been around they would have choked on it. Flint merely smiled as he once again manipulated his fat slob of a general into another one of his plans.

“I’m glad we have somepony like you to run things, sir.” Flint sneered but he kept the contempt out of his voice.

“But… we have one other job that’s just as important to do, Flint.” Geode halted Flint’s praise looking more serious than the pig had ever been in his entire life.

“Sir?” Flint blinked once as his ears paid attention to the pig.

“I want my servant back. Concerto must be found now.” Geode stated with the same serious that crept through his tone.

“Understood.” Flint sighed.

They didn’t have any more pegasi to deliver messages, but the one that was sent with them. Finishing his report, he ordered the pegasus messenger to deliver it back to the capital, while a contingent of earth ponies and unicorns were ordered to capture the disappeared Concerto. They wouldn’t find her since it took far too long to get the fires under control but the boss needed to be… placated, otherwise he would do much more stupid options given the chance.

The sun finally had risen over the horizon, but I noticed until I woke up to a strange sensation within me, as the files in my head suddenly started to buzz. The Archive Pod had finally been unencrypted and released for full use for the foreseeable future.

=Archive Pod Sigma War Reploid Invasion Number One Package=
-Fully Functioning Light Armor Finished-
-Weapon Charge Capabilities Active-
-Nana Module Active-
-Downloading... -
-10%-
-30%-
-50%-
-70%-
-90%-
-...done.-
=Activating Cyber Elf Program “Nana”=

I waited a few seconds - utterly confused at the mention of a Cyber Elf - when a small burst of light shot out of my buster, illuminating me as a glowing orb of light fluttered in front of me. Looking closely at it, i realized that it was vaguely reploid shaped as well, although in elf size like the one that Ciel had in the first game.

She had pink hair with a white tip covering her blue eyes, and red communication sensors covering her ears. A slender build of white armor with orange and black highlights with two pink sevens on her chest. That instantly made me wonder though… why was she actually pretty well stacked even though she was only a reploid? … well, cyber elf.

I really didn’t know how to deal with it, and Sleep Mode - which was supposed to be my reprieve from thinking and my ability to rest - did absolutely nothing for my nerves or sanity.The cyber elf Nana floated in front of my eyes, and I waited until it started to speak to me.

“Hello Master X. I am the cyber elf designated Nana, here to assist you in your day to day drudgery. I am built for long range communication and with the assist programs of Alia; Layer; and Palette hard coded into my memory banks - I shall be able to analyze enemies, terrain, and weaponry. I can also track radio waves should the need arise.” Nana politely bowed to me before floating back a small bit.

“Um… Hello. You don’t need to call me master. Just X will do.” I immediately answered, if only to keep my wits about me.

“Hm… I don’t think that Sage Harpuia would approve of my candidness - but if that is your order then I can comply with it.” Nana politely stated as I scrutinized her a bit more.

“Sage Harpuia… I’m guessing he’s part of the other modules as well. Why haven’t they been activated as well?” I pondered that particular question as well, since even she might not know why they hadn’t activated either.

“Other Cyber Elves are placed in stasis lock for now until the correct packages can be unlocked. As it stands I am the only active Cyber Elf on hand, and I will prove the most useful for locating the other requires pods for their activation. Fairy Leviathan wanted to be the first but Sage Harpuia, Fighting Fenrir and Hidden Phantom convinced her otherwise.” Nana explained succinctly.

“Do all the modules use titles?” I deadpanned slightly, though I think my facial expression failed to show it since she didn’t react to the sarcasm I was trying to emote.

“No. All the other modules declined the use of a title. I have chosen Navigator Nana as mine.” Nana quietly cheered as a smile came across her face.

“Right… well, Navigator Nana, as it stands should there be any other beings too close to us, make certain that they don’t know of your presence.” I commanded the cyber elf.

I needed her to remain a hidden variable for now. Within the last couple of minutes I had noticed that there were no mismatched eyes watching me like a creepy stalker.

“Roger, X! I will analyze the surroundings and keep track of all radio signals. Currently I am detecting several signals at Destination Alpha - designated Mount Canter. Will keep you posted!” Nana cheerfully explained before disappearing back into my buster.

I looked back over my buster soaking in her words. I guess one of my questions will be answered soon enough.

Author's Note

I kept my word. Alia, Layer and Palette are not in the story. Their capabilities are though.

Interlude 01. Reexamine (unedited)

‘Nana how long have we been here? Do you have a good idea how long we've been here?’ I looked over the room I was in lost in thought about everything.

There were too many things to go over. Star Swirl had made it clear about the state of the world. There were problems forming up and I had not really come to terms with everything. My body was still a mystery to me and I didn't really want to think about it.

My body was a metal enigma. I constantly managed to self repair while in direct sunlight. It was a travesty to all science as I knew it. My body managed to restore itself within a few minutes even though the weird worm creature had managed to tear into me gouging out a good portion of my arms. The fact I needed to keep the human parts of my mind blocked slightly meant that I was not handling this situation with the greatest of poise.

“As of now… internal clocks put us at… five days or so. It's hard to tell without telemetry data and the positioning of the sun and moon have been erratic. If what Star Swirl said was true then this magic thing has done something either very dangerous to the ecosystem or has kept the ecosystem into a perpetual state of clockwork precision.” Nana explained as the information scrolled over my eyes.

It was weird. It was too weird and I didn't like that there was so much happening even in the quiet times that were around. They had all gone to bed leaving me alone and staring at the moon.

‘Is there any sign of that jerk?’ I looked around wondering intensely if he was bored enough of watching me.

“None so far. We don't have any real way of tracking him. After I was finally able to gather data I've been collating everything you've experienced and trying to keep things simple. It's not working too well. I'm getting a lot of interference from everything going on in your mind.” Nana frowned uncertain of what to make of the discrepancies.

‘What do you mean?’ I hesitated looking more into it.

“It's… well don't take this the wrong way, sir but I've been unable to understand all the synaptic patterns firing around in your brain. Your thoughts show so many worries… fears… so many things I didn't think reploid were possible of.” Nana chimed as she formed within my vision. It was a work around over my orders of appearing in the open which I found to be clever.

‘That… would be my humanity. I guess you could call it… the thing that made me so special to other reploids. It's the thing that are making these… ponies… so wary of me. I scare them too much because I reason. I think. I care.’ I muttered internally as I looked out into the night sky from the window.

“I care as well.” Nana quickly answered.

‘Why?’ I shot back at her outburst. She looked at me like a deer in headlights uncertain what to say about the situation.

“I… I… I don't know. I just do. Does it matter why?” Nana stammered back trying to figure things out.

‘What do you care about then? And no it doesn't matter why. I'm just wondering.’ I chuckled slightly as I closed my eyes and placed my hands behind my head.

“I care about you, sir.” Nana answered honestly looking a small bit uncertain that her answer was satisfactory.

‘I'm glad you care. Now expand that to those I'm placing my faith into. I'm helping these ponies with their problems. I'm absolutely terrified but I'm going to do it. There's no reason not to.’ I resolutely stated opening my eyes as I glared into the ceiling.

I didn't want to go fight and potentially die. It would have been a disgrace since there was a small hope that I would have been able to get back home. It wasn't a priority because I needed the other cyber elves to help perform the calculations. There were multiple ideas of how to return to my home dimension… but there was no actual foundation for getting my body back.

There was the idea that different dimensions were separated by differing vibrational wavelengths. I would have to go faster than the speed of light to vibrational transport between them but it would be something that could happen. Though the DC idea of different earths meant that there were only fifty two different earths and this wasn't exactly earth.

The Marvel idea was that there were infinite possibilities though that would mean eventually I would get sucked into Battleworld if I was unlucky. There would probably have been a convergence or something really bad that would have killed me.

Neither of these were plausible since it was really obvious I wasn't on Earth at all. The shape of the continent and the general view of the ecosystem made this world look far smaller than it actually was.

All of this was pointless though. I had come to a decision that would shape my life from this point on. I would fight. I would fight against an unknown foe all because of who I became.

I was X. I had embodied him in a sense to the very letter except that I was different minded. I wanted to be more confident in my choices and to stand behind them… even if they turned out to be wrong. I would stand by my decisions and never turn back on them.

“Sir. Do you have any idea what we should even do? This is far bigger than anything we have ever faced in the history of the Maverick Hunters. We still haven't seen what this world has to offer.” Nana worriedly brought up trying desperately to appeal to my worry.

‘We'll just have to wing it honestly. There's no time to really waste on fully thought out plans and there is no technology as far as we've seen that equates to anything we know of. We're fighting blind for the most part and I'm certain that that is going to be a running theme until we've figured out exactly what this world is all about.’ I sighed as I was nearly overwhelmed by the scrolling information.

Griffons were one of the first topics that were spoken about. Living off to the far eastern continent, the Griffons were an aristocratic society predicated upon the rule of King Grover the 2nd. A proud race of half eagle, half lion creatures that prided themselves as warrior supremes. It was weird to know that their prime quarry were usually ponies. They also had some bad history behind them.

Apparently the original King, King Grover the 1st, had led their nation into a war against the ponies of Dream Valley… just as the windigos had attacked. It had been a bloodbath and a frozen nightmare that he led his people into. And griffons do not take stupidity lightly.

His son had him disposed within the week after the farce and taken control of the situation before things could get insane. At the same time some weird deliveries had been noted going in and out of Griffonstone and the Crystal Empire. It was as if some secret treaty had been ratified behind everyone's back. There were no concrete facts though since the delivery was upheld by griffons and it certainly wasn't the modus operandi of King Corundum to ally with any other being on the planet.

I wasn't so sure though. Anything would be possible if someone was desperate enough to go through with it.

The next topic were the deer. A proud race that communed with nature to the point where living within a tree of its own free will was tantamount to being considered a god. That was weird and their leader Queen Acacia spread that gospel as she led clandestine hunts against the ponies who deforested areas in order to make their homes.

This led to guerilla tactics and overwhelmingly deadly attacks of what could only be described as chemical warfare. The only lucky thing about it was that they were merely paralytic chemicals and the ponies afflicted would be sent back alive to whence they came.

Strangely, there were packages being sent to them as well… also shipped from the Crystal Empire. Once was a coincidence… twice, well twice was a pattern.

There were small talks that seemed to be hushed by Magnus about the shipments whenever the steam got going between all the ponies. They were playing their intelligence network close to the vest. Too much information and I might have been scared.

I wasn't.

The same went for the other races… except for the dragons who melted any contraband that tried to be shipped in from the Crystal Empire.

The buffalo had been trampling their ways over the wastelands to the south. Their leader, Chief Iron Horn, was pushing to keep ponies out of their land. They also had contraband smuggled in… but by fellow buffalo.

It seemed that the more infor I had to infer the more it looked as though every race was out to get ponies. Part of me wondered if it was solely because of the windigos. I didn't know enough about them but that they were made of ice and hatred.

When I kept looking as more of the collaborating data it seemed as though every race was in on it. Diamond Dogs to the far west had stolen several Crystal Empire assets… but none of the Crystal Guards tried to stop them. The Hippogriffs to the far south; half bird, half pony; had made several moves through the eastern seas to acquire whatever the Crystal Empire was hiding. Yaks had been able to make several embargoes but there were rumors that the Crystal contraband had managed to slip through their blockade.

There were some rumors of bat like ponies to the southeast. Shape shifting creatures supposedly found between the buffalo and the bat ponies. There were several different factions and almost all the rumors kept mentioning the same story over and over again.

Items from the Crystal Empire were being smuggled into each nation except for the dragons… sometimes by their own citizens. It would be my next mission once I made certain that the ponies of this nation were safe from the encroachment of the Crystal Empire and its tyrannical king, Goring Corundum.

That, of course, all predicated on the idea that I could actually stop the might of the Crystal Empire. There were still so many things I didn't understand about myself. I felt… so displaced out of my element. I was both a stranger to this world and a stranger to my own body. Even Nana had figured out something was different about me. Though I had cleverly brushed it off due to X’s own enigmatic nature through all the magical engineering that Dr. Light placed into this body.

I wasn't X but I was going to do him proud… I hoped from the bottom of my non existent heart I would.

“Sir. We need to at least have somewhat of a mission statement. At the very least something to keep our mission from going off the rails and use getting dragged into something far beyond our control.” Nana griped slightly seeming to not take the minimal style of command I was perpetuating well.

‘Nana. We have little to no information. I'm frustrated as well by that but we have to go with what we have at the moment. Tomorrow maybe we'll get more information and then we'll decide on a course of action. Already I will state though that we will save these ponies and keep them from being wiped off the face of this world. That is the only thing we need to do.’ I placed my foot down… metaphorically. I certainly didn't accidentally break part of the stone floor by doing so physically.

Nana flashed for a moment before nodding and accepting my order. It was strange but… her genuine smile even in a digital arena filled me with a little booster on what I wanted to do. I wanted to help others… even if I did have selfish motives to find the resources that might take me home. Those would be my reasons and my reasons alone.

If these ponies asked me to… if Star Swirl was serious about asking, I would do everything in my power to help them.

VII. Request (unedited)

I watched the door. Nothing happened. The sun was finally rising above the horizon. Over the span of time before that sun rose I had gone over a number of topics with Nana including how we could converse without anyone noticing. Apparently we could converse remotely through an internal comm system which she was perfectly suited for. It made things easier since his mismatched eyes had returned to watch me.

They were gleefully staring at me like if he told a joke only he understood.

“Sir, I'm detecting fluctuations in power around us. While faint I think I'm reading how ‘magic’ works. I will develop my sensors to read how it functions and will return to you ASAP. Thaumic seems to be the best word for measuring this energy…” Nana exposited while I kept my eyes on his emotionlessly staring him down.

I didn't answer her but she understood why. If he was around all systems had to run as silent as possible. Another topic we covered was the possibility of guarding my systems from any tampering. Mentally, I was sound due to the Suffering Circuit, but physically I was unsure. My new body could handle loads of pressure and several G forces without trying too hard, especially if it was beneath sunlight.

If the creation of a thaumic sensor could detect and identify magical beings, then maybe, I could shield my body from any magical tampering. That was provided I could be affected. As my luck went I wasn't attacked by anything but the Quarry Eel the previous night. It was modified though… and not just by Discord either. His only contribution seemed to be the teeth. I was certain but it was only a gut feeling deep inside my robotic guts and pushed on by my humanity.

The door slowly opened but it wasn't one of the ponies I knew well enough. This one was the large grey earth pony in the extensive armor set.

‘This must be Vicious Aegis… great.’ I mentally prepared myself for the eventual spiraling downfall of our meeting.

“So golem… I see you kept your word and remained. Though I suppose that would be easy for a pile of arcane circuits to follow simple directions. Guess you can teach a bucket of crystals something new any day.” Aegis snarled though his tone was jovial. If I didn't know any better he wanted to goad me into doing something stupid.

I remained passive and put my hands back together on the table. I couldn't exactly switch on my armor unless I was teleporting in. Any attack could disrupt the process corrupting the armor in the act. Shotgun Ice would be my best bet to stop him and escape or warp in my armor. That plan was poor since I hadn't placed a teleportation node anywhere on the grounds which meant that I would have to run back… which I didn't want to do. I had no idea which way to go to get anywhere near this fortress from the mountain. I had traveled in a general south direction but it veered to the west, I think.

Sensing my distress, Nana began constructing a map for my perusal to keep track of any major landmarks. It was very incomplete without satellite uplink… since those didn't exist.

“I'm talking to you, you miserable waste of space. Who the hell thinks that a golem is even useful in the first place. We wasted our time making things like you. The ponies we could have had and instead you are here.” Aegis flew into a rage as he slammed his fore hooves on the table. I didn't flinch to his misplaced rage as undeserved as it was.

“X, I'm detecting three other figures incoming. Uncertain of their FOE tag. Please prepare countermeasures.” Nana reported as several beeps went off internally.

“I should just take care of you right n-” Aegis started only to be cut off as the door slammed open.

Rockhoof, Mistmane, and Somnambula burst into the room causing Aegis to back off. He looked mildly perturbed to be stopped but it turned to full anger when he noticed I didn't even seen the least bit intimidated by his words. He would have growled out had Rockhoof not gotten in front of him.

“Aegis, what are you doing in here?” Rockhoof questioned the stallion though from his tone it wasn't really the right tone from the look in his eyes.

“Nothing, sir. I was doing my rounds and checking to make certain our guest was enjoying his stay.” Aegis spoke through gritted teeth straining just to keep talking.

“Then you have done your job soldier. Get back to your section of the fortress. Now.” Rockhoof growled out holding his hoof out and pointing out the door.

“Right away… sir.” Aegis saluted before stepping out into the hall.

As he left I could have sworn he gave me the dirtiest look he could muster. I still ignored him which I realized when I heard this furious yell out in the hall. Both Mistmane and Somnambula gave a disappointed glare toward the noise while Rockhoof merely held a hoof in front of his eyes and rocking his head back and forth in shame. I supposed this was my fault if only minutely since I didn't actually even give Aegis the time of day.

The problem I was seeing was his extreme awareness. He spoke to me as if I was more than a mere golem. As if I was sapient… which aside from the six who found me and Discord, no one should suspect I was sapient at all. That was assuming that everyone kept their mouths shut about me. Aegis was seeing a particular golem in me… maybe the one known as Raven Scar.

“Sorry about that X. I've trained them better than this but even I can't always predict was some hotheaded grunt will do every minute.” Rockhoof apologized as best he could. I didn't really find it necessary.

I felt a little detached and noticed my emotions were still teetering on the edge of nonexistence. I turned them back on and nearly tossed my head on the table. I didn't but I really wanted to. In that moment a torrent of rage, despair and small feelings of deep sadness nearly overwhelmed me. I had to regulate the flow before it got worse though I still had facial muscles locked to not show it. When I felt ready I managed to finally make my thoughts known.

“It's fine Rockhoof. Though I think I'm being very underestimated by ponies in general.” I mumbled while rubbing the back of my head. I briefly wondered if I had hair…

“What do you mean?” Mistmane narrowed her eyes uncertain of my tone.

“I just rather not be treated like a thing or an it. I'm a ‘he’ and that's how I identify.” I stated staring back into her eyes. She backed off first.

“Unfortunately, I don't think most ponies would appease you with that notion X. They are stubborn to change with very few leaders amongst the herd. A relic of a darker time…” Somnambula sadly mused while the other two didn’t seem to get enough of looking at the floor.

“I see. I also see that it's only you three. I take it that we're going somewhere then.” I tipped my head down furrowing my brow.

My stay within this fortress has seen only two rooms. A mediocre study with very few worthwhile books to peruse and the main hall where I was nearly forced to defend myself. It was not a very pleasant stay and I would rather travel at this point. Still, I needed to, at the very least, make certain that the locals wouldn't attack me on sight.

“You are correct in your assumptions. Starswirl needs to prepare a few things first before we discuss what we need to do.” Mistmane calmly explained though she seemed on edge.

“I take it that it's top secret and not even the guards should know about it.” I whispered out even though I knew someone was always listening. The fact that the mismatched eyes also had an ear with them said as much.

“For all our sakes yes. We need to pass by an aether gate to make certain no magical detection can see our conversation. You never know when scryers or dream walkers will try to get information.” Rockhoof uttered as if it was an obvious thing.

I had no idea what an aether gate was but Discord’s shocked expression and glowering glare were proof to me that he didn't want to be seen by anyone but me.

“Lead on then. Stuck in the same room with my thoughts is boring.” I smiled as I stood up and stood in the formation they seemed to have coordinated to deal with me.

Rockhoof took point with me following behind him while Mistmane and Somnambula remained behind me to my left and right. A veritable triangle formation but I don't think it was for my safety. As we walked through the halls I tried to keep the same robotic movements I faked the first time through. Every single pony backed up from me and was clearly fearful… all except for Vicious Aegis who simultaneously scowled and grinned at me.

Clearly, his grudge was great seeing that I was now being ostracized by everyone but the six ponies I met. It was not a good start to my life here, in where ever I was. All I know is that this place I'm at is the Equestrian Principality. I probably wasn't trying as hard to figure where I was going but apparently making a tolerable peace with the locals was more important for both my human mind and reploid mind.

We started traveling down a stairwell way past the guards to the point where none of them were even seen at this point. I also noted that the steps were much further apart allowing broad steps most likely for how their legs worked. Taking four steps instead of two must have been taxing which must have been why the steps were made this way.

“Sir, shouldn't we be talking with them. We need more information about this world.” Nana suggested though my hesitance was palpable.

Both Somnambula and Mistmane have shown hesitance and anxiety whenever I looked at them. Mistmane, I'm guessing because of the lack of magic in my system. When I peered behind me she was once again using a spell. Somnambula, on the other hand, was smiling but her eyes weren't in her smile. They were somewhere else entirely. Rockhoof was unable to speak since he hadn't turned his head once to look at me. I was uncertain if he just trusted me not to do anything… or if the other two were ready to strike me down before I did anything.

“I see your point X. There are heavy feelings in the room right now. Rockhoof is not ignoring you luckily enough. I can safely assume that he trusts you to some degree. Mistmane seems more mystified by us and our operation. Somnambula seems to be holding on to some anxiety that is not our fault. Uncertain at this time and I'll keep looking through our analysis at a later time. Thaumic sensors are within the prototyping stage, we need readings on what could possibly be the most powerful magic users possible. It will give us the best readings for future magic users.” Nana informed me as several files appeared in my brain which I silently looked through.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs I noticed that Meadowbrook and Starswirl were in the next room. At the same time there was also a shimmering field in front of me. Cautiously, I was ushered forward by Mistmane who patiently waited until I passed through the field. Nothing happened.

I look behind me and noted that Discord look pissed once again before disappearing once again. Mistmane and Somnambula followed after me looking very serious as Rockhoof took a seat near Magnus and Meadowbrook. Starswirl stepped back looking for something along the bookshelves.

As they all took a seat I remained standing nearby which was uncomfortable when they all turned to me.

“You should sit down X.” Meadowbrook intoned as she point to the chair across from her.

Mentally sighing, I took the seat… only for it to crumble under my weight. I wasn't overly heavy but a chair for me would need metal supports. There were a few stifled chuckles and some words of apology which I waved off as no big deal. After Starswirl rejoined the table I remained standing with my arms crossed listening to whatever was coming up. To my subtle joy there were no mismatched eyes watching me.

“X, I didn't want to speak of this before due to how dangerous it could be. This world is not as peaceful as it seems. We do not speak of it lightly but we have many levels of strife striking from one point in particular.” Starswirl lectured as he used his horn in the book causing several magical light constructs to appear. The most obvious one was the unicorn with the rock on his flank.

“Goring Corundum I presume…” I motioned to the construct which elicited several nods from the others.

“Yes. It is a tale not spoken of lightly. Corundum was a pony we wanted to never think about ever again.” Meadowbrook added.

“Long ago… when we still were fighting off the harshness of winter and their emissaries, the windigos, there was a family that championed the idea of using golems to fight back against them. It was a long and varied history but this is neither the time nor the place for it.” Starswirl lectured intently before taking a breath.

“If I'm reading the subtext right then he was part of this family?” I postulated keeping my arms crossed while Nana silently compiled some dossiers on the ponies around me.

“Yes. He was the fourth generation. He was born from a Crystal pony and a unicorn and was introduced to the world as Goring Corundum. As he grew older he managed to find new and inventive ways to create golems until he unveiled his newest creation, the Crystal Golems.” Starswirl continued somehow managing to sigh.

“There's a difference I'm not seeing here, is there?” I immediately felt this strange sensation of dread which caused Nana to quiver for some reason.

“Aye. It goes into the details of the first Crystal Golem created and it was called Raven Scar. It was the most lifelike golem you would have ever seen all based on a Pegasus of the same name and made entirely out of crystal.” Rockhoof spoke wistfully though with a hint of trepidation in his voice.

“It was the most complete golem ever made and managed to fight back against the surviving windigos ushering them back to the pits of Tartarus. Unfortunately after its success there was an incident involving my protege Clover. He had managed to ask too many philosophical questions in his fervor to understand how the golem works but that was a mistake. When faced with its newly acquired sapience it went berserk crying out in a rage of existential crisis. It kept screaming to everypony ‘Who am I?’ until it tried to attack him. At that point I was forced to intervene.” Starswirl sighed as his head laid on the table.

None of the others said anything but I could feel the anxiety surrounding them. I was nowhere near the level required to find the right thing to say so I remained quiet until he regained his nerve to speak again.

“Gathering up my magic, I injected it with so much magical energy I shattered it from the inside out. My protege was safe but that also drew the ire of Corundum and his clan. When the existential crisis was mentioned the entirety of his clan wanted to sweep it under the rug and forget about it. Corundum didn't. He shouted incessantly about the next step in pony evolution. There were constant comments about golems being our next step, being bigger, stronger, and more magical than ever. Of course when his clan attempted to cut off his sacrilegious comments he defended himself… lethally. His father was his target and without so much as an ounce of remorse he teleported away while the rest of us were in shock. I would have tracked him immediately, had I not used most my magic destroying Raven Scar.” Starswirl uttered full of remorse if the sight of him burying his face in his hooves was anything to go by.

“We did manage to track where Corundum had fled to. He managed to make it to a small bunker outside of the Crystal Empire. From what we managed to find he had stored several of his prototypes within which soon became the vanguard of his assault on the empire toppling the family that held dominion thereafter the passing of Queen Majesty.” Mistmane stated with sheer contempt of the act clouding her eyes.

“From what we could tell he had most of the family executed to secure his rule and from there he began to create more complex Crystal Golems to help run the ravenous war machine he created out of the nation.” Magnus growled out clearly pissed as the atrocities that were committed, something I didn't know much about.

Honestly it was hard to stomach that al it took was one being to cause such upheaval on their own. Even Discord seemed to be wary of being so open with his own actions though there was probably a deeper story there. I wasn't as dense about the importance of their topic. Nana had also come to the same conclusion I just waited until they confirmed it though they were beating around the bush way too long for my own patience.

I had been virtually locked within a small area of influence for long enough and I could only take the same space for so long without anything else to do.

“I take it there is more to telling me this story than a history lesson.” I mused aloud as I closed my eyes looking as if I was deep in thought. Truthfully, I was going over the designs of the thaumic sensor Nana had materialized and chose design three which worked well with my modular systems.

“Heh… are we that transparent to you?” Starswirl chuckled albeit nervously. The others were unable to look straight at me.

“No. I just could tell from how this conversation was going towards something so serious that what you wanted to ask me would be just as serious.” I connected the dots making eye contact with Starswirl so that he could just spit it out.

“It is. I will not mince words here. The triumvirate wants to remove him from power and restore the former family back to its position… providing they actually survived. That means removing Corundum both from his seat of power and if necessary his head from his body. Commander Hurricane has already collected several warriors of each tribe ready to lead an assault on the Crystal Empire.” Starswirl grimly stated while his thousand yard stare looked off into the distance.

“That plan is suicide!” Magnus shouted slamming his hooves on the table with several ponies voicing their concern as well.

“YOU THINK I DON’T KNOW THAT!” Starswirl screamed over the protests causing them all to quiet.

“Understood. I think it would be better if I went alone there then…” I muttered realizing that if it took all the magic of Starswirl just to decommission one Crystal Golem then there would be far too many casualties if they followed me.

“Are you volunteering to die X?” Somnambula spoke while a shocked looked covered her face.

“I wouldn't die. I'm far more resilient than anything you would have on your side right now.” I stated nonchalantly though I could feel the anxiety start building up.

“Sir, while it is true that we are far more resilient there is still a limit to our toughness. I suspect that if these golems are as dangerous as Starswirl has suspected they may be similar to maverick status. Most likely only around generation one models. From analysis of past records reploids made from generation one were still only able to produce red flames upon destruction.” Nana peered through several files. “Generation two models were able to produce more energy and emitted blue flames upon destruction. This may be dangerous depending on the make of the golems. I would suggest finding out how they are made.”

“Before we try anything would you mind telling me how this golems are made?” I questioned the ponies placing my hands against the table as I stared Starswirl down hopefully not menacingly.

“That's the problem. No pony knows anything of their make. We can only tell that several of them are made of gems that were found specifically within the Crystal Empire. Each of them were blood red and supposedly shined brighter than any known gem ever found. Only Corundum had any idea what they actually were but he didn't deem it necessary to tell anyone about them.” Starswirl hissed as he grew angry, not at anyone in particular, but at the secrecy that the golems held.

Even I wasn't sure if these golems were comparable to reploids in any manner but there was something sinister certainly going on in the Crystal Empire. The biggest concern at this point was the process by which golems were created. The first was Raven Scar and its durability reaching beyond normal unicorns as well as how much power Starswirl expended to actually stop it.

Throughout the entire conversation there was one little voice in the back of my head talking to me. It was strange though since it wasn't Nana either. The only thing it said was that it was a bad idea to get too involved… which I countered with the fact I had no way to get home and there were a lack of supplies to actually accomplish anything of note. It voiced concern about the lack of weaponry and I countered that the first set of weaponry was the most versatile out of all the other weapons in the series with only the second set beating it on usefulness and the sixth set beating them all on damage dealt. The voice went quiet leaving me alone again. I slowly wondered if my doubts were trying to get the best of me. Uncle Claudius had always said I got my sense of worry from his sister, my mom… I missed her.

“Can we count on you to help us bring this fiend to justice?” Magnus finally spoke up breaking me out of my trance even if my body had reacted to his summarized thoughts.

“What is justice to you all?” I blurted out without thinking. I don't know what possessed me to go along with this train of thought but it felt like something that I needed to know without a doubt what they wanted.

Justice was a concept that could be twisted to whatever anyone wanted at that particular moment. My mom and dad believed that everyone deserved to be brought to trial and judged for their crimes based on the rules set by society. Uncle Claudius, however, was not of the same mindset. In his words there were three crimes that deserved mandatory death penalties. They were rape, murder and strangely child endangerment of any kind. When I asked him why though he remained quiet and said absolutely nothing to me for the rest of the day. Those views painted my views a certain way. I was not extreme as my uncle but I knew sometimes a case by case situation was deserved on each felon and how they actually felt about their crimes.

“Left to rot in a dungeon.” Magnus and Rockhoof agreed.

“Brought back alive to stand trial for his crimes.” Somnambula and Meadowbrook chimed in together.

“Banished and exiled for the rest of his natural life.” Starswirl and Mistmane pointed out.

“Glad to hear you are all in agreement. So how should this be handled since the moment I step out of this room I won't stop until I've caught Corundum.” I mentioned almost offhandedly.

‘I literally can't stop since sleep mode does absolutely nothing for me. Though I still need to make a teleporter spawn for me to use and this room would be perfect for me to leave one.’ I looked over the ponies at the table who all seemed to be lost in debate with each other.

In some cases it was difficult to really decide if this was the best course of actions considering just how dangerous Corundum was made out to be. The X I was to be would never believe in dealing with any threat aside from Sigma permanently. The human part of me was conflicted since there was that disparity between justice and what it means. If it was decided for me though… at the very least I wouldn't feel so out of my depth as I did at that point. Little by little it felt that the human part was shunted to the side but for some reason I was a little glad for it.

I was happy as a human regardless of how my uncle acted. He still believed in being a good relative as taught me both how to fight and to take responsibility for my actions no matter what comes. Even through my concerns, I decided to play the role of X even though I knew I could lose who I was as a person. The moment I entered this world the human side didn't seem to cope well with the stress forcing me to run everything through the robotic half more often than not. When it came to conversations though the human side would flourish constantly figuring out those small perceptive details that the robotic side would dismiss as unimportant.

“We can agree to your plan. Commander Hurricane probably won't. For now I think it best of you act as a breaking point in any defensive force that Corundum may have sent down into Equestrian territory.” Rockhoof answered for everyone receiving nods of confirmation from Magnus and Starswirl.

“That's fine I can handle it if someone needs to shadow me. I can work my way towards where Corundum is and capture him… but I need something from all of you first.” I passively stated.

There was sudden silence in the room. I could've sworn that every single pony nearly had their mouths gape open in surprise at my own request. Some were tapping their hooves in worry while others nervously chuckled.

“Make your requests X. We are asking you to go to war for us… there is little you could ask us for while we are in such a subtle crisis as we are now.” Starswirl solemnly stated.

“Honestly I have my own secrets as well and since this requires you to trust me so much then I can say some things now. It's especially good that this room is sealed against all intrusion… I don't know if he is watching or listening though.” I coughed out the last part nervously enough that it raised a few eyebrows. I quickly looked around the room and sure enough there was no sign of anything that could be misconstrued as Discord.

“It couldn't be that bad…” Meadowbrook muttered though she felt a slight bit frightened.

“The day I woke up I was stopped by this strange looking creature in the forest. I think he tried to use some mind control magic that didn't work on me at all. When that happened I was forced to fight back and actually wounded him.” There were a few gasps but Starswirl looked deathly serious when I mentioned the mind control magic. “He instantly healed by running a finger over his wound and threatened me with a ‘we shall see about that,’ phrase. He looked like a mish mash of different animal parts all together and his yellow eyes with red pupils were the most memorable parts of him.”

“Discord…” Starswirl choked out causing the other ponies to neigh in a confused fearful tone.

“Yeah… apparently from our little bout we are enemies now. If I am as durable as I say I am that time frame could be in centuries.” I quietly muttered the last sentence which they didn't hear if the clamor over the existence of Discord threw them for a loop.

“You're saying you picked a fight with a spirit of chaos and technically won?” Mistmane sputtered as she tried to wrap her head around that statement.

“Yes.” I guessed out loud forcing another outburst of panic and incredulity. This was supposed to go better at least in my head and through Nana’s simulations.

“Maybe you are a spirit of order then… that must be it!” Starswirl cried out.

I think I was was caught in a blinking fit because the others all stared at the wizened wizard as if he were a fool instead.

“Wait, what?” I spat out.

“It makes sense. Chaos needs a counterpoint to effectively be something more than it is. It needs Order to make it have purpose. You have been the only being to both meet with Discord and effectively shut down the very skill that most tomes that talk about him say he loves to do. Perhaps even our original plan might actually be able to come into fruition as well!” Starswirl cheered causing Somnambula’s eyes to twinkle with hope.

“You mean the Crystal seed plan? It may actually come to pass…” Somnambula was in tears, tears of joy if her smile was anything to go by.

“Yes it all might make sense. X, whatever you want you may have it. This plan is more important than you could possibly know.” Starswirl smiled and several of the ponies were actually looking at me with true kindness. It wasn't like before where there was always the shadow of doubt in their eyes though I had a feeling that it came from doing something for another which gave me that trust.

“Alright first…” I pulled out one of the teleportation devices from my arm and placed it on the table. “This must stay here protected by the shield that has been cast upon this space. It allows me to teleport to locations I've been to before but I need it to stay in one place where I know it will be safe from being smashed or studied for any wrong doing.”

From their eyes I could see an immense amount of interest and Mistmane scanning the device only to look perplexed. Starswirl looked on noting just how different and almost unreal the device in front of him appeared to be.

“Don't ever let anyone study it or try to look into it. It is not dangerous but as it is now there is no way to reverse engineer this sort of technology without me doing it.” I stated numbly. I had no idea how to make any of them and Nana was barely showcasing the schematics to my memory since all the engineering blueprints were in her mental databases instead.

“I really want to see what makes this device work but we shall guarantee that so long as we walk Equestria nopony shall ever get their hooves on it.” Starswirl answered for everyone at the table who each nodded in understanding. They were really good friends to one another.

“Is there anything else that you require?” Meadowbrook brought up making certain to keep her eyes on me.

“Yes. Since Discord is watching me I need all of you to pretend that you don't know about it. I'd rather that none of you get involved unless you have a very large window of opportunity and an overwhelming advantage. Only you six must know and you must keep quiet about it to not garner his attention.” I defined one of the terms I needed them to follow.

“Doable. I don't like the though of leaving you alone to handle him.” Magnus worriedly stated as he gripped the shield on his back with one hoof.

“For now. It's for the best, right now. That brings me to the last thing I need. Starswirl. Mistmane. I need the two of you to cast spells on me. I need to find my threshold on how much magic resistance I actually have.” I looked towards the two unicorns making certain they understood what I wanted.

Discord was torn once again. For his plans to work he need to keep an eye on his counterpart… well his chosen counterpart. In the grand scheme of things he had dealt with the true spirit of order long, long ago knocking the fool out of existence for his own pigheaded designs.

“Seriously, who wants to create a world where nothing changes. That’s so boring…” Discord slumped against the wall that held reality together and waited.

There were several things he could’ve checked on but disinterest left them unseen. Had he felt any inkling of interest he would‘ve seen changelings descend upon one of the fringe towns of the principality wiping it off the map and draining the love from it. He would’ve seen the Pony of Shadows storming through the jungles on the southeastern part of the continent draining the darkness out of the dragons that called it home. He could’ve seen Ruby Geode fume and rant about there still no sighting of Concerto and her spirited escape towards Mount Canter.

All things he could’ve seen and chose to ignore because they weren’t that interesting. Even X had become a boring player as well sitting around talking about nothing. Discord snorted. He knew he could break the barrier but then that would confirm his decision to be in Equestrian territories.

As it stood all he needed was time to gather as much strength as possible. The entire country that was made up of all these territories was perfect. It would be the Chaos Capital of the entire world and nothing would stop that plan.

Except that there was a small flaw in his plan. It was miniscule, an almost insignificant kink in the plan that had come from his battle against the spirit of order. Without Order around, Chaos meant nothing and something within his soul had rebelled against him. His powers had been sealed somehow.

‘I knew I should have sealed him away. Instead I eliminated him just to get my way.’ Discord mentally groaned. Once again his shortsightedness cost him an effective plan. Still… if a new avatar of order could be found… well then, he would be free to deal with the threat before painting the canvas with chaos.

“Now which card should I play next…” Discord chuckled as he pulled out a small deck of cards and shuffled them around.

From the draw he pulled five random cards and turned them over. The Pony of Shadows, Ruby Geode, Goring Corundum, Queen Chrysalis were the first to be flipped over. The fifth was of him in one of his favorite poses which merely winked back at him in coy amusement. Foregoing the Queen and the ten card, Discord set down the king and jack card while placing the ace back into the deck. Goring Corundum needed some more coaxing by little boy blue but there needed to be a small exhibition match.

“Oh Mr. Geode… do I have some fun in store for you.” Discord smiled maliciously as he snapped his talons and returned back to the planet proper.

VIII. Retaliate (unedited)

Author's Note

This is unedited but I don't want you all waiting for so long. First mission starts now.

VIII. Retaliate (unedited)

I was a bit perturbed at this moment when I realized what I just agreed to. I couldn't blame anyone but myself which was something Nana didn't waste any time doing. I had agreed to find out my tolerance to magic from both Starswirl and Mistmane because I didn't know if I could be affected by magic at all. Discord had used mental manipulation through his magic on me but it didn't do anything overt against me. It had fizzled out before it could do anything. When I think back to that moment I realized that it tried to work on my internal systems.

The Suffering Circuit was a marvel of technology that influenced morality on such a precise level that it was impossible to force mental changes due to the heaviest level of protection courtesy of Dr. Light.

It was something I couldn't measure again because Discord wasn't going to give me the chance to get in close. If he could help it. So I looked to my unicorn friends and their magic to check my durability. For the most part I only had a small inkling of what I needed to test and Nana had only finished the prototype thaumic sensors in my body at this point.

‘I have no idea if these even work but it was bound to happen sooner or later. If the looks every single pony gave me was something to go by then eventually I was going to have to defend myself. Nana needs the raw data of any magical signatures and being affected by magic is the only way that things will get going…’ I mentally cringed.

This was a plan I wasn't looking forward to and what made it worse was the fact that I was still walking into the unknown. The Equestrian Principality was a mystery waiting to be unraveled; full of political intrigue, violent battles, and more adventure than anyone could shake a stick at. I honestly wanted nothing to do with the violence that was coming. It wasn't out of a sense of cowardice nor unwillingness to help those in need.

It was for pragmatic reasons. I was nowhere near close to being prepared for anything here. The X1 era weapons were the most useful and versatile out of all the archive but Corundum was an unknown with an unknown strength. Throughout all that, I had boasted that I could handle it on my own even though it wasn't my intention. I was… more expendable seeing as they thought of me as a Crystal Golem.

“Are you certain of this X? We don't know how much you can honestly take and since we are helping each other out it would be in poor taste to hurt you like this.” Starswirl explained, the concern visible in his eyes as he took a few steps forward.

“We need to do this. I'm still not sure of my tolerance with magic. So we start light and work our way up.” I mentioned as I took position near one of the far walls.

“X, this seems far more dangerous than it should be.” Mistmane warned while reluctantly joining Starswirl.

I held my hands up and gave them the international sign of ‘bring it on’ since we needed this done. What came next was a bevy of different spells all castes on me to determine my magical resistance.

Starswirl started first using his levitation spell to determine if he could lift me. His magic was able to grasp me but it strained him to even lift me even an inch off the ground. Mistmane joined him in the second attempt which got me lifted four inches off the ground. That meant that unicorn levitation was an exponential gain. One unicorn even at Starswirl's level could only lift me an inch off the ground… unless he was holding back. Results were skewed if that was the case.

‘Nana what was the reading off of their magic and combined strength?’ I mentally conversed with my cyber elf companion.

‘Well readings are very strange and we don't have a variable to assign to magic as a whole just yet so I'm forced to assign a reading based on the energy released by lightning. A lightning bolt releases over one billion joules of energy and so far telekinesis comes nowhere close to that. At most Starswirl, at the very least, released about five thousand joules of energy trying to lift you off the ground. By comparison Mistmane released only three thousand joules. That's where it gets confusing though. Through their cumulative effects they managed to produce double the energy expenditure releasing sixteen thousand joules. This phenomenon is very confusing but it seemed when they worked in tandem towards a goal it produced a spark that made things easier for them to lift you. I'll look into more of this as we continue. Whether or not that was Starswirl's best is uncertain. More testing is required.’ Nana explained as she held very archaic caricatures of Starswirl and Mistmane and showed me a strange meter for reading magic.

“You two… are you using as much as you can?” I looked over to the two who weren't breathing heavily though the sweat dripping off their brows made me control my tone as best as possible.

“As much as is necessary we need you intact and if a wayward spell is released could cause catastrophic damage both to you and the structure around us.” Starswirl lectured as he wiped his brow with his hoof.

“Right, okay then. Let's test any other spells you might think of.”

From there, there was a long list of spells done within an hour. My resistance proved to be much more robust. Levitation required multiple unicorns just to lift me. Cloudwalking spells were non effective as I fell through the cloud though Nana made certain to keep the energy readings in case we ever figured out a way to internalize magic to allow it.

Shield spells… well one punch and I knocked through two shields almost effortlessly. When they tried again Starswirl used more energy releasing over ten thousand joules easily. Mistmane shot up to eight thousand and their combined shield require four punches just to break through.

Magic was exponential. It grew more powerful the more ponies worked together. This made it certain that as long as I wasn't focus fired I could tank almost any magic like it was nothing. Unfortunately, we didn't get to elemental magic. They were both exhausted after I broke through their combined shield.

“That should be enough for what we have. You are far more dangerous than I realized.” Starswirl muttered under his breath.

“Better that I'm your ally then, right?” I put my hand down to give Starswirl a chance to stand up. He took it graciously enough. As soon as he was up I offered my hand to Mistmane who luckily took it much quicker.

I needed more data. With certain calculations Nana was running through I could only assume and predict how much magic was necessary to affect me and that would inevitably bite me in the end.

A field test was the most logical course of actions but one I was dreading overall.

“I think it's time for me to head out then. I will head out for the Crystal Empire… unless you require something else.” I motioned to the others who seemed lost in thought over the events transpiring before them.

“No. I think we can trust you on this endeavor though it's best that you meet with Commander Hurricane before you leave. He will not accept this plan but there is little he could do to stop you if you are this durable.” Magnus replied as he trotted up to the edge of the barrier and waited for me to follow.

Joy. I would have felt more entrapped by this but none of the others looked towards me with the same suspicion they did throughout the first moments I entered their lives. It wasn't full trust since Somnambula and Starswirl still remained skeptical but they seemed to come around to the idea that I was firmly on their side. Seeing that these were the only six allies I had it made me somewhat glad I found level headed beings. Now if only the rest of the ponies were that open to the possibility, not even counting the other races that existed.

We exited the room and for some reason I never felt his eyes watching me. That raised several warning bells in my mind. He was monomaniacally fixated on me and if he wasn't… well that would turn out horrible. I mentally had to keep myself from physically reacting because if they knew then they might do something foolish.

It took us several moment to find Commander Hurricane. He was a grizzled looking pegasus with a red coat and grey mane. His entire body seemed to have scars covering most of his neck and sides with a longer scar directly down his muzzle. His armor was a praetorian silver that had the same look as the centurions from the old Roman Empire with the same brush like helmet. His glare told me all I needed to know about him from the moment I walked into the room.

The welcome from the guards was just as icy as when I exited the room earlier the previous day. From the Commander though, I could feel his glare attempt to pierce through me. Once again I had to cut off my emotions leaving them at the bare minimum. It was something I really wanted to fight back against, the human side wanted to physically answer back at the injustice I could feel from his glare but I needed to keep playing the long game before me. Magically, I was resistant to most if not all forms of meddling barring any new discoveries with elemental magic. Physically, I could keep track of everything that was thrown against me due in no small part to my robotic reflexes.

“So this is what I've been hearing about throughout my operation then. What's this golem doing here? Magnus, report.” Hurricane commanded as his stare focused on the soldier.

“This is the golem that has pledge his loyalty to the six of us and the betterment of Equestrian interests. He has been ordered to strike down Corundum first chance that presents itself, sir.” Magnus explained as he gave a serious salute to the grizzled pegasus.

“Hm… sounds like we've got a weapon then. I take it that it will listen to my orders then, is that right?” Hurricane glowered.

“Um, sir…” Magnus started only to be cut off by Hurricane’s boisterous voice.

“Golem, you will remain here. We don't need no fancy magical doodad to assist our forces against this poorly made tyrant. This will be won with pony might. Not some automaton that could break and turn on my soldiers!” Hurricane roared out as he glared at me.

I just stared back. This wasn't really worth it and I sure as hell wasn't going to answer to him with that tone. Quickly thinking through my options I made the best choice I could think of… one that would piss him off but get results.

“Order ignored. Mission parameters have been set. Primary objective is the capture of Goring Corundum. Secondary objective is the safety of the royal family.” My voice called out. Nana had tweaked my voice filter acting entirely more robotic… inhuman to my hearing.

That got results as Commander Hurricane nearly fumed at that point. His grimacing jaw spoke volumes about his reaction to my response. Magnus didn't cower away but he did grit his teeth. Hurricane rounded on him but remained the ever professional leader for his people.

“Soldier… what did this hunk of crystals just say to me.” Hurricane harshly whispered.

“Commander Hurricane that would be my doing unfortunately.” Starswirl spoke up dragging away the commander’s harsh glare to him. He was used to dealing with their leaders and their eccentricities.

“Explain.” Hurricane bluntly stated.

“When he was created he immediately imprinted upon the six of us. Because of that he will listen to our commands but he is free enough to interpret those orders as he sees fit. Trust me when I say that he is much more than he is.” Starswirl lied more than he ever did in his whole life.

“He!? What in Harmony’s name are you talking about. This thing isn't a he.” Hurricane explained as succinctly as he could.

“He is masculine and that is what we have identified him as.” Starswirl bluntly answered back managing to get the commander’s attention.

“Whatever. That thing is not going on our mission.” Hurricane put his hoof down.

“With his mission set he will move independently of you. He will head out now and accomplish his mission. We can't change the parameters.” Starswirl mentioned smirking at the Commander.

“Of course you did. Doesn't matter. He'll be a pile of scrap before he meets his first enemy. Fine. Send him. We'll show you that this is a problem that can be solved by the heart and soul of the ponies of this nation.” Hurricane groaned out.

“Good to know. X, head out now.” Starswirl ordered me. I could see the nervous look in his eye but a quick nod assuaged his fears. I knew that parts had to be played and they had to be played well.

This gambit was set though I had a feeling that we each had one in play. Starswirl needed me to be seen as an ally of ponies because this world was going down fast. I needed to be sanctioned by ponies to find the rest of the capsules that were in hiding. At the very least I hoped that that was Starswirl's intention. I stood out a fair distance from the rest of the beings in the room.

‘Teleportation signal acquired, sir. I've set your energy converter ready and I have the sensors ready to scan the environment to fill the topographical map I've been forming. Thaumic sensors are detecting some responses from the more frightened guards. Those are luckily negligible with the highest reading being one thousand joules. From estimates I predict that it would take at the very least fifteen thousand joules of energy to cause any actual damage.’ Nana explained as I glowed brighter.

I bent down as electricity coursed around me and I zoomed up as a mass of light towards Mount Canter.

“What in Tartarus was that Starswirl!?” Hurricane roared out as he swiftly dealt with the panicked troops while Starswirl messed with his beard slightly.

‘So that's what he meant by warping. I'll need to place the one he handed us somewhere where it won't cause a ruckus.’ Starswirl mused while Meadowbrook and Somnambula conversed excitedly about what they just saw. Magnus, Rockhoof, and Mistmane were left in awe after everything that they witnessed.

“Starswirl! Explain!” Hurricane yelled out getting his attention once again.

“Yes Commander?” Starswirl coyly chuckled.

“What the buck was that!? Why is that golem meddling in our affairs?” Hurricane roared out causing many of his guards to buckle from his voice.

“I don't know what you mean Commander. He is doing what he was meant to do.” Starswirl smirked causing Hurricane to turn even more red.

“Everypony out! Out! Out! Out!” Hurricane screamed causing every guard to rush out of the room leaving him and the pillars only in the room. Starswirl turned back and gave a silent nod to the other pillars. Getting the message each of the pillars exited as well leaving the wise wizard and the pegasi commander alone.

As soon as the door clicked close Hurricane lost his angry expression. Pasted on was the tired eyes of someone who had gone for a long time fighting the good fight. Starswirl lost his haughty attitude showcasing the grumpiness he hid behind the mask he wore.

“Old friend you must calm yourself. This is unbecoming of you.” Starswirl sighed as he checked Hurricane.

“You know I can't do that. They expect a roaring leader brimming with life and ready to fall to war. I can feel it Starswirl. I am losing this battle and the time is the ever closing victor.” Hurricane growled out as he rubbed his weary eyes with his left hoof.

“You've been keeping track of your medications right. I know you hate what the apothecary prescribed you but Meadowbrook insured me that it was exactly what you needed.” Starswirl slowly trotted over to his friend placing his free hoof on his shoulder.

“It's not enough. Look, this is neither the time or the place. What was that thing you brought in? I've been around the cloudbank before and I could tell that that golem was actually thinking. Thinking and listening and clearly disobeying me of its own free will.” Hurricane hissed out though it eased to a tired sigh.

“His name is X. I'm sorry for the show but as you've seen by the troops, having a sapient golem is making them jumpier than usual. That's not the important part. Do you remember when we talked about our plans for the future?” Starswirl stared directly at Hurricane focused.

“Yes. I remember. I remember that we could never accomplish it because Corundum took the Crystal Empire leaving us lacking a plan B. My ponies are already talking about seeing a chimeric entity floating around in random places. We are left with no options here.” Hurricane groaned as he remembered what he was about to order his ponies to do.

“What if I told you that we could do it without going for that bloodbath solution?” Starswirl smiled more than he had ever felt before.

“What are you talking about?” Hurricane peered at the old mage.

“That golem was no mere golem. Do you remember when I talked about there being a balance one to counterbalance the chaos?” Starswirl's voice got more excited with every word that dropped from his mouth.

“You don't mean…?” Hurricane did a double take as he looked back at the spot where X disappeared from.

“I do. Project Harmony now has a chance.” Starswirl stated with a smug smile plastered on his face.

A bright spectrum of light cascading around me was all I could see while I was teleporting. With a bright flash and the sound of thunder I found myself once again on top of Mount Canter looking over the horizon.

“Well X it looks as though we are on schedule to reach the Crystal Empire so long as we head north, obviously.” Nana snarked slightly. “Still we should take care of any Crystal aligned troops as we see fit. Destroying their supplies and weaponry should make it easier for all allied troops to capture them.”

I merely nodded as I looked out to the horizon that faced the sprawling crystal monument that pierced the heavens though from where I stood I was on top of it. Taking a deep breath I materialized the first armor over my primary shell. What was once blue armor was now white with several portions looking bulkier and tougher. The helmet gained new protrusions but from what I remembered they would hardly do anything for me. My chest plate gained an extra layer over it including shoulder pads. The buster went from the normal blue to having a red tip and apparently an extra module on the barrel which probably was the part that would let me charge weapons as well. Weapons I still haven't tested yet. My greaves and legs also gained an extra layer though the dash functionalities didn't change at all.

Overall I was still the same figure only less blue and more ivory armor. I jumped off of Mount Canter and allowed gravity to take me north towards my target. Corundum wouldn't know what hit him.

Discord looked up from his project. Ruby Geode had been an easy nut to crack. The manipulations were as subtle as possible and his ego made it simple to point in a certain direction. This level of control though was something he enjoyed doing but it was dangerous to indulge so much. X was already on the move.

‘How long was I distracted for? Well no matter… getting Geode out to where he wanted was no problem and that Concerto mate would be good incentive to fan those flames of discordance over and over again.’ Discord mentally chuckled as he pulled his talons out of Geode astral body.

Chaos magic flowed through him subtly enough that any actions he took would and wouldn't be his own. An agent of chaos was something he never really wanted, or needed before but today was a special day. His manipulations to fulfill his goals would take one step forward this day. With a quick snap he went back near his realm to watch the festivities that would come.

Ruby Geode, General of the Crystal Coalition Forces, an impromptu band created by King Corundum at the beginning of his reign, silently fumed. Concerto had never even slipped close to their encroaching net that they had deployed. It was as if somepony had been saying, ‘nothing could go wrong,’ and then everything went wrong.

Hours after the assault by X, Geode had been forced to march his troops forward to make up for the lost ground caused that day. For those moment Geode was jostled around in his sleep by his ‘servants’ clumsy formation. It wasn't his fault that they didn't eat their bread and water rations right.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing keeping him from sleeping soundly. Throughout the dreams that kept hounding him there were constant flashes of chaotic architecture wisping through his mind. Every single time that another image came though… his mind would feel calmer, more lucid.

“I know where to go…” Geode mumbled from his bed still half asleep. Instantly, he shot up forgoing any raiments or clothing just to get out to his troops faster. Captain Flint caught him.

“General Geode calm down, sir. What has you in such spirits today?” Flint soothed the flustered general who merely turn in a circle seemingly lost in his own palanquin.

“What, Flint, but I just…? No matter I have good news.” Geode smiled as he met Flint’s dull gaze.

“Do tell, sir. I'm dying to hear the good news.” Flint felt the enthusiasm melt from his voice but quickly forced it back before Geode could notice. He didn't though, Geode was far gone in his own rants or proclamations that Flint was trying to hard to hide his boredom.

“I know where Concerto is going. I know exactly where she is going and we will have her by this evening.” Geode smirked showing his teeth off… which had gotten sharper for some reason.

“You certainly seem sure…” Flint answered tentatively. Over time, Flint had noticed that there were small changes in Geode’s demeanor. Throughout his several naps throughout the day he changed little by little. What was once the infuriating and infuriated stallion that ran the army was slowly changing. He was now predatory, dangerously hissing whenever he was forced to sit still for even a moment. Though just as quickly he would change back to the same pissed off pony he always was leaving Flint unsure how to proceed. While he hated the fool, he needed to play his role, and play that role well.

“She’s travelling directly south. She’ll be within range of the mountain within a few hours. We need to get out there now and we’ll get her back. Concerto is mine.” Geode giggled manically before losing that emotion and looking barren of emotions. Geode lost focus and his eyes dilated before he shook his head regaining sense once again.

“Sir?” Flint warily looked at his commanding officer taking a few steps back.

“What? Yes? Get to work Flint we have to get her.” Geode quickly dismissed the captain who sighed in exasperation before leaving the tent.

Geode’s breathing grew shallow as he sunk to the floor doubling over in pain. As he started to lose consciousness out of the corner of his eye he saw a long serpentine creature made up of different animal parts rubbing his paw and talon together in gleeful malice. The pain was unbearable and just as quickly as it began; it suddenly stopped.

Geode looked over his hoof trying to figure out what had happened and how he got to the floor. Those thoughts changed as quickly back to Concerto and he returned back to his room. Rest was required before he had his tool back underhoof once again.

Concerto had been running since the night that everything changed. While finding X was a priority, it was number three on her list. Keeping out of the crystal guardsponies clutches was her primary with survival being the secondary.

The paths she took were heavily covered in brush and debris making it tough to get through. Thankfully, the hours of hard labor she had been put through had actually made her body hardier and tougher than it had been when she had a seat amongst her family. I short sigh escaped her lips as she squashed down the memories that tried to resurface once again.

‘Now is not the time to mourn. Now is the time to run. Keep going.’ Concerto pushed herself across several fallen logs.

There had been several close calls due to the Crystal pegasi that had been patrolling the sky. Hiding beneath anything that would hide her coat and mane was her main focus. The mud she had been forced to lay in had been a boon as that once shiny coat was covered in a layer of grime. It didn't matter anymore. Survival and freedom were what she sought and that small amount of filth was keeping her safe.

Concerto peered out at the sky looking for anymore patrols before racing off for the largest thing anypony could see, Mount Canter. It was her best shot to getting closer to the Equestrian Principality. The path evened out revealing a large uncovered plain between her and the base of the mountain.

‘How long have I been galloping for…? No, doesn't matter. Gotta be smart about this.’ Concerto berated herself.

What had been an easy trek hiding within the foliage of the forests had now come to an end. Open ground and open skies stood before her challenging her to sneak through them. She quietly weighed her options.

As a former princess she had only practiced levitation spells to grab and manipulate objects. It was by no means her special talent but it could open up objects. She looked down at her cutie mark which was a crystallized note on top of a heart. Her special talent was musical in nature but there was nothing to sing about anymore. In that moment a bolt of lightning hit her as she stared at her mark once again. She could use sound spells to keep her quiet. She just needed a disguise…

A short trot away was a large puddle of mud and several clumps of grass. She stared at the two components and realized just how much crawling would need to be done.

Covered in grass clippings and mud, Concerto quickly took position at the edge of the boundary between safety and death. It was a foolish plan to be sure but when left with either wait and be captured or hide and be captured there was little choice left. There was an escape clause that could be done with a sharp enough stick but that was something she didn't really want to think about.

Concerto took a dainty step forward clinging to the ground and letting the clippings of grass covering her entire muddy body act as camouflage for the dangerous trip. Twenty steps in and nothing happened. Forty steps in and nothing happened. Sixty steps in and still nothing happened.

The trip across got more dangerous as the glint of something shiny flying through the sky caught her attention. Concerto kept as still as possible.

“Any sign of her?” A voice called out from overhead.

“Not yet. Geode said that this was the area she would be going through.” Another voice answered though partially filled with venom at the mention of that name.

“Flint says that the general is going mad. He looks a bit different lately right?” A third much younger voice questioned the first two.

“Yeah, I guess. Damn foal filed his teeth to points for some reason. I didn't even know he carried a file in the first place.” The first voice acted surprised.

“Let's just find his ‘tool’... you know I hate this whole regime change.” The second voice growled out seemingly huffing in place.

“We all do. We just have to remember what is at stake. Remember what happened to the Grenadine family? How the were paraded through the streets in that manner… urp… sorry. It still makes me sick to see what his golems were capable of. Now we have that other one that purposely singled out our home.” The third voice sniffed though Concerto wasn't sure if that pony was crying. She couldn't even tell genders from how frightened she was of being caught once again.

“Still having nightmares about that. I hope that X does destroy our home. It's not home anymore for everything that happened.” The second voice longingly stated.

“Hey! Both of you knock it off. Look I know things are bad but we need to work for our future. This is a… dirty mission I'll admit but we all have family at stake.” The first voice ordered out but his tone was laced with guilt all the same.

“Right…” Both voices answered and were devoid of enthusiasm.

The slight tutting from the lead pony made Concerto worried. While the ponies of her country didn't harbor ill will towards her and her family… none of them had the courage to stand up to the monster back home. After they flapped off she continued crawling toward the base of the mountain but at her pace it would take an entire day just to reach.

“You know you can't escape Princess Concerto.” A pony uttered a few trots behind her.

Not wasting a second, Concerto sprinted from her position as the clip-clop of hooves rang out behind her. Taking a chance to peer around several earth ponies led by Captain Flint were in hot pursuit. Hooves burning from the constant trek Concerto slipped over her muddy hooves leaving her sliding to a complete stop.

“Looks as though we have you now Princess.” Flint sneered as he stamped his hoof down.

One of the pegasus soldiers came back holding a rain cloud over her. With an apologetic sigh he kicked it giving the princess the chance to wash away her disguise. Left a shivering mess she watched as one of the unicorn soldiers brought out the cast iron anklets. There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide at this point. She didn't even have a pointy stick nearby either.

Before they could get too close several ponies stopped. Concerto saw Flint go wide eyed and fearful once again. It was weird… she quietly peered around finding the same golem that had appeared before only something was different. Instead of the blue and cyan armor it was now in white armor with several patches of blue and gold placed in ways that made it aesthetically pleasing. The biggest change though was the eyes though. What were once yellow and red eyes were now a clear shade of green pupils against white.

“Hm… so crystal ponies actually look like they're made from crystal. Neat.” I stated as I lifted my buster up.

“It's X! Get the golems now!” A scared pony screamed out.

“Shut up!” Flint screamed out backhanding the screaming pony and getting decent distance for how far he traveled. “Hello again X…” his voice dripped venomously as he glared at me.

“Hello…?” I kept my buster primed. I didn't have very much in terms of low key weaponry at the moment but Shotgun Ice and Electric Spark could be set to stun ponies at the very least. If I had Crystal Hunter I could incapacitate them better. Still it was better than nothing.

“You have a lot of nerve showing your face around her again.” Flint growled out.

‘Again? Nana did my body move on its own last night?’ I furrowed my brow in confusion.

‘No, sir. You remained incarcerated within the Pillar’s fortress for the entire night. I couldn't read anything either. I think you should play along though. If this is Discord’s doing as you are now thinking about then he most likely set this up for a reason.’ Nana postulated as several magical flares appeared on the thaumic sensor. I quietly placed my back foot near the pony that was on the ground who was a shivering mess.

‘Thanks for reading my thoughts Nana. What would I do without you?’ I sneakily thought. I still needed to get used to that. Most of my thoughts were segregated but surface thoughts from the processor would always break through.

‘No problem X. I live to serve.’ Nana cheerfully stated.

I wanted to blink in frustration and face palm at how naively cute she acted. I forced myself to completely ignore it and focus on the army of ponies before me. They were obviously after the pony beneath my feet now and I was going to stand in their way. I briefly wondered why but that was discarded. It didn't really matter and if they were crystal ponies then that meant I was on the right track for capturing Corundum.

“What can I say? I live to please.” I answered the lead pony. I had no idea who he was but if he thought I did then that would keep things simple.

“Of course you are. Leave the mare to us. She is a wanted criminal and harboring her with pull the entire might of the Crystal Forces upon your head.” Flint commanded as several ponies in the background started to shuffle away. The mare on the ground shook even harder when she noticed me look at her.

“S’okay. I feel like keeping her. You can leave though. I really don't want to fight you ponies.” I responded keeping my tone even and neutral as possible. I didn't lower my buster though. I wanted to follow the real X’s example and try to be pacifistic on issues but even I knew anyone that was angry usually chose violence as the answer.

“You will give her to us or you will pay for your treachery you filthy golem!” Flint cried out stamping his front hoof down.

I merely stared him down and shook my head. His eyes narrowed as several strange looking golems started to walk out of the surrounding forest. Each were a bit taller than me and seemed extremely bulky. They reminded me of the mini boss that was fought in Sting Chameleon’s stage. The egg shaped body and bowed legged stance were very similar. The only difference was the lack of a industrial grappling hook arm. On each arm were three crystal shards in the shape of claws.

“Then you leave us no choice. Golems! Crush X and capture that mare!” Flint ordered out as several ponies escaped a decent distance away.

“Stay still, okay.” I whispered down to the pony by my feet as I picked her up and placed her on my back.

It was time to hunt some mavericks.

IX. Repent (unedited)

Author's Note

Last chapter for the year and a happy new years to all. Stories will still be continued and fun will be had by all.

IX. Repent (unedited)

The unicorn mare clutching my back somehow managed to keep her hooves gripped tightly to my armor plate. The three large golems immediately hopped forward trying to use their claws to slice me up. I hopped back keeping her away from any harm seeing that she was their goal. All I had to do was take out these maverick stand ins. I quietly charged up my buster causing the unicorn to flinch from the glow but keep her hooves attached as tightly as possible.

“Keep your ears pinned. This will be loud.” I muttered as my buster came up ready to fire. Several of the unicorn guards that were there also attempted to fire what I could only assume were stunning spells since none of the magic actually affected me.

“Use actual magic attacks you idiots! Stop holding back!” Flint screamed only to notice that the beams did absolutely nothing to me.

“X, all magic from the seven visible unicorns had only reached three hundred and fifty joules of energy release. They literally do not have enough magic to harm us. My own speculations are that the constant use of golems has made their magic study lesser for it. Use this to your advantage and rout these jerks.” Nana informed me through the comm link.

With a quick grunt of agreement hidden as me jumping onto one of the maverick like golems I forced my buster against the singular eye and released the third level shot of a pink wave of energy. The sudden influx of energy speared through the body of the rogue golem shattering the genm used as its eye and cracking the rest of its body to pieces. The claws that had tried to reach for me fell limp at its side leaving me to jump off while the two golems ran into each other trying to catch me.

“Still attached?” I asked as sternly as possible. The ponies in the area were visibly scared as I had both destroyed one of their golems without even trying and broke through their magic without even trying.

“Yes. Thank you gol - I mean X. Please be careful. The pegasi guards seem to be planning something.” The unicorn hissed the last part as my motion detector was instantly calling my attention right above me.

I quietly charged up again but I decided that something bigger was needed. I switched my weapons turning the blue parts of my armor purple.

“Look! It's changing colors. Watch out stallions, he'll change colors on you.” Flint snickered as several of his fellow guards finally gathered their spines and charged at me.

The pegasi and golems all charged forward, one pushed on by bravado and the other out of inability to ignore orders. I pulled the unicorn mare to my chest and held her with one arm. I raised my free arm and a sudden tornado was summoned all around me that the enemy soldiers flew and ran directly into it respectively.

The sudden cyclone caused every single pony to freeze. I had suddenly summoned a cyclone which sent the pegasi flying in random directions, crash landing into other ponies or the very landscape dotting it with broken bodies and gouged out tracts of land. Luckily, no one died but several were incapable of getting back up.

The golems were a bit hardier than the ponies as they locked their gem claws into the ground as the tornado started. The energy in the tornado had caused several scratches to appear on the golems bodies. I pushed the unicorn back on my back as she looked over the destruction that was wrought.

The very landscape had been torn due to sheer force of the wind. The gouges were all in a circular pattern around my body and the unicorn now had that windswept look though her eyes were wide in shock as well.

‘Oh, right... just created a tornado from my weapons system. Nana, any suggestions would be good right now.’ I quietly thought as several ponies I looked at were now reflexively flinching whenever our eyes met.

“X, as much as I am able to handle most situations, this is far out of my own specs to figure out. Cinnamon would have a better grasp on the medical and psychological side. All I can say is that you need to roll with it. Showing any signs of not knowing what you are doing is a chink in your armor that Discord will eventually use against you. Keep them close to the vest.” Nana explained as she brought up some more thaumic signatures from the pegasi attackers.

The pegasi were all showing thaumic signatures that actually dwarfed the unicorn soldiers. Strangely, the magic they wielded was more potent which just confused me until I noticed that none of the pegasi were visibly wounded. At most the worst injuries were from those that had spinning eyes from the tumble. The readings seemed to show that most pegasi were expelling over five hundred joules of energy.

“Stop fearing him and get that blasted pile of scrap archanotech and send it back to the scrap heap already!” Flint yelled out as he kicked a few earth ponies into action.

I quickly switched my weapon changing color to yellow. I quickly charged up as I dashed away from both the guards and the golems who had started speeding up towards me. Every slash of their claws came at shocking speed, if I had been human still. What would have been an impossibility was now the norm. Their speed was merely an inconvenience with the senses I now had.

As the earth pony guards finally caught up I pointed my buster out and released a large wave of electricity that surrounded me and shot out. Unlike the games where the hardware was only capable of showing a two dimensional plane of existence the electric spark charged version fired a wave of electricity that surrounded me and shot out at my foes but couldn't travel vertically. The electricity paralyzed several guards and actually reached out fifty feet from where I stood. That included several of the unicorn guards that were just in range of the wave.

“What the buck…? What the BUCK ARE YOU!” Flint cried out when he looked upon his fallen troops and the two remaining golems.

The electricity had several extensive effects on the golem bodies. The electricity arced through their systems cracking several crystals within their bodies making them crack and hiss from what looked to be magical damages. The shell was completely shattered causing spider web fractures to course through their bodies while the claws had fallen off completely due to said shattering. As quickly as they had proven to be the Crystal Empire’s ace in the hole, I proved to be much deadlier.

“My name is X. I would hope you would remember it.” I spoke calmly to the pony who seemed to be the leader and lifted my buster towards him changing it back to my original colors.

With a stifled snort he stomped his left foot down causing two of his most fervent guards, a pegasus and an earth pony, to charge forward. I changed targets and fired two stunning shots at the two. Any living creature was immediately hit with stun shots and nothing higher. When I put them both down I turned back to that grey earth pony only to note that he had fled. Lowering my buster, I checked on my passenger only to find her clinging frightfully to my back.

“Holy buck… I made a huge mistake. This golem is so damn dangerous. I know I wanted my home destroyed but this… this is too much.” The unicorn mare muttered completely out of her mind.

“Let her vent X. Poor lady, she must have seen something so traumatic.” Nana tutted as she looked over my vitals. “You are still in good health but those weapon usages have partially depleted Storm Tornado and Electric Spark. They are still usable but limited on ammo for now.”

I merely nodded and looked around the field. There were still several ponies that were unconscious on the ground so I decided to be a bit more proactive about my actions. I quickly gathered what turned out to be fifteen guards - seven earth ponies, three unicorns and four pegasi - and put them in one location.

The mare was still lost in her muttering she of how dangerous I was as I pulled any of their metal weapons apart and forced it with my bare hands into a clasp to keep them all together. It took a few attempts but I managed it through sheer grit. The metal was strange and seemed to have been forged much differently than I had ever seen. While there was the normal tempering of each weapon there were strange additions to some of them. They were also releasing a small thaumic signature that was almost negligible but when I got close enough the sensor actually recorded it.

After looking over my handiwork and checking my weapons once again I turned my attention to the unicorn mare on my back. She was still muttering things out of fear and regretting what she had done in life which was kind of weird. I wasn't going to do anything bad to her but her words seemed to be switching towards praise or sheer terror when it was about me. Eventually I had had enough and decided it was time to wake her up though I knew I had to be somewhat gentle about it.

“Miss. I think it's over. You can calm down.” I quietly tried to placate her to the best of my abilities. The guards I had captured were still out leaving only the two of us still conscious.

“Forgive me Faust for I have sinned against your great plan. Oh Faust I'm gonna almost die again.” The mare whimpered and sobbed almost uncontrollably. I couldn't physically shock her back to controlled. My hand was made of metal and even at the lightest tap I would probably knock some teeth out.

I lightly grasped her head in both hands and forced her to look me in the eyes.

‘Oh Faust. Oh Faust! Oh FAUST! He's forcing me to look into his yellow and red - what!? They're - they're green… but his eyes were… I don't understand.’ Concerto stared blankly into his eyes seeing something so different than she had seen before.

They were kind looking eyes. Worry seeped out of them but the malice and sheer audacity she had seen when she last peered into the eyes of madness were gone. Those vestiges shattered by a new sight. They still looked strange but no longer did she see the end of the Crystal Empire as she once though would be better. Instead she saw the end of Corundum and the cruelty he brought.

“You're eyes… are green…” She dumbly stated still a bit dazed from all the excitement.

“Look miss… uh… unicorn. I need you to please calm down. I'm just trying to help you out. So I want you to tell me who you are that they wanted you so badly… and now you're staring into my eyes.” I sighed as I felt both sides of my mind come to the agreement that we need to ease ponies into meeting me. I was actually kind of dangerous as I looked back at the remains of the golems I had destroyed. Strangely with their hollow structures in their arms and legs I could understand why it happened.

Due to their crystalline shape being forced to have a cavity it compromised the strength of the material. The crystal that made up the shell was extremely brittle most likely refined by magic. Nana had sworn after they were destroyed that three thaumic signature reaching fifty thousand joules each was released when I destroyed the three but were snuffed out after my weapons had struck them. I didn't ignore it out of paranoia at that point. Discord could have tampered with them beforehand or even strengthened them and underestimated me. I didn't even want to acknowledge the thought that there were other creatures at work with these golems.

“You're eyes… are green…” The unicorn stated though she sounded dazed.

“I suppose… I haven't really been able to see myself yet.” I quietly muttered as I let go of her face and let her stand on her own four hooves.

“Um… yes… right… sorry. I just… well I just got a little panicky. This has been the second time you've saved me.” The mare gratefully smiled.

‘Saved you? What?’ I was glad that I had turned off my emotions because confusion was the only thing I was feeling at this point.

“It has to be Discord, X. He has done something in your name.” Nana posited bringing the sensors up to their fullest. He hadn't been within range and he still wasn't in range. He more than likely didn't know about the sensors since he was genuinely surprised when I shot him. There were other reasons I didn't have him in range but he was still able to watch me.

“X? X are you there?” The mare waved her hoof in front of my eyes causing me to refocus on her.

“What? Oh right, you're fine now then? So… care to remind me what I did that made you such a nervous wreck?” I coyly grinned though I felt nervous. It was too bad that I couldn't actually feel like I was nervous or maybe it was better that I couldn't.

What followed was most likely an over dramatization where I single handedly wiped out an entire battalion of weak golems and freed her and several other prisoners of war whose only crime was defying Corundum’s word. I knew immediately that this was Discord’s doing. It was obvious since he was the only one to ever see my weapon in action albeit being victim to it. The problem I was having was figuring out why he did so. Discord, if his name was to be taken literally, was chaotic to a fault. Things he did, by Starswirl's account, shouldn't make any sense. This did.

I was a threat, albeit, an unknown quantity at this point to him. I could hurt him though in hindsight I only had my buster output at fifty percent at the time. Perpetrating a false attack in my name would be sensical to see what I was capable of. It made sense yet it didn't make sense with what my newest friends, I hoped, had told me. After a while I just placed the questions on a lower setting putting the bare minimum of my computing power to analyze it.

“That doesn't sound like something I would do… “ I muttered under my breath to break the explanation the mare was given which remains need me of something. “What is your name actually? I'd rather have something to call you rather than unicorn mare.”

“Ah yes. Charming aren't you X?” She groused with the brushing off of her tale though I figured out the parts in between. Still she composed herself and stood as regally as a pony could while covered in mud and grass clippings. “You may call me Mon Amour Concerto, last princess of the Crystal Empire and rightful heir to the throne.”

“Neat.” I bluntly stated in a neutral tone. I was impressed I suppose though her state left me very skeptical. Still, if she was who she said she was, then I was halfway done with what the ponies wanted me to do to help them.

“Neat! Is that all you have to say about me!?” She cried out a looking a little appalled at my reaction.

“Sorry. You sound the part but I don't know you beyond your name. Royalty doesn't mean much to me if I'm out to stop someone like King Corundum.” I answered somewhat truthfully. As far as I knew it royalty meant absolutely nothing in the long run to me.

If I was to be more blunt than I was I would have just shrugged and ignored the title. Royalty were like dominoes in a sense. Each one toppled the other in a never ending cycle of succession. Some were badly placed sending the row a skewed while others kept the row going fine.

“I suppose. Still a little respect would be warranted… please.” She nearly broke down into tears. I rubbed the back of my back letting my hand glide over my helmet and over my eyes rubbing the tension as far away as was possible. She had had a rough time I'm certain.

“Very well Princess?” I got an enthusiastic nod and sighed in relief before continuing. “As much as I feel you've had a rough day I think it's time we got you cleaned up.”

She squeaked and climbed into my arms hugging me in joy. I really didn't want to think of what those monsters did to Concerto if I could help it.

“Scans indicated she was physically beaten many times. I can't say whether or not anything else happened but I can safely say that she recovered well. Most likely from sympathizers who still valued the crown. I'm limited on topographical data X but there should be water nearby.” Nana informed me as I carried the now content Concerto off for the water source.

I took one look back at the guards I captured. The metal seemed to be far too strong for any of them to break but I went back towards the unicorns and conked them on the head when they seemed about to wake up. Concerto cheered slightly though from the wince I could tell she was just being polite.

“Let's get you cleaned up.” I gently spoke as I traipsed off with her cradled in my arms. Apparently I was treating her like a pet which just felt weird on so many levels.

Discord looked down on the battle… and was slightly impressed. Only slightly of course, since he would never admit that X actually looked to be a competent player.

Nevertheless, Discord quietly dragged two of the golems from their resting spot to examine them closer. It wasn't everyday that someone would see that much destruction in the span of their lifetime. At least not at this point in time. Peace was the big commodity for the most part and any militarization was very low key and usually pertaining to natural disasters. It was monotonous at that point which was almost worse than boring. It was the same.

Discord scoffed as the thought spitting it out of his body and burning it with a puff of flames from his mouth. He quickly turned back to his project and looked over the golems noting all the structural damage that came from the first to fall.

The blast entered through the head and melted through several arcane circuits leaving a smoldering wreck of wires and crystal. There were other strange baubles within but nothing too important. The entrance and exit wound were slagged and the intense heat had somehow turned the edges to glass keeping the wound centralized. The blast had been contained though he couldn't tell how much power went into one shot. Discord slowly rubbed the small scar that was still left behind as his eyes hardened on the mangled form of the golem. Ignoring the phantom pains he turned his eyes over to the other mangled forms and smirked.

There were few things that could surprise Discord so thoroughly and this turned out to be something. The arcane circuits were fried in ways that didn't seem possible. With most ponies, pegasi especially, being partially immune to lightning strikes the voltage from the weapons X had used were actually some of the most potent ways to electrocute something it had ever seen. It was beautiful and almost drew a smile to his face. The problem came from the energy that was used especially from the artificial tornado that suddenly appeared then stopped.

Each weapon that was used was laced with small amounts of magic. It was miniscule and almost negligible but it was there. No one, not even Starswirl, could have found it. The thaumic signature started to affect his chaos magic forcing it to back away until he flooded the sections with his magical essence. Order had been introduced into his weaponry and all Discord could do was smile widely.

Flint had been running for hours at this point followed by several of his guards that had not been sacrificed.

“Sir! We lost so many of our soldiers. What are we going to do?” One particularly young guard whined.

“Shut up! Shut your Faust damned mouth!” Flint roared as he rounded upon the hapless guard causing him to quiver on the spot.

Flint was beyond livid. They had failed and his own plans were now in jeopardy with Geode. Without an ounce of remorse he punched that same guard sending him sprawling on the ground a bloody mess.

“Pick him up and let's get out of here. Nopony speaks… got it.” Flint growled out causing the last of his guards to quietly fall into line.

One of the unicorns lifted the hapless guard and carried him as the entire group traveled back to their makeshift camp. Geode had to be informed and Flint was certainly not looking forward to it.

So for the next couple of minutes every single pony traveled in silence hoping not to draw Flint’s ire anymore. None of them wanted to handle it as the first guard had. After trudging back, weary and defeated, they all went their separate ways. Flint stared on on his own endeavors and the tent where Geode stood.

When Flint walked in the tent something was completely off. The room was covered in tree sap and several mushrooms dotted the wall sticking around in weird positions. One strangely looked exactly like the outline of Concerto with her cutie mark carved into one of the caps.

“Geode?” Flint gulped as he felt goosebumps prickling down the back of his neck sending his mane to stand up. There were a few things wrong with the scene.

“Ah, Flint, you've returned. Where is my prize?” Geode harshly whispered though the jovial tone was unsettling. He stepped out of the shadows revealing a very strange looking stallion.

Geode had never been a good looking pony, something his mother constantly told him. Born with a rust red coat and a stubby horn had left him average looking at best. There was also the problem with his weight getting out of control after managing to get promoted to general during the coup that Corundum led. Nopony knew why he held the grudge against the princess though most suspected that she had ignored him because of his looks. Some would say it was because he was a pompous jerk who delighted himself with sadistic past times which was why he was actually ignored, if the rumors were true. Still he wasn't a monster and merely a jerk.

What came into sight of Flint was certainly not Geode. Standing before him was a tall, actually muscular pony with a bright red coat and a much larger horn. Though even through all that Geode still wore the same smug look and sharp teeth that he had earlier. Something was wrong.

“Forgive me, sir. X reappeared and protected her.” Flint grimly stated standing tall so as to not show weakness.

Geode took it well. Then he started laughing and the body that stood before Flint shifted back to the fat slob of a foal he was cackling like an asylum loon. Magic coursed through him shifting him back and forth leaving grotesque caricatures of the pony that was Geode until he returned back to the muscular pony that was was first seen.

“I wouldn't have expected him to return for Concerto.” Geode calmly spoke looking at his hoof as it still shifted back and forth grotesquely warping to fit with his current form.

Flint wanted to ask how he had become different. He wanted to know why there was a competent looking pony leading them now. He wanted to comprehend what was going on but he wisely closed his mind and ignored everything that he saw. There was not enough cider in the world that would have made sense of the situation. So long as he was calm it made Flint less worried to deal with everything that was going on and was about to happen.

“He was much stronger than we anticipated. He called forth a tornado and shot lightning from his body. We were… unprepared for what he was capable of.” Flint answered honestly. As much as he wanted to place the blame on shoddy information, he had no one to blame but himself for his plan going awry.

“Really?” Geode shouted causing the mask to fall once again as the snarling visage of the fat slob known as Geode came to the forefront frothing at the mouth with impotent rage as the better looking side took center stage once more.

“Yes sir. We are preparing more golems to deal with him.” Flint confidently boasted though he didn't feel as confident as he portrayed.

X had decimated their golems without even trying. Flint had lost hope of actually winning the skirmish after the first golem fell. While they were not top of the line like at the capital, they were some of the prime shock troops that had managed to push back Equestrian forces each and every time. They had also lost fifteen of their troops which had diminished their fifty pony company very deeply. The ones who had come back were still dealing with the whiplash and paralysis that came from the attacks that had incapacitated them.

“Good. I'll be riding out with you next attack. We shall deal with this pest before it gets any bigger.” Geode growled out as he trotted for the tent flap.

When he stepped outside nopony batted an eye at his appearance. This baffled Flint even more since the big change should have been noticed immediately. There really was no way that any of this made sense at all. Nopony saw the two eyes, tinted yellow with red irises, watching the two and giggling at his handiwork.

Stygian was tired. Throughout their endeavors within the jungle they had slain twelve different dragons. The only ones who had managed to escape were a pair of purple dragons that had realized their clutch of eggs was more important than pride. Standing in the center of a pile of dragon corpses doubt started to seep in.

“This isn't what I wanted… “ Stygian whispered as he was forced to look at all the carnage around him.

No longer looking like a pony, Stygian towered over the impromptu burial ground made completely out of shadows. His shadowed wings were extended out as the darkness of what happened seeped into his horn filling him with magic.

“Friend, please understand that this was necessary. These dragons were ready to strike Equestria and decimate it after one pony, Flash Magnus, humiliated them in single combat.” The shadows whispered into Stygian’s head.

“They were taking care of a small collection of eggs!” Stygian harshly answered back stamping his hoof against the ground. The act caused the ground to crack since he wasn't used to the strength.

“It was for the greater good. Something I know you understand. If you did nothing you would have led Equestria into ruin. With this you are a hero. An unsung hero but a hero nonetheless. Thanks to you, you have saved the ponies of Equestria and beyond.” The shadows slyly boosted his ego making certain to use the trigger words that kept him going.

“A hero? Me!? I… I did it right? That was because of me.” Stygian smiled as the shadows reasserted their control flowing back into the cracks that came with a positive ego.

“Yes… yes you did.” The shadows and were as the collection of darkness went over well and the two left the now stained battlefield of slain dragons which peppered the small area within the jungle.

All that was left were echoes and blood.

X. Retrace (unedited)

It took an hour just to find the water source and a few more minutes to coax Concerto into the freezing cold water. We had passed a few more open plains and several older looking trees. I will admit that I've been passé so far about my fight against the golems that seem to be created by the Crystal Empire. From what I heard through the pillars they were supposed to be extremely difficult to stop. Although I was a highly advanced war android regardless of what Dr. Light expected from the real X in the first place.

“Sorry X. I can't generate heat through your body to heat up the water. Using the Fire Wave weapon may fix that… or evaporate the water that is here. Given that the ecosystem is so volatile to require intervention it would be ill advised to do so.” Nana informed me which hampered my ability to keep Concerto from griping.

“It's gonna be cold.” I bluntly stated as she visibly shook from fear. More than likely the inevitability that was coming.

“But… but I don't want to be shivering. Can't you use your weapons or something to heat the water.” Concerto tapped her hooves together visibly uncomfortable by the sight of the tepid waters before us.

“I do have a flame weapon but I would probably evaporate all the water too quickly. I'm saving it for when you get out of the water. See? I made a small fire pit.” I pointed out the several large stones I had picked out of the landscape and placed around several clumps of dried grass and broken tree branches torn into more kindling. It was sufficient since I didn't get cold unless I allowed it. Thanks mostly to the internal systems that both powered my core with sunlight and the nuclear battery backup to keep my joints warm even at extreme temperatures.

There were weapons that could freeze me. Those times I played the second and third installments had Crystal Snail and Blizzard Buffalo clearly able to freeze X in place with their weapons, albeit I was X now, so I was still capable of being frozen.

“Look… the quicker you take care of this, the quicker you can get warm again.” I gently coaxed her closer to the water.

“No! I shall be fine like this. I am a lady of class and I can make this work. See? The mud is already accentuating my coat and the grass is adding pizzazz already.” Concerto grinned nervously as she showed off her body in different poses to show that she was fabulous or something to that effect.

“You are getting clean… you know that right?” I crossed my arms and looked down at the grown mare trying to act like a child.

“I won't!” She cried out as she attempted to run away. I dashed into her and picked her up in my arms taking care not to squeeze tightly. She started to squeal and whine as I started stepping into the water. As soon as it reached my stomach, where it would be if I had it, she struggled to get out of my grip as her body touched the water.

“C-c-cold! Cold, cold, cold, cold!” Concerto screamed out as I kept moving forward until everything up to her neck was under water.

“The faster this happens the faster I can dry you up. Get ready to hold your breath now.” I warned as I kept my hold on her as she shivered uncontrollably.

With a firm stare and gritted teeth she nodded while she kept shivering. Concerto took a deep breath and I instantly went underwater with her. I surprisingly kept breathing managing to open my mouth and actually breathe in the water.

“You're doing great… just… a… few… more… seconds… there.” My voice echoed through the water which might have been a mistake since she shrieked underwater and nearly passed out. I jumped out of the water getting her head out into the air.

“Gurk heugeurk… that was horrible!” Concerto screamed as she coughed out whatever water she had taken in from shock. “How are you talking underwater! That doesn't make sense!”

“I'm a golem…” I deadpanned as I stared at her. I wasn't but no one needed to know I was a reploid. There was no one even slightly like me.

She opened her mouth to retort but the sputtering she made made it obvious that she didn't have a leg to stand on in this particular instance. I could have explained why it worked but the science of sound waves was something that this world didn't need just yet. I had a feeling that sonic weapons could harm me since the classic era Megaman was especially damaged by Noise Crush robot master weapon.

When she finished pouting I wiped the mud that was still clinging to her face and waited for her to get the rest of her body done. She lit up her horn and the rest of the mud started to slip off her body. Her mane took much longer but it wasn't my concern. I went back up from the water’s edge to the impromptu fire pit I created and switched to Fire Wave letting a stream of flame light up our heat source for the moment. There was a slight eep from her but she didn't run this time shaking off the excess water before joining me at the fire.

“How? How did you do that?” Concerto finally spat out as she shivered near the fire, holding her hooves up to keep warm.

“What? The talking underwater or the fire making?” I chuckled slightly since it made it a bit more difficult for her to figure out what she wanted.

“Let's start with the fire then we'll move on to the more mundane.” Concerto growled out though with the constant shivering it came out stilted and non threatening.

This… actually made me think about how to handle this. Discord was always watching… for the most part. If I remained boring I'm certain that he would stop paying attention. I had just routed a small contingent of Crystal Empire soldiers almost effortlessly, flawless had I not protected Concerto. My weaponry was a point against Discord and would be better kept as secretive to a degree. I used three weapons and now the ponies who ran from me knew I could command tornadoes and lightning bolts. If he was watching now then he knew I could hurl flames from my hand. It was a bit bad to keep using weaponry but each one had a more specific use for exploration, at least, some of them did.

Both Armored Armadillo and Sting Chameleon’s weapon were geared especially for movement when charged. The shield was less capable and I didn't know if it could handle environmental hazards but I needed to trust that it would help. Chill Penguin’s weapon could be useful for sliding through areas and Boomer Kuwanger’s could clear hazards since the blades were made of ceratanium which still confused me why it was strong enough to shear effortlessly through metal.

“X, you need to answer her. I've been studying our current escapades about magic, if you must call it that, and have come up with certain terms that will keep our facade up. It's not ideal but this will keep us out of being examined more closely. There have been a few signals reaching over seventy thousand joules of energy being displaced and one visual revealed two eyes matching the chimeric entity known as Discord. Here are the terms to use for now.” Nana quietly assimilated the information into my brain giving me access to several files of speculation on how magic works for the most part.

“The fire I wielded was because of some arcane circuits placed in my arm. My creator was… ambitious and wanted to make certain I was capable of growing in any direction possible. So… he gave me every possible chance to be more than I am.” I quickly explained. I was glad I didn't have any tells at this point since I could turn off certain motors on my face to stop certain expressions from forming. While some of my thoughts went towards being an expert poker player I doubted that they would accept a robot player.

“Arcane circuits? But those are still in development. Not even Corundum figured out how to engrave spell work to be used at any point… aren't you limited?” Concerto curiously balked at the implications as she bounded over to me and poked me with her hoof. “But you're metallic… not crystal…”

“Well… I was built in mind to keep going no matter what. Crystal can be made brittle. Metal will take much longer.” I muttered as I look at the sun now starting to lower. ‘Where did the day go… I didn't keep her in the water that long.’

“I don't understand at all…” Concerto pouted as her curiosity overtook her need to shiver as she adjusted well to the heat given off the fire pit.

“Yeah… I'm gonna be a confusing topic.” I stated tilting my head slightly as if bowing in defeat. Everything I said had been a lie and if the scowling coming from off in the distance from his horrid eyes were any indication I was doing a damn good job of it.

“Um… X.” Concerto broke out of her questioning stare and for some reason looked really scared.

“Yes?” I carefully asked. Her look was making me nervous and I didn't know why. It was like looking at a child who had made a mess and was suddenly coming up with the truth because they were caught.

“Will you make sure I can sleep…? I haven't slept well since… that happened.” Concerto started though she was trying hard not to break into tears as two trails poured from her eyes. “Will you keep me safe?”

‘Ow… ow… this is actually really moving.’ I patted her on the head and sat next to her. “Yeah. You'll be safe.”

She gave a sniffling smile and curled up next to me. I rolled my eyes at the sight but internally I was smiling at the sight. It was adorable… like the dog I never had but I would never say anything of the sort out loud because even I knew that would be an insulting thing to even mention.

Discord’s scowl was still ever present but he eventually disappeared like he always did whenever there were boring moments. I didn't sleep… not really and I kept my eyes open as the sun finally set and the moon finally rose.

Concerto struggled to sleep pawing at my leg with her hoof. The cold metal was probably unsettling to feel but every tap actually calmed her down enough to relax. She fell into a peaceful sleep after two hours of struggling to keep her eyes closed.

The crackling of the fire was the only real sound going on. I was left to me own thoughts and Nana was busy collating more data to hold a conversation.

Hurricane and his fellow soldiers had marched non stop the moment that the golem X had left the building. What had been a daily march and flight had become less strained as they came upon a veritable massacre. The scattering of discarded weapons and armor and the remains of three golems that had nearly killed one of the Earth Pony Regiments was a sobering sight to behold.

“My Faust… this is horrible.” A jet blue pegasus with a cutie mark of a Phoenix feather emblazoned on a shield muttered as he looked over it all.

“I suppose he wasn't kidding then…” Hurricane muttered as he looked over the torn ground and scorch marks littering the ground. “Second Stand look for any survivors and make certain that they are restrained if they wear the mark of the Crystal Guard.”

“Yes sir!” Stand responded with a quick salute before flying down to assist the unicorns with finding the enemy and restraining them.

Hurricane was surprised. It took a lot to actually surprise him with the reveal that Star Swirl actually destroying a golem being the highlight of his life. This… well, the sight before him trumped all expectations.

“To think if we had this sort of firepower on Equestria’s side, the windigos would have been destroyed almost immediately.” Hurricane mused though secretly he wondered if that was overestimating some golem that had appeared out of nowhere.

The implications were disturbing to some degree with what Star Swirl had mentioned. A spirit of order now locked into a battle with no clear victor in sight. Project Harmony could actually be committed to with both spirits at play. Barring any setbacks they could initiate something that would finally give him the peace of mind he deserved. Though… there were still doubts and With Corundum still a threat there were little things that could drive everything to ruin.

“Sir! We found something!” Second Stand yelled out as he kept flapping both his wings and lips at an annoying pace.

“What is it?” Hurricane gruffly answered keeping his ears splayed from the ‘words’, he guessed they were words, coming out of Stand’s mouth.

“You need to see this…” Stand finally annunciated correctly as he held back his disbelief in his tone.

Acquiescing to the request, Hurricane joined the rest of the squad noting that there were now hoofsteps joining those discarded equipment that they had seen before searching the area. Huddled in a large mass, there were fifteen ponies roughly kept together by was could only generously be called the remnants of several weapon and armor pieces mangled into a makeshift chain. The unicorns were groggily waking up while it looked as though the earth pony and pegasi troops were attempting to retreat.

“Well,... I'll be. Looks like we got some of Flint Shard’s best troops here.” Hurricane chuckled as he landed in front of one of the Crystal pegasus guards. The look in his eyes was one that he didn't recognize.

As a soldier fear had been hammered out of his soul almost to the most minute details. Tempered out to be used to help others and not to fall into it. The eyes on this particular soldier were full of fear, immense fear, more than anything he could possibly handle. Hurricane pitied them as much as he could against the enemy forces. A certain level of disassociation was needed to fight against another, something Hurricane was used to.

When the soldier locked eyes with the commander he tried desperately to quash the fear but he couldn't effectively do it. It lingered within his gaze and Hurricane instantly knew that he would break if interrogated.

“Well, well, well look what we have here. So soldier I take it my presence precedes me.” Hurricane slowly drawled out as he stepped to that particular guard. The others who were near him sold him out by turning their heads whenever the guard tried to get their attention.

“L-l-like anyone cares Hurricane. You're a has been now.” The guard hotly grit his teeth. The splayed ears was a sure sign that he was struggling to keep his fears from getting the best of him.

“True I suppose. I would have snapped your leg to make you talk already. Perhaps I have been getting soft…” Hurricane wistfully sighed turning away from the guard. A calculated move, he used violence as a scalpel instead of a cudgel, something Puddinghead had increasingly insisted upon. It had worked more often than not.

“Y-y-you think I-I-I-I'm scared. I'm the p-p-picture of bravery.” The guard struggled to get out as he pushed his back legs against the ground. The weight of the other fourteen guards made it impossible to make any progress.

“Truly, you are the epitome of bravery… now let's talk about what happened here. Or I could exercise my right to make you talk. After all selling yourself off to Corundum’s employ doesn't exactly strike me as labeling you a pony. So, what happened here.” Hurricane drew upon the guard fixing his most stern glare upon the greenhorn. The stammering mess of a pony tried to get his words out but they came out as strangled growls and rough garbled words. A rough smack across his cheeks finally broke through the fear.

“We were attacked by a figure. It was bipedal and wore a mixture of blue and white armor. We didn't think much of it even after it changed colors.” The guard started to explain.

“Hold up. What do you mean change colors?” Hurricane stopped the guard completely confused why changing colors was so bad.

“He changed the blue parts to purple and then yellow. Captain Flint thought nothing of it. When we charged in there… a freak tornado struck right as we nearly struck him. What was worse was the Faust damn confidence that thing had. It knew what was going to happen and it planned it out. Most of us nearly broke our wings trying to stabilize under that damn shift in atmospheric pressure. Then he changed yellow and seemed to glow this weird pink tint. Once again Captain Flint didn't notice anything wrong and had the rest of our ground forces rush in. This wave of lightning or something shot out all around it and we were paralyzed in spot…” The guard choked out shuddering as he remembered everything that happened.

Hurricane kept quiet. Once again he felt that small tingle in the back of his neck. It was a sure sign that things were gonna get worse. Peering around, he noted the lack of golems and the lack of information on said golems. Had he not spoken with Star Swirl before he left there was a good chance that he would be having a conniption about everything he saw. It was a true battlefield, the likes of which were unseen since Tirek’s incursion on the Principality. Though there was a very big difference between the two. Tirek’s had been a stalemate until Star Swirl had joined the field with Scorpan by his side. This though was a bloodbath of the highest caliber. There wasn't even any blood and he could tell that X had wiped the floor with all the ponies and golems that had attacked him. Had X not implicitly been on their side… well he had his grave already planned out before hand.

“What about the golems? I know you lot had some on you.” Hurricane growled as he rounded back on the guard putting the pressure on him. It wasn't all out of information gathering. Hurricane had started to get pale when he thought about the battlefield. He needed the distraction even if it would worry him more.

“We didn't have any. There were only ground forces here. We didn't need any to kick your flank.” The guard growled out to the cheers of his fellow trapped guards.

“Second Stand.” Hurricane called out.

“Yes sir?” Stand flapped in saluting his Commander.

“Do it.” Hurricane commanded.

“Right away sir.” Stand complied as he stepped up to the guard.

*snap*

The other guards instantly quieted as that sickening crunch was heard as that same guard screamed in absolute horror as his foreleg bent at an angle that it wasn't supposed to go. Tears gushed from his eyes as one of the unicorn soldiers on Hurricane’s forces winced. He came over next and snapped the leg back with his magic and slowly started to mend it back.

“So. I'll ask again. Where are your golems? That is not a request. It is not suggestion. It is an order. You have one chance to answer before we move on to the next conscious guard.” Hurricane suggested leaving the threat in the air.

The guard grit his teeth and spat in Hurricane’s face. He slowly wiped his hoof over the spot and with a quick turn snapped around bucking the hapless guard in the face. With the sickening movement of a puppet cut off its string the guard slumped down completely unconscious. He moved on to the next guard.

“Same question. Same result if you don't answer or do something just as stupid.” Hurricane warned the next guard. He was a much greener looking earth pony but not because of his coat. It was in his eyes.

“T-t-they were destroyed. That golem came in and wrecked them. First only took one shot then the lightning took out the last two.” The earth pony guard stuttered out completely going against his training.

“Good stallion. The rest of you lock them up. Unicorns get horn suppression rings and wing manacles for the pegasi. Second, do we have any idea where the main camp is?” Hurricane looked over to his second in command who was only sheepishly staring at the guard he had to assist into talking.

“Sir… I think we went too far there.” Stand quietly murmured as he stared down at his hooves. Hurricane slowly stepped over to him.

“I know. You had no choice though. It was your commanding officer’s fault.” Hurricane muttered as the captured troops were freed from their makeshift bonds and three of the unicorn soldiers mass teleported them away.

“Understood sir.” Stand glibly saluted and joined the rest of his squad.

Hurricane slowly peered into the sky as he felt his joints stiffen up again. It was an act that had been perpetrated when necessary. One of the old ways that he remembered. It was getting clearer everyday that things were changing. His wings were stiffening up almost to the point where they were incapable of flapping as fast as they once were. Time was still marching on and their replacements were still nowhere close to being able to handle the responsibility that came when holding the reins.

“Wistful once again you old feather head.” A simple chuckle emanated from behind him obviously full of mirth yet containing a small regal tone.

“What do you expect from this dusty old crow? He’s always picking up the slack for the armed forces already.” Another regal voice sounded out though much more haughtily than the other.

“Of course the hornheads and hoof stompers would let you two out once again. So what do I owe your gracious company then, Puddinghead, Platinum?” Hurricane growled out.

The first was an earth pony with a pale amber coat and poofy pale pink mane wearing a crown with a bowl of pudding on top of it. It also seemed to be fresh as well. Instead of a robe she seemed to be wearing very well made purple armor to protect her. Being Chancellor Puddinghead, leader of the earth pony tribes, offered her a lot of pull when it came to the protection of her ponies.

The second was a unicorn with a white coat and impeccable platinum mane also wearing a crown on her head though much more traditional looking. She wore a fur trimmed robe looked to be enchanted to protect from the cold. As the deigned royalty of the unicorns of Equestria, Princess Platinum kept her regal mystique. They were as different as different could be.

“We were worried that you would push yourself once again. Pansy asked up to keep an eye on you.” Puddinghead answered making certain that Hurricane could see the sincerity.

“Also to keep you from doing something stupid. It looks as though we were too late though. There were better ways.” Platinum chided the brash pegasus soldier.

“I know. We needed results though. I'm certain that Star Swirl has already informed you.” Hurricane gruffly brushed off the concerned stares.

“He did. If I am speaking honestly and I usually do so…” Puddinghead stated only to be cut off.

“Like you always do.” Hurricane chuckled.

“Ahem… as I was saying that from what I see out there frightens me. This level of destruction is something I've never seen before. Even Tirek’s assault never burned the very ground like this. I can feel the ground where the tornado hit cry out for somepony to save it.” Puddinghead darkly reminded the two. She could feel the very earth beneath her hooves thanks to her high affinity with the world.

“I've been performing several spells Clover requested that I do when I arrived.” Platinum lit up her horn once again as a silver light erupted from her horn. “It has found no magic. Hurricane we've only got the bare minimum from Star Swirl about this X. This doesn't not inspire confidence in either of us.”

“Personally I'm willing to go along with this for one reason.” Hurricane solemnly stated.

“And that is?” Platinum and Puddinghead both asked almost at the same time with only a few seconds off from when they started.

“He left them alive.” Hurricane allowed those words to hang in the air as the two seemed to realize what it meant.

“So he can think…” Platinum muttered under her breath.

“This is dangerous then. We are placing someone under dire circumstances with what looks to be powers greater than anything we've ever seen. Is Star Swirl certain that this is wise?” Puddinghead gulped slightly revealing a bit more concern than she was used to.

“If it means we have safety then it's an acceptable risk.” Hurricane grimly stated showcasing the grimace that he formed the moment those words escaped his lips.

“Then we need to meet with this X on our own terms Hurricane and privately if you are so sure that he is smarter than he looks. Elysian knows that I haven't seen him.” Platinum snorted as she pawed the ground shifting the dirt a few millimeters aside.

“The guards that we assigned to security detail have become much more ornery since the golem appeared. We may have to be careful about Vicious Aegis. He has always been overzealous in his actions.” Puddinghead warned the two obviously more versed on the acts of her hoof picked guards.

“Leave him be Puddinghead. We need to be impartial in this. If he makes the mistake of causing an incident then it be on his head.” Hurricane spoke gruffly showcasing a deep frown on his muzzle.

“Hopefully we'll be seeing results from sending a golem against Corundum.” Platinum muttered though she peered at the guards as they got back into formation. Nopony needed to know what they were doing when it came to X.

Hurricane stood as the head of the guard as Platinum and Puddinghead took to either side of him. They marched off for the north to look for a suitable place to make camp before the sun finally set below the horizon.

Another sleepless night had passed with the sun slowly rising back above the horizon. There had been no incursions or sneak attacks during the night though I did notice from time to time the sight of Manticore wings and tails off in the underbrush. I fired my buster once into the air scaring the creatures of the woods away. It was fortuitous that they weren't as aggressive as most creatures would be or they could sense the danger I represented.

There was a cute little yawn as the pony next to me finally woke at the first rays of the sun hitting her face. When her lone eye facing me opened I could see the worry nearly vanish when it locked on me. She was actually frightened that I had lied.

‘What made her this paranoid…? Whoever did this probably deserves to be beaten senseless or worse.’ I mulled over mentally. My uncle’s words on dealing with criminals more permanently echoed in the back of my mind. It was something I could do… which was quickly quashed as I didn't want that on my head. The human part of my being didn't want to fall to that level if I could help it and the robotic part remained logically placed on no killing. The morality testing seemed to have come built in when I was forced into this body.

I was a bit lost at this point. There was a goal to stop someone known as Goring Corundum but after that… there was nothing else I had to do. These ponies most likely would attempt to get me involved but the looks I got from their entire guard force made that undesirable in any situation. Concerto may be another avenue to work under until I could get more information about the capsule I could go looking for. Everything was optional… and I had no idea what to actually follow through on.

“X? You stayed. You stayed!” Concerto cried out as she pounced into me. I had to back off slightly so she wouldn't slam her head into the metal of my chest. My hands shot out grabbing her under her fore hooves as she wiggles in place far too happily that it made me concerned.

“Well… where was I going to go?” I chuckled slightly. I had let go of the restraints of my emotions to a certain degree since the cuteness of the scene was able to curb my darker thoughts from resurfacing.

“Right. Of course, heh heh…” Concerto rubbed her hooves together. “Now I can finally tell you something important.”

“What is it?” I looked as interested as possible since it seemed important enough for her to fidget around uncontrollably.

“I still remember the path I took when I escaped. I marked it by gouging some marks into tree bark while I ran for Equestria. I was thinking… since you've made it clear by your actions that you are going to confront Corundum, perhaps you could also deal with one of his lackeys. A bucker only known as Ruby Geode. He’s one of Corundum's generals and the one pushing into the Principality. Dealing with him would make things easier on any of the Equestrian forces attempting to stop the tyrant.” Concerto explained while her innocent look shifted towards malicious intentions. It was subtle but that empathy I felt because of the Suffering Circuit made it very clear there were ulterior motives.

“I take it you're going to come with me?” I sighed slowly. It was obvious that she wanted revenge most likely. A princess who lost her family and barely survived her tortured existence. Geode was most likely the perpetrator of these heinous acts.

“Yes.” Concerto resolutely answered fixing me with an intense gaze that seemed to lightly affect me though not with intimidation. Worry seeped into my thoughts.

“On one condition.” I stared back fixing my own serious gaze at her causing her flinch slightly. She seemed nervous whenever I gave her a serious look which was something I didn't want to pry about.

“What is it?” Concerto warily asked keeping her ears splayed most likely to use whatever cuteness she had to get me to go easy on the conditions.

“I'm in charge. If I tell you to stand back you stand back. I say keep quiet you keep quiet and so on and so on. We're going to be dealing with what could be ruthless killers if that unicorn that was commanding those guards and golems is anything to go by.” I stated almost to the point of demanding as far as my tone was at. While I wasn't exactly a leader type I wanted to live up to the real X managing to become a leader. Hopefully I wouldn't also have a pacifistic epiphany of some sort though I doubted I would seeing as I didn't have any maverick hunters by my side. The cyber elves didn't count since they couldn't interact with the world around me without alerting Discord who was missing from my sight.

“You mean Flint Shard. I understand. I.. I just need to be there to see everything unfold.” Concerto responded looking absolutely conflicted as she bit her lip and grimaced. I nodded and she pointed off towards a very large weeping willow that was off in the distance. “That was where I came from.”

“So due north then. What will we be looking for?” I pondered as I recognized the tree since mom had one planted in our backyard back home… ‘don't think about it.’

“The main camp of the invasionary forces of the Crystal Empire.”

XI. Revert (unedited)

Author's Note

Took a while to get it to my liking but here it is. So yeah... more plot, Flint's ambitions unless he's lying, and Some more Pony of Shadows even if only a small selection. This is all part of the Corundum Arc lol.

1-4 (Meeting the Pillar Arc)
5-? (Goring Corundum Arc)

XI. Revert (unedited)

“So where are we going then?” I asked the small pony now acting as both my guide and extremely fluffy backpack. She was trying her best to be taken seriously but her past experiences had made her a bit more needy for validation and I think love as well. She still had visible bruises that I nearly cringed when she faltered away when I attempted to pat her on her head. She was living in an utter paradox of wanting attention but circumstances making her question every gesture that I had no real idea how to actually help.

“Y-yeah. I ran this way a few nights ago. I thought I was being sneaky but… well you’ve seen what happened.” Concerto grimaced as she gripped my shoulders tighter.

I dealt with that. You will be fine.” I stated with an air of certainty and confidence.

‘X, there have been small pulses of activity every couple of seconds. I think pegasi have been buzzing around keeping an eye on us. Since last night they’ve been making passes to try and catch us off guard. Since you’ve made certain to not use sleep mode they’ve appeared to get sloppy.’ Nana informed me within the internal comm receiver.

“Hey Concerto. Mind getting on my chest instead of my back for right now?” I muttered as the unicorn mare looked over my shoulder to get a good look at my face.

“Uh… I guess? Is something wrong?” Concerto questioned with a bewildered look painted across her face.

“No. There’s nothing wrong but I feel like there might be some tougher moments coming up soon.” I answered back making certain to keep my gaze off the clouds… which I now realized weren’t moving fast or in the constant direction with the wind. They were really obvious as well, now that I was actually coming to terms with magic.

Magic for the most part seemed to be an aetherial concept of energy given another name to make it make sense. Even after having it performed and analyzed in a controlled experiment there were still some unanswered questions coming out of left field. The act of pegasi moving clouds was something I still didn’t get clearly since the ones who were teaching me magic were unicorns and had never manipulated clouds with their own four hooves. Magnus couldn’t answer me clearly either though it wasn’t because he was stupid. On the contrary, he was probably the most intelligent when it came to weather and wind currents spotting the difference between a cirrus and nimbus cloud at mere glance. He just couldn’t articulate those concepts well.

“You just put magic in your hooves and they go fwoosh!” Magnus explained as he gestured wildly about to my now blank stare.

“I’m still a golem…” I muttered as I merely tried to understand his explanation.

“Well… yeah but you're made of magic. C’mon, you may be a golem but you're not a golem.” Magnus chided me as he dismissively waved his hoof around.

“Well at least I have someone on my side for proving I'm more than a golem.” I dryly stated deadpanning everything I said as only a robot could. Even then my sarcasm cut through the air almost effortlessly.

“Ya know… you are just a ray of sunshine, aren't you?” Magnus growled out though it soon turned into a cocky grin.

“What can I say? You bring out the best of my dry wit… for a half wit.” I joked back.

It was only a moment… but I felt more alive then than I had since I woke up in this world. It was too bad that it didn't actually answer my question about pegasi moving clouds.

Concerto accepted my suggestion sheepishly inching over my back until she was almost cradled in my arms. For some reason she fidgeted even more though it wasn't from being cold, I had made sure my armor heating system was being regulated to be warm. It took me hours to actually figure out that it was part of my regulating heating system and how to manipulate it to my benefit. When Nana came into being she made certain to figure out the functions of my body and inform me about them.

“X… the clouds are following us…” Concerto cringed as she buried her face on my shoulder fidgeting even more.

“I know. I'm ignoring them until they make a move.” I whispered under my breath never taking my eyes off of the path. It was so soft that I was worried she didn't hear until i saw her ear twitch.

For the next hour I walked through the remnant of the path Concerto left from her escape. The clouds had multiplied during the trek and I was certain that cloud creatures weren't a thing except in a Mario game if I remember right. Concerto made weird squeaks whenever a new one appeared and I contemplated switching back to Storm Tornado and releasing its charged shot. It was tempting in all honesty but that might have caused problems. Even if my weapons I used did recharge during the night under the moonlight I didn't want to become so reliant on it that I ran out of ammo at a critical moment. There was also the fact I only had six to eight special weapon charged shots that kept me from going on a rampage… figuratively speaking, of course.

“They’re still there…” Concerto grimaced as more clouds started to circle us.

“I know. They won’t attack. There are too few troops for them to waste on this kind of vendetta. I’m pretty sure if I step off the path they’ll do something. They’re trying to herd us where they want us to go. Who’s in charge of this unit in particular?” I whispered as I noted that our path had started to get larger… with far less cover as well. My concern was growing with every step. I would be fine… but Concerto might not. As time went on several scenarios played through my mine.

They were all similar in that Concerto was the prize they were after. Every scenario gave the enemy a ten percent chance of success… which meant that my paranoia was causing some discrepancies. There goal was only to capture Concerto which meant if they managed to distract me long enough they could get her out of my reach. My dash function made me speedy but if a pegasus flew her away… well I would potentially be out of luck. There was no easy way to say it but I was walking into something dangerous.

“His name is Ruby Geode… that utter slimeball of a general. He’s some flank kisser who sold out my family to Corundum in order to get a lofty position. He’s a nopony to be sure. It’s Captain Flint you have to watch out for.” Concerto confided in me resting her head on my shoulder to hide her mouth’s movements.

“That earth pony that thought sending ponies to fight me was the smartest thing to do?” I muttered though I was genuinely surprised that foolish was in such a high position.

“To be fair… he probably underestimated you because you looked to just be another golem. I’m sorry… of course, it’s just - you are the first golem I’ve ever seen act so pony like. You feel, you smile and there’s actual emotion behind it. If he had taken you seriously it would have ended with him sending wave after wave of ponies after you. He’s a butcher of his enemies and his soldiers.Though he’s always been subtle about it.” Concerto hissed out as a stray lightning strike hit nearby when I started to turn to the left.

It was an obvious trap though it was something that needed to be done. If need be I would use my body as a shield. With the sun out I could probably regenerate fast enough that the wounds would mean nothing. That opened the problem of being found out that I heal in the sunlight.

Discord was usually watching. During the night though he left to handle other business most likely. The fact I never slept more than likely irked him because I never left myself vulnerable long enough to deal with. The archived memories of him showed him snapping his digits on his paw in less than two seconds for his magical focus to take effect. That accounted for one hand and the speed at which he could cast spells. I couldn’t tell what he was going to do but I knew how fast it would take him to do it. It didn’t help much if he decided to take me seriously… which he seemed to be doing. If all the observation he was performing was obvious enough to actually identify him as taking me seriously.

“X… we’ll reach the forward base in less than half an hour. I just don’t think that they’ll be letting us get out of it so easily.” Concerto gave me an uneasy smile though the fear in her eyes was getting much, much worse.

“It’s a shame I’ve never really used the entirety of my power just yet. They don’t know what they’re getting into huh, Concerto?” I cheekily stated though if she knew how I actually felt that teary smile would be lost all the same.

I seemed confident. At this point only one thing hurt me and that seemed to be modified through Discord’s power but it felt like more. There had been something else within but I didn’t have the thaumic sensor even in mind or the idea that magic actually existed. There was more than just a chimeric entity floating around this world messing with the foundation of reality. Though that was just me grasping at straws that I didn't know whether they existed or not.

“Concerto… when it starts keep close. No matter what just stay close.” I muttered as my gaze drifted to a number of shoddy looking tents. It was probably the forwarding base that they created.

The world was weird. Medieval architecture and dark age weaponry was the norm but the tents… they looked to be made of plastic instead of cloth. It was a schizophrenic mixture of technology that confused me but with magic it could be explained away by the tired phrase of ‘a wizard did it.’ The answer I really wanted would have to wait until I had more time.

The clouds had formed into one over the tents and I could see that same earth pony who commanded his troops against me waiting in the center of the encampment. Flint, his first name I presumed, watched as I came into view snarling for some reason though I could tell it wasn't us. His eyes trailed to the left at that moment… meaning there was somepony else here in charge of things.

“Welcome golem! We shall give you one chance! Surrender the mare and you may walk out of here with your life!” Flint cried out and I noted the darkness of the clouds getting worse. I shifted to the pink color and made certain I was charged up.

I hated that I had to use another of my cards now but Concerto’s safety came first. Concerto gripped tighter even though she gasped when I turned pink.

“Look at that. It turned pink from the embarrassment that its about to go through!” One of the guards that had slunk out of their tent guffawed like the jackass that he appeared to be even though he was an earth pony. ‘Was that racist?’ I pondered keeping my charge up.

“Such a scrawny looking thing beat the others? Now it turns pink… what is this? A joke or something?” Another of the guards growled out as he joined the idiot.

Soon the rest of the guards joined making certain to show off their supposed strength. A few broke some nearby stones with their hooves while the pegasi twirled their weapons, which consisted of halberds or tridents, for show. They all looked very well made from my viewpoint.

As a blacksmith the weapons seemed to be well maintained and whatever forging techniques they used for them looked sound. The problem was that most of the non metallic parts of their weapons were made of crystal. Always crystal and nothing else. There were structural flaws in the grips mostly from seeing that the crystals had minute fractures hidden wherever they bit down to grip. It was disgraceful to look at.

“So X? A deal or death, it's your choice!” Flint yelled out causing all the guards to cheer. I did notice the few that had escaped from their first ambush of me wanted to bolt out of there. The fear in their eyes was that apparent even from a distance.

In response I lifted my buster towards them. Concerto scurried onto my back from my chest and I kept my eyes glued on Flint.

“So be it… Strike!” Flint called out as several hooves struck the darkened clouds in tandem.

From Magnus’s talks I gleaned that clouds could only hold so much electrical discharge. At the very least over ten thousand volts of electricity could be stored as long as the cloud in question were a decent size. It would take one the size of their fortress to hold it and would be unruly unless the clouds came from Cloudsdale apparently. This cloud looked unruly and seemed to discharge in all directions shocking the pegasi that were corralling it down. Still their job was done if Flint’s gleeful smirk was anything to go by.

The main lightning bolt zipped straight for me as I released the trigger of my weapon. It didn't appear to be the full ten thousand from what the thaumic sensor was giving me at the time. The shield formed around me just as Rolling Shield activated. A sphere surrounding the two of us. The blast of lightning charged into the shield but held… barely. At eight thousand volts the shield cracked all over making it very apparent that even as powerful as my weapons were there were still limits to its effectiveness. Had it not been an energy attack it most likely would have fallen in one hit.

The lightning strike curved down the shield breaking the ground beneath my feet sending a plume of smoke and dust flying up obscuring me from their sight. Concerto held a breath she didn't realize she was holding gasping in fright finally after the large explosion of light.

“Am I dead? Elysium looks so much worse… oh, X you're here too? Did we just die?” Concerto muttered out peeking at her surroundings looking incredulously at the destruction and the light blue field around us.

“No. Still alive here, as are you. Still that was pretty scary. Too bad they wasted their only shot and most of their pegasi troops to that lightning strike. I think there are only two dozen troops left from all that but I didn't really count them out.” I mentioned nonchalantly waiting for the smoke to settle or them to charge.

In truth I had kept track of them all through the motion sensor Nana was operating. I had captured fifteen of Flint’s troops from the original twenty I had fought not including Flint. There were forty five other blips with another just over the hill waiting for some reason still not including Flint. So forty seven still waited. About twenty two were taken out when they had corralled that cloud and used it like a stationary turret. I couldn't tell which were taken out but the lack of pegasi intervention on the smoke made me certain I took out their air superiority.

“Grab the body already and let’s get out of here!” Flint ordered out as the clip clop of hooves got closer.

Switching to the X Buster I shot the first couple of hapless guards that got too close stunning them on the spot causing several more to panic and gain some distance. As the smoke cleared there were several stunned gasps as I stood proudly in the center of the blast zone. Flint was especially disturbed since his jaw dropped further than I thought possible. The shimmering shield around me warbled around before fading away revealing me standing with my buster still up.

“Sorry. Somebody’s still in here. Please come again when you aren’t going to be assholes.” I growled out before firing on the few ponies that were still trying to charge at me. The shots were powerful enough to stun any pony for at the very least thirty minutes if the calculations Nana was feeding me were right.

The ponies who had laughed about me being pink were now scrawled out on the ground twitching from the stunning effects of my buster. The pegasi who were shocked had crashed into bruised piles of ponies. Flint’s small battalion, if it could be called that, was diminished from the forty six ponies down to twelve all in the matter of seconds. Still… I shouldn’t take them lightly since it was obvious that they hadn’t brought out their golems yet… right?

“So… Flint. Care to surrender? I promise to just let you be captured. I don’t know what the Principality will do to you though.” I called out from my position as Flint took a step back.

There was so much anxiety at this point on his face that I was worried I might have broken him. That fear though… made a complete one eighty into a twisted smirk as three of his own ponies ruptured apart revealing their crystalline skin and several unnatural growths coming out of their orifices. Concerto immediately puked on my back… I was so glad I couldn’t feel anything otherwise I would have been sick as well. Whether from blood or the gunk sliding off my back I couldn’t be sure.

What had been three regular earth ponies were now crystalline equines made of a purple crystal with green crystal growths jutting out of their holes… mostly eyes and ears. Their mouths were full of black crystals with each looking as though they had been purposely serrated within the last couple seconds. The growths in their eyes exploded outward revealing glowing blue pearls for eyes… which confused me on how there were pearls here… I was really hoping that the mundane explanations would distract me long enough not to think of the ponies that burst apart into ludicrous gibs.

It wasn’t good for my sanity at all.

“Oh golem. You poor misbegotten fool. Did you really think I would lay down and die without a plan to deal with you. Thankfully we’ve prepared a few things ahead of schedule before we came. Units CR45-1, 2 and 3, destroy X!” Flint commanded with all the bravado a military leader could muster and gleefully watched at the three former ponies immediately charged at me. No worry on their face.

The other ponies that saw this - the last nine - ran off before they could suffer the same fate their terror building up through their bodies. I couldn’t waste time though. I immediately dashed away firing my buster whenever I had a clear shot. The golems they sent after me were much better than the former ones I faced. The regular plasma shot was absorbed into them allowing them small speed boosts though it was incapable of keeping up with me when I stopped firing on them.

Switching to the Electric Spark I fired at the closest one. The electricity actually halted them for a moment but there was no structural damage visible. Unfortunately the projectiles were slow that after the first few barrages they got smart enough to dodge the purple sphere of electricity. I briefly thought of switching to Rolling Shield but quashed that since it was meant for defense more. The same went for Chameleon Sting.

I changed purple and fired a large vortex towards my stalkers which merely flung them backwards into one of the abandoned tents. It gave me enough time to get further away and check on Concerto. She was weeping heavily begging me for forgiveness for puking on my back. I merely petted her on the head whispering that it was ok. I wanted to do more but the golems that were in the tent tore off the tarps that were holding them back and continued their chase.

“Do you see this X! This is the ultimate strike force. The very future of ponykind. Everything will be under King Corundum and we shall see a glorious age! The Age of Harmony shall begin in his name! This is his age!” Flint screamed out looking completely content at the carnage around him. He had taken a few steps near the bloody remnants of his former soldiers and with a maniacal chuckle glared me down with that twisted smile of his.

“Ok… I’ve had enough now.” I barked back and faced my three foes.

I took up that same stance that I tried against Discord. I was a poor fighter but I was made of metal. Concerto gripped tightly in order to not get in the way though her cringing at feeling the mess she made on her barrel most likely made her regret holding on so tight.

The first pony golem jumped at me charging ahead of its brethren forcing its hoof wo elongate and sharpen into a point. Instead of dodging I arched my arm back and tossed out a right straight directly into its face. Using the momentum from the jump it performed I had actually managed to cross counter it snapping the head off and shattering the body.

“What!? That’s… impossible!” Flint cried out. I imagined that he was more than likely shitting bricks at this point and the smugness on his face drained almost immediately.

I jumped back to see that the other two were now cautiously approaching me. They were smart enough not to get in range but… from their actions I realized that they didn’t actually have any ranged weaponry. The second one shook its head and charged forward while the third stayed back and started to circle me. As I pulled back for another punch the second came too low and nearly stabbed one of its front hooves into me. The small ding sound when the point touched my body and glanced off allowed me the few precious seconds to thrust my foot up shattering the crystal body once again though the head remained relatively intact.

The third charged at me from behind surprising Concerto. With great concern I fell forward and lifted my right leg up behind me smacking the last pony golem in the barrel knocking it back. My back kicks were not as strong allowing the golem to remain stable enough to reorient back on to its hooves. Spinning around I took up my stance again favoring my left hand.

While I wasn't a very good boxer I did learn enough to become a switch hitter. In X’s body I was made of metal and incredibly fast allowing me to switch between an outboxer mindset to a swarmer mindset if needed. With a quick step of my left foot I charged into the third crystal golem throwing out several light jabs into what used to be a pony’s face.

The golem crumbled after the fifth swing leaving behind the body which flailed to the ground then went silent forever more. Flint had backed up several meters from where I was standing as I focused my eyes on him.

He looked utterly horrified as he stuttered out several words I couldn't understand. Then I took one step towards him and he bolted as fast as his legs could carry him. Raising my buster I fired a few shots at his legs which he deftly dodged making certain that he serpentine through the volley of shots.

“Well at least I know he's a fast galloper I guess. Concerto are you okay?” I looked over my shoulder finding the small mare completely elated and in utter awe.

“That was amazing! You fought off some of the toughest assassin golems that Corundum made with your bare hooves or was it hands? Anyways that was amazing!” Concerto gushed almost too much for my heart to take, had I had an actual heart. Still no beats to find here.

“Okay calm down. We need to keep moving… and probably restrain the guards that were left behind. Also what do you mean by assassin golem?” I started to drag any of the stunned ponies together and used any of their metal equipment to make rudimentary restraints to keep them contained. A few crystals gave off thaumic signatures which I placed on unicorn horns mostly as an experiment. Whenever they tried to focus their magic the Crystal would absorb the charge making it harder to focus their magic.

‘Interesting. These are merely quartz crystals but their thaumic signature is actually radiating a negative charge. Though we can’t be safe to assume that this is the case with all quartz. More likely than not the quartz gems of the Crystal Empire hold this special property. Until I can gain topographical information of the area I can only make premature guesses. I am detecting the influx of cold coming soon. I would suggest gaining clothing for Concerto before we go too far ahead.’ Nana informed me as I finally captured the last unicorn they had.

Aside from the nine that ran away, the three that were used as test subjects and Flint himself every single pony was captured and detained. I didn’t exactly tell any of the leaders of Equestria where I was going so the bonds that I created were shoddy enough that with enough work they could break them. I didn’t want to be a monster about it. The ones that were knocked out by the lightning were badly bruised and in some cases actually bleeding heavily. Using some of their medical supplies I patched them up as best I could. Concerto would help out though her own telekinesis was fragile from the cracks that still stained her horn. She could at the very least adjust the gauze in the right places and keep ponies still while I did so.

The ones who did wake back up noticed the remnants of three pony corpses and the crystal golems that were shattered into shards. There was heavy amounts of dissent on their face and anger… none radiated towards me. Instead fear came my way. The fight had been completely drained out of their faces. The two ponies who had mocked me scowled in anger whenever I turned my head… albeit only when I wasn’t looking at them. When our eyes met they paled and shot their heads down if it was the only way to escape my gaze. I left all the prisoners in the middle of the camp and decided that if Concerto was going to come with me… well, she needed gear of any kind to get through the snow.

“Let’s look for clues then Concerto.” I motioned to her to follow since she insisted on walking on her own power which I only agreed to after I had captured all the guards of the outpost and kept them in irons.

“Clues? What kind of clues do we need to find when we know that we’re going to head north.” Concerto quirked her head at me the confusion quietly spreading across her face. I placed my palm against my face and sighed, though whether out of exacerbation or relief I couldn’t tell.

“Just follow me.” I stoically muttered which got her to stick close by as we looked through all the tents that managed to stay up.

The first few tents were spartan-esque consisting of rolling mats to sleep on and small canteens to gather water from. The further we got in the more things we found. The tents surrounding the grand tent actually had saddlebags to carry things in and after a small bit of searching I placed one of the smaller ones on Concerto. While she pouted slightly the moment I started to place food in it she immediately clammed up. She knew I didn’t eat… the same couldn’t be said for her. Most of the food was of a strange subtype of a radish with a crystalline tint. In fact most of the vegetables had a strange crystalline tint in them. I mean, I got that it was the Crystal Empire… but did everything have to be a crystal of some type.

When we finally entered the grand tent we found actual useful items within. A map rested on the table… most likely belonging to Ruby Geode. I supposed Concerto’s profile of him was on the money for being a blithering fool of a pony. The map detailed several security checkpoints which seemed to be along a path that led straight for the Crystal Empire. That seemed far too convenient and made me question the authenticity of said map. Still… it gave the topographical data of the lands leading towards the Crystal Empire which was the most useful part to allow Nana to gather data about the surrounding lands.

Concerto immediately froze and shivered uncontrollably on the ground paralyzed by fear… I brought her back to where she was held…

I immediately went over to her and picked her up. She flinched and thrashed about until I stopped her legs with my left arm. Her eyes widened until she noticed that I was still there. It took me an hour to calm her down as she began bawling into my shoulder once again. I moved a bit too fast there for her own peace of mind. I could have made excuses but I didn’t… I was in the wrong for this. There were reasons but they could all be misconstrued as excuses… at least in my mind.

‘There could be enemies in the area, we could handle the scavenging while Concerto remained on lookout outside, even the act of surprising her with things could work out.’ I bitterly thought up but none of them felt like good options in the first place. After that hour I kept her in my arms as I looked through the satchels for anything we could use.

It took a bit of finesse but I managed to kick open several of the crates that had been left behind finding supplies within… which didn’t help at all. By ‘kick open’ I actually kicked whatever constituted a lid into splinters in one strike. Most of its content were weapons and armor and all of it was too oversized for Concerto in the first place. The other crates held tarps and cloth for the beddings. It took me twenty crates before I found something that personally belonged to Geode.

“Well, well, well… what do we have here?” I mused aloud as the last crate revealed several items that I could only surmise as contraband since it all held crests marking it as property of the Equestrian Principality. Sweets and weaponry covered the innards of said box but my eye was trained on something in particular which was more important to me than the other things.

It was a large white fur trimmed purple cloak with several runes etched into the inner lining. Concerto’s eyes were instantly drawn to it since it was pony sized. I placed her on her hooves and wrapped the cloak around her making certain the clasp around her neck wasn’t too tight. Once again she started to tear up… luckily more from gratitude if the readings that the Suffering Circuit was giving me were true. I picked her up again and stepped out of the tent now with a clearer path to travel while Concerto silently beamed and snuggled into her new cloak.

Out on the horizons, the storm clouds were gathering and snow seemed to be in the forecast. I wasn’t too worried if the cloak was actually magical which the thaumic signature it was giving off was true. In one day Ruby Geode lost his entire squad. In one day Flint Shard had been utterly humiliated and forced to abandon his guards to save his own flank. In one day I managed to keep a mare smiling even through the trauma of their unfortunate path… although with some hiccups along the way. Today had been a good day.

It had been a horrible day. Flint Shard had raced away as fast as his legs would carry him. The loss he had suffered had been worse than dealing with Ruby Geode… they had been utterly beaten into pulp in one of, in his opinion, the worst military blunders he had ever had the displeasure of leading in the first place.

It had been simple at first. Get Ruby Geode to lead the troops on a Quixote styled crusade against the Equestrian forces and then arrange his death either through battle or misfortune. Once dealt with take over the team and lead them on his own goals…

… Then X appeared!

Flint grounded his teeth in fury as he looked back on the battle. It should have been flawless. The lightning strike would have been fatal… then that weird shield popped into being and everything started to fall apart.

‘It must have been that stupid excuse of a mare. She had to have created that blasted shield at the last minute!’ Flint growled aloud at the thought and spat away his hatred into the dirt road he was now following.

There had been no possible way for the golem being capable of generating a shield that strong. It was an absurd notion he discarded the first second that he had. His rage enveloping his senses he didn’t notice the large red stallion standing over him until his muzzle hit said stallion’s chest sending Flint sprawling backwards.

“Flint report!” Geode snarled out noting the lack of extra troops and the defeated look on his face.

“Routed, sir. The golem managed to destroy the three assassin golems that King Corundum had given us. All our troops were captured except for nine who more than likely escaped into the wastes. The fifteen that were left behind haven’t returned either. We’re the last two left, sir.” Flint answered solemnly. They had lost almost everything.

It was quiet for a few moments before Geode finally lost it. In a flurry of rage his body returned back to the butterball form he originally had and attempted to lunge for Flint. Flint didn’t take it standing making certain the dodge and weave around his misguided attempts of issuing punishment.

“You bucking waste of crap! What the buck happened to having everything under control!” Geode foamed at the mouth trying everything he could to hurt Flint in any way. “All my bucking guards and you waste them in one attack! Now he’s getting closer to hurting me!” Geode cried out the fury slowly ebbing into despair.

“Calm down, Sir!” Flint smacked Geode across the cheek with the back of his hoof.

There were a few tense moments before Geode slowly placed the lid on his boiling anger. His body slowly shifted back to the beautiful form he had before… but the magic no longer worked on his face which had reverted due to the sheer anger that was present. Geode was not a nice pony, in fact, he was a downright twisted one. His treatment of the princess of the Crystal Empire was more than enough for those that knew him.

“What is it Flint…?” Geode sneered through his teeth.

“We have a chance now. We’ve exposed more and more of what it can do and with that information we can make X pay for interfering in our plans. The more we know the more a chance we have to destroy him. Let’s travel back to our closest checkpoint near the Crystal Empire and we can get the golems ready. While he did destroy the assassin golems he couldn’t do so very easily. We just overwhelm him and bam… dead golem.” Flint smirked as a dangerous glint appeared in his eye.

“Fine. Let’s get to it.” Geode muttered. “We will recapture Concerto as well.”

“Yes sir.” Flint agreed allowing the stallion to take the lead.

‘Soon you insufferable waste of a stallion. When X gets there I’m make sure you get the glory you deserve…’ Flint glared at the back of Geode’s head attempting to melt it with the power of his mind… only to remember he wasn’t a unicorn.

“There it is Hurricane. Did you notice that giant explosion of lightning out there.” Platinum pointed at the darkened skies out in the distance.

“Yeah. He’s probably there then. All troops move out we have a direction to head now!” Hurricane ordered as the three battalions finally gave chase out for the anomaly.

“You think he’s okay out there. Star Swirl said that he was tough but a lightning strike of that caliber… well, I don’t know.” Puddinghead muttered noting that the clouds were now dispersing.

The three leaders looked at one another uncertain of the odds but nopony wanted to doubt that he would be fine. As the vanguard of the strike force, which X was the only one, they could mop the rest of the enemies out and keep them captured until Corundum could be dealt with more efficiently.

“Let’s trust in Star Swirl until he does something boneheaded.” Hurricane muttered under his breath.

“Wasn’t introducing coffee enough though?” Platinum quipped back to Puddinghead’s grimace.

“Never again…” Puddinghead groaned as she held a hoof against her eyes to keep the horrible memories from surfacing once again.

Discord wasn’t happy. He wasn’t happy at all.

Three ponies had been killed in front of him. Three sources of potential chaos had been snuffed out and turned into monstrosities before his very eyes…

Now that the cards were on the table he calmly noted that he lost that hand. X had been better prepared and still seemed to be hiding more tricks than he should be allowed. It was unfair… yet so chaotic that it made him overlook the inherent unfairness… after all where would be the fun of not stacking your own deck to win.

The position where X’s hand flipped over revealing The Pillars, The Founders, Concerto, the X Buster, and a card of several weapons that were still being filled out. These five cards gave him the high road and the attention of other ponies. An overblown hand to be sure but respect was given for knowing how to play the game.

His scowl returned as he turned to Corundum’s hand which was simulated on his right. They revealed Flint Shard, Ruby Geode, The Crystal Empire and the golems. An underutilized hand which didn’t help at all since everything that was thrown at X was either humiliated or destroyed almost effortlessly.

Discord eyed his own hand and instead of playing it tossed the cards over his back annoyed at the lack luster spread. The Shadow pony, Ruby Geode, Queen Chrysalis, and his own chaotic power was all he had at this point.

“Well… this is fine for now… I suppose. After all I need him better. Maybe I should… lend a paw whenever it suits my need. This game needs to be more interesting.” Discord mused as his grin curled upwards almost unnaturally spreading his face in ways that didn’t make sense at all.

Stygian kept walking back through the jungle. There had been several problems of finding darkness for his shadow. There was one further off from the ocean in a volcanic island that dragons used. The Shadow didn’t care and immediately took off into the clear skies zooming straight for said island.

More power was always needed.

XII. Revoke (unedited)

Author's Note

I picture a small mare with an over sized jacket hanging onto a war reploid's back while they share the impossibly big scarf. Lot's a d'awws in my mind.

Also looks like someone is ready to rumble.

XII. Revoke (unedited)

“Well… this is unexpected.” Hurricane muttered as he stepped over towards the still captured ponies. The sight of three corpses took him aback but there was something off about it. Under the pale moonlight and glistening torches it was hard to say what kind of ponies they used to be.

“Sir?” Second Stand spoke up gathering his wits as he surveyed the scene before him.

“Yes Stand?” Hurricane curtly answered.

“Permission to speak freely?” Stand asked just as quickly.

“Granted.” Hurricane answered to the displeasure of Platinum and Puddinghead who groaned because it meant they would hear Second Stand’s famous ability of putting his hoof in his mouth.

“This is bucked up beyond belief. Oh Faust I think one of the eyes are still blinking. There's body parts everywhere. Oh Faust I think I touched one of the organs. Oh no stomach started churning… sweet merciful Faust deliver me from this evil. Oh no, oh no one of the hoofs is twitching. I think it's still alive… and it's… oh never mind it's dead. Oh that's so weird that it's pulsing.” Stand allowed his words to flow without consequence.

“Stand. Do us all a favor and keep your mouth shut.” Princess Platinum scoffed though secretly she was trying to keep her stomach down.

“For once I agree wholeheartedly.” Puddinghead chimed in though she couldn't keep her stomach down as well and rushed off with two of her guards to relieve her stomach.

“Second… you remember the chat we had about acting while out on duty?” Hurricane softly stated as he rounded on his hapless second in command.

“Uh… keep my mouth shut and don't describe any bloody scenes?” Stand nervously chuckled as he took a step back.

“No more talking soldier. For the rest of the mission unless it's really important.” Hurricane grimly growled out affixing his glare of his soldier.

Stand immediately shut his mouth and made absolutely certain that nothing came out of his mouth again. He was still freaking out internally about the bloody mess that had been left behind. Platinum finally gaining her composure lit up her horn and started scanning the body.

While it was usually below her to do the dirty work… the need for stability and the idea that Harmony would finally spread got her to scan what was wrong with the ponies who had died.

“Well… that is definitely disturbing. Hurricane has Puddinghead finished clearing her head.” Platinum called out as her horn went off.

“Almost. I think…” Hurricane answered up until a slightly green tinged Puddinghead trotted out unsteadily.

“Urk… I really hate dealing with anything like… well, this. Please, please don't tell me it gets worse than this.” Puddinghead muttered as she wiped her muzzle clean.

“Yeah sorry there pudding but it does.” Platinum chuckled though the cringe on her face was extremely noticeable.

“Great…” Puddinghead sighed and steeled herself for what came next.

“Go ahead Platinum and just give us the rundown. Stand go see if we have any chatty guests before we transport them.” Hurricane commanded as his second in command began searching through all the unconscious and wounded ponies around.

It took a bit until Second Stand got out of earshot. Hurricane wasn't looking forward to this conversation and neither was Puddinghead. Platinum seemed to be articulating her thoughts of the amount of concentration sculpted on her face was indicative of how big this actually was.

“It was strange enough that we've been facing pony like golems for a while now but this might actually explain what we've been facing. Now I've found out what it means and I don't like it at all.” Platinum derisively sniffed the air though the effect was lost on the pegasus and earth pony leaders.

“Get on with it.” Hurricane hissed through gritted teeth.

“Fine. Ruin my passion for dramatics.” Platinum harshly sighed though she took on a more contemplative gaze. “These weren't just pony like golems. They are pony golems. Each of the ponies that had been torn apart seemed to have been transmogrified into their crystalline form and stripped of everything that made them ponies in the first place. At first I thought they were turned to crystal but…” Platinum bit her lip which was slightly quivering.

“It's worse than that!” Puddinghead sharply hissed managing to keep her voice down so the other guards didn't hear.

“What is it then?” Hurricane passively stated though his eyes were slightly scrunched out and his gaze harshened from the glare he had given Second Stand.

“The crystals grew from inside these ponies almost instantly. They burst from the inside out turning into those golems that were shattered there, and over there and way over there staining that guard.” Platinum pointed out to each respective golem and their shattered carcasses.

“What? How!?” Hurricane finally reacted roaring out in anger.

“I don't know. I don't know and I'm really worried on what this means for those under Goring Corundum.” Platinum backed up clearly not desiring to be victim to his withering gaze.

Hurricane fumed and ranted to nopony in particular but Puddinghead and Platinum gave him a wide berth. When he got made no one wanted to deal with him. The original zebra delegate Zetto learned that first hoof by pushing all his buttons with the big no-no of hitting on Private Pansy who he treated like a daughter from time to time.

Needless to say Zetto was no longer the zebrican delegate after that fiasco. Neither the Princess or the Chancellor wanted to deal with that kind of incident again. It was lucky that it didn't delve into further incidents and ended with Zetto’s lecherous advances.

“So the Crystal Empire is under the control of some mad pony who enjoys turning their subjects into walking crystal experiments.” Hurricane growled out so lowly only the other leaders could hear.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Platinum answered evenly affixing the curls of her mane back under her travel crown.

“I will never understand how some ponies are so willing to kill off their fellow ponies so easily. Still this scene before us… “ Puddinghead muttered as she trotted near where all the prisoners of war were.

Several looked out lost in thousand yard stares utterly broken. Others were snarling tangles of rage attempting any form of revenge they could latch on to. The few sane ponies who had seen what happened gave up immediately and threw themselves at the mercy of the Equestrian forces.

In the matter of events that had transpired several ponies spoke of the golem that they were ordered to fight. The crazy plan of using a large lightning storm to take it out. The sudden shock of the golem behind a protective shield that was assumed to be from the unicorn he carried on his back. Then the massacre that followed.

“Are you certain that that happened?” Hurricane stared at the guard that they were interrogating a little unsure of his story.

“Yeah. One shot for almost every guard and it took them down almost instantly. It wasn't normal at all. Then he stopped using his weird fireball shooter and used his bare fists to crack the golems that attacked. One swing was all it took…” The defeated guard admitted before faltering down and going silent.

“Right then… “ Hurricane trailed off. While not overt the story has unnerved him.

Tales of the assassin golems being nearly unstoppable and their successful assassination of Governor Cirrus was the stuff of nightmares. He had been found flayed alive before ponies could find him. He died shortly after from his wounds and blood loss that even magic couldn't solve for.

“I take it we have a lead then?” Puddinghead chirped up dragging Hurricane’s attention.

“Yeah. There were several maps detailing checkpoints that the Crystal Guard made for their supposed conquests. Second Stand has made certain to keep lookout for any sighting of X. If he has we will be informed.

“Sir?” Stand piped up flapping down to Commander Hurricane’s side.

“I’m seriously not going to enjoy taking command of this mission am I? There have been too many surprises already. My heart can’t take it.” Hurricane muttered under his breath silently cursing that he couldn’t retire just yet.

“Well… you should see for yourself.” Stand cringed as he flapped his wings back up. Off in the distance there were several burnt down establishments.

They were all in the same positions on the map Hurricane appropriated that corresponded with the Crystal Empire checkpoints. All of them were burning…

Twelve hours earlier…

“So what should we be looking for then?” I mumbled as we came upon the second checkpoint that the Crystal Guard had built up. The first had been abandoned and I reluctantly made it crumble with several well placed shots as judged by Concerto.

“Well… I think we should fine a scarf for you to wear that way the cold won’t affect you.” Concerto sweetly mentioned tapping her hooves on my back as she rode on.

We had found some more water and I had cleaned off my armor. Part of me wanted to use Fire Wave to clean off my body but my arms had proven not to be as flexible. Though that only seemed to apply when I had my buster out. Also the algorithms running through my brain that kept repeating that using fire to clean my body of puke wasn’t exactly viable. The other thoughts wanted to tell Concerto that I didn’t need a scarf for the trip… but I couldn’t actually say it out loud. Even Nana dissuaded me from it even though I didn’t need it.

“Yeah. Should keep me warm…” I chuckled as normally as I could but there was a small bit of trepidation in my voice. I hoped I hid it well enough and by the childlike humming coming from Concerto I was glad I could regulate those emotions as need be.

The first had been a disappointment in both discovery and action. Overturned tables and destroyed crates full of spoiled supplies… most likely due to the fear I instilled in the nine guards who had managed to escape. Whether they actually retreated this way was still up in the air and the lack of their resources and pony power, I guess that’s the term, had been taken out in one failed attempt. When we had left Concerto pointed at the shoddily made pillars and pointed her hoof at my buster and I willingly agreed with her assessment. With those well placed shots the structure fell and the dust cloud from the sudden destruction lingered in the air where no pegasus seemed to buzz through.

Alternatively I may have crippled the immediate pegasi grouping and that would mean any destruction I wrought on their bases could be seen for miles. On the other hand, my destruction could be seen for miles and certainly seemed intimidating enough if it stuck around long enough.

Our second checkpoint, however, held several guards… who seemed to be lazing about like self important little jerks. Each had their nose pointed in the air trying to act regally noble in their protection while they seemed to be initiating one of their own. A crystal pegasus was being knocked around by several crystal earth ponies and crystal unicorns. What little I heard from their… encouragement seemed to be hazing the pony into complying to their worldview of fighting to make Corundum top dog. At least I hoped that’s what they meant when I thought I heard one of the more… dour looking ponies mentioned the word gelding...

‘Intervention time Nana.’ I immediately thought when I heard that word.

“Already? Be careful X, while you may be saving this pony we don’t know how he will react. Most ponies seem to be fanatically loyal to Goring Corundum for some strange reason. We need to interrogate more ponies that aren’t fanatically loyal to him at some point because scans from the golems we’ve faced have been… inconclusive. They were radiating heavy thaumic energy but that was all I could get out of them. How the crystals grew or how they even got inside the ponies have drawn up no viable conclusions. Well, no good viable conclusions and would have been extremely frowned upon by the Maverick Hunter Command Center. Though I will admit that there hasn’t been any chance to link back up with their communication hub.” Nana exposited revealing something to me I hadn’t realized.

The programs inside my head… the ones held by all the small armor modules were all pre-programmed with intimate knowledge of the Maverick Hunters Command Structure which I honestly only had vague knowledge of. Throughout the entirety of the games, of the Megaman X series at least, there were very few looks into the entirety of the Maverick Hunters and their combined forces.

There had been eighteen different divisions each tasked with different areas of policing the world post reploid creation. That brought up a very interesting question in the back of my mind. Before I pounce out to save that crystal pegasus I needed to know something about the status of the Maverick Hunters.

‘Nana… what is the status of the Maverick Hunters as you know so far?’ I slowly let the phantom tension I felt from that question exude from my back outwards. I didn’t know if Concerto could sense it but her eyes did look worried from my peripheral vision. The looked extremely worried though I didn’t know if it was from me or from the beating that she was accidently witnessing. I wasn’t very good at keeping her smiling at this point and while I knew better… curiosity and desire kept locking me into small internal struggles that did nothing good for the battle between my human mind and the robotic mind.

“You are Commander of the entirety of the Maverick Hunters, sir. After the betrayal of Colonel Redips and the death of Chief R we joined the Maverick Hunters in an attempt to help quell down the use of copy chips on the reploid populace. There were attempts by a scientist known as Dr. Weil to try something but he was caught and punished. Before long we had managed to establish a much better world then for some reason we are now here and most of us are cyber elves except for you, sir. Though like we’ve told you before sir, we would follow you anywhere you ask us to.” Nana completely and honestly answered me with the smile on her face being audible somehow. Complete utter trust radiated off her presence in my mind.

I wished I didn’t ask. Pressure to live up to their expectations bubbled to the surface making me realize that I was raring to go into battle not to save the pony in trouble, but to keep myself from thinking much longer on the implications that she brought up from her own archived memories.

With a quick dash I charged in with a small unicorn mare on my back dressed up like a fuzzy backpack. Firing several shots at the organic ponies that beat the pony in the center of their little initiation, I sent them sprawling from the stunning effects of my buster shots. The ones that weren’t participating immediately stopped looking so smug and tried to sound out an alarm.

“X is he-!” One guard tried to cry out before I shot him accidentally in the throat… crap…

I dash through the few ponies who tried to stop me easily enough knocking them aside when they got too close. Concerto helped as well managing to buck the two who had tried to sneak up behind me to grab her. Unfortunately for them, they got off easy with the kicks to the jaw. The motion sensors had already warned me of them several seconds before they even got close.

“Concerto. Try to get this pony to breath again. Accidentally hit him in the throat with a lucky shot. I’ll keep you guarded.” I commanded pulling her off near the downed guard.

She immediately got to her hooves and rushed over checking the swelling of his throat from the stunning effect. Concerto immediately started doing chest compressions on the guard… which didn’t surprise me as much as I thought it would. Her ministrations on the bandaging of the pegasi we captured back at the main camp proved to me that she for some reason knew how to do rudimentary medicine.

The guards who tried to challenge me, on the other hand, didn’t give us the luxury of saving some random pony so easily. The crystal pegasus that I had wanted to save joined in with the rest of the guards and was one of the first to actually try attacking me when I took up my post.

‘So much for good will…’ I darkly thought as a buster shot rang out sending him hurtling towards the ground in the same paralytic shock as all the others I had hit.

Twenty guards later and the small checkpoint of twenty-seven guards had been put out of the fight. The guard Concerto worked on managed to survive as well which was a boon to my own sense of… justice, no, not justice. Guilt may have been the better word. I still haven’t taken a life in this world. Back on earth I had been forced to do to wolves attacking our home whenever I was with Uncle Claudius.

I couldn’t do the same thing I did back home here. Everything seemed to hold a certain level of sapience. While a few wild creatures did attack me, they couldn’t hurt me at all. Most ponies were very much the same at this point as well. They couldn’t do much against me, at least at this point from what I knew, and I didn’t need to be… extreme with my counters. Yes, they hated me immensely if the sight of how Vicious Aegis managed to rile up other ponies into the immediate dismantling of my body was how they reacted to golems. That didn’t mean I would play along with that world view.

“How is he?” I stepped behind Concerto, buster ready in case he tried something stupid. I was forgiving… not gullible.

“He’ll live. I managed to get him to breath normally. Though he needs to stay still otherwise it could get worse. Also you don’t move at all to answer. Blink once for yes and twice for no.” Concerto sniped at the fallen guard when he attempted to move his jaw. With a simple blink he answered and went back to gasping for air on the ground.

I lowered my arm and Concerto readily got back on my back. Her scowl told me everything she thought about the checkpoint in the first place. I quickly checked inside and to her pleasure, and my discomfort, she found a scarf made of bright blues and cyans with a red stripe through the center while the ends were of a white wool. It matched me almost too completely and with a gleeful giggle she wrapped it neatly around my neck. I smiled for her and patted her head which she didn’t shirk away from. Happy at some progress on her mental well being I began searching for what I really needed to find. There were several ropes actually within this checkpoint and I put them in the saddlebags that Concerto wore. With only three spares I had to make them count.

Heading back outside I gather the twenty six guards who had tried to stop me and tied them all together. The few unicorns had to be neutralized so I had to search for anything I could use to inhibit their magic. With some luck and Concerto fumbling around with boxes I found something interesting.

“Oh my… these are inhibitor rings…” Concerto shivered at the sight though it confused me entirely.

“Inhibitor rings? So… these inhibit magic?” I examined them more closely noting how they all looked like nuts, the ones used for bolts and bolting things to other things. They were certainly the biggest I’d ever seen. The childish side of my mind giggled haphazardly at the innuendo laden commentary in my mind. Though I didn’t know if it was the human side… or robotic side that giggled more.

“Yeah… Geode never used one on me… he figured out ways to make my magic less useful by cracking my horn slightly…” Concerto whimpered out as she cradled her horn in her hooves. Surely enough the frayed edges and slowly mending crack in her horn was barely visible when I looked closer.

“You used magic earlier with the bandages though… it hurt didn’t it?” I mentally winced if it did. She shouldn’t push her horn if it had been this damaged.

“A little… though it’s for the best. I need to use magic to allow my horn to slowly regrow again. As long as I only use the bare minimum of magic my horn will get better with time. The bandages was my limit for that day. I still have my magic for today if it’s needed.” Concerto smiled though the fact her hooves still wrapped around her horn didn’t exactly convince me.

“Just… don't strain yourself then. I'll handle the brunt of things when they get to us.” I stated as calmly as I possibly could while we trailed back outside and capped off all the unicorns before they could do anything. The few who realized what happened were immediately trying to cast magic before settling into defeated silence.

I went over pulling the wounded pony into the group and tied him up with the excess rope. Concerto looked at all the soldiers noting something wrong.

“Why do you all look so relieved to be defeated?” Concerto called out to the guards. The few that hadn't glared at her looked extremely saddened.

“Talk.” I stepped forward causing every single guard to instantly flinch even though I didn't place any inflection but the lack of tone… that made all of them freaked out more than I thought it would. I pushed it from my mind and kept my arms crossed as I watched all of them. The ‘attempted’ murder that I almost committed probably weighed heavily upon their response.

“We hate Corundum. He’s been doing things to our fellow guardsponies and we can't take it anymore.” One of the grizzled looking guards called out. Though with how densely I packed the group into their bindings I couldn't tell who had spoken.

“What has he done?” Concerto growled out, clearly pissed at the implications that were being painted at this point.

“We don't know. Guards go into the castle and come out different. The last few seemed fine but then something changed. Their eyes looked glassy and lifeless.” Another guard sniveled out with a grating tone that I doubt I could handle. By the way Concerto’s ears splayed she couldn't handle it either.

“X… should we… recruit them?” Concerto whispered in where my ear would be and I looked them over.

The fact they had attacked us even though they hated Corundum spoke of their loyalty. Even if it was coerced through fear they still attacked regardless. Then there was the crystal pegasus that still attacked even though I wanted to help him. At this point it would be impossible to trust them to follow us without being betrayed.

“No. They haven't really proven trustworthy. You know what I mean…” I muttered darkly while my eyes trailed to the pegasus in question. Concerto followed my gaze and with a sad grimace nodded and pointed over to the checkpoint.

I charged up my buster until pink energy was formed and fired it off towards one side of the checkpoint base. The plasma disintegrated the supporting walls and may have hit something flammable because the whole building went up into flames. Luckily, it had been built along the makeshift dirt road in one of the more barren parts the Equestrian Principality.

I dashed to the side where the brush was growing and pulled out Storm Tornado using it to keep the fire from blowing in that particular direction. It took an hour before the fires finally died out leaving the smoking husk of a building shoddily standing on its last leg left standing before us and the guards. They didn't even react to the destruction.

I pulled Concerto onto my back once again and with a small tap of her hoof I dashed off for the next checkpoint. I'm certain as I left that they all released a collective sigh as I disappeared over the next hill but I wasn't sure. All I knew was that I used up half the energy of Storm Tornado keeping the fire controlled.

“We're checking for anything flammable next time before I bring down another checkpoint.” I mentioned offhandedly as I locked on to the next building I could see in the distance. It would take five minutes at most to dash to. Had I only been walking I would have worried about distance.

“But wood is flammable…” Concerto answered me looking slightly confused.

“Yes I know. I meant more flammable. When I fire I shoot out plasma which while able to burn, is too hot, disintegrating non organic things and doesn't have enough time to ignite said object before it dissipates into gaseous form. Something in that building reacted with my buster shots and caused the fire to start.” I reasoned out as best I could. For all I knew my attacks could be able to cause instantaneous combustion just on grazing a target.

“Oh… I don't really understand what you mean with your, what was it called, hand held cannon shooting plasma, was it? Maybe explain it to me later?” Concerto tapped her hooves together trying to understand what I meant though the constant shifting of her eyes told me she didn't want to come off as rude.

“It would take a while but I'll try once I've dealt with Corundum.” I stated as we came into view of the checkpoint. Guards were on high alert keeping their patrol route tightly wound if the sheer fatigue from said patrolling guards was anything to go by.

I decided not to deviate from my last plan just yet as I charged in with a whooping mare holding onto my back as I fired my buster into the cluster of guards. It was stunningly effective… I wanted to facepalm due to the joke but the need to keep moving in combat stopped me from following through.

By the fifth checkpoint we had built up a decent rhythm for dealing with the Crystal guards. Several times there were a few guards who managed to graze me with their weapons causing scratches to appear where they hit. Unfortunately, for every attack they hit their weapon soon dulled and chipped from the assault.

The smithing part of my mind looked at such disgraceful looking weapons and wanted to cave the skull of their creator for how shoddily the blades were.

Another part wondered if war was rare in this world since the weapons had mostly consisted of pole arms of various kinds. There were the odd sword or dagger combos but for the most part polearms were the most popular convention of warfare present. Polearms could, at least in my own imagination, be useful for fishing and magic gave it a much longer reach that what was possible. They were also more common with cavalry troops… which the users of said weapons were what the cavalry usually rode.

With a burst of my buster the next checkpoint fell and I tied up the guards we captured once again. There were several grumbling dissident comments made in my direction that were promptly ignored. There was no need to stun the guard again for being a little lippy and I didn't need to play into their beliefs of being a monster.

Concerto had gone quiet after the fourth checkpoint. Fatigue was the most probably answer but her eyes just seemed to stare straight ahead into the frozen north, as she called it. I didn't know what to make of it and Cinnamon wasn't able to take charge of the situation in case Discord was watching. Also because Nana was the first to materialize due to the need for information; I couldn't get another of the cyber elf programs to take her place.

It seemed each cyber elf was keyed into one of the capsules and they needed a small amount of data to be complete. Nana was tied into the Light Armor and the rest were most likely tied into to one of the others.

From speculation and Nana’s own inquisitive nature we postulated which cyber elf corresponded to which armor. Massimo was with the Giga Armor. Marino was with the Max Armor. Cinnamon was with the Force Armor. Harpuia was with the Falcon Armor. Fefnir was with the Gaea Armor. Zero was with the Blade Armor. Phantom with the Shadow Armor. Leviathan with the Glide Armor. While Axl seemed to be with the Icarus Armor which left the Hermes Armor unconnected to any Cyber elf.

“So we meet at last, X.” A voice called out from further down the path I had been walking.

Concerto broke out of her daze and I could feel my back start to rattle from the sudden change. My eyes immediately locked onto the stallion before us. He had a rust red coat and seemed to be switching between a muscled form and an overweight sack of meat. He was also standing in a circle of cleared snow with a lit up horn trying his best to look menacing. He didn't.

“Ruby Geode, I presume. You look worse than I thought you would.” I chided the stallion who seemed to be postulating himself.

“Don't speak of my appearance you sack of soon to be scrapped arcane circuits! I am General Ruby Geode! I am the leader of those force you have so thoroughly trounced and I will not stand for it!” Geode screamed like some petulant child… up until I noticed something wrong with his eyes.

What used to be strange teal looking eyes slowly warped to yellow sclera with red pupils… then I noticed the shadow of Discord further above him.

“What is that thing!?” Concerto cried out.

“Mares and Gentlestallions! Welcome to the extravaganza of epic proportions as tonight we see the epic struggle between two titans of change during it out over the safety of the lovely Princess Mon Amour Concerto!” Discord called out as he snapped his talons creating a bubble around us. Strangely, he didn't take Concerto away though I did notice the slight scowl when he snapped his talons again only for nothing to happen. He quickly dismissed it and returned to his smug demeanor.

“Discord! What are you doing?” I yelled out… I didn't know what else to do at this point. While I could shoot him he would most likely just dodge and at this point Geode was the premier threat. Discord promptly ignored me.

“In this corner, the master with a blaster, the original rock’em, sock’em made metal, at least in this world, X!” Discord announced to no one in particular though the boos and jeers were slightly intimidating since they came from nowhere.

The spotlight on me confused Concerto who was positively flustered and freaking out from the sudden attention we were receiving. I lifted my buster up towards Geode. I wasn't taking any chances.

“And in this corner, my personal champion! The whiner of a shiner from back in the Crystal Empire, the bad mamma jamma that fresh to be thrown in the slamma. The terror of radishes everywhere, Ruby GEODE!” Discord cried out to the constant cheer of the invisible crowds.

Even then Geode didn’t react at all. His eyes still seemed to be… off. Almost as if they were tossed into constant discord… oh… I get it now.

“X… this is the last time you make light of my power! I revoke your right to live!” Geode called out as several of the first golems I fought against rushed out of the snow that Geode had been piling up. They were all covered… in some strange plaid energy field… it was a chaotic mess.

“Well… this is probably bad…” I muttered to no one in particular while Concerto used her new coat to hide her face. Discord gleefully chuckled as he went back into the astral plane only leaving a small venue for him to watch the match unfold.

XIII. Reveal (unedited)

Geode jumped back from his position allowing the ten chaos infused golems to chase after me. I switched immediately to Storm Tornado. It was still half full which meant I needed to use it cleverly. Of course, that meant nothing when several golems were barreling towards me, claws extended, while their military leader stood back with the biggest shit eating grin he could muster. It was infuriating enough as it was.

The first shot stormed out of my buster knocking back the ones that that were in a row. Since they all came from the same general direction they accidentally grouped up together too closely. The ones in front knocked into the ones in back with a satisfying thud.

“You blasted golems! Get up! Get up and kill that defective scrap of magic already!” Geode screeched out shifting his face into horrible caricatures of what went for normal around here.

Taking the chance I fired several buster shots in his direction. A golem got in the way blocking my attacks though not without consequence as the arm exploded off leaving the golem handicapped. During those precious few seconds the golems managed to get out of their pile and race back after me.

Sweeping my arm back I began an ever extensive game of cat and mouse firing shot after shot at the golems. Even with the chaos magic affecting their claws the golem bodies weren't made stronger. The buster shots still did their job blasting holes in each golem. Ten golems had been chasing me and were slowly whittled down to three.

The piles of scrap crystal circuits in the snow sent Geode into another frantic tirade of yelling at the soulless golems but I didn't understand a word he said since it was all angrish to me.

Before I could celebrate taking care of the remaining golems and capturing Geode for the Equestrian forces, the piles of scrap crystals started to hum. The seven that shattered slowly melded their pieces into the remaining golems growing larger by the second. I don't know how it was capable but as I looked at them closer I noted they had similarities I didn't think possible.

In the Zero series, Neo Arcadia had several heavy weapons troops also known as a golem. Large armored behemoths with grappling claws attached by several meters of steel cable. They were kept aloft by some form of anti gravity fields which given the existence of Gravity Beetle from the third game in the X series I can believe in it. Their only weakness is their head as well which was tinier than the body, for obvious reasons.

These crystal golems had slowly shifted into those forms. The only difference being that magic had replaced science. Before I could give further thought a beam of energy shot from the head of the largest golem leaving a trail of energy across where I stood moments ago. Then it exploded.

“What the buck!?” Concerto cried out realizing that things had changed.

“Finally. My little changes to their arcane makeup is taking effect. I don't know how the thought came to mind X but I'm sure the thought of your mangled corpse was all the inspiration I needed to make this happen. When you finally fall I'll take great pleasure in using your helmet as my chamber pot. It should be an honor.” Geode sneered leveling his icy glare on me before cutting back to giggling like a fool.

“Puppet says what?” I shouted out over the blasts.

“What?” Geode stared back confused about what I said until the realization draped over his face. “You worthless piece of junk. I am nopony’s puppet. I am General Geode and I am your g - irk…”

I quickly shot Geode in the face knocking him to the ground and shutting his mouth up. The stun effect would only last for so long leaving me to deal with the three golems without the peanut gallery.

The big cheese, on the other hand, watched with excited little chortles as I bobbed and weaved through the laser beams that they shot and the explosions that followed afterwards. He was enjoying this and cared little for what happened to Ruby Geode in the first place that I was certain Discord only corrupted him to make him seem stupider.

Concerto was probably the best sport about the constant movement. Unlike when the three assassin golems appeared she didn't puke from the constant velocity of my dashing parkour skills. Literally, I was dashing through small spots and jumping over explosions always skirting the line between life and death. She still screamed when the lasers started to get too close for comfort and it was at that point I needed to end this before we actually died.

I switched over to Homing Torpedo and began charging it up. The time between each shot would be three seconds. Not long by the average person but in combat… every second counted.

“Gray? What the buck does gray even mean!?” Geode yelled out from his stationary position.

“You'll see.” I answered loudly as I skidded back through the ice and snow. My feet were actually sending up smoke from how much I had pushed my dash system. I lifted my buster once again as the two smaller golems lurched in with surprising speed.

From my hand flew five homing torpedoes each trained on the two iron behemoths. They readied their laser and the torpedoes impacted on their heads. The sudden explosion cracked their heads. When the third and fourth torpedo hit the golems fell to the floor, head smoking and bodies crumbling from the blast. The last torpedo, unfortunately hit the guard of the largest golem leaving behind a small scuff mark on the crystal armor.

“What!” Concerto started, eyes wide with uncertainty.

“The buck was that!?” Geode screamed out lost in both rage and the inklings of despair. The moment the two golems were taken out it started to take root and the form he wore of the strapping stallion who looked so good was back to the fat slob of a unicorn he actually was.

I couldn't celebrate yet as the largest golem charged forward using its weight and one of its extended claws to try and pin me. I was fast enough to get out of the way… until I fell backwards and was tossed off into the distance. The scarf around my neck grew taut and the two of us were separated.

The laser washed over me burning through a small portion of the armor. The following explosion smacked me into the barrier Discord had set up. It was the first time that I had felt pain…

‘I can feel pain… oh crap! Discord found a way to hurt me! I mean I'm happy to feel things but this is a bit much!’ My thoughts raced a million miles per hour but the robotic side decided not to get distracted as the golem shot out its claw at me.

I rolled to the side and fired several homing torpedoes which actually caught on and impacted against the golem’s head. The paltry payload of a single torpedo didn't do much damage but cracks were starting to form. I didn't dare get close to Concerto in case the golem targeted her.

I chanced a look over at Geode and sure enough he was still stunned. If he did get up I would have to abandon dodging to get Concerto first. If he caught her he won.

I charged up another salvo of Homing Torpedo and waited for my opportunity. The laser that the golem had been using had stifled slightly before being snuffed out. The damages more than likely broke the focusing lens. It had taken to using actual rocket punches which came at incredible speeds as it whipped the steel cables back using its claws as flails.

“Gotcha!” Geode screamed as he grabbed onto my leg.

‘When did I get close to him!’ My mind screamed as I looked back and now saw the patterns I followed. The golem had used the reach of his claws to lead me closer and Geode could finally move again. Instead of charging for Concerto his hatred for me outweighed everything else.

He wasn't heavy and I could certainly still move to get away that was for certain. He knew this. What he did was more detrimental than it would appear as the claw of the golem shot out and grabbed me. I lifted my arms quickly keeping the golem from stopping my attack entirely and aimed my buster at it as it reeled me in.

The salvo of torpedoes hit their mark causing the golem to shudder and spark before exploding into a cascade of shockwaves and flames. Geode was sent flying into the barrier as was I. The explosion knocked away all the snow as well leaving a barren circle of two ponies, a reploid and the shattered remains of ten golems that had been affected by chaos magic.

I got back up and finally looked at the destruction that was wrought in the aftermath of the fight. My armor was still whole but the laser left small billowing rivets where it touched and melted through. The burn marks from the explosion had darkened parts of the metal. My arms and chest were slightly crushed from where the golem had knocked me into the barrier and tried to crush me. My scarf… was surprisingly still intact though the edge where it was grabbed was slightly frayed from the sudden grapple.

I dashed over to Concerto ignoring the sight of my diagnostic systems. The health bar that I had as X was very low. Not one hit kill low but low enough to make me wary. Concerto stirred slightly waking up with a start as I shook her back to wake her up. She noticed me and did a double take. Her worry shot forward over the fear she seemed to hold as she saw the burn marks in my armor. She hugged me and started to sob. I think she was saying something about being so scared that something like this happened but I couldn't really understand her through the blubbering.

“No. No! No! This wasn't how it was supposed to go down! Flint! Flint, where are you!? Get the buck over here and cover my escape!” Geode screamed out. What was once a somewhat respectable looking stallion was nothing more than a blob of a pony frothing at the mouth in impotent rage. There was blood dripping from his coat as small cuts were all over his body. He was stumbling around until his eyes noticed me. “YOU!”

“Yes. Me.” I got up pulling Concerto on my back. “Ruby Geode, as the lone Maverick Hunter of this country, I am placing you under arrest for the crimes against pony kind you have inflicted. Along with the numerous charges of assault on Concerto. Surrender now.” I stated somewhat feeling incensed by the heat of the moment. I didn't have adrenaline coursing through my body but I felt something burning inside me.

‘Was that that sense of justice that X somehow used when he faced Vile the second time.’ I pondered slightly as I pointed the buster towards Geode.

Geode glared at me. The wrathful gaze slowly petered out when he noticed Flint not coming to his rescue. Concerto peered over my shoulder as Geode started to panic more and more.

“Flint? Flint! Get out here now. There you are do something about this.” Geode screamed as he ran toward the barrier that had been formed while Flint looked in from the outside.

“No.” Flint stated with that stony look in his eyes.

“Good now do some - wait, what!? What! Flint you are my right hoof now get your lazy bucking flank in here and save me.” Geode jeered at the traitorous captain sending daggers through his glare. Flint didn't seem to care at all.

“No you insufferable moron. You are getting exactly what you deserve. You sent all of us on a suicide mission against this… this monster. No more. I'm taking control of our remaining troops and you are being offered as a sacrifice for X. We all thank you for your sacrifice General Geode. I would salute you but you don't even deserve that honor.” Flint coldly explained with a serene smile on his face as he trotted away from the barrier.

Geode did not take it well but even that was an understatement.

“You sick son of a mule! I am the leader of these troops! I am the one who brought them together under the glorious banner of Goring Corundum! I am his voice and you will listen! Flint! Flint! Get back here Flint!” Geode slammed his hooves against the barrier and the cuts that made up his hooves got wider.

“Its over Geode. Surrender.” I stated as I took a few steps closer to him. Concerto didn't flinched when he glared at us glaring back just as intensely.

Geode did nothing but stammer and back up into the shield. It was as if he was staring down a monster which in some cases I could agree with. I had turned out to be pretty terrifying whenever my X Buster was pointed out.

“Oh the poor colt is having such a tough time now that all he knows is betrayal and heartache. So Geode… do you want the power to fight X?” A voice rang out from above us as I was flung back by a tail?

‘Discord!’ My eyes shot up with Concerto as the chimera slowly floated down and leveled with Geode.

“Ahh! What are you!?” Geode screamed out slamming at the barrier repeatedly until Discord snapped his talons and brought Geode to his eye level.

“Why my dear colt, I am Discord, the draconequus of legend. I am here to grant your heart’s wildest desire. The chance to strike X down. It has been burning inside of you all this time. All you need to do is give into chaos.” Discord smiled at Geode who had lost focus the moment there was mention of me being crushed.

I immediately shot Discord with my buster only for him to snake out of the way through the air carrying Geode with him. Geode wasn't affected by the G forces or even noticed that he was moving. That sickening smile on his face got me immensely worried.

“Deal!” Geode roared out as Discord took hold of his hoof and forced his magic into him.

Geode fell from his height into a pile of snow that wasn't there before. I tracked two more shots after Discord but the jerk fled back into his pocket dimension or whatever it was. I turned my attention back to Geode and took a few steps back. Concerto gripped my shoulder tighter as Geode stumbled out of the snow.

The pony in question hobbled down locked in an endless scream with no sound. His body quivered and melted as his hooves lost their rounded shape and several fingers began to take place. Crystals started to form from the sudden shift covering his new digits. His back legs twisted and snapped as the crystals forced them to bend a way that ponies couldn't bend in the first place. Forced into a bipedal stance his entire body was turned to crystal almost in a similar shape to my own armor. Crystals were the main motif throughout the transformation. As he looked at me I noticed the heavy regret in his eyes as they lost the last of their light and were replaced the the glassy nature of the assassin golems I had destroyed. Geode was no longer able to speak for himself anymore.

It was no longer a pony… and I couldn’t even call it a human either. He was a different type of golem made in Ruby Geode’s likeness. The stubby horn actually was made long enough to look like some sort of pig sticker… scary enough as he was. His eyes were now aquamarines and the chaos magic in effect swirled around to glare at me.

“I will kill you X. Concerto will be my toy forever!” Geode… or whatever it was roared at me and charged forward. I panicked slightly switching my buster back to my fist and took one step back.

It was something I learned in boxing with charging opponents. You either dodge them… or as I prepared knock them out. With a quick twist of my right hand balled up into a fist I thrust it right for the golem’s jaw knocking him back and shattering the crystal jaw in a single punch. He was merely knocked down but from what I could see I didn’t stun him at all.

“Looks like you got sturdier.” I mention offhandedly as I took a few jumps back. While I wanted to switch back to my buster… I was worried about how my targeting system was affecting him. It had immediately placed Ruby Geode as ‘Lethal Force Authorized’ and that… well, that was something I didn’t want to do. At least if I didn’t have any other options.

Death can happen. It doesn’t matter how I feel on the matter and while I had been lucky so far that didn’t mean that I would always be lucky. Geode got back up mumbling something through a shattered jaw and pulled out one of the crystals on his back. The crystal slowly shifted in his new crystal hand turning into a serrated gem blade. He charged in one again and I tossed Concerto off to the side.

Concerto ran off for one of the snow piles that were left as I began to dodge his swings. The gems seemed to be oozing with chaos magic and the thaumic sensors were going wild. I jumped back as the blade managed to slice through a small portion of my chest armor. Even with all the calculations Nana was feeding me through our connection I couldn’t always dodge. Dashing forward I tackled the Geode golem into the snow and cracked his sword arm with a solid punch.

He kicked me off of him before I could break the other arm sending a bit away. He noticed Concerto wasn't on my back but behind me. Scowling as best as his new gem eyes could he raced forward letting his sword hang attached to his limp arm. Instead of switching he wildly flailed his arm allowing the sharpness of the blade to do the talking for him.

I ducked the fourth swing and dashed in once again using me momentum to roll around and kick his legs out from under him. I was much stronger than the crystal though and I nearly shattered both his legs with that maneuver. Geode fell to the floor with one working arm, a broken jaw, a cracked right arm and two shattered legs.

“Stand down Geode. Now!” I shouted and pointed my buster at him.

He glared at me… then let his head hit the snow. There were sounds coming from him but I was uncertain what they were. Sometimes they sounded like sobs or curses against me. Usually of bodily harm and filling my orifices with fruit. Lovely picture… which I quickly erased from my memory.

“Is it over?” Concerto whispered as she jumped onto my back.

‘When did you get there!?’ I mentally winced at how quiet she was and looked down at the golem formerly known as Ruby Geode. “Yeah I think so.”

I took a few steps closer to his broken body making sure to keep my buster locked on him. I couldn't use it without killing him but he didn't need to know it. Before I got too close I heard that same clapping from so long ago.

“Well, looky here. You have won X. Good job, by the way. I turned off his pain receptors before I let him fight ya. Give me a second.” Discord floated down from on high… but he was smiling. With a snap of his talons Geode was back to being a pony and the thaumic reading of chaos magic was back to zero.

He still had the broken limbs but his jaw was still intact. He took one look at me and I could see him break down into tears and scream in horror. He passed out from the constant screaming which Concerto had to keep her ears pinned down.

“It's a bit weird for you to reveal yourself in front of a pony, Discord. So which game are we playing?” I muttered out glaring at the draconequus, as he called himself.

“Oh any game is my game, my naive little golem. Still it's quite interesting that you learned my name. Perhaps I haven't been as careful as I thought I was. Also it doesn't matter if she sees me or knows of me. As of today I don't have to wait any longer. I've got exactly what I wanted. Thanks for that.” Discord sneered my direction though I couldn't tell if it was towards me or Geode.

“I didn't do anything for you.” I growled out. My emotions had gotten the better and actually managed to break through the checks that the robotic side had put in place.

“Of course not. X, you truly do complement me entirely.” Discord stuck his tongue out blowing a raspberry at me. Concerto gripped my shoulder hoping to calm me down.

As much as I wanted to shoot him with another charged shot I didn't have the energy to keep fighting. Geode, even with his wild swings, had managed to get me low on that particular energy. The sun had already gone below the horizon as well meaning I couldn't regenerate yet. My armor was still in tatters and partially compromised.

“Leave Discord.” I glared at him as best I could leveling my buster at him and waiting.

He never let his smile leave but the calculating look in his eyes hardened every second that ticked by. Discord floated through the air circling around me as I tracked him. A second blip appeared behind me from the motion tracker and I instantly rammed my gun in spot.

Discord had tried to grab Concerto. The tip of my buster pointed directly between his eyes.

“Leave her alone… or I send your brains all over the snow.” I coldly stated as my buster started to glow. Discord stared me down but he was still smiling.

“Zero point four seconds. Very impressive. Don't worry X, old buddy, old pal of mine. I have no interest in this mare at all.” Discord evenly stated as he disappeared in a wisp of smoke back above me. “Though I am wondering why you didn't shoot. You certainly think like me don't you?”

“In what ways…?” I gripped my buster tighter as I kept it trained on him. My attention was split between him and the motion sensor. If he actually times my reaction speed… I didn't want to think about it.

“We both agree not to kill… with those errant exceptions. You and I both know that the dead are boring.” Discord smirked and stared down to me.

I didn't answer. His smirk got more twisted. I agreed with him on the fact that we both don't kill barring those exceptions… and from his tone I could tell. I was one of those exceptions. Probably. With Discord smirking yet glaring at me with such intensity it was hard to tell.

“I agree to the first. I just don't share your reasoning.” I countered which just sent him into a laughing fit.

“I figured. Don't sweat the details. I've got what I wanted. Eventually we'll see this through to the end. For now I shan't stand in your way against that King of fools. I'd rather have the spotlight all to myself when that time comes.” Discord chuckled as he snapped his talons and disappeared once again.

I looked around for his eyes watching me but… they weren't there. I didn't know if he was actually serious but I was actually frightened by how fast he examined me. How much stronger had he gotten?

Concerto was white as a sheet. Discord had nearly got his paw on her before I got my buster in his face. She didn't move and for that I decided we needed a place to hold up… at least until the sun rose.

A bit further north was the last checkpoint on the map. It was also the only one in the snow near a carved out ravine which would lead to the Crystal Empire. As we trekked through the snow Concerto’s death grip slowly relaxed. Had it been a flesh shoulder she might have cut off circulation completely.

“We'll rest up before heading out into the snow. You ok?” I peered at Concerto who numbly nodded as me and buried her head into her coat.

I sighed as we reached the checkpoint. There were no guards. Most likely it was because Flint started his little coup but that was mere speculation on his motivations. I certainly wouldn't look the gift horse in the mouth this time. Mentally I cringed at the humor while Nana tried to decide whether that was racist or not. She was still unsure as I explored the checkpoint for any sign of the guards.

After a while of searching I managed to find the Commander’s room or whomever was in charge. There, in the corner, was a cot and several blankets. I placed Concerto down and she did curl up in the blankets. Exhaustion was painted on her face.

“X… are we ever going to be safe?” Concerto whispered out.

I had to think about that for a moment. It was the light nest moment in my life because I had no good answer. Discord was able to circumvent my senses every once in a while. While I could hurt him he could heal. We would be locked in a stalemate if we went all out. Still I felt I knew what the best answer was in this situation.

“As long as I live I'll be working towards that.” I stated resolutely as I locked eyes with her.

Whether relieved by my words or too tired to refute them Concerto let her head fall to the cot and fell asleep. I meanwhile took stock of my injuries. The repair functions were slowly working on undoing the damage though my energy meters were low. The lack of sunlight was doing wonders to my systems. Leaving me unable to take advantage of the energy boost I got, though there was a bright side. When the moon had risen my weapons were fully recharged and ready to go. It was something at the least.

Discord’s words swirled in my head. From our two meetings it was hard to figure out what he was after. His cryptic talks of me completing him sent shivers down my spine, if only metaphorically.

There was a bigger picture here. One I didn't quite see even with all the things I've been a part of. Though the biggest contender was the idea that I was a Spirit of Order. Discord being the Spirit of Chaos.

‘Is that what he meant? Nana?’ I mentally groaned as I felt sparks running through my brain.

“As far as my knowledge goes… I’m not sure. Even with all the information you managed to glean from the heroes of this world… I can’t say for certain. As it is the self repair diagnostics are taking up most of the mental processes. As far as we know the Light Armor barely managed to work through all the damage. As it goes, chaos magic as we have classified it, managed to pierce through our armor even with the low thaumic levels. They were lower than even the other unicorns that we’ve fought. For an instant though they overshadowed every reading we got off of Star Swirl and Mistmane. As for his words… I don’t know what to make of them. He seems very sure of his aspirations and what he truly wants from us seems to be out of our control. The only way to stop him… well, would be to do nothing. Leave the world to its fate and do absolutely nothing.” Nana winced as the last word left her mouth. Due to her being basically inside my head as a secondary A.I. assistant she could feel my emotions whenever they broke through the barrier I programmed to keep them in check.

‘I wouldn’t be able to. I don’t want to even hear it as a suggestion. Even if it gives him power I couldn’t let others suffer due to my attempts of curbing another dangerous entity. It’s not the monster that they don’t know that I worry so much about. It’s the monsters that they do know about that will take advantage of that lull to inflict as much suffering as possible that I will not tolerate.’ I seethed at the very mention of doing nothing. As much as I wanted to go off and find those capsules and maybe plan on finding a way to leave this dimension I couldn’t find it in myself to actually follow through on it.

“Good to hear sir. While we were fighting I managed to find something interesting. Several of the attacks jostled several rocks in the area. Each of the rocks seemed to have a magical effect that simulated a radio signal. It took several moments for me to extrapolate that information from the infrared signals of melted stones. It was only for a fraction of a second though so it is incomplete. I found that they share similarities to the electromagnetic radiation we found at the top of Mount Canter. I can’t say for certain but so far I think we could find out how to simulate this phenomena and triangulate the position of the other capsules for our fellow hunters.” Nana explained as several calculations buzzed through my head.

‘Did you find one?’ I mentally projected. While I couldn’t see Discord’s eyes at this moment I still relegated Nana and any future cyber elves to remain out of sight. Communications only allowed through the internal radio signals that we knew of. It was near telepathic conversation, at the very least, in the eyes of ponies who knew nothing of radio technology.

“Yes. One capsule looks to be in the Crystal Empire. Uncertain to location but as soon as we reach two hundred meters of the object we should be able to find it.” Nana relayed as she lowered the intensity of the processors on finding the capsule signals.

‘So… can you explain about the radio waves for a moment?’ I asked as I strapped in for a full lesson on the electromagnetic radiation and its relationship to radio waves and how we could extrapolate those into readable signals. I was certain that it was complete bullshit but I was never certain what that actually meant.

I posited that it was just the radio waves from the capsules themselves being refracted off the ionosphere of the planet… but the capsule was underground. So there was some disconnect on how I found the first one.

“It’s actually thanks to the thaumic scanner. While everything has a thaumic signature to it the capsule doesn’t. There is effectively a dead spot within all that thaumic energy but in areas saturated thoroughly in magic they are drowned out. Since we got closer I used the chance to simulate electromagnetic waves through your armor to act like a sort of sonar. It takes a while to actually return a ping that actually reads like technology but it has been successful in the one test I’ve done so far.” Nana beamed at her own cleverness… though a part of me wondered if that explanation made any damn sense at all.

‘Okay then… I’m glad we’re on the right track. Next stop: The Crystal Empire.’ I mentally prepared myself for whatever was going to happen next.

Discord threw several tables around her chaotic realm leveling areas in explosions of cotton candy and marzipan. To the untrained eye it appeared as though he was pissed off as being thwarted. They were wrong.

Discord was dancing up a storm of jubilee and elation. His powers were starting to grow faster and faster. Certainly it looked as though he lost but that was the point. Order and Chaos were cut from the same cloth. Each had to balance out one another. Since the previous Spirit of Order was dead… Discord lost a lot of his power. Due in no small part to his poor planning still now he had a clean slate to go along with.

The moment X appeared Discord had wondered what he should actually do. Golems were completely boring to deal with… then it proved to be intelligent. The moment he managed to not be completely controlled… the little candle flame above Discord’s head lit up.

It took several hours to do but feeding the remnants of the Spirit of Order’s power into him had been a boon. As soon as his first chaotic beast had been defeated the power started to awaken. When Geode had fully given in to his promise of chaos it gave X the stimuli to pull out more of that power.

Even though it could hurt him now, it was worth it. The observation over the weapon system and the durability allowed Discord to plan out better and know more about the situation. There were always more cards in X’s deck, constantly being stacked in his favor.

And for every card he stacked… Discord’s power grew ever grander.

It was a start, and it was only a matter of time before he could make the world in his image. So long as nothing else got in his way, Chaos would rule the world.

XIV. Reheat (unedited)

Author's Note

woot! New chapter. More threats. Also this RPG is finally shaping up, isn't it? lol

XIV. Reheat (unedited)

The sun rose and Concerto was still sleeping. I didn't have the heart to wake her. I pondered if the black box counted as my heart though I couldn't really figure out whether or not that was the case. It was weird to still be thinking about this so much.

I kept an eye out for those mismatched eyes but none were these. I even managed to get Nana to subtly send out small thaumic sound waves to see if he was just hiding. He wasn't. Already I was feeling that growing worry come out.

As I stepped outside to allow the sun to recharge my internal batteries I watched my armor slowly being restored. It started repairing as a faster rate closing up the gashes and tears created during the fight against Geode. The crazy pony had taken a deal with the devil… and paid for it. Then I left him behind…

I'll admit that it wasn't my best moment. I couldn't think up any excuses to not take him and tie him up. I ran my hand over my face groaning as I did so. I didn't know whether or not morality should be the right course of action for Geode.

In truth, I was also worried about what Concerto would do. I wouldn't stop her if she wanted to hurt him… regardless of how I felt on the matter and how much I wanted to seem noble, I guess. She needed closure and I didn't assume forgiving him was going to make her feel better with everything that happened but that brought up a bigger question. Who was to assume that I knew better?

As much as I'm loathe to admit it, the world is not black and white. I had the feeling that the ponies of this world and their fellow denizens believed in good and evil but, truthfully, they didn't exist. Each were created in mortal minds to try to make society follow that moral code.

As X I would follow the ‘I'll do what I must’ line of though. As me though, well, I would follow the ‘I'll do what I can’ line of thought. There were several things out there besides Discord. From my talks with the Pillars I'd learned about every race and their problems.

No side of this world had clean hands. Every being had done something in the name of survival. I also wasn't morally superior. I was no god from upon high come to smite the blasphemers and heretics. I was just some guy who got sent into a situation far beyond what I was capable of handling. Even with being a super fighting robot like Megaman X. Discord had proven to be able to hurt me.

Though he really went roundabout to do so. He needed agents of his own to work for him against me but his attitude and demeanor probably didn't make it easy. Desperation and revenge were the only way for ponies to agree to his deal. Who could say what motivated the other races of the world.

I looked over my armor and ran a finger across it finding no cracks or blemishes left after the self repair system took care of it. Nana had explained that it was an energy/matter converter placed near my black box that allowed me to regenerate. It was standard issue for all hunters to allow long term missions especially for any space or deep sea missions. The lack of energy capsules I noticed meant I was reliant on the sun for all heavy repairs and the moon for weapon energy refilling. It wasn’t bad… just inconvenient.

Two blips appeared on my sensors.

I looked back towards one corner of the checkpoint guard house noting two soldiers running off. I felt this pang of worry and switched back to Rolling Shield dashing back into the building. I didn’t know why I felt that way but I raced for Concerto.

“X I don’t know what they have set up but get to her now!” Nana screamed out in my head as I made it into the room with a fully charged Rolling Shield.

I gripped onto her and the bed pulling up the shield as the entire building shook. I looked back as a billowing cloud of flames came up behind me I turned back to Concerto and wrapped my arms around her keeping her close to me as she woke up startled. The sound of the explosion rang out as the shield kept hold. She looked me in the eye and with a few tears in her eye she closed them as the bright light enveloped the two of us.

Flint looked on as the checkpoint went down. He smiled over the destruction of a small nuisance in his flank. Geode was useless but did enough to deal with X before he could get any closer to the Crystal Empire.

“Good work you two. You placed the dragonfire charges in the right spot, right?” Flint grinned as the two guard, breathing hard, stood before him saluting slightly.

“Yes sir. Placed specified to your orders.” Both guards answered with a nod before joining the remnants of their forces… a paltry nine Crystal Guards.

“Finally… too long have we been under Geode’s incompetent command. Let’s go handle what we truly need to do.” Flint commanded as he point off for the Crystal Empire.

“Sir! Should we not check to make sure that they are taken care of?” One of the guards spoke up.

“We are on a timetable here son. We don’t have that much time before Corundum finds out. If we don’t make it on time we’ll lose our window of opportunity. Hurry up already we don’t have much time.” Flint ordered leaving behind the remains of their last checkpoint in Equestrian territory.

“So what do we have here? Seems we’ve found a good prize, haven’t we?” Hurricane drawled out as he and the contingent of their guards slowly surrounded the downed stallion that was sprawled out on the ground.

“Is that who I think it is?” Platinum spat out, disgust evident in her tone as she stared down at the broken pony. He was unconscious at the moment grimacing through what was most likely pain seeing that his limbs were bent in strange directions.

“Somepony certainly did a number on him. This is Ruby Geode, is it not? General of the Crystal Guard?” Puddinghead spoke up as she sent several guards to check on the severity of his wounds.

“One of them at least. The other we know of is in the Crystal Empire acting as a logistic interpreter. Any medics in the group!?” Hurricane roared out looking a the entire platoon.

“Here sir!” A unicorn lifted her hoof and medical pack stepping up to the three commanders.

“Check on Geode and see if we can transport him by the end of the day.” Hurricane ordered shuffling to the side while the medic and three other guards to make sure he didn’t do anything too dangerous.

As the three started to come together a large explosion got all their attention sending a shockwave which nearly caused the pegasi of the unit to falter off course while they kept up their aerial reconnaissance. The large plume of fire and the resulting smoke caused all eyes to trail over to the site of destruction.

“I need a small squad to come with the three of us now! Second Stand transport this scum back to base to await his judgement now! The ones I point to now on us three!” Hurricane yelled out as Platinum, Puddinghead and a small squad of nine ponies - three of each race - followed after them.

The trio took the lead with everypony remaining on their hooves. As much as each one wanted to get there fast there was no telling if there were any traps left in wait that would take advantage of flyers. While Flint Shard had been running raids they would effectively use nets alongside their golem soldiers effectively crippling the aerial support whenever it was used against them.

It took almost an hour to traverse through the snow on foot but caution was favored over expediency. As the sight came closer everypony noted that the smoke was unnaturally still going as the remnants of flames kept burning the rubble.

“Dragonfire?” Platinum brought up as she used her magic to smother some of the more troublesome flames.

“There were some reports that Dragonfire bombs were being made in the empire but there haven't been any confirmations of the creation of said bombs.” Puddinghead explained as she surveyed over the entire scene.

“Whomever did this really wanted to get rid of somepony, didn't they?” Hurricane looked to Puddinghead.

“Yes. Though it seems like these aren't actual dragon fire.” Platinum examined one of the smoldering embers.

“Most likely a fake. Magically created alchemist fire to resemble dragon flames. It's a clever idea but the name leaves much to be desired. Whatever they were trying to get rid of probably burned from the first shockwave.” Puddinghead dourly stated, her eyes splayed and a crown crossing her face.

“Soldiers! Find any rain clouds and smother the smoldering embers. Let's find what was left behind.” Hurricane ordered his pegasi squad before turning towards the others. “When they do so please dig out what you can.”

The were several nods of ascent to his orders as everypony got to work. Platinum and Puddinghead coordinated the soldiers making certain to not cause any more destruction.

It was tight. I could sense that the heat rose to nearly unbearable temperatures forcing my hand and bringing out Shotgun Ice. It was not the best freezing weapon but it allowed me some control over the heated elements of the small place we were stuck in. The shield managed to hold against the shockwave and flames well enough. Then the constant weight shattered it.

I bent down over the still blanketed Concerto who was amazed to still be alive. By sheer luck all that was wrong with her was the constant stream of soot all over her. My problem was much worse.

Due to the constant falling debris I got dinged and scratched more than once as I kept shifting to keep the more dangerous elements off of her. Rocks had melted into my armor from the sheer weight and the only reason I had managed to tank it was more than likely because of the armor upgrade and absorbing as much sun as I was able to.

There were several gashes on my back which I only knew because I had had to pick up Concerto to move to a safer area. The smoke was doing much worse things to her than me and I was running out of options. I could blast a hole out with the X buster but the shrapnel from the blast could hurt Concerto with how close we were. I fired Shotgun Ice into different angles using the ice to douse the flames. It wasn't very good at it but until I got Frost Tower or Bubble Splash it was the only water based weapon I had on me. Ironically the X7 series water based weapon would have been invaluable in this situation.

The ice kept compacting in small areas and all around us. It kept the smoke out but left us with less room and the still billowing flames were getting closer.

I sense twelve different targets slowly closing in. I was uncertain of who it was but I wasn't in the best position to fight back.

“X, I don't think we're gonna make it…” Concerto blubbered out managing to keep the tears quiet. Her face was covered in soot and she was coughing badly.

“Yes we will. I want you to stay calm. There are ponies on the other side looking at the mess.” I mentioned showing her the best fake smile I could muster. I didn't tell her I was thinking they could have been the Crystal Guard.

“There is?” Concerto managed to quiet her crying to the barest of sniffling.

“Yeah. I'm certain that they are the friendly ones. Absolutely certain, in fact.” I lied as best as I could with the gentlest smile on my face.

She grew determined at this point wiping her nose and eyes as best she could with her soot covered hoof. Using her horn and magic, she smothered the flames as best she could. It was slow going for her and barely made a difference but she was able to do something other than sit and watch.

The flames were too close and Shotgun Ice was almost empty. I was running out of options and room to maneuver. I decided that the risk was worth it. I started to charge up my buster changing back to my X buster. Concerto noticed and got underneath me covering her eyes and keeping her ears down as I pointed the buster up at the best angle I had.

Digging had been slow. With only three unicorns there were few places they could uncover without toppling any supporting structures. The fires had almost been abated with only the fires that had seeped into the small cracks remaining stubborn enough to cling to life.

“We've gone nowhere in all this time. Have we found any signs of survivors or what?” Platinum asked as she looked over the smoldering wreck.

“Nothing. We've searched every likely place so far but with the constant shifting wreckage and the spread out fires there is likely nothing that survived this.” Puddinghead answered sighing in exasperation. It hadn't made any sense to destroy this checkpoint since it weakened the Crystal Empire’s hoofhold in the region.

“Maybe Star Swirl was right about the golem? There certainly has been a load of defeated guards along our trek into the frozen wastes, hasn't there?” Hurricane posited to his fellow leaders.

An explosion rocked the area as a burst a pink energy blew through a large slab of stone and several chunks of ice. Everypony immediately rushed out of the way as the falling debris of stone and ice fell upon the wreckage snuffing out the flames that weren't fully smothered. The three leaders were quickly surrounded by their guards who each had nearly had a heart attack from the sudden explosion. Everypony was on edge.

“Help!” A young voice called out from the hole before breaking into a coughing fit.

Princess Platinum immediately smacked her unicorn guards into following her as she looked into the crater. Inside was a small filly barely on the cusp of adulthood and a strange golem in blue and white armor. Shaking her head at the triviality of an active golem the four unicorns pooled their magic together grabbing the mare and pulling her out of the hole.

I didn't know who had come but since Concerto wasn't freaking out that probably meant good things. The forced firing of my buster left me to handle the brunt of the blast. Several small rocks had gouged their way into my chest. Even after Concerto was taken out of the hole I was still removing the small stones. They hadn't torn through but they did leave dents in the armor. My energy bar was also back to a very low level.

I felt hot… way too hot. I ignored it the best I could and slowly gripped my way out of the hole making handholds out of the melted rock. The sensors in my fingers were slowly going numb for some reason. Each step up made things worse.

“X! Quickly get into the snow!” Nana cried out as I reached the edge of the hole.

Hurricane was amazed as a golem crawled out of the hole. It was completely red… as steam flew off of its body. It look him right in the eye before stumbling over to the snow. Its gait was clumsy and nearly faltering at certain steps. He raised a hoof stopping his guards.

It certainly looked similar to the golem that they had met earlier. It fell into a particularly large snow drift. The large cloud of steam that came off the moment that it touched everything was almost impossibly thick.

“That should be impossible…” Puddinghead mumbled looking off mutedly at the golem.

“What?” Platinum cautiously asked as the now fresh water flowed through structures and near the guards as they looked over the mare. She was covered in soot but thankfully she wasn’t burned.

“Dragonfire, even alchemically created, melts all known metal. The only shield that survived dragon fire was Netitus.” Puddinghead hissed out.

“I guess this golem is stronger than that then.” Platinum muttered realizing the implications of a golem that could survive dragon flames, theoretically.

“I think this is the golem Star Swirl mentioned. You two wanted to meet him, well… here’s your chance.” Hurricane called out taking point as Puddinghead and Platinum traipsed through the snow

=Core Temperature : Stabilized=

That was the last message I nearly saw come up within my mind. I had nearly overheated from the constant heat. For some reason the flames looked purple to me but I may have been losing focus while the warning was blaring in my head.

“Sir! Sir! Are you okay? Temperatures are finally stabilizing. We barely managed to survive that. Though that was surprising. You never were able to handle that before hand. Maybe it has to do with the thaumic energy in the background.” Nana started to trail off and whisper theories over how I survived.

Honestly, I had the small inkling that since I’ve worked in front of a forge before I’ve always been around high levels of heat for a very long time. I know how to function even through near collapse from heat exhaustion. I couldn’t get heat exhaustion with a robotic body but I could overheat and overclock my systems to my eventual detriment. Luckily I was only at the threshold of how much I could handle.

As I got out of what was left of the snow which was a muddy slush at this point I noticed the three ponies coming up to me. I didn’t recognize the one with the crown and robe or the one with the armor and bowl of pudding on her head. The central figure though… that was someone I remembered clearly enough.

“Commander Hurricane?” I muttered as I noticed my entire body was covered in scorch marks, dents and scuffs from the explosion. The sun was still up and I could feel my energy meter being recovered. It would take hours for everything to finally be repaired and I could move fluidly once again.

“X? I see you’ve been busy. Give me a second. My compatriots wished to meet with you and I need to give my ponies their orders.” Hurricane curtly nodded leaving to get his soldiers ready.

Concerto had gotten up knocking away the soldiers that were watching over her. She didn’t have that much strength though and nearly didn’t make it through them. A quick stamp of Hurricane’s hoof made them move as she stumbled back over to me. I lifted her up and allowed her to rest on my back once again. She was still covered in her winter clothing with only some slight singeing

“Hi there… sorry… too much damage right now.” I muttered once again kneeling down so I could be level with the two ponies before me.

“Uh… not at all. I see you’ve managed to find Princess Concerto.” The pony with the pudding bowl on her head chuckled almost stiltedly.

“Please start with introductions.” The pony with the crown chided the other pony. “I am Princess Platinum and this is my fellow leader Chancellor Puddinghead.”

“X… I haven’t kept my word yet…” I stiffly replied. Several of my motors were still being repaired from all the damages I acquired.

“Your word? I'm afraid I don't follow.” Platinum questioned me looking into my eyes. She didn't seem to find anything since she was a bit downcast when she did so.

“Capturing Corundum.” I bluntly stated as several motors were finally repaired allowing me full range of movement.

I was surprised that I could be affected so badly by heat. Maybe a part of my mind was treating this like a game… trying to ease that tension of being in another world. More likely, I didn't think I could die so easily. Throughout my trek north nothing has come close to hurting me but things created or modified by Discord.

This. Well, this was the first time I've been hurt by something not created by Discord.

“Sir, we've managed to fix any compromised systems that were affecting by the sudden temperature spike. The energy/matter converter is focusing on changing all the solar energy on hand to fix your body. It should take twenty more minutes.” Nana informed me. That made me stop and think. The other modules could still assist internally but couldn't do more than that until I unlocked them through a capsule. Perhaps there was a backdoor into the system… though knowing my luck right now it would be located in the black box.

“You will be following us from this moment on.” Hurricane stated. This broke my train of thought derailing it into a gully and exploding into pieces.

“Excuse me?” I answered blankly back thinking I misheard him.

“He said he wanted you to follow him.” Concerto helpfully piped up. I couldn't help but groan since it was obvious I heard him. She giggled at this… which lifted my spirits since she was at least still smiling.

“Since you've… ingratiated yourself as her bodyguard and protector you will be traveling with us from now on. Based on what just happened it's clear that they are targeting you two and I will not stand idly by to watch them try more extreme measures once again.” Hurricane growled out making it clear how things were to go.

“Okay.” I muttered through clenched teeth. As much as I didn't like the attitude I knew he was right. Regardless of whom they were after, the explosives nearly did their job and took me out. If I went then Concerto would have either been captured, killed or worse depending on what Corundum or even Flint were after.

“Good. I knew you were smarter than you looked. Our soldiers will keep the five of us in a concentric circle as we make our way north. You've done a good job so far of keep casualties to merely incapacitated rather than terminated. Let's keep that up. Should another golem appear transfer Concerto over to one of us and deal with the threat immediately.” Hurricane instructed going over a few other instances that would require our coordination together.

“We have questions for you should you deign to humor us X. Star Swirl has certainly argued for your case but we would like to speak with you in more detail.” Platinum diplomatically brought up citing Star Swirl most likely to put me at ease or to lower my guard… at least as far as I knew.

“It would help bolster trust in the long run.” Puddinghead added making me internally agree. I needed to actually act more like a maverick hunter. In cases involving tyrants, such as Sigma, a team was always necessary to up survivability.

“Ask away. I need more time to cool down.” I answered back managing to sit down on what was now a very thin layer of ice and frost.

What followed was a little test on Equestria and its figures. I knew enough to satisfy their curiosity which probably stemmed from a certain question. I was certain the question was ‘how sapient are you?’ which I answered to their widening eyes. Hurricane seemed to know intrinsically how intelligent I was.

While the guards were giving me the cold shoulder at the beginning, these nine that followed trusted their leaders enough to engage with me for more than a sneering contest. I think by the end of our talk some of them even respected me… though that was a given when talks of Aegis were involved. These nine in particular held no sympathy for him due in no small part to how he treated his fellow soldiers nowadays.

Concerto made a point of being adorable during all this by wrapping what was left of my singed scarf around her neck too. I think it was doing a good job of making me less threatening. Whether she did that on purpose or not I would never know. She made it difficult to get a straight answer.

The guards eventually set up a small campsite to wait for the rest of the contingent to join up with us. Hurricane, Platinum and Puddinghead were lost in a conversation with each other a small distance away leaving me alone with Concerto who made it clear she wasn't leaving my side at all.

“I'm sorry.” Concerto breathed out breaking me out of my thoughts once again.

“For what? There's nothing to apologize for.” I answered back to which she shook her head side to side.

“There is. Your scarf… it's ruined. We looked so long for something for you and now you might get cold out here.” Concerto slightly teared up nearly starting to sniffle.

“It's fine. It adds charm to it and god knows I needed some charisma.” I chuckled causing her to wipe her eyes again. Luckily, Platinum knew a spell to clean oneself up and had used it on her to get rid of the soot. I didn't want to go find another lake or stream anytime soon.

“You sure?” Concerto closed in looking in my eyes to make certain I wasn't lying.

“Yeah. It's great for what it is because it was a gift from you.” I stated as gently as I could. Of course, she cuddled into me… or into where the scarf was covering. I was still metal and cuddling into metal wasn't comfortable.

“X, you may sleep while the guards watch over the campsite.” Puddinghead announced as she came upon us.

“I don't sleep Chancellor. I literally can't before you ask.” I informed the Chancellor.

“Ah… sorry. I forgot about you being a golem. You don't seem like one every time you speak with any of us.” Puddinghead slyly chuckled under her hoof.

“What can I say? I guess I'm just… one of a kind.”

XV. Require (unedited)

Author's Note

Hi everyone. New chapter. New capsule.

To anyone who is like... Wait that's not the bosses names!. Yes they are. Those were the original names before the translation decided to use Guns'n'Roses references for the bosses names.

Crystal Shears, huh? You're guess is as good as mine.

XV. Require (unedited)

The Crystal Empire. The shining jewel of the entirety of the Equestrian world, at least through their viewpoint. Each of the ponies walking through the streets kept their eyes forward never changing their paths. Several golems stand at attention keeping the peach. Each of them the same egg shaped golems that would usually be used as front line soldiers.

The streets were still ever silent as nopony made small talk nor eye contact with one another. The golems were always watching. Nopony wanted to be watched by them. Corundum had made them… receptive to shutting down dissent.

Crystal Shears was one such pony who lived her life staring straight ahead and nowhere else. Her family had been spared the brunt of Corundum's rule since they specialized in cutting manes and nothing more. It was… peaceful for her and her family.

“Ms. Shears you have been requested by King Corundum at the palace.” A guard announced himself as he stood in front of her.

Her day was cut short… and nothing but dread was filling her heart. Reluctantly, Shears took short steps towards the crystal monolith in the center of town known as the royal palace. The sunlight pierced through the crystals enlightening the town in an aurora and cacophony of colors and brightness. It was the most harrowing walk she had ever taken in her life.

The guards at the front doors each stared impassively out into space. Their glassy eyes seemed to reflect nothing but an emptiness which probably came from serving a usurper such as Corundum. At least within the safety of her mind any dissident thoughts could behave freely.

“Follow the unicorn.” The guard on the left stared… though his tone was empty and flat not unlike someone who had seen something horrible.

“Yes. Right away then.” Shears nervously answered as she followed the next guard further into the palace.

The unicorn guard she followed held the same glassy eyes as the rest. His movement forward awkward and stifled as if he didn't know how his legs worked. The constant stumbling gait was unsettling since all the rumors in the palace started.

Several nights when his reign started there were horrifying screams coming from somewhere in the building. Then they cut off. Several guards had tried to reassure the masses. When they came out they merely stated that nothing was wrong. They each held that glassy stare like the rest. Corundum himself made no attempt to speak with the citizens using proxies such as Ruby Geode, Flint Shard and Liquid Diode.

The first two had been gone for some time. In the words of Goring Corundum, as dictated by Liquid Diode, to ‘show those philistines what true progress was.’ Shears had no idea what that meant being a simple tailor who made certain not to voice her thoughts while the golems were around.

The guard finally led her into a parlor where a familiar stallion stood by the open window to a balcony on the southern side of the building. He seemed to be looking out towards the frozen wastes, whether contemplative or scheming she didn't know since his back was to her. His cutie mark of a wire passing through a glass tube full of a liquid of some kind on full display against his beige coat that had a reddish tint and forest green mane and tail.

“Welcome my dear. So good of you to come so promptly. Please take a seat.” Diode called out barely turning his eye towards her. Shears carefully sat on the most ordinary seat she could find, a cushion that was only one color, paisley, and looked towards her host.

He made no attempts to move from his spot seemingly rooted in one place. His eyes were back to staring at the frozen wastes. As a pegasus his eyes were top notch at staring out into the distance for whatever reason was needed. Shears, as a unicorn, tried to see what he saw, to no avail.

“General Diode, I am but a humble tailor. What could I possibly be called to the palace for?” Shears tittered trying to play off her nervousness. It wasn’t helping at all.

“Not at all Crystal Shears. Only somepony like you could possibly be able to assist us in our time of need.” Diode smiled as he turned to face her. He was giving her a genuine smile something that confused her.

Liquid Diode was always smiling… a smile that never reached his eyes which would fog over whenever he looked at somepony. Now they weren’t. He was looking her in the eye and she couldn’t turn away. Diode quickly came up to face her seemingly looming over her when they stood roughly the same height.

“W-w-what can I do General?” Shears stuttered out wanting nothing more than to escape the room.

“I need a new suit and robe created for our king. That’s all. You still have his measurements don’t you?” Diode chuckled out as he took a few steps back.

“Oh! Oh, yes. I still have his measurements. What color would both need to be?” Shears politely asked seemingly calm about everything at this point.

“Oh you know. Standard practice for the robe. Something a vibrant purple while the suit should be light blue. You can never seem too pure for the populous. Since all those ponies loyally follow our illustrious leader, right?” Diode smiled back at Shears before patting her on the back… pulling her in.

“I should get going… to make those outfits then…” Shears cringed trying her best to hide it through a smile.

As she left the room Diode returned to the window. He watched her leave the palace back for her shop and quietly tapped his hoof against one of the palace’s pillars. Within seconds one of the guards came in holding his glassy stare on Diode.

“Yes General?” The guard muttered monotonously as he saluted.

“As soon as she is done capture Crystal Shears and bring her to the Restoration Center. Corundum wanted this particular mare for later.” Diode ordered his smile an ever present fixture on his muzzle.

“As you will, Sir.” The guard answered before slipping out of the room.

All throughout the entire exchange Diode never broke his gentle smile. He was the epitome of Geode’s opposite. All was for his master in the end.

Everypony woke up the following morning.I had made certain to keep watch throughout the night. What was most likely Flint’s plan I wanted to keep any ambush from ever striking at any of my allies. They were most likely temporary as more of the troops started to join up with us. The nine guards I had actually gotten along with were now keeping their distance.

It was for the best. I needed them to support each other and not get hung up on prejudice because of associating with me. I didn’t care since Hurricane made it clear under no uncertain circumstances that if they didn’t support me in battle they would be given to me for combat training. There were several laughs but I didn’t say anything at the time. Hurricane muttered that it was their funeral and the nine who had met with me agreed.

Then I met Second Stand… oh god I met him.

“Wow look at that a golem. You sure look different and such. Metal, eh? I’ve never been made of metal but it must be real cold.” Stand hugged me. “Oh nope you’re actually really warm.”

“Let go of me.” I muttered to the giggling of Concerto. It actually made a lot of the guards slowly lose their fear of me… but vastly overestimate themselves if they fought me. Even with the constant deluge of guards I had left behind for them to capture. I wouldn’t change hearts and minds in a single day but I could at the very least get them not to try and pick a fight with me. Vicious Aegis had already made it clear that he wanted to put me in the ground.

“Sorry bout that golem. Still I think the princess should join the rest of the ponies.” Stand mentioned before being rounded upon by the princess.

“Move me and I’ll castrate you.” Concerto stated in no uncertain terms. Stand immediately hid underneath my right arm trying to hide from her glare.

“Why do you know that?” I quickly defused her mood causing her to blush when I looked her in the eye.

“I heard daddy say that whenever somepony was talking to mommy. It made them stop trying to talk to mommy so I figured that that would work.” Concerto answered with an innocent smile on her face.

“Most of those ponies were stallions huh?” I deadpanned which got me a very large smile from Concerto who nodded almost happily. “Right then… Don’t worry Second Stand she doesn’t know what that means.”

“Right… yeah… I’m just gonna go now.” Stand muttered before flying off for one of his tents.

Hurricane had actually had us stay with him and the other leaders mostly out of fear of what I could do to the guards if they picked a fight. I knew that he knew I was much smarter than that but he also knew that his guards were a lot dumber. Emotions could have run high if he didn’t personally watch me.

“X, a moment of your time.” Puddinghead called out.

“Yes? Something wrong?” I answered back completely confused about what he could possibly need.

“What are you? Platinum, Hurricane and I have come to the realization that you are not a golem. The others may know you as that but we can tell you aren’t. I’m certain Star Swirl is also thinking about this as well. You are made of metal and definitely don’t require magic to function even in the slightest.” Puddinghead examined me more closely keeping her voice quiet enough that only the five of us were around.

“That is a complicated answer that requires a high level of trust to actually speak about. Also someway to magically block anyone who wants to actually know the truth.” I shot back giving her a little coy wink if only because I still didn’t trust that Discord wasn’t watching me in any capacity. He had proven to be wily.

“You mean that spell Star Swirl cast in the basement of his fortress? I may be able to duplicate it but only for five minutes.” Platinum replied casually lighting up her horn.

“Do so then. Quickly, X.” Hurricane ordered as Platinum weaved her spellwork casting that same strange field over our tent. Most likely, from what I gleaned from my previous interactions with the spell, it kept all manner of sound within the barrier at all times and Discord hated being known that he was listening in any capacity.

“I guess you could call me… a reploid. A robot. I am not a golem. I am actually the closest thing created that could simulate an actual living being. I have my only wants, desires, needs and dreams. By the by, a reploid is a replicated android. I’d like to consider myself a replicated wanderer while I’m in this world.” I chuckled for some reason that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

“An-android? What the…? Are you making this up?” Hurricane rounded on me immediately but the moment he stared into my eyes he could tell. “You aren’t…”

“That seems unbelievable. Why didn’t you tell Star Swirl?” Platinum quirked an eyebrow pushing more magic into the spell.

“At the time I couldn’t. I was playing along with his plans which he already had in motion. Too many deviations and my own plan of keeping as incognito as possible would have been tossed the the wayside. I still volunteered for this so… acting like a golem just made things easier.” I explained as best I could. Secrecy in some parts was a blessing when it came to dealing with threats.

“Are you not a golem regardless of how you dressed it up?” Puddinghead sniped in at the last moment.

“Technically yet. I just have more… emotion, feelings behind my actions. I decided to help both for the sake of helping and personal reasons. Those grew as I learned more about what was happening. So I will keep my word when I say that I will bring Corundum to justice.” I stated with complete confidence in my tone.

“So cool… “ Concerto breathlessly gushed for some reason.

“That’s fine and all but I’m no optimist by any means. I know battle is full of uncertainty. I’m going to give you one order X. It’s the one order I hope you consider, especially with the power you wield.” Hurricane gruffly sighed out completely looking as though he was dreading what he was about to ask.

“I’ll listen and see what I can do.” I answered honestly. I had a bad feeling for some reason.

“Best I can hope for I guess. When and if you face Corundum, don't hesitate. Kill him where he stands. If the three of us know anything it's this. We don't have the resources to hold all these POW’s as is. Ruby Geode will be given a trial but only as a formality. He had no peers and nopony would stand to his defense after what he tried to wrought over the battles closer to the Foal Mountains. All that awaits the four who led this madness is the chopping block.” Hurricane stated though his solemn tone told me that he didn't want to do this.

“I've never killed anything sapient. Sentient, yes, but never sapient. I don't even know if I can actually. A large part of me wants to dismiss that but… if it comes down to it. I… don't know.” I slowed down thinking about it more.

In the games X never killed. He was a martial pacifist fighting only when necessary. While he tried to be an actual pacifist once I ignored that part of his story. I knew why he did it. I didn't agree with him on that aspect because people would get caught in the crossfire no matter what.

I, on the other hand, have killed but only in defense of my home. That was only against a particularly desperate pack of wolves. Claudius shrugged it off as another part of his life living in a cabin. I felt a little sad up until I had to use the wolf fur for an armor piece. Then I just felt numb after it.

“You're more pony than the rest of the guards figure you as.” Platinum spoke up breaking me out of my reverie.

“Good to know that first hoof than from hearsay.” Puddinghead added next before the two looked towards Hurricane.

“Yeah. A little disappointing that you might not be able to go through with it but relieving that you hold up so well to an ideal. If worse comes to worse I shall deal with Corundum. My hooves have known enough blood. What's one more?” Hurricane sighed out awash in both relief and anxiety.

“If it helps I'll see what I can do when that time comes.” I brought up switching to my arm cannon and holding it out into the tundras.

“Good to know. We'll be sleeping then. I take it you'll be keep my watch then X?” Platinum asked which I nodded to.

The three leaders retired to their respective cots while I kept near the door. Concerto took one of the extras but always kept her eyes trained on me until she passed out from exhaustion. The sensors going off in my head were cranked up to their max range. In this makeshift base we had around two hundred ponies that had joined up including the twelve who I met the previous night. We had waited a full day before they had regrouped.

I kept an eye out noting that no one was within the fifty meters while Nana sent out small pings with the thaumic sensor searching for airborne troops. Surprisingly, Discord was never a problem. True to his word he hadn't been in range of me for a short while now.

I didn't like that.

His attention somewhere else meant he was doing something dastardly most likely. The other option was that he was waiting out the boring parts of his personality was anything to go by. I couldn't place his mind anywhere either. Sociopathic, psychopathic or just plain nihilistic, I couldn't figure him out. He seemed to know a lot more than he let on hiding it behind that facade of insanity he most likely built up over years of activity. Star Swirl thought so, at the very least, over the extensive brunt of his research into other cultures.

I don't know why he went through the trouble of that much research for other cultures since the ponies seemed almost secular about their culture. Though it did seem that this place was primitive. I had to dig out latrines for Concerto during our trip already. Fire Wave had been getting a work out in making the ditches for it. This place seemed to be out of a medieval setting and I was acting the knight from the future.

“Sir. The other cyber elves have been working hard on something. We think we can triangulate the position of the capsule that was identified a few days ago.” Nana interjected breaking my thoughts from being Future Knight X.

‘Have you? Any idea which one it is?’ I quietly thought back. Even without the immediate threat of Discord, I wasn't taking any chances.

“No. It is along our path, so far as we know. When we get within one hundred meters we should be able to tell you the general location. Any closer and we should be able to pinpoint it accurately.” Nana groused slightly, most likely from the lack of information.

I merely nodded absentmindedly as if to some unheard music. Nana took that as a sign to keep working and went silent. The night passed us by so quickly it felt as though I had just blinked.

Time. Time was the greatest enemy. A little over two weeks here and I was put on the front lines of a battle I had no real stake in. Sure, my new ‘friends’ were fighting in it but I had no personal reason outside of it was the right thing to do. In that time I had volunteered to lead a charge against someone I didn't know. I was stronger than most things here but that didn't mean much when I found out that I pissed off one of the few beings who could hurt me.

When I looked towards Concerto I instantly squashed those thoughts. She looked up to me and that wasn't literally either. I was her savior even if we wound up in a tight spot when Discord decided to confront me with one of his hands.

We had played a game of poker in a sense. For some reason it felt right to equate our fight as that. He had junk for that round while I had a pair in a sense. I won not by being stronger, faster or more clever than him. I won because I was lucky enough that he picked someone so inept that it worked in my favor. His smile had said otherwise.

The popular theory that Nana seemed to subscribe to was the parallels of being antithesis to Discord. He was a Spirit of Chaos by the admissions of Star Swirl and the several books detailing their very limited knowledge on the matter. I was a reploid though. A machine made to act like a human. The first in fact though I was certain that I wasn't a reploid either. Through my memories of the lore X was merely a very upgraded robot master made to be as human as possible. Every other robot in the series was a reploid created from the DNA taken from X.

How a robot had DNA I will never know but that was the case. Dr. Light had been a genius in this regard but the threat of Dr. Wily had made him paranoid. The encryption on my black box was staggering and I wanted to know more. Unfortunately the sun finally rose breaking me out of my musings as Hurricane woke up.

He flew out of the tent with a trumpet and started to play it… very badly. All the guards woke up shuffling into their armor while Platinum, Puddinghead and Concerto looked perturbed by the sudden wake up call.

“Alright you maggots! Up and at’em! We have a city to liberate!” Hurricane shouted out making certain to go out of his way to wake up the stragglers who had prepared for this, bucking them out of their cots.

It took an hour for the troops to pack away the supplies with a pair of earth ponies carrying the cart full of supplies. It seemed like an easy target until some unicorns started casting spells around it.

I stood at the forefront of the tundras ready to head out into the snow while the guards kept getting ready with several spells on both the pegasi and earth ponies. They seemed less bothered by the cold at this point. Platinum did the casting for the leaders. When she came to me I declined the spell. I was resistant to plenty of spells already and I wasn't cold at all. Concerto frowned until she noticed I put the scarf back on my neck.

It was slightly charred and frayed but there was enough left to wrap around my neck. I would have to talk to Star Swirl to repair it fully. There was talk about an origin spell that could fix it to pristine condition and if it survived this fight I would make certain to speak with him.

We traveled for most of the morning in silence. I took pony with several pegasi following though their attention was split between their surroundings and me. Hurricane had to reprimand them when I still had Concerto on my back and they voiced their displeasure. Then she kicked one of them in the balls and they all stopped trying to voice their concerns.

Platinum seemed to be taking notes, on what I don't know. Though she seemed to not really pay much attention to me. Puddinghead watched over the troops. Due to me being in their midst made a lot of the racially biased ponies quit being racially biased and look up to their leaders for guidance.

That's when we came to our first obstacle, the terrain. Russia would be easier to get through with how high the snow banks were. The carts that held the supplies couldn't move through it.

“Okay! Carry what you can and let's keep moving!” Hurricane shouted out until he winced as the sound of my buster firing.

The snow melted and evaporated within seconds as I fired charge shot after charge shot through the offending snow. I was certain that the snow almost resembled glass from my offensive. I finally got tired of merely firing buster shots and switched to Fire Wave.

Charging up I released the trailing fire pillars which melted a line forward for twenty feet. I had to start charging with my buster since apparently X didn't have a trigger guard and wasted ammo whenever charging up this weapon in particular. After going through the entire weapon bar I had burnt out a sixty feet length trail that allowed four by four ponies to walk through. How it was that powerful I didn't know but it created the path we could now walk through.

Several of the guards who had rolled their eyes at me when I was carrying Concerto around like a sack of potatoes were now looking at me with fresh eyes. There were some in awe… some with incredulity… and most with fear. Hindsight at its best in my opinion. I needed to expedite this trip but there were consequences. Brilliant.

Hushed whispers were now the norm and I could hear them echo through the path I made. On the bright side Hurricane thanked me for the clear path to the Crystal Empire. On the dark side I was reprimanded for not warning him before I acted.

“You're acting like a real maverick X.” Hurricane stated.

“Well… I am a maverick hunter so…” I started.

“If this is more background on you then let's save it for later. We need to reach our next checkpoint before nightfall.” Hurricane stopped me before I could continue.

“Contact.” Nana informed me as a new blip appeared in my sensor… only it wasn’t indicating an enemy.

Nana finally figured out how to coordinate which blip equated to what. Green was the friendlies. Red were the baddies. Yellow were the mission objectives. White apparently were the capsules. Yellow hadn’t come up yet because the lack of satellite information made it hard to actually figure out where mission objectives were by the sensor. The new blip was white.

‘Are we in the Crystal Empire?’ I looked around at the melted landscape as we all walked through the newly made ravine.

“Close enough to be considered in their territory. Based on the map I’ve copied we have entered their realm as soon as we melted our way through the snowbanks. We bypassed the trails they already put in place and the weather was cleared out beforehand. We found the perfect opportunity to both finish the mission and acquire more assistance. It’s uncertain which capsule it is but it would help us out more.” Nana explained as she looked over some of the charts which quickly flashed over my eyes.

‘Good to know. Direction?’ I almost muttered out loud until I caught myself.

“X? Is something wrong?” Hurricane tapped my shoulder trying to gain my attention.

“No. But I think I’ve found something that would help me out more. Could you take care of Concerto for a bit until I find it?” I held Concerto off my back for him.

“Um… certainly. Are you sure you need to do this now?” Hurricane seemed a little uncertain by my demeanor.

“X? I should go with you.” Concerto immediately spoke up.

“No Concerto. I have to go into the cold I think. Give me a second and I should be able to find it and if you need to see what it is I’ll get you before I find it okay?” I bargained as best I could which got Concerto to nod in affirmation.

I quietly walked towards the white dot which was west of my location and through the snow. It took one full powered charge shot to create a tunnel for me to start walking through. Several of the guards watched as I basically performed a juggernaut like move and effortlessly push my way through the snow.

I looked back once more as Concerto was given to Puddinghead and continued on in search of the white dot.

“Sir!” Second Stand shouted out as he flapped down to his Commander’s side.

“Yes Second Stand? Is something wrong?” Hurricane growled out feeling that something was going to come down at this point.

“Sir… a lot of the soldiers are feeling a bit… worried about how things are going right now. X is very powerful and they are nervous. Golems this powerful could be trouble in the long run.” Stand whispered almost conspiratorially to his commander.

“Second, we’ve known each other a long time. I’ve led you for the past fifty years through windigos and the monsters we’ve encountered. I’ve made certain to lead you alongside Platinum and Puddinghead into a better future that sees you both fed and living within a civilized society. You know what I want you to tell everypony.” Hurricane stated with an evenly growled out tone.

“Y-y-yes sir?” Stand cringed as Hurricane stared him down.

“Trust in my judgement.” Hurricane stated in a low tone which Second Stand took as an order.

Second Stand went back to the fellow soldiers who all seemed to take Hurricane’s word. Platinum and Puddinghead didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say since not even they could change the hearts and minds of ponies just like that.

“I want to retire already... “ Hurricane muttered under his breath while Concerto watched X disappear into the depths of the ice tunnel he was carving out with his buster.

It took me almost a half hour until I finally managed to get an actual reading. I had traveled for almost twenty meters to the west and twelve more charged shots to break through the ice that had formed. It was then that I came upon something much worse than I thought.

The ice shattered showing off a large archway carved out of bones. All along the walls were several ice sculptures of several different races that I had never seen before. Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Unicorns and more were stuck in different positions. I noticed that there were also several zebras, deers, yaks, buffalos, griffins apparently, and dragons. It was unsettling when I looked into each of their eyes. There was nothing but fear in all their eyes and what looked like hatred. Pure diluted hatred. I had wound up within a crypt full of all the races that apparently lived in the world… I think.

I didn’t like what I was seeing and I was so glad that I had made certain to leave Concerto behind. It was the right decision no matter who would try to deny it. The white blip apparently was getting closer. There in the center of the cavern was the capsule I was looking for.

I walked up to the capsule allowing it to open up. There still wasn’t any sign of Dr. Light so I quickly stepped inside downloading the data within. As soon as I stepped out the capsule started to short out and disintegrate into dust just like the last capsule.

=Weapon Archive Unlocked=
=Releasing Series Five Seal: Eight Armaments Unlocked=

-Crescent Shot: Crescent Grizzly Module unlocked

-Goo Shaver: Tidal Whale Module unlocked

-Tri-Thunder: Volt Kraken Module unlocked

-Firefly Laser: Shining Firefly Module unlocked

-Dark Hold: Dark Necrobat Module unlocked

-Wing Spiral: Spiral Pegasus Module unlocked

-Ground Fire: Burn Dinorex Module unlocked

-Spike Ball: Spike Rosered Module unlocked
=Archive Pod Sigma War Reploid Invasion Number Five Package=

-Downloading Falcon Armor-

=ETA: 36 hours=

-Downloading Gaea Armor-
=ETA: 36 hours=

-Harpuia Module Active-

-Fefnir Module Active-

-Downloading… -

-15%-

-35%-

-75%-

-95%-

-... done.-
=Activating Cyber Elf Program “Harpuia” and “Fefnir”=

It took a few seconds as both Harpuia and Fefnir materialized in my vision before quickly heading back inside my body. An oversight most likely in the materialization process but one I had to chance. Both of them seemed a little stiff in my presence.

“Master X! Please forgive us we have messed up your orders and hope you can forgive us!” Harpuia immediately got on one knee. Fefnir looked a little confused until he noticed my attention on him. With one quick bent knee he immediately prostrated before me.

“I’m sorry for my actions!” Fefnir immediately spat out.

‘Don’t be, you did nothing wrong. I suspect its a side effect of the materialization process. There are more important matters to handle. Nana?’ I immediately thought making both Harpuia and Fefnir straighten up and sharpen their eyes. They knew what I meant now.

“Target acquired. One enemy is within this cavern. Thaumic sensor is going crazy…” Nana gulped which I didn’t think was possible.

“Master X! Target is flying above us!” Harpuia shouted as I rolled off to the side as a large horse like creature floated through where I was last standing. The platform froze on the spot showcasing a large split icicle.

I knew now why there were so many ice sculptures around. Star Swirl had told me long before I left for the Crystal Empire.

I had wound up in the crypt of a Windigo.

XVI. Reseal (unedited)

I was a bit flabbergasted that I would run into something that was supposed to be extinct but I needed to remain on point. The windigo stared down at me though it seemed uncertain about me. Staring down at my figure it looked deeply into me and confusion spread through its visage.

From what I remember Star Swirl told me, they hunt through emotions searching for sparks of hate they could cause to fester and grow into unspeakable monuments of hatred. Then they would freeze their prey in a pseudo-cryonic state of suspended animation. Oh… that explained the statues and the looks of horror frozen on their faces.

Ignoring the horrible puns at their expense because of the windigo I turned to face him and switched to Fire Wave.

*click* *click* *click*

“Right… used that up already… Nana are the weapons from section five loaded?” I growled out as I took a few steps back.

There was a flash of recognition on the windigo’s face. It had recognized hesitation, fear. It immediately charged down as I switched to Storm Tornado and fired up.

The sudden blast of wind knocked the beast off course sending it against the wall leaving a deep imprint. I looked at the windigo a little closer. Even though I had been told that it was made of the spirits of winter and hatred all rolled into one package. That meant that while large they didn't have physical form… this one did.

‘Ready X. All weapons have been loaded up and ready for use.” Fefnir answered instead of Nana. ‘I'll handle all weapon segments from now on. We seem to be drawing energy to power them from a new unit that was built into your body. All attempts to analyze it have caused Nana to climb up the walls, figuratively speaking of course. Now let's blast this ice creature apart! Hehehehaha!”

Fefnir’s laughing made me cringe a bit. I knew before that he was a battle maniac built from X’s reploid DNA. I just didn't realize how deep that went.

The windigo recovered the high ground and fired off several ice spikes. It was careful where it struck though. I had passed several of the bodies weaving between them and it would hesitate whenever I was behind one of them.

That clinched it for me. All these bodies were still alive and being fed on by this gluttonous monster. That left me with little choice. Without knowing how long these beings had been frozen for I couldn't free them. They would likely die the moment that I did so.

Freezing things even in the X series had never gone well. Every maverick weak to ice could break out of their icy prison within seconds because they were mostly metal. There was still no reliable way to freeze living flesh and thaw it out without killing the host in the process.

‘Sir, this is Harpuia. I know it seems wrong but we are behind you. Those moments can be used to fight back against the creature. As Nana informed us, we must think of the mission we are on and the sake of those we have sworn to protect. We shall bear this burden with you.’ Harpuia coolly stated and I could feel the nod from every other cyber elf, most likely his influence.

Switching back to my X buster I fired on the closest statue cracking and shattering it on impact. The windigo shrieked in fury as it charged me. Noticing it's charge I fired a fully charged shot knocking it back.

Engorged on hatred it had taken on a physical form to better take advantage of its victims. I took advantage of that and took out the food source.

A frightened mare who looked up mouth agape. Shattered in an instance. A stallion gritting his teeth trying desperately to fight against the cold. Crumbled to slivers in a single shot. The yak warrior fighting back only to be stuck mid swing. Exploded to shards.

Each time a statue fell to my assault the creature roared in defiance and bum rushed into me attempting to smother me in the cold. I ignored it switching over to Ground Fire. With a single shot the windigo screamed in pain as the fire rippled around it. It was enough to melt the nearby statues… who slowly fell to pieces due to the cold destroying the body's stability.

I didn't need to see a dragon fall to pieces like that. It didn't help that I had to keep using Ground Fire just to keep the windigo off of me. I actually had to start dodging when it fired off icicles the size of my leg in my direction. The first couple of shots were negligible enough to ignore when they hit against my armor. It decided to fire sharper icicles which were scratching against my armor leaving small gouges in it.

Harpuia immediately tapped into my motor functions as soon as they got that dangerous and I was forced to Dash and jump around faster and faster than I thought possible. As a cyber elf he was speeding my movements up allowing me to predict the best course of action which constantly on the move. Fenrir followed suit taking hold of the weapons system and powering up my firepower every time a new weapon was used. He couldn't power up my buster but it was more useful to use fire.

Strangely I hadn't even thought that they, as cyber elves, were capable of moving me. At first I thought that it would just be paranoia but it turned out to be true. They could act on me but not in the most extreme way I thought at first. At most they could power me up not control me. This alleviated some of the fears that had tried to cloud my mind.

I was kicked into the far wall as the windigo bared down upon me. It's visage was actually melted from the constant barrage of fire hitting it. While it didn't have any actual organs the melted face it wore was actually terrifying to some extent. Misshapen mouth worn down to a rictus and eyes sunken into its face as wisps of steam being frozen were stuck in place.

At that point I kept firing at random trying my best to destroy as many of the statues possible. Regardless of whatever I did I wouldn't let it feed anymore. And as much as I justified it… I didn't see this as something heroic. It was something necessary.

The windigo turned its arm into a large lance made of ice and rammed it into my stomach lifting me off the ground and pinning me into the wall. I responded by charging my buster up and releasing Ground Fire.

The inferno that resulted from the weapon led to multiple volcano strength fireballs being flung from my body melting the body of the windigo and releasing me from the lance with a large gaping hole in my stomach. Several warning lights went off as Fenrir took charge overcharging my weapons to allow Ground Fire to grow. I charged up another shot and released it just as the windigo tried to use what was left of its fangs to crush me in its jaw.

It had been less than an hour since X had disappeared into the ice tunnel. There were mutterings of how they were left to fend in a war. Those mutterings were destroyed by the smarter soldiers who reminded those ponies that they were going to fight anyways.

The majority of the ponies had made it through the melted out path and were on the cusp of the Crystal Empire. Night had fallen since their march and there had been no sign of X returning.

“I don't like this.” Hurricane growled out clearly agitated by the flickering of his wings.

“You heard him. We don't have the pony power to chase down hunches. He's a big reploid, was it? He can take care of himself.” Platinum stopped him from doing anything rash.

“Be that as it may, we need him to act as the spearhead of our assault. We can't take on golems even with this many ponies. Doing so is tantamount to suicide. We need to send somepony to get him.” Puddinghead brought up crushing through both the bullheadedness of the Commander and the glibness of the Princess.

“He'll be back soon.” Concerto broke through them all watching out into the tundra for any sign of him.

“Sweetie… it's been a while and there may be windigos out and about. As much as we boast about destroying them all we were never certain that we managed to wipe out that threat so fully.” Platinum admitted drawing ire from the other two leaders.

“Platinum…” Both leaders growled out until Concerto stopped the. With a raised hoof.

“He'll be okay. He'll be right back soon.” Concerto calmly stated. She kept her eyes closed to the tundra making certain to not show how tightly she was biting her lip. She couldn't show anypony how much she worried now that she was in the presence of other leaders.

Hurricane merely huffed but his gaze was left towards the soldiers who were all expounding how useless the golem had been. That needed to be beaten out of all of them one at a time.

Platinum joined Concerto placing her hoof around her shoulder to comfort her. It was met with a small acknowledgement of a nod as she never broke eye contact with the scenery.

Puddinghead started pouring over her scrolls, calculating how many soldier possibly could die from assaulting the Empire and all their golems. She grimaced at every single calculation and furiously scratched them out when they left less than optimal results.

Second Stand was busy amongst the troops trying to keep the morale of the younger soldiers up. While X’s show of power had given them a path forward faster, it left them feeling more powerless than ever due in no small part how easy he made it look tearing through the very earth before them. Groaning at another panic attack, he slapped whomever had one until they regained their senses. Tolerance could only go so far and a jolt seemed to be getting them back up to fighting sense at the very least.

A huge explosion rocked the entire tundra as a large plume of fire erupted from the direction that X had gone. The swells of ice were pushed around and a figure had tried to escape. There were several screams when they noted what it was.

The wisp of a windigo fell to the ground before them full of icy wrath though horribly damaged to the point where it could barely float. It clawed miserably at the ponies trying to catch one to feed on its fear or hatred.

They were left in awe as X walked up to the creature. There was a gaping hole in his stomach and several scorch marks covering his face. His piercing green eyes were still glaring at the windigo as he turned purple. The familiar look of whirling energy flowing around him clued several ponies about what was going to happen.

“Hit the deck!” Hurricane ordered as several unicorns immediately brought up their shield spell. Platinum strengthened it up with her magic as well.

A large cyclone tore through the windigo’s neck dispersing everything that made it what it was. As it tried to reform because it was a wind spirit, it found it couldn't do so. Slowly it was torn to particles as the energy of the tornado ripped through its atoms.

Unbeknownst to all onlookers, no one saw the small motes of magic that had found their way into the tornado destroying what was left of it.

‘Fenrir this seems like overkill!’ I immediately thought as I released Ground Fire. The subsequent inferno blazed through the tomb incinerating everything it touched. The weapon limiter had been unsealed allowing my weapons to reach their full potential… their full destructive potential. The flames had actually mixed with the extreme cool air and the entire crypt exploded upward sending both me and the windigo flying into the air.

Harpuia took advantage of the fall to relegate my legs back parallel with the ground. I left a small impact crater upon touching down and quickly dashed out to chase the windigo. I could see it falling through the sky towards the entirety of the Equestrian army.

I needed to hurry and deal with it. Nana calculated how long it would take me to reach it and the hole in my stomach was causing me some problem. The constant cold froze a portion of my circuits leaving me incapable of taking advantage of the entirety of my dash systems. Harpuia couldn't control those. He apparently ran the logic centers for movement and not the actual movement.

‘How does that work Harpuia?’ I immediately thought letting my thoughts flow between the three cyber elves.

“I can predict enemy movements allowing you to pick the best course of action on how to dodge and weave through enemy fire. It was dulled due to the lack of telemetry reports and the small arena but I feel my improvisations were satisfactory. Unfortunately you got distracted at the very end while we were… retiring those who were already lost.” Harpuia explained… causing me to slow down slightly. He knew and I knew that I didn't like what I did.

“We're sorry it came to this Master X. If there was another way we would have brought it up. From the reports Nana delivered and your extensive research with these ‘ponies’ we couldn't find anyway to reverse the effect. Even with their extensive search into magic combat is still fatal at these times and the lack of technology makes it hard to treat most wounds. Cinnamon has felt saddened by this turn of events.” Fenrir quickly stated showcasing a lot more understanding than I thought he was possible of.

I came up to the nearly wrecked windigo lying on the ground incapable of moving in any direction. It weakly clawed at the ponies trying desperately to reach them. Then it's eyes locked on me. Fear. That was all the Suffering Circuit could tell me.

‘Fenrir…’ I quietly mused as I stepped over to it switching to Storm Tornado.

“Yes Master X.” Fenrir answered revelry evident in his voice.

‘When we finish this… place the seal back on the weapons limiter. As powerful as I feel… it should only be used in the most dire of circumstances.’ I immediately commanded and to my relief Fenrir nodded and bowed.

“As you wish.” He stated as I jumped into the air with the fully charged weapon. The subsequent tornado ripped the windigo apart.

I was surrounded by the leaders and a few of the soldiers who had the guts to see what I did. Concerto was at the forefront looking at the large hole in my stomach never leaving my side. Until the sun rose I couldn't actually heal the wound.

Nana kept me focused on everyone around me. I was tired strangely enough which was explained to me as the energy of the micro fusion reactor I had mitigating the strain caused by the wound. It would last a very long time but I needed the energy/matter converter to mitigate the strain on my body.

“X I'm glad you're here. We need to talk strategy. With that hole in your chest we can't pull off our assault so soon. You have plenty of firepower but you need to reel it in.” Puddinghead chided me.

“Yeah… that was extreme. The windigo was something I wasn’t expecting. I did find something that will help us out more.” I replied sitting down against a small snow drift that Concerto had built up the moment I had returned.

I didn't exactly register the pain as most would. It was far enough from my energy core that I would survive well enough. There was no throbbing of the wound or a sting. No liquids flowed out of my body. It was just there. The fact that I had the wound unnerved the ponies who realized that this didn't stop me in the slightest except for making me a bit slower.

“X, you were supposed to be our spearhead. This- “ Hurricane pointed at my wound. “- is causing us problems in the long run and we need you to be at the top of your game.” Hurricane finished as I looked up to see the moon at its apex.

“I know. When the sun rises I will be ready to go full force. I think we should probably figure out where to bunker down since I'm certain that that explosion could be seen for miles.” I pointed out which Hurricane grimly agreed with.

“All soldiers get us a vantage point we can lay low in now!” Hurricane ordered his troops as several began scouting out the area.

“Sir! We found a ridge we can use for cover two clicks west of here.” Second Stand flew down addressing Hurricane with a quick salute.

“No saluting here soldier. We're too far into enemy territory. You want them to snipe us with a crossbow or something.” Hurricane chastised his second in command.

“Sorry sir. Regardless we found a place to hold up for a bit.” Second grimaced as he fought off his habit and returned to the herd.

“All troops move out!” Hurricane commanded before Platinum also issued something.

“All unicorns make sure to hide our hoofprints! Use your magic to churn the snow while we march out leave no evidence where we went!” Platinum ordered receiving a nod from Hurricane who quickly led the rest towards the ridge.

“Seems like we have a plan then. X when your wound heals we'll be discussing what we have planned. Now that we've seen your capabilities we need to figure out how much force will be required for this next part.” Puddinghead commented as she trotted alongside me. Concerto had hopped on my back as I marched alongside the troops making certain no one got tripped up by the snow.

It was touch and go during the trek though not because we were moving slow. Quite a few of the soldiers were now giving me a wide berth and there wasn't any sneering or jeers from anyone. They had seen me do something crazy that shouldn't be possible and I saw how much fear they all had about me.

It wasn't how I wanted things to go but as soon as I got stabbed in the stomach, where a stomach would be, I immediately decided that I needed more firepower. My own thoughts decided that I needed not to hold back. It was also the first time that I had taken the life of anything… that was hard to actually do.

Surprisingly it was the human side of my mind that rationalized it as being a merciful choice. They couldn't be saved in any capacity and they were constantly being fed on. They were less than cattle at that point slowly being slaughtered while still alive. The robotic side had tried to weigh the pros and cons and nearly led to being overwhelmed by ethical restraints. I did know that reploid a could make a choice on what they would do. I made my choice and while I knew the cyber elves agreed with my choice and stood behind me on it… I was still the one who pulled the trigger.

It was merciful and that's all I needed to know. There was nothing I could change about it and hopefully they could finally rest after all that. Concerto was now staring at me.

“Yes Concerto. I can see you.” I peered to my right where she was holding on to my shoulder.

“Even if they're scared… you're still my hero.” She softly stated.

“Right… that actually does feel better.” I answered and with a renewed sense of purpose took another look amongst the troops.

There was still fear but amongst a lot of them I could also see hope. Most likely the hope they could go back to their families. The hope they would live to see another day. Very few ever looked away from my gaze and even fewer nodded back to me acknowledging that I was there.

It was a start at least.

“What do you mean that he doesn't want to see me!?” Flint yelled out as he stood before Diode.

“He's busy prepping himself to get a new golem out. After he heard that Geode lost all his from one of his informants he started to get ready some new troops.” Diode calmly explained as he stood at the door to the workstations.

“Who gives a flying horseapple about that! We need to talk to him.” Flint growled out trying his best to appear intimidating.

“I'm sure you do. But your failures at keeping our hold on Equestria have made him dislike the idea of meeting with you right now. You not only lost your superior but also almost every single pony that was under your command. Only nine of them remain.” Diode sneered out causing Flint to back up.

“I didn't lose them. Geode was in command and the blame lies primarily on him.” Flint blustered out never backing down from his opinion on the matter. The same couldn't be said about his legs.

“Fair enough. Doesn't mean that he wants to speak with you right now.” Diode replied returning back to his fake smile.

“But… I.” Flint started before Diode’s hoof pressed against his muzzle.

“Unless you have anything to actually report you have no good reason to meet with him.” Diode plainly stated cutting off any scathing remark or biting retort.

“I have an idea of what took out our troops and Geode.” Flint stated as soon as the hoof was retracted.

“Do you…? Why wasn't it in the reports?” Diode rounded on Flint.

“Because I knew you'd try this sort of bullshit when I came back. Now let me meet with Corundum.” Flint glared at his compatriot. Neither wanted to back down first but unfortunately Diode relented.

“Wait here.” Diode answered before opening the door behind him.

Flint waited as there was yelling before something was thrown against the wall shattering. It was a stupid gambit but Flint needed to figure out where Corundum hid what he wanted.

“Come in.” A voice called from inside the room. It certainly wasn't Diode. Flint cautiously entered the room making certain to step over the shattered remains of a vase.

The workstation had multiple tables all occupied by unmoving figures covered by white sheets. Several twitched as he passed by and the scent of death permeated the entire room. By the time he reached where Corundum was he noted that his hooves were covered in red…

“What is it Flint? Have I not given you everything you needed to do these simple tasks for me? I gave Geode everything he asked for and more so long as he kept moving my conquest into the future. Now reports come in that almost all my troops were captured and every stronghold we built to keep our foothold in Equestrian territory were demolished within the span of a single day. It's baffling that's what it is.” The voice asked as he stepped out from behind the curtain.

An earth pony with a rust brown coat and burnt orange mane stepped out. He was actually pretty young looking almost to the point of barely even being able to be called a stallion. Around his neck was a necklace of chopped off unicorn horns all affixed with different gemstones. His mark was of a tetrahedral piece of corundum with sharpened screw like points jutting out of the faces of the tetrahedron. The horns were glowing as several scalpels and cutting implements floated about him.

“So tell me Flint… what's so important that you're bothering me during this important time?” Corundum muttered clearly annoyed at the situation.

“The golem we told you about through the reports… the one Geode assured you would be simple to deal with. It was the reason that we lost all those soldiers.” Flint started only to be stopped.

“I thought you said it was worthless. In all the reports I was given it was labeled as a non threat!” Corundum shouted as he stomped through the puddles that were left on the floor splashing Flint with said blood.

“He wanted to save face. He decided that he needed to capture it for you. That's not the point though. The point is that he was capable of reasoning and learning. A golem that identified as both a gender and identity.” Flint answered making certain to keep Corundum in his sight at all times.

“R-reasoning… it could reason. Learn. Think. Identify. Are you certain?” Corundum dropped his entire act of anger at the mention of a sapient golem.

“Yes. He was capable of it.” Flint answered making certain to step away from Corundum.

“Really…? Interesting.” Corundum allowed all the horns around his neck to place the surgical tools down before trotting around muttering to himself.

Flint took the opportunity to look around while Diode was busy trying to get Corundum to focus. Off in the distance was a makeshift cell crafted out of the remnants of the golems that had failed. Inside were several ponies who merely looked around not even noticing that there were ponies in the room. He quietly scanned the cell seeing several mares, a few stallions and some foals. There was one that caught his eye… a small filly with an ivory coat and dirty blonde mane.

“Diamond Shard…” Flint muttered under his breath.

“Okay, okay. I’m better now. Flint thanks for telling me the truth. I’m glad Geode was taken care of. Now General Flint… what do you need for the battle against this… supposed golem.” Corundum chuckled as he held Flint’s face in his two bloody hooves. The creepy smile on his face was nearly lit up almost sparkling because of how happy he was.

Flint gulped slightly before he did anything. “Right. A few more golems to deal with him and maybe a filly slave to act as my servant.” Flint grinned forcing himself to act happy about what he wanted.

“Fine, fine. Just pick one of those ponies in the cell. Most of them are broken anyways. Their crystal resonators are inactive so they should last a while longer.” Corundum grinned as he let Flint go. Had he held a few moments longer he would have felt him tense up and struggle not to act.

“I think you should wait to reward him until he deals with the problem at hand.” Diode brought up his same smile plastered on his face, fake and sadistic as always.

“Really? I don’t really care about those ponies in there though. Most of them are failures anyways. Just let him pick one and keep that pony somewhere else so I don’t confuse them for the test subjects.” Corundum dismissed waving his hoof off as he walked off. On the back of his neck was a red crystal embedded in it that Flint noticed.

“Tch… just pick one of them Flint and we’ll keep them elsewhere.” Diode growled out allowing Flint to choose.

Flint hesitated for a moment… making certain to take his time as he looked over all the ponies inside. None of them were responsive showcasing something he truly feared. Then he chose the filly Diamond Shard. Before he could enjoy his choice a golem grabbed the filly out of his hooves.

“We’ll keep her safe until you capture that rogue golem. If you don’t… well I don’t need to tell you the price for failure.” Diode snickered as the golem carried Diamond Shard out of the room.

“Yeah… understood.” Flint grimaced as he walked out of the room.

“Sir!” A soldier ran down the hall towards Flint.

“What is it?” Flint growled out clearly in a foul mood.

“There’s been a large explosion out in the wastes. We haven’t found any sign of what caused it but several crystal ponies have been rioting.” The soldier replied giving a faint salute. On closer inspection it was clear that the soldier had several welts and bruises that covered his face and a few scorch marks on his armor.

“Why didn’t you use the golems?” Flint retorted stating the obvious.

“They took care of the rioting, sir but the remnants of the explosion are still visible and a pyre has been burning out there. Nopony knows what caused it.” The soldier grimaced clearly out of his depth.

Flint thought deeply about it… the explosion from nowhere in the middle of a frozen wasteland. It couldn’t be a coincidence but it should have been impossible. X was dead… right? The more he thought about it the less confident of that thought he was. That dread… turned to opportunity as he realized that he now had a chance. For his sister’s sake… he would do so.

Discord looked around his surroundings deep within the Sea of Clouds past the desert. He needed that item. There were several spikes of chaos coming from outside the Crystal Empire but he didn’t have the time to deal with it. He needed the object now, now that his chaos magic had been expanded.

He flipped the clouds up like a blanket and looked around for his item. In the center of the mountain range that was hidden by the clouds was a large fissure shaped like the most beautiful creature ever… him. Reaching into said fissure he fished out a large collection of seeds.

“Ah Plunderseeds, did you miss me?” Discord smiled as he kissed the bag giving it more than a little sugar. “Quite fresh aren’t we. Well it won’t go down like that, I’m not that kind of draconequus.”

There was no response and Discord pocketed the seeds. He reached in again pulling out a large sphere the size of his paw. In it he began pouring some remnants of chaos magic. Then it filled instantly as a bright light shined off in the distance far to the north. Something happened. Somethin chaotically delicious was going on somewhere.

Order based magic had been used… it had been used haphazardly but it did the trick. In that instance he felt more of his powers return as he spread a healthy coat of chaos over the clouds turning them pink.

“Oh X… I knew you cared.” Discord sneered before breaking into a giggling fit as his chaos spread over the clouds changing them to whatever whim he was thinking of at the time.

Author's Note

I wonder how many of you will sympathize with Flint Shard right now.

XVII. Reassess (unedited)

Author's Note

We're coming to the end... I might have to add a dark tag to this story at this rate...

Thus begins the beginning of the end of the Crystal Empire Arc.

XVII. Reassess (unedited)

“That was the fifth aerial scout in the last two hours. Perhaps that explosion was too much but against a windigo I couldn't see anything else working out well enough.” Hurricane both chided and praised the event that had occurred.

I couldn't exactly blame him. I had to carve out more out of our hiding spot since I misjudged how much room we actually had. The multitude of troops had made this a bit dangerous since everyone was crammed in akin to sardines. I also noted that there were very few mares in the soldiers. I knew sometimes that males were a bit more expendable… something I didn't like at all.

“I'm just glad there was enough room to gather. The sun is still another hour away and I'd rather not keep walking around with a hole in my gut.” I joked as I managed to actually place a hand through said hole and wave at the ponies behind me.

There were a few chuckles but the macabre wasn't too heavily appreciated. I was certain a few ponies were just freaked out though in a more subdued manner. Concerto giggled like a filly which made a few more soldiers join in if for nothing more than to not offend royalty. It was a tough crowd to say the least.

“I think that was a miss.” Platinum deadpanned groaning when I waved at her too. It was true but there was little levity with the odds against us.

“Let's just go over the plan for now. We need to make certain we got everything set up right.” Puddinghead pushed my hand out of the hole bringing me over to the small huddle where Hurricane headed.

“Ok listen up troops. We have one shot at this and I'd like to make certain we come back home to our families. The moment night falls three teams will be issued out to strike at the opposition. Second Stand will control Team Featherstrike and take the farther route attacking from the west. Granite Striker you’ll control Team Power Stone and head in from the east. I'll be taking control of Team Ivory Barb and strike from the south.” Hurricane commanded determining the best course of action.

“What about X?” Concerto brought up.

“I told him that this will be won by ponies. Whatever X does he does so of his own volition. Also he is injured and a liability right now.” Hurricane answered evenly. I could have sworn there was worry in his voice.

“I'll be enacting my own plan before yours. Don't worry about it.” I glibly replied. I would be striking first taking out as much as I could before they could attack. I just needed to repair with the rising of the sun.

“Your plan? What plan could you possibly think of doing?” A random voice called out from somewhere in the crowd.

“Distraction and probably taking out all the golems I see.” I simply stated as I took a step out into the tundra. I was lucky that the sun was still climbing over the horizon. The cloud covering made it difficult to see the sky. There would have been a chance that the sun wouldn't have been able to pierce through.

“Makes sense to me!” Another voice called out clearly happy about not fighting golems.

“What about me?” Concerto whispered in my ear or the closest place it was located at. Audio receptors I guessed the term was.

“Staying with Platinum. She might be able to get your horn back up to top form. She would need time to handle it.” I informed my diminutive backpack and looked her in the eyes since I needed to make sure she understood why she needed to stay behind.

“But I could help…” Concerto groused… though it slowly broke off as she tried to look at the cracks still in her horn.

It had healed a bit over the trip and managed to not be as blatant. It didn't change the fact though that she couldn't cast anything grander than levitation spells.

“Get better then you can help me better.” I answered immediately stopping her from going into anymore self deprecating acts. I knew she could help… but where I was going would be mostly crystallized enemies to fight.

“Okay…” Concerto poured as she hopped off my back and walked over to Platinum.

“Master X, we are still reporting several fliers in the area. Your regeneration is proceeding smoothly enough and internal batteries have been restored to tolerable levels.” Harpuia explained. Nana and Fefnir were busy looking over the data of the golems I had faced. Fefnir had plenty of data detailing battle strategies to fight against any enemy.

‘What's tolerable?’ I asked internally since I didn't always keep track of the number… especially in dire situations. Logic would stop me from pushing myself.

“Seventy percent filled capacity and rising. We are hoping it will reach full capacity before we head out to assault the city. Nana has been pushing for more caution. While we might not run into the golems that resembled our own models we created for Neo Arcadia, it seems prudent not to falter now. Thanks to us awakening we have extended your sensor range and we can safely say that Discord still hasn't been sighted.” Harpuia proudly stated.

There were several gasps and sounds of awe coming from behind me. Apparently watching my body repair itself in the sunlight was a bit too… ethereal for them to comprehend. When I looked into my body I noticed several of the wires and sections that had been pierced through were slowly connecting once again. The wires once frayed were weaved back into place. The metal plates had taken on a small glow as the metal heated back into shape. The only reason I noticed the heat was because internal temperatures spiked… if only for less than a millisecond. The self repair systems seemed to do all the internal review faster than could be processed by an organic mind… though for a section be I also noted that the thaumic sensor had also spiked for a moment.

The gouges and burn marks were now non existent and the armor where I had been stabbed was closed, buffed and even polished back to a pristine shine.

“Internal reserves are now at one hundred percent sir. We are ready for mission debriefing and infiltration of the Crystal Empire.” Nana mentally saluted which equated to sending a small spark above my brow.

“Maybe I should rethink my plans now…” Hurricane muttered behind me as he examined where my wound was.

“Don't. You have a good plan. I'm just gonna raise survival rates up by destroying all the golems I see.” I answered back looking down towards his eyes.

“You can't get all of them before night falls.” Hurricane chided, his wings seeming to flip in tiny circles which the Suffering Circuit identified as agitation.

“I know… that's why I'm hoping you could handle any golems that manage to escape the hunt. You and your ponies can handle any golem, right?” I questioned him noticing his bristling as the thought of being underestimated. It actually tapered off from indignation to worry.

“They can handle a few but I'll have to reorganize the squads out. I don't have many unicorns with shattering spells. The only reason we're out here is because you managed to push their lines back.” Hurricane hissed out keeping his voice down so only Concerto and I could hear him. “As much bravado as I put on this plan I made it hinges on you taking out as many as possible. This was going to be a war of attrition which many of our more militant upcomers were trying to push for. I'm leading it because I'm the only one who knows how to keep the casualties to a minimum. When you decided to go off on your own those militant ponies were outraged that it wasn't by our own powers that the Crystal Empire would be saved. So here we are taking a risk because those damn nobles schmucks decided that they wanted that glory.” Hurricane growled out clearly lost to the turmoil of his duty to his ponies and keeping the act of war from killing everyone under his command.

“So don't miss any. If I do though… how many could you handle.” I cautioned… a sentiment that he and I knew would be more prudent to take because there were no absolutes in war. Him, better than me.

“Twenty… at most.” Hurricane looked away towards his ponies. Most were getting ready… a few were trotting in place trying not to think. There was the odd one that was fighting back fear and tears but would be comforted by another.

“Okay… I'll get as many as I can.” I answered and switched to green. It was time to use Chameleon Sting’s specialty to get into the Empire.

“Green? Why’s he green?” The mutterings of the peanut gallery continued as I charged up my buster. I didn't have a lot of time with this weapon in particular. Even with archive five now open to me I needed to save those weapons in case the fighting got overwhelming.

“Concerto… go with Princess Platinum, now.” I ordered which the little mare reluctantly did so.

“Master X, I've modified the light projection of the weapon. We'll appear invisible to the pony eye. It's a two minute dash towards the city… for you. For the ponies to get in position they'll need two hours and an extra hour for the eastern and western teams.” Fefnir explained as he seemed to have wires attached to his buster arm which seemed to be connected to my arm. Luckily, it was more in my mental space than elsewhere.

‘How is it two minutes for me to dash?’ I questioned when I prepared to get out.

“The pegasi patrols have been getting too close to finding us so we have elected to be bait and drag the opposition back to the Crystal Empire. The intangibility of Chameleon Sting is being augmented through Fenrir’s Cyber Elf abilities. It will make you invisible until we have reached a safe distance and by chance also underneath those patrols to lead them into an all out response. It’s best we deal with everything that dwells in that city.” Nana smirked as small holographic file played in my mind showcasing the plan.

‘Understood.’ I bluntly stated realizing that I was about to do something stupid. They, the leaders, were all looking at me like I was crazy. It could have been worry since every time I started to glow I would fire giants heated balls of concentrated plasma made from the energy of the sun.

“Well… I'll be off.” I chuckled as I fired Chameleon Sting instantly escaping from their sight. The only noticeable thing about my departure was the skidding of ice being kicked up by my dash. That eventually faded into nothingness as my trail joined the rest of the windswept tundras leaving everyone a bit more terrified now.

“Permission to speak, sir?” Second Stand immediately brought up. Hurricane thought about it for a moment, really chewed over his thoughts.

“No. Get the troops ready for tonight. We will take advantage of his blitz and capture the Crystal Empire by tomorrow morning.” Hurricane commanded.

“Yes sir.” Stand muttered as he began gathering his troops and Platinum spread out those unicorns with shattering spells.

I was nervous. I knew I could handle a lot and I even managed to walk off a hole being torn into my gut. I was lucky that I turned off pain receptors as soon as I got into combat. It was the only reason I didn't go into shock since the disconnect would have been traumatizing enough to kill me. The human part of my mind was still trying to rationalize what happened. It did finally accept that I was different now… stronger, faster, even jump-ier than I once was.

It still left me contemplating a lot of the time. Regardless of how much I did the thoughts of what happened back home were swirling thoroughly through my mind on a constant loop of uncertainty and sheer mental instability.

The questions always ranged from how I managed to be put into this world to how powerful was I able to get. I even meandered over the thought of modifying my body if only to actually have an identifiable way to tell I was male. There was even the possibility that I did actually have something beneath my armor… but there were no actual records of how Dr. Light actually built X. I wasn't a Carbon like the people in the Legends series of games who were actually very human like robots and not actual human beings since they all died out with the last true human living on the moon.

A spear flew near my foot as I kept dashing through the snow. Several pegasi guards were now circling me firing both spears and the odd arrow here and there as me. The moment a few hit me they shattered on impact as I raced right for the city. I would have to rationalize later since now that they could see me there was no time to waste.

I came upon the first landmark on my city tour of two large crystal pillars that held a small guard station which was already scrambling to get ready. I switched to Electric Spark charging up and releasing the field around me stopping any pony guards in their tracks. It didn't take me long to make it into the city proper.

Lining the crystalline streets were several golems watching vigil, all the same model I first fought. The egg shaped golems all activated as I charged up my buster. Without Discord powering them I began my extermination mission.

The first couple came without fanfare as they immediately wielded their crystal claws attempting to swat at me. They stumbled into each other striking each other as I jumped on top of the pile of golems and fired down. I had to limit my buster partially since the first shot I fired didn't dissipate for almost one hundred meters.

Apparently my buster had a range setting as well allowing the plasma within to shape to a certain volume. It allowed the shots to reach near sniper rifle capacity. I wondered how that was actually accomplished though it wasn't the best time to ask questions.

I left the pile of slagged golems behind as I charged through the next set. While the golems were poorly programmed to only charge mindlessly into battle I was still being scratched at by the odd golem out. It wasn't enough to tax my repair systems.

When I had reached the city I noted a large hole in the clouds letting the sun shine through. That made things far easier as I kept firing odd shots out towards the city from time to time. The Crystal Guard had mobilized at this point keeping out of range as I blasted golems down.

“Stop that golem!” A random pegasus voice called out as more golems started to pour out on the streets.

I switched over to Boomerang Cutter firing off a few ceratanium blades towards the golems. Luckily, I aimed low swiping off several of the legs from each golem. As the blades returned to me I grabbed the last one out of mid air and began using it like a knuckle duster, holding the rounded part in my left hand.

Switching back to my regular buster, I alternated using the blade to slice through any golem that got too close and my buster to disable any pony that had taken up an archer nest. While the arrows didn’t really do much to me I didn’t need to telegraph that to my opponents so easily. The golem bodies that had piled up made perfect cover as I kept working my way down the main stretch of the city.

Even then it was slow progress. The first golems while not weak still fell pretty easily to the ceratanium blade of the Boomerang Cutter. At this point I had used the vast array of the first games arsenal to great effect and I still hadn’t utilized the fifth except for Ground Fire. There seemed to be no end to the horde of golems that continuously poured out of the castle in the center of the city. At the very end of the first street over eighty golems had been shattered and melted to slag by my buster alone.

Those that had been sliced apart by the Boomerang Cutter had kept fighting through their injuries. They joined the piles of slag as the others while the ponies who were part of the Crystal Guard used them as cover for their assault against me. My buster had actually started to release heated air from just how much I had used it.

“Get the Assassin Unit out here now!” Another voice called out as the rest of the regular golems kept racing to their destruction.

“General Diode, a golem has started attacking our forces wiping out most of our shock troop golems in less than an hour. Our pony troops are starting to falter unable to harm it.” A guard shouted out in front of the General.

“What!? Why haven’t you initialized the honor guard golems yet! What are you even doing here!? Get to it and get Flint on the job now!” Diode screamed as he smacked the pony guard out of the room fuming to himself.

As soon as the guard rushed out of the room Diode immediately went back into the testing room. Corundum was busy testing a new pony… the sudden blood curdling scream was slowly stopped as the blade drew down the sternum.

“Now, now my dear pony. Calm down and I will make you better.” Corundum slowly drew his hoof down the pony’s cheek as the tears flowed around the blood covered hoof.

“Sir.” Diode interrupted.

“Not now… I’m making perfection right now.” Corundum cut him off as he immediately shoved a large blood red gem into the now cut open pony.

Within seconds the pony was writhing in pain as the gem fractured open and started to send small pulses of magic into the pony on the table. The shards of the fractured gem wriggled through the body growing at certain sections. The silent screams while the gems lodged in his throat finally worked through tearing into the flesh inch by inch.

“Okay… there we go. A new golem is made.” Corundum giggled as he released the pony from the straps.

The stallion stood back up from the table now covered in crystal plates as a new assassin golem stood before the two. Corundum happily danced in place as he smiled over his newest creation. The primed crystal resonator had done its job perfectly.

“Isn’t it lovely, Diode? This… this is perfection in all its glory. My father never knew just how great this form truly is and because of that… he’s gone. If I had been told that all I needed to make my vision come true was killing the one thing standing in my I would have called that pony crazy. Now look at this. I’m finally living my dream and in the seat of power of one of the most powerful places in Equus. Nothing, and I mean, nothing could go wrong at this point. I’m truly happy that this is how my life is going.” Corundum smiled as he ran a hoof down the now transformed stallion. “Now what did you need to say?”

“A golem has been destroying everything you created. From the reports it is the same one that Flint ran into. It has decimated from our reports one hundred of our regular shock trooper golems. The Assassin golems have been mobilized but the soldiers aren’t expecting much from them at all.” Diode stated… keeping his eyes downward and away from Corundum’s eyes.

“You know… as soon as I said my words I could feel that something was bound to go wrong. Have Flint get on it. You! Golem, get out there and strike down that blasted golem that dares to malfunction.” Corundum patted the newly minted golem on the back sending it on its way.

“You’re… certainly calm about this sir.” Diode cautiously stated making certain that he wasn’t standing anywhere near Corundum’s bloody hooves.

“I always had a feeling that somepony would figure out how to make another golem. But one this powerful? It’s… intriguing is what it is. Think Diode… I finally have reason to start my plan and maybe even figure out true perfection. A golem this powerful. It’s more than just coincidence.” Corundum giggled once again as he did when he had finished his project.

“More than coincidence, sir?” Diode mumbled uncertain of the direction that his… ruler was going.

In the time that Diode had known Corundum, he had come to understand him as a madpony. Joining him was the most sensible idea at the time because it meant that he was alive. The moment that he appeared with several golems in tow made it clear that following the crazy was the only survivable option. He had seen what happened to those who didn’t follow.

“It’s destiny. A true golem messiah for me to control. I just need to get ready for anything. Tell me Diode… has Crystal Shears been delivered…?” Corundum smiled as he trotted for the next door.

“Yes sir. In the last few hours. She’s waiting for you in your… special room.” Diode cringed.

“Excellent. Make certain that this… what did Flint call him? X, right?” Corundum asked before getting a nod from Diode. “Right. Make certain that this X doesn’t reach the castle for the next couple of hours. By any means possible. In fact, use Experiment G4N7H3R on that golem.”

“Yes King Corundum.” Diode bowed before being relieved from the room.

With Diode away, Corundum entered the stairwell hidden in his experiment room and trotted down towards his next project.

“Help! Help me! Sweet Faust help me!” Crystal Shears bellowed as she struggles against the chains that held her against the table as she heard the echoing steps of Corundum slowly traipsing down the stairs.

“Don't worry my dear. Your savior is coming. I shall make you perfect.” Corundum sneered as Shears began screaming louder and louder.

My progress had been slowly stopped as the assassin golems finally rolled in. In truth they were fast enough to keep up with my dash that I had to switch over to Homing Torpedo just to keep track of them.

The tiny explosives barely phased the golems unless I used anywhere from three to four torpedoes. It didn't help that I was sometimes blocked from using the Boomerang Cutter still in my free hand by their crystal claws. What had looked to be a quick mission soon turned into a long grind. Even charging my buster up to the pink level only managed to cut through three golems before the plasma dissipated into regular heat.

It got to the point where I was forced to climb the buildings dodging the pegasi that were throwing spears or firing arrows at my feet in hopes of tripping me up. While the assassin golems had managed to scratch my armor I didn't know if they could pierce it as well. It was something I didn't really want to test out even if I knew at this point that I would survive a hole in my body. I preferred not to resemble swiss cheese anymore.

As I made it to the roof I noticed how many things were after me. The only ponies after me were pegasi since the streets were overwhelmed by golems racing towards my position. The golems had begun scaling the walls of nearby buildings in hot pursuit.

The first few were easy enough to deal with. I had charged Electric Spark several times using the field to knock them off the roof and into the ones still climbing after me. My charged shots took around eight seconds whenever a special weapon was used. The Electric Spark could only go for so long. At only fourteen shots I was pushing how close they would get. At most I could only get twenty of them on the roof before I fired off a shot and the roof itself blocked the wave from striking the ones still climbing up.

My buster clicked as it ran out of weapon energy. I switched to Chameleon Sting charging it up and firing. Since Fefnir had stopped being attached to my buster it only made me intangible for those few seconds as I rushed over other rooftops towards the large crystal citadel in the center of town.

As my feet touched the next roof an explosion rocked the building sending it straight up smashing things into debris as I was forced to the streets once again, my intangibility running its course.

Switching back to my buster I scanned the area for the mad bomber. I hoped no one was inside the building… and from the lack of corpses falling from the sky my hopes had probably been answered. The assassin golems that were still following after me had taken a more defensive approach. It was strange enough that they were acting more cautiously.

“So we meet again… you pile of scrap… no, X. It's time you stop trying to play hero. There are no heroes in this world. All there is is power. The power to change the world.” Flint bellowed as he jumped from the top of another building… only he was different.

All around him was a large shell of a pony made entirely out of crystal. It seemed to have both unicorn and pegasus parts with static crystal wings and a crystal horn atop the forehead. Flint was within the chest area in what appeared to be a cockpit. He didn’t appear to be in the best of shape considering the dark circles under his eyes and the small amount of blood seeping from his lips.

“What happened to you…?” I grimaced as I took in the extent of his injuries. They were bad… but not as bad as they could have been. Most of the damage looked superficial.

“It’s the price I paid for not taking you alive back then. A mistake I plan to rectify… I have to.” Flint muttered under his breath as his hooves seemed to grip the controls tighter making the entire golem shell tense up.

“You could walk away… I’ve only destroyed the golems in my way and none of the ponies were harmed. I am willing to forgive you for when you ordered those bombs to be set. What you do now… well I can’t be held responsible for what will happen to you should we do this.” I answered back raising my voice enough to make it reach him.

“I… I can’t do that. X, I... I will be the pony to defeat you. There is no other way!” Flint yelled as the pony golem immediately took its stance.

XVIII. Response (unedited)

Author's Note

There we go. Battle time XD

On another note how did people take the Flint versus X fight? I was in a rush earlier that I didn't have the time to do more than add the fight song and post the chapter. Work was calling and I didn't need to be late... again lol.

XVIII. Response (unedited)

I immediately jumped to the closest building as I climbed up dodging several crystal shards being fired from the horn of the alicorn crystal armor golem. Flint kept pressing different switches that seemed to be on the console inside the armor.

That seemed like a mouth full and honestly was. Flint’s constant barking of how I would fall didn't help our fight either. As I climbed the building I was forced to deal with the assassin golems as well. While they weren't attacking in full force, for some reason, they did keep me from leaving too far away from Flint.

That filled me with some hope since it meant that he couldn't move the entire armor too much. Most likely the wings were just a decoration to appear more majestic for the populace. Ignoring my thought before they went too far I grabbed the first golem that tried to swing at me and shoved it into the path of the crystal shards being fired at me shredding it to pieces.

Leveling my buster I fired a fully charged shot at one of the golem’s legs. As the pink stream of energy flew straight and true, the alicorn golem lowered its horn down. The energy from the shot slowly absorbed into it though not quickly enough to stop the shot. The leg was awash in plasma but quickly dissipated into gas. The crystal remained intact though superheated.

“You see X! We have ways to stop you! I will stop you! Surrender and I'll make your death painless!” Flint screamed out clearly thinking highly of his chances while I remained stoic enough.

Secretly I was a bit panicked at that moment. They had a way to absorb energy from my shots and while not perfect would mean I would have to rely on my special weapons. I didn't have unlimited ammo just yet. Until I found the Force Armor I didn't have access to unlimited ammo for my special weapons. Though that just meant for uncharged shots…

I jumped from the roof of the building as the alicorn armor charged up its horn releasing a large arcane beam of magic along the ground to my position tracking me. I dashed through several more golems who had tried to keep me close by only to be melted into puddles by the magical beam. The scratches they inflicted on me were a small price to pay for not being melted.

“Come now X! Be reasonable! You were always going to die! Just let it happen already to get a head start on your funeral march!” Flint screamed at the top of his lungs as the beam finally fizzled out. “Tch…”

I deigned not to respond and remained dashing around the arena. The intersection had several piles of broken golems littering the area which at the very least gave me cover as he kept firing shards of crystals out at me. I was relieved that he didn't have too many attacks. So long as I didn't fire my buster he couldn't absorb the energy into the golem’s horn to fire that arcane beam of melting death. The shards were easy enough to dodge and required him to be facing me.

Then the wings opened and out came several crystal shaped quills which immediately started to home in on me. How they did so was beyond my understanding as I shot them down with my buster.

“So you do have magic! I knew you were nothing but a lousy golem who got to big for their circuits! I'll end this!” Flint cried out as he sent another barrage of Feather Crystals out at me.

That actually surprised me. To have magic within me was something I didn't even think possible.

“No time for ponder, sir! Keep moving!” Nana cried out as I rushed through another horde of golems allowing the feathers to skewer them to the ground.

I had forgone my previous thoughts using the extra golems as crystal shields. The fact that the feathers nearly pass right through them didn't deter me from taking advantage of their bodies. Range was looking like a worse idea by the second. Rushing forward I fired another fully charged shot and dashed forward through the path of destruction it tended.

The Alicorn Golem Armor lowered its horn allowing the charged shot into it. I had reached that same point ducking underneath the undercarriage of the golem. The flapping wings were still releasing the homing flechettes though they couldn't fully reach me without skidding against the ground due to the curvature of their arc.

“Get out from under there you coward! Fight like a pony!” Flint screamed and for some reason I could almost picture the throbbing vein on his forehead from how frustrating I was being.

“No thanks! You come down here instead!” I placed my buster against one of the back legs shooting a full charge into it. The crystal melted from the close range shot as the welt grew enough for me to tear a hole through it. Taking a large swing I swung my fist through the still heated crystal knocking it apart allowing the leg to fall off.

“What the Tartarus!” Flint yelled out as he forced the golem forward keeping it balanced as he turned the golem around to face me.

“Okay… that plan didn’t turn out as well as I thought…” I muttered to myself as the horn began glowing once again.

“Just die!” Flint screamed as the frustration began climbing into his voice. With my eyes… I could almost see tears within them, I think…

I dashed forward climbing up one of the taller apartments as the arcane beam began to follow. Flint kept jabbing at buttons making certain to keep the pressure on though the constant push of the beam was twisted off by the broken back leg. I jumped off rolling through the constant string of assassin golems allowing them to melt behind me.

At the very least the constant lessening of golems would make the pony assault more viable, not that Flint knew any better. I dashed underneath the beam allowing it to barely glance my helmet melting one of the golden spikes that made up it. As it started to flow downward the beam fizzled out before it could go any further.

‘Crap… crap… crap… ‘ I quickly rolled back underneath the undercarriage and placed my fully charged buster against the front left leg. The shot immediately melted another hole in it and my pulled back fist shattered through the remaining pieces holding it together.

“Argh! Stop this damn it all!” Flint yelled as the other two legs immediately popped off and the entire crystal body started to glow and hover in the air.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” I mumbled as I dashed off from the sudden hovering alicorn golem armor. It was bad enough that it managed to keep standing around firing arcane beams of magical death but now it started to fly. I didn’t really care how it could fly I just cared about what else I could actually hit to stop it.

“I told you X! I will end you NOW!” Flint screamed as he pushed several more buttons in a row and made the armor glow.

I quickly picked up one of the downed golems that was still relatively intact as the armor pulsed and released a shockwave that shattered the golem I had used as a shield. Cringing, I took to the rooftops once again as the alicorn armor fired off more feather flechettes.which started to follow after me.with its little homing schtick. I forced myself to circle around several of the rooftops tossing whatever assassin golems that got in my way into the path of the feathers shredding them to bits.

Switching over to Homing Torpedo I charged up waiting for the constant feather storm to slow down. As soon as it did so I jumped off the building directly for Flint and released a barrage of torpedo fishes directly as the wings of the armor knocking the left wing on. It was… unfortunate that the wings merely acted as both decoration and how the flechettes were fired but I’d rather not deal with homing fire.

“Faust damn it!” Flint cried out as he feverishly pressed another combination of buttons making the alicorn armor glow once more.

Without anything to hide behind the shockwave activated sending me flying across the promenade skidding through the ground leaving a large furrow through it. I forced myself back up as the golem armor seemed to shimmer less and less. The magic supporting it must have been limited since I was destroying parts of it.

“Flint! Give up! It’s over! Tell me where Corundum is and we could both walk away from this!” I called out while calmly stepping forward. The horn was fizzling on the armor since I hadn’t used any charged buster shots and the wings were coming up short. It was over for the most part but… he kept pressing buttons trying to make things work.

It was at this point, through all the haze of burning streets and shattered crystals, I could see him face to face. Tears fully streaming down his cheeks as he desperately tried to force the armor forward. His mouth was moving but no sound was coming out. Flint slammed his head against the dashboard frustration bleeding off his face.

“I can’t… I can’t lose. I must not lose! She’s counting on me!” Flint screamed out as he suddenly pressed another incomprehensible selection of button combinations and lever positions.

The Alicorn Armor came apart slowly surrounding what was left of flint… resembling actual armor and forcing him into a bipedal stance. Instead of driving what amounted to a megazord from power rangers… he was now wearing it like gundam armor. There were three prongs on each of the fore hooves clearly resembling pincers while the feet were split into four prongs. The horn was attached to his forehead and the last wing on his back. Whatever this form was made it very difficult to take seriously since Flint looked extremely uncomfortable in this position.

“Flint… I’d suggest stopping… now.” I stated as I stepped closer to him. I was still out of range though ready to dash in.

“No… no I won’t. I will win… I have to.” He mumbled out clearly dreading what was to come. I could see it on his face. He didn’t want to do this.

“Are you sure about this? I… I don’t want to do this. It’s not exactly something I want to happen. You need help don’t you?” I mentioned aloud looking away from him for only a moment. Nana was keeping track of him on the motion sensor ready to warn me.

“I… I need to win. A soulless golem wouldn’t understand. Just… just die already. Please…” Flint desperately pleaded as he charged in with raised pincer.

I quickly put up my guard bringing him in and striking back with my own fist. He lurched his shoulder forward using the crystal shoulder pad to block the strike. I forced him back with a front kick knocking him forward. His wing immediately shot up releasing more feather flechettes once again. I charged forward into him tackling him to the ground though it didn’t stop the crystal feathers from trying to home in on me.

I grabbed him while he managed to punch me back I kept my grip on his right shoulder pad. Pulling him back into me I tossed him into the flechettes. Luckily they struck the wing slicing through it and keeping him from firing any other projectiles at me. I didn’t bring out my buster since the horn was annoyingly able to absorb the energy from my shots leaving me to fall back on whatever boxing skills I had.

Flint was not a boxer. He didn't fight with his front hooves. The unnatural way that the armor had bent his arms made it clear that this was a range of movements he wasn't made for. Every time he tried to strike me he'd grit his teeth in ardent pain but push through it all the while.

I was untrained but knowledgeable enough to cross counter him, cracking his armor in any possible way I could. Finally enough was enough. As he charged at me I stopped him with a jab to his gut pushing my fist through the crystal that had been placed their until it shattered and I connected with his flesh.

Flint was instantly winded but he couldn't pull himself away. I reached up with my free hand and grabbed the horn on his helmet. With a simple snap I looped off the horn cleanly and tossed it to the side.

With the magic of the armor finally taken care of the crystal pieces slowly fell off his body leaving a very terrified pony before me. I grabbed on to him keeping him level with my eyes. He started trying to slam his fore hooves into my face. Every swing merely left them covered in his own blood. The few drops that fell on my face merely dripped down. It was… unsettling how hard he was trying… but I had a job to do.

“Why!?” Flint slammed his bare hoof against my temple. “Won't!” He tried for my chin in a nasty uppercut only for the skin on the hoof to split. “You!” He struck from above with what could be considered a hammer fist mangling his hoof further. “Fall!” He cried out as the flailing of his fore hooves finally stopped leaving two very bloody stumps hanging lifelessly at his side. His eyes had lost focus at this point.

“Its over Flint. Surrender. You can't do anything else to me and almost all the golems were destroyed during our fight.” I uttered clearly looking around at all the destruction we had wrought during our entire fight. The blood still coating my face hindered my sight… but only slightly. Everything was tinged red yet I could still see.

Flint let tears stream down his face clearly unable to react anymore. “Diamond… Shard… “ he muttered under his breath before falling unconscious.

I didn't know what to make about that at all except that it sounded like a pony name. Clicking my tongue I carried Flint with me to the closest house. It was empty apparently. Given how much damage the promenade suffered that wasn't that surprising.

I didn't have Concerto by my side so I made due and used whatever I found as bandages for Flint. I had questions and he would give me answers.

Hurricane was a patient stallion. He had become that over a lifetime of hard work and preparation that delved well into his military career. When he was chosen as the representative of the pegasi and its overall leader he remained a stoic figure through the hardship.

When windigos tried to overrun their homes and he was forced to order his ponies to retreat he held a baleful gaze on his enemies. Still he remained a stoic leader unphased by the sudden snowstorms of hatred blanketing them. He led them through it all the same.

When the golem Raven Scar went rogue he gained bit more pessimism due to the folly of fellow ponies. The thought of ascending to a new state of being too great a prize to pass. Corundum had seen that a scowl now masked what he once was.

As he looked out towards the city with his fellow leaders that stoic gaze was now challenged. An arcane beam that tore the very sky asunder soared across their views. Platinum nearly fainted from witnessing that sort of power. Puddinghead had her eyes widen and whitening from shock as she tried to keep herself together. Hurricane was another matter entirely.

Hurricane had completely lost composure. His mouth gaped open while his forehead had a throbbing vein pulsing from the very stress of the situation.

“I didn't sign up for this!” A random guard yelled out.

Then a part of the Crystal Empire exploded releasing a large cloud of smoke and ash into the air. Most of the guards were tense and ready… to rush all the way back to the Equestrian Principality. The only reason that they hadn't was that their illustrious leaders remained standing at the forefront facing the danger head on. Had they seen their faces it might have been another matter entirely.

“So… should we get ready then?” Concerto called out to the three. There was a moment of shock when they looked at her and she remained calm and composed.

“Aren't you surprised by this, at all!?” Platinum hissed out keeping her voice from getting any louder.

“I've seen X fight some being known as Discord… so this is par for the course so far.” Concerto admitted causing the three leaders to nearly seize up from the new information.

“Buck… Star Swirl was right. He is a Spirit of Order. Second Stand! Get your troops to the forward position now! Granite Striker! Yours are to do the same! We get in position by tonight ponies! Move out!” Hurricane barked getting everypony to form up and march out. The constant battle in the city had kept all the soldiers and golems tightly wound around it leaving them to ignore the ponies out in the tundras.

Second Stand led Team Featherstrike out to the western quadrant while Granite Striker led Team Power Stone to the eastern quadrant. Hurricane watched for a small while longer before assembling Team Ivory Barb into formation. Platinum and Concerto to one side and Puddinghead to the other of him let him lead the group into position.

“For the glory of Equestria…” Hurricane muttered as he gave the order and the group marched out.

“Star Swirl~ I don't want to look over more law books.” Celestia grumbled as she levitated the books away.

“You have to. Both you and Luna are going to eventually rule over our land. You have to be prepared.” Star Swirl growled back still frustrated by the sudden loss of so many armed ponies heading north to attack the Crystal Empire.

“Star Swirl… will the others be okay?” Luna chimed in placing her own books to the side.

“Of course. Like I told you I sent the golem X with them. He will make all the difference.” Star Swirl confidently stated with a smug grin.

“So you've told us but we have yet to figure if that is true.” Celestia countered. “We have not met this X you keep yammering about and I for one would like to know what he is capable of in case our ponies are in danger.”

“Sister, yon ideas of protection are going to thy head. If Star Swirl says that this X is a force for good then we shall take yon counsel as fact. Besides, it's unlikely that he shall return for many weeks. Such is the nature of war.” Luna sagely advised as she had read about the wars that were fought previously.

The three shared a laugh completely oblivious to the world around them. Then the door slammed open revealing one of Hurricane’s messenger pegasi, out of breath and completely terrified.

“Star Swirl… I've been looking for you… for forever.” The guard coughed out.

“What's wrong? I'm sure that nothing is that wrong.” Star Swirl lightly jabbed… only to realize what he said and quietly dope slapped himself. Celestia and Luna both kept quiet completely confused about the current undergoings in the world around them.

“Hurricane wanted me to report about what was going on. I’ve been flying for two hours at top speed just to get back her with the report in question.” The guard finally calmed his breathing down to tolerable levels. “As far as the siege goes the Crystal Empire should be captured by tomorrow night if all things go according to plan.”

“What!?” Luna and Celestia cried out completely flabbergasted by the sudden news.

“Tomorrow!?” Star Swirl exclaimed nearly getting his eyes popped out of his head from the jarring statement.

“What more is that the group was attacked by a Windigo during their march… only for it to be instantly destroyed by that golem, X. It made its own plan and charged into the city… from estimates made by our scouts over sixty percent of the golems within the city were destroyed before I came with this report. Ruby Geode, General of the Crystal Advance Guard was also captured two days ago and will be within custody as soon as he is transported from his captured point. He, right now, is suffering from several broken bones and barely held together shattered jaw. It looks unlikely that he’ll be able to walk anytime soon.” The guard finished the report with a salute.

Celestia and Luna held each other both in shock and a slight tinge of fear. Star Swirl, on the other hand, kept his cool relative enough to all the news he received. Inwardly, his stomach was in knots and he was pretty sure his heart was trying to pump itself out of his body. There were trails of sweat dripping down his neck as well which itched beyond all comprehension.

“T-thank you… for the report.” Star Swirl stammered out.

“Luna… I think my reason to be afraid is well founded now.” Celestia quickly quipped to Luna who bemusedly tried to argue the point.

“No it’s not. He’s clearly on ponies side so it should be fine… right? Star Swirl, am I right?” Luna hopefully looked on to her mentor who seemed to be having a conniption at this point.

“Star Swirl?” Celestia cautiously asked taking a few steps forward to check on him.

“See sister. When teacher has a conniption it means we have found the right wisdom to the problem at hoof.” Luna confidently stated puffing up her chest in pride.

“Is not.” Celestia argued.

“Is too.” Luna quipped.

“Is not.” Celestia retaliated.

The argument continued for a few hours in that manner while Star Swirl’s brain slowly pieced itself back together. He needed to figure out how to spin this for Clover, Pansy, and Cookie before they also had a conniption over where their leaders were at at the moment. Then he had to inform the other pillars as well… which meant telling them how X apparently destroyed a windigo outright and annihilated over sixty percent of the golems within the Crystal Empire.

‘Oh Faust… it’s the Siren incident all over again.’ Star Swirl groused internally as he pulled out some parchment and a quill. He needed to figure out exactly what to say while Celestia and Luna kept up their intellectual debate.

“Is too.” Luna reaffirmed.

“Is not.” Celestia countered.

Discord looked over his plunderseeds planted them over certain sections around the Equestrian Principality. The castle area in particular looked especially dreary without any real vegetation. He left the fortress that the pillars were located at alone for the moment. He didn’t need any of them to know that he was out and about slowly sowing discord and chaos.

That also nettled him to some degree. The fact he needed to move about slowly for a bit longer. He just needed the time to continue on until Shadow Puppet made its move. Once the Pillars deal with that then things can move on to a better angle…

“What was that?” Discord stopped everything he was doing and forced himself into the stratosphere until he could figure out where those large sources of magic came from. “It felt like somepony awoke an ancient pony armor that was meant to fight other alicorns in case they got too strong for their own good.”

Discord rubbed his goatee out pulling a few gumdrops out before sticking them on his two fangs. Let nothing be said about his classy wit and wicked sense of culture for sticking candy on his teeth. Chewing the scenery as one could say Discord zipped over to the Crystal Empire… just for a quick peek. It couldn’t hurt to see what the competition was up to.

As soon as he got within range… he saw the carnage of multiple golems all shattered or melted to the promenade. Several pony guards were effectively paralyzed… from buster shots apparently. There was also the remains of the Alicorn Shell strewn about in mangled pieces of crystal and ash. Discord felt his eye twitch…

“What the buck happened!? And why did I miss this fun!?” Discord nearly screamed out… only stopped by a chaos shield that he placed around him to keep the sound from traveling out.

Discord kept looking around the city for any sign of X… obviously this was his doing. He felt his neck suddenly start itching… almost uncontrollably.

“Argh… what is with this infernal itch!? That only happens… That only happens when order magic is around.” Discord slowly came to a halt and smiled. “He’s becoming it… it’s happening. Heh heh heh ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…”

Discord quickly teleported back to his task happy with the outcome. What he once thought would take years to accomplish would apparently be whittled down to months at this rate. He even looked to the other players at the table laughing the entire time since in the end they wouldn’t even matter.

It had taken me a few minutes to fully bandage Flint up. He was, at the very least, unconscious still. I wasn’t an expert on first aid but adequate enough to keep him from dying if Nana ‘s comments were anything to go by.

“Urrgh…” Flint groaned out as his eyes started to open.

“Flint Shard… as the Maverick Hunter of the Equestrian Principality I place you under my custody. You are under arrest for attempted murder, and several war crimes done under Corundum I’d say you got the bigger part of the stick.” I recited almost from memory something I had been working on for the past couple hours while he was unconscious.

In that spare time I had went outside and cleaned up any of the remaining golems that were still skulking about. For some reason after the armor had been destroyed they had started meandering around as if without orders to follow anymore. After shattering the last couple of golems I had waited a bit until my armor had fully regenerated The melted parts were reformed and the scratches were buffed out by the constant stream of sunlight. The sun was lowering at this rate though…

“I’ll never talk…” Flint muttered out groaning as he tried to move his body. “What the Tartarus is this…?”

Settled around his waist was a large metal bar keeping him attached to the bed. It was tight enough to not allow him any sudden movements. When he looked at me standing over him with my buster drawn I could see panic start to take hold.

“Flint… Who is Diamond Shard?” I asked immediately deciding not to play the word game.

Diode stumbled around looking over whatever data he managed to glean from his scouts… that weren’t shot down by the golem. Flint had been killed most likely since the Alicorn Armor had failed.

“It was just a prototype I guess…” Diode muttered under his breath. “Soldier! Is Experiment G4N7H3R ready?”

“Yes sir! It’s been prepared and ready to launch once its been fueled up.” The soldier saluted as Diode led the way through the halls. The screaming from below had stopped about an hour ago. He didn’t want to know. Diode was a good drone working towards the betterment of the King and he knew better than to bother him with something trivial.

“Soldier? Where is Flint’s prize?” Diode remembered at the last moment before leaving for one of the basements that the palace held.

“We don’t know sir. After all the calamity that the sudden invasion caused we haven’t seen hide nor hair of that brat. The guards that were meant to watch her were called away when we loss eighty percent of our golem population.” The guard answered in kind though he barely seemed to be keeping his nerves together.

“Sir!” Another voice called out.

“What is it soldier?” Diode sighed feeling that it was good news or in the most likely of circumstances horrible news.

“We’ve lost ninety percent of our golems all in that suicide rush against the golem that invaded. Flint has yet to be seen and most of our regular soldiers are falling in battle paralyzed by the golem in question. It has done nothing more than stun those ponies while it slaughters the golems we send against it. We have at most maybe thirty of the regular golems left and 12 assassin ones as well.” The soldier reported.

Diode smacked the messenger as hard as he could creating an imprint of said pony in the wall. His eyes were shining with an intense loathing and pure unadulterated fury that seemed to ebb and flow off his body.

“You worthless fools are ruining this. Leave! Now!” Diode growled out causing the still standing soldier to help his stunned buddy out of the wall and down the corridors back to their posts.

Diode was still shaking in his anger before traipsing back down the hall. He didn’t need anypony to help him. He would take down this golem and keep Corundum on the throne. His own status relied on it.

XIX. Rethink (unedited)

Author's Note

Oh my god... this arc is at it's second to last chapter next. There will also be a blog announcement after the next chapter is posted about what I am going to do about crossovers because that has been on everyone's minds lately. I've thought long and hard about how I want to handle them and I think I've figured out a good way to deal with them without it impacting my story in any negative way and adding weird interlude chapters that make no sense narratively.

Suffice to say though I do have one crossover coming together to be planned out. Though that will be a bit later. This arc needs to finish before anything like that happens.

XIX. Rethink (unedited)

It had taken me a while to get relevant information from Flint with how belligerent he was being. Now unconscious I hefted him up under my left arm to allow my right arm to keep acting as my buster arm.

I briefly wondered if I should really follow this plan. Apparently there were still some golems around that weren't destroyed by our fight and with an unconscious body I wouldn't exactly be able to move at an optimal pace.

It didn't help that my plan required me to look for hostages within the Crystal Palace. At least, as far as I knew, there were ponies kept as lab rats within the place. Flint had said as much before I was forced to carry him.

The trek down the boulevard was slow and methodical. Since the citizens had been evacuated by Flint the previous day towards one of the mines it was just me, the guards and whatever golems were left standing. The slagged remnants of all the golems left an eerie shiver down my spine even though I was pretty certain I had metal bones and I didn't have the circulatory system to actually have that.

Then all hell broke loose as several pegasi guards dive bombed my position. Spears flew down at improbable speeds… though not as fast as I could react to. They flew in easy to predict patterns which Nana fed into my brain as I dashed through the hail.

Before I could get closer to the palace a huge energy shield appeared around it held up by fifty unicorn guards. I didn't wait for the pegasi to catch up as I reeled back my fist and shot it directly through the shield cracking it instantly. I didn't expect that it would have been that easy but with the thaumic meter barely reading over twenty five hundred joules of energy. That meant that it should have taken more than one punch to destroy it.

My fist was glowing at this point. A light metallic blue light emanating from my fist which disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Unable to fully devote time to this new phenomenon I dashed into the now fallen over unicorn group leaving them behind as I made my way into the palace.

Earth Ponies immediately jumped for me… only to be tossed aside as I dashed through them. The few that clung to me were scraped off whenever I got close to a wall. A few even tried to get Flint out of my grip… to no avail.

I was flung back from the palace door as two golems worked together to punch me out of the way. It took a few seconds for the stabilizers to get me back into position but I was lucky enough not to drop Flint. I took a few jumps back as the golems charged forth attempting to rush me down… only for my buster to go off melting the two down to slag.

Timing was everything during my infiltration. The harder I pushed the more coordinated the group became as ponies came buzzing in forcing me to use my limiter whenever firing shots. Crowding around the golems like meat shields I was forced to switch to Storm Tornado and release, firing a shot to get all the ponies off my back.

The golems dug their feet into the crystal roads making certain to keep from being flung away by the storm. As the winds died down and the ponies flung away impacted against the buildings nearby I switched back to my buster taking out the golems within seconds of the other. The fact that very few golems were being sent to replace the fallen ones made me think I had resoundly trumped their supposed advantage.

From the few questions I asked about the Equestrian chances during war I found that the only reason that the Crystal Empire was able to encroach on their borders were due to the golems. Every single battle was won by them because of the golems. I hoped that I could get enough of them before Hurricane signaled his troops. If at their best they could handle twenty golems I was going to wipe them out before things got too dangerous.

I immediately dashed around the promenade searching for any golems that still managed to survive during the battle against Flint and I. There were so few meandering around mixed in with ones that were trying to end me. None of them got any closer at this point as I fired indiscriminately without worrying about the pony guards since they were still trying to peel themselves off of the walls.

I didn’t find any of the assassin golems while I was fighting through to the palace but I managed to destroy the last of the regular egg shaped golems. With those out of the way I decided it was time to raid the palace. Flint was still motionless in my left arm even though all the jostling and still breathing thanks to Nana’s sensors. Even without Cinnamon to guide her in treatment she was still capable of seeing the status of whomever I was around.

“Thanks to Sage Harpuia and Fighting Fefnir we have managed to increase the range of our sensors. The Thaumic Sensor has picked up several guards within the palace but they are fluctuating in magical energy… their vitals are also nearly nonexistent. We have been looking over the data we have recovered from our battle against the first assassin golems we have faced. We have come to a… chilling explanation for why they were what they were.” Nana explained clearly though she seemed to have trouble further articulating her thoughts.

“Master X… there is no easy way to say this but Goring Corundum is a monster unlike any I’ve seen since. All the golems within the palace seem to be growing from within the bodies of pre-selected guards. We can’t tell how just yet but there seems to be a power source directly near the subjects heart. The records Nana has provided have shown us this act directly.” Harpuia stated crossing his arms in a manner signifying that he was displeased with the information he received.

“I’ve talked with Cinnamon, Master X and unfortunately… these souls could not be saved. With how deeply the crystals have been embedded into their circulatory system they would go into shock falling into a catatonic coma… before their hearts explode from the stress of it all. Had we any of our technology at our beck and call we may have had a chance to make this more manageable but… we don’t. As far as we can see this world has no technology to speak of and the appearance of golems belies something far more anachronistic than any of us are comfortable with.” Fefnir gloomily muttered before running his palm over his face.

‘I figured… is there any good news at all?’ I mentally signaled as I rushed into the main hall of the palace.

Two of the guards instantly burst open from their flesh shell revealing two more assassin golems who immediately charged out for me. I switched to Homing Torpedo and managed to stop them from getting any closer. The crystals shattered next to their… hosts leaving the grisly reminder that this was most likely a whim that Corundum had. I still didn’t know his motivation outside of thinking golems were the next step of evolution.

When I looked back on things I remembered that Sigma, as he first started out, wanted to prove reploids were more than machines. They were alive. Living, thinking creatures that deserved to exist. When he came back though… revenge was all that kept him going. He was a poor choice to represent reploids as a whole from the games I played so long ago. As time went on it felt as though who I was as a person and X were melding together and becoming whole.

I had long ago managed to calm the human side of my mind enough that I didn’t need to block it out with the mechanical side’s logic. It didn’t mean that I was better though. The human side chose to relinquish rationality within magical pony land so long as we were here and apathy towards things was the only choice to make. That… was disheartening on both halves. There was enough empathy though that I still cared.

I still remembered my family. I still remembered the crazy father I had. The caring mother I was bred from. The stern uncle who trained me. The family out of this reality I had unfortunately left behind due to some small oversight on my own wants and desires. I had taken up a mantle. I had become more than I was in a world not unlike my own. One filled with the same temptations man had faced throughout their existence.

Greed… Power… Status… Honor… Unification… Knowledge… War. Each one a motivator in their own right which sustained this entire world in ways I had seen many times so long ago. Only a week or two within Magical Pony Land, patent pending, and it felt like a lifetime ago. I had fought… I had to kill regardless of whether it was mercy or not. I had enlisted myself in a war I had no part of just because those I had befriended needed my help. And for that I was changed. I had become something more even as X.

“We’ve found several signatures of ponies with said implant but none of them are active. Should we hurry we may just be able to save them.” Nana quickly broke me out of my revelry.

Musing on the status of my own nature would have to wait till the Crystal Empire was free. I traveled upstairs where the signals were located having to face more assassin golems breaking out of their… disgusting prison.

“Is it ready!?” Diode called out within one of the sub basements of the Palace.

“Barely, Sir!” A guard quickly saluted. “We’ve had to muster our forces back to the palaces since that crazy golem from earlier has broken into the confines and is now destroying the last of our golem forces. At this point there are nine assassin golems left at the edge of the city trying to keep the borders secure. Most of the citizenry was evacuated to one of our mines by General Flint Shard. Also nopony has seen hide nor hair of King Corundum.”

“Don’t worry about it! Is Experiment G4N7H3R prepared? We have to lead the golem down here as soon as possible.” Diode hissed as he rounded on the guard.

“Yes sir. Though… are you certain sir? This could kill you.” The guard placed a hoof on Diode’s shoulder. The glare he received caused him to pull away and bow his head muttering apologies.

“I won’t die. That golem will be destroyed before anything happens. Just get out there and lead him down here. Now!” Flint screamed causing the guard to roll back from the force of his voice. “Now! Now! Now!”

The guards quickly raced away to confront the blue golem and lead him down into the sub basement. Diode stood in front of the experiment his eyes widening and shining when he looked up at it. With the sub basement being near the size of a the first three floors of the palace it left a lot of space for the experiment he and Corundum worked on. His own contribution to the pursuit of evolution, in his own way though.

“This is the real way to get things done.” Diode harshly stated while he thought of Corundum’s methods.

I was getting sick and tired of seeing Corundum’s work. Over twenty guards had been used for his sick little project and whatever empathy I had was quickly starting to falter. It was as if the abyss had appeared in front of me and asked me to gaze deeply into its eyes. I ignored that and continued towards the signals. When I reached the final point I broke through a heavily reinforced door… into a room covered in bloody tables with several vivisected ponies strapped to them. Flint seemed to small something foul and his face matched even with his eyes closed.

“Wake up. It’s time for me to settle my part of the deal.” I quickly placed Flint on the ground as he opened his eyes and stared up at me.

“I gotta hoof it to you… I didn’t think you’d be able to do it. Especially when the regular guards tried to stop you.” Flint grunted as he rubbed his side where I held him.

“I don’t stop easily. I’ll find this Diamond Shard for you so long as you make certain these ponies escape. I don’t know if we can save them but I’ve sensed that their Crystal Resonators, as you described it, have been inert and deactivated.” I mumbled out as I gripped the bars of the cell they were in ripping it off the hinges with a grunt of effort.

“Yeah. I’ll keep up my end of the bargain. Knowing Diode he probably headed off to the sub basement to wake up his project.” Flint admitted as he slowly looped some roped through the chains of all the ponies in the cell. They were each wearing metal collars that were attached to the wall. I ripped them out of their moorings… my mind seemed to be burning as I looked around the room.

Several of the tables held instruments caked in blood and not sanitized. The bodies left under the sheets had long been drained of their bodily fluid allowing it to pool and congeal on the floors. I picked up a scalpel slowly rubbing my thumb against it… the blood wiped off onto my hand revealing brown stains underneath the new red ones. Corundum used it, most likely, recently.

“What was Experiment G4N7H3R again?” I growled out accidentally bending the scalpel into an unusable state and letting it drop back on the tray.

“Diode’s baby as he called it. It was made to fight against the dragons. Supposedly he lost his family to dragon attacks… but my trips into Equestria under assumed names allowed me to find out that he had no family in Cloudsdale.” Flint quietly stated as he finally got all the ponies gathered outside the cell. They didn’t make much noise either… which worried me about their chances to survive.

“Great. I’ll get the foal back from wherever they hid her, you find a defensible position to keep these ponies in. They deserve to rest so if you find anything to let them lay on keep them comfortable. If the Equestrian Forces come in… what are you going to do?” I leveled my gaze at him keeping my eyes focused on his. He tried to match my gaze only to falter and turn away. With a sigh he answered me.

“Who is Diamond Shard?” I pointed my buster down at Flint ready to fire.

“She’s my… sister. Taken for Corundum’s experiments as he called it. I joined up for a chance to find her and save her. Wouldn’t you believe my luck though? I finally found her and would have saved her had I never met your sorry flank!” Flint wheezed out as he finally could feel his hooves again.

“You made your choice. Regardless of whether you believe in the concepts of good and evil, you chose to attack other ponies to save her. While I’ll commend you for trying to save a child I condemn you for how you went about it. Especially with that bomb you tried to plant.” I growled down at him.

“It was the only way I had. Either I followed till I could get Geode out of the way or she would be dead and warped into one of those monstrosities.” Flint argued back.

“Was it worth it?” I questioned… my glare softening as I looked at him a near broken pony.

“No… it wasn’t. I’ve lost completely and they probably think I’m dead. Just… just end me already.” Flint stated as tears fell from his cheeks onto the bed he was currently trapped against.

“Let’s make a deal…” I quietly stated to the sobbing stallion before me.

“I will surrender myself to their custody informing them that I’ve made a deal with you. You will handle my incarceration and determine what is best for my punishment.” Flint sighed even deeper than before.

“Don’t worry… my punishment won’t put you on the chopping block like the others would want you to be. I believe you can earn forgiveness. Though I won’t be easy on you either. I already can tell that no matter what either of us does we won’t always see eye to eye but we agree on one thing at the very least.” I chuckled as I headed off for the door back into the halls. I had a signal locked for one particular unactivated crystal though it seemed to be heading downstairs.

“And what is that X?” Flint glowered slightly though I could tell by the position of his ears splayed down he had come to the same conclusion.

“Children must be safe from monsters.” I stated before exiting the room and dashing down the halls.

Flint sighed out once again. He agreed though he wasn’t one to talk about being fair to children. He knew what he did… even if it was to find his sister. It would take his entire life… but he would pay the debt he incurred no matter the cost.

I dashed back down the stairs attempting to find a way down to where the signal was coming from. It kept moving down in a way I couldn’t figure out. There wasn’t any sign of a cylindrical staircase anywhere close to the palace… also it wasn’t tall enough. Still the dot kept moving in a way that didn’t make any sense.

Regular guards kept storming out of the woodwork, or in this case crystal work, and led me down stranger and stranger passages. ‘Whatever floats their boats’ I supposed though it was also leading me towards the target I was after. That was not a good sign in the least. I didn’t like where this was going.

“Hey what’s this foal doing here?” A guard called out as he picked up the stumbling filly with the filthy white coat and grimy blonde mane.

“Bring her here!” Diode called out as he entered G4N7H3R and took his rightful seat.

“Here you go sir.” The guard replied handing the foal in question to Diode.

“Ah… Flint’s almost slave filly. I suppose he had good taste but he failed. Should just kill her but… for later maybe.” Diode mused as he tossed the filly off to the side of his cockpit and quickly chained her down. A pony shield made all the difference sometimes.

I finally dashed through the last few pony guards ignoring all their attempts at stabbing my by grabbing their weapons and snapping it in my hands. The few unicorns that tried to use the broken bits for shrapnel grenades were promptly shot and stunned before they could think any further than that.

I really wanted to berate them for the state of their weapons but there was a time and place for such ministrations. This wasn’t one of them. I finally found the right staircase and the blip on my sensors had finally stopped. That also filled me with dread… mostly because it meant something had stopped her in her tracks.

I slammed into the room only to come face to face with something I didn’t expect.

In the largest room of the palace was another similar golem to the one Flint had piloted against me. It wasn’t an alicorn armor though… it was a dragon. Resembling what most would assume as a western styled dragon complet with arms and legs all made of crystal standing almost triple my height. It reached a far bit down lengthwise but it was still barely larger than the windigo I had faced. In the brain sat Liquid Diode if Flint’s descriptions were right, a pegasus sporting a glazed over happy look in his eyes. Behind him I could see a tuft of blonde hair… or mane sticking out. The signal was coming from directly behind him.

“I suppose you’re X… I have to say. I’m not impressed by what I see. All these ponies have been talking about the destroyer of the Crystal Empire and here you are. Some scrawny looking golem that was most likely a failed prototype. You have got to be joking.”

“Liquid Diode! You are under arrest! As a Maverick Hunter I have come to stop you! Surrender!” I stated, ignoring all the barbs that spewed out of his mouth. That got him to glare more intensely at me.

“Very well Maverick Hunter X. I surrender to you… In a pig’s eye!” Diode stated as he fiddled around with several of the buttons most likely in front of him.

I dashed underneath the dragon mouth as a stream of purple flames flew out burning the very ground I had been standing on I immediately fired up with a second level shot at the very edge of the jaw. The blast impacted the crystal causing it to close as the fire built up within. The jaw promptly melted off revealing a small mounted cannon within holding several strange apparati holding alchemical flasks and other mixtures.

“You pest! I’ll crush you!” Diode cried out as I jumped onto the arm he wasn’t attacking with and climbing along it. He saw me coming as shoved his arm into the wall hoping to scrape me off. I took a chance and jumped onto the wall climbing it until I reached a good point. Seeing me defy gravity in a sense he angled the mouth of the Dragon Golem up towards me releasing another stream of purple flames which I quickly dashed over.

When I landed I aimed my buster at the right arm charging up Boomerang Cutter. The energy blades that flew out around me lopped it off causing the golem to back up from the sudden shock of losing its arm. I switched back to my main buster and pelted the cannon within the mouth with regular shots. The small pinging was mitigated by the cracking of glass as it caught fire and started to melt. Without hesitation Diode pressed another button jettisoning the cannon at me.

I dashed up the wall as the cannon hit where I was standing releasing a plume of fire I barely dodged. My back slightly singed by the magical purple flames left me playing defensively as Diode forewent all manner of fancy tricks and used whatever appendages the armor still had to crush me. Each was unsuccessful but his timing made it impossible to counter decently enough.

‘The dragon golem is faster than I thought.’ I quietly growled under my breath.

“Certainly it is formidable Master X. But it is not invincible. We must take the risk. Hit for hit even if we won’t have the sun to heal us we need to save that pony in the cockpit. Destroying the limbs is the only sensible plan we have.” Harpuia solemnly stated and I had to agree. With how aggressive Diode was being I needed to take a risk. Any other charged weapon would be too much and without seeing how Diamond Shard was being held within the cockpit I couldn’t take any chances.

I fell to the ground from the dash as the dragon’s left foot came up to kick me. I crossed my arms intending to block only to get sent skyward from the force. The moment before I hit the ceiling I lowered my buster arm firing a fourth level charge shot. The pink helix swirling energy beam flew straight and true severing the leg at the knee forcing the golem back into a quadrupedal stance. Then I hit the ceiling causing strong vibrations through the stalactites still hanging up above. None fell… but they seemed fragile enough that any more vibrations could start trouble.

As I fell Diode forced the golem to step forward ready to catch me in his free hand. I switched over to Rolling Shield and released its charge shot. The shield around me was grasped in the dragon golem’s hand and instantly shattered. That small moment gave me the chance to dash out of its hand and land back on the ground.

Diode growled out as he sent the tail forward. I lifted my leg at the last moment as it speared through where my foot had been before retracting once again. I was stuck in another defensive loop as I tried to keep ahead of the game. The tail was so much faster that I didn’t see it coming as Diode swiped the left claw at me at the same time.

It instantly skewered me through the shoulder and began to pick me up. I gripped the tail with my free arm and pulled back actually managing to pull it down towards me.Diode began to struggle with pulling the tail away but I knew what I needed to do. Fefnir interacted with my power systems allowing me the strength to pull the tail towards me.

With a loud shattering the tail was pulled out of the socket on the back of the dragon causing the golem to fall since it was off balance. I pulled the barbed tail out of my shoulder noted that I couldn’t lift that arm anymore. Repairs were instantly put into effect as my microfusion reactor was tapped to allow said repairs while the solar battery was kept to keep me fighting Diode.

“Two minutes sir!” Nana quickly gave me a status report.

“You Faust damned fool! You can’t defeat me! I am General Liquid Diode! I lead this nation my way! Buck that idiot Corundum who thinks you’ll be the next step in evolution! Golem Armors are the only truth that matters!” Diode started to rant as I shot off the last arm leaving the golem teetering on the last limb.

“No! You aren’t! You’ve lost!” I shouted as I switched back to Boomerang Cutter and released the charged shot severing the head from the body. Both he and the foal were stuck in the cockpit when it fell. They both rolled out unceremoniously onto the ground. Before I could dash over to the foal, Diode immediately grabbed her revealing a serrated crystal wing blade on his right wing.

“No! I don’t lose! I’ll win all the same since this is what you’re after isn’t it!” Diode screamed as he placed the blade against Diamond Shard’s neck. “Yeah… that’s right. I know you like to save ponies. You haven’t killed anypony while you’ve attacked us. I know how you think.” Diode hissed out before chuckling.

I stopped where I stood and switched over to Dark Hold. I didn’t use it yet though… the blade was too close. I needed room before I activated it. At most it would take one second to allow the effect to take place… but one second is a long time when it comes to somepony dying.

“The tornado huh? That’s rich. You think that will save you! You’re going to be a failure no matter what! Even if I lose here I’ll make you suffer!” Diode cried out as he pulled back the wing blade to get more of a decent swing to his strike.

I shot Dark Hold as the effect went out. A large monochromatic bubble formed in the room as Diode’s blade grew slower and slower by the second. A large number three appeared above me.

I dashed forward jumping over the wreckage of the dragon golem.

I got within reach of Diode’s wing and gripped it in my right hand.

I instantly kicked him in the chest almost as hard as I could… at least not enough to kill him from the sudden shock.

The time bubble faltered and Diode felt the full effects of my kick flying against the far wall while Diamond Shard fell to the floor. Her eyes were actually lucid enough to look up towards me. I looked down at her and broke the chains that were still attached to her… though with only one arm it took a bit of finagling on my part.

Diode impacted against the wall sending vibrations up through the crystals. Then unceremoniously fell to the floor with a twisted wing and what looked to be several broken limbs. I pulled Diamond Shard into my arms which she returned although not quite as strongly. She felt weak… as if everything she was doing was her going through the motions. Her eyes weren’t clouded like the others were… which left me hopeful that the others could make some recovery.

“You… think you’ve won…?” Diode coughed out as he laid on the floor. The vibrations reached the ceiling while Diode barely picked himself up with his one good wing and left front leg.

“Diode… stay still and once the Equestrians come in we can get you medical attention.” I stated… though my tone may have come off… cold.

“Buck that… Maverick Hunter X. What a joke. We were coming along to a new way of life.” Diode coughed up some blood. “I had finally figured out what we needed. Ponies are the underdogs of this entire world. We are hunted by the Griffons and the Diamond Dogs as viable food or slave labor. Deer hate us for industrialization. Buffalos hate us for our expansionist tendencies. Yaks barely tolerate our diatribe about friendship. Dragons… well are dragons. Who are you to stand in our way. To make our lives meaningful.” Diode looked at me… a sad smile on his face… one I couldn’t really connect to him.

“After what you decided to do… Who’s to say you even did it the right way?” I bluntly asked. “I’ve seen plenty of other ponies who didn’t do what you did and they’ve been working towards making this world better. You decided to chop ponies up and make them into monstrosities. You can say that you didn’t touch the tool… but you let it happen all the same.”

“Fair enough…” Diode chuckled and coughed all at the same time before shuddering. “Corundum is a monster… more so than I. I never wanted to do what he wanted to make the world evolve in that way. Without being a pony we wouldn’t had done anything to solve this world… Though I suppose my way wouldn’t work if there were all these glaring weakness you took advantage of…” Diode shuddered again.

“Stop talking. We can get you checked and healed up. You need to stand for your crimes… regardless of where they led you.” I mumbled as I looked at him. He seemed to grow paler by the second.

“I’m dying regardless… Hey… X… do me a favor. End me before then… I don’t want to see the chopping block. It’ll take too many swings…” Diode shuddered once more… though I couldn’t tell if it was from blood loss or fear.

“I’m not an executioner Diode. I capture ponies. I don’t kill if I can help it.” I stated back… taking a few steps forward. His eyes twirled upward then back to me.

“You should take… cover X…” Diode stated as the vibrations finally did their job.

A large stalactite fell from the ceiling impaling Diode through the face causing me to jump back. Diamond Shard weakly pointed up as more started to fall raining down on us. Diode was a pin cushion by the time I had reached the door back up. Jumping through as the last few stalactites hit the ground I turned back to the rubble laden room.

Diode was dead… his last words a warning. I felt a bit cold but I quickly quashed those feelings for later. Diamond Shard was more important and I needed to get things done.

“And you are done my dear Crystal Shears… Don’t worry. It’ll only hurt for a bit.” Corundum giggled as he looked over his handiwork.

Outwardly, there seemed to be no changes to the young mare strapped to the table. That was only to the untrained eye though. At several joint positions on her body were blood red crystals which slowly started to turn invisible under the light. On the back of Crystal Shears neck was a similar red crystal that Corundum wore as well.

“The most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen and now you are perfect. Just like me.” Corundum sighed happily as he poured his hoof over her inert body. She was unconscious at the moment… similar to all his other failed experiments… but better. The crystal resonators had accepted her body outright making her the best candidate he had ever seen.

Corundum left the room, his job done. A guard confronted him as he left.

“Diode has failed and was killed in the battle. We found his corpse riddled with stalactites.” The guard saluted.

“Wonderful… X is on his way isn’t he?” Corundum growled out.

“Unfortunately… yes sir.” The guard cautiously stated.

“Get the remaining troops and golems ready. You’ll need to cover my escapes north.” Corundum growled out.

“But sir! There’s nothing out there but frozen tundra!” The guard cracked revealing the problems with the plan.

“No my stupid guard there is something there.” Corundum countered with a sneer.

The guard perplexed at the notion quirked their head at Corundum. They didn’t know what he was talking about at all. “What’s out there sir?” The guard asked though took a step back… which didn’t help as he was dragged into Corundum’s space.

“The burial spot of X.” Corundum explained as he threw the guard aside and sauntered to the back of the palace… ready to enact his plan laughing the entire way there.

XX. Reckoning (unedited)

It took a while to find the right room. Diamond Shard fidgeted every few seconds whenever we locked eyes. It was… awkward to say the least but we managed to find the room easily enough. I knocked on the door; two loud punch like knocks and tapping with my middle, pointer, ring then pinky; signaling that I was there.

“Oh… it's you. Did you… Diamond Shard!?” Flint cried out as he pulled the filly from my grasp holding her gently against his chest.

“Diode was… taken care of.” I muttered under my breath.

“Was he like me? Willing to go to whatever lengths to win?” Flint asked back clearly remembering his own attempts. His hooves shaking slightly as the small filly tried to pat his chest in a loving gesture. She instead flailed about hitting him in the jaw. It wasn't hard but he understood the gesture all the same.

“Yeah. Yeah he was. He won't be a problem… anymore.” I sighed as I crossed my arms closing my eyes in thought.

He didn't say anything leading me inside where all the ponies were sitting on random cushions and the mattress, if you can call it that, resting somewhat comfortably.

“Repairs are complete, sir. Arm motors are fully functional once again. The moon had also risen in the intervening time. The three of us warrant caution against Corundum. If he still hadn't sent the last of his troops after you then something is wrong.” Nana informed me. Harpuia and Fefnir added their acknowledgment as well.

‘Can you all lock on to his thaumic signature? I may need to keep track of him if he tries to run.’ I quietly thought as I went to all the captives and ripped off their collars and manacles.

I'm pretty sure that seeing someone rip through metal would be shocking. I was lucky it was. Several of the ponies that had been in a daze were jostled awake by the act appearing lucid once more.

“Flint. When I head out to get Corundum, are you capable of getting the guard to stand down?” I called out to the now pacified general.

“Yeah… probably. Most of the guards were more receptive of me if only because I sent their families to safety before you came. They'll probably stand down if I tell them to.” Flint admitted stopping several glares from the captives who were lucid enough to do so.

I also noticed a slight reverence when they looked to me. I suppose this might be a thing… which I hoped I could dissuade them from doing. Though for now I needed to use it for the greater good. Well, the better to not lynch anyone.

“All she of you listen to me. I'm going to take out Corundum. You are to follow Flint’s instruction to get out of this alive. I know several of you want to enact justice but don't. I already have his punishment ready for when it needs to be done. Understood!” I shouted out causing a few of them to curl their ears.

There was several mumbles but everypony gave their ascent. I went to the door looked my over all the ponies once again before I closed the door behind me.

“Charge!” Hurricane shouted as several of his troops went into battle against whatever forces were left of the Crystal Empire.

There were only three assassin golems thralled amongst the masses of regular guards. Even the regular guards looked exhausted and several were burnt by what appeared to be electrical shocks. It was close to a rout as the regular pony guards took down the exhausted forces of the Crystal Empire.

The Assassin golems made their move at that point sweeping into the earth pony regiments. Thanks to a few strengthening spells the golems didn't outright murder the group but several ponies were taken out in the scuffle. Platinum led the unicorns fire focusing their shattering spells while the pegasi and earth ponies held them off.

Within minutes three golems fell and allowed the other ponies to check their wounded. There were twenty deaths in a mixture of both races with only a few unicorns wounded because of their tenacity.

It was bittersweet at the moment since the wounded were still out in the snow. With a certain amount of gusto all the wounded were transported back within the city limits and a few homes were designated as medical centers. Puddinghead organized each house down to which name went where and in alphabetical order of how delicious their name sounded. Hurricane made no attempt to understand and merely let her handle things while he prepared the procession for the dead.

Second Stand dove down weaving through the enemy troops with his wing blades. They had been dulled down so as to just knock the exhausted troops unconscious rather than kill. The assassin golems had been troublesome at the very least since several of his unicorn troops didn't heed orders well throwing themselves into the fray.

The last golem was only taken down through sheer luck of Second crash landing through the head. The unicorns of his troop were hit the worst. Messages from Commander Hurricane immediately forced him to get all wounded back into the city limits.

It was at that point Second noticed something far off at the palace. A large procession of ponies were evacuating through the back entrances… until a giant blue fireball shot past them blocking their escape. Second wisely decided not to go charging into danger this day… especially with his wings sore as they were from the crash.

Granite Striker wasn't having the best of luck dealing with his front. While the ponies were just as exhausted as the rest, the assassin golems were more vicious than the others.

It didn't help that his pegasi forces didn't exactly want to listen to some random ground pounder even at the command of Hurricane. They had rushed in for their glory run only to be stopped by the golems clipping more than a few wings.

Granite took point as he and his earth pony troops toppled each golem with precision placed spell work and earth pony ingenuity. It helped that the golems were focused on trying to kill the pegasi. It didn't make it any easier though. When they finally broke through shattering the enemy to bits they got one of their still able flyers to deliver a message to Hurricane.

When word got back the troops moved enemy or otherwise back into city limits ready to treat them as was ordered by the three leaders. The dead were placed aside out of the snow so as to not get buried within the flurry of ice and snow. The living needed to be treated and the dead would have to wait.

Numbers were coming in… numbers of those who fell in battle. Hurricane scowled as he looked over the numbers noting that they were far above the acceptable deviation. Of the three hundred soldiers he was able to scramble together, being the best of the best, only thirty eight were killed in battle. An assortment of unicorns from Second Stand, several pegasi from Granite Striker, and earth ponies from Hurricane’s own group. It was too evenly matched and left a little confusion on his muzzle.

‘How did we get that lucky…?’ Hurricane looked over the wounded which was far far higher than he liked. They would run out of supplies before they treated everypony…

“Commander, when we take the palace I think I can unlock the reserves we’ve kept in the palace.” Concerto called out as she assisted Platinum in bandaging up some of the troops.

The worry alleviated off of his back, Hurricane meandered through the fallen making note of all the Crystal Guards. Every single one of them looked like a puppy that had been kicked repeatedly. Morale was low and their battle prowess was barely able to keep the Equestrian Guards from sweeping through them. Corundum, most likely, had them lousily trained. Each was barely better than a foal flailing around a wooden spoon most of the time.

Golems had become a deep part of their military might and when they finally faltered and fell it cost them everything. X had proven good to his word as well… striking down well over what they could originally handle. All that was left was to get ready to deal with Corundum…

“Puddinghead I’m heading out to make certain that Corundum is taken care of.” Hurricane evenly stated as he hefted his lance.

“Be careful Hurricane… we should leave it to X to handle the brunt of it.” Puddinghead evenly warned getting Platinum to come over.

“She’s right Hurricane. We can’t have you fall until we’ve gotten those two ready.” Platinum muttered leveling a steely glare on the stallion.

“I’m not letting him handle that problem alone. He has all but admitted that he has never killed. As far as I’m concerned it’s like leaving a foal to do a stallion’s job. Nopony deserves that kind of burden. I’ve had to deal with it for more than fifty years… if he’s a reploid, as he called it, then he’s going to be dealing with it for far longer.” Hurricane growled out as he ordered several unicorns to place enchantments on the lance in question.

“Hurricane, as much as I understand where you’re coming from, don’t make things more difficult. There is far more at stake if something happens to you.” Puddinghead frowned at what he was about to do.

“Just be careful then…” Platinum harshly sighed as Hurricane nodded and flew along the cityline towards the palace.

“Damn fool… gonna get himself killed one of these days.” Puddinghead hissed as she kept the rest of the troops down and out of following the Commander.

It took me at least half an hour to figure out where to go. The moon shining from the windows recharged my special weapons up to full… though it didn’t help that my energy was low. The Microfusion reactor in my body had been used to handle the repairs and while it was mitigated by the solar radiation, I was low on both. The Solar battery was at sixty percent, while the Microfusion reactor was at fifty percent due to all the repairs that were being done over the course of my encounters.

My eyes caught sight of several troops leaving the palace through a back entrance from the window of the fourth floor. I didn’t think I had climbed that far up. “Well… this is gonna be something then…” I groaned as I backed up a bit.

Charging up my buster, I dashed through the window shattering it in one go as I fell onto the unsuspecting crowd of ponies firing a level three shot upon them. The blue fireball arced slightly stopping them from retreating further away from the palace.

“Corundum!” I shouted out as one earth pony wearing a necklace made from the severed remains of unicorns took sight of me. The other ponies looked fearful the moment I touched down on the ground.

“You… look at you. You’re… PERFECT! A golem capable of being more than it should. The very pinnacle of what I am after.” Corundum gushed over me… though he remained a fair distance away from me making certain to keep several guards in front of him. “You idiots! Try and stop him!”

“Stop!” It was all I could get out as the ponies immediately dogpiled me in an attempt to slow me down while his small procession led him away.

Taking no chances I started to fling ponies from my back as more came out. Several unicorns tried to grab me in their magical field… only to burn out from magical overload. Magic didn’t affect me in any meaningful way unless they were sufficiently powerful. Even then Starswirl on his own could barely lift me an inch even straining himself. I switched to Electric Spark and starting to charge up which caused a lot of ponies to start screaming the order to retreat.

I fired, releasing a wave of electricity that knocked every guard that had tried to stop me and the ones that were getting ready to jump me away. The few that were flying or jumping at the time slammed into the buildings that surrounded their escape route. The ones close by were left on the ground paralyzed and shivering as the electricity coursed through them.

Meanwhile, Corundum had stopped running… and watched everything that happened… everything that could happen. It was marvelous to his eyes and he wanted it. He wanted it to show the world what it meant to be the pinnacle of evolution. The very thing his so called father had scoffed at that moment. The very thing that cost him his life. Corundum chuckled as he started to trot back the crystal on his neck glowing an ominous red color.

“Sir! You need to get out of here!” One of his guards called out. He wound up getting picked up by his neck and hurled directly through a building.

“It’s mine. That golem will be mine. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything I have ever dreamed of.” Corundum mumbled under his breath as he trotted forward… every single unicorn horn around his neck glowing that same ominous color.as the crystal on his neck.

I had finally flung the last of the guards away down one of the alleys. The streets were filled with groaning bodies while I could finally chase after Corundum. I didn’t need to go that far though.

“Corundum… as a Maverick Hunter, I urge you to surrender now. I shall take you into custody where you will serve your sentence for as long as you live, regardless of how long that would be.” I leveled my buster at him keeping it fully charged. Unlike Geode, Flint and Diode he had no fancy golem suit or the powers of a chaos being shoved into him. If he was a pure magic user then I would be highly immune to any attack he might try.

“A reasonable offer, I’m sure. But allow me a counter offer. Give me your body to start my revolution and I promise not to kill the ponies who dared try to fight against me.” Corundum smiled as he finished those words.

I didn’t and fired my buster to punctuate my answer. He took exception to my answer as a shield appeared around him. The plasma washed over it and broke the shield… but did little more.

“Sir. We have problems. The thaumic sensor was showing levels that almost reached Discord levels of power. They were certainly stronger than Star Swirl’s attempts to attack us but they are coming from multiple sources.” Nana quickly warned me as she showed me thirteen different magical sources. All converged around Corundum’s neck. My eyes focused on him once more and there were twelve horns draped around his neck each covered by a different gem and glowing a combined color of blood red and whatever said gem was. The thirteenth mark was coming from behind his head and lower on his back… most likely where the spine connected the head to the body.

‘Levels?’ I quickly thought as I charged up again as he suddenly started to float off the ground.

“Each horn is releasing five hundred joules of energy. At six thousand joules total that would barely phase you, sir. But remember… magic is cumulative. He is releasing over seventy two thousand joules of energy. It took sixteen thousand just to lift you four inches.” Nana rattled off as I looked at the now floating pony.

“Great… he can fly.” I muttered under my breath. The Falcon Armor was still an hour away from fully materializing and I would have the chance to switch before he could disrupt and corrupt it.

“Maverick Hunter X! You shall be the crown jewel for my new empire! The very basis for everything I have ever wanted! My revolution will sweep all of Equus and show Faust that she was wrong with everything she had ever done! Golems are the future!” Corundum screamed out as he dove down below towards me.

I immediately rolled off to the side as he gouged out part of the streets with his magic. As he flew straight up I followed by climbing the side of the buildings with my dashes. It was close as I immediately jumped a top of him causing him to lose control of his ascent. The shield surrounding him was thin enough that I could hold on to him but do little more.

Corundum shook around trying to jostle me from his body as I reared back a fist and tried to punch him. The shock of my punch meeting the shield barely left a mark. The second left a dent and the third made it deeper. Before I could keep up my assault he flew back down and scraped me into the building tearing through the stonework as I fought to stay on.

Unfortunately he managed to clip me upon a shoddy metal sign above a small shop knocking me back to the ground. The gyroscopic rebalancer made it so I landed back on my feet skidding to a halt as Corundum tried to regain control. He looked slightly winded from the punches even if they didn’t make contact directly with him. I remembered taking four punches just to break the shield Star Swirl and Mistmane created together. At over four times the strength it would take sixteen punches in succession just to break through… give or take two punches.

“Hardly a scratch on you! It’s true you are wonderful X!” Corundum called out from above as he started to charge a magical sphere above his head.

“Shut up!” I cried back and fired a plasma shot up at him. The pink helix swirling energy hit the magical sphere dissipating it and knocking him off course. He tried again only this time he flitted around while I fired fruitlessly up.

Switching to Homing Torpedo I waited till the last second as his thaumic levels shot up once again before releasing the homing projectile. Thinking he could simply dodge them left him unprepared as five explosions impacted against his shield knocking him into one of the buildings. The magic around him faltered slightly and one of the horns shattered from the strain.

Corundum stopped trying to create large explosive spheres of magic choosing to fire off beams of arcane energy. I dashed around using the environment to my advantage using the signs and any other small adornments on the buildings to knock the beam off course. I was about to reach the roof once again… only for Corundum to appear in front of me and shoot the arcane beam point blank. The force knocked me back to the ground and created a large divot through the street twenty feet long.

My armor was now sparking at strange intervals and Nana quickly put the holographic representation of my energy levels. In game terms… he had knocked my health by a quarter through one attack. Clenching my fist I got out of the divot and dashed back on the ground. He merely laughed as he continued his onslaught of beams.

Switching to Chameleon Sting I charged up and used it to my advantage to get to the roof. The beams sailed through me harmlessly causing Corundum to pause. As I reached the roof he still hadn’t moved shocked from my ability. I charged up again and dashed into him switching weapons at the last minute to Electric Spark. He attempted another beam… only for the wave of electricity to fry through the magic absorbing the potential energy and knocking him back to the ground. Four horns short circuited and the gems shattered leaving them as useless as the first I broke.

“X, you truly hold the potential to change the world. When you are mine I shall make sure to use it to it’s true potential.” Corundum smugly stated no longer raising his voice… a calm authoritative tone overtaking his normal demeanor, at least, the demeanor I have seen.

“You’re insane Corundum if you think I’ll let you win!” I answered back switching to Storm Tornado.

Renewed vigor filled Corundum’s eyes as he elected to go for pure speed. No longer firing beams of magic and with less power to draw on at this point he flew forward. I jumped from the building to the next roof as he effortlessly drilled through the roof creating a large gash… that leveled the building when he was done with it.

I immediately kept running as I went back to ground. He came barreling through the street cockily spinning as he rushed through the ground creating a large furrow through it. I waited with bated breath. Forty feet… twenty feet… at ten feet I jumped above him and released Storm Tornado, creating the large cyclone that grabbed Corundum smacking him against the ground over and over again until he tumbled out dizzy and missing two more unicorn horns with gems attacked.

With seven gems lost Corundum dazedly stumbled around as I switched back to my buster. He regained composure quickly while I fired a barrage of uncharged shots to keep the pressure up. The shield around him was barely holding. Five horns with only five hundred joules of energy behind them. He was barely higher than Star Swirl’s highest recorded feat at this point. He still managed to get himself back into the air.

“I will not be defeated like this… I can’t. The world depends on me making it better than it was. X you have to join me! It’s the only way to make it better!” Corundum foamed at the muzzle, lost was the stoic countenance he delivered to his guards, and now was the true face of madness. It was too bad that all the guards around us were unconscious from the battle going overhead.

“Corundum! Give up now! This is your last warning!” I shouted up towards him only to note that my motion sensor was going off… something was coming.

“I will never give up!” Corundum shouted as he started to ominously glow once more.

Before he could do anything else a lance shot out from behind him attempting to impale him through the lower back. The shield held up until the lance’s magic took effect charging electricity into it and through Corundum. Fire ignited from the tip and the visage of an old pegasus stallion flapped down from the scene before us.

“Commander Hurricane… I take it you couldn’t wait for the good news then?” I dashed over giving a sloppy salute… mostly because I was tired and my armor was still sparking at random intervals.

“X, I thought I told you he was to be executed.” Hurricane leveled at me before turning back to watch Corundum spaz around while being electrocuted and ignited from the lance.

“I promised the pillars I would try their way before. At this point I think I’ve prepared myself to follow through on… the other plan. He’s not listening and I don’t think he’s gonna be much more of a problem now that you’ve done that.” I pointed at his lance while I looked on. The thaumic sensor picked up that several more gems had shattered… the last unicorn horns were down… but the one on his neck, while not pushing off magic, was still there.

“Why isn’t he falling X?” Hurricane muttered as he took a few steps back allowing me to take point.

“I don’t know…” I quietly changed pink to Rolling Shield and charged up. I didn’t trust what was going on.

Corundum floated in midair, burned and convulsing from the lighting, he remained stationary. The thaumic sensor shot up once more as the crystal at the top of his spine seemed to activate. Corundum let out a piercing shriek as his flesh started to rend and twist from his body. It drooped down elongating his limbs into ghastly caricatures of a praying mantis claw. His face developed a rictus elongating out and becoming more deformed. The gem on his back sunk into whatever his body was made of and reappeared on his chest. Several crystal panels appeared within his body giving it more form. He was almost the size of a windigo, but he wasn’t one.

“I thought they were all lies…” Hurricane growled under his breath.

“What is it?” I asked as I was ready to release a shield around us.

“An Umbrum… the ponies of the darkness. Evil incarnates who feed off of hatred like the windigos… but prefer to slaughter everyone and live off the hatred that seeps into the land itself. They aren’t supposed to exist… but legends always have a way to appear true.” Hurricane scraped his lance against the ground ready to make a stand.

“Stay still Hurricane. Let it make the first move.” I warned him as he noticed I was glowing. He understood what it meant and gave me a shaky nod. Neither of us wanted to fight against this monster… but we didn’t have much of a choice.

“You will die Hurricane! X shall be my vessel!” Corundum shouted out as a beam of energy formed in his mouth. I immediately released the charge creating a shield around the two of us and allowed Fefnir to amplify it with his ability. The shield was now a deep purple color.

The beam impacted against the shield holding up to the onslaught as Hurricane was forced to turn his eyes away. This went on for far too long as the shield started to give way… cracking from the continued force. I picked up Hurricane who balked at my handling… up until I dashed out of the way of the beam as it cracked the shield and tore a hole into the ground that was glowing red hot from the amount of energy used to shoot it. I tossed hurricane down an alley which he took to with flying gusto as I dashed around the ground leading Corundum around.

I was the target regardless of what Corundum wanted to do and I made sure to keep it that way. Hurricane came around from behind using the lance to strike at one of the crystal plates. When he noticed I had Storm Tornado charged up and Fefnir connected to overclock the weapon. As he turned to attack I released the tornado… only it was coated in white energy and was far stronger than it needed to be, tearing the ground below me as well.

Corundum screamed even louder than he did while he was transformed back into his original form. The energy contained within the tornado exploded outward tearing bits of him away… but it wasn’t enough to fully destroy him. Hurricane dove before he could be laser beamed to death and immediately rushed through the alleys. I took the distraction to get to the roof as Corundum floated back north following Hurricane’s path.

‘Fefnir… unlock the limiter in my buster and unlock the second one I keep on my left hand as well.’ I informed Fefnir as I readied my jump. I would have only one chance to do this.

Most people assume that all Megamen of all games have only one buster in their arm. That… is not the case. All of them have except for those in the Battle Network and Star Force series have two. For the most part it is never used due to the strain it causes on the body. Unfortunately… Corundum is not a foe I can just pepper shots into and hope he explodes from all the damage he takes. He is not a reploid. He will not explode if shot enough times.

As he turned to notice me my left hand also changed into a buster as well. I pointed them both as Corundum as he charged up another barrage of beams… his maw wide open. Once I reached fourth charge level I released the trigger sending two helix streams of energy at him.

Corundum released his own arcane beam. As the two met in midair the streams connected and enveloped each other drilling through the beam into Corundum. He tried to hold it back… only for his own beam to dissipate before he could. The Buster shots connected against Corundum tearing into him and carrying him off north as the magic that seemed to be in my body added to the power behind the shots.

The sudden force from the shot sent me down into the ground… where I skid along my back before coming to a stop. I actually felt pain… why?

“Master X! Systems are compromised at this point. We need to take it easy otherwise we might not be able to keep fighting anymore.” Harpuia warned me as several readings came up within my vision. I forced myself up.

“We need to check on Corundum and stop him in case that wasn’t enough.” I muttered out as I stood back on my feet… only to fall to one knee. Solar Battery was keeping at twenty percent and Microfusion was at thirty.

“Stand down X. We can’t kill Umbrums… they’re nigh invincible as far as we know.” Hurricane growled out panting heavily from all the flying he was forced to do. Parts of his wings had iced over slightly.

“I managed to hurt him… I need to get out there before he gets back. If he gets back right now I can’t go another round with him at this point.” I replied curtly forcing myself back on my feet. Even as my legs sparked I focused one step at a time.

“I’ll get the guards ready and send word to Star Swirl to get him and his companions up here to help. They know magic better than any of us.” Hurricane started… and looked at me. “I don’t like this X but you are right. Keep that… thing busy. He spat out.

“As best I can… flat ground is not ideal when fighting a flying enemy.” I mumbled back trying to keep a light tone… I couldn’t. Willpower was keeping me going at this point and I couldn’t keep this up if I had to fight any longer than this.

“Get going X… We’ll be behind you when we regroup. We can’t let this chance go by.” Hurricane stated as he took off… flying slower than before towards the southern parts of the city.

Corundum was flung through the air slamming down into the snow tearing away at the crystal pieces that made up his body and forced back into a pony like body. The crystal that made up his heart had been chipped and cracked slightly leaving him unable to use much of his magic except to protect himself.

As he came to a rest his entire torso was a bloody mess and several bones were visible. The only reason he could keep moving was the darkness pouring out of the wounds keeping the warmth within. His eyes trailed around looking for anything that would seem familiar… and surprisingly they did. Before his eyes was the crystal he found when he was younger. When he got lost from the expeditionary that his father led into the frozen wastes.

“Help me you blasted crystal! I did what you asked now help me!” Corundum yelled at the crystal. It merely shimmered and glistened in the pale moonlight. “I did what you asked but it wasn’t enough for my vision. The vessels were destroyed by another… a golem far stronger, smarter and more aware than all the others!”

“You should have been more careful… I know what you really tried to do. Traitor! I saw you using that mare’s body for your own use! I gave you the power to transcend into one of us as one more step towards your goal and this is how you repay us! You will receive no help. You will receive no sanctuary. You will die for your treacherous actions against my brethren!” The voice from the crystal rumbled. “Another shall take your place. One more worthy than you. My own son will be the saviour of our race and you… you will be the fool who forsook us.”

“No! I’ve been loyal! I made the vessels! I did!” Corundum shouted out.

“I don’t care! You have been nothing but a disappointment.” The crystal rumbled once more… before sinking back into the snow disappearing from sight.

Corundum looked at the spot once more before he lost it. Blubbering on the spot he attempted to dig the crystal back up… to no avail. Corundum had lost this battle… the power he would have gotten… but his own plan would live on. Golems would be the evolution of this world… his plans were assured.

It was cold. I didn’t notice. I couldn’t notice since most of my sensors were lowered. All I knew was the general direction Corundum flew. Nana, Harpuia and Fefnir remained offline for the moment since they also took energy. Corundum needed to be taken care of before it got any worse than that.

Looking over my life so far… I would have to admit I was happy for it. I lost a family and a life but in return I got a new life and actual purpose. I wasn’t being led in any direction and my choices almost felt as if they mattered in the long run. It helped that I was something that I liked and was able to figure out how things worked. It wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops with everything I’ve seen… but as I looked back on it I would admit it was enjoyable. Still could have done without the flesh balloons popping. That was weird… and really god damn gross.

My sensors blinked once as I finally found Corundum’s unique thaumic signature. It was less than sixty feet ahead of me. I was lucky that Nana completed the feature during the fight. I didn’t want to have to comb the entirety of the frozen wasteland before me for one pony.

I was ready to handle what I was tasked to do. Corundum, unfortunately, will have to be terminated.

Author's Note

We come to the end of the Goring Corundum arc.

Wait a moment! Quartz you fool! Corundum isn't dead.

And to you reader I say of course not. See that's where the announcement comes into play. So all of you have been asking me if I was going to do a crossover. Yes I am going to do one. I will explain it later in a blog post for those following around most likely by midnight Pacific standard time.

I've thought long and hard about crossovers and how many of you were clambering if I wanted to do one. An author asked and while I am still thinking over the idea how this is done I've decided to go along with it. So that's something to look forward to.

In other news I wonder which nation would you like to see X go to? We have several to choose from. The Pony Kingdom gave way to Corundum acting like the maverick. We still have Yaks, Diamond Dogs, Deer, Buffalo, Griffins, Hippogriffs, Changelings, Thestrals, and Dragons. Well don't choose dragons... those come last. So eight kingdoms and potentially eight enemies to fight against. Imagine that... I wonder who the enemies will be... *cough* Mavericks *cough*.

As always please watch spoilers in the comments. Properly put your spoiler tags lol

XXI. Realization

Author's Note

Finally the crossover chapter is done. So I'll explain how my token works later and the specifics about it in a blog post. I just am glad it finally went through.

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/296965/a-passing-through-kamen-rider
This is the story I crossed over with. No these events aren't revealed in their story yet. This is season 4 territory for them. Thanks to shagohod12 and thunderclap for the work they put into it and putting up with me as well.

XXI. Realization

Starswirl was a busy stallion. After his first freak out courtesy of Commander Hurricane sending a messenger to tell him about the Siege of the Crystal Empire he had composed his last will and testament. It was a morbid affair not helped by the two arguing follows behind him… though any pony was a foal to him at this point.

“Starswirl! Another report!” Another guard swooped in with the same ragged look.

“Again!? What is it this time!?” Starswirl nearly choked but managed to cough himself back up to full strength ready to take on anything.

“Sir! Hurricane requests that you and the Pillars teleport directly to the Crystal Empire. We have captured the city and are treating the survivors. We have also seen to the defeat of Goring Corundum… up until he turned into an Umbrum Soldier and attempted to kill both Commander Hurricane and X. They have repelled him and may need assistance in finding him and stopping him from regaining any power.” The guard recited in one go.

“Motherbucker!” Starswirl screamed out nearly blowing a gasket as Celestia and Luna turned over a table and conjured up two specially made helmets for each other. Their argument clearly over with no winner in sight.

“They need you and the Pillars, sir.” The guard informed the perturbed wizard.

“Understood… are they waiting for me?” Star Swirl quickly brought up as he looked out the door seeing all the guards of the castle waiting for him.

“Yes, sir. We are here to watch out for these two while you are out.” The guard whispered to Star Swirl who merely nodded as he trotted out the door.

“Celestia. Luna. You are both to complete your homework by the time I get back. The reports on transfiguration and the effects on simple metals for Celestia and elemental fury and the aspects of elemental magic on a daily basis for Luna.” Star Swirl ordered before he fully left the room.

“Yes Star Swirl…” The two groused as they got their books out and began reading on the subject.

Star Swirl quickly rushed out of the room and galloped to his compatriots. Mistmane was charging her horn up already while the others were huddled together. Star Swirl lit up his horn with her as the two teleported out of the castle and into a designated place that Mistmane was focusing on.

Hurricane had been waiting for around an hour for Star Swirl to appear. The message he sent was teleported through several unicorns working in tandem. He didn't want to wait several hours for a messenger to get there and back.

A large explosion of magic emanated from the center of the medical facilities they had erected. In truth, it was several buildings that were now working as operating rooms and lounges to patch up everyone.

“Good to see you being so prompt.” Hurricane growled out keeping his mask up even around close acquaintances.

“This is awful… what happened here?” Meadowbrook muttered as she looked over the injured.

“It was a close match… without X being around it would have been worse. About thirty casualties on our side and the rest have been injured. We don't know how many will make it. We were hoping your medical knowledge would help us in these matters.” Hurricane pointed out as Meadowbrook dragged Somnambula aside with her to start treating the troops.

“Where is X?” Star Swirl stepped up his face scrunched up into a pointed scowl.

“He went after Corundum. Somewhere in the frozen wastes up north. That monster became an Umbrum, Star Swirl. A Faust damned Umbrum! We need to take care of this now before it gets worse.” Hurricane mentioned while Rockhoof and Magnus took up their respective weapons.

“Yes. You are right. Meadowbrook! You and Somnambula remain here and help as many ponies as possible. We shall go find X.” Star Swirl informed the other two who nodded and returned to helping ponies.

“But how will we find him? We can't exactly track his footprints in the snow. The winds have picked up and probably covered them up already.” Magnus groused as he took to the sky to get a good lay of the Crystal Empire.

“Worry not. We had a feeling we would have to track him down someday. Back during our experiments I cast a tracking spell on him. It was one of the few spells I did cast that managed to affect him in any palpable way. I placed another tracker on a small emblem of mine that he kept on his person. He hid it in his arm… I wish he would let me study him more closely.” Star Swirl muttered under his breath the last part.

“Sounds like a plan then. Let’s get to him before Corundum has any more chance to escape.” Rockhoof announced as the four raced off north of the city into the snow. Star Swirl knew the way and Mistmane had cast a spell to teleport them back to the Empire when it was all said and done. They didn’t need to stay in the snow for very long even if they were kept warm by heating spells placed on each other.

I was within forty feet of the target but visibility was low. The wind had picked up letting the snow whip around in a frenzy. Needless to say it was only minutely a nuisance. My eyes could focus on heat signatures which Fefnir immediately switched to. I could see the dark red spots amongst the field of blue… and for some reason something else. There were six or seven other bodies as well.

“Come on, will you just make up your mind already?” A female’s voice asked over the wind. “You either come with us or the tin can gets you, it’s not that hard of a decision.”

“Fine… weird harlot… lead the Faust damn way.” Corundum growled out as he coughed out some more black slime that had been leaking from his throat.

“We are gonna have to ask the boss to take care of that for you,” another female’s voice commented, retching at the display. “I do not want to see that any longer than I need to.”

“Need… hatred… “ Corundum gurgled as the crystal on his neck glowed slightly as more fractures appeared on them. “Need it… quickly… “

“I think we can arrange something,” yet another female voice said as an unknown energy signature appeared. “Now, take a step through this distortion.”

“Corundum! Get back here!” I dashed in through the snow with a fully charged shot aimed directly for him as he stepped through the weird tear in space… ‘What!?’

“Oh look, metal Pinocchio showed up,” A pink skinned human girl spoke up, standing next to the distortion. Clad in a black jumpsuit, she bore the emblem of a two headed eagle on her chest. “Boss lady did want to tinker around in his head.” She brushed a few strands of green hair out of her eyes. “Whatcha think, Sour?”

“I think we’ll get a raise if we bring her a shiny new toy,” a yellow skinned girl noted, a pink and yellow bow and arrow appearing in her hands. “Just remember to keep him intact girls.” Taking aim, she fired a few energy bolts at my chest.

I quickly rolled into the snow to escape the shots and switched over to Goo Shaver, the weapon Tidal Whale or Duff McWhalen, wielded. I quickly jumped back into the air throwing out several blocks of gel like ice around me. As soon as I hit the ground I switched over to Storm Tornado for the range.

The yellow girl aimed her bow at the ice, firing a few shots at it to test what would happen. The arrow sunk into the block of ice and lost all momentum as soon as it went straight through it.

“Alright, so the ice isn’t normal,” Sour noted. “Girls, don’t touch it. Something tells me it does more than dampen momentum.”

I fired the Storm Tornado sending a wave of ice and the slush from the Goo Shaver towards the girls closest to the portal which Corundum had gone through. I needed to get through before he got away fully and the colorful spandex wearing hookers were getting in my way. I didn’t know how long it would take for anyone to notice I was chasing after Corundum alone and I had no idea whether Hurricane would act or not. There was no time for banter and I needed to complete my mission immediately. I dashed forward ready to tank whatever they tried to do as I switched over to Electric Spark and charged it up, ready to fire it off.

“Wow, he really thinks he can take us,” the pink girl laughed cracking her knuckles. “Must have a circuit broken. I mean really, you think you can take down the Shadowbolts?”

“Whore Squad. Got it, understood and in the vault.” I muttered as I dashed towards the tear.

Sour split her bow into two hand sickles and jumped in front of me. “You’re not getting through, rust bucket.” She slashed at my chest in a V pattern.

I released Electric Spark sending several walls of electricity around me as the sickles touched my chest causing me to flinch back but sending most of the electricity into the girl. I switched over to Chameleon Sting and charged up keeping it as secondary fire while I blasted away at random with uncharged shots. There were small nicks in my chest from where the sickles had touched but the sudden surge from my own weapon sent her flying off elsewhere… hopefully paralyzed.

The pink girl summoned a heavy looking handgun into her hand and fired it at me. “Whoa, look at you with all the weapons. Boss lady’s gonna love figuring out what makes you tick.”

I released Chameleon Sting turning invisible and immediately charged forward towards the pink girl. As she kept firing I got close enough that when my small window of intangibility ended I grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward hitting her gut as hard as I was capable of doing without killing her then fired several buster shots into her at the highest possible level without being lethal to keep her stunned for as long as possible. I needed time… energy levels were already low and fighting… five more targets was becoming very difficult. Without the other cyber elves acting as my eyes and ears I was forced to do something drastic.

I wrapped my arm around the pink girl crushing her arms against her torso… hard enough to keep her trapped but not hard enough to crush her ribs and charged up a fully powered buster shot aimed directly against her head. I had other weapons to use but the bluff may have been enough to at the very least buy some time. “Stop or else.”

“Too bad for you, I ain’t a normal girl.” Pink slammed her head back into mine, disrupting my vision. Prying herself from my grasp, she grabbed my arm and tossed me over her shoulder and into the snow.

“Good to know.” My arm was still aimed at her only lower half and I fired up into her crotch. I could never repeat what she said that day so I quickly switched over to Goo Shaver. The sensors in my head told me that there were targets west of me and one north of me. I fired the slushed ice along the ground towards the targets and immediately rolled towards the tear.

The nearby grey girl summoned a hand axe and jumped towards me. She brought the axe over her head and slammed it down towards my body. I quickly grabbed the axe… I was so glad I had better reflexes than when I was human otherwise I would be dead… she just stared down at me. Her eyes were kind of dead… or something. The Suffering Circuit inside me seemed to be sensing some horrible things bubbling through her. Before I could think on that for long, she adjusted her axe, causing it to look like a gun. This was immediately confirmed by her opening fire on me.

I kicked her away from me as the shots scratched against my helmet tearing through it revealing a head of hair underneath. I actually had hair… huh, that was interesting. I switched over to Rolling Shield and started to charge once again. I didn’t have all day to deal with these weird girls.

“Get up, Lemon,” Sour commanded, glaring at Pink. “You can worry if you can still have kids later.”

“Still working on getting feeling back in my legs,” Lemon wheezed, rolling over onto all fours. With a heave of effort, she returned to her feet. “I think we should stop playing with him and use the Konami Code maneuver to finish this.”

I decided now was the time to leave. The tear was still in sight and I had a decent shot of reaching it at this point. I quickly ignored the teenage mutant ninja high schoolers and dashed for it… Rolling Shield was fully charged as I turned up my audio receptors in case any of them tried something dangerous.

“We’re not done with you!” Sour shouted, firing off a few more arrows at my back. “Don’t just stand there you idiots! Shoot him!” The others didn’t need to be told twice and let loose a hail of energy shots at me.

Rolling Shield activated as the energy shots hit the shield bouncing off helplessly and dissipating. It didn’t mean that the shield was perfectly stopping them. The bolts were doing the most damage causing fractures to spider web through the shield. It was still enough to get close enough to the tear as I jumped into it. The sudden energy shift tore the shield apart as I disappeared into the tear.

I fell over, my balance escaping me as my surroundings suddenly shifted without warning. I was in a town of some kind, but not one that I had ever been to. Gone was the snowy tundra, replaced by a bright sunny day. What caught my eye were the ponies, or at least, what I thought were ponies. They walked on two legs, possessing human like bodies. Ignoring that as quickly as possible and pushing it out of my mind so I don’t continue with another crazy episode I took in the rays of the sun as my armor started to repair itself and my power cells started to heal back up.

A few of the ponies had stopped their business, watching me with hushed whispers.

“Maybe he’s one of the riders?” a blue mare suggested to a coal black stallion next to her.

“No way, riders cover their faces, remember?” he replied, eyeing X closely.

“Think he’s a friend of Wyatt’s?” The blue mare suggested. “The faces are similar.”

‘X! Finally your energy is back. I’ve been scanning the area ever since we landed in the sun. Your armor and energy levels were really low. Nearly fifteen percent and you barely got away from seven targets. Regardless I’ve managed to get faint signals of where Corundum may have run off for. He seems to be moving north… I think. Also… where are we?’ Nana resounded internally as several trackers appeared on my motion sensors. ‘Also Falcon Armor and Gaea Armor has been effectively integrated. Ready to equip whenever ready.’

I sighed heavily stretching out my limbs… even if it did absolutely nothing for me. I needed to take out Corundum soon. Commander Hurricane gave the okay and if his umbrum form went wild he would probably try to kill as many people as possible. Hatred is bred by the survivors. I also wanted to get away from this world as quickly as possible since anthropomorphic ponies were starting to freak me out more and more by the second and if I had sweat glands still they would have broken from the sheer amount of fear sweat that I possibly could release.

“You don’t think he’s one of those monsters do you?” a grey pegasus mare with criss crossed eyes asked.

“Nonsense, he’s far too well behaved to be a monster,” A brown stallion with an accent dismissed, putting an arm around the mare. “A monster would be rampaging by now.”

I tilted my eye at the couple staring at them for a moment… ‘keep calm, keep calm they are just another form of ponies… maybe. Remember, fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little tiny voice in the back of your mind which you are now strangling with its own words because this is a messed up situation.’ I coughed slightly getting their attention. The mare clenched up slightly while the stallion stood firm.

“Have either of you seen a pony like creature wander pass here. He’s… dangerous. Very dangerous… like mass murderer dangerous.” I calmly stated knowing that it would cause a panic but better someone knows that something bad would happen than hiding it until it was too late.

“The only pony I didn’t recognize come through here was a sickly stallion with a persistent cough,” the brown stallion started, tapping his chin in thought. “But he hardly seemed dangerous at all.”

“Ha… isn’t that how all things are. The most dangerous things are always unassuming especially ones who torture children, cutting open ponies, and basically cutting off unicorn horns to use them for his own purposes. But you know I guess since the earth pony with a cough looked harmless, then of course it’s harmless. Thanks for the information though.” I muttered the last part and immediately dashed off for the signal. I needed to get to him before he tried to do something dangerous.

Ponies parted out of my way, more than a few hiding behind something. It made me wonder how often they had trouble that someone like me got them preparing for the worst.

‘Sixty meters until target is found X. I’ve gathered that he might take altitude again and suggest switching to Falcon Armor for this fight. I think I’ve found a way to assist in this fight if you switch into that form.’ Harpuia informed me causing me to stop before I got any closer to my target. Finding the right files within my head I started to install the necessary changes. Luckily, the heavy sunlight made my processor speed up completing what would have been an hour down to seconds. I, reluctantly, struck a pose extending my body out in an X pose as my armor flashed in on a beam of light and it switched over to Falcon Armor.

Everything about the armor screamed bird as the arms and legs had markings resembling talons and the chest plate even had a beak. The shoulder pads were larger allowing for streamlined movement and the built in jetpack whirred to life. I lost my ability to charge my special weapons… but I did gain one giga attack. At this point precision and mobility were looking like better and better choices. The charged shot also pierced through objects.

The signal led me to a tree house; a house literally made from a living tree. A sign hung next to the door, labeling it as ‘Golden Oaks Library’.

“Huh… That’s a thing.” I muttered and realized that I didn't have a plan of attack to deal with this.

As I walked up to the door, I could hear muffled voices coming from within the library.

“This dark magic poisoning is far worse than what Shining and Spearhead had.”

“Think you can do something about it, Twi?”

“Please… you must hurry… it’s… it’s coming soon… those damn monsters sent a golem after me.” Corundum’s sly voice coughed out selling the facade.

‘Great… kick in the door, open it civilized, kick in the door, open it civilized… god damn it. Neither is useful.’ I mentally lambasted myself since now there were potential hostages at this point. I raised my foot and placed my foot against the door. It was now or never and if Corundum got back to full force… or heaven forbid cut off another unicorn horn to find out how to use it there was no telling how dangerous this could be. I pulled my foot back and kicked in the door with a fully charged shot. Corundum saw me and instantly sneered before turning back to his sniveling look once again.

“Aiyee! He’s here… protect me before it’s too late!” Corundum screamed before coughing up a load of black slime which… also had him dodge the charged shot I fired at his head. The problem of the Falcon Armor was that the shots were made for precision and not widespread damage. They were even thinner than a pony leg and his dumb luck saved him once again.

“Holy shit, an evil Mega Man!” a male voice shouted, catching me off guard. The owner of the voice was a young man with shaggy brown hair. “Thank god it’s not Zero, our computers would be so boned.”

Ignoring the weird guy, I immediately dashed in knocking the guy to the side as I shoved my buster into Corundum’s face. He glared at me realizing I might actually get him until his right eye twitched… I probably should have thought ahead but words would waste time and Corundum had obviously got them to buy his story hook, line, and sinker.

“Bind, please!” Before I could react to the odd voice, chains appeared from out of nowhere and wrapped around my body.

I looked at the chains… they seemed magical but unlike the magic from Star Swirl it seemed different. Thaumic sensors were ranging a little higher than his first recorded measurement but they also moved. I quickly struggled and switched over to Homing Torpedo.

“Okay, Evil Mega Man, just chill for a second will ya?” the man asked, stepping over. Summoning a small, silver square in his hand, he attached it to his belt. “Don’t go all T-1000 on us.”

I pulled the chains in from wherever they were coming from snapping them off as I grabbed Corundum with my free hand gripping around his neck as he struggled against me. No time for conversation and no time for worrying about other things until Corundum was taken care of. I would keep my promise, no matter what.

“Okay, that’s it.” Conjuring a silver case, he opened it up and pulled a card out. “You wanna go Terminator, I can fix that.” Opening his belt, he slipped it in and closed it.

‘Kamen Ride: Decade!’

I looked at the man ignoring him and looked back at Corundum. Charging my buster I readied it to finally deal with this monster. He didn’t cry or beg for mercy… he just smiled, as if he heard a joke only he understood and watched my eyes as the buster came up to his face.

“Land, please!” the odd voice from before called out. Some drum music started play and the word “don” was chanted rhythmically as a black gloved fist clocked me in the side of the head.

I was sent flying out the window with my hand still gripped around Corundum’s neck. It’s weird that most people don’t remember that as a robot I can lock the mechanisms in my body to keep things from dropping out of my hand. My buster shot unfortunately wasn’t locked and went flying wildly creating a large hole through the entirety of the tree revealing the outside world.

“Looks like we’re staying in a hotel for a bit,” a feminine voice said. A moment later and a yellow helmet appeared in the fresh hole. It square shaped with silver brackets dividing it into eye and mouth portions. The figure wearing the helmet jumped out of the hole and revealed the rest of their outfit. A long black coat covered their chest with yellow, jewel-like portions on either side of the breasts.

Ignoring the constant transformations and focusing on Corundum who was struggling even worse against my grip I turned my buster toward him once again. I charged up and backpedaled slightly to keep them from charging in to stop this. He needed to be taken out now. Decade was wielding a sword against me and the yellow one seemed to be evaluating me on some level. It was distracting enough that Corundum was fighting me every step of the way but this was ridiculous.

“Who the hay shot a hole in the house?!” another voice, a scaley head peering out of the hole. “Oh come on! Can’t monsters at least respect the notion of home!?”

“Technically I made the hole, Spike,” the feminine figure said, turning her attention to the dragon. “I thought that was easier than risking a drawn out fight around the books.”

“Fair enough,” Spike replied, poking his head back inside. “You two hold him off, I’ll be down as soon as I’m changed.”

“You… are… the worst… heroes… being strangled… rragh… here!” Corundum shouted out clearly losing his cool as my buster finally charged up and was pushed into his face.

Decade unfolded his card case into a sword and slotted a card into his belt. “Attack Ride: Slash!” With a slice of his blade, he sent a thin energy wave at the wrist that was strangling Corundum.

Corundum fell out of my grasp and scurried back over to the strange armored people… I fired wildly at his legs trying to at least paralyze him but he was slippery, using his umbrum abilities to turn his legs to smokey shadows at intermittent times. The figures were too focused on me to notice… and Decade as he was called looked ready for battle.

“God damn it all… “ I uttered as I switched over to Goo Shaver.

“Looks like our new friend can change his abilities on the fly too,” the mare said, tapping a hand to her belt.

“Connect, please!” A small magic circle appeared at her side and she pushed her hand into it. When she retracted to it, an odd, silver sword was in her grasp.

“Corundum… you know how this will end.” I calmly stated looking him straight in the eye.

‘Fenrir… overclock special weaponry.’ I mentally ordered as several lines appeared over my body feeding into the buster while the constant sunshine kept feeding my internal generators. “Decade… if you are a hero you will stand aside.”

“Give me one good reason why I should.” Decade pulled out another card and slotted it into his belt.

“Depends on which story that monster told you. There quite a few that he could come up with based on how he acts. Or didn’t you notice how he has been acting since I showed up?” I mentioned… as Corundum rushed into the tree.

“He has been less scared and more… angry,” the mare noted, lowering her sword slightly.

“He lies!” Corundum shouted from the shadow of the inner dwellings of the tree. “He killed the Mi Amore Family in cold blood! All slaughtered at his feet… a soulless golem who thinks nothing of mortal life!” Corundum yelled before falling into a coughing panic spitting up several globs of black slime.

“If he thought nothing of mortal lives, he’d have shot us with that buster of his while we were distracted just now,” Decade said, turning to the treehouse. “And I happen to know that Megaman X is a hero under normal circumstances.”

“Yes! You know what he is! You know that he isn’t doing what he normally does, don’t you!? Is my life meaningless so long as you meet your memories in physical form.” Corundum shot back folding his ears down looking about ready to cry as more black slime came out of his mouth.

“No life is meaningless,” Decade retorted, walking up to the door. “But I’m starting to think something’s rotten in the state of Denmark.”

“I don’t have time for this.” I muttered and dashed in knocking Decade aside as I fired down on Corundum’s head who rolled to the side. Fenrir’s enhancement made the buster shot go down twenty meters causing the dirt to turn into molten slag. “Stop running!”

“I can help,” the mare said, taking off one of her rings and replacing it.

“Bind, please! A yellow magic circle appeared beneath Corundum, only instead of chains, lines of rock appeared and wrapped around his body.

“Heh… stupid heroes. Always believing things without the smallest basis of proof. Typical idiot hero, isn’t it?” Corundum grinned as his flesh melted off his face turning into black inky smoke and tearing its way out of the tree trying to bring the tree down on everyone. “Buck you all!”

“That looks like proof to me!” Decade shouted, removing the one card from his belt before quickly slotting in another one.

“Attack Ride: Illusion!” grey silhouettes appeared before four copies of Decade solidified into existence. Each of them grabbed the trunk of the tree, keeping it from falling.

“Wizard, go with X and chase down Corundum!” Decade ordered, strain obvious in his voice. “I’ll do what I can about the library.”

“God damn it! God damn it! Mass Murderer and Near Genocider on the loose!” I dashed off not even waiting for anyone else. A monster on the loose that would kill without prejudice. As long as he killed it wouldn’t matter whom he did.

Corundum soared through the air revealing his mantis-like shadow claws though most of his inky flesh was torn and bleeding black slime. He was looking for a way to keep going and things would get worse and worse by the second.

The now revealed Wizard, took off her yellow ring and switched it for a green one. “Hurricane, please!” She ran through a green magic circle and her outfit shifted. Once the circle faded she summoned a whirlwind beneath her and took to the skies after Corundum.

“X! Just what is Corundum?” Wizard asked, glancing down at me. “That kind of magic, is he something like King Sombra?”

“Who’s that? Forget it no time. Umbrum, creature of shadow that feeds on hate. Orders from Commander Hurricane and Star Swirl to deal with him. No questions just move.” I cut off the weird mare who I think hitched up in place when I mentioned Commander Hurricane and Star Swirl.

“Then he’s exactly like Sombra!” Wizard shouted down at me. “King Sombra was an Umbrum who took over the Crystal Empire a thousand years ago. He petrified and shattered Princess Amore and turned the Empire against Equestria. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna managed to seal him away but he cursed the Empire to vanish until his return.”

“Really…? You’re doing this now when you have a monster that enjoys violating ponies by forcing crystals to grow in their bodies rupturing them from the inside out and turning them into golems just because he thinks that they are the next step in evolution. Really? This is the best time to talk about history? Focus on that… and when we are done we can talk about anything you want… within reason.” I growled out keeping the emotions down since he could feed on hatred and having my emotions on would make it easier to regenerate.

“You didn’t let me finish!” she chided. “I bring it up because Sombra is here.” Glancing around she added. “Just keep an eye out for a pink filly and a grey foal!”

“Less talking, more chasing.” I shouted back as Corundum started to charge up magic off in the distance.

Wizard pushed herself forward, the whirlwind under her getting stronger.

It had taken an hour of trekking through the snow after getting information from Hurricane on where Corundum was launched. There had been several areas that looked as though that someone had fought for long periods of time.

“What do you think, Star Swirl?” Mist Mane spoke up as she and Rockhoof looked around noting several areas where combat took place.

“I don't know… there is too much unknown magic flowing through this area. Somepony was here though… “ Star Swirl muttered darkly feeling something at work at this point.

“Aye… there be many a problem around here. Magnus flew back to check back on Somnambula and Meadowbrook. We can't remain out here all day either. Any idea where X is at?” Rockhoof questioned as he looked around noting the disturbed snow and several places that looked as though something melted through the landscape.

“Something is odd is happening here. I can sense magic that I have not senses for many months. It's as if someone has torn a hole through reality.” Star Swirl muttered as he lit his horn scanning the area. There wasn't any sign of whomever meddled with such magic and even less sign of where it originated from.

“Over here. I've found the cause for our problems.” Mist Mane informed the others as she lit her own horn capture the rift that had been slowly closing.

“Of course! I can feel that something dragged X through that thing. The tracking spell is weak though…” Star Swirl stated as worry clouded his face.

“Shouldn't ya use your magic ta recall ‘im back?” Rockhoof brought up.

“If it were only so easy. Our magic combined can barely lift him or contain him. No… I shall go in after him. I'll open up the rift to his general location then bring him back… and hopefully eliminate Corundum as well.

“So shall I hold the rift open until you get back?” Mist Mane smirked as she realized what was going on.

“I'm sorry to be the one to ask.” Star Swirl grimaced.

“No it's quite alright. Going to another realm or wherever this rift leads is too dangerous. I shall do it since I know that the realm will be in good hooves no matter what." Star Swirl stated.

“Fine Star Swirl… but take no longer than you need to.” Mist Mane replied as she lit her horn and struck the rift with her magic keeping it from fully dispersing.

“I know. I'll be back quickly.” Star Swirl assured his two companions as he lit up his horn, shot the rift and stabilized the portal. Taking a deep breath he poured more magic into it to force it to X’s general location.

With a quick leap he jumped into the portal while Mist Mane kept things stable. Rockhoof pulled out his shovel and made certain to keep watch over the area creating snow walls to keep the winds at bay while they waited for their return.

Corundum wasted no time charging up whatever magic he could firing everywhere in Ponyville. The laser beams he fired were not as strong as they could be but they managed to burn through several of the buildings. They didn’t burst into flames but they did disintegrate whatever they hit. By sheer chance the ponies were getting out of the way dodging the beams and managing to get out of town.

A large thin beam of plasma shot out trying to strike at Corundum. He dodged out of the way firing beams of magic back as we traded blows weaving out of the way of each other's shots

Corundum attempted to charge up a large shot which left him wide open and allowed me to shoot him in the gut sending him spiraling down into the town.

“Wizard! Did you see where he fell!?” I cried out as she came over to look for his trajectory.

“Yes!” Wizard shouted back, altering her course. “Follow me, I think we can finish this monster off!”

Corundum wasted no time and ignored us, shooting the thin beam through several houses slicing them in half. The energy had finally reached critical mass as the ground exploded in a hail of fire and slag. He turned to the mares grinning with his nearly rotten smile as black slime poured down from it staining the ground. Then he flew off continuing his rampage willingly taking on hits so long as he destroyed everything he could. The crystal on his neck started to fracture raining pieces down as his form started to falter.

Corundum looked down at the weird armored figure and pointed his jaw upwards. Magic formed above it as it started to rain magical energy beams of death. Using the distraction he soared away while the cries of ponies rang out amongst the town.

Corundum, tossing him down into a crowd of ponies that were still fleeing from the widespread destruction. Corundum knocked the blade out of his gut as he noted all the ponies around him… and decided to help himself to a meat shield.

His eyes lit up when he saw a grey unicorn colt leading a pink earth pony filly by the hand away from the destruction. Knocking the colt aside with the blunt end of his left mantis claw grabbing the filly with his right claw.

“G-get away from her you meanie!” the colt shakily shouted, firing a small bolt of red magic at Corundum’s head. In fact, it was the same kind of magic that made up Corundum’s body.

“Do it again. Do it again! It tickles.” Corundum growled out maliciously licking his lips as he stared down his prey. “Don’t worry though… I’ll return her soon enough. Maybe after I flay her open like a flesh suit? Foals enjoy playing with organs don’t they?” Corundum took off to the skies holding on to the pony and laughing the entire way

“No! Leave her alone!” the colt shouted, firing off a few more bolts of magic. After a few shots, only sparks came out and he fell to his knees.

“Damn it, Damn it, Damn it!” I shouted as we passed through the ruined town stopping in front of a colt collapsed on the ground. “Hey! Wizard! This the one?”

“Yes! That’s Sombra!” Wizard landed in front of the colt and helped him up. “Sombra, did he hurt you?” she asked, stroking his mane.

“H-he took Di!” Sombra latched onto her, holding back a sob. “I-I couldn’t save her!”

Wizard stood up, showing off her ring. “Don’t worry, that’s what us heroes are for. You just get to safety.”

I wasted no time and took off into the air using the Falcon Armor to chase after the departing Umbrum. Thanks to my internal power source I could keep flying without the limitations that were in place in game. I charged up my buster aiming for the shoulder that wasn’t holding onto the filly.

“I’m not scared of you!” the filly shouted, giving Corundum a glare. “The riders are gonna turn you into dust, just like all the other monsters!”

“Good… And you’ll make a decent flesh suit after I rip you to shreds. A good harvest.” Corundum answered without breaking the twisted grin on his face… while black slime leaked almost incessantly. Before he could say anymore a large buster shot tore through the left mantis claw tearing it off of its body. Corundum fell down back to the ground tearing through the earth as he nearly lost his grip… instead tightening it before the filly could escape.

“Connect, please!” A green magic circle appeared next to the filly and a moment later a hand shot out of it and grabbed the filly. With a heave, it wrenched the filly free and pulled her through the magic circle.

“Nopony’s becoming a flesh suit on my watch,” Wizard said, the filly at her side. “Di, get back to the library and tell OOO to use the pink set, okay?”

Corundum looked at the weird armored figure and spat out gallons and gallons of black slime out of his maw. The black slime started to move on it’s own grabbing Wizard sinking into her legs piercing them as the slime hardened. Several magical spheres appeared over his body and shot out cutting off the pink filly and striking me out of the air into one of the buildings.

“Okay, I think you need to visit a dentist,” Wizard joked through clenched teeth as she switched to Land form. “But lucky for you, I have a drill in my bag of tricks.”

“Drill, please!” A magic circle appeared beneath her and her legs started to spin like a drill. A moment later, she disappeared beneath the earth, kicking up dirt as she did. Before Corundum or I could wonder where she went, a hole appeared beneath the umbrum and she jumped out to slash his chest.

Letting the cut occur the slime that emanated out from the room shot out grabbing Wizard’s arms and legs with the largest wrapping around her throat. Figuring out that she was in front of him now he slammed her head first into the ground over and over again dragging it through several times until he launched her through the nearest building still covered in slime and stuck against the wall. I finally got up noticing her near me.

“So… got anything to distract him?” I muttered as I switched over to Fire Wave.

“If I could move, then maybe,” she said, struggling against the slime that kept her pinned to the building. “Ugh, I feel like bad modern art right now.”

“Fireproof?” I looked over to her and aimed my buster up… waiting for the signal.

“I do have dragon essence in me, that might offer me some resistance to fire,” she answered, starting to trail off as if to think. “Actually, I’ve never hurt myself when breathing fire, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Well… one life to live. This’ll be interesting.” I released the flame and saturated her entire body to melt the slime off. It turned slowly to ash and Wizard thumped down on the ground on her back. “You can rest when you’re dead.” Then the scream of a little filly called out from beyond the building.

“Di!” Wizard shouted, forcing herself to her hooves. Retrieving her dropped sword, she dashed off to the source of the scream.

The slime had formed enough to grab the filly as Corundum affixed one eye on Wizard and I while the other focused on Di, as she was called. The mantis claw has slid into place near the filly ready to strike and Corundum started to speak.

“Pretty filly getting skinned, speak any words will bring her end.” He focused on Wizard especially. “Same goes for weaponry… X… “ Corundum hissed out barely masking his rage as all the slime bubbled. “If you want her back though… well I could be persuaded…”

Wizard’s weapon trembled in her hand as she looked between the filly and the umbrum. “What do you want?” she hissed, staring at the umbrum.

“Heh… heh heh ha ha… X… allow her to stab your power core and I will walk away without consequence. The pony will go free and I will die.” Corundum stated drawing the claw along Di’s belly. “Unless you’d rather explain to others how you let ponies die needlessly.”

“You want me to trade one life for another?” Wizard questioned, taken aback by the idea.

“How good are you at catching, Wizard?” I muttered toward her as my armor turned a deeper purple color.

“Pretty decent given my rider powers, why?” Wizard muttered back keeping her head facing Corundum.

“Good to know.” I raised my buster as Corundum raised his mantis claw. Dark Hold took effect creating a large time bubble over the area for three seconds.

3…

I dashed into Corundum grabbing Di and tearing her out of the slime.

2…

I pulled her into my grasp and turned to Wizard.

1…

I threw Di over towards Wizard as the effect fell and the mantis claw immediately tore into my gut raising me off the ground and causing sparks to flow through my body from the impact.

Wizard managed to catch the filly, quickly setting her down on the ground. “That was your big idea?!” she shrieked her gaze locked onto the hole in my stomach.

“That was part one. I was hoping you would have attacked him and stopped him while the claw was still in my gut.” I deadpanned as I turned back to Corundum firing several buster shots into his body.

Wizard grabbed one more ring off her belt and slid it onto her finger. “Kick Strike!” Leaping into the air, she positioned herself to perform a dropkick on Corundum. A large, yellow magic circle formed beneath her foot and crashed along with her directly into Corundum’s face.

Corundum screamed as the magic in the kick pierced through his core destroying his body as the black slime and shadows turned to ash and dissipated leaving behind a large fractured red crystal laying on the ground.

Star Swirl landed hard as he rematerialized in a very lush forest based town. The ponies were… weird to say the least. Remembering that in a multiverse such as this anything was possible. Still he didn't want or need to stay more than was was required.

“Where are you…?” Star Swirl muttered as he lit up his horn recalling the tracking spell and placing a ward on the portal making others less likely to want to be in the area.

The small pulsing of his magic soon led to a very large tree near his position. It was his best option though he really hoped that this would go smoothly. He needed to return with X to help handle the aftermath of this bloody coup.

Wizard sighed in relief, adjusting her belt and undoing the transformation to reveal a purple alicorn mare. “That took some effort, but that bastard’s finally gone.” Glancing over at Di, she turned her focus to me. “You alright?”

“Who? Me?” I motioned a finger to my body. “Yeah, see… I’m truly a hole-y figure.” I pushed my arm through the hole in my gut and waved to Wizard before pulling it out of the wound.

“If it weren’t for the smokey slime monster, that would’ve been the most disturbing thing I’ve seen all day,” the mare said flatly, pointing a finger at my wound. “But you seem to be okay. What about you, Di, you alright?”

The filly nodded, looking over the dried slime on her outfit. “I’m fine, but I think my clothes need a trip to the incinerator. Thanks for saving me.” She glanced over to me. “You too, Mister.”

“Yup. I’m so glad Commander Hurricane, Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead weren’t here as well. They would have found me getting stabbed through the gut again far too reckless. Well, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?” I shrugged as my body started to regenerate under the sunlight.

“Or what doesn’t kill you is actually slowly killing you,” Wizard responded. “But, I’m glad that you have an auto-repair function.” Clearing her throat, she moved up and held her hand out. “I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, it’s a pleasure to formally meet you.”

“X. That’s what I’m going with for now… can’t be too careful when that damn serpent could be around listening.” I shook her hand keeping my name close to the vest. I was too distracted with Corundum that I nearly forgot Discord could have also been around ready to strike.

“Serpent? Who or what are you talking about?” Twilight questioned, tilting her head at me.

“You know… him. Chaos… and don’t you dare say his name. He could be anywhere and as mortal enemies we are probably going to kill each other on sight. Me especially after what he tried.” I muttered the last part raising my buster around slightly charged.

“Oh.” Twilight nodded in understanding. “You mean Discord. Well, you should be fine; I doubt any Discord would want to leave their universe. Besides, if yours came here, I imagine ours wouldn’t take too kindly to having a doppelganger.”

“Right… I’m not lowering my buster. He already decided to try and make me his equal where I’m from. Something strange he called a Spirit of Order or something like that.” I stated keeping track of my sensors. I could pick up his thaumic signature from anywhere within fifty meters.

“Right.” Twilight lit her horn up, cordoning off the area with the magical equivalent of police tap. “I’ll ask that you stay around to give your statement to the royal guard.”

“This is a weird Equestria… Star Swirl never mentioned anything about a Princess of Friendship or anything more than the Equestrian Army to deal with threats… oh. Oh! This is that thing… huh… lots of things are starting to fall into place now.” I placed my hand underneath my chin closing my eyes in contemplation.

“You must have been Displaced to an Equestria centuries in the past,” Twilight surmised. “Star Swirl vanished not long before Celestia and Luna defeated Discord. My rider powers are based on some of his work. Hay, I became an alicorn by finishing his last spell.”

“Displaced? What’s that? Also what about the other ponies that he is friends with?” I crossed my arms trying to keep my confusion from getting out of control.

“How about we take this discussion back to the library?” Brushing her dress off, Twilight turned back towards where we came from. “You and Wyatt can discuss this while I find a healing spell for the tree.”

“Uh… sure. I’m curious now.” I followed after her making sure that Diamond stood next to her. I didn’t know anything about what was going on.

The walk took a few minutes, the Decade guy still holding up the tree. Though, they did seem a bit more tired than when we left him. I noted Sombra hugging onto his leg.

“Hey, Twi,” all the Decades said at once. “Did you have a nice stroll around the town? I’ve just been here, practicing my tree hugging.”

“I can see that.” Lighting her horn up, Twilight grabbed the tree in her magic. “Spike! Can you grab me any book with botany spells, specifically ones concerning trees?”

“Want me to take over… Wyatt was it?” I stepped up to the person holding up the tree.

“Yeah, the name’s Wyatt,” Decade replied, sounding less tired as the aura from Twilight’s horn spread around the tree. “And I think I can handle this now that Twi’s helping me.”

“Fine. So… displaced. What are they?” I leaned against one of the only intact walls inside the library.

“People who were costumed in one situation or another and found themselves pulled into a version of Equestria. That’s the short version anyway.”

“Long version, please.”

“Well the long version isn’t much longer,” Wyatt admitted adjusting his footing to ease the strain of the tree. “The case for most of us displaced is that we go to a con of some kind, buy an object related to our costume and the one selling it turns out to be an entity called a Void Dweller.”

I looked towards the door as a dragon stepped out of the library. He moved over to Twilight a stack of books in his arms. “All the magic botany books I could find,” the drake offered, holding them out.

“Thank you, Spike,” Twilight replied, picking up the books in her magic and looking through them all at once. After a few minutes, she pointed at one with a green cover. “Aha! Mending a broken tree. This spell can reattach limbs and other materials of a tree so long as not much time has passed and the pieces being mended are still relatively healthy.” The aura around her horn and the tree shifted and after a few moments, a creaking started to come from the library.

“Neat… So anything else that I should know about Displaced now that your arms aren’t full.” I motioned to the now repaired tree.

Pulling the handles on his belt, Wyatt’s copies faded from existence as he undid his transformation. “We can summon one another through tokens. Mine’s my Decade card. It’s pretty easy to make one: just pick something you think represents you, concentrate and make a message for it and then toss it so it can go out into the void for others to find.”

“Huh… “ I raised my hands up looking over and focusing on them. After a few seconds something started forming in my hands… it was a large white case shaped similarly to the cases that usually held cyber elves within them. “You mean like this thing?”

“Yeah, that can work,” Wyatt nodded, leaning in to get a closer look. “I have no idea what it is but it should work fine.”

“It holds cyber elves. It’s a way to summon us to another’s aid… or at the very least a copy.” Nana finally spoke up rising from my body revealing her form. A tall female reploid with pink hair and two sevens on her chest flashing a holographic blue color.

“Nana! I told you you all need to remain hidden!” I yelled out frowning at her sudden burst.

“It’s fine. We’re sure that we can afford some risks here. This information is a necessity if this is what is going on now.” Nana informed me coaxing Harpuia, another reploid in X’s image though wearing a modified Falcon Armor clad entirely in green plating and Fefnir, another reploid in X’s image wearing a modified Gaea Armor, plated entirely in red.

“Cyber elves?” Twilight questioned. “I’m not familiar with that term.”

“We are full fledged A.I. Capable of high levels of technological advancement and specialized fields. I, in particular, am the one who holds several Petabytes of data detailing all technology for the past years of human history since 21XX. Harpuia is a strategist program capable of detailing millions of plans based on his own calculation. Fefnir is a combat expert with knowledge of all possible styles of fighting and any weapon possible. I can’t detail the others right now but that is what we are.” Nana explained detailing a few more options they had behind them.

“How fascinating,” Twilight replied. “But what sort of people use X’s to denote a year? Is that supposed to be like the numeral for ten? But then why start with regular numbers?” she muttered the last part to herself.

“It was the year when the Maverick Wars started. When everyone died.” Harpuia explained overhearing the muttering easily enough. “One reploid became a virus and sent the world into war and destruction leaving nothing but a ruined earth and mistrust amongst those born and those created.”

“So it’s a time people wanted stricken from the records?” Twilight guessed, putting a hand to her chin. “Or maybe, due to the chaos of the event, the exact date was lost?”

“No. It’s just that all the people who kept track of dates like historians were all dead. It only got worse due to the second war where ninety percent of all reploids and sixty percent of all humans were wiped out in one go. No reason to keep track when every one who would care is too busy trying to survive after widespread genocide and the slow decline of humanity as a viable species.” Fefnir interjected revealing just how bad things had gotten in that time.

Twilight shuddered, returning the books to Spike and took Wyatt’s hand. “I’m so glad you didn’t come from a world like that.” Reaching down, she placed her hand on Sombra’s head.

Wyatt managed a grin. “Same, I’m not exactly the Mad Max type.”

“It’s a good thing she managed to take out Corundum’s crystal. That thing acted like his mind and heart. He had knowledge of how to make unstoppable golem armies by turning ponies into crystal golems exploding them like flesh balloons.” I sighed out looking towards Wizard, or Twilight as I now knew.

Retching, Twilight nodded in agreement. “Okay, I’m glad I took him out. The last thing I would want to see is Spike’s cousin explode in a gore pile.”

“You did destroy the crystal right? I remember it was fracturing while we fought it but I kind of got distracted with the hole in my gut.” I looked over as I placed the cyber elf container on one of tables.

“My Finish Strike took care of it,” Twilight assured.

“Wait, what’s this about Diamond Tiara exploding!?” Spike asked, glancing between Twilight and myself. “Sombra told me that someone had taken Di, but holy crap!”

“Held onto her like a meat shield and threatened to turn her into flesh puppet unless Twilight killed me.” I bluntly stated crossing my arms as I did so. For some reason there was a blip on my thaumic sensor coming in.

Spike stared before bolting off into town. “I have to make sure Di’s okay!”

“Be careful with her!” Twilight called after him. “She’s a little shaken up by what happened!”

“X! X where are you!” An older sounding voice called out revealing a tall quadruped pony wearing a star adorned cloak and wizard’s hat with bells. His beard reaching well below his chest.

“Oh, there you are Star Swirl. Corundum has been dealt with finally.” I called out as the stallion trotted over the debris around the slowly healing tree.

A strange high pitched noise came from Twilight’s direction and before I could react, she rushed up into Starswirl’s face. “Oh my gosh! It’s really you!” She paused, a giddy look on her face. “Well, not my version of you but you nonetheless! I’m a huge fan of all your work!” Flaring her wings out, she continued. “In fact, I became an alicorn thanks to completing one of your spells!”

“Of course… good to hear.” Star Swirl patted the very enthusiastic mare pushing her slightly to sit down with his magic and turned to me.

“Agito was quite clear that you were a misanthropic dick who borderlined on specist,” Wyatt spoke up, eyeing Star Swirl critically. “Doesn’t tell a lot of good stories about you. Said Somnambula had the looks though.”

“Yes of course because in a web of alternate universes of infinite possibilities every single me is the same just like you aren't a horrible monster in another one and a killer in another or mayhaps a different universe where you've been kept at home. All alternate universes are different and should any being immediately take at face value that their version is the quintessential version out of all versions they would sorely be mistaken. Regardless I've come for X. Things need to be pushed forward for our plans now that the Crystal Empire is free.” Star Swirl lectured before turning to me.

“Before you go.” Wyatt cleared his throat. “We could talk about a few things. Say... my new X cards.” Holding his hand out, he resummoned his case and pulled out a card displaying my image. “What’s happened in the past thousand years, maybe take a trip over to the human continent.”

“Do we have time Star Swirl?” I looked down at the pony who was lost in contemplation weighing his options.

“As tempting as exploring those links are there isn't. Mist Mane is doing her part right now to keep the portal open. Project Harmony is also in dire need of being started now that we have access to the Crystal Empire. Also some of my scrying attempts of our neighbors have been revealing golem technology trickling into their borders which is harrowing if it is as horrible as the massacre that happened to the Amore family.” Star Swirl groused looking dire as he explained all the trouble occurring.

Wyatt looked between them. “You guys do know, you don’t have to keep it open right? I can just make a new one. Been flexing my Decade powers lately.” Wraggling his finger, Wyatt made the air in front of him warp.

“It's more because I was being polite. I have other problems as well since that chaos spirit nearly invaded Everfree Castle and got right next to the princesses. He has started to be more bold in his plans. Also Concerto is looking for you X.” Star Swirl explained.

Snapping his fingers, Wyatt let the warp disappear. “Alright, just don’t hesitate to call me if you want help.” Reaching into his card case, he tossed me one of his cards.

“Here. You can have this then.” I grabbed the card placing it in my buster for far later and handed the cyber elf case over. “Basically open this case and one of us will come out to assist you based on who you call. If you need strategy, Harpuia comes out. Weaponry is Fefnir, combat versatility is my cyber elf copy, and technology is Nana. There are others but they are locked right now.”

“This should come in handy,” Wyatt said, holding up the case. “Hey, Twi, before they leave, think you can copy Maud’s research and the tokens we have? Give them a care package or something like that.” Turning back to me, he smiled. “If anything, next time you run into Discord, you should try calling Xemnas. Guys basically the god of Nothingness. Maybe he can cancel out Discord or something?”

“If you say so… I'm not exactly in a rush right now since there are other things to deal with first.” I watched as Twilight used a pair of rings to conjure and copy a laptop and a box of random items.

“Here.” Twilight smiled, passing the objects to me. “The laptop has everything we have on rider research, I hope it helps.”

“Yeah. This should do fine.” I accepted the package and held onto them.

“Upgrade time before we leave!” Nana immediately jumped into the laptop and started to surge power through it forcing several parts to change, becoming sleeker. “We have updated everything and fully remade this low tech to high tech Sir.” She saluted before returning into my body.

“Hmm, that gives me an idea,” Wyatt said, holding the cyber elf case towards their version of the laptop and opening it.

‘Please choose your assistant’ The Case bellowed out as the first lid opened.

“Nana,” Wyatt replied.

‘Complying. Copy accessed. Set personality’ The voice continued.

“Let’s go with… upbeat and positive,” Wyatt answered, taking a moment to understand the request.

‘Perky 50’s flirt accepted.’ The voice answered as a bright light lifted out of the case.

“Sup there handsome. So whatcha need me for?” The newly created Nana flew over to Wyatt rubbing her diminutive hand over his chest regardless of being a small fairy like figure.

Wyatt chuckled nervously, giving Twilight a weak smile. “I would like it to be on record that the case said flirt, not me.”

“Oh don't worry sweetie.” Nana flew over to Twilight. “I plug in both ways.” She ran her hand against Twilight’s cheek.

“Just upgrade our laptop,” Twilight deadpanned, holding the device up.

The Nana copy entered the laptop and while ignoring the… ecstatic moans coming from it the laptop fully upgraded to a sleeker model. “Done. Will that be all?”

“Think you can stay in the laptop and act as an assistant?” Wyatt questioned, shaking the elf case. “Or do you need to go back in the case?”

“If you want a different assistant I have to go into the case. If you want me to integrate into the tech all I need to know is if you're the one pushing my button.” Nana asked as she lounged out in mid air in front of his gaze.

“Am I going to have to worry about you sneaking out and making a reploid body for yourself?” Wyatt asked, quirking a brow at her. “I get the feeling you’re gonna get handsy.”

“Oh my sir. You are so naughty thinking so hard about giving me a body because you actually want to push my buttons.” The Nana copy blushed… as much as a cyber elf copy could.

“Keep it up and I’m making a Fefnir copy,” Wyatt deadpanned.

“Yes because he has the knowledge to upgrade tech. Oh wait, he only knows weapons.” Nana copy mock smiled.

“And the G-Project could use a weapons expert to help them,” Wyatt retorted, using his pinkie to poke her nose which went through her.

“See sir. I knew you wanted to get your hands inside me.” She chuckled as her form returned to full again.

“I know she’s just teasing you,” Twilight commented, trying not to erupt into laughter. “Anyway, thank you a lot, X. This will be a great help to Equestria.”

“Yeah… you picked a weird personality there. We're… we’re just gonna go. Star Swirl, you coming?” I motioned to the wizard who was looking over the tech.

“Yes. Let's leave them to their work and head back.” Star Swirl lit up his horn as several hundreds of magical circles grabbed the two with thousands wrapping around us as we were dragged from that plain of existence and disappeared from sight.

In truth, Star Swirl’s spell was little more than an illusion. He led me out back to the rift where I last saw it. It was stable at this point.

“Seems as though there are problems in other worlds, isn't there?” Star Swirl mentioned as I looked down.

“Yeah… wanna talk before we head back?” I motioned him to sit down near me as I placed the things down.

“Yes. Before we go tell me more about yourself. It seems as though we are safe here.” Star Swirl sat down as well.

“Where do I begin…? Well apparently I'm what would be called a Displaced. I wasn't always this being you see before you. Something decided to one day drag me from my world in a new guise for some reason beyond our comprehension. So I'm now here as this helping you with whatever you need.” I explained as Nana and Harpuia started to crunch numbers for some reason.

“That is unfortunate for you. I will admit that this is extraordinary but as much as I want to study you, I need you to remain as X until we have gotten a handle on our world.” Star Swirl pointed out. “As remiss as I would be not to know your name… there is still the matter of Discord from our realm. I know of spells that can harm the very soul of those that have their true name revealed.”

“I had a feeling that that was the case. Still it feels wrong just to keep who I am hidden beneath a title. But I understand why it's important. Anything else?” I muttered as I looked over the things I received.

“About these items… we need a safe place to store them and since we can now continue our projects I was thinking that we can store them there as well. Are you ready for Project Harmony?” Star Swirl intoned ready to jump through the portal.

“As ready as I'll ever be. What is Project Harmony?” I mentioned as I followed him through the portal.

“You've returned… finally.” Mist Mane shuddered as she fell into the snow. She was not cold though she looked exhausted. I picked her up as Rockhoof and Magnus each took to my sides as we raced out of the area finally finishing up with the Frozen Wastelands and the things that remained.

I didn't know what else to do as Star Swirl carried the objects in his magic and we raced off for the Crystal Empire.

It was dark. It was dark and wet. The smell of iron throughout the air made it difficult to breathe. Blood, dried blood but blood nonetheless coated the room as the young mare looked over the contents of the room.

She ran a hoof across her flank feeling her body as if for the first time. She felt her wings… and started noticing the small red crystals that were attached to them. She didn't say much about it but the small smirk that appeared told all she needed to know. The experiment was a resounding success.

She let out a low chuckle that grew to uproarious laughter. The mare known as Crystal Shears slowly stood up from the table… and found a nearby window opening it to the entire city engulfed in madness as ponies kept playing doctor with each other.

Revolution would happen. The world would know that progress was coming even if she couldn't remember what had happened after he was fed whispers about power beyond the veil… after that nothing. The world needed to become more, to be more.

Goring Corundum would continue on as she flapped her wings and took off for the cloud cover above.

XXII. Results (unedited)

Author's Note

And we are back to the main story. A short crossover that will in no way dictate how this story goes but enhance the story in small ways.

So I have to ask. Alive or Dead?

XXII. Results (unedited)

It took an hour of non stop running, admittedly not that long for me, to get back within the confines of the Crystal Empire. Nopony was waiting for us and I admittedly didn't want to see anyone for the moment. My thoughts were swirling around since I had learned why I was X and why I was here.

It had been a game. A simple game of temptation that I gladly followed through with but still a game nonetheless. I quietly placed Mist Mane on Rockhoof’s back who quietly nodded and raced off with Magnus to get her warmed up. That left me with Star Swirl.

“What will you do with these… objects X?” Star Swirl looked towards me and I could tell even he wanted to investigate them… though that glint of fear in his eyes from knowing the future and having it written for him made him keep it out of hoof’s reach.

“I admittedly have little use for them… at least for now. I'd probably just seal them in the box and wait for the opportune time they would assist me.” I answered keeping it vague on whether I would use it or not. It wasn't that they wouldn't be useful… it was more that I didn't really want to bring anything more to this world. If my thoughts were working right then those six I fought to hunt Corundum down were extra dimensional threats and only privy to his realm, not mine. I placed all but the Decade card in the box, laptop included, and had Star Swirl seal it up. Physically though, not magically.

“A shame. Their creation would have expanded ours.” Star Swirl lamented though I did sense a little sarcasm in his tone.

“Let's just make sure you all survive then we can talk about advancing.” I chuckled as I crossed my arms giving him a faux stern look. He took it all in stride though I could tell he was still thinking about something.

I decided not to pry at the moment. There were other important moments to deal with such as Flint’s punishment, which I would head up, and the search for any of the Amore line. I was hoping Concerto wasn't the only one left. The succession of royalty never went smoothly even if the other branches were culled.

“So now comes the most difficult part. I'll need to have Somnambula help me out in finding where the rest of the Amore family. She’s good at finding things, right Star Swirl?” I muttered off handedly hoping that it would be true.

“Yes… she is good at that but this might be too much for her. She still is unused to seeing dead bodies.” Star Swirl admitted as he led the way to the southern part of the city.

“This is a bit much overall already. I've had to fight off a giant shadow mantis monster that enjoyed torture and other crazy things. I think she'll be fine after all this. After all you are all the central pillars of Equestria right?” I waved my hand towards him as if to emphasize my point. “I'm certain she can handle this… situation. It wouldn't be too bad at this point, would it?”

“Be that as it may we must have tact when we do so and I'm certain Meadowbrook will also tag along just so you know.” Star Swirl added as if it was an afterthought.

“That's fine. We just need to find out what happened to them. That's all.” I mentioned quickly though I could have sworn that my hands were fidgeting slightly. It wasn't a glitch either as Nana helpfully informed me, internally.

With everything that had happened including being skewered through the gut… again, I was not exactly in the best of states. I had been reckless… extremely reckless since I couldn't feel much pain. That… that wouldn't be the case forever most likely. I needed to be more attentive to dodging attacks more often than relying on bait tactics. My body may have better defenses and an auto repair function but that didn't mean I was invincible.

Suffice to say, I was not a god amongst man, or ponies in this case. I was lucky. I was lucky that this body was so resilient to damage. I was lucky that the Suffering Circuit protected my mind from any and all brainwashing techniques. I was lucky that the other important reploids of the X series acted as cyber elves to assist me in combat. And while I could place all my success on my physical abilities it paled in comparison to how well my mind adjusted. Somewhat adjusted… the fact that there were multiple universes was disorientating. I pushed those thoughts away after finally coming to terms with which world I was displaced to.

Star Swirl kept quiet as we reached the first of the troops on the southern quadrant of the city. He remained a stoic figure as I followed beside him… in a somewhat subdued manner. I had been carrying the box with me after Star Swirl had used a spell to melt the edges together. A crude but effective measure to keep others from looking within.

The Crystal Guards that were held up by the copious amounts of medical tape all looked at me with a heavy dose of fear and in some cases smiles. The fact Corundum wasn't here, nor Liquid Diode, might have been the catalyst for most of them remaining where they were. Even the least injured, who could in fact still fight, remained in their position.

“I see you've returned X. Corundum?” Hurricane stepped into view from what looked to be a makeshift office. It was a section of a ruined house that had a sheet draped over the hole to act as a door.

Hurricane looked tired. His wings drooped down further than they did when he came to assist with Corundum. He looked older than he ever did and that was saying a lot since he was older than most of the ponies I had met. The lines on his face were far more creased. His mane had turned a bit paler.

I didn't even know if he was the same stallion with how much more calm his eyes were. They looked at me not with the farcical hostility he showed when I first appeared before him, but now with a calm understand of a leader and his soldier.

“Dead. Made sure his body was completely destroyed. If he had any other contingencies though… well I don't know at this point. I'll search around for anything but for now… he's dead.” I responded keeping my arms at my side.

Hurricane nodded and slowly tilted my head towards his office. Taking the hint I stepped into the office and had to catch a giggling unicorn who immediately glomped me.

“X! You're back!” Concerto cried out as she held onto me bearing the slightly muttering of ‘ow’ as she tearfully held on to me.

“It's fine. It's fine I'm back.” I wrapped an arm around her keeping hold of her so she could rubbed her cheek with her hoof. “You need to remember not to lunge at me. I'm still made of metal.”

“Bleh! What fun are hugs if you can't lunge at somepony?” Concerto asked in her princess tone, the one where she is stating a fact in a questioning matter to indicate she was right. I merely felt my eyelids droop signifying not agreeing with her bullshit. She ignored that and merely hugged me more while I rolled my eyes and acquiesced to her ministrations.

“Ah there's the golem of the hour. X, we need to talk.” Platinum immediately gathered my attention as Puddinghead took her seat as well with Commander Hurricane.

As if on cue the other Pillars came into the room. Meadowbrook and Somnambula looked extremely tired and their fore hooves were covered in what I could only assume was blood. I didn't know how badly the battles went out there while I face Corundum but I didn't like seeing it.

I wasn't afraid of blood but it made me uncomfortable for some reason. I didn't really know why and Cinnamon wasn't online just yet. I had done all I could and retired all the Crystal Golems that were on their side… as many as I could while fighting my way into the Crystal Palace. I pushed it to the side for the moment since the line of thinking wasn't helping.

Rockhoof, Flash Magnus and Mist Mane entered standing near Star Swirl. The three looked cold. They were covered in a light layer of frost but their shivering was muted. If I didn't know better I could have sworn that there was a small magical field surrounding each of them. Perhaps a spell, I pondered as Hurricane took charge of the meeting as he was want to do.

“Good news everypony. With the siege accomplished Goring Corundum has been shunted off the throne and we can reinstate the Amore Family, Concerto to be precise, back into power. No more crystal golems will be released from here ever again.” Hurricane announced to muted cheers. Everyone looked oddly satisfied, as if they had never expected this to happen in their lifetimes.

“Unfortunately, we must also state with the good… comes the bad.” Platinum quietly stated as everyone braced themselves. “With the fall of the Crystal Empire, ponies are now at a very precarious position. We've launched ourselves into civil war technically and have been seen by the world stage. In their eyes, we appear to be crumbling at the seams and I can't fault them for thinking that to be true.”

“Suffice to say as a race… we are in a horrible position. As it appears if we aren't careful with holding our facade… well, I don't think I need to explain it to anyone here.” Puddinghead explained. “Deers and Buffalo are our main concern at this point, Griffons and Thestrals secondary and the rest are tertiary. Those four are our closest neighbors and while Magnus might shout out about dragons, it seems there have been reports of something striking out at them whole slaughtering them by the pack. That is very concerning.”

“Should I take care of it?” I immediately responded ready to head out to handle things… only to get a stern look from Hurricane.

“X. We are grateful that you have stood by us but we can't send you without probable cause. All we have are spy reports detailing that they have noticed, that's all. While that may be enough to show concern… it isn't enough to send troops to fight over it. We aren't ready for another fight until we can reintegrate the Crystal Guards back into position to protect the Crystal Empire. Our own troops are still reeling from the battle and while we lost less than we imagined… there are still many injuries amongst them. We can't support you on these quests.” Hurricane warned as I weighed my options.

“It might work out better if we handle this in a small team either diplomatic or otherwise, we might just usher in a peaceful resolution.” Mist Mane informed us.

“I think we have to look into something a bit more important than that. Don't you all remember that there were more dangerous thing happening right now. We all know that several supplies from the Crystal Empire were stolen for their respective races.” Magnus brought up bringing our attention to him.

“What do you mean by supplies?” Concerto asked hesitantly knowing something was wrong.

“We've gotten reports from several of our informants that supplies were stolen while on route to those Crystal Guards that made their way into Equestrian territory. All those supplies included red crystals… several of them.” Magnus further explained as several eye shot wide open.

“So the same crystals that turn others into crystal golems and they leaked out to all nations of the world. Great.” I mumbled as I looked at their concerned expressions.

This was more a problem if those nations decided to take the Crystal Empire for more of that magic for their own purposes. It wasn't hard to see that there was trouble brewing far before Goring Corundum came to power but his coup d’etat over the Amore family pushed it to the limelight. I could head into those places but… that would require something drastic so that no one would trace my origins back to the triumvirate before me. That, in no small feats, would require plenty of smooth finagling to make certain I was a lone agent in the bluntest of terms. I said nothing about it though. As much as I wanted to handle it immediately, these ponies weren't ready for any new conflicts so soon after their last.

The three leaders regardless of how well they kept themselves up were showing fatigue. Platinum couldn't hide the lines forming on her face. Puddinghead looked pain whenever she had to make sudden movements. Only Hurricane seemed more spry but after fighting I saw the facade crack before me. The Pillars, on the other hand, with the exception of Star Swirl, looked well enough to keep going. Their eyes belied how tired they were though.

“A topic for another day.” Star Swirl spoke up. “For now we should focus on a more important task. Concerto we must ask you to take up the mantle.”

“Mantle? I don't want to be placed on a hearth!” Concerto cried out as she hid behind me.

“They don't want to hang you above the fireplace. It means you need to wear a crown.” I quickly explained as I pulled Concerto back to the forefront. “You are Princess of this land which means you need to be their rock.”

“But… but I'm still so little. Nopony would listen to me.” Concerto clenched her jaw slightly. It wasn't anger that flowed through her… it was fear.

“You'd be surprised who they would follow. All you need is a little boost and some help… but for now you should discuss with these three what needs to be done.” I explained as she reluctantly trotted up to the triumvirate. There were tears in her eyes but they didn't fall. I don't know how much of that was self control and how much of it was stubbornness that made her hold back.

I looked towards Star Swirl who quickly gave Somnambula and Meadowbrook a quick sign as the three of us left the building.

“So you want us to assist you in finding some ponies?” Somnambula asked as we quickly moved to the castle.

“Yes. I have one of the lieutenants or whatever rank they were secured right now. He owes me.” I mentioned as I opened the doors. The golems that had formed from the castle guards were still shattered and still.

“You needed us in particular… you have hope they are alive.” Meadowbrook stopped and looked up at me. While I could control my emotions I sometimes couldn't stop those minute motions of my jaw clenching or my eyes hardening or softening whenever I did think of the consequences of things.

“Yes.” I stated not going further into detail.

“And this lieutenant?” Somnambula started. “Is he trustworthy?”

“For now… I think so. I gave him back something he wanted so badly that he has to owe me. Also I doubt he could lie to me.” I shot back though I crossed my arms as my thoughts immediately jumped to what I could do to make him talk should he be uncooperative. Still, I gave him back his sister.

“And you have him under your custody?” Meadowbrook cautiously added.

“Yeah… I was planning on keeping him under my custody. I think I could use him to help with some future projects. Whether or not he's reformed isn't much of a prerogative at this point. I need him for his talents and knowledge he possesses.” I explained my reasoning. I didn't know if I fully bought that though.

In all my time in Magical Pony Land, I hadn't actually killed anyone who deserved it. It was muddled though with the mercy killing back in the Windigo’s tomb. They had been dead for ages but that still didn't mean that I was okay with it. Even then… I hadn't killed Diode. I was ready to take him into custody. Nature decided to change that. I hadn't killed Corundum either. Fate let another finish him off.

“You are hopeful. I am glad.” Somnambula broke me from my revelry.

“That is a good trait to keep. Where is he then?” Meadowbrook calmly stated as I led the to the room where I had left them.

After knocking a small little tune the door opened revealing Flint with Diamond Shard on his back looking a bit more lucid. He noticed the two member of the Pillars and slowly opened the door for us to enter. Several of the victims were roused from their rest and could move… albeit stunted and slow.

“My Faust…” Meadowbrook held a hoof to her muzzle as she went around checking on the new patients.

“X… I take it that it's done?” Flint asked as Diamond looked up at me with a sense of wonder. I noticed that even in different dimensions children love giant robots. In comparison I stood taller than most so to a child I could be misconstrued as a giant robot. Concerto certainly seemed to think that way.

“Corundum was killed. He is gone as far as I know. Now though I need your help.” I succinctly stated and waited for him to process my words.

“Yeah. Yeah I got it. What do you need?” Flint looked up and seemingly braced himself for whatever was going to be said.

“Were there any other Amore’s that are around?” My words echoed out causing a lot of the ponies in the room to swivel their ears towards us. Flint looked around and ushered me out the door… Somnambula followed while Meadowbrook remained to look over the patients.

Flint looked around a bit before realizing that Diamond Shard was on his back looking expectantly at him. He braced himself even more before he could start speaking.

“Go ahead Flint. I need to know.” I calmly added keeping my voice down. Somnambula nodded as well adding to the urgency.

“I don't know. For as long as I've been under his hoof Corundum never trusted us with much information. Diode was the closest and knew more but he's gone now. But… from rumors I heard I think the Queen was kept alive even through Geode’s protests.” Flint quietly explained.

“So she might be okay? And that's a big might there.” I stated as I leaned against the wall next to the door.

“If the Queen is fine then we could make certain Concerto won't go through this alone.” Somnambula smiled as her eyes seemed to shine with that same hope she seemed to hold so high.

“Maybe. In all my time working her I've never seen hide nor hair of her. Only Diode knew. Still… I think he kept something on him. Something important that I saw only once when I first worked with him.” Flint muttered as our faces grew closer. The significance would be more dramatic had Diamond Shard not joined in with all the glee of a filly who just got out of the hospital.

“So he always had it on him?” Somnambula pointed out making certain that Flint was on the level.

“Thanks… have Meadowbrook check on her while we go get the key.” I mentioned as I turned to head out for the next place.

“But wasn't he… “ Flint started only for a sharp look from me to silence him. I clenched my jaw and appeared to take a deep breath. Somnambula noticed but said nothing yet.

“Just get your sister checked out to make certain that she'll get better. We'll handle things from her but after this we’ll need to talk about you. I'm sure you know why.” I calmly stated as I relaxed my arms once again.

“Right. I'll get to it then.” Flint muttered and entered the room as Meadowbrook was working on another patient.

“Meadowbrook, we are searching a lead. Will you be alright?” Somnambula called out.

“Yes ma chere. There is plenty to do here. When you find what we need come back to get me.” Meadowbrook answered as she pulled a few more things from her saddle.

“We'll be back then.” I called out and started walking off for the basement… where I left him as he died.

“Do you understand what we are asking Concerto?” Platinum asked.

Due to the touchy subject of succession they had left the hard conversation to Princess Platinum. It hadn't been an easy topic as the other ponies shied away from dealing with the situation especially Star Swirl due mostly to his horrible tact.

“I… I have a feeling I know. Isn't there another way?” Concerto paused as Platinum ran a brush through her mane fixing it up.

“If there was we haven't found it. As much as I want to say we have something else planned… we just don't. As it falls now you are the only one who can handle this.” Platinum cautiously stated.

“But… I'm still a child… I couldn't even get away on my own. I'm not ready… “ Concerto broke off before she could continue.

“You are much better than you give yourself credit. You are a survivor. You managed to get back to your home and you will get it back.” Platinum advised the small filly. “While it isn't how you thought it would happen you will have your home back.”

“I suppose… still doesn't feel good though… “ Concerto hissed. “I can't do this alone. Would… uh… would X stay here?”

“Have you asked him?” Platinum quietly mumbled under her breath.

“I… I want to. I do. I just… I just know that I don't think I should. I can see it. I can see it when you mentioned the crystals that every nation had stolen. I want to ask him to stay. To help me. But I can't. I won't.” Concerto broke off as tears started to stream down her cheeks

Platinum wanted to say something. To assure that everything would be alright. She didn't say anything though. There wasn't anything she could say so she merely hugged the crying filly who seemed to bear the weight of a nation.

“If… if it would help I could stay until things settle. I know it's not ideal but it could at least help you.” Platinum offered trying her best to keep Concerto up.

It was the only thing she could do. The lack of any sighting of any relative of the Amore family meant Concerto would be burdened with the crown. She would be forced to carry a nation that had been brought to its knees and there were few ways to truly bring it back.

“I… if… if you would. I'd like that.” Concerto sniffed as she rested her head against Platinum’s shoulder. It wasn't what she wanted but she was a big filly. She could handle it.

It had taken us a while to get back to the room where Diode laid to rest. The guards he had beforehand had rushed off after I had broken the Crystal Dragon Golem. It laid broken and riderless while Diode’s body laid a short distance away in a pool of his what looked to be frozen blood.

“You had quite the battle here, did you not?” Somnambula mentioned as she slowly flapped her way over to the body. She also quietly checked the ceiling making certain that there weren't any accidents waiting to happen.

The sight of the stalactites covering both the body and ground made her nervous. It made me nervous as well because I didn't know if they were capable of piercing me. Regardless, we began searching the body… which had seized up already in the later stages of rigor mortis.

“If I pull anything I might rip something off… that might be a disservice to him.” I muttered as I grabbed his wing and slowly pulled stopping when I noticed the cold had got to him.

“Hm… give me a minute. I have an idea… we just need heat.” Somnambula trailed off as she flew up breaking off one of the stalactites bringing it down to me.

As I held the long shard of ice she pulled out a small bowl and held it below my hands. Expectantly, she waited as I readjusted my internal heat letting the ice melt into the small bowl. When it turned to water I placed my heated hand within it and waited. Somnambula hummed a small tune as we waited for the water to boil. It was a surreal moment honestly.

“Ready. I shall pour you shall pull. Slowly.” Somnambula quietly stated as she gingerly picked up the bowl with her wings.

“Got it. Let's see what he has.” I mumbled as I grabbed his right wing.

As Somnambula poured the heated water on the frozen wing as within a few seconds I started to pull the wing up. Tension built up as cracking was the only sound between us. When I felt things weren't moving anymore we repeated the process of getting more heated water. Tedium was our work ethic… though in some regards I think he did it on purpose.

Somnambula and I didn't exactly speak at length for any amount of time. Her eyes remained wary of me. I did my best to not invite anything untoward our tenuous relationship. The Suffering Circuit had made numerous scans that they were dealing with something. Most of the time it was grief… sometimes sadness. I didn't pry though… there was no reason to.

As I managed to lift the wing higher I started to brush the feathers aside. He supposedly kept a key on his person at all times. His right wing had nothing on him though.

“Nothing… you don't think…?” Somnambula stopped as her eyes widened in shock.

“I suggest you look away… I'm going to have to pick him up…” I muttered under my breath. I was glad I didn't have a stomach and the ability to turn off my sense of smell.

With a firm grasp I pulled the stalactites that had impaled Diode during our confrontation. The one lodged into his face was difficult to remove as his whole head moved when I moved the stalactite. I grimaced as I placed my other hand on his frozen face and slowly started to pull it out. The sound of it being pulled out was disgusting to listen to. I'm certain that Somnambula had to hold back since she folded her ears down and turned away.

With some effort I had managed to pull the sharpened ice out. The heated water around the body had thawed it enough letting me pick up the body and turn it around. With a dull thud it unceremoniously hit the floor and we repeated the process with the other wing.

When I pulled back the wing far enough it could see a small obsidian key lodged between the third and fourth primary feather. Somnambula pointed it out though since she wasn't touching the body at all she didn't reach for it. I gingerly yanked it off accidentally pulling one of the feathers as well… which turned out to be a fake crystal like feather magically altered to appear like a normal feather if my thaumic sensor was right.

“As much as we should search you need to clean yourself. The byproducts of the dead should remain with the dead.” Somnambula smiled as she took a few steps back from me and towards the door. As soon as she cleared it she immediately began gasping for air.

I didn't need to be told twice… I switched to Ground Fire and shot out a small pyre which I raced into. It overheated my body but I would be cleansed in fire before I let anything else touch me. I'd rather nothing get sick. Before I entered the fire I placed the key in Somnambula’s bowl and overheated the water as well in the off chance an earth pony wanted to carry the key. They used their mouths sometimes so my precautionary nature took over.

With the small key Flint mentioned it was time to see what befell the rest of the Amore family.

Interlude 03. Reignite (unedited)

Author's Note

You still have time to vote for which race goes first. I won't start until after the next main chapter of Replicated Wanderer. Be a part of the choice here.
http://www.strawpoll.me/15720322

Interlude 03. Reignite (unedited)

Three days after the Fall of Corundum's Army -

“Have you heard? Corundum has fallen. Maybe it's time to continue Countess?” A young voice called out from the rafters before floating down to the floor. His pale black coat contrasting against the moonlit night.

“Of course it is young one. We finally have a chance to figure out what all these things do. These crystals that they hoarded were only a small part of their designs. Has anypony figured out what they do exactly?” The Countess spoke up as several other winged ponies poured over the shipment of crystals that were raided from the Crystal Empire.

“I think so madame.” Another voice rang out, a mare’s dulcet tones ringing out amongst the masses.

“Do tell. Do tell, don't keep me waiting.” The Countess gingerly dictated as she looked over to the mare.

By now all the ponies gathered in where each could hear her words. Everypony uniformly wore the same outfit of military fatigues with a blue, black and brown color scheme which seemed to mesh well with their cavernous surroundings. The mare in question had a white coat which brought out the rose color of her eyes. With all eyes on her her webbed wings idly twitched in stage fright.

“Yes… well, ... “ She slowly covered herself with her wings before speaking. “They seem to be crystal resonators. They act like jumpstarters for a magical transformation into something new. From our own look into the Crystal Empire we have seen that they were implanted into their soldier making them nigh unstoppable killing golems.”

“Excellent… next question. Why don't we have any yet!?” The Countess hissed out causing the mare to wilt onto the floor in fear of her life.

“We don't have the right magical link to make certain the golems will listen to us. At most they would be killing us instead of anypony else.” The mare quickly blurred out hoping to escape her gaze.

“Find it. NOW!” The Countess snorted as she traipsed around the room looking over her staff.

“In other news I've heard tell of a blue golem. Some of you idiots are calling him the Blue Bomber… because apparently thugs explode around him. So after you stop pushing your heads up your collective flanks let's hear who that thing is.” The Countess growled out.

“From our scouting units we've only been able to tell that it is called X. It effortlessly trashed Corundum's Golem Army within a day. There were some reports that he also managed to overpower and kill a Windigo.” A voice rang out across the room while a smaller stallion spoke up. He was a dark lavender coated pony with periwinkle wings. He seemed to know more but held his tongue until asked once again.

“So you're saying that the Equestrians have that sort of power at their beck and call. This flankholes… this will not stand.” The Countess hissed as she turned to one of her smarter looking soldiers. “Find that magical signature we need if you need to capture a unicorn to do so then so be it but I want that ready now! Well? Hurry up and get to work!” The Countess yelled out as the thestrals ran around trying desperately to stay out of her way.

“Mam? A word?” The white coated mare with the light lavender wings and rose colored eyes stood up trying to get her attention.

“What is it Sacred Glade? I'm a very busy mare and I don't have all day to deal with your worries and points you like to make.” The Countess growled out before taking a different approach. “I mean look at you. You're falling apart and I've told you if you need to take a break I can give you time to rest. A mare must look her best shouldn't she?”

“Thank you mam but I'll be fine. I just wanted to voice one little concern if that's okay…” Sacred grinned nervously because all her concerns merely got the Countess mad.

“Ugh… if you must.” The Countess rolled her eyes and allowed Sacred to proceed.

“We don't know what these crystals do. Using them might just be giving the old regime of the Crystal Empire a chance to get back on its hooves. We really shouldn't use it.” Sacred urged concernedly to stress her point.

“Sweetheart. He's dead. He got too full of himself and wound up dead. The reports even say that it was that golem they got that did it. If we don't do this what's to stop them from trying to take our plot of land from us?” The Countess brought up which Sacred couldn't refute as she averted her eyes from the Countess. “Besides we won't be as blatant at that fool of a pony. We know how to stick to the shadows better than any of those posers out there. So relax… and let me do the thinking from now on. Okay? Thanks.”

The Countess trotted away allowing a little sway to her hips as she gathered whatever stallion she found to wait hoof and wing on her. Sacred was a little disgusted at how she acted but as the acting leader of the cloud she was supreme word on the matter. Sacred Glade nervously tapped on her hooves as she wondered what would come should X ever appear in their midst.

It had been a trying day as they bounded through the thicket towards the heart of the forest. There they managed to make their way into Thicket, city of the deer, deep within the Everfree Forest. It was their main city with several communes hidden deep within most forests with a collection of antelope farther south and elks further north. Together they worked to the betterment of their place in society… that was until the ponies decided to expand their territory.

The two bounded into the small meeting between the citizens and their main leader, King Sequoia. Sequoia was a large buck nearly seven feet tall with a deep brown coat and white underbelly. His horns were glowed with a golden light as if always channeling magic and on his chest was a blood red crest on it. It was in the shape of an upside down triangle tilted slightly to the left with three counterclockwise spirals trailing off each corner. He stomped his hooves down and they all quieted down and slowly the discussion started up.

“My fellow deer… we cannot allow this to continue. Day by day our forests are purged by those wicked pastel throw rugs that expound the idea that peace is so easily attainable through understanding. Instead this is what we are left with. Desolate landscapes and torn down sections of the forest.” Sequoia shook his head taking a few steps forward. He looked out amongst the masses who were all incensed at the idea already.

“We should do something!” A voice called out ruling the masses up.

“We should make them pay for besmirching our homeland!” Another voice cried out.

“And we shall! After a successful attack driving some invaders out of our forests we have located the means to deal with these violators, these sick mangy creatures that dare call themselves a being of this world!” Sequoia bellowed as he pulled out a large blood red crystal which seemed to glow in his magical grip. His horns lit up with a golden heart appearing between his horns. “These! These right here will be the starting point for our revolution of the world. To return them to a better point in life as one with nature. No longer will decadence and slovenly behavior like those of Ruby Geode will ever be allowed to exist again!”

The deafening stomps and cheers of his fellow deer only strengthened his resolve to see this through. The two deer who had bounded in to watch the proceedings slowly lowered there heads and managed to find a small alcove they could hide within.

“Brother… I don't think there's a way to talk Sequoia out of this one… “ The shorter of the two deer explained. He had a cream like coat and white tuft of fur on his underbelly. He slowly tapped his hooves against the ground as if pacing in one spot.

“Quiet Cedar. We don't need any naysaying at this moment. We need to figure out something before he uses those crystals. They all feel like bad news no matter how you slice them.” The taller of the two deer muttered. He had a darkened ash like coat and a deeper cream colored underbelly. He slowly tore at the ground digging up dirt slightly with how tense he felt.

“But Ash… you saw how he looked. Ever since he took over we've had nothing but fight after fight after fight for the past year with almost every creature we've met. We managed to survive, yeah, but we're going nowhere anytime soon.” Cedar whined slightly keeping his tone low so as to not arouse suspicion by the other incensed deer cheering for their warrior king.

“And there is nothing we can do about that. He earned the throne fairly. Even though he is king we have to warn him about the repercussions of going to outright war with anyone. We're an isolated kingdom with so many differing neighbors that we wouldn't survive outright war.” Ash answered back stating his worries a bit more plainly than he liked.

“Did you hear though? The ponies already marched into the Crystal Empire and took down the golem army with a golem of their own. He did so on less than a day. A day! Can you believe that?” Cedar nearly shouted only to hold a hoof against his mouth to stop himself.

“X, right? That's the name going around right now. We can't rely on rumors like that. It was probably something more mundane like magic or military might. C’mon we need to get ready for our meeting with the king. We have to convince him to reconsider.” Ash stated making Cedar shut his mouth from making anymore comments.

The two brothers bounded off for their home in Thicket. They would have a difficult meeting in front of them. King Sequoia was not one that changed his mind so easily and if they couldn't… war would be on the horizon.

Far south across the grand expanse of the desert, beyond the claims of Equestria, atop the peak of Mount Aris stood a grand nation of hybridized creatures known as Hippogriffs. They were the combination of pony and griffin who founded their own nation after some harsh prejudices were unearthed during their last world meeting.

“Brought news Queen Suijin. The monster was slain. We have brought with us the tools of his conquest to better prepare ourselves for whatever comes our way.” A young hippogriff stated bowing deeply in sheer respect. He was purple for the most part and seemed to hold himself with a certain air of ceremony when he conversed with the queen.

“What of them Shatterstream? Is there something important of that bounty?” Queen Suijin raises an eyebrow at her attendant eyeing him with a certain level of curiosity. He only voiced opinions when he had something to propose.

“Only this my Queen. We have been blessed with both a capital above and a capital below. My only concern is that we should work our way back into the graces of the world stage. Our hippocampus brethren enjoy the boon of the Pearl and all it's magic. We should expand that out to the rest of the world.” Shatterstream weaved his tale making certain to be as passive as possible.

“And the crystals we appropriated will assist us in this endeavor?” Queen Suijin asked still not seeing the point.

“Yes, your majesty. It will make us grander than ever. Masters of Sky, Sea and Land.” Shatterstream prostrated himself making certain not to meet his monarch’s gaze.

“Very well. When we figure out how they work I shall use the Pearl to assist with that magical link you've been constantly harping on about.” Queen Suijin muttered as she rolled her eyes. She hated having to work on the world scale when she needed to make certain that the city had her focus.

Shatterstream smiled as he went about the day looking over the crystals in deeper attention. As far as he was concerned the crystals were much more than they appeared. A certain glint in his eyes betrayed all that he though as his mind warped to his own view of how the world should work.

“Argus! Argus! Where are you boy!?” A booming voice roared out as the figure stomped over the cobblestone road.

“Here father! I found something interesting.” A younger voice answered before there was a loud thwack that came from the strike of a broad axe against wood.

“Again Argus, you found something that could spell out disaster.” The older voice growled clearly not liking what his son had found.

“Is Hektor, the great hero, afraid of a box?” Argus chuckled as the lid popped off the box.

“Never afraid boy. Merely cautious. What have you found?” Hektor stepped over carefully scratching his horns as he did so.

The Minotauran figure never let his guard down as he looked into the crate finding several crystals, blood red in color, lying within. A strange find but the boy made it his mission to push the envelope whenever it was inconvenient. Money had been scarce and work even more so on their peninsular settlement. Entrepreneurial assessments raced through his mind. Every bull was looking for the next big thing and the crystals he saw might have been.

“Father. Father! Wake up you blasted oaf!” Argues called out before his father smacked him on the head. “Ow! What was that for?”

“For bugging me while I was thinking. Now these things look valuable don't they? You thinking what I'm thinking?” Hektor peered down at the jewels carefully inspecting them as he picked them up gently between his fingers.

“But I thought you said I only found disaster father?” Argus replied taking stock of his father’s demeanor.

“At the very least you haven't tried to take Gold Resolve’s weapons again.” Hektor countered as he went to pick the crate up, lifting it effortlessly.

“Gods above… these minotaurs have no idea how strange their names are. Why must they always be either a metal and concept?” Argus complained as he picked the lid up placing it back on the crate to hide their bounty.

“These are colony bulls. Of course they've lost most of their spirit and adopted these Equestrian customs for the peace it brings. Worthless fools. We’ll make them better someday… but for now let's make some money here. Right, son?” Hektor grinned as he stomped away for the city of Labrynna ready to make his wares to sell to the fools that lived there.

The rolling plains further out to the northwestern part of the continent played host to another equine species, most known for their striped disposition. The tribals of the nation celebrated one of their greatest accomplishments as two were joined in holy matrimony.

“Silence! Our leader had words for you all, quiet down or your head will fall!” A large zebra wearing ornate green robes called out after pulling his bird like mask off his head to gain every zebras attention.

“Thank you all for your jovial jubilation, 'tis better than your usual aggregation. Today brings the joy of a wondrous day which is sure to keep the sadness at bay. I wish you all to welcome my wife, who shall share with me my entire life.” The largest zebra with the ornate gold robes roared out making certain that the headdress with the blood red crystals they appropriated from the Crystal Empire were still staying on his head.

A female zebra lithe and slender slowly traipsed up to him nuzzling at his side as she made certain her purple robes remained off the ground with her own headdress, also adorned with the blood red crystals, remained stationary on his head.

“All hail Zekovo and Eiza, our new Queen and King, the rulers that lord over everything!” The large zebra at the side shouted out as the entire procession and village stomped an applause for the happy couple.

Several of the shamans, male and female, wore the blood red crystals as well in their religious looking headdresses. A female zebra fiddled with her own crystals feeling faint whenever she touched them.

“Zira, stop messing with them and finally rest. You are now trying to fail the test.” Another zebra wearing white robes and the same headdress glared at the young mare.

“Quiet Zealot I need not your word, I just think these absurd. We took those crystals of deep blood red, and now we wear them upon our head. A curse I say is what will befall and the head shaman has made a bad call. They feel enticingly wrong and his mind is exceedingly not strong.” Zira hissed as she pulled the headdress off her head placing them into a small satchel.

“Mark my words young one, for you label yourself as done. The ceremony must continue without reason to ensure that we can enjoy the season. You've written it off as a bad choice but you are still only one voice. Celebrate our victory so grand before you go to make a stand. Wait your turn for it shall arrive if you hope… to soon survive.” Zealot warned Zira who merely averted her eyes.

The ceremony continued as every zebra gave their praises for the happy couple and the rise of a new pair. The King and Queen slowly made their way back into another room while their subjects all finally got some rest.

“Zealot, have you figured out anything about the gem? I wish for us to use all of them.” Zekovo ordered his personal shaman to speak.

“Sorry my king I have not found a clue, though surely there is something I can do. Magic is needed to unlock its spell but a potion may work just as well. I've got my rations prepared for the work ahead, I shall work my hooves until I am dead.” Zealot mentioned clearly examining the crystals in more detail.

“Dear old friend do not joke of such a fate, it is truly something I hate. Work your best is all I ask then glory is what we will all bask.” Zekovo answered making absolutely certain that his orders were followed to the letter.

The zebra shaman worked with the head shaman making absolutely certain their their alchemy had no disastrous effects of the crystals. There they toiled over the objects unlocking whatever secrets they could find about those objects. The Crystal Empire and Goring Corundum had always been a passing curiosity throughout the world stage and they would find out what he was hiding.

“Bring it in! Hurry up!” A large griffon with gray feathers and a crown made of red velvet with gold trimming with matching red robe ushered three other griffons wearing ornate iron chainmail brought in a large crate.

“Done. King Griswald, what else should be done?” The large dark gray griffon with the halberd on his back awaited his orders.

“Bring me Gale. The Windwalkers need to look over our haul. These things made Corundum unstoppable. If we get these to work the Griffon Empire will be unstoppable.” Griswald announced as his three soldiers all bowed and stomped out of the throne room.

Griffonstone was the site of the twenty griffon tribes that worked together towards the birth of a grand nation. Held under the dominion of the first king, Grover, who united them under the banner of an idol. The Idol of Astra was their unifying trinket and delivered the griffons out of the dark ages. Griswald was merely the current king in the long line of royalty.

“You summoned me King Griswald? What is it you need?” Gale flapped in eyeing the crate warily. Her snow white feathers with gray plumage and wing tips being the most striking of the griffon hen.

“We've done it. We found the secret behind that army that Corundum founded. These… these are what made them. I know they are activated by magic and you have magic.” Griswald pointed out.

“Yeah we have wind manipulation but what do you wa - … oh you want us to make them work. Why didn't you just spit it out you dweeb?” Gale snapped lowering her gaze and harshening her stare.

“Hey, hey, hey! I'm your king now. Look just get these shinies to work for us. We'll show the world who's better and like always it'll be us.” Griswald grinned as he stated that promise. “No longer will we be seen as thugs, we'll be more. Better.”

“Is this another dick measuring contest you're having with Hurricane again? You know he's older than you and closer to death.” Gale pointed out bluntly noting that Griswald was looking a bit more disgruntled than usual.

“It is not as you so crudely phrased it a dick measuring contest. Besides I'd win that claws down. No this is about showing those stuck up sod munchers that we are a better nation. One more worthy of being seen as peak of the aviary so to speak.” Griswald clarified making certain to keep his tone serious.

“Of course you are boss. Fine. I'll get the rest of my aerie working on getting these shiny crystals working. But this better not be what I think it's turning out to be otherwise I'll be hurting you for leading this country down a bad path.” Gale warned Griswald who nervously nodded at the threat knowing that she was just as popular as he was and could get support for the shift if he didn't deliver.

“Of course, of course, I have griffon kind always on my mind. We shall be greater than we are now. No worries about that.” Griswald assured the worried hen waving off her concerns as he did so.

Gale scowled at her boss before she left to gather the rest of the Windwalkers. Griswald grinned as he looked over the crystals seeing nothing but the rise of griffons to the top of the world.

Snow. Snow fell endlessly upon the small village as a short procession watched a bright light over the horizon from their neighbors far across the frozen wastelands. The main figure with the largest helmet lifted his bangs and scowled at the direction. Ponies had once again done something that threatened the world once again.

At this point in time Yakyakistan had cut off ties with the world due in no small part to the sighting of the trickster and his will. They knew of Discord and what he brought should he ever be seen and in their minds Corundum was one of those agents. He brought chaos to the Crystal Empire and he would bring more to the rest of the world.

“King Raud is ready to adjourn? Yaks believe we should look over contraband that was dragged into city.” A large orange brown yak stomped out to his king.

“If that is what yaks think then we shall look over it. What does Elder Yelena say of these crystals Remus?” Raud ordered his fellow yak to speak, the same one who asked for the adjournment.

“Elder Yelena is uncertain we can use crystals except for weaponry. Elder also spoke of feeling weak after touching said crystals. I am believing they have enchantments placed on them from ponies.”

“Hm… if elder is worried then we should take care with using crystals. Weakening charm of pony magic is useful for keeping dragons at bay when used right. Have Reinhard start to making weapons in case dragons strike sooner rather than later.” Raud commanded as he stomped down leaving a foot deep hole from the impact.

“On personal note King Raud, Yelena wishes for there to be better defensive commands. She has asked for me to recommend to you, sir.” Remus mentioned keeping his head held high while Raud looked over him.

“Remus, you should know yak sentiment. Best defense is good offense. We be ready for any dragon attack and any pony trying to reclaim dangerous crystals from us. We have gained chance to keep Yakyakistan safe and we will do whatever takes to keep family safe.” Raud explained before he and his small collection of guards stomped back into the city.

“Yes King… “ Remus muttered under his breath as he looked out towards the shining city beyond the snow.

Remus bit his lip as he remembered finding the red crystals on an old thief they had been keeping an eye on. Rusk, the old thief, had a habit of stealing away into other lands filching things to make yaks reliant on trade and the use of others. It was culturally weak in most yaks eyes because self reliance was the foundation of their culture. They worked by the sweat of their own brow for the betterment of their fellow yaks. Rusk had violated it on several levels but the acquirement of the crystals was done most heinously with the death of a crystal pony. Buried by the snow, the body would forever be lost to its icy tomb and still no search parties had gone to find the pony in question. No gender was identified because all that was left was the burst open remains of said pony.

Whether golems were a thing didn't matter to the yaks. All that mattered was the safety of their city and their land.

The thundering charge of an army sending earth pony settlers off their land raged throughout the desert landscape. Once again they had tried to make a settlement on their land and once again they were forced back.

“Chief Typhoon we have sent those invaders back!” A large orange buffalo announced standing tall and proud.

“Good work brother. Get our defenses back up so we can continue to keep those invaders from encroaching on our land.” Typhoon ordered lumbering around as he looked over his people along the plains further south from Mount Canter.

The Buffalo of the plains had lived peacefully until invaders came out of an area known to most as Dream Valley. At that point fighting had become the norm. It had only been a few years back that their infighting had stopped and the ponies looked to make a name for themselves throughout the world. Instead they were given titles like ‘food’, ‘obstacle’, and to the Buffalo, ‘competitor’.

“What is this?” Typhoon pointed his hoof to the crate that was delivered in front of him.

“Unknown chief but the ponies were after it.” A yellow tinted buffalo answered. She seemed to keep her head down as she did.

“Brave Steppe please open it so we may see what folly these ponies have wrought.” Typhoon commanded as Steppe ordered one of the other buffalo to use their horns to gore open the crate.

Within the crate were several blood red crystals. Each radiated a little mote of magic as the buffalo examined them. Typhoon took a few adorning them in his headdress giving him a more intimidating visage.

“Hm… distribute them throughout the warriors. We shall use them against those invaders and keep our land safe. Steppe make certain that these crystals are shared evenly.” Typhoon ordered as he finished placing the most on his own headdress. He needed to make sure as chief he kept the most intimidating look around. As a black furred buffalo with some of the largest horns around he would be at the forefront leading whatever battle needed to be lead.

“Understood Chief. I'll make certain every warrior gets one at least.” Steppe answered as she gathered a hoof full and wandered around handing them out.

The Buffalo would regain their destiny and show the world that they protected their land from all invaders. No pony would take that from them.

Winding tunnels covered the desert further southwest of Mount Canter where several clans were getting their paws upon a new gem. Blood red in color and positively radiating with magic it was a boon to all packs as they acted different from all other gems.

“Yes. Gem looking good, yes? What is it?” A voice barked out from a tall dog like creature resembling a Rottweiler only with grey fur and yellow eyes.

“Found during trade route raid. Crystal ponies have in crate and I bartered them for it. Wanted gems they wanted life. Works out well for us.” Another voice called out from a medium sized dog like creature resembling a Doberman. He had light mocha brown fur and kept rolling one of the gems in his paw.

These were the Diamond Dogs and their brutal lifestyles as bandits who tunneled the world looking for wealth of any kind. Though working towards profit they were looking for something more.

“Thinking we need more of these gems. Why no more?” The Rottweiler growled out.

“Alpha please to stay calm. Crystal Pony leader was killed only he know where gems were. No more gems and these two crates are all we got.” The Doberman quickly spelled out for his Alpha.

“Argh… stupid pony. We should have collared them long ago, make them find us gems.” The Alpha stated as he clenched his fist eyes full of rage before smashing it against the table they were at.

“Alpha Rex, we have enough gems to take over land for new home. We call it Diamondia, yes? Found good place where gems are plentiful. We just need take it from whoever there.” The Doberman offered trying to placate his angry Alpha.

“Fine. We make way there in secret. No need tell anyone else we go to take over new home.” Rex growled out as he knocked on a piece of slate causing the hundreds of Diamond Dogs to perk their ears up.

Everyone knew that signal as they packed up their belongings and marched off through the tunnel systems for their new home in the mountains.

Buzzing wings resounded as several ponies were flown in large green cocoons. It had been several days since the large shadow creature had nearly struck down their queen. The hive was busy at work gathering as much love as they could to restore their queen back to health as they did so.

“What have you brought?” Chrysalis drones out coughing slightly from the loss of her magic. It had taken time to restore even a small portion of her magical essence after nearly being disemboweled by the shadows.

“My Queen, we've brought more cattle for you to feed off. We've even found these random crystal ponies carrying some strange crates with them. They have these blood red gems.” The drone mentioned as several other drones brought in the crates.

“What? Ignore the crates they aren't important. Give me the first one.” Chrysalis forced herself to sit up as the first pony battery was brought in. In the depths of his cocoon he saw the love of his life offer herself to him. At the peak of his fluttering heart’s desire he was drained until nothing but a husk was left behind.

“Another my queen?” The drone cautiously stated as two others carried in another cocoon.

“No… let us see what is in these crates that allowed you to capture these batteries so easily.” Chrysalis dismissed the cocoons and slowly trotted over to the crates in question before looking as one of her fellow changelings. “Open it Labrum.”

“Yes Queen.” Labrum answered and pried open the crate revealing several red crystals. Chrysalis hissed suddenly as the blood red crystals were revealed. She shook her head and scowled at the crystals uncertain of why she reacted as she did.

“What? Never mind… figure out what these crystals are Labrum then get back to me.” Chrysalis ordered as they were covered once again.

“Yes my queen. I shall get Tarsus and Coxa on the job.” Labrum bowed before getting other drones to carry off the crate towards another room in the hive.

Chrysalis sat back down on her throne and carefully looked over her hooves. There was something wrong and she couldn't place her hoof over it. Something was wrong with those crystals but without enough magic within her she couldn't figure out what was wrong. It would take time to figure out what the crystals actually were.

Several changelings circled the hive making certain to check for any possible intruders. The quietness surrounding the Badlands merely made things much more tense every since that shadow pony tried to exterminate their queen. It had unfortunately drew back most infiltrators from other countries leaving them in the dark about what was going on.

Crystal Shears flew across the sky slowly taking position on different clouds whenever she had managed to find a large enough looking cloud. With her soul gone Goring Corundum had started feeling weird as the new emotions tried to overwhelm his senses.

“Stupid bucking body… must get a new one. Let's see what I can find.” Corundum brought out one of the horns she had hidden on the body using it to use magic.

The horn lit up enough as an archaic map appeared in front of her revealing several red dots across the entire planet. The blood red crystals shone brightly revealing the location of every single being that could be influenced by the umbrella magic concealed within the crystals that covered her wings and body.

All she needed to do was gather a few worthy bodies… bodies she could use. The only problem was finding the right place to start. Magic was a necessity and she needed to fulfill her goal. Evolution required sacrifice and he had sacrificed everything already. Starting with his father then his body there was nowhere left to go but up.

“Eeny, Meeny, Miney, YOU!” Crystal Shears pointed at the map letting her hoof drag along the image of the map as the holographic display created by magic cracked and burned at her touch before she flew off for her first location.

A little subtlety to gain everything that he wanted. Even if he was using the mare like a flesh puppet, his eyes were always on the goal.

Evolution for all races would be a reality. This he swore on.

Discord felt off at this point. Something was tearing apart his little poker game amongst the players he had mystically copied to represent his opponents had somehow swelled to a disproportionate amount. His chaos was immense but even now it seemed that the world was trying to balance things out on its own.

The original players were still around with his greatest of opponents X sitting right across from him. That was a given after what Discord had planned but now…

To X’s right were Corundum sitting smugly as he shifted between a stallion and a mare, a thestral Countess who kept smirking as she pulled her own hand of cards out, a Deer King of some sort who was twisting his own horns as he shuffled his hand, a strange hippogriff who seemed to have a webbed tail snarling at the bit to chomp the deck, a large Minotaur with a crooked smile with what appeared to be a lump of another Minotaur growing out of him and a Zebra with a twisted smile drinking a glowing concoction. To his left stood a very familiar queen of the flies weakened but snarling all the same, a griffon king who so lovingly stroked his beak probably just dusting off his pecker, a large yak who kept watching the other players with distrust and rage, a buffalo chieftain who kept using his crystal headdress to seemingly lord over the others, a large Diamond dog alpha who scratched and bit at his butt like the mutt he was and a pony creature of shadow undulating to keep its shape.

“Well, well, well, well, well what do we have here. The rejects and order sucking scum have stepped to the table trying desperately to feel like they deserve to be here.” Discord scowled at the other players only allowing Chrysalis, Corundum, X and the Pony of Shadows some level of professionalism. “How fitting… I decided to throw my card into another deck for some chaos and I didn't need to in the first place.”

Discord idly pulled the card out of X’s deck and looked at it. Then he placed it back ignoring that little voice that told him to bring it back. He looked around and the wheels started spinning in his head. There was fun to be had here. Tons of fun to be had and all he needed to do was wait. The Plunderseeds were planted in some places and he had pulsed his magic around the large forest need the fortress where the Pillars of Equestria made camp.

“No. No this is just how it should be. That was he can do what I want. Yes, yes.” Discord started laughing as his claws and talons tore through the table ripping his very realm apart as every player at the table was flung to an individual table where they faced down a version of Discord.

The original remained solely focused on the X manifestation before him. His grin grew larger and more demented by the second leaving him towering over every player who didn't react because they were merely constructs created from chaos.

“Oh X, you beautiful golem you. You'll do exactly as I want. And you won't even know you're doing it. None of you will.” Discord chortled as he snapped his talons and all the constructs turned to sand, incapable of keeping their forms as they tried desperately to remain in the game.

Around the world all the leaders who had found the blood red crystals that would help them make a place in the world woke with a start. Their dreams were a myriad of terrifying shapes and figures writhing on the spot and the only constant was the chimera slithering around whispering threats into their minds. They never shared anything with any other soul but some knew. They always knew.

Discord was on the move.

XXIV. Return (unedited)

Author's Note

Here we go. Build up for later and we will start getting into the new arcs now. So there is still voting going on. After I finish the next Locksmith chapter I'll be closing off voting so if you haven't voted yet get your votes in. Spread it to friends as well if there is a particular race you want X to deal with.

http://www.strawpoll.me/15720322

XXIV. Return (unedited)

It had taken us several marching days for those in the Equestrian Army to get back into their own territory. I stayed near Hurricane and Puddinghead at the behest of Star Swirl since it made more sense to be seen as a part of their plan in the first place. The fact that I had brought a five year war to its end within the span of less than a week had made a lot of ponies nervous.

The Pillars had weaved through the crowds making certain to keep their morale from getting the best of these troops. Give anyone a win and there's a chance that their arrogance will come out to play. Rockhoof had to break up two particular earth pony soldiers that started acting obnoxious to their pegasus and unicorn compatriots. I kept my eyes forward during the match because my gaze either drew suspicion or fear… albeit not as overtly evident. It was there, hidden beneath the happiness that the war was over. I was in that careful position of concern and acceptance as far as I was looking at things.

At fours days in we had managed to make it within a stone’s throw of where the fortress of the Triumvirate and their armies congregated. With a quick bow they said their goodbyes to me and issued orders to their armies to return to their barracks.

“It has been a harrowing time but it appears as though we've managed to keep the peace have we not X?” Star Swirl called out to me gaining my attention as he did so.

“Yeah… peace.” I muttered though a small part was uncertain as I tapped my fingers against my forearms. This world was still a powder keg of sorts. From Magnus and his words I knew already that ponies had no love from anyone else in the world. It was even worse if you weren't a crystal pony.

The Crystal Ponies, ironically, were willing to work together without the same bullheadedness that came from three different races coming together. The ponies not privy to that portrayed some level of racial bias towards their own. It was very obvious when I traveled with these idiots for more than a few hours. The days I spent opened my eyes just to how bad it got sometimes.

Earth Ponies were apparently mud babies or muck rakers. Unicorns aptly called hornheads or witches were hotly debated amongst those without horns. Pegasi were feather heads and cloud suckers. It wasn't hard to see how childish the insults were but I could tell they had a much deeper meaning with how their expressions flared out whenever they said it.

I would never say how I felt about this but I knew exactly what I wanted to say about it. I wanted to call it stupid, foolish, even insane because of how bad it would get if they were alone. Even though I knew what would eventually happen I knew it wasn't something that was carved in stone. Time wasn't immutable. It was like a raging river flowing down tributaries and streams even if they sometimes find their way back to the main glow.

“Doubts?” Rockhoof brought up as he trotted next to us. “We brought Flint and his younger sister with us on your concerns. We should know what your plan is and we'll tell you our concerns.”

“Peace is fleeting… with everything you told me I don't trust the rest of the world. Who knows whether or not anyone else will think to take advantage of the situation in some way.” I looked towards the two before I continued and I noted that they both closed their eyes seemingly thinking on the situation. “As for Flint… it's more a deal we made between us. I need him around for now until he has earned forgiveness for his actions. Which between you two and me won't be for long. He managed to evacuate the town way before I entered and kept his word when watching the captured ponies that Corundum had locked up.”

“Heh… so a bit of a softie are ya, boy? That clears my fears at the very least.” Rockhoof chuckled lightly smacking me on the leg as if I was one of his drinking buddies… mostly since he couldn't reach my back that easily. He didn't even hurt his leg when he did so and I noted that he was much stronger than any other pony I've ever met.

“You've already thought ahead then. I noted that that other world I found you in was in just a bad position as this one was though it seemed to be somewhere in the future. Regardless that is neither here or now. Our future is our own and we are always on the precipice of disaster.” Star Swirl announced in harsh whispers as the other Pillars were discussing things amongst themselves while Flint and Diamond were idly standing about. The pair seemed to be playing a small game involving floating a bouncy ball around.

“You are being overly dramatic Swirl. We are in a better position for now and we don't know whom they would be going after. We can't jump the bow like this.” Rockhoof warned keeping his voice down.

“I don't think he's wrong about others but I understand that making this a bigger deal right now would be dangerous as well. We do need to discuss this on a much larger scale before we commit to it. We can table it for now until I've figure out what I wanted to do.” I cut off both of them before it could get out of hand.

“That's right… you don't know what you wanted to do. X, I know that this seems like a lot to take in but you are our ally. It might not mean much but you've played a hoof in us keeping society together.” Star Swirl insisted as he tried to figure things out.

“Aye. You've forced us to come together on our first joint mission between the three tribes. It wasn't ideal but it was necessary for what needs to happen eventually.” Rockhoof asserted as he looked back over the troops that were still leaving the area. There were actually a few mixed groups of non racially biased ponies.

“I'm not talking about not working with you. It's more me finding a purpose for myself that is outside protector. Someday I might not be needed and I want to make it so I'm not always needed. If I have to solve everything what would that make of ponies?” I asked the two my grimace breaking through the veneer of passivity.

“Laziness and the unwillingness to act for oneself.” Star Swirl affirmed. “I dread to see a day where our guards can't handle things for themselves. Where does Flint fit into this though?”

“I looked through my memories. There was something that was created to handle out of control situations and I was going to try something. A tiny experiment of sorts.” I admitted trying to keep a coy smirk on my face.

“Experiment? What kind of experiment?” Rockhoof stepped up appearing to not like the tone with which I took.

“Social experiment. I want to see if I can get all races to work together… even if only a few agree to. Something to work for you know… a real peace and not just something that lasts a year before someone gets pissy over some borders or someone took someone's love interest.” I trailed off as I got these weird looks.

“That's a tall order right there that is.” Rockhoof looked at me as if I was crazy.

“What was that about fighting for love?” Star Swirl asked keeping his curiosity alive as he waited for me to explain himself.

“That's not important. I'll talk about it later. Look I have a plan that I've been thinking about for a very, very long time. It won't be accomplished any time soon but I want to try it out to some degree. I need to believe it can be done.” I stressed as I tried to push my idea.

In truth, a part of me was merely trying to emulate what X would do. He would try to find peace between everyone regardless of race or creed. In truth I just wanted to have a bit of time to find a way back home… at least to some capacity. It was a long shot and if I was being honest with myself probably didn't exist in the slightest. Still… it was something I could strive towards that would always be in the back of my mind.

“You crazed optimist. Still… I can't fault you for trying. Remember, they are under your jurisdiction and while we are understanding of it that doesn't mean others will be.” Rockhoof whispered to me. I was glad he didn't deride my idea outright and warned me what would happen eventually.

“We shall put him up in one of the spare rooms we keep for now. I have been thinking about something for a while now and I think it's time.” Star Swirl announced as he turned to trot into another section of the fortress.

“Time for what?” I called to him and followed after while Rockhoof went to Flint and led him off somewhere in the fortress.

“For you to meet our future rulers, of course.” Star Swirl finished off his though and trotted through the halls while I waved goodbye to the others who went about their day just as quickly. These ponies eased back into their routine way too easily.

It had been a brisk five minute walk and Star Swirl was unusually silent… to a degree. He had been muttering to himself as guards passed by on their patrols. I noted a pattern eventually. Those that bore the mark of an aegis gave me dirty looks and did little more than dismiss me from their sight. I was certain my exploits made it so they wouldn't do something stupid. Those that bore Hurricane’s mark of a hurricane actually nodded their head to me giving me a portion of recognition. It was a very long walk to be sure and Star Swirl ignoring everypony that walked by him didn't really help.

Eventually we reached a large thick oak door that was guarded by Hurricane’s troops in particular. They hadn't taken part in marching out to the Crystal Empire but they nodded to me as well. I suppose working with the commander bought me some credibility to my character. Star Swirl waved them off and they stepped aside to allow the two of us entrance.

“Star Swirl, you've returned! I can't… “ A medium sized white unicorn cried out until she noticed me. Her wings twitches making me realize that I was looking at an alicorn. She shivered slightly as another one wandered in. Royal blue in color but much tinier than the sister I was guessing she hadn't noticed me.

“Tia, why dost thou meander here? What is… “ The blue one stopped as she looked up to me. Her eyes were watering and she was slightly trembling.

“Ah girls. Good, you two are prompt as always. This is X. He is the golem that helped stop Corundum from destroying the Crystal Empire any further.” Star Swirl waved it off as he picked the girls up in his magic and seated them at the table. “X. These are the two I wanted you to meet. This taller is Celestia and the shorter is Luna. They act a bit scatterbrained but they are good foals at hearts.”

“I am not a foal!” Luna shot back puffing her cheeks up until she noticed me looking at her. She quickly looked down, ears splayed and trying to shrink as small as she was able to be.

“Hello X… I trust you've kept well.” Celestia forced out managing to keep herself in a diplomatic pose as best she could. Her knees were buckling though which she noticed I had noticed. The two of them were a bundle of nerves most likely because of what they might have heard about me.

“Yes. All is well. I've had to fight monsters in the past couple of days but that was merely interesting.” I shrugged as I did so. I kept my movements down to the bare minimum so as to not set them off.

Luna managed to bolster herself enough to appear royal but whenever she tried to open her mouth to speak she would shake from the fear inside her. I could tell what they were feeling due to the Suffering Circuit but there wasn't much to do at the moment. I was an unknown to them and only time would mend that tear.

“Indeed.” Celestia coughed out unclear where to take the conversation anymore. I was pretty sure her eyes twitches to Star Swirl who merely kept his eyes closed and patiently waiting for Celestia or Luna to continue.

“Uh… um… what kind of monsters?” Luna belted out as she actually had managed to pick herself up to the table top only to realize she had no cover and sat back down.

“Windigo and an Umbrum I think is what he called himself.” I answered as I sat at the table across from the little moon. She thoughtfully tapped her hooves together as of trying to think of something to ask.

“What did you do?” Luna continued as I recounted my fight against the windigo and how I managed to magically burn it out of existence. When I brought up Corundum there was a bit more uncertainty on their faces.

“An Umbrum shouldn't exist. Those are old pony tales told to scare foals from getting out of bed.” Celestia countered though her tone wasn't fully disbelieving since Star Swirl collaborated my tale.

“Most fairy tales are based in truth. They are dressed up to make them easier for children to stomach since the original tellings were usually so dark and twisted they would give anyone nightmares.” I shot back. “Saying it doesn't exist only shows that you are unwilling to take stock of a situation to either disprove or prove what is and isn't real. Every legend you will ever hear is true to some degree.”

“I suppose that means that those monsters Star Swirl had fought have some semblance of truth then?” Luna mentioned and I noted that she switched how she spoke depending on who she was talking to.

For those of respect she spoke formally switching in a lot of ‘thys’ and ‘doths’ which peppered her speech. Those she wanted to be casual with it seems she dropped any pretense of her speech and talked like a commoner, at least for whatever constituted a commoner since I hadn't seen any citizens yet. My entire journey I hadn't seen any cities during my trek north and I was a little concerned about their population centers not actually existing.

“Exactly but those creatures you meet out there. Those hydras and manticores and chimeras that roam the world. Those aren't monsters.” I slowly steepled my fingers together which seemed to drag their attention. Apparently hands were mystical to some sense.

“Then what are monsters then? I am certain that they are scary enough.” Luna pouted though I think it was because she was scared of them still. From the look of them I could tell they were still young and not ready to actually be leaders.

“Monsters are the beings who consciously choose to do bad things. If a thief steals food to feed his starving family because he has no other options then he is merely misunderstood. If he does it to feed himself then he is selfish. If he does it to spite another then he is cruel. If he does it to kill another then he is a monster. Though morality is really tricky and something everyone builds up through their life.” I posited and quietly watched their reactions.

Throughout my tale I saw the two relax and ponder over things that they knew nothing of. The talk of monsters actually caused them to visibly cringe as their thoughts swirled around. I knew it was a bit much for the two of them since they were still learning to be rulers but morality determined how a ruler reacted to situations. There would be hard decisions and such but most of all there would be no right answers… merely their answers.

“Star Swirl… why are we meeting like this?” I quickly turned to my intrepid host who was coyly smirking.

“Hm? Ah yes I wanted them to meet with you. To dispel the fears they had growing when we received the letter that you had managed to nearly single hoofedly took out Corundum's entire army. Also to lead the conversation in a certain way but I did get a tad distracted on your talks of morality.” Star Swirl rubbed the back of his head.

“Star Swirl… where did you want this conversation to go anyways?” Celestia looked towards her mentor, eyes shining full of questions while Luna nodded her head vigorously to the notion.

“Allow me to prepare before we do so.” Star Swirl closed his eyes and lit his horn as several magical runes appeared across the walls, floors and the ceiling before a clear mystical shield surrounded everything. “There. Silence is golden and this is something I've been meaning to detail to you X and to my students since before the siege of the Crystal Empire.”

“Do tell.” Luna called out feeling ever so frisky at the idea of a secret. Celestia reeled it in by keeping a stern look on her face but when I pointed to her tail which was swishing around she quietly covered her reddening face to the chuckles of her little sister.

“Have I told you two the Tale of the Two Gods?” Star Swirl looked over to the two sisters.

“Yes you have Star Swirl. What does that have to do with this moment and all the secrecy?” Celestia looked intrigued.

“Recite it for our guest if you remember it so.” Star Swirl looked to Celestia who looked as though she had been dope slapped for walking into that trap.

“Right… long ago before the rise of any race on this planet there were two creator gods. Most don't know whom these two figures were but they became known only as Order and Chaos. They worked together to shape worlds giving it the gift of time and meaning. Throughout the ages the two would work together, fight against one another and die together to restart things as they go. Then they would reincarnate to continue the process giving us the stars and skies littered with emblems of their battles, the stars. Unfortunately one day the being who governed Order started to question his role. They wanted things to remain pristine and forever but Chaos always craved change. Now at what most only surmise as their fiftieth incarnation went insane at the futility of their act and was struck down by Chaos before the world would suffer a static fate. Unfortunately, when Order died before Chaos their powers became sealed due to their pact of being reincarnated whenever both died being broken. With no way to affect the world balance was struck in favor of chaos and the world forever trailed down that path of uncertainty.” Celestia finished.

“Always an interesting tale… but what does this have to do with our guest?” Luna questioned looking towards her teacher for answers and me for clarification. I merely shrugged.

“It is because of what he did when he fought the Windigo that I bring this up. From my talks with Platinum and Concerto I am positive that the Spirit of Order has been returned to this world… and that being is you.” Star Swirl pointed to me. I was glad I had turned off my facial structures that would have revealed my shock.

“I'm not a god Star Swirl. I've told you before that I'm merely a reploid. A robot. A mechanical golem made of metal. I will admit that my body is weird and I think might be working towards making a magical engine but that would take far too long to make anything possible.” I quietly admitted.

Nana had slowly been working from the thaumic sensor we had been working on to make something to channel magic through my buster should it ever be necessary. The incident with the Windigo was merely a fluke and overclocking of my buster with Fenrir’s cyber elf ability. I was certain other that was the case…

“No X. You have magic. It's subtle but it's slowly filling you. It is making you more than you are.” Star Swirl insisted as Celestia and Luna watched on with their full attention.

“Okay… what does this change though? I might be working towards some channeling of magic, does that change where we are at this point in time?” I quickly pointed out making certain to not refute what he was saying. Discord had made several asides to the same conclusion so I couldn't just throw it off handedly into ignorance.

“I suppose not. Still it is something both to look forward to and be wary of. Your counterpart has been quiet leaving us in uncertainty.” Star Swirl pushed back against the assumption.

“Counterpart? The chaos is real?” Celestia suddenly stated causing the two sisters to flee much from the shock of their fairy tales actually being true.

“Sister get a hold of yourself. There is more at stake than thee sanity.” Luna quietly barked out making certain her attention was on us.

“Yes… Discord is out there. The spirit of chaos is there.” I muttered as I looked at the little moon princess.

“Are we safe?” Luna looked towards me seemingly gauging how I acted.

“Honestly… no but yes. It's difficult to explain but so long as I'm the object of his ire he will focus on me which is why I need to find a place to hideout in and keep as a sort of grotto where I can hide out.” I explained as I patted her head. She flinched slightly though eventually rested her head against my palm. It was warm and she seemed to enjoy the head patting.

Celestia looked at me expectedly. I blinked at her and she blinked at me. Then we got lost in a staring contest before she showed me the indignation of no head pats. I eventually did give her head a pat though I swore she muttered something about being condescending to a certain degree. Then I looked to Star Swirl.

“Do so to me and I take off your arm.” He leveled his steely glare at me.

“Fine. Let's head out then. I need to find someplace inconspicuous.” I admitted as I looked over to the sisters who were quietly discussing things between themselves.

“Already? But we haven't heard more tales!?” Luna blurred out. Clearly she was the kind to enjoy combat more. I could tell when her eyes shined about me defeating the Windigo with a concentrated tornado ripping through whatever constituted as its neck.

“I wanna hear too!” Celestia shouted out agreeing with her sister.

“Well then, I have to leave then. I only have two stories in my impressively short life that I've been active. Gotta have more adventures to have more stories. It's the trade off of being me I guess?” I belted out. I could have regaled them with X’s exploits… but I only new third party accounts. I played the games from a limited perspective and most of the extended knowledge was hard to constantly remember.

“Aww… “ Both ladies pouted as they realized how the situation would go.

“Goodbye for now.” I waved to the pair as I waited out in the hall for Star Swirl to exit the room.

He trotted out seeming a bit relieved for some reason and while I was curious it was only question three on my own list.

“That went well.” Star Swirl muttered taking a deep breath as he closed the door and started to lead me elsewhere.

“So… “ I started slowly waiting to see if he would be forthcoming on his own.

“So? What… oh, yes. An explanation does seem in order.” Star Swirl sheepishly averted his eyes.

“Would be nice. Would help me make sense of why you're so relieved and what you really wanted to talk about.” I pointed out. Ever since we had entered the room the Suffering Circuit had been pulsing whenever I focused on him.

“They had become scared after hearing what you had managed to do. The report I received had made it seem as though you were unstoppable at the time. I needed them to see that you weren't what some of the soldiers were trying to portray you as.” Star Swirl turned to me and led me back down the stairwell that led into their secret office.

“A monster right?” I crossed my arms slightly lost in thought at the implication.

I had placed limitations on my power already. There were many due in no small part to the fact that if I used more than thirty percent on my buster I could potentially kill someone. That, was only the tip of the iceberg if my other weapons were used without a limiter. The Windigo experienced that personally.

“I… I wouldn't go so far as to say that. But yes… “ He sighed and placed a hoof against the door frame to their sealed room. “Ponies are bigoted little creatures sometimes. Even with our first home being frozen over they still haven't learned to live in some form of harmony, and harmony is what I wanted to talk about. They can still be better but we need time to heal that deep seated hatred that bleeds in every generation. And I think we have found a way.”

Star Swirl ushered me into the room past the barrier that he placed where I found all the Pillars sitting at their seats like they first were when we discussed the ways of the world. I actually found a seat which they also offered me that when I sat in it, didn't buckle under my weight. Then I waited as they all muttered amongst themselves before looking towards me again.

“X, we see you as the Spirit of Order reincarnated. I just want to push that out right now before anypony else starts spouting unimportant things.” Magnus bluntly stated grabbing a few disbelieving looks from his compatriots.

“Yeah… I kind of figured it out with a little urging from my mortal enemy.” I deadpanned right back. Discord had made it very clear that he was looking towards me as an equal or at least someone soon to be.

“Right ma chere. With that we have finalized our project we have been working on.” Meadowbrook started as she pulled out a crystal seed. “And this is how it starts.”

“As you know the Crystal Empire is vast and full of gem like objects and no rarer is that of a crystal seed. This is something we needed for many years but until now this is the only one we've managed to find. It was kept under the care of the Amore family and with the tragedy that occurred we thought that all was lost. Of course that was then… this is now.” Mist Mane lectured making certain I was focused on the seed.

“Each of us… from the far corners of Equus on the whole can infused our magic within it to eventually foster a way for the entire world to heal from the anger, the hatred and sorrow. But there is one thing missing or should I say two things.” Somnambula started as those who spoke filtered their internal magic into the seed.

“Aye. Two things that must be given willingly by one of Order and one of Chaos. A small magical pulse to give the seed life. We have infused it with our magic already.” Rockhoof answered as I noted several motes of magic floating within the seed.

“We need one more thing before we plant this… your magical ability and… his.” Star Swirl uttered as I gingerly picked up the seed.

I had no idea what to do to actually give it whatever magic I had within me. So I decided to wing it… otherwise we would be stuck there until I figured out how magic was actually a part of me outside of the small unit within my body that was still being built.

I opened my power core and waves of energy pulses out sending a thin strand towards the see before enveloping it in its energy. It felt heavier at this point and I couldn't figure out why it jumped nearly ten pounds more. I closed my core and the others were amazed by how bright the seed now shone. The next order of business was getting him to agree…

“I'll be back. Is that teleporting unit still safe here?” I looked to Star Swirl who nodded though hesitantly.

“What will you do?” He seemed to want to stop me but hesitated.

“Make a deal, of course.” I answered before teleporting out of the room towards Mount Canter.

It was cold. If I actually could feel it would be troublesome but I kept that function off for the moment. This was something that might help because of what I was going to do. Looking around I noted that his yellow eyes weren't anywhere around me.

‘Thaumic sensors can't pick him up. We have no idea where he could be.’ Nana informed me which I figured would happen given who we were dealing with. He was smarter than he let others perceive him.

‘We do not believe this course of action is wise but the plan you've fed us seems sound. Are you certain that this profile fits that duplicitous snake?’ Harpuia chimed in making certain to keep his tone reverent for some reason.

“As far as we know he is egocentric so something like this would probably get to him because no egomaniac would ever admit to being weak, would they?” I posited to the others.

‘In case the psych profile is wrong I've overclocked your weapons system.’ Fefnir interjected and I was glad he gave me an out of things got bad.

“Discord!” I called out to the heavens.

Large bolts of lightning went straight up to space while the sky distorted and shifted into different colors. I think snow started to roll down an invisible hill before shifting into a very large draconequus raising his arms in a pose…

… until he saw me.

“You… well I must admit this is a surprise. Come to face me in a climatic duel upon the very mountain where you first fell into despair? Hmm?” Discord chuckled as he cradled his head in his paw and talon like a schoolgirl on her bed. The smug grin he wore seemed to say he knew something I didn't.

“Not yet. Besides I think I still see some smoldering fur from the first time we met.” I barked back at him. Discord actually lowered his paw to his chest subconsciously before leveling his glare back at me.

“Fine you little gnat. What did you want? I'll have you know that I'm a busy draconequus and I don't have time to waste.” Discord smoldered slightly actually breathing flames from his nose which turned into smaller Discords and raced around like dalmatians.

“A deal.” I stated as I stared up at him making sure to lock eyes with him.

“A deal? Bwahaha! Are you kidding me? You think there's anything we could actually agree to deal with?” Discord sneered and snickered. “Good luck on that junior. You got nothing to offer.”

“Maybe. Though seeing as you and I don't like to kill I think we can agree that one of us is going to pay when we fight.” I replied keeping myself steady as he started to split apart.

“Yes… I suppose so. So what game are you playing at. I don't deal with fatalists.” Discord growled out lowering himself to my level.

“You see me as your equal. Don't you?” I pointed out causing him to glare a bit harder.

“Hardly. You're just some thing I found to make sure balance is around. You aren't that important.” Discord scoffed as he folded his arms across his chest.

“And yet I've kept you at bay twice. You want to prove that your the best don't you? But you can't if one of us dies then either of our powers will get locked off.” I countered as he actually clenched his talon in anger.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Discord chimed off though he noticed me looking at his hand and quickly changed his tune. “Fine. You have made a very sound point but so what? It doesn't matter what happens. As long as you exist my power grows. You can die for all I care and I'll still have my power active regardless.”

“A diminishing power that will run out.” I added quietly.

“Yes a diminishing… shut up! Get on with it or I'll be enacting some cathartic punishment for what you did to me.” Discord lost his cool clearly reaching the edge since I had tried to dish out as good as he gave. I think he knew. He knew that because of what he did we were tied by fate to live against each other and should one fall the other would follow.

“A way to fight to our fullest with no consequences. A way for you to prove that you are the greatest so long as you go through me eventually to reach it.” I sounded out as he went from full of rage to merely smoldering.

“So… what did you plan then?” Discord warily eyed me as I pulled out the crystal seed.

“This. I've channeled my magic into it. You channel yours and we will be outside of fate’s control. No limitations and no deadlines to ever stop us. We just need time to let it grow.” I answered raising it up as he stared at the small bauble.

“Hm… a way to let go. Are you certain that you are Order at this point?” Discord snickered as he seemed more in tune to the idea.

“I don't care about that as much. I may embody it but it doesn't control who I am. So we make this deal even if we embody something just to tell fate to fuck off.” I bluntly stated giving the chaos spirit a wide smirk.

“I'm beginning to wonder who the devil is in this deal now. Fine… you've convinced me if only slightly. Chaos will reign supreme eventually and if this let's me do so without limit then why should I refuse.” Discord immediately coiled around me snapping tightly as I pushed my buster into his chest and held the seed in my other hand. “But let's get something straight here.”

“My sentiments exactly.” I growled back my buster humming with a full charged shot I kept ready.

“We aren't working together. We aren't allies in any sense of the word. Eventually you and I will fight and perhaps even die. At this point I've decided that you are the only exception I shall make. The Spirit of Order, X is the only exception I shall make. That is the only word I will ever keep to you.” Discord scowled as he touched the seed putting in an equal amount of chaos magic into it.

“A side to this deal… until this tree grows we won't try to fight. We will have something worthy of being our final battle. Agreed?” I stated as I turned my buster back to my hand and held it out. My hand was still glowing for some reason.

“Deal.” Discord answered as his paw flowed the same plaid as his chaos magic.

As we shook a symbol burned into his paw of an infinity symbol and one melted into my right forearm. I actually felt the intense heat and burning sensation as it burrowed into my very soul. I managed to stay on the mountain peak holding my burning are as Discord writhed at the burning sensation on his paw.

“With this… the deal is struck.” Discord hissed as he tried to heal his paw… and nothing happened. “Looks like this is a permanent thing. A deal throughout infinity between two god like figures.”

“We aren't gods.” I countered as I got to my feet, the symbol slowly returning to normal and the heat receding back to a manageable pain.

“Maybe not but we are the closest thing there is right now. We will shape the future as we see fit. You've already done so by your actions in the Crystal Empire.” Discord stated as he melted away and reappeared back in the sky. “So have your fun. Do your best to keep me entertained and when it's time, my time, this world will enjoy an Age of Chaos!” Discord laughed as he snapped his talons and disappeared

I remained on the peak for a bit longer as I tried to keep myself from losing my cool. I was in a lot of pain. Since I had kept my pain receptors low I had not gotten used to the pain. At this point I would have to get used to the pain from now on. Eventually I clenched the seed as I noted the order and chaos magical energies actually pulsed through it. I eventually set the teleportation signal and warped back to the fortress.

Star Swirl remained worried as the Pillars were delivered a report as a large portion of the sky had warped colors and rained what could only be described as chocolate. Before the six could get out of the room a sudden beam of light landed in the room revealing a very tired looking me.

“I did it… “ I muttered as I placed the now completed crystal seed on the table.

I didn't know why but my entire body immediately went into sleep mode and I fell to the floor unconscious.

XXV. Reseize (unedited)

Author's Note

Thus begins the start of the thestral arc.
So arcs are:
Arrival: 1- 5
Siege of Corundum: 6 - 24
Night Over Hollow Shade: 25 - TBD

XXV. Reseize (unedited)

System Repair… auto logging.
Damage extreme… auto repair sequence cannot cope. Adjusting… system clear.

Text kept scrolling through my mind forcing me to actually read through it while Nana, Harpuia and Fefnir checked out the damage to my system. In truth it was strange readings due to the magic that seemed to have awakened within my systems. Several parts were constructed within open sections of my body and seemed to be going through preliminary testing. The Thaumic Sensor received a large boost which jumped the range double what it was. At over one hundred and fifty meters originally I had a good sense all around me. With the three cyber elf personalities I had jumped from fifty meters to triple that range now I had doubled even that.

‘Systems are okay sir.’ Nana explained as several more graphs appeared within my mind. ‘We have seen to it that the parts are not dangerous and have integrated well with your current systems. We have no idea what they do at the moment but we shouldn't remain in sleep mode much longer. This has been the longest that you've been out.’

“What do you mean I've been out?” I mentally panicked since being asleep gave Discord more chances to try to do something to me. Even if we had made a deal I didn't expect him to keep it. Chaos thrived on unpredictability.

‘Internal clock readings state that you've been out for two days now.' Harpuia chimed in keeping his cool as he did so. Fefnir covered his ears as my entire system went into overdrive as I forced myself back awake.

There was no time to check my systems for what the new parts would entail.

“Star Swirl! He's coming around!” A female voice rang out from the haze.

I opened my eyes only to see static. My entire system was still rebooting from the powered down mode. When my eyes came to I saw Meadowbrook standing next to me. There were no potions or medical equipment around me and I was glad for it. Nothing they had would have helped me.

“What happened… did I die!?” I shot up nearly panicking… my emotion control was shot still and I was bleeding out my vulnerable side. I quickly shut up and placed that control under priority system repair.

“Did you die? What's it like over there?” Meadowbrook interrupted my thought pattern and forced me to actually question what was going on.

“What? No I didn't. I was asking you if it looked like I died.” I quietly groaned out as I looked over my body. I was no longer in the Light Armor and back in my original blue self. The only difference was the infinity symbol carved into my right forearm which was my primary buster arm. Even when it switched it to the buster the symbol remained.

“Ah darn. Well I'm glad you're awake. To tell the truth we were uncertain what to do to help you. Even scanning spells had trouble figuring out if there was something wrong with you. Star Swirl assured us that he would figure out a way to figure out what was wrong with you but that was last evening.” Meadowbrook whispered keeping her voice down as a frantic Star Swirl came into the room.

“Great Faust you're back. What happened to you?” Star Swirl called out as he galloped to my side.

“System reboot… too much strain on my body and I conked out. How about you?” I nonchalantly answered as I stood up from the slab I was placed on. Apparently I was still in their secret chamber against the far eastern wall.

“Is this one of those reploid things?” Star Swirl quirked an eyebrow at me trying to gauge my emotions.

“Yeah. I guess you wanna talk about that a little more in depth now huh?” I raised a finger and started to tap it against my chest. I don't know where I picked up the habit but I noticed I was doing it again. The Emotional Control Core within the Suffering Circuit had apparently been knocked out for the moment. My nervous tics were starting to come out once again.

“If you would kindly speak of them. I wish to jot them down… is that agreeable?” Star Swirl conjured a quill and inkwell and even a bound up book.

“As long as the book remains relatively hidden or in my possession at a later date and my ramblings aren't found by an ambitious fool who wants to make more of me then yes it should be fine.” I belted out quickly running through my worries so candidly and being far too agreeable for my own tastes.

“Agreed. I don't think this world is ready for more of you.” Star Swirl nodded as he trotted over to the table alongside Meadowbrook who showed genuine interest in what I was about to speak about.

“What about the others?” I pointed out before sitting in the seat that was made to support my frame.

“They are on business at the moment. Mistmane and Rockhoof are fortifying one of the cities a bit to the north while Somnambula returned to her hometown for the week. Magnus followed suit as well returning to Cloudsdale on order of Commander Hurricane to make sure that the elation of winning the war didn't go to their heads.” Star Swirl informed me as he checked over his quill making certain that it wasn't bent or leaking ink. I noted that he had more quills off to the side in case of breakage.

“Right then… where to actually begin…” I pondered where to start at the moment. Reploids were replicated androids and the root of that word focused on humans in general. The other problem was that as X I actually wasn't a reploid. It was a common misconception and more of a blanket term for all robots created using X as a template. There were only two official androids created and I was in the body of one of them.

“Start where you are most comfortable.” Star Swirl assured me waving off the tension I felt from having to explain what I was… in the simplest terms possible.

“Well… I guess you could equate me to a golem in a sense but at the same time it's not so simple as that. Your golems are created through magic and have little to no sentience behind them. From what I could tell they couldn't do more than one task at a time.” I posited out hoping to keep this as a candid discussion rather than an interview. Bias could be formed without discussion on the semantics of things.

“It's true. There was one prototype but Star Swirl had to destroy it before it could kill his apprentice. Complex thoughts can't be mapped by magic so easily without breaking into soul linking.” Meadowbrook explained as she pulled out a small book and flipped a few pages. The images she showed me were of totems or idols used like phylacteries. Lich hood seemed to be the only proven way to create a sentient golem.

“A tragic day for the progression of magic but something that was necessary. I could not let my apprentice Clover die.” Star Swirl insisted though I held up my hand stopping his pity party from commencing. I already knew sometimes things were out of our control.

“Even then soul linking is dangerous. It not only allows the user to take over other bodies subsuming the original soul but it could be misused to control multiple bodies. Only extreme personalities and strong souls can withstand the strain of another being trying to devour them entirely.” Meadowbrook muttered as her eyes darkened.

Soul linking seemed like something Corundum would have tried to do… the fact that he wanted to die could have meant he was similar to a lich… as least superficially. The bodies equipped with crystals made more sense now… and if what Magnus said was true they had spread throughout the world because shipments were ‘stolen’ from the Crystal Empire. At this point it most likely wasn't a coincidence that those crystals had been loss… which meant Corundum had succeeded…

I jumped from my seat in shock only for my emotion control core to restart and shut down my fear and shock. Star Swirl and Meadowbrook stood high on their chair as they lifted themselves up at my outburst.

“X! What's wrong? You look as though you've seen a ghost.” Meadowbrook asked first while Star Swirl carefully examined my eyes.

“Sorry… I was a little worried that because I've been asleep for so long that we should go after those shipments that were stolen from the Crystal Empire before they fall into the wrong hoofs… or hands or claws or paws.” I quickly deflected the conversation though with my tone back down to a controlled one Star Swirl seemed concerned. He didn't say anything at first and seemed to ponder what to do before he said anything.

“We should but until we have leads on where they are we must be patient. Please continue about reploids… if you don't mind.” Star Swirl calmly mentioned though I could tell he was thinking the same thing as I was. Nervousness and dread came wafting off of him due to the readings from the Suffering Circuit.

“Of course.” I replied keeping my mind focused on the task at hand.

“We've surrounded the fortress Countess Primrose. Are you sure there can be no other course of action?” A stallion with a slate blue coat and dark blue wings questioned his leader.

“Jet. Jet. Jet. What have I told you about thinking?” The Countess, Evening Primrose, lifted her head up raised her snout to her uppity soldier. Her ebony coat and brilliant royal purple wings flapped against the night sky as she focused her apricot colored eyes on Jet.

“Don't.” Jet muttered as he braced himself.

“Exactly.” Primrose replied before flicking her black mane back and smashing the back of her hoof against his face sending him sprawling through the air. “Any other questions you maggots?”

The growl she sent out cajoled all her soldiers back into formation. With a wave of her hoof she sent them down towards the fortress picking key position for her plan to succeed. Idly she picked at the red crystal she had embedded on her left hoof dreaming of the possibilities it would allow them. Breaking out of her imagination she looked over her troops who would realize her plans. It would be simple and to the point.

After all… they only needed one.

“So you're saying that you were created from science and not magic. I don't quite follow what you mean by machines.” Star Swirl confessed as we continued going over concepts.

“Think about it like this… in this world and every other for that matter there are six simple machines that occur regardless of magic. You know what a wheel and axle is right?” I added as I waited for their response which I did get a nod to. “Well that only works because the rod in the center keeps the wheel balance allowing for forward momentum. In my body are gears that are basically stylized wheels that allow me to move my internal systems.”

“So we do have machines and are in the process of growing every time we think of a new use for them. Interesting… I would have never equated them in that way.” Star Swirl scrawled down a few more notes.

We had talked at length about levers, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, wedges and finally we had reached the topic of wheels and axles. I equated each object with a part in my body though I had yet to talk about electrical processes… mostly because everything was done either through candle light or magical light. I needed to explain things in simpler terms if only to get my point across though I was slightly worried that I was giving them a slight advantage by explaining how these simple machines could be expanded to make more complex objects.

“So all these make up the processes of your body then X?” Meadowbrook posited as she examined me a bit closer. She had gotten up during the discussion as I demonstrated which part did what.

“Yes. Though the plane and wedge aren't used in my design… at least to my knowledge. This is the easiest way I can explain how my body works right now. At the very least it explains it mechanically on my movement. We'd have to go over more concepts to explain how my mind works and I'd have to figure out how best to word it in terms that wouldn't confuse either of us.” I quickly summarized. I was basically talking about robotics and electrical engineering trying my best to simplify it to the best terms I could find. Even then neither of those subjects were things I implicitly knew. Most of not all the terms I knew were being fed into me by Nana.

An explosion rang out from somewhere in the fortress causing me to turn back to my sensor. I had ignored it since we started our conversation mostly to be polite and give my full attention to the pair.

“We should go!” Star Swirl shouted as he magically stored the book and leapt from his chair to lead the way. Meadowbrook kept a good pace behind him while I brought up the rear… mostly because I was priming my buster. Long range was my specialty.

As we raced through the fortress all the guards were following suit making their way towards the commotion. In the main hall acrid fumes wafted through the air as several ponies shadowed in the cloud struck and knocked the guards aside. They used their surroundings to the best of their abilities causing as much commotion as possible.

Star Swirl launched a shield to keep the cloud of blinding smoke from coming any closer while Meadowbrook tended to the fallen soldiers. Luckily, most were only knocked unconscious which was slightly suspicious to me. Still I had no time to waste as I gave a small nod to Star Swirl and he opened a section of the shield up for me to jump through into the fray.

As soon as I landed several shapes lunged for me. The first hit my chest sending me skid back into the shield but costing the enemy their consciousness as they fell to the floor. The second and third attempted to stop before they struck me but I managed to knock the higher one down with a quick left cross. The lower one fled back into the cloud as I switched over to my thaumic sensor. There were several targets flying around and without telemetry data I couldn't assign any Friend or Foe tags to each target. Not even a color coordination either due to the fact that those in the Aegis faction also appeared hostile to me.

Thus began my pain staking trek through the smoke against enemies I could barely make out. Most of the time I could have sworn I was fighting pegasi but their wings were wrong. I couldn't make out what they were in the smoke and thermal visions were being led astray by the heat from the explosion that had occurred. It was as if they had found a dragon fire bomb somewhere.

I threw out a quick cross counter as another foe flew down at me sending him back into the cloud. I had to readjust my eyes for a moment even though the cloud didn't affect my vision. I could've sworn I had just seen bat wings. Before I could process that I was kicked in the back of my head. It managed to knock me down but the kicker yelped in pain as their back legs seemed to crack from the strain.

My gyroscopic stabilizers kicked in keeping me from hitting the floor as I turned and grabbed my assailant by the leg. She yelped in pain as I wrenched her back into my limited sight. She immediately tried to smack me with her hoof only to reel back in pain. I didn't have time to interrogate her at the moment so I did the next best thing. With a quick thwack of the back of my hand I smacked the back of her head as softly as I could. She conked out with a bad bump to the left side of her head and I slung her under my left arm.

Part of me wanted to return to Star Swirl to show off the captured prisoner but I decided to push on through the hole that was created. Something was going on with how extreme that the bat winged ponies were charging into the fray. I hoped that the one I grabbed actually knew something otherwise this was going to be pointless.

“Ah here we are… “ Primrose chuckled as she entered one of the conjoining rooms deeper in the fortress. Before her were several of her guards subduing their prey. She struggled valiantly but eventually the inhibition ring was placed on her horn and the sudden loss of magic knocked off the rhythm she had got going.

“Unhand me knave! Think not that your heads will roll when I get my hooves on you!” The mare shouted as a muzzle was dragged against her mouth.

“How many did we get?” Primrose questioned the largest thestral in the room. He had a light gray coat with lavender mane and wings. He was also twice as large as every other pony in the room.

“Three. She is the last we've found. Opposition has been better than we expected. They really are riding their victory against Corundum now.” The stallion growled out causing the mare to shudder as ropes were tied around her barrel.

“Excellent. We have what we wanted. Arum get the rest of them ready and let's head back for home.” Primrose chuckled as they broke the window and the lot of them flew back over the horizon with three ponies in tow. One was a stallion with a silver azure coat and several shades of gray mane who looked to be trying to grow a beard. Another was a filly with an ivory coat and dirty blonde mane. The third was too heavily bound to identify anymore and the three were whisked past the now full moon.

I broke out of the smoke and sighted little over twenty of the bat winged ponies fluttering around striking back at the forces that were arraigned previously. Apparently in the day that my self repair systems were forced to work yesterday the platoons that were left at the fortress were diminished. Half of Hurricane’s forces were sent out to strengthen the borders to the south and create certain trade routes between the Principality and the Empire. Unfortunately Aegis’ troops had been composed mostly of earth ponies with only a few unicorns and pegasi to show some sort of diversity in the ranks. Being an earth pony himself I was certain bias were on display.

I quickly shot out the closest of the bat ponies before they could realize what was going on. The guards incensed at the enemy finally losing their advantage pushed forward capturing whomever they could get their hooves on. The flying ones immediately signaled to each other and swooped down dodging my shots and using the regular soldiers as meat shields forcing me to shelf my buster. The mare slung beneath my arm stirred slightly but didn't struggle. I had made certain to keep my arm locked so she couldn't wiggle out of my grasp.

The guards were flung back as the bat ponies seemed to meld in with the shadows and used it to their advantage to swing their wing blades wildly. The guards that had tackled the fallen were knocked back as a few pulled out their shields and the rest gathered their fallen taking off into the night sky.

I focused charging my buster to its second stage shot which was a bright green plasma bolt. Each of those shots knocked the shields out of the bat ponies grip but as I followed up they would flap behind another of the shield wielders. As they continued to get out of range I tried to switch to the falcon armor… only to find that system down as well undergoing repairs.

“God damnit…” I growled out as I looked down at the mare in my clutches. The smoked out entrance hall was cleared by the pegasi still standing while Meadowbrook ushered the injured out towards one of the wings made to hold patients.

I noted that out of all the damage there had been no casualties but a lot of injured. Most of them had been part of Aegis’ troops. We had only captured six bat ponies which were all sprawled out under the layers of smoke that had been covering the hall. Star Swirl lifted them up and several unicorn guards summoned chains tying them up. One came up to me pointing at the mare in my arm but I shook my head. I had a plan to handle her when she woke up and I needed to make sure she knew there was no escape.

“This was a smokescreen… “ Star Swirl muttered as he trotted up to me. “They weren't trying as hard as they could have.”

“What are they?” I questioned as I finally looked over the mare in question. The bat wings were exactly as they were meant to be. Made of cartilage and flexible, the mare in question seemed to have a small opposable claw on her wing. It was something only she had while the other detainees didn't share the same characteristic.

“Some call them thestrals… others strigoi… I prefer the former but that is me. There has always been bad blood between us and them. It shouldn't be that way since we are ponies… but of course this isn't a perfect world. There are three communes that they live in currently from our last census. One is in the Badlands. One is near the Smokey Mountains hidden in one of the closer valleys. The final is in Hollow Shades… a town that has two faces. The day had fallen there leaving only those of the night behind.” Star Swirl explained as he started to piece the doorway back together with his magic.

“Well… we’ll have to coax which commune they live in. I'll probably have to handle that particular interrogation though.” I quietly stated while Star Swirl gave me that particular look. That look when someone is disappointed with your decision but has no alternative and reluctantly relents to the idea.

“Star Swirl! It's terrible!” Second Stand came rushing from one of the stair cases.

“What is it now?” Star Swir groaned and his age showed itself once again. Frustration poured from his eyes though I could tell he didn't want to deal with this in the slightest.

“Clover the Clever was kidnapped! All of this was a ruse and they managed to take him away!” Stand hissed out clearly freaked out at the prospect.

“He was what!? What!?” Star Swirl roared out as rage flowed down his neck and he nearly turned red.

“We need to mount a rescue quickly sir! I volunteer for it.” Stand saluted as Star Swirl attempted to calm himself.

Before we could answer his plea another figure walked from one of the halls. Flint Shard had stumbled through. His coat had been bloodied up and several gashes now adorned his side. He fell to the floor a couple times but forced himself back to his hooves.

“X… !” Flint wheezed out as he harshly breathed in trying to regain his bearings. “They took her! They took Diamond Shard!”

Flint fell to the ground coughing up blood and from the extent of his injuries he had barely survived. Whomever fought him made sure he paid for getting in their way. I rushed over to him checking over the extent of his injuries. Several of the guards wearing Hurricane’s mark, each unicorns, took one look at me and though reluctantly started to treat Flint right then and there.

It was a sobering thought and I was more worried than I thought since I had saved him and her. I was glad that they were merely bandaging him up though I really wished I had Cinnamon active at this point. Her medical knowledge would be helpful at this point.

“Star Swirl… we need to interrogate these thestrals. They are up to something and we need to figure out where they are going.” I growled out. As I figured strong emotions would break out even from my control and I caught myself squeezing the mare in my grip. She groaned in pain causing me to loosen my grip enough not to hurt her but strong enough that she couldn't escape. I carefully clenched my fingers around one of her hooves. She would break her hoof if she tried to escape though I hoped it didn't come to that.

“Agreed. This travesty cannot go unanswered. I… Celestia… “ Star Swirl stopped forcing me to turn my attention in the direction he was facing.

From the southwestern hall came a very distraught and frazzled alicorn. Celestia was a mess as her ruined pink mane and tear stricken eyes could attest. She took careful steps towards Star Swirl her gaze lost as if over a thousand miles away.

“Celestia…” I muttered as she looked towards me. The fear was still present in her gaze… but it was not what she was truly feeling. The Suffering Circuit told me exactly how she felt. Hatred swirled in her heart and the need for retribution strongly flowed through her entire being.

“Celestia… what is wrong? Where… where is Luna?” Star Swirl asked the question that broke the flood dams as a fresh wave of tears overtook her.

“They took Luna!” Celestia sobbed as she fell to the ground completely broken.

In the midst of a single night… thestrals had taken two of the rulers of ponykind and a sibling of a former enemy commander. Luna, Clover and Diamond Shard were all seized by a new threat… and I was preparing to get them back.

XXVI. Restraint (unedited)

Author's Note

This is a warning. This chapter is a dark one based on the first scene. Basically it is a benign case of torture. Tell me in the comments of it is too much or not enough. I'm not going to add anything or take away anything but I will place warnings on the title of need be.

XXVI. Restraint (unedited)

It took a while to get all the prisoners in one room with an unimportant wall. I had talked Second Stand into tying up everyone somewhat against the wall and placing blinders on each of them. This was something dangerous I had come up with Star Swirl. He didn't have much choice since Celestia turned into a wreck after Luna’s kidnapping. He literally was forced to carry her back to her bedroom leaving me to take charge of the situation. Flint was ushered into Meadowbrook’s care almost immediately. The look in his eyes told me he would force himself to follow me for his sister.

“Stand… are you ready?” I looked towards the pegasus who grimly nodded. He knew I was going to interrogate them and he knew I was going to be rough… at least to a point.

“Uh… yes. I'm not feeling this plan as the best course of action.” Stand stressed out keeping his wincing eyes off to the side. “I don't know if this will get results.”

“Yeah… me either but we don't have all the time in the world. Did you place the things Star Swirl made on their heads?” I questioned Stand as he nodded. “Then leave it to me for now. I need you to keep Aegis away.”

“Keep Aegis away? Are you joking? That madpony is dangerous.” Stand whimpered slightly. Even I knew Vicious Aegis was a jerk since the moment he looked at me. I trained my eye on Stand and he bucked up his chest.

“I'll do my best. Anything else? Should I get the chains ready? Maybe the hot oil?” Stand snarked though I could tell he was nervous about everything that was going on.

“Maybe the hot oil. After all you're coming with me when we figure out which commune they live in.” I deadpanned back and pointed out what was happening after we found the location. He paled slightly and merely nodded at the prospect. After heading off to keep Aegis busy I entered the room in question.

Sitting about three feet from the wall were five soldiers each tied to their chairs with blinders placed on their eyes. I wasn't looking forward to doing anything to them but I was on a timer and there was no court alive that could hold it against me when their leaders lives were on the line.

The mare I had captured was placed three feet in front of them and all of them were faced the same way. At one edge of the room was a large iron block I had asked one of the soldiers for. It was very thick and seemed impenetrable though my plan would have to hopefully hold through.

‘Fefnir… attach to my buster and disable limiters for one charged shot. Nana is there anything beyond this wall?’ I mentally ordered feeling slightly anxious of the plan now.

‘Yes sir.’ Fefnir answered giggling slightly at the prospect of the plan… the battle maniac was enjoying the rough approach.

‘No one on the other side. We've done some calculations and the shot should dissipate before it gets through the wall. Are… are you certain we shouldn't try something better?’ Nana pleaded though as I waited for her to offer a different solution she relented. ‘Never mind… time is of the essence.’

‘Honestly this is the best option at the moment. Star Swirl could have invaded their minds but it would be more dangerous. That's what the objects on their heads are for. When we start our plan they will get the truth out.’ Harpuia explained keeping a cold stare on the soldiers we captured. He remained only within my mental landscape but I could tell he was glaring at them.

There were no more discussions on the plan and I tossed a bucket of water over the the five soldiers causing them to sputter awake and I tossed the last of the water on my prisoner forcing her to awaken from the shock. They all looked around noting that I was standing before them. A few of them tried to move but as that point they realized what position they were in.

“Monster! You'll never take us alive!” One soldier cried out and tried to bite his tongue. He couldn't do that at all as the magic surged through the small emblem that flowed from atop his head.

When I had asked Star Swirl for something I specified a preservation spell in case of fanatics. I didn't expect they would be this staunch in keeping their loyalty. I waited until he burned out to actually speak. The bravado this particular soldier held slowly started to wane going from strong belief to whimpering mess.

“I won't speak regardless of what you do to me!” The soldier roared as the others near him nodded. I turned the mare around to see all the soldiers as well.

“You done.” I coldly stated and dragged the mare next to the other soldier placing her all in a straight line. “I placed blinders on you for a simple reason. I don't need to tell you why I'm certain.”

“Heh… monster. You won't get anything from us.” Another soldier, a mare, answered my tone. I saw a cool collected mare but when I looked her in the eyes the Suffering Circuit could tell how much fear was coursing through her entire being.

Instead of answering her I switched my right hand into a buster and pointed it at the iron block. I had precharged a full buster shot ready to go. The pink energy bolts streamed out of my buster melting the iron block to slag and piercing through the wall. It left a puddle of molten slag behind. I looked at the soldiers and turned back to them charging up another shot and holding on to it until it was needed. I pulled the mare I knocked out back to the front and she was pale.

“I'll ask once. Which commune do you all belong to? Next shot melts a pony.” I glared at all of them. I focused on the mare in front of me… the one I caught personally. She shook as sweat dripped down her forehead.

“H-ha… w-we’ll never t-talk.” A stallion voiced out one of the more generic looking ponies with gray coat and dark blue mane. “Be strong everypony.”

“Oh good. A volunteer.” I chuckled as I pulled his chair back behind everyone. They tried to turn to look as I leveled my buster against his forehead. “Last chance. Talk or melt.”

“I… I'll never… never talk…” The stallion attempted to sound tough though the fear left a veritable trickle of fear puddling on the floor. I know the rest heard it.

With a quick blast of my buster a pink wave of energy struck the stallion. He didn't scream since I had placed the limiter back on and boosted the paralysis effect. The stallion hit the wall and settled on the floor completely unconscious from fear as I charged my buster up again.

“Five left. Which commune are you from?” I growled out as I stepped back in front of all of them. All of them stared at me shaking and stuttering in fear. “How about you? Will you speak… or do you want to melt?”

“We… I… we… “ The mare that sat next to the stallion seemed ready to speak.

“Don't talk! We are stronger than him!” Another stallion roared out as I turned to him and faced him.

“Are you? Miss mare that I captured what happened when you fought me? How are your legs?” I turned to the one up front. I could hear her sniveling and didn't speak up. I stomped my foot down near her forced her to scream out.

“I nearly broke my legs trying to buck you!” She screamed out as I turned to the stallion once again.

“I mean that was me just taking a buck but you know that that's probably not that impressive. I mean that Windigo I killed tried to fight against me and I'm still standing while it's not.” I casually bragged as I grabbed his chair and started to drag him behind the other chairs.

“No, don't! Corsair, Shade! Help me! Don't let him melt me!” He screamed out as I placed my buster against his head. He seemed ready to scream once again… up until I pulled the trigger and he flew against the wall. I was glad that I kept the limiter on otherwise this would get messier than it was possible.

“You monster! You get off of doing this!? Making yourself a tyrant!” A mare, this time, yelled at me.

“So says the ruthless kidnappers who takes foals away from their only family.” I countered and knelt down to stare her in the eye. She turned away first. “So commune or melt?”

She didn't say a word. She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks and I switched to the next pony. The stallion was shivering from fear before he started wailing. The next mare in line was muttering obscenities all about a mare known as Primrose.

“You know… Primrose has no power here. You tell me and I make sure you go back to your life… otherwise, well you know what will happen.” I growled towards the mare whose eyes widened as her jaw slowly moved up and down.

“But… but… I… I can't betray… can't die… “ she began to mutter as I looked over at the other ponies. Each were ready to crack and just needed one more push.

“I'll never surrender to you!” The other mare screamed out loud trying to bolster the others. The mare I captured lowered her ears and the stallion and mare averted their eyes.

I didn't say anything as I grabbed her chair dragging along the floor. I hadn't charged up my buster yet and left the charging up as I dragged her back to pretend to execute her.

“No don't please! I'll tell you! I'll tell you!” The mare I dragged screamed out as I stopped and placed the buster against her head.

“Go ahead. Tell the truth.” I stared at her and waited.

“We… we live in the Badlands Commune. That's where we live.” She quickly yelled and the small object on top of her head blinked red.

“So what do these things do Star Swirl?” I muttered as I looked over the small hat objects that he had conjured up for me.

“When placed on a pony’s head two spells are placed on the wearer. The first spell keeps them from trying to kill themselves. There is a likely chance their loyalty will help them do what they must to keep their secret.” Star Swirl summarized as he levitated five others into my hand.

“And the second spell?” I pocketed the objects into the small compartment on my left arm as I waited for him to answer.

“A lie detecting spell. It will light up red for falsehoods and green as truths.” Star Swirl simply stated furrowing his cloak against his back a bit. “You will have to be stern to make sure you get the truth out of these fanatical ponies. I doubt they will give up so easily.”

“Yes… Second Stand are they set up already!” I called out to the pegasus who merely nodded.

“I don't like this. This is wrong.” Stand growled out.

“Do you have a better idea of saving the child!? My apprentice!? Your princess!?” Star Swirl roared out rounding on the guard. Second stood up to the glaring wizard but looked away when he realized that he wasn't going to win the argument.

“We’ll get them back.” I mentioned as I walked off towards the interrogation room.

“Liar.” I muttered as I released the trigger. The bright flash caused the remaining guards to scream as the mare hit the wall falling with the others unconscious from the paralysis.

I carefully stepped up to the remaining three. The stallion and mare both looked broken from the events. I kneeled near the stallion while the one I had captured was a broken mess.

“Please… I'll talk. Don't hurt any others.” The mare I captured croaked out… her voice hoarse from crying.

I left the two behind who remained sitting lost in their sadness. As I came up to the mare her eyes were burning with hatred. I saw that look long ago in Ruby Geode’s eyes.

“Which?” I mentioned as I charged up my buster once again.

“Hollow Shade… we are stationed there. That's where we were to handle our mission.” The mare growled out and the small object on her head blinked green.

“Good. You're telling me the truth. Since you've been honest with me I guess I can tell you something interesting.” I muttered and dragged her chair back.

She started to panic and the other two cried out. By luck she closed her eyes and I turned her towards the fallen ponies. I turned the others as well and they all stopped making noise. I snapped my fingers in front of their faces gaining their attention once again.

“So… none of them were melted or dead. My shots only paralyze organic targets. Also a by choice decision. Right now since you are part of the group that kidnapped three important ponies you'll be kept in cells until after I've dealt with the pony who called the shots. I've never killed anyone anyways and I don't count the Windigo as someone.” I mentioned to the three still captive thestrals who all looked at me with differing levels of incredulity.

“But-but-but the iron block…!” The mare screamed out.

“Intimidation tactic. The fact you couldn't self terminate just helped me get information out of you faster. I do feel bad that I had to employ such tactics but after seeing that one of you would try to bite your tongue out for some level of loyalty… well, I feel justified in following through with my plans.” I muttered as I gripped my hand around my arms wringing them slightly because of my actions.

Justification… it is the first step towards doing whatever it takes to get your way. It is a way to follow through on paths which are difficult or impossible. It was something I actually followed through on ever since I had skinned those wolves after they attacked my uncle and I. A justification of either they died… or we died. And throughout that dilemma I chose to live. Now I needed to save others and that justification was creeping its way up my back. I hoped that I wasn't being dragged into a path which there is no return from.

“You… you lied to us… “ The mare spoke… though her tone was dead, or tired even.

“Yes. I did. Sorry that I had to do that but I did so of my own volition. I got a lot of flak from everyone else that I was taking excessive measures against you lot… but I was the lesser of the two evils in this situation. Had Vicious Aegis gotten his hooves on you… well none of you would have lived. And I am making sure you all survive even after I've handled the mastermind of this kidnapping.” I gently explained. They all stared at me like I was crazy.

“You crazy golem! What gives you the right to decide our fates anyways!” The stallion yelled clearly frustrated at the situation. “You think you can decide how we live our lives! We make our own choices! Buck you for doing this!”

I pointed my buster in his face at this point. He flinched and closed his eyes realizing what he was doing.

“Your anger… frustration… sorrow… I understand it's frustrating but you made your choice and decided to make enemies. You brought this fate with your choices and I decided to let you live. Everyone else in this building would probably have supported me melting you in fire, exploding you from the inside out, slicing you to ribbons, freezing your wings off then your limbs, and many other things. I decided you get a second chance… even if I have to drag your kicking and screaming corpses into a new age. So after I've completed my mission you will be given a choice which I can talk Commander Hurricane into agreeing to… hopefully.” I tempered my anger growling out the entire explanation as I pulled my buster out of his face.

“What choice is there?” The mare I captured croaked out. Her stare was that of a broken soldier… someone who had accepted their fate.

“Live as a part of Equestria… or be given over to Vicious Aegis. Those are your choices when I get back. Alternatively, if you give me information on your leaders… well that would strengthen your survival odds… and I know you know just how terrifyingly strong I can be.” I mentioned to the mare staring her down.

“We’ll live?” She asked as she looked on her comrades… the three unconscious on the ground and the two by her side. I made certain to take off their blinders at this point. She seemed to appreciate the action as she stared at her comrades. She was given a loaded choice… but one that would not let them be executed like Geode had been. I couldn't say the same for whomever their leader was.

“Yes. I'll make sure of it before I leave.” I sternly stared at the mare… while I wanted to show a smile… it wasn't the right choice for this moment. A smile could be taken as smug and lording over another which could make them lie once again. Now that my ruse was over I needed to remain a neutral figure in all this.

“Okay… our leader Evening Primrose had ordered us to start our ascension after Corundum had fallen. Ever since she got these strange red crystals she has become more dangerous in her plans. She sent Arum and Jet out to handle the coordination though Jet is an idiot. You'll keep your part of this deal, right?” The mare asked almost pleading at this point.

“Yes. I keep my word. That's why Corundum is dead.” I bluntly stated making certain to keep my back to them as I said it. No one needed to know the whole truth. No one needed to know I left his execution to someone else.

“Right… “ She chuckled darkly at the thought. I quickly placed the ponies I shot back in chains even though their paralysis would last another hour from how I tweaked the settings.

After that was done I headed out of the room. I didn't really need any more details than what I was given. When I had met both Diamond Shard and Luna I had taken thaumic measurements of their magic. I had them recorded for archive purposes should I ever needed to find them. As I turned to the thestrals I had left behind I noted that all of them looked out for one another. Each of the conscious ones had tried to rouse the unconscious ones. I placed my hand against my chest… even if it didn't beat I still felt a twinge of self reproach for what I did… what I had to do to save lives. I took a deep breath… a fake one regardless to calm myself.

“Where are they?” A voice called out growling like a wild beast. Vicious Aegis had managed to sidestep Second Stand.

“Depends why you want them.” I stated back clearly not intimidated.

“Golem, you will not involve yourself in our affairs. This is a pony related matter and it is our matter to deal with.” Aegis glared at me when he realized I wasn't intimidated at all. “You will tell me where they are now!”

“It doesn't matter. I've already dealt with it and I know where to go.” I stated as I crossed my arms. Aegis flinched as he glared even harder at me. He was about to go off when an exhausted Star Swir and enraged Hurricane came trotting down the hall. “Welcome back you two. I figured out where to go.”

“What!? Where!” Both of them screamed out nearly trampling Aegis in their haste. He quickly regained his footing staring me down.

“Hollow Shade… I'll be leaving now. I'll be taking Second Stand and Flint Shard with me. I don't want them to realize that I'm heading there until it's too late and a larger group would just be easier to spot.” I summarized my plans to some extent. In truth I was thinking on the spot what to actually do. With Stand and Flint I had options to exploit when I had to search for them. Even if I used Chameleon Sting’s charge function I wouldn't be able to have it infinitely.

“Really? And who authorized you golem? You keep prying your stupid limbs into our business! This is a matter to be held by the royal guard!” Aegis screamed out completely forgetting who he was in front of.

“Aegis! Shut your Faust damned muzzle!” Hurricane yelled out silencing the haughty earth pony from trying to smugly act superior. “You will not overstate who you are and I frankly don't give a damn about your narrow flanked view. Get out of my sight! Now!”

Aegis briefly gritted his teeth before saluting Hurricane and trotting off. His steps were heavy stomping the entire way. I glared at him and as our eyes locked he returned the gaze. Our animosity against each other was growing… but while I could ignore him I needed to make certain that he didn't use his weight against those I made deals with.

“X explain… now.” Hurricane growled out rounding on me this time. Luckily I don't think he was trying to intimidate me. Concern was etched on his face.

“I managed to get information out of our prisoners. Luna, Clover and Diamond Shard were taken to Hollow Shades. I planned to take Second Stand and Flint Shard as my backup while you prepared your forces for the rescue… if necessary.” I added the last part at the last moment of only because I wasn't sure what he would decide to do.

“And you planned this on your own? Did you think to discuss this with any of us?” Hurricane stamped his hoof down though I made certain to keep my eyes locked on his. As much as I respected him it was better that I handled this in a relatively more humane way.

From what Star Swirl explained to me about magic, any mental spells were highly dangerous and could result in brain damage at best… or psychotic episodes at worst. Death would have been preferable. I looked at Star Swirl which Hurricane noticed.

“I lost my apprentice. I wasn't thinking rationally Hurricane and Luna is also at risk. I assisted in the idea before it got any later.” Star Swirl insisted though his scowl did make it obvious that he hated the idea.

“And let me guess… you made a deal with them?” Hurricane glared at me.

“Yes. Survival for information. No inequine treatment against them.” I stated directly to Hurricane.

“Fine… that can be arranged. Since they told us what we needed to hear. But you need to stop taking charge. This behavior while helpful will only escalate trouble between you and Aegis. I'm old. Really old and I can't keep this up forever. Go. Get these ponies back while I make sure that Aegis isn't going to go off to do something stupid. Star Swirl you need to get someone to keep these POW’s safe. Until Princess Luna and Clover the Clever are safe these ponies aren't.” Hurricane ordered before flapping off… most likely to keep an eye on Aegis.

“I'll make certain nothing happens. When Rockhoof and Mistmane return we should be in better hooves. Already this has become a shitshow beyond compare.” Star Swirl sighed before he started casting spells. “X you should head out now. The more time we waste the more likely something horrible will happen.”

“Yeah… Second get your weapons and supplies ready. I'll go get Flint from Meadowbrook and meet you at the front door.” I mentioned to the pegasus as he merely nodded and flew off to gather his things. I dashed off leaving Star Swirl behind while he carefully weaved his spells over the room the thestrals were being kept within.

I rushed off through the halls using the thaumic sensor to find out where Flint was. I couldn't exactly use Meadowbrook as my beacon though. Given the breadth of how many ponies were injured she wouldn't be in one place for long.

In the downtime I received an update to my systems as my armor system finally finished repairing itself. I also found out that my variable weapons system had also gone down. I hadn't even thought of using them during the attack. Most of my weapons would have been useful to stun the enemies or blow away the smoke… though I was rushing through to keep the casualties to the minimum with what I knew at the time. Hindsight, one of the greatest enemies to any plans.

“Where the hell is he?” I quietly muttered to myself as the small sensor readings were pinging in one of the larger rooms. Beds were nearly scraping against one another creating chokeholds of where I could actually walk. The pings came somewhere in the center of the mess though every pony whether stallion or mare were patched up to the best of Meadowbrook’s abilities.

“X, what are you doing here?” Meadowbrook voiced her concern as she trotted up to me.

“Looking at the damage… how badly did it turn out?” I quickly answered not wanting to make our conversation already painted by dismissive tones.

“Worse than I thought but better than I hoped. Overall there were no deaths but a lot of broken bones and bruised egos. Flint was the worst of it since he was sliced up almost constantly. It's strange though… “ Meadowbrook trailed off as she trotted over to where Flint was. He was being fed a small red vial carefully by another unicorn wearing a white hat with a red cross atop it.

“What do you mean?” I quickly asked while my memories tried to think of why that symbol was known at this point in time... also how far back their history goes. It was anachronistic being all over the place at this point.

“After looking over all these ponies and listening to the ones still coherent enough to speak… I think that the thestrals were hunting down unicorns. It's strange because every unicorn guard they appraised said something about a red crystal being shoved near their horn. I think you know what that means.” Meadowbrook shuddered as she realized where this was going.

“Corundum… yeah I think I can see where it's going. They were one of the ones who raided the Crystal Empire shipments. The Empire didn't stop them from what I was told… which means that it was Corundum’s plan all along to have them within another’s grasp for some reason. Though why did they take Diamond Shard?” I posited my thoughts out coming to a conclusion I didn't even know if it was reasonable.

“Foals can exhibit magical surges at random intervals if put under enough stress. Even if she had her cutie mark already a foal still has random magical surges which can put any adult to shame.” Meadowbrook explained giving me a lot more context to the why.

“Then… I've… gotta… go… get… her… “ Flint wheezed out forcing himself up from the bed he was at. He grabbed the vial out of the air with his magic and chugged it down instantly. He started to violently cough as the magic forced the wounds closed though it looked extremely painful. “And I'm going… “

I didn't say anything as Meadowbrook charged ahead examining the stallion. My thoughts were focused on making plans while her voice started to list medical terms on the condition of using a potion such as that so recklessly. He turned out to be lucky that he had already been spoon fed half the bottle or he would have burnt out his cells and died from the sudden cellular regeneration rupturing from the sudden shift in energy. Apparently it acted like radiation in some terms… once again though magic was still far beyond my scope.

“I'm leaving then.” I stated as Flint forced himself back to his hooves to the utter chagrin of Meadowbrook.

“You need bed rest still!” Meadowbrook shouted before covering her mouth. She ground her teeth as she lowered her volume to harsh whispers. “You have barely been given time to recover. You'll be dead weight on a long trip.”

“He can carry me… in fact I know he would. It's part of his deal we made and I'm under his command.” Flint countered as he pushed past her stumbling the entire way.

“You can stay if you want. I won't fault you for it.” I looked back at him. While he didn't seem enthused by the idea… I could tell he wasn't thrilled about moving so soon. Even with his eyes staring harshly forward I could feel the gears turning in his mind. I was certain Diamond Shard was his driving force at this moment and he would ignore the pain just because someone had stolen from him something precious: his family.

“I will go.” He stated clearly not wanting to be left behind. I looked at Meadowbrook who clearly was annoyed that patients wouldn't listen. Instead of pushing the point she trotted up to me and handed me two more red vials.

“At night, spoonful by spoonful. No chugging otherwise he might die because of the effects. These two should get him back to being useful at the very least.” Meadowbrook sighed as she also brought out a spoon as well.

“Got it.” I placed the vials in my arm compartment making certain they wouldn't break alongside the spoon. Then I lifted Flint up and started my trek towards the main hall.

“Reckless… aren't you?” I muttered to my baggage as he hung limply in the air.

“I could say… the same about you.” Flint shuddered as he took a deep breath. His body was still in pain.

“I have the ability to withstand much more than you. I can afford to be reckless.” I countered as we came to the main hall where Second Stand was waiting. He also held Hurricane’s lance as well.

“There you are. What took so long?” Stand shouted as he attached the lance to his back sheathing it carefully for quick assaults.

“Doctor was worried. Why do you have that?” I pointed at the lance.

“Ah… Commander said I needed to be strong enough to not get in the way. He also said this saved his life in battle against Corundum.” Stand explained the genuine smile cause by trust from his leader elated him to a good point.

“I hope… you know how… to use it.” Flint coughed out making himself known.

“Trust me. I'll be useful.” He stated as he opened the main doors and we all races off for Hollow Shades.

XXVII. Revulsion (unedited)

A day. That was how long it had taken for us to race out towards what the ponies called the Foal Mountains where the new Hollow Shade was located. The original town had been abandoned after an incident with three dangerous sirens who tried to drain the town of their emotions and allow anger to spread around for their food.

Unfortunately from whatever small details I was able to glean from Starswirl’s private books there was little about why it was now a thestral town. Several asides he made in the margin had been about how ponies came out of the area exhausted and seemingly drained. At first the notion of vampires was thrown around but stupidity was stomped out first since there were no puncture wounds. The ponies merely muttered about dealing with the Wild Hunt. There were no details though.

“X have you finished giving him that medicine?” Stand called out to my wayward mind.

“Hm? Oh, yeah he's already taken it.” I quickly answered as I looked over Flint. He had tried to chug the bottle again only to find my grip far too tough to break. He relented when I joked about pulling out my buster to pacify him. It did make me realize that I was reliant on my buster for a lot of negotiations. Not exactly very X like yet I still held that somethings were necessary.

“Hate… you… all… “ Flint wheezed out as he coughed through the last spoonfuls of the potion. He still needed to do one more day of this.

“Love you too good buddy.” I quipped back keeping my sarcastic tone from breaking my inflection. He scowled heavily at me.

“You're mocking me.” Flint managed to state before breaking into a cough.

“Only because you give him openings.” Stand chuckled before returning to his guard like stance. He was very unprofessional which I did appreciate if only because the journey had been of me dashing with Flint sling underneath my arm while Stand flew and kept up with my tireless movements. We didn't have much time for banter with how far ahead the thestrals had gotten while I had interrogated the prisoners.

“Buck… you… “ Flint wheezed as he grimaced and clenched his jaw. The potion was doing its job albeit slowly.

All in all we had managed to reach the edge of the Foal Mountains within a decent amount of time. The problem was actually ascending it in time. None of us actually knew what their plans were for Luna and the others. This Countess Primrose seemed to be going along with a strange thought process since she kidnapped Luna specifically. Diamond Shard as well since they passed by Flint who was a unicorn.

“So… since Flint will be out for a bit… “ I looked down at Flint who had passed out from all the minute changes the potion was doing to him. “Tell me why they went after Clover. There were plenty of unicorns around to get. Why him in particular?”

“Hm… that's something nopony really figured out. During the siege there were several break points in the castle but none as destructive as the front door. We now know it was a diversion but most of our forces were diverted to the loudest sound. Hindsight, am I right?” Stand sighed as he finally landed near the fire pit I had erected for the night.

“Still doesn't answer the question though… or even address it.” I brought up keeping my unblinking stare at him.

“I was getting to it. Keep your armor on.” Stand corrected himself a bit to get comfortable before he began again. “From what I was told he fought back the hardest against the invaders knocking several through stone pillars just to make a point. Unfortunately, like most hornheads he used up his magic too heavily within the first couple minutes of combat. They overwhelmed him with sheer physical force and he was carried off into the darkness. I think he was chosen just because of how much magic he showed off.”

“Well, at least I know Star Swirl’s apprentice can fight.” I muttered a silent prayer because only three beings waltzing into a heavily fortified base was asking for trouble. Even if I seemed indestructible I wasn't invincible by any stretch of the imagination. The fight against Corundum nearly had drained my batteries and those six weirdos in the snow tested my resourcefulness to its limit.

“Uh… not to burst your bubble but… he's not really good at it. His magic reserves made him good for big attacks but he lacks control. It's the reason he usually remains as a figurehead whenever Princess Platinum isn't around.” Stand admitted breaking any illusion I had that we could have a better fighting force. It didn't detract his usefulness… it just made him more situational. It was something dangerous to think of at the moment.

“Well… there goes one plan out the window for now until I get to know Clover better.” I sighed this time. Nana and the others had been quiet. They slowly went over data and quietly in the back of my mind talk me through going through my interrogation tactics. They were very forceful and full of desperation which was something that they tried to attribute to that weird glitch that occurred after my deal with Discord. I believed that to be an excuse but I never vocalized or mentally admitted it. The AI in my head would offer me platitudes and try to assure me that I had no choice in the matter. The ponies would probably be fearful and chide me for going so far as I did.

Still we had a direction and time and that was better than nothing.

The sun slowly rose over the horizon as the group of thestrals flew down lower hiding beneath the canopies of the ever increasing forest. Their prisoners were jostled by the sudden descent but none could actually voice their discomfort with the gags in their mouths. They also couldn't magic their way out with the dampening rings surrounding their horns.

Luna glared at what we're supposed to be true patrons of the night. Like her they praised the night and held it in such revelry. This… this was nothing like she thought those who loved the night would act like. It was the one in the lead… this Countess that kept barking orders to the pack. Biting back her frustration Luna looked back at the others who had been taken with her.

The small white coated filly with the blond mane was unconscious with a small dampener ring on her horn. She looked terribly thin but she hadn't been told anything about who she was. If she had the chance she was going to find out who she was with a certain gusto.

The other was a familiar stallion who she merely leveled a half lidded stare… of sheer annoyance. Clover had always been pompous flashiness rolled up in the role of an apprentice. Luna rolled her eyes and thought up the reason he had been caught and nearly snickered at her imagination. He probably blew his load too early and wound up too tired to fight back. Though as much as she made fun of him she was still worried. He was powerful enough to handle problems and had even managed to teach Platinum some spells which was a herculean feat in of itself.

Luna finally took a look around her surroundings. The dense forest hid everything from the light above except to her eyesight. She had been slowly getting better night vision as she came into her cutie mark which was a moon against a night sky. Clearly she had lucked out in this particular situation.

There were deep stone paths carved into the forest floor of differing dark colors offset by several large bioluminescent fungi covering key trees along the path. Houses were erected on the trees carving out small sections to better accommodate several thestrals. The sloped roofs and several belfries littering the town seemed to fit well in the darkness while the same fungi that littered the path were also placed in small pots and grown out to light up the buildings. A thin mist rolled along the ground sifting through cast iron gates and small waterways around the area.

“Get these ponies over to the Church of Blutvergießen we shall need to make preparations in three days.” Countess Primrose called out as her eyes locked with Luna’s. They wavered between a soft apricot color to a deep red that seemed to coincide with a strange glow on her wing tips. Several red gems were attached at intermittent points but they seemed… weaker. “I shall make sure I have all the preparations ready.”

Arum snorted and the entire cloud turned toward a large fortified church off at the edge of the town. It was a large stone building with fortified walls of oak and iron surrounding it. The notable thing of it were the three spires that fit the northern, eastern and western corners of the building that pierced the canopy allowing a little light from above to peek through. At first glance it almost seemed holy and a sanctuary for the weary. Luna felt dread as they got closer and an overwhelming pressure danced along her spine and clenched at her heart. She didn't want to go but she couldn't move without alerting the guards. Steeling her nerves, she started to formulate a plan the moment she knew what was going on.

With three days, she needed every second possible.

At first light I immediately called in my Falcon Armor. I needed its flight capabilities to keep heading up into the mountains and over it without wasting too much time. Stand had pulled out a few pieces of gear for the weather that could possibly stop us though I declined. The scarf Concerto had given me was very frayed and torn so I had opted to leave it with Star Swirl. He admitted that he would repair it as soon as possible though that was before the assault on the fortress occurred.

Before we left I switched over to Fire Wave and melted a large hole into the mountains. I needed to be thorough since I was over five feet and larger than any other pony. I didn't know how big other races were either but I took no chances and made a seven foot hole. I managed to get about twenty feet in before running out of ammo and in the sunlight I wasn't going to be able to use it again for a while. I pulled out one of my teleportation units and with a swift crack of my hand I made a small indent and placed the unit behind.

Eventually I was going to need a place to figure some things out and in no small part hide anything I create. At the very least a storage place until I decided where to place a true research center. The only problem was materials which I would need to transport myself at a later date.

“X! We need to go! What are you doing!?” Stand called out flapping idly while Flint held against the stone wall keeping himself steady. I would have to give him his potion later that day so I was determined to get him over the mountain in one go.

“Picking a good spot!” I answered back as I dashed out of the hole to their curious looks which I waved off. “Don't worry about it. Now let's get over this thing in one go.”

“We’re getting over this in a day? Don't make me laugh. Even at their best it takes a pegasi at least eighteen hours to make it over the entirety of the range.” Flint growled out completely unenthused at the very idea of climbing the mountain. “What makes you think you can climb it so fast?”

“Confidence? I just believe I can and it isn't as tall as Mount Canter. We just rush up and get over without breaking a sweat… plus I don't sleep so I'll just carry the two of you if you get tired.” I glibly mentioned almost as if it was a fact.

“Hey… I didn't agree to be luggage.” Stand argued flexing his wings to show off. “I got wings so I can carry myself.”

“Yeah you're a real powerhouse there.” Flint deadpanned. “Seeing as this might take a while I bet he'll be carrying you soon enough.”

“Oh shut up you jerk.” Stand warned the haughty unicorn.

“Make me featherhead.” Flint answered back forcing himself to stand on his own four hooves.

“I'm gonna shoot you both if you start getting into a fight and I will carry you in the most humiliating way possible if this goes as I think it will go.” I growled out holding two fingers against my eyes. I was frustrated but I didn't exactly feel the emotion after my body started to regulate everything again. In truth I was just… going through the motions.

Both gave me an indignant glare. Both noticed what the other did. Both wretched at the thought of thinking in similar matters and kept quiet as I slung Flint underneath my arm and jumped to the mountain wall. Stand followed closely after me as I kept pushing myself up the rock wall at a steady pace. I needed to make certain that the lift up wasn't too jarring to Flint.

“Yeah… go break that sound barrier… woo… “ Flint deadpanned as he rolled his eyes. Clearly he was fine… which meant it was fine to introduce my dashing and flight capabilities.

I jumped a bit higher as I activated the Falcon armor and flew straight up overtaking Stand for a few seconds before needing to touch down once again. As soon as my feet hit the wall I dash jumped as fast as I could.

“Oh this is much worse… “ Flint muttered as I kept up with my regiment of dash jumping up supplemented with small periods of flight.

“Place them in here. Keep a guard going every hour on the hour. If they try to escape through the more… extreme methods, let them. It'll be easier on us for later.” Arum growled out as all the thestrals who had carried in the prisoners saluted him.

The three were left within a large room with a simple table in the center of the room. The surface was made of stone with strange symbols carved into it including the cycles of the moon. They were given an extreme amount of detail and seemingly had silver smelted into the cracks.

Luna, Clover and Diamond had their gags removed but only Luna was still aware. The guards left them somewhat tied up to give them enough movement to waddle around but not enough to escape. The guards soon left the room locking it behind them allowing her a small respite from the indignation.

“Ugh… master I don't want to train today… “ Clover groaned as he managed to stumble back up to his hooves… albeit very limited. Diamond Shard pushed herself up as well though she didn't make a peep and merely peered around through the haze.

“Wake up lazy flank… Star Swirl isn't here right now.” Luna announced as she stared at the large table in the center of their room.

“Huh? Oh, Lady Luna. What are you doing in this wing of the fortress?” Clover yawned only to notice his hoof not lift any higher. Finally opening his eyes, he started to breathe heavily and more harshly. “Where are we!”

Luna immediately stuffed her hoof down in his mouth to keep him from screaming any further than he could. It was difficult to do since her forehooves were linked together. Diamond Shard perked her ears up listening for any hooves though heard nothing but the reverberating echoes of Clover’s scream still traveling through the room.

“Clover… you are a valued subject and a strong unicorn but if you scream again I shall be forced to use the ancient art of alicorn discipline.” Luna stated almost jovially as she let her hoof back to the ground.

“Uh… what is that exactly?” Clover gulped as he thought about what it meant. He quickly decided he didn't want to know the answer.

“I shall crush thy head like a walnut with my bare hooves. It shall be quick and painless. Possibly. Probably. Honestly I am unsure if it would be but since none of our subjects complained it was probably fine.” Luna light brushed off her uncertainty placing her full confidence forward.

“But they're all dead.” Clover pointed out sweating up a storm as he let his imagination work a little too well.

“See. My system doth work wonders. Surely there will be no jest from this resolve.” Luna slightly giggled regardless of the situation. Clover face hoofed within seconds and Diamond Shard raised an eyebrow, whether from intrigue or confusion, was hard to tell with the silent filly. “Now we must tarry not for there is evil ahoof.”

“Ugh… yes Princess Luna. What is the problem other than that we were kidnapped by thestrals.” Clover groaned.

“Religious thestrals.” Luna clarified.

“Fine. Religious thestrals then. Wait… “ Clover stopped and finally took in the room. The bioluminescent mushrooms that lit up the room showed off the large table with the silver moon engraving carved into it. Underneath the table were manacles meant to pull legs open. “Oh Faust… this is bad.”

“Then you see why we should tarry not. Child are you able to speak?” Luna quietly turned to Diamond Shard. She gave an apologetic shake which disheartened Luna slightly. “It is no problem. We shall work towards a solution for our predicament sooner rather than later.”

“I am worried about what that solution will be.” Clover admitted out loud to the gaze of Luna and Diamond. “Crap… that was out loud wasn't it?”

The glare from Luna could have melted through steel.

“Leave me.” Primrose ordered as her attached guard left her. She had wandered back to her manor after a long walk through the town. Something was nagging at her, this pressure beating upon a nerve within her mind.

It was a constant throbbing reminder that something was going on beyond her control. She traipsed up the stairs forgoing her wings in order to keep some semblance of balance. That constant beat in the back of her mind forced her forward over and over as she made to her bedroom. Falling to her mattress she bundled up and decided to ride out the pain.

“Seems like you've had a rough day.” A mare’s voice called out forcing Primrose back up.

“Shut up Shears. I don't want to hear your patronizing remarks right now.” Primrose shot back glaring at the crystal pegasus sitting at her small tea table. The glowing red crystals adorning her back and wings very obvious.

“Come now. We're friends here, are we not? I just came to see how you're doing since you've found those crystals.” Crystal Shears giggled as she sipped at her tea cup daintily placing back to the saucer as she stood up.

“Those crystals still won't activate to their full potential apparently until we do this stupid ritual. Why did I even need an alicorn!? It was a pain in the flank to capture her!” Primrose roared out forgetting her headache and looming in over the other mare.

“Easy. Easy! I told you that you need to do a little ritual and then chop off the unicorn horns and I can handle the rest from there. The alicorn will be useful to you especially after the ritual is complete.” Shears assured Primrose trotting over to place a placating wing over her shoulder. “I already told you how to get better right?”

“Yeah… you've already told me. I just have to get her to drink up then activate the crystals.” Primrose sighed as Shears slowly walked her back to the bed. “Why does my head hurt so much though?”

“Side effect of the crystals, remember? I told you after you had me captured that they give you slight migraines while you adjust to the magic.” Shears eased her back to sleep as a crooked grin appeared on her muzzle. Primrose was none the wiser.

As Primrose finally relaxed Shears returned to her tea and tried her best to hide her grin. Letting out a deep breath shadows poured out of her mouth flowing along the ground before entering the crystals that were on Primrose’s body entering them and energizing them up. Slowly the crystals embedded deeper into her body and the blood red light coursed through her veins.

For Crystal Shears it had taken a few days to find a useful pawn. From within Corundum looked over the new mare’s body… it annoyed him that he didn't have more variety to choose from. Body wise it was fine… but part of his soul wanted to be considered male at the very least. Still… those wings would be useful. Licking her chops she kept formulating her plan while the shadow kept corrupting Primrose’s body.

While Corundum couldn't corrupt Primrose’s mind fully he could enhance her emotions to manic levels. Already Primrose wanted to push thestrals into the limelight and gain the recognition, power even. Now with a little coaxing and corruption she would make a vessel he could be proud to fully violate eventually. Already the crystals were doing their job making Primrose volatile and overeager in proving their superiority. Another push and everything would go towards what he wanted.

All that he needed was a little more time and a few more bodies. He would make perfection just like X. A perfect golem body… all for him. Closing Shears mouth she watched Primrose writhe slightly from the sudden influx of magic as the red crystals glowed brighter. A little more time and a little more magic would make all the difference.

“See we made it to the top by noon. I told you it would be faster if I carried you.” I reprimanded Stand and Flint who were both slung underneath my arms. I had Hurricane’s lance attached to my back.

“Buck off.” Flint answered full of bravado and anger.

“I agree.” Stand sourly added clearly unhappy with his choice of words.

“Look… I told you before we climbed that if you started to fight I would paralyze both of you and carry you in the most humiliating way possible. Then I carried you both by your tails for a bit. So what have we learned from this?” I chided the two. We had reached a peak that allowed me to see a forest far off in the distance. It would take a full day even at my speeds to reach the strange building I could see poking out from the canopies.

“It was painful.” Stand hissed out.

“Well that's one thing. Anything else?” I flatly stated looking down at the pegasus

“You follow through on your word.” Flint wheezed out. The cold was affecting him a bit too much.

“Damn right I do. Now we’re gonna get to that city and we're going to do something heroic… most likely. I'm also seeing a lot of property damage and maybe fighting fanatical thestrals but overall we should be fine.” I quickly amended remembering that my fight against Corundum had broken several buildings.

“So… can I fly on my own now?” Stand questioned as he got feeling back in his hooves but not his wings.

“Can you fly?” I looked over at the young soldier.

“... no.” Stand reluctantly answered.

“Then you're stuck there like a bedroll until we get to that city. It's better that you stay close anyways. More likely than not the closer we get the more patrols we'll be dealing with.” I informed the two while Stand remained a bit off put by the comparison though he didn't argue. “Unfortunately I would just jump down from here to reach the ground but I think the sudden acceleration would kill you before I hit the ground. So time for some light parkour.”

“What in Tartarus is parkour!?” Flint yelled out as I started running for the edge of the cliff.

“Light running with acrobatic stunts intermixed into that. Lots of flips and death defying stunts!” I cried out as I leapt as far as I could put into the abyss.

Flint and Stand clung tightly to my sides as they noted that there was nothing for me to grab onto. For over a hundred feet we fell until I noted some spires nearby. Adjusting my feet I activated my air dash and kicked off the spire towards the next solid wall.

Kicking off that wall I switched into aerial mode with the Falcon Armor and flew towards a good flat spot. Letting the energy supply restore itself I charged off again jumping for more sharp outcroppings bounding off of them while the yelps of Stand and Flint broke the whistling of the winds.

We would reach the city as fast as I was capable of being. I just hoped that the two of them didn't lose it all over me before we made it. I'd rather not have another baptism of fire after the last time someone got sick over me.

“I think I'm gonna be sick…” Flint groaned out as I kicked off another spire.

“God damn it.” I growled out.

Author's Note

So that German word Blutvergießen is from google translate but there were two ways to translate it.
It is the Church of Blood Letting.
Of course if you have it as bloodletting it actually translates differently to Aderlass.

To anybody who knows German is this fine? I'm not sure. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

XXVIII. Reinforce (unedited)

As soon as we reached the ground outside the forest I immediately switched to Ground Fire, dropped the two ponies, and walked into the flames to get everything that was thrown up on me. I was certain I was having flashbacks to Concerto doing so but at least that incident was cute. This was most definitely not at all.

“Sorry… “ Flint called out coughing slightly as he wiped his mouth clean. Stand helped him to his hooves albeit reluctantly.

“It's fine. I was expecting it after you told me. I have a system to handle it.” I quickly called out from the flames which I was so glad that I was getting clean. After making sure I had incinerated all the sick on me I stomped out the flames which took me a while. I really wished I had Bubble Splash or Splash Laser. They would have doused the fires quicker and left less evidence than an ice based weapon.

As I stepped out of the diminishing flames patting them off my body I noticed the disbelief on both their faces. Even as the flames clung to me I was still relatively fine. In most parts I had made the flame output low just to make certain I wasn't overwhelmed. I took damage over time from the flames but my auto repair functions made it next to negligible.

“What?” I stared down my two partners at the time who looked away from me. I guessed I was still to intimidating for them to handle.

“Nothing.” They both quickly shot back averting their eyes as I patted the last of the flames upon me.

Mentally rolling my eyes, I immediately recalled the map in my mind taking care to activate the auto mapping Nana had been developing. We were on the edge of a dense forest with little to no light so it seemed prudent overall to keep things interesting.

“Flint… we gotta feed you your medicine before we go on.” I recalled causing the unicorn to freeze in place. He looked around for some level of escape then remembered the state he was in. With a resigned sigh he nodded his head and I got to work on making certain he took the proper doses.

Wind rushed furiously past his wings as he pushed off back for the town. Hollow Shades was quickly coming into sight. The large iron gates that surrounded the town both protected it from the monsters outside and the dissenters inside. The guard that flew through town seemed to be outfitted with a red crystal embedded on his shoulder. The small pulses he felt just spurred him on further.

As he soared through the town he noted that most of the citizens remained aloof of his presence and the lack of foals around caused him no amount of worry. It didn't matter at the moment to him… or at least he told himself it didn't. Still he ignored the sights and flew straight for the home of Countess Primrose.

He had found news… and heard strange sounds around the mountain range. While he didn't verify what those sounds were he could tell that there was something coming. A response most likely from the Equestrians and their overzealous armies.

Faster his wings pushed and the red crystal on his shoulder pulsed deeper into his shoulder. It started to feel natural at that point. He ignored it. News of what to come first then he would worry about his body. The large ebony building loomed ever larger as he finally came to rest, his hooves finding pressure from the ground calming.

“Countess! Countess!” He knocked on the door fervently. As much as he needed to jet through the door and relay the news… he knew what happened to his predecessor who had made the same mistake. His head was adorned on one of the pikes overlooking the graveyard behind the Church of Blutvergießen. How long ago that was couldn't be told with how dessicated the heads looked. He wouldn't make the same mistake.

“What is it Jet!? I'm trying to sleep here!” Primrose roared as she slammed open the door nearly taking off his muzzle in the process. Jet quickly recovered gulping in some air before he spoke.

“Countess… I'm certain we have intruders near the edge of the forest. They are coming… most likely the Equestrian dogs and their pack monster. We need to prepare for invasion.” Jet quickly summarized though he was uncertain who was coming.

“Are you certain?” Primrose glared at her usually dim guard. He was scatter brained but whenever there was a threat he was eerily competent.

“Yes Countess. Shall I get the corps ready for combat?” Jet mentioned keeping his tone from getting into know-it-all territory.

“Yes… I'll prepare something of my own as well.” Primrose growled out as she slammed the door on Jet’s muzzle sending him sprawling on the ground. With some difficulty he stemmed the bloody nose he received and flew off to get the guards together.

“Shears! Shears! We need to get the ritual ready!” Primrose yelled out as she ran around looking for Crystal Shears. She always remained in her home due to merely being a pegasus. Being a crystal pegasus just made things more awkward ever since Corundum had conquered the Crystal Empire.

“Yeah… I got it. I'll put my cloak on then.” Shears sighed as she lifted that large black cloak over her body and covered everything but her eyes. The downside of being a crystal pony was the lack turning the sparkling skin off. Corundum, meanwhile, gauged what was happening more closely.

The rushed timetable could only mean one thing. X was coming. He was coming to stop him once again… and that was actually for the better. Shears looked over her body. Corundum had gotten used to all the female hormones at this point but the uncomfortable nature of desire had hit him hard the last time he saw a stallion. As much use as a body was he didn't like the randomness that came from it. Still… they had their use.

When he had come into town he used the body to great effect getting a few of the guards to come for his flank. Their heads joined the graveyard and their bodies turned into power for the crystals embedded on her body. It also had the aftereffect of getting the attention of Primrose. She still wasn't the most ideal body though.

“Shears! Come on we need to hurry! If this X is as dangerous as was whispered about then we need this ritual done!” Primrose roared as she pushed Shears out the door and off towards the church.

Primrose released a small screech that seemed to cut through sound itself. Within seconds Arum came flapping down from the shadows taking his spot next to her and stomping alongside her. Shears kept herself hidden beneath the cloak waiting for the church to come in view taking care not to reveal herself to the masses. The thestral populace was tame and inattentive though it seemed to tense up the moment Arum came into view. The symbol of a pike on his hooded robe seemed to be the factor.

The three came to the church and slammed the doors close behind them. Primrose immediately rushed to the altar taking care to press the small indent on it. The large organ at the side slid across and the three traveled down into the catacombs.

“Shears, how do we go about this?” Primrose growled out clearly annoyed though the shuffling of her front hooves giving exposure to internal fear.

“Well… the ritual can't be started until tomorrow. At most we could do an impromptu spell. I have some crystal bands we could use to funnel their magic to activate the crystals myself. It would be better if we could do the more intricate ritual but if something is coming to stop this then beggars can't be choosers.” Shears muttered under her breath… the other ritual still looking more appealing by the second.

“Do it. We need something to keep up from losing everything.” Primrose rounded on the crystal pegasus nearly taking off her hood.

“We need someone to act like the magical rod… someone loyal and willing to implant one of these crystals into them.” Shears lightly stated raising a hoof to her mouth coyly.

“Arum…?” Primrose turned to her stalwart quiet partner.

“If you wish it Countess I would do anything for you.” Arum stated lowering his head as he would usually do. His eyes locked with hers and her smirk returned.

“So be it… he'll be one of the best then. When the spell goes off all those you implanted with crystals will be affected so… y'know, be prepared.” Shears stated offhandedly.

“Fine give me a bit.” Primrose mentioned as she turned to Arum and started to remove her crystals and place them on him.

While he had refused earlier due to not trusting them he didn't have the heart to stop her from adorning him into those blood red crystals. Each wingtip had one crystal which embedded itself into his flesh almost too easily. Neither noticed the small glow coming from within Shears’ cloak that seemed to be affecting the crystals.

As Arum continued to have crystals placed on him his entire body started to heat up. He wanted to stop the process but his loyalty to Primrose kept his mouth shut. The largest crystal was placed over his chest. As it melded into his body the tip touched his heart and the pulses enveloped his entire being.

“Good. We just need to siphon their magic and he'll act like a beacon for all those who bear crystals.” Shears explained while Primrose gave her a cocky smile. She was glad for the partnership and benefits this brought… and as soon as the process was done then Ms. Shears would have her head crushed.

It was only business.

“Blast thine doors!” Luna hitched her legs back and bucked against the door they had been sealed behind. This was the fortieth time straight she had done so. Diamond Shard and Clover had taken turns playing some games while they allowed their princess to plan.

“X takes the game.” Diamond snickered as she won another game of tic tac toe. Clover sighed into his hooves.

“Greatest genius of my generation only behind Star Swirl and I can't even beat a filly in a foal style game.” Clover muttered slightly embittered by the turn of events. Truthfully he had been throwing the games after the first ten mostly due to the distraction Luna was providing.

“Don't worry Mr. Clover. I'm sure you'll pass your classes next time.” Diamond patted his foreleg. Clover nearly scoffed only to hold it back. While she was insensitive it was always done through a veil of innocence.

“Yes Ms. Shard… I'm sure I will.” Clover sighed placing his hoof in between his eyes to stave off the migraine that was threatening his sanity. It could have also been the pounding of the door creating his headache but at this point either could have been the cause.

“Gah! What are thy doors made of!? Oak? Willow? Brown Ebony!?” Luna cried out before slumping over to the pair defeated… for the moment.

“Did you win your bout?” Clover muttered as he set up the next game with the filly.

“''Twas a formidable foe. After reviving a black eye for its treachery it managed to weather my blows. I provided leniency for the moment before continuing my assault.” Luna announced covering up her acts… even though the two had watched everything unfold.

“Truly… the mightiest of enemies.” Clover snarked rolling his eyes in amusement.

“Doors are strong? I'll have to tell big brother that they're almost as dangerous as Corundum.” Diamond mentioned as she placed an x in the right middle square.

“The pony or the metal?” Luna asked looking at the filly in question.

“Yes.” She answered just as quickly before winning the game once again. “I win again. It's like you're not even trying!”

While Diamond trotted around celebrating her victory Luna looked over the board noticing why she won. A quick look as Clover told the entire story. He was losing on purpose for the most part. She remained silent on the matter if for. Outgoing more than the levity it provided.

As the young filly rejoined their trio the door slammed open and several thestral guards swarmed in. Caught off guard Luna and Clover took defensive positions around Diamond Shard while they were surrounded.

“Hello prisoners. Sorry to bother you at such an hour but I think we need to have a little chat.” Primrose spoke up through the crowd as she was revealed in all her glory. Though their surprised faces weren't focused on her. Arum had followed closely behind and he was far different than he used to be.

What used to be a light gray coat was now covered in spider webbed veins of red energy. The sclera of his eyes had turned black and his eyes, once a light violet, were deep red. His wings were so heavily adorned with crystals that they appeared frayed and torn at random intervals. What used to be a thestral felt no longer equine in the least.

While they were distracted by the sight all three were strung up in rope and crystal bands were wrapped around their horns. Diamond started crying while Clover and Luna struggled against their bonds.

“Worthless cur! You shall know my wrath for what you have wrought!” Luna screamed as she kept struggling.

“Ms. Shard please calm down. It'll be okay.” Clover attempted to ease the now upset filly. She couldn't hear him.

“Begin!” Primrose called out as Crystal Shears, wrapped tightly in her cloak, began her ritual.

The magic leaked from their horns into Shears before being redirected into Arum. The magic coalesced into a single thin wisp as it permeated every section of his body. Arum no longer could control himself and released the screams that had been held back by sheer willpower. This broke Primrose out of her stance.

“Arum! Arum are you okay!? What's happening to him!?” Primrose turned to Shears only to note that all the guards that had come in with her were also being affected by the magic. Each had a red crystal somewhere on their body.

Slowly the glow ebbed and decayed leaving behind the three now unconscious ponies on the ground and the transformed guards surrounding them. Primrose backed up slightly stepping away from the crowd.

“It is done. They are better now… more complete.” Shears started… only to break into a cackling mess of a mare. “I want to spread the red crystals and you idiots let me. You want to use them only to need me to do so and you idiots let me.”

“Shears! What is the meaning of this - gurk! What… what is this!?” Primrose started coughing as black smoke leaked out of her mouth.

“Oh you know… a little of this. A little of that. The corrupted essence of my soul festering within that sack of meat you call a body. Soon you'll be perfect. A perfect vessel for me. But we aren't perfect… we can never be. I have seen perfection, true perfection. I have seen it in X… you are merely a means to an end. I'm grateful that you allowed me to get so close. Now… now you can die here. With them of course. The leader of these ponies dies accomplishing nothing… how fitting.” Shears sneered over Primrose’s body. Her wheezing form trying to make sense of the situation.

“Monster… “ Primrose wheezed as the last of the smoke left her body and she went still. The only signs of life still acting out were the small breaths she was forced to make.

“I'm no monster. I… am a visionary. The only equinoid on this planet who understands what it means to reach for true perfection. You. You were a bigoted religious nut who believed that blood would set you free. Blood didn't. It trapped you down here… to starve with them.” Shears announced as the guards all turned to Arum. “Now Sir Arum… show me you can handle X. Show me that you can take charge and deal with him… just don't die. You are very important to me… very important.”

“Yes… Master Corundum.” Arum and the guards all monotonously answered. With a sly smirk Shears led the group out of the room ready to prey upon that beautiful machine. His body would be hers.

I looked into the darkness and could swear that the abyss was staring back into me. After feeding Flint his medicine for the day he was finally able to move on his own power at this point. In truth I was a bit more worried about our surroundings. While I had the telemetry data building and the general location of the city it was still dark. I had opted not to turn on my lights allowing Stand to use the lantern he brought.

“Couldn't you light this place up easily?” Stand groused though I could tell he was kidding.

“I could… but the lantern needs to do its job as well.” I sniped back rolling my eyes unbeknownst to the others.

“I'm just glad I can trot again. I hated being a bedroll.” Flint muttered under his breath.

“But you were the best bedroll you could be.” I answered before extending my sensors out. At this point there weren't any targets I could find. It didn't fill me with confidence though.

The lack of targets meant they weren't here which would be bad or they knew we were coming which is even worse. They probably didn't stand a chance against me… but I have been wrong before.

“Shut it! I'm not a bedroll!” Flint shouted forcing me to place my hand over his muzzle.

I held a finger up to my mouth which caused his pupils to shrink. After letting go Stand scanned the area with his ears. I was always surprised how adaptable their ears were as he tilted his head to focus on one direction as a time. Flint decided to remain closer to a tree. While I couldn't condone putting your back against a wall he was still recovering from the debacle within the Crystal Empire. Even with the potion he wasn't in any shape to fight for long periods of time.

“I don't hear anything but the rustling of the leaves and the wind.” Stand finally spoke up causing Flint to nearly scowl at me… until recognition rolled across his face.

“They know we're here. Either we are really lucky not to run into any patrols… or more likely a thestral saw us and already reported us.” Flint surmised leaving us with little choice.

What was supposed to be a black ops styled mission was now a full frontal assault before the defenses were fully operational. Now those hostages were in trouble before we had even started.

“Sir… a moment of your time.” Harpuia messaged me causing my attention to shift.

‘Yes? Something new to report or…’ I quickly replied keeping an eye out on my surroundings. My eyes were good in the dark but I still couldn't see through objects and motion trackers can only do so much if they go for speed tactics.

“Well there is something new to report and a proposition. After some rudimentary testing we have figure me out how to make copies of our biometal components from your internal magic reserve.” Harpuia elaborated causing me pause for thought.

‘I have internal magic reserves… wait, not important. What do you mean biometal components?’ My thoughts raced as the three of us relaxed. I didn't hear their conversation and remained with my hand on my buster.

“Each of our armor modules also double as biometal, living armor attachments, which can combine with others to grant power boosts. Testing as of now though makes them temporary and difficult to create. We think that the two you have chosen would be.. decent test subjects for this endeavor.” Harpuia bluntly stated only easing on his words near the end.

‘How long do they last and can you combine with my armor as well?’ I looked over my partners who were worried I hadn't moved as of yet. I took steps forward to mitigate their anxiety but my arm never left my buster.

“We can ensure one day of use. That is our limit until we have figured out how to convert ambient thaumic background energy into a sustainable resource. Also we can combine with your armor but it is mitigated by which armor you wear. I with the Falcon Armor and Fefnir with the Gaea Armor. Nana seems to be compatible with the Light Armor.” Harpuia summarized allowing me to see the progress on the system in question. It was steadily rising at ninety four percent completion.

‘Prepare it and we’ll use it only if we need it.’ I mentally prepared the systems. I didn't want to use of if Discord was around since the cyber elves were still a secret.

I prayed that we didn't need it. It would more than likely lead to escalation and that would more than likely be between Discord… and me.

Arum stomped through the town eyeing every thestral he came across. Crystal Shears remained behind him as she kept her cloak on. There wasn't any need to reveal who she was to any of the townsfolk. A frown crossed her face though hidden by the scarf that hid her face.

There were fewer guards than she thought who had partook of the red crystals. She needed more bodies to throw at X. Even if she had gotten the best specimen for the rest of Corundum’s plan the mere mention of X drove him into obsession. She threw in a scoff as Arum found Jet and dragged him off with their growing group. A red crystal was forcibly inserted into his back and he soon joined the cabal as well.

The only pony they were missing was Sacred Glade who had remained an elusive thestral after all the mention of using the red crystals. Shears ignored it. X was more than likely approaching and data was required on how well the new pseudo golems would do against perfection. Her mouth watered at the idea causing Corundum to assert his stoicness once again. He was still not liking the random hormonal imbalances from his indistinguishable thoughts and the sudden impulsiveness from the remnants of Crystal Shears psyche.

Sacred Glade was terrified. Ever since the capture of the crystal pegasus Primrose had become more enameled with the idea of using the red crystals. She had refused them for her own body mostly due to not trusting the source.

Now seeing Arum with fully embedded crystals all over his body caused her warranted fears to get the best of her. She wasn't the best hider due to the brightness of her coat but her home was a cacophony of dark rooms and tiny spots to crawl into.

The guards that had entered her home had left some time ago but she didn't dare step out of the crawl space she had gotten into. Over thirty thestrals had agreed to embed those crystals into their bodies and those same thestrals were now roaming the town looking for more thestrals to join them. The worst part was how aware all of them seemed as they grabbed Jet and gave him one of the crystals as well. He tried to refuse… only for one to slip into his back courtesy of Arum.

“Should have voiced my concerns… that bucking mare tricked us.” Glade hissed under her breath as her teeth grinded into each other from frustration and worry.

She didn't move from her spot though. The thought of being forced as one of the other guards made her shudder as a cold sweat enveloped her being. For the time being her crawlspace was sanctuary… and she could wait a very long time.

“We should rush now… sorry you're being a bedroll once again.” I looked to Flint who didn't protest as much when I placed him under my arm. While his wounds were gone the soreness he felt was still affecting his body.

“You really think they're gonna try to rush us?” Stand muttered as he pulled out the lance.

A squeaking cry rang out through the forest and the flapping of wings cascaded through the darkness. The first thestral was upon us and my buster was ready and charged. A third level shot of blue plasma raced out and hit the thestral full on.

Instead of knocking the pony down… his skin melted off his body in specific places. Underneath were several crystal meshes layered into a crystalline structure to resemble the thestral’s original body. He reoriented and charged once again forcing Stand to take charge thrusting the lance out the tip caught fire and pierced through the thestrals before the flames roasted what was left into a pile of crystals and ash.

“Yes. Yes I do.” I simply answered and switched over to Goo Shaver. If nothing else I would cut their attempts at flight down to size.

Author's Note

Here we go. Next chapter done and got back into the swing of things.

The Biometal system was the ROCK system in Japan or Rebirth of Crystallized Knowledge. So voice clips in the first ZX game would go Rock On! when they were megamerging.

In the American translation it was the MEGA system or Meta-Encapsulated Granule Awareness.

So yes... this is in this story. I'm making it less stringent with finding a bio match though. Easier that way.

XXIX. Reestablish (unedited)

What had been a tense trek through the forest soon spiraled into a fight for our lives as more thestrals popped out of the trees. Each sported the same crystalline look though each had different patches where the crystal was affecting them. Flint remained behind me as I used Goo Shaver at the last second to hit whomever got too close.

Goo Shaver was one of the weirder weapons on the X canon. It was technically an ice weapon that trailed along the ground. The only reason I had hit anything was solely due to how many of the mindless monsters flying around us decided a suicidal charge was their best course of action. When Goo Shaver touched even one of them they froze similar to how Volt Kraken would when hit with it. Unfortunately momentum was a bitch and wound up causing them to fall and shatter when they hit the ground… most of the time.

“Uh… X? One of these ponies that froze is getting back up!” Flint informed me while Stand swung the lance knocking aside another cadre of thestrals flying in.

“What!?” I actually yelled out as I turned to what he was looking at.

Sure enough, one of the frozen thestrals had managed to hit grass and merely leave a crevasse where he skidded to a stop. The thestral had a pale light grey coat that had red crystal patches jutting out at awkward positions. No blood seeped out of the wound though making it difficult to discern flesh from stone at that point. It almost looked like it naturally grew within him. I didn't ponder more than that as he charged at me.

I didn't fire my buster… a part of me wanted to try to help them. A part of me which knew that if they had been so wholly corrupted by one of Corundum’s experiments couldn't be saved. Magic was powerful but if the heart and brain were gone the body would perish shortly after. Even the tangibility of a soul would be hard pressed to want to stay alive when their faces clearly showed the last moments of their anguish clear as day.

My fist connected with the thestral guard, lost to his madness and trapped within his own body, sending him flying back. There was a sickening crack as I had forgotten to hold back. It had turned out to be… a blessing in disguise. The neck cracked back leaving the head hanging at an awkward angle.

That didn't stop the body from continuing to move. The lack of coordination was overcome by sheer desperation to fight. A charged shot was all that was needed to finish it as I switched my power limiter lower. I couldn't save them at this point. Diamond Shard was an exception due to the faulty nature of those experiments. The ones here were fully enthralled and more than likely had their souls gouged out or suppressed just to make this moment worse. I didn't know who it would be worse for though, the ones that transformed or the ones who would have to try to put the transformed down.

Another trio lunged from the canopy which was intercepted by Stand who had gotten a small boost using a tree as a launch pad. The lance pierced through the first almost to the hilt. The second got stuck on the tip and the last was flung clear off course from being hit with his fellow guard. The fully impaled one, even fully trapped on the lance, flailed about trying to smack Stand with one of their crystal hooves.

“Faust… these things still fight!” Stand shouted as he smacked the two stuck to the lance against a tree until they stopped moving.

“We need to move. Get ready I'm going to act like a spear.” I ordered as Stand and Flint took position behind me.

Pulling out Storm Tornado I readied my buster as another squad came out of the darkness. As they reached a few inches before me I fired slightly up and dashed forward. Flint was supported by Stand as they ambled after me. It took a bit of finesse to time the shots right but we managed to rush through the forest in the direction of the city.

‘Harpuia… when can you finish those biometal copies?’ I mentally asked as we sped past another set of guards. At most there had been twenty so far that had tried to attack us on sight.

“Complete. I've finished a copy of my biometal and Fefnir’s as well. Nana requires more testing though and we don't have anyone that we can closely match at this point. We are pushing what we can do at this point with these two candidates and have mitigated any problems that come from the biodiversity of this world to fit our criteria. As it is we shall have them ready when you deem it necessary Master X.” Harpuia informed me making certain to quickly scroll through some info packets in my head.

It was certainly faster than reading over it even if it felt impersonal. It was a better match when two more thestrals armed with wing blades made their move. I held my hand out grabbing the blades and snapping them in two before tossing the corrupted thestrals off to the side. Flint was actually taken aback at how close the blades had come to slicing his eyes out. He showed some discomfort but made no comment as he adjusted his position and kept following after me. Stand kept up as the rear guard if only because the ones that I took down didn't always stay down.

While I knew it was rude to leave him to clean up, he actually didn't seem to mind. The small pyro explosions that came when the tip of the lance hit crystal seemed to light up his face. Every time I looked back to him… I would see an pony who really didn't want to be in this position. Still, he gritted his teeth and held strong.

Another gust of Storm Tornado knocked the advancing guard back as we finally reached the outer grove of the city. From reports of certain ponies, this was called Hollow Shades. A small forested community hidden deep in shadows for thestrals and the restoration of the former Hollow Shades that existed a few weeks or months ago. Apparently sirens had attacked and nearly driven the town to madness and just now they had gotten the refugees to other towns within the Principality.

As we reached the wrought iron gate that seemed to surround the town a large thestral stallion stepped out from the gate. He was large… much larger than any other pony I had seen. Red Crystals adorned his body in intricate patterns and shadows swirled around his eyes and mouth ebbing out of his jaw as he breathed. His body was nearly entirely crystal but they didn't fully remove everything organic. It was his eyes I noticed that still managed to keep some semblance of sanity though it flickered and faltered every blink. Whomever this pony was… they were still conscious of everything that was occurring to him. The wings on his body idly twitched while he stared me down.

The thestrals that had followed after us surrounded us fully; each a gross abomination to look at. Flint backed up against me while Stand did the same keeping our eyes on which enemies we could see. Then they started to speak…

“X, X, X have you gone and gotten someone new to fight. You should never count me out so easily.” Each voice spoke with the same vigor and candor as the last blending into a cacophony of sadistic glee. “That which is Corundum can never be broken!”

Crystal Shears kept hidden near the church belfry where the four ponies she had locked up were kept. It was an easy location to use as she whipped out the severed unicorn horns she had kept as focusing wands. While she wasn't a unicorn, she had learned enough magic to use the horns with gems attached to power magic he had created. Corundum’s mind swelled as the magic took hold connecting him with all the fallen who had crystals shoved into their bodies.

It wasn't a decent number but it was enough. All he needed was one body to survive… hopefully Arum’s. It didn't matter which body managed to get back though Arum’s was the best pick.

The magic took hold as several sigils and runes appeared around Shears’ body. His mind reached out connecting with the other bodies sending them what he was thinking, what he wanted, and what he wanted them to do at that moment. He could see through their eyes, feel beneath their hooves and hear the voices of rebellion coming.

Corundum’s smirk grew until it was plastered on every body that held a crystal within it. The souls that resisted sank into shadows and were viciously torn to shreds before being devoured by Corundum’s own corrupted soul.

Crystal Shears was gone. Arum was gone. Only Corundum was left and everything was his.

‘Get the things ready.’ I commanded Harpuia to get the biometal copies ready to deploy.

“Roger that Master X. Ready for launch.” Harpuia informed me as a small panel started to open up on my back.

It was a strange sensation but I ignored it to keep my eye on the largest thestral I could see. He was easily as big as Rockhoof who was already one of the largest ponies I had ever met. He seemed to eye me in particular… just as Corundum had done when he had first seen me. A look every single one of the thestrals copied and flaunted at me, their unbridled joy when looking at me. If I had a bone spine still I would probably be feeling shivers down it.

“Ready Master X. Biometal shall be deployed now.” Harpuia announced and two small containers shot out attaching themselves to Stand, the green copy module, and to Flint, the red copy module. “Preliminary tests show that the modules will last for one day before the modules will revert back into energy forms. Regardless of where they go they will always return to you sir.”

‘I see… thanks for the hard work from all of you.’ I thought as Flint and Stand both yelped in surprise.

“What in Tartarus is this!?” Flint growled as the module kept tightly connected to his back.

“Ah… sensitive back! Sensitive back!” Stand complained as his wings were flapping almost crazily.

“Oh X! Such a wonderful body. When I waste all your energy I'll make sure to savor it for all eternity. Yours truly will know perfection and godhood when I have your body!” Corundum spoke from every single body echoing a cacophony of eerily yandere vibes.

“Sorry you two. No time for big explanations but you've been drafted into the Maverick Hunters. Welcome to the organization. There would be more lavish welcomings but now’s the time for your first big mission. I take care of these peons… you go get back what was taken.” I calmly informed my new compatriots. “To activate those things on your back just state Megamerge and then you'll understand what you need to do.”

They both peered dubiously at me even while they tried to remove the modules from their back. I didn't have time to scold them from doing that but the largest pony started to flap his wings as did the others though at a much slower rate.

“Interesting! Interesting! You're so interesting X! Also Flint… I'm so disappointed. Not only did you betray me but you also took my coveted spot next to X! Unforgivable! Unforgivable! When I have X’s body I'll make sure to turn her into my little hoof puppet. Who knows how much she'll scream after I'm done with her! Heh heh heh hah hah hah hah!” The cacophonous roar of laughter that reverberated through the skies rang through my compatriots ears… and their want of taking the modules off their back eroded.

“That won't happen you vile excuse of a pony…” Stand growled out while Flint was more… explicit about the incident.

“When I find you I'll rip your eyes out and feed you them Corundum!” Flint roared out as his eyes turned to pinpricks glowing a near horrifying shade of red.

“Megamerge!” Both ponies yelled out as a sphere of light surrounded the two of them. I merely smiled now that I had more reliable allies on my side. Hurricane, so far, had proven to be one of the most capable of allies with the Pillars being a close second. Now I had something more tangible in the long run.

As the light faded two armor clad figures stepped out of the light. Flint was now wearing a red heavy armor set that seemed to encase him like a fortress. Two swiveling turrets were on his back resembling the cannons Sodom and Gomorrah that Fefnir wielded. Spiked pauldrons complimented both shoulders while the turrets resembled the maws of dragons. A small flame was lit around each nozzle.

Stand was still flying but no longer using his wings. A green armor cradled his body and his wings were rigidly held by two engines spewing plasma from their constant propulsion. The spear he had wielded now had a plasma tip and vibrated in his grip. From what I remembered Harpuia had held onto sonic blades, though he left them unnamed. He was floated there in midair glaring down the thestrals who all seemed to be left in awe… which meant Corundum was very interested.

“So assholes… who wants to go first?” Flint growled out as his first step nearly sent a small tremor out. From the look on his face he wasn't expecting the very ground to shake from impact even if it was merely kept to a small epicenter.

“Hey! What did I say? Go get what we came for I'll handle the bastards here!” I ordered stopping both of them from just charging in.

“But…? Wait… right, got it X. Flint c’mon let's get going.” Stand shoved Flint to the side though the thestrals seemed unwilling to cooperate.

“What makes you think you'll get to - agh!” Corundum screamed as I dashed forward and released Electric Spark while they were entranced by the armor that my compatriots wore.

“Go!” I ordered as Flint rushed past, his fatigue forgotten, the heavy steps of his armor clanging past. Stand was close behind rushing into the city making a small sonic boom from his speed. Luckily, the cyber elves of Harpuia and Fefnir were guiding the armor and controlling the systems. Both of them weren't fully within that circle of trust yet but depending on how they did they would more than likely come into that circle.

“Get them!” Corundum roared as a small contingent of thestrals attempted to follow. I fired a couple of buster shots knocking them out of the sky with a few precise shots to their wings. Not all of them managed to line up though.

“Tch… good enough. Now… Corundum, what made you think I would have let you get away?” I scowled at the largest body.

“Guh… no matter. The ones I sent will mutate enough to deal with the rabble. Now onto more pressing matters X. Like the fact you will be giving your body over to me tonight.” Corundum chuckled and the entire procession still left followed suit. It was a melodious song of cruelty in some sense. Though few of the bodies had eyes anymore to show how much they were going to enjoy beating me into submission. Fat chance of that happening but I was prepared. I needed to keep most of my weapon usage in check since the city was so close. That meant not using the fire based ones or Storm Tornado.

“Are you sure? I'm pretty sure this is the part where I destroy any body you try to use.” I countered as I noted that several of the thestrals were starting to flap their wings. The sound of rock ripping flesh and something popping caught my attention.

“Good. Incubation has finished. Now allow me to establish something to you X. I am Goring Corundum. I am the alpha and the omega of this world. Evolution will be based on my choices and my vision. You will be a part of it or you shall be buried by history. All is my decision and nopony else's.” Corundum announced gloating slightly if his tone was anything to go by. The few thestrals I did see without turning my head were now nearly fully crystal constructs… only their bones and organs were visible within the crystalline fragments. The ones kept everything in frame and the only skin left was on their wings and the few that kept their eyes.

“And I will say only this Corundum. History will never be written by you. When I finish with you you'll not even be a footnote to this history.” I stated raising my buster as the large thestral.

With those words the thestrals rose as one and dove straight for me as I charged up Wing Spiral.

Flint rushed through the streets while Stand kept watch from above. A small bit of static rang in their ears causing them to try and flap them down to cover them. They couldn't.

“What the Tartarus…” Flint groaned.

“Agh… my ear…” Stand growled and the moment clicked as they could hear each other.

“Wait… I can hear you… from up there?” Flint breathed out looking up for the green dot he now associated with Stand.

“And I from down there… yes useful. So where should we look then? It's not like we have ever been in this town before and we can't spend too much time trying to find somepony who knows the area.” Stand spoke down to Flint.

“Why's that?” Flint’s disbelief painted his words.

Instead of getting answered Stand was knocked out of the air barreling straight for the ground. Three thestrals had locked onto his body which Flint could only see as two more tackled him down. Had he not been wearing his armor Flint would have broken his body… again.

The thestrals were outfitted with several tumors… made of crystals that pulsed and throbbed within their bodies. Flint managed to will the turrets on his back to swivel in place and fire releasing a torrent of flames out. The thestrals let out a high pitched screech, the remnants of their equinity, before letting go of him. Thrashing about they flung the burnt pieces of flesh off their crystalline bodies leaving only small smoldering patches behind.

“C’mon you ugly buckers! I got plenty to fight you with now!” Flint screamed as the thestrals got back off the ground.

Their bodies were still smoldering piles as they charged in forcing Flint to get of the defensive. They slithered along the ground keeping low as crystal protrusions started to grow out of their shoulder. They sharpened and serrated until they turned into wicked looking blades.

Flint was uncertain what to do. He had this armor on but all he could figure out was that the turrets were mentally controlled. X had thrown them into something without even explaining anything to him.

He lifted his front hooves which were now glowing with green energy and slammed them down on the closest crystal thestral. The energy exploded from his hooves releasing a shockwave across the thestral’s body breaking it into shards with a single blow. The other two took to the air after that forcing Flint to kee to cover as they circled him.

The turrets upon his back began to auto track the targets firing at them. Sodom and Gomorrah, unfortunately, were not quick firing weapons forcing a stalemate between the two.

Stand spun around flailing his limbs as the thestrals that had caught him kept trying to crash him. He got lucky enough to knock the one trying to hold onto his wings off allowing them to fully extend. The full range of motion back the wings took on a purple sheen similar to what had happened to the lance.

A quick flap sent a wave of energy out of the sonic blades his wings were generating lopping off a couple limbs. The three thestrals were ghastly looking before with several crystal tumors but now that he could see where he cut through it was much worse. Crystal filaments that managed to evade the blows were keeping the tendons of flesh from fully ripping off and leaving them.

“Guh… gross. What in Tartarus are you things!?” Stand groaned out as the crystal thestrals began ripping off the last of the severed tendons before fashioning their limbs into clubs. Large crystal spike tipped clubs were now held in their hooves.

Stand sighed as he pulled out his lance and readied himself. Charging forward, Stand thrust Hurricane’s spear forward sending a sonic wave forward and knocking several of the thestrals down into spiraling turmoil. They didn't take long to continue flapping their misshapen wings back up to their fighting height. Stand felt his teeth gritting as the thestrals actually got faster after that attack had knocked off some of their weight from their body.

“Even now you continue to be monsters… “ Stand growled out clearly unhappy with the current state of affairs.

The thestrals started to rip off the remaining flesh and with deft precision managed to pile together their crystal bodies into a larger… more visceral looking creature floating through the air. The wings of the creature were made of the remaining flesh that had been ripped off and by some chance it managed to still hold onto the body and fly with it.

Stand charged forward lance drawn as the two figures met in the air. The sonic boom from the lance meeting crystal only shattered a single layer while the creature knocked him away before it could do more than that.

They met each other’s gaze, one of determination and disgust while the other was hollow and dead inside, and thrust forward ready for their weapons to meet once again.

The shockwaves had gotten worse and Sacred Glade was getting worried. The impacts being caused from whatever was going on had reached her home causing things to get worse. She had completely abandoned her crawlspace and worked into the living room using the furniture to create barricades around the entrances.

“Oh Faust… oh Faust… please don't be near here. Please don't be near here…” Glade took a careful glance out the crack of the window only to see a red armored pony fighting three of the crystal golems that had appeared. “Oh Faust they're here.”

Glade swept up a small satchel if only for the comfort it brought. The most cherished things she had kept within. It would be a miracle if the fight wasn't dragged to her home.

A large explosion rocked the house forcing Glade to dive into the kitchen for cover. Flint stood up from the pile of debris he was under facing his assailants again. The one he shattered had been incorporated into the other two leaving them hulking masses of crystal and smoldering flesh.

Glade screamed gaining Flint’s attention. That gave the two crystal thestral golems enough of an opening to charge forward. The auto cannons caught their movement and blasted them with rapid fireballs while Flint merely stared at the thestral mare.

“Why haven't you run yet!?” Flint yelled as the sounds of broken crystal caught his attention.

“Huh?” Glade answered slightly dumbfounded at the situation.

“Run! Damn it all! Run!” Flint yelled as the crystal thestral golems rushed past the flames charging into Flint.

Sacred Glade rushed back as the crystal golems pushed Flint back into the debris only for a large shockwave of green energy knocked them back outside the building.

“Are you okay?” Glade rushed through the debris trying her best to get Flint back onto his hooves.

“Why. Haven't. You. Run. Yet!? Get out of here before they target you.” Flint stumbled back to his hooves as the crystal golems got back to theirs.

“Where? Sticking by you means I live longer.” Glade answered looking down at the floor.

“Suit yourself.” Flint dismissed as he pushed Glade behind him and stepped forward. It was taking too long and Diamond Shard was in trouble. While he didn't have time to play hero… he wasn't going to give X the satisfaction of knowing he left the civilians to their fate.

The golems charged. It was time to fight.

Author's Note

Took a while but I finally finished. Got distracted by farming in Fate Grand Order. Sorry bout that lol.

XXX. Revive (unedited)

Glade quickly rushed for cover as the thestral golems flew down assaulting Flint’s position. Even with the constant firing of his weapons he was barely keeping his enemies off his back. The thestral golems began using the buildings for cover forcing Flint to stop firing with reckless abandon as he traipsed up to Glade and led her to the next hiding spot.

“Do you know what you're doing!?” Glade cried out as several crystal spears shot past her face.

“Only slightly!” Flint answered as he mentally commanded the auto cannons atop his back to return fire. He got lucky and incinerated the crystal spears before they got too close.

“What!?” Glade cried out loud enough to gain the attention of the golems who immediately found the sound grating. With practiced precision of their former lives they dove upon her hiding spot firing crystal spears from their mouth.

“Faust damn it all…” Flint growled put under his breath as he took advantage of their fevered pursuit of the helpless mare and jumped atop some of the debris that had been blown away from their fight.

Taking aim Flint felt power well up into his front hoof and jumped to the first thestral golem he could reach. Too distracted by their target to rise back up he drove his hoof into the golem releasing a wave of green energy that crackled through its body. The second golem broke off forgetting about the mare as the golem burst apart into shards which littered the ground. Flint landed moments later grinding the crystal he landed upon into dust.

The third golem was slightly incensed as it immediately flew towards Flint with what could have passed as abject fury… only to dive into the shards that had been left behind. With a eerie glow within the being all the shards were absorbed into its body making it bigger… stronger… and much sharper than it was.

“Oh… well that's something they do…” Flint snarked out up until the golem tackled him through the building startling the family that had hidden within. Glade followed through stopping only to look at the family.

“I'm so sorry for your home… it's quite lovely and now you have two new doors, right?” Glade nervously chuckled as she wrung her hooves before racing out of that awkwardness for Flint who was busy trying to wail upon the golem with his armored hooves. He was doing a better job than he did against X that was certain.

Glade flapped her wings but kept low as to make certain that nopony else was following her. As Countess Primrose’s Minister of Information, she was the one who kept tabs on everything that needed to be done for the town… including paying the ponies who would need to fix this mess, if they were allowed to survive that long.

The larger golem was flung back as Flint charged back through the building, rage built up in his soul, smashing the golem with his bare hooves channeling how Fefnir would act when annoyed. Fefnir recorded the energy readings for later because even though he didn't know anything about magic or that crap that those equinoids were spouting out but Nana probably would. The least he could do was keep track of information and on the plus side he would beat the everloving crap out of anyone in his way.

Flint charged his auto cannons and fired a stream of flames straight through the golem as it melted into slag. The puddle of gem goo saturated into the ground before leaving nothing but ashes. As the final golems he fought fell Flint turned back to Glade grabbing her hoof.

“Now that those are taken care of… you're going to answer some questions of mine.” Flint growled out fully in control of the situation… finally.

“Uh… yes. I understand.” Glade managed out intimidated by the armored unicorn.

“Where would your boss keep prisoners?” Flint stated bluntly pulling the mare in so he could stare her down in case she tried to lie.

“Well…“ Glade started.

Shears felt a part of her body crack while she was focused on the golems around her. Three had been destroyed from the three dozen or so that she had purposely made. The Soul Link between bodies was powerful but also came with a deadly double edge. The links made them one… with her main body being the transceiver. Regardless of distance the golems were her eyes, ears, voice, and hooves. With three destroyed it created a feedback loop into his very soul.

Corundum immediately broke those links allowing his body to repair itself with his magic… albeit extremely slowly. He needed to plan this out more carefully… and now he needed to make sure Arum’s body wasn't shattered either.

Stand was having trouble keeping away from the thestral golems. For as speedy as the armor he wore was, the thestrals golems used their past knowledge of the buildings to their advantage. How they knew where to go still was beyond his understanding of golems in general. The fact that they used to be ponies was abhorrent to his senses. It was made worse because he could still see the viscera left from their transformation due to his freaky pegasus vision as his fellow pegasi centurions had quoted.

Knocked from the air, Stand tumbled down onto a thatch roof breaking through it and the second floor. One thestral dove through the newly made hole before the shing of a laser blade rang out followed by the falling of crystals to the ground. Stand rose back up using the jet engines of his armor to hover in place while rotating as the thestral golems remaining tried to get the drop on him.

“Damn golems… does this thing have anything long range…?” Stand muttered as he felt the armor trying to force his front hooves together.

A little freaked out he decided to follow through with the pose. When his hooves touched a small rotating drill bit appeared from between his hooves. He did the maneuver again created two more. They each sparked with electricity and spun beyond anything he had ever seen.

The thestral golems immediately flew straight for him only for the drill bits to strike at their wings and discharge a large amount of electricity. The wings shattered from the sudden impact and they fell to the ground. The golems broke apart into pieces letting Stand finally get a breather.

He couldn't enjoy it for long as the pieces skittered back towards each other but instead of converging on their individual body they wound up collecting into a pile. For a second the crystals shuddered and writhed as the viscera left over from the transformation took hold and started to melt the pieces of crystal together forcing the misshapen pile into a chimeric entity of several heads in odd places and six wings at odd angles. The limbs either extended from a previous one or jutted off the body at a strange angle.

“You've got to be kidding me…” Stand muttered as the shape got back to its hooves and through some strange application of magic managed to get back into the air. It resembled a serpent of some sort at that point… only with three pony heads, four thestral wings and eight limbs of various lengths. Magic courses through the blood that still clung on the trio of corpses.

Stand grunted as he managed to get the two pulse blades to form charging forward at the thing. It's grotesque form made him cringe. The blades swung out… only to get stopped by the sudden formation of two crystal blades covered in dried blood. The magic that flowed through the body hardened the blood enough to actually give it enough staying power against the pulse blades.

The sudden clashing of blades tossed the two figures out of each other's range leaving Stand surprised that that had occurred. Diving back into the creature the sudden clanging of blades sent sparks flying as blade met blade in a cacophony of burning light and boiling blood.

“Come on! You're nothing but a monstrosity that needs to die!” Stand yelled out as he finally got a lucky strike sending the second blade through the golem’s own crystal blades. The magic powering it started to fail.

Stand swung his blades in an X shaped pattern and a wave of energy flew out slicing through the serpent like thestral golem leaving the golem to fall from the sky returning back to an unmoving chunk of crystals. Stand breathed in heavily trying to regain the feeling in his forehooves. The constant barrage of attacks from the golems, even with the armor, strained his hooves to the limit with how hard he had to strike just to keep his position in the air.

He growled slightly because he managed to soar out of the trouble relatively unscathed. That was unnatural enough for whom they were facing… especially after that voice of legion ploy that he overheard before flying away from X. That was the kind of thing only demons did. The fact that Corundum had gone to that level and infested his vile soul within other bodies just made it worse.

Setting the jet engines that helped cover his wings, both hiding and protecting them, he peered around for his… reluctantly accepted partner. He didn't like working with a known combative of his country, a pony who worked explicitly for Corundum before. But… X held the yoke on him due to circumstance. Since Hurricane trusted that yoke to be held taut Stand felt he had no choice but to follow through with his own.

The sight of Flint dragging a thestral alongside him caught his eye and he quickly flew off to join them. There was no telling what horrible sort of thing would occur when they went to find Luna.

More cracks appeared along Crystal Shears body forcing her to cut even more connections before it could spread further. This time the cracks didn't degrade her body as badly due to her paying attention to the situation and cutting off the flow of magic from her body.

“Mrgh… need stronger bodies. Much stronger.” Corundum sneered to himself as he was forced to focus on the ones battling X.

I dashed underneath the ones that had lunged at me before letting the charged shot I had held onto go. It felt as though they were unfocused and relatively suicidal in their charging. The large thestral that Corundum had used as his avatar remained always out of reach and constantly on the move to keep from being targeted right away.

I was forced to punch enemies instead of using my buster because the smaller thestrals would throw off my aim and the first shot I fired nearly hit the city. From that point on I was forced to use my limited boxing skills to whatever effect I could do. While I could have used one of my special weapons I hadn't used many on Corundum and I didn't need him to know everything I was capable of. With him being comparable to a cockroach I didn't need to give him too many more ideas. The armor system was a necessity if he planned to kill Luna before we got to her.

“You know… I have to thank you.” Corundum chuckled as the collection of thestrals all started to circle me. I had good chance to use my buster… but I needed information and he still seemed creepily obsessed with me. Why not make him talk?

“For what? I'm pretty sure I shot you in the head multiple times.” I muttered as the shadows of the golems started to melt together.

“You showed me there is more. Life is not in the hands of the gods that live amongst us. They are mere beings that figured out that spark to life. But you! You, you are a shining example of what we could be. What we can aspire to be. No hunger! No fatigue! No emotional baggage that clings to every single worthless sack of meat! You and me are one of a kind, truly survivors of a new age! We shall usher in what it means to be a citizen of this world. No race! No species! All we are, are what we are. Superior! Transcendent! Godlike!” Corundum’s voice bellowed from the conglomeration of golems releasing their cacophonous wails as one.

“Legion like aren't you? But no. You will never reach what I am. You will forever be that pathetic pony who never could create true life on their own.” I stated in no uncertain terms. I needed him to get angry but..

“How true. How true you speak. I am just that pony you fought back in the Crystal Empire. But I will be more. I will be all. All shall share my glorious views and my ideals shall spread throughout the world. We shall be one, all in my image and peace shall reign across my land.” Corundum answered almost serenely before his tone started a feverish climb up in zealotry.

“You and I will never share viewpoints. You are a madman and I will stop you every time.” I mentioned as I decided which weapon to switch to.

“That's fine. Your cooperation is negligible. All we need is your body. Nothing more. Whatever powers you whether through magic or souls will be snuffed out to give what this world really needs. The Age of Corundum!” Corundum let out a bellowing laugh as the large collection of thestral golems dove down after me.

I switched over to Goo Shaver and let the cubes of slush rain down around me. Every thestral that hit those cubes were frozen in mid air. Gravity took effect forcing them all to shatter upon impact. The one I was aiming for, the large thestral, hadn't even moved close enough to be hit.

The large collection of growls, diminished to a certain degree, rang out and started their assault once more. The remnants of the crystals that made up the golems spread across the ground leaving a certain crunch every time I took a step. I switched back to my buster and took potshots at whatever thestral was out of the way. It was during this time I noticed that the golems I was fighting seemed a bit more durable.

While almost nothing could withstand being punched by a metal fist I needed three or so uncharged buster shots just to take out one thestral golem. I didn't know why they were sturdier but Nana seemed to be scanning them much more thoroughly at this point. The fact that the first set of golems were taken out easily left me worried about what this all meant. Corundum had started to grow more intelligent on his creations. While they were still borderline stupid in their tactics that didn't mean much when they were being controlled by one being.

The golems soon fell into a rhythmic pattern of shattering and screaming whenever I managed to shoot them. The screams were unsettling mostly because I couldn't tell who was screaming. Whether it was Corundum or those who were transformed and had their souls eviscerated from their original bodies didn't really change that I needed to fight back against them. I had no way to restore their flesh and for all intents and purposes those thestrals were dead. Corundum had seen to that personally each and every time.

As the last thestral golem finally fell I aimed for the larger thestral… only to get dragged through the ground and through several trees. The thestral golem with the red tendrils pulsing through its body had had enough time to watch me. It dove down and from the lowest angle it could get managed to catch me off guard while I was dealing with the small fry. There were still active blips on my motion sensors most likely from the golems that while shattered were still relatively mobile.

I punched the thestral only to reel back. There was no pain but the golem didn't flinch or reel back. It was hardened to a point that it felt as though I was punching metal. Corundum started laughing maniacally as I forced him off me. Even if he had a tougher body it didn't mean much to someone like me.

Cracks webbed throughout Crystal Shears body leaving her writhing in pain. The act of keeping up the collection in her mind had been too taxing and the shattering of each part of his soul affected her body. The shadows were all that managed to keep him together now. Even with the main soul housed within Shears body was whole it still was subject to the ravages of damage from the other bodies he decided to link to.

Shears immediately took off through the open window of the church’s attic. She needed to keep her other body alive even if it meant leaving the church unguarded. She left enough behind to deal with whatever came… the shadows had beckoned and welcomed that change all too readily.

“Mine wish to leave this place…” Luna drawled out as she kicked the door. It had taken a bit for the three hostages to regain a modicum of strength but Luna managed to handle it well enough with her Alicorn physiology.

“I don't think this pony is looking too good.” Shard called out.

Both Shard and Clover had kept track of Countess Primrose who was still breathing but it was ragged and shallow. Her eyes had bled three times in the past half hour since Corundum had revealed himself… or herself depending on how they wanted to be referred to.

“Leave her be. We have not the means to heal her soul. Regardless of morality or her actions we have no magic to assist her.” Luna coldly stated detached from the pony who planned their abduction. Even if she spoke the truth the other two were a bit reluctant.

“I know Princess but shouldn't we do something? Anything at all?” Clover brought up but even he knew that there wasn't much they could actually do.

“At most keep her head to the side. She looks as though she could be violently ill at any moment. You need to not look Miss Shard. This will not be pretty…” Luna grimaced as she stepped up with Clover.

“I've seen worse… much worse… I think. While Corundum kept us I remember… hazy things… ponies screaming and more. I think. It's hard to remember and Big Brother Flint says to forget about it.” Shard innocently stated.

Luna and Clover made no attempt to correct her way of thinking. Neither were decent with dealing with foals and neither tried to remotely tell her advice due to not knowing what exactly to say at the moment. There was a modicum of respect for Flint for protecting his family even if he was formerly an enemy. Clover immediately got a good idea.

“Ah but see here we are being doctors and we need to give the patient some privacy. Plus you haven't finished getting your credentials.” Clover smiled at the filly trying to get her to bite.

“Cre-dent-ials? What are cre- those things?” Diamond Shard tilted her head confused. Luna picked up on Clover’s idea.

“Verily young one, you need proof of your skills and you haven't got them quite yet. Another day at the fortress and you would have earned it easily.” Luna agreed wholeheartedly making certain that she would believe her.

“Oh… okay. Oh gosh I'm not supposed to see her like this. Sorry! Sorry!” Diamond Shard cried out as she covered her eyes in a panic and hid behind the table in the room.

Sighing in relief the two made Primrose more comfortable as she writhed from whatever Shears had done to her. Honestly they had no way to heal her without their magic which still hadn't recovered in the intervening time and the magic restraining rings around their horns made it impossible to even attempt.

Countess Primrose, matriarch of the Thestrals of Hollow Shades, took her last shuddering breath that moment. The thestrals were now leaderless. Luna took a sobering breath while Clover averted his gaze.

It wasn't the first time that either had seen death. Luna had learned to accept it as something that just happened. She faced it with open eyes ready to handle whatever was to happen to them next. Clover, on the other hand, averted his gaze unable to process death just yet. He had not lived long enough to come and see this as an inevitability. It frightened him to the very core.

The two trotted over to the young filly unsure of what to say. Diamond Shard, meanwhile, merely frowned. She seemed to understand what had happened.

“Is she… sleeping?” Shard asked calmly though her frown persisted.

“Sleeping? What do you mean young one?” Luna asked ready to give her the talk which she never thought she would have to give. The one dealing with death.

“That's what I remember overheating Corundum say whenever one of the ponies were taken behind the curtain. Then there was screaming and a lot of water splashing around. That was followed by a lot of tearing.” Shard explained confusing the two.

Before either could process what they were being told something caught their ear. They turned to the freshly dead body as it convulsed on the spot and a large crystal tore through the chest cavity. Unlike the other crystals the two were familiar with this particular one seemed to throb and pulse, beating erratically like a living heart.

The crystal didn't shine or sparkle to the trio and instead continued to say like a heart beating in tandem with the world around it. Primrose was stuck in a lifeless scream from which no sound came out as her chest slowly started to turn into a crystalline shell.

“We do not have time.” Luna grimaced as she ran towards the door and started to bash away at it with her back hooves. It was tiring but if she didn't get the door open soon…

None of them would survive in the state that they were in.

Author's Note

This took a long time to finally finish. I blame FGO for making a grind heavy event but I did finish it and it did give me a lot of servants so I guess I can forgive it. Here's a new chapter at least.

XXXI. Retry (unedited)

Luna kept bashing away furiously at the door keeping pace as the body of Countess Primrose pulsed and writhed from the magic slowly working its way through her body. Diamond Shard hid behind Clover making herself as small as possible. Clover attempted his best to find something useful for smacking enemies away… only to find a small rock about the size of baseball. It was also smooth… which meant it wasn’t going to do much against anything made of crystal.

“Door, door, door, door, door!” Clover and Diamond both muttered at the same pace getting higher pitched each time they mentioned the door.

“I am trying! Cease thy prattle and assist in pushing yonder door!” Luna cried out as the two ponies got on either side of her and began shoving against the door as much as their bodies could possibly exert. There were three very unfortunate problems to the plan though. The first was that one of them was but a foal still and incapable of pushing that heavy a burden. The second was that they were both unicorns, one who had forwent physical prowess for intellectualism, and the other the aforementioned foal. The final problem was that due to their blocked off magic the pair couldn’t actually do much to help their princess open a door.

The sound of ripping flesh and gurgling made them forget those limitations. The threat of dying forced them to work harder.

And still the door would not budge.

“So you’re saying that that witch kept them in a church basement?” Flint Shard mumbled as he slammed his still armored hoof against the double doors of the church. The two doors popped off their hinges falling to the ground.

“A-a-a-accurate assessment.” Sacred Glade answered to the best of her ability. It didn’t help that the mare was absolutely terrified with how strong these Equestrian forces actually were. It didn’t make sense though why a Crystal Unicorn and an Equestrian Pegasus were getting along so well.

“You know… I don’t think it was locked.” Second Stand chided his partner to the best of his ability. It didn’t help that the low doorway forced him to stop flying. He loved the hovering part of the armor and was a bit remiss not to enjoy it as thoroughly as he was capable of. Nopony knew when their powers would fade so he wanted to milk it for all it was worth.

“Makes my point though… cough cough… damn… still tired. Let’s get my sisters and the other two and get the buck out of here.” Flint coughed for the eighth time since they had managed to annihilate their enemies.

“Right… now, Sacred Glade, was it? Which way down?” Second questioned as the door made quick sweeps with their vision where the stairs down could be. The Church of Blutvergießen, or bloodshed, as it was more apt to be called finally fit their general consensus.

Outside had been tame for all the heads that had been impaled around. There was reason to the madness littering the outside. Neither of the pair actually agreed with it but they knew what they were meant for. It was just a disgusting and vile act of control against the populace that they couldn’t truly overlook. It was the contents of the inner sanctum that made them question what exactly was going on in this town.

Ritualistically sacrificed creatures adorned every way, flayed alive and mounted on the wall. Somehow the dried blood still looked a fresh crimson as it soaked into the very wood that made up the church in question. There were countless thestral bodies… the majority in fact… with the oddly mixed in regular pony or even griffon within the sickening architecture. Even the floors were soaked a deep red though that might have been the red velvet carpet. They weren’t sure at that point. Even Glade looked disturbed at being even one hoof inside the building.

“I think it’s… over behind the altar. Blegh… “ Glade got out before she ran off to a corner and threw up whatever she could. The two soldiers would have joined her had they not had stronger stomachs. The smell of death was nothing at this point to the two. Gulping down their lunch, Flint strode forward and threw the altar across the room into a wall. He was taken aback by what happened blinking sheepishly at his freakish strength.

“So… that happened…” Flint coughed out while Stand bemusedly stared. He didn’t say a word.

“What the buck!?” Glade called out. She had finished losing her lunch and now she had lost her marbles… maybe. She was still lost in shock over just how far the altar flew. “How!?”

“Trade secret. Anyways, we found the stairs. Time to go down.” Stand quickly diverted the conversation as the two rushed down into the catacombs. Sacred Glade, too afraid to look for safety or find any surviving thestrals, followed the pair into the depths.

Corundum’s newest flesh puppet slammed into me dragging me through the ground while I held back his artificial limbs from pummeling me. I could hear the very ground rip open below the soles of my feet to the point where we actually knocked aside two trees. I found purchase in my grip and knocked it down to the ground but the momentum sent me flying off to the side as well.

Every time I hit the golem my fist would bounce off. Whatever it was made of was something I didn’t think was possible unless magic was the cause at this point. I switched weapons at this point including making certain beyond a doubt that I was wearing the Light Armor. As mobile as the Falcon Armor was and as durable as the Gaea Armor was, the necessity of firepower made the Light Armor my go to for weapon charging. The limitation wasn’t always detrimental but as Corundum forced the body back to its hooves, cracking the legs in the process only to regenerate on the spot, made it a sticking point to have as heavy firepower as I could have.

“You know… it’s funny. You constantly surprise me over and over again. Changing. Evolving. Adapting. Ponies have no hope of ever reaching this level. None of them will ever know what it means. What it truly means to live here. Not even the other races know what it truly means. Living, Living, Living! I am truly living! I know what it means to live. To take. To kill for the sweet, sweet truth that exists before all our eyes. We need to change. We need to grow. We need to adapt. Magic can only take us so far. Science can only take us so far. But you… you… YOU… make that worry obsolete. Incomprehensible. Impossible.” Corundum roared out as the thestral body flew straight up held almost parallel against the light of the moon floating in the sky now.

I ignored the ramblings of a crazy fool. Maybe there was motive, reasoning, or something within those rambles but it was unimportant. At this point Corundum was collecting bodies. How many was unknown. For what purpose was unknown. All unknown and with his meandering into trying to blend things together made me realize something that I vehemently didn’t like the more he spoke.

Corundum no matter what seemed to be focused. He was focused completely on the idea of evolution. Evolution based completely on blending technology with spellwork of any kind. A legacy built on the backs of puppets and blood. Crystals and death hand in hand in order to push ahead his own agenda. Part of me wondered why he was so vehement on his view for the future to be entirely balanced. Daresay to be fair and wonderful to the continued progress of all beings that lived on this planet. There was only one problem that entirely took up my mind and kept Fefnir, Harpuia and Nana in complete agreement to oppose the plan.

Corundum was the one who was leading the charge.

It was clear that there was no love for the creatures of this world. The lab I found in the Crystal Castle was evident enough of how he felt for his fellow equine. It got even worse when I had seen the blood rituals that were performed to the late queen. I doubt the ritual even did anything and was only the sick twisted fetish of Geode.

“And it will never be realized by you.” I answered out coldly to Corundum’s sheer contempt.

“Your words are as unimportant as your consent in the manner. This is my world. You can boast your strength. Your skill. Your intelligence. And just like your words they are meaningless. A creature that is the combined might of magic and science. You shall become my body. My vessel. My weapon. My entire being all within you. That is your fate. That is your destiny. That is your lot in life.” Corundum growled out letting the crystals that made up its throat vibrate to allow the voice to get deeper… penetrating even.

“I don’t know what’s more full of shit. My treatment by Vicious Aegis or the slop coming out of whatever mouth you’re using right now. My answer to your constant talk of inevitability will never change. You can go to hell and take your ideals with you as well!” I screamed out as I released a charged shot I had held back on.

The ball of concentrated solar energy flew straight out as fast as light… since it was made of it. Impacting against the golem sent it spiraling out of the air only for it to regain position in the skies. I immediately dashed forward switching to Storm Tornado and preparing another charged shot.

Corundum dove down almost to the point of falling out of the sky. In its position it looked very similar to a missile finally losing its thrust. As the body flew closer down I released the tornado. As heavy as Corundum’s new body was, the tornado was still stronger than a regular one.

The winds of Storm Tornado were equivalent to an EF5 class tornado with wind speed reaching over two hundred per mile winds. The shearing speed allowed Corundum’s body to curve around me and into the ground plowing a large furrowed trench. Taking advantage of the small lull I switched over to Crescent Shot. While the small projectile would do little to the body, the charged shot would be much more useful.

Crescent Shot release a small moon shaped projectile which sliced through objects. I charged it up and dashed directly for Corundum while he rose up from the ground. Leaping forward I released the charge letting several rings of energy to swirl around me. They didn't need to do much. Corundum leapt at me as soon as he regained his bearings only to writhe from the sudden impact of energy from the Crescent Shot.

As he was knocked off course from the shock, I rolled over his back slicing the wings off at their connection. What I wasn't expecting was the spray of blood that followed the clean slice. The body Corundum was using was still alive… but in the worst way possible.

In that split second my eyes adjusted to focus on the cuts. The flesh within pulses as small layers of crystal meshed and shifted blood vessels around to suit their needs. What Corundum had done was create a true mesh of biology and the sick twisted version was whatever he considered science to be. I was certain it was more magic but I wasn't going to get into a semantic shouting match with a sociopath. It would go nowhere.

“You flankhole! You took my wings! You took my wings!” Corundum shouted out as he rolled away from me. He didn't scream in pain. He didn't writhe in agony. All he did was curse me for his lot in life. “Heh… hehehahaha! Just kidding!”

Two large crystal wings burst out of the blood… deep red in color and coated in the remaining flesh that had been within. Before I could fire another charged shot, due to switching back to the Mega Buster, Corundum lunged at me. He grabbed me and flew straight up keeping certain that my arms were well above his head to keep me from firing. In a small panicked moment I immediately kicked him in the junk… only to realize that he didn’t have any. There was a loud cracking and the sound of crystal being knocked away though so it wasn’t all a waste.

“I will not falter. I will not hesitate. I will have your body! I will have my future!” Corundum growled out slowly growing into a roar as we rose to cloud level.

I clenched my fists together and slammed them down on Corundum’s head knocking him off of me. As he was flung away I switched over to Falcon Armor but let gravity continue to drag me down back to the earth. I charged up my shot and waited. I noticed a small icon that seemed to flash in tandem out of the corner of my eye.

=Giga Attack Available=

“About a good as time as any to use it.” I quietly muttered to myself as Corundum dove back into me.

I raised my buster and waited until the last second. Regardless of how fast he could dive, my reflexes were better. Pushing my buster arm into Corundum’s mouth I released the thin projectile. It bounced around the innards of the poor soul as we fell back to the ground. The trees slowed our descent… only by the virtue of cracking under our combined weights.

Flint was the first to reach the bottom of the stairs into the main hall of the catacombs. Stand peered around looking for any passage way that would elicit results of any kind. Sacred Glade was still reeling from the truth of their once proud religion and knew nothing about what was held below the building.

“So… nothing? Nothing at all?” Flint looked at Glade who merely shook her head.

“I got nothing. I didn’t even know that this church was like this. I thought it was just a title and not like this… though I was always shunted to the side about the intricacies of our religion. I didn’t know it was like this. I could do without this.” Glade whimpered as her ears folded in disgust.

“Let’s just find the princess. I’d rather we not waste time. We can waste time later when the princess and the others are safe.” Stand stated as he rushed ahead… only to stop when he realized he had no idea where to go.

“Figured out where to go, eh?” Flint snarked and rolled his eyes.

“Better than staying here. Isn’t it?” Stand shot back clearly unamused at the quiet silence that filled the air. Flint didn’t respond.

“Do you hear that?” Glade called out. Her ears were perked up as she let them scan the area.

The pair stopped moving and kept quiet. There was a constant thump, thump, thump coming from further in the catacombs. Flint and Stand both started to trot towards the sound until Glade got in front of them. With a quick harsh glance she led the way forward since she was hearing the sounds best. Flint and Stand muttered something derisive under their breath which got them both a smack across the muzzle. Both grumbled and realized that they should probably keep their mouths shut.

Glade trotted ahead turning to the right… then a left… then another left. Before them was a large stone door with a large set of rings acting like handles upon its door. The steady thumping of the door being hit gave away that something was clearly wrong here.

“Stop thumping and let us in!” Flint yelled out as the thumping stopped.

“Let us out! Let us out!” A trio of cries called out from behind the door.

“Let us in! Let us in!” The two warriors clad in armor yelled at the door.

“I really hope that wasn’t a bit.” Glade muttered under her breath and was lucky enough to not be heard.

“Stand away from the door!” Glade yelled out. There was a loud shuffling followed by the slice of Stand’s beam sabres.

The door fell to pieces as three overly surprised ponies gaped at the suddenness of the door falling to pieces. The sound of gurgling blood and wrenching flesh being torn made them immediately rush through the door before anything else came to mind.

“Flee!” Princess Luna shouted while Clover and Diamond Shard both rushed after her.

Flint breathed a sigh of relief until he also heard the twisting of flesh. The autocannons on his back immediately perked up and aimed into the room. Stand, who was still in his stance, kept his blades leveled. From within the darkness something stood up but the clinking of blades against stone was the only sound from within.

What could once be considered a pony was now a monstrous mantis like creature oozing darkness. The only thing that could be considered female anymore were the eyes of Countess Primrose… which were now floating around the ooze that made up her body. Her wings were now crystal protrusions which seemed to be holding her body aloft. Whatever her legs were… weren’t considered legs anymore. Several dozens of tentacles made up what they were. The strangest part was how much of her body was crystalized which was almost nothing. Everything was covered in the shadowed ooze.

“Any ideas?” Stand whispered to his stalwart partner.

“Keep attacking until it dies… “ Flint answered as his autocannons immediately opened fire upon the writhing mass of shadows forcefully crawling against

“Again… Again? Again! Again, you ruin another body!” Corundum screamed out in fury as the body of the thestral who had been corrupted by crystals stumbled out of the crater that it had created.

There were several cracks internally of the body from the buster shot I fired into it. Even with the regeneration effect the body possessed there was little that it could do for internal damage apparently. It was as if the bodily fluids had been used to jumpstart that effect in the first place and the ricocheting shot was causing problems. Even I didn’t know when the shot would finally dissipate.

“To be fair… you ruined that body long before I came around here. Now I’ll make sure to fix it by destroying the corruption you bring.” I answered in turn as I primed my giga attack.

‘Fefnir, can you focus my attack on one section in particular?’ I quickly parsed to my battle ready cyber elf.

‘As you wish, Master X!’ Fefnir grinned in sheer jubilation as I felt his influence upon my weapon system.

I tensed my entire body as several points of light appeared right where Corundum was forcing the body. With a small pose several buster shots appeared above and below it piercing through the body. Corundum screamed, not in pain, but fury. I doubted he even knew what pain was anymore. For less than twenty seconds the shots hit their mark and the body fell to the ground.

“Death. Death. Death. Death. Death. Death! Death! Death! I shall not die like this! I’ll violate your mind and parade your corpse like the worthless shell that it is! It is mine! Mine! MINE!” Corundum sputtered as the body remained motionless on the ground. The regeneration effect had slowed down to almost a nonexistent pace.

“Hm mphm, yup. I’m sure you will.” I answered quite glibly as I switched over to Fire Wave. Thanks to the moonlight I had replenished my weapons up slightly. I didn’t need the charge effect for this moment in particular. I needed the body to melt from the sustained flames which made this a very useful effect.

I lifted my buster ready to fire when a crystal pegasus appeared above the body.

“Crystal… pegasus? What are you doing here?” I hesitated. My buster lowered slightly from the intrusion. Then… it spoke and I wished I hadn’t.

“What can I say…? You can’t keep a good mare down.” Corundum’s voice resonated from the pegasus body. A trio of unicorn horns each outfitted with crystal tops glowed in her grasp and the body of the thestral he corrupted and the pegasus he inhabited completely disappeared from sight.

‘Nana! Report!’ My mind nearly screamed out when I realized what I saw. For that split second, that moment that that pegasus appeared, I nearly blanked out from action. In my hesitation I had completely overlooked the cracks appearing all over the body of that pegasus in question and the red energy that seemed to slowly pulse beneath the surface.

‘Complete thaumic match X. That was Corundum.’ Nana confirmed as I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

‘Damn… forget it for now. We need to go make sure the hostages were secured.’ I reasoned to the best of my abilities as I rushed off for the city once again. The signs of our battle against the masses were strewn about the outer regions of the gates of the city.

At most it looked similar to what a blasted heath would look like… only without the corruption effect caused by beings of unknown origins. I was also certain that nothing would be growing within those spots for a very long time. As I reached the town center I received notifications from the biometals I had granted to Second Stand and Flint Shard pinging from the direction of a large church.

“Always a bad feeling when churches are involved. Always a bad feeling.” I mumbled to myself though I didn’t know why I would feel that. It wasn’t due to not feeling things usually though. It was more a strange sensation since I hadn’t seen any form of religion yet in this world. The only god like being I had seen was Discord and he was an asshole.

Then there was an explosion that sounded out from that direction as fire spread from the base of the church upwards.

“Useless.” Crystal Shears muttered at the prone body before her.

“I know.” Arum answered in the same voice… as if the individuality had been restored.

“Worthless.” Shears reminded as she threw the body on a slab of stone.

“I know.” Arum agreed instantly.

Crystal Shears said nothing more as she looked over the small facility before her. Though calling it a facility would be overly generous.

Long ago, after Corundum first killed his father, he had found a small cave southeast of the Crystal Empire. Over the course of two months and several severed unicorn horns he had created a small research lab to use for his study on golems. There was a small writing desk and several dozens of stone slabs where volunteers would lie upon while they were operated on. Several prototype golems lined the walls in various states of completion though none of them would ever be completed.

Until Corundum had made contact with the Umbrum, none of the golems would have functioned longer than a week. Corundum allowed only a small modicum of relief wash over him as he began to operate on the large thestral body. The buster shot as it was called had done a number on the internal arcane circuitry created by the crystals that had been lodged into Arum’s body. In fact, without that many crystals forced into the body he was certain that it would have been annihilated through sheer firepower.

The body had also lost its cool. He wasn’t even certain if he had said too much during combat either. All he knew was that it had become more complicated now. That traitor… he had been given favor. Favor by his god. Shears grinded her teeth at the very thought that that bastard had been given his birthright. Only he was allowed to ascend.

Instead he had been hybridized. Made in his image. Infuriating. Anger coursed through whatever organic parts were left within Shears’ body.

Compacting that anger away for later, Shears pulled out several flasks. Each flask was filled to the brim with pony blood. It didn’t matter what race it was. She poured it into the wounds that littered Arum’s body and they slowly started to seal back up. It was a large design flaw. This wasn’t the body that Corundum hoped for if it could be incapacitated so easily.

“We need more.” Shears growled out.

“Yes. More…” Arum growled out in kind.

Until then Corundum would be out of commission… if only for the moment.

Author's Note

There we go. Finally finished this new chapter. Enjoy this, the second to last chapter of this arc.

XXXII. Reflect (unedited)

Flames licked the walls of the former church and the smell of burning flesh filled the air. Luna, Clover, Diamond Shard and a thestral burst through the church doors leaving behind the sound of a creature screaming bloody fury. I immediately raised my buster and switched over to Goo Shaver. While it wasn’t the most idea weapon for dealing with flames… it was the only one I had on me at this point. I was discounting Shotgun Ice because it didn’t have enough coverage to deal with those flames.

“Incoming!” A voice rang out of the darkness as Flint was flung out of the building skidding to a halt. Stand was not so lucky as he tumbled out rolling around the ground digging it up as he did so.

“I hate falls…” Stand muttered though he quickly stood back up rolling to his hooves in sheer defiance of whatever was crawling out of the church.

I quickly shot at the flames ignoring the creature inside. The flames needed to be contained before they spread through the town. Whatever had been in the building was not more important than the ponies who lived in this town. I shot several arcing shots before charging up Goo Shaver and tossing the ice blocks over the flames. It barely did the job and the ice would take some time to melt with how strange the weapon was.

Before I could charge up another shot a large tentacle of slime that was made of shadows slithered out of the open door. I switched weapons and fired off a stream of buster shots at the tentacle. It faltered under the assault retreating back into the building. Stand and Flint joined at my sides, Stand with his beam sabres and Flint with his autocannons, ready to meet the enemy head on.

The church roof burst open as a large shadow thestral about five times the size of a regular thestral broke out. Of course the bat wings were made of jewel shards and the tentacles that were coming out of the stomach writhed around. One in particular looked burnt which made me notice that my buster wasn’t set for safety precautions. It was set to kill on contact and I had to mentally place different stopgaps since there were still several moving signals being monitored on the proximity sensor. They were also not behind where I was standing so I knew that the ponies I came for were still okay.

“So… I got the tentacles on the left…” I quietly joked if only to ease the tension that my two partners seemed to ooze out of their bodies.

“Right… I mean right for me.” Stand joined in though it was stiff and clearly he wanted no part of my joking around at the moment but still played it off.

“So what? I have to deal with the head?” Flint asked in all seriousness clearly not getting the joke.

“What? No… look. In all seriousness some of us have to go deal with saving the ponies of this village,” I stopped Flint from interrupting me by placing my hand over his mouth, “ and I want no racist remarks about thestrals. Just get the families out of danger while I deal with the dark mass of shadows. I’m expendable. You two aren’t. Now chop chop…” I made motions with my hands of chopping my left hand against my buster.

They both scowled at me and I shot the ground beneath their hooves making them realize that I was being serious and that I used the shot to punctuate the point. They both quit scowling and raced off to save the survivors.

I knew it was rude. I knew that it would be unwise of me to fight another monster alone. I had fought Corundum with Hurricane but the citizens had to come first. If I did try and restart the Maverick Hunters in a sense now… I would need them to always put the innocent first. It was easier for someone who was born instead of created to find their morality. Even my own morality came from my human soul mingling with the robotic half. The upside of being the only machine in what was a medieval setting was that no one could copy my design in any meaningful way. It would take them years just to figure out metallurgy in ways that went beyond weaponry.

I shut off my train of thought and focused on the creature far above as the flames kept rising up the tower. It looked ready to take off for parts unknown leaving me with few options. I charged up Homing Torpedo and waited until the wings were at the largest span. Releasing the trigger sent numerous fish like torpedoes soaring through the sky impacting on the wings.

The creature was unstable and clearly unused to its size as the wings shattered almost instantly. It had flapped a bit off the tower only to be sent hurtling back inside the building. Knowing that that wasn’t enough to take it out I dashed into the building ignoring the cries of the Princess.

Stand cut through a few burning doors taking care to keep his swings small. The beam sabers easily tore through the wood as the armor on him seemed to know where thestrals were hiding. This let him get all survivors he found out of the danger zone.

Flint was much slower through since his armor was more for combat he was only able to use his hooves to break through weakened walls. That gave enough time for the families stuck by flames to jump out of the large holes he created. It took a while before both could regroup with their charges. In the entirety of their patrol the sound of shots from the church echoed around the blazing inferno filling them with dread they didn’t know they had.

“Hm… you two seem to be familiar… Second Stand? Is that you?” Clover called out as the two returned to the front of the church.

“You didn’t recognize me Clover?” Stand gawked as he was bombarded by the most sudden curveball ever. The armor didn’t hide his face.

“Honestly I was too worried about the gnashing creature ready to strip the marrow from my bone. What the buck did you expect me to be thinking rationally!?” Clover went from sarcastic to irrational which left Luna tittering. Diamond Shard trotted up to Flint and within moments of looking into his eyes hugged his leg.

“Okay… okay, fine. Just a little weird. We’ve known each other for at least a couple years already.” Stand brushed the back of his head.

“As amusing as thy troubles be, where is Sir X?” Luna composed herself as she asked the million bit question.

“Damn it. Flint we should go help him out now.” Stand shook his head and coerced him away from Diamond.

“Stay here lil sis. I have big problems to deal with.” Flint called out as he was dragged from the scene.

“Okay Big Bro… I call your armor if you get a boo boo!” Diamond called out which at the very least earned some levity for the others as Sacred Glade sighed.

“We really should try containing the fire now…” Sacred Glade voiced as she was still a bit scared to do so since the prisoners her leader had gone to capture were now free… even though in all likeliness Primrose was probably dead at this point. She was uncertain… but the creature’s face had looked familiar.

“We would love to but for the moment I have this terrible affliction, a malaise if you will, upon me.” Luna sweetly sauntered up to the thestral lifting her chin to look her in the eyes. “Now release this bucking ring upon my horn!” Luna instantly went into pissed off mode clearly channeling her inner royalty. The blast of her lungs caused a few of the flames to sputter out by the sheer strength of her voice.

“Right… away… “ Glade mumbled out as she was laid out into a ln awkward position that was merely embarrassing rather than revealing.

“Glad I wasn’t on the end of that…” Clover muttered under her breath to a giggling folly who enjoyed the Princess’ antics.

Thirty minutes prior…

I had dashed into the building. The flames were messing with the infrared sensors in my eyes leaving me partially covering my eyes. It was unnecessary but I still had a human soul. I still had feelings within me that kept habits I used to exhibit more often than not. My nostalgia wavered as I looked where the monster had fallen. It had created another hole beneath the podium where whomever ran this convent. I ignored the now burning corpses that had littered the wall… there was already enough to deal with without bringing the dead into this.

Screeching called out from the hole and I switched to Spike Ball. I charged a shot and jumped into the hole. A large thorn covered ball released out of my buster and bounced around the room knocking whatever tentacles had come to stop my descent. It backed up further into the mausoleum breaking through the stone walls that made up the catacombs. I kept firing Spike Ball into the creature forgoing charged shots just to keep damage upon the monster.

It immediately lunged through the continuous shot ramming me into the walls and tearing through whatever was in the way until I was shoved two meters into the dirt crunching several pony skeletons which had been entombed within. I headbutt whatever I could making it flinch back and switched over to Storm Tornado. The burst of air knocked it back with the added bonus of taking the debris back and smashing into the creature. It slammed into the ground using the gems to lock itself in place.

It cried… in a very feminine manner before grabbing several coffins and tossing them my way. It forced me to dash through the open holes in the wall using the still intact walls as cover. The force it threw them at went through the walls lodging themselves as I rushed past each sudden crash. I switched over to Firefly Laser and charged up.

Firefly Laser on its own was a very situational weapon. It created a small firefly drone which was controlled remotely to hit objects in twisted passageways. It also locked my motor functions until I took damage or hit my target. For a fight like this it was useless… until I took stock of the charge shot function. As soon as the last coffin was thrown I bolted from cover using an air dash to dodge a few of the bodies that the creature had used as projectiles.

As I got closer several tentacles shot out from the creature’s underside doing their best to stop me from getting any closer. I powered through tearing the tentacles off as I brought my buster up to the creature’s torso. A large beam of energy fired out causing me to skid back a bit which made it easier for the tentacles grab me. The beam burned through the torso and the smell of burning flesh filled the stale air.

The tentacles writhed letting me tear off the ones that didn’t let go through sheer strength. Distracted… I didn’t notice the bodies that had fallen out of the shadow creature until I turned my buster back on it. They were the mummified remains of the bodies that had been interned within this crypt. I didn’t know if it was a trick of the shadows enveloping us or my sensors being on the fritz from the brawl but it looked as though it had shrunk.

“So… you’re a parasite then?” I questioned out loud though I never expected it to answer me.

“Corundummmmm~ Killllllll~ Himmmmm~” It answered me… in a haunting feminine tone that seemed to be… enjoying what was happening. Though the tone shifted back unexpectedly. “Saaaaave theeeeeeeemmmm~ “

“Who?” I finally replied after a small bit of trepidation. It didn’t answer anymore and charged forward forgetting its pain.

Switching to Homing Torpedo I jumped onto the wall kicking off it as I let several volleys of torpedos to track their target. The creature tanked the shots letting out more body parts from its shadow, all of which were mummified remains. The explosions rang out causing the creature to lose its momentum which allowed me to catch the beast in my grasp. I was forced backwards struggling against the speed at which it rushed forward tearing grooves in the floor with my armored greaves.

Before it could work its way into pummeling me a large shockwave of green energy smacked into the creature’s side knocking it further into the catacombs. Flint landed… partially winded from the conflict before hand. Stand floated down quickly after brandishing his beam sabers ready to strike… only to notice that the creature had been flung away.

“Hey! I thought we agreed to take it together.” Stand complained as he glared at Flint.

“Then move faster.” Flint growled out. “We would have made it at the same time if you hadn’t wanted to float in on style.”

“Style counts for some things, got it! It separates us from animals and makes us more than instinct driven beasts.” Stand countered.

“Now if that actually meant something in combat maybe you wouldn’t have needed X to deal with Corundum.” Flint snarked out trying to make his point while the creature growled in the back… something they both ignored.

“Weren’t you on the side that got spanked. I’m pretty sure assholishness needs to be beaten out of the incompetent.” Stand snidely stated as he stared down Flint.

“Ooh… let me show you how much of an asshole I can be when my backhoof goes so far up your ass that they’ll be calling you horseshoe instead.” Flint puffed up as they trained their hooves against each other.

I stepped over to the two and with a quick swing of both my arms I hit them both on the head making them create craters in the floor about a foot in diameter and eight inches deep. They were lucky to be wearing armor since I wasn’t in the mood to be dealing with this any longer than I had to.

“Shut up. Fight that.” I ordered as they picked themselves off the ground. “Any more fighting and I’ll put you through a training course that involves one hundred rounds of combat against me… no armor.”

“Yessir!” They both shouted as the creature got back up. They were both clearly freaked out with how coldly I stated the consequences for disobeying would be. I wasn’t serious but the lack of emotion in my tone would always sound scary and intimidating whenever I did use said tone.

The creature screamed as Flint and I opened fire, him with his autocannons and me with my buster, peppering it with shots. Depending on how many corpses it had absorbed while the two had saved our charges would determine just how much we would have to hurt it to kill it. Stand zoomed forward, blades outstretched, and tore off whatever limb the edges touched. It knocked off the limbs but the body regenerated the damage.

“I hate shadow monsters!” Stand cried out as he was knocked off course by a stray tentacle.

Flint and I were knocked to the side as it merely bulldozed through our barrage of fire. Several mummified corpses fell out completely turning to dust leaving the creature back to stumbling around once again.

“Saaave theeeeem~ aaaaaallllllll…” It cried out before turning back to us. Several mantis claws tore out of its shoulder and menacingly paces around Flint and me.

I switched to Fire Wave and prepared myself. Stand was breaking out of the small pile of rubble he had been tossed to while Flint powered up his hooves.

It was a veritable Mexican standoff at this point. The creature was smarter than it appeared using its size to either crash our defensible position or separate us into smaller groups. The worst part was the sheer agony the voice vocalized whenever it was able to speak. I wasn’t certain if that was the last dregs of what was most likely a mare’s equinity or a ploy to make it harder to end the threat.

It charged in almost suicidally forgoing all semblance of planning and cunning. I threw away all semblance of calmness and shot the flamethrower into the face of the creature. Stand came flying up above me and with a flick of his blades sent an energy beam in the shape of an X knocking the creature back. I withdrew my arm letting the flames do their work. Flint rushed forward and with a powerful leap shoved their right front hoof into the mass of shadows. The creature screamed as it was knocked through another wall.

It finally stopped moving allowing the three of us to finally get a closer look. The shadows receded leaving the burnt corpse of a small thestral mare. I couldn’t tell what color her mane used to be or her wings. We turned to leave disgusted by what was a perversion or what a pony was supposed to be.

A small cough stopped us.

The thestral was barely alive but the agonizing pain she was in kept her going most likely. I rushed over while Stand and Flint kept their distance.

“...why?” She coughed up, a small trail of ash pouring out of her mouth.

“Because you started a fight and trusted a monster.” I answered trying to guess what she was talking about.

“No… why save them… not us?” She asked. I couldn’t tell if she was crying but her eyes had been burnt out from the shadows leaving burnt out sockets where they once were.

“They found me first. If you had I probably would have followed your lead.” I grimaced at the thought. She had wanted to do something important but I didn’t know what.

“I wanted… us to be… important… to save them…” The mare quietly mentioned as the jewel on her chest shattered and she melted into sludge staining the ground with a deep black scar.

I looked on… while Stand and Flint turned away. There wasn’t much we could do at that point since there was no body to bury… no body to cremate… and no body to mourn over. Her words had been cryptic and without context to any of us. She, whomever she was, died ignominiously. A leader who followed a path that led to the death of several of her ponies.

Corundum had a hoof in all of this. A wing as well given the state of the body he took. It also registered estrogen on the deeper scans that my own sensors were pushing.

“I would have liked to speak with her… even if it had gone south I would have.” I spoke to no one in particular and Flint and Stand finally worked up the spine to stand beside me and look at the remains, or lack thereof.

“We did our duty… even if I’m the only soldier here at the moment.” Stand replied though his gaze always seemed to want to look away.

“We were both soldiers…” Flint growled out though he left it at that and turned to me. “Look we do what we have to because there is no choice. Look was Geode did… at least from what I noted before he died. He made sure to do his damndest to make Mi Amore Concerto cry. Anything to get his jollies off. While this mare certainly didn’t deserve this, as a leader she made her choice. It wasn’t the best choice but she followed it regardless.”

“She didn’t have a choice! She was made into a monster against her will!” Stand argued seemingly fed up.

“She made the choice to use those red crystals. That is her mistake. While everything else was out of her hooves… this choice wasn’t. She made her choice and this is what it cost her.” Stand evenly stated clearly not wanting to let his emotions take charge like Stand.

I didn’t care much for their little dick measuring contest, which to the untrained eye it didn’t look like one, but I didn’t really want to get involved unless it broke into combat. I kneeled down and allowed the sensors to fully analyze the remaining black sludge.

Magic… thaumic readings all over the place but lower than what I read from Star Swirl. It was just enough to keep a large animal alive. That was the kicker though. I briefly wondered if the shadows created from the crystals were merely using their hosts like war beasts rather than anything else. The soul was most likely Corundum’s and he made it clear his contempt for all organic imperfect life.

“Boss. We should head out.” Flint caught my attention.

“Boss? When’d we start that?” I hardened my stare though hopefully to look confused rather than angry.

“Just now. Look we need to get out there for damage control. Also those rings on my sister’s horn need to come off.” Flint responded as he quietly started trotting towards the entrance.

“Well he does have the right idea… “ Stand reluctantly agreed and followed Flint back up.

I looked back at the stains one last time before heading up with them. In truth that was the first time I killed someone that still was able to think and feel. It may have been a group effort to stop her… but I was the one who burned her body to the point that she was at.

“Right… let's get out of here.” I followed after the pair leaving whatever regrets I had gained buried within the mausoleum.

“What dost thou mean you can’t get it off!” Luna screamed as we climbed out of the ash ridden church.

It seemed like the thestrals had gathered severals cloud and a slight downpour had started. Magnus had spoken about it during our conversation detailing the weather patterns by pegasi. I supposed that thestrals were the same. It was… enlightening to have the rain also wash the ashes off our armors. It was almost as though we were being purified though with controllable weather it made the god like act rather mundane.

“You good there?” I walked over to the group causing Luna to quiet down as she turned to face me. She was still clearly intimidated by me… though most ponies were since I was taller than most of them. Had she stood on her back legs she would most likely reach my height.

“Verily X. I am just… absolutely livid… that they can not remove these rings upon our horns. None of the ponies here can. All the ones with knowledge were apparently taken during the golem attack. So while I am sad of their fate this overwhelming anger is making it very hard to keep calm.” Luna growled out even as her tiny form made her look adorable.

“Right.” I looked over the ring noticing that it was a very simple mechanism. Push in the locks and remove the ring which made me very concerned. The fact that all the ruling class had this knowledge but the working class didn’t was unnerving. I quietly placed my fingers on the mechanism and pulled the ring off easily to the shock of everyone there. I did the same for Clover and Shard and pocketed the rings for later analysis.

“H-how did you do that?” The small thestral stepped up to me completely confused over what happened.

“I examined them and intuitively removed them. I don’t think anymore than that needs to be said.” I answered. “Now… who’s going to be in charge of you now cause I don’t think you have any leaders now.”

The thestral buckled at that thought, ears splayed down and looking utterly broken at that revelation. It didn’t help that several more thestrals came out of their homes, all of varying sizes and ages. This left us in a very precarious position. It wouldn’t affect us badly but this entire community had the head cut off leaving nothing but the tail to thrash around. Corundum had done a clean job of killing something even if he didn’t mean to do so. His goal was clearly that one body he had fully manifested within.

“I don’t know…” She answered back clearly lost in her thoughts after everything that had happened.

Luna seemed to be the most affected by this situation if the smoldering embers of her rage subsided. It wasn’t until Clover took me aside that I didn’t know what to do about them. Stand kept watch of the crowd while Flint didn’t seem to care about anything more than his younger sister.

“Yes Clover?” I finally stated in a quiet voice.

“We should contact the others. I can send a message back to them now that my horn is free.” Clover mentioned clearly hesitant to do so.

“Why are you - You’re wondering who to send it to.” I sighed as I rubbed the space between my eyes since the frustration was threatening to break my blocked emotions.

“I can send it to anypony but I was wondering who to prioritize. Especially since I have the feeling this needs to be handled discreetly.” Clover whispered under his breath.

“Send it to Star Swirl and add a note about only allowing Hurricane and Mistmane to come along.” I advised and looked over the situation more clearly. “Also Somnambula if she is there. This place needs more hope since Platinum is still with Concerto at the moment.”

“What about Puddinghead and the other Pillars?” He questioned looking a bit confused.

“I need someone to stay there to keep an eye on Aegis.” I bluntly stated. “There are still several POW’s I kept after they attacked the fortress.”

“Ah… Did you hurt them?” Clover cautiously asked.

“No but I made them scared. It was either that or let actual justice take hold. What did you think would happen if Aegis got his hooves on them?” I questioned back clearly unamused at this point.

“I’ll send the message now then.” Clover nervously chuckled before his horn lit up and the message was sent.

It took three hours before Hurricane and Star Swirl showed up. For some reason the other Pillars hadn’t come.

“Ah Luna! You’re okay!” Star Swirl rushed up to the small lunar princess giving her a hug.

“Release me Star Swirl! Thou are embarrassing me!” Luna struggled under the care while a few of us chuckled at the sight. Hurricane instead rushed up to me. He let his eye look over Stand and Flint clearly looking for an explanation.

“Hurricane. Good to see you so prompt. What about the others I wanted to be here?” I brought up derailing him from starting this conversation.

“Aegis needed to be kept quiet. Some to keep Celestia safe so he couldn’t push her into listening to her anger and others to keep him from finding your prisoners.” Hurricane succinctly brought up stopping me from asking more. “Now what about this?”

“I used some of my own parts to give them armor. It should last another twelve hours before it turns back to energy. They’re difficult for me to make last longer than a day and for those that don’t match their energy signatures.” I explained though I omitted that I could make a few more after I found some more of the capsules which held my abilities. He gave me that look… the kind of look that said that he was on to my little game but would hold back for the moment.

“Fine. What about the situation here?” He moved on to the next topic but I pushed Stand forward to speak.

“Sir!” Stand saluted. “At approximately 1600 hours we engaged with several crystal golems. All of them oozed the same shadow as one, Goring Corundum, who was killed at the very least one week ago. Due to the constant barrage we assume that the entire military wing of this settlement was used as raw materials for this makeshift army. At a certain point it was clear that Corundum was using said golems as host bodies and completely creeped the shit out of me. I would literally be placing bricks had X not been here.”

“Stand… facts only. Don’t need to know about bodily functions.” I stated in an even tone which got him to quickly break back on track.

“Right, Sorry. At that moment X allowed the two modules to attach to us and give us these new armors you see before you. We assaulted the town knocking down several golems and made our way into the church. According to Sacred Glade, that mare there,” Glade waves nervously as she was pointed out by Stand, “gave us the information of our Princess’ whereabouts. Once within we found them trapped within the mausoleum. Unfortunately we also found their leader, Miss Primrose, slowly changing into a monster similar to eyewitness reports of what Corundum turned into. We were forced to take care of the creature though even in her death throes there still seemed to be some equinity left in her. Whatever Corundum had promised her he made certain to pay it back in the worst way possible.” Stand summarized as quickly as he could.

“Very well-“ Hurricane started only for Stand to continue.

“I mean seriously there were tentacles and scythes everywhere and she screamed like some unholy beast. A part of me thought she was going to go around skewering ponies after she grew crystal wings.” Stand continued only for Flint to bop him on the head.

“Ow! What the Tartarus!” Stand glared at his companion who forced his head back to Commander Hurricane. He was displeased.

“Second Stand.” Hurricane growled out as he forced him to look him in the eyes.

“Y-yes?” Stand stuttered out.

“Shut. Up!” Hurricane snarled out which made Stand clam up. Flint didn’t even take advantage of the moment to snicker at him with the glare Hurricane sent his way. “X, what about Corundum?”

“He found a unicorn horn somewhere and used it to escape. As to where? I can’t say for sure. Even my sensors have a small range and I can’t figure out magical teleports just yet.” I explained. I could only tell they went north but that was it. Where exactly north was beyond my capabilities. Though one of my sensors did read higher than average levels of magic. Discord levels of magic in fact.

I kept quiet and merely left my thoughts on the matter locked for the moment. Discord obviously thought of this as a game and seemed to keep a veritable group of players ready for anything… which meant keeping some of them out of my range. As much as I could wipe Corundum out now, Discord most likely would get in my way and I wasn’t anywhere close to ready to handle him.

I needed to find more capsules but I never received any pings for that set of tech in this neck of the woods. I would have to check elsewhere whenever I had the chance. Hurricane finished barking orders to Stand and Flint who took stance next to Star Swirl and Clover.

Their armor recoiled back and the two modules floated back to me. They looked surprised that that had happened.

“What? I need to make them better and we’re out of combat already. Besides magic doesn’t affect me much so that would make it harder for you to get back home given how Star Swirl and Clover are posed.” I mentioned as the two modules returned to my body into a small compartment on it. Truthfully, as soon as it entered they returned to an energy form and melded back into my circuitry.

“We shall be returning in two days to get the political situation in better hooves. Sacred Glade will be taking charge while we discuss whom will keep this community together till then.” Hurricane announced as he joined the group.

“We shall see you back at the fortress X.” Star Swirl waved which both Luna and Diamond Shard copied though much faster.

The large discharge of magic left me alone with Sacred Glade who was clearly intimidated about my presence. She looked up to me quite literally and I looked down to her. I kneeled down to remain on even footing with her metaphorically though. She seemed to shudder at my proximity but her eyes showed exactly how much fear she was holding on to.

“So… perhaps we should get the ponies somewhere safer. Would help them escape the rain.” I mentioned which seemed to get the wheels turning and something clicked in her mind.

“Right… I’ll get them ready. Please give me a moment… scary crystal golem… X, I mean. That’s what I said, X. I said that.” She stumbled over her words before flapping off to get the thestrals into order.

I ignored the comment since it didn’t really bother me. I was mostly fine with the comment since that was the role I was playing. Even if I used reploid I would still be equated to a golem in the context of this world. This displaced bullshit was really confusing me since I didn’t really care about whatever overarching crap was going on with the rest of the people trapped in this situation. Most probably had years to get used to this while I had at most a month at the very least.

A month of volunteering for war, surviving death, killing monsters, and generally keeping my humanity from faltering under everything I had done in that month. At most I could say I’ve killed three sentient beings. Diode may have been through circumstance but Corundum and Primrose were done with purpose. A part of me was fine with the outcome but Primrose left a sour taste in my mouth.

She didn’t deserve what happened to her but at the same time she paved her own road to destruction with the choices she made. It was very much that no matter where you went, the world was always left in shades of grey.

I shelved those thoughts for later and followed with random groups. Using Goo Shaver, I extinguished whatever leftover smoldering wrecks were still near the church. The thestrals were still very wary of what I was keeping their distance except in the most dire circumstances. It took the better part of the night before we finished securing the town from any more random fires breaking out.

It was during this trek that I found something really weird in one of the wreckages. It was a thalassa shell on a keychain. The thaumic scans revealed that it had similar energy to the item I received from Wyatt.

I cringed since dealing with that world got me dragged into a world where Kamen Rider was the main drive. A thalassa shell meant that something Kingdom Hearts was on its way. I didn’t want to deal with it. I really didn’t so before the shell could say it’s random spiel I placed it in the same compartment as the rider item and ignored that I ever found it. When I wasn’t busy repairing things and out of a populated area I would see what it did.

It had taken a while and my own lack of sleeping had freaked out the thestrals enough that only Sacred Glade had the spine to stick around me. I had used Boomerang Cutter as a makeshift buzzsaw cutting down whichever trees they marked to repair their homes. The church was left alone as a smoldering mess… especially after the ritual sacrifices were revealed. The charred bodies that were found apparently had been loved ones who had spoken out against Primrose though it had only happened after Corundum had come to the city.

Star Swirl returned with the five thestrals who I had kept captured alongside Celestia and Luna. He also had Puddinghead with them as well. That was a weird thing though since Celestia still had red eyes she was barely recovering from the lack of her sister.

“So what’s the verdict?” I asked Star Swirl as Puddinghead and Sacred Glade got into a discussion.

“We’ve decided to integrate the thestrals into Equestrian society with a new pact system. Since they had captured Luna they will pledge themselves under her sovereignty forever more. It was her suggestion… and while I’m proud of her forging her way towards becoming a ruler. Well, I can’t help but to worry about the circumstances.” Star Swirl whispered over to me keeping his voice down.

“It does seem a bit strange. I’m guessing there was opposition?” I wondered aloud keeping my voice pointed at him.

“Like you wouldn’t believe. Most from the army, of course. I’m sure I don’t have to mention names.” Star Swirl gave me that look. The look of pure annoyance condensed over a thousand times.

“No I got it. I’m guessing there is a reason he still stands as one of the armies best and brightest then?” I snidely remarked leaving disgust evident near the end.

“He saved the life of all three leaders during a terrorist attack. For his bravery he was commended but his attitude to other races was swept under the rug. Politics, the most disgusting of words. Because of that moment he has some clout with defense policies in our burgeoning nation. Truthfully without him we would have long been gone.” Star Swirl admitted though reluctantly. He seemed to be sucking in air through a straw with how hard this was to say.

“Who made it pass?” I looked as Sacred and Puddinghead looked over a large scroll most likely housing the treaty.

“Celestia of all ponies was the one who pushed it through. She stated that all ponies needed a chance to live and gave Aegis one of the most smoldering glares I’ve ever seen. Though since Luna had returned I could tell she was still very emotional.” Star Swirl admitted as the guards all kneeled swearing loyalty to Luna who looked so bashful at the notion.

“Looks like things are being taken well at least.” I pointed out glad to see something good come of this.

“Indeed. We shall be heading back to the fortress and working out on whom we need to check on next. The report I received from Second Stand was worrying. Corundum… the bastard still walks amongst us. We need to make allies quick because he, out of all the monsters in this world, is the most dangerous. Even with that spirit about he at the very least is passive in his mischief.” Star Swirl snorted clearly pissed off by something.

“Sounds good. Give me a few days though before you plan anything out. I’m… tired for the moment. Plus I need to start a project which should take me those few days.” I admitted since I didn’t really need to keep this a secret… but I needed to keep it close to the vest. While I hadn’t sensed Discord spying on me, I was unwilling to divulge too much.

“Hm? A project? I would ask but I can tell that you want to play this by ear. That suits me just fine. In my day I hid a lot of secrets just because it seemed like a good idea at the time. I should probably figure out if I’ve forgotten anything sometime.” Star Swirl chuckled good naturedly waving off the worry. It left me a bit lighter and I allowed myself to smile.

“Yeah. When I get back we’ll go after the next mark.” I nodded which got him to smile back.

We both assured both sides that the thestrals would be integrated into Equestrian society. The principality has grown once more including a large section of Hollow Shades. In time messages would be sent out to the other settlements detailing the merger. From what little I wanted to glean and the information Nana catalogued thestrals would work for Luna when she came of age. They would be integrated into the rest of their culture albeit adding their culture to the principality.

As soon as all the talks were done I made a few decisions about what I was going to do. Star Swirl gathered the girls together and teleported them back to the fortress. Luna and Celestia seemed confused that I wasn’t going with them though they couldn’t voice their opinion anymore. Sacred Glade watched me carefully, a look of wonder painted across her face.

“Um… will you be staying?” Glade carefully brought up clearly uncertain about the situation.

“No… but before I go I wanted to ask you something. What did you do here exactly?” I sat down on the grass ready to listen. Nana had left it in my itinerary before I commenced my own project.

“Me? Um, well, I guess I was a secretary. I compiled Primrose’s schedule and the more mundane aspects of the economy of this town in particular.” Glade listed off the small qualifications which at the very least Nana approved of.

“Hm… I see. Well when this merger takes place I would like to speak with you about something important.” I mentioned offhandedly as I placed my face in one of my palms resting it against one of my legs.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have any feelings for you that way.” Glade immediately barked out clearly unamused.

“Wasn’t going to ask that at all.” I shot back.

“Oh… buck.” Glade covered her face with her wings and got really small. She was so embarrassed it was almost funny.

“You know what I did for Flint and Stand, right?” I quickly returned the conversation back to what I wanted to bring up.

“Yes… what about that?” Glade looked a bit mystified since all she had seen was the armor in action.

“Come later on I may need you to join me for something like that. A project of my own that may revolutionize the world. I doubt it but you never know what anyone of us could be capable of.” I slyly states keeping it quiet what I wanted.

“Uh… okay I guess. Once this merger happens I kind of want to stay out of politics.” Glade clumsily agreed clearly unsure of what I was speaking of.

“Mind if I get that in writing?” I asked before I forgot. It was best to get a contract in before things could get complicated.

“Ugh… fine. I hate paperwork even more than ever and I’ve been working with it my entire life.” Glade groaned as she brought out a small scroll and using one of her wingtips bit through the flesh to get some blood out.

She quickly signed a short contract stating she agreed to help me with something at an unspecified date once the merger took place. The wound bother me until I noticed that it had clotted over much quicker than I expected.

“Here. Keep it safe and I’ll honor it you weird golem, you.” She muttered the last part under her breath.

I nodded and placed the scroll inside my arm compartment as well. Giving a short salute I stepped away from her and activated my teleport unit. My target was the Foal Mountain cave I started excavating. I needed to start building something for myself.

I needed to make sure I had a life outside of being a protector of ponies. This was a large world and there were plenty of other species out there. Being exclusive to one meant nothing but suspicion and derision in one form or the other.

I would start something bigger than me. Perhaps this world could use Maverick Hunters. With Corundum still out there it was looking to be a better and better idea. I also had to look into Project Harmony as well.

This world was changing and whether it was for better or for worse I couldn’t stop it. I could only go with the flow.

“My, my, my… look at you. Quite the predicament you have yourself in now don’t you?” Discord chuckled as he floated around the changeling queen.

“Buck you! I am fine!” Chrysalis screeched as we swatted a hoof at the chaotic serpent.

“Sure you do. And I am the avatar of the Flying Spaghetti Monster here to grant your heart’s desire. Meatballs are extra though.” Discord scowled as he pushed a talon into her muzzle.

“Be serious!” Chrysalis cried out before wincing back into her seat. The attack by that… shadow thing had drained her dry of almost all her magic.

“Oh I am. That’s my day job on the astral plane. But if I must be serious…” Discord rolled his eyes as he got comfortable. Though comfortable would be him floating around in strange patterns. Chrysalis wasn’t certain why but she could tell Discord was signaling something. Most likely an insult.

“What do you want!? I need rest and I’d rather not have to deal with your sorry flank while I’m recovering.” Chrysalis sneered as she looked at all her trapped subjects held back by licorice whips and cotton candy chains. Chocolate had frozen over several changelings

“Let’s cut to the chase then. I know you faced a shadow creature a while back and I wanna know where he is.” Discord own charismatic grin disappeared turning into a solemn stare which Chrysalis found unnerving.

“What do I get out of it?” Chrysalis pounced on that train of thought.

“You get to keep your limbs?” Discord innocently stated making Chrysalis flinch from the abruptness. He soon fell into mad cackling. “Oh you should see your face. Priceless!”

“Stop with these shenanigans! I don’t want to deal with this!” Chrysalis barked back making Discord slowly falter back to simple chortling.

“Fine, fine. I’ll feed you some ‘love’ and give you some information. More than enough for information, isn’t it?” Discord smiled… but he let his fangs show all too easily.

Chrysalis held back a stifling remark. As much as she hated this, she needed to get back up to snuff. The drones were very much incapable of gathering love on their own without razing a town or two. Her own fangs grinded as she quickly weighed her options. With that heavy weight on her back she made a deal.

“Fine. If it gets you out of my mane then by all means let’s make a deal.” Chrysalis grunted, disdain and disgust dripping from her mouth.

“Neat.” Discord answered as he pulled out a small ball of love energy. To Chrysalis it smelled of narcissism and joy. Paltry and barely good enough she took the energy and got back to her hooves.

“As for your info… last time my drones checked in that shadow creature was skimming along the waters towards the dragon lands. That volcano island they use for their useless rituals and whatnot.” Chrysalis admitted with a sigh.

“Thank ya kindly little lady. And as for my own info, you heard, right? How the ponies have some new muscle on their side. He’s a bit ignorant about how the world works. Would be easy to trick said person into becoming allies, wouldn’t it? Of course that’s just me pondering out loud and you know how much I love to hear myself talk. After all that’s what I get told all the time especially by you… yes you the reader… I can see how much glee you get. Seeing my antics, well who could blame you. But I’ll be playing it close to the vest this time.” Discord smirked all the while Chrysalis tried her best to ignore the antics of madness personified.

“You done? Good, leave then. I have planning to do.” Chrysalis scowled as she watched Discord’s every movement.

“Yes yes. Keep your chitin on. Don’t want to disturb another player at the table while she schemes.” Discord chuckled and with a snap of his fingers he vanished off to Faust knows where.

Chrysalis pondered the serpent’s last words. She was included at the table as his equal… no. She wasn’t an equal in his eyes. A player he called her. Which meant that there were several more players that were scheming and plotting. She quickly organized her troops. She needed to use his information to her advantage even if she was remiss to go into a honeypot sting on the words of a Chaos spirit.

“Lacewing! Front and center!” Chrysalis screamed out. Her voice echoed through the hive for her soldier to arrive.

Discord appeared several meters away from the shadow creature stopping it from moving closer to the dragonlands.

“Stygian! My boy, my friend, how goes it!” Discord immediately knocked the Pony of Shadows off guard and into a hoof shake.

“Unhand me! Discord… ah Discord, to what do I owe the pleasure.” Stygian and the Shadows spoke as one, a doubling effect as both blended into one.

“Just wanted to say that as much as I enjoy your work I need you to stay away from them for now.” Discord scowled as he readied his talons.

“Laid your claim then. Say no more… I’ll abide by your whims for now then. How about you teleport me back to the Well of Shades then. I require some more darkness.” It spoke and asked keeping a sense of superiority which pissed Discord off. Still plans were plans and while his may have not made sense, he needed the pieces where they were needed.

“Of course old friend. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Discord sarcastically remarked placing an overemphasis over the word friend.

“Also for the record and our continued games… I am not Stygian. I am to be called the Pony of Shadows and nothing more.” It growled out clearly trying to be intimidating. To Discord it felt as though it was a mass of shadows but unlike the umbrum it had no set form.

“Of course.” Discord snapped his talons and the shadows all were warped back to their well.

“Now let’s play information broker then.” Discord grinned as he rubbed his paw and talon together.

Author's Note

Next chapter. So yeah probably gonna be a new crossover chapter. Only one chapter mind you. I won’t drag something like that out for long so yeah.

On more important matters this world seems to be moving faster doesn’t it? I’ll need to remember who’s next but for now one crossover chapter and then a new arc begins. Who will be part of it? Who can say lol.

XXXIII. Revile (unedited)

I landed right outside the entrance of the small cave I had started building before I had continued on towards Hollow Shades. I had barely gone in more than six meters. Fire Wave had run out of ammo before I could actually get anywhere in the first place. It was smack dab in the center of the highest peak of the mountain range. That alone gave me plenty of ideas on what I actually wanted to do. For an organization like the Maverick Hunters I needed something secret but nondescript. A mountain was honestly the best thing I could come up with.

Discord could find me easily. I expected it in fact. The moment he did I would blast him in the face with whatever weapon I had on call at the moment… though I doubted it would do much unless I had a better plan in the first place. For now that particular train of thought was left in the knee jerk reaction folder which to no surprise was held on by Fefnir.

‘Master X, if I may.’ Harpuia called out breaking me from my thoughts.

‘Yes?’ I stopped and kept my eye out to the forest instead of the hole.

‘I know you are trying to create a new branch of the maverick hunters within this world but are you sure that is wise? We are an outlier in all this and from what information we have gleaned during that meeting with Star Swirl and the Pillars and the treks through both the Crystal Empire and Hollow Shades; we do not belong. We are an anomaly. From what the other being told us and the energy being given off by these tokens you collected… we are but one of many dragged into a situation where our actions have dire consequences.’ Harpuia summarized and presented me relevant data which scrolled through my memories.

He was right on all accounts. We would change things and those changes wouldn’t always be for the better. We didn’t save the Crystal Empire, per se, but changed the fundamental course of history. I knew what this was given that I disappeared so soon after season eight had ended. I knew what land I was in after that incident with Wyatt.

I should have picked it up faster. The moment Discord was here I should have known what world I was in. His actions made me doubt that I was actually there. Hell, the name of the government was the Equestrian Principality. Was I really that stressed out? I had tuned out the more human thoughts because they hadn’t coped well with the transfer but there was a limit to the ignorance, wasn’t there?

In the end I made my decision.

‘Be that as it may we need to prepare for the changes in our own way. Corundum was far more dangerous than we first thought after we encountered him the first time in the Crystal Empire. If I were to compare him to someone it would be Sigma. A supremacist by any other name with a body count to match considering his first strike involved nuking Abel City back then.’ I mentally snarled as I finally made the connection in more than just thought, figuratively speaking.

‘Understood sir. I take it the battle in Hollow Shades made you come to this decision.’ Harpuia motioned as video footage played back of that crystal pegasus and the thestral body he took with him.

‘That was factor one. Factor two is that without me breaking those things, it’s a one to three slaughter most if not all the time. The golems are efficient killing machines and they take out ponies before they can be stopped. Honestly the best case scenario is that we stop Corundum permanently. As bad as Discord is he keeps to the no killing rule with the only exception being me.’ I placed the teleport unit back into my arm and switched over to Fire Wave.

‘There must be another reason otherwise you wouldn’t be so firm on this sir.’ Harpuia replied clearly knowing the answer. I was glad he was so direct on these matters at the very least. With me as I am it was necessary to be a bit more blunt both to get me to speak and to make a point.

‘They won’t be here forever. Hurricane is holding this place together alongside Puddinghead and Platinum. Even then Hurricane is the most militant and his righteous fury is the only thing keeping Aegis from staging a coup of some sort. If not now… then who knows when. Worse comes to worst I would need to step in to stop a rebellion from getting any further than that. His prejudice and racial bias is going to be a sick poison on this land until something happens to change that.’ I mentally explained before tunneling further into the mountain.

Due to the funneling properties of my buster I needed to evenly distribute the heat across a large area. Even with Fefnir’s assistance in modifying the power output there was always an uneven bump whenever I stopped. I couldn’t use a charged buster shot since it would go to far in before dispersing.

‘Master X, should we deal with Aegis now then?’ Fefnir brought up as I inspected the handiwork of melting stone. I switched to Shotgun ice and froze the stone allowing it to give off a lustrous sheen. It also blasted a whole bunch of steam out of the hole filling the area in fog.

‘Innocent until proven guilty. Just because he is an asshole of the highest level we can’t condemn him until he’s done something.’ I sighed and I switched over to Gaea Armor. I had run out of ammo again over twenty feet into the newly built cave.

It was quiet once again as Nana began to build an electronic map for me to navigate in the dark. I would get out and back into the fray soon enough but for the moment I needed to build some things up.The foundation for an organization I could let exist forever throughout history at least in some capacity.

‘Fefnir… attach to my armor like Harpuia had.’ I commanded to an affirmative.

My armor turned completely red as two large cannons appeared over my arms and my helmet had several protrusions grow out of it. It had a flamethrower and while I needed to switch weapons I decided it was worth the risk. I would have to increase the power in order to disintegrate anything but that would have been overkill.

Regardless I got to work on making a cavern which I could build into later.

It had taken a few hours tearing down trees to form posts to keep the cave from crumbling in on itself. At most it would only act to keep the structure sound until I could get metal panels ready to place within. The sun was at its lowest point now falling back to its restful slumber but still I had only gotten twenty feet of the tunnel done within the time so far.

I sat quietly over one of the fallen trees for a small break to watch the sun set finally. Curiosity finally managed to win out as I pulled out the small thalassa shell I had found in the wreckage of Hollow Shades. It shone lightly in the dimming sun as I held it gingerly in my palm. I had hear something being said when I first picked it up but ignored it as there were other matters that needed to be attended to. Now that I had time I decided to listen to what it had to said.

“So, this is Alex Lionheart. If you need help in a fight or just someone to talk to, I’m game. Just call me up and I’ll show up with a big dumb key-sword to do the thing.”

“Really…? That’s your message to others.” I muttered feeling a bit disappointed. Just from the words alone it sound unconfident and clearly unsure of what they were doing. Maybe I was too harsh in my assessment but I had dealt with someone who was trying to be the ideal hero. Perhaps my expectations were too high. “It doesn’t sound like you could figure out a way to get me metal though.”

“Oh getting metal is easy. You just shackle some dogs and make them dig.”

“No wonder the proximity sensor was going weird…” I turned up to whatever was speaking now. Honestly I had muted my emotions down to near non existent levels if only to stop the boredom and solitude from getting to me. “You are…?”

“I don’t expect you to recognize me, I have gotten quite the makeover.” An alicorn stood before me, her body seeming to be made of obsidian with cracks all over that pulsed with a reddish glow. “You would know me as that snotty little brat, with an annoying little sister.” A flaming mane waved in the air, crackling softly.

“Hm… you got uglier.” I answered almost immediately. I had also switched in Chameleon Sting just in case.

‘Celestia’ cackled, a set of fangs glittering in her muzzle. “You’re one to talk, you’re nothing but a living action figure.”

“Yup… with real kung fu grip action. Truly a higher calling had never been found.” I deadpanned, rolling my eyes. My buster had been charging in the meantime and thanks to Fefnir’s work turned off the glowing notification I gave whenever I charged my buster. “Well aside from the fangs and the punk rock look… I can tell you’re not here to exactly talk peacefully.”

“X, I’m hurt,” ‘Celestia; pouted, putting a hoof to her chest. “I’m just here to talk with you. It’s very hard to make time travel work and I only wanted to see you again. Why, today is the day you and Luna vanished.”

“Right… sounds bad. Though I really doubt you’re Celestia. Your magic levels are nowhere near matching to what she has right now. It’s almost as if your thaumic signature had been completely broken beyond repair. Though that would explain why you look as though someone beat you over the head with an ugly stick.” I answered in kind. Nana started placing several energy spikes ready to trigger within my armor and legs. “So… are you going to stop the act or are we going to be playing the game longer.”

‘Celestia’ scoffed, lowering her hoof. “Of course I’m not Celestia. I am Solar Flare.” Spreading flaming wings, the air around the alicorn began to shimmer and heat waves poured off of her molten body. “And you, you’re about to become a pile of slag.”

I released my charge shot turning intangible to any attacks and dashed over to the mountain wall switching over to the Falcon Armor. Using the energy spikes I flew straight for the peaks away from all my work and towards the east. I started cycling my weapons until I picked up Shotgun Ice and kept dashing across the peaks. The intangibility would wear off in only a few more seconds.

Like a rising star, Solar Flare rose into the sky. “How cute, hit and run, hm? Luna pulled that same trick too. Managed to stretch it out for a few centuries; all the while watching as I took her precious Equestria piece by piece.”

I answered by smashing a section of the mountain with my bare fists and threw a two ton boulder at the flaming alicorn.

Grabbing the boulder in deep red magic, Solar Flare orbited it around herself. “Come on, X, get creative.” With a kick, she sent it alight and rocketed the rock back at me.

I fired Shotgun Ice several times in succession. The weapon, while not the best freezing weapon, still had that property embedded within it. Fefnir made sure of it. As the rock reached me I punched it back, shattering it into shrapnel as billions of ice shards flew back towards Solar Flare.

With a visible yawn, Solar Flare expanded her fiery aura. The shrapnel melted before it even got within ten feet of her. “You’re a robot, surely you have more interesting things to use then that.”

I fired my charged buster. Luckily, the Falcon Armor had piercing properties in the buster shots and with her acting as calmly as she was along with the distraction of the shattered ice I had aimed through her neck. I switched weapons once again to Electric Spark and charged up keeping the charge on the backburner.

The shot connected, mostly because she didn’t even bother trying to avoid it. Judging by a sharp hiss of inhaling through gritted teeth; the fact that it actually hurt, to a point, was a surprise. “That’s unexpected. Is your armor enchanted?” Solar Flare rocketed towards me, the air around her igniting. A cone of fire vomited forth from her muzzle, a stark white against the sky.

“Oh crap…” I released Electric Spark but the speed she was going at was too hard to stop outright. It knocked her slightly to the side forcing me to skid along the mountain wall as she melted a hole along one of the peaks leaving a crater almost entirely like glass.

Solar Flare rose from the crater, shaking herself off. “Oh good, you do know how to fight. That’s more than I can say for my sister.” A good portion of the obsidian coating her barrel had shattered from the impact, the molten rock underneath fully exposed.

“You would have been a useful friend… if you hadn’t been completely bitchy…” I muttered as I switched back to Storm Tornado. I fired off several buster shots… which did absolutely nothing to her. It was unexpected though I kept firing, since I just needed to piss her off into direct assaults.

“Really? The sling shot against me? That’s just insulting.” Solar Flare’s horn shined brightly, calling an object to her side. A massive war hammer floated in her grasp, vaguely familiar to me. With burning glee, she closed the distance, swinging the hammer at my chest.

“That weapon looks like it was kept horribly. I can see the cracks clear as day and how poorly maintained it is!” I shouted at the sight of the war hammer. My former training as a blacksmith taking over. I dashed forward instead of any other direction and released Storm Tornado. A pillar of twisting air appeared above and below me tearing through the mountain side and keeping the war hammer away from my body. Her leg did manage to kick my face though and I fell a bit further down the mountain losing the high ground advantage.

Solar Flare spread her wings out further, regaining her stability. The coating on her hoof was gone completely, though the magma underneath remained where it was. “Let’s play a game. Spear the falling robot!” Several energy spears appeared around her horn, each fired like an arrow down at me.

“More crap…” I switched to Dark Hold and fired activating the time stop effect. It had modified it to only last three seconds just to not run out of ammo. Three seconds, I dashed back to the wall after the gyro stabilizers in my body reoriented me back to ground. Two Seconds, I dashed away from the projectiles. One Second, I switched over to Shotgun Ice which had the unfortunate effect of canceling the time stop a few milliseconds too early.

The majority of the spears sailed by me, boring holes into the landscape below. One managed to pierce my leg, fading from existence a moment later. Solar Flare dove from above, the hammer raised high.

Several sensors were going off as the system dealt with the burnt sections of the armor. The secondary source was taxed and forced to initiate self repair functions. I fired fruitlessly up at the war hammer. It was meant to slow her down but with how hot she actually was it melted on impact into a fine mist. I switched over to Rolling Shield and charged up waiting until the last moment of impact.

‘Master X, Secondary power source at eighty five percent capacity. Please be advised.’ Harpuia warned me before he fled back to handle any other internal problems.

Solar Flare slammed into me with the force of a meteor. Slamming into the side of a mountain, we tumbled down the slope, pieces of her body breaking off with each subsequent collision. My shield cracked with each collison both from her first strike and the repeated smashing against the wall. By the time we reached the bottom the shield was splintered open.

I switched weapons over to Goo Shaver.

“Now this, is a rush!” Stradling my body, Solar Flare leered, her hammer poised above her head. Half of her face was completely exposed, and her left wing had been sheared off somewhere along the line. Not that this seemed to bother her. “It’s almost a shame to smash in that pretty face of yours.”

I fired Goo Shaver into the section of her exposed magma body. Even through the heat the liquid nitrogen shots held their effect freezing her internal body. With my free hand I gripped her horn and in one twist snapped it completely off before shoving the pointed end into her still intact eye.

Solar Flare’s body burst into a purple mist, leaving not a trace of her.

I looked around and had Nana boost every sensor up. Thaumic sensor only sensed the magical ambient in the air. Motion trackers registered nothing within our one hundred and fifty meter radius. Thermal Sensors… were kind of useless at this point because it was too hot from all the places Solar Flare had flown over. I tried to recall what symbol was on her but it was hard to recall what could be thousands of video games that it could have come from. Regardless, I pulled out the Thalassa Shell and decided why the hell not.

“Whoever you are come here and help now.” I almost ordered. “...Please.” I added almost like an afterthought.

“Eugh. Nicole, we need to petition Celestia about getting the decimal system put into use. Algebra was bad enough in base ten. It’s unbearable in base four.” Alex grumbled as he pored over the various equations and examples in the book, all of which took up a lot more space than they needed to due to the smaller number scale in place.

“Change the way an entire country does math just to appease two people? Alex, it’s hard, but it’s not impossible. At least the formulae we know from home are still generally applicable.” Nicole was working through her problems at a slightly faster pace than Alex, while stealing a few vegetable chips from the center of the table that she, Alex, and Snails were sitting at outside of Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Alex just likes to complain,” Snails teased, looking up from his work.

“I’ve had quite a bit to complain about over the last couple years. This? We’re wasting so much space because we’re limited to three digits per space, not counting zero! This is pure tedium.”

“Well, then make a petition, or write a proposal. Do something to prove to the ponies that you’re right about it instead of just complaining to us about how long it takes to write anything over forty.” She kept her voice calm, not really feeling angry about the topic. “Any news from Lee about new nobodies?”

“Not recently.” Alex shook his head. “Well, none that could join the org. There’s always some number of lesser nobodies showing up.”

“I wish I could help you guys out with that stuff, but all those spells are really draining.” Snails frowned and shook his head quickly. “And I can’t help remembering the sound of Diamond Tiara crying after that time…”

Reaching over the table, Alex scratched Snails’ ears. “Hey, let it go. She’s as much at fault as you are, got it?”

“Yeah, I know. Dad said I only got in trouble because she got hurt, that he’d have demanded no punishment if it had been the floating version like I thought.”

Straining with his free hand, he poked Nicole’s cheek. “I’m pretty sure Nicky here can-” A bright light engulfed the three of them, sending them off to another world.

“How long does this thing take!?” I shook at the shell in my hand even though my sensors still hadn’t detected anything. I didn’t want to take any chances.

A light emitted from the shell, lazily floating about before it expanded rapidly. It quickly resolved into three figures, two of which dropped to the ground from a foot or so above it as they resolved into a teenage humanoid and adolescent pony respectively. The third stayed hovering in air as it slowly stretched out into another teenage humanoid as well.

The pony simply grunted as it stood up and shook its head, the light fading to reveal an orange-coated unicorn colt with drab blue-green mane and tail colors while the two humanoid figures resolved into a pair that could pass for twin sisters. The one that had fallen to the ground was wearing a white blouse and pale blue slacks while the one that had stayed floating was wearing a long black leather jacket with long sleeves that was open in front, revealing a pair of blue jeans and a shirt with a mare in what looked like some kind of superhero outfit on the front.

“Ow! Alex, couldn’t you have given that thing some kind of warning?”

“Children… this is what you send me, shell…?” I muttered into my hands as I covered my eyes in frustration. The unicorn colt had barely any magical power based on the thaumic reading he was giving… meaning a civilian. The girls… had better levels which meant some combat experience. Hopefully..

“I’m twenty-five, metal dork,” the black-haired girl responded, landing next to the other two.

“If you use dork then you are a child as far as I’m concerned. Can you fight?” I mentioned.

“Alex is censoring himself because of Snails. We catch enough crap for looking like we do back home without teaching a classmate human swears.” The other girl replied while standing up and brushing herself off.

“Can you fight?” I demanded a bit more heavily. “I have some crazy monster which I think after a lot of pondering about it was an unversed. Now answer the question otherwise I need to send you back so nothing bad happens.”

“Unversed?” The colt spoke in a way that just sounded slow. “Is that like a nobody, Alex?”

The black-haired girl groaned. “This is just what I needed, base 4 algebra and now we have to deal with that psycho.” Zipping her coat up, the girl grunted. “Yeah, we can fight, X-Man. Don’t get your lugnuts in a twist.”

“Way to not be helpful, Alex.” The other girl turned to look at me with a sigh and a roll of her eyes. “As long as magic still works, I know all the base combat and healing spells.” She looked over towards the colt and shook her head. “Snails hasn’t really had any combat training, though. Is there someplace safe he can go nearby?”

Snapping her fingers, the black-haired girl put her hand on the colt’s head. “You trust me, don’tcha, Snails?”

Snails nodded quickly. “I trust you more than anyone outside of my family, Alex, not counting Miss Cheerilee.”

“Right! So... this might get weird...”

A sound similar to shattering glass echoed through the mountains as Snails melted into light and merged with Alex’s coat. A few seconds later the glow faded to reveal that the coat and other clothes had changed into a simple sports bra and tight pair of yoga pants, both of which had Snails’ orange coat as the dominant color with blue-green highlights on the seams.

“Did you just… Alex, you know he has feelings for you!”

“Hey, this is the safest place I could think of!” Alex argued. “I didn’t hear you coming up with any ideas.”

“Enough! Drama later. Right now make sure you’re ready. I ripped off her horn and shoved it through her eye making her turn to smoke. I doubt that kills it so no arguing until it’s gone.” I shouted almost letting my real human emotions bleed through the mental shield I usually kept up.

“Oh no, please. Let them continue. Watching the Yuri twins fight is like watching a Borderlands cutscene. Far more interesting than watching you and Fireball go at it.”

I fired the charge shot I kept charged up, missing the speaker by a wide margin.

“You know, I think your computer got screwed up.” The speaker sat on a rock, gazing at us from behind a black glass-faced helmet. “That wasn’t even close.”

“Warning shot. I thought you were the other girl who was chastising… him?” I lied keeping a neutral expression on my face.

The man stood up, his movements calm and sure. “Gotta love how you call the experts in and then act like you’re the one who knows what they’re doing. I can tell you never worked in retail.”

“Well… Alex was it? Go ahead and be an expert then. I’ll provide support for this.” I answered whatever the faceless knight had spoke about. I switched my weapons around choosing Electric Spark. I set up the FOE tags on both girls… that would give them a certain immunity to area of effect attacks.

Alex held a hand out, summoning a weapon to his hand. “You say that like it’s easy. Dude’s a monster maker; he can just send out an infinite number of unversed and wait until we’re too tired to fight him.”

“This doesn’t sound promising.” I admitted looking up at the figure a bit more. “So… displaced as well then?” I called up to the floating figure.

“Considering he calls us the yuri twins instead of just being pissed we exist? Should have been obvious.” The blonde-haired girl took a step back and simply held her hands up in front of her. “So what’s it going to be this time? More mockery, or are you hoping to get something out of this other than more bruises to your ego?”

“You know, things have gotten more unpredictable since you came into the picture, Namine. Your puppet girlfriend was always so easy to overwhelm on her own.”

“I’ve told you before, my name’s Nicole, and you know Alex isn’t a puppet.”

“Yeah, but it does get you riled up, so it’s still useful to me as a distraction.”

“Fuck!” I dashed forward, grabbing both of my new allies by the scruff of whatever they were wearing and jumping backwards away from what my sensors picked up. Seconds later, the ground began to tremble beneath me as whatever had just appeared began to move up and towards where we had been through solid rock.

“Hey, I can move just fine!” Alex hissed, glaring back at me. “I don’t need you manhandling me.”

“Alex, it’s not like he had much time to give us a warning first if he can react faster than human reflexes allow for.” Nicole’s face was tensed up slightly as she said this, and she began flexing her fingers as the tremors intensified and whatever was underground shifted the angle they were coming up to come out closer to where I’d landed with them. I kept my grip on the two firm as I kept jumping backwards even with Alex wriggling around like a child.

“Shut up! I’m trusting you like an adult to handle the main threat and not the fodder. So Miss Adult be an adult and handle your role in dealing with the main threat.” I argued back before releasing Electric Spark’s charge shot as huge claws began to tear through the solid rock of the ground as if it were clay. Thanks to placing the FOE tags upon Alex and Nicole they were immune to the effects of my weaponry so long as my system identified them as non-hostile to me. I released both of them to be on their own feet once again.

Alex pulled away, fighting a frown. “Damn robot, should leave you to Edgelord over there.” Simply on his heel, he brought up his blade to block a sudden strike from the ‘Edgelord’.

“Ah, I see. Dealing with hormones huh? Ain’t that a bitch?”

Before I could take advantage of how close the main opponent had just made himself, the creatures that had been churning through the ground broke through and emerged. Each one was a vaguely mole-shaped mechs, with claws the size of swords and a blue coloration on their metallic bodies. Each one was partially transparent lacking any visible inner machinery, but each had a cavernous mouth that opened up to that inner space. All of them were easily large enough to swallow me, and more began following the first ones through the holes.

I looked over the tanks pondering whether they had something special about them like that Solar Flare creature. She was made of magma and for as goofy looking as they looked they were obviously built in a way that meant to keep anyone off guard. I didn’t dare use Fire Wave or Ground Fire against Solar Flare for obvious reasons. These things could have been built with me in mind. I switched over to Boomerang Cutter so that the moment I tore one apart, if I could, Nana would immediately scan their internal mechanisms. Best plan I had at the moment, leaving me to dash forward back into combat.

I dashed forward as the first tank creature lunged for my face leaving the confines of the ground. Perhaps a probing strike to see what I would do but they needed to go. I fired out Boomerang Cutter allowing the ceratanium blade sailing out into the creature’s mouth. Due to its natural flight pattern the blade sliced through the mouth cutting open the creature’s side. The blade returned to me replenishing my ammo even though the moon had started rising up into the sky.

‘Sorry Sir, we couldn’t get any readings off of the creature. We can only say that they don’t have any internal organs so if you thought they were alive then you don’t have to worry about that.’ Nana explained as several thaumic readings came up. ‘We did find that they might have a higher resistance to magic. As for how high; we don’t know.’

“Right… Whack-a-mole it is then.” I muttered under my nonexistent breath.

The moles didn’t exactly seem to care that their brethren were just sliced viciously apart though most dug back underground tearing apart the earth beneath my feet. The three who did stay above ground remained at a distance readying their claws. As much as I liked the Mexican Stand Off I found myself in the monsters below the surface were making their rounds already circling me. Sharks of the earth that they were I could tell they were waiting for the smallest chink in my armor to strike. As much as I wanted to use Boomerang Cutter’s full charge shot. It wouldn’t strike below ground as far as I knew.

I jumped up as one of them got too close thrusting their blades forward right where my left foot was. That was the opening they needed as the three still on ground level leapt to meet with me. I fired off a few wanton blades from my buster. The first two got knocked off course as the blades bounced at just the wrong angle while the third managed to push into my chest. The blades hadn’t fixed themselves forward making the awkward image of a mole tank hugging a robot. Pushing it back a bit I punched it back down to the ground firing several Cutters into it.

The blades sunk into the creature getting stuck on the ground impaled through the tank before it dissipated. Two out of the over a dozen to go. I raised my buster once again and waited. They were circling faster now.

I chanced a glance over to the two other fighting noticing that they were off in their own little world now. Nicole… Nicole was getting ready to cast spells keeping an eye on the two of us.

I stepped back and a set of blades broke the ground. I kept taking steps back as blade after blade kept trying to pierce my leg trying to stop my movement. The two still on ground level… no three again. One rose back up from underground to keep the pressure up. A few veered off from me moving on Nicole speeding off to strike.

“Hey kid! They’re after you!” I shouted out as one of the moles jumped out of the ground and locked me in their damn gullet. It was dark… and wet…? Serious questions for another time as I charged up Boomerang Cutter. A quadruple set of blades burst from my body tearing large gashes into the body of the tank. I gripped the broken edge and tore myself out of the stomach just as it dissipated like the rest. Three out.

Nicole seemed to have barely moved in response, other than currently moving her hands and seemingly tossing the moles back with rocky spires that impacted their underside to toss them away before the ground returned to normal. “I can handle the ones I can see. Just let me know if you get hurt so I can try a cure spell on you.”

I gave a simple two hand salute if only because I needed to keep my eyes on the enemies before me. Several still underground and three on ground level. Thus began a battle of attrition where the one underground went for my legs forcing me to dodge while the one above leapt at me slicing their claws through the air where I was.

I was forced more often than I liked to punch them away for a counter attack. It wasn’t even that they were exceedingly threatening at this point. Of course that made me far too overconfident. The few that did manage to surprise me left large gashes on either my sides or my back. Without the sun out I couldn’t regenerate my armor and I had Nana put the kibosh on using the secondary power source. It took more than fifteen percent to restore the damage Solar Flare had managed… even if it was internal damage. Fourth tank came forward and several Cutters sliced through its head. Another pushed its blade up at the wrong angle letting me grab them and drag it above ground making it the fifth victim of its hubris.

The two above ground circled closer tightening the web they tried to weave. Underground was another matter as they started to zigzag underneath me but not striking. Harpuia started preparations to shift into his armor mode for the Falcon Armor on my order if necessary.

I shifted my feet faster as several blades worked in tandem using their flexibility to add a little slice to their attack. I was forced to jump at this point just to keep the blades from locking my movement. It was in that lull that another tank swallowed me up. A frustrated growl escaped my mouth and I released another Boomerang Cutter shot. I pulled myself out of the cavity as it dissipated once again after I climbed out.

This continued on throughout my entire fight keeping the mooks at bay. Several times a new gash would appear on my armor. It was always scratch damage but it would add up had I allowed any actual feeling in my body. I had turned that off for this reason.

Seventh. Eighth. Ninth, I had dragged up another that tried to claw at my leg and another gash was along my back. The tenth I had grabbed just as it had opened its mouth to swallow me. I was getting real tired of it. As I was carried back I fired several Cutters into its mouth slicing it apart and being released. Gyroscopic stabilizers made me land on my feet and I dashed off as another blade shot up.

Ten were gone and only a few targets remained. I was certain that they were overlapping or something because my sensors kept showing two, then four, then three targets. They kept cycling through random numbers, but never dipping below two or above five. I wondered if they were eating each other then spitting them out to confuse me.

Two dug up above ground and three remained underground. Then two then one then three. It was a cyclic action but as to what they were actually doing I couldn’t tell. Three blades intersected where my foot was before the tanks charged forward. The small movement allowed the first one to swallow me. Then it felt like that one was swallowed. Then it happened again. Then again. Then again. Five times it happened. I charged up Boomerang Cutter then had Fefnir overclock my weapons system once again.

Instead of the four blades that Boomerang Cutter’s regular charge shot produced, eight sharp blades were released and did three arcs around slicing through each of the mole’s stomachs in tandem. I stood still in the middle of where I was eaten once again. My weapon slowly recharged as the moon shined down upon me.

I waited and watched to see if Alex was in bigger danger. His words echoed in my head of leaving me to deal with the armored figure in his own eloquent way. I switched over to Homing Torpedo and charged it up letting Fefnir overclock that particular weapon as well. If he needed the help then he would ask.

*Third-person Perspective*

Alex moved in time to his opponents strike, the sounds of their blades colliding ringing in the air. A parry, a thrust, Alex moved as much speed as his enhanced body allowed. Catching the man on the side, he spun around as the figure vanished. Bringing his keyblade up, he barely had time to block a downward strike.

“I keep forgetting you know my tricks,” the masked man complained. Jumping back, he threw a ball of purple fire into Alex’s chest. “At least the old ones. Let’s hope your little friend is fireproof.”

’Ahhh! Alex, that’s really hot!’ Snails spoke up in Alex’s mind for the first time since he’d been pulled in, the mental cry carrying an added hint of pain from Snails despite him mostly lacking an actual body at the moment.

“Shit!” Alex hissed, casting a quick Reflect spell to ward off another strike. “Sorry, sorry! This probably wasn’t the best plan.” Taking advantage of the spell’s damage reflection, he retaliated with a thrust at the man’s mask.

’N-no, it’s fine. It’s not hurting for long, just a flash of pain. I mean, I’m inside you so I...I meant I’m in your head and all. I didn’t think I’d feel anything.’

Knocking Alex’s blade to the side, the masked man he slashed downward, sending a crescent blade of energy forward. The strike knocked Alex off his feet, granting his opponent a chance at his stomach.

“You’re not even trying are you? What’s the matter, stage fright?”

“Coordination.” Nicole’s voice cut into the conversation as a blast of icy magic washed over him, leaving a thin, chilling layer of frost over his armor as well as a sensation of extreme lethargy clinging to his mind. “You really do have a problem of focusing on only one thing at a time, Vanity.”

“See, yeah should have used Zero Gravity.” Alex pushed himself up, brandishing his keyblade in one hand. “I’ll take a snowman though.” Flexing his other hand, he summoned another keyblade. “Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it?”

This keyblade seemed to be an almost-uniform gunmetal gray with the exception of the hand guard being black. The shaft of the keyblade was a mostly-bifurcated blade which joined together towards the tip, which was capped by a roaring lion’s head facing away from the hilt. The teeth of the blade were made of a single, large fleur de lis. Overall, it looked more like a sword with some impractical decorations than a unique weapon like a keyblade.

“...What?” Alex questioned, his thoughts derailing quickly. “I didn’t have this keyblade before.”

“No time for introspection, Alex! The slow effect in my last spell won’t last forever, even if it was more effective than I thought.” Nicole slumped a little and managed to send out a small blast of cold energy once more. “Ethers, I can’t seem to remember to bring ethers with me.”

“Because we never get any heads up!” Recovering from his daze, Alex brought up his new keyblade, cutting across Vani’s chest. He cursed under his breath as Vani vanished and whirled around to meet blades as his opponent appeared behind him.

Vani kicked Alex square in the chest, batting a weak retaliatory strike away. “And yet, you still seem to forget I can do that.”

Alex couldn’t hold back a grunt of pain in addition to the kick knocking the wind out of him to begin with, and the only thing that helped him get back to his feet quickly was a small jolt of healing energy sent his way. “More like I was hoping you’d stay locked up for another second or two.”

“Right, good luck with that.” Vanishing into a wisp of darkness, Vani reappeared above Nicole. “You know, I run into you two so often, maybe I should pick you a tramp stamp?” Diving downward, he slashed across her back, casting a darker version of her ice spell.

Nicole managed to throw herself forward at the sound of his voice above her, but not in time to avoid the effect of the spell as well as the slash. She ended up starting to tumble down the slope of the hill that had been her vantage point, with most of her body covered in a glaze of grey, polluted-looking frost.

Seeing Nicole fall, Alex closed the distance between himself and Vani. “Screw you, Asshole! I’m the one fighting you, not her!” Thrusting the new blade out, he managed to catch the man in the shoulder, leaving a long gash that bled dark smoke.

“Even you should recognize the value in taking out artillery and support. She wore herself out helping you, like always.” Vani whipped his own keyblade up to deflect another incoming blow while waiting for the sting from the last one to fade. “You’re both so weak alone.”

“I’m not alone.”

A lone beam of energy flew through the air piercing through Vanitas shoulder. Silently gliding and dissipating as darkness exited his body.

Honestly I should have intervened a while earlier… though I guess his comment was still on my mind. I fired at the moment he let his guard down… enough to incapacitate and if necessary nearly kill the masked man. His name was unimportant in the grand scheme of things as I allowed Fefnir to access my systems and ready my giga attack. If nothing else I would bury this whole mountain range in a field of laser beams.

“You talk too much.” I glibly stated as I dashed up next to Alex.

“I talk just enough, Astro Boy.” A dark sphere enclosed the man, the surface pitch black. Pure black copies of himself ejected from its surface, swarming Alex and I.

More than a few scored hits across my body, my sensors unable to track them properly. Bursting through, the man gouged a chunk from my cheek. My vision flicked and died, leaving me in the dark.

“Looks like you need better optics. Maybe Dr. Santa can make you some new ones from the grave.”

I switched to Dark Hold, fired and stopped time for three seconds. I grabbed his sword arm and twisted it until I heard it break. I really didn’t need to hear the meta commentary on my current body… especially since the Dr. Light A.I. didn’t exist in this reality in either of the two capsules I had found.

He vanished from my grip and I felt a sword tear through my back though it didn’t feel as strong as it could have been. “Oh, am I getting under your skin? I didn’t know a robot could be so self-conscious.”

“Hm…? Sorry I stopped listening to every word you said and turned off the limiters on my lethality protocols. At this point I just decided that since you don’t really count as human I shouldn’t be holding back.” I switched to Fire Wave and fired in the direction of the slash at an upward angle.

I was met with the twin forces of electricity and cold, my body locking up.

“Hang around, X. I need to put the yuri twins in their place.”

The sounds of combat continued, Alex grunting and heaving as metal clashed with metal. A few minutes passed, my vision beginning to return. Alex moved with previously undisplayed grace, almost as if she spared her movements no thought.

A lean, a duck, a parry. Alex’s blades whisked to and fro, meeting the man’s note for note. Even when he pulled out his teleporting trick, Alex seemed far more ready to counter.

“Good. Looks like that helped then. Hey… Nicole was it? Are you okay?” I stepped over to the girl who seemed to be out of it still. The sparks coming off my back forced the secondary energy source to pump out more energy. Nana informed me that I had 57% left in that tank after the injuries.

“I s-should be okay. Been doing s-some small checks with the fall. Lots of bruising from the tumble but n-nothing feels like it’s more s-serious other than how cold I feel.” Nicole didn’t really move much other than to push against the ground with a trembling arm. “I’m not like Alex, with extra durability from forms. I just cast the spells that make people fall down.”

“Right…” I heated up my arms holding it around her to hopefully counteract the cold. “Don’t touch I am still trying to control the power and I need to get ready to rush in again. I may have to break something else if necessary.”

“Go help Alex. I’ll be better as long as I’m off Vanitas’ mind. I can h-heal myself safely if he’s not paying attention.”

“Give me a second then…” I answered keeping the heat on my armor on which just confused her since I wasn’t moving. ‘Fefnir… do you have a firing solution?’

‘Yes sir. Every area around Alex is targeted so long as she doesn’t move.’ Fefnir announced as the targeting data appeared in my central hud.

I stood up and allowed Fefnir to overcharge the functions of my giga attack. With a burst of energy several rapid bursts of energy appeared around Alex both above and below and raced out at lightspeed around in two waves. Whatever magic that had come from what Discord had done to me seemed to mix in as the thaumic sensor started to beep dangerously at this point.

Each wave burned into Vanitas, black wisps rising off his body. Leaping away, he landed in a crouching position. “That’s fine, I was done talking to the puppet anyway.” Standing up, a portal opened behind him. “Sorry, but, you just don’t match our requirements, robo-boy.”

“My heart weeps for the masses.” I dryly stated.

“Cya around, girls.” Stepping back, Vanitas vanished into the portal, leaving only shadows as a reminder of his existence.

“Right then… let’s make sure you’re fine then.” I ambled over to Nicole once again as I formulated my plans. Cinnamon wasn’t active still and that was one of the capsules I needed to find eventually.

Nicole was still half-laying on the ground, though the thick rime of dark frost had mostly vanished. “S-sorry about that. He’s usually not so quick to use spells. I guess he’s learning a bit more about how to screw us over every time we fight, and for once we got caught off-guard.”

“It’s fine. He’s gone. Give me a second.” I heated up my arms once again keeping it over the cold parts. It shouldn’t take too long to heat her up.

Alex dispelled his keyblades, making a beeline for Nicole. “You better be okay! You better be goddamn okay!” Dropping next to her, he pulled her head onto his lap. “...Please be okay...”

“Ack! Alex!” Nicole didn’t really try to push away, but she clearly wasn’t that happy about being moved. “Rule number one with possible neck injuries! No sudden movements!”

“Stay here. Also unfuse. I need to go get something.” I stated and grabbed some of the random bramble into a small pile. I lit a fire for the two and placed the teleportation unit nearby. “Stay warm and I’ll be right back.” I bent a knee as my entire body turned to light and I teleported back to the fortress into Star Swirl’s study.

“X? What are you doing here?” Star Swirl shook as I appeared before him in a flash of light.

“Battle. Need some help for a bit at the foot of the Foal Mountains. About seventy meters east of those strange stone monuments.” I answered quickly and concisely.

“Understood.” He replied without a hint of trepidation. “And you mean Ponhenge, don’t you?”

“Ponhenge? Really?” I shook my head and ignored it. “Yes just come on over and help me out for a bit.”

I teleported ahead of him returning back to the teleportation unit while Star Swirl performed several multi jump teleports.

I landed at the same spot I teleported away from, the blinding light hiding as I reformed from the beam of light. Luckily it only took me a few minutes to get Star Swirl’s attention as he warped in moments later, though he had taken several more jumps to appear near me. The scene that greeted me, however, was not what I had expected. Alex and Snails had unfused, as I had requested, but Nicole was laughing rather than the expected near-silence. Alex was simply staring at the blue keyblade floating over Snails’ head, held up by the colt’s magic, with an expression of complete confusion.

“I-I don’t know how I got one, Alex...but it...um, oh no. Now I’m going to have to actually train to hurt things, aren’t I?” The orange colt drawled.

Alex groaned, pinching his nose. “I know exactly why you got one, it just... didn’t click until now. Remember when Steel and I had that exhibition match at the gala? You brought me aubade. Normally it just pops back to my hand, but it let you bring it to me. It thought you were worthy.”

“Does that mean you did a rite of succession like Aqua then?” I spoke up, breaking their little trance.

“Yeah, the unofficial kind. Haven’t given the speech to anyone yet.” Turning his head, Alex’s gaze fell on Starswirl. “Oh hey, you brought the Beardo. Hope he’s not a dick like the one back home.”

“I’ve heard that a lot.” Star Swirl ignored the remark and looked at Nicole. “As for you… you have been affected by dark magic. We should do this quickly before it corrupts or breaks your physical form.”

“Oh, wait, is that an actual danger?” Nicole’s laughter subsided quickly at the sobering statement from the unicorn. “I was more concerned about having broken a bone or something in the fall than any kind of corruption.”

“I would have to scan you to make certain but certain dark magics cause ruptures of several organs if you aren’t powerful enough. In some cases it can deprive certain cells in the body oxygen causing several necromantic effects.” Star Swirl explained and awaited whether there was consent or not.

“Eh, I don’t think she’ll be that bad off.” Kneeling down next to Nicole, Alex brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. “I mean, shit. I got Nightmare Moon rattling around my head and I’m fine.” He shrank back at Nicole’s glare. “Mostly. Mostly fine. Kinda.”

“You… I have no idea what you speak of and neither do I want to know. Second, whatever that is sounds serious and should be taken seriously. Now… miss, may I run a scan?” Star Swirl turned to Nicole.

“Yeah, mostly fine, except for the days I wake up with your arms practically crushing me while you’re soaked with sweat.” Nicole gently pushed Alex away. “Come on, we don’t want her Royal Mindbenderness corrupting the data. You can scan me as long as you promise me it’s not going to cause any cancers.”

“Magic doesn’t cause cancers.” Star Swirl answered and lit up his horn. “With your consent I shall begin then. Please stay still during this.”

Several thousands of runes appeared underneath Nicole and began glowing in successive colors before turning white. A band of magic wrapped around her; covering the areas affected by the dark flames earlier. His mouth frowned at first but then turned neutral.

“Hm… good. It only affected the surface. Had it affected further it seemed whatever hit you could have caused liquefaction of all your organs. A quick cleansing spell and you will be fine.” Star Swirl smiled as he cast the cleansing spell all at once taking the darkness into a small glass sphere before it was vaporized in his magic.

“And we didn’t even have to break out the friendship magic,” Alex joked.

“Alex, spoilers! If Starswirl’s up and walking around we’re obviously in the past. Anything we say about stuff back home could mess with history...or the future here, but history to us...and now I know why Austin Powers always went cross-eyed when dealing with time stuff.”

“Uh, I was making a Kingdom Hearts joke. Should’ve been obvious, Nicki.”

Nicole stared at Alex for a moment, and then just facepalmed.

“X… your allies seem foolish.” Star Swirl whispered under his breath ignoring whatever the two were talking about. “And who are you young colt?” Star Swirl switched his attention to Snails who he finally noticed when his assistance in breaking dark magic was finished.

“Uh, my name’s Snails. Alex and Nicole go to school with me for math and history classes because the world they come from uses different numbers, and they need to re-learn things.” He looked down and slightly away from Star Swirl after answering for a moment. “You don’t happen to have a spell that would create a painting, would you? My, uh, my magic tutor would probably love to have a painting of you.”

“Oil or Water? Paints have been getting popular nowadays.” Star Swirl nonchalantly answered.

“Yeah... I got something for that.” Alex reached into his coat, pulling out what I could only describe as a smartphone. “Hows about a photo?”

“Hm… is that what that was called. I suppose some dimensional traveling I did when I was younger was worth it then.” Star Swirl pondered as he nodded his consent.

“Alex, I meant as a gift for Twilight, not just a keepsake for me.”

“Another Twilight? X is that that same mare who got all weird when I appeared?” Star Swirl called out.

“Yes.” I answered unabashedly and bluntly.

“Are they all this strange about me?” Star Swirl grumbled sighing as his magic conjured up several paints and created a small hand painting of himself before handing it to Snails.

Snails took the picture with his magic and held it carefully while looking at it. “Huh. I guess you never really became known as an artist in our world. This is really good.”

“A simple spell to be sure. I never really cared to make myself known for anything but magic. Plenty of other ponies are far superior to me in several aspects. That is all I need to keep my motivation in striving for ponies to finally have a decent home here. Though I think you should get something as well. Here. Keep this scroll with you. It has a self levitation spell I wrote down a while back. I’m certain somepony with as much potential as you can handle something so trivial.” Star Swirl handed the scroll over to Snails as well.

“Wait, that’s really complicated magic back home...but if you say I have the potential I’ll do my best to learn it!”

Alex closed the distance between himself and Starswirl. Grabbing his beard, Alex leaned in close enough that their noses touched. “BURN. THE. TIME. TRAVEL. SPELL.”

“What time travel spell?” Star Swirl questioned completely confused.

“Alex! What the hell did I say about spoilers?!” Nicole stood up and walked over, then gently hugged Alex from behind with one arm while the other reached for his hand. “Let him go, now. This is a different world, and you may have just given him the idea to create it now when he wouldn’t have considered it possible in this world before!”

Alex released Starswirl and whirled around on Nicole. His face was a mix of disgust and hate. “Two words, Nicole. Olivia and Eris.”

“I know. I know, Alex, but you can’t take out your anger at the spell the one in our world’s history created on the same pony in a different world with a different timeline. We need to go home, and the sooner the better.”

“None of this would be a problem if he wasn’t a light-obsessed, racist asshole who treated Luna like shit because she’s connected to the night!” Alex snapped, his shadow starting to squirm around on the ground.

“Different. Universe!” Nicole poked Alex in the sternum.

“X… your ally here is a fool if he lashes out at different versions of me, as it may cause these opinions to form because of his actions.” Star Swirl answered before teleporting away.

Alex turned his head back, glaring at where Starswirl had been. “When you see him again X, ask him about Stygian. Ask him why he crushed the guy’s dreams of reforming the Dazzlings.”

“You are an idiot. Different worlds means different people. If anything you just caused him to think of the time travel spell and showed how bad anything other than ponies are and all you had to do was open your mouth. Nicole, here. You can have this.” I answered, handing over the cyber elf case to her. “This allows you to use my armor and my abilities so you aren’t as squishy. Also my cyber elves will assist you whenever you need one. Only one at a time.”

Nicole blinked as she took the case from me, and then an almost disturbing smile formed on her face. “I get to have magitech armor?! Cool!”

“It’s keyed to your DNA now, so no one else can use it. If anyone does it’ll explode and vaporize itself.” I continued as I looked over the charm that summoned the three.

Snails stepped up, pawing at the ground. “Um, Mr. X. Please don’t think bad about Alex. A lot of bad stuff happened to him and with Nightmare stuck in his brain it just kinda... explodes sometimes.” Lighting his horn up, he levitated a book out of Alex’s coat. “Here, this is a copy of Master Aqua’s spellbook. It’s the book our world’s version of Celestia and Luna learned combat magic from.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep it safe for later.” I responded placing the book behind one of the pieces of debris. “I’m just placing it for later cause I don’t have any compartments to hold the book on my body.”

My sensors were starting to ping as I looked over the three. I was about to send them home when for some reason magic similar to Discord was being picked up. My limiters were immediately turned off as I leveled my buster and looked around.

“What?” Alex questioned, wiping at his eyes. “Yeah, I get it. I exploded. I’m an idiot who doesn’t know how to control his temper. You don’t have to point a gun at me.”

“No… Discord is nearby. We’ve settled a war to the death against each other a few days ago. Already he attempted to warp a monster of a stallion who was about to rape a princess when she grew older a while back. I keep sensing his magic and since he forced me to be the Spirit of Order we are opposites destined to kill each other.” I belted out. “I need to get you out of here before he comes and changes you to fit his whims.”

“Oh. Nah, we’re fine.” Alex waved off. “That uh, chaos you’re detecting is me. I’m a chaosling.” Rubbing his neck, Alex looked anywhere that wasn’t X. “To cut to the jist of it, Celestia used to be a guy, was in a relationship with Discord and they had a kid. Discord turned him female, and after the nuclear fallout that was their breakup, he eventually got with my adopted mom. Being around my dad and Screwball meant that I was taking in all their excess chaos magic and now... Poof! I’m a chaosling! Not the best thing to be. Not when you have a crazy, beak-faced bitch for an aunt who rules over probability-”

“Alex, I think that’s more than enough information for X.” Nicole cut in while waving a hand in front of Alex’s face. “He really doesn’t want to hear our life story right now.”

“Right...” Blushing, he made himself as small as possible. “Sorry. I mean that, for blowing up on Starswirl... It’s just...”

Snails put a hoof on Alex’s leg and nuzzled his stomach. “Something really bad happened to Alex because of that spell. I dunno what but... even if something really good came out of it, it’s still messing him up.”

“You need to leave.” I answered almost monotonously.

‘Right...” Alex nodded, offering his phone weakly. “I dunno if you can but, if you wanna try and copy it, it’s got weird multiversal internet. Could be useful or something.”

I touched the phone but my weapon copy chip didn’t work. “No sorry. Doesn’t work that way. I already got an ability from you in my weapon archive.”

“Right...” Pulling the phone back, he held it close to his chest. “I’m sorry, X. I shouldn’t have...” A tear slid down his face before he latched onto Nicole.

“...” I didn’t answer at first. Not because I was angry but because there wasn’t much I could say that didn’t stay negative. So I decided to be blunt about it. “Consequences follow every action. You’ve made your decisions and caused a ripple to occur. Whatever happens next will happen because of the choices you’ve made. Consider me not giving you something a consequence of acting like you did. I don’t hate you. I can’t, because of what my enemies are like. But that doesn’t mean I like you. I will help if asked but until you get that temper under control our interactions will be quiet and to the point.”

“As far as I’m concerned, that’s completely fair.” Nicole’s voice was calm as she held onto Alex with one hand while the other still clutched the cyber-elf capsule. “Quite frankly, he’s gone through a ton of shit, and the psychologists back home have no experience with half of his issues. Still not an excuse for being an ass to a pony who informed us that there are potentially deeper consequences than we thought to the magic Vanitas uses.” She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. “There are a couple new spells I’ve made using the formulae in that book as a base. The book doesn’t have elementally-attuned protection spells in it, so start off combining shield spells with an element and see what the results are here. Some worlds have had different rules from home when it comes to making new spells.”

“I can’t use magic but okay. I’ll look into it.” I answered almost calmly.

“Okay, well, then for whoever ends up looking into it.” She smiled and nodded before pulling Alex in tighter against her.

“Contract is complete.” I stated; ending our deal and letting the three depart through whatever means had brought them here. The trio collapsed into a sphere of light, which shot up into the sky and dwindled out of view.

“He was lucky I had self control. Several of my processors wanted to destroy any form chaos.” I numbly mumbled as my limiters finally returned back to stun levels.

The landscape was torn and looked very chaos filled. Discord hated that. With a snap of his talons he undid the damage that was done. He could smell the scent of another chaos being somewhere around there. He could also feel X hiding in the cave nearby.

‘Disgusting… a waste of chaos. Didn’t even try to kill X.’ Discord thought as he snapped his talons disappearing into the aether once again.

As he left one thought went across his mind.

‘Nothing but a disappointment.’

Author's Note

Crossover with Something From Nothing. Written by Shagohad12 and Voldine.

It took a long time due to my chaotic schedule. Still I'm glad I finished and got everything out of the way and done. Next time we start on the next storyline. Enjoy

XXXIV. Regretful

I had taken shelter within the confines of the caves I had gouged out of the mountain and started to use my hands to force most of the logs I had gotten ready into place. Posts were set an equidistant set of meters from each other if only to keep them loadbearing for the moment.

Honestly, I was working off my frustration with the last displaced person I dealt with. His problems had bled into this world and left me forced to call for aid. I even questioned whether or not I could handle the Unversed myself. I could’ve tried long before I brought in someone who had a keyblade. The weapon I got from him was just as different as Wyatt’s had been.

Wyatt, the Rider, had given me the signature Rider Kick. I had practiced during my work of getting logs ready to act as support pillars. Apparently my feet were wreathed in energy and I started to used several kicks I shouldn’t have known. I had even performed a bicycle kick while still landing back on my feet. Harpuia took credit for that in the end.

Alex, the Keyblader, gave me a light beam. Apparently it mimicked the property of the keyblade when it fired off the beam it used to lock things off. It seemed it would be useful against creatures of darkness. Corundum would be an exception if he was wearing either a flesh suit or in golem form. In shadow form he would be dead.

I also tried out their charged shot form. Rider Kick released an explosion regardless of what I kicked sending a wave of energy out a half a meter out of my body. The Light Beam released chains of light from my buster which seemed to entangle and wrap around whatever I aimed at. It probably had immobilization properties.

Both seemed useful… but after what happened with Star Swirl made me not want any other displaced to come to this world. They had forced the deeds of a Star Swirl of another timeline onto him. Both Wyatt and Alex… and I wanted to shoot them both in the face for their complete and utter disregard for not treating the Star Swirl of my world as his own being. All of them seemed to be powerful magi that transcended the very limits of magic.

Whatever problems either of them had weren’t my concern when they both seemed to have found better lives for themselves. Hell, I still didn’t understand anything Alex said when he was rambling at the end in his admission of guilt for acting like he did. I couldn’t even hate him because he was just a kid. Well… I could but it wouldn’t help me in the long run.

If he had been an adult then I probably would have slugged them in the face. It wouldn’t be uncalled for after the way they acted. I didn’t even know which gender they wanted to be since the girl with him used him while the colt used her. Too damn confusing to me.

That left me with the problem with Star Swirl. The fact that the last two incursions of a sort had left an even fouler taste in his mouth than my own. Cause and Effect was in full force at this point. I had that feeling in the pit of my nonexistent stomach.

When I stepped out of the cave… the landscape had been turned back to normal. There was no sign that anything had happened. The sensors were going off revealing heavier levels of chaos magic. At first I thought Alex had done something but… he was far too weak on the chaos axis. That meant Discord…

It was weird he wanted to keep the status quo… at least I thought at first. Though as my thoughts kept lingering I realized what kind of being Discord was.

Narcissistic… selfish… controlling… that was part of who he was in the last couple of encounters we had. When he appeared he had to be the center of the show and any other being who tried wound up either a pawn or just another gear in the machine. That was how he tried to spin it from what I could tell.

Corundum and Discord were the threats I most looked at as what I needed to take care of. Whether that actually meant I would kill them was only certain of Corundum. Regardless of how much I kept to being pacifistic regarding the citizens of this world I was being given less and less choice to actually exercise that.

Corruption was the name of the game and Corundum played it well even when he wasn’t around. Every single red jewel he had managed to spread throughout the world had a sliver of his soul within. Cut off and autonomous yet capable of coalescing with the rest of his soul whenever he wanted.

Discord was also corrupting even if he couldn’t affect me, he could affect everything else. Magic seemed to have diminishing effects on my body and mind. More so in my mind than my body. Magic that didn’t try to trap or carry me could be mostly ignored. Magic that physically attacked me, pushed me back, scuffed me, or elementally struck me had to be dodged still. That was a distinction that I had noticed in some of my battles. Piercing magic seemed to be the most dangerous even if I was still capable of resisting it.

That left their gift. A book which honestly did nothing for me at all. It wasn’t something I really wanted to spread in this world. It wasn’t out of selfishness though. It was more about what it would mean for this world. This magic had absolutely no basis for existing in this world being fundamentally different to every single spell that I’ve read within Star Swirl’s book. The fact that these other displaced keep giving me things which could actually force extreme changes to a society that was still not unified exasperated me to no end.

Racial instability was still heavily present in this world. None had to look further than Vicious Aegis to see that. While he was a Pony Supremacist, he was also bias towards earth ponies in general. Most unicorns I’ve seen had turned their nose at pegasi in mostly any situation with very few exceptions. Pegasi make it clear that they only tolerate earth ponies as food growers. That doesn’t even get me started on the Crystal Ponies and Thestrals.

Corundum has stained their image for all races on Crystal ponies. They would probably face sanctions for their expansionist tendencies under his rule. Thestrals are also in the same boat after the attempted ritual sacrifice of Luna. It didn’t help that most of their infrastructure was brutally forced to become Crystal golems… at the behest of their former leader.

I released a sigh and finally managed to stop wringing my wrists. I hadn’t noticed that I had started it until I looked at my hands. I couldn’t even feel them do that throughout my mental lambastations. The sensitivity of my body was on purpose due to the constant combat I had been under. Had I not had that set low I probably would have been deterred by that Celestia wannabe’s magic spears. The auto repair functions of my body had nearly taken the entirety of my secondary energy source after everything that happened.

Fifteen percent… that was the reading on my secondary energy source. With the moon still out I was beside myself with frustration. I needed to check on Star Swirl. I needed to put these tokens in a lockbox and keep them sealed in all but the most serious situations. Even then only in life and death situations should I ever have to break them out.

I wasn’t exactly feeling up to speaking with others when it feels as though they aren’t treating a situation seriously. Also the time discrepancies made it impossible to allow any of them to actually meet the ponies of my reality without them opening their fat mouths and saying something stupid.

‘Sir… the Suffering Circuit is being overtaxed by your thoughts.’ Nana informed me causing me to slap my forehead and facepalm.

‘Right… sorry. Just… these last few things have been getting to me more than I thought.’ I admitted though I was quickly locking off those thoughts if only to help me stop thinking of them for the moment.

‘Understandable Master X, but allies are allies regardless of how foolish they turn out to be.’ Harpuia cut in clearly looking for an opening to speak.

‘I take it you have some concerns?’ I questioned. As far as I was concerned they were beings I needed to hear from both tactically and socially.

‘Admittedly no. I want to but our enemies have proven to be formidable enough that we may need allies. I would like to offer a suggestion though. Go see Star Swirl.’ Harpuia offered. ‘He is most likely confused and probably pissed off. Being blamed for things his counterparts have done will lead towards bad options. And like it or not those others don’t know that you are his friend. Neither do they know that he has friends. Their assumptions come off of negligence and hearsay.’

‘Yeah… I’ve noticed. Let’s hope he’s in a talkative mood then.’ I sighed as I placed the teleportation unit near the cave. I then found the largest rock I could find and carried it over the opening of the cave. Using Fire Wave I melted it to the ground. I would have to do more work to get it out of the way but it was worth the extra level of security.

I teleported into Star Swirl’s sanctum… to find a clearly drunk Star Swirl sitting at the large table. None of the other Pillars were around either. He took one look at me and chuckled before taking another long draught of his liquor of choice. It was amber in color meaning a dark spirit, probably whisky or bourbon. Admittedly whatever the pony equivalent would be at this time since those aren’t exactly one to one comparisons.

“Hey… X! Hi, hey, ho, ho-how ya doin?” Star Swirl lurched out of his seat falling to the floor face first. “Who… who put this floor here!?”

I quickly picked him up and placed him back on the chair. When he went for the bottle I stopped him from grabbing it. He looked at me petulantly but his eyes soon turned downcast as if he was realizing it wouldn’t work out that way. His head fell on the table and silence reigned.

I don’t know how long we waited but I knew he needed to be sober… more so than he was at the moment. He mumbled several swears under his breath mostly at himself and the two others who drove him to this. He pretty much called me several derogatory terms which seemed to apply mostly to ponies including one about a glue factory.

When all was said and done he apologized with heartfelt intent cursing his half measures. I stopped him several times just to make him really think about things. I couldn’t exactly blame the rambling of a drunk old man when he was being forced to feel the weight of what he did in other realities.

“You know… we used to be friends.” He started quietly enough that had I not had robot hearing I would have missed it.

“Stygian?” I answered, my tone betraying my knowledge of said topic but he said nothing against it.

“Yeah. At first we caught him performing a ritual with the artifacts we wielded. Didn’t know what it did but knee jerk reactions were in effect that day. We banished him.” He explained though the slight slur of his voice and the hacking of phlegm stuck in his throat destroyed the mood. I ignored it in favor of continuing the story.

“Regretting your decision?” I asked cautiously. There was no need to rock the boat or pretend to be so sanctimonious about condemning his actions. It wouldn’t change anything.

“Yes… in my spare time I’ve been looking for him to actually fix what was broken. He was my friend and as much as I worked for the fate of ponies everywhere I knew very much that I had shunted at least one pony to the side for that.” Star Swirl lamented finding his hoof unconsciously grabbing the bottle of liquor. He didn’t drink but he did stare into the amber finding his muddy reflection staring back.

“Mistakes are made. Decisions have to be made and we can’t predict the future. You aren’t them. They made their own decisions just like you made yours. The fact that you actually care seems to be the crux of who you are as a pony.” I drawled on not really knowing what direction to take this. Whether comforting or not I needed to say something.

“You know… he gathered us. He found us doing our own things, living very meagerly amongst our own ponies. We had no drive to become what we were until he found us.” He started seemingly to recollect things he probably forgot about. “When Sirens were attacking a village we fought them off to the adulation of the ponies there… but Stygian wasn’t lauded as one. The last conversation we had was one of flippant non concern about him when you were sighted.”

“Not too long ago then… what a month or so?” I questioned. It had taken a month for everything that had happened this being the last week of the month.

“Give or take… but now. Now I fear something has been unleashed because of this.” Star Swirl sucked in his breath clearly trying to find the right words.

“About Stygian?” I clarified since I wondered just how much they knew about the Pony of Shadows. My recollection of the show showed them being mortal enemies and clearly not trusting Stygian at all. The pony before me was clearly not the same pony I watched do that. He was tired and broken from what I could tell. His heart rate was lower than it should have been making me worried that he was slowing his heart rate down just because he didn’t want to deal with this.

“Yes… I think he may have been corrupted. Horribly corrupted. Several of our ponies in the information gathering division have noted a creature similar to Corundum’s Umbrum form roaming the southern lands killing dragons. At times they see a grey pony with cerulean mane with arctic blue stripes committing unspeakable acts of violence. As of now we know at the very least thirty dragons have been slaughter, most lesser drakes, but at least four elder drakes.” Star Swirl harshly whispered as he crushed the bottle. Using his magic he healed the wound and banished all the glass as well.

“So what happens now? Are you suggesting we take care of him?” I quickly brought up if only to get the darker choice out of the way quicker.

“I don’t know… I really don’t know. He has become dangerous because of our actions but he is still our friend… was still our friend. Part of me wants to reason with him before he goes any further… but I don’t think that’s possible at this time I wish our Project Harmony would be ready but the fact that it was barely planted three days ago makes that impossible.” Star Swirl slammed his head down again hiding his eyes from my sight.

“Do they know?” I brought up clearly uncertain of the direction this was going.

“Yes. They all know. Somnambula is taking this the hardest and has been inconsolable for the entirety of the day. Magnus is conflicted due to his continued battle against the dragons. He isn’t sure what is happening is bad but he doesn’t know how to feel about it.” Star Swirl rumbled as his voice carried off the table surface.

“I should handle it then.” I stated clearly keeping my sight where his eyes would shoot up. They didn’t.

“No. I will never ask nor want you to do so. This is my problem and I shall take responsibility for it. Worst case scenario… you’ll have to avenge us.” He answered clearly showing me the bloodshot eyes he had hidden.

“And if I decide to save you from your own stupidity?” I snarled making certain I allowed my emotions to boil through.

“Then you’ll have been a better friend than I ever have.” He started as he nursed the bottle a bit more.

“I see.”

There wasn’t much more to say. A personal silence fell over both of us. He stewed in his own thoughts trying to decide whether to drink again or not. I was lost in my own thoughts wondering what I was going to actually do for this group. It took a while until he finally spoke again.

“X… they want to discuss something with you. Since you are here, Puddinghead has a mission for you.” Star Swirl informed me looking as though he was starting to feel the alcohol pass through.

“Something bad is happening again, isn’t it? Always something horrible is happening and I never get called for tea.” I pouted leaving a fake sigh on my tone that at least made him chuckle… although very sorrowfully.

“This world is one of chaos… and order. There is no harmony here. Only extremes in every direction. As it stands there may be a way to unite it but at this point there are only two beings which fit that mark. In the skies stands the Lord of Chaos lording his unknown strings upon the world waiting to descend fully and unleash them. He cares nothing for chaos that comes from natural life and instead values his own chaos over the rest. In the grounds lies the Shadow of the Umbrum, Goring Corundum silently plotting a new world order, his world order. He would see all living beings die just to meet some evolutionary mecca of absolutism. The absolute power of being something beyond the realm of mortal understanding, a plain that solely stand on at this point.” He licked his lips trying to find the words to continue. “And you stand here one of order but willing to compromise and adhere to natural change. All I can figure is that when you arrived, the world decided to change to fit a new prerogative in how we should live. We must unite… all races if even for but a moment, if we want to stand the tide against them.”

“I’ve noticed. I’ve noticed all too well how badly things are going to get. I’ll be honest… even if I go these places there’s a chance that it won’t work out the way we expect them. Looking out for all of you… I can only do so much since let’s face it. The racial ties between ponies is tentative and the ones amongst the other races are just as bad. I’ll force something into being… but I doubt it would take hold as well as I would like it to.” I managed a real sigh even though the breath was faked. I wasn’t feeling all that up to it. But it had to be done… so I erased those thoughts of inadequacy from my electronic brain. They weren’t doing me any good so early in the long run. Nana archived them instead.

“Consider these the ramblings of an old stallion… an old stallion who has gone through too much bullshit and doesn’t know what else to do when at the end of his rope. Consider this though… stay and listen to my rambles at least for this dusk lit morning. Perhaps by then I’ll have my answer.” Star Swirl muttered under his breath readying the bottle to his mouth once again.

“Fine. But if you start sharing any racy stories I’m leaving.” I coyly admitted which made him chuckle.

“Then I won’t mention the maiden from Tall Tale I met once New Moon Evening.” Star Swirl chuckled as he finished the bottle off and began to speak.

Come morning I would meet up with Puddinghead and I’ll be heading off to handle the next problem on the horizon.

“What are you doi- urk!” A deer groaned out as his neck was sliced open upon a horn.

“That… is what happens to traitors.” Sequoia bellowed to the small cadre of warriors behind the fallen soldier.

Standing several feet tall Sequoia loomed over the entirety of his soldiers. With a crown of ornate horns all adorned with red crystals at each point, the small heart of magic that was lit above the points glowed blood red and pulsed intermittently. His brown coat and white underbelly seemed darker and dirtier than they had been two weeks ago. His crest of an upside down triangle tilted slightly to the left with three counterclockwise spirals trailing off each corner was melting against his armor.

Cedar and Ash… the two who had tried to halt their king were left lying on the ground. Beaten and bruised, but alive they were allowed to crawl their worthless carcassses out of the vicinity even through the zealous amounts of pain they were in.

Their attempt had been noble… but the King had already placed several of the red crystals on the tips of his horn. Instead of his body being ruthlessly modified into a golem… his mind had been open to the poison from the start. Those with red crystals on them slowly and methodically stamped on the now lifeless corpse of the traitor until naught remained but a red paste on the ground.

“Good… now let us begin…” Sequoia growled… as the shift in tone made him sound as though another spoke through his body.

“Link established.”

Author's Note

Didn't take so long and new story arc is being established. Time to smell the ashes and walk amongst the flames.

XXXVI. Reintegrate (unedited)

We landed just as the moon started to rise up beyond the horizon, though at the moment we couldn’t really see it. We were deep within a small forested meadow outside the deer territory. Sacred Glade had long passed out from her constant scream though it made her easy to carry around at the very least. She weighed very little.

I allowed myself some rudimentary scans noting only minute movement of small animals hidden in the underbrush. The deer hadn’t gotten to marching out against other races just yet. The alternative was that they had bunkered in because they were consolidating power. There was no way that someone could have told them that I was on the way.

Then I remembered that Discord was a threat here and that I was his mortal enemy. I was glad Glade was passed out, otherwise, she would have seen the sheer disappointment on my face at losing the element of surprise.

“Am I dead?” Glade snorted out as she regained her senses.

“No. I told you we were gonna make it within the day. We have a small hike to get closer but I did that on purpose.” I mentioned. I had an ulterior motive at the moment. I don’t know what she took that as but she started blushing.

“I don’t feel that way - “ She started only for me to put my hand over her mouth to stop her.

“I thought we already got over that. I’m not interested. I’m basically a golem.” I quickly amended and while my human mind could see the need for companionship… my robotic mind quickly quashed that since I didn’t have those kind of needs anymore. I wasn’t sure if I liked that or not but that was neither here nor there.

“Then what did you want to do?” She quietly coughed quickly embarrassed about what she started to say.

“We get to know each other… through words. I take it that you got hit on a lot?” I started as we walked forward. Nana was already preparing her Biometal form ready.

“It was something that happened a lot during the last week… a lot of fellow thestrals died during her reign.” Glade mentioned darkly as her gaze lowered.

“I’m sorry it came to that…” I didn’t know what else to say. I hated saying sorry… it wasn’t something I enjoyed saying but not because I wasn’t sympathetic. It’s because most of the time when someone said sorry it was because they were sorry that they were caught. At least that was how it felt with me.

“No… don’t. I knew what was going to happen. I could tell the moment that those crystals started glowing. It got worse the moment that that pegasus showed up out of nowhere.” Glade admitted. She scowled at the ground before she looked back up. “She and I use the word lightly after what I saw… wasn’t an ally at all.”

“Corundum is truly a sick pony. Splitting his soul into every gem he found using his abilities. The moment he became what he was he probably wanted to make sure to keep himself alive as possible. There’s no better way to do so then make your phylactery something valuable and corrupting. Most of the time.” I postulated though it didn’t really fit.

The problem with Corundum wasn’t that he was still alive in some twisted form. It was what he became through his actions. He was, for lack of a better term, a lich. A creature of magic and death, yet his transformation into an Umbrum seemed to overwrite the more damaging effects of being a lich. He didn’t absorb the life out of the very particles of air around him. He was perfectly contained within each jewel perfectly content to drag whatever body was using his soul jar into becoming his new host. Crystallizing the poor unsuspecting fool into another pseudo body to use until death.

Crystal Shears wasn’t the only being that had been missing from the Crystal Empire, if the communique that Platinum delivered was true. Two other ponies had disappeared during the five days I had been working on creating a base. An Earth Pony and a Unicorn, both of the crystal variant, had trekked out into the snow never to be seen again. Each held a strange scent of death of them as well which was unfortunately ignored with all the repairs being done on the city.

“What kind of pony would do that? I mean, I get it, we’re the dark brooding type based on our looks but that’s something beyond wrong.” Glade’s voice broke my musings and Nana quickly relayed the important bits.

“Yes. It’s even worse that he has such a perverse interest in me.” I groaned when I said that out loud.

“Uh… what do you mean?” Glade stopped looked highly confused.

“He wants to capture and use my body as his own. Remember what he did to all the thestrals who had gems embedded in them. Think what he could do if he had my body instead.” I stated quietly which elicited a shudder from her.

“I don’t even want to think about that.” Glade admitted.

I didn’t say anything else after that. We walked in silence until the forest ending into another clearing. We were already on the border of what could be considered Deer country. Before I could initiate our mission Nana immediately started to beep.

‘X, we’ve detected a pod nearby. It was difficult to find but something has moved it. If only slightly. I’ve pinpointed a direction now.’ Nana informed me sending me into indecisiveness.

‘What does the thaumic sensor indicate?’ I questioned silently while Glade stood by looked all over the field before we made any move.

“X are we moving now?” Glade spoke up.

“Not yet. Something important has come to my attention. This might be paramount to our continued survival.” I mentioned quietly as I ducked a bit more behind the brush.

I wasn’t going to be winning any hiding competition anytime soon. I was a blue and cyan colored reploid in a completely green forest. Even if I used the Chameleon Sting or Spike Ball weapon to change my color palette, they would be too bright to actually blend in well here. Especially at night.

“Is it that important?” Glade questioned not completely convinced when I stated that.

“Yes… come on we need to figure out where it is while I still have the right direction locked.” I complained slightly. I wanted my abilities back and this particular one would unlock another of my cyber elf companions. Without waiting for her to accept I picked her up and dashed east of where the Deer Village was location. I didn’t know the name of what they called their home and I may have ignored Glade’s complaints as I followed the faint signal Nana had found.

“You’re fucking kidding me…” Glade let out as we stood on the edge of a very large swamp. It wasn’t as big as most swamps like I once saw when I went to the Everglades but it was a decent size.

I ignored Glade’s remark since I was busy scanning the area for any sign of what I was searching for. Sure enough… there on one of the smaller islands was the familiar metal disc of a capsule. Still… the thaumic sensor didn’t lie. Something overly filled with magic must have been in the area.

“What’s in this area?” I quietly asked my fear struckpartner who still hadn’t moved from her spot.

“This is a hydra nest…” Her teeth chattered from fear most likely.

I switched over to Boomerang Cutter and charged up my weapon before switching over to my Falcon Armor. I shouldn’t have.

The moment my jets came to life the entire swamp rumbled in excitement. A long head zoomed out of the swamp… followed by a second and then a third. They eyed me before the middle head attempted to snap down on me.

I punched the closest tooth I could reach using the impact to knock me out of reach of the swamp. The moment my fist made impact I chipped the tooth, albeit, only slightly. The other two heads looked over the damage. The slight undertones of worry flared over their visage. I don’t think they were used to dealing with something that could fight back so directly. Glade immediately backed off hiding in the shadows of whatever tree she could find. Even with her pale coat, a thestral was still a master of stealth it seemed.

The other two heads lunged forth as I switched back to the First Armor. I released Boomerang Cutter allowing the charge shot to go off. They stopped a hairbreadth from the range of the energy blades seeing them tearing through stone and earth in the process.

I readied my arm cannon once more as they scowled down at me. I was small and dangerous to them most likely and they seemed smart enough to realize that. The three heads looked around seeing the metallic object I had tried flying to. The leftmost head from my position grabbed it in its maw and left it near me. It glared furiously in my direction before forcing the other two heads to return to the swamp.

That was something I enjoyed about predators. They knew when a meal was more trouble than it was worth. With their size it would cost them too much energy to eat me and if I was inside them there was no guarantee I wouldn’t cut my way out. It was a logical choice in the long term.

“Are you insane or something!? I mean, what am I even talking about. Of course you’re insane. I have to be insane to be working willingly with you.” Glade ranted as she soared back down to my side.

“Pretty much. I knew what I was doing.” I lied though my tone was even and calm. I didn’t know what I was doing. Honestly, I was preparing Boomerang Cutter to cut my way out of its body.

“Was this thing even worth it!? It’s a big metal disc thingie.” She muttered slowly under her breathe. She realized that we found something I wanted. Something I was looking for.

“Yup. Give me a second to get my prize.” I stated as the tube opened up.

Still no Dr. Light appeared before me. I stepped into the light and I waited for the information to be downloaded into my brain.

=Weapon Archive Unlocked=
=Releasing Series Four Seal: Eight Armaments Unlocked=

-Lightning Web: Web Spider Module Unlocked
-Soul Body: Split Mushroom Module Unlocked
-Aiming Laser: Cyber Peacock Module Unlocked
-Double Cyclone: Storm Owl Module Unlocked
-Rising Fire: Magma Dragoon Module Unlocked
-Frost Tower: Frost Walrus Module Unlocked
-Ground Hunter: Jet Stingray Module Unlocked
-Twin Slasher: Slash Beast Module Unlocked
=Archive Pod Sigma War Reploid Invasion Number Four Package=
-Downloading Force Armor-
=ETA 24 Hours=
-Cinnamon Module Active-
-25%-
-50%-
-75%-
-...done.-
=Activating Cyber Elf Program “Cinnamon”=

‘Oh my… my oh my oh my… X? Why are we in a swamp? In these conditions any patients might become infected. We need to get… that pony? Why is there a pony?’ Cinnamon squealed slightly from the sudden shift away from the remnants of the Maverick Hunter Base after the events in Giga City. Her father Gaudile had reluctantly joined with the Hunters after Epsilon and Redips had been both dealt with and retired.

‘Allow me Cinnamon. We have been translocated to another reality it seems. From my calculations and the assistance of Fefnir and Harpuia we think we have come up with a plausible theory.’ Nana presented the Two Guardians which Cinnamon quickly waved to. ‘Some time between our battle against Omega and the creation of Arcadia a select few of us were turned into small modules and outfitted into Commander X’s armor. We each provide powers to him and he can create modules for us to attach to another being for simple use. Most likely it was a transporter malfunction or something of the sort. Unfortunately whatever reality we ended up on doesn’t have the technology to assist us in return.’

‘My word! What about our other friends? Where are Marino, Massimo, Leviathan, Axl, Phantom, and Zero?’ Cinnamon stopped her explanation. Cinnamon had been the bubbliest of all the reploids who joined the hunters… even if only reluctantly due to the machinations of Redips and his desire for the Supra-force Metal.

‘They can communicate with us but until X finds our coinciding modules we can’t manifest within his psyche. We can’t manifest outside his body for the moment. An enemy force has proven itself to be quite hostile to our leader as of late. As it is at the moment we are the only reploid forces in this world.’ Nana explained while Harpuia an Fefnir remained quiet.

‘At least we aren’t alone I suppose…’ Cinnamon mentioned off handedly.

‘Damn right! As soon as we find the other two modules for Master X the Four Guardians shall specifically lead the vanguard for our trek to find a way home and should we not find one then we shall create a new Hunter Base for our organization to grow!’ Fefnir exclaimed getting pumped up. Had he not been in my mind, in cyber elf form, he would have shot fire out everywhere around him in jubilation.

‘So long as none of you decide that killing yourself in a suicide attack is worth it then I’m okay with you helping in building with the base I’m already making for us.’ I chimed in before they could get too far into planning.

‘Yes Master X. I trust you’ve already laid the groundwork.’ Harpuia bowed, even in my mind he was unerringly polite, making me feel a bit sad I couldn’t get him to help more.

‘The tunnel was created but I need you all to look over my designs until I can find a way to procure metal… more metal at the very least.’ I mentally commanded.

What felt like an hour long conversation ended only a few seconds later. Our shared connection through my internal systems made it easy enough to handle these small asides. I also needed them to make better designs. We didn’t have the means to actually topographically scan the entirety of the planet and we probably never would. Unless I could actually create and launch a satellite into orbit in a way that would never let it fall back into the atmosphere we weren’t going to have that. Besides, even if I did there would always be the chance that some unicorn was going to see it in a telescope and find a way to bring it back down to the planet like an idiot.

“What…what was that?” Glade spoke up making me acknowledge her once again. I could tell she had a whole lot of questions since I did just punch a hydra’s teeth in making it stop it’s rampage long before it started. Another shining example of might being right in this day and age.

Though that was how it went. Wild animals are territorial and predators will hunt you if they think you’re easy. Make them work too hard and they’ll decide against hunting you for the most part. It’s not always a guarantee and only works if you’ve actually got the power to do so. It worked so far against the manticore and the flying spider creatures and it seemed that my luck held out even against the hydras of this world as well.

“Something I’m looking for. Keep it to yourself for now and never say anything to anyone. I have an enemy who likes to shapeshift into regular beings just to trick others into his twisted games.” I quietly knelt down to her placing my hand against her cheek just to make sure she keeps eye contact with me. “Understand?”

“Yes. I don’t really get it but if you’re willing to do something stupid like tame a hydra then it must be worth it.” Glade nodded as I pulled my hand away.

“I didn’t tame it though. I just made it realize who was more dangerous here.” I admitted and quickly led her as far away from the swamp as possible.

Discord had quickly sown the seeds of chaos around the camp and in doing so cut off a few strings that Corundum had been using to watch the action. This was his playground for the foreseeable future and he didn’t need a stick in the mud stopping his fun. He did note that one of the more muscle-ly deer had been dragged away by a crystal pegasus. It followed willingly but he did note that his name was Cedar. It wasn’t that important.

Corundum could have his plaything so long as he didn’t try anything else here. The remnants of his soul left in the other deer played along the moment Discord touched their foreheads discording them into much more fun puppets.

From the movement and trajectory of the sun and moon and the constant shifting of the giant mayonnaise jar he placed in the sky, Discord was confident that he would be having fun. A few warped parts, maybe add some chocolate decorations and he would be all set to go against whatever happened today. Besides… he didn’t need genocide to happen today.

Discord was all for the natural order of the world. The natural order of course being all chaotic. Nature was where it was at… at least for the moment. It would give him a good chuckle to see the chaos that ensued.

There was only one problem though. A small teensy itsy bitty problem. One iota of a snag that seemed to be out of his control or better said lack of control. X wasn’t here yet. He wanted to have some more fun before he went off to do other things… maybe get into a small tussle just to mix it up a bit but there were other things he needed to do.

Another mass of shadows was getting too big for its britches and needed to be spanked back into submission. It was getting too close to dragon lands and he didn’t need it causing too many problems for his eventual playground. That would just be too rude after all. With a snap he disappeared into the aether leaving Sequoia back in charge… though with all the suggestions Discord stuffed into his head… who’s to say whose in charge here anymore.

Author's Note

Finally another chapter and now another capsule unlocked. Cinnamon was going to be next no matter what since she is a medical reploid... which means X can now diagnose all your hurts and pains. Unfortunately only fever or chills... he only has so many red and blue pill doses.

Also backstory is revealed from the reploid cyber elf perspective. Neat.

I. Reploid

It had been a long time coming as I looked over my handiwork. While I was never that talented at metalwork - it was thanks to one of my uncles who taught me how to do steelwork that I had managed to create something amazing. For years, I had played the X series of the Megaman games with delight and passion, and I found it to be one of my favorites to replay whenever the opportunity presented itself.

“You got everything you need, Johnny boy?” My uncle asked me.

“Yeah, Uncle Claudius! I got everything! Wish I could have made a convincing arm cannon - but the gauntlet hands will have to do instead.” I looked over myself to fully take in my work of months.

During the year I had taken some time in between work shifts in order to forge a helmet - one with the same dimensions and designs as the original blue helmet from X’s first appearance. Of course, I didn’t stop there…

As I finished one thing, I continued to the next - until I got a full set of armor that matched X’s body armor - from his chest plate to the gauntlets and greaves. Naturally, I figured that I could showcase my great costume at the convention I was going to.

For even more realism, I had studded on the helmet a ‘jewel’ which was in fact made from vibrant red glass. I felt proud of my skills, and was glad to take time outside work to make this.

“Before you head out how about we make this a little more complete you crazy fanatic.” Claudius ribbed against me as he pulled out a gift from near one of his forges.

I cautiously took the gift since he sometimes took the chance to prank me whenever I would mess up the creation process he went through… which was a lot. I pulled the lid off with some restraint, noting that in doing so I wasn't doused in water or hit with a pie in the face so I was still in the clear.

Peering inside the box, I saw that inside was a large gauntlet in the shape of an arm cannon with this weird chip near it. I couldn’t help but feel awe at its craftsmanship, as it looked very futuristic for a mere prop. For more detail in the craft, I noticed the wires inside the gauntlet - but in excitement my conscious mind paid no heed to it. Smiling like a fool, I took the moment for gushing like crazy at this gift - removing it at once from the box and placing it on my right arm - as I took off the forged one to put it in place It didn't match my forged armor at all because of both its material and colour, but I had something too awesome not to wear and I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Claudius merely stared at me while I went wild. He shook his head slowly while rubbing one of his temples with his middle finger as he chewed on his tongue to keep any joking comment he wanted to make at the expense of my eagerness from escaping his mouth.

“Found it online from some specialty store, Warren. Funny thing though, is that its logo has that one guy from that resident evil game you played in an attempt to make me wet my pants!” Claudius laughed at me as I posed with the Arm Cannon while wearing the costume to get a feel of it. “I figured it would be appropriate for a zealous fan as you showed with your work, to have something authentic.” Claudius rolled his eyes in mock scorn though the jovial smirk on his face belied all that.

“How did you find something so similar online? I thought the relation you had with computers was similar to a dog with cats!” I joked with a grin at him, only to add with more seriousness, “This prop looks so advanced compared to what I managed to make for this occasion…” I grimaced at thinking about how much it must have costed my uncle, yet felt grateful for my uncle’s generosity to me as I looked upon him and croaked, “Thank you, Uncle.”

“Heh! Don't worry about it and go enjoy your trip!”Uncle replied with a smirk as he waved his cup of coffee. “You did a somewhat decent job making this stuff - So take pride in it! You're an armorsmith now, kid - and one of the best in my opinion... even if people nowadays only want ballistic armor.” Claudius growled the end of the phrase as he drank from his cup.

As he scrunched his face in disgust, I could only think one thing: ‘Yuck, it must have gone cold!’

A few hours later I was well on my way to the convention being held in Nevada. Considering that we were in summer, it meant I had to be much more careful about heat exhaustion because of what I was going to be wearing at the site.

After parking at the site - and taking the box with my costume to the check-up box at the entrance with the guards to gain access - I went off into the con’s building towards the bathroom.

I took advantage of the still empty bathroom and got to work…

And came out of the bathroom with my head held high - only to notice how I drew people’s attention, to the point they actually stopped and felt my armor with awe in their looks. It quickly became reaaaally awkward when several cute girls - both in costume and visitors - approached me to have a… touch with me, heh.

After taking some time off to drink some water from a stall to refresh myself from getting hot, I switched out my right gauntlet for the arm cannon and kept the forged gauntlet attached to my belt. I was feeling myself giddy, having fun with my present until I saw something out of the corner of my eye.

Feeling curious, I focused my attention on a stall being manned by...well, a man costumed in what I believe is the merchant’s trademark look from Resident Evil 4.

When he saw me his eyes instantly lit up. “Hello stranger... Whatcha buying?” The Merchant wheezed slightly in a peculiar fashion as he waved his arms over the spread before him...

To my surprise, I saw that lying in front of him there were several items of interest - including several keyblades, a diversity of models for guns and firearms from various series - and a few specialty objects that looked from various anime series.

“Ooh One Piece stuff. It's nice, but I want something that matches me - something to remember this day for the future.” I muttered more to myself than him.

“A connoisseur for the finer things in life, I see.” The salesman said with a knowing look. “It's something I respect in my line of business - selling to fans of diverse franchises throughout the world who want something to remember their good times. So!” The man whispered in a conspiratorial tone to which I couldn’t help to get closer as he whispered, “How about these particular objects I have for sale?” The Merchant motioned with one arm to a particular box - one which he opened with his usual demeanor of opening his coat without looking down, nor kneeling to open it - as if he were just going through the motions. Of course, all of that was lost on me as I let curiosity guide my next phrase...

After a beat, and failing to see the contents due to the lack of light under that table, I asked with curiosity, “What is it?” while I tried to focus more, closing my eyes and waiting for a few moments before peering again into the box…

And be surprised with what I saw inside.

Inside the box were several metal objects which I had no idea what they were or their purpose. From those I barely recognized, I saw one that looked like Zero’s armor scheme, with another bundle having Axl’s helm protruding over the pack’s tight packing. There were also eight kits that I recognized as belonging to Fefnir, Leviathan, Harpuia, Phantom, Marino, Cinnamon, Massimo and Nana. Blinking once, I couldn’t help but feel that that was really unexpected.

At a side of the box, there was also what looked like a chip which confused me as well… as my subconscious kept trying to draw my attention to something that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Ignoring the nagging feeling, I asked him, “What are these articles it?” before shooting a glance to the guy noticing that he was using his eyes to smile at me.

“Modules of course - with each belonging to a certain character, with a catchphrase that each of them say to activate them... and as for the chip, it is the variable weapons system for your buster there.” I barely noticed, but I could’ve sworn that I saw gears turning in his head as he continued, his stalling almost impossible to tell. Of course, he kept on going in a dramatic fashion “It was part of a set - but somebody bought the buster and the ‘Suffering Heart’ chip online, ignoring the rest of the deal.” He then muttered “damned salesman in training” before continuing as if he hadn’t said anything at all, “As for that ‘Suffering Heart’ chip - don't ask me what it is, ‘cause even I don't know why it was made at all.”

The Merchant shrugged despondently, before raising his hand. “All of this is yours for a hundred bucks.”

A hundred dollars wasn't that big a deal for me, but still I didn't know if it was worth it despite the salesman’s subtle prod that they belonged with my new Buster. However, I looked over them all - and all seemed to be like the armor modules from the ZX series.

I wondered if I could talk him down a bit...

Feigning ignorance, I yawned and said with mild interest, “I don't know... They look nice and all, but I don't know what I would do with them really.” I kept my facade on, but I could see he was intending to call my bluff.

The man wailed in dramatic fashion, feigning offense as he almost screeched in disbelief and outrage, “You would ignore this one-in-a-lifetime offer for what is perhaps one of the most complete sets of mega man memorabilia... just because it couldn't fit with your look?” The Merchant railed on, wailing at this point and drawing the sniggers of many onlookers who stopped to watch the haggling in progress.

I whistled at his showmanship - damn, it must come from years of practice… plus theater course.

Putting a hand over my forehead - going with the drama course in progress, I replied in a defeated fashion to him, “Ugh… oh, fine - you are far too persuasive for your own good, mister.” With that said, I pulled out my wallet and handed over the hundred dollar bill… leaving my poor wallet devoid of contents besides my ID.

This 100-dollar bill was the only one I had, and was supposed to be for something else - like food and drink - but the sweet, sweet, siren call of merchandise was far too strong for me to resist.

“You won't regret it, good sir. Heh, with this at your hands you may as well be at the start of a great adventure in the grand scheme of things... These things will save your life.” The Merchant grinned as he handed over the box to me.

Before I could register the meaning behind his words, I felt off as I grabbed the box but I couldn't place my finger on it as to the why.

Despite the weirdness of that parting phrase, and feeling a bit paranoid after that fact… There was nothing that happened to me as I walked away to put away my purchase into my car…

And despite feeling a sense of dread filling me up, nothing happened to me as I continued traversing the con and see the stalls and activities… with an empty wallet.

A couple hours of random wandering and several moments of being… fondled by overzealous fans of both genders, I decided to finally look over my purchase as I headed to my car before heading to my Uncle’s.

Opening the trunk, I opened the box and took my sweet time in looking into its contents.

As I suspected, the armor modules were very well crafted - looking in style with each of the characters they were based on. As I took them from the box for a closer examination I noticed that they were very light - though even with my rough understanding of metallurgy I could tell that something was off about them.

Perhaps they were all made of titanium, considering that they didn’t budge a bit despite me trying using a steel nut in a part of each case - however, if that were the case then the contents of this box should’ve costed me more than a hundred bucks total.

Interestingly, though - the arm cannon was apparently made of the same material as the ‘modules’, yet felt lighter than it should have been.

As for the chips I got, they were all full of actual circuitry. Had I not been at the con enjoying myself, I would have looked into getting them checked out to see if they really worked out… or if an artist used a graphics card or something to craft them.

Yeah, it must be some kind of new plastic.

My uncle’s gift - The X-Buster - had a slot for both chips on the underside which seemed to be perfect fits - so I placed the chips in place.

Peering further into the slots it had - eight to be precise - I noticed that the small armor modules of the eight also fit on the buster with careful ease. I placed them in their slots too, even though there were warning bells going off in my head.

As soon as I was done placing all of the props on the X-Buster prop - I fell to my knees, feeling really sick and nearly puking out close to my car.

This sudden change in my demeanor warned several people in the parking lot - who came around me trying to help me get into the ambulance waiting for those who suffered heatstroke--

Only for them to get flung back by an unknown power, with me being dragged towards the bright light going off around me.

As I disappeared into whatever was being the source of light, the metal around my body shifted and expanded while I felt it wrap around me - melting and burning into me as I screamed in pain and terror at what was happening to me. The gauntlet hanging on my belt wrapped around my covered arm - as if it were a boiling hot, liquid metal snake - whiles the buster seemed to disappear, melding together.

Everything hurt more than I could ever imagine, and as I was lost to the swirling vortex of light around me…

I finally faltered to the pain and passed out.

The world was still young and teeming with life, as an old pony wearing a star-filled cloak and a wide wizard’s hat walked forward through the forest blissfully lost in his own thoughts.

‘Hmm… pity there aren’t more days that are even better than today.’ Thought the old stallion as he kept on walking in the woods. His lustrous beard shone brightly white in the light as he watched over the world around him.

This stallion was better known by his kind as Star Swirl the Bearded, as he walked at a brisk pace towards his destination - only to feel something weakening him to his very bones, almost falling down on his barrel. Faltering, he probed the source of the shift in the mana filling off the world - and felt that the constant flux that defined this background mana was off in a scale that concerned him due to its wrongness.

‘Hmm’, Star Swirl thought as he gathered back his strength. ‘I believe I’ll require help from the other Pillars of Equestria, to help deal with this problem.’

Star Swirl immediately rushed off galloping over knotted roots and mangled branches that had fallen from their boughs, until he saw a familiarly large building that he and his fellow pillars called home. This was a fortress - one which made certain they were always centralized in the Equestrian territory, to strike out at any threat that attacked them or endangered ponykind. Star Swirl tackled the large door open completely flustered but full of drive to find everypony.

“Stygian! Stygian where are you!” Star Swirl yelled out as he gathered back strength on his hooves.

“Yes Star Swirl?” Stygian slowly cantered up behind him, watching him with a neutral look.

“Where are the pillars!? Danger is at hoof!” Star Swirl cried out as he rushed through their fortress.

“In the main hall, Star Swirl - they are waiting for you to join them. I'll be preparing the other things necessary for later.” Stygian explained in a neutral tone to the bristling mage.

“Yes yes whatever. We shall return later then!” Starswirl dismissively waved off anything other than the pertinent information.

“Right… I'll see you all later then?” Stygian tentatively asked… only to receive no reply, ‘Ah… I guess this is it? The plan will be, then - they don’t care about me at all…’

Blackness surrounded me… until my unconsciousness was knocked away as I fell hard, hitting the ground with force. Groaning, I blinked away the darkness surrounding my brain - only to realize something was really off…

Namely, the indent on the ground I was currently filling out, and the complete lack of any sharp pain that should come from such a strong fall.

As I shifted around I felt… heavy. It wasn't the kind of heavy of carrying furniture or a whole team - it was the heaviness from feeling as though all of my organs were rearranged into something not human… nor alive for that matter.

Checking out, I sighed in relief as I still had hands - but they were covered by white gloves… when the hell did I get white gloves - I was wearing leather gloves painted that stiffened my movement.

Why doesn't it feel like I'm wearing gloves; and why can't I feel like I'm actually… a male. Taking my attention away from my hands, I looked down…

And here I noticed that the armor I had made and was wearing had changed into a completely blue color of two tones, which wasn't what my armor looked like at all. Tracing my hands over my body, I felt up and noticed that my physique had gotten a little more streamlined and my arms were a bit larger than they used to.

Feeling numb, I absentmindedly tapped my arm and noticed the clanging, hollow sound when I did. Touched a panel on my arm, and it opened up to show circuitry and servos.

I blinked once, twice, thrice… and started to panic, chest heaving as I took in the show inside my arm.

I was made of metal. I was made of bloody metal!! And yet…

There was something wrong at work, as despite me spiraling downwards, I could appreciate how my arm - and perhaps whole body - was of the same material as the buster I got from my uncle. With a shift in will and attitude, my arm shifted slightly - changing into the X-Buster.

“Gah!!!” I screeched out, part of my mind going haywire while another one… felt excitement and managed to temper my collapse it into extreme distress rather than a complete breakdown. I tried to feel my shuddering breath but it just came out as an even beat. It was at that point that I took notice of my surroundings - which in fact was a dark forest - probably in the middle of nowhere in time and space…

And the darkness gave way as an indeterminate source of light began to glow, only for me to move my arms around to see where the light was coming - and realizing that my eyes were working as lamps of sorts. Well, now I could see in the dark and subconsciously shifted my arm back into shape - forcing me to wiggle my fingers in numb curiosity, casually noting that they were working well.

I waited until I could feel my heartbeat regain its normal beating… when I noticed how quiet my body actually was. I was breathing - I think - since my chest compressed and expanded as if I was.

I tried to feel that steady beat only for my heart not to act. It didn't beat. It didn't beat. It didn't beat… silence permeated my chest while storms raged in my mind destroying my calm facade as I cried out a silent scream that my entire voice couldn’t channel.

My body didn't have that beat I had grown with... and couldn’t feel my stomach growl or my eyes water from keeping them open for more than five minutes.

There was no feeling and I couldn’t really feel the wind hitting my face and there still wasn’t any sound of a heartbeat leaving me clenching my fists over and over again trying to calm down.

I didn’t feel them crack when I did. They merely clenched forcing me to look even closer at my hands… they weren’t my hands… they weren’t my hands...

I curled up for a bit and wanted to cry but the tears never fell and my voice didn't want to cry out. I just remained quietly in my spot on the cold hard ground grasping at the ground clutching at the dirt to let it slide along my fingers. I couldn’t feel the dirt at all and the dust barely clung to them. As I tried to come to terms with how my body was acting, I came to realize that I wasn't human anymore - and even if I was excited to have a working X-Buster....

I wasn't me anymore.

“Are you certain it is out here Star Swirl?” Somnambula asked as she a Rockhoof looked around for any sign of a disturbance.

“I'm certain Sonambula. There was a sudden shift in the mana of the world and something is wrong out here.” Star Swirl chided.

“We've been looking for hours now though… it seems as though we aren't going to find it tonight.” Rockhoof surmised in short.

“I can't feel the flow of life through here either.” Mistmane lit her horn looking around for any sign of where the disturbance came from.

“Whatever appeared probably has moved on and I can't see any tracks at all in the dark.” Flash Magnus called out as they flew overhead.

“Whatever is out there might be scared. Manticore like to keep within this particular forest alongside flyders and twittermites somewhere in there.” Meadowbrook replied.

Annoyed - but out of ideas - Star Swirl agreed. “Fine… let’s just head back for now then...”

WIth that said, the group retreated from the forest and back to their fortress.

Had they walked a few more feet they would have come across the fetal form of a young man who had been transformed into a robot silently sobbing into his hands as he was unable to understand what was happening to him.

I stopped the pity party eventually as the moon finally rose into the sky. So, with a grunt that came more from custom than actual effort, I rose from my fetal position and actually took in the moon and the night sky.

Yeah, it was nice to look at - but I needed to get up and see what was going on regarding my situation. To my pile of things that would cause another emotional meltdown in the future I added the fact that I still didn't feel hungry; there was still no heartbeat to help tell me about the passage of time; and to top it all off... I was still worried that I had no biological compunctions in mind either or body either.

I groped my groin - touching only cool metal with my hands and realized…

‘Oh hell no.’ I thought to myself as I began distressing myself in ways different than earlier. Even then…

‘No. Don’t think about it. Don’t even acknowledge it until you get your bearings - damn it all and even then keep ignoring it until you can make sense of things.’

Shrugging it off, I walked through the forest at a quick pace - and somehow walked right through this large swarm of flies, or I think they were flies, and though when they tried to bite me I noted: ‘Wait what? Flying spiders?’ as I took in the details that mattered -

Like the eight legs, several eyes, and big fat ass floating as one on buzzing wings. Warning bells went off as I looked at the mutated insects - taking a couple steps back, only to note that all their bites did absolutely nothing to me.

The skin on my face didn't react to their efforts - even sometimes snapping the jaw of one of those abomination spiders off when they tried to bite too hard. Those insects must have been at least a bit intelligent, since they changed strategy when they realized that their biting didn't work - since they tried to wrap me up in silk, swarming around me. Taking a moment to let them think they were done with me, I broke the snare the moment I flexed a limb. The swarm became alarmed at this sight, and flew off before I did anything towards them.

Ignoring those spider things, it I kept walking through the shadowy woods - undeterred by my situation as I worked out how to get home... though I had no real idea where home was in fact.

The growling coming all around me while inside this forest because I was disregarding it's sanctity - if it had any for starters, judging by those spider-flies - but I was somehow turned into a robot at this point, and I was probably strong enough to not die to anything that these woods could throw at me...

At least, I hoped I was strong enough to not die like a dog to anything this woods could throw at me. I'm certain uncle Claudius would certainly be making fun of me for freaking out so much…

I need a better parental figure than Uncle Claudius.

At this moment, my mind took a turn down memory lane…

The day was hot, and even hotter inside that diner… before several gasps of shock broke the silence that occurred as a figure dressed in leather and metal spikes and chains fell to the floor - covered in what must have been a pint of his own blood - before another resounding thwack broke the gasps from that audience.

Thwack, thwack, thwack…

That was the loudest sound echoing through the place as a short figure of a man dressed in a formerly crisp black business suit and cracked glasses straddled a very large man dressed in several leather accoutrements covered in spikes and more chains - who tried desperately to whimper and crawl away from the tiny menace - before said tiny menace rose his fist and began pounding him to the ground again..

Thwack… thwack… thwack…

It took several more minutes before that straitlaced figured finally relaxed his eyes and stepped off the now unconscious figure. He quietly shook his hand of the blood that was still clinging to it.

Then he finally took in what he did and promptly began freaking out in the diner.

“Gaaahhhh!!!!”

I did a mental shrug, and continued on my path outside this forest of ugly things.

I’m beginning to think that my dad would most certainly go around, punching everything he saw making him funny faces if something like this happened to him - more out of panic than anything else, but I learned something in that day…

Never mess with a tiny man with a balding head who wears glasses, nor mock his receding hairline.

As the pillars returned to their home Stygian was nowhere to be found - which was uncharacteristic of the orderly stallion who waited on them. They looked over the perimeter of the fortress’s borders and even searched all the rooms inside.

All they noticed was that their prized possessions were gone. Without words, they nodded to each other and raced around searching for Stygian, finding nothing but echoes and dust inside the deserted fortress.

“Stygian! Stygian! Come out now!” Starswirl screamed out.

Realizing that the missing Stygian was nowhere to be found, the group raced out towards the next best place to search for their missing ‘friend’, deep into the night: their special spot - a focusing ground for their magic - where he stood with each of their artifacts ready to perform what spell he had in mind.

The pillars burst onto the scene stopping the ritual Stygian was trying to enact with their properties at hand.

Without giving him a chance to explain, the Pillars cast Stygian out into the world, Stygian not sharing any words on what he hoped to accomplish with the ritual and the stealing of all their artifacts to perform it, as the glares of his former friends shut him up as he walked away from the scene in shame.

Stygian was left to wander the world, alone.

‘Faust help me… I’ve bucked this up…’ Stygian trotted off in a slow gait incapable of turning to look back at his former friends while the sun set on his soon to be former life.

I tried thinking of anything but my current situation, since every time I did I would freak out because of all the implications concerning my current state - from the complexities of interdimensional travel and the fragility of the space time continuum down to the fact that yep, the crazy guys with aluminum foil hats were right for once - we aren’t alone in this universe.

To add to the whole ‘stress-filled day’ I had, I was forced to confront that I was in another dimension or planet, assisted by the unfriendly encounter I had with a thing that attacked me - only this time it was by a giant lion with bat wings and a scorpion tail.

Already I thought I was insane - right until the bastard slammed into me and tried to stick the stinger in my throat.

The resounding ting sound made it stop its effort to maul me and wound up looking at the stinger... It had bent and caved in on itself, leaving by a little nub where the tip would be.

I looked at the ugly thing in the eye, almost raising an eyebrow at it - only for the creature to get offended - swiping its claws at me in rage… only for the scratching sound to cease and be replaced by rubbing.

When the beast looked at its claws, wondering why it hadn’t ripped me to shreds like it wanted to - they were worn down to the paw.

At this point the creature looked nervous, daring to look at me with its ears splayed as I laid there under it, pinned down completely… and uninjured from its assault which it tried to resume half-heartedly.

Slowly it backed up once it tried to take a reluctant bite at where my neck was… and began to back off, attempting to look apologetic. Of course, I took the chance to rise back on my feet while keeping my eyes on the beast… and stared it down. It noticed my unblinking eyes and instantly ran off crying out in terror as I watched it go with its tail in between its hind legs, wings flapping every now and then when it jumped an obstacle into the bushes.

Despite everything that happened that would make regular people freak out at the least, I didn’t feel overly aggressive - besides little thoughts of wanting to fight back that tried to worm their way to the forefront of my brain. However, I didn't really know much about my body just yet. In an attempt to calm my mind - as my body was permanently in the ‘zen’ state - I closed my eyes…

And felt really strange jolts of electricity coursing through my joints and inner circuitry. The loss of blood and organs was disorientating enough, but now I was fully taking in the changes - being powered by something else entirely instead of blood for one.

Whenever the sun was still out I felt stronger and more alive than anything else - whereas while the moon was out I felt an unknown power gathering in my Buster, only for it to be vented out in a safety release measure. I’m beginning to understand its purpose - but without the means to test my thought out safely, it would be best for it to remain a thought for the future me.

When I opened my eyes again a holographic display opened up in my viewpoint, showcasing the Weapons Archive of the entire X series. Several tutorials started to play in my head - with my mind being flooded with tech-based warnings; the nature of my modular armor; every weapon I was carrying; and which version of the body I had.

Apparently I was version three equipped with built in dash functionality which meant I could air dash from the get-go…

If I could get the hang of it, without killing myself in the attempt.

While I was fully armed, I still had no idea how to take advantage of that fact - so I made the choice to stop and figure out how my ‘new’ body worked.

First, I jumped into the air… and went quiet the moment I landed - stunned at just by how high I reached with one leap. The next step would be figuring out how to perform the air dash - but every time I tried to play with my sensations to attempt to trigger it to reach a particular place, I would rush into that direction… somehow.

When I landed on my face after the eleventh attempt at dashing, I could hear the grinding of servos and hydraulics working in tandem to get me back up again to my feet despite the abrupt motions and changes in posture and gravity center - making things even more confusing at just how much of me changed besides the obvious.

After several failed attempts, and me landing on my head each time, I thought to myself: ‘Maybe I should have figured out how to do it on the ground first’. I didn't berate myself though - blaming it on my building anxiousness to learn anything that could allow me to survive what hell the salesman had in store for me here. So taking a few moments - and a few false starts - I slid around on the ground getting decent at at moving faster from a standing position.

After around half an hour of practice, I felt that I get it, and realized that the stabilizers and shock absorbers in my legs were self-adjusting to my senses as I practiced. Several numbers were running at the lower left part of my sight, changing as I slightly felt how I accommodate to this body, managing to jump into the air after a regular dash and…

‘Oh god!’ I thought to myself as I let out a really manly scream as the air-dash kicked in finally, letting me go airborne for an instance and moving in the direction I wanted to go, which I knew from experience in front of the T.V. that it had to be where I faced.

Naturally, my good spirit went down the drain when I face-planted at the end of the trip provided by my air-dash. Grumbling, but at least feeling more confident, I continued practicing it until I got it right.

The sun started setting as I practiced, and after I got it right several more times, I landed and stood still to ‘rest’...

And that’s when I heard this odd clapping… It didn’t sound like the clapping of a human, it was… stranger and without rhythm. My ‘oh-so-helpful O.S. Assistant - which I didn’t know worked by itself - let me know in a direct way what it was: the sound was of clapping with claws against pads. That alone was a frame of reference I had no idea of knowing I knew what that sound was like.

I felt this little tickle in my brain… which wasn’t exactly flesh and blood anymore, and noticed for the first time that I actually had a proximity sensor - only it was minimized.

As for what was the Proximity Sensor was warning me of… apparently it was in front of me… but nothing was there on sight.

“Looks like you can sense me despite my presence being unnoticeable by ponies... I must be losing my touch. So! Mr. Unknown...? you certainly have decent movement speed, but why oh why do I sense so much order coming off of you? It wouldn’t be so bad, if I didn’t sense a shard of chaos as well within you. It’s still not time for me to come out on stage just yet - but for you I can’t sense a better chance.” A voice rang out around me. “Still! I must wait ‘till they do what they were planning, and he goes all the way.”

“Um… who’s there? I’m warning you - I’m more than willing to fight back.” I announced nervously - or as nervous as a machine simulating emotions from a human origin can be - while taking a boxing stance. Up to this point it hadn’t occurred to me to that I would be forced to fight, but now I could keep appearances in order to have a boon when dealing with the unknown...

Of course, intimidation is all about appearing to be much harder to deal with than it would be for other people. But… I am not exactly sure that this would work with what most certainly isn’t a human being - if I can’t see him even though he’s right in front of me if the proximity sensor in my head is anything to go by, beeping loudly while pointing out in my eyesight where it is..

Then I felt it - something trying to worm its way into my mind. The words don’t make it justice - it felt as something was taking over my very essence while keeping enough intact to let me be my own spectator.

While I was dumbly trying to process what the hell was going on, my body took only a few seconds before the suffering circuit took effect - knocking back whatever was trying to possess me. By reflex, I rolled out of the way and my X-Buster materialized in replacement of my right arm.

Without thinking - only letting the instincts flow - I took my stance and aimed it at the direction I felt the finger was coming from.

What I saw changed what I was planning to do now that I knew what lived here as I batted away the finger pressed on my forehead by the ugly being with my left hand in panic...

The figure touching me grimaced in pure annoyance as it glared in my direction while floating away by means unknown. It was tall and made up of several animal parts. I’m sure he had a lizard leg but it looked to be much too sharp for any known lizard I’ve ever seen. But even through the eagle claw, lion paw, snake body, and horse-like head gave me shivers due to it being completely out of sense and mind of any real creature, it was the eyes that made me stop for an instant. Instead of normal sclera, the thing had icterus or jaundice, a sick shade of yellow of some sort… with piercing red irises that showed me all I needed to know about this creature. The thing snorted slightly and from the sound of its frustrated tone it also sounded male.

“That… that wasn’t supposed to happen.” He growled out in animalistic fury to no one in particular.

I don’t know what possessed me to try to figure how my X-Buster worked, but as I felt the need to charge my buster to the maximum - my body reacted as I instantly started glowing in a deep green color… then blue as several sensors told me what I knew was ready for him.

This being watched me in rapt attention as my charging drew his attention, apparently realizing that I was capable indeed to fight back way more than just his more than likely mind control ability. At the very least I felt like it was that since it seemed to try and possess my soul.

Thinking quickly, I aimed the buster towards the figure in front of me - and released a large blast of plasma that raced out towards the mishmash of animals. This thing realized too late what the beam was as it hit him squarely in the chest - sending him flying back to a tree that he broke on impact from the force of the blast.

As I stood there watching, I saw him slowly rise back up from his landing spot - chest smoking a little from where the plasma burst hit him. As he ignored me, eyes wide and unbelieving he lowered a talon down his burnt chest…

And saw that he was bleeding slightly from the burnt mark on his chest. His eyes widened in surprise before he slowly ran his talon over the wound sealing it up.“We’ll see about that…” He growled while scowling at me before snapping his talons and teleporting away.

There I was, alone and now being watched by a thing that apparently hated not being able to do whatever it was going to do to my mind… or the large scorch mark I left on him.

When I reviewed what I saw when I hit him - because apparently my brain can record video data now - I made a small three inch wound on his body with a fully charged shot.

‘So… already have an enemy against me for not letting it do to me what it wanted. Didn’t even learn his name either.’ I mused as I decided maybe it was time to take stock of what I was capable of. At this point I knew what I could actually do since I played the series so much but I had no idea how to actually use said abilities. Strangely, the use of the X Buster seemed intuitive enough to figure out - as it reacted with a desire to defend or protect rather than when wanting to run for my life.

Basically it was very much a point arm at something and the X Buster will transfigure itself out of my arm - with a bit of will added to the mix. When I wanted to charge a shot I found out that there were files in my brain that detailed how long each charge would take which unfortunately wasn’t editable as it was hardwired or something. A class on coding in C++ wasn’t anywhere close to how detailed these files were, and I didn’t trust myself not to fuck up my own mind by editing things that I didn’t know what they did. There were also several more functions which seemed locked up as well within the coding structure. The entire weapons archive was sealed with conditional statements which seemed nonsensical to me.

‘What the hell does it mean I need to find Archive Pod X-SWRI#1. What does that even mean… why is another file being brought up… Sigma War Reploid Invasion Number One Package… What?’ I opened my eyes and allowed the proximity sensor to ping as far as it possibly could. I didn’t know the dimensions of one screen within the game world but I figured it wouldn’t be too bad. The scan checked fifty meters in a concentric circle around me…

When I looked over the data within my head - the freak-outs from how different I was getting less and less intense as I learned new things about myself - I noted that there were no entities around me.

The entire forest was devoid of even the most basic of animal life. Still, with that… thing around I needed to find out what exactly counted as a sapient being around here. Without any of the special weapons I could potentially use I was at the bare minimum of my capabilities… so, if I were to survive this whole ordeal, I’d need to search in this world where were these capsules hidden.

Deciding I was tired of the forest and with the moon rising already, I dashed off through the forest looking for any sign of civilization. As I realized now, I didn’t need sleep - without any visible detriment on my self - and there was something off when I was exposed to sunlight.

I wasn’t exactly sure on the how, but I was somehow generating energy during the day self healing… which might explain why neither of the things that attacked me managed to do anything substantial at all while under the sun.

Stygian walked back to the remains of Hollow Shade. After the Sirens’ attacks several ponies had moved off for the Everfree Castle, to live in general peace since the Siren’s banishment. He looked over the town and slowly wept as he looked around the remains. Cleaning himself up he waited near the remains of the first house that they saved where the crowds cheered on the pillars… only to not receive any recognition for the contributions that he had done in getting the pillars. He knew that that wasn’t the case but every mission left him more and more aware of how superfluous he really was.

“Poor child… one who can’t be more than he is… Perhaps you need to be more than you are before others will take you seriously. Would you like some help?”

“Who’s there?” Stygian stepped up and fumbled around. He had no powerful magic to shield him and his fri-... No there were no friends. Shaking at his powerless, whether from fear or anger was unknown, he just looked down and waited for his end which didn’t come.

“I will not harm you. You require a helping hoof. Should you allow me, I shall be able to help you earn the respect you deserve. You have worked hard to be seen as an equal. All that I require…. Is your permission.”

Stygian looked at his hoof seeing the scrawniness that hid within it. The powerlessness consumed him. “How do I know you are being truthful…?” A simple question… but one that needed to be quelled. Consideration basked in the glory that was coming.

“Because your opinion matters. What kind of being would I be if I didn’t hear you out. Unlike your friends I shall make sure to be there for you.”

Stygian felt the tears run down his face… he didn’t need anymore convincing. With a nod of his head and the consequent lowering head, he acknowledged whatever was speaking to him. Within seconds the thing that spoke to him entered his mind. The inner twisting of his limbs as new appendages sprung from his back while he grew larger. He felt stronger… more complete. He could tower over the world.

“You may use my powers as you see fit. Just remember… we are in this together.”

“Of course. Thank you… Who are you though?” Stygian honestly asked, finally feeling worthy for the first time.

“I am nopony of consequence. But together... I would suggest you call us the Pony of Shadows…”

Stygian merely nodded in acquiescence… before exploding in laughter at the amusement he felt due to the stronger title. With a little experimentation and shifting of will on his part, he began to explore just how his powers now worked. Even with the shift in his priorities he could feel that same need to help others… but it would be his way.

His way only. And no one would think of him as being irrelevant.

My fears are becoming real - I cannot sleep. And even though I tried what was an in-build ‘sleep mode’ as an alternative... and it did nothing for me nor my mind concerning this whole mess.

My trek took me out of the forest towards the largest mountain of the mountain range I could see in the surroundings, as I still didn’t have any direction nor sense of bearing of this place at all.

There was in that mountain I had my sights on nothing but sheer rock wall at almost a complete vertical line. A deserted, empty expanse of a mountain with nothing other than the peak to look forward to.

I could only stare at the wall in front of me, as I furiously thought how to achieve it - I knew for certain that I could scale walls… I just didn’t exactly have a frame of reference for it.

So… in an experimental mood I made my jump towards that wall - and found myself clinging to it using my hand and feeling power go to my feet. The feeling was weird because even while I was being stung by the flyders and the manticore I didn’t feel anything. Even on the synthetic skin that made up my face I could feel nothing. Yet here I could feel the power generated by my feet and the coarseness of the wall while I slid down… plus more power gathering at my back for an unknown reason.

“That’s so weird…” I said to myself before shrugging this off and tried jumping up while grappling the wall - only to realize that something pushed me back towards the wall as I jumped upwards, letting me actually scale the wall a bit. Dumbfounded, all I could think of was, ‘How was I pushed back towards the wall?’ before trying it a few more times until I got the hang of it.

“Hm… okay, I think I get it.”

So, for the next three days I slowly climbed this mountain, making my way towards the very peak of the tallest mountain of the range which seemed to be in the very center of the continent.

There were some touch and go moments, like how whenever I let my mind wander from the task of climbing to my encounter with the chimeric creature that tried to mind-control me, I missed my jump and fell down to the nearest platform I was left at.

Once I reached the ledge, I took in the measurement of height from before to now going off in my head - and I was stunned at how far I fell and how fast I went. The first time I fell I was over seven thousand feet high and fell for over a thousand. When I hit the ground I left a large impact crater in the ledge and fell another five hundred feet until I finally clung to the wall to slow down my fall - the same thrust pushing me towards the wall instead of doing cartwheels due to my weight.

It took several hours before I reached another serviceable ledge to rest on. While rest in itself wasn’t required by this body, my mind was overworked due to the focus it required to keep on climbing without losing the rhythm to do so.

While resting, in an act of curiosity, I took a look over my legs’ covering... only to find out that they were undamaged from the sudden fall. When I looked closer I noticed that there were minor scuffing and lots of dirt hidden along the edges of my leg armor… greaves? I didn’t know exactly what my legs were now since I was made mostly of metal.

As I continued to calm my mind, the files in my head were dispensing more cursory knowledge which made it much harder to actually rest or concentrate. This accumulated to the point where that by the third day I was three quarters of the way up and needed to stop and collate everything inside my mind or fall down the mountain due to my mind slipping away with a distraction.

Finally my self-restraint gave way, and I began to fully feel the uncertainty and soul crushing despair coming from the fact that I was missing all my organs and could no longer trying to deny everything I looked over what I had going for me. To not be able to eat, drink, sleep… all those things that at one point one takes for granted, or wish to not have to allow one to focus in one’s obligations now feel like family that died in front of me. Trying to change the focus of my thoughts, I checked upon an aspect that I hadn’t evaluated since arriving in this world…

My actual status. The moment I cued it in to show me made me wish that I didn’t do that from the first line onwards.

=Secondary Armor Modules currently installed - hardware missing from Core for testing=
- Helmet Attachments Missing Modules 1-7
- Body Armor Missing Modules
- Light Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Giga Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Max Armor: INCOMPLETE
- Force Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Falcon Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Gaea Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Blade Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Shadow Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Glide Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Icarus Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Hermes Armor : INCOMPLETE
- Buster Upgrades Missing Modules 1-8
- Leg Upgrades Missing Modules 1-3
=Basic Capabilities Enabled=
=Weapon Archive Disabled=
=Searching world for sealed capsules... Reception insufficient.=

“Reception…? Why do I need reception?” I muttered out before continuing my climb once I felt that my mind wouldn’t get off track. The sun and moon passed two more times in succession as I kept on wall-climbing before I managed to reach the highest point on the highest mountain. I looked over the land and nearly fell to my knees in utter confusion and despair at the sight in front of me.

To the north was a large frozen tundra and with my robotic eyes managing to magnify some of the farther things I could see a large crystal looking city. To the west were several smoky mountains that seemed to encapsulate a large mountain as well, though something told me that it was very flimsy. To the east was a large ocean and if my eyes weren’t deceiving me some islands of various sizes. Finally, to the south was several rolling plains and deserts that it made me uncertain about what exactly I was looking at. I was nowhere near any known place on Earth. That figure that attacked me, in a sense, was not just a hallucination. I’m trapped in a place where I have no way to escape…

For the first time in my life I screamed from the bottom of my now nonexistent heart as all the stress finally got to me.

Author's Note

Another for fun product of an insane mind. I like the Megaman X series. I decided to write one here. For all intents and purposes he will be dealing with a lot of things. We may never know his real name and no Johnny wasn't his name. This is another pet project of mine for random days whenever I'm feeling like writing about robots. Or in this case replicated androids.

In X lore, X was outfitted with a special heart circuit in his body by Light known only as the Suffering Circuit. It was made to make sure that X would retain his human empathy and general humanity. It's what allowed him to never get infected by the Maverick Virus in either it's Sigma Form or Zero Form.

The small modules he got are based on all the characters he's worked around during his career.

Zero, of course, was his main partner possessing blade capabilities which also allowed him to manipulate some elemental properties such as fire, ice, lightning, and metal.

Axl was a shapeshifter capable of turning into different reploids whenever he defeated them. The full capabilities were never shown in game but he does gain the knowledge of each reploid he fights.

Harpuia was the de facto leader of the Guardians from the Zero series. The guardian of the Sky he was capable of self generated flight and control over lightning and sound.

Leviathan was the Guardian of the Sea and was capable of high speed underwater maneuverability and control over water and ice.

Fefnir was the Guardian of the Land and was the heavy weapon specialist with control over fire and earth.

Phantom was the Guardian of Shadow and was the stealth specialist with control over light and shadow.

Massimo is large warrior from Command Mission and is considered one of the strongest reploids through bare strength.

Marino is a thief and a capable ninja from Command Mission.

Cinnamon is a healer and monk rolled into one.

Nana was a Navigator in Command Mission without being too annoying like another operator I could think of.

No I will not use Alia, Layer, or Palette and no I will not use Iris or Colonel.

Interlude 02. Restructured (unedited)

Hurricane looked over his plans in far more detail. There were too many uncertainties already with the departure of the strange Crystal Golem. There needed to be a few more plans placed into the fold before fully committed to the plan ahead. He slowly trotted down towards the main hallway over to the Main Meeting Room.

Hurricane knew who to expect when he stepped into the room… but neither of the two ponies he expected were actually within the room at all. Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead were nowhere to be seen. Instead there were three other ponies within the room.

Smart Cookie, a chocolate chip coated pony with brown mane, working on some of her leader’s more… absurd laws. The mare in question was busy discussing things with two other ponies in question.

To her right was a unicorn stallion of silver azure coat and several shades of gray mane. He seemed to be trying to grow a beard… but it still hadn’t come in. This was Clover the Clever, the current protege of Star Swirl the Bearded. He was also locked in an argument with the pegasus in the room.

Said Pegasus was pink in coat color and golden mane with orange streaks through it. She was coiling down feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sudden raising of voices until she noticed her Commander trotting in. With a sudden raising of her wing she knocked Clover over and saluted the Commander.

“What was that fo- Oh! Hello Commander Hurricane… heh heh…” Clover chuckled as he fumbled back to his hooves. It took a few seconds to get back up while Hurricane looked over the other ponies in the room.

“Private Pansy, Report.” Hurricane solemnly stated.

“We were arguing over the tapestry that was to be hung on the walls. Smart Cookie wants to place harvesting fields, Clover wishes to place those of Star Swirl and I wanted to place the Pegasi Legions upon them. We haven’t come to a decision or compromise.” Pansy quickly belted out making certain never to relax her guard.

“You are to place those of the sun and the moon with a starry field behind it. Remember… we are transitioning eventually to the other monarchs soon enough. So remember to turn over to those tapestries.” Hurricane ordered quietly staring down the other three.

“But wouldn’t…” Clover started before Hurricane stared him down and made him stop.

“Right away sir. Ah before I forget I’ve been hearing a strange rumor around the castle as of yesterday. Something about a golem. I’m certain that it’s nothing of the sort.” Pansy questioned clearly uneasy about the rumors shooting up all over the building. Hurricane took a deep breath.

“Yes Pansy. They are true.” Hurricane bluntly stated.

Pansy did as she was apt to do in a high stress situation and promptly passed out. Cookie poked at her compatriot with the tip of her hoof only to find that she was stiff as a board. It was slightly unsettling that she was Commander Hurricane’s liaison between the tribes with how timid she was.

“Pansy. Private Pansy get up already there is work to do.” Hurricane growled out which roused Pansy from unconsciousness and she once again saluted the commander.

“How is she able to do that?” Clover questioned as Pansy was still clearly shell shocked.

“Years of training.” Pansy mumbled while she kept her gaze straight and true.

“So the rumors of a golem were true then? Aegis has been more antsy since last night and there have been many… discouraging comments coming out of that flankhole he calls a mouth.” Cookie grumbled as she looked through her notes.

“He has been a lot mouthier than usual.” Clover added on as he summoned up some more notes. “This has been the eighteenth time his mouth has almost gotten him in trouble. We fear that this will hurt the tribes chances of cohabitation at this point. We've barely gotten the armies to work together and that was due to necessity rather than unity.”

“I would think we've had unity since we defeated the Windigos. We just haven't learned to trust one another yet.” Pansy cut in finally relaxing.

“We got lucky. As it is right now we are working on a borrowed timescale and our new rulers are still in the learning phase. We need to step up their speed.” Cookie sighed as she looked over to her compatriots.

“You three keep up that trend then. I'll be leading the assault out on the Crystal Empire.” Hurricane mumbled before starting to trot out.

“Yes sir.” Pansy answered.

“Got it Commander.” Clover muttered.

“Understood.” Cookie mumbled.

It took a few moments until it sunk in for the three. Hurricane had nearly reached the door as well.

“Wait, What!” Three cries echoed out in near perfect harmony.

“Ugh… this is why you three need to relax. I just told you what I'm planning to do and you are already freaking out on me.” Hurricane growled out as he turned to face the others.

“But sir! That's tantamount to suicide at this point. All the golems created from the Crystal Empire have been able to fight us off and kill many of our troops without breaking a sweat.” Pansy cried out not caring about decorum as her tears ran down Hurricane’s shoulder.

“They've proven to be resistant to most shattering spells unless focused by three ponies. Even with numbers advantage we haven't been able to teach every unicorn the shattering spells necessary.” Clover grimly admitted.

“You are one of the leaders of these ponies. Putting yourself out there will just end in your death.” Cookie mentioned like the crack of a whip.

“All valid concerns… but irrelevant. We have to clear those ponies and save them from that tyrant. Besides… I think we've got our ace in the hole at this point.” Hurricane chuckled as the other three seemed a bit scared. He never chuckled or cracked whenever something was happening.

“What is is sir?” Pansy bravely stepped up even with her shaking knees and twitchy wings. She was preparing for the possible problems.

“The golem has been sent out to attack the Crystal Empire. We’re going to use the distraction to make our way into the fray.” Hurricane mentioned which received another length of cries about how insane the plan was.

“That’s nuts! What about Raven Scar!? Have you forgotten what happened during that farce of an idea!” Clover called out not wanting to deal with the same incidents all over again.

“It’s fine. I’ll be heading out now.” Hurricane declared and took off before the others could react. “You three stay here and keep things running.”

“What!?” The three called out but the Commander had flown off to rouse the troops.

“Get the others in here now!” Clover yelled out to the other two.

It took several hours to get Princess Platinum up from her nap… needless to say that the one who did was now stumbling around holding their ears. It had explained the piercing shriek that had assaulted everypony’s ears. Chancellor Puddinghead had been harder to find since she was somehow in the kitchen and had made several tubs… of pudding.

“Mam… you can't make copious amounts of new pudding just because you want a new hat.” Cookie muttered as she led her leader into the meeting.

“I'll have you know it wasn't just to make a hat. I was also making a delicious lotion that coats your tongue from the harmful rays of disgusting foods. Jeez… give me some credit Cook.” Puddinghead scoffed as she used her little nickname for Smart Cookie… though that also confused her when she also had Silver Cook nearby. Cookie sighed and rubbed her temples trying desperately to keep the migraine away.

“Clover~ why do I have to wake up now!” Platinum shrilly whined. “We’re not exactly in crisis mode.”

“Princess… we’re at war technically. Remember… the Crystal Empire.” Clover muttered keeping his frustration from showing.

“I thought we had won already. You made it clear to me that we were winning.” Platinum rounded on Clover who now on the backpedal was worried about what was going on now.

“I… I - I didn’t forget. We are winning… it’s just Commander Hurricane has decided to take it upon himself to finish this war off.” Clover finished stuttering out hoping that Platinum would finally cut him some slack.

“I see. Then we should help him right Puddinghead?” Platinum called out.

“Yup. We should head out and make sure to keep the troops motivated. I have plenty of provisions to handle these problems.” Puddinghead smiled as she gathered up several bowls of pudding in her grasp managing to keep everything balanced without even trying.

“Right then. Let’s get out and help out that old featherhead.” Platinum chuckled as the two started to trot off.

“Wait! Why are you heading out!?” Smart Cookie cried out to no avail.

“Adventure awaits!” Platinum and Puddinghead called out in unification.

And with that cry both Chancellor Puddinghead and Princess Platinum charged off to join their fellow leader on what amounted to a suicide mission. At least as far as everypony but Commander Hurricane knew.

Already heading to the Crystal Empire was their answer to the crystal golems. His name was X.

XXIII. Remorse (unedited)

It had taken a few minutes before I was satisfied from cleaning myself up. It also took a bit for my systems to cool off before I truly did overheat. In that time I actually looked over my systems noting a small change to the weapons archive.

Below where the eighth generation Maverick weapons were stored I found four more lists and one of them was active. It was only read as the Displaced Weapons Archive. Mentally, I quirked an eyebrow at that distinction. I didn't remember actually getting any power while there and likewise didn't really understand why that would be a thing in the first place. Sighing, I looked through it noting that the weapon was Rider Kick. Apparently it was a self explanatory weapon seeing as I watched an anthropomorphic pony kick Corundum and shatter his body in one strike. At the very least I was content on knowing that it would help out later.

Regardless of the maintenance I would need to give myself later, I needed to make sure that my systems wouldn't be changed because of all this. Paranoia was a cruel mistress and my run in with Discord made me much more aware of how it was affecting me. This key wasn't much of a hope bringer as I once thought as I picked it up out of the bowl of heated water.

“Bit for your thoughts X?” Somnambula called out catching my attention once again. I looked towards her but I didn't want to voice my thoughts… my gaze lowered to the key and she seemed to understand what I wanted to say.

We remained silent as we returned back upstairs with Meadowbrook and the others. I gripped the key somewhat tightly feeling my arm sag lower and lower as I did… I didn't know why it felt so heavy at this point.

Somnambula gave me a quick smile and a pat on my hip since I was taller than her. I had to fake a smile. I don't know if she noticed or not because she still probably thought of me as a golem. The only ones who knew that I was actually a reploid were the three founders and now Star Swirl as well.

Contemplation on what I am aside, we reached the room to find a very busy Meadowbrook coasting through the victims as she cleaned and treated those she could. Several became able to move once again after her ministrations with three of the large group getting the dreaded head shake from a doctor of sorts. Surprisingly, those that were too far gone merely smiled with grim determination and remained still while they waited.

“You're back. Did you find anything?” Flint stepped up as he noticed us causing the entire group to look at us as well. I held the key out by the crystal feather trinket letting everypony see the obsidian etchings that adorned said key. How I didn't notice the key was something I wouldn't ever understand with how out of place it actually appeared to be.

“Meadowbrook can you tell me anything about this key… also don't put it in your mouth.” Somnambula asked as I tossed the key to the awaiting earth pony. She gingerly held it in her hoof looking over it carefully as she traced the etchings with the very edge of her hoof.

“Very ornate… even decorative… hm? There's a small amount of magic coursing through both items. I may have a way to track where it leads to after I've looked over the rest of the ponies here.” Meadowbrook announced as she tossed the key back to me.

“We shall assist then. The more we work together the faster it would be.” Somnambula volunteered us to assist.

It was a hurricane of work as the three of us went about checking on all the ponies in the room. I didn't have any medical training though so my assistance fell towards making certain all the tools that she brought were sanitized. Needless to say I managed to find out that Fire Wave could be adjusted at that point and my buster was used as an impromptu heating plate.

“X… you have good hoof to eye coordination right?” Meadowbrook asked out of the blue.

“Um… yes I'm certain I do have good hand to eye coordination.” I carefully answered as she looked over her latest patient.

“I need you to assist me with this patient. I'm certain we can save him if we can remove this crystal. Don't worry I'll guide you.” Meadowbrook assured me though I really didn't think I was supposed to be given this much free range on skills I didn't have.

That began a very slow process of cutting a pony open and removing a large red crystal from his side that had nearly ruptured out of him. There were several times I had to be told what to cut and where but I was glad for the direction since the crystal was smaller than a hoof and required several cuts just to get it out of the poor stallion before me.

The fact that he was awake and biting on a piece of wood just made it all the worse. Meadowbrook said she gave him a pain suppressing potion but from the look in his eyes this was still terrifying to watch. The last incision I made allowed me to jostle the crystal shard loose enough to wrest it from his gut. He shuddered at the sensation but he never once screamed.

Those robotic reflexes were coming in handy as I slowly sutured him back up with a curved needle. I was surprised that this was a thing here even though there weren't any modern utilities and making certain items were sanitized before use was rare, at least from what I've seen so far.

Luckily, Meadowbrook walked me through the process and we put the pony together once again. For the next three hours we did the same thing for every pony that wasn't at risk of dying from the process including Diamond Shard, who had passed out from the first surgical procedure. Flint had been fidgeting throughout the procedure and Somnambula had to hold him back whenever it made a new incision. Thanks to a little luck most of the ponies were given a new lease on life with less chance of their crystal actuators activating and turning them into crystal golems.

“This is good. Your technique is still very amateurish X but you did well.” Meadowbrook faintly praised me… but I didn't want to prod her on the worried tone she gave me. While my hands were steady and performed with surgical precision I didn't actually know what to do the entire time requiring her to walk me through the procedures as they went. It was the only reason it took so long to finish up everypony that could survive the process.

“I hope I don't have to do this again…” I muttered as I looked over my hands… which were covered in blood once again. Fresh blood, in fact. I would have to overheat myself again just to feel clean… or walk out into the snow and melt a section until I was fully washed.

It wasn't even a matter of being covered in blood at this point. After having to deal with Diode’s remains I felt a bit… detached. The human side of my mind actually felt numb to what I saw as if it was accepting that that was just something Norma now. The robotic part maintained that I needed to sanitize myself before dealing with the living ponies around me. It had been a very long day already and I really just wanted to relax… even if only for an hour.

“We can only hope. Let's track down where this key goes to.” Somnambula spoke up breaking me from my spiraling thoughts. I welcomed the change since rationalization was starting to become the norm.

“Yes. Let's head out then. I'm sorry but Flint, please watch over them until we get back.” Meadowbrook suggested causing the unicorn stallion to sigh and nod. He didn't have any more words for us as he watched over the recovering Diamond Shard.

We exited the room and she took the key using another small vial of liquid and pouring its contents over the feather and key. A dull glow surrounded it and she held it over one of the doors nearby. It lost some of the magic surrounding it causing her to reel back and try another.

“So… we just go room to room until we find it?” I felt my shoulders sag at the situation we found ourselves in. Somnambula seemed to strain her smile at the notion.

“Unfortunately, yes. While we could get Star Swirl here to perform a much more efficient spell we need him to appear in front of the crystal ponies as well to assure that we are working on getting the Crystal Empire back on its hooves.” Meadowbrook explained as she went to another door… still a dull glow came from the key.

“This may take a while then. We should rush through these upper halls for now since I doubt somepony as Corundum would ever house the queen in lavish setting.” Somnambula mentioned which got us to agree where we immediately went back to the ground floor.

The key shined brighter as we got lower taking us into the throne room. For a few minutes we searched the entire room looking for anything that the key was leading us to. I searched near the edges of the room, feeling the walls for any strange indentations in the crystals in case of a secret passage. Meadowbrook scoured the floors turning over any carpets that still remained for a loosened crystal or indentation for a basement entrance. Somnambula checked the ceiling, flying up and feeling against the several crystal formations for any out of place protrusions. There was nothing to find at any of the extremities of the room.

“Nothing here!” I called out and returned to the center of the room.

“Me either!” Somnambula yelled out and flapped back down landing beside me.

“Same… ugh… this key is reacting more in this room than any other but nothing has made itself clear.” Meadowbrook actually growled out as she waved the key around trying to detect the minute shifts around the crystal feather and key.

“This room is large and for there not to be a secret passage is most unsettling. I will find the secret passage soon.” Somnambula announced fluffing up her feathers as she did so.

“Well… Corundum was an earth pony and he used unicorn horns like magic wands… so what could he possibly do to hide something magically?” I pondered out as the other two thought about the problem on their own as well.

We kept searching until Somnambula noticed that the key glowed brighter whenever we got near the throne. With a gleeful giggle she hopped around the throne searching for any sign of a keyhole. Her jubilant expression got our attention as we looked as the throne as well.

“Found anything yet?” I asked as Somnambula jumped from side to side peering at the dimensions of the chair, taking in all the abject details.

“No… but it's here. This thing keeps making the key glow brighter. I know it's here.” Somnambula asserted as she tried pushing it out of the way.

“Perhaps the potion went bad?” Meadowbrook brought up clearly not wanting her friend to strain her back.

“No this is the answer. I know it!” Somnambula announced clearly struggling to push the throne.

I calmly picked up the pegasus eliciting a sudden yelp as I placed her next to Meadowbrook. I carefully positioned myself at the throne and lifted it up, bending with the knees and not my back. Beneath the throne was a small indentation and a lock on the ground. Meadowbrook immediately trotted over to the lock… only to stop and stare.

“What's wrong? Unlock it already.” I stated before pushing the throne over so I didn't have to hold it up anymore. It wasn't the best choice… but it did let me see what was going on.

“The thing has magic surrounding it. If I put the key in it something will happen.” Meadowbrook answered stopping my line of thinking.

“Ah a seal. An evil seal if I've ever seen a seal before.” Somnambula commented as she peered deeply at the revealed keyhole.

“Something bad? Maybe I'd have better luck since I'm me.” I mentioned as she handed me the key though both of them looked hesitant to let me try. “Any idea what the seal will do?”

“Unfortunately, no. All I can tell is that this seal was brute forced into existence. The spell weaving used is amateurish and most likely any trained magus could undo it. The problem is that from the constant fighting we've had all the trained wizards were injured leaving only Star Swirl and Mist Mane. If you think it better to wait we could get them over here to undo it.” Meadowbrook explained while Somnambula fidgeted on the spot.

“Have either of you seen this before?” I motioned at the spot… I was feeling a bit impatient and really didn't want to wait any longer than I had to.

“It resembles a seal in my homeland.” Somnambula started. “This particular one has the symbol of the snake on it… meaning it might dispense a virulent poison or something worse. The problem is that the seal is sloppy so it might just as well explode when activated.”

“Oh… well… listen I think I can tank an explosion… provided I was prepared. Go stand outside and I'll open it up.” My voice would have been quavering had I allowed my emotions to get the best of me. Nana had started drawing up plans to minimize the effects of the poison and while I was out of Fire Wave, I still had Ground Fire to burn away any lingering effects of the potential poison… unless it was explosive as well…

“If we do that… we’ll need to barricade the doors. I have one potion to mitigate poison and I have made it activate as a smokescreen to touch as many afflicted as possible. It should neutralize any poison that tries to escape the room.” Meadowbrook procured the potion out of her satchel hefting it in her hoof.

“Let's do that then. Head outside and knock three times when you have everything ready. I'll be standing by.” I waved my arm and stood near the keyhole while Meadowbrook and Somnambula both trotted out of the room.

It took a few minutes but eventually I heard a loud thud against the door followed by three loud knocks. Hooves were definitely much more dangerous than hands for knocking. I shook my limbs out and switched armors back to the Light Armor.

While the Falcon Armor gave me high levels of mobilization I couldn't charge my special weapons and I needed Rolling Shield in case it was an explosive seal. I charged up and held the charge until I was ready to unlock whatever the seal blocked.

‘Sir! Thaumic levels are quite subdued within that seal. While we can't be too sure Harpuia thinks that the shield might not be enough to handle that level of explosion.’ Nana commented back within my head. Since we had returned the three of them returned to a cautionary state.

“Noted. Unfortunately the more time passes the less likely we'd find anything. I'm still uncertain of what Corundum was planning here. He wanted to die back in that other world. Staying here, while good for Concerto, is detrimental to the entire world. As much as I would like to say that we could leave it to someone else… none of them were able to deal with Corundum at his level. I'm more than capable of fighting back against Corundum and stopping his plans whatever they may be from continuing. Even in death he had to have made back up plans…” I trailed off trying to even contemplate what kind of plan he had concocted in the first place.

I couldn't. Not one single idea came to me. He had no loyal retainers left so necromancy was out of the question and he left no heirs either. Corundum's legacy seemed so assured based solely on how calmly he faced death and a part of me wondered if I was conflating my own sense of purpose in this world.

Admittedly I didn't want to be part of the world when I was first shunted here. The only motivation I had at that moment was the search for the capsules that held X’s other special weapons. While I might have been X in body I wasn't in mind.

‘X, we should open the seal now.’ Nana gently prodded at me getting me to realize that I had lost myself to thought once again.

I quietly nodded, thankful I couldn't show embarrassment, and inserted the key into the lock. At once the seal shined and I released my trigger activating Rolling Shield. The seal fritzed and the room was suddenly engulfed in flames and pressure as I was knocked back into the far wall and had the heat wash all over me. The shield cracked on the first impact and the sudden shockwave destroyed it completely.

‘Damn it all! We just repaired your body not so long ago and recharged the battery!” Fefnir complained as the self repair systems went into overdrive and continually repaired the damage from the continuous explosion.

Eventually the seal cracked and dissipated from sight as I fell to the floor. My armor was cracked in a few places but I was no worse for wear than usual bouts. I was unusually passé about what had occurred filling me with some worry about how I viewed myself. The lack of pain or feeling at this point might be detrimental since I was edging closer to feeling as though I could handle anything without too much worry. Even then, it was demonstrated that I was not invincible. I had limits in place which were made worse depending on whether it was day or night.

Before I could break into more self indulgent thoughts on my abilities and nature the floor rumbled as the key was accepted. The floor opened up revealing a long staircase down into the depth of what I could only assume to be the catacombs, if they had any.

‘Battery levels?’ I quietly thought as I surveyed the hole from my position. My legs were slightly out of commission after the explosion… which concerned me for how much pressure I could take in the Light Armor before my motor functions were compromised.

“Still an even eighty five percent sir. While not taxing that explosion was certainly made to kill… meaning Corundum did hide something down there. Your leg motors are repaired. I suggest getting Meadowbrook and Somnambula before you head down there… thaumic readings were through the roof when that occurred.” Nana mentioned as I got back on my feet and took a few experimental steps.

The auto stabilizers and internal gyroscope seemed to be back in working order. I stepped over to the door and pushed on it… only for it to fall back on me cracking from the sudden impact as it splintered to my sides. That was pretty much my luck in a nutshell at this point in my life. The two confused ponies on the other side of the door made it even more awkward.

“Are you - “ Somnambula started only for me to hold a hand out stopping her.

“Fine. Just don't ask. I found a passage down.” I quickly parsed out showing off the large staircase heading downward.

“My… this must be the path towards the catacombs though only for those of royal descent.” Meadowbrook mentioned causing me to give a little victory fist pump mentally for being right.

“If this is where he kept the queen… we should move.” I ordered as I rushed down the stairs with both mares following close behind me.

The staircase spiraled down deeper and deeper into the depth enveloping us in shadow. I was forced to keep a charge shot active just to have a way to see in the dark. There were nearly a few slips due to how the staircase was made out of crystal but I usually caught whomever almost slipped. Somnambula eventually decided to fly down instead just because it was easier.

When I looked at her with that questioning look of why she didn't do that before she answered only with a sheepish grin. She had forgotten that she could fly due to all the dramatic events that were going on. Meadowbrook, however, wasn't so lucky and eventually I decided to carry her the rest of the way.

“Hey! I can trot along fine.” Meadowbrook protested as embarrassment entered her tone and the giggles of Somnambula didn't help.

“No more slipping. We're almost there anyways so just put up with it until we get there.” I answered on reflex making her pout and grumble about being treated like a child.

As soon as we hit the bottom of the staircase we reached a small doorway that led north of the city of the data Nana had recorded was accurate. There seemed to be more places to go but none were closed off by a door. In my eyes, that made it more suspicious than any other path. It was a notion shared by my companions who closed in on the door without any pressing on my part.

“Here we go… “ I muttered as my hand grabbed the handle and pulled.

It had take a while to find the citizens of the Crystal Empire. Thanks to a few different guards that Hurricane had personally interrogated he had found the small cavern that they had been evacuated to thanks to the actions of Flint Shard.

“What do we do now Hurricane? Platinum will have to stay here at the very least for a year just to get things set back up.” Puddinghead mentioned as she trotted alongside the grizzled pegasus commander.

He didn't answer at first though. His eyes were trained at all the refugees who looked tired and browbeaten after everything that was said and done. The foals were quiet and far too well behaved to be like others children. The mares were huddled together shivering against each other while the stallions mostly looked dead inside. The families that were together were smiling as they saw the Equestrian guard which didn't pose well in his head.

The return to power would take time and if they needed to sanction part of the Royal Guard to intermingle with the Crystal Guard to make things work it would leave them vulnerable militarily. While it wasn't talked about out loud it was still understood that several countries were vehemently gunning for the top spot in the world and ponies were up on the chopping block to prove that they deserved to stay up there.

“Hurricane… we need to get the citizens back into the city. They'll die from exposure if they remain here any longer.” Puddinghead shook Hurricane back to his senses making him shelf his long term plans until they could get the bigger picture.

“Right. Second Stand! Get over here!” Hurricane shouted out as his second in command came rushing up to him.

“Yes sir!” Stand saluted causing more than a few crystal ponies to be thrown off by his enthusiasm.

“Start organizing the return. Priority to foals and mares. Keep them together until we can get them back into the city.” Hurricane commanded and Stand flew off getting the guards to quickly round everypony up.

“Hurricane, we are spread so thinly at this point that I don't think we could protect this place. The Crystal Guard might not be able to handle being their protector with how things turned out here. Corundum scared them into submission and I… “ Puddinghead started only to get stopped by an impatient Hurricane.

“I know. I know already but we're going to do this. While it will stretch us thin we need this more than ever now.” Hurricane solemnly stated as the ponies were herded out group by group towards the Crystal Castle.

The silence returned to the cavern as the two ponies looked around. They noted the few items left behind as the ponies were marched back into the city. Hurricane deeply sighed while Puddinghead placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. The aftermath of this war was costly… but not as costly as they once thought it would be.

They followed the last stragglers silently watching as a city would slowly rebuild back up to a better state than it was once in.

I wished I didn't open the door. It was something out of a nightmare and I wanted to be done with it already. Meadowbrook and Somnambula had already opted out of continuing into the crypt though the retching I could here did not bolster my confidence.

Several unicorn bodies had been… generously splayed out amongst the various coffins that had adorned the area. One was vivisected and left to bleed out… and that looked to be the freshest of the corpses. There were burnt out husks… melted bodies… ripped off hooves and a multitude of other horrible things which made me sick to my stomach. Well it would if I had a stomach… which honestly wasn't helping my reluctance to dealing with this much death.

“X! W-w-what did you find?” Somnambula called out seemingly finding her nerve.

“Bad things… lots of bad things… “ I managed to answer back before losing my sound.

“Okay… I'll help Meadowbrook for now… can you handle this?” Somnambula weakly yelled out as I heard another retching fit.

“Yeah! I got… this… “ I muttered out as I noticed the next corpse of a mare… ripped in half and with the words Geode’s property carved into her flank.

I clenched my jaw and nearly growled out in frustration. The next set of… trophies… marked by Ruby Geode were adorned in similar manners. I nearly wanted to just torch the entire room already in a vain attempt to escape from this horror show.

It was then that I noticed a dull glow coming from behind a dividing wall placed between the main crypt area and what appeared to be the main tomb. The sound of my feet against the stone floors just increased how unsettling this place was. When I finally worked up the nerve and walked around the wall and I saw something truly unsettling. It was something to be said that most if not all the corpses were unicorns but with the odd pegasus and earth pony amongst them all.

This particular unicorn was a lot larger than the rest and just like all the other unicorns her horn had been cleaved off her forehead. Her head had been cut off the body and the severed limbs were adorned at several places with what looked like the nerves stretched out and connected to a large crystal heart shaped gem which was placed in the carved out torso which was slowly pulsing magic if the thaumic sensor was anything to go by.

This… this was something far worse than any monster would do and I wasn't sure if it was Geode or Corundum had done this level of brutality. It was sickening and it got worse when I noticed that the eyes were still moving…

“Kill… me… kill… me… “ The damaged unicorn uttered out as the Crystal Heart gem pulsed as the magic faded more and more.

“Just… just wait a moment…” I garbled out… confused at what I heard. I had to rush out where Meadowbrook and Somnambula were grabbing them and rushing back to the unicorn.

Both of them were speechless and I was glad that they didn't have anything else to puke otherwise this would be worse by the minute. Meadowbrook looked as though she wanted to cry while Somnambula pushed up her wing to reach for the unicorn only to pull away as she covered her mouth with said wings to stifle her sobs.

“The Queen…?” I placed my hand on Meadowbrook who soundlessly nodded as I looked over the grisly scene.

“We… we need to get Concerto… as much as we shouldn't.” Somnambula shouted out as tears fell from her cheeks.

“That would damage her if she saw this much. We can't do that to her!” Meadowbrook shot back.

I carefully placed my hands on both of them to calm them down. The unicorn head muttered out the same thing again begging for death. I picked them up again but the head didn't seem to register that we were leaving while the heart was slowly losing its glow.

“Somnambula… go get them. As much as I don't think this was right we need to give her closure. It's not going to be good but it would be necessary.” I mentioned as I pushed her forward.

She gave me a nod as Meadowbrook looked at me with a stern glare. I knew what she wanted to talk about but I waited until Somnambula flew off up the staircase ready to get the important ponies.

“We shouldn't do this X. This will be too much for her to handle!” Meadowbrook protested putting her hoof down.

“We don't have a choice damn it all! If she doesn't get this closure then there is no help for her!” I shouted back clenching my fists as I stared down the mare. “If we don't do this she will always wonder what happened and we will ask her whether she wants to deal with it or not! That should be her choice.”

“And the other bodies? What of those?” Meadowbrook scowled out though she looked scared of what I was possibly going to say. “How do you keep those atrocities from being seen?”

“I will take care of it… “ I changed over to Fire Wave. “I'm going to cremated them now. I need you to tell me if there are some I shouldn't.” I meandered slowly towards the coffins not really wanting to do this.

“I figured this would be more humane… we just need to leave the queen living. The rest deserve peace now.” Meadowbrook stated as she turned away. “I really don't want to see this.”

“It's fine… I'll handle it.” I solemnly stated and turned my buster to the first body which was thankfully in a small divot on the tomb. It would take me a while.

Star Swirl watched over the little session between Concerto and Platinum as she tutored her on some steps of decorum for when she was placed on the throne.

“No wave lightly. Wave too much and the populace will think you frivolous. Wave too little and you'll appear apathetic.” Platinum chided the young mare as she tried to find the right level of movement.

“This is really difficult… and annoying.” Concerto groused as she continued to try waving right. Apparently mannerisms played a big part in royalty.

Star Swirl nearly sighed out loud at the display of frivolous behavior but bit his tongue before comments could spew out of his mouth. This moment was almost as bad as when Platinum tried to teach Celestia and Luna only with less explosions, metaphorically for the most part. His beard had barely grown back to its full glory a week prior. Before he could contemplate anything else he noted a very panicked light scarlet pegasus flying straight towards him.

Star Swirl was flung backwards as Somnambula flew into him rather than near him. The wind knocked out of him the grizzled arch mage looked at the swirling clouds above and thought over the meaning of life as air returned to him once again.

“What is wrong with you!?” Star Swirl shouted as Somnambula faltered in getting up getting him to lift her up with his magic and setting her next to him. She immediately grabbed him bringing him close by.

“We found the queen… not much time left.” She whispered to the flabbergasted looks on the two princesses’ faces.

Star Swirl went white as a sheet realizing what they needed to do. He looked towards Concerto and Platinum. With a specialized spell he called the Pillars to him. Thankfully, the other three were in a nearby room with Rockhoof and Magnus taking care of Mist Mane while she rested from the taxing use of her magic earlier that day. When they arrived Somnambula relayed the same message to each of them.

Rockhoof bowed his head and closed his eyes standing in silence. Magnus growled out scowling towards the skies in hopes of finding something to toss his anger at. Mist Mane covered her muzzle and kept watch of Concerto who was confused by the sudden shift in the Pillar’s demeanor.

“What is wrong? Did something happen to X?” Concerto worriedly stated as she stood up next to Star Swirl eyes wide and terror filled.

“No. He is fine. It's… it's … “ Star Swirl struggled to find the words. While the others were ready to answer for him, a raised hoof from him stopped them. “It's your mother. It seems she was found… “

“Mother! Where? We have to go now!?” Concerto nearly broke into a sprint to run in any direction even if she didn't know where to go. She was stopped by Star Swirl who lifted her off the ground so she couldn't get any traction and run off.

“Stop. You need to listen before you go.” Star Swirl sternly warned the young princess who didn't like the tone that was taken.

“She's dead, isn't she? I kinda knew that was what I would be told.” Concerto mirthlessly laughed as tears started to form in her eyes. “Mom is gone now.” They streamed down her cheeks before Star Swirl stopped her again from fully breaking down.

“No! Stop and listen! She is alive but not for much longer. We are taken my you there but it will probably be very bad.” Star Swirl looked to Somnambula who merely nodded grimly. “Extremely bad, apparently.”

“We need you ta be strong lass. When you enter wherever we go, it may be more than you could take.” Rockhoof voiced up carefully speaking the grim truth. He didn't know details but he didn't need to know that this was treading on thin ice.

“We just want you to be prepared for whatever may come.” Mist Mane added slowly stepping up to the magical field surrounding Concerto and dispelling it. She placed her hoof on her cheek causing her to look Mist Mane in the eyes. “We will be with you every step of the way there… you are not alone.”

“Come… we've wasted enough time talking about this. We should go if time is of the essence.” Magnus brought up wings flared as he looked to Somnambula who started flying towards the palace.

Princess Platinum quietly stayed behind and began directing the troops as was needed. She wasn't as apt at it as Hurricane was but when push came to shove she could hold her own weight. She wisely decided not to go along… Concerto would be stressed enough as is. Silently she prayed for a decent resolution.

It had been an hour since I had started and I had to resort to using Ground Fire for cremation purposes. I had forgotten that I had used up most of Fire Wave during surgery and my internal clock signified that night still hadn't fallen.

Meadowbrook had managed to work up the nerve to assist me in placing the fallen in containers… their ashes at least. Ornate jugs had been placed within the tomb to hold water… which she had dumped out near the staircase due to it being least likely to fall to mold due to the crystalline nature it exuded.

Thus began the painstaking efforts of removing the bodies that had been strung up and marked by Geode. There were enough hugs for the twenty or so corpses all around but I made certain to not touch the Queen. She watched but didn't comment about anything but the smell of burnt flesh and ash. Her words always trailed back to killing her once again.

I had to use Storm Tornado to blow the smell of burning flesh out of the crypt sending it towards what appeared to be vented passages like they made in certain pyramids to allow air circulation through the tomb.

The crypt was clear after that and there was no sign that anything horrifying happened down here aside from the what had happened to the queen. Meadowbrook and I watched over the jug and she carefully used a piece of charcoal to draw the cutie marks on each one for later identification and burial I guessed. I wasn't certain if this was her way of showing respect for the dead or just something ceremonial for all cremations.

The Crystal Heart pulsed once more as the light grew dimmer and dimmer. It was getting closer to the light being snuffed out once and for all. We made out way out towards the staircase… where my sensors picked up several figures making their way towards us. They were somewhere above us… making ponies were making their way down the stairs.

“She back… with a lot of ponies.” I muttered getting Meadowbrook to nod imperceptibly at the notion. She still seemed a little out of sorts due to everything that was happening.

“We should get ready for Concerto… I have this feeling that you will be going with her alone.” Meadowbrook stated as she breathed in deeply holding back a ragged sob.

“I know… “ I nodded absentmindedly as the rest of the Pillars and Concerto appeared.

Concerto looked to be a wreck already. I didn't make a move as she came up to me and rested her head against my knee crying into it. I had to pick her up just so she wouldn't ground her horn against my leg. The other Pillars made no move except for standing near the door.

With a quiet step I walked into the crypt carrying the young filly while the Pillars waited by the door only stepping in when I had made it halfway into the room. Behind the wall the glow was still bright enough to follow but it was dimmer than when I had found it. I stopped and looked at Concerto nodding my head towards the light.

She nodded and point down with her muzzle asking me to set her down on her hooves. It was an agonizing time as she worked up the nerve just to take a few steps. I didn't stop her but I did walk with her. She looked towards me a few times but I never broke eye contact with the glow. She nodded dumbly at the lack of distraction and took a deep breath as she walked around the corner.

The unicorn head suddenly regained some semblance of sapience as it looked at Concerto. Concerto looked up as tears streamed from her eyes.

“Mommy… “ Concerto sobbed out.

“Little song… you're okay… not much time… “ The Queen rasped out as the heart gem lost its light further and further.

“Mommy! I can't do this! I can't do this without you!” Concerto cried out as tears fell to the ground and her muzzle was covered in snot from the heavy blubbering.

“You can… you are… my daughter… keep love alive… “ The Queen forced out as her legs started to disintegrate and be absorbed into the Crystal Heart.

“Mommy!” Concerto gasped. “Wait! Please! Please wait, don't go!” She desperately tried to use her magic to grab the queen.

“I… love… you… “ The Queen uttered as she was fully absorbed in the light of the Crystal Heart.

As her souls joined with the gem a large light pulses out of it spreading across the entirety of the Crystal Empire. As the time I had thought it to just be a regular light pulsing out across the city but magic was never that simple.

The streets were infused with magic as buildings and landmarks were forcefully repaired. Soldier who laid dying were resuscitated and given another chance at life. The dead weren't raised but slowly disintegrated into magic to live beyond the bounds of life and death as something more. The snow that kept falling across the Empire was pushed back allowing the city to remain as a shining beacon of civilization amongst the beings of the world.

All of that didn't matter to me though. My attention was focused solely on the little filly who cradled the Crystal Heart sobbing endlessly about a mother who would never return. I was able to pick her up and hold her as she buried herself in my arms. The other Pillars said nothing but led us back upstairs where we could finally see fresh air and sunshine once again.

A whole night had passed during the entirety of what had happened and no one wanted to sleep afterwards, least of all the princess still curled in my arms holding the Crystal Heart. As we made it back to the ground floor of the palace Concerto tapped me on my shoulder. I looked towards her as she pointed her hoof in a direction and I just walked. They didn't follow with the stallions shaking the heads when the mares wanted to follow along. Whether they knew what was going to happen or didn't want to interfere who could truly say.

As I walked it was eerily silent between the two of us. She sobbed just as silently peering into the Crystal Heart running her hoof over it. The few times she looked up to me she tried to put a smile on her face but couldn't. I nodded at her each time tryin to signify that she could take her time. Then she would signal which way to go with her hoof and return to staring into the heart once again.

Eventually I reached a section of the castle where two spires rested one on the ground and another on the ceiling that pointed towards each other. She pointed me at it and as I got closer I noted that the Crystal Heart was starting to shine.

“Here X… “ Concerto spoke though it was harsh and ragged. It was like she had lost all the liquid in her body. She needed water eventually but I complied with her request as I stood before the spire like pedestal. The gem was lifted in her magic and placed on the spire where t slowly started to spin.

The light once again pulsed off it enveloping the entirety of the Empire in its protective glow. She stared at the heart some more before turning it on my chest and keeping her gaze averted from everything else.

“This is how it is, isn't it? I'm gonna be queen or whatever title I decide on… what next?” Concerto whispered to me as I walked back to the others.

“I don't know. There's still things to find out. Corundum had a grand scheme and it required a lot of parts moving in this world. I'm certain even his death was planned. He wanted something besides revolution or even evolutionary superiority. He was doing something so out there no one could wrap their head around it.

As I stood at one of the pillars that supported that section of the castle I looked out at the city that magic had apparently restored. I mused slightly how similar this felt to the ending of the first game but instead of watching a falling island base explode I watched as ponies returned to a home that looked as though war hadn't ravaged it. If Corundum did have a plan then my fight wasn't over and he would do whatever it took to fully evolve past even the gods that already exist in this world.

Concerto looked up to me and saw the multitude of ponies return to the city. Her gaze hardened as she watched the horizon, my words probably on her mind by the look on her face. The fight was far from over.

Pain. Pain wracked her new body and tears appeared all over. By sheer luck she had managed to get out of the immediate blast zone of the light that escaped from the Crystal Empire.

Crystal Shears, new flesh suit to Goring Corundum, laid upon a cloud floating out of the city limits. Her skin was torn with crystal markings burned into her flesh.

“It was found… it was found, found, found!” She shrieked as she devolved into swearing and guttural inhuman noises. The shadows that had entered her body through the red crystals slowly mended the body leaving the scars behind.

“Can't follow up with my plans. Damn it, damn it, damn it all! X!” Corundum roared only to muffle her voice by biting her hoof.

Corundum had used the misery generated by the mutilated queen Mi Amore Rhapsody to eventually destroy the healing effect of the light had as part of his deal with those shadows hidden in the red crystal somewhere in that frozen wasteland.

And he had failed completely and miserably.

“X… X… X… you may have taken out my first body but I shall exist for all eternity until I have you begging at my heel for release. I will have my way. I will have my evolutionary leap and be grander than any other being in this universe! This I swear!” Corundum shouted to the heavens biting her hoof again to stifle her new found bout of maniacal behavior.

For now she set her sights on one of the other nations that had procured supplies from his trade. Crystal Golems weren't going to subsume all organic life on the planet by itself.

One week later…

“I suppose this is goodbye… “ I looked down to the tiny princess now queen.

Concerto didn't exactly place an intimidating figure but she still wore the crown well. Platinum stood next to her a calm smile with a large contingent of the Equestrian Guard left to make certain the Crystal Guard kept on the straight and narrow.

In the week following there had been only one uprising and that had been put down by me personally. The Guard in question, a mare by the name of Cinnamon Swirl, had been seduced by Liquid Diode to follow through with a plan to subvert to regular Guard to riot and allow for an assassin to eliminate any new ruler besides Corundum. She, unfortunately for her, had tried to do so on the Equestrian Guard and was promptly found out before she could actually go through with it. She had managed to injure the guard who found her out before I managed to shoot her, stunning her long enough to get irons around her hooves.

She had been tried for attempted war crimes though I wasn't sure if this was just an overreaction to deter any others who were swayed into this course of action. Alongside her Ruby Geode had also been extradited back to the Crystal Empire where he was also tried. I had almost forgotten that I was in a more primitive time… their sentence had been a beheading at the suggestion of Commander Hurricane.

Cinnamon Swirl had been first and she had blubbered and cried up until the axe made that first swing into her neck. I was certain the Executioner had pre sharpened their axe minutes before she was to be executed because it took one swing to cleanly lop her head off into the basket before her.

Ruby Geode wasn't quiet as well though for a different reason. He purposely and verbally attacked Concerto with the most unimaginable filth to spew from his mouth. I stepped in at that point and shot him in the jaw to paralyze his tongue from speaking. His head was lopped off as well in a single swing. I cremated them both afterwards so that no necromancer could revive their remains… because apparently that was a thing that could happen.

“Yes. Thank you X. You've given me back my home. A chance at life again.” Concerto sounded out though it was very obvious that she didn't want to act so proper. I knelt down to meet her eye to eye as she looked at me with a smile she tried to force through her tearful expression.

“Why wouldn't I? You're gonna be fine leading this place okay. If you need help just have whomever send a letter back to the Equestrian province and I'll come back even quicker than you could imagine. You did hide that thing of mine I gave you right?” I asked as she slowly nodded. The teleportation unit I gave her she had placed at the top of the tower on the castle within the crystal pedestal.

“Yeah. I made sure no one could get it either so you can come back whenever.” Concerto answered as she dried her eyes again foregoing manners and wiping them on the sleeves of her new dress.

“No crying. You know I can come back easily.” I answered though for some reason she looked at me with a sad smile.

“You… you… you should head out. You got to find out whatever Corundum was doing before he died. I wish you luck.” Concerto sounded out… as if she had rehearsed that line for ages.

“... yeah. I'll handle it.” I finished off as I joined the Pillars, Hurricane, Puddinghead and the large contingent of guards still under their command as we made marching orders back to Equestria proper.

“You didn't want him to stay?” Platinum spoke up as the guards gave them a wide enough berth to speak privately.

“Yes… but I thought a lot about it. We aren't safe. He has to go out there and do something to make certain that we are. I want him to stay… but I need him to go. That way… that way I can be stronger on my own now… with a little help from you.” Concerto managed to get out as she kept herself from falling back into sobbing.

“It's fine dear. Nopony here to see your tears but you and me.” Platinum wrapped her in a hug.

“And mother too.” Concerto pointed towards the Crystal Heart which spun around a bit faster. It was as if somepony else was watching over them.

“Of course dear. Her as well.” Platinum merely nodded.

The sun rose over the Crystal Empire and the shining metropolis once again towered over the frozen north revealing a small oasis for the weary to know peace once again. The monsters were vanquished and the landscape was once again serene.

Discord looked over his table and the newest victim at the table. He eyed the duplicitous looking mare and noted how disgusting it was that Corundum found a way back to the table.

Each construct represented something different and while X was the winner of that showdown, his opponent decided to ante up. Queen Chrysalis, Pony of Shadows, and Goring Corundum… three extra figures trying to make a name for themselves. Discord slowly cracked his talons and paws, then did so again for his hoof, claw and tail. He had planted the plunder seeds already but those would take ages to fully do anything as he pulled out a new hand.

The Chrysalis construct held only changelings and that weird throne in her hand giving her little to play with at the moment. Pony of Shadows also had a poor hand of a surprise and shadow magic. Corundum had a ten card stud of each race aside from ponies and dragons.

Discord scowled but mitigated it by deciding right then and there that the little upstart needed to be dealt a lesson on trying to cheat at his table. He slowly placed his personal card of him posing so elegantly in his hand over to X. Cheaters needed to be dealt with because not even death would be satisfied. And besides, Discord was playing as the house.

And house always wins…

Author's Note

This took a while. So yeah, this is the official end of the Crystal Empire saga. I needed to close off some plot points including the appearance of the Crystal Heart which I hadn't mentioned at all and no one called me out on throughout this story.

The comments are going to ask me about Flint and Diamond later anyways and all I'll say is next chapter so there. Preemptively stopping your question from being asked before you ask.

So reading this chapter you notice a bit of a finality to it right? Like I could end Replicated Wanderer there and make like another story where X or Warren deal with another race with ponies as well. I'm not gonna do that though. This will be a continuing story and not split into different stories where you have to click to find the sequel or something. I'd rather keep it contained so it's not difficult to find. It's all in one story.

So big question... which race goes next. Dragons are last to deal with mind you but I'd like to hear what you want me to detail next. We got Deers, Thestrals or Strigoi as one author mentioned to me, Buffalo, Yak, Diamond Dog, Zebras, Changelings, Minotaurs and Hippogriffs
http://www.strawpoll.me/15720322/r

Changelings aren't part of the voting. For now. They'll be added later in the next poll.

XXXV. Retrogress

Star Swirl snored at the table fully inebriated and loss to the haze that was alcohol. I left him to rest off the eventual hangover. He had gone at length about a lot of things I was surprised he was willing to share. He even talked about siring a child that lived further north in a small village out of the way. He didn’t share their name or gender which while making me curious didn’t make me want to go out of the way to find out.

That didn’t deter me from heading out of his secret sanctum and head up through the halls. As far as I was concerned the next problem was probably close to rearing its ugly head. Nana was already pouring through the available data we had.

As soon as I hit the main hall though I was immediately on guard. Vicious Aegis was there… standing near the door.

“You’re late.” He stated without much care in his tone, harsh and withering.

“And you’re rude so I guess we’re even.” I shot back just as quickly. He snorted but kept his tongue in check.

“Follow… Puddinghead apparently wants to speak with you.” He growled as he turned to lead the way. “Stupid pile of scrap…”

He muttered the last part under his breath but I didn’t try to call him out on it. It wasn’t worth the effort and even Harpuia pointed out how tactically bad it would turn out… for either of us. I followed at a brisk pace though made sure he wasn’t trying to lead me astray. Apparently he didn’t… which meant that him becoming this post wasn’t a product of nepotism or buying his post. He was legitimately good at his job.

“Get in.” He stated opening the door. I stepped in and he slammed it behind me. I was too fast for it to hit me but I was glad it missed. I probably would have broken the door.

Puddinghead stood at the top of the little stage where the leaders congregated when they weren’t in meetings. Platinum’s chair was still empty since she had deigned to give Concerto her full attention to make ruling the Crystal Empire an easier transition.

Around her was Clover who looked no worse for wear and Cookie who stopped their conversation when they heard the door slam. I didn’t catch their conversation but I felt it was serious if they all stopped the moment I entered the room.

I had been gone about four days before I was attacked by that Celestia wannabe. It had been five days since I was gone making my projected week disappearance moot at this point. An annoying setback but until I got my hands on any metal I was incapable of doing much more for my base.

“X, a pleasure to see you after so long. Please, please regale us with your travels.” Puddinghead called out. The jovial tone in her voice was roughly skewed by the grimace she wore. The act of smiling was merely a facade that hid deeper troubles ahead.

“I didn’t go much of anywhere. I’ve been working on a project I wanted to get done. Didn’t get to finish but I’ll do something about that later.” I admitted but kept it vague. I wanted to have something to show for it that wasn’t a book of spells from another world. I hid that in the lockbox with the laptop as well in Star Swirl’s secret study.

“Good. Good, that’s great. And how were the thestrals? I take it that was taken care of?” She changed the subject seemingly not caring about what I was doing. Her mane was a frazzled mess and I’m certain that the pudding on her head was going bad.

“From now on they’ll be working under Luna when she is ready. Their leadership is in shambles though from the machinations of Corundum’s final plan.” I wrung my hands together. Had I had flesh and bone hands I would be cracking them.

“Corundum, yes Corundum is a problem. Especially his red crystals. Those are the real threat.” Puddinghead danced in circles with her words.

“Cut to the chase.” Cookie stated breaking the small banter Puddinghead had been instigating.

“Fine. Look, X, we have a problem and those red crystals are the problem. We know where each shipment was sent but we haven’t seen much change… until now.” Puddinghead started before turning to Cookie.

“About twelve hours ago a deer walked out of the forest east of here from a settlement known as Thicket. They were badly cut up and bleeding from head to hoof. One of his antlers had been torn out as well and jabbed into his flank. It was a wonder he didn’t bleed out before but you know what they say about the zeal of life being too great an opportunity to waste.” Cookie quipped but she wasn’t smiling.

“He didn’t survive, did he?” I cut off any more comments to cut to the chase.

“No. Despite our best efforts he lost too much blood and our spells weren’t having much effect on him. When he passed we found a red crystal embedded on his body. It was cracked and shattered which means it probably didn’t activate right. Hurricane saw to its destruction immediately when it was found and the body was cremated before it could be used for golem research. And no we didn’t know his name. He didn’t give it only mentioning something about Sequoia.” Cookie finished her though the disgust on her face evident.

“Sequoia is the current ruler of Thicket and one of the deer responsible for pushing us out of the forest. He has made it clear that we are a threat and while he is right to some extent, this, this is far beyond what he was capable of.” Clover brought up.

“As much as I’m loathe to agree, Clover is right. Sequoia was never this monstrous. Even the few skirmishes we had with them never got this brutal. And this was on his own deers. He wasn’t this way. The presence of the red crystals leaves us to believe that they’ve either been possessed by the remnants of Corundum’s soul… or they found a way to use them for their own power.” Puddinghead announced while pacing back and forth in frantic worry.

“So you want to deal with the problem before it becomes a worse problem then? Simple enough… but what’s the catch?” I stopped my train of thought.

“The only back up you’ll have is a thestral who apparently works under you.” Puddinghead blurted out.

“A mare? What about Flint and Stand?” I pointed out though low key enough that they weren’t sure of my tone.

“They are being trained by Hurricane for some extra measures.” Clover answered calmly though the slight edge on his voice made me question what they were going through.

“Move it maggot! Hurry up!” Hurricane shouted as both Stand and Flint were marching along a deserted plain with large boulders strapped to their backs.

“Ugh…” Flint let out while Diamond held up a little sign that read ‘Go Big Brother! Go!’ on it.

“Guh…” Stand answered in kind though he didn’t have his own cheering squad.

“You have one week to make yourselves presentable for this endeavor and I will not tolerate failure. Now ten more laps and move before the moon rises maggot!” Hurricane shouted as his lance released a charge of electricity out into the heavens.

“I hate this…” Flint muttered.

“As do I… “ Stand seconded as they continued to rush along with their laps.

I stood still for a moment slightly feeling as though I was missing something. It was this little waggling thought in the back of my mind that I was missing something funny. It was the human half that mostly railed on this thought but the robot half gave a sixty seven percent chance that we did indeed miss something funny.

“How long?” I asked almost absentmindedly.

“One week.” Cookie muttered clearly dissatisfied with the time management.

“Too long. Where is she? We need to move nowish.” I felt my buster unlock and I switched into my Falcon armor for the trip.

“Uh… here I am.” A small squeak appeared from behind the curtain. It was the same thestral from Hollow Shades whom I told I needed to join me for a job.

“Good to see you again then, Sacred Glade, right?” I intoned to the squeak which made the white coated mare with the light lavender wings wince when I didn’t turn to her.

“Yes… yes reporting for duty, I suppose.” She grunted slightly but kept her head tall to avoid looking weak at least from when I turned to face her.

“She said you picked her out for a job, if I’m remembering correctly?” Puddinghead inquired clearly trying to get an answer.

“Yes. A project of mine. I’m trying to see if it will work but until I see more data I’d rather not spoil it.” I politely answered keeping my frown level and light. There wasn’t a need to make them understand my position until I had my pieces in place.

“And you’ll share when?” Puddinghead pushed harder clearly not liking the answer I gave.

“When Platinum and Hurricane return. That way I can have you all present along with the Pillars to push my proposal.” I answered diplomatically as my stare harshened.

“Good to have a time stamp on that then.” She muttered under her breath. “Go forth then and see what you can do about this. Chances are we may have to mobilize our forces if things go awry.”

“Noted. C’mon Glade. Let’s get you up to speed for now.”

We left the room and while he didn’t say anything the seething from Aegis made it clear how he felt. I didn’t even notice him until I turned the corner towards the main hall and front door. When I saw his eyes I gave him a smirk that showed that he wasn’t even a concern. He bucked a pillar causing a few cracks in it which made me laugh.

“He scares me. A lot.” Glade whispered fearful that he was standing behind her.

“He’s a waste of hot air. Don’t worry about it at all.” I mentioned leaving that thought behind.

“Didn’t you see his eyes. He wanted to do something bad to me.” Glade pushed but kept her eyes leveled forward.

“Yeah. I taunted him before we left. He knows that I would fight back now. I won’t throw the first hit mind you but I will finish it.” I chuckled at the thought not because I enjoyed it. I found it funny in the grand scheme of things.

“You’re crazy.” Glade leveled her gaze at me looking worried.

“Yeah. But with the plans I have I need to have some level of insanity otherwise I wouldn’t make it in this world. It’s not always the best measuring stick for success but it keeps me fighting towards a better future.” I casually explained. I was for lack of a better term insane with trying to make a multicultural organization out of this world at this moment because of how horrible every creature thought of one another. Corundum made it difficult to fathom even succeeding.

Still, from a certain point of view, maybe it made things easier. Since he was meddling with the world as it is now I was always in a position of power to make things like this work out. Corundum was an oppressor of epic proportions. Even his soul oppressively sought to push his agenda of golem superiority. I was both the greatest success he could ever hope for… and the worst enemy he could ever fight against.

“Where are we going first? I doubt we could just get to the forest anytime soon.” Glade spoke up breaking my thought process.

“No. We’ll make it by tonight.” I clarified which made her give me a strange look.

“How? I doubt you could - eep!” I picked her up under my arm and as soon as I jumped out the door the engines on the Falcon Armor roared.

Zooming out I could tell Glade was now clinging to my arm for dear life. I don’t think she really realized how safe she was next to me rather than behind me. I was also certain I heard something about crazy pegasus flyers… but I wasn’t one so they were most likely talking about someone else.

We traveled due east deviating slightly south towards the Everfree territory. The sounds of ‘eeee-ing’ terror echoed through the skies.

Discord was interested. A very rare instant to be sure but even he found what the regular peons of the world did in their free time somewhat amusing. Though he wasn’t sure how to categorize this.

The Deer King, in all his glory, was partially golemized. His legs were crystallized in a green sheen and his antlers which were once bone now were tetrahedral lances branching out in different directions. The strangest and most morbidly interesting thing was that he would stab his horns into one of the corpses of supposed traitors and they would slowly be drained of blood. The blood would then be channeled into magic betwixt the lattice work of crystals he called his horns.

With a snap, Discord became a deer with mismatched fur and near broken horns. Playing up the part he stumbled into the king’s presence.

“My liege! Terrible news! Awful, dreadful news even.” Discord, now in deer form, called out.

“What? More traitors? Let them come. My horns thirst for more. Also don’t interrupt me when I’m enjoying myself Thatch!” Sequoia growled out.

“No, not that! The ponies have mobilized their weapon. That X creature is on his way here now!” ‘Thatch’ exclaimed causing the king to pulse blood magic all around the room.

“X!X!X!” Corundum’s voice broke through only for Sequoia to shake his head clear of the influence. “Prepare my loyal guards for their service, now!”

“Right away, sir!” ‘Thatch’ mock saluted, but if Sequoia noticed he didn’t care.

Discord left a message drilled into the deer’s heads around him, literally. There was a small hand drill that metaphysically drilled into their heads. No wounds but plenty of deer were now wondering why they had orders when the King hadn’t spoken to them.

“Time to inject a little chaos…” Discord giggles as he bled into the shadows and watched from his vantage point.

Author's Note

A short chapter to be sure but one of a transitory nature. And yes time has passed while X was working in the tunnel facility he was making. Imagine that lol.