Author's Note

Nyx is an OC pony belonging to Pen Stroke, from the story known as Past Sins.

Ch.3

For the Emperor and the UNSC! (Rebooted System)

Ch.3: Meet and Greet.

“What the…?!” Vik yelped as the three humans either pulled or summoned their weapons and aimed them at the now stunned crowd.

“Pinkie!? What are you even-!?” Twilight began, but was stopped when the Guard and the rest of her friends aimed their weapons at the humans.

“Twilight, get away from those things!” She heard Rainbow Dash shouted, aiming her weapon at the three.

“Step away from her royal highness and-!”

“HEY!!!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted loudly, getting everyone to stop and look at her, and what they saw wasn’t a very happy party pony. “I told you guys to NOT try and shoot them! So what are you doing!?” She demanded angrily. “Put the guns away, NOW! There are children here!”

This was a side that anyone had rarely seen from her, and probably didn’t want to see again if her glaring was of any indication. Doing as she said, the guards and Twilight’s friends all put away their weapons, albeit hesitantly.

The three humans also lowered their weapons, but not quite relinquishing them entirely. “So these are your friends, princess?” Sasha asked Twilight.

“Yes.” She answered with a sigh. “Sorry about all this, I didn’t think Pinkie would’ve somehow known I was coming back with you three.” She said before glaring at those who shown hostility to the three. “But I’m more annoyed that the Guard and the rest of my friends were about to shoot you.”

“Hey! Don’t blame us, you left for the Everfree Forest without telling any of us!” The rainbow Pegasus retorted.

“She does have a point, darling.” An alabaster Unicorn, Rarity, stated in agreement. “You left in quite the hurry. What were you even thinking? You could’ve gotten you and Spike hurt, or worse!”

“Ah have ta agree with them, that wasn’t the smartest decision.” An orange Earth Pony, Applejack, said her piece before looking towards the humans. “‘Specially when ya brought them. Just what in tarnation are they?”

“They’re humans.” Twilight answered, still feeling annoyed. “Well, more than that I suppose.” That confused them.

“What do you mean, Twilight?” The yellow Pegasus, Fluttershy, asked shyly. “I mean, if you don’t mind answering…” She added, hiding behind her long, pink mane.

“They’re Super Soldiers.” Twilight told them. “Look, how about I let them explain on how they ended up here and why they’re like this, will that help things along?” She asked them and they nodded.

“Okay, sure, but no funny business.” Rainbow warned them, only to get a smack behind the head from Applejack. “Ow!”

“Can it, Rainbow. Let’s just hear them out.” The Apple Pony told her.

Once things were settled down, somewhat, Vik started explaining what had happened to them. Everypony was listening to them, though some were very skeptical about their claims, that being the Guards and Rainbow Dash. The rest were either surprised, shocked, or simply didn’t know what to think about it.

Once finished, everypony turned to Applejack, which confused the humans, as she nodded her head and said. “It’s true, they ain’t lying.”

“WHAT!?” Rainbow exclaimed. “You can’t be serious!”

“Rainbow, we’ve seen stranger things that we thought were a myth or legend. And yet…” Applejack said with a raised brow.

Rainbow tried to come up with a counter, but she just groaned in frustration and gave up. “Alright, fine. But I still don’t trust them.” She said with a huff, storming out of the room.

“Not like we're the same way…” Vik muttered. Aloud, he said, “Where are our manners, we never really introduced ourselves. The name’s Viktor, and these two are Sebastian, or for short, Sasha and my girlfriend Alexandra.”

“Hi!” Pinkie greeted. “I’m Pinkie Pie, Ponyville’s Party Planner! You’ve already met Twilight, and I’m friends with her!” She said cheerfully, as the others introduced themselves.

“Howdy, mah name’s Applejack.” The Apple Pony said, tipping her hat to them. “Sorry ‘bout Rainbow Dash acting all huffy and whatnot. She’s just...ansty about things.” She said with a sigh.

“Eh, as long as she doesn't try and do something stupid, I think we can stand her.” Vik said.

“If she does something stupid, feel free to knock her out for it.” Applejack stated.

“A lot of things has happened, and this War is taking a toll on her.” Rarity said before turning to the humans. “Hello, my name is Rarity, Ponyville’s tailor and fashionista. But, can I just say about you and your girlfriend’s armor?” She asked as Applejack groaned in annoyance.

“Rarity, now isn’t the time to get picky with their armor’s design.” She told her.

“But just look at them! Such horrid and crude designs, I doubt it’s even comfortable!” Rarity said in disgust.

“You might call it ugly, but if you were wearing it, you’d be thankful about wearing it if you were in battle.” Vik said. “It’s built tough and has energy shields for added protection. But they can only take a limited amount of punishment before they short out.”

“So, they have better functions, and yet they couldn’t make it look better.” Rarity grumbled. “At least his armor looks marvelous, as if it were designed by some God-like being.” She pointed towards Sasha. “Save for the green.” She added in disgust.

“Hey! Don't diss the Dark Angels!” Sasha said indignantly.

“Ugh! Is that what they call themselves? Well, I can see wh-!” Rarity was cut off by Applejack, who elbowed her in the ribs.

“Shut your neigh-saying, girl. It ain’t worth it.” The farm Pony told her off sternly.

Alex held back a laugh, her right arm lightly whirring as she crossed her arms.

“Um, h-hello.” The shy Pegasus spoke up, though barely above a whisper. Luckily enough, Sasha heard her since he had all the traits of a Space Marine. “My name is… Fluttershy…”

“I’m sorry, we didn’t catch that. What was it?” Vik asked her.

“She said her name is Fluttershy.” Sasha answered him, making the Pegasus hide behind her mane again. “The name itself is self-explanatory.”

Vik gave a bark of laughter. “True.” he said. “And I’m guessing Miss Technicolor is Rainbow Dash?” he asked

“Ah just told ya.” Applejack answered flatly.

Shrugging, Vik looked around at the crowd. He then noticed a black alicorn filly that was in her early teens nearby, but it was her eyes that made him look closer. They were a bright cyan and were slitted like a reptile’s. “Who’s she?” he asked Twilight, nodding in the filly’s direction.

“Oh, that’s Nyx. My adoptive daughter.” Twilight answered him as she called the Alicorn filly over to her.

“Nyx… 'Night’ in Greek and Latin… it suits her.” Sasha said, his tone thoughtful. “How old is she?”

“Around thirteen.” She answered as her daughter came up and hugged her. “Hi, honey. Sorry that I left, I was…”

“Caught up in your worries?” Her daughter finished with a sigh. “Mom, stop trying to do things by yourself. I doubt Spike can handle you running off for long.” She said as Spike sighed.

“You have no idea…” Spike complained, before his cheeks suddenly puffed and he burped out a scroll. This surprised the humans as the little Dragon grabbed a hold of it, opened it up and read what was written on it. “It’s from Princess Celestia. She said that she, Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood wishes to meet with us tomorrow, wanting to see these three as well.” Spike said before adding. “Uh, she even says that she knows someone who could shed some light on their predicament.” This left the group very confused.

“Someone who know our predicament?” Alex asked. “Are you sure you read that right? Because I’m pretty sure there must be a typo with that letter.”

“That’s what it said.” Spike answered as he re-read it to be sure. “Yep, it is. The only thing she left out was who and what, that’s what I’m wondering about.” He said as he rolled it back up. “They’ll be arriving at twelve, with some reinforcements.”

The trio shared a look. “Well, not like it’ll be a school day.” Vik said. “But I have a feeling we’re getting up early.”

“I’ll take you to your room.” Twilight said as she lead them out into the hallways.

“Erm… could I actually have a separate room?” Sasha asked, giving Alex and Vik an sideways glance. “I think these two would prefer some privacy.”

“Sure.” Twilight nodded, leading the couple to one room and taking Sasha some ways away from their room. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” he said as he entered the room. Nodding good night to Twilight, he closed the door. Taking his helmet off, he then stared down at the rest of his armor.“Now how the hell am I gonna get the rest of this off?!” He thought.

Walking back to the party, Twilight saw that the ponies were already leaving, to head back home and sleep. Once the room was empty, only leaving her, Spike, Nyx and her friends, while Pinkie grabbed Rainbow and returned with her in tow. Sitting in their thrones, Twilight spoke up. “Alright, girls. There’s a problem coming our way, as Flame Tail has send some of his forces this way. They’ve possibly surrounded the entire town, and the Princesses already know of this.”

“Don’t you think you should’ve told everypony that?” Rarity asked her.

“Yes, but since they’ve all left, it’s too late.” Twilight answered with a sigh. “We’ll have our forces fortify defensive positions around town before the Princesses and that unknown pony arrive…” They discussed about it for some time before then leaving for their homes and heading for bed.

Well, all except for Rainbow. “Twi, are you sure we can trust these guys?”

“Just go home, Rainbow.” Twilight sighed. “Now is not the time to be so cynical.” She told her as Rainbow left with a huff, flying out through one of the windows.

With that done, she, Spike and Nyx retired to their rooms and slept, wondering what will happen tomorrow.

The next day came around and early in the morning they set up their forces around the town. Twilight gave a quick speech about what was going on and that the Princesses were arriving. At least to those who woke up early in the morning so that they’d be able to pass the word around to those who were wondering what was happening.

Back at her castle, Sasha, Vik and Alex were having some breakfast with Spike and Nyx. Although the guards kept an eye on the three humans, they didn’t make any attempts to disturb or provoke them, lest they got an earful from the Princess.

“Man, who knew pony made beds were so comfortable?” Vik remarked. “I pretty much slept like a rock.”

“Same. Though it took awhile to take my armor off in order to sleep.” Sasha said. “I should’ve asked if there was a way to get my armor off but still have it on hand…”

“That armor of yours looks a lot more complex.” Nyx noted and Spike nodded in agreement. “Not to mention both advanced and ancient. No offense.”

Sasha let out a chuckle. “None taken, how you described it perfectly fits it. This type of armor has seen a lifetime of battle, starting with the Great Crusade in the 31st Millennium. Since then it's evolved, but the many marks of power armor still work in the 41st millennium, even this, the MK. IV “Maximus” Pattern.” he said.

“Wow! Ten thousand years of service and upgrades, and it’s still going!? Man, you guys must have all the cool gadgets and tech.” Spike commented.

“Unfortunately, the Imperium suffered a massive blow after half of the Legions turned Traitor, and most of the data for weapons and vehicles that the Astartes used during the Great Crusade was lost.” Sasha said. “What little they have left are now relics of a bygone age.”

“And they can’t make anything new? Just the same old, same old?” Nyx asked.

“That’s just stupid.” Spike stated flatly. “They should’ve just made newer things with what they have left. What’s holding them back?”

“Superstition and fear of a second Horus Heresy.” Sasha said.

“Heresy? When did that happen?” Nyx asked him.

“Remember when I said half the Astartes Legions turned Traitor? They were corrupted by Chaos. They turned their back on humanity. And at the apex of the Crusade, they turned on their brothers in arms.” Sasha said

“And this ‘Horus’ character was leading the Traitor Legions against their own? What even made him commit to something like that? I doubt Chaos was the driving force to this life-changing decision.” Nyx asked, getting a little nervous about where the events are turning.

“That is a conversation for when you're older, both of you.” Sasha said, his tone firm.

“Okay.” They both said with a sigh, getting back to finishing their breakfast.

Alex stood up as she went to put her plate in the sink, giving Vik a kiss as she went past him. “So when's Twilight supposed to get back?” she asked.

“Right now.” They heard Twilight’s voice as she walked in. “I’ve already told most of those who were up around this time and I’m having them pass the word around to those who weren’t there.” She explained to them. “So, how was your morning?”

“It was fine, but getting my armor on was a pain.” Sasha said. “You don't happen to have a spell that allows me to have my armor come off yet can go back on if the situation calls for it?”

“Sorry, I can’t help you on that. Since your armor is more than what any of us has seen, I doubt a spell can help with that. Especially since I don’t understand how it works.” Twilight answered as she prepared herself a cup of tea.

“Damn it…” Sasha sighed.

Vik cleared his throat. “So when's this “Celestia” supposed to arrive with her group?” he asked.

“At twelve...or a lot sooner than that. If she has everything on her end ready.” Spike answered him. “Hopefully the latter happens, I don’t think I want to wait until then.”

The Spartan nodded as he looked out the window before he froze. “Erm, would she be a white pony with wings, a horn and Rainbow’s mane, only flowing?” he asked.

As soon as he said that, they all looked out the window Vik was and saw Celestia outside, with her sister and nephew, and the reinforcements.

“I’ll let them in.” Twilight said as she teleported outside to them. They greeted one another and talked for a bit, before moving inside. The others waited until Twilight brought in the three Royals. “Well, here they are.” Twilight said, pointing towards them.

“Hmm…” The tall alabaster Alicorn hummed as she looked each of them over.

The three stood stiffly at attention, unsure of how to act in front of the new arrivals. The same thought ran through their minds: “What do we do now?”

“Aunty, try not to make them nervous.” The white Unicorn, Blueblood, said.

“I know.” The Princess of the Sun, Celestia, said with a sigh. “Sorry, but after meeting one of your own for the first time, I wasn’t really sure what to make of you.” She explained, which came as a surprised to the three humans.

“You still don’t trust him? Really sister?” Her little sister, the Princess of the Night, Luna, retorted with a deadpan expression. “After everything he has done for us…”

“Wait, you mean you’ve already met a human?” Twilight asked them. “How?”

The Royals looked towards each other before Celestia sighed and said. “Perhaps it would be best if he told you himself. Reveal yourself, Eliteslayer.” She called out.

The air in front of the group seemed to shimmer before a red and black Halo 4 Recon appeared next to the royals. “So these are the three that were mentioned in that letter?” it asked, its voice identifying it as a male.

“H-How are you even here?” Vik asked in shock. The other two were in similar states.

“Same as you, kid. Bought something from a merchant and got sent to here, but this was before you three, and I was in a different Equestria.” Eliteslayer said.

“Different Equestria? Then, that means…” Twilight started and Eliteslayer nodded his head.

“You three are known as Displaced. Humans who have been sent to Equestria with the powers, weapons and bodies of those you dressed up as. And there's more than one Equestria… Welcome to the Multiverse.” Eliteslayer explained.

“You said you came from a different Equestria, what happened to that one?” Sasha asked. As the words left his mouth, Eliteslayer became deadly silent.

“That information is classified. Only when you’ve actually gain my trust, will you learn my story.” The Recon said, his voice steely. “Right now, we have bigger things to worry about, like those enemy cells in the Everfree.”

As soon as he mentioned about the enemy cells, an explosion went off. Looking out the window, the group saw that the town was already under siege.

“Tartarus damn it!” Eliteslayer swore before he charged out the door and leapt into the air. To Twilight's and the trio’s shock, a four wheeled vehicle formed under him before it hit the ground and drove towards the edge of the town, the Spartan at the wheel.

“Someone tell me I just imagined that…” Alex said, a tone of disbelief in her voice.

“Did he just summon a vehicle?” Twilight asked, also in disbelief.

“As much as it is impressive to witness, there is a town that needs saving.” Blueblood said urgently. “We should help.”

Shaking off their shock, the trio pulled out the weapons that had started their journey and ran out into a town in chaos. “Alex, Vik, try and help the civilians! I'm gonna go and help Eliteslayer!” Sasha shouted as the three split up, getting a nod of acknowledgement from the two.

Seeing them heading towards town, Twilight looked to the Royals. “I’ll go gather my friends and help repel the enemy.” She stated.

“Go then, and please be careful, all of you.” Celestia told her.

“I’ll help with leading and directing our forces wherever they need to be.” Blueblood stated before running out and gathering the reinforcements they’ve brought, leaving three squads behind to defend the castle.

“And we’ll stay here to monitor the situation.” Luna said to Twilight, who nodded before leaving as well, equipping herself for combat. Once she was done, she headed into town to find and regroup with her friends. The first battle for Ponyville has begun.