Wars Legacy

“Hello sister”

I gasped in horror, my eyes threw themselves open as I stumbled to my hooves the same scene racing though my head I marched to the balcony looking north to where the small outline of the forest could be seen. Shaking my head I tried to clear my head of that horrifying image. It was the dead of night the moon slowly ascending across the sky as I paced back and forth my thoughts directed towards my younger sister. I felt a sudden wave of pain radiate from the connection that I shared with my sister. It was brief but the pain was great. I froze as the connection was severed either Luna was too weak or she was. My eyes watered slightly at the prospect of her being dead.

Teleporting to the throne room I effortlessly blasted the large throne aside revelling a large chest. Tearing it open I looked down at the golden armor that was perfectly reserved waiting for the call of battle. The armor in name had several ancient spells on it that helped channel energy. Once my body adorned the armor I pictured myself in front of the forest and shivered as the familiar chill ran up my spine before I reappeared in front of the Misser forest.

My senses were already going haywire at the amount of dark magic this place was radiating. Ignoring it I charged forward using my magic to scan the forest for my little sister. My horn glowing a blinding yellow light as it slashing thought the darkness mercilessly sending shadowy creatures fleeing in terror as I relentlessly galloped on grizzly scenes plaguing my mind.

I ran into very little trouble few creatures would dare mess with a alicorn especially an alicorn who’s younger sibling was in danger a few wyverns foolishly tried to attack me the result wasn’t pretty, whilst I didn’t kill them I gave them a vicious beating sending them running with their tails between their legs. This forest housed many monsters and beasts some that were dangerous enough to challenge me and my sister.

This forest had once been so pure and full of positive magic but a ancient demon that my parents fought and defeated, changed this forest that warping this place with evil black magic until it resembled tartarus more than its former self. I picked up the faint life signal of my sister and I felt my heart flutter she was still alive wounded but alive. I allowed my majestic wings too unfold taking flight I speed off in the direction of the signal prepared to fight to the death to protect Luna.

Then I felt it that cold hopeless feeling that could only be experienced by encountering one creature wendigos.

Rushing forward my eyes dilated as the foul beasts circled my sister and the human there eyes full of unsuppressed cruelty as they slowly froze them. Sadly the Richard was freezing the quickest probably due to his human nature whilst the changeling and my sister desperately tried to fight them off.

I snorted in rage slamming my hoof down as I realised a wave of fire causing the beasts to screech in fear as their natural weakness ate away at the surrounding ice. The wendigos turned their attention on me cowing slightly as my magic drowned the surrounding area. My rage great that these monsters would dare hurt my sister. Rearing me head back I released a colossal wave of fire that disintegrating the ice prisons slamming into the beasts with enough force to send them flying.

Screeching in rage they retreated into the darker parts of the forest their icy blue bodies soon disappearing as the darkness engulfed their bodies.

Turning I approached my sister who was shaking on the ground and nuzzled her affectionately my muzzle rubbing against her check gently. Luna looked up at me smiling weakly before turning to Richard who was uttering profanities loudly as he gasped for breath. Her look was one of great concern a light blush visible, making me slightly suspicious of her and the human’s friendship. I gasped at the black Alicorn on the ground her eyes shut hiding her trade mark eyes but there was no mistake the mare in front of me Nightmare moon. My first instinct was to attack, attack and vanquish her or trap her in stone for all eternity but something made me pause gone was the aura of foul black magic and her armor was no longer present her body looked malnourished and she bore many wounds.

In reality I was stumped here was nightmare moon one of the most evil mares who shouldn’t even exist due to her being Luna’s corrupted side, not a separate entity but also should have been destroyed by the elements of harmony. This made me stop was there a chance that she wasn’t destroyed because there was a chance of redemption, could she be redeemed was the question that cycled though my thoughts as I started at the unconscious mare.   I had been horrified at the body of the chimera surprised that the four of them had beaten it.

The chimera was one of the most feared creatures in Equestria even alicorns like I and dragons avoided them if possible due to their incredible strength and next to complete resistance against all but the most deadly of spells. Despite our god like appearance and powers we were not gods and could still die if attacked by a powerful creature.  My sister and little niece cadence would not have the strength to defeat a chimera and even I would struggle against the evil creature.

Later

I had healed most of the group’s injuries receiving a string of foul words from Richard when I fixed his dislocated shoulder which he said he hadn’t felt during the fight. He thanked me and explained how Nightmare moon had saved his life and helped him vanquish the chimera. I sat beside Luna as they recuperated. Richard explained what had happened to the soldiers and the situation with the flying machine.

Richards’s pov

After I had filled Celestia on what had happened I went about seeing to reattaching the mech’s arm. With my instruction and the help of the nano bot and Celestia the mech’s arm was reattached if crudely. The little bot skittered up and down the mech reattaching wires and melding broken plates together. I checked on Chrysalis whilst princess celestia fussed over Luna making sure that she wasn’t too badly hurt. Chrysalis brushed me off with a wave of a hand, hoof as she healed minor cuts and bruises on her face. The now named Black alicorn was still out for the count having lost consciousness when the weird ice horses attacked.

She fascinated me her resemble to Luna was staggering despite the different colour and size. Once we were able and the mech was running again, we departed I carried the Nightmare moon tenderly in my hands as she slept peacefully. Luckily due to Celestia’s magic and navigation skills, we found our way out far faster than we did finding the plane and alicorn mare. Celestia had earned a smidgen more of my respect her armor looked like it was used for war and her fury when she had faced down the wendigos had even unnerved me.

We made great progress only stopping so that Celestia could raise the sun. Unsurprisingly Ponies were rather nervous two alicorn's princess’s a changeling and a giant metal machine would make anyone apprehensive. Nightmare moon was taking to the canterlot castle hospital whilst Luna was taken to her room to rest. This left me chrysalis and celestia in an awkward silence. Chrysalis strutted off to her room refusing to admit that celestia had saved our asses. This left me with the princess.

Celestia waited until the door was closed before turning to me her face quickly going red.

“Your reckless foolishness nearly got my sister killed” She hissed causing me to take a step back in surprise.

“Your sister knew this risks when she came with me” I spat glowering at the bitch with fury.

“And for what nothing” She shouted stomping her hood down in anger as her eyes bored into mine.

“How dare you there were men in that forest that needed rescuing and the tech was too valuable to lose, above all I made a promise” I shouted matching her voice with mine.

“Well how did that turnout was it worth it for Silly toys and dead humans” She snarled at me her voice slowly rising as her frustration got the better of her.

“Fuck you, you bitch maybe if you had gotten off your fat ass and done something we could have saved them” I roared causing her to flinch slightly.

“HOW DARE THOU SPEAK TO US LIKE THAT THOU ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO US” She screamed in third person, her voice echoing as I winced at the volume but refused to cringe at her hate filled stare.

“I RISKED MY LIFE TO TRY AND SAVE THOSE MEN YOUR SISTER CAME ALONG BECAUSE SHE CARED BECAUSE UNLIKE YOU, YOU HEARTLESS CUNT SHE KNOWS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE JUDGED AND DISCRIMINATED AGAINST” I retaliated my temper already rocketing with the stupid nag. Celestia horn started to glow as she looked at me with killer intent I raised my pistol ready to kill the princess.We stood at a standoff our eyes daring the other to make a move before a timid voice squeaked

“Um princess” Twilight and the rest of the main six were now in the room fluttershy and rarity were shaking from the deafening shouts whilst the rest looked anxious at the two of us as killer intent filled the room. Snorting in disgust I turned and left slamming the door in my wake as I went to cool down.

I paced back in forth in my room several things troubling me as I tried to calm myself. My anger had always been an issue but when I was in the army most of the time it hadn’t mattered because the enemy was on the receiving end. But these ponies here didn’t deserve to have to put up with my bullshit. Maybe Celestia was right maybe I was reckless but never foolish. My mind wondered back to the black alicorn in the Medical ward she had saved my life distracting the creature so I could escape and kill it. She was depicted as a monster by the princess’s but like most things there were two sides to every story.

Later

The day came and went and soon the crescent moon could be seen its light illumination the dark guardian as I sat under an ancient apple tree sighing as the gentle breeze of night caused me to shiver slightly.

“Richard” a voice timidly stated. Turning my eyebrow shot up as Celestia slowly trotted toward me her head hung low as she sat next to me facing away.

“Hey what’s up” I gently asked knowing why she had come.

“I wanted to apologise for my brash behaviour earlier today it was unbecoming of me” she whispered her voice filled with shame.

“Celestia you were worried about your sister and I was dealing with the death of an entire platoon, a heated argument was going to happen” I replied sighing exhausted from the lack of sleep and fighting.

“Other than my niece she is the only family I have and one of the three alicorns left in the world” She said looking at me her gentle eyes full of pain and I realised just how stressful her job must be. I grimaced as her eyes watered panicking I did the only thing I could think of, awkwardly hugged her my body tensing as she melted into the hug placing her head on my shoulder as her body shook. I sat there my body tense as I pleaded for the awkwardness to end. Celestia raised her head, her intelligent eyes staring deep into mine as we sat there in awkward silence.

“Thanks” She muttered her checks turning a light pink as she blushed in embarrassment. Scratching the back of my head I laughed lightly

“No problem everyone needs a shoulder to cry on” I allowed a ghost of a smile to work its way onto my lips as she blushed deeper. Standing up Celestia smiled at me warmly her eyes showing a new found respect for me as she departed stopping only briefly to say goodnight.

Yawning I stretched my back which was now painfully stiff and departed for bed. Sadly the castle was huge and finding your room was harder than it was made out to be. I stumbled into my room collapsing on the bed as energy left my body, only having enough reserves to toss my shirt to the other side of the bed. My eyes closed heavily and I was out.

next day

Uggghhh, slowly my eyes opened the brightness of the sun causing me to whimper as I gently placed my my head into the pillow. That fucking arsehole of a sun had managed to cause me pain every time I woke up. I paused for a minute my brain clicking that my pillow was wet. Looking up I froze up as I realised that this was in fact not my bed and that pillow was the chest of princess Luna who was snoring gently as a small string of saliva ran down her mouth and chest.

“Oh shit” I whispered as i realised that if I was caught Celestia would kill me or worse Luna would kill me. I tried to stealthily get up which sadly resulted in me tripping over the bed sheets and cracking my head of the side of the bedside table.

“Huh wha” Luna mumbled looking up her eyes half closed as she tried to assess the situation despite being half asleep.  I tried to quietly sneak out in the hopes that she couldn’t see me.

“Richard is that you” her voice instantly perked up as she smiled groggily at me before freezing. Her eyes snapping open as she realised that I was half naked. I strange smile worked its way onto her face before she disappearing replaced by confusion.

“What are thou doing in my room” she asked wiping drool away from her mouth as she trotted over to me.

“You see I got slightly lost last night and ended up in your room” I answered the awkwardness of the situation flustering me. Luna smirked waling over to me swishing her hips seductively as I froze like a deer in headlights.

“Are thou sure they didn’t sneak in just to see us” she asked staring up at my unclothed chest.

“I can assure you it was an accident” I panicky said losing my cool as I backed away. Women had always been my weak point and I panicked when confronted by one. Luna smile never left as she circled me her tail rubbing against my waist as she giggled lightly.

“Luna are you awake” The voice of celestia caused her to pause before sighing in defeat. Mentally I cheered for Celestia timing the awkwardness of the situation had nearly reduced me to a stuttering wreck.  The horrible question now asking was Luna flirting with me. I had never thought about a relationship with a human never mind another species. Nah she was probably just playing about. She had a mean trickster’s streak which many of the castles inhabitancies had been on the receiving end of.

Pushing the thought from my head I quickly left the room once again descending to breakfast shirtless. As expected my lack of shirt wasn’t missed by anyone who took the time to make jibs at my expense. Chrysalis had been the worse; amazingly the changeling queen actually possessed a sharp wit and vicious sense of humour. Which I had to admit suited her.

As I munched on a slice of toast I yawned again my eyes slightly watering as I clumsily wiped the tears away. Fluttershy squeaked in fear as she caught sight of my teeth and I froze realising the one footnote that had never been taken into account.

“Um Mister Richard sir, what exactly do you eat if you don’t mid telling me that is” she whispered catching the attention of everyone in the room. There piercing stares made me feel like i was on trial as I tried to handle the delicate situation.

“Well fluttershy my species are omnivores our diet consists of meat, fish, poultry and vegetables” I said resulting in multiple gasps as some looked at me in fear.

“Girls please don’t be scared yes my people eat meat and we are the apex predators of my world but we would never eat a fellow sentient creature and many of us love animals” I said calming some of their fears as they physically relaxed slightly.

Chrysalis pov

I watched with amusement as Richard tried to explain to the naive ponies about him being a predator. I was surprised that he was an apex predator this would make my mission harder if he turned on me. Something about that thought hurt me I found myself wondering did I really go with Richard just to square our dept or did I go because I wanted to go with him. The blue hussy could prove to be a problem as she seems to have devolved a crush on the human. If the human becomes interested in her then it would be next to impossible to convincing him to help me invade this place.

My thoughts were cut off by an arrogant voice behind me

“Queen Chrysalis the council has sent me” the voice said snidely and I growled as the last changeling I wanted to see made himself known.

“Glitter-fang” I spat my loathing for the little weasel as strong as ever.

“Your majesty” he said mockingly smirking at my look of rage.

“What are you doing here” I hissed my patience for the sorry excuse of a changeling already run thin.

“The council are concerned about your feeble plan and wish to revaluate your value as our Queen and to the hive” he said a wicked grin spreading across his muzzle as he took delight in seeing my horrified look.

“Are you questioning my rights to the throne” I barked fear niggling away at the back of my skull as the bucking parasite silently gloated.

“Of course not your majesty the council are including your mother” he drawled smirking viciously at the mention of my mother.

“When am I to attend court” I demanded glaring into Glitter-fangs eyes with a malicious so powerful I was surprised that he didn't drop dead there.

“Two days my Queen” He said changing into his Pegasi disguise before leaping out the window

“You best not be late” He said amused as his form was quickly swallowed up by the clouds that were quickly blocking out the sun as teams of Pegasi manipulated the clouds into place. Snarling I slammed my hoof into the cold hard stone floor resulting in a clang as I silently cursed shaking my throbbing hoof gently as my anger threatened to boil over.

“Who was that asshole” My body froze as I went white scared to turn around as I realised I had been caught. Turning stiffly I grimaced as I was confronted by Richard his hoofs crossed as his face wore a scowl. I considered lying for a minute but threw that idea out the window; I refused to look like more of a fool by trying to lie to a creature that would know straight away I was being mendacious.

“That was a changeling known as Glitter-fang the personal advisor of Head councillor Thorax my mother” I said trying to hide the pain I felt at the fact that my own mother thought I was a failure. I was good at burying my emotions but there was something extra painful about knowing that your own mother hated you.

“You know my mother never liked me she would allow her boyfriend, uh coltfriend to beat me senseless, whilst she just watched she never stood up for me and never showed any care for me” Richard spoke shocking me that he would indulge in his past with me.

“The thing is Chrysalis despite the fact that you may be disliked by the councillors, hell by your own mother but know this that I will always stand by your side, because at the end of the day you have saved my ass enough times for me to have your back” He finished looking at me whilst inside I was shaken. This human actually cared about me and considered me an ally.

For the first time since arriving at canterlot I allowed a smile to grace my lips not malicious or cruel but a smile of happiness.

“Thank you Richard” I said simply trotting past him as I retired to my room my thoughts jumbled. Once I was in the safety of my room I collapsed on the soft feathery bed moaning as I felt a headache coming on.  Richard confused me so much he made me feel so warm inside; he was kind and sensitive yet at the same time strong and independent.  I only felt this way when I was feeding on love but it felt different like it was deeper inside of me. Could it be love I briefly pondered before snorting in disgust, there was no room in my heart for love.

The meeting scared me, very rarely was a queen challenged by the court but when it did happen the consequences for the queen were severe. If I was seen as unfit to rule I would be banished forbidden to ever return or worse if they saw it fit they could have me marked as a traitor to the changelings and executed.

Sighing I decided to take a nap my head splitting from all the stress.

Richards Pov

I felt sympathy for Chrysalis as she was good at covering her emotions but I knew inside she was deeply upset. I knew the feeling knowing that your own mother considers you to be nothing. From what I could make of the conversation she was to return to her home in the next two days so they could decided if she remains queen or not. I would find out later what would happen if she lost but I had a niggling feeling that a simple slap on the hands or hoofs was not the answer.

If they tried to hurt her I would personally see to it that they suffered severe consequences . No one hurt anyone close to me and got away with it the same stood for Luna as well. Out of all the ponies I have meet Chrysalis and Luna were the two that I felt closest too. Both of them had insecurities about themselves that I could empathise with due to me having experienced some of them myself. I was snapped out of my pondering by a panicked nurse slamming into me causing me to stumble whilst she was sent sprawling to the floor.

“Hey where are you going in such a rush” I asked in amusement.

“Ni-nightmare m-m-moon has awoken” she squeaked cowing at my intimidating size.

“Take me there” I shouted as she whimpered shakily getting to her hoofs she beaconed me to follow her. I arrived to see Nightmare causing chaos her eyes full of fear as she looked around in confusion before her eyes landed on mine. Rushing forward I slammed my arms down on her shoulder pinning her to the bed behind her as she futilely shook trying to shake me off her horn glowed darkly as a black aura surrounded me I winced expecting to be flung against a wall. When nothing happened I looked down to see her looking equally shocked.

“Where am I, why isn’t my magic working and who are you” She shouted her voice horse as her panicked stricken eyes darted around looking for an exit.

“Easy, easy you’re in a hospital you were hurt very badly in that forest and we brought you back” I said forcefully her struggles weakening as she started to calm slightly.

“I am going to realise my hold on you and when i do you will relax and let me explain the situation to you okay!” I instructed she nodded feebly as I released her she sat back on her ass looking at me in confusion as she waited for me to speak.

I explained in detail about why I was there and how she passed out when the wendigos attacked.  Told her how I convinced Celestia to bring her to the canterlot hospital. I waited as she slowly digested the information her body relaxing slightly as she realised that she wasn’t in immediate danger.

“Why did you help me, surely the princess’s have told you about me and what i have done and tried to do” she asked her voice soft and barely above a whisper.

“Because like you I have done things I’m not proud of I have seen countless horrors and evils so great that if any pony ever learned the full extent, would probably scar them for life if not reduce them to  a gibbering wreak” I finished solemnly  my thoughts briefly flashing back to the school.

“What is your name” I asked tired of referring to her as nightmare moon. The black alicorn froze for a second as if thinking about the question before nodding her head and replying

“Eclipse, calls me Eclipse” She said a nervous smile appearing on her muzzle. After she introduced herself we chatted quietly with each other getting to know the other as we waited for Celestia to show up.

Sadly what I hadn’t intended for was for Twilight and her friends and both the princess to show up.

“Richard back away from that monster now” Now cried in fear as she tried to get too me only held back by her sister. Celestia frowned as she noticed that Eclipse wasn’t attacking.

“Richard” Eclipse squeaked ducking behind me causing eight jaws to simultaneous hit the ground as they watched a revered evil Alicorn hide behind me like a new born foal. Even I was surprised from what I had heard she was ruthless and cruel.

“Eclipse its okay you can tell them nothing will happen to you as long as I am here” I whispered placing my hand on her shoulder failing to notice the look of fury on Luna’s face as she grinded her teeth in frustration. Taking a shaky step forward, Eclipse spoke.

We stood there for hours hearing her story, how she had been defeated, how she had been ripped from Luna’s body and had woken up in that horrible forest and how her body had slowly started to form. When she finished speaking we were left stunned.

“So what do we do now” I asked looking down at the princess.

“I’m not sure, there has never been a single recording of something like this happening” Celestia pondered looking at eclipse with some mistrust. Luna looked equally shocked but still managed to hold a scornful glare towards the black mare. Twilight looked confused and seemed to mentally be going over anything that could help explain the situation. Unsurprisingly the rest looked perplexed and puzzled by the strange anomaly.

The process was long and hard as the topic of where she would go was brought up. She couldn’t stay in the castle nor could she stay in a dungeon. Eventually it was decided that she would live with me which was meet by process from Luna, who stated that she could be faking. Eventually I was able to convince her that her magic didn’t work on me and that I was more than able to look after myself. After that was dealt with we were ushered out as Celestia stayed behind to have a private conversation with Eclipse. I went to find Chrysalis needing to have a word with her.

Looking around the castle I found the room I was looking for and found Chrysalis standing outside on the balcony her body fatigued worn, her wings moving faintly in the gentle breeze.

“Chrysalis I need to know what will happen if you are seen unfit to rule” I watched as her body tensed before a sigh escaped her lips turning to face me I was shocked to see that her face held a deep sorrow and I knew straight away that it was bad if it was able to splinter her emotional barricade.

“If I am seen as unfit to rule I will be banished from novo the home land of the changeling and forbidden to return or even worse they may see it fit to execute me” She said finally opening up to me her eyes were full of grief as she paced back in forth in front of me restlessly.

“Chrysalis I’m coming with you” I said causing her to stop and look at me in horror.

“You can’t, foolish human you would be killed before you reached our gates by the guards” she said looking at me like I was an idiot. I smiled laughing as she got herself worked up.

“Chrysalis the plane back at ponyville has suits of armor that are designed to survive artillery guns I’m sure a few bugs trying to stab me with pointed sticks isn’t going to work” I said smirking as she growled at me.

“How dare you call my people bugs you senseless primate” She said matching my smirk as she composed herself. She looked at me with a weird look her eyes glazing over slightly as she started at me a smile appearing on her face before her eyes dilated and she shook her head slightly.

“Chrysalis you helped me so now I’m helping you” I said ending the conversation. Chrysalis tried to protest but in the end realized that I was dead set on coming so gave up. Luna and the rest of the girls were unsurprisingly less than joyful when I told them my intentions. That being a colossal understatement Luna was livid. It took some persuasion but the girls grudgingly accepted that running off to extraordinarily dangerous locations was the social norm for me. Luna had wanted to come for some strange reason but her duty stopped her from coming with us. If I was going with her I would need supplies. That meant that I needed to go to ponyville or more specifically the everfree forest.

Later

Twilight sparkle and the gang rested in a private carriage whilst I worked on the mech that was being stored in the back of the train Chrysalis snoozed next to me as I walked around the mech trying to fix the minor stuff whilst I had some time to myself. Chrysalis had come in to see me work her fascination with technology bringing a smile to my lips as I watched her sleeping form. Form the bags under her eyes she looked like she hadn’t slept for a few days. Guilt was not a new concept to me and those men’s death had affected me greatly I had hoped that I would finally be able to reconnect with some of my own kind but like a lot of things in life things were never as simple as they were made to be.

“Too all passengers we will be arriving in ponyville shortly all passengers are reminded to keep all luggage and suitcases in the storage area or in a compartment located above the seats thank you” The intercom went dead as the message finished.

“Chrysalis we’re nearly there” I whispered watching as her stunning green eyes opened unfocused but quickly smiling as she recognised my voice. Moaning she wobbly climbed to her feet as I finished the last of the repairs.

I slowly walked though ponyville with chrysalis being careful not to accidently steep on a pony as the massive mech carefully walked though the small town. Chrysalis walked beside me her disguise preventing ponies from freaking out anymore than they were at seeing me again. Twilight commented on her contentment at being back in ponyville. As we reached the edge of town we all went our spate ways leaving only me and chrysalis.

Arriving at the plane I quickly deactivated the lock waiting as the bay door slowly opened the alarm system sounding briefly as the door hit the floor with a loud thump. Chrysalis was sceptical at first refusing to enter the ship as I routed around for mech repair tools and parts, but slowly warmed up to the machine as she explored though the varies tools and items that littered the walls, floors and tables.

I had nearly lost it when she somehow got a box stuck on head and instead of removing it with magic had panicked and started flailing around whilst I desperately tried to get it off resulting in me getting kicked twice and when it finally came off bitten, hard!Chrysalis had spent the next half hour sulking, her pride wounded whilst I tried to contain my mirth.

I had discovered to my amazement that the ship was packing power armour code named T-22  a bulky metal combat suit designed for heavy combat. Its thick armour being made of the same metal as the mech but due to the interior which spread the weight more evenly prevented the wearer, from being crushed by the immense weight which was a staggering half a ton. The inner suit had micro nano bots which helped the wearer lift heavier items and in general run the suit like a built in A.I. A couple of the nano bots would pierce the skin connecting with wearers mental signals meaning that when the wearer went to move the bots would link together and move in synch with the wearer.

The power armour most prominent feature was that it could act as a replacement for the NES the armour could connect to the mech and meant that the driver had more protection if anything pierced the mech. sadly many of the weapons and pieces of equipment were damaged but with a bit of loving care could work again. I found an experimental laser rifle as well as a high caliber magnum nicknamed the hand cannon. The laser rifle was a revolutionary weapon next to particle weapons. The weapon ran on battery cells known as plasmas cells which released a heat of near 4000°C which was enough to melt tank armor. The earlier models had been a disaster the weapon either giving the user 4rth degree burns or blowing up killing the user. The process off the weapon was messy and still in the trial stages.

Luckily for me this design only flow was occasionally jamming but due to its high success rate and the rarity of the cases of

jamming meant that the pros outweighed the cons. The magnum was something of a old classic the weapon wasn’t used in the army due to its nasty habit of breaking the owners arm unless drabbed in power armor also its recoil made it a bitch to fire off shots in fast succession making it unreliable in the field but good for killing heavily armoured foes which was why some power armoured soldiers carried them though they were rare.

Chrysalis had a keen mind and was able to figure out how most stuff worked astonishingly quickly. Chrysalis informed me that if we wished to arrive at the city on time we would have to leave tonight this gave me time to get the mech repaired and suit up in the power armour. The weapons were stored in the mech as i went over the finale procedures checking that the T-22 was online and working and that the mech’s weapons were reloaded and maintenance.

Soon darkness descended signalling that it was time to leave. I placed the T-22 helmet on my head before climbing into my mech checking the power supply as the mech’s weapon system came online. The mech had been fully repaired the armour had been dented out in places and we had even got the shields online. With one last glance at the now locked base departed.

We travelled slowly thought the forest keeping an eye out for danger once we cleared the Everfree forest we could sprint the rest of the way. Chrysalis had told me that there were spells and curse in place that if she tried to teleport with me too her city it would probably just disintegrated me.

This meant that sadly we would have to make the long journey on foot. Even worse we had only been travelling for an hour and I was bored. We encountered very little except for a few bloody hooves that were dealt with swiftly. As we travelled we encountered few problems most of the beasts avoiding us as we travelled undisturbed. I slowed down as I noticed a faint glow in the distance

“Chrysalis call me crazy but are those lights” I asked pointing to the faint glow of what looked like a small town.

“Yes your right I didn't think there would be any civilisation considering the monsters that reside here, then again my

homeland is home to many predators and beasts” she said scratching her chin as she assessed the situation. As we approached we were surprised to see that the small town seemed to be in the preparation of celebration of some sort.

Deciding that I didn’t want to cause any panic I climbed out of my mech after hiding it behind a couple of trees. Chrysalis warped into her disguise as we arrived. We were greeted by a grey colt with black hair his smile never wavered even as I came into view.

“Well high there my names grey hoof welcome to Sunny town” His cheeriness unnerved me slightly but I guessed that they must of heard about me from friends or family.

“Hello grey hoof my name is Richard and this is Christal” I said smiling politely as I pointed to the disguised Chrysalis.

“Well you two couldn't have come at a better time the celebration is about to began” he said laughing as he motioned for us to tour the small town. We decided that we could stop for a couple hours and maybe get some supplies. The ponies were going about their duties putting up colourful banners laying out food and in general seemed to be enjoying themselves. As we explored we come across a young white mare with a beautiful orange mane.

“Why doesn't he talk to me” she muttered as we passed deciding that it wasn't our business. Chrysalis seemed to enjoy herself as we chatted idly about the town.

“They’re very friendly aren't they” she said as passing ponies waved to us smiles on their faces as they laughed and chatted to one another.

“Something is up though” I whispered causing Chrysalis ears to fold backward as she looked at me with confusion

“What makes you say that they are perfectly friendly enough granted they are foolish and ignorant and would be easy to manipulate. She finished allowing a nasty smile to grace her lips as she thought about manipulating the happy ponies.

“Then chrysalis why don’t any of them have the marks on their flanks, also why isn't there one on you either” I asked causing her to freeze as she looked around realising that I was right. Chrysalis scrunched up her face slightly and seemed to be concentrating before growling in frustration.

“ What the, my body is refusing to change, I cant form a cutie mark” She whispered panic entering her voice as she looked around paranoid.

“Is that bad” I whispered my fingers hovering over the trigger of the laser rifle as I prepared myself for anything.

“The magic of changing is a very old and very mysterious power we discovered that the body at times will refuse to change if it believes that it will put the owner of the body in harm” She finished scratching her head in confusion as she looked for anything that could be labelled a threat.

“But why would you having a cutie mark put you in danger” I pondered hoping that she would have an inkling of an idea.

“I do-,”Chrysalis sentence was cut off by a loud screams that pierced the night sky

“AAAHHHHHHHH” Turning my head in the direction I sprinted recognising the sound as belonging to a filly. I tore though sunny town reaching the edge I darted up the narrow path that led to a worn down house.

I slammed into the door tearing the door of its hinges as half a ton of metal slammed into the weak rotten frame of the door.

Inside to my horror I saw a small filly with a bow tie being attacked by what looked like a bloody hoof but different more demonic. I felt my rage boil at the look of terror on the small filly face. Marching up to the creature I hoisted it off of her as the creature struggled. I slammed the beast into one of the walls resulting in a screech, before throwing it to the ground and brutally slammed my boot onto its fragile head.

This resulted in a sickening wet crack as the things head was crushed under the eminence weight of the armour. Chrysalis went over and comforted the weeping filly whilst I disposed of the creature in the conviently placed well on my left. I returned to see Chrysalis hugging the small filly speaking to her gently as she cried in fear. Now that I got a proper look I realised that this filly was related to Applejack her name was Apple something.

“Hey your Applejack’s sister aren't you?” I asked in a gentle voice as I crouched down to get a look at her.

“yeah I'm apple bloom y'all know ma big sister” She asked her large eyes looking at me with hope as Chrysalis stood up her eyes deadly serious as she looked at me.

“Where you with anyone” I asked as she looked down a blush appearing on her face.

“I was with miss twilight but wandered off whilst she was working on movin them trees that were blockin' our path” She finished looking guilty as I realised that she had sneaked off and probably had twilight terrified out of her mind.

“Well your safe now” I said frowning I would persuade Applejack and twilight to be gentle on the punishment considering that a monster nearly killed her.

As we walked down the path we froze at the nightmare that was in front of us. Where there had once been a friendly little town was now a dark destroyed ghost town the once festive streets were now dark and abandoned . The banners that were once so full of colour now lay in shredded rags the colour now soiled and worn.

“What the hell happened here” I whispered as I drew the hand cannon from its holster checking to make sure that the six chambers were occupied. Chrysalis reverted back to her true form causing Apple bloom to yelp as she jumped in fright.

“There was no other way, she was going to ruin the party” A raspy voice growled causing us to pause before slowly walking past a destroyed shop. We stopped in our tracks as a mound of earth started to shake violently before a skeletal hoof rose from the mound soon followed by a skull with bits of ragged flesh hanging onto the end as it piercing red eyes locked onto Apple Bloom. The Skeleton walked towards us moaning as it continued to stare at the small filly.

“Please don’t leave little one stay with us we will protect you” It rasped its voice feminine as it advanced on us. I steeped in front of Apple Bloom and fired. The 65 calibre bullet struck the undead monster, destroying the upper half of its  body as the lower half stumbled about. Sadly the roar of the bullet unsurprisingly attracted the rest of the inhabitancies attention and soon a small horde was forming there cries all the same

“Join us, please don’t leave, we can protect yo, you can’t leave” The chants unnerved the filly who was cowering behind me. I quickly swapped my magnum for the laser riffle as they advanced slowly. A low hiss sounded as the weapon powered up with a gentle squeeze the weapon discharged sending a lethal shot of pure heated energy striking one of the zombies in the chest. The creature screamed as it disintegrated. Its ashes scattered as the creatures behind marched on uncaring of their fallen comrade their eyes all focused on Apple Bloom.

“Protect Apple Boom I will cover you” I shouted as I fired the laser rifle in small bursts tearing the monsters apart as more and more raised from the ground, a never ending wave of undead. Cursing I retreated as they started to overrun us, Chrysalis blasting the ones in front out the way as Apple Bloom cowered on her back her hoofs gripped chrysalis mane in a vice like grip. Arriving at the front I stopped as I realised to my horror that we were surrounded. Hundreds of eyes looked on silently as they waited for us to make a move. Back to back I realised that we were kind of fucked there were too many to take down and my mech was blocked by ten of the creatures.

CRACK

I watched in shock as one of the zombies lashed out at the ones surrounding it causing pandemonium as it turned to us

“Here’s your chance RUN” the feminine voice yelled bucking one of the zombies that tried to intervene.  Not waiting I sprinted towards the exit leaping onto the mech I tore the hatch open and threw myself down it as I slammed my fist onto the power button. Shouting at it in rage as it slowly powered up. Turning I take one final look at the mare that was surrounded her last words

“Forgive me my little Ruby” before she was engulfed in the sea of black and red. Grimacing I ran followed by chrysalis as we were followed by the mass of dead ponies.

The mech’s guns tore thought the bulk of undead as they tried to block our escape. Chrysalis horn fired off violent waves of green light that cut the things to ribbons. We came to a clearing and watched as the monsters advanced. A golden glow behind me alerted me to another presence. Turning I looked on in amazement as a grey mare with orange mane materialized behind us what unnerved me were that her eyes glowed a soft gold.

“I’m so sorry Apple Bloom I never meant for you to follow me” she whispered her soft voice filled with sorrow as she looked at us with pity. Chrysalis stood by my side her eyes filled with killer intent as we prepared to fight or die.

“Apple Bloom where are you” The creatures hissed in fear and pain as the brilliant light of Twilight caused them to retreat back into the dark forest leaving us alone there menacing red eyes soon lost in the hazy fog that had descended. I sighed in relief as twilight face came into view.

“Oh Richard Chrysalis what are you doing here” She asked in curiosity her frown replaced with a smile.

“Trust me Twilight you wouldn't believe me If I told you” I stated watching as Chrysalis handed the filly over to her.

Later

We quickly filled twilight in at Zecora’s house the mare and zebra had been horrified to learn that such thing lived in the forest as well as the bloody hooves and so close to zecora as well. With some debating we had convinced zecora to move in with twilight for a few days until we could be sure that the ponies of sunny town were not a threat. Twilight thanked us profusely as she held the quivering filly close to her and promised me that she would teleport the three of them straight to ponyville and warn people about the cursed town.

Hours later.

I watched with some satisfaction as we left the everfree forest entering into a more desert resembling environment. We had both quickly decided not to talk about what happened in the town. As we travelled the sun slowly started to rise as the freezing cold night was replaced with the warmth of the early sun. Sadly the heat continued to rise as the sun rose higher into the sky soon the cosy warmth was replaced by an intolerable scorching heat. Chrysalis fared much better than me due to her wings being used to filter the heat and also due to the dessert being her species home.

“Chrysalis before we go any further is there anything that I should be wary off predators or natural hazards” I asked not wishing to be taken by surprise like in most cases.

“Well there are several nasty predators out there the worst is the sand dune worms” She simply stated.

“What the hell is Sand dune w-” I was cut off by a nasty tremor bellow me leaping out the way I yelled in panic as a massive creature appeared its massive head a mesh of teeth as it retreated back into the ground.

“RUN” I roared as the familiar tremor sounded again I picked up chrysalis who gasped as I threw her onto my shoulder Sprinting all out as the several areas of sand started to bulge showing that the creatures were just below the surface.

“Chrysalis what do we do” I asked at a lost as I fired off a few random shots only for it to be absorbed by the sand.

“Wait until they surface then aim for the head they don’t have bones so they attacking the lower areas won’t work” she shouted her voice severely muffled by the tremors the worms were making. I did as instructed and waited until one emerged its head aiming right for me as I fired the rail gun killing the creature as the powerful shells tore the hellish worm apart.

This pattern of run stop shot then run seemed to last for hours as the dune worms refused to give up there metal meal.

“Richard the rocks there” Chrysalis cried causing me to pivot on my heal sprinting for the Rocky surface where hopefully the worms could not follow. Yelling I leapt onto the hard surface panting as the worms behind me screeched in fury, cheated of their meal.

I fucking hate this desert I gasped as sweat poured down my face as the blistering sun cruelly glared down on me the fact that the mech had became like a massive oven and it was only with the weak little fan and plentiful water that I didn’t die of heat exhaustion. It may have been childish but I had started a game of are we there yet with chrysalis due to the fact that she didn't feel the heat and wasn’t in a massive metal machine that was like a lightning rod for heat. Chrysalis had been patient at first but as I asked more frequently her temper had started to get the best of her which I had loved exploiting.

We encountered varies threats but luckily no more dune worms. Nasty creatures like sandpaper scorpions nasty four meter long scorpions with pincers that could crush steel and more than once nearly amputated a limb on the mech. Other creatures like Rootorus which were carnivorous plants that took on the form of a beautiful mare to entice stallions into its mitts where it would then tear them apart. The monsters and the sweltering heat made the journey a nightmare.

“We are here,” Chrysalis announced stopping in from of a large cave. I rose on eyebrow as I questioned Chrysalis mental health. Deciding to just go with the flow I remained silent as she led me into the cave. I later realised that we must be in the right place when we were stopped by a group of changeling guards.

“You majesty we are delighted to see that you are safe and unharmed” they chanted in unison turning to look at me nasty grins spread across their faces as they sized me up.  Chrysalis shooed them away informing them that I was her personal guard and that they were to spread the word of my presence. It took me by surprise how ceremonial and harsh she was when addressing her subjects I had grown so accustomed to chrysalis, that I had forgotten that she was Queen Chrysalis!

As we walked further into the cavern the cave started to slant as the cave widened. The journey took thirty minutes due to me having to avoid tripping or falling over which would have been hazardous too both of us. Green mushroom like plants littered the ceiling and floors, glowing a soft green as we finally reached the bottom. Two burly changelings stood guard in front of a gigantic wooden barrier. Nodding at the queen they pushed a slot in the wall causing the massive wooden frame to move as the city was revealed to me.

In my life i had seen many beautiful things man made and pony but this ranked above anything i had ever seen. On the other side was a cavern several miles long and wide in the middle was a massive lake glowed a emerald green as in the center of the massive lake was a city miles long. The buildings seemed to be made of a black rock with large green spots that littered them. I assumed that the spots were windows that allowed changelings to look out but not in allowing them privacy I guessed. At the top if the cavern was a massive building that was shaped like a butterfly’s cocoon the windows were a darker green and the building itself was breath taking the architecture was stunning the beautiful texture and design that was grafted into the building was numerous and made it stand out.

Changelings could be seen flying in and out of the city in the thousands, tens of thousands as they used different routes to get in and out of the cavern. Chrysalis smiled at my glazed look nudging me gently with her muzzle as I snapped out of my days.

“Impressed are we” She asked smiling allowing her royalty act to drop momentarily as I nodded.

“Is this” I started but stopped as she answered the question for me

“Welcome Richard to Ninitiem the city of queens”

Hey guys this is my longest fic yet i would like to apologies if there are any errors in this please note that i am looking for multiple pre readers due to the fact that the chapters are so long. if you want to apply please email me.

I have been feeling sick of late so and work is really getting me down so i will try to have chapter 6 up as soon as possible.

Thank you all for those that licked, thumbed up and commented and please leave a review or thumb it up if you like thank you

Quickly if anyone has any ideas that they would like to share then please do i am open to all ideas.

Sunny town and the story of the blank flank belongs to  Donitz

and The mlp fim franchise belongs exclusively to Lauren Faust.

Drawn by my mate who will be doing my images for now on