Chapter 25

Cory agreed to let Nova fix his eye. The group followed Nova to his home slash ship. Upon entering, they were met with the sight of highly advanced technology. From the door to the left was a square table with a blue screen. This was the ship’s replicator. To the right and all the way were the ship’s main controls. In front of the door at the wall was a computer with a holographic keyboard. “Wow, this is amazing.” Twilight commented.

“So cool.” Rainbow added.

“Wowie zowie.” Pinkie added.

“Dang, look at all ‘em fancy lookin buttons and lights and things.” Applejack added.

“This...is so….cool.” Kris commented.

Cory shrugged. “Eh, you’ve seen one alien ship, you’ve seen them all.”

“Easy for you to say mister first contact.” Kris replied joke mockingly. “At least you got the chance to actually meet other aliens.”

“Among other things.” Cory said.

“Other things?” Rainbow questioned.

Cory paused at that before scratching the back of his head. “Well…..I think I might have knocked one up once in my earlier years.”

Kris stared slack jawed and his right eye twitching for a moment. “You….got to make out...and have sex….with a hot alien chick?”

“I did not. The alien was a female made of pure energy, she just chose to keep a female form. And she just asked for some of my own personal energy so she could have an offspring.”

“So you had sex with a female alien.” Kris reiterated.

Cory sighed. “Having sex would imply I got physical with her. If anything, it looked like she took a piece of my soul, pulling it from my chest, and then placed it inside herself through her own chest.”

“Okay so she was an alien energy succubus you got to make out with.” Kris stated again now just messing with Cory as he grinned saying that.

“I will slap the white off you.” Cory said with a mock glare.

“Can we please move on with why we’re here now?” Applejack said.

“Sorry.” Kris said. “Just had to have a bit of fun there.”

Cory nodded. “Right. So, how’s this work?” He asked Nova.

Nova had a bit of a confused look on his face during the back and forth of Kris and Cory. He then replied once addressed. “Um...one moment.” He turned to the computer and typed in some commands. A section of the floor began to rise up in a rectangular shape big enough for a person or pony to lay on. Then a metal arm with a light attached came out one end and shone over the table. From the right side, a small screen with a keyboard came out. Then out of the left side, something that could only be described as a scanner as it was long and narrow. “All right, Cory, if you would please lay on the table.” Nova asked.

Cory did as asked and got on the table before laying down. “So before we do this, mind giving a summary of what this does exactly?”

“The scanner is going to analyze your body and get a reading of your DNA. Then we locate the damaged or missing tissue or organ, and I’m going to release some nanobots that will enter your body, head for the damaged area and begin reconstructing the missing eye according to your DNA.” Nova informed as he was typing on the computer.

“Alright, so long as the scars stay. And mind checking my insides? Despite my health and condition, I’d rather not find out I’ve been missing something and didn’t get it taken care of.” Cory requested.

“All right then. We’ll take care of that too.’ Nova stated. He went to the small computer attached to the table and began typing. The scanner activated and moved over Cory’s head. It emitted a thin orange fanning beam and slowly moved down his body. Once it finished scanning Cory’s body, a 3-D model appeared over him in orange with red lights signifying what was needing repaired or replaced.

Aside from his missing eye, various parts of his body were covered in red, both in and out of his body. Adjusting the settings, the ones for the scars were removed and showed several minor fractures along his ribs as well as his arms and legs. There were also some missing organs, none that would kill him, but it would impede his daily life.

“I’m no expert on this alien tech stuff, but I’m guessing all that red means something bad...right?” Kris asked.

“I’m afraid so. You’re friend is worse off than just a missing eye.” Nova stated. “But not to worry. This can all be fixed.”

“Seriously? You can really repair all that?” Twilight asked.

“I can. There’s practically nothing the magic and science of the nanobots my race developed can’t fix.” Nova stated before typing more on his computer. A small syringe then emerged from the table and injected a green fluid into Cory’s left arm. “The nanobots are now entering his body.” The holographic model of Cory’s body showed a green light entering and spreading across his body to the red areas. “I also included an instant pain blocker just in case so you won’t feel anything as the nanobots work.” Nova added.

As the nanobots did their work, Cory shuddered as he felt something. “You might have wanted to numb everything, cause it feels like things are moving inside me. And it’s making me nauseous.”

“Sorry, one moment.” Nova typed in something else and another syringe appeared with a yellow liquid. He was injected again and this time he would no longer feel anything as the nanobots worked. Slowly, all the red faded as the nanobots fixed everything other than the scars on the outside of his body. Eventually, Cory’s eye was fully restored and functioning and all the internal and external damage was repaired. The nanobots returned to the first syringe and exited Cory’s body. It then retracted back into the table. “There, all done. You should be good as new now.”

Cory slowly opened his left eye, wincing as it was still sensitive and almost blinded before fully opening it. He soon found he could see good as new. He sighed with a smile. “Thank you Nova. I don’t normally trust things like this, but really, thank you.”

“I’m glad to help a friend.” Nova said with a small smile. “Just remember the promise you all made and we’ll call it even.” He added with slight nervousness.

Cory laughed as he sat up and got off the table. “No problems there.”

“OH! OH! Can I show them the holodeck now!” Starburst exclaimed excitedly.

Nova rolled his eyes with a smile. “I don’t see why not.” Nova replied before looking to the group. “He most likely wants to try and get you all interested in his favorite games we have on the holodeck seeing as he’s only had me to play the games with.”

“Ooh! I love games!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“This should be quite fascinating.” Twilight commented.

“I suppose we can give it a shot.” Cory added before looking at Kris. “So, feel up for some video games?”

“Oh hell yeah! I REALLY miss those.” Kris replied.

“Come on!” Starburst exclaimed quickly heading for a door towards the back of the room as the table descended back into the floor. The door led to a hallway with a few lights along the floor and ceiling. Starburst led them to the last door at the end of the hall and entered, leading to a large seemingly empty square room. “This is the holodeck.”

“It...don’t seem like much.” Applejack commented.

Cory chuckled. “That’s because it isn’t turned on yet AJ. A Holodeck is a room that normally looks bland, but can make just about anything into reality, or as close to reality as it can be.”

“Computer, run program….hmm...let’s see...OH! Run program thirty six E dash Zeta.” Starburst called.

A beep was heard before the room changed and the group found themselves in what seemed like a lightly wooded area with trees, grass, and a few metal bunkers and forts. Then, three robots with just torso’s appeared, each of a different color. The first was red, the second was blue and the third was gold. “Welcome to Battle Bots soldiers!” Starburst said. “This is the toughest of the tough games and training exercises. YOU will be put to the ultimate test of speed, strength, endurance, and strategizing!” Starburst seemed to go into drill sergeant mode.

Cory chuckled at Starburst’s impression. His old drill sergeant would have eaten the poor colt alive had he saw that. “So what’s the objective?”

“We will be split into two squads! The objective is to attack the robots as well as the opposing team for points! The red bots are worth ten points. The blue are twenty and the gold which will be the hardest are worth fifty. Taking out an opposing squad member gets you thirty points. Each match lasts ten minutes. The squad with the most points at the end of the match wins. Understood?” Starburst said.

Cory turned to Kris. “This is Laser Tag on steroids.”

“All the more reason this should be more fun.” Kris replied. “Sir yes sir!” Kris then replied to Starburst standing at attention.

“Aye Aye sir!” Pinkie then exclaimed, giving a salute.

“Everyone is going to be issued a battle suit for this game. It will provide you with a minimap of the area, location of your teammates, opposing squads and bots if they are within your fellow team mate’s sight. Each suit also comes equipped with communicators, wrist mounted lasers, and you will be allowed one trap to lay on the field to catch an opponent.”

“We get traps too?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know if I like a game like this. Can I sit out please?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m afraid I would have to decline as well. These sorts of games just aren’t my style.” Rarity added.

“PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!” Starburst begged giving the saddest, biggest puppy dog eyes ever.

“Oooh, looks like he’s playing dirty.” Kris commented.

The two mares looked to each other, then sighed. “Very well.” Rarity gave in.

“Oh, I guess so.” Fluttershy added.

“YAHOO!” Starburst cheered.

Cory crossed his arms. “So aside from what you’ve mentioned, what armaments are we using?”

Starburst flashed light blue for a moment before he was now wearing silver armor with a light blue visor. “This is the battle suit you all will get. And this…” Another flash and a rifle like weapon appeared in his arms. “Is the weapon we’ll be using. It has auto fire, can switch to sniper mode for long range shots, shotgun if you get close range, flame thrower, even a shock mode for stunning enemies.”

Cory’s eyes were wide as dinner plates before holding his hand out. “Mind if I test it out myself before we begin? I’d like to know what I’m using myself before getting into confrontation.”

“Of course, I planned for a tutorial practice round for each of you on solo so you can get used to everything and figure it all out.” Starburst said. Just then, they all had the same armor appear on them along with the weapon.

“Sweeeet.” Kris cooed as he eyed the gun.

Cory stared at the gun in his hands for a few moments, having a few flashbacks before shaking his head and braced it against his shoulder, like he had been using it all his life.

“One more thing I should mention. The bots have shields around them and can fire back at you. The gold bot has the strongest shields and the most armaments of the trio. They can fire grenades, lasers, and are able to move rather swiftly. So be careful. Though this is just a game so there’s nothing to worry about as far as actually getting hurt. Plus, everyone has a life bar. Take too much damage and you’ll be out for two minutes before you can rejoin the game.”

“This sounds like it’s going to be SO much fun.” Rainbow commented.

Cory then looked at the group. “So, how are we deciding teams?”

“Well, I think I could be the commander of one team and you the commander of the other.” Kris said.

“HEY! I wanna be a commander! This is my game after all and you guys are still new!” Starburst whined.

“Okay, fine, I submit my role as commander of a squad then.” Kris said.

“Good.” Starburst said. “I’LL be in charge of one team and you can be in charge of another.” He said pointing to Cory. “We’ll each take turns picking who we want on our team.”

Cory nodded. “Alright, you pick first then.”

“Hmm….” Starburst looked over the group before going right to Nova. “My big brother!”

“Figures.” Nova replied before walking over to him.

Cory chuckled before nodding to Kris. “Then you join my team.”

“Yes! I wasn’t picked last!” Kris cheered jokingly before making his way over.

“Uhm…..Rainbow Dash!” Starburst called. Said pegasus made her way over.

Cory looked over the girls before pointing to Rarity. “I think you’ll be perfect.”

“You can’t be serious.” Rarity replied before reluctantly making her way over. “Personally I’d rather just sit on the sidelines so to speak.”

Cory chuckled. “With what I have in mind, you might just get to do that.”

“Really?” Rarity asked.

“Fluttershy!” Starburst called before Cory could respond.

“Oh my...um….me? Are you sure? Okay then.” Fluttershy made her way to Starburst’s team.

Cory held back a click of the tongue. He was hoping to get a hold of the mare, but he wasn’t without contingencies. He then smiled at Applejack. “You’re up AJ.”

“All right then. Still not sure bout this fancy shmancy techno game er whatever.” Applejack replied, making her way to Cory’s team.

“Something tells me you’ll have a blast with my idea.” Cory grinned.

“Ooh! Pick me Pick ME!” Pinkie was cheering and waving her hands.

“Pinkie Pie!” Starburst called.

“YES!” Pinkie cheered before making her way to Starburst’s team.

“And that means Twilight is with me. I’d say we have a rather good team here.” Cory said as he looked over his team.

“Now remember, before we actually get into the game, you can each have some time to play a short solo game to get used to the gear and weapons.” Starburst said.

“Sounds good.” Kris replied.

“Right. Would like to find out how to at least change the modes on this.” Cory said as he looked over the rifle.

“Oh, that’s right. I’m so excited to have more to play with, I keep forgetting things. The weapon modes change based on thought. And your suit also comes equipped with boosters for quick dodging to avoid enemy fire.” Starburst then added.

Cory blinked at that before smiling. “Well, in that case, I’m fine without the tutorial. My training in the military should translate well into this. By the way, are these ammunition fed, or cool down battery?”

Starburst gave a confused look. “What’s...ammo….amu...whatever you said?”

“Do you know what a bow and arrow is?”

Starburst just responded with another confused look.

Cory sighed. “Okay, to sum it up, there are certain weapons that need a certain type of something in order to fire. Almost every ranged weapon needs this. For most of the guns that I’m used to, you’d have what is called a bullet. Think of a cone shaped piece of metal being fired at the speed of sound or really close to it, now make that piece the size of an insect. That’s a bullet being fired. Most ranged weapons have a limited supply of this at any time unless more is collected. However, cool down battery weapons are able to fire an unlimited amount until it overheats, forcing you to stop or risk the weapon breaking, but pick your shots and you never have to worry about that if you do it right. So, now do you understand?”

“I think so. But these weapons aren’t like that. There’s no ammo and there’s no need for a cool down. They’re based on the weapons our home’s…..former home’s...guardian forces used.” Starburst stated.

Cory’s jaw nearly broke through his helmet it dropped so hard. He then snapped his gaze to Nova. “You and me. We’re having a chat about this after the game.”

Nova gave a concerned look at this.

Soon, the group split up into their solo training matches and were now ready to begin the real game. The two teams went to opposite sides of the field with the robots scattered about. Cory looked about their starting point and nodded before pointing to a rather high area. “Rarity, you get to the top of that and use the sniper mode to pick off targets. Focus on those looking to sneak up on us or about to catch us off guard. If all goes well, you won’t have to move from that spot.”

“Oh dear, I’m still not so sure about this but...all right.” Rarity replied.

“Don’t worry, you’ll do fine. Your attention to detail is perfect for sniper work. That’s why I had to get you on my team.” Cory reassured her with a smile.

“My eye for detail is good for...sniping?” Rarity questioned.

“How many times have you spotted something wrong with a dress before it was finished and then correcting it?”

“Oh darling I can’t COUNT that many times.” Rarity replied, waving a hand.

“And can you recall any time you missed something like that?”

“Not really.” Rarity replied again.

“There you go. The role of a sniper is the exact same. They keep an eye on their team and ensure they’re safe. If there’s anything wrong, they spot it and take it out. In fact, the best sniper I personally knew had a passion for fashion and wanted to be a designer since they were already great at making clothes.”

“Goodness.” Rarity gasped. “Well….all right then. I’ll do my best.”

“So what am ah gonna do?” Applejack asked.

Cory looked at her. “You’ll be with Kris and Twilight. You three will be targeting the green base while Rarity plays overwatch.”

“Sweet. I like being in the middle of the action.” Kris stated as he readied his weapon.

“So what are you going to do then?” Twilight asked.

Cory grinned darkly. “Me? I’m going hunting.” He chuckled to himself.

“You’re going after the bots aren’t you?” Kris asked.

“Nope.” Cory said with a smirk. “I’m going after the other team.”

“By yourself?” Twilight asked in shock.

“Nova and Starburst are the only ones that would be trouble and that’s due to the fact that they’ve worked together playing this for a long time. Rainbow isn’t used to how such combat is done. Pinkie is a wild card, but even she can’t break the rules of this game. Fluttershy I’ll be gentle with. Don’t want to give the poor girl a heart attack. However, none of them have the training of an actual soldier.”

“All right, we got a plan. So let’s get to it before they get ahead of us.” Kris stated.

Cory nodded. “Then get moving. I’ll be going radio silent, so don’t try to contact me. Keep in touch with Rarity and have her watch your backs.”

“Happy hunting bro.” Kris said before he headed out with Twilight and Applejack. Rarity went to her spot and set up, ready to do her job.

Cory smirked before heading out for where the other team went to start. If he knew Pinkie, and Fluttershy for that matter, they would have slowed the team down due to Starburst not knowing how to use them.

………………………………..

“WOO HOO! WE WON!” Starburst cheered.

“I can’t believe we lost so badly.” Kris said slumping.

Cory’s newly healed eye was twitching. “How? I just don’t see how.”

“You shouldn’t be TOO surprised. I never managed to beat him once when we played this. And he’s REALLY something when we play it on the hardest difficulty on the same team.” Nova informed.

Cory stared at Nova with his twitching eyes before pointing at himself. “I am a soldier. I went toe to toe with an alien that was after my head. I had fought and killed literally an entire squad of black ops soldiers with only a pistol and a knife. I had been in scenarios that no soldier would ever imagine to be in and came out on top. And a CHILD beats me when I have what is basically every soldier’s wet dream!”

Nova had a nervous smile on his face. “Maybe it would help if you knew how he’s so good at this.”

“I swear if you say cheat codes or exploits…”

“Cheat codes?” Nova asked with a raised brow. “Here, I’ll show you.” Still in the holodeck, Nova called up a computer. He then pulled on the screen a file labeled ‘military tactics.’ It showed a series of plans and counter measures and all sorts of scenarios and battle plans not even Cory knew existed. All of them were practically a guaranteed win.

The former marine stared at the stratagems and tactics with a critical eye before looking at Nova, said eyes sharp and intense. “What in the name of all that is FUCKING HOLY AND DAMNED did your race have to fight? These are NOT something a peaceful race can come up with. I should know, humanity’s history is SOAKED in its own blood from wars and nothing we have comes close to some of these.”

Nova rubbed the back of his head. “To be honest, we actually had some help from an ally race that was super intelligent. They helped us work on most of these strategies so we could ensure we were prepared for any scenario and defend ourselves.”

Cory looked through the file again to see each of them. And nearly everything he could think of, there was something to counter. Everything, except… “Traitors.” Cory said as he noticed something.

“Traitors?” Nova questioned.

“I’ve looked through all of these and there’s one thing I couldn’t find. How would you have face traitors? Those who have the exact same skills, stratagems and tactics? Those who could counter everything you threw at them because they would know about it beforehand?”

“From what I learned from my race’s history, there’s never been anything like a...traitor.” Nova informed.

Cory shook at this, his hands grabbing the computer tightly. “Then you have no idea how lucky your species is. A traitor is the worst kind of scum. A traitor is someone who exposes one's allies to danger by giving information or aid to an enemy. The reason could be anything, but it would never be good enough.”

“I see.” Nova said, lowering his head. “Our race never had anything like that happen before, but I think I get the idea then.”

Cory sighed before calming down. “Anyway. I would like a copy of these files. It never hurts to learn more. And if possible, do you have something I could create something with?”

“I do, but what do you want to make?” Nova asked.

“I’m looking to make a weapon.”

Nova narrowed his eyes. “Oh no. Absolutely not.” Nova said. “I am not about to introduce some new dangerous weapon to a world at this level of tech. It could be dangerous and harmful. Plus it could expose us. You promised you would keep our secret.”

“IF YOU’D LET ME FINISH.” Cory said with a brick firm tone.

Nova fell silent.

“The weapon I’m wanting to make is NOT on your level or even my world’s level. It could be easily made by the species on this planet, but none have thought of it yet. I’m going to make a ranged weapon that uses magically charged gemstones as ammunition. And only a small number would be given access to such a weapon in the first place. I KNOW what technology does, I KNOW what sudden power does, I’m not stupid.”

Nova sighed closing his eyes. “Even so, I’m not all that comfortable with my ship’s tech being used to make any kind of weapon, regardless of level of tech it is.”

“I understand, but it would only be for the prototype so I can work out the kinks. Making it here is more about safety than anything else. I can make this without your ship, but without a proper safety room, I could easily make the gems explode and kill myself.”

Nova closed his eyes deep in thought for what seemed like a minute. “ONE time. I’m only letting you use my tech for this one thing this ONE time. Nothing else after. Understood?”

“Trust me, one time is all I need.” Cory said with a smile.

“Just what is this weapon you want to make anyway and why?” Nova asked.

“I’m making a rifle, but going back to the first kind after crossbows, the flintlock rifle. At least in design that’s what it’ll be, but the finer workings will revolve around magic.” Cory explained. “As for why, Kris and I already have been in a few situations where such a weapon would have been needed but we had to rely on magic. Not to mention that there are some enemies that wouldn’t hesitate to try and take over Equestria, so I’d rather this country be prepared.”

“And what if these enemies you speak of get a hold of this weapon you want to make or figure out how to make it themselves?” Nova questioned.

“Nova, first off, even if we prevent that from happening, said enemies, or just other countries, will make such weapons, but more than likely using black powder, gunpowder, instead of magic. It’s just the progression of technology. Second, as for keeping this design out of their hands, I’ll ensure an enchantment is placed on each made to prevent that. If the one holding it holds no ill will toward Equestria and her citizens, they’ll be fine and can use it. But if the reverse is true, the rifle will unleash a powerful shock that can and will leave the limb holding it completely numb and useless for at LEAST two hours.”

“I realize I may be...I believe the term you use is nitpick, and I understand the whole progression of technology thing, but I feel it should be something that happens naturally. As in let someone eles of this world come up with the ideas to make better weapons and such rather than interfering and making them yourself for the populace or whoever.” Nova stated.

Cory frowned. “Come with me Nova. You need to see this, to really understand my desire for this weapon.”

“See what?” Nova questioned.

“Just follow me. And make sure your disguise is up.” Cory said before heading for the exit.

Nova sighed. “Starburst, come on, We’re heading out.” He called to his little brother who was chatting with the girls. He ran over and quickly used his magic to dawn his unicorn disguise as Nova did. The girls needed to head home anyway for the time being.

“What’s going on bro?” Kris asked, coming up to Cory.

“I’m going to convince Nova to let me use his work space for the rifle idea.”

“Ah, I see.” Kris replied.

Nova and Starburst stuck close together as they followed the two humans. The four went through the town until they arrived at the hospital.

“So this is a medical center I take it?” Nova questioned eying the building.

“Yes.” Cory said before entering with the group. He went up to a nurse. “Excuse me, do you know where the recent rescues from the Diamond Dogs are?”

The nurse looked to Cory and nodded. “Yes, they’re in the critical wing.”

“May we see them?” He asked.

“Very well, but please don’t disturb them or the doctors working.”

“Thank you.” The nurse gave directions and the group went through the hospital till they arrived at a wide window. On the other side, many ponies were laid on beds. The only thing they all had in common was that some part of them was missing. One stallion had a leg missing, a mare was missing both hands, a filly had it bad with an arm and a leg missing, and these were the less serious ones.

As Nova looked, his eyes fell and grew more saddened by the sights. It broke his heart to see innocent lives ruined in such ways. “What….happened to them?” Nova questioned.

“The same thing that cost me my eye. They were all captured by Diamond Dogs. But these Diamond Dogs were not like the ones more commonly known. These ponies weren’t kept as slaves to dig for gems. These were kept as livestock, as food. ALL of them.” Cory said with a snarl.

“You mean...they were going to be eaten?” Starburst asked in a saddened and slightly frightened tone.

“Yes. And they would have been if I hadn’t come across their den and killed every single dog. But my point is if we had the rifle, they wouldn’t have been taken, they wouldn’t have been marred. They wouldn’t have to be forced to watch as their loved ones were taken and eaten.”

Nova took another look at the ponies. His heart sinking more and more. He closed his eyes as a tear fell before turning around, unable to bear such a sight. “Back home...there’s never been such serious cases as lost limbs and such. To see them suffer like this….” He looked back to Cory. “Tell me….if I were to use my people’s medical tech to help make them better, do you think they would promise to keep how they got better a secret?” Nova questioned.

Cory looked at Nova. “You would be giving them their life back. One secret would be far too easy to keep for them.”

Nova looked forward then. “I’ll help you make your weapon then. But as I said, only this once. I don’t want to be held responsible for unnecessary deaths. Also, I may need both of your help to get these ponies to my ship so I can help them.”

“No problem.” Kris said.

“Just tell us what you need.” Cory added.

“For the moment, I’ll need you two to act like you have a way of curing and helping them with your magic and powers. Then bring them to my home and I’ll do the rest. But make sure they promise to keep what they’re about to see a secret.”

“What of the doctors? They’ll be very insistent on them staying here so they can insure they’re well taken care of.”

Nova placed a finger to his chin in thought. “Then I’ll need to figure out a way to get the medical tech here if that’s the case. I think I can do that then. So again, you’ll first need them to think it’s your idea. Then promise to keep how they get better a secret. Along with the nurses and doctors.”

“That we can do. If there’s one thing these doctors are good at, it’s keeping a secret.” Cory stated.

“Then we’ll head back to our ship and I’ll see about transporting the medical equipment.” Nova stated before he and Starburst headed off.

Cory and Kris entered the room with the patients. It took some time, but Cory and Kris managed to convince the doctors present that they had a way to heal these victims so long as all present kept the method an absolute secret. While the staff were reluctant to agree to this, the patients were all for it, in the end, they all agreed either way.

It wasn’t long before Nova returned to the ward with Starburst and entered the room. “So...did they agree?”

“Sure did.” Kris replied.

“All right, close all the blinds so no one can see in please.” Nova asked.

Cory did just that and also ensured the door was locked so nopony would just walk right in. “We’re all good here.”

“While we did agree to this, I must ask why all the secrecy?” A doctor asked.

“Because...of this.” Nova dropped his unicorn disguise then in front of the ponies, revealing his true alien form. Starburst then did the same. The ponies all gasped at the sight, staring wide eyed at the two.

“Now please try to stay calm. I’m not here to hurt anyone. Me and my brother just want a home here. That’s all. And when I saw the condition you all were in, I….I wanted to help. So that’s what I’m here for.” Nova stated. “So...will you let me help?”

Cory stepped up. “And just to further prove it, I had lost my eye to the same Diamond Dogs, yet he was able to make me a new one, as if I never lost it. If anyone can help these ponies, it’s him.”

Nova and Starburst stood side by side waiting for approval. They got it and so Nova pulled out a small silver ball with little yellow lights on it. “This orb contains the medical technology of my race. I condensed it into this from a table for transportation. My race had advanced to the point we found a way to combine technology and magic.” He explained. “With this, we can replace any lost limbs and cure any illnesses. Now, please stay still as I work on you each one at a time.” Nova started with the worst of the ponies that had missing limbs and went from there. Thanks to his tech, missing limbs or body parts were rebuilt and replaced as if they never went missing at all.

The ponies cried tears of joy and thanked Nova, some hugging him as if he was a lifelong friend.

Nova gave an awkward smile at the hugs but was happy he was able to help them. He packed up the orb when he was done and the siblings re-dawned their unicorn disguises. Stepping out of the hospital, Nova gave a heavy sigh. “I get it. If they had a proper way to defend themselves, they wouldn’t have been taken by those diamond dogs you mentioned.”

Cory nodded. “I’m not looking to bring all life to ruin. I just want the innocent to be safe.”

“Seeing some of the young ones hurt so, I couldn’t help but think Starburst could have been one of them.” Nova said, looking to his little brother. “He means the world to me. He’s all the family I have left.”

“There’s very little we wouldn’t do for our family.” Cory said sagely, thinking of his mother and of Kris.

“Tell me about it, I went berserk and turned into a hulking monster when I thought Cory was dead.” Kris commented.

“You what?!” Nova asked in surprise.

“Long story. Tell you later.” Kris replied off handedly.

The days had passed, with Cory getting an earful from Chrysalis when she saw the new scars, but calmed down when she heard the reason for them. Thanks to Nova’s help, Cory was able to make Equestria's first rifle. It looked like a musket, but instead of a fuse and a pad to strike and ignite the gunpowder, there was a slot to place a magically charged gemstone. Afterwards, through a few days of tweeking and tinkering, he was able to change the effects of the shots fired based on the color of the gem. He even made sure there was a stun gem for non-lethal shots. However, Cory wasn’t done, for there was something else that came to his mind.

It started with Cory asking for some of Kris’ and Chrysalis’ blood.

“WHAT?! You want what now!?” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“Why do you want our blood?” Kris asked.

Cory cringed from the yell and cleaned his ear out while answering. “It’s something I remembered from back in our old world. I remember seeing a show that mentioned this. You never watched it, to my knowledge. But do either of you know what a Shoggoth is?”

“No such creature exists in this realm.” Chrysalis stated.

“Never heard of one.” Kris replied.

Cory nodded. “I figured as much. Now, I don’t know all the finer details, but what I do know is that they are formless creatures that can take any form. They were created by beings with many names, Old Gods, Elder Things, or even Abyssal Ones, I think on that last one. Anyway, they were created by the Old Gods as weapons until they turned on them and managed to defeat them. Now, they are wild beasts, but with a spell, a blood spell to bind them, they can be tamed and be bonded to the one that summoned them.”

“So...you want to use our blood to….summon this….whatever as a sort of bodyguard for us?” Chrysalis asked.

“Not just us. The Shoggoth summoned would protect us and those with our blood. Meaning our children too.” Cory clarified.

“Dude, you do know I can take care of myself right?” Kris asked. “I don’t need some interdimensional monster to protect me.”

Cory glared at Kris. “Then maybe do it for your future children. Cause if your blood is NOT used and you have a child from someone other than Chrysalis, the Shoggoth will NOT protect them.”

“Fair point. All right. So how much blood do you need?” Kris asked.

“I...suppose I shall go along with this then.” Chrysalis stated.

Cory pulled a pair of vials from his pocket and pulled the corks from the tops before giving one to both of them. “Just one vial’s worth from each of you.”

Chrysalis eyed the vial a moment.

“Well...here goes.” Kris used his magic to create a pin made of solidified magic and pricked his finger then let the blood fall into the vial. He then helped Chrysalis do the same. “Here you go.” Kris said, offering the two vials.

Cory took them back. “Now then, I will need your help with this. We each need to use our magic to pull this off. I know the spell in mind, but I need the added magic to ensure it goes right.”

“Very well, what do we do?” Chrysalis asked.

“First, we’ll need salt and about ten to twenty candles, as well as a room of total darkness. The less light from outside, the better. Once we have that, then we’ll get on with the next step.” Cory said before they got to work. After sometime, the trio were in a dark room with a large circle drawn from salt with a few unique designs and markings inside of it, along with the candles all lit and placed in specific spots around and in the circle. Cory then pulled the corks on the vials and poured the blood in the dead center of the circle before making a solid magic knife and cut his hand to add his own blood to it before healing it. “Now then, channel your magic to me as I cast the spell.”

Kris and Chrysalis closed their eyes and sent their magic to Cory.

Cory felt their magic flow into him and breathed deeply before began speaking. However, what came out of his mouth did not sound like words. It sounded like madness given voice, as if a blend of the coldest depths of the ocean and the murk of a swamp. There was no true way of describing what it sounded like. Cory kept this up for nearly a minute before he finished the spell and the candles exploded in pillars of flame, lighting the room completely.

The salt glowed a bright red as if it was being heated with the combined blood shifting and bubbling before the glow reached its apex and a shockwave sent them all onto their backs.

“GAH!” Chrysalis cried out.

“Damn! What the hell happened?” Kris asked in shock.

“I don’t know!” Cory said in equal shock before getting back on his feet before helping Chrysalis up.

“So….did it work?” Chrysalis asked Cory. “Are we...protected by this creature now?”

Cory was about to answer when the sound of stone cracking was heard. Their eyes were drawn to where the circle once was and saw a massive crack in the floor. Another crack appeared with the floor shifting upwards, like something was trying to get out. “I um...think we should back up a bit.” Kris stated.

Another push and the floor erupted as something huge burst free. What few candles that were lit showed a towering beast of two hoof like legs, clawed gorilla like arms, a pair of raptorial limbs attached to the chest, skin as black as the void itself, the top of the head and all along the back covered in eyes, and a maw that looked to be the unholy child of a leech and a meat grinder. It let loose a roar that sounded like an elk, a lion, and a hyena all at once.

“Whoa.” Kris gasped as he stared in awe.

“That’s….a ch...chogoth?” Chrysalis questioned with a shuddering tone.

“A Shoggoth, and yes.” Cory said in both a pleased and excited tone. The beast turned its head to Cory and Chrysalis before running on all fours to them before stopping just before them. Cory reached out slowly before it pushed its head into his hand. “I can’t believe it. It actually worked.” He said with a growing smile.

“You know, you should have tried to figure if it would work for CERTAIN before actually trying it or something else could have happened.” Kris pointed out.

“There was no way to learn if it would have worked. My only point of reference was from a tv show and in that the spell was delayed by a long while.” Cory retorted before looking at Chrysalis. “Come on, place your hand here. It won’t hurt you.”

“I’d….rather not.” Chrysalis replied still looking scared of the otherworldly creature.

“Then you’re lucky this worked at all.” Kris stated. “Since this wasn’t a sure thing you really shouldn’t have tried it at all or something bad could have happened. Something that could have put us all at risk.”

“I know, that’s why I had it here. If something went wrong, at worst, it would have just exploded and caused us some harm. And besides, the rewards far outweighed the risks. This beast can be considered a tank killer in our world. Here? I’m pretty sure nothing short of the moon being dropped on it would kill it. We literally have the ultimate guardian.”

“The risks far outweigh the rewards? As in one risk being the creature appears, is unstoppable, uncontrollable, and kills our queen with our children still unborn...right?” Kris asked.

“No. Just me dying.”

“And what was your plan to make certain that would be the outcome?” Kris asked.

“Once the castor is killed, the Shoggoth, if it hasn’t been properly bonded, will return to the abyss they were pulled from.”

Kris sighed closing his eyes and placed his fingers to his forehead. “And what if THAT didn’t work and the beast remained and you died for nothing? We’re talking about a ritual you saw from a TELEVISION SHOW.” Kris pointed out. “I get you wanting a way for us and our children to be safe but to rely on something based on fiction? I said it before, I’ll say it again. We are just VERY lucky this ritual worked the way it was supposed to.”

“Well EXCUSE ME for wanting to ensure that nothing short of a planet wide extinction event will kill the only family I have left!!!”

“I’m just saying if the ritual had failed, we would have been better off NOT trying it.” Kris stated.

“Well it DID work, so drop it already.” Cory was starting to lose his calm, not something that usually happened.

“Fine. I’m done. It worked and we have a shoggoth as a bodyguard for ourselves, our queen, and our future children.” Kris stated.

“Um...would you boys mind backing this thing up from me please? Chrysalis asked as she had her back to the wall and the shoggoth was practically up in her face.

The shoggoth tilted its head as it looked at her before stepping back from her before laying down.

“Did it just….listen to me?” Chrysalis asked.

“Remember, our blood was used, so it’s bonded to us. It will follow our commands to the letter.”

“Soooooo…..if I were to tell it to turn into a gorgeous woman or anthro girl…” Kris started.

The shoggoth’s form then began to ripple and shimmer before it took a new look. It was now looking like a well figured large breasted anthropomorphic brown furred bunny. It was also naked.

“Hello!” Kris said with wide eyes staring at the new form.

Chrysalis gave a flat look at Kris.

“I believe that answers your question. I did say they could take any form.” Cory said.

“Cory my bro, I apologize for ever doubting you on this shoggoth summoning.” Kris stated, still staring at the bunny girl.

Cory rolled his eyes before looking at the now bunny girl. “So then, what to name you?”

The shoggoth bowed her head. “You may name me whatever you please masters and mistress.”

Kris’s jaw dropped hearing it speak. “It….she can talk? I was NOT expecting that.”

“My kind can speak, it’s just the forms we take often don’t allow for such.”

“That makes sense.” Kris replied.

“Well...I suppose this form is more….approachable now.” Chrysalis stated.

The shoggoth looked to Chrysalis and bowed to her. “I apologize for frightening you Mistress. It was not my intent.”

“Um...quit all right. I just had never seen such a being before.” Chrysalis replied.

Cory smiled at this before rubbing his chin. “Hmm, as for a name….well, how about Daisy.”

“I was thinking ditto cause she can copy forms like the pokemon ditto.” Kris said jokingly.

“Right, I don’t think THAT needs to be her name, given the poor rep that pokemon ended up with. And really, Daisy fits her right now. What iconic figure can you think of that has a brown bunny and is a slaughterhouse on legs. Hint, RIP AND TEAR.”

“Ah, I got ya.” Kris said catching on.

“Would you mind explaining because I don’t understand.” Chrysalis said.

Cory looked to Chrysalis. “In our world, there’s something called DOOM, it’s a game where you play as a demon killing badass. Throughout his tale, we learn he had a pet rabbit named Daisy and when the demons killed her, he snapped and became the very thing they feared the most. That’s the most summarized I can make it, cause there’s a LOT to cover about that. We’ll tell you about it another time. Just know that Daisy here is now fitting that role as well as her intended role.”

“I think you told me enough.” Chrysalis stated. “Well then. I say we get...Daisy some clothing..unless she can materialize some herself to cover up her privates.”

“I cannot, though I can make it look like I am wearing some.” Daisy said before her form shifted slightly so now she was wearing a yellow sundress.

“Cute. So then how bout we take her to Rarity’s to get her dressed up.” Kris suggested. “I can’t believe I actually want to, in a way, play dress up here.”

Cory chuckled at this before nodding. “Alright, let’s head for Rarity’s then.”

Author's Note

The Shogoth thing was my co-writer's idea as a kind of last minute, let's try this, additon.