Chapters Earth - Year - 2006 -Date - 4th August
Location - Naples - Private meeting room of the Boss
Jotaro placed a file onto the table, "Here it is."
Giorno takes the file and opens it, revealing two pictures of a man dressed in pink with blond hair that curls at the end. Both photos were taken in a hurry, with motion blur covering the man's actual face.
"I apologize, Mr. Kujo but is this all that is known of this stand user?" Jotaro sighed as he took a seat on the gold and well-furnished couch,
"well yes, that is all that I was able to get a hold of, I had sent two trusted accomplices from the Speedwagon Foundation to find out more about this man, but one went missing without a trace while the other seemed to have exploded from the inside out. His remains were all over the alleyway. Some of his body was missing and couldn't be found, the strangest thing was the fact that we managed to recover two identical right hands belonging to the same person that died with the same DNA scans, but either of the men that we sent to investigate him had two right hands, so his stand abilities are still unknown." As Jotaro finished, he reached for a sip of Chamomile Tea as he continued.
"We even had the Joestar Corporation building scanned, but no traces of his DNA was found. The only reason we found out that he was even after the arrow or anything about him at all was his misstep on the edge of a CCTV camera that immediately alerted the security guards."
Giorno leans back into his chair, closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again, and looks out the window into the beautiful city that Naples is. The breeze from the city enters the room,
"My apologises Mr. Kujo-"
"Jotaro is fine."
"yes, Mr. Jotaro, as I was saying. I can see where you are coming from, but why would you contact me?"
"Well, he is in Naples right now in pursuit of the arrow. The Speedwagon Foundation managed to record the man's airline journey data and tracked him to Italy, killing an innocent and stole his identity to travel here too. As much as I want to contact Josuke to help us in the search, his stand wouldn't allow us to help us find him since all we could see was only the same pair of hands left of the Victim. Besides, I have heard of your status and power in Naples and Mafia connections around the world. If we could perhaps spread the news and increase search range, it would save us a lot of time if he were to flee Naples. Of course, we still don't know what his true intentions are. We aren't even able to find a trace of his background anywhere around the world, "Jotaro added.
"That is quite alright, believe me when I say that I have met people whose background is untraceable and vague. But one thing is for certain, for whatever reason. If he is after the arrow. It cannot be a good one. Don't worry, Mr. Jotaro, I will take this matter into my hands. So long as he causes trouble in the family and is on my turf, I will be involved. I will keep in touch."
"Good to hear."
Location - Italy - Milan
Year - 2006 - Date - 13th September( Roughly one month later )
"Huff... Huff..." as Valentine ran down another alleyway in the rain, he couldn't help but cursed to himself.
"How? How did he found me so quickly? No time for regrets now. I need to flee the country and find another way to the arrow; I need the arrow to get back to his universe. What happened?"
All Valentine could think of was him in the middle of a battle with that bastard Johnny Joestar. He was trying to drag him to another parallel universe, but something interfered with his Stand's ability. In the middle of activation, a magical force interfered and dragged Valentine into this Universe. The next thing Valentine knew, he woke up in an America that he was not familiar with. This Universe time doesn't match his own, with it being more than a century into the future. Next to the Joestar Corporation, he did try to use his stand to get back to his universe. Still, he couldn't get back for whatever reason. Valentine also tried contacting his other-selves but couldn't. He was stuck. Permanently.
"Enough of that! right now, I need to escape, find a way to leave the country and another way to the arrow-"
Valentine felt something caught his leg and landed face-first into the wet concrete floor with a splash, " Argh!" falling to the ground with a splash, he looked down to his ankle to see a python wrapping itself around his leg from the cracks between the concrete floor.
"Oh, no."He whispered in fear in the cold of the night.
He looked back up, and in the distance, through the fog of raining droplets of water, he could see the silhouette of an average built man holding an umbrella walking in his direction. As he got closer, he could hear the sound of a Stand's ability in effect, and suddenly vines from the concrete floor sprang forth and wrapped themselves around arms and torso to keep him further locked in place on the floor.
"Are you done running, Amico ?" Giorno asked while still walking towards Valentine, his voice was calm, yet there was something about it that makes it unsettling.
"You know, the one thing I hate the most is useless things. Doing this chase over and over again becomes very pointless in the end when I catch you, so how about we have a chat instead?" he added,
"Come on, think! There has to be a way to get out of here!" Valentine thought, closing in, soon Giorno's face can be seen in the rain.
"You know, it wasn't the brightest idea to kill all of the members from my best tracking team. It brings a lot of unwanted attention towards yourself when you're trying to keep a low profile, don't you think?" placing a hand onto his hip, Giorno looked upon the pathetic Valentine, letting him get drenched in the rain.
That's when he felt it, the same magical force that sent him here in the first place. It was faint, but it's there. Grasping the opportunity, Valentine summoned his stand.
"「D4C」! Open a gateway back to our reality!"Valentine was engulfed in a golden aura. Soon a blue outline covering him started to separate and solidify behind the man.
Stand:「Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap」-AKA「D4C」
Stand Stats (in alphabetical order E being the weakest and A being the strongest)
Stand Master: Funny Valentine
Info: The stand that is possessed by the United States of America, having only a single ability yet essentially being able to give its user, Funny Valentine, endless possibilities. D4C allows its user to move between parallel worlds freely and enables parallel worlds to co-exist at the same time and in the same place. Seemingly there is an infinite number of parallel universes but only 1 D4C in existence. To activate its ability, the user must be closed between two objects, such as a wall and a door, and can bring others through parallel worlds. If Funny Valentine were to die, he could transfer his stand to another version of Funny Valentine. That version of Valentine would be caught up to speed on what is going on as all Valentines share the same goal and is indistinguishable between themselves.
"Don't try anything funny! I will-"Giorno was cut off by an explosion of light that slowly formed into a large oval shape below Valentine, the concrete pavement breaking apart and sinking in. This caused the python and veins currently entangled around Valentine's leg to drag him down into the portal with them.
Releasing that Valentine is escaping, Giorno tried to catch him.
"「Gold Experience Requiem」!" springing life into the flooring, more veins appeared and grew itself towards Valentine, but he dodged the oncoming plants.
"This isn't how「D4C」usually travel to parallel, but it'll do for now.." Valentine thought. As the president sinks even further into the portal, he smirked at Giorno.
"Giorno Giovanna, you are very a formidable foe. No doubt if this encounter of ours were to last longer, I would have lost or died even, but regardless of the circumstances, I have persevered and seen this outcome to the very end! I won't disturb the peace you have brought upon Italy, but this will be the last time you'll see of me. I bid you farewell!" finally submerging himself into the puddle of light on the floor, Giorno seeing no other option, gave chase to Valentine.
"You're not getting away!" yelling, he jumped into the portal. As he entered, the portal of light closed behind him with a thunderous boom. And soon after, only the sound of water hitting the empty pavement floor filled the empty alleyway as both men disappeared from the universe.
Author's Note
(Heavily edited)
Equestria - The Throne Room
"Good day to you, Princess Celestia. I hope you are doing well."Twilight bowed to the 8 feet Amazonian goddess. Standing next to her are her two most trusted lieutenants, Lieutenant Dash and Lieutenant Pie, who both stared daggers at Twilight.
"If you want to waste the Princess's time with useless things like not having enough rations or blankets to keep yourself warm at night, you can leave. The Princess is busy." Rainbow spat harshly, but with a raise of Celestia's hand is all Rainbow needs to be silent.
"I Apologizes on behalf of my lieutenant, young Twilight. They can be very...protective of me, but that aside, why is it that you requested an audience with me ?"
"I'm here to propose an idea. One that could be beneficial to us."
"And what is it that you propose to help the cause? Decided to quit being a librarian and become a soldier finally? we could always use more mares."Celestia raised her hand again, this time to silence lieutenant Pie as she spoke.
"But that's the reason why I am here, Princess, and I came with a proposition and idea to hopefully help us end this horrid war."
"Then please do carry on," Celestia said, leaning just slightly forward in the curiosity of what Twilight has to say.
" I recalled a moment where we have our chats about magic theories where you mentioned your previous student, Sunset Shimmer, and how she traveled to another world."
"Where are you getting with this, Twilight?" Celestia asked, curious. Though she was skeptical of this 'Idea,' Twilight had.
"Well, what I am talking about is Alternate Universes."
"Twilight, that's just a theory thought of and given by Starswirl the Bearded long ago. We have no evidence to prove its actual existence."
"Yes, but doesn't having the mirror prove it was potentially existing? You said it yourself. It was a gateway to another world. What I'm proposing is using magic to open a potential gateway to another world in seek of aid."
Celestia leaned back into her throne in thought while looking up in contemplation, "Alternate worlds? but is it even possible?" as she sat there motionless for a minute, occasionally tilting her head left and right before looking back at Twilight.
"So Twilight, you are proposing we seek aid from other worlds in the help of our cause?"Celestia inquired, and with a nod from Twilight, she continues.
"As much as I want to go along with the idea, opening a portal takes up a humungous amount of magic to summon even for an alicorn such as myself, and we need to open a portal to a whole different world. Can you imagine the magic pool needed to open such portals? And not only that, what's to say that the ponies on the other side would aid us? We cannot guarantee that they would support us in our efforts against Sombra, or if they were hostile against us? I'm sorry, Twilight, but the risks are too high to consider such an option."
"Well, you are correct on the points you have made, Princess, but why leave it to chance?"Twilight smiled cheekily in response.
"Whatever do you mean?" confused, Celestia tilts her head slightly.
"Well, for one, I never said anything about using magic alone to summon a gateway to another world, and two, we could always use magic to dwindle which world to we get into contact with. To elaborate on my points earlier in our conversation, we already discussed that the mirror is a gateway to another world. Yet, we could not coexist with the said world itself. Doesn't it seem strange to you that it only opens to that specific world?" Taking a quick second to breathe, she resumed.
"Essentially, what I'm trying to say is that I suspect the mirror has the capabilities and potential to open gateways to other parallel universes and alternate worlds. With the usage of your solar magic, we could open connections to other in seek of aid."
"So, what you're saying is that the mirror has the potential to go to other worlds or realities with magic?"
"Theoretically and potentially speaking, yes." Twilight looked at Celestia, seemingly to be thinking about the subject.
"Well, what about the residents in the other world? how are we sure that any creatures live in these parallel worlds?"
"If your student could open and still be alive to this day in an alternate world, then I believe that there are chances of it being possible for other beings to be alive in these alternate universes."
Silence soon filled the throne room. Celestia seems conflicted while her two lieutenants looked at Sparkle as though she was insane for even thinking such a thing was possible. The tension was so thick you think you could have cut it with a butter knife and have a nice spread toast for later. That was until it was broken when the Princess spoke up.
"And how it be so sure that it would work?"
"I'm not, but it is a chance I'm willing to take."
"Your proposition does sound convincing, but it is just as you said. It is all theory and has not been tested. Yes, it sounds good on paper, but what were we to do if it failed? we would only waste our resources to get something that is only an idea that may not even be real."
"Princess, with all due respect, we lost many innocent lives, many soldiers that were sent out there doesn't even come back to Canterlot, so much destruction and our resources can not hold up for long. We need help. The other nations could not be bothered to aid us in the war, so we should try to change our way of handling the situation and grasp the opportunity, even if the chances are slim, close to non. Let us take it if it means ending this horrible event called war, and if I have to sacrifice my life to achieve it, I would gladly do so. Because if we continue not to change anything while Sombra is in the Crystal Empire's rule, the only outcome for us is defeated at his hands and to be frank with you, Princess Celestia. I rather do something different than repeatedly to watch the same outcome with no positive results, for only actions can bring about change. Which is why Princess Celestia."
Twilight got onto her knees, tucking it into her abdomen and elbows spread to her sides, palms onto the red furry carpet acting as support to place her forehead on,
"I'm begging you to please give this proposition a chance."As Twilight finished, she could feel her vision getting blurry with tears welling up in her eyes. Twilight could tell that she was getting emotional from this, but it didn't matter. What matters is getting her point across to The Princess.
"Hm...do you... truly believe that it would work?" Celestia questioned.
"I am not 100% certain, but I believe that it would yield at least some positive results."A moment passes before Celestia spoke once again.
"Alright then, I shall accede to your request, with that I shall gather the best mages that are on standby. We shall discuss this further later today and have preparations completed as soon as possible."
Twilight couldn't believe it her ears, looking up to the sun goddess Twilight gave a joyous smile,
"Thank you, Princess Celestia! I promise you won't regret it!"
Celestia nodded before dismissively waving her hand,
"You may leave then."Twilight exited the room but not before bowing for a couple of seconds in rapid succession to Celestia in ecstasy.
"Princess, was that truly a wise decision?" Rainbow questioned, unsure if Celestia had made the right call.
"I saw her eyes, Lieutenant Rainbow. Her resolve was burning brighter than even the sun itself. Even if I were to dismiss her request, she would have most likely carried it out by herself and endanger not only her own well being but others in the process. It'd be best if I overlooked this whole project myself, not only that, but I am quite curious about the results the experiment may yield."Just as she said this, she got up from her Throne and walked over to the transparent glass window and looked out, dark clouds covering the vast skies while drowning in a deep red while the land itself seems devoid of life.
"Oh, how I do miss the peaceful days of Equestria."
"I hope the preparations are complete?" Quested Celestia as she walked into the room, calmness still ever-present in her voice, unlike Twilight, who looks about to have a mental breakdown any second now.
"O-Oh! Princess! Yes, just about complete, so to go over in a very simplified way, we will imbue the mirror with your solar magic and project it towards the wall. It should create a second portal! though we will have two runs, the first is to imbue the mirror with an excessive amount of solar magic with the second being significantly less so." As Twilight finished, she looked over to the Princess to get confirmation. Celestia nodded in response.
"Alright then, shall we get started?"With a nod from Twilight, Celestia took it as a green light to start the experiment. As small clouds of dust swirl around Celestia, her eyes began glowing a blinding white, and magical symbols float around her horn with a golden aura and in front of her palms in a circular motion. While it was a fantastic light show for what it's worth, it but was all cut short when a large ball of what appears to be a sun roughly the size of a giant yoga ball floating directly above the tip of her horn. Sweltering heat fills the room as Celestia points her horn at the mirror, as the mini star condensed into a beam of light and shot towards different sections except for the top of the frame attached to the mirror.
"Adding a multiplier spell," Twilight started casting a spell of her own, and so did the five other Archmages in the room. A magenta beam soon hit the mirror's top frame, followed by a series of five beams hitting the same spot. The room shakes from the sheer force of the magic used, as sparks of electrically quickly surrounded it, shooting out a portal onto the wall.
"It's working!"Shouted Twilight over the sounds of beams of magic getting refracted by the mirror, but something was amiss.
"The portal smaller than intended, but how could that be? the Princess poured in a massive amount of her reserves into the spell. It should be working-"
Thinking to herself. Twilight tried to find out what's messing with the portal's summoning, but it was soon cut short when an explosion of pure magic came from the mirror. Without hesitation, Celestia conjured a barrier spell for herself and the rest of the room inhabitants, and soon dust and debris filled the room. Not 10 seconds later and the guards, more specifically Lieutenant Dash leading a group of royal guards, burst into the room, worry ever-present in her voice as they called out for their ruler.
"Princess, where are you?! Are we under attack!?!" the clouds of dust still filling the room were soon dispersed by Celestia, casting a small dispersion spell, giving the guards a sign of relief.
"I thank you for coming to my side in such a short time, but it was a false alarm. We shall continue with this in a little while after some rest, young Twilight a word?" as Celestia looked over to Twilight, who seems to be inspecting the left-overs magic residue and wall that was previously projected with the portal.
"Hmm.. interesting....o-Oh! of course, Princess!" Picking up her notepad, Twilight jogged over to the Princess, walking out of the room.
"Princess! I must request you to stop this project of Scientist Twilight! It Isn't safe!" Lieutenant Dash interjected. Although Rainbow can be cheeky and disrespectful towards others other than Celestia, this halted Celestia. Rainbow isn't afraid to voice her concerns if it ensures the well-being of her Princess.
"Princess, we can't risk losing you if this project were to go south! Please reconsider!" desperation evident in her voice.
"I appreciate your concern. You need not worry, Lieutenant. It was just a minor setback. I am strong enough to protect myself and young Twilight if any further accidents were to occur. Now, if you'll excuse us, we must discuss our findings to get better results than the ones before you, hopefully." As the Princess finished, she motioned for Twilight to follow her out.
"But, Princess.." Celestia is quick to cut Rainbow off.
"Trust me, Lieutenant, you have done so for many years. So I am asking you to do so again." The Wonderbolt stared at the Princess. There was still doubt that lingers in the back of her head. But it was like Celestia had said, many times in battle, she had put faith and trust into her leader, trusting that she would always make the right call, which was why she was alive to this day made she not listened, defeatedly sighing. Rainbow spoke up.
"Alright, your highness, I'll trust you again, but if anything happens to you. I'll be the first one by your side." Celestia smiled.
"Of course, I couldn't ask for more."
In the Corridors
"Twilight, I think this project of yours might bear fruit."
"Why do you say so, Princess?" Twilight leaning her body forward ever so slightly, awaiting the Princess's response.
"I felt it. I do not know whether it was because of whether I was the one acting as the magical power source to fuel the portal or was the magical ripple caused by the explosion. Either one I could not identify, but I felt it, something on the other side. But it was soon cut short by a disturbance."Celestia placed her index and thumb on her chin while her other hand supports her elbow, thinking to herself.
"Wow! amazing! please, Princess, explain to me in great detail how did it felt like?"Twilight pulls out her notebook and pencil as she continued, "Any vivid details about the pony in question? perhaps you were able to catch a glimpse of this parallel universe?"
Celestia placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder, causing her to jump a little.
"I believe this calls for another run? We shall continue to follow your instructions, and on the second try, I will use less of my solar magic to power the mirror."
"Of course, Princess Celestia, let me begin the preparations!" without another second wasted, Twilight bolted into the room. With this, she silently utters to herself,
"I hope whoever it is we managed to get into contact with. It would be some creature with a heart of gold."
-Back into the room of the mirror ( Roughly 1 hour later )
"Ready, Twilight?"Twilight looked over to the Princess with a nod, they repeated the same process, but only this time with a significantly smaller amount of solar magic is used. Everything seemed to be in order. The process was running smoothly as the portal started to open, that's until the Princess of the Sun doubled over in pain and fell onto her knees.
"Arghh!!"
"Princess!" called out Twilight, pausing from casting her spell. She ran over to the side of Celestia.
"Are you alright?" concerned, she tried helping Celestia to her hooves.
"S-something is trying to force itself through the p-portal..we have to shut it down now!"
Getting to her hooves, Celestia tried casting a spell to shut down the mirror. Still, it was too late. A pair of blue colored hands with noticeably pink knuckles emerged from the portal and forcing it to open even more expansively.
"This world shall be a good place to dispose of him." a voice echoed from the portal. Everyone in the room could see Valentine's vague silhouette standing in the portal, yet he did not choose to arise from it.
"What are you?!" Twilight shouted. However, Valentine did not respond as「D4C」soon came into full view of the room inhabitants. At the same time, they were still stunned by the revelation of another being floating in front of them without wings to keep it afloat. It threw a barrage of punches towards the wall, breaking it. Without proper support given by the wall, the portal of light shot towards the opening and soon fading into a glimmer of light in the distance in the direction of Ponyville.
Author's Note
Went through the chapter and corrected many grammatical errors, hope you enjoyed with even if It was a lot of dialogue.
(Edit) Went through even more corrections
Giorno Giovanna
It was nauseating, to say the least. Being bombarded with multi streams of colors while being spun 360 degrees in all directions can do that to a person. Luckily Giorno hadn't had lunch. If not, all of it would have come back up not 3 minutes into this hell of a rollercoaster ride.
"Why hadn't Requiem activated yet?" Giorno thought as he tried to steady himself.
Whatever the case is, the only thing keeping the golden Joestar conscious was Valentine in the distance ahead of him. He was still close enough to be seen. While thinking for a way to counterattack Valentine, a blinding white light soon came into view, gusts of wind blowing into Giorno's golden locks as he finds himself falling towards a dense forest. With his sense of vertigo returning to him, he tried to steady himself by spreading his arms and legs out into an X formation to increase his drag to slow his descent. Acting quickly, Giorno took out his wallet and pulled out two one Euro coins, handed it over to his stand.
"「Gold Experience Requiem」!"
A diamond crystal aura surrounded Giorno, materializing a golden hand with orange-colored fingers and a ladybug-like emblem with the same color sitting atop its back. It grabbed the Euros and placed it between its thumb and index finger and positioned it like it was about to flip the coin, aiming it towards the ground directly below Giorno as it build-up force and released in rapid succession shooting the two coins straight towards the rapidly approaching ground. The small circular metal disks cut through the air just like bullets shot from a gun, hitting the ground, it began to change and warp, springing forth new life while a seedling quickly grew and turned into a large, fully grown tree with many branches and leaves stretching high towards the sky. Giorno managed to get caught by the still growing tree, landing on its soft leaves and bouncy branches with a painful 'Oof.'
"My back... where am I?" Looking around, there was nothing in view except for miles and miles of dense forest and a sea of black clouds covering the sky. Turning around, he could still see more forest, but near the edge, he could see an open field with little what seems like a factory-barn hybrid, giving off clouds and clouds of smoke in the distance with what looked like a deserted village.
"Is this the man's stand? Some illusion based ability? No, it cannot be. Had it been an illusion,「Gold Experience Requiem」would already have it undone."
Recalling the moments before he jumped into the portal where Valentine shouted something along the lines of opening a gateway to another world, which was most likely what happened, seeing as he wasn't in Italy anymore. Sliding down the bark of the humongous tree and landing atop the grassy earth with a hop, the tree began reverting into its previous form, and he quickly pocketed it away while making his way through the condensed forest towards the barn. The trip towards the barn was pretty uneventful with the occasional creatures that you would see in any other forests. Although there was one weird-looking wolf breed that Giorno hadn't read or seen before, a wolf-like creature that seems to be made of wooden pieces, as soon as Giorno summoned「G.E.R」to defend himself, once the timberwolf saw Giorno's stand, however, it instantly hightailed it in the opposite direction.
"Weird looks like I really have been transported to another world. " he continued his trek on the dirt pavement before he could clear the final rows of trees. The sound of coins clinking together in a melodic sound made Giorno stopped dead in his tracks,「G.E.R」summoned itself in a beautiful crystal aura once again, and his ethereal voice spoke to him.
"Master."
"What's the matter?"
"I cannot use my requiem ability."
"What? Why? What happened?!"
"I do not know it myself, I suspect it is due to this world not behaving the same as our homeworld, strange supernatural forces and that wormhole transporting us to this other world, cutting back a good amount of my strength, enough that I could not use my requiem ability, I apologize."
"Are you able to get it back? your ability?"
"I am positive, ever since we arrived in this domain, I can feel my power returning to me at a slow rate, if this keeps up, I will be back to full strength in a few days, at most a week. Although I am weakened, I still am stronger than my previous form, and I reason that my abilities will return along with my strength. "
"Alright, good to know, you can leave. I'll try to find a way back home in the meantime."
With that「G.E.R」disappeared back into Giorno as he cleared the remaining trees and onto the open grassy field, a gentle breeze blows. At the same time, Giorno makes his way towards the red barn. He notices more pillars of concrete admitting smoke with a noticeable large water tank sitting atop of the barn with an apple symbol pasted on the water tank itself, turning his attention to the sides of the barn were fields of corn, cabbages, and other vegetables enclosed in a perimeter of white fences.
"A vegetable factory?" Thinking to himself, Giorno entered the front of the barn, looking for signs of life that could tell him where he is.
" Hello, is anybody there?" Drawing closer, he could hear the sound of gas evaporating, and metal gear clanking grows louder.
"Hello, anybody there? I'm lost and looking for help."
Walking towards the sides of the barn, choosing to peek in and check if anybody's home, clearing the dusty window and leaning forward, he saw what an interior of a factory should look like, a metal cylinder filling up cans and cans with what looks like mix vegetable paste, occasionally opening its cover by a rope pulley with apples getting dropped into it so that it could get presumably cooked into the batch of vegetable paste with a metal conveyor carrying all of the cans in an orderly fashion. Still, as he looked at the beings handling the machines, he couldn't believe his eyes, two figures, male and female, both dressed in camouflage pattern uniforms with straps wrapping around their torso and waist. But what shocked Giorno wasn't the fact that he trespassed on what is essentially official military grounds.
Rather it was their features that caught him off guard with the male being covered in a bright red.. fur? Orange bangs sticking out of his military chef hat and a tail of the same color wrapped in a net with red equine shaped ears sticking out the sides of his head, well built for a male, wearing a surgical mask over his snout. At the same time, he looks to be checking for the number of cans with a checklist. Simultaneously, the female seems to be filling out the cans manually, with a bright orange covering her skin. In contrast, her hair and tail are blonde and visible freckles on the sides of her cheeks, but other than the color and gender difference, both of them are wearing the same uniform.
"This is far worse than I had anticipated. I expected other humans to be the inhabitants of this land, but humanoid horses?"
"Do ya need somethin'?"
"So we speak the same language? Interesting", he thought as he kept his to face down but slightly facing who he suspected is the orange furred girl he saw earlier.
"Oh no, it's nothing. I happened to drop my money, and the wind picked it up and dropped it here. My apologies for intruding on your land. I'll take my leave now."
But just he was about to turn and leave, a strong gust of wind blew over Giorno from the front of the gate, and this causes him to instinctively close his eyes and turn his head away from the direction of the source. This results in Applejack getting a good look at half of his face for a brief moment, but that brief moment is all it takes to realize that whoever Applejack is talking to isn't a pony. The sudden realization caused her to drop her wooden crate and stumble backward.
"No..." she whispered in disbelief, turning around. She booked it back towards the barn. "Big Mac! Code D-U-Rest! We're under' attack! Some monster's out in the gate!" Just as she entered the entrance, two large metal doors closed shut the opening, all while the large pillars stopped emitting smoke, and the windows get barricaded too.
"This isn't a good sign." grunting to himself, Giorno tried to run out the gate to escape, only for an arrow to land directly in front of him from above. Looking back, he could see the male figure, assuming from the female calling her friend, his name is Big Mac, who is shooting arrows from the window directly above the metal gate.
Deciding that running away would be the best option now, Giorno continues to run for the gate as he dodges arrows flying at him. He managed to escape from the barn as he took rest on a bench on the side of the pathway connected to the Ponyville. Sitting down, thinking about the next possible course of action,
"Should I take refuge in the village? Judging by the reactions of the earlier encounter with those humanoid horses, I'd guess the rest would probably react the same way, so that's a no. By looking at these beings' constructs and buildings, their race is not as technologically advanced as Earth." Talking to himself, Giorno studied the houses from where he sat.
"Recalling my history lessons I took while still in high school, perhaps the 14th century?" Placing a hand on his forehead, closing his eyes as he leaned back into the seat, he took a breather. The breeze was still blowing, this was probably one of the most bizarre days Giorno has the deal, with well other than finding out about his family heritage, of course, but soon his thoughts were cut short when a booming voice came from seemingly nowhere. He heard the voice of the southern female once again.
"Everypony of Ponyville, Code D-U-Rest! Just a moment ago' on Sweet Apple Acres, a monster appeared on the barn. It could speak Equis and is wearin' bright pink overalls and has a blonde mane. We have already alerted The Wonderbolts about the monster. Take caution' and stay safe."
"Not one hour into this world, and I am already branded an enemy. I have to find cover for now." getting back on his feet, he started to jog towards the forest, occasionally turning to check his rears to make sure he wasn't being followed.
Open Grassy Field
The blowing wind was somewhat calming to Giorno, even if it has been blowing for quite a while now. In the distance, he could see the line of the forest coming into his line of sight.
But something was amidst,
Like an itch that you couldn't quite scratch,
The eerie sensations of the unknown crawling all over his back,
The accompanying feeling of Danger
"Something's coming."
Looking around, Giorno tried to identify what was bothering him, that was until a booming sound could be heard loud enough to split the skies as a spectrum of colors exploded from a single point. Soon enough, a streak of rainbow crashed the grassy fields with such destructive power it split the earth. Giorno used his right arm to cover his face from the oncoming debris and dirt flying at his face.
"So you're the reason The Apples called the Wonderbolts?"
Giorno stood there stunned yet intrigued at what has risen from the crater, a figure dawning combat gear like that of a fighter jet pilot, sprouting a large blue wing on its right. At the same time, its left seemed to be a mechanical prosthetic, yet the 'feathers' on the prosthetic looks to be made more for combat than an actual flight, but seeing as the figure just descended from the skies while enough speed to break the sound barrier, it could do both. And then it gave Giorno an ultimatum.
"Alright, die here or come with me. The choice is yours."
Author's Note
Any thoughts on the comic? Should I continue to add these every now and then?
Rainbow Vs Gold
Rainbow continued to walk towards Giorno, each step she took with confidence and power. Seemingly unfazed by the rough landing she just took. Turning back, Giorno thought that escaping already was futile, considering how she just shattered the visible light spectrum with speed.
"And what would you do if I chose to come quietly?" Dash tilts her head up slightly to respond.
"So you can talk, huh? Well, to answer your question, I don't know, the Princess decides. So what's your answer, freak? Hurry the hell up. I don't have all day." she soon stops a good 5 meters away from Giorno, yet her wings held out from her body, and feathers spread even further, making her look much more intimidating.
"Can I guarantee my safety if I were to follow you to see your Princess?"
"No promises." Dash gave a taunting tone that sets Giorno uneaze, it was like she was laughing at the fact that Giorno could even dream of out-running her.
"Than, I refuse."
"Hmph, expected that much." Rainbow disappeared at blinding speeds. She slowed down for a moment in front of Giorno to create an afterimage trying to throw him off but soon picked up her pace again to move behind him and giving a reverse roundhouse kick straight to his face. In a speed that matches her kick, Giorno moved his left arm to block the kick while encasing it in「G.E.R」left's arm as well to absorb the shock. Switching from defense to offense, Giorno grabbed her leg with his left hand, turning his body and encasing his other arm in「G.E.R」. Delivering a devastating punch straight to her chest while shouting,
"MUDA!!"
Rainbow tried blocking the attack with her arms, but she wasn't fast enough, taking the full brunt of life imbued punch. A bassy sound was given off along with the punch, sending her flying backward a reasonable distance and denting her chest plate with the outline and shape of his fist.
"I'll give you only one warning, do not try to fight me." commented Giorno, standing in a confident pose.
Rainbow landed on her side, while the force from the punch continued to drag her body a little further from her landing spot before coming to a stop entirely. As she slowly got back up to her hooves, she could feel her body getting energized, getting stronger, her senses sharpening, and everything around her slowed down to a considerable amount as everything looked to be in slow motion. The colors in the environment get saturated. She looked down at her arms, flexing them a couple of times, feeling life energy coursing through her veins, empowering her. She rotated and warmed up her shoulder before looking back at Giorno.
"Looks like your magic enhances one's strength. What kind of dumbass gives his enemy power? I won't even give you the time to regret what you did!" Bursting with newfound strength and speed, she made a beeline straight towards Giorno, smashing the ground where she once stood in the process, winding up a punch with all her might, grunting out just before striking air.She flew straight into Giorno and phased past him. Looking back in disbelief, she saw Giorno standing there still unharmed as well as herself, yet slowing, getting up from the previous impact. Confused, she did a double-take.
"What?" Surprised at seeing herself occupying two places at once, she turns to see Giorno slowly making his way to her body that was still trying to get up.
"I have to protect myself!" Rainbow tried flying back to defend her body, but it was a useless, feeling a sharp pain directly onto her shoulder. Not long after, her consciousness returned to her body due to her experiencing a kick from Giorno straight to the back of her shoulder, but the pain was significantly amplified. It felt like Rainbow's shoulder was caving inwards and bones shattering, sending shockwaves of burning pain throughout her body. Her muscles and fur tense up as her vision starts to waver and blur.
"GAAAAAH!!" Rainbow screamed in agony, never have experienced such pain before. The only feeling comparable to such anguish was when she lost her wing in combat. Yet compared to that, she couldn't decide what was worse, and a single punch caused all of this to the chest. She slowly tilted her head to face Giorno with difficulty, her neck aching and twitching as she did so.
"W-what did..y-you do to me?"
"Don't worry. You won't die. It's just your pain receptors going haywire. You did not suffer that much damage." Giorno said calmly, giving a pitiful look to Rainbow.
Powering through the pain, Rainbow angled her prosthetic wing blades and shot it directly to Giorno's torso. Moving on its own accord,「G.E.R」's arm manifested itself and grabbed the bladed wing using its hand. Applying enough force to dent the metal but not crush it entirely.
"I suggest you not to move. Your body is in a lot of pain and-" Rainbow jumped back to her hooves, she staggers a little,
"SHUT UP!"
She tried swinging at him with a hidden blade concealed beneath her armor on her forearm, but it was pointless as「G.E.R」once again intervene, summoning its other arm to grab her fist with its hand. Extending the blade even further, it only managed to reach an inch away from his face before reaching its limit, yet Giorno was unfazed by this, looking directly at her visor with no amusement present on his face. Rainbow's arm was shaking from the force she was applying, trying to push the blade further into his face, but with 「G.E.R」matching her strength equally, she wasn't allowed to bring it closer.
Moving back, Giorno dissipated both of「G.E.R」's arm, causing her to lose her balance since she was practically leaning her body weight into the attack. Falling forward, she didn't have the strength to catch herself anymore. Giorno caught her with his arm before she could reach the ground. Looking up, Giorno still looked back with pity.
"I wasn't saying it for my sake. It was for yours." Kneeing her gut with「G.E.R」, she coughed up blood through her mesh-mouth guard and dropped straight to the floor, still struggling to get up, her arms shaking, her wings drooping to the ground and panting heavily, she faded in and out of consciousness, crouching down Giorno stared straight into Dash's eyes through her visor.
"Because the moment my fist made contact with you, all your actions thereafter were pointless, and your chances of winning were practically zero." Rainbow looked pathetic, but Giorno was rather impressed that she was still hanging on.
"You w-won't get away-" coughing up more blood, she finally lost consciousness. Giorno stood up, looking around at the damage to the field.
"'Princess' huh? so it is a monarchy-style system, unlike the ones I met earlier in the factory-barn, this one have wings, well used to have wings, This world is quite bizarre." Talking to himself, Giorno inspected the unconscious Liuetnant. She armoured from head to down to her legs, a lot of padding and armour covered her so Giorno couldn't tell that Rainbow was a she. However, he did notice the bright rainbow colored tail.
But before Giorno could contemplate on where to go from here, he heard the sound of fighter jet engines from above. Looking up, he could see the reinforcements already coming in. Giorno counted three of them, one of which tried to dive-bomb kick Giorno, which was unsuccessful due to「G.E.R」instinctively activating and summoning both of its arms to block the attack. Recoiling back and flying a safe distance backward, Giorno noticed the other two checking on the unconscious Lieutenant lying on the ground.
"Lieutenant!" a noticeable deep and worried tone came from the bigger figure.
"She needs medical attention!" came a feminine voice with the smaller frame.
"So it's a She?" thinking to himself, Giorno hated the fact that he had to hurt a girl, but there was no other choice he could take.
"Listen, I did not want to harm her. I did not choose to intentionally-" Giorno tried to reason with the ponies but was cut off by a very angry male pegasus.
"Silence, you fiend!"
The one that had previously dive-bomb Giorno soon launched himself back at him. Picking up momentem, it flew at great speeds but not as fast as the Lieutenant he fought earlier, he leaned back and used his hoof to act as like the nose of a bullet, he charged at him. Giorno pivots the balls of his feet and his body to dodge. Just as the diving Wonderbolt flew past him, Giorno uses「G.E.R」and caught him by the collar, slamming him straight to the ground, which caused the surrounding earth to split and break into chunks of different sizes, some of the said chunks and debris flew from the ground and away from the epicenter of the impact, creating a crater in the ground, in which the male Wonderbolt that had previously attacked Giorno was lying in. Motionless.
This display of strength caused the other two remaining reinforcement to back paddle away from Giorno in fear, now having a crystal-diamond aura flaring around him, one of the Wonderbolt hastily carried the unconscious Lieutenant, whispering something to his ally before quickly taking off in the direction they came from, the female stayed.
"Surrender! we already have informed the Princess about your presence! you can't hope to escape now!" Giving her no mind, Giorno knelt to the motionless stallion in the crater, hovering the hand of「G.E.R」above the downed pegasus.
"DON'T DO ANYTHING TO MY TEAMMATE YOU-" Cutting her off, Giorno looked back with annoyance.
"Can you please be more civil? I'm not going to hurt him. In fact, I'm going to do the opposite."
"And why should I trust a monster like you?"
"Because do you really think you could stop me if you wanted to?" he said monotoniously, staring back at her. Sending chills down her spine.
"How can this thing be so intimidating yet so relaxed at the same time? His presence is similar to that of the Princesses." thinking to herself, she continues to observe Giorno cautionsly.
The standing pegasus realized that whatever she is talking to just took out Lieutenant and a veteran Wonderbolt without breaking a sweat, choosing to step down, if she were to attack, she would only increase the number of bodies needed to bring back to base. Deep down, however, she was praying that her comrade wouldn't be harmed. Soon enough, a golden light shined from where Giorno had placed his hand on. It continues to shine for a couple of seconds before subsiding. The Mare walked over at a quick pace, but once she saw her fallen comrade groaning in pain, she dashed over to his side, inspecting his condition. It didn't seem any better than before other than he wasn't motionless anymore.
"You'd say you'll heal him! he still has broken wings and a dislocated shoulder!"
"I did heal him, but I did not say to what extent. I healed his shattered spine and replaced his broken blood vessels with new ones, plus what would I do if he woke up and start attacking me again? that being said, you don't have to worry. He'll at least live to see another day." Giorno walked away, creating distance between himself and the mare kneeling in front of the downed ally, looking over his injuries again before turning to face Giorno.
"You, Bastard.."
"Please, can't you lot be more civilized?" the non-chalentness is Giorno's voice popped a blood vessel in the mare.
"You knocked the Lieutenant out cold and almost killed my friend you piece of shit!"
"I acted in self-defense. Your Lieutenant engaged me first without really giving me a choice in the matter, while your friend lying in the crater also attacked me without hearing what I had to say. I even healed him enough so he wouldn't die. You should be grateful."
"Then what are you? and what are you doing here?"
"I don't know. I was in the middle of going about with my day when a huge white portal opened on the floor and dragged me in." Giorno lied effortlessly. He couldn't afford to tell them the true reason why he was here in the first place. Turning to face the sky, he continued.
"I just happened to fall from the sky and wandered around until I happened across the barn, and well, the rest, you could probably tell what happened."
"So, what? are you like some undiscovered species?" Giorno turned back to face the mare; her visor covering her eyes was reflecting his reflection.
"No, I'm from another world."
"Another world? This isn't the time to joke around."
"I'm not joking." He deadpanned.
"So, you're like an a-alien?!"
"Yes, you can consider me an alien." Surprised, she stumbles back a little.
"Are you gonna lay your eggs inside of my stomach?! please don't I still have so much to live for!" clasping both her hands together in a fist, she started to beg.
"No, I'm-''
"Please! Equestria is my home! I'll give you anything! Anything you want! please don't destroy my world!" Bowing her head to Giorno, he just stood there. Stunned.
"Listen, I'm not the kind to enslave others or lay eggs in your stomach or anything like that. I want to find a way back-"
Before he could finish, a blinding white flash of light covered Giorno and the begging Wonderbolt, using his arms to shield his eyes from the light. When he reopened his eyes, he saw a large female in white, dawning regal gold armor and a huge golden battle-ax, with a large white horn atop her head and an enormous pair of white wings attached to her back. While her hair looks to be colored in 4 different colors and being blown by a non-existent breeze with a symbol of the sun engraved into the gold chest plate that she's wearing, then came a booming voice from the Princess.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SUBJECTS!?"
"What? Subjects? Is this the princess? and what does she mean by what am I doing?" Turning back to look at the Wonderbolts to understand the situation, one was laying in a crater groaning in pain while the other was on her knees in a begging position.
"Oh."
Extending her arm and opening her palm, Celestia cast a teleportation spell and teleported both Wonderbolts to her side. After ensuring they were safe, she lifted her gigantic battle-ax towards Giorno, scowling at him.
"What are your intentions here, creature?" a yellow light started to shine at the tip of the eye of her battle-ax.
"I won't ask again."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I don't even know where I am. I got dragged into this world."
"Do not lie to me, creature!"Celestia jabbed her battle-ax towards Giorno to emphasize her statement, looking around at the collateral damage caused by the creature in front of her and her lieutenant's squadron. Turning back to Giorno, she stares angrily.
"I felt a being forcing its way through the portal. Are you in any way associated with a creature in blue, has long ears and pink line markings across its body?"
"I know who you're talking about, but no, I'm not associated with him. As a matter of fact, I'm looking for him. And did you mention a portal?"
"Yes, you were brought here by a student of mine and myself."
"What?!"
"Yes, it seems like the experiment did go south. After all, bringing a creature of pure hostility and power to our world is too dangerous. Believe me when I say this creature, if you follow me back to my castle, I promise to send you back home."
"I wasn't trying to attack your people actively. I did it in self-defense. Both with your Lieutenant and your cadet on the ground over there," Giorno pointed over to the still groaning stallion on the ground, which Celestia turns to the pegasus mare.
"What? Is this true?" facing to the two on the ground next to her waiting for an answer.
"My apologies on behalf of my forces suddenly attacking you but is it necessary to injure them to such an extent? "
"I wasn't given a choice when your Lieutenant came to attack at full force, and her reinforcements did the same." Celestia looked over to the village. A small breeze started to blow over the grassy field once again, sighing to herself.
"My Lieutenant can be very.. headstrong, but she means well." Giorno thought back to his brawl with Dash, recalling how she tried to attack him even if it was pointless.
"Yea...Headstrong."
"But let us take our conversation somewhere else with a better environment." looking around at the chucks of holes, debris, and dirt all over the place. Giorno looked at the Princess with an affirmative nod and gesturing her to lead the way.
"But before that, I need to go calm the denizens of Ponyville first. Please don't go wandering anywhere while I'm gone." Her horn started to glow a faint golden aura before she disappears, walking over to the two ponies on the ground. Giorno took a seat next to them as he looked over to Ponyville.
"You know, so far being on this new planet, your Princess has been the most civilized of your people that I have met so far. Is she usually like this?"The mare look at her resting ally before turning to face Ponyville.
"Her Royal Highness has always been the most courteous of mares, even in these desperate times and finding you, she always tries to find peace in all conflicts and never really resorted to violence unless she had no other choice." Giorno turned to her with an inquisitive look.
"Desperate times? what do you mean by that?" The mare chuckled to herself at his response.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot you're an alien and all that, what I meant was we're in a war with another empire. Specifically The Crystal Empire."
"That sort of makes sense now." placing his index finger and thumb to support his chin.
"How everything looks barren, how the resident at the barn wore military clothing, how prepared they were, and how they reacted when I showed up on their door front."Giorno Turns to face the mare and stared at her intently, he continues to question her.
"So, what happened? What started the war?"
"I think it's best if you ask The Princess about that. I'm just a trooper fighting for my home. If you want detailed answers, she could answer all of your questions." She gestured to the Princess standing behind Giorno, which caught him off guard and surprised him a little.
"Alright, I've managed to diffuse the situation in Ponyville. Are we ready to leave?"
"That was rather quick of you." Giorno replied.
"Comes with the many advantages of being tall."Celestia joked, placing her hand on her hip.
"Wait, where are we going?" he inquired,
"Back to my home, Canterlot, the Capital of Equestria," Celestia replied with a smile.
"And how'll we be getting to Canterlot? A carriage?"
"Yes, you're right, we will be traveling via carriage."
And just as she said that, a carriage could be seen flying down towards where Celestia, Giorno, and the two Wonderbolts are located. With two pegasuses in the front dragging the whole weight of the carriage on their backs. As soon as they landed the carriage a couple of meters away from the group, one of the flyers quickly undid his belts and wing straps, hastily jogging over to open the carriage door. The princess walked over to the still resting and wounded pony on the ground. Reaching his side, she raised her hand above his body and teleported him inside the carriage. With another wave of her hand, the debris and surrounding dirt and rocks began to float and fly into the holes in the ground restoring the decimated battlefield into the previous, more recognizable grassy fields.
"I had teleported him into the carriage and restored the lands to a state where before it was destroyed. Let's get moving. That includes you too, Wonderbolt." Walking over to the carriage, the two pegasuses bowed to the Princess of the sun while she entered with the mare close behind. And of course, the guard blocked the path when Giorno tried to step up the stairs.
"At ease guard, he's with me." Celestia's voice echoed out. The guard lowered his arm as commanded, which allowed Giorno to walk through, stepping into the carriage. The interior design was a clean white, with a nice and luxurious purple double seat built onto the side of the walls, the princess seated on the right, taking up half of the actual seat itself with the injured stallion laying next to her already sound asleep. On the opposite is where the mare was seated though she looked nervous and restless. Taking a seat next to the mare, he nodded in confirmation to Celestia.
"Alright, guards, we may leave."
"Yes, Princess!" shouted one of the pegasuses with confidence in his voice.
"Next destination, Canterlot!"
Author's Note
Life-shot is just too OP
In the Carriage, soaring through the skies
The Carriage ride until that point was relatively quiet. The mare sitting next to Giorno is still sitting at attention while looking as professional as possible. Giorno, however, was relaxed with one thigh over the other. He rested his elbow on the armrest on the edge of the seat while using the said arm to support his chin as he peered out the window, looking on at the scenery. It really was saddening to Giorno.
"This world looks so peaceful yet so barren. It must be due to the war she mentioned earlier. I have to talk to the princess about that. " Thinking, he turns his gaze to the stiff mare next to him for a brief moment before looking back out the window. Celestia had her eyes closed, her posture as regal as ever with her wings tucked neatly to her sides, one hand rested over the other on her lap, her legs sitting closed, and her physics breaking mane is still flowing gently in the still air.
Opening her eyes, she looked out the window. Seeing they were nowhere near their destination, she went back to closing her eyes, waiting for their arrival at their destination. All while this was happening, The ironclad mare sitting next to Giorno was sweating bullets underneath her armor.
She could not relax.
Moving her gaze from the princess to Giorno, she continues to think, marveling that this creature is so relaxed in the presence of The Princess. Any other normal pony would be as tense as herself, if not at least a bit uneasy. The ghost-quiet silence was broken when Giorno spoke up,
"So, how should I address your kind?" Celestia opened her eyes and turned her attention to Giorno, who fully turned his body to face her.
"I can't keep calling your kind 'hey' and 'you' am I right? it would be very ill-mannered of me." an easy smile appeared on Giorno's face, which in response Celestia gave one too.
"To answer your question, we are a race called Ponies, with it being split into three main groups, Earth Ponies, Pegasuses, and Unicorns.. "
"Interesting, back in my world, we have myths stating your existence back in the olden times. But the only difference being your kind not having hands and is quadrupedal. That said, I believe I did not get a fair chance to introduce myself," he placed a hand onto his open heart-shaped chest and continues,
"my name is Giorno Giovanna. It's a pleasure to meet you, princess, given the previous circumstances."
"The pleasure is all mine, Giorno Giovanna, and my name is Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria."
"If you wouldn't mind, could you explain to me these three groups of ponies? I'm very interested in the subject."
"I suppose it would be a good chance to pass the time until we reach Canterlot. As I have said before, the groups are separated into three groups. Seeing as how you have interacted with the Pegasuses the most, I'll start there. The Pegasuses are groups of ponies born with wings. They can use them for flight or act as a second pair of arms and hands. They are also able to alter weather conditions and walk on clouds naturally. Next is The Earth Ponies, these groups of ponies do not have any extra appendages like the Pegasuses or the unicorns, but they are the most physically strongest out of the three groups due to having magic running through their muscles, making them incredibly strong and resilient.
"I Apologise, but throughout your description of the pony groups, you have mentioned the term 'magic' on more than one occasion. Could you perhaps explain what this 'magic' is? And with all due respect, princess, but what are group are you from? You seem to have aspects from all three groups." nodding understandingly, she carried on,
"Magic is a mysterious force. Unlike other forces, magic is different for everypony as it develops quite early on in their lives and manifesting in unique ways. But ponies aren't the only race able to use magic. Magic is everywhere and possessed by all living things in this world. And to answer your second question, I am an alicorn. Alicorns have all three groups' traits and are immortal, not in the sense of being unkillable, but more of unaging youth. Oh, and I must commend your use of magic! with such combat potential, I can see how you defeated some of my best soldiers."
"Oh no, we humans don't control or have any connections to magic in any way. We are a descendent of monkeys evolved for hunting and running, which is the reason why I am furless."
"Well, then your race must be very physically strong then, no? seeing as you defeated one of my greater Lieutenants and a veteran soldier with such ease." examing Giorno's figure, he doesn't look very physically strong from Celestia's observation. However, she cannot judge a book by its cover. It has come back to bite her many times in the past.
"Not necessarily." He replied,
"Surely, you jest? You state your race does not have the capabilities of harnessing magic and is not very physically strong. Assuming that you're not lying to me, then how is it that you managed to defeat two professionally trained armed personnel of the military forces with little to no difficulty?"
"Princess, if I may interrupt," Turning her attention from Giorno to the armor-cased mare in front of her, she nodded her head in confirmation that she could continue.
"While we were engaged in combat, I noticed Sir. Giorno's arm is covered in yellow, golden armor before he strikes. That was how he knocked out both Lieutenant Dash and Cadet Officer Gust."
Giorno was stunned the moment when the mare mentioned seeing a part of「G.E.R」. Leaning forward to her, a shadow casts over his face, a menacing aura forms around him, and the air tenses.
"You can see it?" questioning the mare. Giorno stared at her with cold and calculating eyes. This caused her to tense up from the sudden lifelessness in his voice, it stabbed her like icicles through her heart, making her skip a beat, and with dryness in her throat, she avoided eye contact while she sheepishly answered,
"Y-yes sir, even my comrades could see it."
"Giorno, is there something you're not telling us?" Turning his gaze over to the princess, she returned his cold eyes with a pair of her own. During the staredown, the Wonderbolt was unfortunately caught in the crossfire, feeling the air so heavy that it weighed down on her chest, causing her to sweat and breath even harder.
"HOLY BUCKING SHIT WHY IS THIS TENSION SO INTENSE." she yelled in her mind not to interrupt this mental battle Giorno and Celestia were having on the astral plane. She swore she could see an electrical current connecting their gazes. Giorno was the first to break the staring contest,
"Princess, I want to test something, tell me. Can you see a golden arm?" bringing fourth「G.E.R」with the sound effect of clanking coins together, a right arm levitates in front of Giorno.
"Yes, I can see it, and I'm assuming this is the same kind of power that defeated both of my soldiers?"
"You are correct." dissipating the arm with a crystal shimmer of light. He lowered his arm onto the armrests.
"The fact that you could see my Stand either means this world is filled with stand users or another cause that allows you to see it. I hypothesize it is the second option seeing as you never seemed to have encountered the likes of this power before."
"Well, what is this power? What is a Stand? Care to explain?"
"A Stand is a physical manifestation of one's fighting spirit, each stand is unique, and its power differs from user to user. This power is not specific to just humans. Other animals may possess a stand as well. Only a stand could touch another stand."
"So if you had a Stand, you would be undefeatable unless another stand user opposes you?" questioning with slight anxiousness, Celestia's palms began to get sweaty,
"No, it doesn't automatically make you undefeatable nor invincible. Remember, I said that a stand is a physical manifestation of one's fighting spirit. Any damage taken to the stand would reflect onto the user, and vice versa as destroying one's stand is destroying one's soul, if the user were to die, the stand would usually perish along with them."
"So, in your world, you have Stands to act as protection from harm?"
"Yes, it's just a few exceptions here and there, but other than that, humans are just like how I have previously described them. Not so strong bipedal monkeys that could hunt and run." Giorno leans back into his seat, trying to relax.
"Well, aside from the few Stand users that you have already described, how is it that your race is still alive? it must be hard to live and survive then."
"We learn. Many millennia ago, we started with simple stone-based tools and weapons to help us hunt. And throughout the decades that my species have lived for, we learned and educated, created and destroyed, innovated and invented, adapt, and overcome. Even if there were deaths involved in that process, their deaths helped the remaining survivors to reach one step closer to understanding the unknown, which lead to us discovering many untold truths in the world.
"Incredible, perhaps after this war our worlds we build a treaty? I'm certain we could make some connections to exchange various information regarding our two worlds." getting a bit cheery from the thought of a technologically advanced Equestria and the idea of making connections to another world.
"About that, I have meant to ask you, but what started this war? I have heard bits and pieces, but I never did get a full story from it." Celestia's smile quickly dropped to a slight frown after hearing that.
"Ah, I suppose now it's a better time than any to explain the situation, I'll try to keep it brief then, over a thousand years ago, a tyrannical ruler named King Sombra took over the Crystal Empire, my sister, and I banished him, but before he disappeared, he placed a curse on the Empire, and just as Sombra vanished so did it. A thousand years later, the Crystal Empire came back, bringing him along with it. The events thereafter were horrible. He waged war against Equestria, more specifically Canterlot. I tried to get The Elements back from the Tree of Harmony. A magical tree that holds the Elements of Harmony, one of our primary defenses against the forces of evil. But he reached there before I could and destroyed it, shattering it into pieces. Ever since then, we had to take a more aggressive means."
taking a quick pause to regulate her breathing, she could feel herself getting uneasy and losing her composure. Celestia took one long breath, filling her lungs with air, calming herself, exhaling slowly turns her face slightly upwards before resuming.
"Ever since then, he has been slowly taking over Equestria with the help of his five powerful major generals, The 5 Gates of Grief. With his reign over the Crystal Empire made easy, we slowly lost more land and more ponies every day. Other nations didn't want to help us in the war since it didn't concern them in any way. And even with me leading the charge, I foresee that I was slowly delaying the inevitable fate that Equestria was to suffer should we have not taken any other option. So which is why when one of my a scientist under the magic branch of the Equestrian Military of Science, suggested we seek help from another world, I was a little reluctant in proceeding with the idea.
"But right now, we are in desperate need of help, which was the reason why I had opened a portal between our worlds in the first place, so for the future of Equestria, I'm willing to give you and your world many of Equestria's riches and treasure, anything you desire that I could grant I would. Please, save my world." bowing until her head had faced the ground entirely, Giorno could see her arms shivering. The mare opposite to Celestia was astonished. Never in her life of serving the Wonderbolts have she seen Princess Celestia, the one who controls the power of the Sun, bowing and pleading.
"There is no need for such a thing. I've already decided to help your cause the moment you mention this King Sombra enslaving the Crystal Empire, whether you liked it or not." Celestia looked back to Giorno. The surprise was written all over her face at how easy he was on board with the idea of helping her kingdom and their war efforts.
"Thank you! Giorno Giovanna, you have my eternal gratitude!" a warm smile drew upon her face. She briskly straightened her posture when a slight bump hit the carriage—pulling all three passengers' attention to the front window, where they were met with the face of the pegasus guard looking back at them.
"We have arrived at Canterlot, your highness!"
The guard called out while the door seemingly swung open on command. Outside was a stretcher held by two ponies in military outfits, the signature red cross atop their helmets signifying they are part of the medical team. They were awaiting the injured Wonderbolt resting inside of the carriage. With a slight wave and gesture of her hand, a glowing golden aura encased Celestia's horn and hand while she telekinetically moved the battle-damaged stallion gently atop the stretcher. With that, the two medically trained ponies waste no time and quickly dashed away to the nearest Infirmary, with the mare that sat next to Giorno following in suit.
Stepping out, Giorno looked around. Noticing the pristine garden, he was standing in the middle of, a gigantic castle looms over him from behind him, towers of concrete and gold protruding from the sides of it. Turning back, shiny whites of the pavement floor directly connects to and acts as a pathway from the castle doors to the garden's entire premises' front gates. With lush green bushes that compliment the palace front's overall royal design and atmosphere, massive pillars of concrete walls encasing the interior as the garden's whole and connecting to the sides of the castle walls. Giorno also took note of all the unsettled faces of the guards who looked in his direction.
"Don't worry, guards, he is with me. Now then shall we get inside?" Celestia motioned him over to the thousands of flights of stairs leading to the two grand gold doors and the hundreds of guards standing on standby at the sides of the stairs. Making their way halfway up the stairs, Celestia stopped and turned over to one of the guards,
"Oh, and cadet?" the cadet in question clopped his hooves together at attention, snapping his right arm to a salute.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Inform all of the Captains from all branches to meet me at the conference room in 30 minutes."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"What was that about?" Celestia spun around. Giorno stood there questioning the Princess,
"We will be meeting all of the Captains from the different branches to discuss how we can proceed further with our plans." And with that, Celestia continues to walk up the remaining flight of stairs with Giorno slowly tagging behind her.
in the Corridors of Canterlot Palace
It amazed Giorno that anyone could navigate through these intricate halls. He could have sworn he walked past the same corner with Celestia three times already. Although something else plagued his mind, he was about to meet the Captains of this world's military forces, according to Celestia's exchange earlier just now.
Trailing behind her was a pain in the ass too, with her enormous size, one step she took was equivalent to Giorno taking a stride. Forcing him to brisk walk every time he started to fall behind, before deciding to just brisk walk all the way instead. Celestia looked back to Giorno. Realizing she was walking way too fast for him to keep up, she slowed down her speed to accommodate his. Turning the fourth corner, Celestia spoke,
"Now, I have to warn you first. The Captains are some that aren't as accepting of the news as I am. I would try to abolish any concerns relating to you being an enemy or having any ill intentions towards Canterlot, and yes, we have had cases before. But it is up to you to clear any worry or doubts that they might have." he nodded, indicating to Celestia that he was listening.
"Good because we've arrived." Celestia stopped in front of two large doors, golden veins and flowers carved out around the borders with the words 'Conference Room' plated onto the doorway, splitting into two-pieces directly down the middle. Using her magic, Celestia opened the doors and walked in. Giorno could see six figures already occupying the room, three unicorns, two pegasuses, and an earth pony. Each with a menacing aura surrounding them and staring at him. Upon seeing Celestia standing next to the doors, all the participants greeted and bowed in unison.
"Your royal highness, good day to you."
"Good day to all of you as well, now. I thank everyone present for attending this sudden meeting, but this is urgent news with the Head Scientist's mind and my involvement with supplying magical power. We managed to open a portal to another world in seek of aid. This is Giorno Giovanna. He is part of a race of highly intelligent beings called Humans that could help us potentially end the war." gesturing with her hand to Giorno, all heads turn to face him. Taking this cue as a sign to introduce himself, he bowed before regaining his posture.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I hope we can get along." In response to his greeting, a white unicorn with a blue mane stood up from his seat and walked over to him. Dawning lavender plated armor with gold trimming around the edges, underneath he seems to be wearing a full-body compression colored in black. Stopping in front of him, Giorno had to crane his neck up slightly to look at him in the eyes, the 6-foot stallion looking down at the 5-foot 7' blonde. He reached out his pale right hand. Giorno glanced down before peering back up to the gold plated stallion and shook his hand.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance Giorno Giovanna. My name is Shining Armour, Captain of the Royal Guards, and overall in charge of Equestria's Military Forces."
" Likewise, Captain"
"Let me introduce the other Captains and Heads of their branches. The yellow pegasi mare over there is Lieutenant Spitfire of the Wonderbolts, the fastest flyers in Equestria." turning to face the standing mare, she wore the same uniform as the rainbow tailed Lieutenant he fought earlier today. She had a huge burn scar covering a section of her left face, and her left eye is a discolored grey. Her mane is dyed a lovely marigold with shades of tangerine near the ends of it. She did nothing except for giving him a devilish grin,
"This lovely mare over here is my little sister, Twilight Sparkle. She is the Head Scientist of the Mystic Enchanters and overlooks all operations that involve magic." looking over to Twilight, she gave a very excited smile and waved. Giorno smiled back in return.
"The stallion standing against the wall is Captain Earth Steelhooves." The earth pony didn't even bother to look at Giorno before closing his eyes and giving an annoyed "Hmph." Although his build and frame are imposing, being the biggest in terms of muscles in the room, excluding Celestia.
"Moving on, to the right, the one in the black overalls is Chief Master Sergeant Hailing Blizzard, and the stallion bearing spears on his back is Captain Metal Jacket, "Metal Jacket had a long flowing mane that slings over to his chest, carrying a loadout of three long but sharp spears hanging on his back. He also wore a brown cloak covering his underlying armor with long cargo pants that reached his shin.
Hailing Blizzard, on the other hand, wore a black and dark blue variation of the Wonderbolt attire totally, with slightly less armored plating and carrying more pouches as far as Giorno could see.
"Alright, now that the introductions are over, we can talk about bringing reinforcements from your world over to ours." Celestia took over as she walked over to the complete oval-shaped table in the middle of the room, which caused everyone who isn't already at the table to start making their way around.
All except for Steelhooves.
"Princess, what do you mean reinforcements? isn't this uh.. 'human' our help?" Blizzard questioned, but just as the princess was about to respond, she was rudely interrupted by Steelhooves.
"I'm sorry, princess, but I don't see the reason to trust him." Celestia knew this was coming. It was inevitable. She turned to face Steelhooves with a saddened face.
"Captain Steelhooves, I can reassure you that Giorno does not mean any harm. He isn't a changeling, nor is he trying to manipulate us either. I can confirm it since it was Twilight and I that summoned him here after all." she turned to look at Twilight, signaling her to support Celestia's claim, who gave a quick nod to confirm what Celestia was true.
"That's right, Captain, I was the one who proposed the idea and overlooked the entire experiment," Twilight replied immediately.
"Yea, and any changeling drone could have just mixed and matched some random combination of creatures to achieve... that monstrosity." Giorno kept his cool, though he was blatantly insulted in the presence of a military organization's leaders. He had to keep his composure if he'd wanted them to trust him and make any connections. So Giorno tried to reason with the earth pony.
"Captain Steelhooves, I can understand where you are coming from. But I can assure you that I mean no harm. After hearing about the war, I wish to help you in your endeavors before returning to my homeworld. I have no other motives for being here." getting up from his position on the wall, Steelhooves made his way over to Giorno, staring straight into his soul.
"And how can I trust that you won't turn on us? Or keeping a secret agenda? Saying something is very different from proving it, not to mention it's challenging to put a nation's future into the hands of an unknown alien." Steelhooves Stopped directly in front of Giorno. He looked down at him with an intensity that could melt through any metal, and yet Giorno looked back at him with the same poker face he had.
"The fact that you beat Lieutenant Dash in one on one combat, knocking her out cold and in the process breaking some of her ribs, all of that with a single punch alone already proves you're quite strong for something your size. Not only that, but you bested another veteran Wonderbolt in speed, which demonstrates you're quite agile for something that doesn't have wings. From what I've heard when reinforcements came back from your little fight, you were standing all over the Lieutenant, victorious." Grabbing Giorno's collar, he leaned closer to him.
"So with all that in mind, remind me why I should trust an alien's word to help us in this war that doesn't even concern you? Maybe you are a changeling in disguise-" Celestia was about to intervene, but「G.E.R」materialized its arm and grabbed Steelhooves's arm that's currently grasping onto Giorno's collar with enough force that the arm was starting to bruise. The echoing voice of「G.E.R」filled the room, cold and threatening, it spoke.
"Do you want to know what happened to the last person who threatened my user? he suffered a fate worse than death."
Caught off-guard, Steelhooves let go of Giorno, which inturn「G.E.R」 let go of his now quickly bruising arm, staring at him. This action caused everyone in the room to arm themselves with spears, spells, and blades, but with a raise of Celestia's arm, the Captain's weapons lowered reluctantly.
"You couldn't even hope to best me in combat, so I suggest you refrain from your empty threats. Captain Steelhooves."
"What is that?" Spitfire watched the golden floating figure beside Giorno, confused, yet it piques her interest.
"It's a Stand, a physical personification of one's spiritual energy. Its name is「Gold Experience Requiem」, my stand." this explanation caught everyone's attention, turning their gazes from Giorno to「G.E.R」and gawking at it in all of its glory, its surrounded by a flaring shining crystal-diamond-like aura.
「G.E.R」looked back at the leaders of Equestria with dominance.
Stand name: 「Gold Experience Requiem」
(Current) Stand stats:
Stand Master: Giorno Giovanna
「Gold Experience Requiem」, the Stand that could create life.
Info and Stand Ability:
Life Shot-「G.E.R」can also infuse life energy into an already living target, this process causes an individual's thought process and senses to accelerate significantly to such a point where the individual would perceive everything else to move slowly. However, their body would not keep up with the sudden surge of mental speed, thus giving them an out-of-body experience.
Healing- Creatively using his Life-Giver ability, Giorno could create distinct body parts and organs out of inorganic matter and assimilate them into place into the body of an injured individual. Therefore he can heal gruesome wounds through various means, though this isn't really healing, just replacing what has been damaged. Additionally, Giorno could also use this ability to heal himself.
"So this is your Stand, Giorno? I believe I did not get a chance to see it fully." Celestia was a little unsettled by its appearance and aura, though so was everybody else in the room.
"Argh! damn, I knew you couldn't be trusted." Steelhooves heaved under his breath, now having a severely bruised arm. Giorno stepped over to him.
"I apologize for bruising your arm, but I'd suggest that you don't make a fool of yourself any further. I came to help aid you in your war against a tyrant, not to start a conflict against Equestria's leaders here. Let me, and I'll heal you." 「G.E.R」reached out to Steelhooves's bruised arm, and a soft golden light covered his arm.
"ARGGGHHHHHH ARE YOU TRYING TO BURN MY ARM OFF?! WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH?!" Steelhooves threw his head back from the pain, gritting his teeth, and gripped the base of his injured arm even harder, a drop of a tear forming at the corner of his eye.
"I said I'd heal you. I never said anything about how painful It's going to be." With that, the golden glow subsided, and Giorno withdrew「G.E.R」's hand away from the now fully repaired arm. Steelhooves walked over to an open seat at the round table while hugging his recently recovered arm, the pain still present in his groans; however, Giorno couldn't care less and turn to met Celestia,
"Princess, about the war. I wish to aid your forces alone. I do not want to drag my companions or relatives into this." Celestia was visibly confused from this,
"Giorno, I know that you are a very formidable combatant, but even with something as strong as「Gold Experience Requiem」, you're still no match for Sombra, let alone his Generals."
"It's quite alright, Princess. Frankly, I'm not at my full potential yet. It seems that transporting to this world has dampened and weakened my Stand's full capability. This was the main reason I didn't want to bring more of my allies to this world to aid me. They would be a liability until they fully recovered their strength and until I regain my full strength. I can still provide support through healing with my「Gold Experience Requiem」to your forces. But I do have a question, after this, I am still able to go back to my homeworld?"
"Of course you can. We can open a portal there anytime. But for now, I suppose we should plan our next course of action. Giorno, how far are your healing abilities go before reaching their limit?"
"None, but I do need information regarding pony anatomy and structure if you desire for me to heal more complex injuries and wounds."
"Certainly, I will arrange a maid to deliver you a book as soon as possible. You may leave and roam around the Palace in the meantime. Additionally, I will inform my forces about your presence so they wouldn't be shocked when they see you."
"That's good to know. I'll take my leave then." he bowed to the Princess of the Sun before exiting the room. Giorno looked both ways, deciding to head the same way he and Celestia had come from and walking around and exploring the castle for a bit.
"I do hope I can get this over with as quickly as possible. I already miss Naples,"
The Dungeons of the Crystal Empire
"Agghh, where am I?" getting up and looking around, Valentine seemed to be in a jail cell. Before he was knocked out, he could remember throwing Giorno off into a dense world, but everything after that seemed to be hazy. But before he could do anything else, black mist filled the room, purple smoke emitted from the corner, its two green eyes with red pupils, and a deep voice echoed around him.
"Ahh, so you're awake?"
Author's Note
(This chapter is heavily edited)
"Time will heal all wounds"
Sauntering through the halls of the palace was quite enjoyable to Giorno. Having been very busy back on Earth with running Passione, he could use any opportunity he could get to take a break. Though Mista was always there to carry some of his burdens with him, they were only two people shouldering the weight of an entire organization that spans across the country of Italy, still unfamiliar with the layout of the castle he happened across an intersection. Randomly choosing to go right, he continues his stroll down the unknown path.
"It's quite astonishing that this castle is still standing for a nation that is at war with another empire." journeying down more monotonous hallways for roughly 30 minutes, two white doors with a bright red cross imprinted above them soon came into view. With nothing else better to do, Giorno made his way over to the double doors, which upon closer inspection, has a small glass window allowing him to peer inside the room.
Peeking in, there were many injured ponies with missing limbs and casts that warped around significant parts of their bodies. Some had several bags of IV hooked onto them, some having metallic braces that held their bones together to help speed up their recovery, and some even seemed to be barely clinging onto life.
"Sir Giorno!"Giorno spun around, a maid in the distance was jogging towards him while hugging a relatively thick book in between her arms and her chest, slowing her jog to a halt in front of Giorno. She took a second to catch her breath. Stretching out her arms, she presented the book to him,
"As you requested, Sir Giorno, Princess Celestia has given me an order to deliver this book to you." the maid handed the book over to Giorno. He took a glance at the front cover. It reads,
~ The Complete Series of the anatomical structure of Pony kind. (Including Alicorns!) First Addition.~
"Perfect timing! Thank you very much. Please thank the Princess on my behalf as well."
Bowing, the maid dismissed herself and walked away. Turning back to the doors, Giorno walked into the Infirmary. The mixed smell of iron, herbal essence, and fresh bandages quickly filled his lungs. The majority of the treated patients were already resting, so Giorno didn't draw so much attention to himself, which was a plus. Walking over to the more seriously wounded bunch of the patients, he stopped at the side of an Earth Pony stallion that is missing a right arm with two leg braces and a cast over his neck.
"Um, excuse me, Sir, but the visiting hours are not until tomorrow-" The timid nurse was cut off abruptly by Giorno raising his hand,
"I'm not here to visit. I'm here to help." opening the thick book and flipping to the pages on the analysis and anatomy of an Earth Pony, he read through the cellular make-up of the connections between the Thigh, Stifle, and Hock rather quickly, though the reading made the nurse that stood dumbfounded behind him, he inquired the nurse while still reading the paragraph,
"Excuse me but mind if I asked what injuries did this stallion sustained? please be as detailed as possible."
"O-Oh! Um, sure thing! If I remembered correctly, he endured several deep cuts that severed muscles, tendons, nerves and some bone fragments along his thighs down to his hooves. His right arm got completely sliced off, and he suffered heavy physical trauma to his throat and neck while fighting a General. It'd be a miracle if he could walk again."
Crouching down, Giorno materializes「G.E.R」, hovering its open palm over the shattered legs of the earth pony,
"Sir! What are you doing!?" briskly the nurse made her way over to Giorno, intent on not letting him carry on whatever that he is about to do, just about she was to grab him, he spoke up,
"Miss, you said it'd be a miracle if he could ever walk again, right? well then, let me demonstrate that miracle to you."
Holding the book in his left, Giorno used「G.E.R」to imbued the bandages covering the stallion's legs with life. The applications took morphed into different nerves, tendons, and tissue cells needed to replace the host's body's missing ones. They assimilated themselves into the opening in his legs, filling up the empty slashes in his thighs and fully repairing his lower body free of scars.
Moving up to his arm, utlizing「G.E.R」to break the metallic pieces off the leg braces and forcing it together into a lump of iron, he breathed life into it. The iron lump morphs and contorts into the shape of a right arm that mirrors the resting earth pony's left arm. Giorno removed the bandages covering the bloody stump where his right arm used to be and pressed both limbs together. Warm golden light filled the wound, fusing them on a cellular level.
Finally, he moved up to the neck area, hovering both of「G.E.R」palms onto the sides of the cast and repeated the process, this time rearranging the form into different nerve cells to reconnect the severed nervous system to the legs and replaced the bruised throat with a new one,
"Gahh!" the stallion sprung upright, sweating and gasping for air. Gently, he caresses his neck with both of hands,
"w-what? my throat?" a raspy voice spoke. Looking down and examining his legs. They were perfectly healed, and not a spot of blood present on them. Gazing to his right, he took a double-take, realizing his missing arm is back where it was amputated.
"My right arm!"
The nurse couldn't believe what she was seeing. Some random creature strolled into the Infirmary, used weird healing magic, created new body parts for the injured pony, and healed him to back full health. Rubbing her eyes to make sure that what she was seeing wasn't an illusion, she turned to look at Giorno, who was glancing back and forth between the book and the stallion.
"Pardon me, but do you feel like you are developing any symptoms? any muscle aches or pain in the newly recovered areas?" Giorno leaned closer to the patient, checking on his physical being for any limb replacement defects he might have had while creating it for him.
"Well, other than the slight burning pain sensation that is still present where my injuries used to be, I feel pretty great! Thanks for taking care of me, Doctor..?"
"Giorno Giovanna, and I am no doctor. I'm just happy to help." getting up. He glanced at the rest of the recuperating patients occupying the room before turning back to face the stunned nurse who is still trying to comprehend what Giorno had just done,
"Nurse, I am going to help heal the rest of the patients here. Can you bring me some inanimate object that isn't of value to you anymore? it's alright if it's dirty or isn't cleaned, any object will do."
"W-what? Oh! Sure thing!" snapping back to reality, she hastily went to retrieve some blood-stained bandages and used paper documents. Giorno made his way to the next bed. This mummified pegasus stallion was awake. Summoning「G.E.R」he crouched down to him.
"Sorry, sir, but it is going to hurt a lot."
For the next hour for when Giorno was in the Infirmary, screams can be heard from the Palace's entire west wing. It was relentless. The patients that were next in line for Giorno to 'heal' them was either praying to Celestia for a quick death or was already unconscious from the pressure and fear they were experiencing before their final moments in Equestria.
Of course, all the commotion has drawn the princess's attention along with a small group of Royal Guards accompanying her. The patients were over the moon, a glimmer of hope shining in their darkest hour. Their savior, Princess Celestia, was here! Although the moment Giorno explained what the was doing, Celestia turned to the anticipating occupants of the room with that signature motherly smile of hers,
"Please get well soon, my little ponies,"
Their smiles were quick to leave their faces, seeing the princess walking back out of the room and her guards followed suit, but before the Guards left, they turned to face their recovering comrades and mouthed out.
"Don't die."
Tears were shed that day, and souls were destroyed. Finally finishing with the last patient, Giorno swiped the sweat away from his neck and forehead.
"Nurse, I think my job is done. Can you show me the directions to the cafeteria? I'm famished."
"It's to the right straight down to the level above this floor," she said calmly, though she won't be getting the screams of torture out of her mind anytime soon.
"Grazie." thanking her and exiting the room book in hand, Giorno followed the directions that the nurse gave him. As he walked further away, cheering sounds can be heard coming from the Infirmary, which made Giorno stop and look back in curiosity.
"Must be my imagination." journeying down more long corridors once again, he managed to find his way to the spiraling staircase connecting the upper and lower floors. Making his way up to the higher story and reaching the front Cafeteria, Giorno was just about to walk in until he heard a familiar voice calling him from behind.
"Giorno?" turning back, Giorno looked for the person that called him. It was the same Wonderbolt mare that sat with him on the Carriage ride to Canterlot.
"Ah, I remember you, you're the Wonderbolt mare that sat next to me on our ride to Canterlot, yes?" he said while giving a soft smile,
"Yup, that's me. Anyway, what are you doing here? getting a bite to eat?" The mare questioned while stopping in front of Giorno.
"Yea, I had just finished healing several injured guards in the infirmary and built up quite the appetite. It would be great if you could show me around the Cafeteria, Miss..?"
"Oh sure, I don't mind showing you around, and the name's Wynd, Cyclone Amber Wynd. But most of my friends calls me Golden Wynd since 'Amber' is a double entendre that also meant gold or golden. Anyways, enough of me rambling, c'mon, let me show you around then!" Grasping Giorno's wrist, Wynd pulled Giorno into the Cafeteria.
Cafeteria
Queuing in the string of varying sea of bodies, Giorno stood with Wynd chattering about his homeworld. The sound of utensils clinking against plates and the chatter among friends filled the open-spaced room. Rows and rows of rectangular tables filled with occupants enjoying their rations and overall having a good time. Even in war times, the powers of a good meal accompanied by companions always bring soothing air, even to those not participating.
"Hey, Giorno, are you even listening to me?" snapping out of his daydream, he turns his attention to the yellow pegasus mare.
"Sorry, I drifted off from our conversation. What is it you were talking about again?"Wynd gave a low groan along with a "Urgh." both paused their conversation to move up in the queue,
"I said, how is it that your world has these technological machines that could be used to communicate across continents? Don't you remember our carriage ride with Princess Celestia? It sounds too unbelievable if you ask me." crossing her arms, Wynd tilts her head, expecting a clear explanation from Giorno.
"This isn't my field of expertise. But I can give you a rough idea of how it works." rubbing his chin, GIorno used his other hand to support his elbow.
"We built these gigantic blocks of metal and iron that float near the outer regions of the atmosphere, and around the planet, the reason why it's so high up is that it needs a good area to receive signals when we send our messages. After receiving the message, it would send it back down towards the recipient. Other than that, I'm not able to give you an in-depth explanation."
"And these gigantic blocks of metal don't fall back from the sky? Or how you can send scrolls with enough force to go to space?" Wynd asked, not sounding convinced in the slightest. Giorno doesn't blame her, though. These kinds of topics are meant for experts and professionals in their line of work. Giorno runs the Italian mafia, not NASA nor a communication company.
"It involves using advanced physics and science that I'm not too knowledgeable about." Both took another step closer to the servery. However, Giorno started to notice eyes beginning to survey and study him like some wild animal. Wynd seemed to be put slightly on edge by this. A pair turns to a dozen pairs, seeing as this may quickly get out of hand. Giorno projected his voice to ensure it could be heard by all the prying eyes but still kept a calm tone.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
The confrontation caused many to return to their meals. Some persisted and stared for a couple of seconds longer before doing the same, while others didn't stop peering, curious at the creature dressed in bright pink and queuing for rations. Wynd sighed a sigh of relief. Giorno was already beginning to become quite the celebrity already. His interesting arrival with the Sun princess, along with what he has supposedly done in the west-wing Infirmary, can build quite an unwanted reputation. Celestia has already spread the word of the newly arrived special guest inhabiting the palace among the guards. Though she did mention his name, never did she describe how Giorno looked or dressed. But with the way he is dressed, most could already tell that he wasn't from around here.
Eventually reaching the servery, Giorno copied Wynd's actions by grabbing an empty tray and letting it be filled with mush rations. Realizing he needed two hands to carry the tray without drawing any more unwanted attention. He quickly transformed his anatomy book borrowed from Celestia into a small, gorgeous butterfly. Its wings share the same color as the crystal-blue sea. Letting the butterfly rest upon his shoulder and hefting up the tray, Giorno made his way over to the standing Wonderbolt.
"So, where do you want to sit?" Wynd asked
"Preferably somewhere quiet and away from the attention."
"Sure, follow me."
Maneuvering their way through the tables and crowds, she managed to spot an open seat relatively secluded situated close to the Cafeteria's corner. Taking their accommodations and setting the metal tray onto the table, Giorno began digging in. But not before Wynd cuts him with a dead-toned question.
"Giorno, why do you want to help us?" suspending his spooned ration in the air, Giorno looks up at her. Slowly, he placed his food back onto the tray.
"What do you mean?"
"You know very well what I mean." filling his lungs with air from the surroundings, Giorno took a deep sigh,
"You may believe me or not, but I had faced someone similar before. That tyrant would do anything to erase his past and rule the underground crime syndicate with an Iron fist. Slaughtering those that stood in his way, even to go as far as to attempt to murder his own daughter to achieve that goal, and in a world where the authorities are corrupt from the inside out, the weak couldn't turn to them for protection, crimes can go unnoticed if you bribe them well enough, and drugs get sold to kids. I had to do something about it. I couldn't let my country stay corrupt anymore. In the end, I managed to end his influence. But at the cost of the lives of my closest friends."
Intertwining and locking his fingers into a fist, Giorno gazed into Wynd's eyes, resolve blazing strong.
"Which is why I'm determined not to let your people suffer the same fate I had to endure my whole childhood, as well as the pain of losing loved ones." Seeing Giorno's conviction is reassuring to Wynd. Recognizing that Giorno isn't a potential enemy anymore puts her at ease. Relaxing her tense posture, she smiled with genuine happiness, one that she hasn't give in a long time.
"Thank you, Giorno. For helping us." Picking up his spoon once more, Giorno closed his eyes in a carefree manner. Wynd's smile was infectious to the Don of Passione however, and soon enough, he was smirking a smile of his own.
"Don't thank me. I haven't accomplished my goal yet. Save it for when we throw that King Sombra down from his oppression." Giving a cheerfully hummed 'Mhm!'. The two sat in peace, finishing their meals in pleasant silence.
Ten minutes passed. Having finished their rations, both made their way to the Tray Collection Point, deposited their trays onto the shelves, and left the Cafeteria together, with the butterfly still resting on Giorno's shoulder. Stepping out, both of them was encountered by a Guard power-walking his way over to him. The Guard looked from Wynd then to Giorno.
"Pardon me, but are you Giorno Giovanna?"
"Yes, I am. Is there something you need me for?"
"I was sent by the Princess to direct you to your room. If you aren't busy at the moment, I will accompany you to your designated chambers, Sir Giorno." Turning to Wynd, she gave an understanding nod, encouraging Giorno to follow the Guard back to his bedroom.
"It's alright. It would be best if you got used to your room first. I need to get back to work anyway. See you later!" Waving, Wynd spun in the opposite direction and strolled off. Leaving the Guard and Giorno alone.
"Please, Guard, lead the way then."
Reaching Giorno's Chambers, two Guards already assigned next to the door with spears in hand, the Guard leading him halted.
"This is your designated chambers, Sir Giorno." Opening the dark oak door, the room was very spacious. His right was a dining table with a red flourished couch that contrasted nicely with the relatively primary white interior color scheme. Glancing forward was two glass sliding doors that lead to an open balcony with gold plated railing, the marble ground reflecting anything close to the smooth floor. Glancing to his left was a King-sized bed, white curtains tied up on the edge's poles, decorated with big fluffy pillows spread over the frame's cross rail. Directly to the left of the bed was a small study table, with a fireplace between the door of the balcony and the bed. The cherry on top is the gold-painted streaks going around the ceiling top frames and a big carpet adorning the same color as the crimson sofa.
"Shall you need anything, simply inform of the guards stationed outside of your chambers, and they will arrange a servant to deliver your need straight to you."
"Thank you. You may leave now." Bowing, the escort guard left Giorno's sight, disappearing into the long halls.
"Do not inform me of anyone that isn't Princess Celestia, otherwise. Tell them I am busy." Issuing the newly appointed order to the two Guards standing outside next to his doorway, the pair saluted and nodded. With the command now in effect, Giorno made his way over to the study, closing the door behind him. Laying hold of the butterfly on his shoulder, it contorts itself back into the anatomy book in Giorno's hand. Placing it onto the table, he took a seat and flipped to the first few pages on the 'Fundamentals of Earth Pony Anatomy - Fur and the Serous Membranes.'
"If I want to help mend them more efficiently, I need to start cramming." Giorno began reading to himself, studying about Pony Anatomy for the remainder of the day.
Location - Outside of the Colosseum
The Final Battle
"DON'T LET HIM GET THE ARROW!" Mista cried, emptying his entire clip towards Diavolo.
"It's too late, you fool!"「King Crimson」slammed both of its hands onto the Requiem Arrow, piercing itself with it. An ominous blood-red aura surged violently around the velvet stand and the spaces where the arrow had struck illuminated golden rays of light.
"At last, you're mine! I'm truly grateful this path had led to the true power of the Arrow! Hahaha! Fate never fails to reward those who had conquered the adversity of their past. With Fate's designs was finally realized. Now behold as「King Crimson」glorious ascension begins!" With that,「King Crimson」began to shed its shell. Cracks spreading along its body and arm as it crumbles apart. The Arrow swam through its forearm and towards its head, merging with the Stand of the devil.
"H-how could this be? So many lives were sacrificed for us to get here, all for it to fail? How could Diavolo have gotten his hands on the Arrow..?" Giorno whispered in disbelief. However, he had no time to contemplate. Because floating above the three remaining Passione Traitors was Diavolo and his newly obtained「King Crimson Requiem」.
"Oh, how good it feels to be back on the course of victory. Now prostrate yourselves, you filthy vermins. Behold! What you witness before you is the Stand that is at the apex of evolution! The king of all!「King Crimson Requiem」!" Diavolo laughed victoriously, descending from his ascension. Diavolo made his way over to Giorno, all the while smiling maniacally.
"All of your time is up! I will be the one to send you to hell personally, but fret not. You can have the honor of being the first to be executed by my newly acquired Requiem! How glorious! To be slain by a king, my final parting gift to you!" Activating his Stand and skipping time, Diavolo reappeared behind Giorno.
"Giorno! Behind you!" Mista tried warning Giorno but to no avail. Giorno was rewarded with a punch from the back, with enough strength exerted by「King Crimson Requiem」to penetrate his solar plexus clean through with little to no effort. Blood spewed out of the wound and streamed down his stomach. His internal organs ruptured and torn apart from the sheer force of the blow.
"Gagk-!" spitting out more crimson fluid, he looked down to his fist-punctured abdomen. Diavolo leaned in close to Giorno's ear, making it ever so uncomfortable to the dying teen.
"Now perish, Giorno Giovanna." The streets and buildings started to whirl at nauseating speeds, the rays of the sun begin to darken, his vision became hazy, and Giorno felt his body being pulled up to the sky at rapid speeds, back into reality.
-Giorno's Chambers (7:58 a.m.)
"GAAH!" springing upright in his desk, Giorno sat uneased, arms shivering, panting breaths with his heart rate beating twice as fast, and cold beads of sweat accumulating all over his body, dampening his pink attire.
"A dream?" rubbing the crust clear from his eyes, Giorno pats himself to check if this is indeed Reality. Having spent the whole of yesterday studying, cramming, and reading up about the Pony's cellular makeup.
So far, he discovers that Ponies' bodily structure isn't that much different than that of a Human's. The only glaring difference is extra appendages from the diverse groups after comprehending that concept. The thought of healing pony wounds naturally came to Giorno as though as he was treating any other.
Deciding to freshen up before meeting the Princess, he made his way over to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, undressing, and started to take a shower, letting the sprinkling lukewarm water cleansing his being. But he still couldn't get the dream he had out of his mind; it bothered him to no end. After the defeat of Diavolo, Giorno still had nightmares now and then. He suspected that it could have been developed over the time of meeting Diavolo until his eventual vanquishment. Though he has overcome the hurdle of a monster that is「King Crimson」, the feeling of being unable to save his comrades from death didn't sit well with Giorno, even after discovering his capabilities to mend wounds.
'What's the use of healing others if I couldn't save half of my team?' During his time as the Don the Passione, this thought haunted him, managing to ignore it by focusing on his busy workload and meetings with other country's mob heads. Giorno tried everything to take his mind off his supposed past failures as a team member by overworking himself. Incidentally, this caused him to build up an emotional barrier between himself and his true feelings. Giorno's「Gold Experience Requiem」ability allows him to mend physical injuries, not mental trauma.
Finishing up in the shower, Giorno stepped out and dried himself. Giving his body a good stretch before suiting up. Making his way out of his chambers, the Guards stood at attention.
"Sir Giorno, is there anything we can get for you?"
"I want to meet with Princess Celestia to discuss our plans moving forward. Could one of you take me to her?"
"Of course, Sir Giorno. Please follow me."
Conference Room
Princess Celestia stood at the blackboard, arms crossed and overlooking a map of Equestria. On the blackboard has several locations in Equestria written in chalk, with some getting crossed out. Sitting at the round table behind her is a familiar pink alicorn with a tied-up ponytail mane colored a three-way between cream, purple, and velvet. Princess Cadance, cuffed with a gold necklace. She was in a cyan dress that reached her calves, and a darker shade covers her top with gold bracelets on her wrist.
"Auntie, don't you think you're overtaxing yourself?" Cadance spoke concerned,
"Cadance, you know that I can never take these matters lightly. Sombra and his forces are relentless in their conquest over Equestria. I can't let up now, not when we've managed to grasp a chance of defeating him." replied Celestia without turning away from the map.
"Yes, but surely even somepony like you needs a break, no?" Celestia wanted to dismiss Cadance of her worries, but the sound of knocking coming from the conference door did it for her. Turning to face the door, she answers.
"Come in."
The gold-plated double doors opened, and in enters Giorno being lead by a Guard. Kneeling, the Guard spoke up.
"Your highnesses, Sir Giorno, has requested an audience with you."
"Thank you, Guard. You may leave." Celestia cleared. Taking his leave, the Guard vacates the room leaving only Giorno, Cadance, and Celestia.
"It's good to see that you have rested well, Giorno. Let me introduce you to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, my niece." Celestia continues,
"It's good to meet your acquaintance Princess Cadenza." Waving her hand in a relaxed manner, Cadance gave a small giggle and returned the greeting.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Sir Giorno. Please call me Cadance."
"Sure thing. Princess Celestia, I'm here to discuss our plan here onward."
"Good, I've been meaning to ask you the same." making his way over to the round table, Giorno took a seat close to where Celestia was standing while maintaining a comfortable distance between himself and Cadance.
"What's the situation right now?" He inquired. Celestia Levitated the map of Equestria over to Giorno, suspending it in the air for all three to see.
"Sombra is currently ruling The Crystal Empire, with his rule he wants to expand his dictatorship across Equestria. Mainly Canterlot. Having tried to do so many times in the past but failing every time, he started sending his Generals to attack the smaller areas and cities. Capturing the innocents that we couldn't save and adds them to his army count. We are trying to figure where he would strike next, however, with his recent attacks. Our resources and rations have taken a massive blow. Should we take another hit like that. I'm afraid that we won't have any leftover rations to feed my soldiers." Celestia explained.
"Can I see where Sombra had recently attacked?"
"It's listed on the blackboard. The names that are crossed out are locations that have been ransacked of supplies and taken over as additional bases of operation for Sombra." Peering behind Celestia, Giorno took a mental image of the locations of the blackboard.
-Appleloosa
-Baltimare
-Cloudsdale
-Dodge Junction
-Fillydelphia
-~~Las Pegasus~~
-~~Manehattan~~
-Ponyville
-~~Vanhoover~~
-Rockville
-Rainbow Falls
"I see..." muttered Giorno. He kept switching his focus between the map and the blackboard, deep in thought.
"Exactly, which is why Princess Cadance and I are trying to figure where the King might engage next. We suspect that Fillydelphia-" Celestia was rudely cut off by the voice of Giorno overpowering hers,
"No, no, what I meant was. I was starting to see a possible connection."
"W-what?! Really?! you might have a lead?!" shouted Cadance, standing up and leaning towards Giorno. After realizing how un-princess like it was of her to have over-reacted, she retook her seat with an embarrassed-apologetic smile.
"Hold on, Princess Cadance. No need to get ahead of ourselves here," Giorno waved it off, which only made Cadance even more embarrassed than before. Turning her pink face, tomato red. This sight was rather endearing to him.
"let me verify with Princess Celestia." Giorno got up from his seat, walking over to the blackboard.
"Princess Celestia, can you tell me the order in which they had taken over the cities on the map? and is it possible for you to project the map holographically?"
"Yes, I can." Celestia shone her horn. Magic swirled around it. The shining particles flew in-between Celestia and Giorno. Arranging themselves into a miniature 3D version of the map.
"Sombra has started his assault with Vanhoover. Next was Las Pegasus, and finally Manehatten. We suspect that their next attack would be Fillydelphia."
"No, he wouldn't attack there. The next spot he would set his eyes on. Is here, Appleloosa."
"What? but why Appleloosa?" Questioned Cadance,
"Look." Giorno pointed to Appleloosa on the holographic map, "Do you see how Appleloosa is situated directly at the far South of Canterlot?" he added.
"Giorno, where are you getting at?"
"Look closely, Princess. Aren't you overlooking a certain village?" Inspecting the map closer, Celestia realized what Giorno was hinting at.
"Are you saying that Sombra's troops will attack not only Appleloosa but Ponyville as well?"
"And subsequently Canterlot, based on the layout of your three-dimension map and in the order in which Sombra has taken over, it seems like he is trying to mislead you to think his next move would be on Fillydelphia, from the pattern of his forces moving downwards from the East of Canterlot. But should we tend to it, it would leave the entire North, South, and West wide open for attacks. We can't afford them to take Ponyville. Even if you had left some men stationed to defend Canterlot, I highly doubt your defenses could withstand the punishment taken from all three directions. At the very least, it would take the enemy several hours to a full day to set up a base in an entire city. We should use that time to ensure that Appleloosa isn't overrun."
"Still, Fillydelphia is filled with innocent ponies and resources that Sombra could abuse. Don't you think that saving Fillydelphia would benefit us greater as compared to Appleloosa?" Cadance voiced her concerns, unsure if what Giorno suggests would help gain any profits from the Holding the Line.
"It would be best to close any exploitable regions in our defense first before going to engage the enemy. Trust me on this, Princess Cadance." Cadance looked over to Celestia, uncertain of whether to trust Giorno's plan or to interject it. Celestia, however, seemed troubled. Desiring to clear her doubt, she questioned.
"Giorno, are you confident that Appleloosa would be the next focus objective that Sombra is trying to overtake?"
"I'm certain."
"Alright, I shall trust your judgment on the matter. Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you, from now on. You have been granted the privilege of being the 3rd highest commander in the Equestrian Army. Only below Princess Cadance and I, I also trust that you won't abuse this special right given to you, yes?" Celestia added sarcastically,
"Thank you for the honor of entrusting me with this role of leadership, Princess Celestia. I will do my best to live up to your expectations. We should gather the available troops, specifically The Ground Pounders. I will need their specialization in earth manipulation for this mission. I will meet them before the Afternoon to start the operation. Also, I would like to overlook this operation myself. Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance, please stay in Canterlot."
"Noted, I'll talk to Captain Steelhooves for you. I know that there's tension between both of you right now. Please take care of them; they are now under your supervision."
"Thank you, Princess Celestia. I will. If there's nothing left, I'll take my leave now. I have to make preparations."
"No, none at all, you may leave." Bowing slightly, Giorno exited the conference room and faded into the red-carpeted hallways of the palace. Cadance looked over to Celestia, who was staring at the map.
"Auntie, don't you think it's too soon to put so much trust into Sir Giorno Giovanna?"
"I understand where you are coming from, my dear niece. But had he wanted to turn on us, he would have done so already. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about him that emanates... righteousness. In any case, we should announce the information regarding the operation too. Let us get to work." Celestia's response sort of place Cadance on edge. Was Righteousness something you could emanate? But no matter how bizarre it may seem. Cadance knew that if her aunt was positive that, Giorno Giovanna, an alien of practically unknown origin, could be trusted. Then she could put faith into him as well.
"I'm not sure if I get what you're saying, but if you trust him, Auntie. So do I."
Aboard the Train - Next Stop Appleloosa - ( 2:34 p.m )
"Why is it so humid?" Giorno breathed under his sweat. The sound of chatter of the Ground Pounders could be heard from the car directly behind him. Before departing from The Canterlot Station, Giorno had packed some metal bearings on his person hidden away in his pouch and a magically imbued ear-piece that allows him to telekinetically communicate to any Soldier aboard the train just by a thought. Other than that, he hadn't packed anything too heavy.
"I can't believe the Princess would trust YOU to lead us," Steelhooves said, sitting directly across Giorno, arms folded and head tilted.
"Captain, I know we started on the wrong foot,.. or hoof. But I don't want our difference to affect this mission. We would need a good relationship if we were to work together. So how about it? Let's turn over a new leaf." Giorno tried Urging Steelhooves, yet. Steelhooves wasn't buying any of it, instead. He just coldly ignored the Gold Joestar.
Sighing, Giorno sees his efforts of rebuilding a good relation with Steelhooves was going nowhere. Opting to sit there patiently with the humid air heating the surrounding. Looking out the window, the sight of rocky mountains and the dry, cactus-filled fields came into view. Leaning back, Giorno tried to relax. But the echo of a voice snapped him to attention.
"We will be reaching Appleloosa in ten minutes, all soldiers. Battle-ready." As sudden as the voice of Steelhooves came on, the chatter in the car behind Giorno silenced.
'Such discipline.' Giorno thought, taking a deep breath. He mentally prepared himself for what's the worse to come.
ゴゴゴゴ
Author's Note
Hiya, sorry about the late update. Remember when I said I sprained my forearm? yea apparently, I fractured my wrist without knowing.
Appleloosa Station
Reaching Appleloosa, the Train's chugging grinds itself to a halt, the moans of the gears squeaks under tension, and the Chimney of the Train whistles out one last chuff of smoke before stopping all movement. The screen doors slide open, allowing the troops to leave at moderate speeds. There exiting the Train was the 2nd in command, Lieutenant Pie. Being the 2nd in command, she had to step up into the leadership role whenever Steelhooves wasn't around or hadn't given direct instructions on what to do. Deciding to help organize the cadets, she quickly stepped clear of the exit way, removed herself from the group, and projected her voice.
"Squadron, fall in!" executing the order swiftly, the Ground Pounders fell in in a neat and organized fashion. Their few seconds of peace was cut short when the noise of all earpiece magically activated,
"EVERYONE, BRACE YOURSELVES!!" Following Giorno's said announcement, a macroburst of winds blew itself from the Train's other side. The gust was so great that it sent some cadets flying off their hooves. However, those that still had footing destroyed the wooden floor and manipulated the earth directly under, pushing it upwards and creating a makeshift shield for the gust. The sound of tearing metal and bending could be heard coming from the Train itself before it gets lifted off the tracks, spinning in the process and landing directly onto the Train Station shelter.
"CAPTAIN! SIR GIORNO!" Pinkie shouted.
-Train Car P.O.V
Giorno hadn't removed his eyes from the window ever since the announcement made by Steelhooves to get ready. He hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary, not until he realized the small dust clouds on the far horizon—a cloud of spiraling dust approaching Giorno, and closing fast, growing more extensive as it did. Running out of patience, Steelhooves tried to get his attention.
"Hey Giorno, you gonna get down or what?"
"Something's wrong," Giorno murmured, concerned.
"What do you mean?" Widening his eyes, Giorno hastily pressed on the magical earpiece sitting in his left ear. A small circle of light surrounds his index finger, connecting his communication to all troops. Shouting into the mic to make sure everyone had heard his warning.
"EVERYONE, BRACE YOURSELVES!!"
"What the hell are you going on about-" Steelhooves was abruptly cut off from Giorno tackling himself onto him. Summoning「G.E.R 」and realizing he had no time to create a shield, he used both of its arms to cushion the impact for both of them. Not a second later, strong gusts of wind slammed itself into the sides of the Train, denting the Train's exterior inward from where Giorno had been sitting, sending glass shards flying everywhere. The metal wall's integrity stood no chance, and a gigantic whole has been busted clean through. Sending the entire Train flying a few feet upwards, flinging both Giorno and Steelhooves around the car's interior like ragdolls before roughly landing onto the Train Station, capsizing and crushing everything underneath it.
-In the Distance across the Station
"Haha! Aww, yea! Bullseye!" A male grey Unicorn pony of muscular build said, pumping his fist in the air. He was dressed in a black Gi with alloy gauntlets and shin-guards, a red fabric tied around his waist. And the most noticeable, giant marking of the number '2' written onto the back of his Gi in white.
"I wonder what kind of fighters they are?" He hummed,
"General, what is your next command?" A trooper kneeled,
"Capture them to add to our army count, and if they resist. Kill them." The General went back to looking at the destruction he had caused, grinning. He looked back to his forces.
"Now, Go! Leave the strong ones to me." The hypnotized army started to stampede their way straight to Appleloosa, with The General watching, slightly amused. Gathering energy directed out his legs, he exploded into the direction of the small apple town.
"Let's get the party started!"
"Urghh.. what?" The Captain looked around. The Train car which he and Giorno had situated in has been entirely flipped over. Feeling something heavy on him, he glanced down, only to see Giorno's unmoving body lying atop of him.
"Shit, oi Giorno! Wake up!" shaking him, Giorno didn't respond. Checking for his pulse, he was still alive, just unconscious. Steelhooves wasn't in good shape either. Cuts run along his arms and body, causing blood to flow down freely. Hefting him up, Steelhooves slung Giorno onto his shoulders, carrying him out of the wrecked car through the giant opening made by the wind while maneuvering away from fires and debris in the process. Hoping out, Steelhooves scanned the area for signs of life.
"Captain!" Lieutenant Pie called out, catching his attention. He landed next to her.
"What's the situation, Lieutenant?"
"Hordes of Sombra's forces are making their way over from the Mountain ranges. There are innocent families still in the houses. What are our next orders?"
"Station our troops to fence the station from where the enemy is approaching, tell them to do whatever it takes to push them back. Do NOT let them pass, and if they do. Ensure they Don't lay their hands on Giorno. He is our only hope of getting ourselves out of this with his healing abilities."
"Yes, Captain. Understood." Saluting, she dismissed herself to relay the message to the others. Running down the houses, Steelhooves tried getting away as far away from the battlefield as possible. Speedily running down the rows of buildings in between the alleyways. As he ran, he reached into his back pouch and took out a small pink crystal.
"Princess Celestia, this is Captain Earth Steelhooves reporting in; Giorno's deduction was right. Appleloosa is under attack, Requesting immediate backup. He got knocked out cold from an enemy attack. My troops and I will do our best to fend them off, but there's no guarantee on how long we'll last. Steelhooves Signing off." Ending the message, he placed it back into his back pouch. Running past more vacant houses and even The local Sheriff's Office, he stopped at one of the houses at the town's corner. A child's whimpers could be heard from the other side of the door when Steelhooves walked up the porch. Knocking, he tried to get the attention of whoever is inside.
"Hello, is anypony here?"
Silence.
"I am Captain Steelhooves from the capital of Canterlot. Please, I have an unconscious accomplice with me."
"GO AWAY!" flinching slightly from the outburst, Steelhooves stepped back. But he can't leave Giorno unattended in an empty house in the event that the town did get overrun.
"I know it's difficult, madam. Trusting somepony that out of the blue asks for shelter during a war. Nopony in their right minds would. But Appleloosa is under attack, and only my associate here could provide healing support to my troops. Shelter him, and I can promise your family won't be caught in the crossfire."
The door creaked open, and a colt, no older than seven. Peeked out from behind it.
"I-Iz it true? Y-you will protect us *Sniff*, Mister?"
"EARTHEN, NO!!" The child got pulled back. At the same time, the door swung itself back closed. Jabbing his hoof to intercept, Steelhooves managed to stop the closing door right at the frame.
"Please, madam. Our hands are full with the enemy rushing Appleloosa-" Steelhooves pleaded. In response, the door was applied with an even greater amount of strength. The occupant was clearly desperate to drive Steelhooves away.
"Ma, he looks very hurt. Shouldn't we help'em?"
The pressure applied onto the door ceased when the timid colt spoke up from behind it. Gradually opening the door, stood a middle-aged mare with her son hiding behind her ragged dress. She was holding a knife. None looked to be in good shape either.
"Please, madam, shelter him. Nothing more." Sighing, the mare lowered her weapon and stepped to the side.
"He can rest on the couch, but I warn ya, if they start bargin' down the door, I won't be savin' his flank."
"Thank you." Steelhooves made his way into the house and laid Giorno onto the red pillowy couch. Taking his leave, he exited the house's interior and onto the dirt road. Looking back to the pair, he nods before sprinting back into the fray.
"Ma. Why is the sleeping pony furless?"
"Must be one o'those magic potion those unicorn folks use, sweetie."
-Battlefield, Wrecked Train site
The battlefield was messy. Troops on both sides were brawling it out directly outside of the station. Pinkie charged a group of assailants, winding up her forearm. She brutally tackles three of them into the air. Moving forward, she flipped over an enemy projectile, landing. She scoped out a piece of the earth and hurled it at the archer who shot at her with a direct headshot. To her right were two oncoming soldiers charging at her. Ducking the first punch, she rolled in-between them and grabbed them both by the neck and smashing their head together. To turns her attention to the soldier on her right, who is still recovering from the head smash, and punched him square in the liver with her left fist. She moved on to the enemy on the left and gave a mean right hook to the face, causing him to spiral to the ground. She switched back to the soldier she had punched in the liver earlier, performing a sidekick to his jaw.
Turning back, three more foes approached. Cracking her knuckles, she posted her arms up in a boxing form and lowered her head slightly, she analyzed.
'Two has swords, one unarmed. Fast takedown it is.'
One of the swordsmen and unarmed charged her. Pinkie breaks into a sprint as well. The swordsman engages first, swinging his sword in a downwards motion onto her. Catching him by the forearm with her left, she halts the movement. Pivoting her left hoof, she spins clockwise and, in quick succession, elbows the unarmed in the stomach with her right. Changing her target, she grabbed the swordsman's forearm with both hands and flipped him over her shoulder. Overthrowing him straight into the ground.
Lifting her leg straight up, Pinkie sends her hoof down. Crushing the ground beneath her, sending rocks and earth of varying sizes flying up and proceeds to use one like a soccer ball, sending it to strike the remaining swordsman. With her side taken care of, she observed the battlefield. The majority of the troops are still having trouble, despite that. If she could target their backline archers, then the tides would turn in their favor.
"Lieutenant!" Pinkie turns to see Steelhooves running towards her. Stopping right beside her, he scans the battlefront.
"It's chaotic. Any idea where we could minimize their assault?" He inquired.
"We should target their backline. They are providing too much support from far." Pinkie points to the horizon, close to the base of the mountain.
"Understood." Hopping to the side, Steelhooves shovels both his hands into the ground,
"「Earth Manipulation,Battle-Style:
lifting a boulder slightly larger than that of a beach ball. Twisting his body, he builds up momentum running forward and flings it with one arm directly to the skies. The air pressure exerted onto the boulder from flying at such high speeds causes it to shatter into smaller pieces before reaching the apex of the throw and falling back down onto the enemy's backline as a shower of rocks. Knocking out roughly a third of their support.
Meteor Shower.」"
"Nice shot." Pinkie commented.
"Yea, great aim!" A blur landed next to the two, dust clouds were sent flying everywhere from the landing. Pinkie and Steelhooves had to use their arms to shield the incoming clouds of dust and winds blowing into them. Finally settling after the initial impact, stood the General smile and all. An ominous aura flowed around him, the unquenchable and unfiltered bloodlust that can only be satiated through the acts of violence and battle poured out of him like a constant faucet connected to the never-ending sea.
ゴゴゴゴ
"Hey, hey, hey. Are you guys up for a fight?" The mysterious pony said while flexing his fingers. Immediately sensing something was amidst, Steelhooves stepped forward and took charge of the situation.
"I am Captain Steelhooves from the Capital of Canterlot. State your business here."
"Oh? I don't think I've met you before. My memory's sorta fuzzy, well, whatever—The name's Vilos. One of the Five Major Generals. I represent The Second Gate of Grief. Now with the introduction outta the way. Show me your blood, Captain!!"
Exploding from where he stood, Vilos lunged at Steelhooves. Pulling his fist back, he delivers a punch devasting enough that it caused an ignition in the oxygen from the surrounding air. Trying to cushion the blow, Steelhooves used both of his forearms to minimize the impact. But before he knew it, he was sent rocketing into the sky.
"CAPTAIN!!" Screamed a soldier.
"DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR OBJECTIVES, SOLDIER!! FORGET ABOUT ME. I'LL HANDLE IT!" The Captain yelled back.
"Great, Great!! That's the spirit!" Vilos jumped in pursuit of the flying earth pony.
-Appleloosa Square
Steelhooves grunted as he roughly landed into one of the vacant houses, smashing the wooden walls supporting it. Absorbing his fall from the skies, he soon stops in the middle of what seems to be an abandoned living room. A gaping hole left from where he had descended onto the house illuminated the area.
"Gah!" grunting, he tried to pull himself out of the wooden rubble. He could feel a searing pain coming from his back. Coughing, he got up achingly.
'Get up, Fight!' He chanted in his mind.
'I Have to Fight! I have to protect them! I won't let it happen again! I won't fail them like how I did HER!'
Earlier in his years, before he was known as the stone heart Steelhooves, he used to be a quiet and timid pony. Growing up, he admired the Royal Guards of Canterlot, but not because they'd put their lives on the line to protect their nation. Instead, how they trained themselves, getting stronger and bettering themselves physically, as a timid and shy pony, Steelhooves admire them about that. Not allowing anypony to push them around and always taking action. But one day, when he been brought out to shop for groceries with his mother, he had lost her through the sea of crowds and ponies. Unable to locate her, he began to sulk to himself by the corner of an alleyway,
"Hey little kiddo, where are your parents?" asked an earth pony dawning gold plated armor. He was a member of the Royal Guard. He was on patrol when he stumbles across a young and distressed Steelhooves.
"I *hick* lost my mum in the crowds, *sniff* I-I don't know where she is."
"Well, let's go find your mommy then! We're going to see if we can find her." On their journey to finding the missing Steelhooves parents. The Guard had stopped to lend a helping hand to an elderly mare needing help pushing up a cart of apples on an angled sloop. Though it had taken longer than expected, he got the job done. Curious as to why the Guard would go to such lengths to help the old mare, Steelhooves questioned the Guard.
"Mister Guard?"
"Yea? What's up, little fella?"
"Why did you help Ms. Granny push the cart up the sloop just now? You wouldn't get anything in return, so why did you do it?" Chuckling, the Guard patted little Steelhooves head gently and gave a warm smile,
"Listen here and listen well, little buddy. It is the job of the strong is to use their gifts and talents for the good of others, even ponies like the Granny earlier."
"Does that mean that the Granny you helped is weak?"
"No, it only shows how imperfect we are as ponies. But it is due to these little imperfections within us that's what makes us special and unique in our own little ways. Remember, once a somepony is gone. It doesn't come back. Don't you think it is one of the best ways to give back to those that have sheltered and help shape you into the strong colt you are today? To treasure and help them. Is one of the many virtues of life."
Little did Steelhooves knew. Through this chance meeting with that Guard, his soul and moral compass were set onto the path of selflessness and righteousness. Understanding the values of life and how precious they truly are. Taking this lesson to heart, Steelhooves found his reason for joining the Royal Guard.
The war began shortly after Steelhooves enlisted himself into the Royal Guards. It was also where he met the love of his life, Orchid Ore, an earth mare part of the rescue team. During their breaks, they would always try to find time for each other. Meeting under one of the trees in the Royal Garden.
"Orchid. Once this war is over, I'll propose to you properly. I promise." Orchid simply snickered at this.
"W-why are you laughing?!" Steelhooves asked flustered,
"I'm not, I'm not. Once this war is over, I want to go on a long and relaxing honeymoon together!" she sang,
"Anything for you." humming, Orchid nuzzled him affectionately. They enjoyed the gentle breeze cooling them—the tree providing an ample amount of shade for them to relax under the heated afternoon sun.
"Thank you, sweetie."
Yet, not two months after the promise he had made to his love, tragedy struck. Orchid's platoon was sent to help escort resources delivering from Manehatten safely over to Canterlot. But none had return the following days after. Concerned, Celestia had dispatched a rescue team, which included Steelhooves, down to investigate. Coming across the small town of Hollow Shades was a horrendous sight. Many of the stallion Guard's corpse was sliced into pieces or gutted and strung up everywhere, including the houses, across the floor, and on the trees, strangely none of the mare Guards were to be seen. Which only set Steelhooves on edge even further. Checking for survivors, Steelhooves could only pray for his fiance to be safe. Searching the town, he couldn't find her, that was until he reached the town center—Steelhooves' pupils shrunk to pinpricks.
There strung up and suspended in mid-air by strings that are tied together to form a web-like pattern. Was Steelhooves's fiance, Orchid. Stripped naked, badly beaten, bruised, bloodied, and raped as white liquids ran down her mouth and neither regions.
"ORCHID!!!" He screamed. He pulled her down from her suspension and hugged her.
"Orchid?! Orchid Please!!" Crying out, he let the tears streamed down his face. It was the only thing he could do. Opening her eyes slightly, Orchid turns to Steelhooves. Voice raspy,
"I'm sorry. I- I thought they were *cough*... I thought they were you.."
"Orchid, tell me what happened. Who did this to you!?" Steelhooves voice cracked, but he couldn't care less. His brain ran through millions of scenarios. He froze when Orchid placed her hand onto his cheek.
"Will..will you smile for me, one last time? I missed it when you smile for me."
"Don't talk like that! I'll smile whenever you want! Just stay with me! Somepony's coming to save you! Don't you remember the promise I made to you?-"Orchid's hand fell to her side. Her body finally succumbing to her injuries, she had used up all the energy in her body to hold out, waiting to see him for one last time because she believed that Steelhooves would eventually come and rescue her. Steelhooves cried out, clinging to her cold body tightly into the dead of the night.
After her funeral, unable to cope with the loss of his love, he mourned for her, and his heart plunged into despair. When they found traces of the Changeling hives near the incident site, the pieces fell together, and Steelhooves built a newfound rage towards the Changelings. He blamed her death on himself, not being able to arrive in time to save the one pony that genuinely mattered to him. Which, in turn, resulted in Steelhooves falling into a depressive state. One where he would begin to cry and cry until his tears had dried up, and along with his tears, so did his capacity to trust in the abilities of others. Opting to manage everything himself. Though fate had stolen his lover away, he was set on not to let anypony else experience the same pain of losing loved ones as he once had to endure.
Turning his regrets and anguish into motivation and drive to become stronger, he would train tirelessly to hone his Earth Manipulation techniques, to be faster to reach those who needed saving, to be stronger to protect those who couldn't fend for themselves. Soon enough, he was climbing up the ranks at a rapid pace. Eventually earning himself the title and status of Captain, fighting for the peace of Equestria. Many idolize him as an icon of strength how he had, time and time again. Lived up to and even surpassing the expectations of the Princesses and his peer. Many sung praises about his accomplishments and achievements in missions and battles. Though deep down, he had never stopped regretting his past failures to save his one and only beloved. Unable to fulfill the promise he had made to her oh so long ago.
Making his way out of the wrecked house, Steelhooves could see an oncoming target coming straight towards him. Straightening his right hand's fingers together into an open palm formation while the palm is still facing his body, he stretched it out forward in front of him. Clenching his right hand into a fist, he brought it close to his body, lowering his center of mass and positioning his hooves paralleled to the ground. Taking a battle stance, he angles his backhand towards the sky as he readies himself for the upcoming attack.
"「Earth Manipulation, Defence-Style:"
As the General's fist struck Steelhooves backhand, he turns his hand to face the earth and lowered his stance slightly. The majority of the General's strength had been redirected through Steelhooves's body and straight to the ground. The land beneath them crippled from the force exerted, creating a deep crater.
"Seismic Redirection.」"
"Amazing technique, Captain!! Show me what else ya got!!" Vilos commented. He attempted to kick his face but was unsuccessful due to an arm blocking it from reaching its destination. Both jumped back, creating a comfortable amount of distance separating the two.
"You're something else! Other ponies that get hit by my punches usually die from one hit, but look at you! still kicking."
'Shit, his attacks are far too strong for a unicorn. Some sort of muscle enhancement magic? Even redirecting his hit to the earth, I can still feel my entire body shaking.' Steelhooves thought, trying to decipher what is fueling the General.
"Now, let us begin proper, Captain!!" he took a huge breath of air. Clocking back his right fist with the bottom facing upwards, a magical wheel circles his right wrist. He reached his left arm out in an open palm facing Steelhooves,
"Index 3, Fourth Form: Aileron Canon!" As Vilos threw his punch, he spins his fist as he extends it. The enormous strength exerted from the attack caused the encompassing air in the vicinity to spiral along with the punch. The Spiraling winds tore through the grounds as it made its way over to where Steelhooves was standing. Jumping out of the way, the horizontal tornado completely shredded the abandoned house behind him. Looking back, Shivers went down his spine. Steelhooves knows that if he doesn't play his cards correctly, he could very well die. Taking his battle stance once again, he was prepared to engage. Vilos also took a stance of his own, slowly pacing his breath as he did.
"Index 2, First Form: Spirit Enhancement." The air crackled with power. A calm blue aura surrounds the General, floating around him like water. Neither of them moved for seconds. Time slowed down, and both adversaries disappeared from where they were standing. Godspeed-like clashes blasted around the square, destroying the environment where they fought.
"「Earth Manipulation, Battle-Style: Splitting Terrain」"Displacing the ground with his hooves, Steelhooves changes the battlefield to his advantage, limiting the range of motion for the General. In a blink of an eye, he closed the distance between himself and Vilos. He jumped up into the air before smashing down onto him.
Dodging, Vilos threw a barrage of punches in his way. Steelhooves tried blocking the onslaught of attacks, but it wasn't very useful. Sending him flying back a good distance. Collecting himself, Steelhooves started to converse.
"Why, *huff* why are you doing this? Why are you fighting for Sombra?"
"Why am I fighting for? What kind of question is that? To get stronger, of course! Can't you see it's how the world operates? The strong crush the weak. It's as simple as that."
"Then what about the innocents that you trample over? Can't you see your needless bloodshed has cost the lives of many? Manipulating and using them, why can't you see that these ponies just want to live out their peaceful, quiet lives? Why must you destroy it for them?!"
"Didn't I get my point across? The weak gets used by the strong precisely because they're WEAK! The weak have no will for themselves. It's not that hard to understand that concept, you know? But if you feel so bad about them dying, just think of it as collateral damage." The General shrugged off,
"Collateral damage? Collateral damage? Does the value of life mean nothing to you?" Steelhooves asked, emotionless.
"It's just another stepping stone for me to get stronger. I don't see the need to fuss over it, but hey. After I'm done with you, I can send your forces to join you in the afterlife so you won't get lonely." Vilos cracked a smile while flexing his fingers.
"No."
"What was that?" Questioned Vilos.
"I will not allow anypony here to die! Not when I'm here!" Steelhooves declared as he took his battle stance.
"Why do you protect them so, Steelhooves? Why risk your life to protect these weaklings? You're strong, stronger than all of them. You're not like them. Why bother to support them when they can't support themselves? True strength is undeniable. They would just be blown away by the winds." Vilos spat,
"You're wrong. True strength is vulnerability, the ability to open up your heart and emotions. It takes a certain level of tenacity to allow ourselves to feel battered and bruised, but those with True Strength never back down. Rather, they use their strength in the service of others. The duty of the strong is to protect the weak. If the winds howls, then I'll shelter them. If they can't fend for themselves, I'll gladly fight to protect them. That is what it means to be strong."
"Suit yourself," Vilos took a battle stance of his own as he continues,
"They'll be sweeping up the pieces of your teeth after you bite the dust."
Steelhooves made the first move, charging, he kneed Vilos in the gut. Doubling over, Vilos regained his posture, trying to land a punch, and failed. Hopping backward, Vilos gave chase. Each punch he gave was only missing and hitting the ground, seeing an opening. Steelhooves landed a direct hit onto the General's face, forcing his head to shift sideways. He soon returned the favor, striking Steelhooves in the cheek. He could feel it, the painful shockwaves coursing through his cheeks to the back of his skull. The pain was unbearable. Yet, with his determination unwavering, he grits his teeth, clenches his fists, and stood his ground. Neither of them letting up. They started their onslaught of relentlessly pummeling one another with a barrage of punches—each strike they had to endure caused shockwaves and ripples in the air. The earth they were standing on caved from the power they were giving off. More cuts and slices ran along Steelhooves' body, allowing more blood to slowly stream down his body. Steelhooves wasn't dishing nearly the same amount of pain as Vilos had dealt. Ducking, Steelhooves sweep kicked Vilos off the ground and punched him in the liver sending him flying into a nearby bar, breaking the wooden gate.
Steelhooves tried entering the establishment but was blown away by the whirling winds driving him back. Suddenly appearing in front of the Captain, Vilos feint a right hook causing Steelhooves to put both arms up to block it instinctively. Capitalizing on his mistake, Vilos spun around, giving a right roundhouse kick to his torso.
"HURGHH!!" Steelhooves grunted. He could feel his left ribs breaking and organs rupturing. Immediately wrapping his left arm onto Vigor's right leg, he delivered a destructive right hook to his adversary. Vilos promptly blocked with both of his arms, yet the energy in Steelhooves punch did send him flying backward.
" *huff*...*wheeze* ... *huff*" Steelhooves was exhausted. In all his time serving the Equestrian army, he hadn't encountered a Major General before. He heard stories from those who survived their encounter with them, saying how they hold incredible power. Never had he thought they'd be this strong.
"Look at you. You should be close to your limit by now. Such a fragile thing, broken ribs, ruptured organs, and a broken shoulder. Can't you see? I was right. The strong will always succeed, no matter the circumstances. The strong are always the victor! But, you really are a fun sparring partner to have around. So tell ya what, I have a great proposal for you, Captain. Call off your forces and join me. We can train and spar to get even stronger. Together! Doesn't that sound nice?" Vilos suggested,
"I'll say it only once, I will Never join you. Or your conquest in overtaking Equestria." Just as Steelhooves said this, Pinkie jumped out to Vilos's left behind one of the larger rubble.
"LIEUTENANT, NO!!" The Captain tried warning the pink earth mare, but she didn't listen, instead. Giving a left roundhouse to his chest. Unamused, Vilos used his right hand to catch her. Leaning in, Pinkie tried to throw a right hook. Again, he grabbed her fist with his left before it reached its destination.
"Tsk, who's this weakling interrupting the fight?" Vilos said, sending Pinkie airborne in front of him. Inhaling, he winded up his fist like how he decimated the house did earlier.
"Index 4, Fourth Form: Aileron Canon!"
Bolting to his Lieutenant, managing to grab her by the hoof. Steelhooves flung her out of the crossfire. However, he did successfully clear her out of harm's way. Now he finds himself at point-blank range of Vilos's Spiraling attack, recognizing he has no time to get himself out of the way. The Captain took his position,
"「Earth Manipulation, Defence-Style: Seismic Redirection.」"
"It won't work," Vilos smirked. The Captain didn't understand what The General had meant, that was until he realizes the ground was uneven. It was destroyed beyond recognition from the intense battle they just had. Unable to distribute the energy to the ground, Steelhooves took the full brunt of the Aileron Canon. The strength given off by the wind currents of the attack was unbelievable, the moment Steelhooves' right arm made contact with the condensed winds. It forced his forearm to rotate counter-clockwise, snapping his bones and tearing his muscles until it was ripped clean off and pushing him back simultaneously. What was left was only a stump that is his bicep. Combine that with the horizontal tornado picking up the rock fragments from the ground. It acted as bullets slashing away at his thighs, chests, and face. One of which smashed right into his left eye, cutting off half of his vision.
"CAPTAIN!!!" Screamed Pinkie, watching helplessly from the sidelines as the attack shredded Steelhooves. Soon enough, the winds subsided. And Steelhooves could only lower his left arm.
"SAY IT STEELHOOVES!! SAY YOU'LL JOIN ME! KING SOMBRA COULD GIVE YOU A BRAND-NEW ARM WITH HIS MAGIC! HE COULD EVEN MAKE YOU STRONGER!! SAY YOU'LL JOIN ME NOW OR ELSE YOU'LL DIE HERE!!!" Vilos yelled at Steelhooves, who only glared at him.
"I... won't." Steelhooves knew. He knew that no matter how badly beaten and mutilated he gets. He could let Giorno heal him back to perfect shape. If not, at the very least he would die knowing he tried his best.
"I won't abandon them! I'll protect each and every pony here til' my last breath!" Shouted Steelhooves. With his resolve burning bright, he assumed his stance for the last time that day, he prepares for his final attack.
"HAHA! SO HONORABLE! FINE STEELHOOVES, DON'T DIE ON ME NOW!!" The General dawn a new posture that he hasn't shown before,
'I'll have to end it in this next, final attack. An attack so strong he has no choice but to take it head-on. An attack so powerful it shakes Equestria to its very core!' He thought while jabbing his hand into the ground. He continues,
'Don't back down now, Steelhooves! Charge forward and fear nothing!' Building up strength in his legs, he encouraged himself.
"I AM THE PROUD CAPTAIN OF THE GROUND POUNDERS, EARTH STEELHOOVES. AND I WILL CARRY OUT MY PROMISES!"
"COME AT ME THEN!!" Vilos challenged,
"「IMPROVISED: EARTH MANIPULATION, FINAL TECHNIQUE:
Steelhooves chanted, bursting with newfound speeds. Steelhooves charges straight for Vilos. Dragging his hand along the ground, he parted the earth as he ran. Vilos responded to his call to action. He filled his lungs with air, howling winds fiercely circle around him, even more so on his right arm as three wheels of magic encase it. Stepping his left hoof forward, he spins his entire body, styling his build-up.
"INDEX ◀5▶,ESOTERICA. SIXTH FORM:
Bulldozing in, Steelhooves stopped directly in front of Vilos. Transferring all the kinetic energy from his sprint to his left arm, he pumped it to the skies, intending on hitting The General's face. As though the Earth had listened to him, the land they were standing on erupted upwards towards the clouds, following his uppercut. He bellows out the name of his ultimate attack.
PLATE TECTONIC ANNIHILATION」"
Following suit, Vilos thrust his arm towards Steelhooves. Smiling all the while. The winds around them rotated and spun along with his moving fist. The pressure generated pushes Pinkie back even further.
PIERCING TYPHOON."
The Twisting gales mixed with hunks of stone, rocks, and earth to form a monstrous whirling cyclone that stretched to the heavens. The fluffy white clouds in the skies darken as they began to circle the Eye of the Storm. The open square where the two had fought had been completely obliterated, blown away by the winds. Only the marks of the tornado were left on the ground. The buildings that were close to the square had been laid to waste. With the storm finally dying out, Pinkie tried squinting her eyes to see past the lingering dust clouds hindering her from finding The Captain.
As the dust clouds slowly dissipated, she could only look at what beheld her in horror. Though having the top part of his Gi fully torn off and bloody lacerations could be seen all across his chest, arms, back, and massive gash going up to his right chest, the General also had his right arm driven straight through Steelhooves' abdomen, the metallic gauntlet dripping with gore. Steelhooves vomits out blood. Vilos stared at the fatal wound he had inflicted onto him before tilting up to meet his gaze.
"I won't forget these wonderful scars that you had left on me, Steelhooves," Vilos said,
"Steelhooves?" Orchid called, but he didn't respond.
"Hellllooo, Earth to Earth Steelhooves," she called again. Ever since returning from the rescue mission of Vanhoover, he couldn't help but keep on playing the scene he saw.
"Orchid... Do you ever think we could have saved them? The kids, I mean." What Steelhooves was referring to was the brainwashed colts and fillies that had been strapped with explosives and be sent to their deaths to act as live homing bombs.
"... Dear, you know we tried to give them quick and painless deaths."
"Yea, But they don't deserve it. No child does!" He shouted as he resumes,
"They still had so much to live for, Orchid. They still haven't got to fully experience their lives yet." Seeing Steelhooves like this pained Orchid, so she gave a swift karate chop to his head.
"Ow, what was that for?!" He yelled as he massaged the bump on his head to soothe to pain,
"Stop thinking like that." She said, confused by what she meant, he asks.
"W-what do you mean?"
"Stop dwelling on the past. Yes, those kids that we weren't able to save are gone. But it's thanks to your actions and quick thinking that allowed us to save many more children from suffering the same fate. Don't you agree?"
"Well, yea but-"
"Listen, Steelhooves. Time doesn't wait for you. Every second you dwell on the past, you steal from the future. We can be stuck in the past and replay that scenario for all of eternity, unable to change anything. Or we can march forward and make the most of what's going to happen instead of worrying about what we can't change."
"I'll... I'll try then," Steelhooves replied reluctantly,
"Thank you, Steelhooves."
"Now... Time to finish off that pink GAGKK-" Vilos was abruptly cut by Steelhooves using his only arm to strangle him, crushing his throat.
'I'm sorry, Orchid. All this time, I had been looking back to the incident. You were always supporting me, haven't you? Telling me not to regret what I couldn't change. I'm sorry I couldn't do better. I promise I won't look back on that day ever again, so please. Lend me your strength. One .Last .Time.' Steelhooves thought as he drove more power into his left hand.
"Gah -where- is this- strength- coming from?" Vilos wheezed out while trying to pry Stelhooves' hand off him, but he held his throat with an iron grip.
"I... noticed... that every time you used your immense power to spin the winds, you... always took a second to breathe before launching an attack." Vilos gave a surprised expression, which was all Steelhooves needed as confirmation to exert even more strength behind his grip.
'Looks like I hit the Jackpot—all I have to do now. IS TO CHOKE HIM OUT! '
The General tried forcing his arm out of Steelhooves' torso, but he was stuck in place. Unable to remove it.
"GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Vilos yelled out, throwing punch after punch at Steelhooves' face. Trying to make him release his hold onto his neck.
'Hold it! Force it out! My everything!' Steelhoove matched Vilos's yelling with a battle cry of his own, screaming at the top of his lungs.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!"
Pinkie stood on the sidelines, watching the events unfold before her. She didn't try to aid her Captain. She knew if she goes in, her presence would only hinder his focus. Helpless to do anything, she observed with a drop of tear streaming down her face.
'Please Captain, beat him.' she prayed,
"I- won't- lose," choked Vilos,
"I still- have to get- STRONGER." Dark magic erupted from deep inside of Vilos. In his eyes, the whites turn green and purple flames combusted from the corner of it, and black lighting crackled around his horn. He rips out his right arm using this newfound strength and decks Steelhooves with his left, sending him rocketing back. Steelhooves knew he was going to die, closing his eyes. He welcomed the cold embrace of death. However, his journey was intercepted by a pair of golden hands catching him. A particular pink, outfitted blonde stood behind him. Looking up, he couldn't help but crack a smile.
"S-somepony really took their time napping, h-huh?" Steelhooves coarse out,
"Sorry it took so long for me to get here. I got lost navigating the town until I saw that massive cyclone." 「Gold Experience Requiem」 picked up a stone from the ground that roughly matched the size of Steelhooves blown off stomach. He hovered it close to the gaping wound and gave life to it, restoring his abdomen.
"Leave the rest to me," Giorno said, gently placing Steelhooves down onto the ground.
"Who are you? *cough* Some freak? Whatever, I'll take of it later." Changing his sights to Pinkie, he darts towards her. Ready to send her head flying. His punch was caught by a single golden hand with an orange beetle on it. Unfazed and pushing it to the side revealed「Gold Experience Requiem」. Including Giorno standing behind the golden spirit.
"Your fight is with me, not her."「G.E.R」echoed. Tightening its grip onto Vilos's fist,「G.E.R」delivered a flurry of punches to his torso. Even with his enhanced speed and reaction time, if he is forced into an immovable position, it wouldn't matter how fast he was. He wouldn't be able to dodge the barrage.
"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA"
With each strike「G.E.R」landed onto Vilos, Giorno imbues it with life force. The first punch would send The General's mind into overdrive. The next ten would carry the same effect as the first, but this time the pain would be enhanced. The life energy given to him causes his already heightened suffering to skyrocket higher. Essentially, stacking the pain he receives with each new hit「G.E.R」lands onto him. not to mention, his mind would constantly fall in and out of his body as「G.E.R」continues to pummel into him.
"MUDA!!"
Finishing off drowning Vilos in a sea of fists,「G.E.R」delivers one last heavy punch. Sending him cruising back and landing onto the floor, spasming out. Giorno walked over, intending to finish him off. But an explosion of black mist and smoke covered Vilos and stopped him. A pair of green eyes gleamed from inside of the smoke starring at Giorno.
"I have seen enough, Giorno Giovanna." The voice of Sombra whispered,
"Who are you?"
"You'll know soon enough," More clouds of smoke screens Vilos, soon scattering into the cracks on the ground. Failing to end The General and with the long battle coming to an end, Giorno turns to Pinkie.
"Are you injured, Lieutenant?" He inquired,
"Forget about me, tend to The Captain."
"Right." Jogging to the resting Steelhooves, he hadn't moved from where Giorno had laid him. Utilizing「G.E.R」once again, he gathered the surrounding rubble and compacted it together, giving life and forming a brand new right arm for Steelhooves.
"Lieutenant!" A soldier called to Pinkie, waving his hand in the air as he ran over.
"Lieutenant, the enemy troops have started to retreat! What are our next orders?"
"Continue to station yourselves around the perimeter of Appleloosa. We can't risk an ambush attack."
"Yes, Lieutenant!" The soldier saluted before running off, turning around. Giorno was supporting Steelhooves with his arm sling around Giorno, stopping beside Pinkie.
"Where the hell have you been all this time?" She asks,
"I got knocked out by the Train tipping over, from what I found out. The Captain carried me all the way to the other side of town to hide me with the local ponies. After regaining consciousness, they filled me in on what happened. I tried to find your whereabouts. But that giant tornado did it for me. The Captain's wounds are fully healed, but he's currently knocked out due to the blood loss. But before he did, he told me he has already called in for reinforcements, " Giorno explained. Not another second later, a Sonic Rainboom could be seen bursting in the sky towards them. Leaving a gorgeous rainbow trail as it did. Looking up, he continues,
"Speak of the devil."
-Destroyed Appleloosa Square
Crashlanding near Giorno and Pinkie, Rainbow trudged towards them, and each step she took looked painful and tired. She looks worse for wear since the last time Giorno had encountered her, with bandages wrapped around her body underneath the crooks of her armor.
"Reinforcements has arrived, where- *huff* where is the enemy?" Rainbow breathed,
"The enemy has made their retreat, Lieutenant. Sir Giorno managed to drive them away." Pinkie responded,
"What? Who the hell is Sir Giorno?" Turning to her right, she was met with a very familiar face, "Y- you! You're the piece of shit The Apples called for!" Her reaction was less than pleasant, surrendering both his hands up to show he doesn't want to start a conflict. Giorno stood up,
"Please calm down, Lieutenant. I'm on your side."
"Bullshit! You've must've used some sorta hypnosis magic on them like you did on me. Release them!"
"Lieutenant Dash, please calm down. Sir Giorno here just saved Captain Steelhooves from near death." Pinkie rebuttal,
"What? he saved The Captain?" Pinkie shifted the unconscious Captain to face Rainbow, letting her guard down, she relaxed her posture.
"...You saved the Captain, huh? I guess I was wrong about you." Rainbow took a pause, taking in the messy aftermath of the demolished Appleloosa Square.
"What's the situation now?" Rainbow asked,
"Our troops are still stationed around the perimeter. A General was accompanying the raid, but most of if not all of Sombra's forces have retreated by now." Pinkie responded,
"W-what? A General? No wonder the captain's so beat up." Rainbow tried to crouch down to examine the captain's conditions. Still, with her broken ribs hindering her full range of motion, she could only bend a quarter way down before succumbing to the piercing pain in her sides. Finching, she hugged her bandaged ribs.
"Oh mio your ribs are broken, here let me heal you." Summoning「G.E.R」, he reached out to caress the bandaged area gently. A glow illuminated within the armor's spaces, and Dash immediately felt a sharp pain shocking around her ribs.
"Argh! What the hell are you doing!? It's not..." Rainbow touched her ribs again. She realized it wasn't hurting anymore.
"It's not... Broken anymore?" She said, dumbfounded. Giorno shrugged it off,
"Yea, it's called healing. Anyway, do any of you have a way to communicate with the Princesses? I wish to talk to them." Pinkie reached into her back pouch and fished out a shiny pink crystal. Tapping it twice with her thumb, she handed it over to Giorno,
"Here, use this. It's a communication crystal. I've already signaled for a live call. Now we have to wait for either one of the princesses to answer." Grabbing the rosy gem into his hands, he stretched it out slightly in front of himself, and he waited patiently for the princesses to respond. While waiting, he turns his attention to Rainbow removing her helmet.
"Lieutenant Dash, was it? If memory serves me right, we first met at the fields in Ponyville."
"Yea, I remember, you decked me 'til my ass was on the ground." she scoffs.
"Yeah... sorry about that."
"Save your pity. I don't need it."
"Right...... Lieutenant Dash, do you worry for The Captain?" Getting her attention, she fully turns to face Giorno.
"What do you know?"
"When Lieutenant Pie mentioned The Captain being safe, you seemed... relieved." Sighing, Rainbow sat down along with Giorno and Pinkie, placing her helmet to her side, and she continues,
"Among The Equestrian Military Forces. The Captains are the highest-ranking officers there are. Not only are they respected for their positions and rank but for the power and magical prowess they have. They are some of the strongest fighters in all of Equestria, 'sides from the Princess, of course. Still, in the presence of a General. It's a totally different system altogether. The power of a General is on a totally new level of strength that it's terrifying. They could wipe whole armies if they wanted to. It's not uncommon for a Captain to lose to a General in combat, die even. Because those who have the shit luck of stumbling across a General usually never survives, so it sure was a hell of a surprise when you said you beat a General!"
"It's not. It was all the work of Captain Steelhooves. He weakened the General for me to deliver the finishing blow." Their conversation was interrupted by the rose-colored crystal shimmering with light. A projection came from it, and there sat Princess Celestia. The two Lieutenants next to Giorno bowed with their heads down to the sun goddess as a sign of respect without hesitation.
"Your highness." both said in unison. A slight nod set the two at ease,
"Is the situation over at Appleloosa resolved?" Celestia asked,
"We encountered a General, your highness. But we managed to beat him and chase him away." Giorno replied,
"That's wonderful news! I will be sending a transport train over to bring all of you back to Canterlot."
"Princess, you can send all the troops back. I will be heading straight to Fillydelphia."
"What? Don't tell me you're going to fight in Fillydelphia all by yourself?"
"That's precisely what I'm planning to do," Giorno said,
"Don't be absurd, Giorno! We have already got what we came for! Going to fight more of Sombra's troops is suicide!" Pinkie interjected,
"Lieutenant Pie is right, Giorno. You have already secured your objective in Appleloosa. We can head over to Fillydephia when more of my ponies are fully healed." Celestia added Giorno wasn't swayed in the slightest, however. Opting to stand by his decision of heading straight to Fillydelphia.
"Princess Celestia, what I had in mind wasn't to only defend Appleloosa. I never had any intentions to let them take over Fillydelphia. It's like you said, it is a mine full of resourced goods and rations. I wasn't heavily injured in our confrontation with one of Sombra's Generals, so I'm more than capable of traveling over to Fillydelphia myself. I believe this is very crucial, Princess. Even you have to agree with me that letting them take over Fillydelphia would come with many negative comebacks soon."
"... There's no convincing you, is there, Giorno Giovanna?" letting a small sigh, Celestia resumes sounding defeated,
"Alright, I'll send in more available troops to support you."
"Oh, that won't be necessary. The cityscape is too large and vast. I can't focus on the mission without them getting lost or getting in the way. Not to mention the possibility of getting separated and divided with the enemy knowing the terrain's layout, we will just be caught in a spider's web. And they will slowly pick us off one by one."
"That seems plausible, so you would prefer a small group instead, am I right?"
"Actually, all I want is just two captains to accompany me."
"I'll arrange it for you then. And I minus well teleport you there myself, no point in wasting time to travel."
"Thank you, Princess. Your generosity knows no bounds." Celestia gave a small smile at the compliment,
"Prepare yourself in thirty minutes, Giorno. I will magically teleport you via the communication crystal you are holding. I will spawn you near the outskirts of Fillydelphia. From there on, you will meet up with the two Captains I have assigned to accompany you on your mission. That said, I can't teleport all of you back to Canterlot unless you have the crystal you are holding. So if you wish to leave Fillydelphia, you absolutely must NOT lose the communication crystal. Is that clear?"
"Understood, your highness," Giorno noted,
"Good, I will talk to you again five minutes before teleportation. Please be ready by then."
"Yes, your highness." With that, Celestia ended the communication link. Shifting back, Giorno walked past Pinkie and Rainbow. Making his way past the rocky terrain and towards where the troops were guarding.
"And where are you going?" Rainbow asked,
"I'm going to check on the troops to see whether they had sustained any injuries so I could heal them. I'll be back before Princess Celestia contacts me again." Maneuvering, he made his way out of the battlefield and disappeared behind the houses. Thunderous booming came from the skies, and three smoke trails can be seen from above coming down to where Pinkie and Dash are located. Hovering in the air were three Wonderbolts, equipped and ready for battle.
"Lieutenant Dash! Lieutenant Pie! Reinforcements have arrived!" A voice of a stallion spoke up from the three.
"The threat has been resolved, but we can't be too sure. We are to be stationed here for the next several hours, fly around Appleloosa and keep a lookout for all suspicious activity." Rainbow commanded. With the three Pegasus nodding, they blasted by into the skies to survey the premise of Appleloosa. Stretching her wings, she clipped on her helmet and turns to Pinkie.
"I'll help The Wonderbolts with the scouting. You should find a better place to let The Captain rests before the pickup train arrives." Spreading her wings, she flapped them once and took off with a trail of sparkling rainbows behind her. Finally, realizing the ground was probably not the most comfortable place to rest your fatigued body after a battle to the death. Pinkie hefted The Captain up and carried him into an abandoned house, laying him onto the couch so he could rest comfortably. She kept watch of him until Giorno came back to the square.
Roughly twenty minutes later~
"Lieutenant Pie? Are you there?" Giorno called,
"I'm over here." Pinkie waved Giorno over to the abandoned home, stepping in. Giorno immediately noticed the sleeping Steelhooves on the couch.
"I have mended all of our troops' injuries. How's the Captain?" Giorno spoke,
"He seems to be doing fine, no complications while you were gone." Pinkie replied,
"Great, good to hear. Please tell him to rest if he wakes up anytime soon, his body is still battered, and I don't want him to overexert himself."
"Will do."
As on cue, the crystal tucked away in Giorno's pocket flashed repeatedly. Digging it out, a projection of Celestia came online as she promised. Pinkie kneeled as she did before while Giorno just stared.
"Giorno Giovanna, the teleportation spell is ready. Are you ready to go?" Celestia asked. Giorno looked over to Pinkie and spoke,
"I'll meet you back at Canterlot Castle. Please take care until then." He smiled before turning back to face Celestia,
"Yes, I am. Please bring me there."
She nodded and shined her horn. The crystal which Giorno was holding shined along with her. The live projection was cut off as the light soon engulfed Giorno's being. The sound of shimmering glitter could be heard as he vanished straight to the city in the east. Pinkie was left crouching there in the vacant wooden building, a slight tang of worry smudged over her face.
"And the same goes to you, Giorno Giovanna." She muttered.
Outskirts of Fillydelphia
Electricity sparked in the air, the space cackling and warping before Giorno appeared standing on the grassy hillside. He covered his mouth and hugged his stomach to keep it from spinning. Giorno felt his insides churn, still not quite used to the after-effects from teleportation. And the prospect of throwing up his breakfast did not please him at all.
"You sure did keep us waiting, huh?"
A happy-go-lucky voice called out from behind him, turning around. Giorno is met with two familiar faces.
"Yo, so your Giorno? Nice to meet you again, even if it's on a mission, hehe. We've got the message from Princess Celestia, and we're ready. Name's Hailing Blizzard, and my friend over here is Metal Jacket."
The voice came from the Pegasus stallion, who looked to be wearing a black and dark blue variant of the Wonderbolt attire. Giorno assumed the Unicorn crossing his arms and bearing three large spears on his back is Metal Jacket, remembering the names from the introduction given by Shining Armor. He nodded deeply to show he still recalled their names somewhat and not disrespect them; the last thing he wants to do is repeat the incident with Steelhooves.
"Saluti , Giorno Giovanna. Nice to meet you again." Giorno replies,
"Woooahhh, what's 'Saluti'? Is that some kind of alien language!? That's so cool! You've gotta teach me some!!"
Blizzard ecstatically replied. Giorno gave a cringed smile, forgetting for a moment that he was dealing with a new intellectual alien species that hasn't been explained the cultural differences back on Earth.
"Apologies, I have a bad habit of occasionally adding in my home language when I converse. Regardless, we should come up with a plan. But can I ask what do you two specialize in?"
"Oh, ok! I am Chief Master Sergeant of the Sky-Splitters. A division branching from the Wonderbolts that specializes in Stealth, scouting, and assassination. We excel in silent takedowns and not in upfront engagements. There's only a small handful of us, though. That's about it."
"Ah, good to note. And what about you, Captain Jacket?"
Metal eyed Giorno for an uncomfortable minute that felt like an hour, not moving an inch from his cross-armed position. The wind spoke before Metal could, the howl echoed from the far distance and the grass beneath them swayed fluidly. Blizzard doesn't seem to be bothered by this aching silence. In fact, he seems to be humming a tune without a care in the world. As though he was expecting this to happen and opting to take up his time by humming a song.
"Metal Jacket, Metal Moduls Jacket. Captain of the Sharpshooters. My specialty is self-explanatory." Metal said coldly,
Giorno has dealt with many types of people while serving as the Don of Passione, and all kinds of people from all walks of life. Unsurprisingly, he has already met and dealt with types like our friend Metal.
"Alright, my ability is to give life to objects to aid me in battle. I can help heal you if you suffer too much damage, but please do be cautious." Giorno warned,
"Will do!" Blizzard gave a thumbs up,
"Noted." Metal replied coldly again.
"Will ya stop being so moppy all the time, Speary? You're gonna start making me moppy too if you keep this up!" Blizzard scolds playfully,
"Ugh, shut up, will you? Let's get this over with so I can head back to Canterlot." Metal complained, with a slight tone-shift in his voice,
"Wait, 'Speary'?" Giorno questioned out loud
"Yea! It's the nickname I gave to ol' little gloom-head over here, with that attitude you're gonna get yourself killed one day!"
Giorno turned away from the pair and held back a laugh, but a snicker betrayed him,
"You use that nickname, and I'll pin you to the walls of Canterlot Castle with your intestines strung up for the vultures to feed off of."
Spinning back, Giorno gave the most emotionless face he could muster. But a drop of tear coming down his cheek said otherwise.
"Yes, of course," Giorno responded,
"I'll head off to the city first. I'll do what I can to support you two from the shadows."
Equipping his helmet, Blizzard took to the skies and headed straight to the city. Giorno and Metal started trekking down the hill, making their way to the city as well.
Alleyway
Both stealthily navigated through the crooks of the buildings. The stench of dumpsters and wastes filled their noses. Now and then, they would come across a patrolling guard. Which they would quickly take care of. Oddly there weren't as many guards patrolling as they thought it would. This was due to Blizzard aiding them from behind the scenes. Thanks to him, the two hadn't need to expose themselves as frequently as they needed to be.
While traversing through the dark alleyways, they managed to catch sight of a group of ponies. Beaten, bruised, and chained, no matter the age, old or young. They were forced to walk together as they were handcuffed in one continuous thread, all of them being lead by multiple guards surrounding them to ensure they would stay in line. While Giorno watched the event unfold before him, he couldn't help but clench his fist so tightly he felt his muscles cramp. He soon snapped out of his trance when he heard Metal mumbling incoherent words next to him.
"1679...1680...1681...1682...1683..."
"Captain Jacket, why are you counting? you might get us caught." Giorno whisper-shouted,
"I'm tolling... the total numbers of innocence that Sombra's forces mistreated."
"What?"
Giorno was slightly taken aback by his response, though he sounded calm. Unhindered rage oozed from Metal.
"For every pony mistreated by Sombra and his forces, I will torture him equally when I get my hands on him. Not a single pony will be left uncounted for when I'm here. They will all be avenged."
Giorno didn't bother to reply to Metal's vow, understanding his pain that he's experiencing on a somewhat personal level. Moving onward. They would notice more and more of these chained prisoners captured and forced to walk to a destination, and each time they'd notice it. Giorno would get even tenser and irritated at what he saw. All the while, Metal would be numbering off the civilians captured. Following where the chained prisoners were heading, what the two saw fueled their burning rage even further when they were met with the sight of what many would consider a Live Pony Zoo.
The natives of Fillydelphia were treated like low-grade animals at best, with many ponies forced and shoved tightly into a cage. Some crying out to let them out, others being tased and some dismembered, left to rot on the streets where they lived. Many cried, many minds broken, yet the only ponies that have yet to let their spirit be broken by such torture are the little fillies and colts still desperately clinging onto hope that somepony would come and save them. The sound of electric tasing soon filled the crying streets, and a yell out of utter pain echoed out from a colt.
"AHHHHHH!!" The beaten colt screamed,
"Stay in line." The troop that electrocuted the colt said lifelessly,
"NO! PLEASE! NOT MY LITTLE COLT, I'M BEGGING YOU! IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT TO SOMEPONY DO IT TO ME! I'LL ENDURE IT!"
The colt's supposed mother pleaded with the guards from the shackles that blinds her, metal chains forcibly clanking and shaking around as she tried to force herself closer to her child. Her pleas were only rewarded with an electric shock from another guard escorting her group directly onto the back of her neck. Her eyes rolled back into her skull, and smoke rose from her mouth. Soon she collapses onto the asphalt intersection, unmoving.
"...Mom...?"
The colt tried calling for his mother but no response.
"MOM!?"
He tried again, no response.
"MOMMA!? MOMMA!?!"
Yet, he tried again. She failed to respond. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he screamed. The colt tried crawling to his mothers' side, but his arms disobeyed him from the terrible abuse it had to endure. So he used his legs to push himself closer to her, grinding his limp upper-body against the rough, friction road. Small trails of blood left from where he had ground his skin off. The mindless Guard only looks on, displeased at the outcome, slowly walked over to the colt. He Intended to make him an example of why the prisoners shouldn't step out of line. Changing out to a spear, he loomed over the child and raised it high into the air for every prisoner to see. The metal tip reflected an orange hue from the setting sun, but before it could even dive into stabbing the harmless colt. A golden arm stopped it.
Stunned, the Guard looked to who was responsible, only to be met with the fist of「G.E.R」.
"MUDA!"
The guard was sent flying back from the blow. With Giorno's cover blown, Metal sees no need to continue hiding. Generating two magical spears, he chucks one at a group of troops approaching Giorno. Hitting the ground, it explodes. Sending the group rocketing in all directions.
"What the hell are you doing, Giorno!? Why couldn't you have just stood still?!"
"Nobody could have after seeing that!!" Giorno retorted,
Stretching out his left arm. Metal aimed his other spear at the remaining guards. He cast two spells onto the glowing spear's main shaft. One light green and cyan magic wheel circles the rod before he launched it at them. The throw initially missed the intended target, but it soon corrected itself mid-air. Piercing through all six guards through their chests.
"Centerfire: Ricochet and Seek."
Looking back to where Giorno is, Metal saw he was already next to the fallen mother, treating her wounds. Shortly after, she opens her eyes to be hugged by her son, crying into her arms.
"Momma!" The little colt cried,
"There, there. It's alright. I'm fine now."
The mother consulted her son, whispering nothing but comfort and sureties to help calm the frightened colt. Though it was long after the pair had their short reunion, the mother looked up to Giorno, tears in her eyes and her voice shaken, yet eternally grateful for the human who freed her and her child from this cruelty.
"T-thank you... So much. H-how could I ever repay you..?" she spoke,
Giorno gave a warm smile and a pair of understanding eyes. He turns and walks over to the caged ponies, all of them jumping away from the blonde in slight fear. Only to relax when Giorno summonds「G.E.R」to break them free of their steel prison, he repeated this until all had been freed. He then proceeds to grab the metal bearings from his pockets, taking them out and imbuing life into the bearings, handing everyone present one.
"Alright, everypony. My name is Giorno Giovanna, and my accomplice here is Captain Jacket from the Capital of Canterlot. We're here to set you free and to escort everypony to Canterlot for shelter and protection."
"W-what!? No way! The Royal Guards are finally here! Help has arrived!" A stallion from the crowd exclaimed. Quickly things started to get out of hand when chatter and excitement from the group start to overpower Giorno's voice. Metal responded by lodging a spear into the ground. Shutting everyone up.
"Ahem, as I was saying. Yes, help has arrived. But we can't risk ourselves getting out of here without being attacked. So I'm placing my trust in all of you to find a safe hiding place in the meantime. These metal bearings I just gave you are imbued with a special energy. If at any point you feel unsafe or fear being chased, throw the bearings to the ground and run for your life. It will buy you some time to escape."
"Then what are you gonna do, mister?" The little colt asked. Giorno looked down towards the deserted street behind him and promised the colt.
"We're going to make the bad ponies pay,"
Streets of Fillydelphia - (Night time)
After ensuring that the civilians have evacuated to hide someplace, Giorno and Metal walked down the empty streets of Fillydelphia, deciding that it'd be quicker to find whoever it is responsible if they'd traverse the open roads instead of the damp alleyways. It has been a good twenty minutes since releasing the prisoners, yet within those twenty minutes was pretty uneventful for the duo. Having not encountered any other of Sombra's infantry units. It got quiet real fast.
"It's awfully tranquil around here," Giorno stated matter a factly,
"It shows that Blizzard doing his part. We must focus on finding the General,"
Walking down a little further, a silhouette of a figure with a straw hat came into view. This caused both to stop in their tracks instantly. But the straw hat silhouette was unswayed and kept on walking towards them.
"Stop where you are!" Giorno shouted. He was certain the figure could hear him from where he was, yet he did not stop.
"I told you to stay where you are-" Giorno was cut off when the figure had disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Looking left and right, Giorno couldn't stop where he had gone. His questions were answered when he heard the heavy whisper of a stallion coming from behind. His voice was calm, yet there's a sense of danger behind it, which sent shivers down his spine.
"You... Must be... Giorno Giovanna..."
He was stunned, slowly turning his head to face Metal. The spear bearing unicorn didn't seem to be disturbed by his presence at all. Deciding to be the first to act, Giorno turns around and materializes「G.E.R」to punch the ominous shadow.
"MUDA!"
Spinning around,「G.E.R」extended its arm fully to strikes the figure. However, the punch didn't connect. Upon recognizing this, Giorno was confused. That was until he felt his striking arm to be lighter. Looking down, he realizes his right arm was completely sliced off, blood gushing out.
"I had expected you to come... King Sombra warned me of you,"
Looking back up, the image of the figure was clearer. The straw hat covering his face, wearing a black buttoned-up, long-sleeved shirt and a dark blue coat with a starry night design over it. With long, black baggy pants reaching his knees, the rest of the way down, his legs are tied up with white bandages around his calves, the only visible parts are his hooves exposed. On his left waist was a medium length katana. The sheath was patterned with a white floral silhouette design. A golden circular hilt was visible from where Giorno had stood. In the figure's left hand was Giorno's right arm. At the same time, he had his right arm sliding back his katana into the holder with a satisfying 'sh-click' sound.
Metal roughly grabbed Giorno's shoulder and cast a simple short-distance teleportation spell to get themselves away from the sword-wielding pony, creating good separation between the two opposing forces. Using this breathing space, Giorno shovels the asphalt from the road beneath them. Creating a new right arm and attaches it to his severed wound.
"Who are you?" Metal spoke,
"Greetings, my name is Honjo. And I am the inheritor of The Third Gate. A pleasure to meet you."
Metal summons his spears, holding both at the ready for when the fight begins.
"So you're the General?"
"Correct."
"Great, nice knowing you."
Enchanting his spear, a blue and yellow magic wheel spun around it. Metal chucks one towards Honjo at blinding speeds, leaving a trail of yellow behind it. To Honjo promptly dodges with a slight pivot of his hoof. With the enchantment on the spear still active, it soon corrected its path of trajectory. It curved itself upwards to the sky and shot itself back down towards him, exploding the ground as dust clouds formed, enveloping Honjo.
"Centerfire: Seek and Boost"
The dust clouds slowly dissipated, yet The General was nowhere to be seen again.
"CAPTAIN, DUCK!!"
Metal did as he was told. And thanks to Giorno's warning, the Captain managed to escape an early death as the crimson blade of Honjo sailed past over his head. Giorno summons「G.E.R」once again, this time shooting his last two bearings towards The General with its thumb. Honjo instinctively sliced the steel projectiles in halves. But not a second later, the bearings morphed into Deathstalker Scorpions and lunged themselves at him.
Naturally, Honjo tried slicing at the scorpions once again. But when the blade made contact with the live animal, he could somehow feel his own attack slashing his chest. Before he could force his sword any further into the arachnid, he mouthed his own magical ability.
"Black sky - 11th Star: Aquarius."
Activating his magic, the blade lighted a brighter red. Turning the bladed end permeable, it phases through the creatures like it wasn't even there.
"W-what!?" Giorno stuttered out,
Taking advantage of his confusion, Honjo closes the distance between himself and Giorno. Ingraining magic to his sword again, slicing the air vertically.
"5th Star: Leo."
The pressuring wind forced its way to the golden Joestar. With no time to jump out of the way, Giorno summons「G.E.R」to brace for impact. Despite using his Stand to cushion the blow, it still sent him flying several stories backward further down the street, smashing into the side of the building before coming to a stop at the base of a store.
"Giorno!-"
"Eyes on the battle," said Honjo,
Giving Metal no time to breathe, he continues to pressure The Captain. Swinging his katana at him rapidly, all the while, Metal uses his magic spears to act as shields, blocking the blade.
Giorno
Soaring through the air wasn't planned on his part. He hadn't known the attack would send him this high up into the air, no time to regret. It was his hesitation that led him to where he is, after all. Noticing that he was slowly closing in on the side of the building,
"「GOLD EXPERIENCE REQUIEM」!!"
Giorno brings forth「G.E.R」, penetrating its fist. It glides along the side of the building as he is falling, carving out the brick wall with ease. Its fist gave life to the surroundings as he slid closer down to the ground and into the building. Trees burst out from the openings Giorno created, softening his fall. Slamming through the second floor of the building, Giorno lands into the store on the first floor. Trees stretching back from the opening from where he had smashed through and leaves falling everywhere.
"Aghh..." he groans,
Looking around, Giorno realizes he is now in a shop of some kind. Getting up, he felt a sharp pain stabbing his back. Grabbing the foreign object, he pulls it out from his body,
"A knife?"
The sounds of clashing weapons filled the empty streets, occasionally sparking and illuminating the area. Honjo effortlessly deflected the two oncoming spears, sending them off course, but it was relentless with its attacks. Continuously rebounding and coming back for more. Having had enough, he slices both spears in half.
"Is that all you've got, Metal? It looks like I've overestimated your abilities."
"And how do you know my name? I don't recall giving away any information, nor have I met you before."
"King Sombra."
"That bastard? Expected that much."
"Silence. You will not tarnish his name, you scum."
"I didn't know garbage have feelings, much less a follower like you for his worthless cause."
"Careful."
"I doubt I'm in trouble."
Metal summons another spear. This time, a single blue magic circle surrounds it.
"Shotshell: Seek."
Activating his secondary fire mode, Metal spawns hundreds of spears hovering behind him. All indistinguishable from the one he is currently holding onto. All aimed its head at Honjo, and all ready to fire.
"You, on the other hand."
With a wave of his hand, The Captain nudges his swarm of heavy artillery slightly forward, staring down The General as he did so with murderous intent.
"Is well within my range."
Honjo gives an audible 'hmph.' and smiles. Grasping the handle of his katana, he widens his legs, lowers his chest, chuckles, and says,
"This is where the fun begins."
"『A ROAD ROLLER!!』"
Slamming the Road Roller onto Honjo knocked the wind out of him; brightening his blade with magic, he summons several magical blades once again to support the weight of the gigantic metal contraption.
"Argh! Sagittarius!"
"You can't escape!"
Without wasting another second. Giorno showers the yellow vehicle in a cannonade of punches and fists. Ruthlessly pushing the heavy metal down onto The General.
"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!!"
"Don't get cocky! 10th Star: "
Releasing his glowing blades, Honjo allows the hunk of steel to drop ever closer towards his face. Just as it was about to make physical contact, he unsheathes his katana. A circular slice travels around him fully, cleaving the mighty road roller in two.
"Capricorn!"
Giorno jumps to the side, though his tailcoat got sliced off. He kicks off and abandons his ride. Landing safely close to Metal, regaining his posture.
"What was that?" Metal questioned,
"...A good idea?" Giorno replied,
"Which part of dropping an entire steam roller onto your opponent was a good idea?"
"Something in the back of my head said so, in hindsight. Probably not."
"Are you done with your tricks?" Honjo asks, agitation clear in his voice. Making his way out of the now two-pieced machine, he stands clear of the wreckage, eyeing Giorno down.
"Are you that desperate to kill me that you'd resort to using such barbaric methods?"
"It wasn't meant to kill you," Giorno replies,
Snapping his fingers. The sliced parts of the Road Roller sprung roots from below, giant husks of bark and wood engulf the swords-pony. Honjo tried to unleash his sword once again, but the limited space and the enclosing trees gave him very little to work with. And within just a couple of seconds, Honjo was restrained.
"It was meant to restrict you."
"Hurgh! Urgh!"
Struggle as he might, Honjo wasn't going to be set free anytime soon, and he knows it. He desperately tried looking around for a way out, anything that could help unshackle him.
"It's best to stop struggling. These trees are living beings. They are alive. Any harm you wish to do to it won't turn out in your favor. I have several questions I want you to answer as well." Giorno explains as he walks over.
Honjo scoffs,
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, it's a warning. That is,-"
Leaning closer, he stares straight into Honjo's eyes.
"If you don't want to die here."
There was an uncomfortable silence between the two, and the atmosphere felt heavy. It was as if two unstoppable forces were pushing against each other, fighting for dominance, neither side letting up, and both determined to beat the other side down to the ground. Yet, one the sideline. Metal still couldn't get rid of the feeling that Honjo is hiding something from him, something more. Personal.
Honjo was first to break the silence,
"You said that these trees are alive, yes? If that's the case, Sagittarius."
Multiple swords materialized around them, piercing each tip of the blades into the ground.
"Now, 1st Star: Aries."
The temperature in their immediate vicinity spiked as the blades Honjo summoned combusted into bright purple flames. Warm violet hues drowned their surroundings, and the woods that were previously restraining the lone General shrunk and crackled to the intense heat the Amethyst-colored fire gave off. Giorno jumped back with「G.E.R」, sweat starting to perspire along his forehead, and Metal ready his magic spear once more.
"Purple fire?!" Metal exclaimed,
Unsheathing his blade, it burns with the same flame that set him free.
"If it's alive. Then naturally, it will die when placed in harsh living conditions."
Blasting forward at immense speeds, Honjo jumped into the air and delivered a downward slash onto Giorno. In retaliation, Giorno summoned「G.E.R」to withstand the strike. Catching the blade with his left, stopping just shy of his face. A noticeable cut and burn slashed and marked itself onto Giorno's corresponding hand, but he gave it no mind as「G.E.R」threw a right hook towards Honjo. Letting gravity take its course, Honjo allowed his body to fall facing up, dodging the punch. Twisting his firey blade upward, he imbued his weapon with more magic.
"10th star: Capricorn."
The circular attack traveled along the path, making its way three-sixty degrees around Honjo and reaching the underside of Giorno's left arm. Slicing it clean off, exposing muscles and bone. Along with Giorno's left arm being sliced off, so did the arm of「G.E.R」.
Metal was quick to act, throwing a magic spear towards Honjo to divert his attention onto him again.
"Centerfire: Boost!"
Honjo was quick to react, however, deflecting the spear head-on. Changing sights, Honjo gave no room for Metal to breathe as he jabbed his blade into the asphalt,
"2nd star:" Honjo whispered,
And in a fraction of a second, the ground beneath him cracked and exploded. Charging in a straight line and leaving a trail of purple fire where he stood. Honjo extended his blade, aiming for Metal's chin. Yet, even at the insane speeds The General was going, Metal was still quick enough to bring forth a wall of spears to shield him. Though it did little in protecting him from the explosive attack, and it sent him flying upwards. Recovering quickly, Metal generated dozens of red glowing spears behind him. Aiming for the lone swords-pony below him,
"Shotshell: Obliterate!"
Metal released his spear, showering the battlefield in explosive rain, Metal knew this wouldn't kill The General, but it should at least do some damage to him. But to his surprise, Honjo didn't run nor bother to look at the attack, and by this time, the flame on his sword has already been extinguished. All he did was just stood there, staring at The Captain.
"Virgo."
Within an instance, Honjo disappeared.
"Where did he-"
"Behind you."
Grabbing his attire, Honjo threw Metal back down to the ground with such force that it shattered the earth where he landed. Pointing his blade forward, he summoned several blades to his side. This time, it was his turn to shower weapons onto Metal.
"Sagittarius."
"Centerfire: Seek and Obliterate!"
Throwing both spears forward, it did as commanded, flying to each magical blade and obliterating it, all of it except for one, which promptly stabbed itself straight into Metal's abdomen. Explosions caused by the clash of attacks gave Metal enough time to recover and create distance between him and the monster he is currently fighting. Clutching his wound with his arm to somewhat stop the bleeding as best he could.
"That's it, try harder. C'mon. Put more effort into this. Haven't you ever tried in your life before?" Laughed Honjo,
" *Huff* Argh- *Huff* And what do you know?" Metal replied,
"Oh, a lot of things."
Suddenly knives appeared out of the cloud of smoke, hitting close to Honjo's hooves.
"Knives?" He questioned,
Springing life once again, the knives sprung roots and curled themselves around The General's hooves and up to his thighs.
"MUDA!"
Having caught off-guard,「G.E.R」sent a life punch to the side of Honjo's body. Not letting up this opening, Giorno delivered a barrage of punches to Honjo with only one arm.
"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!!"
Honjo's body went limp. The trees that were previously onto him had turned back into inanimate objects, causing Honjo to fly a few feet off the ground, but before he could fall back to the ground.「G.E.R」gave a deadly roundhouse kick to finish his attack, causing him to fly into a nearby shop.
"MUDA!!"
Running to Metal, Giorno picked him up with「G.E.R」and using his stand to increase his running speed.
"W-what are you doing? We could've ended him right there!" Metal complained,
"No, I severely underestimated him. Had we attacked him at the same time back there, we both would've been dead by now."
Turning the corner, Giorno continues running down the street, with Metal in tow.
"For now, we need to come up with a plan before we can face him again. He's just too much of a force of nature for us to handle right now."
Honjo-
The rubble shook and crumbled as swords-pony emerged from the debris, now his straw hat gone and outfit slightly torn and dirtied.
'I wasn't inform about this ability when King Sombra had contacted me. I'll just had to find a work around it.'
.
'Hear me, My Generals.' A voice from the abyss called,
'King Sombra? Another message?' Honjo thought,
'As I had mentioned in my previous contact with all of you. To kidnap a human by the name of Giorno Giovanna and bring him to me. But, plans have changed.'
'What?'
'A new order is in place, kill Giorno Giovanna. By any means necessary. However, this might be proven difficult due to his... ability to summon an entity to protect him at will. But, I have just the solution for it.'
All of a sudden, volts of dark magic surged through The General's veins. Spasming and convulsing, he dropped to the floor.
"ARGH!!" Honjo cried out, kneeling and grasping his chest,
'It's magic that is fused and brought about by connecting one's soul to the source. Essentially, allowing you to touch that entity that is protecting that monkey Giorno Giovanna. Now...'
"Bring me his head."
"Urgh!" cried Metal, sliding the gravel and rocks of his open garden,
"Get up, Metal. Training isn't finished." said a unicorn pony of an intense build; Silver Jacket,
"Yea, dad. I hear ya," Metal said weakly as he picked himself back up.
When Metal was born, he was expected to inherit the Jacket Family Title and take over his father in the Equestrian Military. However, things have changed ever since Metal's younger brother. Primus Jacket was born. The Jacket household has been in an uproar, not knowing which sibling should have the entire family inheritance. But, the family's head concluded that whichever sibling yielded the greater fighting potential and mastery over The Art of Spear combat style that the Jacket Family is widely known for shall inherit and take over as the new head of the Jacket Family.
Metal had overheard about the plans his father had set in place for him and his younger brother, and he wasn't going to let his brother inherit the family occupation. This wasn't due to Metal's selfishness nor a sibling rivalry. Instead, he didn't want to force his brother into military work. He knew that if he were to allow his younger brother to take over, he would learn skills. Skills that enable him to harm others, skills meant for war, and skills that allowed him to spill blood. And Metal wasn't allowing any of that. He doesn't want his brother to be dragged into war; he wants his brother to live a peaceful life, not a life full of fighting. So, Metal made up his mind.
In his mother's dying wish and to himself. To protect and take over the Jacket Family as its head and allow his brother to live a life free from fighting.
Fueled with newfound determination and drive, Metal started to take training even more seriously. Staying up late into the night to ensure his magic and form was perfect. Oftentimes, this caused Primus to look on at his brother's training. Body glistening in sweat reflected by the moon's shine, out in the family garden with practice targets worn from Metal throwing his spears over and over again.
"Big bro?" Primus called out, to which Metal stopped his exercise,
"Yea, Primus?" Turning around to the little colt, Metal gave his attention,
"Big bro, why do you train so hard?" Questioned the innocent colt, to which Metal gave a slight chuckle,
"Well, I want to take over as the Family Head, but not only that."
Walking over to his little brother, he bent down slightly so that he could be eye-level with the little unicorn. Gently placing his calloused hand onto his head, Metal gave a gentle stroke at the colt's mane.
"It's to protect the people I care about." Giving a warming smile as he said that.
Metal went to fetch himself some water before continuing his training, thinking that he gave young Primus a content answer. In actuality, this inspired Primus to look up to his big brother. Not wanting to be left behind, Primus wished he could grow up faster so he too could start on his training.
This pattern of Metal training and his younger brother watching would continue for several months, and occasionally, Metal would sneak Primus out into Canterlot to enjoy some ice cream together, as well as sneaking into the highest tower in the Canterlot Castle to enjoy the view. It wasn't easy being the youngest son to one of the most respected guards to have served The Princess and a young promising Metal Jacket. Naturally, the nobles would compare.
"That's the youngest son of Silver?" A noble whispered,
"He doesn't seem to hold much promise as compared to Young Metal Jacket." commented another,
"What a disgrace."
"Silver's wife must be so ashamed."
"Don't listen to them." Metal said calmly, gripping his little brother's hand securely.
"They don't know who you are, don''t give them any mind. You're my little bro, and nothing will change that."
But they would inevitably get caught by their father, and Metal would get all of the punishment. Nevertheless, they had a good laugh out of it and made many fond memories together until Primus came of age to start his own training.
"Oof!" Thumbling back, Primus rolled onto the hard floor, stopping inches away from the pond.
"Father, I think Primus had enough, let him sit this one out. I'll handle you."
"N-no, I'm fine! I can continue!" Interjected Primus, but was cut off by his father,
"No, you're not fit to continue. Sit this one out Primus."
'But-"
"No excuses."
Sighing, Primus went to sit on the wooden platform connecting The Jacket estate to their personal garden. Watching on as his brother and father traded equal blows to each other, neither side contented with letting the other walk away from this spar without a battered body. This cycle would continue for months, with Metal suggesting to his father that Primus wasn't ready and well enough to finish his training and letting him sit out.
On one particular day, his father brought Metal's training outside of their household, Primus begged to come along, but his pleas fell on deaf doors as Silver just said he was too inexperienced to head out with them.
"So, what are we doing again?" Questioned young Metal,
"I'm bringing you out on a mission assigned to me by the princess herself. There's been an infamous thief stealing fresh produce from stalls and medicine from hospitals around Canterlot for a few months now. From its description, it appears to be a male pegasus around your age." Silver answered,
"You just want some load of your work didn't you?"
"Do you really think I bring you along a mission because it was too much for me to handle?"
"Well.. no."
"That and I think it's good field experience for you."
Silver tossed a scroll over to his son, opening it; Metal scanned and realized it was a mini-map of Canterlot. However, The map highlighted only about twenty percent of Canterlot.
"You will scour the highlighted region of Canterlot, the rest will be under my watch. Take this too."
Silver handed over a pink crystal. To which Metal inspected as well,
"Press the crystal if you run into the thief, It'll alert me of your position and I'll rush over to where the crystal is. Do. Not . Lose. It. And report back to the Castle before eight if you don't run into the culprit, understand?"
"Yea, yea." Metal waved off nonchalantly as he pocketed both map and crystal onto his person.
3:24 p.m.
Metal gave off a tired sigh. He's been surveying his area for the past five hours and had at least circle the place seven times. Yet, nothing unusual occurred. Strolling on the rooftops, he took a seat at the ledge, watching on as busy ponies bustle in the streets, some chatting and enjoying their lunches and afternoon tea, while others were heading into the store to purchase goods.
'Damn, this is sure boring as hell.' Metal thought,
Suddenly, a scream went off in the distance, close to where he is. Jumping up at attention, Metal was quick to turn to the source of the noise. Only to see a pegasus dressed in full black escaping through the rooftops, carrying a bag of groceries.
'Nevermind.'
Giving chase, Metal hopped through building and building. Being only shy of a couple of buildings behind the thief, pulling out the crystal his father gave him. He pressed on it with his thumb, sending Silver the signal. From the side, Metal could see a group of three pegasus guards closing in the thief; they did not spot Metal, however.
"There he is!" Yelled a Pegasi Guard,
"Get him!" commanded another,
Three guards charged at the thief with their spears pointed at him, yet this didn't seem to bother the black-dressed pegasi. As one of the guards closed the gap further, the thief dropped to the ground with his back facing the roof. Letting the spear tip lightly grazing the black and white masquerade that he was wearing. Outstretching his wings, he pushed off the ground with great force, kicking the guard in the abdomen and knocking the wind right out of him.
Taking advantage of this opening, the assailant kicked the guard's head directly to the ground, this time knocking him unconscious. Taking his weapon for himself, he kneed the center shaft of the spear, breaking it in two. He chucked the spearhead at the pegasi guard closest to him, forcing the guard to dodge accordingly. The thief responded by using the other piece of the spear to bash the guard's helmet, breaking his vertigo in the air and using his hooves, tackling the guard back down onto the roof.
Finally, with his final target staring him down. He burst forward, seemingly charging straight at the guard. Yet, within an instant. At blinding speeds, he vanished in a blink of an eye and reappeared behind the guard. Delivering two swift chops to his neck, incapacitating the poor guard and letting him fall onto the rooftop. The thief dropped back onto the rooftop as well, stretching his body and wings with the bag of groceries still in hand.
'He's good.' Thought Metal,
Looking down at the crystal, he wondered when his father would arrive, but a flying spear flew straight into the crystal he was holding onto and shattering it into pieces. Metal turned back to the assailant, who looked him on.
"I take it back, you're a piece of shit."
"I get that a lot." The thief responded with a smirk,
Metal walked out of his cover, standing in clear view of the masquerade pegasi with a magic spear in hand.
"I hope you've said your prayers, because not even Princess Celestia can save you from what I'm about to do to you."
"Then let's hope you can keep up with me."
"*Huff*-*Huff* Looks like *Huff* you caught me, hehe." said the thief, leaning against the wall,
Body battered with bruises and cuts all along his body. Though the same could be said for Metal, blood flowed down his face and arms, cuts ran along his shoulders and back, down to his thighs. Still, Metal couldn't risk his combatant to run away, so instead, he surrounded him with spears to cage him in. Holding one and pointing it at him as he spoke,
"Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what exactly?" The thief questioned,
"All of this, stealing medicine, food? Why? You have such great fighting potential, why not join the Royal Guards to earn some bits? Seeing as you're doing something so petty as stealing food."
"You wouldn't understand. Ponies like you will never understand. Living lives of luxury? What a dream."
"What do you mean?"
"Have you ever fought for anything in your life before? Something as simple as food even?"
"I don't follow."
"My father's on death's door. My biological mother left us when she finished leeching all of the money that my dad could give, along with my little sister. My family moved here from the poorer side of Cloudsdale hoping to find a fresh start in the city full of opportunities, but due to my father suffered a major injury to his chest, he couldn't find a job. So, like you said, I tried applying for a member to be a Royal Guard. But of course I wasn't even given a chance to prove my self worth to them. And I could forget about even trying out for the wonderbolts, hence, I tried seeking other jobs as well. But due to my poor family background and how stuck up these nobles and high-class Ponies are, I ran out of options. And thus, here we are."
Looking to his side, Metal stared at the torn-up grocery bag, and he turns his attention back onto the beaten burglar.
"This grocery bag, who is it for?" Metal inquired,
"My little sister." The criminal answers,
"What about you?"
"A couple of fruits is enough to last me for a couple of days."
The spears-pony placed a fist to his chin, pondering with a light humming sound while closing his eyes. Giving some thought to his current situation. Eventually, an idea popped up in Metal's head. He wasn't sure if he was going to regret this idea. But seeing this poor pegasi's predicament. He decided to trust his gut.
"Tell you what." Spoke Metal, getting the attention of the battered thief,
"I'll give you an offer. Seeing as how you managed to trash three professionally trained Royal Guards earlier without any proper background training for yourself, it means there's still room left for you to grow. Join me. And I'll ensure you get a position working for the Equestrian Military. You'll earn enough money to get your father proper medical treatment as well as coverage for a home here in Canterlot."
"And if I were to say no?" The pony humored,
"To the dungeons you go." Metal deadpanned,
"Sheesh, all right! Fine, fine! I'll take your offer! Dang dude can't you take a joke?"
"I'm not good at socializing." Metal whispered though it came out hurting him more than he would like to admit.
"Haha! Can tell, well that's fine." said The Pegasi getting up from his position,
Metal offered a hand to him, to which the pegasi took it wholeheartedly,
"My name's Metal Jacket, yours?"
"Blizzard, Hailing Blizzard."
Many months later, Metal managed to pull some strings with the help of his father allow Blizzard to be enlisted into the Cadet School via recommendation from one of the most prestigious families in Canterlot. Silver had agreed to cover for both the apartment where they would live and for his father's wound treatment within those same months so long as Blizzard was paying back the money he owes to The Jackets. Another part of their agreement was that since it was Metal's idea to enroll a criminal into the Royal Guards, it would be his responsibility. This meant that Metal had to look over and ultimately answer the higher-ups for Blizzard's conduct in cadet school. Due to this agreement, however, Metal was practically forced to spend many hours of this day with the young pegasi. The two bonded and got closer, forging a deep friendship together. Spending time chatting and hanging out after their training, though this time spent hanging out with Blizzard caused Metal to spend less time with his younger brother.
A few years after came the war.
Bodies were littered across the battlefield, and blood stained the dusty landfill that the two opposing forces were waging war upon. Celestia's forces were thinning out by Sombra's newly appointed Generals. Despite that, they were still managing to hang on thanks to Sliver's leadership and the aerial support provided by The Wonderbolts. Tragic as it is, Sombra's overwhelming infantry are slowly forcing Celestia's to retreat, surrendering yet one of many lands to Sombra's rule. Sliver really didn't wish to bring either of his sons to war since both had the borderline requirements needed to join the cause and hadn't had any real preparations going into it. Essentially, in their father's eyes, neither of them was battle-ready. Nevertheless, Silver wasn't given a choice since they ran low numbers from their previous encounter with Sombra. They had to fight back.
Given the orders to both of his sons to only assist from range using their spears, he told them to never, under any circumstances, come to the frontlines even if it was Sliver himself that was in trouble, to forget about him and run back where Princess Celestia can protect them. After giving them the order, Silver joined back with the frontiers and engaged in battle.
Celestia's troops are dwindling, and for each unit they took down, a hundred take over. This doesn't help the fact that Sombra's Major Generals are on an entirely different level compared to the average infantry unit. They had the capability to rival an entire army on their own. That being said, things were not looking good for Celestia, and she ordered a full retreat the moment the balance in power shifted was in favor of Sombra. Celestia didn't like how another land of Equestria would be under a part of King Sombra's territory. Still, she rather has that than having any more needless death be in vain.
"Everypony, retreat!!" Commanded Celestia with a booming voice,
Reaching every corner of the battlefield, all of her forces began a full one-eighty. It was humiliating, but Celestia sucked up her pride for her little ponies. Yet, for Sombra. It was a signal for another victory.
"HAHA!! WHAT'S THE MATTER, PRINCESS!? GIVING UP ALREADY!?" Taunted Sombra,
Turning to his side, he looked at General Vigor.
"Kill them all, starting with the ones that won't stop throwing those annoying spears."
"Gladly, your highness." Vilos smirked as he took off into the skies.
Landing close to some large boulder formations, Vilos huffed in a breath as an ocean blue aura surfaced from his body to envelop his person.
"Index 3, First Form: Spirit Enhancement"
Chucking a fist into the boulder, he lifts it into the air with ease. Looking over to the horizon to see groups of ponies running for their lives, he grins,
"Weaklings, all the same."
Throwing the boulder into the air, it breaks up into smaller pieces due to air pressure. Scattering across and covering a larger area in a shower of stones. Splattering many troops in the process.
"Keep up, Primus. We can't lag behind any further." Called out Metal,
"*huff* Yea, I'm coming. *huff*." Primus replied a little further back,
"You shouldn't have pushed yourself too hard, look at the state you're in now." His elder brother scolded, as he continued,
"Trying to spam The Shotshell Technique with the obliterate spell takes a lot of magic to cast, you know that? And what did Dad always say about using The Shotshell Technique?"
"To always optimize and maximize usage of all techniques, regardless of personal feelings."
"And look at you out there."
"There were moving or randomly! I had too!-"
Their conversation was cut short when Primus noticed a looming shadow casting itself over the two of them. Turning around, he was quick to take note of several sized boulders flying towards them. More specifically, it looked as though it was landing further ahead of where Metal was walking into.
"METAL!!" Cried Primus,
Rushing forward, Primus was still fatigued, legs already giving out from exhaustion. Siphoning all of the magic Primus could muster into his hand, he managed to generate one last spear with a spell cast on it. Aiming, he threw with the blunt side facing his older brother.
"Centerfire: Ricochet."
The spear managed to reach him in time, just as Metal was turning around; it pushed him back just enough to stay clear from being crushed by the enormous rocks. However, what Metal saw tore his soul apart. It was his brother, on the ground, smiling at the fact that he managed to reach Metal in time with his spear, just as the boulders fell onto his little brother, first landing on his legs crushing them and a second landing onto his extended right arm, and the last one landing onto the side of his torso, pulverizing his insides, forcing Primus to vomit out puddles of blood before falling unconscious.
"P-Primus?" He whispered, hoping his brother would answer,
"No.." Tears started welling up in his eyes, slowly flowing down his cheeks, his voice cracking as utter despair can be sensed in it, shaking his head in denial.
"Ahh, no... Celestia please..." Reaching forward, he placed his hands onto his head, gently caressing him.
"NOO!! AHH, OH GOD, PLEASE NO!!"
Gripping both hands below the boulder, he pulled up with all his might, causing his kin to tear from the rough texture of the stone and causing his fingers and palms to begin bleeding.
"HANG ON PRIMUS! BIG BRO IS GOING TO SAVE YOU! HANG ON!" Metal cried,
"Metal!!" Silver calls out,
"What are you doing?! We are suppose to evacuate-"
"DAD, PLEASE HELP ME! PRIMUS IS STUCK, AND HE CAN'T GET UP!!"
Silver looked down to see the state that Primus was in. He had to bite his lower lip to control himself, he knew there was little chance of saving his youngest son, but his eldest was still unharmed. He grabbed his son's shoulder to get his attention,
"Get out of here, Metal. I'll free Primus and get him to the nearest hospital. It would be best if you focused on retreating."
"No, Dad! I can help! I'm strong!"
"With Sombra's forces closing in and the state you are in? You'll never leave here alive!"
"I'm not leaving Primus!"
"Captain Silver Jacket! Metal!"
Both turned to see Blizzard landing near them, his expression with pure fear on his face.
"We need to evacuate now! A General is approaching in fast!"
Silver turns over to Metal, fresh tears still flowing down his cheeks. Looking down, he sees no other way out of this. This is war, and sacrifice has to be made. Looking back up at Blizzard, he commanded.
"Take Metal and leave here as fast as you can. I'll stay behind to make sure my son survives."
"What? Captain but you-"
"That's an order. Cadet."
"Dad, you can't be serious!" Metal interjected,
"Dad, please. We can-" Blizzard cut off metal by tackling him to the floor,
"Arghh! Blizzard! What the fuck are you doing!?"
He did not respond; instead, he forced both of Metal's arms together and tying them with some rope he left in his pouch. Try as he might, Metal too was fatigued, struggling only prolonged the inevitable for him.
"STOP!! BLIZZARD! YOU BASTARD!!"
Slinging him over his shoulder, Blizzard prepares to take off. Just as he did, he turns around to meet Silver's stare with Metal still cussing and struggling.
"Good luck Captain. It has been an honour serving you."
Silver smiled at the response, closing his eyes before responding,
"Honours all mine."
Exploding off the ground, Blizzard, along with Metal, took off.
Neither Silver nor his son, Primus, made it back to Canterlot that day.
Back in Canterlot- Corridors of the Palace
"YOU FUCKFACE!!" Metal yelled, punching Blizzard square in the face.
This caused Blizzard to fall back on his side, face wrinkling up in pain.
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!?"
"I had too! You're father-" blizzard rebutted, but was cut off by Metal boiling rage,
"MY FATHER WHAT!? ASKED YOU TOO!?"
"No, he begged me too." This response caused Metal to stop his anger in confusion as Blizzard continues,
"Even though it was a command, I could tell by his eyes, his heartbroken and sorrowful eyes that he begged me to bring you back. Do you think I can't understand what you felt at that moment? I have a father too, and he was practically on death's door for months if I hadn't cleaned his wound and treated him with delicate care. My sister as well. I understood what you felt, but. I wouldn't let that cloud my decision and disobey my father. Do you-"
"WHAT DO YOU CARE-"
"DO YOU WANT TO DESTROY EVERYTHING THAT YOUR FATHER HAS EVER LOVED?!"
Metal was quiet, both from shock and realization.
"HE LOVED YOU, CAN'T YOU TELL!? HE KNEW OF HOW SLIM THE CHANCES ARE THAT YOUR LITTLE BROTHER COULD SURVIVE, BUT HE STILL TOOK IT. BECAUSE HE LOVED YOU, BOTH YOU AND PRIMUS. HE WAS WILLING TO GIVE HIS LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR IT. WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT?!"
The Spears-pony stood there in the empty corridors, looking down at his feet. Tears once again returned as it dropped down to stain the red carpets as he collapsed onto his knees.
"I-*Hic* I'm lost, Blizzard. P-please, *sniff* tell m-me what t-to do."
Blizzard got up from the floor, walking over to the broken unicorn, and hugged him. Metal clung onto Blizzard tightly as he cried his eyes out even harder, releasing all the sadness plaguing his mind.
"It's ok, we'll get through this." The pegasi assured,
The following days, The Wonderbolts found no news on either Primus or Silver's body being found, they were assumed dead, and a new seat among the Captains was open. Having no other heir, Metal was immediately appointed as the new Head of the Jackets. It took some time for Metal to adjust and get used to his position, but with Blizzard's help, he got better.
After experiencing war firsthand and knowing he can't delay his newfound duties as a Captain any longer, he would train harder than ever. Building a deep hatred for King Sombra in the process. However, he wouldn't hold the title of Captain by himself for long. Blizzard would climb his way up as well; through many successful recon missions that he has led, he needed up creating a branch entirely on his own and of his own command, which specializes in such a field. Earning himself The title of Captain too.
Occasionally, they would go on missions together—all in the effort of turning this war around and putting a stop to King Sombra's reign.
"Captain." An faint echo from the abyss called out to Metal,
"Captain!" as his senses slowly came back to him; It started to become more distinct; he remembers his purpose and forces pulling his consciousness back into reality.
"Captain!!" Giorno called out,
Metal jolted up from the ground he had laid on with sweat pouring down his face. Giorno took a step back from the sudden awakening, but he was relieved to see him up and about.
"Glad to see you're awake." Giorno sighed,
The Captain got up from his position, realizing the stinging pain from his abdomen has vanished. Inspecting his blood-stained clothing, it seems that his wounds have all closed up. Facing back to Giorno, it seems that his missing left arm has replaced itself as well.
"Oh right, I forgot you could do that. How long was I out?" Metal commented,
"Fifteen minutes. I managed to find shelter within one of the apartments for us to rest up, but I don't know how much longer before we are found. For now, we need a plan to take down The General." Giorno responded,
"I've got one. It may not be foolproof, nevertheless it's the best one I can come up with right now."
"Alright then, let's hear it."
"we'll attack him at once."
"We'll both die if we did."
"No, hear me out." Metal huffed a short puff of air before resuming,
"We've seen his combat style is based on Astrology, naming his attack after the Star signs of the same name. If my memories serve me right, there should be twelve Star signs. And so far, I've seen Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius. Listing what these skills do off facing them head-on,
Aries sets fire onto his blade. These flames he produces burns at high temperatures, hot enough so that plants summoned by your ability literally shrivel up and die.
Taurus is a straightforward charging attack.
Gemini is two shields of magic he creates from slashing the air with his sword, and it protects him from projectiles.
Leo is an air slash that travels in a straight line.
Virgo seems to allow him to teleport.
Sagittarius gives him the ability to summon more blades using his magic, and it's his most frequently used skill.
Capricorn is a three-sixty-degree attack with limited range, and I'm still not quite too sure what Aquarius does.
Though his skillset and attacks vary in form and style, there's one thing present in his fighting style. It's that they primarily focus on one target at a time. Notice how when we team up to engage him in battle on both occasions, he always aims to incapacitate you first before coming to me? But after that stunt, you pulled half an hour ago. I don't think he's so lenient on letting you off with just a sliced arm now. So here's the game plan. We need to stop treating this battle as though we are fighting him individually and start acting like a team, you look after my back, and I'll look after yours, speaking of which."
Placing a finger to his ear, a static buzz went off,
"Blizzard? Come in. I need a status report."
"It's useless, Captain. I tried to get in contact with Captain Blizzard earlier when you were still knocked out. We could give your idea a shot, seeing as we have nothing else to lose. Nevertheless, we still have to be cautious, that General still has some cards up his sleeves that he hasn't revealed yet." Giorno replied,
Sighing, Metal stretched his limbs as he made his way over to the nearest window, staring out into the open street. It's nighttime. The lampposts illuminated the road and buildings with a warm yellow hue that stretched down as far as the eye could see.
"Captain, we should get a move on. Staying in one spot for too long could put us in danger of being found."
"Let's get moving then."
Turning out of the musty alleyway and onto the district, Honjo looked around. His alloy mask reflecting the light shone by the lamppost, he scans his immediate vicinity, his katana at the ready, and nothing out of the ordinary stood out.
'They must've taken out my troops while running from me. Annoying. I'm sure I pinpointed their location here.'
Sheathing his weapon, his horn shined.
"Black sky - 7th star: Libra."
Magic light washing over his body before travelling down his thighs to his hooves and exploding in all directions beneath him, covering every square inch of land within a radius of fifty meters. Strangely, the two life signatures he sensed earlier, which he assumed was Giorno and Metal, had vanished.
'Where did they go?' Honjo questions,
From the skies, a swarm of red glowing spears touched down around Honjo, none of which actually hitting him.
"Shit!" Looking up, he could see both Metal and Giorno hovering atop spears. Metal outstretched a hand with an open palm,
"Shotshell: Obliterate."
He says as he closes it. On command, the spears around Honjo exploded. Dust clouds and smoke immediately fog the splash zone. Honjo responded by throwing his blade towards Metal, grazing his cheek,
"Scorpio."
With a cast of magic, Honjo teleports to his blade, retrieving his weapon. He swung at The Captain.
'Another teleportation skill?!'
Just as the katana was about to slash Metal in two, it was intercepted by「G.E.R」's life punch to the stomach.
"MUDA!!"
Though the strike connects, it did not accelerate Honjo's mind. Giorno stood there confused,
'No way, what's going on?! I'm sure I inbued a life shot into that punch!' Giorno thought,
"It's not gonna work a second time!" Honjo exclaimed,
Using Metal as a pivot footing, Honjo kicks off of him and towards Giorno, causing Metal to lose balance and fall to the street, but just as he did, he threw two spears of 'Seek' towards Honjo. Needing to deflect the shells sent by The Captain, the swords-pony made a one-eighty to deflect the projectiles, but this move, in turn, made him wide open to「G.E.R」's attack. The Stand delivered a left punch to the liver, following up with a right hook to the ribs and finishing with an axe kick sending him head-first where Metal was.
Seeing Honjo falling towards him, Metal rushed forward. His horn shined even brighter than usual as a blood vessel popped in his nose, prompting a nosebleed. Honjo grew closer to the ground, his disoriented mind finally clearing. Just as he was about to activate another skill, he was met with the upside face of Metal, smiling,
"Shotshell."
Honjo brought up his sword defensively, just in time to be caught by the sea of spears Metal managed to summon. The tsunami of magic weaponry was given mass, large enough to fill the open streets and hit hard enough to cave the nearby buildings in, and it rose high enough to surface the cityscape. The force generated was great enough to send The General flying upwards and into the skyscraper further down the district.
Wiping the blood from his nose, he generated more spears to act like a hoverboard, as he brought himself up into the air along with Giorno to give chase.
Smashing into the side of the skyscraper, Honjo got out of the crater he made, stopping against the building. Looking up, he could see Giorno and Metal were speeding through the air, barreling themselves straight for him. Slashing the air, two shield-like constructs of magic levitated in the air in front of him.
"Gemini!"
Just as Honjo placed the barriers to cushion himself from the inevitable, both Giorno and Metal smashed down into Honjo from a higher angle. Still, this force of impact didn't cause the Masked General to burst through the other side as he had thought it would. Rather, it had caused Honjo to be drag down along the building, scruffing and tearing his back and windows, shatter along the trail. All while「G.E.R」was pummeling him into the wall with a barrage of punches and Metal forcing his spears closer to Honjo. This carried on as the trio went down several more stories. Until he had enough,
"ENOUGH!!"
Casting his magic, his blade extends its length several hundred meters, as Honjo twisted his body while releasing both of his frontal barriers,
"PISCES! CAPRICORN!!"
"GIORNO, JUMP!!" Metal cried,
Jumping, they managed not to get caught in the circular attack. But it cleaved through everything else behind Honjo, separating the skyscraper into two sections. The impact caused the upper section of the building to collapse and fall off to the side, destroying anything beneath it while Honjo slows his fall by stabbing his sword into the side of the building. Simultaneously, Giorno and Metal journey back down on the spear hoverboards.
"What strength." commented Giorno,
After watching such a display of power from The General, Metal ran out of options. If they want to defeat Honjo, he knew he was bound to use it sooner or later. Looking over to Giorno, he gathers his attention,
"Giorno, buy me a couple of seconds. The moment I signal, you get your ass out of there as soon as possible, got it?"
"What are you going to do?" Giorno asks,
"Put an end to this fight."
The Crackle of bricks and stone was apparent as Honjo closes down the now topless building. Then, landing onto his hooves, his upper body was exposed, his outfit torn off long ago from being relentlessly dragged along the wall. He scanned the premise of any unicorn bearing a spear, or god forbid that Golden Joestar. However, it was hard to see past the clouds of dust and smoke created by the top of the fallen building piece, which landed quite close to where he was. But Giorno answered his thoughts with a crash landing meant to crush The General. Still, he evaded the aerial attack with a simple jump backwards.
Honjo has been unsatisfied with the turn of events that have been going for him so far. So, naturally, having been thrown into the skies by a wave of spears, having his back skate along the rough stone wall, and all the while being pummelled a yellow ghost. He's pissed, and it shows. His stance towards Giorno doesn't radiate the dignified nor civilized a trained master of the sword would. Blood oozed down his reflected, mirror-like mask as he dawns his blade with only one hand.
"Your luck's ran dry, his highness doesn't want you alive anymore."
Dashing fourth, Honjo delivered a vertical slash down unto Giorno. The instincts of his Stand took over, manifesting itself,「G.E.R」dodged the attack with a spin to the right, carrying the momentum from its body to its legs, it countered the slash with a right kick to the stomach. Tanking the impact with a block of his sword, Honjo managed to negate some of the blow. Nevertheless, it still cracked his ribs slightly. But the pain was numbed out by the adrenaline pumping through his veins and the pure bloodlust he's feeling right now.
「G.E.R」Chased him down, giving a right hook to his cranium. To which Honjo easily parries with his blade.
"MUDA!!"
Another punch. Another parry,
"MUDAMUDA!!"
Two more punches, and two more parries,
'Let's see how fast you are.' Giorno thought,
"MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!!"
「G.E.R」generated a flurry of blows towards Honjo, and sparks ignited between the two combatants as they clashed fists with the blade, wind currents bursts from the two, as Giorno wonders how long he has to keep this up before he's overwhelmed.
Landing with a thud of his hooves, Metal adjusted himself in the empty streets a couple of blocks down of there. Giorno was keeping Honjo busy. The lamp shined bright as Metal faced the direction of the halved skyscraper.
'I'll focus the attack on linearising it. Hopefully Giorno can get out of there in time.'
Grabbing one of the three real polearms hanging from his back and hoisting it next to his face. Then, taking a deep breath in, Metal began to forward. This is where his true power was hidden, and how despite the mighty strength of the Generals, he could not break through the defences of Canterlot. It was all thanks to Captain Metal Jacket and his strongest family technique which require a real polearm to bring out the fullest potential of this devasting attack. Not to say that the artificial copies of the spear were inferior by any means. No, it was simply far too outclassed to be compared to. The technique requires the wielder to have a good running start. Capturing the kinetic energy generated by the running of an equine would be substantial. Yet, the power comes not only from the speed at which the user is travelling but also from having improper form before release may not even trigger the technique.
The application of magic does nothing to help trigger the technique, only to add to such power, but it does help the process to go along more 'smoothly'. In essence, many mistakes the trump card of the Jacket to be another form of magic manipulation. When in actuality, magic does nothing to help one to master the technique. That being said, as hard as it is to perform this procedure skillfully. When understood and mastered, the user's polearm would glow a golden yellow as it pierces through the air like thunder and travels as fast as lightning.
Running, he plants his left hoof forward, letting the momentum carry him forward just a little before transferring all the energy from his right arm and to the spear.
The secret to the technique? It's Spin.
"Rimfire: Aimless."
Metal released the polearm at its maximum, and a sonic boom followed. Soaring through the open air with such speed, it dragged the surrounding space into following in its spiralling path as howling winds circles the speartip, flying forward while leaving a golden trail. Within seconds, the encompassing draft grew large enough to tear up the buildings and apartments on both sides of the road, and chunks of concrete and rocks flew along with the horizontal cyclone.
Knowing it won't take long before the attack reaches Giorno and Honjo, he was swift to activate his earpiece,
"Giorno! Get out of there now!"
"Giorno! Get out of there now!"
Echoed the voice of the Captain as static buzzed in Giorno's ear.
'Easier said than done.' Giorno thought,
He was in big trouble. Throughout the fight, Giorno was forced onto the back end as Honjo seemed to match「G.E.R」in speed, sometimes even surpassing it. Even til the point of having used up all of his knives just to keep Honjo at bay. However, the same could be said for Honjo. The Stand magic encasing him didn't come out of thin air, though it consumed little magic from Honjo. Magic consumption is still magic consumption. Usually, Honjo didn't have to try too hard in the battle to ensure victory. So having foes stand in front of him, alive and kicking, sure did drain a lot of his magic in battle. Which didn't allow him to be able to spam his abilities as much as before.
Their battle was coming to an end, however. When a thunderous boom down the street was making its way over where they were battling.
'That must be Captain Metal's doing! Damn it, if I leave now. Honjo will surely have enough time to make it out in time. Wait... I've got an idea!'
「G.E.R」was still keeping Honjo busy, punching and guarding his blade and attacks. Yet suddenly the power balance shifted to Honjo's favour, as「G.E.R」seemingly slowed down in speed and power. Without missing a beat, Honjo teleported in front of the Joestar, taking advantage of his shocked state, Honjo diagonally slashed his open chest while finishing with a kick to the stomach.
Flying back, Giorno knocked himself into the wall behind him denting it as he coughed up blood.
"Finally worn out, are we?" Honjo couldn't help but laughed as he approached, the aura around him dispersing.
"I'll commend you, Giorno Giovanna. You are by far, the strongest foe I have faced. Besides His highness, of course."
"*Cough*Wow... only the second strongest? I had thought I put up quite the amazing show, wouldn't you think?"
Giorno said as he fists a couple of stones and pebbles at his right side without the notice of Honjo,
"Well, all good things-"
Stopping just shy of a couple of feet in front of Giorno, he moved his blade such that it pointed its tip at his face.
"-must come to an end."
Summonding「G.E.R」now grabbing the stones in its right and balled them up into a fist. Instead of aiming for Honjo, Giorno commanded「G.E.R」to aim it at its left arm. With a swift motion, it severed its left arm at the point of its elbow, blood immediately started spewing out.
"What?" Stunned, this gave Giorno the opportunity to imbue life into the stones that still in its right fist.
"「GOLD EXPERIENCE REQUIEM!!!」"
Giving life, the stones grew out branches in between Giorno's biceps and severed forearm, latching onto them. Forcing more life energy into the seedling, it quickly outstretches its bark and stem, growing past Giorno's shoulder and into the building wall beside him as more blood gushed out of him. This increase in the miniature tree on Giorno's severed arm pushed Giorno's forearm forward and gave him reach, enough reach that it connected with Honjo's face.
"Arghh!!"
Flying back, Honjo writhed in pain, but the echoes of the attack were closing in so he hadn't had any time to waste. Getting up, he looked over to Giorno one last time. To see his own body standing in front of him, still staggering back slowly. Looking to his right, he could see the spear approaching fast.
"Oh no."
Trees and bark spiral to encase Giorno in a makeshift cocoon, as the defeating sound of formless winds is forcibly blown past where he was sitting, it still quakes the earth as the polearm flew past him and into the skyscraper that Honjo had previously cleaved in two, destroying any remaining traces that remained.
Harsh the wind was, and unforgiving was the attack. The Golden Joestar was no fortune teller, but even a man of his calibre knew that there was no way Honjo was going to survive that or even comes out unscathed, he was done for. That's was Giorno had assumed.
Though strong may the winds be, it did not take long for it to pass. As the storm outside of his haven settled, Giorno released his「G.E.R」, allowing himself to be free from the forested shield. Finally allowed to take a breather, he quickly tended to his severed arm whilst still on the ground.
"What a tiresome day." Giorno hefted,
"Damn, you actually survived?" Metal asked,
Walking down now what remains of the road, the asphalt being violently ripped out of where it used to be and the dirt supporting it having been carried off by the vortex as well, what was left of the attack zone was a miniature canyon of sorts. Giorno faced Metal,
"That sure was a powerful attack." Giorno commented,
"My trump card, I can only do it when met with certain criteria. Only had to use one though, so that's a plus. By the way, how did you manage to hold that bastard still? Seeing as you're here and he's nowhere to be seen. I'm guessing it was a direct hit?" Metal inquired,
"Yes, though I didn't know it might've worked or not. I pumped him with a life-shot to hold him still before you're whirling spear could reach him, though I'm very taxxed out."
"How'd you manage that, how did you bypass his shield?"
"I severed my arm and used my life-giver ability to give life to some branches to extend my reach and I managed to caught him off-guard."
"That's some quick thinking." Metal smiled,
"It's a skill I borrowed from an old friend back home, nothing impressive. Though I assumed that we're done here? I would like to return to Canterlot."
"Yea, seeing as we killed that sword-wielding piece of shit. We should be done here."
Metal reached for his communication crystal, staring at it. He froze. Giorno stared at The Captain, worried another threat may be coming up onto their agenda soon. Nevertheless, he kept his composure.
"Captain? Is something the matter?"
Metal couldn't help but crack a smile. A little 'heh' escapes his mouth.
"Captain?" Giorno asks once more,
"O-oh, it's nothing. It's just... this feeling... Is this what it feels like? To finally bring home a victory? I- I didn't think it would feel this... satisfying. Haha, after all those losses, we're finally about to bring home our first victory." Metal spoke,
The Captain couldn't help but crack into a joyous smile, and nobody could blame him. Witnessing defeat after defeat at the hands of King Sombra and his mighty empire. One would think that the darkness is too gaping, too hollow, and too engulfing. After years of staying in the shadows, one might think they never see the light of day ever again, however, even in the emptiness and loneliness of space. Yet, even one small flickering candlelight can shine bright in the infinite darkness and give hope to those would need it. That hope is Giorno Giovanna.
"Captain, there's still a long road ahead of us. We shouldn't—
"Shouldn't what, Giorno Giovanna?"
Hearing that voice sent a shiver down both their spines.
'There's absolutely no way.' They thought,
Both of them recognized the voice. Neither of them wants to believe it. Slowly they turned their head to face the mountain of rubble and waste situated atop where the skyscraper used to be. Slowly but surely. A figure of a unicorn stallion, robes were torn, cuts and bruises ran along his battered body, left arm missing, and a notorious reflective face mask, now cracked and shattered so that only lower jaw is revealed, blood running down his face. . He was smiling.
Metal began to grab his spear on his back as Giorno struggled to stand back up.
"How did you survive?" Giorno questioned, and he heaved for air,
Honjo couldn't help but burst out laughing, chest rising and falling.
"Isn't it obvious?! Teleportation! The moment that bloody spear ran past me, I regained enough consciousness to use teleportation again!!"
Blood continues to spew from his left arm, though a glow from his horn stopped the bleeding.
"It's time to end this."
"I've had enough of this!! Why do you keep doing this!? Why do you cause so much bloodshed needlessly!? Had you had any idea how much suffering you've caused to innocents!?! Why do you keep on siding with that shithead King Sombra!?"
Finally, having enough of this, Metal snapped. Giorno could see veins popping out the sides of Metal's head, face scrunched into rage and anger. Pissed off cannot be used to describe what Metal is feeling right now. Though this outburst of his caused Honjo to stood still, not moving.
"You really want to know?" Honjo asked, not a smile present on his face,
"Yes! Why?!" Metal replied,
"Sure, I'll tell you. King Sombra wouldn't abandon me, unlike a certain somepony."
"What?" This answer shook Metal dumbfounded. He doesn't have a clue on what Honjo's leading him on.
"You seriously can't link it? Fine, I'll just show you."
Jabbing his blade next to his, he reaches for his mask. A soft click sound before Honjo slowly removed it from his face, lowering it for both Giorno and Metal to see. Metal took a second to digest the image, as he swore he had seen it somewhere before. Still, with that gigantic scar across his eye, it clouds Metal's judgement. However, it didn't take long for him to connect the dots as his eyes widen at the revelation.
"No..." Metal whispers as he released the grip on his spear, Honjo could only give a devilish smile,
"Hello, big brother. How have you been?" Honjo remarked though Giorno was still confused,
"Big.. Brother? Metal, you have a younger brother?" Giorno questioned, though Metal didn't bother paying him any mind.
"Primus... what...? There's no way right..? This whole time.... I've been fighting...you?" Metal's voice cracked, to which Honjo, or in this case, Primus to grow his smile even wider.
"Well? How does it feel knowing the truth now?" Primus teased,
"P-Primus? H-how..." Tears brimmed from Metal's eyes as he choked onto his own words,
"How have you been, little brother?" Metal forced a smile,
Yet it did nothing to stop the tears to stream down his face as he walked towards Primus, one of the five Major Generals. Seeing Metal in such a state, Giorno knew he had to snap him back to his senses,
"C-Captain? Captain snap out of it! He may be your brother, but that's-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!!" Metal snapped,
Turning back to face his younger brother, he continues to walk over slowly,
"Primus, look at how big you've gotten! I- I knew you still be alive, I've still held on hope that you-"
"Captain! Please!" Giorno cried, reaching out to him, but an untreated broken rib struck him back. As Metal continues,
"Were still alive, but why are you with somepony like King Sombra? This has to be some kind of mistake."
Tossing his mask to the side, Primus retrieved his blade once more as he made his way to meet his long lost brother.
"King Sombra didn't abandon me, not like you did when I was crushed by those boulders." Primus said coldly,
"W-what?"
"I've known ever since we were young, Metal. You've always wanted to inherit the full title of the Jacket Family. You think I hadn't noticed the number of times you've asked me to sit out during our training sessions with father? How you've taken any opportunity to shine brighter than me when it presents itself? Do you think I'm that dense?"
Now, Primus just stands a couple of feet away from Metal, facing him eye-to-eye.
"But, all that to get revenge on me?" Metal questioned
"Partly, but also onto the filthy society that is Canterlot, you remember don't you? Whenever we would go out together, gossip about me would come about frequently."
"Primus, you can't exact vengeance on a nation just cause a few ponies talked shit about you-"
"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME, IT'S MOTHER!!"
This stunned Metal,
"Those filths of society are the root cause for the corruption of high nobility in Canterlot!! Can't you see, brother?! I wouldn't mind if their hate was directed at me, BUT WHY MOTHER!? WHAT DID SHE DO TO DESERVE THAT!? THOSE HEARTLESS CREATURES DESERVED TO BE PURGED FROM THE WORLD!!"
"You're wrong, Primus!! Even those nobles have hearts that cherished their loved ones! Hearts that care!!"
"Then, that would mean... they used those hearts to doom us. Mother and I."
Metal was silent,
"That being said, I'm done talking to you. We are enemies, no use getting sentimental."
Lifting his blade towards Metal's chest with cold authority, his eyes dead set on the goal.
"Primus, I know it's been hard, but Canterlot is still your home. Our home. There's still a place for you." Metal tries to reason, yet little is getting through,
"I've committed countless of sins, I'm irredeemable. But for The King, I'll do anything."
Bringing up his sword, a sorrowful look is present on Primus's features. Metal didn't bother moving an inch,
"This is goodbye, brother."
"This is goodbye, brother."
Primus said, arm raised with a sword in tow. Giorno clutched his side deeply, while「G.E.R」is still busy replacing his damaged organs and ribs.
'I won't make it in time!' Giorno thought,
Outstretching his other hand, he tried to reach Metal in a faint attempt to do something, anything. As though answering his prayer, right before the blade had begun to move, miniature pellets landed in between the two brothers as smoke fizzle out of the objects and obstructed the two, and expanded far enough even to cover where Giorno was. Suddenly, the feeling of being tugged and carried by the arm was present. He was being lifted off the ground as his unknown kidnapper flew off with him in his arm, moving away from the cloud of smoke at a fast rate.
"What!?" Questioned Giorno,
"Yo, Giorno! Sorry, I'm late. There was an annoying yellow pegasus mare with pink mane at one of their camps that wouldn't stop complaining about the well-being of the animals so I had to accompany her with guiding the farm life outta Fillydelphia." The pegasus said,
"Wait, Captain Blizzard?"
"That's me!" Blizzard grinned,
Giorno looked over to his other arm and, through the flapping of Blizzard's wings, could see Metal, though somewhat dead in his response to his rescue. They traveled quite fast, moving higher and higher until they landed atop one of the roofs in a more quiet part of the city. Letting go of the two, Giorno fixed his outfit while Blizzard began to converse,
"So, how was it? I'd knew we were going against A General but I didn't know that-"
"Blizzard, the General is my brother." Metal cuts,
"I didn't think for a million years you could start making jokes." Blizzard retorts,
"Does it look like I'm smiling?" The Spear Captain simply replies, eyes seemingly devoid of life,
"...No way. But how? Why side with King Sombra?"
"To get revenge on the Capital and nobles in Canterlot." Giorno answers in place of Metal, knowing that he isn't fit to carry on the conversation,
"Though I don't know much of the finer details, I managed to hear enough."
"Tell me, Blizzard. How am I, suppose to continue fighting? How am I suppose to... how am I suppose to kill my brother?"
Blizzard hadn't had the faintest clue on what to say to console Metal on; as a big brother himself, he understands the grieve and sorrow Metal must be feeling right now. However, knowing how demoralizing it is, Giorno spoke up from the silence.
"Captain Blizzard and I will handle this,"
"Captain Metal, I know what you're going through is devasting your soul right now, so leave the rest to Captain Blizzard and I. As much as I can, I'll try to reason with your little brother. Though I can't keep any promises, I'll try my best."
"N-no, it's fine, really. But I'm going with the both of you. I can't abandon him a second time. I can't abandon my little brotther." Metal replied, standing up before continuing,
"I want to find out what's going on, that can't possibly be the only reason why he decided to side with Sombra, there's something he isn't telling me. That, and I want my little brother back. I promise not to hold either of you guys back. So please let me go with you." The unicorn swore,
Sighing, Blizzard can't help but smile a little in a situation like this,
"Sure, old pal. We'll handle this like we've always been. We'll bring your brother back. Oh yea, I almost forgot. The sun's rising soon."
Having such cheerful behavior like Captain Blizzard sure calms the tense atmosphere, relieving Metal's anxious heart, even if it's a little. However, seeing as their primary goal has switched, Giorno, too, had taken it upon himself to lead to the charge.
"Then we best get going—
Terrible tremors shook the block the three were on. Looking into the distance, a yellow beam of light was shooting up towards the sky, squinting his eyes to see better. Blizzard couldn't help but voice out as he pointed to the source of light beaming up in the far horizon,
"Umm, guys. What's that beam of light?"
Giorno also looked over to the direction in which Blizzard had pointed. It took him a few seconds before realizing it was Primus's magic blade, his eyes widening, knowing what's gonna come next. Turning around as fast as he could, he yelled for the both of them to start running. Just as Giorno had predicted, the pillar of yellow light started to swing down.
Acting fast, Blizzard took off at great speeds, lifting both Giorno and Metal in his arms once again, flying diagonally from where the base of the light source is coming from to avoid the slash of light as the debris that is inevitably going to sweep the surrounding area. Picking up his speed even further, he knew he still wasn't out of the impact zone yet.
Swinging down the blade, the heavens parted as dust clouds from below pick up speed to engulf all the buildings in its immediate vicinity. Roaring winds and crushing concrete overlap one another, leveling everything that stood in front of Primus. The buildings were crushed, the earth was lifted, and the streets were gone.
"There's no way." Blizzard muttered, as his two passengers could only stare on in horror,
For their enemy, quite literally flatten a section of a city with a single swing of his blade and the destruction left in its wake. Hovering a good distance to see its destruction,
"You guys have been fighting that thing? For the past three hours?? How are yall still alive???" Blizzard commented,
"I don't know either." Giorno responded,
"Pisces."
Releasing his magic, Primus took a deep sigh. Then, looking at the destroyed ruins that used to resemble buildings, shifting his attention to the flying objects close by, he set his sights on his three opponents.
"Sagittarius."
On his command and with a glow from his horn, blades upon blades stood beside him, ready to attack, hovering about excitedly.
"We'll have to launch a surprise attack again. It worked once, it should work again." Giorno suggested,
All three were still descending from above ground zero, discussing their strategy on how to approach Primus.
"Not with all the surrounding structure being destroyed, we should approach him calmly and I'll talk it out with him." Metal suggested, but Giorno clearly disagrees,
"No! There's absolutely no way he would be pacifist now."
While they were still arguing, an object in the distance caught Blizzard's eye. In fact, it was a few dozen storms of blades that flew through the skies with frightening speeds, directed towards the three of them.
"Incoming!!"
Alarming Giorno and Metal, who looked over, only for a blade to graze Giorno's cheek. But another hit its mark, Blizzard's shoulder, the same arm that was carrying Giorno with. This forced Blizzard to drop him while he shrieked in pain, yet the attack never let up. Many missed and fly past in a vain attempt to hit either Captains, though a shout from Metal to get the falling human is all Blizzard need to start blasting through the air at top speeds, all the while Metal was hovering atop his makeshift spear hoverboard once again, trying his best to cover for his friend as he tried to reach Giorno.
As Giorno fell through the skies, he summoned「G.E.R」to try to protect himself from the hurricane of swords flying to and past him. Though a shout of his name from Blizzard knew he wasn't going to be falling for long, as Blizzard maneuvered his way through the open air, a blade was flying straight to his head. But with a frontflip and a flap of his wings, he doesn't waste his momentum to dodge the projectile. Another three was closing in on him. Yet, with a spin and a collapse of his wings, Blizzard manages to linearized his figure enough to just slip past the flying weapons of magic. Then, expanding his wings with a mighty flap, he increases his speed even further.
"Giorno!!! Your Hand!!"
Reaching out his hand with「G.E.R」, he was close enough to grasp Blizzard's forearm.
"I got it!!" Giorno shouts,
"I can't stop now! We're too low to the ground, the momentum will rip your arm off!!" Blizzard respond,
"Spin me!"
"What!?"
"Use the momentum from the fall to spin me! And launch me over to where The General is!"
"Alright! You asked for this!"
Obeying Giorno's orders, The winged Captain spun Giorno around twice before releasing him just as he can see where Primus may be standing. The force accumulated from the spin was redirected into great kinetic energy, sending Giorno flying above the buildings that remain of Fillydelphia. Although the force converted was massive, it wasn't enough to cover the distance between where Giorno had been falling and where Primus stood.
Exactly what Giorno was hoping for.
Reaching the apex of his launch, Giorno begins to descend. Manifesting「G.E.R」beforehand, gathering all the strength he could muster, he braces for impact with a leg ready, landing atop an empty building platform with a thunderous boom. Cracks went along the building in all directions at where he had landed. However, in the instance where「G.E.R」's foot had touched the ground, Giorno extended the leg of his Stand with full power. He explodes once more off the ground and towards the direction where Primus was.
As he flew closer and closer, Giorno could see it. Primus, standing in the middle of an open and destroyed area. Dropping from the peak of his jump, he gears up「G.E.R」for a punch as he falls closer to Primus. Yet, with two slashes from his blade, a shield instantly activated to defend him from the attack.
"Gemini!"
"MUDA!!"
The punch connected with the magical shield, the earth behind where Primus had stood quaked and fissured. The strike Giorno delivered was strong, but all it did was pushed the shield back a little.
"Not yet!!"
A yell bellowed from behind The Joestar, zooming through at supersonic speeds. Blizzard came crashing in beside Giorno, a hoof extended in the form of a kick. Shifting the shield back even further and causing Primus to slide back a couple of inches.
"Long time no see, kid! Remember me? It's time to come home." Blizzard mused,
Gritting his teeth, Primus gripped the handle of his sword harder. Lighting up, he swung a three-sixty horizontal slash to try rid of the two vermin pestering his sights,
"Capricorn!"
Jumping back, both managed to dodge the attack on time.
"Woah there!! Careful how you swing that thing!" The pegasi joked,
"Shut up!! Virgo!!!" Primus yelled,
Moving in a blink of an eye, Primus teleports behind Blizzard.
"Captain! Behind you!!" Giorno warns,
Without hesitation, Primus thrust his blade forward, aiming at Blizzard's back. In retaliation to this, The winged Captain quickly shifted his body to the side; the blade was just shy of hitting a couple of his left ribs. Clasping his biceps close to his side and holding the blade with his left hand to secure its position, Blizzard restricted The General's movement long enough to strike him with a right elbow swing backward. Striking the General twice before turning around for a roundhouse kick to the arm.
"Give it up, Primus. You're beat." Blizzard said,
Skittering back, Primus shuffles to his knees. Coughing up blood, he was reaching his limit. Exhausting all of his power moves in short succession, he hasn't learned to stop that bad habit of his. Coughing even further, he was gasping for air.
"It's... not *cough* over..." Primus hoarse out,
"It is, and you're coming back with us. Your big bro missed you a lot—
"LIKE HELL HE DOES." Primus shouted,
"IF HE DID, WHY IS IT WHEN I AWOKE FROM BEING CRUSHED BY BOULDERS, IS HE NOT THERE TO GREET ME, AND KING SOMBRA WAS THERE?! WHY IS IT EVERY TIME I TRAIN MYSELF TO THE BONE, HE DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE ME?! I USED TO LOOK UP TO HIM!!'
Forgetting about the battle, Primus no longer gripped his sword. Instead, he slammed his fist into the ground.
"HE ACTS COLDLY TO ME WHENEVER I MENTION TRAINING TO HIM!! HE DOESN'T CARES ABOUT HOW MUCH STRONGER I'VE GOTTEN, HE DOESN'T CARES THAT I'VE SPENT MANY NIGHTS PERFECTING THE ARTS!! AND IN THE END, HE ABANDONED ME WHEN I NEEDED HIM THE MOST!!! THIS- This... isn't *sniff* fair."
The hatred yells of Primus soon turned into sorrowful tears of sadness, as soon he begun to cry. This display of raw emotions left Giorno and Blizzard in silence. As it is true. That Primus managed to gain much power over the course of his time serving as A General to King Sombra. He's always dealt with his problems and insecurities alone. Without a shoulder to lean on, and even if he wielded a power to wipe a nation with a swipe of a hand. Deep down, Primus still hadn't changed, deep down. He's still a broken kid at heart. Unable to let go of the past.
"You're wrong, Primus. I've cared. I've always cared." A simple reply caught all of their attention.
Looking up, in came Metal. Slowly walking towards his long-lost sibling of the abyss.
"You!" Primus growled, tears still streaming down his face.
Grabbing his sword, he stood up. Trying to cast a skill to enhance his blade, no magic comes out. Primus realizes he has fully exhausted his magic supply. Without any other choice, he charged at his big brother. Blade pointing forward, yelling out as he did so. However, Metal didn't bother dodging. He stood completely still. Awaiting his brother with a big smile.
"Metal! Move outta the way!" Blizzard warned,
Yet, Metal was unmoving. And soon, he was rewarded with a blade stuck deep into his chest.
"Captain Jacket!!" Giorno yelled,
"It's ok now. You're not alone anymore." Metal said, coughing up blood as he placed a calm hand onto Primus's head.
"I've always been alone, ever since you abandoned me." Primus said through angry tears,
"I know, and for that. I'm truly sorry, I've acted coldly towards you ever since we were young... is because I wanted you to live a peaceful life, you know what our family runs and what we have to go through to ensure we meet our job criteria."
"I know, and look how that played out." Letting out a simple giggle, Metal was quick to continue,
"I know you probably hate me with you're entire being, but please. Know that I did it for your sake."
"And I looked up to you, you've abandoned me back when King Sombra was waging war against The Capital."
"Father died trying to save you." Primus didn't respond, and Metal takes it as his cue to continue,
"It was most probably one of King Sombra's General who did it. But back then, I tried to save. I... I didn't want to leave your side. And Blizzard over there had to drag me with a rope to get me out of there. Haha... How embarrassing it is."
"That's a lie! King Sombra told me Father died—
"Father died similarly to the boulders? Along the line of that? That they didn't mean it? No, Primus, Father was still alive to say goodbye to me. Because he knew the risks of saving you were slim to none, but he stayed behind. Because he had a higher chance of surviving and saving you, than little old me."
"F-father tried to...?"
"Yes."
Primus couldn't help himself. Tears began to flow down his face once more.
"He loved you, as much as I love you. I know you've been suffering all this time, haven't you? You've been enduring all this pain all by yourself, haven't you? It's alright now, I'm here. And I won't abandon you ever again."
"I-I've always looked up to you, big bro! I-*sniff* I knew you wanted to be the head of the Family! Which was why I was fine with just being by your side! I- I wanted to be just like you big bro! P-please... F-Forgive me."
Eye reddening, Primus couldn't help but feel a heavy weight has been lifted off his chest. All these years of suffering, gone with a brother's love. Clutching his brother, he couldn't help but sob even more.
"I forgive you, little bro. It's my fault to begin with." Metal said, gently caressing Primus's head.
"That certainly won't do." A dark, grim voice came from nowhere, ruining the moment,
The dark formation of black smoke envelops Primus's form as he desperately clutches his own head. As a sinister green filled his white eyes, a purple fog-like substance oozed from the corner of it, black sparks of magic crackled around his horn.
"What is this!?" Metal exclaimed,
"Greetings, Giorno Giovanna. What are the coincidences we would meet so soon after our last bout?" The voice rang around the three.
"King Sombra... I beg of you.. Leave my big brother out of this... Please!" Primus cried, trying to reason with his king, back hunched and head spinning,
"Now, my General. What fun would that be if we didn't include all of our participants? And for your disobience and betrayal of the Crystal Empire, this shall be a fitting punishment for you."
"NOO!!" Primus yelled, head thumping,
"King Sombra! Leave my brother alone! Take me, instead! Use me!!" Metal yelled into the void,
"Now, now. Captain, where would the fun be in that? HAHAHAHA!!!"
Cursing, Metal hugged his brother.
"It's ok, Primus! Big bro is here!"
Holding his body, Primus felt weak. Just like all those years ago.
"Big bro, run far away... Please..."
"NO! I'm NOT leaving you alone again!"
Primus wasn't allowed another word before a fountain of dark magic exploded out of his body and into the sky. Sending all three of them flying back. The dark magic in the skies swirled around where they stood, purple lighting boomed across the heavens. Walking out of the crater where Primus was lying was the shell of his former self. Now, with a new arm, cursed purple markings tattooed across his body, and eyes devoid of all life, like a puppet, he wields his sword, ready to finish the final chapter of this fight.
Dark clouds circled the skies of the battlefield. Primus marched towards the lot. still, under the spell of Sombra and his dark magic, ignoring the sounds of the outside world. Unable to reply, trapped within his body. He could only answer the commands of his king. And his orders are to eliminate all those that stand in his way.
Treading forward slowly, Primus holds his sword firm, as he could only coldly stare at his brother. Desperate to call out to him.
"Primus! Snap out of it!" Metal yelled but to no avail,
Seeing no other way out of Sombra's control, he reached for another spear on his back with his left hand. Only to see a pillar of magic zooming past him, slicing his arm off and in the process destroying said spear on his back, now left with one. The trail where the magic attack has left erupted from the ground from the force exerted. Blood was soon gushing out, unable to dally any further. Metal quickly warped his scarf around his amputated limb with his mouth to somewhat help stop the bleeding.
Turning his attention back onto his brother, Metal was met with The General just inches away from his face, blade already winding up for a swing.
"Metal!!"
Forcing Metal out of the way with a tackle, Blizzard now has to take the full brunt of the attack from Primus. a horizontal slash. Though Blizzard was still hovering midair from flying at great speeds to push Metal out of danger, his awkward position means that his head is in line of fire with Primus's sword. Seeing this coming, out of instinct, Blizzard moved his arm to block from the incoming strike.
He wasn't fast enough.
Causing Blizzard to have his right arm, right ear, and the centre point of his marginal covert on his right wing to be slashed off his body.
Without missing a beat, Primus thrusts his sword into Blizzard's abdomen. Carrying him by the handle, he lifts the pegasi over his head, turns one-eighty, and slams him into the ground.
"Cancer." Primus monotones,
Jabbing his blade deeper earns him a 'hurgk!' sound from Blizzard as he desperately tries to pull out the curved, cold alloy that's deep in his stomach. However, his movements are quickly seized when jet-black magic chains stretched out of his puncture wound, wrapping themselves around Blizzard's body in a quick fashion. Coughing up blood, Blizzard is now down for the count. Removing his weapon from The Captain, Primus set his sights on Metal once again.
Only to be met with a cannonade of magical spears flying towards him.
Dashing back, he slashed a couple that flew to him. Hurling his blade to the sky, he dodges more spears aimed at him before teleporting to where his blade was. Grabbing it once more, he summoned his own arm of swords to dance for him.
"Sagittarius."
Metal ran in a zig-zag formation, dodging while simultaneously throwing spears after spears to try to parry the rain of blades showering his person.
"「Gold Experience Requiem!!」"
Punching both fists into the ground, he imbues it with life, trees burst forth, covering the general area of where Metal is running to, providing him with a shelter and at the same time acting as a shield to deflect the blades flying towards The spear Captain. Yet, the sound of air cracking coupled with the rise in temperature gave little closure to either of them. The trees buckled and snapped before combusting into purple flames.
Primus was already back onto the ground, with slash marks all around his torso from the physical backlash of attack one of「G.E.R」's lifeforms. Still, with the shine of his horn, his wounds all closed up and blood receding back into his body.
Clutching his makeshift spear, Metal summons even more spears to his side. Moving forward with a large stride, he javelins his spear towards Primus, the rest of his arsenal following suit. Despite that, Primus's body didn't bother moving to dodge at all. Confused, Giorno was racking his brain, thinking of possible moves that The General can be plotting. However, a laugh from King Sombra's echoing voice broke his train of thought as he looked around for where the source of the noise may be coming from.
"Heh, are you really going to hurt your brother?"
Realization soon hit The blonde Joestar, turning back to where the fight was happening. He could only watch as all of the spears that were meant to hit Primus were all flying past him, not even close enough to graze his fur. Looking back, Metal was standing upright. A tear flowing down his cheek now,
"I-I... can't possibly bring myself to hurt my brother." The Captain said,
Turning his head down, he dropped to his knees and accepted his fate. As another victim to fall to The Crystal Empire's reign of terror and to his brother. Giorno couldn't stand any of this. Gritting his teeth, he yelled out at the top of his lungs, calling out to Metal.
"Captain!!"
This worked, catching Metal's attention. He looked over to where Giorno was getting up from.
"Fight!!" His voice echoed out,
"I don't think I can live with the guilt if I were to kill my own brother." Metal sorrowfully replied,
"Are you going to let your brother suffer even more!? Do you think he wants this!?" Giorno tries to reason,
"METAL!! GET UP!!" Blizzard bellowed out, still restrained on the floor. Now, Metal's attention has turned to him,
"ARE YOU GOING TO LET PRIMUS GO AGAIN!? WAS THAT PROMISE YOU MADE JUST NOW AN EMPTY ONE!? ARE YOU GOING TO LET SOMBRA TOY WITH HIM AGAIN!? ARE YOU SERIOUSLY GOING TO STAND BY AND WATCH THAT HAPPEN!?"
Remembering the promise he made to his little brother, he was forced to face reality. Unable to use the excuse of either being too weak nor the excuse of being forced to run away. He stopped crying,
"Silence." reverberated King Sombra,
Lifting up his blade, Primus summoned a magic sword directed only at Blizzard. Ripping through the air, The Winged Captain was forced to endure another object being punctured through his body, groaning in pain and cough more blood up.
"Blizzard!" Metal yelled,
"Look forward!" Giorno called out,
Watching on helplessly, Giorno was now engaging the enhanced General with his Stand. 「G.E.R」throwing punch after punch only with be effortlessly parried with a swing of the sword.
"You can't stop now! Look at how far you've come!! Are you going to stop because King Sombra tip the tides of battle? No! Your resolve to see this battle through until the end! So steel yourself, and move forward! Even if you can't save your brother from King Sombra's grasp, you can still free him from the shackles of pain!! Fight!!!"
Pushing forward,「G.E.R」continues his onslaught of punch barrages. Switching, he transferred his energy into kicks. Parrying a kick with his forearm. Primus cleaves off the leg with a swing of his blade, which in turn sliced off Giorno's leg as well. Now left with only one leg, Giorno drops to the ground. Using this opportunity,「G.E.R」dragged his fist off the ground, breaking the earth and shattering the rocks into smaller individual pieces and pushed them towards Primus.
Though some missed, a large one managed to land a hit onto Primus's body.
"Now! 「Gold Experience Requiem」!!"
With his command, the rock previously imbued with life transformed stretched itself into a large python, fully warping itself around Primus's body, it began to constrict the air out of him.
"Pythons have great constricting strength, great enough to force ribcages to seize movement, and some strong enough to force cardiac arrest." Giorno comments,
Unamused, a leg managed to free itself of the constricting animal. Using it to kick Giorno off the floor, but was dampened due to「G.E.R」passively protecting him. Yet, It was still strong enough to send him flying backwards as he lands near a standing wall close by, summoning more swords. Primus shoots them above where Giorno had landed, collapsing bricks and stone onto him. The only thing that indicates Giorno is still under the massive debris covering him is his exposed right arm resting onto a pile of rocks. Having dealt with Giorno, Primus turns his attention back onto the make coiled around his body. Now starting to feel the full force of a giant python, he tries to rip it off his body with a hand. However, a spear came flying in. Forcing Primus to parry it with his blade.
"Heh, you're right, Giorno, Blizzard. You guys are right. And I'm sorry for holding both of you back. Primus!" Metal admits, walking to his brother,
Looking up, Primus stares at his brother, lifeless eyes gazing at The Spear Captain.
"Your brother is coming to your rescue."
"Enough," Primus said,
Bursting into bright purple flames, the python enwrapping him release its grip, hissing as it moved away, returning into its previously lifeless state of a stone. However, the rocks that had flown past Primus and landed behind him burst forth trees once again to catch Primus's legs and his torso, leaving his abdomen semi-open as it grows behind him and upwards into the skies. Though these kinds of trees far exceed the size of what Giorno has produced in the past, it towers even giant buildings. Thinking it was the same kind of procedure by now, just the size difference, Primus expanded more fire, enough to cover his body.
It seemed to work as the bark around Primus began to wither away. But despite that, the flow of growing tree bark never seemed to end as it replaces the damaged ones with haste.
The type of tree that Giorno had called forth is a different type of tree. It is from the family of Cupressaceae. It's the species of Sequoiadendron giganteum, or otherwise known as the Giant sequoia. These trees can grow up to a height of fifty to eighty-five meters tall, with a trunk diameter ranging from six to eight meters wide. That being said, these kinds of trees have an extraordinary life cycle. With includes the usage of fire. Whenever the sequoia trees are ready to reproduce, it waits for a forest fire to occur. This gives them three main things to grow.
One, it frees up space near the sequoias to allow room for sunlight and water to enter.
Two, the smoke generated by said fire heats the cones of matured sequoia trees without harming them, allowing the cones to open up and spread their seed down to the earth.
Three, the open space acts as nutrient-filled soil for the seedlings to grow, which is important for the seedlings to mature in harsh conditions.
However, thanks to Giorno's「G.E.R」and his life-giver ability. It allows the sequoia trees to be hastily matured and grow to their full height, bearing seeds just as Primus can burn them down. Not to mention, Giorno overflowed the rocks with as much life essence as possible. Thus the life energy carries over to the seedling, which repeats the cycle. Giorno trusted that Primus would use his fire again, as he has done so in their past encounters. It was a big gamble, as having used his Stand for such a long duration of time really is tiring him out. So should Primus never had used his flames, the trees would've lived out their lives in acceleration thanks to Giorno's life-giver running through the trees. Essentially, dying before it could even trap Primus.
Now with Primus feeding into Giorno's trap, Metal took advantage of this situation. Starting to sprint, he races himself towards, with his final polearm in hand.
Unable to move but still able to push his arm that holds his blade, he brings his blade down for a vertical slash of Leo. Suddenly, a body warps itself around his throat.
"Hurry up, Metal!!" Blizzard cried,
As the purple fire seared his skin off, puncture wounds in his abdomen and feathers set ablaze, he holds on for dear life with a single arm, trying to stop the Primus from swinging his sword onto his brother.
"Capricorn."
That was all Blizzard heard before Primus removesBlizzard's lower body. His legs falling to the side, and his grip loosens. Only to strengthen again, tighter this time around. Massive amounts of blood gushing out, Metal's eyes widen, as he called out,
"Blizzard!!"
"Don't mind me!! Giorno can fix it!!! Just do it!!!" Blizzard managed to cough out,
All the pieces were set, and everyone played their part to the best of their abilities. Seeing as this is his only chance to do it, Metal placed all of his magic reserves into his arm. Strengthening it as much as possible. Reaching his brother, trapped by trees and roots, with his friend helping out. He throws his spear forward and into Primus's chest.
"Rimfire: Aimless."
"Rimfire: Aimless."
Magic shined through Metal's arm violently, releasing point-blank at Primus's chest. Heavy wind currents blast through and around the polearm, blasting Metal and Blizzard backward as the weapon drills itself through the barrier surrounding The General. Each rotation of the spear causes the shield to glow in response, and it felt heavy on Primus. A loud yell comes from the rooted Unicorn, struggling to get the lifeforms off his body.
Metal laid on the floor, body burning and fatigued, muscle tensing and relaxing, and his right arm fully bruised and bloody from magic bursting and twisting it. All he could do left is tilt his head up, seeing if his attack had any lasting effects on his brother. Watching on as the spear continues to barrels itself into the shield with a golden shine, though not as bright as the time he had used it the first time. Drilling, it had managed a crack onto the barrier. The crack traveled further and further, pushing itself deeper and deeper into Primus's torso. And ultimately, with a final spin, shattering it. Drilling itself into Primus's abdomen. Although the attack had destroyed the shield protecting him by that time, it had already lost a significant portion of its energy trying to break past it. Only left with enough power to pierce The General's torso, lodging itself into his stomach before seizing all movement.
Primus yelled out, adrenaline pumping through his veins as his body bursts into flames greater than ever before. Some of his fur and skin on the right side of his body began to melt in the process. The power struggle between the trees of「G.E.R」and Primus's violet flames was a great one, neither side seeming to give in. However, it was obvious that Giorno's life-giver ability was running dry, and the fiery infernos of dark magic were gaining an edge. Slowly but surely, incinerating off the sequoia trees, until every bark and inch of the trees were no more.
Dropping to the ground with one knee, Primus huffed as the void laughed a sinister echo,
"Ha! You prove to be a much more useful puppet than I had initially thought! How truly wonderful. Now, finish your task. General Honjo. Kill them all."
Forced along like a strung puppet, Primus's body move to the call. His arm grasping his broken sword,
"Don't -cough- call me that... M-my name... Is..Primus J-Jacket." Young Primus weakly coughed,
Primus tried to regain control of his body, yet, it felt heavy.
"Oh? Are you disobeying me?" The shadow swirled,
"I've caused enough suffering as it is, I'm no longer your General." Another laugh echoed out amongst the storms,
"Who said you had a choice to begin with?!"
A strong wave of dark magic burst around Primus, his body compelled to follow the wishes of his master. As much as Primus tried to stop himself, he couldn't help but take a step forward. A hoof at a time. Trudging in the direction of where his older brother is lying with the spear still in his stomach. Hot tears streamed down Primus's face and sizzle out due to the radiating heat around him, now understanding the feeling his brother had once felt.
He cannot do anything, only capable of watching on, as Sombra forces him to murder his older brother in front of his sick-green eyes. As he moved closer to Metal, Primus did something he hadn't done in a long time. He started to pray, pray to some god out there— pray to Princess Celestia that he could stop himself right now from harming his own brother and that he would exchange anything, even his own life, for it. But, how harsh and cruel Fate was. Cold and unanswering.
Standing above his brother, he couldn't bear to himself to face him, closing his eyes shut and turning his head away. Only for Metal's voice to gain his attention,
"Hey, Primus. Look at me."
"I-I can't."
"I want to see the face of my baby brother one last time."
Hearing this from Metal, Primus opened his tear-filled eyes and looked down, only for his brother to be giving a warm smile at him. Like how an understanding elder child would give at the innocence and naivety of their own younger sibling.
"It's alright, Primus. Sometimes, things don't go the way you want them to, and that's fine." another carefree smile plaster itself onto Metal's face,
"I don't want t-to kill you..Please... Run..." Primus cried,
"My body's too worn out, but there's something I want to tell you. Before I bite the dust." Metal paused for a breather, as he continued,
"Don't worry about me anymore. Alright? Forget about me and move on. Even if times get tough, the though will get going. Once this war is over. I want you to live a life free of bloodshed. Live a life, with no regret. Alright?"
"I-I can't live a life with no regrets when I'm about to kill you!!"
"It's alright Primus. Really."
Lifting both hands to his sword and over his head, he aims his blade downwards. Shaking violently.
"Please, run!" More tears flowed down Primus's face,
"It's better this way." Metal whispered, closing his eyes and accepting his end.
Primus used every ouch of power he had to combat the dark magic flowing through him, yet even he knew it was fruitless. Leaving him no choice, he yelled out for help.
"SOMEPONY! ANYPONY! PLEASE! SAVE HIM!!"
Answering his pleas for help, a golden hand grasps itself onto the spear. Looking on, Giorno was standing beside Primus, with「G.E.R」beside him. Bloodied and missing a right arm.
"I'll answer your wish. Primus Jacket."
Clenching his left fist and imbuing the spear lodged into Primus with life.
“「Gold Experience Requiem」!!”
Giant trees explode from it, through Primus, and out his back. The bark and trunk rooted themselves into the ground, large branches shot up, and bloomed petals of beautiful pink. Forming itself into a large Cherry Blossom Tree.
"And may you rest in peace." Giorno finishes,
Finally exerting all of his energy, he collapses onto the ground. The atmosphere seemed to have relaxed, as everybody on the scene is trying to take it in. Electricity crackled around Primus, as with a bellow, out goes all the dark magic within him. A stream of black and purple energy blast itself out of Primus and into the skies before dispersing itself in all directions. Releasing Primus from his internal prison. The whites in his eyes returning.
Yet, without any dark magic left to sustain him. Primus is now left with a fatal wound in his abdomen and a severe burn wound on his body. Spewing up blood, he couldn't help but be the one smiling now.
"T-thank...you..." Primus whispers,
Petals began to fall.
"S-sorry...Big bro.."
"Don't apologize... Please..." Metal said, head laid on the floor, struggling to tilt his head up.
Primus's eyes start to blur, seeing white. Knowing his time is nearing, he spoke,
"Big bro.. The mare in the moon... and... a dragon of all species..." Finally being able to face his brother, confusion was present upon his features,
"A General is in Manehatten...The General of The First Gate..." A cough of blood interrupts his speech, his body now turning cold.
Tilting his head up, even seeing nothing but white, he wonders if his actions so far are unredeemable.
"Dad...I'm..sorry..for..being...d-disobedient...w-will...you..ever..forgive..me?" A smile grew itself upon his face, feeling his body growing lighter and lighter,
.
"Primus?" Metal called,
But there's no response.
Solitary cloud leaves dancing amongst the ripples of the starry night. Reflective of the never-ending twilight. Every journey has its final day, though it seems that the spark of the dying samurai had already fizzled out. It is but one piece set in stone for the unceasing flow of the river that is Fate. Perishing with the sword in hand, accompanied by the blossom of cherries. Here lies a Swordmaster unseen in centuries, driven by anger and regret. In his last moments, able to find peace within himself. His name was Primus Jacket, and he died with his honor intact.
「The Third Gate of Grief: General Honjo has died」
The Sword and The Spear
Each Spear Honjo destroys, fifty more takes over its place. Knowing that it'll just track him even if he ran doesn't help his situation. Unable to handle the overwhelming wave that's starting to wash over him, he understands that he has to close the distance if he wishes to do any real damage.
"Black Sky - 3rd Star:" He Whispers,
For a split second, Honjo threw two diagonal slashes infused with magic. It froze in the air, acting as a shield from the volley of projectiles being throw at him. The moment a spear touches the makeshift defensive walls, it disintegrates. Giving him space where he won't be hit.
"Gemini."
Knowing the spears won't do any good at this rate, Metal halts their movement, suspending them mid-air. He changes the hue of the spell circle on his handheld spear from a calm blue to a brilliant vermillion red, and as he did so, so does all the spears surrounding the area. Teleporting a safe distance away, he points his index finger to the ground, and following his command, so does every spear suspending in the air.
"Shotshell: Obliterate."
Metal prods his finger. Sending all of his heavy magic artillery straight to the ground, detonating on impact. The chain reaction of massive explosions lighted up the streets in an orange hue, forming a humongous crater where Honjo once stood. Metal knew better though, he fell for it once, and he wasn't going to fall for it again. He spun his spear around, so the head was facing the back. He rams it with full strength. Intercepting against the blade of Honjo's katana before it reached his head. Metal did a sweep kick, forcing The General to jump back; Metal then followed up by changing spells. Royal purple shined over the fiery red circle on his handheld spear; he steps forward with a mighty stomp of his hoof. Erupting a sea of spiky, lavender waves from the ground.
"Reinforce."
Honjo reciprocated by casting magic of his own,
"Black Sky - 9th Star: Sagittarius."
Summoning magic blades behind him that closely detailed his own, forcing them to the ground, he wedges them in-between the spears of the wave. Metal caught sight of this. It reminded him of something dear to him; he can't quite put his finger on it. But he did know that he stands no chance at close-quarter engagements. Throwing some smoke pellets and setting up a screen, he teleports again. Expanding some good distance between themselves to make use of his fullest potential. Metal stared at the wall of smoke,
"I need to keep my distance,"
'But why?' Metal's subconscious questioned,
'Why else? I'm a Sharpshooter, I'm not meant to engage in close-quarter, I-' Metal tried to reason with himself but was cut off,
'You know better than anypony else that you can handle yourself in those kinds of situations. So why...'
Why...
..
...
....
"Why am I running? Why am I so afraid? "
"My name is Metal Moduls Jacket. Heir to the Jacket Family, and I am a Pony of no worth."
That is what Metal would tell himself every day after losing everything in the war.
Growing up in the Jacket household has not been pleasant for Metal as a child. His family's lineage has served as Princess Celestia for hundreds of years as they're her most trusted Maskspony. Many ponies envied Metal, being born into wealth and having an easy life? Who wouldn't want that? Not Metal Moduls Jacket, apparently.
Ever since being told that his life's career is to inherit his father's heritage and legacy of being one of Equestria's most renowned Sharpshooter, he couldn't help but yawn at the idea of doing so. Metal doesn't like the idea of his destiny already been set in stone the moment he was born. He wishes to go out to the world and explore his options first, but of course. His wishes were denied by his father.
Many had the utmost respect for Metal's father, not only for his position among the Royal Guards but also for his conduct both inside and outside of his job. Many see him as 'intense.' and a rather very bold Pony. When in actuality, 'intense.' is an understatement. He loves to put in a hundred and ten percent to what he's doing. No matter the task, especially in training Metal in his youth, so that he may one day take over as the Jacket Family head. He rarely smiles, which doesn't help that he already has a scary enough aura to him.
During Metal's superintensive training sessions with his father, he would often feel like his limbs were about to fall off. He threw up countless times. His palms would tear open numerous times when throwing practice spears, and he would always be dehydrated after every training. One would think that putting a child through this torturous training would end up forging the child to despise and reject their parents, but the strange thing was, Metal didn't despise his father at all. In fact, he looked up to his father at how he could be so dedicated all the time. But respecting his father doesn't mean he likes the training either. He just puts up with it. Because frankly, Metal hates to work; he's lazy.
Due to his family having a big name in Canterlot, Metal's childhood was very limited when going outside. He would either be training, getting homeschool by a high-grade teacher, or using his free time chatting with his bedridden mother due to complications when giving birth.
"Metal, sweetie?" She calls,
"Yes, mama?"
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Hmmm," Metal hums, looking up at the ceiling in deep contemplation, " I dunno yet,"
"Then why do you train with your dad?"
"Well, if I don't find anything I particularly like, then I'll come back to it."
"Why so? Didn't you tell me that you wish to live a quiet and peaceful life?"
"Yes, I do. But I don't think I can live a life full of regrets, enjoying my own when I could be helping others. Maybe after doing what I can. Then, I could start to find a place to live out my life. Hmmm, Maybe Ponyville? That place seems nice."
His mother gave a hearty giggle, bringing him closer to give a warming embrace,
"I'm proud to have given birth to such a kind, strong stallion,"
His mother patted his head soothingly. Metal couldn't help but smile and blush at the compliment.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. You're going to have a younger brother! Isn't that exciting?"
Metal's eyes sparkled, a smile growing ever wider,
"Wahhh! No way! Really!? I'm going to have a baby brother!"
"Yes, yes, you are. Please take care of him, alright? Mama won't be here for long. You two have to look out for each other."
"I will, mama. I promise."
'Why...?'
The communication device went off. Static blitz in The Captain's ear, snapping him back into reality. The voice of Giorno heightening his attention,
"Captain, stand clear!"
"What do you mean?" Metal questioned,
"Above you!"
Metal tilted his head up to see what Giorno was going on about, and he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw it.
"This guy's crazy!"
The dust cleared, allowing Honjo vision of his opponent once again. However, he noticed a growing shadow engulfing him from below. Looking up, he widens his eyes, as he sees a humongous yellow object flying towards him. With Giorno above it, using「G.E.R」to carry the entire hunk of metal. Yelling,
ド ド ド ド
・『ロード ・ ローラー ・ だッ！』
Seeing the man that he had just previously blasted away. Now coming back with a Steam Roller in his hands to squash him flat with it.
