Ponytron: Exodusby ConfusedSpudChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixShadeChapter OnePrologue "Ponies, I regret to inform you that I do not know where the Celstial Spark was sent. I regret to inform you that we do not have the means of locating or even reaching it. But that can and will change. With your help, we can construct a vessel capable of reaching the stars. Capable of fixing, my folly." Celestia's voice reach out to the Ponies in front of her. It was a sea of mixed emotions. There were those who expressed anger at her lack of method. There were those who looked shocked at the impossibility of her statement. There were those who looked like life was being restored to those being and the hope of a brighter day for their foals was finally within reach. And, there were those who were planning. Running the numbers over and over in their processors until the equations broke down completely. "You have a question?" Celestia asked a Tan Mare who's hoof shot up. "Yes, up, where would we find the materials necessary to create such a vessel?" The mare asked, pushing the rust covered spectacles up her snout. "I do not have any one resource. I plan to reuse the chassis of a derelict freight liner and repurpose it for Extra planetary travel. Another hoof raise. The same mare. "The hull of a water vessel and the hull of a shuttle are very different. How do you plan to keep it pressurized?" She asked again. "Extra plating and the heat shield. Any pony else?" Several more ponies raised their hooves. Pointing to a Black hoof, she prepared for any and all questions. "The Energon, how much do you actually have?" He asked. "Not enough." The next pony was a green Pegasus. "Let's be honest here, no pony is crazy enough to follow The pony who destroyed our planet to begin with?!" One of the still bitter mares. She can handle this. "I know what I did was wrong. I see that now. No pony could have anticipated the fallout. All we can do it try and bring it back. If I could, I would do this by myself. But I have neither the capability, nor the Energon to do it by myself. So please, set your anger aside for now. You my do what you want with my after life has been returned to our home." That shut her up. The torrent of questions continued out of order, much to the dismay of Celestia's processor. "What are we asking, I wasn't listening." A grey mare in the back asked. "Listen harder." "How many ponies are you taking with you?" A grey colt pushed his way to the front. He had a major look of worry on his face. "As many as possible." "What will you do once we get the Celestial Spark?" A changling questioned. "I hope that our two factions, how ever small they may be, can put our differences aside and push forwards as United allies. Not enemies." The changling seemed to like this answer. "Clearly I followed the wrong bug." He remarked. "How do you deal?" A random Stallion from the side she couldn't make out to save her life asked. "Please explain." She asked confused. "How do you deal? It's a pretty simple question." "No it isn't, and as it isn't a question any pony understands, I've elected to ignore it." Celestia scanned the crowd for any hooves left. None remained. "This plan will require all of us to do our parts. Thank you for hearing me out. The most Mechanical literate, please join me. The rest of you, start gathering all the scrap you can." Celestia walked off behind the rusted stage with those she called upon behind her. Here they will spend Ironing out the blue prints for their Ark. Author's Note Yeah, short one. Let me know what you think of the series. Whether I should continue or not. I rather enjoy hearing from my readers. Chapter TwoChapter One Twilight Sparkle trotted through the derelict and rusting city of Iacolt. The once lustrous City had become such a shadow of itself over the Solar Cycles. She looked over at the Buttercream Mare trotting with her. She kept looking at every darkened alleyway and shuffling her hooves around nervously. "Are we getting closer to it?" She asked. "You haven't said anything this entire Trip, are you okay?" "I- I'm fine. Y- Yes, we're getting closer." The Mare quietly told the Purple Engineer. "T'ch, She should have sent some Pony else. Like Dash and Do. Or Ol' Buckhappy." She complained as they came to a large Pyramid type structure. "Is This it?" "Y- Yes, I'll open it." The Mare pushed a hoof against a Scanning panel. It didn't function. "I- It worked a few Cycles ago." She was about to run again, but Twilight Wedged the door open with a stray piece of debris. "Huh, I'm not seeing any Energon." The two trotted in side by side. Looking around, there wasn't the Tell tale Green glow of the Energon. Until, she came to a panel. And a Series of Circular Rings. "Oh, wow." "O- oh? I- Is something of interest?" The Mare asked. "Fluttershy, I don't know what you think you've found, but it's not Energon. It's Much more Invaluable." She looked over at the mare who was dragging out a Pallet of unrefined Energon Crystals. Fluttershy gave her a look, then continued to drag the Pallet across the floor. "N-nevermind..." Twilight looked back down at the panel. She pushed a few buttons, the lights in the building turning on a few millicycles later. "W- wait, What are you doing? T- turn that off!" Fluttershy galloped over to the Purple Engineer. "No one comes by here, we'll be fine." Both mare's Energon Crystalized when they heard a series of Thumps outside of the Building. "Y- you just had to say it." The two turned around and looked at the Dark Alicorn standing in the Doorway. Behind her came out Sunset Shimmer and her Seeker Lieutenants; Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst and Discord. "Your a Long way from safety, Autoponies.” Nightmare Moon Began. “Why don’t we just skip the formalities and get to scrapping already.” Sunset’s remark earned her a Hard Back hoof by Nightmare. “You will speak when I tell you too. Am I understood?” Sunset nodded, grasping her Shattered Cheek. “Now, Where was I? I’m going to give you a choice. You can Join my ranks, and together we restore life to our planet and end the war. Or stay with Celestia and face Termination. What’ll it be?” Twilight gave it a Cursory thought over, Before replying, “Till all are one.” Fluttershy gave her a glance of confusion, then Looked back at Nightmare. “I-I’m Not with her!” She said frightened. “I- I’m just an Energon scout. I- I’m not with her!” Nightmare gave an order and the Four Seekers Sprung forwards, pushing Twilight to the ground and restraining her. “Twilight Lavender Sparkle, you have been charged with several crimes against Ponytron. The Punishment is Capitol.” Nightmare Raised her Arm cannon to Twilight’s head. “You don’t get last words.” Just before she could pull the trigger, a Sniper round Soared through the air, implanting itself into her shoulder. The same shoulder her Fusion cannon was attached to. All ponies looked to the Direction it came from, Then the direction of A singular engine. The hum grew in intensity as a White Flat-faced Truck through the Doorway. It transformed midair into a White Alicorn. She skidded into the Group and Decked a Distracted Nightmare. Twilight Managed to Trip Discord from his hold on her and Elbowed him into the ground. Sunset attempted to shoot her with her pair of Nullrays, but didn’t get the Chance when Fluttershy Bonked her over the Head. “Ah, Celestia Prime.” She spat some Energon on the floor. “Long time no see.” “Luna, this war has gone on for-” “I no longer respond to that name. Do not call me that ‘Dearest sister.’” Nightmare sneared at Celestia. The other Five ponies and Singular Draconicus just sorta stood there and watched as the Two Traded blows. The Fight drew to a close with Celestia Gasping for Air on the floor. Nightmare Towered over the Alicorn with Malicious intent. “If I can’t persuade you for peace, then I will just have to terminate you.” “No matter what happens, we will continue to resist your control.” Celestia head butted Nightmare Moon square in the Chest. “Auto ponies Retreat.” She called out. Twilight bucked Starlight who was standing right next to her and Transformed, Fluttershy following suit. The Two followed Celestia back out the Door with some pony extra behind them. Nightmare Growled as she watched her Delusional Sister slip through her Hooves again. She does this every single time. An Entrance Ramp folded down to allow a White Semi, Purple Rally car and Buttercream Buggy entrance to their base. Ponies of all colors and Races looked at them and waved. Twilight pulled up next to a different purple Mare. Transforming, they looked Identical. Even more so than the Actual Twins. In fact, both twilights were clones of Twilight Velvet. A deceased scientist from the Golden age. She found her doppelgänger stacking empty Energon cubes. Fluttershy followed Celestia deeper into the Base. A Black and Teal Beetle crawled into the Base and transformed. Adding to the amount of changelings working on the base. “C- celestia, nice operation you got here but…” they drove past a group of Ponies and Changelings welding some fuel lines. “W- what is it all for?” “We are attempting to leave Ponytron. To retrieve the Celestial Spark.” She replied. The two Transformed and walked into a Room where Celestia Called for a ‘Dos’ over what she assumed to be Commlinks. A few moments later and one of the Twilights walked in. The only thing that told her that this wasn’t the same twilight as the one who almost died, was the fact her left hind leg was reduced to welded together plates. That, and the 2 emblazoned on her right Cheek. “You called Prime?” She asked the white Alicorn as she trotted into the infirmary. “Do you mind giving Fluttershy a cursory examination? For any damages sustained.” “I- I’m fine, I swear!” Fluttershy objected. “I just wish to be sure. Are you sure you’re undamaged?” Celestia prodded. “O- one hundred percent miss. I- I’m fine.” “Suit yourself.” Dos trotted back out of infirmary to, presumably, continue stacking Energon cubes. “GET OUT OF BOX!” Both Celestia and Fluttershy heard Dos scream. Moments before a metallic clang was heard. “I- I think I should go…” Fluttershy moved to exit the Base, but was stopped by Celestia. “Maybe consider joining our cause. We can always use an extra hoof helping with our ship, and your talents may be of use.” Celestia asked the Buttercream Mare. “I- I’m going. Bye.” She brushed Celestia’s hoof off of her shoulder then Trotted out of the room, leaving Celestia by herself. She pressed her hoof against her bridge before a voice startled her. “You know you can’t appeal to every single pony you meet right?” Cadence spoke from the doorway. “That’s an important thing to remember.” She trotted up to the white Alicorn. “I know that Cadence, that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” She said back to the Pink Alicorn. The two looked each other in the Optics directly. “What did you plan on using her for anyways. More cannon fodder?” “No. No pony here is fodder for the Cannons. You know that. I try my hardest to keep every pony safe.” “Oh Celly. Please, stop lying to yourself.” Cadence Poked Celestia in the chest. “If you really cared for us, you wouldn’t have let things get This bad.” “There are things out of my control. I can’t plan for everything.” “Lunar Hex wasn’t? Iacolt wasn’t? The Crystal Spark wasn’t? My Husband is dead because of your negligence. The Twilights’ Brother is dead because of you!” Cadence yelled into Celestia’s nearly aching audio receptors. Celestia barely struggled to keep her face Neutral. Perhaps she showed too little emotion. “You don’t even care enough to frown do you?” She watched as Golden tears began to leak from Cadence’s Eyes. “Do you?!” That was enough. “Of course I care! You don’t think I lie awake at night and think of all the Ponies I hurt?! Of all the ponies who’s lives I’ve ruined?! I know I’m not fit to lead. I’m leading now because it’s what we need right now-” “‘What we need’? Give me a Break! We don’t need your leadership. We need you to hop of your high strung pistons and accept Nightmare’s terms. Finally end the war. That’s what we need. Not you or your narcissistic tirade!” Cadence stopped to catch her breath. Her face had long since turned and almost molten red. “Get. It. Through. Your. Thick. Plating.” She punctuated each word with a jab to Celestia’s chest. She turned around and headed back out of the room. “Cadence, I’m sorry but I can’t accept Nightmare’s-” She wasn’t able to finish. “YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY ARE!!!” Cadence whipped around and screamed. Had the Cruiser always been this quite? “You’re so insufferable!” Cadence ran out of the Ship at full sprint. Celestia watched Cadence transform and drive off into the Horizon. She looked at the Various creatures who just stared at her. They all wore various faces of Shock. Celestia coughed. “I’ll talk to her when she comes back.” She said, then walked off further into the ship. The ponies looked amongst themselves, then continued their work in new, uneasy silence. They all knew she wasn’t coming back. But no one wanted to tell Celestia that. “My fellow Shadowcons. I stand before you now with sorrowful news. It comes with a heavy heart that I must divulge that Celestia’s Spark still beats with its malice.” The crowd erupted in boos of disapproval. “I know your angry and my failure. But I assure you that one of the cycles, she shall receive her retribution. Justice will be enacted on her tainted mind. It shall be slow, and it shall be painful.” The crowd pulled a one-eighty and began to cheer. “I shall inflict A retribution no pony has experienced for Millennia. She will feel the pain that she put you all through. Mark my words, for my name isn’t Nightmare Moon!” “My liege, If I may.” Moondancer trotted up to the Armored Mare and appealed. “Granted.” Nightmare steeped away from the Microphone to allow Moondancer her chance to speak. “I never get that treatment.” Sunset complained. “That is because you suuuuuuuuuuck.” Vinyl Scratch said in her modulated voice. She successfully ticked the Proud mare off. “I’ll show YOU who sucks!” Sunset Shimmer was about to throw her punch. Vinyl directed her to meet Nightmare’s steel gaze. Sunset immediately retract and smiled. “You, me, the pits. At 15:00 sharp.” “Challenge accepted.” Vinyl and Sunset glared at each other. “Are you two finished?” Moondancer spoke, having heard the entire thing. “I must say I would appreciate an invitation to your scuffle.” Discord chimed in. “You both are fools.” Nightmare shook her head. “Are You two finished?” Moondancer tried again. “Yes!” Vinyl and Sunset said in unison. “Thank you!” She cleared her throat, and spoke. “Shadowcons, I bring you news on my latest discovery.” A Chemical formula appears on the large Board behind herself. “I call it synthetic Engeron. Or Synthen, if you will. I am in the process of stabilizing it, but once completed it will provide a temporary solution to our energy crisis. In other knews, I have narrowed down the Crystal Spark’s Most probable location. To reach it, we will require fuel for our vessel, the Tyranny.” Moondancer. “Please, change the name.” Nightmare asked. “Sorry.” She through for a moment. “The nightmare?” “Are you trying to suck up to me?” “How about the Hyperion?” Moondancer suggested. “Let us go with that name.” Nightmare Moon approved. “Understood. Our Vessel, The Hyperion. While the Synthetic Energon will have adverse effects on our biology with repeated exposure, our Vessel with have no issue running off the Material. That is all.” Moondancer concluded. “That is Excellent news Moondancer. Vinyl, report.” Nightmare called. Vinyl Scratch trotted up to the Mic and began to report. “Sectors 3a, 3b and 4b have been sweep of Autopony activity. Sectors 8g, 8h, 9g, 9h, 15j, 15k, 29a, 30c and-” Vinyl stopped when a Pink pony trotted into the Arena. She was escorted by four seekers. Nightmare Immediately recognized her face. “Cadence? Why are you here?” Nightmare inquired. Cadence looked disheveled and distraught. Dried tracks of oil trailed from her Optics. “I- I want to join the Shadowcons.” She stuttered. Her voice not quite having cleared up. “I apologize, but I must ask. What the buck? This is such a turn.” Nightmare moon, for once in her stellar long life had never had such a look of confusion ever cross her muzzle. “I want to join the Shadowcons. I can’t deal with it anymore.” Cadence looked up at the Tall, dark Alicorn as she trotted down the Steps of the stage. She ran at Nightmare, embracing her in a hug. “I know where they’re hiding.” She whispered into her ear as extra insurance. Nightmare partially broke when she heard that news. It was arguably the best thing to have happened but, Cadence also needed consoling. Nightmare decided that Cadence was a more pressing issue right now. “Welcome to The Shadowcons Cadence. Together Celestia May finally see justice.” Chapter ThreeAuthor's Note Something tells me you guys don’t like how I’ve characterized the Ponies. Chapter Two “Darling, be a dear and Fire the left engine for, let’s say, three seconds at 20% Thrust?” A white coated unicorn called to a Cyan Pegasus. “Got’cha, Firing in three, two, one. What was that term Twi likes to use, oh yeah FULL STEAM AHEAD.” She cranked the valve allowing Energon to flow into the Engine. She could hear the left rear thrusters roar to life. Rarity waited patiently as the thrusters concluded their trial. She hear the valve squeak closed, cutting the flow of Energon. “I’ll mark it as a success.” Rarity typed the results into her Data pad. “Rarity?” “Yes Rainbow Dash?” “You think it’ll work?” The aforementioned Cerulean Pegasus asked. “Darling, Whatever do you mean?” Rarity looked over to her filly hood friend with concern. “That was only 20% Thrust and it Didn’t do much. I don’t think these Engines are up for the task.” Rainbow brushed her hoof against the Valve. “C’mon, you just need to have a little faith in our superiors’ capabilities.” Rarity gently touched Rainbow’s shoulder with her hoof. “Everything will sort itself out soon enough. Now, how about we claim our Rations, hmm?” Rarity said with a light tug on the Pony’s shoulder. “I guess your right.” The two Stood up and trotted down into the upper deck, then the middle Deck, then the Lower deck. The group trotted through the nearly empty hallways, but were stopped by Bon-Bon and Lyra Harpstrings. “No one goes.” Lyra simply stated. “Darlings, we simply need to retrieve our Rations. So be a dear and step aside.” She commanded. “I’m sorry, but Celestia’s orders. Cargo hold is off limits- Hnnk!” Bon-Bon started, but was cut off by Rarity slamming her into the wall. “Rares, It’s-“ Rainbow Dash began, but she too was cut off by Rarity. “Back off Rainbow Dash. I don’t give two flying Scraps about what Celestia says. I’m getting some Energon. So move, the buck, Aside!” Rarity then shoved Bon-Bon into the floor of the Hull. Her Hoof opened up, revealing a Particularly sharp drill bit. “Rarity, don’t do this!” Rainbow Dash rushed to her- “STAY OUT OF THIS DASH!” Rarity bucked Rainbow to the ground. Knocking the wind out of her air funnel, and Denting her cargo Cage. “Tell anypony about this and I will hunt you down.” Bon-Bon nodded quickly at the threatening mare. Rarity eased off the Mare and retracted the Drill. “That goes for you as well Dashie.” She Said, not bothering to turn to face the Mare. “G-, Got it.” She stuttered, still recovering from the Buck. The two pressed onwards, Rarity pushing through Lyra, into the Cargohold. The two shared a look of ‘Your funeral’, the resumed their positions. “And there’s nothing to be Cautious of here. What a waste of Guards.” Rarity practically shouted. She could see nothing but stacked Energon cubes. She picked one of the glowing ones up in her hooves and shook it open. The Green cube fell onto the floor, creating a loud clank. “Rarity, maybe we really be going. We got what we came for, let’s go.” Rainbow Dash called from the entryway. Rarity had wandered further into the Cargo bay, vanishing into the Dark room. When she really thought about it, the lights had been off on the entire deck. Which was strange as they had never been turned off for any reason. “Rarity?” Rainbow called out to the Mare after she didn’t receive a reply. Rainbow Dash began to trot into the Room, her one good eye projecting a beam of light forth. “Rares? Where are you?” She called once more. “This isn’t funny, why do you need to go in this deep?” Rainbow’s ears suddenly perked up when she heard a metallic banging coming from a stack of empty Energon cubes. “Rarity? That you?” The Cerulean mare was almost shaking now, the nerves of the atmosphere getting into her processor. Rainbow trotted around the stack and peered in slowly, the banging growing ever louder. Rainbow stifled a gasp at what she saw. Next to the pile of Cubes and was a Deep Blue Pegasus Mare. Her neck had been punctured, two holes that had a blue-green substance leaking from it. The mare had been trapped, poised in a reaching for position. Her rear hind leg was the only thing moving. It repeatedly kicked the wall behind it, leaving a hoof shaped dent in it, and warping the hoof itself. Rainbow Dash backed away from the Dead Mare, her leg finally losing power and seizing like the rest of her. She opened a crate, then pulled a PDC Cannon out of it. She was now regretting not getting shoulder cannons attached like Pinkie Pie and Hightow. The mare walked with even more caution, aiming her new weapon at any sound the reached her audio receptors. “R- Rarity? Where did you go?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Out of the corner of her eye, something moved. Rainbow turned to face it and fired a blind shot, blasting whatever it was to pieces. Opening an eye, She mentally face hoofed at the item of destruction. The empty energon cube laid there in fifty different pieces, the pile next to it had been blown across the room. “Rarity, stop playing with me!” Rainbow shouted across the room. As per usual, no response from the white mare. That was, until she heard her friend’s scream. She both saw the muzzled flares and heard the gun shots. They ended as quickly as the started, increasing the urgency to find Rarity sooner rather than later. Rainbow opening her ‘wings’ and beat them a with as much strength as she could muster. With a great deal of effort, Dash became airborne, allowing her to scan the hold. Fortunately, she could barely see Rarity’s lights near the back of the Cargo hold. What was she doing over there? Rainbow thought for a second. Only a second, but that was long enough for Rainbow to loose Rarity’s lights, and for her to start panicking. She dove forth into the darkness, aiming at her friends last known location. Though she came up short, Rainbow knew she was close. That was because she could hear her friend’s whimpering and a silent draining noise. It was coming from around the corner, which Dash peered around, aiming the cannon at her friend, and a creature latched on her neck. It detached with a pop and hissed at Dash. “Let her go!” Rainbow shouted. It screeched and hid behind the white mare, using her as a pony shield. “Rainbow, get it off me!” Rarity squeaked out. She was stuck in place, just like the rest of the ponies surrounding her. The Small blaster still clutched in her hooves. The creature smirked, realizing the advantage it had over the situation. Either Dash shoots it, and by proxy harming Rarity, or she backs down and becomes more food. “Go ahead, take the shot Pony.” It cackled, fully believing it had already won. “You won’t, cause you’ll hit your dear old pal.” “Shoot it!” Rarity cried, desperately trying to move her powerless limbs. Rainbow slowly lowered the Cannon, unable to harm Rarity and/or possibly kill her. The creature cackled as it leapt from Rarity’s shoulders, Hurling itself at Rainbow before she could raise the Cannon to blast it. Rainbow Dash closed her Eyes, bracing herself to meet the same fate as Rarity. However, she instead heard the creature’s screeches of pain and a set of heavy hoofs impacting the ground. The mare slowly opened her eyes, looking at The thing writhing on the ground, it’s waist chopped cleanly in two. “I posted guards in the hallway for a reason.” Rainbow heard Celestia Prime’s angered voice from behind her. She saw her leader’s Hailbard comedown on the creature’s head, cleaving a chunk of its Processor from its skull. “I was trying to prevent more casualties until I could deal with the situation. Yet you defied my orders for what?” Celestia’s steel gaze pierced into Dash’s. “I- I… we weren’t… It wasn’t…” Rainbow stutter, trying to articulate the recent events to her superior. “Save it, we will discuss this later. Right now I want you to help with… this…” She gestured to the Pony statues, including Rarity’s barely moving one. “Am I understood?” “We’ll it-” Dash tried to explain. “Am I, understood?!” Celestia asked again. Small puffs of flame bursting out of her smokestacks. “I- I… Yes Ma’am.” Rainbow sighed. She glanced at Rarity, who was looking down at the ground, avoid eye contact. Rainbow watched Celestia exit the room, carrying the corpse off to be presumably dumped off in a ditch somewhere. “Soo… That was quite the specta-” Rarity began, but was cut off by Rainbow Dash. “Save it. I’m only in trouble because you wanted… what are you doing back here anyways?” The Mare asked, Putting the gun on a Mint Pony’s Back. She sat down in front of her froze friend. The White Mare glancing to the side every so often. “Go on, speak.” Safe to say, Rartiy didn’t say a word. She simply looked down at the ground, unable to say anything incriminating to the Cerulean mare. She looked up when Rainbow’s sigh met her ears. “You know what? I don’t want to know. Just, promise me you’ll stop doing things like this. Ok?” “Ok, I promise.” Rarity replied. “You actually promise? Your going to keep it right?” Rainbow asked, unsure if her friend really meant it or not. “Right?” “I promise I will up hold this promise to it’s fullest extent.” Rarity replied once more, trying her best to look sincere. Rainbow Dash once again bought into her friend’s spool. Fully believe that she learned her vital lesson. “Thank you, I’ll get Dos to give you your legs back. Be right back.” Rainbow dashed off, leaving Rarity alone with her thoughts. Cadence whinced slightly as the blowtorch met her Shoulder’s Metal. The Symbol that had been branding her as an Autopony no longer took the surface. Instead, a new Shadowcon Insignia now over took the space. Telling all of her new allegiance. “Stop whining, it’s not that hot.” Shakedown, the Shadowcon’s chief medic, said. He was a young Stallion, His red eyes and even more crimson coat telling of his youth. He had likely never seen a battle field. Or, as the rather prominent buffer contested, he took rather good care of himself. “Breakup, do you mind handing me the buffer?” “Uh, sure.” The aforementioned other Stallion in the room replied. Tossing the Buffering machine to Shakedown. “Ya know what I’m trying to understand?” “What is that, my dear friend?” Shakedown asked, Releasing the Buffer’s trigger to let him speak. “Why would an Autopony switch sides? Especially her?” Breakup replied. No quite understanding how a pony who was so far enthralled with one cause could just, switch, like this. Fully willing to seek out the opposition to sell out her colleagues. “Yeah, why did you switch to the winning team? Finally realized how crazy you lot are?” Shakedown said, fully leaning into the insult. “Celestia is a self absorbed prick with her CPU shoved to far up her own Energon Processor to realize that her whole cause is beyond saving. I left because she refused to accept that she had full control over every situation, and that she unnecessarily got good ponies killed. And to top it off, she still refuses work with Nightmare. Even though a resource pool and a lack of opposition would benefit her greatly.” Cadence vented. The room went silent for a click, before Shakedown broke it. “Wow, she really does sound like a walking pony disaster. So, why exactly do you want a new paint job? You current one suits you.” “I would like to distance myself from the mare Celestia knew. I’m not her little pony anymore. I am Overroad, and you shall address me a such.” Cadence said, fully expecting them to take her seriously. “Overroad? Careful, you don’t want to sound too Cheesy.” Shakedown jeered, pulling out buckets of paint. One was a Light Grey tone, a second a Light purple and a third, a Pale yellow. “So, Overroad, don’t you regret leaving anypony behind. As in, didn’t somepony else mean to you enough to make you reconsider?” Overroad looked to the wall, a pair of purple Unicorns coming to mind. Maybe she could convince them to join her? “No.” She replied, waving the thought away. They’d be to loyal to Celestia to even consider joining the Shadowcons for more than a click. “Surprising.” Shakedown said as he finished with Cadence’s paint job. “I must admit, you look stunning in Grey.” He remarked. Stepping back from the newly dubbed Overroad. The Mare rubbed the patch of metal of her left shoulder. Overroad wore a bemused expression as she inspected herself. Liking what she saw, she stepped out of the Shadowcon’s Medical facility to find Nightmare. She had an Ambush to plan. Chapter FourSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter FiveSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter SixSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.ShadeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter OnePrologue "Ponies, I regret to inform you that I do not know where the Celstial Spark was sent. I regret to inform you that we do not have the means of locating or even reaching it. But that can and will change. With your help, we can construct a vessel capable of reaching the stars. Capable of fixing, my folly." Celestia's voice reach out to the Ponies in front of her. It was a sea of mixed emotions. There were those who expressed anger at her lack of method. There were those who looked shocked at the impossibility of her statement. There were those who looked like life was being restored to those being and the hope of a brighter day for their foals was finally within reach. And, there were those who were planning. Running the numbers over and over in their processors until the equations broke down completely. "You have a question?" Celestia asked a Tan Mare who's hoof shot up. "Yes, up, where would we find the materials necessary to create such a vessel?" The mare asked, pushing the rust covered spectacles up her snout. "I do not have any one resource. I plan to reuse the chassis of a derelict freight liner and repurpose it for Extra planetary travel. Another hoof raise. The same mare. "The hull of a water vessel and the hull of a shuttle are very different. How do you plan to keep it pressurized?" She asked again. "Extra plating and the heat shield. Any pony else?" Several more ponies raised their hooves. Pointing to a Black hoof, she prepared for any and all questions. "The Energon, how much do you actually have?" He asked. "Not enough." The next pony was a green Pegasus. "Let's be honest here, no pony is crazy enough to follow The pony who destroyed our planet to begin with?!" One of the still bitter mares. She can handle this. "I know what I did was wrong. I see that now. No pony could have anticipated the fallout. All we can do it try and bring it back. If I could, I would do this by myself. But I have neither the capability, nor the Energon to do it by myself. So please, set your anger aside for now. You my do what you want with my after life has been returned to our home." That shut her up. The torrent of questions continued out of order, much to the dismay of Celestia's processor. "What are we asking, I wasn't listening." A grey mare in the back asked. "Listen harder." "How many ponies are you taking with you?" A grey colt pushed his way to the front. He had a major look of worry on his face. "As many as possible." "What will you do once we get the Celestial Spark?" A changling questioned. "I hope that our two factions, how ever small they may be, can put our differences aside and push forwards as United allies. Not enemies." The changling seemed to like this answer. "Clearly I followed the wrong bug." He remarked. "How do you deal?" A random Stallion from the side she couldn't make out to save her life asked. "Please explain." She asked confused. "How do you deal? It's a pretty simple question." "No it isn't, and as it isn't a question any pony understands, I've elected to ignore it." Celestia scanned the crowd for any hooves left. None remained. "This plan will require all of us to do our parts. Thank you for hearing me out. The most Mechanical literate, please join me. The rest of you, start gathering all the scrap you can." Celestia walked off behind the rusted stage with those she called upon behind her. Here they will spend Ironing out the blue prints for their Ark. Author's Note Yeah, short one. Let me know what you think of the series. Whether I should continue or not. I rather enjoy hearing from my readers.
Chapter TwoChapter One Twilight Sparkle trotted through the derelict and rusting city of Iacolt. The once lustrous City had become such a shadow of itself over the Solar Cycles. She looked over at the Buttercream Mare trotting with her. She kept looking at every darkened alleyway and shuffling her hooves around nervously. "Are we getting closer to it?" She asked. "You haven't said anything this entire Trip, are you okay?" "I- I'm fine. Y- Yes, we're getting closer." The Mare quietly told the Purple Engineer. "T'ch, She should have sent some Pony else. Like Dash and Do. Or Ol' Buckhappy." She complained as they came to a large Pyramid type structure. "Is This it?" "Y- Yes, I'll open it." The Mare pushed a hoof against a Scanning panel. It didn't function. "I- It worked a few Cycles ago." She was about to run again, but Twilight Wedged the door open with a stray piece of debris. "Huh, I'm not seeing any Energon." The two trotted in side by side. Looking around, there wasn't the Tell tale Green glow of the Energon. Until, she came to a panel. And a Series of Circular Rings. "Oh, wow." "O- oh? I- Is something of interest?" The Mare asked. "Fluttershy, I don't know what you think you've found, but it's not Energon. It's Much more Invaluable." She looked over at the mare who was dragging out a Pallet of unrefined Energon Crystals. Fluttershy gave her a look, then continued to drag the Pallet across the floor. "N-nevermind..." Twilight looked back down at the panel. She pushed a few buttons, the lights in the building turning on a few millicycles later. "W- wait, What are you doing? T- turn that off!" Fluttershy galloped over to the Purple Engineer. "No one comes by here, we'll be fine." Both mare's Energon Crystalized when they heard a series of Thumps outside of the Building. "Y- you just had to say it." The two turned around and looked at the Dark Alicorn standing in the Doorway. Behind her came out Sunset Shimmer and her Seeker Lieutenants; Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst and Discord. "Your a Long way from safety, Autoponies.” Nightmare Moon Began. “Why don’t we just skip the formalities and get to scrapping already.” Sunset’s remark earned her a Hard Back hoof by Nightmare. “You will speak when I tell you too. Am I understood?” Sunset nodded, grasping her Shattered Cheek. “Now, Where was I? I’m going to give you a choice. You can Join my ranks, and together we restore life to our planet and end the war. Or stay with Celestia and face Termination. What’ll it be?” Twilight gave it a Cursory thought over, Before replying, “Till all are one.” Fluttershy gave her a glance of confusion, then Looked back at Nightmare. “I-I’m Not with her!” She said frightened. “I- I’m just an Energon scout. I- I’m not with her!” Nightmare gave an order and the Four Seekers Sprung forwards, pushing Twilight to the ground and restraining her. “Twilight Lavender Sparkle, you have been charged with several crimes against Ponytron. The Punishment is Capitol.” Nightmare Raised her Arm cannon to Twilight’s head. “You don’t get last words.” Just before she could pull the trigger, a Sniper round Soared through the air, implanting itself into her shoulder. The same shoulder her Fusion cannon was attached to. All ponies looked to the Direction it came from, Then the direction of A singular engine. The hum grew in intensity as a White Flat-faced Truck through the Doorway. It transformed midair into a White Alicorn. She skidded into the Group and Decked a Distracted Nightmare. Twilight Managed to Trip Discord from his hold on her and Elbowed him into the ground. Sunset attempted to shoot her with her pair of Nullrays, but didn’t get the Chance when Fluttershy Bonked her over the Head. “Ah, Celestia Prime.” She spat some Energon on the floor. “Long time no see.” “Luna, this war has gone on for-” “I no longer respond to that name. Do not call me that ‘Dearest sister.’” Nightmare sneared at Celestia. The other Five ponies and Singular Draconicus just sorta stood there and watched as the Two Traded blows. The Fight drew to a close with Celestia Gasping for Air on the floor. Nightmare Towered over the Alicorn with Malicious intent. “If I can’t persuade you for peace, then I will just have to terminate you.” “No matter what happens, we will continue to resist your control.” Celestia head butted Nightmare Moon square in the Chest. “Auto ponies Retreat.” She called out. Twilight bucked Starlight who was standing right next to her and Transformed, Fluttershy following suit. The Two followed Celestia back out the Door with some pony extra behind them. Nightmare Growled as she watched her Delusional Sister slip through her Hooves again. She does this every single time. An Entrance Ramp folded down to allow a White Semi, Purple Rally car and Buttercream Buggy entrance to their base. Ponies of all colors and Races looked at them and waved. Twilight pulled up next to a different purple Mare. Transforming, they looked Identical. Even more so than the Actual Twins. In fact, both twilights were clones of Twilight Velvet. A deceased scientist from the Golden age. She found her doppelgänger stacking empty Energon cubes. Fluttershy followed Celestia deeper into the Base. A Black and Teal Beetle crawled into the Base and transformed. Adding to the amount of changelings working on the base. “C- celestia, nice operation you got here but…” they drove past a group of Ponies and Changelings welding some fuel lines. “W- what is it all for?” “We are attempting to leave Ponytron. To retrieve the Celestial Spark.” She replied. The two Transformed and walked into a Room where Celestia Called for a ‘Dos’ over what she assumed to be Commlinks. A few moments later and one of the Twilights walked in. The only thing that told her that this wasn’t the same twilight as the one who almost died, was the fact her left hind leg was reduced to welded together plates. That, and the 2 emblazoned on her right Cheek. “You called Prime?” She asked the white Alicorn as she trotted into the infirmary. “Do you mind giving Fluttershy a cursory examination? For any damages sustained.” “I- I’m fine, I swear!” Fluttershy objected. “I just wish to be sure. Are you sure you’re undamaged?” Celestia prodded. “O- one hundred percent miss. I- I’m fine.” “Suit yourself.” Dos trotted back out of infirmary to, presumably, continue stacking Energon cubes. “GET OUT OF BOX!” Both Celestia and Fluttershy heard Dos scream. Moments before a metallic clang was heard. “I- I think I should go…” Fluttershy moved to exit the Base, but was stopped by Celestia. “Maybe consider joining our cause. We can always use an extra hoof helping with our ship, and your talents may be of use.” Celestia asked the Buttercream Mare. “I- I’m going. Bye.” She brushed Celestia’s hoof off of her shoulder then Trotted out of the room, leaving Celestia by herself. She pressed her hoof against her bridge before a voice startled her. “You know you can’t appeal to every single pony you meet right?” Cadence spoke from the doorway. “That’s an important thing to remember.” She trotted up to the white Alicorn. “I know that Cadence, that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” She said back to the Pink Alicorn. The two looked each other in the Optics directly. “What did you plan on using her for anyways. More cannon fodder?” “No. No pony here is fodder for the Cannons. You know that. I try my hardest to keep every pony safe.” “Oh Celly. Please, stop lying to yourself.” Cadence Poked Celestia in the chest. “If you really cared for us, you wouldn’t have let things get This bad.” “There are things out of my control. I can’t plan for everything.” “Lunar Hex wasn’t? Iacolt wasn’t? The Crystal Spark wasn’t? My Husband is dead because of your negligence. The Twilights’ Brother is dead because of you!” Cadence yelled into Celestia’s nearly aching audio receptors. Celestia barely struggled to keep her face Neutral. Perhaps she showed too little emotion. “You don’t even care enough to frown do you?” She watched as Golden tears began to leak from Cadence’s Eyes. “Do you?!” That was enough. “Of course I care! You don’t think I lie awake at night and think of all the Ponies I hurt?! Of all the ponies who’s lives I’ve ruined?! I know I’m not fit to lead. I’m leading now because it’s what we need right now-” “‘What we need’? Give me a Break! We don’t need your leadership. We need you to hop of your high strung pistons and accept Nightmare’s terms. Finally end the war. That’s what we need. Not you or your narcissistic tirade!” Cadence stopped to catch her breath. Her face had long since turned and almost molten red. “Get. It. Through. Your. Thick. Plating.” She punctuated each word with a jab to Celestia’s chest. She turned around and headed back out of the room. “Cadence, I’m sorry but I can’t accept Nightmare’s-” She wasn’t able to finish. “YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY ARE!!!” Cadence whipped around and screamed. Had the Cruiser always been this quite? “You’re so insufferable!” Cadence ran out of the Ship at full sprint. Celestia watched Cadence transform and drive off into the Horizon. She looked at the Various creatures who just stared at her. They all wore various faces of Shock. Celestia coughed. “I’ll talk to her when she comes back.” She said, then walked off further into the ship. The ponies looked amongst themselves, then continued their work in new, uneasy silence. They all knew she wasn’t coming back. But no one wanted to tell Celestia that. “My fellow Shadowcons. I stand before you now with sorrowful news. It comes with a heavy heart that I must divulge that Celestia’s Spark still beats with its malice.” The crowd erupted in boos of disapproval. “I know your angry and my failure. But I assure you that one of the cycles, she shall receive her retribution. Justice will be enacted on her tainted mind. It shall be slow, and it shall be painful.” The crowd pulled a one-eighty and began to cheer. “I shall inflict A retribution no pony has experienced for Millennia. She will feel the pain that she put you all through. Mark my words, for my name isn’t Nightmare Moon!” “My liege, If I may.” Moondancer trotted up to the Armored Mare and appealed. “Granted.” Nightmare steeped away from the Microphone to allow Moondancer her chance to speak. “I never get that treatment.” Sunset complained. “That is because you suuuuuuuuuuck.” Vinyl Scratch said in her modulated voice. She successfully ticked the Proud mare off. “I’ll show YOU who sucks!” Sunset Shimmer was about to throw her punch. Vinyl directed her to meet Nightmare’s steel gaze. Sunset immediately retract and smiled. “You, me, the pits. At 15:00 sharp.” “Challenge accepted.” Vinyl and Sunset glared at each other. “Are you two finished?” Moondancer spoke, having heard the entire thing. “I must say I would appreciate an invitation to your scuffle.” Discord chimed in. “You both are fools.” Nightmare shook her head. “Are You two finished?” Moondancer tried again. “Yes!” Vinyl and Sunset said in unison. “Thank you!” She cleared her throat, and spoke. “Shadowcons, I bring you news on my latest discovery.” A Chemical formula appears on the large Board behind herself. “I call it synthetic Engeron. Or Synthen, if you will. I am in the process of stabilizing it, but once completed it will provide a temporary solution to our energy crisis. In other knews, I have narrowed down the Crystal Spark’s Most probable location. To reach it, we will require fuel for our vessel, the Tyranny.” Moondancer. “Please, change the name.” Nightmare asked. “Sorry.” She through for a moment. “The nightmare?” “Are you trying to suck up to me?” “How about the Hyperion?” Moondancer suggested. “Let us go with that name.” Nightmare Moon approved. “Understood. Our Vessel, The Hyperion. While the Synthetic Energon will have adverse effects on our biology with repeated exposure, our Vessel with have no issue running off the Material. That is all.” Moondancer concluded. “That is Excellent news Moondancer. Vinyl, report.” Nightmare called. Vinyl Scratch trotted up to the Mic and began to report. “Sectors 3a, 3b and 4b have been sweep of Autopony activity. Sectors 8g, 8h, 9g, 9h, 15j, 15k, 29a, 30c and-” Vinyl stopped when a Pink pony trotted into the Arena. She was escorted by four seekers. Nightmare Immediately recognized her face. “Cadence? Why are you here?” Nightmare inquired. Cadence looked disheveled and distraught. Dried tracks of oil trailed from her Optics. “I- I want to join the Shadowcons.” She stuttered. Her voice not quite having cleared up. “I apologize, but I must ask. What the buck? This is such a turn.” Nightmare moon, for once in her stellar long life had never had such a look of confusion ever cross her muzzle. “I want to join the Shadowcons. I can’t deal with it anymore.” Cadence looked up at the Tall, dark Alicorn as she trotted down the Steps of the stage. She ran at Nightmare, embracing her in a hug. “I know where they’re hiding.” She whispered into her ear as extra insurance. Nightmare partially broke when she heard that news. It was arguably the best thing to have happened but, Cadence also needed consoling. Nightmare decided that Cadence was a more pressing issue right now. “Welcome to The Shadowcons Cadence. Together Celestia May finally see justice.”
Chapter ThreeAuthor's Note Something tells me you guys don’t like how I’ve characterized the Ponies. Chapter Two “Darling, be a dear and Fire the left engine for, let’s say, three seconds at 20% Thrust?” A white coated unicorn called to a Cyan Pegasus. “Got’cha, Firing in three, two, one. What was that term Twi likes to use, oh yeah FULL STEAM AHEAD.” She cranked the valve allowing Energon to flow into the Engine. She could hear the left rear thrusters roar to life. Rarity waited patiently as the thrusters concluded their trial. She hear the valve squeak closed, cutting the flow of Energon. “I’ll mark it as a success.” Rarity typed the results into her Data pad. “Rarity?” “Yes Rainbow Dash?” “You think it’ll work?” The aforementioned Cerulean Pegasus asked. “Darling, Whatever do you mean?” Rarity looked over to her filly hood friend with concern. “That was only 20% Thrust and it Didn’t do much. I don’t think these Engines are up for the task.” Rainbow brushed her hoof against the Valve. “C’mon, you just need to have a little faith in our superiors’ capabilities.” Rarity gently touched Rainbow’s shoulder with her hoof. “Everything will sort itself out soon enough. Now, how about we claim our Rations, hmm?” Rarity said with a light tug on the Pony’s shoulder. “I guess your right.” The two Stood up and trotted down into the upper deck, then the middle Deck, then the Lower deck. The group trotted through the nearly empty hallways, but were stopped by Bon-Bon and Lyra Harpstrings. “No one goes.” Lyra simply stated. “Darlings, we simply need to retrieve our Rations. So be a dear and step aside.” She commanded. “I’m sorry, but Celestia’s orders. Cargo hold is off limits- Hnnk!” Bon-Bon started, but was cut off by Rarity slamming her into the wall. “Rares, It’s-“ Rainbow Dash began, but she too was cut off by Rarity. “Back off Rainbow Dash. I don’t give two flying Scraps about what Celestia says. I’m getting some Energon. So move, the buck, Aside!” Rarity then shoved Bon-Bon into the floor of the Hull. Her Hoof opened up, revealing a Particularly sharp drill bit. “Rarity, don’t do this!” Rainbow Dash rushed to her- “STAY OUT OF THIS DASH!” Rarity bucked Rainbow to the ground. Knocking the wind out of her air funnel, and Denting her cargo Cage. “Tell anypony about this and I will hunt you down.” Bon-Bon nodded quickly at the threatening mare. Rarity eased off the Mare and retracted the Drill. “That goes for you as well Dashie.” She Said, not bothering to turn to face the Mare. “G-, Got it.” She stuttered, still recovering from the Buck. The two pressed onwards, Rarity pushing through Lyra, into the Cargohold. The two shared a look of ‘Your funeral’, the resumed their positions. “And there’s nothing to be Cautious of here. What a waste of Guards.” Rarity practically shouted. She could see nothing but stacked Energon cubes. She picked one of the glowing ones up in her hooves and shook it open. The Green cube fell onto the floor, creating a loud clank. “Rarity, maybe we really be going. We got what we came for, let’s go.” Rainbow Dash called from the entryway. Rarity had wandered further into the Cargo bay, vanishing into the Dark room. When she really thought about it, the lights had been off on the entire deck. Which was strange as they had never been turned off for any reason. “Rarity?” Rainbow called out to the Mare after she didn’t receive a reply. Rainbow Dash began to trot into the Room, her one good eye projecting a beam of light forth. “Rares? Where are you?” She called once more. “This isn’t funny, why do you need to go in this deep?” Rainbow’s ears suddenly perked up when she heard a metallic banging coming from a stack of empty Energon cubes. “Rarity? That you?” The Cerulean mare was almost shaking now, the nerves of the atmosphere getting into her processor. Rainbow trotted around the stack and peered in slowly, the banging growing ever louder. Rainbow stifled a gasp at what she saw. Next to the pile of Cubes and was a Deep Blue Pegasus Mare. Her neck had been punctured, two holes that had a blue-green substance leaking from it. The mare had been trapped, poised in a reaching for position. Her rear hind leg was the only thing moving. It repeatedly kicked the wall behind it, leaving a hoof shaped dent in it, and warping the hoof itself. Rainbow Dash backed away from the Dead Mare, her leg finally losing power and seizing like the rest of her. She opened a crate, then pulled a PDC Cannon out of it. She was now regretting not getting shoulder cannons attached like Pinkie Pie and Hightow. The mare walked with even more caution, aiming her new weapon at any sound the reached her audio receptors. “R- Rarity? Where did you go?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Out of the corner of her eye, something moved. Rainbow turned to face it and fired a blind shot, blasting whatever it was to pieces. Opening an eye, She mentally face hoofed at the item of destruction. The empty energon cube laid there in fifty different pieces, the pile next to it had been blown across the room. “Rarity, stop playing with me!” Rainbow shouted across the room. As per usual, no response from the white mare. That was, until she heard her friend’s scream. She both saw the muzzled flares and heard the gun shots. They ended as quickly as the started, increasing the urgency to find Rarity sooner rather than later. Rainbow opening her ‘wings’ and beat them a with as much strength as she could muster. With a great deal of effort, Dash became airborne, allowing her to scan the hold. Fortunately, she could barely see Rarity’s lights near the back of the Cargo hold. What was she doing over there? Rainbow thought for a second. Only a second, but that was long enough for Rainbow to loose Rarity’s lights, and for her to start panicking. She dove forth into the darkness, aiming at her friends last known location. Though she came up short, Rainbow knew she was close. That was because she could hear her friend’s whimpering and a silent draining noise. It was coming from around the corner, which Dash peered around, aiming the cannon at her friend, and a creature latched on her neck. It detached with a pop and hissed at Dash. “Let her go!” Rainbow shouted. It screeched and hid behind the white mare, using her as a pony shield. “Rainbow, get it off me!” Rarity squeaked out. She was stuck in place, just like the rest of the ponies surrounding her. The Small blaster still clutched in her hooves. The creature smirked, realizing the advantage it had over the situation. Either Dash shoots it, and by proxy harming Rarity, or she backs down and becomes more food. “Go ahead, take the shot Pony.” It cackled, fully believing it had already won. “You won’t, cause you’ll hit your dear old pal.” “Shoot it!” Rarity cried, desperately trying to move her powerless limbs. Rainbow slowly lowered the Cannon, unable to harm Rarity and/or possibly kill her. The creature cackled as it leapt from Rarity’s shoulders, Hurling itself at Rainbow before she could raise the Cannon to blast it. Rainbow Dash closed her Eyes, bracing herself to meet the same fate as Rarity. However, she instead heard the creature’s screeches of pain and a set of heavy hoofs impacting the ground. The mare slowly opened her eyes, looking at The thing writhing on the ground, it’s waist chopped cleanly in two. “I posted guards in the hallway for a reason.” Rainbow heard Celestia Prime’s angered voice from behind her. She saw her leader’s Hailbard comedown on the creature’s head, cleaving a chunk of its Processor from its skull. “I was trying to prevent more casualties until I could deal with the situation. Yet you defied my orders for what?” Celestia’s steel gaze pierced into Dash’s. “I- I… we weren’t… It wasn’t…” Rainbow stutter, trying to articulate the recent events to her superior. “Save it, we will discuss this later. Right now I want you to help with… this…” She gestured to the Pony statues, including Rarity’s barely moving one. “Am I understood?” “We’ll it-” Dash tried to explain. “Am I, understood?!” Celestia asked again. Small puffs of flame bursting out of her smokestacks. “I- I… Yes Ma’am.” Rainbow sighed. She glanced at Rarity, who was looking down at the ground, avoid eye contact. Rainbow watched Celestia exit the room, carrying the corpse off to be presumably dumped off in a ditch somewhere. “Soo… That was quite the specta-” Rarity began, but was cut off by Rainbow Dash. “Save it. I’m only in trouble because you wanted… what are you doing back here anyways?” The Mare asked, Putting the gun on a Mint Pony’s Back. She sat down in front of her froze friend. The White Mare glancing to the side every so often. “Go on, speak.” Safe to say, Rartiy didn’t say a word. She simply looked down at the ground, unable to say anything incriminating to the Cerulean mare. She looked up when Rainbow’s sigh met her ears. “You know what? I don’t want to know. Just, promise me you’ll stop doing things like this. Ok?” “Ok, I promise.” Rarity replied. “You actually promise? Your going to keep it right?” Rainbow asked, unsure if her friend really meant it or not. “Right?” “I promise I will up hold this promise to it’s fullest extent.” Rarity replied once more, trying her best to look sincere. Rainbow Dash once again bought into her friend’s spool. Fully believe that she learned her vital lesson. “Thank you, I’ll get Dos to give you your legs back. Be right back.” Rainbow dashed off, leaving Rarity alone with her thoughts. Cadence whinced slightly as the blowtorch met her Shoulder’s Metal. The Symbol that had been branding her as an Autopony no longer took the surface. Instead, a new Shadowcon Insignia now over took the space. Telling all of her new allegiance. “Stop whining, it’s not that hot.” Shakedown, the Shadowcon’s chief medic, said. He was a young Stallion, His red eyes and even more crimson coat telling of his youth. He had likely never seen a battle field. Or, as the rather prominent buffer contested, he took rather good care of himself. “Breakup, do you mind handing me the buffer?” “Uh, sure.” The aforementioned other Stallion in the room replied. Tossing the Buffering machine to Shakedown. “Ya know what I’m trying to understand?” “What is that, my dear friend?” Shakedown asked, Releasing the Buffer’s trigger to let him speak. “Why would an Autopony switch sides? Especially her?” Breakup replied. No quite understanding how a pony who was so far enthralled with one cause could just, switch, like this. Fully willing to seek out the opposition to sell out her colleagues. “Yeah, why did you switch to the winning team? Finally realized how crazy you lot are?” Shakedown said, fully leaning into the insult. “Celestia is a self absorbed prick with her CPU shoved to far up her own Energon Processor to realize that her whole cause is beyond saving. I left because she refused to accept that she had full control over every situation, and that she unnecessarily got good ponies killed. And to top it off, she still refuses work with Nightmare. Even though a resource pool and a lack of opposition would benefit her greatly.” Cadence vented. The room went silent for a click, before Shakedown broke it. “Wow, she really does sound like a walking pony disaster. So, why exactly do you want a new paint job? You current one suits you.” “I would like to distance myself from the mare Celestia knew. I’m not her little pony anymore. I am Overroad, and you shall address me a such.” Cadence said, fully expecting them to take her seriously. “Overroad? Careful, you don’t want to sound too Cheesy.” Shakedown jeered, pulling out buckets of paint. One was a Light Grey tone, a second a Light purple and a third, a Pale yellow. “So, Overroad, don’t you regret leaving anypony behind. As in, didn’t somepony else mean to you enough to make you reconsider?” Overroad looked to the wall, a pair of purple Unicorns coming to mind. Maybe she could convince them to join her? “No.” She replied, waving the thought away. They’d be to loyal to Celestia to even consider joining the Shadowcons for more than a click. “Surprising.” Shakedown said as he finished with Cadence’s paint job. “I must admit, you look stunning in Grey.” He remarked. Stepping back from the newly dubbed Overroad. The Mare rubbed the patch of metal of her left shoulder. Overroad wore a bemused expression as she inspected herself. Liking what she saw, she stepped out of the Shadowcon’s Medical facility to find Nightmare. She had an Ambush to plan.
