Chapters Wind blowing, the sky of Cloudsdale is on it quiet day, as almost no pegasi even fly in the sky. As the homeland from majority of the pegasi, It's an odd scenery.
...Except for this time.
One pegasi mare is beating her wings to run from something. Her seafoam green coat raging beneath the wind press, while her golden-ish yellow mane is flapped as the said mare added more power on her wing. In her flank imprinted image of a thunderbolt, and three star. While the mare keep flying faster, she clasped tightly a silverish white case as she hug it close to her chest.
"Hurry up! They're getting closer! " A robotic voice came out from the case, as the mare who seems start to worn out took a glance over her shoulder before turned back and increased her speed.
"Shut up! I'm trying! " the mare barked. Her wings is felt weary from the long timed and high speed flight, but the threat still closing by as the mare pushed to flap her wing.
As then from behind the clouds, a group of flying creatures who's chasing the pegasi came out. They're bipedal while their body were made out from metal, few some parts of them seems not fully assembled as it glowing internal wires and mechanisms is exposed, their face is like a mask that cut in half shown face with dangling wires and exposed camera that on display to everyone who saw it.
The one biggest robot from the rest which lead them all seems more developed from the rest of it group, as it internals is perfectly armored by heavy looking metal plates, the face is covered by metal plates with only leaves the holes for it eyes. On it arms is weaponized with a pair of big claw with the appearance that warned everyone who see it to move it get clawed.
In their back is adorned by a pair of metal wings and small rocket engine beneath it, pushing the robots forward as they chasing the mare. The epic flight escape attempt happened as the mare did couple maneuvers, while tried to loose the robots that case her. Two of the minion looking tried to press her, but the pegasi fly up as the robots crashed each other as the two mangled mechanical being descend down to the ground while the fire that erupt when they crashed engulf them.
For a second the mare rest her wings, before inhaling the air and flapped her wings faster as she propelled forward. Even when she added more speed, the robots chaser still not giving up to get the mare pegasi. Or probably the case, or something inside it.
"We need to loose them, fly between the clouds and do some maneuvers- "
"Shut up okay!? I know what I'm doin-"
BANG!!!
"AAAHH!! " A bullet, a magic bullet pierced the mare left wing as blood spray out from her wing as the shoot through and through wound now visible on her wing. The mare lost her balance and start to spiraling down with help of gravity.
"Mayday! Mayday! Losing height! I repeat, Losing height!! "
"Crap! Crap CRAP!! " the mare keep chanting while her good wing flapped furiously, the same like her hooves doing tight now. As a reinforced cloud with a warehouse is in sight, the mare covered her face with her fore-hooves and prepared for the nasty crash...
...Before suddenly it's paused, just a inch before she crashed to the warehouse.
"Now I supposed you all very confused right now. The story just started and you're greeted by flying, robots, and blood spray. Don't worry, I going to explain this all from the start. Lemme just rewind, way back, a looot~ "
7 Months Ago
Main database online
'... Ugh, what? 'Main database damaged Request database recovery access
'... Okay, what is happening? Who say that? '
Access granted Start database recovery Database recovered
'Uuh, someo-someone there? Can you help me? I can't move, and it's so dark here. I can't see anything! '
System offline Request activation access Access granted Activating system
'Come on! Cut the computer talking! Help me! Someone?! I don't want to hear your voice! '
System online Surround awareness online Audio online Speaker online Mic online Authorize online Locating Progrise key Progrise key located
'Cut the crap and fucking help me! I don't care about your computer capabilities! '
Activating driver Driver Activated Zein system, online
'Just flick up the ligh- wait what? '
And everything is shining bright
Beeping sounds is the only thing that rang in the air. His vision flickered with the light is assaulting his eyes. Blinked few times, now the light is more tolerable.
"Man, That's very ... bright? " a robotic, with synthetic quality laced voice rang out, his eyes now scanned the room that he saw stay on.
A kind of advance technology room, that he always saw in few movie or sciense fiction things. The room is clean, but nit too bing itself. As the wall is seems like made out plates of metal and painted white. While between the wall gap is filled by blue wires line that separate each plates. In the middle, is stand, or probably planted a metal square table, with few notes and kind of documents lay there. Few stacked neatly, while the rest is spread around.
In the corner across the room is stacked few crated that one of it spilled, which filled what he saw as some MRE's. Meanwhile in the ceiling is a big blue ball is being sorrounded by few kind of device and all kind of Hi-tech tools that seems like holding the blue ball thing. The ball itself seems make some pulse constantly as it release a kind of power that travels through the blue wires in the wall.
"Wow, fancy enough? Now can somebody help me? I know there someone here! I just went to sleep and ... then... " the guy voice trailed and slowly break as he can't remember anything. 'Wait a second, why am I get he- no, how? And again, why I can't remember anything? ' he thought as he tried to recalled anything about himself. But nothing came to his mind.
"I ... I can't remember anything ... " he muttered in horror. He tried to move his body, but it feel rigid. Immovable, the feeling that his limbs is glued each other ... like it was not there from the beginning.
"The fuck? " his eyes scanned the room, searching for anything that he can use to freed himself from ... who ever put him there. As he then found bloody broken mirror in the floor, that show his now appearance. he couldn't believe his eyes.
a sleek silverish buckle like belt, with gold part on top if the front side. A white plate with blue line adorned it front, covering a small gap beneath it, as on it left is a slot while the other side is a kind of lever.
He can't avert from the reflection. He's a Zein driver! His favorite Kamen Rider driver!
"H-holy shit! I-I, I'm a fucking Zein driver!? " he blurted out of surprise, mostly happiness is pouring from his words.
"Holy fuck! I'm a Goddamn Zein driver! Holy! " even when he can't move, it's still both euphoric and weird in the same time. Just make sure, he glanced his surruonding again. He just noticed he was placed in a kind of case, a silverish white case that was set on a kind of a pedestal with some lamps above it. His curious mind didn't betray him, as on his side is resting snugly Zein progrise key, even it was shining beneath the light. The driver giggled happily with the presence if the collectible item of the rider.
"HOLY SHIET!!! I'm already as one pack with the progrise key!? Now I doubt anyone who kidnap me was bad, this is the best thing ever happened in my life!! Well, Best thing in my 5 minutes of my life probably. " the now driver man muttered out loud happily. True, he no longer can walking around and do something else. But became an Artificial intelligence and saw someone use him and watch the fight in first person? He can't ask anything more.
"Hell boy! If anyone who make me a driver came in, I surely need too show my gratitude to the guy! " he declared with his enthusiasm didn't flattered. Learned again about the room. It's pretty mess and dusty, anyone who get in seems will get like few variation of allergy. As he caught something that was very off from the place. Blood, Dried blood. Seems like a lot of them. The pool of dried blood seems have a smeared part to one corner of the room that out from his vision area.
"Dang, did someone that make me- I mean transform me to Zein driver died or something? Man, I just going to thanked you. " with disappointment, the now Zein Driver man just sat quietly on his suitcase, waiting for someone to help him.
...
"... Now What? "
Author's Note
It's quite short, but I think it was enough. Since I still studying more about english, any critique and corrections of my story is appreciated. thanks for reading.
Day 1
Zein pov
I keep my eyes - Or camera? - wandering through the room. All I hear is the beeping sounds of some panels that i found is keeping me online in the pedestal, and the pulse from the blue ball above me. I just start to call it Core or Bally, since seems i will be alone for a long time.
Day 2
A day with no sleep is not really bad I think. Now I know why that one nocturnal friends of mine love to stay all night long. Oh yeaah, I remembered few glimpse of them when mused. I have few friends, yeah.
Day 3
Okay ... Three days alone is bad, now I feel bad for the introverts. I can't really registered myself as introvert when I not remember anything. But, damn man. It's very lonely! Sure Bally is keep me accompanied, but I need someone to talk with!
Day 5
It's became very boring! I can't sleep! I can't believe i say these but, God sake I Miss sleep!!! I gotta searching for the sleep mode or something.
Day 10
Great news. Still no sleep mode, but I find out how to open youtube. Strangely, most of the video is filled with My Little Pony contents. And again, few of them like accurately make parody version of the youtubers. Like pony PewDiePie, IShowSpeed, And Technoblade. *Sniff*, man. I miss that guy.
Day 15
Finally! Sleep mode, I found you! Don't want to brag but, Aha! I going to sleep, BETCH!!
Day 30
The only thing make me sane is youtube and Bally pulses. I need to talking with real people. I need too find out how to added Discord or something.
Day 40
I found games motherfuckers!!! Rn I played Roblox. No offence, but now the whole characters is pony shaped. And fuck, one is like remake 'Sigma boy' song using pony character, but the lyrics now used someone called 'Luna' to replace 'SIgma'.
Day 50
Playing COD is not that bad, I struggling to outmatch my opponents. Am I more better in Third person? I tried Free Fire and Fortnite before and I Played better there. And why the characters is looks like pony? It's COD damn it! Not Ponytown! To be honest, that didn't sounds that bad. I really want to socializing. I want for someone to get me out from here, I'm slowly crazy.
Day 75
I just discovered a coding feature, as command tab is showed up. I'm start my autodidactic hacking. Have I say, it's not as hard like I saw in some movies. Is that because I'm a artificial intelligence? Probably, I feel coding is like a part of me after all
Day 100
I want to touch the grass. Seriously, I want to. While now I have no concern about my eyes while playing game nonstop, I want to touch the grass again. I feel stuck, no pun intended, but seriously! Help Me!!!
Day 125
I found a kind of domain what seems like when Aruto is learning. To be honest, it's more cooler to feel in myself. My body is transformed to a kind of fire ghost wisp from Japan. Only instead fire, I emanating what seems like data as I only saw '0' and '1' fly out from my body. In this domain I can learn about my mechanism. I didn't understand how Zein driver is working in detail, I just think it's cool to use other rider power. Still disappointing that it just one time use, but I understand it can cause Zein to exploit the power.
Day 150
Learning in the domain is start to become fun as I start to get tired while play all day long. Yeah, I love game, but I realize every opponent I fight is just computer that set so I can play. I found it out while asked a guy in Roblox that just willingly give his Legendary grade fish to me, and it also happened with other player. In the other game is not that far from Roblox, but a little frontal.
Day 200
Coding in the domain is better rather in the driver. As I can freely change and edited the codes I used and even copypasted the code is just make and make hacking like a childplay for me. Since I have full control over the domain, and have a supercomputer brain is a big advantage for me.
Day ???
I lost my count on the day. Not that I just forget, but I deliberately do it. Too lazy to do it, All I want is touch the grass. If someone took me, That's the first thing I will do.
Author's Note
Is there any of you is Ambivert? Cuz I was one, and I might as well touch the grass guys. And By the way, the now driver man will called as 'Zein', so it will be easier to call him. His names probably will changed couple times
[2] - Somepony! Finally- Wait what!?
Still the same days, boring and not completely silent, Since the beeping from the panels and the pulse from the core is filling the room. Zein still the same, snugly neatly on his case, with Zein progrise key still on his side. On his days trapped on the room as immovable driver, Zein already opened few features that keep him sane for all of the months he have spend there. He unlocked games, entertainment apps like youtube and Netflix, etc.
He also learned about coding. Since he already an artificial intelligence, coding become a piece of cake. He Learned to make programs, new traits of systems, and what he never expected, hacking! He already hear about some hacking attempts and incidents caused by Blackhat hackers, but he never think about becoming one.
As now, he going to learn about what happened to his maker, or transformator, as he prever to say. A security camera is spotted in one of the wall corner. From what he guessed, it probably already unactive for a long time. The dust already explained it.
"Okay, step one, hack the camera database. " within the driver, there's a domain with white pillars make out from codes is flying around. A wisp of blue that is a representation of Zein is levitating there, as it stopped at one pillar, as the glow of the wisp become more intense. As then, bluish codes came out from the wisp is attaching it self to the pillar, as the blue color is spreading over the pillar.
"Got it. Step two, extract the files. " the pillar of codes then start to dissolved slowly, as the data particles is absorbed to Zein. The data now is collected, as it was ready to be readed.
"Yes! It's done! " the driver exclaimed enthusiast as he log out from the domain. His vision back as the scenery of the room is back, with the core pulse still beating.
"I'm back Bally! And I just hacked the camera, bet you want to see how I've been created! ... Wait, that's sounds wrong. I mean when I transformed to a driver! " Zein called over the core. He have no idea if 'Bally' really a sentient creature, but he deducted as one since he think 'Everything that beating is alive'. In the driver he opened the command tab feature that he few days ago, in the same day he learned to hack.
After entered some complicated codes is entered in the tab, Zein accessed the option wheel that he coded as it show few option icons like game, entertainment, system, coding, and database. As he opened the database, four other options shown like picture, files, video, and others. Pick the video option, he scrolled through the list of the videos that recorded through the security camera.
"There's over thousands of video that being recorded. All of them named after the day they recoded on. Few also had a weird name. What is this? " overwhelmed by curiosity, Zein clicked on a video with title 'Over the Gate'. It buffering before it played...
"Aaaaaaah~ Yes~!!!"
...Only to immediately closed by Zein before the video can play it images. His data eyes opened wide before blinked in shock.
"Oh. My. God. Whoever make me, I'm glad you just make me a driver. " he muttered out loud in horror. Scrolling through the videos, he counted the Alphabet titled videos till it reach over 20. Goddamn, this person is horny as hell.
'Let's just play the latest save of the camera. ' Zein thought, still traumatized. He opened the latest video. Titled '2750, day 50', as his not-really-exist eyea blinked.
"T-two thousand seven hundred and fifty? H-how long I've been asleep!? " with his robotic voice echoed in the room, filled with panic and vigilance. If the title is true, then he live older than other humans. Technically, he can't call himself human anymore, since with the whole turned driver thing. No wonder the room is filled with dust. But what he can't figure out is the bloodstain.
If he was turned into a driver for ... Like roughly six centuries, with that mount of blood it should turned a little yellowish. He still remember when he popped his pimples back when he was human. When he wiped the blood with a tissue, the next day the blood turned to that color. He goes with that logic since he have no idea to count how old a blood stain is already there, plus he's not a doctor or detective. But if he judge from the blood that still wet in few parts, the stain seems fresh.
If he turned into a driver recently, how he can survive over 600 years in the past? He surely dead if this thing was happened. Shook his figurative head, Zein snap out from his deep thought.
"If I want to find out the answer, the video probably have one. " he convinced himself before played the video. The video played the scenery of the room in the past. The pedestal his case is stand proud with his unactive form is shown. The wall behind him seems like the end of the wires in the wall that connected to the core. The pulses that he saw from the core is creeping through the wires as the pulse ended behind the pedestal.
'So Bally is kind of charging me up the whole time huh? Or I just saving the energy Bally produce? Whatever the answer is, Thanks Bally! ' Zein beamed inside as he observing the room in the video. A kind of blackened bundle is laid where his vision can't reach. The thing is not moving, as Zein make conclusions that whoever it is, it was start to decomposing.
'I can't see what is that thing. I have to rewind and check the older video. ' With that Zein searching new video that seems more older. '2748, Day 15' seems promising. As the driver played the video.
The room now lacking the figure in the corner, as Zein saw a lifeform in the scene. An horse. No, the animal is too short. A pony is entered the room. It fur was Sapphire blue with is mane was lime green, on it flank what Zein saw as an image of Cogwheel and a pen.
"That's ... a unique coloration for a pony. Is someone make me have a pony as pet? Not that is weird, but why he tattooed the poor pony? " have he admit, animal is not really his thing. But something like branded and marked some animals is not his favorite things. Somehow, the appearance is familiar for him.
The pony is stared at some papers that soon will become a stack of documents later. He observing the pony as he waiting for the owner to entered the room. But he didn't expected that the pony have a horn on it forehead, as it also make some papers levitating in the air.
"W-what the fuck? It's flying around!? The papers is floating! How!? Wait a second ... Is that ... Is that a horn? Wait! A unicorn!? A fucking real unicorn!? " all his saw is a non-sense a myth creature is walking in that room. A unicorn is using something that make it horn glowing, as the same glow is enveloping the papers. If he can breath, Zein probably will hyperventilating right now. What make him more panicked, the pony is act like a sentient creature! It was writing in the papers with a pencil on it mouth while it glow thing is holding the papers.
'Where's the human, please! At least show me that human still exist! At least show me! Human me! ' he opened another video. As all it show was the same unicorn is on it progress to complete Zein driver, what he is now. Few other videos, still show the same unicorn, yet no appearance of any human. Few videos later, still no. No. No. No! No! NO! NO!!!
5 Hours later...
Thousand videos later. Zein played the whole video database. Searching back and forth to find at least one human hair, he reached the last video. The unicorn is sat, leaned to the table. In it glow was a small piece of mirror that it broke. He saw the unicorn cut open itself stomach, as it stomach contains and intestine spilled out as blood oozing freely. The pool of blood is formed beneath it. Slowly, the unicorn crawled to one corner that out from Zein vision. The unicorn leaned at the wall before turned at where Zein driver is placed. The unicorn reach out it hoof at him, before fell to the floor, exhaled it last breath. As the next videos after the one he saw just become a timelapse of decomposition.
Zein eyes open wide in fear and realization. He was never turned to a driver. He was really created from zero, as a artificial intelligence. The video ended at the now driver- no. The driver is frozen in shock and surprise. All his memories as human, is that all was fake? How about friends he make and family he grow with, are they also not real?
His mind snapped back to reality, as a loud hiss sounded from the room. The door releasing a kind if steam, as it blow the dust in front it. The circle part of the door spinning as the line that separate the piece straighten up to the door line before it split apart. As then, the door slowly opened as it show few metal poles inside the door part like it was built to be a safe.
With other loud hiss, the door fully opened. As a figure, with a hooded cloak draped over it entered. The figure then lowered it hood as it show a face, a face of a pony. Different from the video, this one lacked the horn. It coat is khaki colored while the mane is jet black, this one seems like normal pony. But as the pony lift it cloak, it show a pair of wings on it back. While on the pony flank imprinted a image of a plank that broke into two piece.
'Pegasus...' Zein muttered in his mind, as he observed the newcomer eyes explored the room, with it eyes filled with awe and curiosity, as it mouth even hanging down with the room scenery.
"Sweet Celestia, this place looks expensive! "
...
Author's Note
I'm uploading it again, It failed moderation after all. So now I add a live pony to this chapter. If anyone have some knowledge about computation and coding, please teach me some. I'm not really that good at making some description about them
[3] - First Sapient Being, Ponies can talk?
Zein figurative eyes locked intensely at the pegasi that just entered the room. While it can't saw Zein observing, Since Zein just seems like a belt in a suitcase.
From appearance, Zein can concluded that the pony is a stallion. Not only from peeking... the thing. But also from it voice that sounds masculine. Furthermore, he can judge it was mare or stallion from it appearance. Furthermore, it's a pegasus. A creature that known as myth. He not sure if they called pegasus or pegasi, he was not really a person who follows the trend of myths and their offshoots. Eh, he just gonna stick with pegasi. Although, something is Terribly familiar about the pegasi appearance. Seems very cartoony, yet he can't put his imaginary finger on this stallion.
While he keep scanning the newcomer, the pegasus busied themselves by exploring the room. Reading the manuscripts, looked back at the door, and wandering in the crates it leave there, while the MRE's spilled to the floor. With it disgusted expression, the stallion step back.
"Eugh, what kind of pony who eating this synthetics food? Gross, it's not even real food. " he said as his face scrunched in disgust before throw the MRE in his hoof. Walking around the table to the left corner on Zein pedestal side, the stallion paused as his eyes widened to that corner. Whatever make his stopped, Zein can tell he just saw the corpse of the unicorn that make him.
"Goodness, is this a kind of joke? " 'No shit sherlock' Zein cursed in his mind while the stallion managed to stutter out the words from his mouth. No matter on what condition the unicorn now, corpse is corpse. Zein just surprised the innocent looking pony didn't throwing up or fell unconscious at whatever the pegasi saw.
All the stallion do just walked out from Zein vision as some rattling sounds can be heard from his right. The stallion back to his vision while carrying a fully decomposed body of the unicorn, as it just left the bones and skull behind, as he took the body out from the room as the skeleton sat neatly on his back. The stallion then back to the room with the skeleton of the unicorn is absent from his back, so he just think the stallion get rid the body and put it somewhere.
'Okay? When you will peek at me? I'm very outstanding and eye catching here man..." Zein muttered as he keep his eyes on the stallion. Wish granted, as the stallion turned to Zein driver pedestal as the stallion took few steps on the small stairs beneath the pedestal.
The pegasi himself then just observing at the driver as his eyes back and forward scanned at Zein and the suitcase. His eyes gleaming with curiosity over Zein display, and suddenly, also with greed. Like the pegasi gonna did something bad, really bad on him. Shuddered under the gaze, Zein can't hold himself.
"Are you gonna took me, or just saw the good? " the passive question is enough to make the stallion yelped with loud 'Eeep!' before he fell to his rump. He blinked his eyes few time as he registered the sound as the stallion scanned his surrounding that just filled with him and Zein. With small courage, the pegasi pulled himself up again before he stared at the driver.
"Uuh, Y-you ... you can talk? "
"Sure I am-"
"Holy Guacamole!! " yelped the stallion as he jumped behind and make a distance between himself and Zein.
"H-how? How a weird looking belt can talk!? That doesn't make sense! "
"Come on, in my vision you also a talking pony. It's also fucking weird aren't it? " The stallion visibly flinched at Zein remark, while then his face shifted to displeasure, clearly feel offended by it ' Seems like not really fond with swearing. ' with a mechanical sounded throat clearing, Zein stared at the stallion.
"And yeah, what do you want? I got nothing to do right now. " as the words rung in the air, Now the stallion face is the one who twisted in confusion.
"Ok? Firstly, what are you? A talking belt seems very weird right? Furthermore, how you can talk? " Classis no-classic introduction, where the protagonist stumble into unknown place before unknown being or an item they found give them super power. Well, Zein indeed superpower device technically.
"I'm Zein! A driver that ... uuh, held the power of Kamen Riders? But also a belt that contain me, probably one of the greatest artificial intelligence. " To be fair, Zein never really confirmed if he master them all. From his memory he find in the series, Zein just can use the Kamen Riders strongest from power, and it also single use.
"Artifi-what now? " the stallion face clearly carved with confusion, so Zein assumed whatever world out there they haven't create A.I. yet.
"Artificial Intelligence, in other world a brain that made using technology. " Zein saw many emotion flashed on the stallion face. Confused, then dumbfounded, before horror, turn to facsination, and end with confusion again.
"Soo, you're a soul inside a belt? " the stallion asked unsurely while pointed one of his hoof on Zein.
"What? "
"I mean, you said you refer yourself as 'Brain that made using technology' right? Which if following the concept of living, what ever 'Technology' you mean, that mean your brain still alive as it still have their connection with soul. And then you're alive but just as soul inside of a belt. So, you're soul that being created and put into a belt, and which make you an artificial soul! Am I wrong? " Zein have to open his eyes wider than what he could ever think, even when they just some imaginary. This stallion not as innocent and stupid like he think. The stallion say about the concept actually surprised him, tho, probably still foreign with the 'Artificial Intelligence' and refer it as 'Artificial Soul', proof his point three about the technology development there. They probably still not reached the GTA 5 yet, not like his have when he's here.
"In matter of speaking and probably simplification, big yes. " not like he have better explanation. Have Zein said, they're sounds quite ... retarded. No offence, but the way mentioning of 'technology' in the stallion words, they probably haven't invented internet yet.
"Now if you don't want to ask anything, can you took me out from here? " Zein asked politely as the stallion taken aback with the sudden out from topic question.
"Wait what? "
"You hear me birdie, please take me out from this place. " If he can beg, he will do it right now. But well, he can't let loose the last shred of his dignity as a man. Even when it's from a fake memories. The stallion just stared in surprise. Can't blame him, he seems like lost and suddenly found a talking belt that insult him directly. But, don't judge book by it's cover, this pony In front of Zein probably something else...
"Well, okay. Are you valuable? "
...Nailed it.
"Pardon? " The driver asked politely, slightly offended. The stallion smirked as he step to Zein suitcase pedestal.
"Like I say, Did you have any value? I mean, not everyday you find a talking belt right? Think how much I will get from you. " Smooth talk, winged horse. It's not like Zein ever meet someone sell a talking pony, but really? He even can imagine to see dollar on the pegasi eyes.
"Hold on. You want to sell me? After you found something that you never see in your life. You found me and the first thing you mind is my price? " you can hear disbelief in his voice clearly. The pegasi chuckled as he leaned to Zein.
"Trust me, it's not my first time selling something weird okay? " Smug and cunning, that's what word Zein saw in that smirk. He guess it's really not his first time selling something alive. While it's also great opportunity to get out from this place, he can't risky himself being dissect by random pony.
"N-now wait for a second. I'm a Zein driver, a device that somehow just being activated, and can counted as a sapient being. You want to sell something like that? " Zein already make peace with his situation like few minutes ago. Probably when the pegasi came. The said pegasi just smirked further.
"You maybe a sapient, but not a sentient, so probably still legal. If not, the black market is open wide. " well, shit. Now he get the biggest point. Want something illegal? Get some in the nearest black market now. So, now he going to the black market and saw if he probably had some currency? Not the brightest idea, but surely can do...
...Unless.
"Okay? How about you tried something first before you sell me. You probably want to change your mind after that. " the pegasi left brow rised as he judging on Zein. Now he want to pull out that Judging Pet meme on the pony.
"And what you refer to? "
"You see on my side? This is called progrise key, and it can give you power. " Zein tried to persuade the stallion, while he's not even a great manipulator or something. But the pegasi now more interested with it.
"Power? Really? " the pegasi asked judgementally, clearly not convienced.
"Yeah, just press the button on the top, and you'll become unstoppable! " Damn, now that's two-bit villain like talk. At least now this talk fully took the stallion interest. The said pegasi then approach Zein suitcase, as his right wing reach for the progrise key, as now the said item is held on the stallion wing.
Zein never properly saw the progrise key since it's very close to him, plus it's also out from his viewport. It white sleek appearance very cool. The cover plate on it front adorned by Kamen Rider Zein upside down insignia, and simple futuristic sketch of the said Rider. As letter of 'Kamen Rider Zein imprinted there.
"Okay, what next? "
"Press the button, and you gonna get the magnificent power! " Well, not fully the truth. While OP as fuck, Zein still have his limits. The pegasi inspect the Rider item on his wing, as few times also played with it. As his wing feathers then moved like fingers, the one that seems resemblance thumb is closing it self to the button...
...As it pressed, he waited the activation sound...
...But nothing...
The pegasi pressed the progrise key few time, as confused like Zein himself. The driver both surprised and disappointed by the fact the progrise key's not activated.
'Damn it, what's wrong with it? Did it broke? ' his thought wandering as Zein thinking about couple possibility. Not working? Really broken? Or...'
... Not compatible?
"Uuh, so? Is this supposed to do something? Cause it did nothing. " The stallion questioned as the Zein progrise key still sat on his wing. Zein still deep on his thought, as he keep guessing why the progrise key didn't turned on.
"Hey, talking belt? " the pegasi asked again, as still no respond from Zein. He turned to the room again while waiting Zein to talk again. Zein out from his thought as he blurted out.
"Sorry, you're not worthy. "
Silence. Zein expect the pegasi to taken back or at least shocked, but his face completely flat. The stallion put the progrise key back to Zein side, as he closed the suitcase, completely cut off Zein viewpoint.
"Hey! Seriously? No confused or at least some gasp? " he asked with deadpanned tone, a little desperated for the stallion answer. Not like he's thirst for admiration, but at least he want to get some disbelief from the only living being he just meet. Granted, he already did when the first time they meet, but he want something like respect or something similiar.
Zein felt he's being carried out from the room he was made and placed in by the dead scientist pony, as the foam beneath him act like shock absorber for him and Zein Progrise key. To be honest, he like that feeling. Being trapped in a box that being carried by someone is more comfortable rather just sat on it, immovable while keep saw the same scenery about the room.
Well, now he really going to be sold huh? He better be expensive...
[4] - Going outside, I'm in buckin' MLP?!
Finally, after over six months trapped inside the room. Zein gonna saw the outher world!...
... Well, if he not trapped inside his own case and going to get selled.
The stallion he just meet proven not as innocent as he seems, as he planned to sell Zein. Yeah, he looking gorgeous as driver and all. But right now he's a sapient being, who going to buy him? Maybe if as slave, but he a talking belt that can't move anywhere. Yet he can't put his spirit down. If he going to be sell, he better sell for a fortune for some whole noble family.
Have Zein say, not everyday you feel comfortable in claustrophobia peoples nightmare. His case feel like a hug for him. He may not really a human from his memories and the video proof, but at least that fake memory fill him in.
By the way, Zein find a new feature in himself and the case. He could see through the suitcase. Not like through and through, but more like the case had some 360o camera on it. He can see clearly out from the case.
He's now taken out from the room he was trapped in, as the stallion is bite on the case handle and walk out through a kind of prehistoric corridor make out from chipped bricks, stone bricks to be precise. The sunlight now visible in the end of the corridor. Zein feel his imaginary heart thumping as he going to saw the sun for the first time after 6 months meditating in white room. He will miss Bally after this.
The light shone on his case, as the celestial burning orb now on his view. Seems a bit too close from his perspective, but from his temp scale, it's warm out there. Not the bad warm, but the warm make you can sleep peacefully out here. Zein saw back at the corridor he and the stallion out from, it's a kind of small shrine gate that with monolith on top of it. He also think the room is builded underground, since there's no other structures around it. Few of the shrine features is already covered by some vegetations, as some vines around the way in looks like being cut off, probably before the stallion get in.
“Well, this is a charming hideout,” the driver commented out loud, his synthetic voice laced with sarcasm. The stallion who heard it rolled his eyes as he put Zein and his case on a small, but wide rock, enough to support the case there.
Zein scanned his surrounding again, as he saw the forest that hide the monument from any pony or sapient creatures probably come. The trees ridiculously looks like some cartoon, along with the grass, bushes, flowers, even the sky and clouds is very eye-catching. They're very vibrant and friendly looking, like there's no malice in the first place. And in the same time, the appearance of that all was very awfully similar with the stallion. He swear he have saw their style somewhere.
Zein took a peek at the stallion pegasi again, as he now digging a hole, pretty wide hole Zein have added. Chuck out the shovel after it seems deep enough, the stallion jump out as Zein saw him bring the almost clean decomposed body of the scientist unicorn and slowly lay it down to the hole. After that, he bury the body with the same shovel to dump the small dirt hill back to their place, covering the skeleton.
The now closed burial seems have small mound as the pegasi stabbed a stick on where the head placed. After the stick is stand proud, the stallion sat on his rump, while his fore-hooves clasped each other, and his eyes closed, like did a pray for the once living unicorn.
Have Zein say, he were touched by the display of respect, and the proper burial for his maker by the pegasi. The stallion turn back as he finished and head to rock he placed Zein case on.
"Not gonna lie, but you actually have more respect for a pony that want to sell a sapient being. " Zein not going to sugarcoat it, the stallion have crook and bad guy impression for Zein. But the burial give him new perspective about his soon-seller. The pegasi just sighed then give a weak smile.
"Not like I heartless okay? I maybe some trafficker or black market agent. But I never kill or disrespect anypony with out any reason. That's my life motto, 'Respect if you want be respected', and still stick with it till now. " Zein imaginary smile spread on his face, now that's fire motto. He probably have to make one for himself. Zein cleared his throat before stared at the pegasi.
"So? What now? Where you going to sell me? I mean, you make it clear by telling me to sell this driver on black market, but they're like everywhere aren't they? " The talking driver asked as the stallion rubbed his chin with his left hoof, like some pose of thinking. His eyes widen up before his smile followed .
"I know, probably one in Cloudsdale. I hear they give the best price, they also the closest one right now. Plus, they have Rainbow Glint. Sadly you can't try them, they're sweet, spicy and good. " The stallion say as he then bring Zein case on his mouth again as he spread out his wigs and start to flapping them. Slowly, the stallion start to float from the ground and fly to one direction. But meanwhile, Zein feel something is surfaced. That 'Cloudsdale' name sounds very familiar. Zein dive to a deep thought as a flash of his memory played on his mind.
Hey man, what are you watching?
Hmm? Oh *****! Nothing serious, just My Little Pony.
Huh? That girl show?
That's not really a girl show okay? It's master peace for a decade, sadly the G5 suck for me.
I personally love the G5, probably you need to try a shot *****!
Nah, have no time. I got som- wait, is that cloud city?
Yeah, it's Cloudsdale. City for the pegasi.
I see ... and that white horse?
She's not a horse, an alicorn. And her name is ********.
Well damn, she's hot
Now he remember, he fuckin' remember. The pony cartoonish style, the trees, the sky. Shit, he's not in Kansas anymore or anywhere in his memories. Zein is in Equestria, a fictional land of magic and friendship from My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic. As a Zein Driver! Furthermore, Why he remember all of it!?
'Breath Zein, breath. Remember, you're not human. All of that memory is fake, and this is foreign land for you. ' his thought racing as many possibilities of the place played in his head. Possibilities he ironically remember that become a danger for his manlyness.
'Where time I on now? Is this past the Summer Sun Celebration? Or before? Not Like I can interfere there. I either lucky or not as I already memorized the whole 9 ... or 8 seasons of them at least. So I can't messing with timeline. '
"Hey feather pony, can you tell me any post events happened before? " Zein aske as the stallion peeked at the case he bring. The pegasi then hugged the case with his fore-hooves as his mouth now free.
"Well if you ask me, it's already two months after Summer Sun Celebration. But that time the sun is late to be raised, and suddenly we get a new princess. " now he can imaginarily sigh in relief. At the episode where Starlight and Twilight time traveled, the timeline's branches is very fucked up. Messing with canon events is a big no no. Heh, too bad he can't watch that Spiderman whatta-universe next movie.
"Understandable, have a nice day. " The stallion shrugged at Zein deadpan response as he added more flap on his wings as he accelerate the speed.
Few minutes later, the pegasi and talking belt in a case arrived as the floating city is visible from distance. Zein could see the weather factory a little away from the city, while he can saw small dots of pegasi flying around the city.
“Why Cloudsdale?” Zein asked from inside the case. He already asked before, but to make sure.
“Simple,” the stallion replied. “I’m a pegasi, and Cloudsdale has the best black market in Equestria. You’ll fetch a good price there. Enough for me to retire comfortably.”
“You’re really set on selling me, huh?” Zein muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance.
“Yep,” the stallion replied smugly. Can't blame him, He also wants to be sold at least expensively.
When they arrived in Cloudsdale, the bustling cloud streets were filled with pegasi going about their day. Bright sunlight reflected off the soft white clouds, and the air was cool and crisp.
The stallion maneuvered through the floating city’s alleys, heading toward the shadowy section where the black market operated. It was a stark contrast to the pristine parts of the city, with tattered clouds forming makeshift walls and pegasi with shifty gazes standing guard.
The black market section actually looking cool, with more eerie appearance from the place he saw all the way here. Few stands is shouting their goods to the passerby, while there's various things they sell. From some inanimate objects,to what looks like an endangered species. Few ponies that seems like guards of the market also wandering around as their eyes watching like some eagle hunt for their prey. Can he count that as some pun?
"Well, isn't that neat? " Zein muttered out loud from his case with his synthetic voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Aww, come on. Don't get cold at this moment. I'm sure somepony want to buy you with great price, and that going to ME. " Emphasizing the me not make the situation better, he still going to sell Zein, A Zein driver that took down Gemn in Hyper Fumetsu Gamer! He can't blame the pegasi, since Zein is the only one who watch it here.
The pegasi and Zein strolling around, searching for a stand that potentially give the best price. No use actually, they're very hardheaded. 'Why sell something that didn't work when they can't guarantee it?' they say. The talking driver just can imaginarily slumped while think about the words the seller say. IF he really can't work, what will happened? End in a dumpster?
The two now sat on the sideway while the stallion sipping on a drink he bought previously, as Zein case sat neatly on his side. Both sat in silence, no one talking except the sip sounds the stallion make. Now something is bother Zein, he want to ask something they never ask in the first place.
"It's maybe very late to ask, but can I ask your name? " Zein asked out of the blue, as it caught the stallion attention. He also never ask Zein name from the point they meet.
"Uuh, me? Right. My name is Wood Creak. How about you? " the stallion asked, now I don't have to mention him as 'Stallion' or 'Pegasi'. Zein muttered the name, tasting the it as he familiarize himself with it.
"I ... don't have one. So I stick with this driver name, 'Zein'. " Wood nodded as he smiled a little. Not one the smug he always displayed, but mischevous one now.
"Then can I name you? "
"What? " The driver didn't expect that. Wood smile become wider, as it turn into smirk, proud smirk.
"Don't want to brag, but I'm the first one who find you correct? So I have my right to rename whatever you have before. " He said with the smugness back as Wood struck a pose as he put one of his hoof on his chest. Zein not really amused.
"Technically, that belong to my creator. But since he now 6 fe- hoof in the ground, I see your point. "
"Ho ho! Yeah! Oh, by the way, it just 4 hoof. " Wood cheered for himself before corrected Zein. Both then laughing together, as Wood sat back on his rump while controlling his breath.
"Haaah~ You know Zein? With this name don't get attached with me, I will sell you now or then. " Wood told the driver with soft smile.
"Hehe, dully noted. So, what's my name? " Zein waited as Wood rubbed his chin again to think the fitting name. Zein Swear he can heard a cartoonish Light bulb sound from nowhere.
"You will be ... Uuh, I have few preference. " Wood put down his now empty cup to his side as he fully turned to Zein.
"Well, pick one I guess. "
"Surely, shoot. "
"Belty. "
"What the- no! "
"Belto. "
"I- a little fancy, but no. "
"Eer ... Saviour? "
"Too flashy. "
"Hope. "
"Sounds cliche. "
"Tech. "
"Plain? "
"Ray. "
"Nah. "
"Light. "
"Is that even better? "
"Epson. "
"No it's- wait, how you-"
"I get it! Fink! "
"HOW IS THAT BETTER!? "
For whole 10 minutes, Wood already spilled couple-more like hundred-names he have thought. Yet, Zein haven't get the right one for him.
"Hanza. "
"No. " Zein replied sluggishly, he felt tired with the line of ridiculous names Wood came with. How even he can keep generating the names?
"Yoi. "
"Is that even a name? "
"Toroa! "
"Uuh, I think that one has been taken. " Wood groaned in annoyance and slumped as he feel disappointed can't find the right one. The pegasi pull himself up again, as he stared at Zein.
"Okay, my last one. I shall name you ... Zen. " Wood paused dramatically before told the driver the name. Zein turn at Wood, his eyes ironically shone with hope and impatience. He didn't expect that the name, which could be said to be almost the same as his temporary name, would catch his attention. Zein tried to mouthing the word on his imaginary lips, with the new name actually sounds pretty good. Zein then stared up at the Pegasi, with the blue part in his 'Ride Executor' lit up.
"Well Wood, think I've found my new name. " With that simple words, Wood eyes lit up as he almost jumped in excitement.
"Really!? " the pegasi beamed as Zein let out an satisfied agreement hum.
"From now, My name is 'Zen'. Zen the Zein driver. " the driver declared proudly, with his imaginary heart thumping in his internal part. Since ever he activated in Equestria. It's the first heartwarming moment for Zei- no, Zen, In the land of friendship...
...If some explosion didn't happened.
BOOOMMM!!!!!!
View Online
[5] - Attack in the Cloudsdale, You're My Host!?
The whole sections of Black market shook by the sheer tremor that creep in the cloud ground. Wood caught himself before he stumbled, while Zen get his guard high as he scanned surrounding area. As he guessed, he caught something-or somethings-on his radar.
"Wood! We gotta get out from here! I caught several unknown targets on my radar-" Zen warned the pegasi, but get cut off by a group of robots that suddenly landed in front of them.
The creatures were bipedal while their body were made out from metal, few some parts of them seems not fully assembled as it glowing internal wires and mechanisms is exposed, their face is like a mask that cut in half shown face with dangling wires and exposed camera that on display to everypony who saw it.
The one biggest robot from the rest which lead them all seems more developed from the rest of it group, as it internals is perfectly armored by heavy looking metal plates, the face is covered by metal plates with only leaves the holes for it eyes. On it arms is weaponized with a pair of big claw with the appearance that warned everypony.
Yeah, it's copypaste and revised if you ask
Zen and Wood froze at the appearance of the group of mechanical creatures there. The leader robot then stepped forward. How it even can stand in the cloud?
"Pony, retrieve Zein driver this instant. Any of your resistance won't be tolerate. " It say while pointing at Wood with it left arm, as the voice is distorted and hoarse like somepony that haven't drink anything for weeks.
Zen surprised at the mention of him. 'How did they know about me? Aren't I supposed to be completely mystery even for the Princesses? ' the question lingered in his mind. But more for his surprise, Wood slide his case to his front, like offered Zen himself to the robots.
"What the fuck are you doing!? " Zen yell whispered to the pegasi, as Wood leaned to Zen and whisper back.
"Dude, I've brought you from the place, I almost sold you, and I've give you a name! I don't want to offer my own neck to the monster that-" Wood paused as he peeked at the creatures leader. It claw were gleaming beneath the lamps that installed in nearby stand. Wood shuddered at the display. "-That can split me into two piece in one swipe! You on your own! " He finished before instantly fly away, comically leaving his own shaped dust that slowly vaporized.
Zen blinked at it, as he then sighed and closed his eyes. "... Oh well, at least he didn't pull out that Protagonist act shit and run out with me... Uuh, fly out? " He corrected himself before took a peek on his side. The robot minion make it way to him as Zen closed his camera again.
'So this is huh? Took-ed by the bad guys that later dissect and become the mastermind minion robot? Honestly, that sounds better to have my own body.' Zen thought as he felt the feeling of sinking over his case, and that's not nice feeling. The wind brushed his case as he think how he can feel that with his case, and he thought the black market is closed area-
'... Wait. '
Zen eyes snapped open, as he saw the bottom of a big cloud is slowly move further from him...
... He's falling right now.
His case is heavy enough to make a hole in a cloud, and again he was layed in that layer of cloud. He fell down past the cloud after Wood left. So he probably had to be around some pegasi to stay on the cloud. The least thing he can theorize is that the pegasi magic is seeped to his case that make him can lay in the cloud.
Okay, this is not the place to talking theories.
"OH FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
In a construction area in Cloudsdale, some pegasi is building a small cloud park that build over a flattened cloud foundation. As the workers then finally finished to flatten the cloud surface after few hours of grueling time of pouring special substance to harden the cloud for the construction.
"Phew! Finally! I've done with that all flatten this watery smoke. " one of the worker exclaimed as few of his co-workers also agreed with him as they chuckling together.
"Well, who's want some ciders? My treat! " one of other worker said as the rest is cheered and raised their hoof in the air. But something sounds coming closer as the first worker asked.
"Hey, did you all hear that? " he asked as the other ears twitching to catch the sounds, it's quite clear actually.
"-UUUUUUUUUUU-" a voice came from a case that falling from the sky above. As the case then penetrate the cloud and continued to plunged to the ground.
The construction workers dumbfounded at first after a literally screaming case just passing them. The first worker is the one who snapped out first as he noticed the huge hole in the cloud they working in, that created by the falling case. The others also then noticed the hole.
Silence...
... The first worker slammed his helmet to the cloud.
"Motherclopper!!! " and then cursed, eventually.
Meanwhile, Zen keep falling down. His scream of swears already ceased as he stared at the ground. There was still a very long way to go before reaching the ground, but he were not panicked anymore. He already make a peace with his fate in that fall.
"Man, look at me. A talking Zein driver with fake human memory, now is plunged to death. Well, still on my way right now. " he muttered to himself as he still waiting to hit the ground. Proximately he will hit the ground like in 30 minutes, or 45. He had his life flashed on his eyes. His 6 months in Equestria is not that bad. He haven't meet the Mane Six yet and he already become that one soon dead guy from 'Final Destination'.
'Heh, to be honest now it sounds cooler if I does. '
Twhack!!
"YEEOUCH!!! " a raspy girl voice yelped in pain, as Zen realized he just being saved from plunged to death.
'I'm alive? I'm not a scraps yet? ' he asked himself as he feel his body ... driver, is still intact or not. And no! It's not even a dent! And now he questioned are his savior even alive after the nasty bonk?
And to his shock, she even still hovering with her wings as she rubbed her head and observed the case on her hoof. Is the Wonderbolts get knocked out is for dramatizing?
"Oww, what the hay is this? " she asked to herself as she glared at the direction Zen fall. The seafoam coat, yellow mane, the golden eyes, and that thunder with stars cutie mark, he just want to know if they have other name for that. He can't mistake her...
... It's Lightning Dust.
Now Zen eyes locked at the mare as he unsure what to do right now, as Lightning Dust also searching for anypony that throw the thing.
'Now what have I do? I can't just ask her to bring me. I've watched the episode, in my memories, and this sociopath can't be better from that robots. ' he thought as he keep thinking about his next move, as he felt a great shake.
Meanwhile out of the case, Lightning Dust is shaking the case up and down. Zen is clasped by the layers of cushions inside the case that caused it didn't make any rattle sounds.
"Huh, it's surely heavy, but why it didn't make any sounds? " Lightning touched the hit spot on her head again as she inhaled between her teeth as she felt the stinging pain from the bump on her head. "And somepony surely have some chat with me after this. " She muttered out loud as she sneered at direction he fell, again.
'Sheesh Wood, you better be careful, cuz this mare will rip out your throat in sight. ' Zen chuckled at his own idea. Is mind snapped back at the robots that want to took him.
'Wait, If they can stand on cloud, that mean... ' If Zen had blood right now, it probably will chilling cold.
Lightning Dust keep searching for the thrower 'Culprit'. She almost give up, before idea to approach this pony sailling, as she start to fly up.
"DON'T! Don't you fly up there!! " Zen yelled at the mare as Lightning starlet and almost dropped the case.
"Woah! What the- the case talking! "
"Not the case, but the content ... uuh, mare! " Zen snarked as he tried to reprhase his words. Lightning here didn't know him, so called her name just make another misunderstood. But it likely just offended her.
"Hey! What do you mean by 'Mare'? Futhermore, what's wrong with flying there? " She asked while pointing upward.
"You can't! Run! They will come! " Zen warned her, when he also panicked if the robots came. And if other theory is right-
"Okay talking case. Who's 'They'? " Lightning asked as the mare sneered at Zen case. Before the, a loud sounds of incinerations echo. Like he guessed, the robots have wings, metal wings with rocket engine behind them as they flying closer to Zen and Lightning. The mare alarmed instantly at the appearance of the robots.
"What the buck is that!? " She asked in panic as she flying backward from the robots flying direction.
"No time to explain! Run! I-I mean, Fly!! " And with that, lightning Dust fly to out fly the robots group with Zen case hugged tightly between her fore-hooves.
Thou supposed know the rest
"Hurry up! They're getting closer! " Zen voice came out from the case, as Lightning took a glance over her shoulder before turned back and increased her speed. She panting as her wings gained speed, cut the wind on her way
"Shut up! I'm trying! " Lightning barked at Zen case. Her wings is felt weary from the long timed and high speed flight, but the threat still closing by as the mare pushed to flap her wing.
The epic flight escape attempt happened as Lightning did couple maneuvers, while tried to loose the robots that case her. Two of the minion looking tried to press her, but she fly upward as the robots crashed each other as the two mangled mechanical being descend down to the ground while the fire that erupt when they crashed engulf them.
For a second Lightning rest her wings, before inhaling the air and flapped her wings faster as she propelled forward. Even when she added more speed, the robots chaser still not giving up and hot on Lightning Dust tail. To get Zen on their creepy metal claw.
"We need to loose them, fly between the clouds and do some maneuvers- "
"Shut up okay!? I know what I'm doin-" Zen tried to reason her and searching for next route to lost the chaser group. but Lightning cut him off. Meanwhile, Zen caught something from between, uuh, Lightning crotch, tried to focus to the threat rather than Lightning's assets.
One of the minion metal pole like thing is shining on the front, as Zen immediately get the thing purpose, A kind of caliber. Before either Zen can warn her nor Lightning can finish her protest, a small shining red projectile shoot out to Lighting.
BANG!!!
"AAAHH!! " a magic bullet pierced Lightning left wing as blood spray out from her wing as the shoot through and through wound now visible on her wing. Lightning lost her balance and start to spiraling down with help of gravity.
"Mayday! Mayday! Losing height! I repeat, Losing height!! "
"Crap! Crap CRAP!! " the pegasi mare keep chanting while her good wing flapped furiously, the same like her hooves doing tight now. As a reinforced cloud with a warehouse is in sight, Lightning covered her face with her fore-hooves and prepared for the nasty crash.
CRASH!!
In the warehouse, few pegasi is checking for the stock for the weather factory. As then, something is crashed in, startled few workers around and hit a tower of cloud activator powder bags. She landed with a loud thud , debris from the roof scattering around her as she groaned in pain. The case clattered to the ground beside her, its latch still intact.
“This... is not my day,” Lightning muttered, cradling her injured wing. Few workers approaching her as one of them with violetish light blue coat checking on Lightning.
"Miss, are you alright? " He asked as he check on her wound, winching at the gross display of blood mess on her wing feathers.
"Ugh, probably can be worse. " She blurted and glanced up, her heart sinking as she saw the mechanical creatures descending toward the warehouse. She glanced back at the worker that just check on her.
"Listen, if you want to alive, bring yourself and the other out from here. " She barked as the worker that appear become confused by it.
"Uuh, no offence miss. But you're injured, I won't left you here for no reason. " He replied to Lightning as his expression hardened. As then, the robots crashed in, scarring few of the workers there. The worker who surprised at the arrival of the robots then turned at Lightning, now her face become the one say 'What about now?'. He hesitated to left Lightning, but then also galloped out from the warehouse, while helping few of his co-workers.
“Get up, Lightning,” Zen urged. His voice was firm but tinged with concern. “They’re coming.”
Just like Zen said, the robots group landed on the warehouse floor as their wings is retracted back into their body. The leader robot then stepped forward.
"Pony, We will not repeat. Retrieve Zein driver or face a fast and painful death. " the leader robot announced with neutral tone. one of the minion come to it side and let out gibberish sound of glitching sounds.
"Information granted. I mean a slow and painful death." it reannounced. Meanwhile lightning is still lay on the cloud powder while cradling her wounded wing. She glared at Zen case.
“What am I supposed to do, genius?” she snapped, showing her now hole adorned wing. “I can’t outfly them like this!”
She peeked at the robots behind the bags she lean too. They seems just standing there, like they're waiting for Lightning answer. She turned at the case she just bring.
"And furthermore, who are you? I I suddenly being hit with a case that could talk and this flying machine things came after me and shoot me down. " She patted her wounded wing, winching slightly at the painful sting from the wound. Zen just silence at that. But then he glanced up at the mare from his case.
"I, apparently really a talking belt. But now you have to use me. If you don't, either one or both of us will die here. " Zen declared as his eyes locked with the mare golden eyes. Lightning also appear to slightly scared. He didn't saw a mare that screw up in that episode he watching, but a mare that also scared with death.
"T-then how? How we can get outta here? We're surrounded by the machine things. and they will definitely will kill me! " She barked at Zen as she also appear starting to feel hopeless with the situation. Zen tried to think about another options, but seems no other choice
Zen’s tone turned urgent. “There’s only one thing left to do. Activate the Progrise Key.” Lightning face twisted from fear to confusion. Zen just sighed.
"Open my case, you will find the thing and something else inside. " Zein added. Lightning just then clicked the latch and open the case. She fascinated by the display of Zein driver inside.
She blinked, staring at the strange, weird looking driver and it progrise key resting inside the case. “Are you serious? What’s that gonna do, magically fix everything?”
“Yes,” Zein said simply.
Lightning Dust hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to run, but with the monsters closing in, her wound also didn't left her with many choice. “Fine! But if this thing blows up, I’m haunting you.” With struggle, she managed to get on her hooves.
"What now? "
“Put me on your midsection and insert the key,” Zen instructed. Lightning glanced at the Zein driver in the case. She pick it up slowly.
"This one? Is this the real you? " she asked again with Zen quickly answered with 'Yes'. She then put it on her midsection. The black belt shoot out from the driver side as it locked in her back. As the driver now latched on her midsection. Lightning startled by it, as then she rise the Progrise key. She stared at it and then at the robots, which still stand motionless.
With trembling hooves, she picked up the Progrise Key and pressed the button. The front panel opened, showing the display of Kamen Rider Zein and the insignia there.
Zein!
The Progrise key then make a sounds of angelic choir. Beneath her, blue energy grid spread out. Meanwhile behind her, four portals is opened, show few places she foreign with. A dark cliffs with lava as the floor, A castle in a massive cloud that bathed with light, a village that seems like chaotic mismatch, and weird jagged looking structure that emanating dark aura.
"Woah... " Lightning Dust just too amazed by the whole portals and energy around her. Zen rolled his eyes, it's the first time he will be used, but never think this mare will be the one who use him.
"Focus will ya? The enemies is on your face. " Zen reminded as Lightning snap out from the portals as she glanced at Zen in her waist with annoyance drawed in her face.
"Okay talking belt, what next? "
"Insert the Progrise key to the slot on the driver side. It will do the rest. Oh, and say 'Henshin' before you plug it in. "
Lightning rolled her eyes but complied. She glanced at the group of robots there. Still stood still like some statues. Are they really will stay like that till Lightining answer them? Don't want to think to much, with the Progrise key on her right hoof, Lightning exhaled slowly, before her eyes locked to the robots.
“...Henshin. ” Lightning Dust quietly say, before inserted the Progrise key in, triggered the mechanical sounds out.
ZeinRise!
The portals converged, their energy flowing toward her, while her surrounding is shifted and show different sceneries of Equestria. From the road of Canterlot, Cloudsdale sky, Everfree forest dark surrounding, and somewhere in badland.
Justice! - Judgement! - Jail!
Parts of armor with honeycomb shapes began to materialize piece by piece. The white and gray suit clasped Lightning coat as protection armor covered her hooves, chest, shoulder, and her neck. A helmet formed last, its visor shaped like Zein’s insignia signature angular design.
Her wings is enlarged, as it turned pearl white. As the wing covered her, it burst into pieces of feathers as her wings is now absence, replaced by asymmetrical white cape with blue inner. The said cape waved downward as the transformation complete, her visor glowed blue at last.
Salvation of Ponykind!
Zen dumbfounded by the last announcement. ' 'Ponykind'? Not 'Humankind'? Well, it's different world, don't question it. ' He thought, brush off the thing that troubled him faster from the Wonderbolts.
Lightning Dust stood tall, now clad in the full armor of Kamen Rider Zein . She stared at herself in awe, flexing her hooves and her armored body. The armor felt weightless yet powerful, as if it were an extension of her body.
“Whoa,” she breathed. “This… is awesome .”
“No time to admire yourself,” Zein reminded her. "Will you answer them now? I start to feel sorry for them. " Lightning glanced up from her own now armor at the robots group, still completely motionless.
"Oh right, sorry guys. What's your question again? " She asked as then she unconsciously stand on her hind-hooves. Lightning caught herself before the can yelped. The feeling stand on them is feel natural, like her second nature for her, yet also foreign. The leader robot moved again after waiting an eternity of Lightning answer.
"Surrender and retrieve the Zein driver pony, or face quick and painful death. " the minion i=on it side let out the mechanical gibberish sound again. "Correction, slow and painful death." It repeated. Lightning simply rise her right hoof and wiggled her hoof front and backward, like asked the robots to get her,
"I don't think so, this thing looks cool. " she declared fiercely while Zen sighed quietly.
"I'll took that as a compliment.
"Understood, we won't spare you." the robots charging forward as their glowing eyes locking onto her. Lightning Dust smirked beneath her helmet.
“Alright, let’s see what this thing can do.”
With a surge of energy, she launched herself forward, her movements faster and more precise than ever before. The battle was on.
