Regression from Mind

Months ago...the concept was realized. It slowly crept on him, then snapped its jaws in his mind, taking hold.

Best. Day. Of. His. Life!

Brilliant.

Absolutely brilliant to Mind.

Can't kill them. Can't do much of anything to them.

Except...he found one loophole. A tiny one. Just enough to work.

Honestly, that's all he'd need.

The Jet-coated Unicorn ran a hoof through his Silver mane, undeniably happy from what lay before him.

A blueprint. The blueprint!

The capstone to weeks upon mind-snapping weeks of theories, component-testing, and selling cruel weaponry to the depraved, crueler masses.

Most ponies, if informed of the effects of this creation, would ask why must it be so specific.

So...one-note?

The invention's application is small, yet its impact is high, radiating outwards to all of Equestria.

Not a weapon of massive destruction. The intention is not killing and suffering. Non-lethal, in truth.

Mind was so caught up in staring deeply at the finished design that he didn't even notice his assistant enter.

The Earth-Pony mare of Wood-Brown coat and Baby-Blue-Eyes mane said warmly while carrying the valuables, "Mind, I'm back."

He flickered his eyes in her direction, asking in a professional tone, "Kelly. How was your trip? Everything went well, I'd assume."

"Yeah. They raised the fee to get in, though. So...there went much of any coin to bring home. Only fifty bits."

"Meh. Doesn't concern us. As long as you returned with the list fully marked, we're fine."

"Don't worry. We are definitely set! Trip was...terrible as usual, but I got it all!"

"Kelly, do...you not like the market?"

"Yes, I hope everypony there gets busted. They don't try anything, but they stare. Even the doorpony and shopkeeps!"

"...I'll keep that in my thoughts as I look through the delivery," Mind told as he inspected the contents of the pack.

Equestria's black markets are located mainly in cities. Most towns aren't plagued because of the many eyes and ensnaring rumors. Yet, a few towns work out fine. Such as the one the shortest distance away with its high volumes of tourism and few families.

Perfect site. Though, the black market still comes with the obvious problems of murder, shaking down of gold in the shops and trails, etc.

Reason Kelly was allowed to see the light of day again had to do with Mind following in with her the first time, carrying a weapon. Not an ordinary one.

The approaching ponies, who thought they could get a little bit of loot with a little bit of violence that day, were paralyzed for hours afterwards. Since then, Kelly became seen as a mare not to be roughed up. Although being tricked, watched, and commented on weren't concerning to her boss.

Mind finished his deep examination of the parts brought, concluding all his requests to be accounted for.

He nodded appreciatively, "Well done. Forget what I said earlier. You're allowed to stay. In fact, you might not ever have to socialize with those criminals after today."

Kelly's mood perked up at the thrilling announcement, "Really?! So, that means the regression tech you were mentioning about is finally in the production stage?"

"Yes. Yes, it is."

"Oh, thank Equestria! Here I thought you were creating just another projectile-launcher or something."

"No. This is mine. For me to keep. Not to be used by cons for whatever reasons they might have. I dream much more on the grand scale. As I should."

"So...do you think we can make it into the castle easily, then? The guards will probably be suspicious about you and your new toy as soon as we reach the gate."

"That's why I'm going to twist how I work. Have been practicing new techniques for awhile. Remember the armor I built? Practice."

"That's what those were for? Didn't...think that was why."

"It was. Partly."

Kelly had a quick question, full of hope and excitement, "So...do ya want me to stay? Maybe...help? Big project you have there."

Mind readily dismissed her, slight annoyance giving way, "For the two-thousand and twenty-secondth time, no."

"That's not the real number!"

"Actually, it is."

"Fine. Yet, do remember I'm your assistant. Kind of means I assist you with things. Not leave you alone when I'm perfectly capable of helping you."

"What could you help me with at this very moment?"

"Lifting heav-"

"No. I'm fine. All my supplies are hoof-sized and delicate, which you know because you purchased the damn parts. Nothing requiring strength."

"But, this is such a special-"

"Leave."

"Pleas-"

"Kelly. No."

Kelly pouted to mimic a child not getting their way, then departed the workshop in disappointment.

To pass time, Kelly bathed to wash off the horrid marketplace's filth, took a small nap in the (only) bed, then tidied up around the facility.

Easy to keep a place clean when she was the lone pony to enter rooms a majority of the time. Mind imprisoned himself within the workshop on a regular basis, not leaving unless absolutely necessary.

Leads to Kelly having free reign to do whatever...which meant not much. The machines were entertainment somewhat. Not having the ability to speak killed most interactions, unfortunately.

Mind really should get around to lending them voices.

...

Later, Mind finally requested her to view the finished invention, "Kelly! Hurry up with what you're doing! You're needed!"

Kelly cursed and breathed, hearing his command right when she was through breaking up a fight between two of Mind's massive Builds.

Damn machines smashed each other up bad enough that hard dents had accumulated on their heads and chests.

With damage on just the surface, repairs...could wait.

Expecting to be gone for a lengthy period of time, Kelly instructed all the machines in storage to power off, to which they did.

Now, what did he devise that could suck up twice the usual assembly time?

She guessed the question would have a reply the sooner she showed herself.

Kelly entered Mind's shop, trying to be careful were her hooves stepped in case of fallen pieces of pointed scrap.

Once having sweeped the bits of metal off the floor and into a trash bin, she informed her boss of recently-finished chores, "Mind, I did my rounds around the place. Dusted. Mopped. Swept, as you just saw. Checked on the robots. Everypony was alright. Batteries charged. Happy."

"Good, good. And, were they turned off at the end of your inspection?"

"Yeah. Except for two."

"Why were two specifically not shut down, then?"

"No, no. Don't get me wrong. They were turned off. Just not when I stopped my examination. Earlier than that."

"Might I ask why?"

"...It was two of the Builds. The giants got into a boxing match after one lost to the other at...some kind of competition. Pretty rough pounding to their bodies. Internal components seem a-okay, but you should probably look into remodeling their ponalities. Too much aggression."

Mind's smile flipped at the mention of the extent of labor ahead of him, "Again?! You'd think they would learn not to do that! I just might have to fine tune their emotions. Turn the dial a bit, then see what happens."

"When we come home?"

"Yes. When we come...home."

Mind shook the thoughts of how destructive the metallic behemoths were, proceeding to mentally circle back towards his masterpiece.

He announced with vigor, "Anyways, by now, the paint should be dry. And, my helmet complete."

Mind levitated the machinery-infused helmet from an air-conditioning container, the kind often utilized for cooling melded segments of soon-to-be blades.

He drifted it onto his head, correcting the position until a perfect fit was achieved.

The usual color scheme of gray, black, and white decorated the headpiece. Glowing shapes covered the base, reaching to the sides. The neck-defence had two names adorned within very small print beside the edges: Celestia and Luna. Both were crossed out with a single line.

Mind declared in a proud stature, head held high, "The rule of the unfit dies today!"

Kelly pumped a hoof in the air, "Whoo! Yeah! Power to the ponies! Buck off, corrupt Alicorns!"

"...That's not the exact lines to use, but why not? I suppose they deserve rude remarks as well."

"And, age regression."

"If it operates properly."

"Oh. Mean ya gonna test it? ...Now?"

"Yes."

"...Is it going to be on me?"

"Is there an issue?"

"No. Just curious."

His horn glowed, switching the power on. A display formed, giving him a targeting reticle in the center and scrollable data on the sides.

Took awhile for the helmet to drain him of enough magic to stock up the full amount of casts his level could produce. Eighteen in all. A nice set.

Thankfully, he had calibrated the absorption perfectly. Too little would leave him having to be overly cautious in his aim. Too much would probably extract every ounce of magic his horn held...killing him.

Okay. Okay, time to test.

He focused on Kelly, horn on the trigger.

...

Suddenly, Mind realized an issue facing this simple test.

He distanced himself from the mare, keeping his horn angled at her the entire time.

Kelly didn't know what to make of the scene.

He could've just fired at her, and be done.

After reaching an acceptable distance away, Mind screamed out without ground to, "Come on! Sparing time!"

Kelly stared in shock at the wish, "...Serious here? Weren't you just gonna sh-"

"You heard what I said! Spar!"

"...You are serious! No, crazy! What would that accomplish?!"

"Come on! Now!"

"No, Mind!"

"Stop arguing with me, and charge."

"Oh, come on. You know I won't hurt you."

"Do you want me to throw you outside for the Timberwolves when this is through?"

"N-no?"

Mind fired, sending a shot unsettlingly close to Kelly. She jumped away in fear, then saw him producing another blast.

Mind roared his desire to be battled against, "Hurry up! You don't have all day!"

Kelly, under normal circumstances, wouldn't try to injure Mind. He was so much weaker compared to her. Unicorns and Pegasi just were.

This felt different though. Reminded her of when she would have matches with her father.

It felt like a test, so Kelly would give it a go.

Kelly, enthusiastically, unleashed her full strength by running up on the center table, ripping it off the screws that secured it to the floor, and hurling the weighty object at Mind.

He cursed, rolled to the adjacent bookcase, and quickly thought to levitate the volumes from their shelves to bring about a tide of literature for his use.

Kelly stood on her backhooves, ready to get some boxing in.

Mind, with a flick of the horn, launched the informative text in bursts of five.

She punched out the volleys whenever they leaped in range...until Mind decided to finish the fight by her mistake.

He drove the remaining wave of books at Kelly. All twenty of them.

She blocked the frontal crash, yet couldn't defend from all sides.

Her head crunched at the introduction of a well-placed tome to her cheek. Then, the back of her head. Her stomach was uncovered as her hooves tried to protect her face, which is exactly where another accurate jab struck.

She dropped to her knees, gasping from the oxygen in her lungs going on a vacation.

Left alone for a moment, Kelly managed to regain her breathe.

She didn't glance up until the thumping of books to the ground sounded, though.

Mind appeared right in front of Kelly, saying simply as he placed the blaster barrel close to her face, "Pathetic end to a test. Sad having to finish so early."

Then, shot.

Kelly woke up.

She breathed deep in-and-out, expecting some part of her body to flare up in pain from her unexpected plot-kicking.

Yet, felt fine.

Kelly expected to hear herself complain loudly from bruises, but the sounds of wind rustling and birds chirping were picked up on instead.

A lot of her expectations now rang false...except for being stuck in the woods. Kelly thought the threat as a way to get her pumped, not an actual consequence for losing!

He did it?! He threw her to the beasts?!

They would surely rip her to shreds if she didn't get up soon.

While not exactly hurting, Kelly did suddenly notice her might's disappearance.

That she could barely sit up! She tried to stand, yet almost immediately collasped.

She would die out here probably. Not even a challenge for the saddest of predators.

Mind saw Kelly had risen from slumber, saying as he noticed, "Ah. You're awake. Just in time."

He carried two knapsacks, both full to the brim. The last bag, which floated above him, descended to the ground beside Kelly. Towering compared to her.

She definitely found the size comparison startling, which prompted her to look over herself.

Then, babble wordlessly in confusion. The only response a foal could give.

Kelly realized she had been turned into a baby, and her weakened body and restored skin had a definite explanation now.

Yet, not everything.

Mind decided his point had been proven, and aimed the fully-tested regression armament at Kelly.

Once blasted, she instantly grew to her previous age.

Kelly blinked, unclear how to react to her prior ordeals.

Mind, not willing to let her sort through her internal questions, magically slung the pack over her shoulder.

He began their travel to the nearby town, demanding of his still companion, "We're leaving. Get up, get the bag, and get going."

Following Mind through the woods for a half-hour, Kelly finally left her thoughts alone to ask, "Mind...why did you want to fight me?"

He professed the purpose of their duel, "A test must be given with the appropriate conditions in place. One where you are just perfectly still while I just fire at you would have made not much sense. It needed to feel like live combat."

"So, the more practical approach?"

"Right."

"Alright."

"Though, I must admit I may have gone overboard with how I fought you."

"What do you mean?"

"You were pretty injured from what I saw. I wasn't trying to almost kill you."

"My father and I fought all the time! Bruises, black eyes, and a little blood is nothing new to me."

"Yes, but it still was just a test. Although, shorter than I expected."

"Hey now, I may not have lasted long, but I did have a battle-ready look in my eyes, eh? Come on, wasn't it true?"

"...Yes. Yes, you most certainly did."

"I just...hope I am actually of help, you know? Not saying you're a pushover with your magic, but them?! Fighting Princess Celestia and Luna-"

They were almost at the entrance to the active town, which meant Mind had to silence his assistant with a shush.

She noticed how closely they were getting to being overheard by others, blushing at almost being listened to by the loyal ponies of Equestria.

Kelly gulped, nervously chuckling at the error on her part, "Uh...sorry?"

Mind shook his head side-to-side, wondering how they'd get through with her big mouth, "You're a walking sound-alarm, aren't you?"

Kelly flat out told him, "You're worried about me when you are about to prance into town with a helmet, which is and looks dangerous? Which of us should be the pony worried here, Mind?"

"Well, being smart, I am prepared for such an occasion."

"A spell?"

"A spell."

"What kind?"

"Honestly, what kind do you think?"

"Perception-Alteration?"

"No, the other spell that hides weaponry-"

Kelly had the opportunity to quiet Mind now, taking it.

He canceled the escalation of his voice, only issuing an irritated snort as a response.

Then, told Kelly how he would be in the bushes, molding his helmet's image into an ordinary hat.

...

After the magical light within the bush cleared out, Mind motioned for Kelly to enter town with him.

Kelly and Mind made very little conversation on the path to the local train station, except her mild teasing towards the hat Mind'd chosen to blend in with.

They approached the ticket booth, paying to ride the entering train.

The ticket-giver pointed the duo to a spare bench, suggesting they sit until the train is unloaded of its riders.

Understanding, they quickly took the spot to avoid the incoming wave of tired ponies.

Mind was very careful to not have contact with those leaving the station because a slight touch or bump to the image could break away the magic underneath.

When everypony had moved on, he let out a relaxed breathe.

Then, heard Kelly's laughter directed at him.

Knowing why, he expressed the reasoning for his particular choice of facade, "I thought it might work best. It's not that horrid of a decision when fashion sense isn't a strength I possess."

Kelly found the top-hat funny because it did the opposite of its intended purpose.

Truthfully, the trek through town would've been much smoother had ponies not constantly surround Mind, asking questions about what his performance was.

She joked before they got up, "You can probably just knock the princesses out from laughing at you picking out clothes."

Very few ponies were leaving town today, meaning Mind and Kelly wouldn't fight to be first boarding the train.

Stepping onto the transport, Mind responded to her comedy with unamusement, "You're not funny, so don't quit your day-job. Or, become fired."

Kelly rolled her eyes, then tailed him to the cozy row of seats they'd be occupying.

Mind and Kelly sat opposite of each other in the disturbingly-lonely passenger car. Fortunately, there was such a low count of passengers that not one would be forced to share the same section, unless they wanted.

Kelly unslung the pack from her shoulder, close to bringing up the subject of what was in the bag.

Mind halted her incoming question with a hoof, "Hold on. Let's get moving before we chat on...upcoming plans."

Riding a quarter of the way, Kelly patted the pack, telling Mind to fill her in on the previously-mentioned plans.

He explained shortly, not in the mood to go in full detail, "You're carrying the Holo-Bits."

She gasped, hoping he didn't bring them along to...aid in combat, "They're...just along to entertain us or something, right?! You're not actually going-"

"I am."

"Look, I know I say I'm not cut out for fighting, but they were made for literally anything else than fighting!"

"Don't tell me what they're use is and isn't! I know already! You think I -- of all ponies -- would not know what they bring to the table?!"

"Oh, Mind! Why would you give them a death sentence?! They won't last five minu-"

"They won't have to! Believe me, every Holo-Bit I've brought is safe."

"I hope so."

"Don't hope. Count on it."

Kelly sat in silence, praying Mind wouldn't dare wrap the Holo-Bits in the mess of a situation the two ponies were headed towards.

...

Curious still, Kelly jabbed a hoof at the satchels Mind kept with himself, "What's in those?"

Sensing the fear collecting in her mind, Mind crushed her growing worry vocally, "Not more Holo-Bits, be assured. They're all in...your bag. I've only parts in mine."

"Parts...for?"

"The aftermath of our victory."

"Celebratory?"

"No, no. You know I'm not the type."

"What, then?"

"You're completely out of guesses?"

"No. I want you to get on with it."

"...This is the last time I play a game with you."

"That's...your version of a game?"

"It's parts for my teleporter."

"...I don't get why you didn't just tell me that, instead of the long route we just went down."

"Simply killing time."

"Along with those precious robots," she said in determination to stop a step of his plan.

Mind told Kelly with a deadly serious tone, "They'll be fine. Fine. They serve a small part in our revolt."

Not understanding fully what that would accomplish besides blowing the automatons to literal bits, Kelly desired more, "Tell me why they're coming. Give me a thought-out reason, and I'll knock it off."

"Just to be our way of passage. I'll say we're traveling performers, looking to brighten the princesses' day. If any questions focus towards our legitimacy, we have our proof."

"...Accepted. I accept that reason."

"Music to my ears. Now, anything else?"

"...No. I actually think I'd like some shut-eye."

"Go on ahead. I'll wake you when we're at our destination. Or, the loud noise and sudden slam of the train stopping will."

"There's more of your uncomparable comedy shining through," Kelly sarcastically said as she sprawled out on the bench.

Mind scoffed, repeating a line he had spoken before, "Again. You're also not funny, so don't quit your day-job. Or, become fired."

"Is this after or before I help you dismantle Equestria's current government?"

"Go to sleep, Kelly."

"Soo...is it-"

"Sleep. Now."

Kelly had awoken when Mind shook her shoulder, demanding she get set.

Her reaction was dribbling out words of returning slumber, "Day's too looong. Go awaaay."

Mind only braced himself, letting the train take over waking Kelly.

She was thrown from her resting position, becoming wedged on the floor by the table's base and the seat.

Wiggling, Kelly tried freeing herself, very upset with Mind for not trying harder to wake her.

Mind didn't pay her much attention, only stepping around her thrashing hooves as he stood with two of the bags.

He asked as if she weren't fully trapped, "So, how long is this going to take? I want to get there soon."

She cursed Mind with the last of her energy, "Buck off, and help me!"

Mind shook his head, wrapping magic onto a tired Kelly. He lightly lifted the mare up a hoof off the dusty floor, drifting her outwards gently.

When finally rescued from...the deeply narrow restraint, Kelly stared at the ground in embarrassment, suggesting quietly, "Can we just leave?"

Mind didn't answer besides pointing at the bag she would carry, not caring in the slightest over her destroyed pride.

She bore the weight of the packed machines, yet didn't even pause in her rush off the train.

Mind teleported in front of her before she went out too far, explaining, "Kelly, we're to go together by my lead. Or, have you been the one of us whose been to the castle before?"

Ears flat, Kelly was quite ticked off with her employer, "You know I haven't. And, must you ask me these types of questions as if I'm an idiot?"

"When you cease behaving without thought, we'll talk."

"...You're a smart-plot, Mind. Just...start walking."

Standing at the golden gates of the captivating castle, the pair waited on the guard near the entrance to walk over.

Once within hearing distance, the guard issued a mandate, "State your business, travelers. Or, leave."

While being inches apart, Mind gladly lied to the watchpony's face, "Simply for entertainment purposes. I, along with my assistant, were specifically called upon to be the act of the day."

"Papers?"

"...We had them, yet they were lost in our pace to get here."

"Shouldn't have left home so late, then. No papers, no entrance."

Mind knew this would be the hard part, where hopefully the pony in front of him could be swayed.

Reaching into a pocket on the left bag's side, he pulls out the remaining bits of Kelly's black market passage.

Throwing it through the bars, he whispered low, "Maybe I can get in without my papers? Just this once? The princesses truly did give me the honor of performing for them. How would it go if you didn't let me in all because I made a simple mistake? You'd be out a nice bag of bits, and be forced to tell your bosses/rulers how I was sent away after a very lengthy, exhausting train ride. It's a lose-lose situation for you."

Slightly peeking over his shoulder, the guard checked to see if anypony would be patrolling the front or just passing by.

In the clear, he swiftly scooped the bribe up, changing his attitude as rapid, "Alright, sir. Go on through. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna shouldn't be kept waiting."

When the gates parted halfway, Mind and Kelly went on to their boss battle.

...

The entrance guard must've radioed in their actually unscheduled appearance, which is why they were led from the door to the throne-room without question or glances.

And, only one guard joined them to meet with the royals, who appeared of higher status than the rest since he sent them away.

Shining Armor announced the unexpected visit, Voice-Amplification spell expended, "Requested performers have arrived! Prepare for the show, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!"

Celestia informed her best soldier how they weren't supposed to recieve such an enjoyment this afternoon, "Shining Armor, nopony lined up entertainment for today. So, who do we have here?"

Throwing the gained cover aside, Kelly threw a punch directly into the guard's side.

He was launched across the room, tumbling until the wall and his back collided.

Celestia's horn formed a yellow glow, nearly about to vent the rage she had, "Speak your names, and what you're here for! Or, I'll make you sorry!"

Mind thought Kelly was insane for blowing the lies he'd worked on, telling her briefly, "You just made this ten times harder!"

Then, drew a conclusion from Kelly setting her pack behind herself protectively, "You're blowing the one advantage we had because you thought I was lying?! Those bots were never going to be summoned for combat! We'll...talk about this after!"

Mind then blasted for Celestia, which signaled her and Luna to rise for the safer ceiling.

The princesses split concentration among the two combatants, firing shot after shot to tire them out. Then, hopefully score some sort of hit on the targets.

Mind teleported to the wall opposite Shining's position, leaving his packs there before returning fire on Celestia.

Speaking of Shining Armor, he was Kelly's planned pony shield since cover was unavailable.

Luna's shots weren't missing by much, only a few inches. Kelly felt like a game was being played, which wouldn't be too much of a stretch considering her strength's uselessness in this particular situation.

Luna was safe from a melee-centered battle by staying in-flight, along with the fact the throne room hadn't a single object to be thrown her way.

Shining saw Kelly approaching fast, waiting with his blade slowly slipping into his mouth.

When she was in range, Shining fought his back injuries to deliver several sword swings. The last cut contacted with Kelly's chest, which only happened because her attention was sped away by a spell dropping too near for comfort.

Even though sliced thoroughly, Kelly slammed her opponent into the wall. A sound of bones breaking could be heard.

Shining, smashed to sleep, was held up high, saving Kelly from further castings.

Celestia and Mind did a far-off dance, propeling missiles of magic to their objectives, only for the pony to jump or zoom away moments before. A very annoying and time-soaking cycle.

When certain a stray shot wouldn't best her, Kelly brought Shining to her level, wrapping a front leg around his throat.

Kelly demanded of Luna, hostage at risk, "Get grounded, or he's broken for good! I'll snap his neck, I swear!"

Luna replaced her aggression with a gentler attitude, trying to be calming, "Okay. Now, have you thought this through? If you kill him, I won't hold back. You put him nicely to the-"

"No! We're doing it my way! He will die if you don't hit the floor! You have until the count of five!"

"Now, think! Please, my little pony! Whatever is upsetting you, I'm sure it can all be put to rest-"

"Five!"

"We don't have to get the innocent involved! With bloodied hooves, I can't save you-"

"Four!"

"Stop it! I'll help you! However I can! Just set him-"

"Help me by getting out of the sky! Three!"

"I'll-"

"Two!"

Luna, unable to do much else, descended to the marble flooring.

Shining Armor wouldn't die on Luna's watch if she could save him.

Touching the cool marble, Luna met the requirements called forth, exclaiming to the murderous pony, "I've done what you asked of me! Don't have a wing beating, even slightly. So, hold up your end-"

...

Celestia noticed Mind's most recent blast fly not at her, trailing the projectile...to glimpse a fallen Luna.

Fearing the worst, Celestia tore through the air to be at her sister's side.

Celestia got to watch her baby sister actually become a baby.

Celestia embraced her little Luna, intent on protecting her more than ever.

Why would age regression be the spell cast? What are they even here for?!

Celestia truthfully didn't have time to ask herself questions, only act. She may have halted the battle, but the opposition didn't.

Returning to the mini-war, Celestia rolled out of the way as Mind blasted away, then produced a shield that'd hopefully give her a few minutes of true breathing room.

Of course, her defense wouldn't hold for a prolonged time period...because Kelly finally closed the distance.

Kelly beat on the protection, cracking it wider with every second of powerhouse pounding.

Mind joined his companion in the storming of Celestia's position, adding in spells where the cracks were widest.

Not much longer before they destroyed the rampart.

Knowing the clock was ticking before her loss, Celestia shattered through her only safety to punch the mare with all her might.

Kelly got propelled backwards, sailing through the air to crash a distance off in a busted heap.

Mind knew luck rained on him, firing the second-to-last round within himself.

...

Shot! She was shot!

Celestia plunged into slumber with understanding when she awoke, her world wouldn't be the same.

...If she woke up.

Mind breathed a sigh of relief, glad he did the impossible. Joyful, truly.

Now, what of my assistant?

Mind teleported over to her, gasping from the energy spent just moving that far.

Guess more magic had been used than...thought.

...

After catching his breathe, Mind searched for a pulse on Kelly, along with inspecting damage. He found she was fairly alive, yet her jaw had a badly-bruised formation on the side. Perhaps, a few demolished teeth as well. And, that chest would be scarred for life.

Of course, he wasn't a doctor, so not much he'd be able to do for now. Soon, though. Soon, he could.

Mind heard a sudden roar escape somepony from the room's boundaries, which worried him deeply.

He didn't have much left in him to take on another combatant.

Though, Mind realized nopony had any fight left in them. Only he and Shining remained up.

...Sort of.

Shining almost cried in pain, trying with great effort to stand. If only his hooves weren't a crippled mess.

Mind noted the guard should also be regressed, yet not before a little interrogation.

Not wanting to drain himself of anymore magic than already, Mind galloped to the wreck of a pony, passive to the screams.

When Shining glanced at the pony closing in, he growled when shocked it wasn't aid, "You! H-how are you still here?! And, not stuck in stone?! Better yet, dead?! There's no way Celestia and Luna-"

Mind grinned for a second at being able to finish the sentence himself, "Lost. And, you're going to spill your secrets. Here. Now. And, I promise you'll live."

"Buck you!"

"How rude of a proud warrior such as yourself to say such words. Are you the highest ranked guard here, soldier?"

"I am Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard within these walls! Somewhere you-"

"I never was one to care about the Royal Guard and its rankings. So, to be clear, you are the highest ranked here? You never gave me the answer I wanted. Not very difficult to do."

"Yes! I! Am!", Shining barked as he fired at Mind in the hopes of a quick, clean kill to the head.

Mind teleported promptly on Shining's side, magic restored slightly.

As payback for almost being slain, Mind stepped onto Shining's back, pressing deeply for a short duration.

Shining howled in agony at first, then stifled his tormented outburst to show the enemy he's not weak.

Mind rolled his eyes, letting up from the torture to complain, "You know, I don't take joy in this. Though, I can't disagree with how effective it is...on others. Sadly, you seem the type to stay loyal to the end. Don't even know why I'd thought you would be different than what I expected."

Mind noted a knock on the entryway, which paused momentarily to return with more alarm.

He thought of a speech to sell the outside force growing in the hall, "Maybe you are honestly loyal to your so-called leaders. Are the guards about to charge in fully with you, though? I'm certain they don't get the treatment they wish for. You...might not, either. Stuck in your sense of allegiance though,  I can't let you leave. Not that you could on your own. And because I don't want you saying anything to them or dying before they and I first meet, I will give you a tiny gift. One that'll benefit us both. As ponies say, time heals all wounds. You're welcome."

Shining never was able to curse Mind like he wanted as a regression spell cast him into another detested fainting.

And, the doors were ripped open right after.