In case we missed replying to reviews, here they are now:
Guest: First, thank you for the compliment. It means a lot to us to know that you enjoy our fanfiction. Sorry if it takes us a while to update but it takes time and my TAFE course in music occupies a lot of my time . This is the first time I have dealt with writing for this strange and wonderful world of crossover and it gets a little difficult at times. But I hope this has been worth the wait.
sonicfan13: Here you are! Oh and given your name, I have a feeling you and Tyro will get on quite well…
TranscodeShadowCerberus (aka, my adopted little bro): Sweet Cheeses, complicated pen name much? What about 'Digital-Doggie-of-Darkness' or something… Heh, yeah the ending was Tyro's idea. I like writing spooky Robotnik…
321abe: No, sorry, this story will not have any shippings. I say to each their own but I have never been able to write (or stomach) a pairing.
Alara Rogers: Yay! It's awesome that I intrigued you…I'm trying to do something a little different with this category of crossover and I hope it's working.
Thatdudethere789: Thank you, hope you enjoy this chapter too!
Gold the Fox: Aw, stop it, you're embarrassing. *blushes* Your stuff's awesome too!
Cotton candy and chocolate milk for all! (That's metaphorical,TSC!)
This chapter was a little difficult to write because I admit I'm not so good with action scenes or dealing with multiple characters at once, hence why it's taken so long to update (sorry again)…the tragedy of crossovers right? Aaaaanyways, on with the story! Oh, and it's obvious we don't own MLP or Sonic, otherwise we'd both be living quite comfortably and the MLP toys would be accurate. *Ahem* Okay no more babbling now.
Chapter Two: Equestria In Chains
Three months passed, though no one could be certain because the sun hadn't risen since the attack, making it officially the longest night in Equestrian history. The Robotnik-Changeling Empire thrived, bringing with it not a moment's peace for the citizens of Equestria, who were always on the run due to the constant shifting weather patterns and the threat of slavery. If the weather didn't keep them fleeing for their lives, the patrolling Changelings and strange, metal creatures did.
Rumours spread like wildfire; the only source of news they had, though most of it was fabricated. The stories ranged from worrying to ridiculous: The strange, metal creatures were called 'robots', Robotnik was a creature from space, the Robotnik-Changeling Empire planned to destroy the world. The most popular, yet controversial, was the gossip on the former Element Bearers and the Alicorn princesses. Ponies claimed that Discord had possessed them, or Robotnik had tortured and enslaved them. No one had seen the Princesses since the fall of Canterlot Castle so most assumed they were dead, although many raised heated debates. Eventually reliable sources confirmed that they were, in fact, very much unharmed (there had even been sightings in Ponyville and Los Pegasus) but they went by a new title: The Pain Six.
These same informants led underground movements all over Equestria. They refused to surrender, even under pain of death, and while their efforts were mostly futile, the Equestrian Rebels inspired several uprisings from the prisoners in the Canterlot dungeons and never fell short of members.
In the main throne room of Canterlot Castle, Doctor Robotnik sat in the elegant chair that once belonged to Princess Celestia, glued to the screen of his computer. He smiled as two of his creations checked in to report on the day's victories.
"Mecha Sonic, was there any show of resistance?"
"Negative. Population of designated area: Trottingham…captured. Currently en route with captives. E.T.A: eighteen minutes,"
"Metal Sonic, What of you?"
"Residents of location: Los Pegasus…were more resistant than previously calculated. Losses equated to twelve buzz-bombers. However, we were victorious. The ones who surrendered are en route to Canterlot castle. The rebels were given the choice: roboticisation or extermination,"
The Doctor raised an eyebrow, fully aware of the resistance groups. But it wasn't an issue, so long as said resistance groups weren't spiky, blue and terminally smirking.
"…And what was the verdict?"
"Death toll: calculating…" the vivid blue robot paused, and a multitude of blips and beeps could be heard through the speakers. "…Seven pegasi, four unicorns, ten earth ponies,"
"Unfortunate. Next time, bring them back kicking and screaming if you must. Otherwise, great job. Both of you, return to base for recharge immediately,"
"Affirmative,"
Both the robots spoke in unison, before the two screens flashed static. As Doctor Robotnik switched off his computer, his attention turned to Chrysalis, who was standing by a window, looking out at the horizon intently. She hadn't moved or said anything for the last half-hour, a solemn expression plastered on her face and her ears pinned back in agitation.
"Well, only twenty-one fatalities this time; I must say that's a new record," he began, in an attempt to break the awkward silence between them. "The Equestrians are showing less and less resistance,"
Chrysalis gave a doubtful "hmmph".
"As long as they are still out there, the Equestrians will continue to be resistant," she finally muttered.
"You don't mean Celestia and Luna do you? I'm sure if starvation or dehydration hasn't taken them, then one of our soldiers has,"
"It hasn't been reported. They are still out there; I just know it. Who else could have started these rebellions? If we don't apprehend them, they will find a way to take us out,"
Robotnik leaned back in his chair with a light snicker and a sigh of contentment. "You sound like me,"
"Then you know how it goes," Chrysalis continued flatly. "There is always at least one who tries to interfere,"
He did. Robotnik, of all people, knew the rituals so well he could've written books on the subject. And the interfering 'one' had been the bane of his existence for as long as he could remember, so of course he knew how it went. He sighed again, irritably, knowing she was right but far too proud to admit it.
"Must you bring that up now? You're killing my good mood,"
Chrysalis turned from the window to briefly scowl at him. The Doctor had been incessantly happy for the past month, announcing each hour the castle had been 'pest-free' (he was up to hour seven-hundred-and-thirty and counting), and in general taking a very unprofessional approach to the whole situation. She did admit, however, that the vibes his love of success gave off were delicious; but she could only stand so much.
"Good," she hissed icily. "Maybe now you'll realise how big of an issue this really is."
Robotnik's happy demeanor was starting to give way to frustration; everything was working out right for him, for once in his life, and here she was trying to bring him down again. Even the constant paranoia he felt had started to ebb. At the start, it had been worse. He hadn't slept or relaxed for even a moment, constantly keeping himself alert because it just seemed far too good to be true; the moment he let his guard down, a certain adversary of his would interfere. He had been so wound up that he'd panicked when he'd seen something blue streak past one of the windows, and he had torn through the castle screaming that 'he'had followed them! Battle stations, everyone, and spare no expense!
It was just a bird, Chrysalis had told him after her laughing fit had calmed down. Nothing more.
"We haven't heard from the Alicorns since we took over," Robotnik countered. "Don't you think that means something?"
"It means you're a fool! For all we know they could be planning an attack on us at this very moment!"
"My robotic minions are more than capable of taking on anything Celestia can throw at us!"
"And what makes you so sure my army won't have to save your buckets of bolts?!"
Oh, that did it. He hated when people doubted his methods. He got up from his chair and approached Chrysalis, and when she turned around to say something more, he was in her face.
"Do you doubt the strength of my Badniks over your flying copy cats?!"
"Are you suggesting my changeling warriors are weaker than your walking hunks of junk?!"
"Are we interrupting something?"
Both Robotnik and Chrysalis turned their attention towards the large double doors as the Pain Six sauntered in, a giant ruby floating behind the group. Along with the new collective title, Chrysalis had given them her own personal nicknames, to fit with their new identities.
Twilight Sparkle became Midnight Ripple.
Fluttershy became Batterfly.
Rainbow Dash became Shadow Flash.
Applejack became Orangecrush.
Rarity became Vanity.
Chrysalis had called Pinkie Pie something else that she now couldn't remember, but the corrupted pony had confronted her, yelling that she hated the name, and insisted on Pinkamena instead.
They forgot their argument, and Robotnik resumed his usual official-business manner, clearing his throat and turning away from the livid Changeling Queen.
"Ah yes, welcome home..." He began, but stopped himself as he noticed something, or rather, someone, was missing. He let out a sigh of frustration. "Where is she this time?"
"I never left!"
The voice came from the ceiling, and he looked up to see Shadow Flash drifting lazily around the room, a content grin on her mouth.
Robotnik felt his eye twitch. This had been going on for far too long, and he often forgot he was dealing with the only one in the group who didn't obey like a faithful pet. But he tried. With all his stubborn determination, he tried.
"How many times have I told you to stick with your team?!" he chided.
She gave an apathetic snort, flicking her hoof dismissively. "Meh. I don't need these chumps,"
"The feeling is mutual," Batterfly sneered. "Shadow Crash!"
The grin faded. She darted down from the ceiling and the two glared at each other, nose to nose. "You wanna start something?!"
"Enough!" Robotnik yelled. He could feel a migraine coming on if this continued. For crying out loud, he had left his world to get away from the frustration.
"Pain six! What do you have to report?"
Orangecrush was the first to step forward, the pale blue mare proudly puffing out her chest as nothing but lies tumbled out of her mouth.
"Well, I tracked down and destroyed Celestia and Luna, no thanks to Vanity over here, drooling over whatever sapphire she had hogged from Los Pegasus,"
The black unicorn was busy polishing the large ruby that she still held onto with her magic as if it would kill her to let go of it.
"First of all, Orangecrush," she began, not taking her focus off her prize. "You wish! Second, look at this beauty! It's the size of a pumpkin! And I must say that old mare put up quite a fight over it, but I came out on top,"
"Pinkamena?"
Chrysalis turned her attention to the dark teal mare, whose face was completely devoid of any positive emotion, a frown permanently creasing her features.
"What?" she snapped. The queen prompted her to report on her day.
"I found a group of traveling refugees, and just as they were trying to lift their spirits by singing traveling songs, I crushed their food cart! With no food they'll have two choices: live as our slaves or die of starvation!"
Robotnik couldn't help but be impressed with the Element of Desolation's mindset.
"I like the way you think, Pinkamena!" he chuckled, and turned to the navy blue Pegasus.
"And how did your trip to the Everfree forest go, Batterfly? Rounded up some new recruits I hope?"
"Those Timberwolves were nothing more than a pack of wimpy puppies. The Hydra gave me a little sass, but I just gave him The Slap!"
"Well done my dear,"
"I'm not your 'dear'...Dr Egghead!"
"Hey that's my line!" Shadow Flash yelled. Within a second, she was in Batterfly's face again, eager for a fight.
"Aww, boo hoo hoo! Cry me a river, build me a bridge, and jump off it!" Batterfly said. She turned around and her tail whipped across Shadow Flash's face before she could retort. Before they could begin another scuffle, Midnight Ripple separated them with her magic, yelling at them to knock it off.
Chrysalis addressed her favourite of the Pain Six, her olive green Alicorn apprentice.
"And how was your assignment Midnight Ripple? My most faithful student,"
She gave a smirk as the corrupted Alicorn bowed before her in a show of respect. Since the corruption, Chrysalis had been shaping her into her own personal soldier, steering her off the path of harmonious magic and teaching her the art of violence. It was the perfect revenge: undoing all of Celestia's hard work and even mocking the Sun Princess's title for her. For all her paranoia, Chrysalis had to admit this was worth being proud over.
"Great queen Chrysalis, noble Doctor Robotnik—"
The Doctor quirked an eyebrow, still not used to the flattery even after three months.
"—I went to the Canterlot library as requested, and found every book on offensive magic I could find."
"And what did you learn?"
Midnight searched the room, and her horn stirred with eerie green fire as her eyes fell on a nearby robot. The metal pawn halted in mid-stride, the beam that fired from her horn hitting it in the chest. A fiery glow ignited inside it slowly, and it began to tremble, eventually shuddering violently and sparking as greasy, black liquid leaked from it. It finally fell to the floor, twitching for a few moments in the growing pool of oil before it stilled.
She grinned at her work. "I learned how to raise the temperature of any creature's blood and vital organs, effectively burning them up from the inside,"
"Very impressive, my dear Midnight, very impressive indeed."
"Thank you, my Queen, But I have yet to have a chance to try it on a living subject,"
"And that will be a demonstration I can't wait to see," Chrysalis said, giving her 'student' an approving nod.
"Thank you, my Queen,"
"You are such a teacher's pet!" Batterfly remarked, but Midnight ignored her.
"What do you ask of us next, my Queen?"
"I want all of you to go to the Starswirl the Bearded wing of the Canterlot library. I want you to look for anything that may give us an indicator as to where Celestia and Luna could be hiding, or even better, if there is a way to locate an Alicorn life signature,"
"As you wish,"
"You guys can do the boring stuff," Shadow Flash said. "I wanna chill on the roof. Call me when there's some actual action goin' on,"
"You're useless anyway!" Batterfly sneered.
"So are you!"
"Now, now, girls," Robotnik said. "Remember what I told you about working as a team?"
Shadow Flash scoffed at the word 'team', and flew off.
"The Doctor is right," Chrysalis said as she returned her gaze to the window. "Even now Celestia and Luna are out there somewhere…"
It was hard to ignore that pestering gut feeling that something would go wrong. Celestia and Luna, plus three of the remaining Wonderbolts—Soarin, Fleetfoot and Spitfire—had made their way agonisingly slowly through the clouds, avoiding buzz-bombers or whatever else was patrolling the skies. They stood outside the castle, hidden from view while the three military pegasi stayed among the clouds. Celestia had been voicing her worries the entire time.
She hadn't been the same after the attack on Canterlot Castle. Luna had only just managed to get her into Cloudsdale before the older Alicorn collapsed, practically breaking down from guilt. For a few days after that, Celestia wrestled with her doubts, wondering if she had done the right thing, why she had abandoned her subjects, if she was even fit to be considered a leader after all this. Finally, Luna snapped her out of it: with words that she hadn't been proud of saying and a sharp slap. Celestia had simply stared at her in shock, before embracing her sister gratefully. Apologies were exchanged, and all was forgiven, but that feeling of helplessness still gnawed away at the older Alicorn. Especially now, since they were returning to the very place they had abandoned.
"Sister? Are you alright?"
Her sister gave her a nudge, interrupting her thoughts and reminding her why they were right outside enemy territory.
"I'm fine, Luna, are you ready?"
"Yes, but..." she hesitated. Up until now, she had kept her own doubts to herself, and now she tried to find a way to admit to her that this was a crazy idea.
"…I am not sure if you are,"
Celestia knew she was right. She couldn't remember the last time she had a full night's sleep, a proper meal or even drink of water that didn't taste like pond sludge. The only things that kept her going were naps that lasted no more than an hour, the odd drink of stagnant rainwater and whatever scraps of anything even remotely edible they could find. That and her high hopes.
"We have no choice," she replied. "If we are to take back our home we have to strike while we have the chance,"
Luna had been worried about her sister's physical and mental health since the ordeal began. The older Alicorn was noticeably weaker and frailer, and she knew that it wasn't just because of the obvious.
She hadn't felt the sun's rays for three months, and it showed. Her snowy coat was faded and dirty from travel, hints of showing ribcage giving away her malnutrition. Her pastel mane was lacklustre and no longer flowed in an invisible breeze, but lay in unmoving tangles. She barely had the strength to perform even the simplest spells and it was getting worse the longer the moon remained in the sky. With the dark circles under her eyes, lack of energy and her unstable mind, she was more of a wilted sunflower than a Goddess.
"'Tia, please listen to me. You are not thinking clearly, we do not even have a proper plan. What are we trying to accomplish?"
Celestia honestly didn't know what she was doing either, and if she did, she had forgotten; she was using all her energy just to keep conscious. What was her plan? The Wonderbolts had volunteered to create a diversion, but what then? Was she going to hold the Doctor and the Queen hostage and demand their troops stand down? Would she somehow find a way to bring the Element Bearers back to the fight for harmony? Or would she just magically find a big red 'make-everything-better' button?
She really didn't know.
"We have the element of surprise on our side Luna. We'll have to improvise, be unpredictable,"
Luna gave a sulky sniff. "I am not sure I want to risk your safety in the hopes that being random will save us,"
Celestia was beginning to get frustrated at her sister for questioning her, especially now when they were about to fight for their freedom, but then she remembered that not listening to somepony close to her was exactly how all of Equestria was doomed in the first place.
"Luna, don't worry about me, I want you only to worry about yourself. If things take a turn for the worse in there I want you to retreat to Ponyville regardless of whether or not I'm behind you,"
"It will not come to that, sister,"
"Are you ready?" Celestia repeated.
Luna sighed, but she wasn't going to back down now. There was nothing in the world she wanted more than the tyrants' downfall and the restoration of Equestria to its former glory. She cast all negative thoughts from her mind and nodded, letting out a nervous breath.
"As ready as I've been since the beginning of this,"
"Alert the Wonderbolts,"
Luna sent up a silver spark, and had anyone noticed it, they would have seen only a shooting star flash across the night sky, and not a signal to advance.
Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot had taken cover in a patch of cloud when they saw Luna's signal. They jerked to attention, and Spitfire addressed them in her no-nonsense, military manner. The fame meant nothing to them now. Since the Princesses had encouraged the Cloudsdale resistance (Soarin, being the starry-eyed thinker, referred to them as The Harmony Hunters because it just sounded so cool), they had vowed to serve their country to the best of their ability, to serve the Princesses to the best of their ability. All three pegasi had donned their military attire, and as their own personal symbol, a makeshift brooch had been fashioned: the winged lightning bolt symbol typical of the stunt team, except the wings were larger, more elegant and one was indigo instead of white to represent the Alicorns.
"Okay team, what do we have to do?"
"Create a distraction," Soarin said.
"Keep attention away from the princess for as long as we can," Fleetfoot said.
"And most importantly?"
"Never surrender!"
Both pegasi spoke at the same time, with all the enthusiasm they could muster without drawing too much attention to themselves. Spitfire grinned, and the three readied their wings.
"Wonderbolts, let's make Equestria proud,"
Celestia and Luna watched as the team streaked down from the clouds. The grand double doors that marked the entrance were reduced to splinters and hanging hinges as they crashed through them. They didn't see what happened next, but a cacophony of sounds split the calm air, growing louder as the Wonderbolts brought the fight out of the castle and into the streets of Canterlot. Celestia took that as their sign to advance.
At that moment, Celestia was thankful of her extensive knowledge of the castle. She recalled a certain secret entrance she and Luna used in their youth to escape or sneak into their rooms undetected. They exchanged knowing smiles as they made their way towards it, fully aware that even Robotnik hadn't found it or would even know that it existed. At first glance, it seemed just a part of the castle's masonry, but a brief spark of energy from Celestia's horn revealed the door, and it slid aside silently. Luna chuckled softly as they headed up the concealed hallway.
"I never thought I would be using this entrance again," she said, and Celestia snickered.
"Remember when Father finally caught you sneaking out?"
"Of course. You sound just like him whenever you get angry,"
For the first time in months, the two shared a genuine laugh. They continued reminiscing and giggling until they reached the end of the hall, and the laughter abruptly ceased, hardly a breath taken as Celestia sparked the wall. Like before, it slid away soundlessly, and it took all of her courage just to peek around the corner.
The room was clear.
Finally allowing herself to breathe again, Celestia stepped into what had once been her elegant bedroom, gazing longingly at her magnificent circular bed. Right there and then, she would've gladly abandoned the raid, just to sleep in her own bed again. Even Luna eyed it enviously. Three months of sleeping restlessly on whatever they could find had certainly taken its toll, and now the sight of a bed, a proper bed, was a little more than satisfying to the eye.
Celestia wasn't even aware that she was moving toward it until Luna pulled her back, though every fiber of her sisterly being thought it best if Celestia rested while she explored.
"We should—," she began, but Celestia interrupted her.
"I know," she snapped, and realised too late how callous her tone sounded. Luna flinched, her ears pinning back and her face creasing in anger as she prepared to retort. But the older Alicorn closed her eyes and sighed apologetically, trying to gather her thoughts from her muddled mind.
"I'm sorry. I'm just tired,"
All was forgiven, and reluctantly the two sisters moved on.
Before they left Celestia's chambers, they peered out cautiously to make sure that the coast was clear of changelings and metal warriors.
The hallway was empty.
They made their way down the corridor, keeping their eyes peeled for danger or anything that could be of help to them.
The view from one of the windows caught their attention and outside they could see the Wonderbolts in their battle, though it had become clear that it was starting to become too much for them. The team were having trouble staying together, more and more swarms of changelings and 'buzz bombers' were beginning to limit their airspace, but the valiant pegasi managed to keep moving; only swooping close to the ground to thin the herds that were hot on their tails.
"They are starting to tire. How much longer do you think they can stay airborne?" Celestia asked.
"I'm not sure. But we must haste before—"
Suddenly the two were silenced.
A pegasus shot up into the sky like a loosed arrow towards the Wonderbolts.
"Soarin! Look out! Shadow Flash incoming!"
It was Fleetfoot who had spoken, and the powder blue pegasus barely had time to turn before he and his teammates were knocked out of the sky. For a split second, Soarin had been confused as to whom Fleetfoot had referred, but as the corrupted pegasus crashed into him, the thought that crossed his mind before he hit the ground was: wasn't she the one who saved my pie?
From inside the castle, Luna and Celestia could only look on helplessly as Shadow Flash fought with Spitfire, a vicious battle between Valkyries, but the Wonderbolts' leader was easily overwhelmed, she was too exhausted, and the corrupted pegasus that had once worshipped her was too fast, and too strong. But even as Spitfire lay defeated in the dust, she still tried to get up again as Shadow Flash turned her attention to Fleetfoot.
"Rainbow Dash!"
She stopped, whirling around to face the source of the voice.
Soarin struggled to his hooves, fixing the corrupted pegasus with a pleading stare.
"I remember you. You saved my pie at the Gala, we hung out at the Royal Wedding and you saved all of us twice. You're a friend to me, Rainbow. Remember how you told me how much you wanted to join our team?"
Soarin realised it was a cheesy thing to do, really, but he didn't have any other plan. She darted forward and tackled him to the floor, but some naïve part of him searched her black and white eyes for any sign of Equestria's Best Young Flyer. She had reacted to her true name, after all, and not the stupid nickname they knew her by now.
There was nothing. Not a single sign that told Soarin that Rainbow was still in there.
"I don't do teams," She spat. "They'd only slow me down,"
She brought both hooves down hard on Soarin's head, and he knew no more.
Celestia cried out from inside the castle, unable to watch the scene anymore. "We have to help them!"
She spread her wings to take flight but Luna unwillingly held her back with her magic.
"I wish to help them as well, Sister, but we cannot draw attention to ourselves,"
"But we can't just—" the older Alicorn broke off, not knowing how to finish. She looked out the window again…
Just as one of the red-eyed metal minions—the Silversonic— was carrying the Wonderbolts away. Shadow Flash had disappeared. It passed right by the window, but it hadn't seen them. However, Spitfire managed to keep her eyes open, and she saw the shocked expression on Celestia's face, but smiled, trying to reassure her Princess.
"Don't worry about us," she murmured weakly. "We'll be fine. Just go,"
The minion halted, appearing to have heard her, and Luna and Celestia froze, not even daring to breathe.
Please, please keep moving, Celestia willed it silently. She hated herself for thinking that but understood that they couldn't do much if it captured them as well.
Whatever divine force they prayed to in the hopes that the grey minion would pass them by was clearly not listening. The robot turned its head and locked both sisters in its blank, scarlet stare. The rest of its body followed in the direction of its head until it was fully facing them, and it dropped the almost-unconscious bundle of Wonderbolts to the ground as it would drop a bundle of dirty washing.
Even so, the alicorns remained motionless, believing in some blind way that it hadn't seen them. Then it spoke. Up until now, they didn't believe it was capable of speech, but its 'voice' was droning, metallic, emotionless.
"Eliminate Alicorn threats: Priority One,"
They ran, clawing their way along the corridor that proudly displayed the many stained-glass window tributes to Equestria's heroes, tempted to look back at the sound of a violent, tinkling crash. Faint, heavy, frantic steps sounded behind them and it was only then that Celestia risked a glance behind her; the minion was pursuing them, but it was slower than they were and more awkward in its movements.
She skidded to a stop before the archway at the end of the hall. She knew the castle's interior too well: that arch led to another corridor, which eventually led to either the throne room or back to the grand staircase at the castle's entrance.
It would be too big a risk to take that route; there was no doubt that, even after the Wonderbolts' diversion, it was still teeming with changelings and robots. Panting slightly, Celestia whirled to face the metal minion. It was still far behind, but gaining gradually; the hall, thankfully, was long and they were quick on their hooves, but she realised that eventually, if they didn't act quickly, it would catch up, and they would be in for the fight of their lives or forced out into the sea of changelings.
Even Luna backed away. The screeching hisses of changelings reached her ears and she, too, faced the minion, bristling and ready to fight.
Suddenly the two jolted as the creature spoke again.
"Doctor Robotnik, come in. Currently in pursuit—"
"NO!"
Before it could finish, Luna fired a blast of indigo energy at it, and it staggered back in mid-stride, seemingly disorientated. Celestia scanned the surroundings anxiously, desperate for a way out, as Luna continued to interrupt the minion's attempts to contact Robotnik.
There was only one option if they wanted to avoid the changelings: they'd have to go back the way they came.
With a nervous breath, Celestia backed up, preparing for a running start. Then she cantered at full speed toward the minion, and at the very last second, when it seemed to think it had her, she leapt straight up and over. Her wings spread wide and with the help of one, strong flap, the downward stroke gave her the momentum needed to bring all four hooves down, hard, on top of its head. Something twanged from inside it, and, oh, she hoped it was something important. She felt a dark satisfaction as she landed and turned, just in time to see it stumble and fall backwards, but its red eyes barely flickered and she knew she had to keep moving. She buckled slightly herself, the effort a little too much on her undernourished body, and shook back a wave of dizziness that swept over her without warning.
As it recovered, Luna decided to try her sister's stomping tactic for herself. She took flight and charged at full speed toward the mechanical beast just as it raised its head. The crimson pinpricks burned into her mind but she remained fervent, and kept her course. Her forehooves slammed into its face with a sickening crunch, and it fell onto its back, she tucked in her wings suddenly, gravity taking hold and bringing her down with more force on the thing's head. She stepped down and gave its face a final stomp for good measure, before she returned, panting, to her sister's side.
"HA! Let us see you call your master without a mouth!" Luna beamed.
Celestia was proud of her. She barely had enough strength to make her own attack, but her younger sister managed to summon the strength to take down one of these elite guards. It felt like the first thing that had gone right since the beginning of the feeble raid.
Then the minion twitched.
Slowly it began to pick itself up, sparks flying out of what remained of its face; it was a colourful mess of wires and scrap metal, only one 'eye' still alight and fixed on the two sisters.
"…Currently in pursuit of Alicorn princesses. Current location: Canterlot castle, east tower. Send all available units. Approach with extreme prejudice…"
They stood there gaping, high hopes completely shattered: They thought they had brought down this mighty, metal warlord and now it was climbing back to its feet. Their efforts had done nothing except get them past it, but somehow that was the worst part.
"That…th-that's not fair!" Celestia stammered, and as it came for them again, Luna practically had to drag her away. With a grunt of exhaustion, the older Alicorn forced herself to start running again, back down the corridor.
The Gardens caught her eye.
She cast a glance to Luna, and her younger sister nodded in understanding. Their silent plan, which they dared not reveal aloud to the enemy, was to lose the accursed metal demon among the twists and turns of the Palace labyrinth.
Suddenly the footsteps ceased. There came a new sound: a whirring, electronic sound like someone starting a buzzsaw. When they dared to look behind them, the minion had become a whirling ball of blades, aimed in their direction and steadily picking up speed, and the two sisters nearly tripped on their own hooves in an attempt to run faster.
At the last minute, they both swerved, exiting the castle through its new hole in the wall. They heard it whiz by, and then the breaking of wood and stone and glass as it detected, too late, that they had strayed from the predicted path. Luna snickered as they approached the hedged arch of the maze's entrance, slowing their pace to a quick walk now that they had the chance to breathe.
"It does not seem overly bright, does it?"
Celestia said nothing. In all honesty, she was sulking, depressed, and angry that nothing had gone right for them. What did she think they'd accomplish in one try anyway, Equestrian peace? It seemed like a foolish idea, now that she thought about it. They had no plan, no allies anymore, and it was quickly starting to look like they had no hope either. It was two Alicorns against an army; the chances of them emerging victorious from this fight were paper-thin, and she wasn't the overly optimistic heroine that would triumph over all odds, she knew that. Celestia was the tired, hungry, thirsty refugee begging for respite and acting on a thoughtless whim. Not to mention, since the moon had remained in the sky for three months now, Luna had the advantage over her in terms of power. And Luna? In all honesty, she was kidding herself. She'd been encouraging, sure, but there was a fine line between hopefulness and gullibility, and the younger Alicorn was bordering on the latter.
What are we doing? What were we thinking? We aren't heroes…
Her thoughts cut off as she smacked into an immobile Luna.
"What in the world is that?"
Celestia wondered the same thing as they abandoned the plan to hide. It was too dark to see what it was fully, but in the moonlight, she made out a large, shadowy mass, bits of red and yellow and fins. Before Celestia could protest, Luna had already approached it. She sniffed at, then prodded it, and since it seemed to be made of metal like every other foreign enemy, Celestia automatically tensed, preparing for another fight. But the metal giant made no move whatsoever. Luna continued to explore its perimeter, and finally she came across a red disk on the outer wall. Her curiosity got the better of her once again, and at the poke of a hoof, the wall slid away. She called Celestia over, and although the older Alicorn was reluctant, they both stepped into the metal thing. Immediately, what drew their attention was a faint, blue light glowing somewhere down the hallway, and they followed it, eager to seek its source. By now, Luna had gotten used to the idea of pressing buttons, even if the technology was unknown to Equestrians, but as they reached the source of light, even she hesitated. Soon enough her hoof pressed down and the wall slid away, revealing a chamber.
Celestia took two steps in and froze. Some kind of a machine occupied most of the space in the room: a large, glass globe with eight thin poles around it, a pale blue electric current connecting them. Next to it, attached by a mess of black wires, were two trapezoid platforms, one on the floor, one hanging from the ceiling. Both had three vicious looking prongs splayed across the top of the platforms, and in the middle, a pale, sparkling, shapeless mass swirled and crackled, beautiful and somehow disturbing all at once. Inside the orb, coiled up and facing away from them, his head resting between his lion paw and eagle talon, was Discord. In all honesty, Celestia had forgotten about him. That day three months ago suddenly flashed into her mind at the sight of him and she couldn't help but think back: Twilight trying to make her see reason, the trial, how she'd lost control of her emotions.
How she'd nearly killed him.
Luna noticed her distress. She stretched out a wing and brushed at her big sister's face, and it was only then that Celestia became aware of the tears rolling down her face. She gave Luna a small smile, the kind that reassured the younger Alicorn that she was okay, and sniffled back her emotions, trying to stay strong. Discord's ear twitched slightly at the sound, but he didn't make any other movements, and it seemed like he might have been asleep. Finally, Celestia found the strength to move again, and she circled around to the other side of the orb, hoping that maybe Discord would have some information that would help her out. Luna stayed by the door, keeping watch for any signs of trouble.
"Discord? Is that really you?"
No reply.
He looked miserable. He was scarily thin, weary and pale, and he no longer had that familiar, mischievous fire that she knew so well. His fur was unkempt and matted with sweat, his claws worn down to blood-caked stubs, and she noticed the patchwork of scratchmarks covering the floor of the cage. Even his wings drooped flat against the floor and it seemed like he barely had the strength to lift his head.
He was watching the glittering form tumble and spin with a kind of morbid curiosity, but at the sound of Celestia's hoofsteps, his eyes flicked in her direction. He blinked, almost as if the sight of the ragged Alicorn before him was a mere hallucination, then the confused expression on his face turned to malice and his eyes narrowed.
"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in," he growled. "What are you doing here?"
Immediately she felt that all-too-familiar pang of guilt. She lowered her gaze to the floor, ashamed to look him in the face and once again fighting tears. His bitter tone told her clearly that he hadn't forgotten what had happened. Oh, the things she'd said to him that day were awful, things she never considered saying to anyone.
"I should have known you couldn't be reformed,"
"…It's what you deserve. To say the very least,"
"I'm not sorry,"
With hesitant steps, she approached his glass prison.
"Discord, I'm-"
"Oh, save it.Why did you bother coming back?"
That stung. He was rapidly chipping away at her defences—and he knew it too—bringing her dangerously close to completely breaking down in front of him and that was the last thing she wanted. Celestia drew a strained breath and met his eyes again.
"Because," she said. "We are trying to put a stop to all this madness,"
Discord let out a light chuckle, the kind that would normally lead into his usual burst of mocking laughter, but he didn't have the strength for it today.
"Who?" he teased, and that acid seeped into his voice again. "You and Little Luna? How dramatic of you,"
"Three of the Wonderbolts were with us," she continued, and the mere thought of them cracked the floodgates even more. Tears stung her eyes but she blinked them away. A lump rose in her throat but she gulped it back.
"They were…c-captured,"
She cursed herself silently for letting her voice tremble.
Do not cry. Not in front of him.
"You're part of a rebellion now? Did you leave them for dead as well?"
Discord smirked at the pain etched into her face. He seemed to be enjoying this a little too much; it was the most fun he'd had in over three months. And yet, he was all about rebellion. He opened his mouth to say something more, but Celestia cut him off as she let out a loud and rather unexpected sob.
"You don't get it!" she wailed, and suddenly she didn't care anymore if Discord saw her cry. "I wanted to help them...we're supposed to be in hiding and we couldn't risk being seen but now they know we're here because of the Robotnik-thing's stupid minion! Nothing has gone right for us at all…oh I don't even know what I'm doing anymore!"
From the doorway, Luna cast a glance over to the cage, her brow furrowing in irritation as she saw her big sister collapse, overwhelmed with emotion. She checked the hallway quickly, and made her way over to Celestia's side.
"Let's go, sister," she said softly. She helped her up, draped a wing over the shuddering Alicorn, and glared at Discord. "He is not going to be cooperative,"
That seemed to work like a punch in the face. He didn't think that they would leave. Maybe get a little annoyed with him, but not leave. Suddenly the draconequus realised that he was going to be alone again, all because was being his usual bratty self. He would be alone…and Robotnik would come back. The thought made him cringe.
Put away your pride, put away your stubbornness, put away your sarcasm. They can help you and you know it.
Better to feel like an idiot than have his lifeforce drained again.
"Wait!" he cried out, and his voice was more frantic than he intended it to be. He struggled to rise but his poor, worn-out muscles wouldn't let him. He hated himself for this show of weakness, but he hated what Robotnik was doing to him even more.
Luna and Celestia were halfway out the door when they heard two words they thought they'd never hear from the spirit of chaos:
"I'm sorry!"
Still sniffling, Celestia stopped as they worked upon her mind. There was no trace of sarcasm, or malice, and it sounded so unlike him. Instead, his voice was sincere, meek and…anxious. She'd lost track of how long she'd waited to hear him apologise for causing unhappiness, and even though Discord saw the gesture as trivial and meaningless, she was willing to forgive him. Even though she owed him an apology more. Luna glanced at her in shock.
"Did he just…?"
"I think he did…"
She approached him again, despite the tears still rolling down her face. His mismatched eyes were owlish and staring up at her, and he was shaking and panting from the effort he'd put into trying to get up.
For the first time in her life, she actually pitied him.
"What in Equestria are they doing to you?"
Discord was shocked to see Celestia actually showing sympathy towards him. He bit back one of his usual retorts and sighed.
"Robotnik's draining me, I think," he replied. "He said my power would prove useful, but he hasn't said what for yet. He keeps telling me 'cause chaos, cause chaos', but it's never enough, apparently…and then he just takes it from me. Through electrocution. I've decided I hate humans…"
The joke was a clear defence. He shivered at the thought of the constant electric shocks. He wasn't sure how long he'd been put through this torture, but he still hadn't gotten used to the pain, the horrible, emptying, exhaustion he felt once the process was finally over and the incessant buzzing in his head that kept him awake when he wanted to sleep, and alive when he should have been long dead. It was maddening, and for Discord to admit that, that was definitely saying something. And that's where the two alicorns came in.
"Please…get me out," he begged. Begged. Ugh, he'd never begged for anything from anyone in his life, but he cherished the thought of freedom, in that moment, more than his dignity. His pleading tone turned anxious and despairing.
"You don't know what it's like. I can't sleep, I haven't eaten, I should be dead, but for some reason, I'm not. But I want to, Celestia. I'd rather die than be caged up like this!"
At that moment, Celestia didn't see Discord as the manipulative demon he'd once been, though he had tried to keep up the reputation even in his tortured state. She saw him as a creature cruelly abused for no rational reason. No matter how infuriating he could be, even she wouldn't wish this on him, or on anyone, and because of that, she felt even worse for wrongfully accusing him.
"Don't talk like that! Of course I'll get you out," she said, and saw his face brighten just a little. She paced around the machine, looking for a switch or button or some kind of power source. "How do you turn this thing off?"
"I don't know. Try the generator,"
"The what?"
Discord sighed impatiently. "The thingy over there with the Emeralds in it,"
He managed to lift his tail slightly, pointing in its direction, before it fell heavily back to the floor.
Celestia approached it warily, still not accustomed to the strange technology, and gasped in awe at the sight of the 'Emeralds'. She had never seen an emerald outside of the typical shade of green before, and what was more, they had an unnatural shine, almost a kind of glow.
"What kind of emeralds are these?"
"The Doctor called them 'Chaos Emeralds'. And before you ask, I have no idea what they're for besides making me feel absolutely dreadful. Now. Get. Me. Out,"
Celestia decided to risk it. Her magic flashed to life and sheathed all seven gems in a golden glow as she levitated them out of the generator.
Immediately a piercing, electronic buzzing filled the air.
Shocked, Celestia lost her focus, and all but two of the Emeralds fell to the floor. She set them quickly into her saddle-bags and whirled, trying to seek the source of the sound. Now Discord panicked: the machine had shown no sign of shutting down; his hopes of escaping were becoming bleaker the longer Celestia stood there like a fool.
"For goodness' sake! Just blast the cage!" he yelled over the shrillness of the alarm.
She heard him; only just, and fired a quick blast of energy at the glass. It bounced off harmlessly, leaving only a smouldering smudge. Concentrating hard, she began charging up a stronger spell, wincing as her exhausted mind ached in protest.
"Sister, we have to go," Luna spoke up worriedly from the doorway.
"Give me a minute…"
"Tia, now!"
With an exasperated cry, she released the spell…
And the glass stayed intact.
She shook off the dizziness, somehow managing to remain conscious through sheer force of will. Her blood froze in fear as she heard the familiar whirring-clank of Robotnik's metal minions approaching, and she glanced back helplessly at the caged draconequus.
"I don't have the strength," she said, and the look of disappointment on his face broke her heart. "I'm sorry, Discord, I'm so sorry. We will return for you, I promise,"
He managed a small smile and a rough attempt at a dismissive shrug, even though he wanted to scream at her for not staying to help him.
"Well, you tried," he said tiredly. "You know, I'm most likely delusional, but…I think I might've actually enjoyed the company,"
She actually laughed a little, but didn't reply. Just before she turned to walk out of the chamber, before she abandoned him again and he went back to watching the swirling mass, he called to her again.
"Oh, and Celestia?"
For a final, fleeting moment, her eyes met his and for just a fraction of a second, Discord's mismatched eyes sparked with a playful, anarchic flame. The slight, weary smile turned into his usual mischievous grin and he managed to raise his head and shakily pump a fist into the air.
"Viva La Revolution,"
A/N:Ugh, I think this chapter could have gone better, so if there's anything that you guys don't like, chances are I probably agree with you. This is what comes from not having a beta reader (Tyro and TSC don't count because it's smile and nod most of the time for them, I swear…). Oh also Tyro has somehow talked me into cosplaying with him for the upcoming Supanova. As Tails. Because he wants to be Sonic again. Sigh. -.-'
Since I agreed (coughoutofpitycough) and am currently battling with stubborn yarn and egotistical TAFE lecturers, the next update may be a while, sorry.
Please stay with us though, we promise the next chapter will be worth the wait.
XO
Valley-and-Tyro
