Castle of Friendship, Equestria
Abigail POV
It was time; the moment I've been waiting for nearly three months has finally arrived, they just told me they got me a way home. It had been almost two and a haft months since she took down the former Changeling Queen and recovered from my wounds. Now I was rested to the point that I needed to get back to fighting grubs again. After being in war for so long I needed to fight again for I am still a Gear and people need my help.
I sat in front of some fancy mirror waiting for the rest of my friends to join me and Starlights departure back to Sera. Thanks to Twilight, Starlight and that jack ass Starsweral, they were able to pinpoint the world that I was spirited away from. Now they made this magic mirror to send me back too and from if I wish.
I also wore my new enchanted armor thanks to Twilight and her new guard that she had got going on. After getting taken, I encouraged Twilight to get a guard detail for her castle. I then took it among myself to test myself against them. What I found was passable. For example, in ground fighting the earth pony and pegusi units did alright, but the unicorns got walked all over when they weren't allowed to use magic. And they made up for two-thirds of the guard. They weren't happy when I took them out before preforming my daily training for Starlight to improve their physical strength. Hell Spike to came along to train with us and did him a lot of good to.
Not long after the award ceremony I got my armor back from the Empire, it was now enchanted to repair itself if it took any damage that got sustained and kept its color onyx. It was also magically waterproof too, so now she didn't have to worry about being soaked in water or have blood stains the armor. Now I continued to check and look over my weapons, looking for any damages to the receiver or its chainsaw mechanism on the Lancer. Reason being the other day I was at Applejacks farm Sweet Apple Acers, helping out with taking down some dead trees with my Lancer. It did its job along with attracting a few wolves made of wood. I think Applejack called them Timberwolves? I easily took down three of them with a single mag and shredded the last two with the Lancers chainsaw.
I may have to find her a new Lancer when I gets back. They had this sap inside of them that's been making the rotors stick together. Even after she cleaned it all off, it was still sticky.
Other than that I went on a few more adventures with the groups here. Solving a million old mystery of what happened to some of this worlds greatest heroes only to bring them back to life along with a giant shadow pony. Only to find out it was all a misunderstanding and all the fighting could have been avoided if they had just talked it out. But noooo, they had to go the extra distance, and now they are stuck in this day and age. After that, there wasn't much of anything that got my attention.
The sound of hooves meeting the ground tore my attention away from my weapon to the only set of doors in the room. When the door opened revealed, a pair of Twilights new guards that held the doors open for the group that entered, everyone that wanted to send her off. First was Twilight with Spike walking beside her, the dragon and gone through a bit of a growth spurge as he was almost a head taller then then when he first met him. Then followed by Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack all in one group. After them came Thorax with Trixie walking by his side. Followed by the two sister princesses, Celestia and Luna. And finally, Starlight, carrying a saddle bag of provisions to take with her.
Since Starlight's decision to join her in going back to her world to fight the Locust she has been training Starlight to break her down physically and mentally to the point of exhaustion. Running around from the castle to Applejacks every morning with Twilights new guard, then spending the day helping Applejack with her farm work. Only Starlight wasn't allowed to use magic. Strictly her physical strength to get things done, Applejack helped in on her training to by giving in pointers. Now Starlight looked more toned than she did when they first met and all the runs we did had built up her endurance up to what she needs them to be for my world. Her hair was also shorter, at least to the point where it won't bother her in the face as she done it in a ponytail fashion similar to Applejacks. Overall she looked like a different person than when I first meet her, now full of confidence instead of second-guessing herself on her choices.
"Is Princess Cadence and Shining Armor not going to join us?" I asked the group of naturally born ponies. Princess Celestia was the first to speak.
"They are still up in the Empire running things and sends their apologies for not being here. But did send this to you, I do not know what's inside, they said you'd know what it is?" She said while her horn glowed with a golden light, with a flash of light a rectangle box appeared in front of her and small giggle escape from her lips. "Oh, it's just an apology gift from Shining Armor for taking my things without asking," I answered with a smug smile.
Celestia looked slightly irritated at my reply but kept it to herself. Ever since I used threatened to use her law and order system against her, she'd been somewhat but hurt about not getting what she wanted. And I noisiest when she told Princess Luna this she laughed and proceeded to tease Celestia every so often. Something about 'not always getting what you want,' or something along those lines.
"I'll show you all before stepping through, don't worry," I assured before she looked down and saw the note on the box from Shining. I took the note and silently read it.
'Tested them both out before sending the pair to you. The enchantments and mechanics work perfectly and should serve you well. Whether or not they work when you head back to your world or not is another story. Be careful when in use and thank you for showing us your tech. Sorry that Cadence and I can't be there to bid you farewell on your way home. Hopefully, our gifts will be enough. I even got them painted before we sent them.
Hope to meet again someday, SA.'
"You rock Shining Armor." I then looked back at the group that was ready to send us off. "So how's this going to work? Are you going to recreate what you did before and shove us through or 'poof' us there with your magic? I asked.
Twilight cleared her throat before looking back at her. "We enchanted this mirror her to send you back; we searched the area that the mirror comes out of with the spell I used to observe your world and the area around it," Twilight told her. "We place the exit portal opened up to an area that looks like it was fought in a long time ago and seems to be abandoned since then. So you shouldn't have to be worried about anybody popping up on you." She ushered.
"Highly doubt that but thanks for the update, anything you can tell us about the surroundings?" I asked as she sat the box she got from Shining down by her side. She also noted that Starlight was right by her side, looking determined as ever that read she was ready for anything. 'Oh, how wrong is she...'
"From what I saw there was a rundown bridge that had what looked like a town on one side, and from the other end of the river that ran under it, led to a significant building that may have been a government building from the Gear markings and important signs that we could see." Twilight finished.
"Good, there we could find where we ended up and map our way to Jacinto. There may even be some supplies there that we could use too." Turning to Starlight, I gave a stern look to my friend. "Last chance Starlight, once you go through that thing the rules of engagement will change, and if you ever come back to Equestria, you will not be the same."
Starlight just looked back at me, confidence in her eye's. "I wasn't going to back down before, and I won't back down now. I'll help you fight those monsters to save your world and with a promise to come home... You can promise to bring me home can't you?" A look of worry was just peeking through her confidence as she looked at me.
"No... I can't."
Starlight closed her eyes and took a deep breath before exhaling and opening her eyes back up. Bringing confidence back in her eyes, "I'm still going." She merely said, bringing her head up straighter as she looked I in the eye.
'Could this girl get any sexier with that attitude of her's?' I thought successfully before concern took over next, 'I can only hope that what she sees on the other side won't be too much for her mind can take.'
"Very well, now before we go." I then proceeded to open the box she got from Shining Armor. You'll need one of these if you want to come with me.
Inside the box looked like a pair of swords at first glanced but instead of a straight edge blade like all others would have. They both must have been at least 45 inches from tip to hilt in length. The sharp edge was replaced with a row of sharp curved blades that were similar if not exactly like the chainsaw blades on Abigail's Lancer. On its other side what a flat metal surface, and down to the guard was a small box that was slightly bigger than the blade itself. One was a sleek onyx black covered from its guard to the flat with a royal blue handle. The other was the same except for it being a solid gun gray color with a natural blue color handle.
"Oh wow there beautiful," I commented as I looked at the two chainsaw swords. Taking the gun gray color sword in my magic, I floated it up at eye level.
"Starlight, hold this up straight," I said before lifting up the Onyx chain sword. Having taken the gray chain sword from me with her cyan colored magic, she copied my movements.
"If you want to fight by my side on the battlefield you will need to commit yourself wholeheartedly. When you fight, you will have to learn to move with me, work with me, and most of all to fight with me. I've pushed you past your physical limits these last past few months to bring you down to your lowest only to build you back up what you are now." I said before lifting her right hoof into the air.
"Now you're ready, raise your right foreleg and recite after me," I instructed. Starlight fooled my example. I also noted the whispers and concerns that I heard from the audience behind to the side but none interfered.
"I 'say your name' shall remain vigilant and unyielding in my pursuit of the enemies of the Coalition." Abby started.
"I Starlight Glimmer shall remain vigilant and unyielding in my pursuit of the enemies of the enemies of the coalition." Starlight recited.
"I will defend and maintain the order of life as it was proclaimed by the Allfathers of the Coalition in the Octus Canon."
"I will defend and maintain the order of life as it was proclaimed by the Allfathers of the Coalition in the Octus Canon."
"I will forsake the life I had before so I may perform my duty as long as I am needed."
"I will forsake the life I had before so I may perform my duty as long as I am needed."
"Steadfast, I shall hold my place in the machine and acknowledge my place in the Coalition."
"Steadfast, I shall hold my place in the machine and acknowledge my place in the Coalition."
"I am a Gear."
"I am a Gear." Starlight finished repeating after me.
I then turned to a pocket on my side, lifting up a small flap I lifted a chain with a gear cog hanging it down. I then threw it over my new comrade in arms head and letting it rest around Starlight's neck. Starlight brought a hoof up to it and saw the engraving of her name etched on. "There, now its official," I stated before giving my friend a smirk, "Privet."
"Thank you... Sargent." Starlight replied.
"Well, you got everything you need? You may not be back for awhile." I asked her."
"Wait!" The voice of Twilight cut in as she walked forward. A purple book, floating in her magic. "This is for you Starlight." She presented the book. "Me and Sunset Shimmer send messages through dimensions with books like these. Princess Celestia helped me make this one for you whenever you need someone to talk anyone while you're away." Twilight explained. Tears were threating to leak out of her eyes. Starlight took the book in her magic and saw Twilight's cutie mark stitched in on the cover. Twilight hovered another book by her side to show Starlight that it had her cutie mark on its cover. She put the book with Twilight cutie mark in her bag and gave her former teacher a big bear hug; tears were now being shed by both girls as they hugged each other.
Looking around and I saw the others too were watching the pair with tearful eyes. I really, didn't want to shoot Starlight in the leg to make her stay behind where she would be safe. Sure I would get a bunch of hated looks from the group, but that wasn't me.
"Want some advice, people?" I said to the crowd, catching their attention. "Never say goodbye to the ones you care about, I never do," I said, getting a few looks that wondered what I was talking about. "Reason I say this is because goodbye just sounds final like you never going to see them again. As if they're gone for good."
"So if you don't say goodbye, then it's not forever, they just aren't here right now." I finished.
The group of ponies looked at her in shock and awe at the wisdom she just sprinkled on them. Princess Celestia looked slightly shocked at what she said too, 'Guess being over a thousand years old and can still be shocked by a new revelation. Onyx Guard two; Princess zero.'
As one all the rest of the crowd proceeded to group hug Starlight and telling her to be safe on her journeys. Pinkie Pie then went over to her and gave her hug too. "You better beat those nasty grubbies soon you hear, I want to give the both of you a 'Welcome back party and congrats on beating the Locust' party you hear." She said sadly and squeezed the life out of her. Even in full armor, I was having trouble breathing at the death grip this pony was giving her despite the reinforced armor she had on.
After Pinkie, the others gave their farewells on her journey and support for her wellbeing. Twilight and the Princess were the last ones to bid them their farewells.
"After everything you did for my friends and me, you are forever welcome back here, and if you choose so, you may also have a home here if so desire, both you and Starlight both." Twilight offered before hugging me. Breaking off Starlight then looked up at the Celestia and Luna.
"We like to offer our thanks and to wish you well on your upcoming travels and future battles. In both rescuing not only me and my sister, but we also offer you a safe haven for when you ever decided to return to Equestria." Princess Celestia offered with a short but respectful bow, Luna copying her movement.
I then surprised both of them when I presented my Longshot sniper rifle to the two, "I was kinda rude to you at an earlier date about not getting a chance to examine my weapons of war for yourselves. This is called a 'Longshot' it is a long distance weapon used for attacking enemies at range. I currently have no room for it on me so I'm giving it to you so that you may find a use for it," I explained before giving her a push containing her remaining rounds for it. "After the changelings, you guys need to have every military edge you can get in the future for any invasions that come, so I'll let you keep this for when another conflict comes around the the Elements can't handle. I'll let your experts have fun with it."
I then proceeded to walk past the stunned princess to Starlight's side as she waited by the mirror, "Again, last chance before chickening out," I offered.
"And leaving my friend to fight monsters by herself, no way." Starlight answered.
Looking up at the mirror I put on my helmet, giving Starlight a nod we both jumped into the mirror. A swirling vortex of multiple colors surrounded our vision before the glow disappeared, leaving everything black.
Sera, unknown location
Starlight POV
The feeling of a stone floor was the first thing I felt when I woke after everything went black. I could feel the wind outside brush up against me, but instead of pressing it on my fur, I felt it went directly on my skin. A shiver ran down my spine from the chill that hit me. Forcing my eyes open I was met with a dark grayish red brick covered ground. A groan from me side caused me to look at a familiar Onyx covered figure. Though be a startling difference from last seeing Abby a few moments ago. Abby moved her strange forelegs (hands?) under her and pushed herself up before putting one of her hind legs under her to stand up on two legs, not at all to different from Spike or Discord.
"Starlight you around?" Abby said as she got up.
"Over here," I replied. Turning my way, the Onyx Gear looked down at me a slightly stiffened at my sight. I couldn't tell her facial features from the face mask of her helmet. But something told me she was looking all over me.
"Well, how do I look?" I asked, as I slowly got the feeling of my limbs again.
"Umm well. Your human for one thing, like me, a-and 'um naked to boot." Abby described as she knelt down with an outreached hand, reaching up I grabbed it with my hand?
Looking down, I now indeed have a hand, two hands really as I raised the other arm. I also lost my light purple fur and saw a golden tan skin going up along her body. Looking down, she was indeed naked, save for the backpack that must have been my saddle-bags from before I was completely exposed. My mane was still in a ponytail that hung loosely on one shoulder, but it slightly changed color. It was not had a much more darker hue in it, more blacker but still purple with turquois stripe that had more white in it then it did color. I also saw my cutie mark was gone but kept myself from panicking as I told myself that this was normal from what Abby said to me before hoof, or hand as it were.
"Ok, first order of business is to find you a set of clothes. Can't have you walking around exposed like this. Come on ups daisies." Abby then grabbed hold of me and hosted me up on my new pair of legs. I felt a sense of vertigo had hit me before settling down with my new height. Letting go, Abby reached down and picked up the new chain sword that was just given to Abby gave me and handed it to me. "Hold on to this for now, we will get you some clothes and a magnetic holster for you later to strap it too." Taking it from Abby, I held it loosely in her hand before giving my friend a nod.
Looking around I saw a lot of damage, either from age, or fighting or both.
"Do you recognize anything or know where we are?" I asked as I looked around.
"I don't know, but it does seem familiar," Abby replied as she drew her Lancer off her back as she walked around the nearest corner. I followed behind closely but stopped behind Abby when she did. "A whole planet that portal could send us to, and it sent us here of all places? God damn it Twilight..." Abby expressed sadly.
Looked over my friend's shoulder to see what caused her such a way. I saw a mostly destroyed bridge that led up a big red and white building on the other side.
"Abby, you recognize this place? Where are we?" I asked.
Abby only held her hand up and pointed it at an old metal plack that was on the wall behind them.
Looking at the plack of where she pointed at, I let sigh concerning to where Twilight sent us and a sense of frustration hit me at what I read.
'Halvo Bay Military Academy'
(This image without the smoke, fire, and enemies.)