One Mask Among Many.

by Golden Paw

Chapter Four

The programming was there, Buzz knew it. All she had to do was access the right data stores within her own mind and channel the magic like she always did. That ease didn’t make it feel any better to do so. Buzz had ‘worn’ hundreds of variations of pony in her time, but disguising herself as a changeling just seemed somehow dirty.

It felt like all the darker sides of herself were coming to the fore and even though it was only a disguise Buzz longed for a clean oil bath as soon as the magic had done its work. She understood that to change shape was to have empathy with the desired form: A basic idea of how the target felt, how they thought and what drove them. It was far more than just an outward appearance.

When Buzz had first come online the emotions she felt now were dormant, changing her shape had been a simple matter of arcane equations, of power flowing the right way and following predetermined examples of image. It could almost have been called instinct on Buzzbot’s part. Now it had taken on so much more. Feelings got in the way and coloured the final image of the change. Buzz struggled with desires and impulses that had nothing to do with programmed design, it was what set her apart from a common machine and made her ‘alive.’

So it was a very sad and dishevelled changeling drone that stared back at Buzzbot from the mirror. Her tattered and ragged wings, chipped and battered carapace and those sorrowful blue segmented eyes seemed to convey the self loathing she felt in the form that greeted Buzz in the polished glass.

“I look horrible,” Buzz said, the words emerging in a distorted fashion. She had to fight the urge to probe the new over sized fangs protruding from her upper jaw. Buzz’s tongue felt strange, all pointy, so unlike the normal soft organ belonging to a pony.

“You look perfect,” Twilight assured as she studied the drone before her.

“Perfectly horrible,” Buzzbot grumbled, the harmonics in her new voice causing shivers to run down Buzz’s spine. Her wings jittered feebly; making an unpleasant ‘tinkling’ sound like bits of glass being ground together. No wonder changelings disguise themselves, the way her carapace moved felt utterly alien to Buzz. She missed her coat, her mane and felt more like the cold metal machine of her true self in this form. Buzz missed the pleasant warmth of being a pony.

“But you will pass for a lost drone Buzz, that’s what we need here,” Twilight reminded, her face softening, “Look I know it’s hard, but we need to do this.”

Twilight made to hug her daughter and for the briefest moment paused. Buzz couldn’t help but notice and felt even worse: Even Twilight, knowing who Buzz really was didn’t want to touch her now. The urge to revert back to a pony or even her pony-bot self only increased as Twilight (visibly forcing herself to overcome her disgust) finally embraced Buzzbot.

Buzz felt the tiny hairs lining her shell tickle as Twilight made contact; so unlike the normal hairs of a pony. New senses, similar to her mechanical ones yet different in subtle ways began to make themselves felt. Buzz could see Twilight’s emotions like a rainbow cloud filling the pony before her: The overpowering pink glow of affection blazing at her core, but tinged with dark blue threads of doubt and worry.

The ugly reddish purple stains of fear ate at Twilight’s resolve and Buzz understood that her mother was just as anxious as she was about this whole situation. Buzzbot also saw the glowing white centre within Twilight’s heart: the determination to do what was right, almost scorching in its intensity and Buzz felt it fill her with fresh resolve. She could do this, even if it was horrible and scary.

Buzzbot hugged her all the tighter and felt Twilight’s worries and fears lessen, “I’ll make you proud mum. Don’t worry I’ll get to the bottom of all this.”

The fresh surge of pride flared in Twilight’s heart, blazing a golden yellow with reassuring warmth, “I know Buzz, you’ll do fine.”

It was almost a physical effort for both to separate and Buzzbot felt the tears of Twilight clinging to her cheek when they finally broke apart. She glanced at Tinker who was watching the exchange with the same golden glow suffusing his body. Both ponies beamed with pride as their daughter shouldered this uncertain burden willingly.

Buzzbot blinked, the emotional haze fading into normal vision and revealing the setting sun which bathed Twilight’s laboratory in its rays. Twilight and Tinker Track both smiled at her, their love evident even with Buzz’s empathic senses dulled.

Tinker Track quickly wiped his streaming eyes before coughing, “That’s enough Buzz, you can turn back now.”

Gratefully Buzzbot allowed the changeling form to melt away in a green flash of fire. Soon she was the cream coated ‘Stage Cloak’ once more. The distressing feelings of being covered in chitin faded and Buzz let out a contented sigh.

“Now we need to work on the plan of getting you to the right hive Buzz,” Twilight announced. She produced a data pad and began scrolling through its contents, “We have narrowed Chrysalis’ likely hive site to this area.”

With a flick of her horn Twilight engaged the view screen above, the map of Equestria displayed briefly before the image zoomed in and quickly focused on the its southern borders.

Buzz gazed attentively, seeing the rugged mountains and earthen wastelands that dominated that part of the world. She’d never been there herself but understood it to be a harsh place, full of monsters and beasts which could easily kill a pony. It was a lawless place where the safety and protection of Equestria bordered the wild untamed lands of the outside world.

“There are only very scratchy details on the current numbers and locations of hives,” Tinker Track explained. “We plan to have you fill the role of a displaced drone with distant ties to the Chrysalis family group. It’s common for lesser nests of changelings to be cleared out periodically by us near the borders so that should be a good cover for you Buzz.”

The image refocused to display a section of the ‘Badlands’ and a few pictures of a blackened cave system snapped into focus above the main map. Buzz frowned seeing a number of changeling’s corpses being burned by Equestrians. It was a sad image of necessity; ponies struggling against a real threat, their normally amiable natures curtailed by harsh realities and Buzzbot felt a little piece of her own soul cry out against it.

“The last confirmed location of Chrysalis and her hive was here,” Twilight pointed and the display centred on a grainy image of a rocky outcrop. Changelings were emerging from every crack and crevice of the stone, being lead by a furious looking Queen wreathed in green flames.

Twilight’s eyes reflected the sad scene and Buzz could feel the hurt pouring from her, “The last battle here could have been considered a stalemate and was the final Equestrian effort to remove the changeling threat before we established the S.D.F. It prompted me to seriously look into combating their incursions once and for all.”

The bitter history between ponies and changelings reared its ugly face as further images of fighting flashed up. Buzzbot knew of it of course, but recent events had a way of snapping ones focus upon just how tragic the situation was.

Twilight wasn’t done, “The hive was damaged, but our forces had to withdraw and we lost several good ponies that day.” Twilight’s muzzle scrunched up, “But at least we saved the envoys we sent.”

Buzz felt a mixture of anger and sadness even as Tinker laid a comforting hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, “We were right to try Twilight, don’t beat yourself up again.”

Twilight’s eyes almost shone with determination, “I’m not Tinker: But I am doing something about it.” This battle had been years before Buzz was created, back when Twilight was still learning the roles of command and of being a princess.

No one blamed Twilight for the outcome Buzz remembered reading, but on the whole it was generally considered a ‘bad call’ by most Equestrian tacticians, naive and overly hopeful on Twilight’s part. Buzz could see the pain of that decision and its consequences written on Twilight’s face even now. Such were the burdens of ruling and she didn’t envy Twilight in that regard.

Twilight visibly shook herself down before pressing on, “The hive could easily have relocated since then, but it’s still the best place to begin looking so we plan to drop you nearby Buzz.” Even as Twilight spoke a small dot flashed near the edge of the mountain range that separated Equestria from the Badlands.

Tinker spoke up, “It would be impractical to have you fly in on any of our aircraft as that would draw unwanted attention so we’re going to have Spike drop you off.”

Buzzbot raised an eyebrow, “A massive and powerful dragon will draw less attention than an airship?”

Twilight nodded in support, “Normally I would agree with you Buzz, but we have no direct aid from Equestria on this mission. Dragons hunting in the mountains is more common than you think and Spike has done so before.” Twilight smiled, “Plus I want him nearby in case you need help in a hurry.”

Buzzbot conceded that point with a simple nod and she was struck by just how odd her life really was. Spike being Twilight’s adoptive brother made him part of the family and Buzz felt reassured that he’d be there to back her up if things went badly.

Tinker grinned, “That’s right my dear. We may not have an army to support you, but you can count on family.” Tinker’s muzzle scrunched up, “Assuming we can convince him that is....”

---

In typical pony thinking Spike’s home had been simply dubbed “Spike’s Rock” and was now considered one of the great landmarks of Ponyville. Buzz was always impressed when she saw the vast pillar of stone that dominated the city’s eastern reaches: So unlike the buildings around it, yet beautiful in its own way.

Carved of grey stone from the nearby mountains and dotted with precious gems of every hue; the building was more of a monument than a home. Years of good deeds and being the epitome of a ‘noble dragon’ had earned Spike massive rewards from his Equestrian home. He was considered to be a hero of the land and if half of what Buzzbot had read about him was true then the title was rightly deserved.

“You know that Spike’s Rock was built a good distance from Ponyville and the city expanded to encompass it,” Twilight chatted away as she led Buzz towards their destination.

“Yeah Mum you have said so before, and how the central decoration over the door is a replica of the crystal heart from Cadance’s realm and how a rare shining ‘moon stone’ was gifted him by Luna and lights the main antechamber...” Buzzbot couldn’t help it, she’d heard the stories so often from Twilight that they had become rhetoric.

Twilight's spirits refused to be dampened, “You should be very proud of your uncle Spike and remember he’s going to be helping you out there so show a little respect huh?”

“I know mum, it’s just...” It was hard to explain; when Buzz had first met Spike it had been several years before she’d been ‘born’. Her first impressions of Spike were an overly eager, gem obsessed reptile with a ludicrously massive crush on Rarity. It was true he’d only been a baby then, even smaller than Twilight, but it was incredibly hard to compare that little Spike to the enormous creature that dominated the land now. “You’ve seen him grow up Mum, you were there as he became the ‘hero’ he is now. All I’ve met is the tiny baby who was smaller than me and the fully grown Spike we know today, Nothing in between.”

Twilight laughed, “Oh Buzz I forget you’re still only young yourself. I get to remember all he did, whereas you only have the rambling stories I tell.” She smiled indulgently, “Well maybe this mission will help you see him as I do.”

The pair trotted up the grand pathway leading to Spike’s home, where carefully tended gardens surrounded the massive edifice. Dotted about the lawns were statues of pony heroes and heroines from the past. Buzz saw many examples of heroes like ‘Shining Armour’ holding the line during ‘Frost Ram’ invasions; a far cry from the elderly unicorn that incessantly relived the ‘good old days’ he had known.

To one side was a gleaming depiction of ‘Spit Fire’ driving back the wyvern raiders and further out a scene of the two unicorn brothers. No pony knew their names, but the brave pair had saved a village from an unprecedented attack by timber wolves.

All these and more decorated the grassy vista of Spike’s gardens and as they came close to the entrance six statues of ponies very familiar to Buzz took centre stage. The council of Harmony, the former Element Bearers and the Chosen of the Tree of Harmony all looked down at Buzz with a slight smile on each of their carved faces.

Each one masterfully carved from crystals of the correct hue, a golden Applejack standing tall, a cyan Rainbow dash diving from the skies and a yellow Fluttershy surrounded by adoring animals. Buzz took it all in and felt humbled to be among such famous ponies. It seemed so strange to see a purple Twilight; her wings spread wide and with a beatific grin smiling down at her while the pony in question stood beside Buzzbot in the flesh.

It was even more surprising to Buzz that there were no depictions of Spike, in all this place there wasn’t a single image of its owner anywhere to be seen, that was until you reached the door to Spike's home.

Of all the decorations the doors seemed to be the only element out of place here. Two massive blackened metal doors fitted expertly into an archway lined with ice blue gems and flanked by depictions of Celestia and Luna.

The door’s style was a far cry from the gentle and rounded Equestrian art works and instead consisted of sharp angles with far more edges. It showed an image of the world picked out in minute detail; Buzz could even see the tiny shapes that represented Canterlot and Ponyville along with the other cities of Equestria nestled within the mass of other landmarks.

Either side of this map were spread a pair of dragon wings, their backs curling up and around either side of the world like a protective shield. Written in a language that Buzzbot had only seen written here was the title, “Spike: Lord of the World Guard Flight.” Buzz didn’t know any other words of dragon tongue and only understood this phrase because Twilight had explained it to her. The whole piece was bisected by the line of the two doors meeting and held a comparatively small picture of Spike in its centre.

Twilight looked at Buzz as if she was going to explode and Buzzbot rolled her eyes, “Oh go on Mum, I know you’re dying to.”

A cheerful almost foalish expression formed on Twilight’s face, “And here is the centrepiece, the doors a gift from the Dragon Empires in recognition of Spike taking his place as envoy to Equestria and claiming his heritage, as the last surviving member of the World Guard Flight.”

Buzzbot could have giggled at the eagerness in Twilight’s tone, clearly this was one of her proudest moments in regards to Spike and Buzz couldn’t deny her the chance to show it to the world. With great theatrics Twilight trotted up to the door.

“Now remember Buzz, we’re here to convince Spike to help, not do it alone. If there is one failing my brother has it’s that he does insist on being the hero and we need a gentle touch for this mission.” Buzz nodded and couldn’t stop the little thought, I wonder who he got that idea from. She smiled sweetly as Twilight knocked smartly, her small hoof barely making a sound on the massive metal barrier.

After a few moments the sounds of grinding metal could be heard and the doors swung slowly inwards, the heavy creaking was drawn out as the doors parted to reveal a towering monster of scales and claws. Spike stood before them in all his enormous splendour and smiled happily down at the pair, “Ah Twilight, I’ve been expecting you and it’s wonderful to see you too Buzz. Please do come in.”

The sense of scale was even more shocking as Spike carefully lowered one clawed hand to touch just the tip of his finger to Twilight’s outstretched hoof. He could have easily held her in the palm of his mighty hand with room to spare. The deep rumble of Spike’s voice caused Buzz to tremble, her whole frame reverberating with its power.

Spike held out his other hand and touched it to Buzzbot’s tiny hoof, “So I understand I’ll be your escort. It will be fun to explore the mountains to the south again.” Spike’s huge snout formed a slow smile, “But enough of that, today you’re my guests. It’s been far too long since you visited Twi.”

Twilight grinned happily before ushering Buzz across the threshold, “Thank you Spike, it’s an honour to be here again.”

The pale glowing moon stone aforementioned indeed lit the way into Spike’s home, its gentle radiance giving the room a ghostly quality. Spike backed up his vast body and made room for the pair to enter properly.

Assembled treasures were held on shelves carved into the walls, while murals of epic events were embossed on almost every surface. Buzz’s gaze swept over battles, mighty deeds of strength and tales of endurance; there was so much history here that it filled her vision everywhere Buzz looked: The very rock telling a story of Spike’s life.

Spike busied himself, carefully taking a table and chairs and placing them upon the ground for his guests. The absurd image of Spike playing with doll sized furniture flashed through Buzzbot’s mind, only these weren’t toys but pony sized objects that only appeared tiny in Spike’s mighty claws.

Buzz saw that the furniture was just as grandly ornamented as everything else here. Richly coloured cushions and masterfully carved wood supported both Twilight and Buzz as they settled down. Spike coiled himself at the far end of the cavern, so that his head was able to rest on his palms and watch his guests with shining eyes.

“So Buzz, you really up for this challenge then?” Spike asked eagerly, “It’s been such a while since I went on a good adventure and I’d be only too happy to help. Just think, you and me fighting side by side to rid the world of evil!”

The hunger in Spike’s eyes was unsettling, but Buzz smiled cheerfully nevertheless as Twilight responded, “Now, now Spike, this is something Buzz is going to have to do alone. She can’t have you hovering over her the whole time.”

Spike’s face fell, “Surely I can just....” Spike paused as Twilight gave him a look. “You can’t expect me to sit on the sidelines Twi. I’m not just some delivery service anymore, you know I can hold my own.”

Seeing Spike’s disappointment Buzz couldn’t help but smile sadly, “It’s not like that uncle, it’s just I will find it very hard to sneak into the hive with you next to me that’s all.” She looked to Twilight, who nodded with encouragement, “Though I’m very glad you’re going to be my backup and are willing to carry me to the Badlands.”

Spike’s massive eyes peered at Buzzbot, a slightly crestfallen expression on his face, “Well thank you for the vote of confidence. Those changelings are a menace and we should have sorted that problem out years ago.” Spike rolled his jaw as if mulling the idea over before fixing Buzz with an almost pleading stare.

She felt her ‘heart’ soften, for such a huge monster of a dragon, Spike could pull off the ‘puppy dog’ eyes like a champion. Buzz played her ace in the hole, “Plus it means you could have another statue for your collection if I do pull this off.”

A faraway look settled in Spike’s eyes. “Buzzbot, defeating the changelings single hooved!” A massive grin spread across Spike’s jaw, “Oh I can see it now, Buzz standing triumphant over a fallen Queen Chrysalis, carved from dark marble.....”

He glanced at Twilight, “Oh I can never say no to you my dear. I would of course rather be at the front lines saving the day, but as you said Twi this is Buzz’s duty and I can’t go hogging all the glory for myself.”

Twilight winked at Buzz, “Thank you Spike, I knew we could count on you.

---

Spike closed the doors to his home and Buzz released a sigh of relief, they had only escaped after a third round of home baked cookies and at least a gallon of hot chocolate. For all his hero talk Buzz was always astonished by the odd habits Spike had developed.

He could be fearsome and mighty (having enough war stories to sink an Equestrian airship), but his childhood in Ponyville had left its mark too. As far as Buzz was aware he was the only dragon in the whole world who could make "Mr Sprinkle's" double chocolate cookies. It was such a strange dichotomy it you just had to laugh.

“Spike has his own way of remembering the good times Buzz,” Twilight explained as they trotted back past the hundreds of monuments of Spike’s gardens. “He’s going to live for centuries at least, probably outlive any pony alive now barring Luna and Celestia.”

Buzz saw a slight melancholy in Twilight’s eyes, “Even me most likely and so he shapes us in things so valuable and long lasting that he can treasure our memories for as long as possible.” The idea boggled Buzz, she’d only been alive for three years now. Trying to imagine living for thousands of years just staggered her.

She suddenly understood Spike far better and could easily see why he lived for each memorable moment with his friends and family. Even why he had a tiny pink apron with a heart on it, placed almost reverently in a glass display cabinet in his home. When seen from this perspective his odd ways were far more sensible.

Looking at Twilight, Buzz saw how tired her mother seemed. It wasn’t a physical weariness, but a stretching of the ‘soul’ as it were. No pony was meant to be eternally in this world, it was a blessing and a burden that Twilight and the others had been gifted with far longer lives than your average pony, but they made it count with every decision they made.

Buzz thought of the famous six, their long lives meant they had buried husbands and watched children grow to be elderly; while still retaining the fire and strength of thier youth. (though not the looks, as Rarity constantly bemoaned when ever she got the chance) It was hard, but heroes and heroines were those who could bear these strains and still make the world a better place. They would all get their rewards for their sacrifices.

Twilight visibly shook herself, and Buzz saw her smile warmly, “Well Buzz, you handled that perfectly.” Buzzbot shook off the deep ponderings that had settled on her soul. She had far too much to be thinking about right now to be distracted by such thoughts. In three days she would be leaving Equestria for a task that was going to be nothing like she’d ever dealt with before.