//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: The Gangs all Here // Story: Bronycon 2013 // by Magicolt808 //------------------------------// “Wha-? We’re goin’ where!?” asked a surprised Applejack. Twilight gleefully turned toward Applejack, “I said we are going to be visiting the human world.” “What’s a human?” asked a confused Pinkie Pie. Dash turned over as she hovered in midair, “Those things Lyra is always going on about?” she giggled. “Princess Celestia was telling me about them. They are a sophisticated species that appreciates all the work we do here in Ponyville,” Twilight said happily. “Hu-Human....?” whispered Fluttershy, “Are they nice?” Rarity was bouncing up and down cheerfully, “I heard the human world has whole new lines of fashion, not even Canterlot has seen!” she said, smiling. “So why do we have to go?” asked Dash. Twilight pulled out a letter from a nearby drawer. “We don’t have to go, Princess Celestia just wanted us to be there. She said it would be good to learn about the magic of friendship on Earth, it’s all in this letter she sent me.” Twilight opened the letter and began to read out loud. “Dear Twilight Sparkle and Friends, It is with great happiness I tell you that the following year, you have been invited to a grand event on Earth. Humans from across the land will be meeting to hear about your discoveries in the magic of friendship and the elements of harmony! I hope to see you there! -Princess Celestia” ------▲------ Dim lights shone through the corridor, casting shadows on the dust drifting through the air. The generals boots stomping down on the ground, sending echoes throughout the base as he walked. Turning sharply, the general entered through the door to the mission room. Inside was a long rounded table, where men in green suits sat silently. Their clothes all adorned with a variation of medals and shining pins. “Status report,” chuckled the general as he fell lazily into the highest chair. One of the men slid a file across the table to him. The man’s eyes never made eye contact with the general’s as he told him the news. “The depression drugs are successfully blocking Patient 4’s dopamine, but he hasn't woken from his sleep in days....” The general just laughed, “Ohhh interesting,” he said grinning. “The cybernetics linked into Patient 5 aren’t turning out as well as we hoped though sir...” the man was sweating, fearing a punishment for delivering this news. The general spinned around in his chair, everyone in the room besides him was still and silent. “I don’t think we’ll even need them, he’s a very fun person, we won’t need to control him too much.” The man shuffled his papers, “On the other hand, the dopamine producing drugs are working perfectly, Patients 6 and 7 are cooperating without hesitation.” The general stopped spinning. “Sounds...boring...Take away the drugs, let them live without them for a while, that should be fun.” The man looked even further away from the general’s glance, “But sir, we don’t know the consequences of withdrawal...” The general shifted in his high chair, “Even better!” he laughed. “I suppose Leo will want these reports too...” The general sighed, “TREY!” he yelled. The other men all stiffened up as they heard footsteps from the down the corridor. “What do you want old man?” said a kid as he walked into the mission room. Trey was dressed like your average teenager. He wore a red shirt with a peace symbol on it that matched his red converse. His short dark hair mostly covered by his red baseball cap. One hand was tucked into his pocket while the other dragged a baseball bat. “Take these up to Leo why don’t you?” said the general, thrusting the papers out towards Trey. “Are you kidding? And run into those crazies? I can’t believe you let those freaks run free around this place...can’t be healthy.” The general just held out the papers again and Trey snatched them reluctantly. Trey sped off to the the door, dragging his bat on the floor. As he turned the corner, one of the papers fell from the stack and floated lightly to the floor. One of the men in suits grabbed it and handed it to Trey, his hand quaking, “Uhm sir, you dropped th-” The man got cut off when Trey’s bat made contact with his face, knocking his head straight back, severing his spine. Trey grabbed the paper as it fell mid air, he sped off back down the hall quickly. “Thanks,” he laughed. The general cracked up, “I do love that kid,” he said. The general turned back toward the man holding his own set of folders and papers, “Continue.” The man began to speak, but was cut off by a loud, low moan. He started up again, “The mind control serum seems to be disabling Patient 2’s brain at an alarming rate, although her nerves and tendons are growing and rising in response to the experimental testing.” Another moan broke out amongst the room as a woman crawled in through the door and collapsed on the floor. She had on a white t-shirt and white pants, her bare feet sprawled as her black haired head laid on the floor. “Continue,” the general said again ignoring this. The man went on, “Well sir...uhm...as you can see, her motor skills are still very basic, and she is still unable to form words or use sign languages.” The woman's head twitch violently as she moaned in pain. “Hmmm, very well,” the general said quietly, “take my daughter back up to her room.” The man walked quickly over to the woman, picking her up and exiting the room. The general turned slowly in his chair, eyes closed. Noises could be heard upstairs. Treys voice echoed, “LEAVE ME ALONE YOU ROBOT FREAK!!!” It was followed by more yelling, “GET BACK HERE AND FIGHT ME YOU LITTLE PUSSY!” ------▲------ Celestia stood on her balcony, looking over her vast kingdom as the sun was setting. Her chambers were located to the west of the castle. As she stared out into the sun, she could easily oversee that it was being lowered correctly. As the day slowly came to an end, she let out a sigh of relief, the chores of the day were finally over. As the sound of galloping echoed behind her, she realized she was not done just yet. Hoovesteps could be heard through her door, seemingly advancing towards her bed quarters. Turning her back on the sun, Celestia turned around just in time to see Shining Armor burst through the door. “Princess! There has been some urgent news I am to deliver to you,” he gasped. “What is it Shining?” asked Celestia. Shining Armour looked at her grimly, “There is word of an attack that is going to be made on my sister and her friends upon their arrival in the Human realm next year.” Celestia’s face hardened and her eyes grew narrow. “What do you suppose we do Princess?” asked Armour. Celestia paced the room, “We must assemble a team of the finest fighters to protect them.” “I have just the Colts in mind. Let me just-” Shining was cut off. Celestia stopped him, “No. We must contact the worlds human fighters. Humans are still very much unknown to us and we might not be able to protect my little ponies using just our techniques.” “How do you suppose we contact the humans Your Highness?” Shining asked softly, he had never trusted the humans. He had always heard tales of their brutality and selfishness. Celestia rose her head. “Send out a letter to Equestria Daily immediately, we will need their assistance greatly.” “What makes you think they shall agree to helping us?” asked Armour. “Because it is there we will find the most powerful and faithful bronies!” Celestia’s voiced boomed. ------▲------ “Are you ready Twilight?” asked Celestia standing outside of the teleportation circle. “Almost Princess. Just getting all of our stuff together,” Fluttershy said. “Hey! Has anypony seen Pinkie? Ah can’t find her anywhere.” said Applejack as she walked out the door. “Here I am!” said Pinkie, walking in with a suitcase in her mouth. “What do you need a suitcase for? You don’t even wear clothes,” said Rainbow, holding back her giggles at Pinkie’s randomness. “Well I needed something to carry all my cupcakes in!” yelled Pinkie defensively, making the suitcase fly out of her mouth. As it hit the ground, at least a dozen cupcakes flew out and landed on the ground. Rainbow Dash gave in and started laughing with Fluttershy and Applejack. Rarity bursted through the door, being pushed by Twilight. “Rarity! We have to go soon!” Rarity was struggling to go back into the room. “NOOO! I don’t have enough hats! Did I leave my scarf? I need my extra fabrics!” she yelled. A large stallion followed behind them, carrying Rarity’s many bags. “We’re only going to be gone for around a year Rarity!” shouted Twilight. “You’re right!” she exclaimed with a gasp. “I don’t think I packed enough!” Twilight responded with a groan and then a grunt of effort to get Rarity into the center of the circle. Accepting defeat, Rarity stopped resisting and gave in, plopping her flank onto the ground. “Okay. So is everypony ready?” asked Celestia, standing at the ready. “Yes Princess. Let’s do this!” yelled Twilight. Both Celestia and Twilight’s horns lit up and and a gust of wind blew around them. Then with a single, blinding flash, they disappeared from the Library floor and were off to the Human world. ------▲------ The parking lot in the back of the Equestria Daily building was pristine and clear as the warm sun shone down upon it. Andrew Johnson, the executive of Equestria Daily stood outside the back doors, checking his old watch every few minutes as he waited for the arrival of the ponies new bodyguards. As Mr.Johnson’s eyes squinted from the sun, a black limo pulled silently into the lot, turning around the corner and stopping in front of Andrew. A lean man wearing a pinstriped suit and a cowboy hat exited the car and made his way to Mr.Johnson. Extending his hand to the man, Mr.Johnson spoke clearly, “Ah Mister Roy Magic, glad you could make it.” “Please just call me Magic.” the man said, shaking Johnson’s hand with a firm grip. “Alright Magic. We are aware that you favor Applejack over the rest of the Mane 6. Is this correct?” “I sure do.” Magic said, tipping his stetson towards him. “Ah Perfect. Now we must wait for the-” Their conversation was interrupted by the screeching sound of a jet. Over the horizon, a checkered red and orange flamed aircraft, blasted through the air and was headed straight for the EQD building. “Ah, Here comes another recruit right now!” yelled Johnson, over the roar. The Jet came to an almost immediate halt over the parking lot and landed safely on the asphalt. As Magic stared in curiosity, the pilot jumped out of the cockpit to greet them. He was dressed in a leather aviator's jacket and white dress pants. His goggles hung lazily about his neck. “How’s it goin’? The name’s Sky.” the pilot said, sounding perky and confident. “Ah, welcome! Magic, this is Sky. He is the most prominent flyer around. “I can see that.” said Magic with a smirk, obviously referring to the Jet in the middle of the parking lot. “Nice to meet ya!” said Sky, averting Magic’s gaze from his jet to himself. “Pleasure.” said Magic, unconvincingly. Sky just looked on awkwardly. “So! When will everyone else arrive?” Just then, Mr Johnson turned as the doors behind him flew opened. A large blond man carrying an axe walked outside slowly. Riding on his back was a small dark haired girl with a bow on her back, and a small sword to her side. “Ah yes, Sir Travis and Lady Alex, I see you have already arrived,” said Mr.Johnson The blond man’s voice was deep and harsh, “I go by Travvy now a days.” he said lowly. His light blond hair was covering his scarred face, and muffling his voice. His many pelts of various fur was stained with blood, a gruesome scene that was only made easier to witness because of the beautiful girl sleeping on his back. Alex’s pelted armour was much lighter and cleaner than that of her companions. Her long black hair swayed back and forth as Travvy walked out to meet Sky and Magic. After shaking hands and going through introductions, the gang waited about for more recruits. After a long delay, they heard an explosion over the rooftop. Everyone looked above as small chunks of debris fell. “Give those back!” a soft voice yelled, followed by another loud explosion. A man dressed in a black duster jumped from the top of the roof, rolling as he landed in front of everyone laughing. In one, large metal plated hand he held a fedora loosely and in the other gloved hand, he held large rounded glasses. “Ah, I’m assuming you are the one they call King?” said Mr.Johnson. King laughed and nodded, he opened his mouth to speak but was kicked in the face by another man that jumped off the roof. Mr.Johnson went to help King up, “Now, Master Jonathan, please refrain from such vulgar acts while we have company.” King quickly got up off the ground laughing. Jonathan thoroughly fixed his sweater vest and dress pants, dusting himself off, before taking the glasses out of King’s grips and placing them back on his face. He quickly looked around to find his staff which was lying on the ground. “I don’t think that was very funny at all!” Jonathan said sternly to King, who was still laughing uncontrollably. King rubbed, his face, feeling the swelling lump, “Totally worth it,” he chuckled. Jonathan glared at him, and King gave him a weak innocent smile. Off in the distance a loud motor could be heard clearly. As the sound grew closer, the gang saw a pure white Kawasaki Ninja drift into the lot. The motorcycle drove up to Sky’s jet, and the guy riding it hopped off, leaving his helmet on the parked cycle. The dark skinned guy approached Mr.Johnson slowly, his short curly hair protruding from the top on his red beanie. On his back was strapped a large pitch black scythe, it’s blade reaching up to the cloth fox ears that were attached to the beanie. His white scarf hung lowly off his back, almost impossible to see when match with his white leather jacket. His black skate shoes match his black jeans just as his jacket and scarf matched the white stripe that was bleached through his hair. “Hey Andrew, long time no see,” he said nonchalantly. “Ah, evening, Captain Foxxy. Well, now that the gang has arrived, we shall be meeting with the mane 6 soon. If you would all kindly follow me.” Mr.Johnson turned back towards the back of the EQD Building, holding open the doors. As the group entered the building, they were hit with the smell of rubbing alcohol, much like the steril hallways of a hospital. Magic stared hard ahead of him as Sky looked in all directions next to him and King was in the back, still laughing and rubbing at his swollen cheek. “Alright ladies and Gentlemen, the time to act is near. Please follow me into this meeting room where we will discuss our plans.” said Johnson, suddenly serious. Foxxy’s hand was against the wall, tracing the curvature of the building slowly. The band of six walked into the room one by one. It was dimly lit and only one long table ran the length of it. Each member sat down at the table, after depositing their weapons and waited for Johnson to get to the head. When he did, he turned on a projector that displayed an image on the screen behind him. Travvy shook Alex gently, her soft brown eyes opening and adjusting to the dark room. “You’ve all been selected because we know that all of you are powerful fighters. We also know that all of you care deeply for the mane 6 and are anxiously awaiting their arrival and would dedicate your lives to protecting them. Well...that’s exactly what each of you are going to do.” Mr.Johnson turned around the room....”Magic!” he exasperated. “Yeah?” asked Magic in a bored fashion. “You are in charge of guarding Applejack.” Magic’s eyes brightened but his expression remained the same. “Sky!” “Yes sir!” he yelled with a military tone. “You will take to the skies and protect Rainbow Dash.” “Will do, sir!” “Travvy, Alex!” Travvy gave a low grunt and Alex’s head whipped around to face Mr.Johnson “You two will be in charge of guarding Fluttershy.” Again, Travvy responded with a low grunt as Alex’s eyes filled with joy. “King!” “What do you want Buttercup?” he chuckled “That’s Mister Buttercup to you! and you will also be guarding Twilight Sparkle.” Mr.Johnson said. King looked up, “Wha? Don’t stick me with her, I want somepony fun!” “Of course, I see, how about Pinkie Pie then?” said Mr.Johnson smiling, as if he had planned that out. “Yipee!” King exclaimed. Foxxy raised his hand as if this was school, “If we are picking now, can I guard Rarity?” he asked. Mr.Johnson laughed, “I see no reason why you cannot!” Foxxy slid back into his chair, “Thanks Andrew.” “And finally, Jonathan! You will be guarding Twilight Sparkle.” “Fantastic” said Jonathan in a blank tone. “Alright is everyone one the same page?” Everyone in the room gave an unintelligible noise in response but the tone seemed to be agreeable. “Alright then! Let’s go meet them shall we?”