//------------------------------// // Chapter 3.5: Bad Memories // Story: Rise of the Titans (edited) // by darkmage1997 //------------------------------// At Twilight's Castle, "So, we've learned that those boys not only have powers, but they also bear a strong hatred for adults and humans alike," Twilight said, as she and her friends were all gathered around her table. "They did say they were also 'created solely for combat'. What does that even mean?" Pinkie Pie asked. "I don't know, but hopefully Luna will be able to help shed some light on this," Twilight said in hope. Just then, a flash came from the center of the room, and Princesses Celestia and Luna had appeared. "I came as soon as we got your reply," Celestia said to her former student. "Though, we're still a bit unsure by what you meant. How did eight teenaged humans repel an attack on Ponyville by themselves?" Luna asked. "Get this! They have these crazy cool superpowers! I'm talking flames, electricity, even telekinesis!" Rainbow Dash blurted out. "As it turns out, the eight of them were the source of that energy spike from this morning," Twilight stated. "They were just protecting their little sister from a bunch of Timber Wolves," Rarity added. "Hmm, that's rather a lot to take in. Are you sure you saw them with these superpowers?" Celestia asked. "We saw one of them engulfed in fire," Applejack replied. "But that's not even the weirdest part. Before they disappeared, they said they have an immense hatred towards all adults and humans, all except for the little girl that was with them," Fluttershy added. "Hmm, that does sound rather strange, but it doesn't tell us about who they really are or where they come from," Luna commented. "Well, we were hoping you could show us there memories?" Twilight politely asked. "I can try," Luna said, as she began casting her spell. IN a flash of light, they were all gone. In the Mind Scape, The eight ponies all saw that they were in some kind of black room, nothing in it, "Well, this is a whole lot of nothing," Rainbow Dash commented. All of a sudden, Silver appeared. "You guys seem to be busy with something," he commented. "I take it this young man is one of the teen heroes?" Celestia asked. The ponies nodded. "'Hero'? My brothers and I have been called numerous things over the past few months, but never heroes," Silver said. "I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Celestia, Princess, and co-ruler of Equestria" Celestia said. "And I am Luna, the other ruler," Luna said. "Forgive me if I don't bow, but I'm still a bit leery about trusting adults, even though I can read minds and what not," Silver stated coldly. "It is quite alright young one. But I can sense something is troubling you. Care to elaborate?" Celestia asked. Silver turned away. "You guys are here to see my memories, right? It would be better if you found the truth yourselves, rather than me telling you," Silver said, as he began levitating. With that, images began appearing all around. First everything began out in a sepia light. "Where... am I? This.... this isn't the same, was everything before just a dream?! Why?" they heard the voice of Silver question. Images of a laboratory then appeared, with eight different lifeforms in eight different tubes. "Professor! One of the specimen's brain wave patterns is changing!" a scientist called out. "The water in three tanks is either increasing, decreasing in temperature, or increasing in voltage!" another called out. 'Those voices,' they heard Silver's voice say, 'They're on the outside, where I must be!' the ponies then saw one of the test tubes glowing cyan, the glass around it breaking, until *CRASH*. The scientists took notice. The ponies were shocked to see the lifeform was none other than Silver himself! "Can you hear me?" the chief scientist asked. The newly hatched Silver looked up, "Answer, can you understand me?" he asked. "Um, yes," Silver replied, feeling immensely confused. "Astounding! Your Psychic Powers have already been proven by breaking out of the test tube!" the chief scientist exclaimed. "Psychic.... Powers?" Silver asked, confused. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mark Fujiyama, your Father, in a manner of speaking, and this is your Mother, Lily," the chief scientist said, introducing himself and his wife. "Um, it's nice to meet both of you. I'm... rather confused?" Silver commented. "It's quite natural, given your current state. You were not alive before today. In a matter speaking, today is your birthday," Mark stated. No sooner than he did, seven more crashes come from the other tubes, "Brilliant! Our experiment is a success!" he exclaimed gleefully. "Your.... experiment?" Raiden asked. "Allow me to explain. My wife, our colleagues and I have been experimenting with human reproduction. Strictly speaking, we were thinking rather than do it the traditional way, why not speed things up with science? And all eight of you, my sons, are proof that the experiment is a success!" Mark explained. "So, we are simply the end result of your experiment. What becomes of us now that your experiment is complete?" Raiden asked. "Oh several things! First, we'll get you dressed. Then, we'll brief you on our current situation. After that, we need to help you to control your powers. But before all of that mess with your powers, we should introduce you to others who are just like you, including our own daughter, your sister, Heaven," Lily replied, as each mutant were handed some clothes. The ponies covered their eyes, as the eight brothers dressed themselves. Once they were done, the ponies saw that that were wearing the outfits they saw them wearing, save for Silver's denim jacket, "Now then, what you need to know is that a political tyrant has come into power. His name is John Clark. He's an absolute monster. He's been imprisoning mutants such as you boys, and killing off their families," Lily began. The ponies were, needless to say, shocked at this. "So, what does this have to do with any of us?" Brian asked. "We created the eight of you for two purposes. One is to try and take John Clark out of power. In order to do this, we designed each of you to be super mutants, much more powerful than a regular one," Lily replied. "With these powers, we want you to break into John Clark's fortress, free every mutant, and take him down for good," Mark explained. "I see, so, what happens to the second task we were created for?" Icezer asked. "The second task may sound a little on the boring side, but it is extremely important. You boys are to protect and guard this little girl," Mark said, presenting Heaven. "Are these my new big brothers?" Heaven asked. "Indeed sweetheart. They will be in charge of protecting you from John Clark's forces," Lily replied. "Is she a mutant?" Heiru asked. "No, she's purely human. But much like you boys, she's our pride and joy," Mark said. "Now then, I don't think this needs to be said, but invading John Clark's fortress is not an easy task. In that sense, you boys will not be alone in this fight," Lily added. "If you come with us, we'll take you to meet up with the rest of your squad. Oh, and before I forget," Mark said, placing gold bracelets on each of the brothers, "These power inhibitors will limit the amount of power you use, so you don't burn out," he explained, as he then led the eight brothers out the door. The ponies then saw them all walking to what looked to be a training area. In it, there were a quite a few mutants, including a redheaded girl wearing an armor breastplate and a plaid skirt, a cat girl who was only wearing a black bikini, black thigh high socks and purple boots, a trio of well dressed boys, one dressed in attire similar to Raiden's, and another redhead in overalls, who had her hair in braids. "These the new guys?" one of the well dressed boys asked. "Yes. These are your new teammates; Silver, Raiden, Brian, Takashi, Akira, Icezer, Heiru, and Francisco. I want you all to help them to control their powers, so that they'll be ready for their first mission," Mark explained. What the ponies saw was jaw-dropping. One by one, each of the new mutants took turns with fighting the eight brothers, showing them how to properly control their powers. Luna used her magic to fast forward a bit, to what was a scene of true barbaric nature. There were soldiers marching in, slapping handcuffs on each of the new mutants, which then teleported them away, while also firing their guns at the scientists. These actions left the Fujiyama brothers and Heaven the only ones left. "Come along quietly. You're all under arrest by the authority of John Clark!" one of the soldiers demanded. "You are in no position to be making demands, human," Silver said, using his psychic powers to lift up some of the soldiers, and hurl them into the wall, leaving huge craters. "Let's use this opportunity to escape," Francisco suggested, as he opened a portal. The brothers all made their way though, with Icezer taking Heaven. Francisco was the last to leave the portal as it closed. "Well, that is truly traumatic. But I still don't see why they hate adults," Celestia commented. "I hate to ask, but are there any more memories?" Twilight asked, hopeful that there weren't anymore gruesome images for them to see. Her hopes were dashed when Luna nodded. "From what I can tell, the brothers and their sister all attempted to seek refuge with some human adults, but in truth, they only wanted to turn them in for cash," Luna replied, showing them all scenes where the siblings were taken in by seemingly nice people, only to later discover that they were just doing it for money. And each scene ended with the brothers using their powers to escape with Heaven. "Now you see," they turned to see Silver, "It isn't you guys who did something bad," Silver explained. "We understand Silver, but as the Princess of Friendship, I can guarantee that no one will trade you boys or your sister in for something petty like money," Twilight reassured. "I know. I can read your mind, remember? And while you do speak the truth, my brothers are not as easily convinced." Silver explained. "We understand. We'll just have to bide our time if we want to earn your brother's trust," Celestia said. "Thank you for being so understanding. I do what I can to keep this family together. I am the oldest of us, after all," Silver said. "Well, I guess this is all we can do for now. We'll see you later then," Twilight said, as Luna took them all out of the Mind Space. Back in Twilight's Castle, "So, now we know why they hate adults and humans. The question is 'how do we move on from here?'," Rarity wondered. "Our best bet is to try to befriend them gradually. They seem rather hostile if provoked," Luna commented. "Well, we'll figure that part out. Thank you both for coming on such short notice," Twilight said. "It is no trouble at all. We hope to hear from you soon," Celestia said, as she and Luna teleported away. "Ah'd best be gettin' back home. It's gettin' late," Applejack said, as she and the others took their leave.