//------------------------------// // History Lessons // Story: Returning Survivor // by Itchy //------------------------------// Mecha walked up to Sugarcube Corner, excited to attend the party that was being thrown for princess Celestia's visit. Walking up to the steps, the two pegasi guards forcefully cut him off, wings making a shink sound he normally associated with him drawing his swords. “Halt!” they said, “Who goes there?” Sighing, Mecha said, “Come on you two, you know me! After all, how many times have you two come and picked up a package for the palace that I made?” Seeing their lack of reaction, Mecha sighed once more, before dead panning, “Mecha, guest of princess Celestia.” Nodding their heads, the two lowered their wings and allowed him to pass through. Upon stepping inside, Mecha noticed that despite it being a 'casual' party, everypony was stressed beyond belief... except for Pinkie Pie. Well, that needed to change, and Mecha knew just how to do that... or how to get himself thrown in jail, but still. So, walking foreword, Mecha all but shouted out, “Celestia, how nice of you to drop by!” Everypony gasped, eyes widening at the display he was giving. Walking foreword, Mecha threw a leg around Celestia and asked, “So where's Luna? She's been telling me all about how she'd like to visit Ponyville again.” Nodding her head, Celestia ignored the stares and replied, “She actually volunteered to fill in for the day so that I could have it off, since the last day I had off was around a thousand years ago.” Laughing at the looks he was getting from everypony, Mecha removed his leg from around Celestia, and grabbed a cupcake from in front of her, asking, “You gonna eat this?” before eating it anyways. Chuckling at his antics, Celestia told him, “You're behaving differently than before. Might I inquire as to why?” Swallowing the last bit of the cupcake, Mecha took a swig from a nearby cup of tea, Celestia's most likely by the looks he was getting, and said, “This is a casual party right? So that means you aren't on the clock as a princess, meaning you don't have an image you have to project, and I don't have to help project it. Not to mention, the looks I'm getting for doing all this are hilarious! By the way, was this your tea? A cupcake is one thing, but your drink is another.” Nodding her head, Celestia replied, “It is, although it was probably my twentieth cup, so don't worry. Although since you're here, might I ask what happened down in Manehatten? I got a report in a while ago mentioning that it had been attacked by some creature, and the only real detail that it mentioned was that you dealt with it, dieing in the process. Obviously, there are some missing and wrong details in their, such as what the creature was, and the fact that you live.” Shaking his head, Mecha told her, “It was a Wrath forsaken,” gasps as the crowd reacted to his cursing in front of a princess, “aboleth. Ended up using a ridiculous amount of explosives and wound up launching myself close to two hundred miles into a lake.” Raising an eyebrow, Celestia said, “An aboleth? Are you certain?” Snorting, Mecha told her, “I got smacked around by the blasted thing's tentacles! Yeah, it was an aboleth!” Stunned at the tone Mecha took with the princess, Twilight Sparkle quickly spoke up, asking, “Um, princess Celestia? What is an aboleth?” Sighing, Celestia replied, “A terrible creature that shouldn't be anywhere near Equestria. That's all you really need to know, but if you wish, more information should be in that book I gave you for your birthday last year.” Nodding her head, Twilight walked off, and Mecha said, “Please tell me you'll have somepony look into it? It's unsettling that one is so far away from their native home, let alone got so close to a major town without anypony noticing.” Replying with a mere nod of her head, Celestia settled down to enjoy the party. Seeing that his job here was done, Mecha walked over to the buffet table to get something to eat, when Cheerilee walked up to him and said, “You really shouldn't talk to the princess like that.” Chuckling, Mecha replied, “As I told Celestia, it's a casual party! Besides, if Luna was here, things would've been much worse.” Quirking her head to the side for a minute, Cheerilee said, “Is that so?” “Yeah,” Mecha told her, “I'd have pulled out a couple of bottles of moonshine and challenged her to a drinking contest.” Laughing at the mental image, she asked him, “Should I be worried that you have a drinking problem?” “I don't,” Mecha told her, “Unless it's poker night or to break a stiff atmosphere. Otherwise I generally don't touch the stuff.” Nodding her head, Cheerilee suddenly asked, “Can I ask you a favor Mecha?” “Sure!” he responded, grabbing an apple fritter from the table, taking a bite out of it. “Would you mind filling in for me for a week so I can attend a conference in Fillydelphia?” she asked. Thinking over his schedule for the next week or so, Mecha said, “Sure, I don't have a problem.” Smiling, Cheerilee replied, “Thank you! I'd normally ask someone like Twilight Sparkle to fill in, but the last time I did, well... the class feel asleep in the first hour if I remember correctly.” Chuckling, Mecha told her, “That sounds about right. Filled with knowledge she may be, but boring as well when she tries to teach. By the way, I've finished my book, if you'd like to read it during your trip?” Nodding her head, Cheerilee said, “That'd be wonderful!” LIINEBREAKER Mecha walked into the school, around ten minutes before class started. Walking up to the desk, he laughed lightly to himself, recalling the events of the previous day after he'd left the party. Apparently, Fluttershy had bird-napped the princess's pet phoenix, not realizing what Philomena was. Furthermore, she tried to help his get over his illness, and had gotten Twilight Sparkle involved somehow. Overall, it was hilarious to watch, although Big Macintosh biting his hooves in nervousness for his mare friend was funny to watch as well. Glancing up, Mecha notice that it was time to start class, and every colt and filly had their eyes on him. Clearing his throat, Mecha addressed the class, saying, “Hello again their young foals. As you know, my name is Mecha, and I'll be filling in for Cheerilee for the weekend.” Spotting Apple Bloom with her hoof in the air, Mecha nodded at her. Taking her cue, she asked, “Where is miss Cheerilee?” Nodding his head, Mecha answered, “She is currently at a conference in Fillydelphia, and will be there all week. Now, give me a second to find where you left off... ah. It appears that you are in between subjects, so I get the week to teach you whatever I feel is relevant! So, the question is, what should I teach your young, impressionable minds?” “Um, maybe what impressionable means?” replied Scootaloo. Laughing Mecha said, “Don't worry about that. That was just me being melodramatic. Anyways, since we have a full week, I think I know what I should teach you!” Seeing that he held the full attention of the class, Mecha grinned, and asked, “Have any of you heard of the legend of Star-Swirled the Bearded and the Trojan Horse?” Seeing the entire class shake their heads, Mecha's grin got wider, and continued, “The Trojan Horse is a creature that lures you into a false sense of security before springing its trap and...” LINEBREAKER Mecha was in his back yard, working in his newly re-built forge while Snips and Snails managed the shop. Pulling out some blanks, Mecha got to work forming them into molds. Talking to the class about the tales of ancient and powerful figures and their clashes with large and terrifying creatures inspired him for his next project; statues and figurines of every major figure in history, as well as most of the dangerous creatures in existence! Humming while he worked, Mecha contemplated what he'd do for tomorrow. After all, today was a big success, but he couldn't just tell them stories all week! Maybe he should re-enact some of the stories, get the kids involved? No, chances were to high that they'd hurt themselves by accident... all though a game day at the end of the week wouldn't be a bad idea... maybe even through in a trivia contest to see who payed the most attention! Yeah, he'd do that Friday, but what until then? Looking at the mold in his hooves, Mecha chuckled when he noticed just how much Hercules the Silent looked like Big Macintosh. Eyes widening, he grinned widely, plan in place for tomorrow, provided that Big Macintosh could help of course. LINEBREAKER A clash rang out through the courtyard, two swords locked in combat, as the young audience watched in awe. Jumping back, Mecha said, “This ends today Hercules! You may have beaten my father Antaeus*, but I am stronger than he, and have not his weakness!” Staring intensely, Big Macintosh said nothing, and settled into a firm stance, waiting for Mecha to charge. He didn't wait long, as seconds after finishing his speech, Mecha charged, swinging his sword over head, clashing with Big Macintosh's sword, before swinging it again, only to once more be blocked. Gaining a look of fury, he started to swing faster and faster, until he finally broke off, panting. Catching his breath, Mecha yelled out, “Why do you not strike back?! Are you not Hercules the Powerful? Hercules the fierce? Hercules, the slayer of my father? Or are you merely a coward, an imposter?!” A look of fury flashed across Big Macintosh's face, before he spoke slowly, “I did not strike because I had no quarrel with you. However, to insult my courage is to invoke my wrath, so you shall have your wish.” And so, the two charged at each other, strikes flying from both, sparks in the air. The class watched with baited breath as the two re-enacted the battle from history, each dressed in armor similar to what the historic characters were said to have worn. With each clash, they gasped, each swing holding their attention, and every step carefully observed. Finally, after another two minutes of intense combat, they all gave a final gasp, as Mecha was 'impaled' by Big Macintosh's blade. Coughing, Mecha glared at Big Macintosh, and said, “I curse you to the deepest level of Tartarus,” as he collapsed. When the class started clapping, he got off the ground and handed Big Macintosh the trick sword, before both of them turned to face the audience and bowed. After a few more minutes of applause, he spoke up, saying, “It was shortly after this that Hercules ended up going after the golden fleece, but that is a lesson for another day. Give it up once more for Big Macintosh here, who was kind enough to donate his time!” As the class gave another thunderous round of applause, Big Macintosh started to walk away, heading to Sweet Apple Acres to get back to work. Smiling at his friends kindness, Mecha went pale when he realized that he'd have to top this tomorrow. Maybe Doctor Whooves could help, he did always have a flair for the dramatic... LINEBREAKER “Foolish mortal!” Rainbow Dash yelled, dressed in a loose fitting robe. “Did you honestly think you could best me, the immortal Gralkon?** I hold powers you could only dream of!” here, she stood on her hind legs before 'forming' a lightning bolt in her left hoof, throwing it towards Mecha. Leaping out of the way, the electric bolt flew by him and caused a small explosion where he originally stood. “Powers you may have, and immortal you may be, but immortal doesn't mean unbeatable!” Mecha hollered, rushing at Rainbow Dash, only to stop when a ring of fire flared up in the way. Maniacally laughing, Rainbow Dash said, “How do you intend to even attempt this foolish folly when you can't even approach me?” Grimacing, Mecha hoped back before throwing his only weapon, a spear, at her, only for it to be blown away by a massive gust of wind. Laughing even louder now, Rainbow Dash started throwing lightning bolts at Mecha as if they were going out of style, causing him to dance around the explosive projectiles, forcing him to think fast. Making a final leap, he ended up next to a previously discarded bag and yanked out an item, looking away from it as he did so. Laughing, Rainbow Dash said, “What do you hope to accomplish...” before looking at, eyes widening. “NO!” she yelled, horror etched upon her face. “The face of a gorgon!” she continued, slowly turning to stone. “How did you acquire such a thing?!” was the last the last comment made by her, the stone having crept up her entire body. Putting the head back into the bag after a couple of moments, Mecha let out a sigh of relief. Starting at the statue, he said, “As I told you, immortal doesn't mean unbeatable.” A roar of approval came from the crowd, as the class and their parents, who'd decided to come watch the lesson after hearing about yesterday's performance, showed their appreciation for the good show and history lesson. Walking up to the front of the hastily set up stands, Mecha waited for Doctor Whooves and the un-stoned Rainbow Dash to join him before they all bowed. “I'd like to thank Rainbow Dash for giving up her time to perform for us today, as well as Doctor Whooves for his special effects! Parents, please go about your day, and students, come on inside for the rest of today's lesson!” With a sound of approval, the audience started to split up, parents going into town while the students walked inside. While watching the crowd move about, Mecha was approached by Rarity, who said, “That was a simply marvelous performance Mecha! I am so glad that Sweetie Bell convinced me to come along today. But now I must ask, what do you plan to do for tomorrow?” Blinking, Mecha went stiff with a smile on his face. Startled, Rarity waved a hoof in front of him, before poking him, knocking him over and causing him to clatter against the ground. LINEBREAKER Almost the entire town was present in the stands, waiting for Mecha to start his history lesson. After the previous performances, and the increased quality between them, the question everypony had on their mind was, 'how is he going to top yesterday's lesson?' The members of the audience whispered amongst themselves, each making bets on how he'd improve the lesson. The favorite bet was that he'd bring in a live creature and do mock combat with it, most likely his timberwolf cub. The other preferred choice was that he'd call in a favor with one of the princesses, and brought in two small armies. Other thoughts were wide and varied, with only one thing in common, it'd be big. After all, why else would he have pointed the bleachers towards a massive empty field when the school yard had previously been large enough for these lessons/performances. What none of them had expected was that Mecha had gone to Twilight Sparkle and asked for her to help with this performance, by using some extremely powerful illusion based magic. All to happy to help, and excited to try out such interesting magic, she started to cast the spell. A hush came over the crowd, as it suddenly became dark out, despite the fact that it was a cloudless sunny day. A fog rolled in over the field, and a hooded pony rose from the field, walking towards the audience. Stopping fifty feet from the bleachers, the figure spoke, in a deep, ominous voice, “There is a tale, of an ancient pony king. One whose bravery knew no bounds, and whose power was unmatched. A king who knew his limits, and...” LINEBREAKER The crowd gasped, as the king fell, having been abandoned by his followers. The watched, as his only truly loyal soldier fought back against the dragon that had slain his king, finishing what his king had not. Not a single soul dared to breath, as the fallen hero spoke his last words to his follower, before passing on. The scene slowly vanished, as the pony from the beginning appeared once more, saying, “And so passed Beowulf, the most noble king in history,” before turning away from the crowd, and walking away. After the illusion had been lifted, everypony roared with excitement, having been treated to an extremely well played piece of history. Walking out with Twilight Sparkle, the two gave a bow. Waiting for the excitement to die down, Mecha stood until the crowd was silent. Smiling, he told the crowd, “Thank you all for attending, I must say I was surprised when so many ponies showed up for a history lesson.” After a round of laughter from the audience, Mecha continued, “I'd like to say thanks to Twilight Sparkle here, who was able to provide the illusion used today, and to remind the students that tomorrow there will be a game day here at school, with each of the games having something to do with the lessons I've given over the past week. Furthermore, at the end of the day there will be a trivia contest to see just how much you retained! Parents are invited as well, so I hope to see you here!” And with that, he went to round up volunteers to help with the planned activities. *In true mythology, there was no son of Antaeus **Gralkon the Elemental- a figure from a role playing game, I pulled the name only, no other connection.