Chapter 2-Get Equipped
Princess Celestia was pacing in the main hall of Canterlot Castle, fretting about what was going to happen. Early in the morning, when she was raising the sun, she had noticed something amiss in the gardens. The guards she had sent to investigate came back with troubling news; there was a statue missing, broken pieces of stone lying around the pedestal. While this would be bad enough, it was made into cause for ultimate alarm when she was informed which statue was destroyed. It was the stone prison for the God of Chaos, Discord, indicating he had once again escaped, and would be making Equestria his to rule.
Though he had previously been defeated and imprisoned by the Elements of Harmony, the solar princess feared that it would not be enough this time. His power is growing considerably; it’s only been a year since his last attack. Her only choice now was to do something drastic, something potentially dangerous, the only option that would be powerful enough to work. Even the previous Harmony Bearers wouldn’t be enough; she was also forced to call in two other ponies that would even the score. Celestia could only pray that it would be enough, as Discord would not likely be showing mercy.
In the middle of imagining what horrific things Discord would do to everypony, the front door swung open, revealing the eight ponies she had called to do the job, Twilight Sparkle leading the charge. “Princess, we hurried here as fast as we could? It’s true? Discord’s escaped?” Twilight remembered what horrible things had happened last time, where he turned her friends against each other and threw Ponyville into complete chaos. The others, while not hit quite as badly, still weren’t fond of the memories.
Celestia took her stance on the stairs in front of the group, to explain exactly what had happened. “Twilight Sparkle, I’m glad that you and your friends could come here on such short notice. It’s very important…”
Applejack interrupted the princess to make her point. “Pardon me Princess, but friends? This’n here,” gesturing to the brown earth pony behind her, “is not our friend! He spent the train ride up telling me how ‘apples were rubbish’, and how bananas were ‘high in potassium’. He even took mah hat!”
Celestia simply shook her head. “Yes, I understand not all of you are friends with each other. But the situation was too dire to let you six work alone, I needed to call in some extra help, and these two seemed like they would do nicely. So it’s vitally important to all of Equestria that we get down to business.” All of the ponies were quiet and listened.
“Last night, Discord escaped his prison. Seeing as how he was only trapped a year ago, his power has grown. Too much to risk sending you in with anything less than the best I can. Luckily, I’ve devised a way to give each of you incredible fighting abilities, which should hopefully be enough to stop Discord and save Equestria again. Now, please follow me.” She gestured to the group below her, and they all walked up the stairs to deeper parts of the castle.
Rainbow Dash flew up next to the Princess as they walked down the long, empty hallway. “I don’t see why you think we need help, Princess. I mean, sure, having backup can be nice, but we can handle any threat Discord could throw at us. The Elements are unstoppable!”
Celestia merely looked away from Rainbow Dash as they kept walking. “That’s the problem. The Elements of Harmony do have their limits, and I fear they won’t be enough this time. But all of you shouldn’t worry, your new powers should do the trick. And I’d imagine they’ll be quite to your liking,” she said, giving Rainbow a sly smile.
The hallway ended at a large door, similar to the one guarding the Elements, right down to the lock. Celestia inserted her horn into a hole, which used magic to lock and unlock the door. While the Princess may have found this normal, Twilight and her friends still found it odd and somewhat disturbing. The door glowed and opened, and the group stepped inside, door closing behind them.
“Now that we’re all here, it’s time that I tell you exactly what you need to do,” Celestia said, turning on the lights. With the room illuminated, eight glass tubes were exposed, each containing a suit of armor. “Each of you will receive one armor set, which will enhance your natural abilities and give you a powerful weapon to use.”
Twilight, being the egghead she was, had her questions about the armor. “Princess, there’s no way an armor that sleek would be strong enough to withstand heavy attacks. Where are these weapons coming from? What’s powering something so advanced?”
With Twilight part of this operation, Celestia was expecting questions about the logistics of their new abilities. “I’m not going to pretend that I understand the scientific explanations, but the armors are very high-tech, taking the energy from your Elements of Harmony to power the suits. For the two of you that aren’t Harmony Bearers, the suits are powered by a solar core.” After Twilight’s eyes widened at the thought of something as unstable as a solar core powering these, the Princess quickly added “But don’t worry, you shouldn’t have to use them long enough for it to become a threat.” Her reassurance did little to comfort them.
Celestia cleared her throat and continued before they could dwell on the topic for too long. “Anyway, the weapons come out from cannons attached to the front hooves, and each of you has a different weapon based on the armor set, which have been specifically designed based on your specific skills. If you want more information Twilight, you’ll have to ask Doctor Light in Maresteropolis. He’s the one who invented the technology.” Twilight made a mental note to do just that, once the crisis was over. “When I call your names, come forward to receive your new abilites.”
“Twilight Sparkle, you will be getting the Magic Armor. It enhances your magical abilites, and gives you the Magic Card, which shoots a boomerang card that can grab items.”
“Rainbow Dash, you will receive the Quick Armor. You can now move even faster, and get the Quick Boomerang, which is a super-fast, super-sharp boomerang.”
“Applejack, you get the Plant Armor. You can now jump much higher, and can use the Plant Barrier, which surrounds you with protective petals you can shoot off.”
“Fluttershy, you have the Wood Armor. It enhances your defense, and lets you use the Leaf Shield, encompassing your body with sharp leaves. But if you move, the leaves fly off with it.”
“Pinkie Pie, you get the Clown Armor. It gives you long reaching legs, and you will also receive the Thunder Claw, a lightning lasso.”
“Rarity, you will use the Jewel Armor, which gives your defense a tremendous boost, further enhanced by the Jewel Satellite, a shield made of diamonds. It is remarkably durable and helpful.”
The Princess turned to the remaining two ponies, the cross-eyed mailmare and the brown stallion, when she realized how odd they were, certainly not ones to save the world. Let’s just hope they’re up to the task. “I’m sorry that I had to pull you two in, but you’re the only ones that can use these powers properly.”
“Derpy Hooves, you’re getting the Bubble Armor. While a flaw in its design removes your ability to walk normally, you get the ability to breath underwater. Your weapon is the Bubble Lead, a bubble made of deadly sulfuric gas, which your mask protects you from. And you can shoot harpoons.”
Turning to the last unarmored pony, she realized she didn’t even know who he was. “I’m sorry, I know I called you here, but I don’t even know your name.”
The stallion was calm and accepting of his job, like he was used to saving the world or something. “I’m The Doctor. Just The Doctor.”
Celestia wanted to question what his actual name was, but decided it didn’t really matter. “Alright Doctor, you get the Time Armor. It’s only a prototype, so it doesn’t have any benefits, but you can use the Clock Hands, which shoot out two lasers. Sorry I couldn’t give you more, but it should be enough.”
Once everyone had received their armors, Celestia looked around the room to see how the ponies were using them. Twilight was using her now enhanced magic to keep Fluttershy from running away, Pinkie Pie was swinging from the ceiling with her extending legs, Rarity was admiring how fabulous she looked, Rainbow was laughing at Applejack the flower, and Derpy was making heavy breathing noises through her snorkel. They’d better learn to use their powers effectively. And soon. “Alright, now I want all of you to head back home. Discord is likely going to hit Ponyville first, so you need to stop him there. Equestria is in your hooves once again.”
Twilight was ready to fight for Equestria and the Princess one more time. “You can count on us, Princess. We can do it, right?” The other ponies followed with an enthusiastic “YEAH” as they all ran out the door.
Celestia was left alone as she began to contemplate what was going to happen. They were going to defeat Discord, and she wasn’t going to imprison him once again. This time, I’m going to watch you die.
Back in Maresteropolis, Rock and Roll were tidying up Doctor Light’s house a little. He wasn’t expecting company, it was just nice to have the place clean. Light was doing some programming work in his lab. He was hoping to take Rock’s success in robotics and work it into industrial machines. If he could get it working properly, it would revolutionize labor, taking the dangerous jobs from the ponies.
Rock was confused as to why Doctor Light wanted worker robots to have feelings like he did. Wouldn’t that just get in the way of getting the work done effectively? “Hey Roll, why is Doctor Light making industrial robots with emotions? For domestic robots like us, it makes sense, but it doesn’t seem particularly useful in harsh working environments.” Rock and Roll had taken to casual conversations during their off time.
“I’m not exactly sure how it’s supposed to help, but you do know why he’s making mining robots, right?” Rock shook his head. “It’s because Doctor Light lost his dad in a mining accident. He wants to make sure that nopony else has to suffer what he did.” Roll noticed her brother was now just looking at the floor, clearly depressed by what she had told him. “Sorry I had to tell you the sad news, but you deserved to know.”
Before they could dwell on the topic for too long, Doctor Light called them both from across the house. “Rock, Roll, I need you two in the lab. Immediately.” They both dropped what they were doing and hurried to him. His voice sounded urgent, Rock thought. What could be wrong?
They followed Doctor Light’s directions and went to see what the problem was. When they arrived in the lab, they saw him fretting over his computer screen, eight dots flashing on the map, all centered in one location. Roll, not normally the curious one, asked, “What do the flashing lights mean, Doctor?”
Doctor Light was distraught. If these are what I think…no, they can’t be. It isn’t possible. But…they can’t be anything else, can they. His mind was racing with the facts, the only thing this could mean. “These dots represent the locations of my tracking codes, which is programmed into all of my creations. But…I can’t bring up the information on them. Which can only mean one thing…”
Rock was quick to the punch. “Someone doesn’t want you to know about these. But…if they aren’t your creations, then…”
Doctor Light finished Rock’s thought. It wasn’t specifically programmed, but the two of them shared a similar mental wavelength. “Someone stole my research, and is using it for their own deeds. But why? What are they doing that I can’t know about my own inventions?”
Rock decided to be the optimist. The conversation certainly needed one. “I’m sure it’s possible it isn’t for evil purposes. Maybe they’re using your work to help ponies like you.”
Roll trotted to her brother. “Rock, you’re nice and smart, but you’re really naïve. If they wanted to do good, they would have told Doctor Light about their ambitions. There’d be no reason not to.”
Doctor Light nodded grimly. “Exactly, Roll. Which only leaves one possibility: somepony has taken my research and work, and is using it for evil. Most likely, to take over Equestria.”
Rock looked at him in disbelief. “I’m sure they aren’t taking over Equestria, Doctor. That’s starting a little big, don’t you think? I’ll admit, it doesn’t look good, but maybe they’re…” Before Rock could finish his thought, an alert popped up on the computer screen.
Doctor Light was quick to check what was happening. “Ponyville is falling apart! It’s being attacked by…sources unknown. It must be the robots! And if Ponyville falls, it’s strategically close to Canterlot. It wouldn’t be long before the capital fell and Equestria is in ruins.”
Roll knew that hope was slim, but possible. “What about the police? Or the Royal Guard? Or the Elements of Harmony? Couldn’t they stop this?”
Doctor Light shook his head. “If they’ve been modified for combat, I fear nothing could stop them. The future looks bleak.” He put his head down, and Roll did the same.
Rock wasn’t one to just sit back when danger threatened. He was programmed with a strong sense of justice, and he would see it to the end. But, if nopony else could stop the threat, how could I do better? The only way I could stand a chance was if… It was at that moment, he knew what needed to be done. “Doctor, you have to convert me into a fighting robot!”
Doctor Light looked up in complete shock and disbelief. “No Rock, I couldn’t. I can’t let you do this.”
Rock wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Why not? If I was given combat abilities, I would be on equal ground with the attackers. And I have something they don’t: Purpose. Drive. A reason to fight.”
“If I convert you, I could lose my only son.”
“If you don’t convert me, we could lose a whole lot more. If you don’t give me powers, I’m going out there as-is to fight them. I can’t sit here and watch Equestria fall, I need to take action.”
Roll hugged her brother. “Rock, I don’t want to lose you. If you go out, you’ll be destroyed. We’ll lose everything that matters to us.”
Rock brushed his sister off. “I understand the risks, but I feel like I could defeat them. I’m ready to stand up to any challenge and face it down!”
Doctor Light closed his eyes and sighed. “Alright, I understand. I don’t agree with your decision, but your motives are good. Your heart is in the right place, and I don’t have a right to stop you. I couldn’t, even if I tried. We must get to work, designing this upgrade for you.”
The three of them worked as fast as they could. The night fell, and the next morning came. That’s good, Rock thought, Celestia and Luna haven’t fallen yet. There’s still time.
At last, the work was complete. Rock was ready to go out and fight evil, once his body was suitably upgraded. Doctor Light hugged his son for what could possibly be the last time. “Rock, I’m glad you’re doing what’s right. Please, just don’t get yourself killed. For our sake.”
Rock nodded, ready to take the first step to a new life. “I’m ready, Doctor. Let’s get me upgraded so I can head out!”
Doctor Light was ready as well. Ready to see whether Rock had what it took to be a hero. “Come on Rock, this way.” They walked to a capsule, which Rock promptly stepped inside. Once the door was closed, he was unable to hear anything beyond murmurs, but he could see that Doctor Light and Roll were talking about something. Doctor Light pressed a few buttons, and everything suddenly went dark.
When he woke up again, it was like the first time. Everything seemed fuzzy, and his body was new and unfamiliar. Looking down at it, it didn’t look all that different. He was bulkier, his hair was covered by a helmet matching his coat, and he felt more power coursing through his body. Now this feels like the body of a hero.
Doctor Light was happy for his success, but it wasn’t without reservation. I’ve given him the means to walk away from the light, I can only hope he doesn’t follow them. “Now, I know you’re going to want to leave as soon as you can, so I’ll give you a quick rundown of your abilities.”
Rock was still busy admiring his new body. “All right, Doctor, let me know what I can do!” His voice was filled with confidence, and devoid of fear.
“For basic upgrades, you can now run faster, jump higher, and your energy won’t deplete as fast. Your body is bulkier because it’s now covered with a high-quality armor, which will reduce damage, and protect you from extreme temperatures. Your magic has been modified to shoot blasts of plasma, which can be charged into a larger blast. The design of this charge shot is now your cutie mark.” Rock looked at his flank again, and saw the completely unfamiliar design.
“Seeing as how you are going to be going against enemies who most likely have more advanced weaponry, you are equipped with what I call the ‘Variable Weapon System’. If you defeat an opponent, you can take their weapon and use it. Certain weapons might be able to be used for extra purposes, depending on what the weapons are.”
Rock was now completely ready to go save Equestria. “All right Doctor, I’m ready, where do I need to go?”
Doctor Light gestured to his computer. “All of the current locations of the robots are being tracked. Choose which one you would like to face first, and I can teleport you to their location.”
Rock looked at the locations marked on the map, spread across Ponyville. If the town has fallen, I suppose the most effective method would be working my way inwards. “I’ll start at that one, outside the town, next to the forest.”
Doctor Light pointed at the teleport system, and Rock walked over. “It’s your time to shine, Rock. I knew you would go on to do something better, I just never imagined it would happen so soon.”
Roll began to yell at Rock. “You better come back in one piece, Rock! You don’t want to know what I’ll do to you if you get hurt!”
Rock knew she was only joking, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “Sure thing, Roll.” While Doctor Light was putting in coordinates, he had time to think. Rock isn’t a very good name for a hero, is it? I’ll need something better, something that shows that I mean business. Just as quickly as the idea popped in his head, he knew his new name was perfect. “Watch out enemies of Equestria, Mega Stallion is ready to rock!”
The teleport sequence began, and everything turned white as he was transported to the starting point to his destiny.