How long has it been? I know the AI said something about several days, but it feels like it's been more than that. My internal clock must still be damaged if I don't have any idea, yet.
"Repair of all systems at 99%. Reactivating visual sensors."
Huh. Finally waking up, am I? Well, I hope Celestia and Luna are okay. I mean, we were under attack.
As my vision returned, I notice instantly the more expansive view of the sky. The next thig I took note of was the budding bushes and small trees in the area, like a freshly made garden.
"Uh...." was all I could voice out as I was in confusion. However, I hear a small squeak nearby and a rustle in one of the bushes. Turning my head (which was more a chore than I expected after the self repair), I notice a small pair of hazel eyes staring out at me.
With a small smile (or at least expressing one through my eyes), I take a step down from the pedestal, finding that my movements were stiff as well. I guess it's too be expected when self repairing can take over a couple days.
"Best make sure Celly and Lulu are okay."
With that, I open my wings and move them a bit to get the stiffness out of them following the same action with my thrusters. Once I am certain everything was in decent operation, I look to the sky and take off, flying up to get a good idea of where we were. Apparently the garden was situated on an elevated landscape on the side of a mountain. While it did defy some factors of logic, I remind myself this is not Earth. Seeing a castle nearby, I fly to there in hopes of getting some answers from the princesses. Many ponies looked up to me, many seeming surprised and fearful, yet some elderly I noticed smiled as if in recognition.
As I land, a squad of ponies appear to surround me, wearing armor and aiming spears at me, which makes me raise my hands.
"Identify yourself!" Barked a unicorn, who apparently was the commander of this squad. I sigh as I am confused.
"Royal Guard Commander Zero. I was under self repair apparently, which would put me in a state of hibernation until all damage was completely repaired. I have woken up recently and am curious as to why we are now on a mountain city apparently."
The lead unicorn steps forward, glaring at me as he looked me over. He soon steps back, and he does something I didn't expect.
"....BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice try, but that costume of our legendary commander doesn't fool me. How about you take off that oversized helmet and show your real face."
I give a slight glare, which makes the soldiers behind the unicorn squirm a little.
"If this were a helmet, how about you try to remove it instead? I doubt you can since I am being completely serious. What is your name and rank, soldier?"
The unicorn snorts, his blue blue eyes giving back a similar intense glare. If I wasn't in this predicament right now, I'm certain we'd have a good laugh.
"Royal Guard Captain Shining Armor. And I'll take you up on that offer." States the unicorn, his horn glowing with magic. I feel a tug on my head, but also notice he is suddenly struggling. He is doing a good job hiding his stress, but I could see him sweating as he struggled.
After about 15 minutes, and in-between small talk saying he shouldn't strain himself too hard, Shining Armor gasps and releases his magic grip.
"Does this prove to you I am not lying?"
Shining Armor chuckles, clearly not wanting to give in.
"Don't... get cocky with me.... pant ....Just need to figure out the release mechanism..."
I sigh, unfurling my wings as I was done waiting.
"While I'd enjoy humoring you more, Captain, I must speak with the Princesses. Aduei."
With that, I launch myself up with my boosters and take flight over the guards, shocking them. Shining Armor barked orders for a chase, but I was already inside the castle before they could get started. I looked around and seen a lot of more modern items I thought I'd never see again, one being a maid listening to music on headphones.
As I made my way to a pair of giant double doors, I am tackled out of the air by a couple of pegasi guards.
"Oof! Impressive flanking tactic, but," I stand up, overpowering them as I was a machine, "don't judge a book by its cover. Your adversary can always be stronger than they seem."
With a single motion of my wings, they are sent into a mob of unicorn and earth pony guards coming in led by Shining Armor. Shining Armor, clearly having enough, drew his sword in his magic grip.
"Enough! You are now trespassing on royal grounds, and I advise you to surrender peacefully or else I'll-"
Before he could finish, the doors open and reveal someone I didn't think I'd recognize if I didn't see her cutie mark. There, mouth gapping in shock, was an older Princess Celestia.
I give a bow and kneel, lowering my head.
"I have woken up, Princess." I then give a silly wink. "So, what did I miss, Celly?"