//------------------------------// // The Town Hero // Story: A Dragon and his Robot Friend // by Wildcard25 //------------------------------// Spike and Twilight were up and about showing Dragotron around Ponyville making sure to cover more than what Spike initially covered yesterday before deciding to make amends with the girls. “It is good the both of you decided to show me around Ponyville together,” Dragotron told the two, “I do find it better to be in the company of more than just one for an activity like this.” “Well, it's thanks to you helping us make up.” Spike said, as he and Twilight smiled at each other. “So what is on our first stop of the day?” the robot dragon inquired. Twilight smiled, “You'll see.” The three walked all the way to Sweet Apple Acres, as Dragotron looked, “This is Sweet Apple Acres.” “Correct.” Spike confirmed. “It was developed many moons ago by the Apple Family. It was thanks to them and their special produce of Zap Apple Jam Ponyville was founded.” the robot listed. “Looks like some robot's been brushing up on his history.” Twilight smirked. “Knowledge of Equestria and beyond is essential to my own growth.” Spike nodded in agreement. “Yee-haw!” came Applejack, as the three spotted her and her sibs bucking apples for harvest. “Good morning, Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Bloom.” Twilight greeted. “Morning, Twilight. Spike. Hey, Dragotron.” Applejack greeted back. “Morning.” Dragotron greeted. Apple Bloom approached the robot in fascination, “Whoa. What is it?” “Apple Bloom, this is Dragotron. He's a robot I created.” Spike explained. Apple Bloom looked Dragotron and up and down amazed, “You really created him, Spike?” “Indeed he did.” Dragotron confirmed. “Believe me, it surprised all of us.” Applejack told her sister. “We were picking up the tour from yesterday and thought we'd show Dragotron around.” Spike explained. Dragotron looked at the bushels of apples and the apples still hanging in the trees while scanning them, “Your produce appear to be really fresh and worm free.” “That's good to know.” Applejack said feeling glad. “Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed. Spike went to the stallion, “And Big Mac, if we're lucky we may have another to join in on Guys Night.” Big Mac looked to Dragotron and smiled, “Well, we always could use some extra pull to storm the Castle of the Cockroach King.” “I'll be sure to set the date.” Spike said, as he fist bumped with Big Mac. “Well, we'll let you all get back to harvest.” Twilight said, as the three were ready to go. “Thanks for stopping by!” Applejack said. As the three returned to Ponyville, Spike and Twilight walked past the spa, as Twilight spoke, “This is the Ponyville Spa, where ponies... And even dragons can go to get some relaxation and pampering.” “Maybe next time when we go I can get the ponies to give you a good spit shine for your chrome.” Spike offered. “That does sound like fun.” Dragotron admitted. “Next let move onto Fluttershy's.” Twilight suggested. Dragotron stopped, “Pardon me, but I know of a way to save us time to get there.” “How so?” the princess asked. Dragotron turned to Spike, “Spike, how do you feel about using Cycle Drive?” Spike hearing that smirked, “Well, we haven't tested it out yet. So might as well give it a go.” “What's Cycle Drive?” Twilight asked her assistant. “Watch this,” Spike said before speaking to his robot, “Dragotron; Overdrive!” “Overdrive!” Dragotron computed, as his body started transforming, and suddenly the robot dragon turned himself into a silver motorcycle with his dragon head sitting up front with its mouth open to be used as a headlight. Twilight blinked, “Spike, isn't this one of those transport vehicles used in Sunset's world?” “Yeah, they're called motorcycles. I felt like giving Dragotron an alternative mode or two depending on the situation.” Spike explained. “How did you even know about these vehicles?” she asked. “Come on, did you think you were the only one doing research about that world during our stays there?” Spike asked rhetorically. “Hop on,” Cycle Dragotron spoke. Spike climbed onto the seat and found a buckle snapping around his waist. Twilight sat behind Spike and found a buckle strapped into her as well, “Hold on tight!” the robot turned cycle revved up before riding off down the road. Spike and Twilight rode Dragotron until they reached Fluttershy's cottage. Cycle Dragotron pulled to a halt, allowing Spike and Twilight to dismount him. “That was incredible!” Spike cheered. “That was heart pounding.” Twilight said with her mane messed up. Dragotron shifted back into Dragon mode, before speaking, “I'd say cycle mode was a success.” “It sure was.” Spike nodded in confirmation, as Twilight fixed up her mane. “Yes, well, come on.” Twilight said, as they walked the rest of the way. As they walked closer they saw Fluttershy was tending to her animal friends by giving them food, “Morning, Fluttershy.” Twilight greeted. “Oh, good morning, Twilight. Spike. And hello, Dragotron.” “Good morning.” the robot greeted. “I hope we're not interrupting anything.” Spike said. “Oh, not at all.” “We were just showing Dragotron around and your place was our next stop.” Twilight explained. Dragotron looked around, “You have quite a set up, Fluttershy.” “Thank you, Dragotron. But you should see the wildlife sanctuary I had constructed.” Dragotron tilted his head, “A wildlife sanctuary?” “Yes. It's always been a dream of mine to have one created. When I learned the Ponyville veterinary clinic was too overrun with several animals I've helped before I decided to put my life long plan into play,” Fluttershy explained before crossing her arms, “Of course when we first started out it wasn't what I envisioned it would be.” “How so?” the robot asked. Twilight spoke up looking sheepish, “That's on me and the rest of the girls. As we kept trying to pitch ideas for Fluttershy's sanctuary the ideas weren't what she had in mind. Even three ponies A.J, Pinkie, and Rarity hired for certain tasks also weren't living up to her vision. When we all started doing things the way she wanted it to be, it all worked out well.” “Fascinating.” Dragotron admitted. “And now the animals have a place to rest and relax when recuperating before they can return to their own homes.” Fluttershy finished. “You are a very kind pony, Fluttershy.” Dragotron commended her. “Oh, thanks.” Fluttershy said bashfully while blushing. Dragotron looked before spotting a familiar forest not far from the cottage, “Spike. Twilight.” “Yeah?” Spike asked. “That forest over there is Everfree, correct?” the robot motioned to the forest. “That's right.” Twilight confirmed. “Based off my research it's the only place that doesn't require pegasi to control the weather or earth ponies to tend to its land.” “Got that right.” Spike confirmed. “It's also home to many dangerous beasts.” Fluttershy shivered. “It's highly recommended not to go in there alone.” Twilight added. “I understand.” “Well, let's move on,” Spike suggested, “Dragotron, overdr-” Twilight put her hoof to his mouth, “I think let's stick with walking.” she said with a nervous smile. And so the three left Fluttershy to continue to care for her animal friends. As they walked on, none of them could've seen several pairs of glowing yellow eyes flashing from the dark of the forest. Later on the three had returned to Ponyville and stopped to relax on a bench, “Well, I say this tour has been going well.” Twilight told Spike and Dragotron. “It sure has.” Spike confirmed. “I am finding Ponyville to be even better than you and history say it is.” Dragotron said. “We're glad to hear you feel that way.” Twilight replied. Suddenly the peace was broken by a combination of screaming ponies and beastly roaring, “What is going on?” Spike asked, as the three looked down the road seeing ponies running and taking cover. When they saw Rarity and Pinkie Pie running, they ran over to them, “Rarity, Pinkie, what's going on?” Twilight asked. “It's a timberwolf attack!” Pinkie cried, while motioning down the road. They looked seeing four big timberwolves rummaging around town looking for food. And on their menu was 'pony'. “What're timberwolves doing in Ponyville?” Twilight asked in concern. “Yeah, they only live in the Everfree Forest.” Spike noted. “I have a thought,” Dragotron began, “I can only assume whatever this pack might've been hunting in Everfree led them too close to the forest entrance. Consumed by curiosity, the timberwolves left the forest and are now looking for something more to feast on. And the only thing present to satisfy their hunger are the towns civilians.” “Doesn't exactly make the situation any better.” Rarity told him. “We gotta get them back to the Everfree Forest.” Twilight stated. Applejack and Rainbow arrived with Fluttershy, “Don't worry, ya'll.” the farm pony began. “We got this in the bag.” Rainbow boasted. “Hopefully, we can do this quietly.” Fluttershy hoped. “Hold on,” Dragotron said, as he blocked Rainbow and Applejack, “I'll handle this.” “You, Dragotron?” Rarity asked in confusion. “While I was designed for companionship. I was also programmed with defensive protocols in the event anyone important to me is in peril.” Twilight looked to Spike, “Is this true?” Spike nodded, “Yes. Dragotron, go for it!” Dragotron nodded, as he spread his wings and flew in the direction of the beasts. As he was closing in on one, he extended his arms out as his claws converted into buzz saws that started spinning. As he flew underneath the legs of one of the timberwolves the saws cut the legs off one making it fall to the ground shattering into sticks and wood. The ponies in town who were hiding poked their heads out seeing what Dragotron did and looked impressed. The three remaining timberwolves looked to Dragotron beckoning them to come. The three creatures charged, only for Dragotron to spread his wings and fly upward into the air above them out of reach. The robot dragon flew around breathing fire from his mouth onto one of the timberwolves making it burn before collapsing into pieces. Dragotron dove down and landed on the back one of the remaining two riding it like a bull. “Whoo, look at him go.” Applejack whistled. “That is pretty awesome.” Rainbow confessed. Spike crossed his arms and smiled proudly, “I never taught him that one.” Dragotron rode the timberwolf around making it ram into the other one knocking it down as it fell to pieces.. The robot jumped off the remaining one and landed on the ground staring it down. “Dragotron, use the missile barrage!” Spike ordered. “You got it!” Dragotron answered, as his chest opened up like flaps to reveal many missile launching compartments that fired a barrage of missiles from them. The missiles flew right down at the timberwolf exploding upon contact breaking it into pieces like it's pack. With all the timberwolves reduced to pieces of twigs and sticks, Twilight was able to cast a teleportation spell on their remains putting them right back into the Everfree Forest far from the entrance. Dragotron slumped docilely knowing his work was done, “Dragotron!” Spike called, as he and his friends rushed over. “Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked. “Never better. The work is done and the town is saved.” Dragotron answered. “That was awesome!” Rainbow cheered. “You were amazing.” Rarity agreed. “It's what I would do for my friends.” the robot answered. “Now that's what I taught him.” Spike told the girls. Suddenly the ponies came out of hiding and gathered around Dragotron giving him thanks. To Dragotron this was a surprise, and yet he was appreciative on how grateful they felt. Later on outside Town hall, ponies gathered all around, as Mayor Mare stood before Dragotron with Spike and the girls behind him. “For your brave and valiant defense of our town and its citizens, I declare you Dragotron an official resident of Ponyville.” Mayor Mare told the robot who shook her hoof. “Thank you, Madame Mayor.” he said gratefully, as the ponies cheered. Spike walked up to Dragotron and patted his leg, “Well, done, Dragotron. I'd say you found a place among the ponies in town.” “I do feel glad, Spike. If this is what happiness is I'm glad I was able to experience it.” “And you'll continue to feel more with all of us around.” Pinkie spoke up. “Well, she's not wrong.” Twilight admitted. “Now let's party!” Pinkie cheered, as the celebration began in honor of Dragotron.