//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Powerless // Story: The Tired Automaton // by Partycannon_ //------------------------------// “F-Fifteen percent?” I threw awake in a panic. B-But how? Shouldn’t I be charging? Or, wait… how do I charge? Sleep? No, the percent should have moved up while I was out. How do ponies charge? I closed my eyes to focus, trying to pull something important out of the wires and bolts in this robotic head. “Food?” It’s true I hardly ate yesterday but what else could it be? THINK HARDER BRAIN, or processing units or whatever! Think, think, think. This feels so easy but I really can’t think of it. “Hmm, Sweetie Belle, are you okay?” I opened my eyes to find Rarity rubbing her eyelids. She sat on the same wooden chair next to my bed. “S-Sorry, I was just thinking.” But I still can’t come up with an answer. “Thinking about what darling?” I cringed slightly at the question but wanting to solve the problem made me want to ask, I just have to be careful. “How does…? What do…? How can…? What, charges toasters?” I finally managed to spill awkwardly. “What charges… toasters? They are powered by electricity of course, so are sewing machines and the lights.” She was obviously put off by the question but answered simply. That only made me think more, how was I powered before I knew I was a robot? If it really is electricity, how do I obtain it? “How do toaster get electricity?” I ask in thought. “I would have to show you later. But Sweetie Belle, why did you suddenly wake up to worry about such a trivial question?” I frowned, I couldn’t think of a good answer. “It was a um, bad dream. Why can’t you show me now? It would really help with my… nightmare.” I answered with a slight hope she would buy it. “I can’t show you now because our electricity is cut off, so is the entirety of Ponyville.” “WHAT?” “I know, I have been dying for my hair dryer to magically work again and this dreadful darkness is not doing my dresses any favors.” “WHEN WILL IT TURN BACK ON!?” “Please calm down Sweetie Belle, I know it seems like the end of Equestria but I can promise that it isn’t. It will turn back on when it comes back, we just have to be patient.” I CAN’T BE PATIENT! “How about some breakfast? I’m famished.” Rarity said with a smile while I screamed internally. Hours felt like days, watching as my battery slowly drained. I had almost given up completely. Rarity’s denial of me leaving the boutique didn’t give me any options. The agony of sitting in bed and watching my life slowly leave me was not an enjoyable experience. Not only this but my sense of smell was cut off completely, all the power fueling that sense redirected elsewhere. My system slowly shutting off functions to keep me alive terrified me. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. Both of us look up, my sister made it clear that the store was closed and this is the first time we heard knocking for the past three days. “I’ll go check who it is.” She got up and left for downstairs. Soon after the door opened and I heard two voices that made me want to leap with joy. A large smile found its way on my face. I couldn’t hear what they said but soon after the door shut and I only heard one set of hoofsteps climb the stairs, the smile evaporated. “Was that Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?” I quickly ask. “Yes, they want to see you. Do you… want to see them?” Rarity said slowly. “O-Of course!” With my firm answer my sister went back down to let my best friends in but my stomach turned. Once again I felt like throwing up. Oh, that’s right, I’m a robot. ‘Um… c-can I join you two?’ ‘WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? THIS ISN’T A JOKE’ I shook my head to try and wave away my fears. It seems my ability to hide my robotic side works against Rarity, I just hope it does the same for my friends. If not, then I wouldn’t mind my batteries reaching zero. My sister and my two best friends came up the stairs and the world seemed to slow. Don’t open that door, just go away. Please don’t come in. Then, the door busted open with the two joyous faces of my friends. All of my worries, the pain, and my tired batteries all faded away. I jumped down to greet them with a large grin. I don’t think I have ever been happier to see them. “SWEETIE BELLE!” They both cheered. “I missed you guys so much.” We flew into a hug before letting go too early. “Woah, it’s only been a few days. No need to get all sappy on us.” Apple Bloom said with a smile. “Does the sickness make you cry? I might need an umbrella.” Scootaloo chuckled. “Shut it you two.” I said, pulling them back into a hug. “No offense Sweetie but Ah don’t really want to get sick.” Apple Bloom pulled away. “What do you have anyways?” Scootaloo asked, content in the hug. “Wait, what are you girls talking about? I’m not sick.” I said with a wave of confusion. “But Miss Cheerilee said-” “Might I interject? I told your teacher to tell your class that you are sick. I didn’t want all your friends knowing why you are at home.” Rarity explained. “Sooo… why aren’t you comin’ to school then?” “We are just having some issues with health.” Rarity answered and I began hiding the bandage on my hoof. “Issues with health? Isn’t that just being sick?” Scootaloo voiced her confusion. “It’s different. Anyways, how about some food?” My sister swayed the conversation away. “Sure.” My two friends answered quickly. “Wonderful, I’ll go make some.” She said while starting to leave. Us three wait patiently for her to get out of ear shot. “What’s really going on?” The yellow filly began in a whisper. “She thinks I want to hurt myself, like, really badly.” I answer, feeling sort of awkward. Both of my friends look to each other with wide eyes before falling back to me. “Um… do you?” The orange pegasus questioned. “Of course not!” I said defensively. “Thank Celestia.” They both echoed. “Listen, I need a really big favor from you two.” I started. “Of course!” They also echoed. “Rarity won’t let me leave and I need to get out of here.” “Why?” Apple Bloom asked. “I um… I-” I couldn’t think of a good excuse. I can’t tell them, I just can’t. “I just need to.” I cringed. “Okay, only if you promise us one thing.” Apple Bloom stated. “What?” “You won’t hurt yourself.” “I told you that-” “That isn’t how you say; I promise.” Scootaloo cut in. “I promise.” With those two words they both smiled.