//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Awake // Story: The Tired Automaton // by Partycannon_ //------------------------------// I’m in pain. “No, no, no, we can’t tell Rarity.” Why is everything so heavy? “I’m sorry Scootaloo but her sister just got zapped with a high voltage of electricity.” Rarity… She is… never going to let me leave the house again. I shot up, finding myself wrapped up in a series of blankets. “Twi.” I squeaked as I wrestled with my cocoon. After some struggle I fell to the floor in a thud. “Ow.” “It sounds like she’s awake.” Apple Bloom stated coolly. “Thank goodness.” Twilight said as she raced into the room and wrapped me in her magic, the blankets falling to the floor. “Are you okay? I don’t know what I would have done with myself if you- and Rarity too-” Twilight inspected me before pacing. “How are you holding up?” Scootaloo asked in a dull tone. “I’ll live.” I said with a small grin. “Do you know how many volts that was? It’s a miracle that-” “What in the hay is wrong with you Sweetie Belle? First you beg us to bail you out of your house, then you got your eyes set on power like a hungry fruit bat given a bright juicy apple. Then you didn’t listen to Spike. THEN YOU BROKE OUR ONE PROMISE!” Apple Bloom pointed a hoof to me. Twilight grew quite as she lifted me down and stepped back. I watched as she huffed, an anger fueling her eyes. Stopping herself from saying something hurtful. I can’t help to think I have seen this before and I have, the reason why all this happened. Sorry wasn’t going to cut it. “Apple Bloom, I kn-” “WHAT?” “I know saying sorry isn’t going to undo today. I do hope you can forgive me for not telling you sooner.” I cringed. “Not telling us what?” Most of the anger gone from her voice. I retreaded back slightly, unaware of how difficult this was. “I-I’m a robot.” The room was silent as my friends watched me. “Like a fake pony?” Scootaloo asked in a low voice. “In some words… yes.” I looked away from the group as quietness fell over us again. “Are you the real Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked with a deep seriousness. “O-Of course I am.” Or I should be. “Sorry to cut in but is it true? Are you a robot?” Twilight stepping between me and my friends, towering above me with a frown. “Y-Yes.” I stammered back, forgetting the unicorn was here. She stared for a few long seconds. “That actually solves a lot of problems.” She chuckled slightly “It does?” Me and the crusaders echoed. “We have been trying to root out the power problem in Ponyville for months but haven’t managed to figure out the core issue. Well, the core issue is you.” Twilight spoke in a low tone. I backed up slowly, keeping the door in my view. Then she winked with a grin and the extreme unease left. “So, if we get rid of you then there won’t be any more problems.” She formed a frown again as she grew more hostile with every step forward. “Twilight, how can you say that!” Scootaloo threw herself between us. “You ain’t touching a- a gear on her.” Apple Bloom joined in. “Girls, you do realize that you are protecting a robot? A soulless machine.” Twilight asked in a deathly tone. If I had a heart, it would be leaping out of my chest. “I don’t care.” Scootaloo stated sharply. “Yeah, and she is our friend.” AB starred daggers. The grown unicorn readjusted to a relaxed smile. Rather off-putting to the three of us. “I’m sorry about the insult Sweetie Belle, I hope I didn’t cause any harm by it.” She said remorsefully. “It’s okay Twilight, I knew you were just helping.” I gave a half-baked smile. “What?” Apple Bloom asked simply. “You aren’t going to try and ‘get rid of’ Sweetie Belle?” Scoots looked to the mare in confusion. “Of course not but I wasn’t completely lying with that speech. She is the reason for us being so short on power but it isn’t completely her fault. Sorry about tricking you fillies, I’m sure that was a bit tough on you.” Twilight said as she rubbed the back of her head. “It was terrifying.” Scootaloo stated, hoof over heart. “But not as scary as losing Sweetie Belle.” AB sighed in relief. The grown unicorn gave a smile. “Sweetie Belle has already gone through a lot. Figuring out you aren’t who you think you are is difficult.” Twilight answered and I responded with a frown. “Twilight… Why am I a robot?” I asked and she stood thinking for a moment. “Because somepony made you.” She stated calmly. “No, that isn’t what I mean.” I shook my head. “Then what do you mean?” Scootaloo asked, scratching her head. “I think it’s better if we talk with Rarity.” Twilight gave a small, lighthearted smile.