//------------------------------// // This Day is Going to be Perfect // Story: Returning Survivor // by Itchy //------------------------------// Mecha and Sugary Spice were walking towards the school, each with a saddle pack over there backs. They approached the door, hearing Sweetie Bell say, “I'm sure it's nothing compared to the gifts you've gotten from your very special somepony!” Chuckling to himself, Mecha opened the door and walked in, saying, “Condsidering that I'm giving her a whole day as a gift...” before spotting the giant card the Cutie Mark Crusaders had made for Cheerilee. Jaw dropping, Mecha didn't notice Sugary Spice walk in and imitate his look, before both said at the same time, “Pride's mirror! Use enough glitter?” Chuckling at her stallionfriend's reaction, Cheerilee said, “I think it's sweet. But you were saying something Mecha?” Shaking his head, Mecha replied, “Yeah, I've got a full day planned for us- including a concert from your favorite cellist.” Eyes widening, Cheerilee squealed and asked, “You got tickets to Octavia's concert? How'd you pull that off?” Shrugging, Mecha replied, “From my brother. Apparently somepony decided they owed my a favor and sent the tickets to him for me.” Grabbing Mecha around the neck, Cheerilee gave him a squeeze, saying, “Oh, this day is going to be perfect!” LINEBREAKER “This day is going to be perfect...” Capo said, staring at the Nightmare Clan member's creation. “Yes, it shall...” came said member's reply. “How long until it's ready?” Capo asked, eyes still focused on the product of their joint effort. “It'll be ready at the end of the day,” the dark unicorn replied, turning towards a table. “All we need to do is train it...” LINEBREAKER Mecha and Cheerilee where on the train to Canterlot, dressed up in their outfits from the Grand Galloping Gala for the concert. The two were currently chatting and laughing, with Mecha asking, “You realize that Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, and Applebloom are following us, right?” Chuckling, Cheerilee replied, “Eeyup. And Sugary Spice is with them.” Shaking his head, Mecha asked, “How do you think they'll break into the concert hall?” Rubbing her chin, Cheerilee said, “Hm... I'd guess the backdoor.” Nodding his head, Mecha said, “Probably. Either that or the air ducts.” At this point, the train pulled into the station, and the two got off. Looking around, Mecha raised an eyebrow when he saw a pony holding up a sign that said Mecha and date. Glancing at Cheerilee, he shrugged before walking up to the stallion. “Would you happen to be Mecha sir?” he asked. Nodding his head, Mecha replied, “And this is my date, Cheerilee.” Smiling, the stallion said, “Very well then sir. If you'll follow me, Miss Octavia is waiting for you two.” Stunned, the couple stared at each other for a moment, before quickly following the stallion into a nearby building. Knocking on a door, he said, “Your guests are here ma'am.” “Let them in!” replied a voice from behind the door. Nodding his head, the stallion opened the door and said, “Have a good day.” Walking through the door, Mecha stood stock still, staring at Octavia. Blinking, he was broken out of his shock when Cheerilee squealed lightly before running up and shaking Octavia's hoof, stammering out, “Oh miss Octavia, it is a pleasure to meet you! I'm one of your biggest fans, and I simply loved your performance at the Grand Galloping Gala!” Chuckling, Octavia replied, “Yes, thank you very much. It's a pleasure to meet you miss...?” Blushing, Cheerilee rubbed the back of her head, before saying, “Oh, yes, sorry about that... my name is Cheerilee, and this is...” “Mecha,” Octavia interrupted, nodding her head. “Yes, I know him from high school. Although, back then everypony knew me by...” “Octy... Vinyl always insited that was your name...” Mecha supplied, shaking his head. “How in Sloth's hammock did I not realize that before?” “Probably because you tried to block out our one major interaction from you memory,” Octavia suggested, chuckling lightly. Cheerilee looked between the two, and asked, “What interaction was that?” Groaning, Mecha said, “She set me up on a blind date...” “With my date's brother,” Octavia said. Seeing the stare Cheerilee was sending her, she held her hooves up defensively and said, “I actually thought he was gay! Over half the school thought so to, which is why everypony was shocked when he went out with Nova!” Grumbling to himself, Mecha said, “Nova was the first mare from our school... and that was a BIG mistake...” Chuckling, Octavia replied, “Oh yeah, they're still filling in the trench she made...” Shaking his head, Mecha said, “So, Octy, not that it isn't nice to see you again and all that, but why'd you want to see us?” Nodding her head, Octavia replied, “A valid question. Basically, I wanted to make up for setting you up on a blind date with mine date's brother. That's also why I had Shine Sight send you those tickets.” Mecha's reply was cut short when the door opened and Vinyl Scratch walked in, shouting, “Hey Octy, where's the...” before she spotted Mecha. “Um... Octy, why is my ex-stallion friend in the room?” Octavia blinked, before staring at Mecha, and then Vinyl. Blinking, she asked, “You dated Mecha once?” “Yeah, right before the dude enlisted... ended up getting me banned from my favorite restaurant,” Vinyl said. Mecha was slowly making his way behind the furniture, watching as the two talked. “You mean the one I had to blackmail to let you back in again?” “Yeah,” Vinyl replied. “So I ask once more, what's up?” “She's paying me back for a favor apparently,” Mecha said, sticking his head above the couch. “And you're not going to blast me with your Bass Cannon?” “Nope,” Vinyl said. “I assume Octy would be upset if I blasted her guest and destroyed half her place in the process.” Sighing with relief, Mecha said, “Whew... in that case, can I ask what you're doing here?” Nodding her head, Vinyl started walking over to Octavia and said, “It's quite simple... I'm here to wish my marefriend good luck before her concert!” as she gave Octavia a quick kiss. “Knock 'em dead!” Blinking, Mecha and Cheerilee gave each other a glance before shrugging. Stranger things then this had happened before after all, so why not just take it in stride? LINEBREAKER Mecha and Cheerilee where both in the front row of the concert, listening to Octavia play her cello, nodding their heads to the rhythm. Up above, in the air vents, four fillies where listening along, while watching the couple. “They look so happy...” Sweetie Bell said, eyes watering a little at the romantic scene. Rolling her eyes, Scootaloo said, “Yeah, well at least they aren't too mushy or anything...” “And what's wrong with mushy?” Sugary Spice asked. “Isn't it just great that they get along so well?” “Ah agree with SS,” Applebloom added. “As long as they're happy, ah'm happy!” Scootaloo's reply was cut off when Sweetie Bell shushed them, saying, “Something's going on down there!” And indeed, after finishing her last song, a crew came in and started moving her cello off stage, while bringing a bunch of sheet covered gear out, with Octavia stepping up to the mic. “Your attention please!” she said, before continuing, “I happen to have an old high school friend here today, and he requested to be able to preform something for his marefriend while he was here. Now, at first I was a bit skeptical, as he had no musical talent in high school, but when he played a sample for me, I was amazed. So, without further ado, Mecha's Musical Mallets!” Blinking, Cheerilee looked to the seat where Mecha was before, only to realize that he wasn't there. Looking onto the stage, she shook her head and smiled as he stepped onto the stage, throwing off the sheets to reveal sheveral sheets of metal, and pulled out a set of hammers. Bowing to the crowd, he winked at Cheerilee. Up in the air ducts, Sugary Spice giggled, before saying, “Of course he's doing that...” Staring at their friend, the Cutie Mark Crusaders asked, “Doing what?” Shaking her head, Sugary Spice said, “He's using his talent in forging as music...” seeing their blank looks, she said, “Just watch and listen.” Back on stage, Mecha picked up his first hammer, and slammed it against one of the sheets of metal, letting out a long ringing gong sound throughout the room. Picking up a second hammer, he hit the first sheet again before hitting another. Nodding his head, Mecha started to hit several other sheets, each letting out a different pitch, creating a unique melody. Smirking, Mecha started to pick up the pace, hammering out a tone several recognized as being vaguely similar to a lullaby they heard as colts and fillies. The smirk on Mecha's face turned into a grin, as he slowly changed melodies, and suddenly threw one of his hammers across the stage while picking up a third hammer. When the hammer he threw impacted the metal, Mecha threw another in a different direction, before catching the other hammer on the rebound. At this point, the audience leaned forward, intent on catching every movement Mecha made, juggling the three hammers as their impacts played the Equestrian national anthem. When he finished that, he added a fourth hammer into the mix, slowly moving towards the center of the stage, no swinging the hammers at the metal, but instead merely throwing the hammers at each metal sheet with enough force to bounce them back to him as he played a slow waltz. Once in the center, Mecha slammed a hoof down, causing two more hammers to fly into the air, which he quickly integrated into the mix, speeding up the pace of the music. The audience was entrapped, as the tones the vibrating metal made slowly created an image in their heads of a peaceful field... LINEBREAKER After around twenty minutes and thirteen hammers later, Mecha had finished his performance, and was taking a bow. The music was nothing compared to what Octavia could produce, but the way he presented it made it so that he received just as much applause for it. Talking into the mic, Mecha said, “Thank you all! I'd like to thank Octavia for allowing me to do this, as well as saying happy Hearts and Hooves day to you all! Finally, could you give a round of applause to my marefriend, whom without which I'd be... well, not nothing, but close to it!” The audience did as he asked, allowing him to step down to be greeted by a large hug from Cheerilee, who asked, “When did you learn how to do that?” Laughing, Mecha returned her hug, before saying, “You'd be surprised what you can come up with when you're bored and have nothing to do at three in the morning.” Shaking her head, Cheerilee gave him a quick kiss, before asking, “What's next?” Smirking, Mecha replied, “A surprise.” LINEBREAKER Mecha had walked Cheerilee out a short distance from Canterlot, before removing the blindfold from her eyes. Blinking, her eyes adjusted to the light, before she asked, “Mecha, is that the Daring Do movie being filmed?” “Eeyup,” Mecha said. “Ditzy pulled a few strings and got us in as extras. How would you like to have dinner and be filmed for what is likely to be the biggest movie released?” Blinking, Cheerilee asked, “Depends. What's for dinner?” “Whatever you order, duh!” came Ditzy's voice, as she walked over to the couple, smiling. “After all, it wouldn't be very convincing if everypony was eating the same thing in the background!” Doctor Whooves laughed as he walked up behind her, saying, “No it wouldn't. So, you two ready for this?” Mecha's and Cheerilee's smiles gave their answers. LINEBREAKER Capo grinned, watching as the instrument of his revenge made its way towards Mecha. Without turning his gaze, Capo asked, “How can we make sure it does its job?” Nodding his head, the unicorn replied, “A valid question. To answer it, let us return to the lab, where I happen to have a scrying orb to watch from.” An evil grin crossed Capo's face. After all, he could now watch the pony that ruined his life get killed! LINEBREAKER Mecha and Cheerilee were waiting for their order, chuckling lightly at the failed attempts of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to blend in. “Seriously, standing on top each other in a trench coat? Don't they realize how obvious they look?” Mecha asked. “Oh shush you,” Cheerilee replied, swatting him lightly. “I think it's cute that they want to spy on us.” Shaking his head, Mecha said, “Either way, I'm surprised no ones pointed them out.” Chuckling, Cheerilee said, “Probably because they're not causing any harm.” Nodding his head, Mecha opened a compartment on his mechanical leg, before pulling out a small box. Setting it on the table, he said, “While we're waiting for our food, why don't you open your gift?” Smiling, Cheerilee nodded her head before passing him a gift as well, saying, “Only if you open yours as well.” With a nod of his head, Mecha reached over and grabbed the gift, and quickly unwrapped. Looking at the case, he opened it to reveal a small silver chain necklace, with a hammer charm hanging off it. Chuckling lightly, Mecha said, “Great minds think a-like,” as he put it on, before helping Cheerilee put his gift, a silver necklace with a flower similar to that of Cheerilee's Cutie Mark hanging off it, around her neck. “Happy-,” Cheerilee was cut off when somepony yelled out, “CHIMERA!” Turning to face the voice, Mecha's eyes widened, before he yelled out, “LUST'S PANTIES DIPPED IN GLUTTONY'S DEEP FRYER LOCKED IN GREED'S TREASURE CHEST STORED UNDER SLOTH'S HAMMOCK WITH ENVY'S GAZE UPON IT RELFECTED BY PRIDE'S MIRROR BEING SMASHED BY WRATH'S WARHAMMER NEXT TO LUCIFER'S BED! Who in their right mind made an aberrational chimera!”* For there on the hillside was a chimera, but not the traditional lion-goat-snake, no, this was a chimera with more than three heads. Granted, of the 9 heads present, 7 were hydra heads, with the other two being a cockatrice head and a platypus head. On its back was a set of dragon wings, with an enlarged manticore's tail hovering between them. The creature let out a roar, before releasing a burst of some purple toxin, before spitting out a flash of fire, igniting the cloud and causing a small explosion. Leaping up, Mecha grabbed a sword from his saddle pack, before telling Cheerilee, “Run! I'll take care of this,” and rushing towards the chimera. Halfway there, a flash of light revealed Solaris, fully equipped with his scythe and cloak. “What is it with you and dangerous creatures?” he asked, as they leapt apart to avoid the giant flame cloud approaching them. “How should I know!” Mecha yelled, spinning around a hydra head's attempt to bite him. “I'm a scout, I shouldn't have to deal with heavy combat!” “And yet here you are, fighting an aberrational chimera,” Solaris retorted, slicing into one of the creature's wings. “Hey, only reason I'm doing so is cause this thing's targeting me!” Mecha replied, dodging a blow from the tail. “Oh really, how do you figure that?” Solaris asked, slicing off the tail that had just missed Mecha. Mecha leapt back from the platypus head's attempt to bite him, before saying, “Besides the fact that the Wrath forsaken thing is focusing on killing me while merely fending you off? Nothing. Anyways, where's Shining Armor?” “Out of the country with- gah!” Solaris let out, the cockatrice head catching his gaze for a moment, petrifying one of his rear legs. With a flash, he teleported away, saying, “Luna's moonshine stash! Sorry Mecha, but I can't help to much with my leg stoned!” Slipping past the creature's defenses, Mecha was able to chop of the cockatrice head in order to prevent it from further petrifying his friend, at the cost of being bitten by a hydra head. “It's alright,” Mecha grunted, leaping back. “Just go back to the film set and keep them protected, okay?” Nodding his head, Solaris shot a fireball at the chimera, before teleporting away. Grimacing, Mecha winced when a flash of pain went down his leg where he was bitten. Turns out that whoever made this Lucifer forsaken thing had converted the platypus's venom into something the whole chimera could use. That would be... problematic, as he felt another wave of pain run down his leg, causing it to shake. Shaking his head, Mecha stared at the creature before him, before an evil grin covered his face. Rushing forward, Mecha ran up a hydra's head as it tried to bite him, before leaping up and and swinging his swords, unleashing a wave of magic that removed the Chimera's tail. Unfortunately, the venom in his system had acted up, causing his foreleg to shake, creating a secondary wave that chopped off three of the hydra heads, causing six more to grow back. Wincing upon landing Mecha quickly rolled away from the cloud of poison heading in his direction before leaping back, avoiding the explosion that the platypus head caused by breathing out a little fire. Breathing hard, Mecha charged forward, jumping from hydra head to hydra head, before diving between them, impaling his sword into the platypus head. One of the hydra heads, however, hadn't tried to attack him during his climb and took this time to bite him and ripped him away, tossing him towards a tree. With a resounding thud, Mecha came to a halt, and started to stand shakily. Pain coursed through his body as the venom did its job, and his vision was beginning to blur due to blood loss. This had to end soon, or else he'll be ended. Licking his lips, Mecha tasted blood, as he tried to think of a plan while the massive creature made its way towards him. It wouldn't be possible to just cut off its heads, as he lacked any fire to seal the wound... which meant he probably should've had Solaris stick around for back up. Either way, he still had to deal with ten hydra heads, two mostly unharmed dragon wings, and fire and poison breath all at the same time. His only hope would be to pierce this things heart... which meant the heads had to go, even if only for a few seconds. Letting out a sigh, Mecha asked, “Why me?” before he began to build up his magic in his sword. The creature charged forward, all ten heads spewing out a cloud of poison. Taking in a deep breath, Mecha charged into the cloud, letting out a wide-spread swing with his sword, releasing a giant wave of magic that cut through all ten heads before dissipating. “One...” Mecha said, as the bloody necks started to bulge. “Two...” flesh started to come from the wounds, as Mecha leapt forward. “THREE!” The flesh split into twenty heads, all roaring as Mecha shoved his blade into the creature's chest. Silence was king, as nothing moved or made a sound, until the creature fell to its side, dead. Pulling his sword out, Mecha gave a weak grin, before limping back to the film site. He was immediately greeted by Cheerilee and Sugary Spice, both rushing towards him, shouting something he couldn't make out. Stopping right in front of them, he noticed the worry in their eyes, before he chuckled, and said “You both know I love you, right?” before he collapsed, blackness claiming his vision. LINEBREAKER A bright light greeted Mecha, as he woke up. Blinking, he noticed Cheerilee by his side, face tear-stained, Sugary Spice sitting next to her, face looking similar to Cheerilee's. Blinking, the two mares smiled when they saw him awake, and grabbed him in a giant hug, shouting with glee while crying tears of joy. Wincing lightly, Mecha asked, “What happened?” Sniffing, Cheerilee said, “You died!” Caught off guard, Mecha said, “Say what?” Nodding her head, Sugary Spice said, “The poison got to your heart and stopped it. You were dead for thirty seconds before Ditzy's pet thundercloud Sparky revived you!” Blinking, Mecha stared at the two, and said, “I... died?” Nodding her head, Cheerilee gave him another tight squeeze, as he patted her back. “I thought we'd lost you!” she cried, tightening her squeeze. Shaking himself out of his stupor, Mecha started to rub her back, whispering, “Don't worry... I'm still here...” At that moment, the door opened to reveal Ditzy Do, Doctor Whooves, the now 100 percent flesh Solaris, Celestia and Luna, with a thundercloud following them. Staring at the group, Mecha asked, “Um... guys... why is there a thunder elemental following you?” The group stared at him, before turning to the elemental. “Aw... did you have to reveal me?” the elemental said, before transforming from a thundercloud into what looked like an electrical version of Diable. Ditzy Do stared at the elemental, before saying, “You're an elemental... why didn't you say anything Sparky?” Sparky shrugged, before saying, “I liked how you treated me as a thundercloud.” Eye twitching, Mecha said, “I'm fairly certain psychological stress isn't the best idea for a hospitalized patient...” Chuckling, Sparky replied, “You're probably right... how you holding up?” Shrugging, Mecha said, “Pretty well. I have you to thank for that I believe?” Replying with a shrug of his own, Sparky said, “Least I could do for a friend of Ditzy here. Especially after your heroic act.” Blinking, Mecha groaned, saying, “Great... another stupidly suicidal heroic act... are they already painting the walls back in Ponyville's hospital?” “Already finished it,” Solaris told him, grinning lightly. “Although they seemed quite pissed at you...” “Yeah, told them I'd try and avoid these kinds of situation. I obviously failed,” Mecha said. Raising an eyebrow, Doctor Whooves said, “That doesn't explain why they cursed you out.” Sighing, Mecha replied, “That's because I promised them yesterday, after they released me after recovering from having my leg explode.” “Your leg... exploded?” Luna asked, staring at her friend. “Eeyup...” Mecha replied. “Turns out I'd shrunk the barrel's diameter to slightly smaller than the bullet at the end of it. Clogged the thing, causing an explosion.” “That's... interesting...” Celestia said. “Either way, I think you'll be happy to hear that we've found the lab where that chimera was made... unfortunately, whoever made that vile thing has skipped town already.” “Figures,” Mecha said, relaxing back into his bed. “However, I do have some good news,” Celestia said. “Oh?” Mecha replied, raising an eyebrow. “Yep. For courageously fighting and slaying such a vile creature, you have been awarded the Equestrian Medal of Honor, as well as the title of Baron!” Celestia told him. Mecha blinked, before saying, “Did you say Baron?” causing Celestia to nod. “Yeah... no. I'll pass on the title part.” Everyone stared at him in shock. “What?” Mecha asked, raising his hooves in a questioning manner. “That would make me a noble, and you know how much I hate those Pride forsaken jerks.” “Yes,” Cheerilee replied, “But why'd you say that to Celestia's face?” “And Luna's!” Sugary Spice added. Chuckling, Mecha said, “Because they don't really care.” “He's right,” Luna said, before adding, “I must admit, the two of us happen to dislike most of the nobles as well.” Blinking, everyone shook their heads, before they began to leave the room to allow Sugary Spice, Cheerilee, and Mecha some time alone. Outside the door, Celestia asked Luna, “When do you plan on telling him that the title is granted immediately, and thus can't be turned down?” Shrugging her shoulders, Luna replied, “Probably the next time I'm required to have a noble for a bodyguard.” LINEBREAKER “By Discord's beard!” Capo cursed, smashing a vase. “Why didn't that kill him!” His ally was reviewing the footage they'd gotten from the fight, stating, “Because we under-estimated his magical capabilities. A mistake we shall not make twice...” Turning to fact the unicorn, Capo asked, “What do you mean by that?” “Simple...” the cultist replied. “We shall deal with him personally this time...” Snorting, Capo said, “And what, get our flanks kicked? In case you haven't noticed, neither of us have the power to defeat him!” “Not yet...” was the unicorn's reply. “But soon... we will,” he said, as he mixed some potions. LINEBREAKER After getting over his near death, and having talked with Cheerilee and Sugary Spice for couple hours, Mecha was resting in the bed, having to stay the night before they'd release him. As he closed his eyes, he could've sworn he heard the howls of wolves, but shook it off as nonesense, allowing sleep to take him. *Aberrational Chimera- as you might've inferred, an aberrational chimera is a chimera made in a lab using dark magic and vile chemicals, trained to hunt down a specific target. Upon killing its target, an aberrational chimera loses all focus, and starts upon a random violent rampage, killing everything in its path.