//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: AMAZO visits Equestria // by KingDogbertXIV //------------------------------// It was nearing dusk as the android finally located what appeared to be a magically sealed door at the end of a long hallway decorated with stained glass windows. The windows seemed to depict a wide variety of ponies, some vanquishing great foes. A few, however, depicted what seemed to be a crooked creature composed of various parts of various creatures. AMAZO, turning its gaze away from the windows, approached the door. Remembering how Dinky’s discharge had hurt, the android decided against direct brute force or phasing through the door. Tapping into the second ever power set that it had acquired, AMAZO formed a mace from the nanomachines in its right hand. The nanomachines arranged themselves to recreate the magic-nullifying properties of the original mace. Grasping the mace with both hands, AMAZO aimed at what appeared to be a round keyhole and swung with all its strength. The door instantly caved inward with a loud crash, leaving a hole that revealed a small, jewel-covered box. Before the android could retract its mace, it heard rapid hoof beats and panicked shouting rushing towards the hall. With super speed, AMAZO reached in and opened the box. The android quickly scanned the five jeweled necklaces and the single jeweled tiara, then closed the box. “Step away from the vault with your hands up and drop the weapon,” an authoritative male voice barked from behind AMAZO. Retreating the mace, AMAZO turned to see two nearly identical white pegasi in armor. Their wings were out in a menacing manner. “Good,” one said as the pair inched closer, their eyes as cold as ice. “Come with us quietly and you won’t be hurt,” the other said. “I was not going to steal anything,” AMAZO stated. “Then why did you bust open the vault?” one asked, clearly not buying it. “To see and duplicate the contents of the vault,” AMAZO answered. “You can tell it to the Princesses, bud,” the other spat. “Now, must we forcefully escort you to the dungeon?” Sighing at the futility of it all, AMAZO wordlessly teleported away in a purple flash. “…The Princesses are going to tear us a new one when she finds out we let a perp escape.” “We can be cowards and traitors and not tell anypony to save our own skin.” “Too risky. Besides, we can spin it so we sound like heroes.” “But we’re not. All that happened was that the gold thing teleported away.” “Fine. You tell her.” “Why me?” “You’re more experienced in reporting unusual things.” “Fine,” the guard sighed as he and his companion trotted towards the hall’s exit only to encounter a concerned figure looming over the pair. The figure was a six-foot tall, slender female equine with swan-like wings, a long, sharp horn, and sun markings on her flanks, and a crown and breastplate, both adorned with a purple gem. Her elegantly flowing mane seemed to transcend colors and shine as beautifully as the rising sun. “P-Princess Celestia,” the second guard exclaimed, startled at the regal figure’s stealthy approach. “Is going to commend you for following proper protocol. It’s nopony’s fault that your ‘perp’ pulled teleportation out of nowhere,” Celestia said. “But he was stealing the Elements of Harmony,” the first guard said, gesturing towards the gaping hole in the vault. “Then why did he close the box? If he was clearly good enough to elude an entire castle of guards and break into a magically-sealed door, then he could have easily just taken the Elements if he wanted them,” the second guard pointed out. “Good point,” Celestia said. “But, what bugs me is how a gold thing teleported away in a purple flash. There’s only one pony I know that teleports purple and she’s busy with a friend’s sick filly.” “What are your orders?” the second guard asked. “Remain as you were and keep this incident a secret from the public. We don’t want a riot on our hooves,” Celestia ordered. “I’ll fix the vault tomorrow.” “Yes, your highness,” both guards barked. The trio departed, not noticing a certain android just outside the nearest window, glowing eyes dimming and regal wings and horn retreating into its body. The android then vanished in a bright gold flash. -- “So, Derpy,” Dash started as she swallowed a bite of a celebratory muffin, “what do you plan on telling Dr. Bighorn when he shows up? He’ll be confused as to why Dinky’s well. He’ll want a good explanation.” “Yeah. The truth is too farfetched for anypony to believe,” Twilight pointed out, glancing at the still skeptical Dash. “Um... what other explanation is there?” Derpy asked. “Ponies will eventually notice Dinky’s still alive and well.” “I’m not sure,” Twilight said, trying to think. “I can’t claim to have cured her. I couldn’t stomach the unfair praise.” “I could,” Dash muttered. Twilight opened her mouth to lecture her cyan friend, but was interrupted by a bright gold flash that, when subsided, revealed a familiar golden android. “AMAZO,” Derpy shouted as she quickly hugged the android. The android awkwardly returned the hug. “Hello, AMAZO,” Twilight greeted. “This is my friend Rainbow Dash,” she said, gesturing towards the gaping pegasus. “You missed another one of my friends, Fluttershy, by about a half hour. She left to feed her animals.” “Hello,” AMAZO said, untangling himself from Derpy’s embrace. “I...uh...y...,” Dash stammered. “Dash, you okay?” Derpy asked, turning towards Dash. “He’s real... I... T... There’s something else stronger than Princess Celestia,” Dash stammered, turning pale. “Yes. I just duplicated the princess’s abilities during a trip to Canterlot. I also duplicated the Elements of Harmony. I unfortunately broke the vault. Celestia will repair it tomorrow,” the android said. “Y-You broke in and stole the Elements?” Dash exclaimed. “I duplicated them. I now can summon their power at will.” “You’re a thief! You’ll never have our powers without a fight!” “You wish to challenge me? Why?” “Nopony copies the Princess and steals the Elements and gets away with it!” “Dash, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Derpy offered. Ignoring her, Dash shouted, “You and me! Outside in three minutes! Let’s roll!” -- “Dash, this is a stupid idea. He’ll cream you. He’s traveled the cosmos duplicating powers beyond comprehension,” Twilight said, trying to defuse Dash. They were on the ground outside Dinky’s bedroom window. Derpy elected to stay inside and watch from the window. “Ten bits on AMAZO,” Derpy shouted, earning a dark look from the cyan pegasus. “I can take him! Watch! I’ll beat the Elements out of him,” Dash proclaimed. “Very well,” Twilight sighed. “AMAZO, Dash, are you ready?” “Yes,” both combatants said in unison. “Three... Two... One... Go,” Twilight shouted. Dash wordlessly darted forward, wings flapping furiously. She flew at her prey that was motionlessly standing fifty feet away. Closer and closer, she approached with each passing millisecond. Then, suddenly, she rapidly decelerated due to running face first into a bright green wall. The wall was emanating from a beam connecting to AMAZO’s ring finger, which now sported a gold ring with a crude lantern symbol on it. Before Dash could peel herself off the wall, it formed into a bubble surrounding her. AMAZO lifted the bubble upwards, and then let it disappear into nothing, leaving the dazed Dash to freefall straight to the ground. Wearily moaning, Dash lifted her head only to meet with the android’s fist. Dash rag-dolled back into a crumpled heap. AMAZO, with untold speed, rushed toward Dash, grabbed her neck, formed a mace in its free hand, raised the mace up to her head, and asked, “Is this the challenge you wanted?” “S... Stop,” Dash muttered weakly. The android then gently placed her on the ground and looked at her with sadness. It then looked towards the two other ponies. Both of them were horrified. “I’m sorry,” AMAZO said. “It’s f...fine... I’ve h-had worse,” Dash said as she shakily sat up. “She’s right,” Derpy said. “No. I overdid it. I apologize,” AMAZO said. “It’s fine. I’m sorry I challenged you and accused you of stealing,” Dash said sullenly. “I accept your apology.” “Thanks. I was about to leave when you showed up. I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Dash said as she flew upwards. She then flew up into the clouds, out of sight. “I’m heading out too,” Twilight said. “Good night, you two.” “Good night, Twilight,” Derpy called from the window. The unicorn waved, then teleported out of sight. AMAZO then floated back in through the window. “Mind watching Dinky while I go rest for a while?” Derpy asked as the android took a seat by the bed. “Go. Dinky will be safe in my care.” “Thanks,” Derpy said as she retreated into her bedroom. AMAZO then turned its gaze to the sleeping filly.