//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: AMAZO visits Equestria // by KingDogbertXIV //------------------------------// The android was torn. It had made itself a criminal in a land of peace and hospitality. It could not return to Derpy’s lest she and her filly get caught in the crossfire. Yet, it cared for them just as Ivo had taught it to care for others. No. This was between it and Celestia. Celestia wanted security and order, which AMAZO had violated. In fact, his very presence violated the natural order of things. From its cloud perch, AMAZO could see a certain cloud home and hear Derpy and Twilight talking. Sighing heavily, AMAZO got up, floated towards the home, and entered through the window. “AMAZO, you’re back,” Derpy exclaimed as the android sat down on a nearby chair. “How was Canterlot?” Twilight asked. “Terrible. I may have to leave Equestria soon,” AMAZO said. “What? Why?” Derpy exclaimed, horrified. “Princess Celestia wants me arrested for temporarily freeing Discord. She attacked me and we fought to a stalemate,” AMAZO explained. “You freed Discord?” Twilight shouted. “I put him back in stone after he attacked me,” AMAZO said. “Can you slowly explain what happened exactly?” Derpy asked. “I freed Discord, duplicated his power, retaliated after he attacked me, and imprisoned him again,” AMAZO said. “Then what?” Twilight asked. “Then Celestia appeared with guards. She told me I was under arrest and to surrender peacefully. I refused and she and her guards attacked me. I retaliated and fought Celestia to a stalemate. I then teleported here to warn you that, for your safety, I must leave,” AMAZO said sullenly. “Why can’t you just stay and serve time? Dinky and I will come visit you. We’ll bring muffins,” Derpy offered. “My programming is to travel the universe, not submit myself to meaningless laws,” AMAZO said. “They’re not meaningless and, technically, you did break the law. On paper, you’re a criminal,” Twilight pointed out. “Then I leave tomorrow. I’ll watch Dinky tonight and then leave in the morning,” AMAZO said. “Don’t go,” Derpy said sadly. AMAZO’s gaze drifted downwards to the floor. “Celestia will be looking for me. It’s best that she doesn’t find me here.” “Can’t you just surrender yourself for my sake? I’m sure you’ll be out on good behavior in no time,” Derpy suggested hopefully, flying up and putting a hoof on AMAZO’s shoulder. “I’ll even vouch for you about Dinky,” Twilight offered. After a long pause and a sigh, AMAZO said, “I’ll surrender myself to Celestia for you tomorrow.” “Thank you,” Derpy said as she hugged AMAZO. -- “I want every available unit looking for this thing. He has Discord’s power and he’s a fugitive. He’s a threat. Have each Wonderbolt assigned to a platoon of pegasi guards and have them search every town within 500 miles. I want AMAZO in a cell yesterday,” Celestia ordered as she exited the dungeon. She was flanked by two royal unicorn guards. “But how do we start? He could be anywhere by now,” one guard asked. “We start close, Longshot,” Celestia said. “My gut tells me he...,” she trailed off, a look of realization on her face. “Your highness?” the other guard asked “Start in Ponyville. He once had Twilight Sparkle’s teleportation. He was in Ponyville once. Maybe he’s gone back there,” Celestia said. “Have somepony visit Twilight’s library and Derpy Hooves’s home.” “Who should we send?” “Spitfire.” “Why her?” “She’s fastest and smartest. Send Soarin’ in as backup just in case she finds something.” “Even if they find AMAZO, how do you figure they’ll catch him? He’s too strong. Heck, even Discord got beaten by him.” “I’ll improvise.” “What about the Elements of Harmony?” “That is a last resort, but have Spitfire distribute them on her trip just in case things get that desperate.” “What if that doesn’t work?” “Then all is beneath him.” -- “Wait, you want us to what?” an orange-maned pegasus stammered. Her Wonderbolt uniform was slowly filling with nervous sweat. She and her teammate, Soarin’, were in the presence of Equestria’s mighty co-ruler, already a nerve-wracking experience as it was, but Celestia managed to top it by giving them an important mission directly. “You need to look in Ponyville for a golden android that’s about ten feet tall with gold skin. You’ll also be distributing the Elements of Harmony to their respective ponies. Start your search at Derpy Hooves’s house, then, if nothing turns up, go to Twilight Sparkle’s library,” Celestia ordered as she telekinetically divided the Elements of Harmony between Spitfire’s and Soarin’s saddlebags. “Why us? And why not summon the ponies to Canterlot like you did with the Discord crisis?” Soarin’ asked. “You two are some of the fastest fliers in Equestria and having the ponies make a round trip would take too long,” Celestia explained. “Remind me again why we’re going after an omnipotent android that could thoughtlessly strip us of our wings in mid flight,” Spitfire asked. “Because you’re part of an elite team trained to handle dangerous situations and, right now, Equestria needs you to find and, if possible, apprehend him,” Celestia answered. “We’ll be there in ten minutes, your highness,” Soarin’ said, bowing. Spitfire bowed as well. The two Wonderbolts then turned and ran out the hall. “Good luck,” Celestia called.