“Hurry up, Soarin’. He’s almost to the princess,” Spitfire called to her teammate who was trailing behind.
“He’s faster than us, period. We’ll never catch up. In fact...,” Soarin’ trailed off as he noticed the android come to an abrupt halt above the main courtyard of the castle. “Why did he stop?”
“I don’t know or care. Right now, we need to warn Princess Celestia,” Spitfire yelled as she descended and flew into one of the castle’s open windows. Soarin’ followed suit, leaving AMAZO, who, unbeknownst to the two pegasi, was putting some last-minute considerations to what it was about to do. It then floated downwards and through the open window.
--
“Princess Celestia, we’ve spotted AMAZO. He’s about to come in at any second,” Soarin’ shouted as he and Spitfire flew into the break room where the princess was calmly sipping tea.
“What are your orders, your highness?” Spitfire asked as she landed on the floor in front of Celestia.
“I would advise you to move behind me because I’m going to attack with full force the second he appears,” Celestia warned as she put her tea down. Just as the Wonderbolts were flying past the princess, a bright flash emanated from all three ponies. The light subsided and the now wingless Wonderbolts dropped to the ground. They quickly looked towards the princess and gasped in horror. AMAZO had the now hornless and wingless princess by the throat.
“What do you want, AMAZO?” Celestia grunted. “Or are you going to finish the job like some common thug?”
Letting its grip loosen a bit, AMAZO said, ”All I truly want is for Derpy and Dinky to be happy and in peace. I was offered a chance by somepony to personally ensure that they and the rest of Equestria stay in peace, but...”
“But what?” Celestia asked, sensing hesitation.
Glancing away, AMAZO said, “But he’s the one responsible for provoking me into attacking Twilight Sparkle. His name is Reigns and he’s headed towards the hospital in Ponyville now. I’m not sure Derpy would want me following his command so I came here to give you an offer: Promise that Derpy and Dinky remain safe and I’ll give you and the Wonderbolts your powers back. I’ll even return to my cell in Ponyville.”
“Agreed,” Celestia said as AMAZO let go.
AMAZO’s eyes then briefly glowed white and, after another flash, the three ponies were restored to normal. The android then wordlessly teleported away.
“Fly to Ponyville General and question Reigns when he gets there,” Celestia commanded. “That, and tell Twilight and her friends to bring the Elements to the jail as soon as she gets well. I hate to double-cross, but AMAZO’s a threat and unpredictable. I’ll send word to Warden Penn now of AMAZO’s deal.”
“Yes, your highness,” the Wonderbolts barked in unison. They then got up and flew off, not knowing that the android had merely teleported outside the room and was eavesdropping.
--
“Hello, Twilight. Hello, Dash. Hello, Spike,” Derpy greeted as she trotted into Twilight’s hospital room.
“Hey, Derpy. What brings you here?” Dash asked as Twilight weakly waved.
“How are you feeling?” Spike asked.
“I’m...better. I came here to propose a plan,” Derpy said as she approached the bed.
“What is it?” Twilight asked.
“I was talking to Fluttershy about how I felt the safest when AMAZO was in jail. One part of me thinks he’s just confused, but at heart, good. Another part thinks he’s a threat to all of Equestria. Case in point, he has Discord’s power and he attacked you and the princess. I hate saying this, but I think you need to use the Elements on him. That, or get him to leave the planet,” Derpy said.
“How do we use the Elements on him? He knows he’s wanted and he’s hiding,” Dash asked.
“He’s probably back at the jail by now,” Soarin’ said as he flew into the room. “You might want to talk quieter; I heard you from the hallway.”
“S-Soarin’! W-What are you doing here?” Dash swooned.
“Spitfire’s outside waiting to question Reigns about his involvement in AMAZO’s escape. I’m here to tell Twilight to get well enough to put the android down. He’s back in his cell in exchange for Derpy’s promised safety and peace,” Soarin’ said.
“Then why does Princess Celestia want him put down if he’s already in jail?” Spike asked.
“Because he’s too dangerous to leave alone,” Soarin’ said.
“Speaking of dangerous, how do you think Reigns will take being interrogated again?” Twilight asked.
“I don’t know. I’m not even sure what we’re fishing for,” Soarin admitted. “Though, I’m confident that Spitfire can handle herself if things go south.”
--
“You’re here why, Spitfire, to question me? The warden failed miserably at that already. You might as well quit before you waste any of your time,” Reigns said as he slowly approached Spitfire.
“AMAZO said you offered him a way to ensure an era of peace for Derpy and Dinky. He was skittish about you. Why?” Spitfire asked.
“So the android ran to you and snitched? That can’t be the entire story. What else happened?” Reigns asked as he poked a hoof into his smock.
“That’s irrelevant. What did you promise to AMAZO and why? And what are you reaching for in your smock?”
“This,” Reigns said calmly as he yanked his hoof out of his smock. A metal hoof-glove like contraption now adorned Reigns’s hoof. Reigns then quickly aimed towards Spitfire and fired a stream of lightning. Spitfire immediately reeled backwards from the hit. Electricity was crackling around her, and searing her costume and fur. Reigns, keeping his aim on her, ordered, “Be a good girl, and tell me what AMAZO said and did when he visited you. Keep quiet and I’ll turn up the voltage.”
Shakily getting up, she said defiantly, “Talk is cheap. Backup, however, is priceless.”
Before Reigns could question this statement, he was tackled from behind by Soarin’, who had just exited the hospital and saw Reigns attack. Soarin’ then pinned Reigns down and yelled, “You’re under arrest for assault on a Wonderbolt!”
“Sue me,” Reigns said as he used his tail to grab Soarin’s leg and twist it, tripping the Wonderbolt up. Reigns then rolled onto his back and kicked upwards into Soarin’s stomach, sending him rolling off his captive. Reigns then grabbed his weapon, which had been sent flying when Soarin’ attacked, and used his teeth to crank a knob on it to the right. Reigns then took aim and fired at the now recovering Spitfire, causing her to scream and black out. Holding the weapon right over Spitfire’s wings, Reigns turned towards the seething Soarin’ and demanded, “Tell me what happened with the android or I burn her wings off.”
“He made a deal with Princess Celestia and he’s now back in his cell in exchange for Derpy and Dinky’s safety. The princess plans to use the Elements on him anyway, saying he’s dangerous and unpredictable,” Soarin’ grunted, still in pain.
“Thanks,” Reigns said before aiming and firing at Soarin’, causing him to scream and black out as well. Reigns then pocketed the weapon and headed towards the jail.