//------------------------------// // Act 2 Chapter 13 // Story: Collision Code // by SSJRandomMaster //------------------------------// Act II: Collision Course Chapter 13: Exponential Escalation --------------- It had been the most intense period in their lives so far, counting their times back in their world. Both John and Corey went at their respective trainings, giving it their all to master what they were trying to. As the time went on, a small part of them began to believe that perhaps that the attack they were expecting would never come.   Yet, now, everyone, them included, had those hopes dashed. The situation they were preparing for was now drawing closer. On top of the hill where John had spent the better part of his days learning to fly, the human turned dragon in question stood at the edge of the cliff, staring off into the distance.   It really was wishful thinking after all, wasn’t it? He thought to himself, his face set.   “We got word that something’s coming from the west,” said Rainbow, “It’s heading this way.”   “How many?” asked John, turning around to face her.   “Can’t tell,” Rainbow said, walking up so that she was next to him, “But I’d be willing to say it’s more. Ready?”   Rainbow now looked off into the distance. John was as well.   “Yeah,” John said.   Without a single word more, both Rainbow and John opened their wings. This was followed by both giving their wings a powerful flap that sent both of them into the air. All the practicing had finally paid off for John as he now floated next to Rainbow.   I may not be on par with her yet, John thought to himself as Rainbow and John flapped their wings yet again to change direction. Now, both of them were heading towards Ponyville, But finally, I can fly. ---------------- In the streets of Ponyville, two ponies in particular were walking around—Twilight and Corey to be precise. Twilight had a clipboard on hand with a quill floating next to her. On a lesser note, Corey wasn’t wearing his usual jacket.   As they looked around, every now and again, Twilight would scribble down some notes on what it was she was seeing. Though everything she was seeing was mundane, the reason they were conducting the check was clear as day...at least, to the two of them.   “The local school is still in session so we’ve gotta watch out for that,” Twilight said, looking over her writing, “The townsfolk are conducting business as usual, for the most part. Overall, the locals are acting like nothing’s wrong…”   “I guess warning them—“ Corey started.   “Is not an option,” Twilight continued, “It would probably just make things worse in the long term if we tried to help them, and I don’t want to be the one causing a panic.”   “Right, right,” Corey said, looking out into the distance, going silent, with a sigh. Twilight continued to glance upon her clipboard for a few moments longer before finally turning to him, her eyes half-closed.   “We’ve still got a little more to…” Her voice trailed off as she realized where he was looking. Or rather, how he was looking in that direction. His eyes were distant, unseeing of everything in front of him. There was also a small amount of sweat starting to form on his brow. In addition, his hands were down at his sides. They were twitching a bit. Seeing his expression, Twilight’s concerns shifted just a bit, “Corey? Are you—“   “Huh?” Corey’s eyes blinked back into focus. His hands were still twitching a tad. His face showed a sudden amount of discomfort, and with one trembling hand, he swiped away at the sweat, before looking to it, as though surprised that sweat was a thing. Afterwards, he finally said, “S-sorry, Twilight…It just hit me what was about to happen…”   “What’s about to…” Twilight mumbled, processing what he was saying, “Oh, I get it. You’re...” She put a finger to her chin, “You’re scared, aren’t you?”   Corey flinched just a little, probably not expecting her to just completely call it like that. But, nonetheless, she was right.   “Y-yeah…” Corey stuttered, his eyes now trailing towards the ground. He pushed his glasses up with his thumb, “It’s just…I haven’t ever really been a part of something like this, I mean, until the last attack happened, but even then…”   “Don’t worry about it,” Twilight cut him off, closing the short distance between them as she continued, “What you’re going through right now…it’s completely natural.”   “I know, but—“ Corey tried to say something.   “Don’t get me wrong,” Twilight said, “I’m worried too…if I didn’t have to do this kind of stuff a few times before, I’d be just as bad as you.”   Corey couldn’t quite say anything now, blinking, but it didn’t quite stop him from thinking, I know you know what it’s like, but…   “Listen,” Twilight continued, now floating the clipboard and quill to her sides. She took one of Corey’s hands in her own, which called Corey straight out of his sudden surge of pessimism, “I know it has to be hard on you. Just do what I do whenever this happens…and I’m feeling unsure. Whenever I have doubts, I like to close my eyes and remind myself of what I’m trying to protect…”   Corey’s eyes focused again, only to close. He wasn’t even sure why he did it offhand straight away until his mind caught up to the rest of his body.   What…I’m trying to protect… ---------------- Not too far outside of Ponyville; still far enough that nopony would be able to accidentally walk into what was about to happen, a team was standing in wait. One member of the group, now decked out in his old suit of purple-and-gold Royal Guard armor, was Shining Armor himself. Beside him stood Applejack and Pinkie Pie, along with several other guards as support, sent down from Canterlot earlier that day.   “You sure they’re headin’ this way?” asked Applejack, clearly restless from the wait.   “I’m sure,” said Shining, “All intel says that they’re going to cross through here soon. We just have to wait it out.”   “Um…” Both Shining and Applejack looked over toward Pinkie. She had an unusual look on her face, one of uncertainty.   “Are you sure I should be here?” she asked, waving her arms for emphasis, “I don’t think I’ll be much help…”   “Don’t sell yourself short,” said Shining, “From what I’ve heard, you had no trouble subduing these creatures before. Something like that can make all the difference here.”   The assurance was enough to cause Pinkie to return to her normal self, even if it was only a start. She gave perhaps the smallest smile that she’d ever smiled since looking upon the Sonic Rainboom all those years ago.   “Exactly,” said Applejack,” You tie them up, and let the heavy hitters break them down,” she said, patting Pinkie on the back.   “Speaking of…” said Shining, looking up. All the others followed his eyes, seeing the last two members of the frontlines about to touch down. Before long, both John and Rainbow touched down near the others, joining the group.   “Looks like we’re early,” Rainbow said, walking up to Applejack, “Ready to kick some tail?”   “Just try not to slow us down,” said Applejack with a competitive smirk. With the team assembled and ready, all that was left was to play the waiting game. But it wasn’t for very long. Within a few minutes, in the distance, something could be seen approaching.   “Everypony, prepare yourselves for battle,” commanded Shining as he took his place in front of the group. Not long afterwards, he was joined by John, who stared into the distance to better view the oncoming threat.   “They’re finally here,” he said, more to himself than anyone else.   “Remember, we have to ensure that they don’t get past us,” said Shining, “The longer we can keep Ponyville from knowing about this, the better.”   John nodded in response, lost in his own head now.   It won’t be like last time… John thought to himself, still not letting himself live down the fact that he’d allowed one of the creatures to get away from him during the last encounter. Soon, the army of creatures grew close enough that they were able to spot their interceptors, stopping as soon as they realized it.   There was a tense moment of pause, both sides seemingly sizing up the other, trying to figure out their next move. But ultimately, it was the creatures who acted first, quickly charging towards the intercepting team. But the team of ponies and dragon were ready for them, having been preparing for their arrival. It was time to make their stand, here and now.   “Here they come!”   John was the first to charge, kicking off the ground as hard as he could, running full force towards the oncoming creatures. The others followed close behind, each following in a set line of defense. Shining Armor was right behind John, followed closely by Rainbow, then Applejack, followed by Pinkie, and finally, the remaining guards.   John charged directly towards the oncoming group of creatures. The fact that he would be outnumbered the moment he reached them didn’t matter to him. However, this was because he wasn’t running into engage them—not yet, anyway. First, John had to make sure to play his part of Shining’s plan.   When the time came, John leapt into the air, rising higher with the aid of his wings. He climbed until he was just above the creatures, then with another flap of his wings, he dove, and fast. His aim was right in the center of the horde, raising his arms in preparation for an attack. Even before he could reach them, the creatures were already on the move to avoid him. But John didn’t stop; continuing to fall towards the ground, John brought both of his arms down with all of his might, knocking up rocks and dust as he created a crater in the ground.   As a precaution, the creatures backed away even further from the dragon, anticipating another attack. But little did they know this was the desired result; the horde had divided itself.   Shining’s got some impressive game plans, John thought to himself, rising from the ground, No wonder he made captain.   Soon, the others joined the dragon; with the first stage of the strategy played out, it was time for stage two to commence.   The group chose their sides: John, Rainbow and five of the guards facing one direction; Shining, Pinkie, Applejack and the remaining guards facing the others.   While fighting as a team is important, it also works both ways, Shining mused, preparing to issue orders, That’s why we needed to cut the horde’s numbers…   “Alright, everypony,” Shining called out, “Stage two: don’t stop until they’re all a pile of rubble!”   The others didn’t need to be told twice, and they certainly did not intend to allow any of this creatures to remain standing. Without another word, both teams rushed their target horde.   John and Rainbow took point in their charge, Rainbow flying ahead of John; John himself running a few feet behind her. Rainbow reached one of the creatures, which was fully intent on intercepting her. However, its speed was no match for hers. Quickly, Rainbow dipped down and shifted her body weight so that she was charging feet first. With a strong kick, Rainbow was able to sweep the legs of the creature, causing it to flip forward from the force. Its first full rotation, however, would be its last; the moment its head came back up, it was met with the impact of a strong scaly fist.   And that’s one! John thought as his punch slammed straight through the creature’s rock hard head, shattering it. Just like his first encounter with them, the creature’s body fell limp after its head was destroyed. But just as quickly as the creature was destroyed, the others reacted, jumping at the dragon.   “I don’t think so,” John grumbled aloud, overpowering the creatures on top of him, scattering them towards the waiting guards. Each guard was armed with a weapon, one that could deal a high amount of blunt force. Quickly, each guard took up the mantle of fighting with the creatures, ensuring none would be slipping away this time.   As this went on, the team on the other side of the battlefield were also doing what they could to fight off their part of the horde. Shining Armor made great use of his shields, using them not only to keep the creatures within their range, but also protect anyone in danger of being attacked.   “It’ll take more than that!” Shining yelled at one creature, who was pounding away at his shield. His horn lit up brightly, and as it did, the shield he was creating glowed too, eventually releasing a strong pulse that launched the creature back.   Though at first it seemed as though the creature was unharmed, as it rose from the ground, it was clear that was not the case. Cracks ran along its torso and neck. It prepared to attack once more, but it didn’t have a chance. After seeing the opening Shining provided, one of the guards quickly delivered a hard shot with his weapon, breaking it with the powerful strike.   Not too far from that, both Pinkie and Applejack were standing side by side, Pinkie’s party cannon ready to fire.   “Remember the plan, Pinks,” said Applejack, preparing herself for her chance to attack.   “But don’t you remember last time?” asked Pinkie, “Last time you couldn’t even…”   “Trust me,” Applejack assured her, “I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t ready.”   It was at that moment that one of the creatures leapt at them. Pulling the string of the cannon, Pinkie fired a confetti blast at the creature, successfully binding the oncoming attack. Now that its body was rendered immobile, Applejack made her move. Jumping forward, she slammed her boots into the chest of the creature, forcing it to the ground. The two skidded along the ground, but only for a few yards until it came to a stop. Quickly, Applejack brought up one of her legs, aiming her foot just over the creature’s head.   For a brief moment, a glare seemed to emanate from Applejack’s boot. But before anypony had time to wonder what it was, Applejack brought her foot down. The last time Applejack struck one of these creatures as hard as she could, it did no more than knock it back. But this time, something different happened: when the boot made contact with the creature’s head, cracks began to form on it.   Pinkie looked on in surprise as Applejack brought her boot up once more before slamming it down again, smashing the creature’s head entirely. Hopping off the downed creature, which was already disintegrating into little more than dust, Applejack turned back to Pinkie.   “See, told ya I had this,” she said, pointing a thumb to herself.   “But…how did you—“ asked Pinkie, only to be met with a small chuckle from Applejack. Applejack quickly extended out her leg so that Pinkie could have a clear look under her boot. Pinkie quickly noticed the underside of Applejack’s boot didn’t look like it did before. The color completely clashed with the rest of it; were Pinkie Rarity, she might have delivered a scolding. The sole of the boot appeared to be made of a different material.   “Metal?”   “Steel,” Applejack said simply, bringing her foot back down to solid earth, “Realized leather wasn’t hard enough to break these varmints, so I traded up for something that could do the job.” She explained.   “A.J., watch it!” shouted Rainbow, just as Applejack caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Quickly, Applejack ducked underneath the creature’s swipe, delivering a super-hard back kick to the creature’s chest, not only lifting it off its feet, but causing ample cracks to appear on its torso. ---------------- This battle went in their favor, or at least, it seemed that way to the frontlines. Even if they had been split up, they were able to hold their own against the attacking horde. During the fight, John had found himself surrounded by the creatures, waiting for their next attack. It came as fast he expected, one of their members able to reach him first. John was quick to react, reaching out, he grabbed it by the torso and dug his sharp claws into it.   With his grip as tight as he could get it, John used the creature as a weapon, striking away his assailants one by one until only one was left. Bringing back his temporary weapon, John reached out and grabbed the last charging creature by the head. He jerked the creature off of its feet and slammed it hard onto the ground, cracking the ground and the creature slightly. Finally, John brought up his other hand, it still holding the first creature tightly and brought it down on the last creature that had attacked him just as hard as he could.   The force of this maneuver not only broke the torso of the creature on the ground, but also the torso of the creature he’d used as a weapon. Rising up, John looked around. The other guards were holding off the other creatures. And to the other side of the battle, the other team was having no issues holding their own.   “Looks like we’re in control,” Looking to his side, John saw Rainbow landing next to him, saying pretty much exactly what was on his mind.   “Yeah, looks like it,” John wanted to believe that, but as he looked around, all he could feel was uneasy.   But why? John thought, The battle is going our way, so why do I feel something’s…off…   “Hey, cheer up!” Rainbow shouted at him, getting his attention by lightly punching his shoulder, “We’re winning!”   “And let me tell you something,” Rainbow continued, her eyes closing in confidence, “If this is the best these guys have, they’re in for—“   Rainbow let out a gasp; John had just grabbed hard onto her arm for a reason she couldn’t explain. She looked to him, and he looked back, a grim expression on his face, a look that she’d never seen John have before. Before she could get the question out, the dragon gave her a hard throw, and as Rainbow flew back, the last thing she saw was something falling in an arc, something huge. And the only thing that was in its way…was John.   “Look out!” cried Rainbow, but it was too late. The large object; a massive boulder, Rainbow realized, crashed hard on the dragon, the sound startling seemingly every living creature around. Even after the boulder crashed, the boulder skidded along the ground, not stopping until it hit a tree, heavily tilting it in the opposite direction of the impact.   Dazed, Rainbow slowly walked up to the boulder, expecting it to start shifting, even a little. But when no movement occurred, a slow realization hit her like an oncoming train. Her eyes went wide with horror.   “John…?” ---------------- Within the city limits, not many were aware of the chaos going on outside Ponyville. They didn’t know what was going on. The park, however, was a bit more barren than expected. Other than maybe a few ponies going about their usual routine, there were some sitting on the park benches, eyes strangely focused on something outside of town. One of them sat down, reading the paper. Towards the entrance to the park, waited Rarity and Fluttershy.   “They should have been here by now,” said Rarity, biting her lip as she looked around.   “Could something have happened?” worried Fluttershy.   “I don’t think so,” Rarity assured her, looking around, “If it had, I am positive the town would have been in an uproar. Still…” Her voice trailed off as her gaze locked in the distance down the street, and both Rarity and Fluttershy could see two familiar faces approaching.   “Oh, there they are now,” Rarity said, watching as Corey and Twilight drew closer. Twilight reached them first, followed very closely by Corey.   “Everything’s normal,” Twilight said, “I guess that means nopony knows yet. This was the last spot to check, too, since it leads directly into the city from the outside. So…”   Her clipboard floated gently into her grasp as she took in the scene in the park.   “I see…” Rarity trailed off, understanding now why Corey and Twilight were running behind schedule.   “Anything happen here?” Corey asked, Twilight still going over the scene in the park.   “N-no,” said Fluttershy, “Nothing’s happened yet.”   “Good, it looks like John and the others are cleaning up out there…” Corey said, looking out across the park. From here, no one could see the battle raging outside the city limits, “The attack should have definitely come by now…”   Twilight continued to survey the park. Ponies were on benches, but they seemed to be waiting for something. Not that they concerned Twilight at the moment. There was the odd pony or two that were out and about, but the park was overall deserted.   “Everything’s as expected,” Twilight summarized, looking to her clipboard, “School’s in session, the walkways are populated, and the park is, for the most part, empty.” She floated the clipboard and quill away.   “Alright then,” Corey said, looking back towards the park, “I guess all we do is…”   His words broke off as he gazed out into the park, his eyes squinting. The others around him quickly followed his gaze. Fluttershy and Rarity both let out a gasp as they spotted something on the other end of the park. Twilight’s eyes went wide.   “No…” Corey whispered, his eyes wide and shaking.   Rapidly approaching, from the other side of the park, was a sight Corey dreaded having to see ever again: a humanoid-looking creature, dark gray and covered in a red glow. And, to make matters worse, it looked like there were a couple more approaching.   What’s going on out there!? Corey thought, taking a deep breath as he tried to ready himself for what was to come.   “Looks like they’re coming in!” Twilight said, “We’d better cut them off before…”