//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: I am Machine // by FoxyAndPip //------------------------------// “Here we are!” I said, as cheerfully as I could considering the situation. “You live in…a tree?” Rainbow asked. “Yep! A tree library to be exact,” I explained. “That…doesn’t compute,” I winced at the robotic quote. “I mean, how could a pony possibly live inside a tree? A tree is just a woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground. While it is a natural habitat for many small creatures, it isn’t exactly a suitable place for a pony to live.” She replied. Oh, Rainbow…what have they done to you… ”Well, this is a special tree!” “Special how?” “Come in and find out,” I said, opening the door and leading the way in. “Wow…it’s a lot bigger on the inside,” she said. “You should see Doctor Whooves’ place…” I muttered. “Hmm?” “Never mind.” “Hey, Twilight! You’re back!” I looked to the stairs to see my Number 1 Assistant waiting for me. “And you brought Rainbow Dash! It’s great to see you!” Spike added as he ran down the stairs. Rainbow backed away and stared at Spike. Just staring. “Uh…Rainbow Dash?” I looked into Rainbow’s robotic eye and could see some backwards writing. …’scanning’…’Dragon’? Rainbow fell into a battle stance, rocket launchers extending from he shoulders, wings spread, eyes flashing red. “Rainbow Dash! What are you doing?” I screamed. She looked at me and blinked. “Defending you. Dragons are dangerous creatures, this thing is a threat!” “That’s my assistant, Spike! And he’s not a threat he’s just a baby! He doesn’t even have his wings yet!” Spike turned around to prove my last comment. Rainbow blinked rapidly as her eyes turned back to their normal, beautiful magenta. The guns retracted back into her shoulders and she stood up, shaking her head. “Sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Must be my defence mechanisms in auto-drive.” She turned to Spike. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Mr Spike.” she said, holding out a hoof. Hesitantly, Spike took it and shook it. “Uh, nice to meet you too, I guess.” He looked over to me like ‘what the heck is going on?’. “Uh, why don’t you go upstairs to the guest room, Rainbow. It’s the third door to the left. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes,” I said hastily, pushing her towards the stairs. “OK,” she said, walking up the stairs. “What the hay happened to Rainbow Dash!?” Spike exclaimed, practically shaking me. I sighed. “She’s gone.” I explained everything about her condition. “How could I let this happen! This is all my fault!” the dam broke as tears poured down my face. I felt Spike come over and stroke my neck, just like I liked. “I’m really sorry Twilight. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to lose the one you love forever.” My head shot up as I flushed red. “Love!?! Who said anything about love?” “Please Twilight, it’s obvious how you feel about Rainbow Dash,” Spike crossed his arms and smirked. “I’ve been there, remember. I know love when I see it.” “Sh-shut up! It doesn’t matter anyway! She’s gone now…” “Is everything alright?” Rainbow, poked her head over. “I heard shouting.” I turned away from her as red spread across my face again. “We’re fine, we’re fine! It’s getting late, we should get you to bed!” I said, rushing up the stairs and grabbing her hoof, only for her to resist. “But, it’s only 7, and I’m not a kid!” she turned to Spike. “Am I?” “No, you’re 17,” Spike responded. “See!” “Well you’re going anyway!” “Fine,” she said, finally following me. I took one last glance at Spike who looked on sadly before entering the kitchen.