//------------------------------//
// Reunion 
// Story: Battlemech Equestria 
// by Tau22 
//------------------------------//


Every assisted step forced her weakened legs to stop complaining and get with the plan. She knew that her mind was subconsciously applying magic to aid the healing process, but the rate of recovery was nonetheless remarkable. She and Applejack attracted gazes wherever they went. The populace of this underground city was most certainly plentiful and varied. 
Though consisting mostly of ponies, she could spot a handful of dogs, camels and other  assorted species. Soldiers, crafters, civilians, refugees all, hiding underground within hallways of stone and metal.

Finally, they reached a reinforced door, flanked on each side by an armoured guard. As soon as the pair saw them approach, they stood at attention and saluted. Twilight turned to Applejack:
"I think I can manage from here."
"Ya' sure, sugarcube?"
"Yeah, don't worry."

She was gently placed on the ground and while her hooves vehemently protested, she slowly limped over to the guards. The sight must have given off mixed signals. In unison, the two spoke:
"Lady Sparkle, it is an honour."
"It apparently is," she allowed herself a chuckle, "I would wish to speak to the Commander."
"She has been expecting you. Come in."

The room was something between an operations centre, a briefing room and regular sleeping quarters. A few simple bunk beds were tucked into one of the corners, out of the way of anything important. The rest of the room was a mess of screens and holographic maps. Dozens of operators were busy assembling information and communicating with agents in the field. Above it all, on an elevated platform, stood an eye-catching figure.

Slender and athletic, her coat, once perhaps golden, was a faded, muddy yellow. Her flaming mane showed similar signs of age. Her body was host to no small number of augmentations. Both arms and her left leg had been replaced by robust, efficient cybernetics. A patch of skin and fur on her neck was replaced with a similar device and Twilight was sure that she had many more patched up wounds hidden under her military uniform. A small host of medals shone on her chest. Two healthy, dark brown eyes watched the unicorn approach. As soon as she ascended onto the platform, the commander saluted:
"Lady Sparkle," her voice was rough as gravel, "you are a sight for sore eyes."
"I seem to always be at a disadvantage," she smiled, "everyone seems to know me."
"I cannot say that surprises me. You feature in many old tales. Naysayers often said they were mere myths or legends. Well, we sure showed them," she chuckled, "I can't even imagine how many questions you must have."
"Let's start with the simple ones. May I know your name?"

"Oh, of course," she shook her head, "my apologies. Spitfire, current commander of the Equestrian Liberators. Used to serve in the proper army before we," she seemed to search for the right word for a few seconds, then gave up, "got decisively wrecked. This resistance is all that's left."
"I see," Twilight looked around at all those tired faces, then back to Spitfire, "what happened to my home?"

Spitfire took a deep breath.





The Celestial Duel was where it all started going downhill. With both princesses disappearing after that fateful final attack, everything was thrown into chaos. Records say that you were gravely injured during the event, as well. From there, where do I start? Armed elements rebelling in an effort to carve out their own little dictatorships? Countries which had been absorbed into one single planetary government suddenly crying for independence?

That bullshit lasted a good two centuries, give or take. That's when First Contact occurred. The first attack from what we now know is the 'Empire'. And yes, that's actually the official designation. A minor incursion by all accounts and easily repelled. The enemy 'frames' were pilotless, and could not match the defenders in a fair fight. Over the years, more such incursions followed, gradually ramping up in intensity, but that only served to fuel the pride and cockiness of the planet's many new nations.

Then, a few short decades ago, when I was a mere sergeant in the Equestrian military, the sledgehammer came. The sight still haunts my dreams. Endless swarms of merciless, metallic death, blotting out the sun. Divided, with our own petty squabbles and differences, we could not hope to resist. Crushed like insects. That was the first time our enemy's leader was given a vague identity. Referred to only as 'Brilliance' in all official and unofficial channels, this nebulous creature seized control of our home like many others before it.

I was one of the many who did not quite agree to this form of dictatorship and helped form this rebellion.





Twilight watched Spitfire sigh, before continuing:
"And we've had it rough. Fighting against an enemy with seemingly endless resources and even more contempt for us. That's why I authorised what many called a wild goose chase. Trying to find you, Lady Sparkle."
"Successful in this regard, I suppose," even though she answered, she seemed a bit distant, processing all this information, "but why? I'm just one unicorn."
"You are much too humble, if the records are even partially true. You are far beyond the average unicorn."
"Yet I am still alone. It doesn't matter how strong I am. I cannot turn the tide of this... this horrible war."
"And again, you may be wrong," Spitfire moved in closer, her voice suddenly a whisper, "look around you, Lady Sparkle. At the mares and stallions manning these bloody stations, listening to their friends die. At all the people out there in those hallways, just sitting around waiting for the inevitable to arrive. The enemy has done far worse than just harm them. Their spirits are broken. They need something. Anything.  A sliver of hope to keep them going."
"I... I see. You would have me be this symbol, then?"
"That is all I can ask of you. No. That is all I can beg of you."

Spitfire's tough exterior cracked then, for a fraction of a second. Twilight could see desperation and an exhaustion that lesser individuals would have buckled under long ago. Then it disappeared again, replaced by the stern, stone-cold look of a leader. The sleeper glanced around the room. The ponies there were listening intently, to every last syllable.

Was it not her solemn duty? To aid the people against such despair, such darkness? Was that not part of her vow?

"And I solemnly proclaim, that as a wielder of this sacred power, I shall do all I can for the good of Equestria and its people, without prejudice or bias. To bring the arcane to bear against all those who would threaten harmony, prosperity and peace." so she had sworn on the day she became the student of Princess Celestia.

She returned Spitfire's stern gaze and spoke, proud and loud:
"I hereby declare that I shall uphold my sacred vows from so many years ago. My magic is yours, Commander."
"Music to my ears," chatter spread across the room as the commander's lips curled into a grin, "in that case, I shall begin planning the retrieval of something that belongs to you."
Twilight's eyes went wide:
"You couldn't possibly mean..."
"You can bet your horn I do. The imperial bastards have it locked up tight, but it's nothing we can't handle. Get some rest for now, I will contact you soon."
"Before I go, may I ask one last thing?"
"Shoot."
"Where exactly are we right now?"

Spitfire sighed again.





Beneath Canterlot. The words echoed in her head, yet as she looked around her from the ruined tower, she refused to believe it. The capital of the world, Gem of the System, Seat of Sun and Moon.

Why was it all just crumbling structures, growing weeds and wild animals?! Where was the hustle and bustle of tens of thousands of hooves, the cheerful cries of children, the endless chant of music and merriment, the proud figures of the Royal Guard patrolling the streets? Where?!

Gone, just like everything and everyone else.

She only realised she was on her knees, sobbing and crying, when hoofsteps sounded from the staircase. A concerned voice immediately came:
"Oh, dear, oh no," a pair of pink hands wrapped around her and pulled her into a warm comfortable hug, "it's okay, it's okay. Just let it aaaaall out."

And boy, she did. For a good minute, she continued, until she could cry no longer. It was then that she looked up into a pair of concerned, teal eyes. The pink mare just kept holding her close and commented:
"Better?"
She sniffled:
"Only a little."
"You knew this place, didn't you," her smile was faint, bitter, "before all of this. I never did, and I still get so sad when I look at it all. But you know what always cheers me up?"
"W-what?"

The energetic mare turned Twilight's head around, back to the ruins. Her hand drew shapes in the air:
"I imagine that, when all this is over, we'll get to build it up again! We'll make it the best, most fantastic place in all of Equestria!"
"Just like before," the student whispered.
"Yeah! With tall buildings, beautiful statues and fountains, and... I dunno', bakeries with fresh food on every corner!"

Twilight chuckled at that and Pinkie joined her. Before long, they were experiencing a giggle fit. After it finally subsided, she looked up at Laughter:
"I think I can get behind that."
"I knew you would! Now all you need to do is promise!"
"I promise that..."
"No, no, no! Like this! We will rebuild Canterlot," every phrase was accompanied by an appropriate gesture, "cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
With a smile, Twilight repeated this sacred incantation:
"We will rebuild Canterlot! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
"That's the spirit," she suddenly gasped in an exceedingly dramatic fashion, "oh my gosh, almost forgot why I came here! Rarity wanted to take your measurements for some clothes," she grinned, "unless you wanna' stay in that yucky bodysuit?"
"I think I'll pass," they both rose as Twilight rubbed her eyes, "lead the way."
"Okie dokie lokie!" an enthusiastic thumbs-up followed the proclamation.

As they walked down the stairs back into the underground home, Twilight turned to Laughter:
"Pinkie Pie, was it?"
"That's me, alright!"
"Thank you. I needed that."
"Anytime you need cheering up, auntie Pinkie will find a way! Or your time back!"
"I don't think that is possible."
The energetic one gave her a sly smile:
"You'd be surprised, Lady Sparkle."

They giggled again as they descended.





The sign was at odds with the surrounding metal and rock. A well-dressed mare and stallion gazed at her as she entered, the name of the establishment shining brightly in a shade of violet. A bell rang as she entered.
The inside wasn't quite as chic. Clothes in a wide variety of colours, but little variety in style, sat on shelves and hanged from large racks. It was definitely much cleaner than most of the underground. An enthusiastic voice came from somewhere in the back rooms:
"Comiiiiiiing," Generosity emerged, wearing a more personalised set of clothes, dotted here and there with an emblem depicting a trio of blue gemstones. Her smile was wide as a mile, "ah, Lady Twilight! Welcome to Carousel Boutique!"
"No, really, the 'Lady' is not necessary, Rarity."
"Well, if you insist. I won't trouble you for too long, just need to take some measurements so that we can get you something more comfortable."
"Thank you, that would be swell."
"It is my pleasure. The quartermaster also needs to find you proper combat armour, I've been told."

Oh, crud.

"There may be a problem with that," Twilight said, fidgeting, "I cannot wear regular armour."
"Why not, darling?" her face was one of genuine concern.
"Well, I, ummm," she sighed, "I think it'll be easier if I show you. Is there any place where I could undress?"
"Right this way."

It was more for the sake of decency. She had never been particularly shy. Or, well, Princess Celestia's training had destroyed any such hindrance, at least. She slipped out of the bodysuit without a fuss, only then noticing how faded her coat's colours were underneath. She turned her back to Rarity, who gasped.
A long plate of exotic alloys was wedged within Twilight's flesh, snaking its way along her spine, the skin around it cracked and dry. At the top of it, there was a socket the likes of which the tailor had never seen. Nervously, she asked:
"Twilight... w-what is that?"
"A necessary augmentation. I won't go into exhaustive detail, but the plug up there must not be covered or obstructed by any means if I am to enter combat."
"I see," Generosity pondered and her horn suddenly lit up, "don't you worry! After my measurements, we'll make something that'll fit you like a glove. Hold still."

Her short mane, brushed over her right eye, was levitated out of the way by her magic. The shiny lens of a camera-like eye hid beneath, probably affixed to the stylish mare's very skull. Needless to say, it, and the hairless skin surrounding it, clashed a bit with her coat. Her work was thorough, paying special attention to the purple unicorn's obvious implant. Curiosity won over in Twilight:
"May I ask?"
"Yes, darling?" not stopping her work for even a femtosecond.
"The sign above the entrance... do you actually make dresses, too?"
"Oh, heavens no," she sighed, "not enough time. No proper materials, either. Though, maybe one day. When this is all over."
"In that case, I look forward to your first post-conflict ensemble."
"You're too kind, dear," one last glance, "there, done. I'll have the data sent to the quartermaster post haste. Now, for your regular wear," she walked over to the rack of civilian clothing, "I do think a shade of blue would go nicely with your coat."





She almost collapsed onto the floor of her modest quarters, the exhaustion from hours of training finally setting in. A shower, something to eat, then the blessed embrace of dreams. The place was clean, everything was in place. Just how she liked it. A concerned, child-like voice called out from somewhere inside:
"Had a rough day?"
"Is there any other kind?" she chuckled weakly.
"I ordered some apple pie from the market. It is still fresh."
"You're the best, you know that?"
"Based on how frequently you say that, I am inclined to believe it."

She entered the kitchen to say hello to her oldest friend.





Then she was back in the pod, buckled in for the ride. The armoured soldier sitting across from her, Lyra, if she remembered correctly, asked:
"Everything alright, Lady Sparkle?"
"Y-yes. After a thousand years of slumber, it's very easy to slip back into a daydream."
"Hope you no do that in fight," the massive form next to her growled out, "hate dead weight."

The canine's sneer was fully visible, his helmet just a few pieces of metal cobbled together in such a way as to not hinder any of the user's senses. He was twice as large as any of the other operatives, clad in heavy armour. And while not the most eloquent, his directness was incredibly refreshing:
"We'll see if you can keep up, T-Bone." such a neat name, too.

He emitted something between a growl and sincere laughter, just as a familiar voice sounded through their com-links:
"This is Loyalty, eta one minute. Get ready."

Twilight ran over the plan in her head one more time. Deceptively simple. Get in, drop the squad, run distraction, get out. Much easier said than done, especially since they were assaulting a heavily defended location. She just hoped they could find it fast enough.
The pod shook violently, it almost felt like their 'courier' had defied physics with aerial acrobatics. Then, Rainbow shouted:
"Now!" 

There was a moment of weightlessness, before gravity came back to assert its dominion.





"Payload delivered," she spoke even as she forced her mech into another death-defying stunt, narrowly avoiding a barrage of energy blasts, "all units, report!"

Still trudging behind. Typical. She was always the first to enter combat. The sheer agility and speed of her small titan made sure of that. She was also the first to give out orders. One by one, her own squad declared they were in the combat zone. Two more, less familiar voices chimed in:
"Green Wing reporting, Blue Leader."
"Red Wing all accounted for, Blue Leader."
"Then form up," front-mounted thrusters forced her mech to brake, her pursuers rapidly changing trajectory to avoid crashing. A shimmering blade of superheated metal materialised from her mech's forearm, for just a moment. That was all she needed to slice one of the attackers in half like a piece of paper, "and let's give 'em hell!"





She stretched her back as soon as she was clear of the breaching pod, admiring the simple, elegant craftsmanship of the piece. Interlocking armour plates with enough flexibility to not hinder her movements, coupled with a shaped, angular design to keep her plug accessible. She'd have to thank whoever made it later.

The wailing of several sirens and alarms filled the area as the drop squad assembled. Eight agents in total, six with firearms, one with an oversized shield and crude club. And finally, a seemingly unarmed, helmetless Twilight. It didn't take long for their opponents to arrive.
Rolling along on tank treads, the guard bots were large and, presumably, in charge. Each possessed four separate weapon arms mounted on a short, armoured torso. And by the look of things, they weren't there to politely escort any visitors outside.

The canine rushed into the hallway as a shimmering field of energy emanated from his shield. Everyone else huddled behind T-Bone's protective barrier as the first enemy shots dissipated against it harmlessly. One of the troopers started saying:
"Lady Sparkle, stay," a violet blur moved at the edge of his vision, "behind us?"

The standard combat plan was sound. Energy weapons didn't waste ammo, so were always used first. Deflect their salvo with a shield, then retaliate with destructive force before the enemy brought any solid slug armaments to bear. Tactical, yet risky, as survival depended on the speed of your foe's response.

She wasn't willing to take that chance. Twilight's body shone with a faint, purple light as she rushed forward. Her regular senses became irrelevant. Instead, she concentrated on the ebb and flow of magic all around her. She did not hear the telltale click of magazines being loaded. She did not see the muzzle flashes of a dozen guns. She gazed directly at the arcane distortions which accompanied those actions. And she reacted accordingly. 

They were all concentrating on her, as intended. Bullets filled the air around her, but passed no further, deflected harmlessly by invisible walls. As she finally closed the distance, a shimmering pillar of raw magic sprouting from her hands, one of the robots emitted a sound:
"Danger."

Three wide-arcing slashes later, she was standing amidst piles of scrap metal. The rest of the squad called out to her with assorted praise, but she had already picked up an ethereal scent. She knew where it was. The unicorn shouted to them:
"Follow me!"

Left with little other options as she sped off, they did.





"Rarity," her voice was calm and collected even as the world outside kept spinning, "I brought guests, be a good host."
"I will do my best, darling."

She glanced at the scanner. Generosity and Kindness, the eternal duo, stood just over the ridge. Now she just had to get to them. The sky behind her thrusters was lit up  with a wide assortment of weapons fire. The phantom pain in her fingers returned as their servos whirred. She wanted to scream her lungs out, but managed to contain the excitement.

She passed the ridge. The cameras saw a four-legged, snow white monster of a mech unleash an unholy amount of missiles into the air from countless missile tubes in its torso. It was then, when the shockwave of the ensuing blast threatened to knock her off course, that Rainbow Dash felt alive again.





A few minutes was all it took to reach the right hangar. She stood there, gazing at it long enough for the others to catch up. They, too, could not resist staring afterwards.

The mech was one-of-a-kind. Tall, humanoid in shape, slender. Its design elements were round, instead of blocky, its armour plating minimal at best. Painted mostly in violet, with a few dashes of crimson. A star-like emblem was emblazoned on its chestplate. Peculiarly, its legs ended in pony-like hooves and a long, sharp horn jutted out of its armoured head. An intricate web of lines was carved into its surface, though only she could read the symbols they formed. The unicorn turned to the others:
"I will need some time to activate him."
"We give time," T-Bone bashed his arms together, "you go!"
"Be careful."

She rushed up the nearest set of stairs, heading for a ramp that connected to the upper torso of the colossus, where the cockpit was. She doubled her pace as soon as the sounds of battle reached her ears.
She reached the outer shell, panting and gasping and reached for a discreet button. A panel revealed itself, demanding identification. More worldly security measures would have been easy to circumvent. This one, however, demanded a sample of magic. She provided just a  jolt from her fingertip.

The machine stirred, its torso plating sliding to the side for the first time in centuries. Finally, she was home. Lights illuminated the control station and she stepped inside, placing her hands and feet in specialised holds. Instinctively, she braced herself for the final step, as a tentacle-like wire emerged and plunged itself into her plug with surgical precision.

The jolt of pain was brief, but intense, forcing her to cry out. Status reports and other assorted information streamed in at the edge of her vision. Finally, she heard the voice of her oldest friend in her mind:
"Twilight, is that really you?"
Hearing it immediately calmed her down. She replied:
"You can't imagine how good it is to hear you, Spike."
"Judging by my own inner emotional response, I would beg to differ," he processed new data, "your new memories are troubling."
"We can discuss those later. Initialise visual feed."
"At once."

The entire conversation happened in the span of a few heartbeats. Twilight closed her eyes, and when she opened them, she was staring at the wall of the hangar. The lines between unicorn and mech were blurred. Its cameras were her eyes, she controlled its digits as easily as her own.
She gazed down at the squad, under fire with two already wounded. Her mind commanded and her titan obeyed, the countless lines on its form lighting up to form ancient runes. The troopers gazed wide-eyed as a wall of purple light separated them from the guards. They were levitated upwards, into Twilight's new palm, where mechanical fingers gripped their arcane cell tightly. For their own good. Unicorn and titan gazed down at them and Twilight spoke into the com-link:
"Don't worry, we'll get you out of here."
"Twilight, the loading arms are still holding us in place."

A trivial matter.





Part of the fortified structure vanished in a violent explosion. Confused, panicked chatter dominated the airwaves for a few seconds. Then, an angel emerged from the fire. Thin, long tendrils of energy jutted out of the mech's back, where thrusters would have otherwise been, mimicking a set of bizarre, alien wings.

Rainbow was mesmerised by the sight for a few seconds, before making a sharp turn and heading towards the newcomer. A few of the insectoid frames had already taken notice. The angel rushed into battle without hesitation, suddenly surrounded by a sea of stars.

After charging, the arcane bolts rushed ahead like missiles, colliding with and blasting apart any mechanised opponent in their path. Just as the unicorn mech spinned around to strike at another, a sky blue form rushed past, slashing the opponent neatly in two. An obviously entertained voice contacted the angel:
"You owe me one, Lady Sparkle," spoken with a generous dose of friendly ribbing.
"I'll be sure to teach you some moves, Miss Dash."
"We'll see about that!"

Together, the two light mechs rushed ahead into battle.





"Compiling information from all surviving frames. One hundred and twenty-five confirmed losses. Three enemies neutralised. Relic storage compromised. I will inform you of any new findings, Your Brilliance."
"Do so, Philomena."

They turned towards the assembled officers, all but one connected through digital means. A mischievous, mocking voice sounded:
"Well, I did advise You against keeping that old hunk of junk around, Your Brilliance."
"We recall very well what your advice was, serpent," Their gaze was like fire, "and you'd best remember your rank."
"My apologies. I had forgotten humour is a rare commodity in these parts, Your Brilliance."
"Our humour is the only reason you are not currently being quartered."

That shut him up. They turned to another screen:
"Admiral, I do hope you do not plan to disappoint Us."
"The changeling army is in full-scale retreat. We have begun sieging their primary hive clusters. Their defences are formidable, but will not last."
"Well done. Keep Us informed at regular intervals."
"Yes, Your Brilliance."

The screen went dark as They turned to the other two:
"Now for local concerns. This unicorn must be dealt with."
"If I may, Your Brilliance, I do believe I am more than qualified for..."
"No, you have your own responsibilities," They turned to the one in flesh, "We task you with neutralising the one known as Twilight Sparkle. You shall leave at once."

A pair of icy blue eyes flashed as the enforcer bowed:
"It shall be so, Your Brilliance."
The clop of hooves echoed within the chamber. The serpent commented:
"Your pet monster is unleashed. I wonder who will rise from the ashes, Your Brilliance."
"Begone, serpent."

As the last screen died, They gazed at the universe beyond reinforced glass. One way or another, an uncertainty would be removed.





"To fallen friends!" Rainbow's mechanical arm rose to the air, clutching a jug of cider.
"To fallen friends!" the rest of the bar echoed.

The brew was good enough, the mood in the bar bittersweet. The mission was a success, though at the cost of three brave souls. The daredevil looked around the bar and spotted a silent soul, staring into her jug. She walked over, her legs clicking with every step, and sat down next to the purple unicorn:
"Hey, you okay?"
"Oh," Twilight looked up. Something was obviously troubling her, "sorry, I was just thinking."
"About?"
"I, well" the words echoed through her head, "about today."

"An improvement, Twilight. But there is always room for more. Again."

"Let me guess. The three that didn't make it?"
"Yes," she sighed, "I did not know them, yet I still feel responsible. Maybe if I was faster, we could have pulled out earlier. If I..."
A metal finger hushed her unceremoniously and she stared into the speedster's eyes:
"Listen, I'll give you some advice. It doesn't matter how good you are. You could be fast as light, you still wouldn't be able to save everyone," the smell was forever etched into her mind. Burning feathers and flesh, "trust me on that one. So you got two choices here, Twilight. You either let it eat you up inside, "for months, "or you grab that jug of yours and drink with me in their honour, remembering those you did save, as well. A certain wounded Lyra Heartstrings comes to mind."

Twilight looked at her cider, contemplating. Slowly, she picked up the jug and raised it in the air:
"To fallen friends!"
"To fallen friends!" Rainbow smiled as their jugs collided.