Renegade For the Future

by MaskedPony


Chapter 4: A Futuristic Welcome

The past few days went well for the mane 6. While they were relaxing during their recovery, they were introduced to the newest types of technology that was made over the past years. Even though Twilight knew some of the technology due to visits to the Human World, she took the time to introduce her friends to the technology. Celestia, however, took the time to show them the new technology. To their surprise, even to Merc and Web, Twilight and Rainbow both love the computer, even were surprised books were now being published online too.

On one day, Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy had to go through flight tests to make sure their wings weren't damage while in Cryo, surprisingly their wings were intact, not even a single sign of showing they are grounded. Next, Twilight, and Rarity had to go through magic tests to see if their horn isn't defective, along with Twilight’s wings, their horns weren't damage or showing signs of damage to the horn that could of paralyzed their horn.

Now, the day has finally come, the Mane 6 are finally going to be returning to Ponyville. While the Mane 6 were waiting by the outside of the throne room, Merc and Web were summoned for a meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Since the mane 6 woke up, Celestia began to worry that Horselance would begin to take notice the Mane 6 are alive, if the are not protected. Although Celestia and Luna still had questions about Merc and Web's "Horselance History", they had to talk to them immediately. After the conversation which lasted thirty minutes had ended, Merc and Web were instructed by Celestia and Luna to insure that the Mane six have a safe ride home. Although they were skeptic, they do know it’s highly likely they become targets of Horselance. Alongside this, Merc and Web were assigned to be in a Ponyville building which they'll be in charge of a dispatch of soldiers.

When the meeting ended, they begin to head to the train station. During the walk to the train stations, the ponies of Canterlot were looking at the Mane 6, however, oddly enough, they had visors over one eye. In their eyes, they were absolutely dumbstruck; they couldn't believe what they were seeing, from the years they have lived, Every one of them thought that the Mane 6 were just a myth or dead, however they now realized that they aren't because they saw one princess who disappeared, Princess Twilight Sparkle.

When they arrived at the Train Station, they were on time, and got on the train. Taking their seats Merc began to use her magic and bring something for the each of them. The Mane six looked at the thing that each of em gotten, which was the same as the others and became very curious, they never saw such a thing before. "Um, what the hay is this...if you don't mind me asking." Fluttershy sheepishly asked.

Merc let out a friendly chuckle and looked at them. "it's an eye visor. Everypony now these days has them. When you put it on, your able to see a ID of a pony, It can provide some nice things through the lens itself. Plus, if you have a hover vehicle that is connected to your visor, you're able to call your vehicle to you."

"Now that is AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

As they began to talk, a voice which happen to sound robotic like said the next destination, which turned out to be the destination they were going to. With the train moving, the Mane 6, Merc and Web began to talk more. Merc and Web discussed some things the Mane 6 need to know about the "now" future Ponyville, even since they were in Cryogenic sleep for years. When they finished talking about the rules and new standard safety protocol of the town, the Mane 6 began to tell about their lives, fun moments, and good times they had to Merc and Web. They liked every bit knowing about the six heroes, at that moment, Rainbow began to talk about something that happen in Ponyville that was something unexpected, and seeing the looks on Mercs and Webs faces, they were laughing their flanks off.

"Are you for real? You of all ponies got pranked by thinking the whole town became cookie crazed zombies?" Web asked while trying not to burst into tears laughing.

"Yeah. To...be honest, I didn't find it funny."

Just then, Merc and Web were laughing more, even shedding tears. Of all the things they heard, this happened to be the funniest things ever. At this point the Mane six were laughing too. Thinking back to when all the Ponyville residents and Rainbows friends pranked Rainbow due to Rainbow going kinda going overboard on the pranking, it was really funny to do, and quite fun for beginning pranksters. To top it all off, Pinkie explained how she came with the prank, since she is a prankster like Rainbow, but found it uncalled for back in 2016 when Rainbow pranked Fluttershy.

While they were calming down, Applejack, however, noticed Merc’s cybernetic, and it was different. Instead of its light blue lights on the cybernetic, the lights on it were now red. Although Applejack found it strange but unique that Merc is able to use her Cybernetic to walk and such since Merc told the story behind it, but she thought the color was just for show. The change of color was causing curiosity. "Uh...sugarcube, why is your Cyberwatchyacallit red now?" Applejack asked

This caught Merc’s attention and looked at it, and, the expression on her face was something serious. She knew what red on the cybernetic lights meant. While being a pony with a Cybernetic and formally part of a rouge project, Web installed an update to the Cybernetic which were modes. And to top it off, the red lights only mean one thing, it was in battle mode. While trying to figure out whats going on, they heard a noise coming from outside the train. "Oh no..."

*BOOM*

Hearing this Web got out her special tool and looked through it and saw the outside of the train. Behind the train she saw something she never expected. She saw a couple of Horselance air class Pelicans. From the looks of it all, it seemed Horselance was after the train because a target might be on their, or worse, they might be after her and Merc. Although they had to protect the Mane 6, they had to deal with the situation. Even with the Robotic voice telling all passengers to remain calm, Applejack is beginning to get the sense something is being hidden from them

"WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON?" Applejack asked sternly.

Groaning, Web knew that her lid was about to pop off, since they were remaining low, she thought Horselance would’ve just left them alone, but she isn't sure why they are attacking. Although she didn't want to put the train in danger, she had no choice, since she and Merc are considered renegades and traitors of Horselance, they have to follow protocol, protect the Mane 6 at all cost. "Merc, get on top of the train, your weapons are activated now. Defend the train at all cost, shoot down those damn Pelicans. Remember, we can't risk Princess Twilight, the Mane 5, or any passenger being killed by these bucking idiots," Web ordered getting a salute from her friend.

"I'm on it."

With Merc climbing up the later hatch, Applejack began to look at Web with sternness. Knowing Applejack, she would demand an answer and doesn't want anything hidden from her friends that seems important. From those random explosions they heard while staying in Canterlot to Merc and Web’s strange behavior whenever these occurrences occur, she was about to applebuck somepony. "What are you hiding from us?" Applejack asked calmly trying to control her anger.

"Applejack, I don't think Merc or Web wants to tell us for our own safety. They have the right to plead the fifth," Twilight responded while getting a glare from Applejack.

"Has being frozen in Cryo frozen your mind, Twilight? It’s obvious that..."

At that point, Web interrupted. "I believe we...now have to tell you."

Upon hearing this, they all were looking at her, even Fluttershy who was trying to calm down after hearing that explosion. While they were all curious on why these strange things were happening out of nowhere, and the reason it was hidden, they began to think something really bad was up. Pinkie, on the other hoof, had a feeling that it was something really bad, even to the point that her friends could tell that Pinkie knew it was going to be something not good. "You see....you woke up in a dark time. We....are at war." Web explained.

Dead silence surrounded the Mane 6. Even Rarity, being the drama queen she is, fainted hearing that word. While they do remember the Yaks from Yakyakistan originally calling War against the ponies due to Twilight’s failed attempt to make the yaks feel at home in Equestria, but decided to not go through it thanks to Pinkie’s efforts; this was the first for the them, save for Twilight who was told from a alternate timeline Applejack that Equestria was at war with Sombra.

"W-we are at war? W-with whom? North Cowrea? Heyssia?" Rainbow asked nervously.

Web then began to shake her head at Rainbows response, although those were considered enemy countries in the past years, not knowing to the Mane 6 they became allies to help out with the war. But one question was on their mind. Who were they at war with? Since being frozen in time made them clueless about what was going on while in Cryogenic slumber, they were updated with all that went on. with the exception of the mention of war. Taking an estimating guess, it was on purpose.

Sighing, Web began to tell them the truth, while Merc was busy protecting the train. "You see, we are at war not with another country, but....with an organization named Project Horselance. Me and Merc were members until we betrayed them due to knowing the truth. Although we committed sin, the Resistance allowed us to join to fight Horselance."

While they were curious on why they hid it from them, they heard what seemed to be noises coming from outside. While the noises were coming off, they could hear Merc saying stuff about Horselance, and possibly swearing, even to the point Applejack thinking that she needs to have her mouth washed with soap for filthy language. With the firing noises continuing, they saw a big massive object falling from the sky and land on the ground, crashing and burning. More importantly, they saw something that would never expect. The land of Equestria, was now in a wasteland state. While looking at this horrific site, they heard another one of those mysterious things they never saw before fall, and Merc hopping back in the train.

Gaining their attention, they looked at Merc, and saw her cybernetic which was now in some sort of form. Twilight easily recognized it and it turns out to be a lethal weapon Sunset told her about when Sunset was learning History of wars in the human world, it was a M134 military class Minigun. Even to their eyes, they saw it go back in the cybernetic, and went back into its usual form with the additions of the lights turning back to blue. Sitting back down next to Web, she saw the expressions on their face. "What?" Merc asked "You never saw guns before? Never mind that, we are reaching Ponyville soon."

_______

When the Mane 6 arrived at Ponyville, they felt happy they have finally returned home after many years of being in Cryo. While Merc and Web have visited the town once before when heading to Canterlot, the site of what Ponyville was now surprised them. Unlike the Ponyville in their time period, Ponyville was now more futuristic. They saw Ponies with Eye Visors, ponies on mysterious boards, and the buildings were more futuristic instead of its usual modern day look.

while they were enjoying the sight of the new updated version of Ponyville, one question appeared. Where will they live? Although they could just go back to their own little shops and homes, but, it will turn up to be the fact that their own properties and such belong to other ponies now, since they have been gone for a merely good eighty years. With every step they took, they began looking around, even with Merc and Web following as they were going to head to their new property, Merc and Web saw a familiar pony arrive, it was the pony they saw at the shop when they made a pit stop weeks ago. It was one of the resistance soldiers, LT. Colonel Star Blitz.

As Star approached, she saw Merc and Web. She even recognized them. However, when she caught glimpse of the Mane 6, one pony in particular caught her sight, it was Rainbow Dash, and seeing Rainbow Dash made Star surprised. She then approached them. "Merc...Web, we meet again." Star Blitz greeted with a friendly smile.

Merc then smiled back "Hello, Star Blitz. I guess Luna informed you about us?"

Star nodded. While she knew that Merc and Web were formal Horselance members who became Renegades, she was informed by Princess Luna that Merc and Web have become special resistance members as mission handlers. Surprisingly, Merc and Web knew more about where bases for Horselance were that they were given the task to give the info about locations to resistance troops to clear out so that details about Horselance could be retrieved. "Yes, Luna informed me, and Commander Stardust Sparkle, we have to get missions from you from now on and have our troops go to those areas." Star replied as she gave a salute.

When hearing the last name "Sparkle", Twilight was taken off guard. Since she is in the future, she began to think that ponies began to not remember her name due to the fact she has been out of site. However judging by how the name sounded, it sounded like some pony was named after her, considering being a family member of the future family of Twilight’s family, or some pony was named after her due to what she done for everypony in the past.

While this question was still on her mind, she looked at Star Blitz. "Who is this Stardust Sparkle pony?" Twilight asked curiously.

At this point Star looked at Twilight and gasped. In front of her was the one and only Princess of Friendship. Of all the stories she heard, one story she had been told was that Twilight and her friends sacrificed themselves to save Equestria from a looming threat, even to the point that it cost their lives. However seeing Twilight in front of her made her now really that the theories were hoaxes and just red herrings. Shockingly, she bowed down to the princess in respect. "Princess Twilight, it’s an honor being in your presence." Star said respectably in a voice that had the sound of surprised.

"There is no need to bow, Star. But...like I said, who is this Stardust Sparkle pony?"

Getting up, Star smiled and looked at Twilight. "Stardust Sparkle is your descendent in your family bloodline."

It was then that the ponies gasped. Twilight has a descendent? The news of hearing about a descendent made even wonder if they had descendants. After all, if somepony in their family were to marry somepony, and if either the Ancestor Pony was deceased, or frozen in time, they will have a descendent. This even spark the curiosity if Twilight’ descendent was a natural born alicorn, or born a unicorn like how Twilight was. On the contrary, Applejack began to wonder who is running Sweet Apple Acres now since Big Mac stayed behind after he got engaged with Miss Cheerilee, which she can only guess they are now deceased.

However but suddenly out of nowhere, Star looked at Rainbow Dash with a look of curiosity. A...Are you....R-Rainbow D-Dash? The fastest Pegasi that can perform the Sonic Rainbow and former Wonderbolt?" Star asked stuttering.

"Well duh. W-why?"

Within seconds, the Mane 6, Merc, and Web saw a look of disbelief on Star Blitz' face. It was a look that showed she thought Rainbow Dash was bluffing like a lawyer trying to get the truth out of a witness. Theoretically, the Mane 6 knew that this look is indeed a look that ponies would give if they meant ponies that are from the past. Especially since to the present day ponies, they know for the fact ponies can't live forever like Alicorns. "N-no...t-that ain’t possible....y-you’re not Rainbow Dash who's my......PROVE YOUR RAINBOW DASH, DO YOUR SIGNATURE SONIC RAINBOOM!" Star Cried

While Rainbow Dash was going to attend on doing a Rainboom, she remembered what Merc and Web told them on the train. Ever since they were thought to be dead by numerous of ponies through out Equestria, ponies began to think that The Mane 6 died heroically, even those who are with Horselance believe that they are the next "heros". On the train she remembered that Merc and Web ordered her not to perform any Sonic Rainbooms at all for the safety of her and her friends so they don't end up on the kill list or radar of Horselance, so they can avoid meeting a gruesome fate. "Sorry, I can't perform a Sonic Rainbow, I'm ordered not to perform one for the safety of my friends, plus if my Wonderbolt Legend mother was in the Skylands, she be horrified I broke an oath." Rainbow commented only to get a surprise gasp from Star.

"It is you...y-you're my ancestor!"

While this was occurring, four other mares showed up. Each looking and baring a slight resemblance to the mane six, even one of them had a bunny riding on her back, whom bare a ribbon. However, one of them had a cowgirl look and had a robot with her. In front of the Mane Six were their descendents. While none of them realized it, Merc and Web had this planned out. With everything going on, the descendents went with their ancestors and showed them around, which they all promise to meet at Twilight’s palace at five. Wasting no time, the three headed to Twilight’s palace. Little did they know that they are going to meet the pony who has been taken care of the palace, for Twilight’s sake

______

Deep within the badlands in the depths of Luna’s night, a rundown facility soon lonesome in shadows of the Badlands. Though ponies see this place as a facility, the facility has been decommissioned of operation for many years, Ever since then the ponies who ran the facility left the building to rot into rubble and rust. Since then the equipment in their began to become rusted and fragile, even the resistance marked this territory off limits since it has been seized of operation for many moons.

However, that didn't stop one pony from entering, and it was a Horselance soldier. Even though this facility was prohibited entry since it was abandoned, that didn't stop outlanders, traitors, or enemies from entering the facility. While the pony walked through the facility, he began to head to the direction where he was going, and he had intentions of coming here, it was to meet a pony who he was going to recruit.

Approaching the room, he saw a pony, sitting by a table. The pony looked like a usual pony, but with a certain facial feature, especially with his mouth. Not only that, he wore an eyepatch and had burn marks. As it turns out, this pony is a traitor of Equestria who has been wanted for five years. grabbing a seat, the pony removed his helmet and looked at him. Speaking in growls, an A.I manifested to began the translation process. "Your Rouge resistance member RN-467, aka, Fire Blaze, am I wrong?" The A.I. asked in translation for the pony.

"Hm, what do you want? The Director want in on me for being resistance? I work Lone Wolf Style. Unlike you Locus, I will burn the traitorous backstabber Counselor. Why don't you piss of to the tartarus hole you came from, bet your not a bit dollar to rule Equestria with your pathetic Director." Fire barked as he drank some more of Equestrian Liquor.

Furious by what Fire said, Locus pointed his rifle at Fire, although Fire is a skilled unicorn with the ability to cast very lethal Fire Spells, he was almost going to be killed for being a smartass. Calming down, Locus put his gun back on his back and sat down. Although he was dealing with a rogue traitor of the Equestrian Resistance, he was his only ticket for help, after all, his two targets ruined his life and made him insane simultaneously. Speaking in his usual growls, he pulled up a holo projection of his two targets on his visor, and showed it to Flame. Even this caught Fire's attention. "I know you have dealt with these two scum bags before. As it turns out, they betrayed us." The A.I Translated.

"So what? Are you asking me to do your work for you?"

Shaking his head and growling, the A.I began to translate. "No, I am asking if you want to hunt them down with me. In exchange, Horselance will help you extract revenge."

Thinking, Fire began to wonder if he should accept. After all, the Counselor of the resistance did ruin his life according to him, and cost him his reputation as a soldier, which caused a blood thirst of vengeance to be born. Imagining if he did help, he would get revenge on her and take revenge on the two who ruined his face. Taking his time to think, he then realize, he can't hide forever and plot revenge, he needs to get revenge, and what better way is than aid the enemy. After all, after his war crimes happen once his face was scarred and burned, he became a war criminal. Smiling evil, he looked at Locus. "Done." Fire Blaze said.

Without further delay or hesitation, Fire blaze got up and began to put on his suit of armor, and began to scratch off the resistance logo, and began to redo his armor. He was no longer a resistance, now he was a Horselance member. Locus began to grind. Now that he recruited a rogue soldier, he now only had one goal in mind. Get revenge on his targets.