Lao Tzu once said, “He who is contented, is rich.”
I do not awaken Applejack as I slip out of our bed. She was sleeping peacefully after I had returned home last night. I want her to continue doing so. I am content as I watch her for a moment, for sleep reveals the truth inside us as we go into that world of dreams. Our facades and masks hide no more and we show who we are.
Her face is calm as it lays upon the pillow. A warmth and caring she only shows to a few, but in rest, shows the world.
“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”
“You weren’t thinking ‘bout leaving without saying somethin’ now were ya?”
I have hesitated too long, her eyes are open and drowsy with the leavings of Morpheus.
“I do not like goodbyes and thought to let you sleep.”
She smiles, slipping out of bed to envelope me in a hug, “Then don’t say goodbye, say see ya soon.”
I look into her eyes, the depths which go on forever, “Then I will see you very soon. Walk with me?”
“O’ course, you’d get lost goin’ into town if I wasn’t there.”
“I know the way just fine thank you.”
She grabs her hat as we walk out the door, the house quiet in the hour before the dawn.
“Knowing ain’t the same as doin’.”
I can only shake my head at the unexpected depths of my Applejack.
As we walk along the road, we are quiet and comfortable in the presence of each other. Something that few understand, much less can do.
“I know you were planning on an early start, but there’s more than enough time to get to town doncha think?”
“There is a few preparations to do before then, I just want make sure we have enough time.”
“Well yer gonna arrive a bit early.”
“A Bolo is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he wants to.”
She glances at me and bumps me with her shoulder, “Did you just make that up? ‘Cause that’s the biggest load of ponyfeathers I ever heard.”
“I can’t take credit for that. A loved author long ago named J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote that.”
“Name like that no wonder he’s full of it.”
“Disparage not that which you don’t understand,” I give her a nudge, “Or I will tell Twilight about your hidden cache of romance novels.”
“I don’t have..,” She narrows her eyes at me, “I’m gonna bop you one you keep messin’ with me.”
“Violence? My my Applejack, where is the peace and happiness of ponies?”
“I’ll peace and happiness you ya dolt.” She hits my shoulder.
I heave a dramatic sigh, “Oh to be abused by the one you love, ‘tis my lot in life to suffer the pains of romance.”
She throws a hoof up, ending in a tight hug, “I dunno why I put up with you.”
“Neither do I to tell the truth.”
Of course my shoulder gets hit again.
-------------
We meet with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor on my hill top, away from prying eyes and ears hopefully as we walk into the command deck. Athena is helping me very carefully put the saddlebags on as we talk about the plans for the task at hand.
I give to them two sets of the comm units I have made for the others, instructing them in their use.
“When you return to the Crystal Empire, you can communicate with each other over a distance as well, so it will be useful I hope.”
Cadence laughs, “Keep Shining from wandering off when he’s supposed to be busy!”
The white Unicorn assumes a mock shocked face, “Why I do not, I’ll have you know I do things!”
“What things?”
“Well..” He rubs a hoof behind his neck, “Things, you know, ruler stuff.”
“That’s what I thought.” She smiles at me, “Thanks Crusader.”
“You are welcome Your Highness.”
“When Athena and I are ready, we will contact you to put the shield around the room. Block anything and everything, we do not want that thing getting a hold of them while we are out there. If so, we’ll have to abort the plan.”
Twilight smiles, slapping her brother on the shoulder, “He can do it. No problem!”
“Good. We’re all ready, so we will wait till you all get back into town and in position. Be safe, please.” Athena gives them her shy smile.
Rainbow Dash hugs Athena tight, “You come back, we got flying lessons to keep working on!”
I am the recipient of a very warm kiss, “You come back too y’hear? Be careful out there.”
“You shouldn’t worry my Applejack I’m..”
“Ah don’t care.” She nudges me in the chest with a hoof, “You come back, don’t care if yer real or not.”
“I promise then.”
“Good, we’ll wait for you in town.”
We receive hugs and warm nuzzles from our friends, though they shouldn’t worry, we are just avatars after all. But Athena and I do not argue the point.
Setting on the hill now, we watch as the others head into town.
“Are the charges set?”
“Yes, we will have capability within picoseconds. The tech spiders have done well.”
“I hope we do not have to use them, but I have two Hammerheads in high orbit above the forest, thermobaric penetrators are loaded and ready. From the description given to us, the nest is deep.”
“What you carry should do it, if not, a little overkill never hurts my brother.”
“I believe you are a bit bloodthirsty today Athena.”
“As are you. Let us get this done, please. This town deserves a bit of peace.”
“They do. Let us be off.”
“Into the valley of death, once more.”
“Once more.”
We both get to our hooves with one last glance at the town. By link, Twilight calls and tells us they are in the hospital awaiting our signal. We will take our time getting there, it is barely morning so a walk will give us the lay of the land and possible escape routes as well.
I find I am comfortable more in this body than my war hull, as is Athena. We do not wish to lose our avatars, but if we must there are replacements. Though somehow, I feel it wouldn’t be the same.
------------
We keep in contact with Applejack and Twilight through the links. It also seems everypony is at the hospital as well, the channels are active and we can hear them all clearly.
We keep reassuring them we will be fine, but they are overly worried. It is actually a nice day outside, the sky is shady, breezes are cool. It would be a wonderful time if we were not on a mission to murder a mad thing.
-------------
The forest is home to so many things, most of which never show themselves at any time, but live their lives quietly and with very little show.
Fey creatures abounded behind the trees and bushes, content to look at the world around them as they went their own ways, they helped lost travelers when they could, taking children back home. Never asking for anything, they were happy to help.
When the killers awoke, the forest trembled in fright, the little creatures and others leaving the area.
But the fey stayed, for they could not be found by the killers, they existed in this world and the next, what their was of it. Some would say ghosts, souls that never went to their rest. Most would just say magical animals, never cataloged or seen so were not thought of. Though in dusty tomes legends persisted of smiling faces, warm and kindly that led confused travelers out of the forest to safety.
Though not able to affect the physical world without extreme effort, they whispered and laughed among themselves, celebrating the day and night. Though born of magic, they kept themselves far away from the things with harm in mind. They were an old race and leaving this world, but they helped.
They were chilled, seeing the misshapen things in the forest, coming alive of a sudden and murdering everything that got in their way. The denizens clearing the area out leaving none but the ghostly wisps flitting from shadow to shadow.
Then thunder sounded over the trees, coming from something that fought the ravagers, destroyed them. It asked nothing in return, but kept fighting the killers of the Everfree to a standstill. The fey creatures quietly cheered for the bravery of this unknown thing.
Now, two strange beings had entered the forest, something they had never encountered before.
<<Look look>>
<<Dark Ones>>
<<No no>>
<<No no not like others>> Referring to ponies they had helped from the forest.
<<See how they glow>>
<<See how they shine>>
<<Oh they are loved and have loved>>
<<Such aura they have>>
The spirits gathered around the two ponies, basking in a glow of golden light which only they could see.
<<The Mother loves them so>>
<<They head for the Dark>>
<<No no>>
<<Away away danger>>
Athena stopped in her tracks, tilting her head slightly, “Do you hear that?”
“I do, a voice?” It was far away, whispering and warm.
“....away away...danger...”
We both stop and look around, there is nothing on our visual sensors, nothing but that warm voice..now voices.
“...away...danger..”
“..away away..”
Athena looks at me curiously, “Crusader?”
“I don’t know Athena. Someone warning us?”
“It doesn’t feel like the Foals.”
We are both surprised as butterflies appear, thousands of them that envelope us in a shimmering carpet of colors and warmth. It is glorious in the sunshine, the metallic wings glitter and shine, the warm whispering voices closer now.
“...lead home..”
“...safety home..”
“...danger away...”
Athena is enchanted, she is sitting now looking at the colors in awe, her lavender eyes wide.
“Crusader, I think they want to lead us home.” She peers at a specimen setting on her nose, it is blue and gold, halcyon colors that outdo the sun.
“...away away...”
“...danger...”
“We cannot go back.” I look around us, “We must be on our way, I am sorry.”
“..no no...”
“Yes we must, we are to rid the forest of a great evil.”
<<they go to the Dark>>
<<defeat the Dark>>
<<brave brave>>
<<help>>
<<help>>
<<help>>
Athena almost begged them to stay as the cloud of glittering wings flew off into the trees, heading who knows where.
“I know they were beautiful Athena, but we need to go.”
“I know, so many wonders.”
“We have time to see them all later.”
Athena nodded, leaning against me as we walk down the forest path, heading to where Twilight said the nest was.
------------
The fey creatures found their help.
A Dire Bear, ancient even for it’s kind, slumbered in a cool cave by the river. It was so very old, but in it’s day had been true and brave in the forest. But now, it’s muzzle was grey and it waited to pass into that next world, it’s bones and joints feeling the pain of age as it was happily sleeping.
Butterflies surrounded the sleeping form as warm voices and whispers gently awoke it.
Rheumy eyes looked up, seeing the colors of a million wings.
(((Is it time? For I would not wait another day, the hurts are too great.)))
<<help>>
<<help>>
(((You come to me for help? I am old and worn fey, best find another. I am awaiting the call.))
<<Dark>>
<<brave>>
<<true>>
(((They go to end the killers of the innocent? I would see that, but I am too tired for fights now, though I would want for one last time.)))
<<please>>
<<we beg>>
<<please>>
The metallic wings fluttered in the sunshine, reminding Iron Jaw of his days as defender of the weak in this forest against those long ago evils. The fights were over and far gone, but he did wish for one last time. To do what gave him joy, defend the innocent.
(((I will come fey, let us fight these killers.)))
<<thank you>>
<<oh thank you>>
He raised himself in the cave, feeling the old hurts and pains along his muscles. His bulk missing fur in places as he stretched his jaws open in a yawn that would terrify the earth itself, the fangs still massive and bright.
(((One last time my fey friends, one last time.)))
With that he headed off towards the nest of the Dark Ones.
------------
We are standing at the entrance to the cave as Twilight described it. A foul stench emanates from the interior as if something putrifying in the hot sun. Even our sensors are overloaded with this smell, on battlefields long ago it was never this bad.
“Ready?”
“Yep!”
“Twilight, are you ready? We’re at the entrance.”
“We are Crusader, please be safe!”
“We will.”
We receive calls from Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, wishing us luck.
“Please be aware, we will have a very short time to activate that shield. So we will be moving quickly Shining Armor.”
“I got ya, no problem, me and Cadence got this.”
Such confidence Twilight’s brother has.
“In we go.”
We walk into the mouth of the creature’s home, it is sickeningly wet, a dripping ooze that reminds us of some jungle planets. Our hooves are almost immediately covered in the goo as we walk further downwards into the silent cave.
I scan the area, looking at the twisting vines, what appears to be fluids moving through them; something noxious and caustic as it drips out of holes, the floor hissing as if hit by acid. Athena is stepping lightly as she lets her displeasure be known.
“Oh this is gross!”
“It is just liquids Athena.”
“It’s slimy and yucky and gross!”
“Did you just say ‘yucky’?” I laugh over the link.
“Yes I did and it is! Ugh I need a shower already!”
The floors and walls are covered with a slime that works it’s way downward in dripping sheets, covering everything in a membrane of slippery oily substance.
She’s right, it’s yucky.
We see a light a few hundred yards downward, eventually exiting into a large chamber as described by Twilight and the others. We had sat with them getting as full a description as we could, this matched it perfectly.
Silvery eyes are opening all around Athena and myself, we see dark multi-legged forms moving farther back in the dark. It seems something might wish to keep us here.
The voice comes again, as if from all the mouths of the shadowy Foals around us. It is hissing, angry, deceitful in so many ways. We cannot see a body or head, just the horrors around us giggling and talking together.
“Weeeellllcccoooommmmeeee pppooonnniiieeeessss...”
“We are here, what do you want of us?”
“Wwweeee waannnttt ooouurrrr ttoooyyyssss bbbaaaccckkkk...”
“What toys? The ponies?”
“Oooohhhhh yyyeeessss...”
“No, that is not negotiable.”
It laughs, a hissing that drives deep into my brain.
“Yyyooouuu ttthhiinnnkkkk ssssoooooo?”
“I do, release the foals and go back to sleep or go away, there is no other choice.”
“Ssssoooooooo aannngggrrryyyyy....fffooooorrrr aaaa BOLO!”
Athena and I are floored for a millisecond.
“How do you know us?”
“Weee kkknnnooowww mmmuuuccchhhh....lliiikkeee tthhhiiissssss... Little ponies...know this, hear this?”
I am rocked back on my hooves, this is not possible. It is speaking Concordiat Standard!
“How do you know that language? Or just making a good guess?”
“Weee knooowww looottss... Giiiveee uusss ooouurrr tttooyyyss annnndddd wwweee wwwilllll ttteeellll yyyooouuu..”
“Crusader, how does it know Standard? How?”
“I don’t know, I want to find out very badly but there is no negotiation.”
“Agreed.”
“No, you will not hurt anymore ponies. That is not negotiable, ever.”
“Liiisteennn Booolooo....yyooouuu kknnoooowwww nnnooottthiingggg..”
“I am done listening! I have done nothing BUT listen. You have a choice, go or die.”
The sussuration of hissing goes away, it suddenly sounds as if different voices are fighting with each other. I had thought it but one mind with a god complex, could it be multiple minds?
“...kill all...”
“.... tooo diiieee...”
“Killl mmmeeee!”
“Nnooooo...theeeyyy diiieee..”
Athena looks at me and nods to my saddlebags, I motion for her to wait one second.
“So what is it to be? Release the foals and go away, or die, we don’t care. Leave the ponies alone.”
Once again it speaks in Concordiat Standard, “No...you will die.. they will all die.” It pauses and laughs again, “Sssoooo mmmuuuccchhh youuuu are ignnnooorrannnnt ooofff..”
I activate the link to Shining Armor, “Use the shield.”
“On it Crusader, we’re good!”
It takes bares moments for whatever it is to realize we have cut it off. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? We..NO...our delicious toys...no..NONO!”
I feel the pressure of a million eyes watching us.
“DIE, just DIE ponies! No longer a problem, DIE!”
Athena slaps the saddlebags on my back, they drop with a crack on the ground as the timer shows on my displays, we have fifteen seconds.
“Go Athena go!”
We do not fight, we turn and run, as fast as our avatars can take us.
I see Athena’s screen light off as I flip the switch on mine...too late.. Magic slams into me, throwing my avatar into the wall. My pain sensors are going into the red and I scream with agony from the force of the blow. The magic disrupts my systems and throws me into shock for a few moments.
My sisters voice comes through the link, override codes turning my shield on as I get back up; limping from crooked duralloy leg bones, they were actually bent from the force of the blow. I cannot run right. I am blind, my visual sensors shot through with static.
Athena’s voice is soft, I feel myself being lifted and taken towards the entrance. Her shield sparks with mine as they intersect. Looking behind us we can see monsters of every shape and form rolling down the tunnel way.
“Athena, leave me. Blow the charges, fire pattern Delta Five, penetration plus ten. My communications are damaged, do it my sister.”
“No! No I will not!”
“Athena it is an avatar, easily replaced.”
“No, no we’re more than that!”
We are hobbling towards the entrance, Athena is looking stubborn.
“Please Athena, blow the charges.”
We hear the canisters go off behind us, it is too late. The screaming is intense as the nerve fire burns it’s way through whatever this thing uses. The White Phosphorous is spreading it’s lethal rain, along with the defoliant, it is killing anything and everything it touches.
But still the monsters roll toward us. We cannot move fast enough.
Before we hit the entrance, I hear Athena giving the firing codes, the charges we have set go off.
-------------
Outside of Ponyville, the hills where Crusader and Athena are lying tremble then rock with explosions. The sides facing the forest are blown outwards in a massive pulse of sound. Ponies turned with concern seeing the clouds of dirt and dust go flying.
The auto-reloading mortars on both their starboard batteries fire four volleys of twenty centimeter shells towards the forest, arcing high into the air. Then the guns go silent.
-----------
“Time on target, 10.93 seconds Crusader; high trajectory, we’ve got time.”
“We do not, go Athena!”
“NO! I won’t let you leave me!” She grabs my legs, dragging my avatar to the entrance where we are stopped by what appears to be a furry mountain.
We can hear the screaming, the pure agony as my weapons do their intended mission. I told you, it would be music to my ears my enemy and it is, I hear you tortured in ways you never thought of. Burn you bastard thing.
It is dying, I know this, I can feel it and I rejoice!
Athena tries to evade whatever it is blocking us, but we are enveloped in another cloud of butterflies, glittering and warm. A paw the size of a house reaches for us, lifting and gently putting us aside.
“What is it Athena?” I cannot see yet, my visual sensors are only now coming back online.
“I don’t know, but we’re out, we’re free! It is some extremely large animal!”
“Stop the bombardment, send the abort and destroy the shells! We can’t kill anything but those monsters!”
“No, we have to let it continue, they need to die.”
“NO! It’s an innocent, NO!”
I turn, seeing a bear most massive, raising a paw to swipe at hordes of Foals and other things pouring out of the tunnel. It roars it’s rage into the air as jaws snap shut, severing bodies in half. It is huge, beyond anything I have seen and it is reveling in the fight, standing on it’s back legs and making the trees shake with it’s thundering call.
Butterflies surround it, making a shield of glowing colors and wings, a rainbow of peace in the maelstrom of carnage.
“Stop Athena, stop the shells!”
“No...I’m so sorry Crusader..but no.”
The bear is covered in Foals and spiders, including things we’ve not seen before, it is still roaring and swiping at them, killing hundreds at a time.
Athena is yanking me along the ground, we will not make it out. It is fine, I am content with this. But am saddened an innocent is caught up in the fight. I lower my shield and fight the pain back, Athena drops hers to keep hauling at me.
A paw wraps around my leg, a griffon’s claw wraps around Athena’s as we are pulled upwards.
“Just in time I’d say!”
“Discord! No! Go! It’s dangerous now, we’ve only got...”
“I know, hang on.” He snaps his fingers and the world turns upside down.
The last thing I see is that huge ursine, clouds of enemies surrounding it as it reaps it’s fill, the claws and teeth shredding the enemy by the hundreds and looking for more. But I see it’s eyes, at peace, glinting in the bright sunlight as it fights to the last roaring in a clarion voice.
I can do nothing but let it go.
------------
(((I am the thunder, things of evil, that which shakes the earth itself. I am the fear which is too terrible to face. I am Iron Jaw and I claim this forest as MINE!”))) The rumble shakes the trees and hills surrounding the nest.
<<brave>>
<<true>>
<<thank you>>
Iron Jaw looks up at the sky, hearing the whistling as he somehow knows his end is near, but he is content with this. The fey have given him his last wish and they join him in the fight, using what they have left of themselves to help.
Holding the killers, waiting for death to arrive. They do not know how, but it is coming and they stand firm.
His old bones and muscles feel the warmth of adrenaline, the blood flows as monsters are swept away in claws and teeth. His body once again bold and courageous as it is covered in horrid things, keeping them right there.
(((Time to go to a new home my fey friends, time to go home.)))
<<home>>
<<home>>
<<home>>
The mortar shells land right on target, digging deep into the soil and obliterating the area. Iron Jaw stands to the last as the explosions rock the world he knows and loved, butterflies surrounding him in a spray of colors and light. Together they hold the horrors in place with strength and fey magic.
Their world erupts in light that spike the eyes.
He is at peace instantly, in pain no more.
-------------
We arrive in a tumbled heap, Discord had brought us by magic to the outskirts of town at great cost to himself. He was not prepared to take both of us and only wanted to help. The geas he is under stripped him of quite a bit of his magic, so he gave his all to get Athena and myself to safety. I only find this out later, but I am grateful.
I turn my head from where I lay on the ground to see the bombardment raise trees and dirt into the air, crashing back down into the forest as the sound and fury reaches us.
My pain registers are burning out, the magical feedback is tearing through my cores as I try to damp it down. This should not affect me so badly, but the magic that was used caught me unprepared and disrupted my systems, funneling back into my war hull.
Athena has clamped down overrides, she is in control as I cannot help but scream over the combat links. I have never experienced this before and it is pure agony. Athena is holding my head in her lap as I try not to cry out anymore.
“Shhhh..I have you brother, it’s over. Overrides are coming, you’ll stop hurting in a few seconds. Hold on.”
“Please check on Discord..”
“Stop, you’re not in charge now. He is fine.”
“You should have left me.”
“Not a chance, not ever.”
“Oh mah stars what happened?” Applejack skids to a halt beside us.
“He is hurt, the pain will be gone in a few seconds. I am controlling things as fast as I can.”
The orange pony looks along my side where the skin is torn, revealing fake muscle and a few shining parts of my skeletal structure.
The overrides are working their way through my systems, pain sensors are shutting down quickly now and I can think once more.
“I am fine my Applejack.”
She sets down beside me, taking my head from Athena to place on her own lap, “Ah know, but ya keep gettin’ hurt ya dunderhead.”
“It can be fixed.” I smile up at her.
“That’s not the point ya idjit, we heard ya over the link and you had me scared half to death.”
“I am sorry. I couldn’t help it.”
She kisses me, not paying any attention to semi-organic muscles, the durasteel bones. Her expression is warm and loving as she looks at me with those concerned eyes.
“Ah know, so just lay there, let Athena take care of ya all right?”
“I will.”
Twilight and Pinkie tear to a stop next to us, checking Discord to make sure he is okay. The lavender Alicorn sets near me, placing a hoof on my chest. Pinkie is hugging my sister tight. A smile on her face as always, glad we are back. The others are arriving as well, wondering what has happened and how we got back so quickly.
“Is he alright?” She is looking at Applejack, seeing the rips in my side.
“Ah’m sure he’ll be okay. Just gettin’ hurt as usual.” They both laugh softly.
Twilight smiles down at me, “I’m going to have to ask Princess Celestia to make a royal decree to keep you in town so you don’t get hurt anymore.”
Applejack laughs, “Oh she’s gonna ground ya good!”
“I think I would like that, all this running around is tiring.”
A lanky figure eclipses my sight, leaning down next to us. I raise a bent leg to press it against his shoulder, “Thank you. It was idiotic and foolish to do so, but thank you.”
A smile graces the snaggle toothed face, “Well, I would say brave and courageous!” He laughs softly. His eyes though, are not spinning nor looking a bit wild, he is somber for once.
“What is wrong?”
“I only wished to help, to make up for the past.” He says it very quietly.
I can only shake my head, “Gone and forgotten, you did not have to do anything.”
He smiles, “I dropped into town and they told me you were on a mission. Well, I couldn’t let you get all the credit now!”
Everypony laughs as he strikes a pose.
“You are incorrigible Discord.”
He winks at all of us, “I am, aren’t I?” With a snap of the fingers he is gone.
All I can do is smile.
------------
Athena has taken the watch and I am sitting on my hill once more. The body is broken but my spirit is willing and able. She did what I in my doubt would have prevented, destroyed the thing in the forest.
I look towards the trees and hope it is gone forever. The saturation bombardment went deep, loaded with the best explosives we had. Burn in Tartarus you hellish thing.
I would have traded anything for the knowledge the thing said it had, speaking in Concordiat Standard, how did it know that? How did it know we were Bolos? Why are there always more questions?
But not ever would I trade the life of a child for my gain. Never. I would rather die than do so. If I had to do it again, yes I would do the same. Blow it out of existence.
I should go in for maintenance right now, but it will wait. I want to sit quietly and look at the stars. Wondering about a bear and butterflies of gold.
A form appears beside me, it is welcome this time.
“Mind if I sit here?”
“It is a free hill, please do.” I gesture to a place near me.
“Your sense of humor is a lot better I see.” The voice is jovial and humor filled.
“I have my moments.”
“So what are you pondering Crusader?”
“Crusader now? Not puppet?” I look at Discord with one raised eyebrow.
“I think we’re past that, don’t you?” He grins at me, leaning close.
“I think so. But please, do not turn me into a real pony, it would hurt quite a bit right now.”
He laughs, nodding.
“Sooooo...?”
“A bear and butterflies of gold. Why I am constantly being sacrificed for when I am one among many.”
He puts a paw to chin, a curious look on his face as he snaps his fingers, “I don’t know, but I do know that life gets very very strange some days.” He offers a cardboard cup, “Popcorn?”
I laugh, “You are always you.”
“Accept no substitutions!”
I chuckle, then remain silent as I look upward, pondering the imponderable it seems until Discord’s voice interrupts.
“His name was Iron Jaw...”
I listen and I record. Locking it away with other precious things as Discord tells me of long ago when he knew that name.
A step further upon the road, but it will not be long. There are so many things left to discover.
What may come I do not know, but it will be an adventure.
Discord and Crusader. A formidabel pair.
Don't know why Athena didn't just let him sacrifice his avatar, its really only a puppet. She got too emotional, if she didn't maybe Ironjaw would still be alive.
I love you, marry me!
Damn, your update rate is awesome! Keep it up, you're making our lives that much better! =)
Ok, done reading now. It's an interesting twist that implies humans might have something to do with the forest =)
I wonder if the voices really are just a bunch of human brains connected to a network of nanomachines or something similar in an underground facility. They could have gone mad over the millennia and wish to kill everything that lives happily or die themselves as that one bit indicated... At least something like that is my current standing theory =P
5764504 I'm grinning at the thought of that, yes, a sling would be a useful weapon, nice idea.
Well. I don't know how to respond to that. An ancient Ursa Major on his death bed shows up for one last fight against the horror terrors of a history that should be burned, buried, and then the earth it was buried in salted. All because the fae decided to lend a hand to the avatars of a couple Bolos. How does one respond to that level of overkill?
5767928
I doubt it's just a 'puppet' anymore. Magic, Discord's in particular, has a mind of it's own. And i think Ironjaw went out the way many old solders would have preferred to go, Quickly while Fighting for what they truly believed in.
I didn't have to wait too long, I see. Always a bonus.
Very well done. Not unnecessarily drawn out nor over too quickly. The noble sacrifice of Iron Jaw was also well done. Nice to see that it was not the forest itself that was the source of the evil. Will there be a sequel now that the main antagonist is gone? I hope so.
Too many have had their lives ruined by that thing, and yet I suspect it's only getting started. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
5767660
Would be interesting to see if Fluttershy could talk a bear into letting this other pegasi that doesn't smell like one do that stretching and flexing technique that looks like she's trying to pile-drive the bear into the ground before giving him a backrub Neighponese-style (walking on the spine).
now, to check on those foals...
t'was great to see them burn, but I feel as if it knew that was going to happen.
I think it wants to be thought of as dead, so any other attacks come as a suprise.
5 bits that Crusader won't notice a systemwide corruption from that attack until it's too late.
5767656 I want to purchase a Polo with Bolo art/fanart on it, then I'll have a meme printed on it reading "Bolos on Polos"
s.mlpforums.com/uploads/post_images/img-654512-1-358txp.jpg
Evil is rarely defeated so easily, Crusader should get himself repaired and start sending out long range drones to find out where this insane blight has spread. Call me paranoid (a compliment for Bolos? Heh) but I would bet the farm there's more nests out there in the world.
5768039
...you know that might actually happen. that thing knows about bolos and Concordiat Standard, it might have used magic to hack its way into its system. kinda scary if you think about it. this is either the end of the Everfree arc and unto the next adventure (the political scene that might happen due to Athena's presences perhaps?) or the forest is just getting started and this might be his plan all along.
5768091 I was quite serious. I take it you won't take up my bet?
5767928
I don't think you understand. Iron Jaw was dieing . All he had to look forward to was more pain until he passed. The Fey gave him the chance to go under in battle. For that short time, once again the unstoppable Dire Bear he was in his prime, defending the weak ones of the forest, defending HIS forest.
Wait till Discord finishes telling who and what he was.
5768095
no sirree. though, I am going to be cautiously optimistic at this point and hope that this is just an injury to be healed and nothing more. while my gut tells me that the bad went down a bit too easily for it to be over, I will say that they didn't actually escaped unscathed and if it wasn't for the sacrifice of Ironjaw, they may not have escaped with their avatars intact. With that in mind, I can only hope this is truly over.
I will say this though. if Crusader ever find himself feeling...well not himself, he better inform Applejack about it. most of my worries here stems on the fact that people who are under the threat of mind control don't seem to think that informing their allies and love ones about it in fear of being called crazy when they really should.
5768137 Speaking of Corruption, what we witnessed in the forest and gut feelings.
Does this remind you of Nightmare Moon?
5768151
now that you mention yet, yes but only in resemblance. I doubt its actually her, what with the bad guy knowing about bolos and stuff.
......*whines and lays his ears back* I have a bad feeling......something was missed, there's something that everypony missed but I dunno what it is.....and I am worried......somepony hold meh <@~@>
5768191 Complete speculation
What if this is the Core of Nightmare Moon? The corruption itself.
Luna was an Alicorn who specialized in mental abilities, which would mean that she would be more susceptible to infection but also a lot more resistant to its effects: The corruption wouldn't affect her as badly but it would skew her view and affect her personality.
Now when it's out of her then it wouldn't be surprising if it actually has views and goals that Nightmare Moon never had.
Then again, just a thought.
For we shall meet again in another life, my good fey friends.
Farewell, thy protector.
Farewell, thy savior.
Fare the well, and may thy find peace in the next life.
Let us meet again to laugh in joyous remembrance of our past lives.
For we have lived it well to the end.
The bear lived once.
The bear lived once in a forest.
He was a protector of the innocent, of the weak, of the good willed.
But as time passed, he found the evil grew too much, too strong.
The bear grew weak and had to rest.
Then gold came in the form of the fey to awaken him.
He stood up to fight one last time.
Iron and gold opened their maws and dragged the evil into the oblivion.
Iron and gold.
Thank you...
Oh you most definitely wrote it write. I cried for Iron Jaw. Hell, I'm still crying. I've always loved a good last stand, defiant of evil. Very well written. Can't wait for more! Keep up the excellent work.
I still think/hope that the Evil was Melconian in origin, Crusader should send in drones to confirm the kill and to see what it was.
“A Bolo is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he wants to.”
Crusader is now Gandalf. lol Awesome.
5768917 I have a suspicion that it might be another Concordiat AI that's been aware and steeping in magic a lot, lot longer than Crusader and Athena. One driven mad by isolation, loss, and a sense of betrayal.
Saved by a Colossal+ Dire Bear with the the Ancient, Fey Touched, and Forrest Guardian templates... Discord just wanted to show off his DM powers didn't he? If so, why didn't he play this thematically appropriate music?
5767984 Well it was a good fight! Let's not forget the mortars
5767883
Dang I shoulda thought of that!:)
5767902 Be a heck of a team up!
5767929
You're very welcome, I'm just glad you don't find it rushed or too quick :) Not sure bout the marry me thing, but thanks for the thought?
5767987
That's exactly true, he wanted one last fight. Why not do it for something noble.
5768078
That is so, so true.
5767989
There is always more story to tell!
5768000 Once again, thank you!
5768013 Hmmmm, Bolo masseuse? Hmmmm =)
5768137 Your comments are incredibly insightful and well reasoned, I really enjoy reading them. Like so many others here that discuss things without bounds, all I can say is wow.
5768066 I would dearly love to commission someone to do the pic of Athena and Crusader standing their with their hands on their avatars, looking to go into battle. I think if done right it would be a heckuva picture to keep.
5768219 Very well thought out and insightful, looking at it from a very different angle. Well done!
5768479
Well done! Thank you!
5768636 That was awesome, thank you.. very much!
5768748 Thank you! You are so very welcome, glad I did it right!
5769115 I really couldn't resist that line, I couldn't
5768917 Shall do! Always have to observe the results! Yep!
Every answer leads to more questions. The only way to survive is to let some of them go.
well, Iron Jaw is best fukkin dire bear.
The hourglass has emptied, the ledger closed.
Only one thing remains.
SQUEAK.
5769783
Oh there are always things to tell, other things for the story. It's not over, not by far
Now all we need is fanart for Athena and we're all gucci.
P.S. My image of what a dragon would look like would be something like this:
spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/15/16284.png
(Metal Slug 3 rebel tank)
There is a old story about a Bolo, one of the very first ones. A short story about the advent of the first truly 'alive' Bolo. It was sent against an enemy and by all rights should have turned tail and run due to its being overmatched and its programming telling it to keep itself alive for a later battle. It fought though, fought until it was scrap and the enemy broke in fear at the enemy they faced. When the battle was done they asked it why didn't you retreat. And then made a guess that the Bolo knew the enemy would break. The Bolo said "no" and the humans looked at it again and just asked why would it stay and fight till the last knowing it would be destroyed. The Bolo had only one reply.
"For the Honor of the Regiment."
Crusader is reminding me of that story. I think I need to dig that book out for a read soon...
5768066
Yes, this should happen.
I don't know what to say about this chapter. On the one hand, it's good to see a little bit of resolution of the forest (though it could be a false sense of completion), on the other hand: there's a lot of questions unanswered, and new questions added (like why it knew Standard).
5769859 Fred Saberhagen's Berserkers were definitely in a class by themselves. Cunning, smart, vicious and very very intelligent. But to themselves, they were never evil, just doing what they were made to. Even "Goodlife" were taught that. The end goal all life gone, wiped out for a Berserker universe. Good point on that too!
5769916 That was truly one of the better stories. I 'think' it was called "For the Honor Of the Regiment" though don't quote me.
5769897 It's actually something not a lot of folks do, fan art of Bolos is seriously scarce and rare. I think artists are a bit put off by the scale of what they'd have to do to show it in true form. Not sure, but there is so very little of anything on the net about em.
5769986 Without questions we couldn't have more story!...Er.. that's my story and I'm sticking to it
5769916
If you should happen to remember the title, I would like to read that as well.
5770001
Well, yes; this certainly isn't a "Random Event Storyline".
5770025 The story was Field Test and can be found in 'The Compleat Bolo' by Keith Laumer. Unit DNE of the Line. A Mark XX Bolo.
My copy is so old the pages are yellow and the feels like its going to fall apart in my hands. Not surprising for a copy printed in 1999.
"Wait a minute, unit DNE. it just dawned on me. I've been underestimating you. you knew didn't you? your knowledge of human psychology told you they'd break and run didn't it?"
"No sir, on the contrary. I was quite certain that they were as aware as I that they held every advantage."
"Then that leaves me back where I started. Why? What made you risk everything on a hopeless attack? Why did you do it?"
"For the Honor of the Regiment."
Another story 'Legacy' by Todd Johnson which can be found in 'BOLO's Book II The Unconquerable' is probably one of my favorite sad storys. A BOLO playing taps for mankind as it goes off to avenge them. Oddly enough, on a dead Earth long after Humanity had given up on war. I dare anyone to read it and not shed a tear as it the BOLO takes its final orders from a 11 year old boy to avenge his species.
5770110
Thank you very much; I'll probably get it on my next book-binge.
5770274 it's out of print, but good luck. I just checked Amazon and copy are expensive. I recommend a library or a digital download.
Let me guess: the 'dark' was a BOLO that was like Athena with a disrupted stasis, but the damage was so great it could only just survive as an intelligence. Resartus failed, as did Masada, and the BOLO went insane, eventual changing into the darkness by the same process Athena and Crusader are currently undergoing.
And that is why the darkness knew of BOLOs and Standard. It would explain a lot. Perhaps the Spiders were once tech spiders, and the whole nest complex was the remains of the Bolo's war hull.