Episode 81: Grandbuggy & Friends (Season Finale Part 2)
Intro:
You stare slack jawed at the older Changeling as he continues to gush. He then picks up the confused Nightshade and holds her at arm’s length.
“Daww, you have the same confused expression of my little girl, your grandma,” he coos.
“Umm…Thanks?” Nightshade ventures, still a bit stumped on how to react.
You don’t fare much better. A whirlwind of emotions flood your brain to the point of near shut down, which at this point is becoming second nature to you.
“Oh my boy, you best be feeding this one well…Boy?” Grandbuggy looks over to you with your lack of answer.
Nightshade turns her own head and sees your expression.
DWC’s Comment
"Uh...I think you broke my Daddy," she replies as she squirrels out of the older changelings grip and walks up to you.
"Nonsense!” Grandbuggy dismisses as he looks you over. “He looks perfectly fine, his legs are all intact, his wings are still there, still has them badass scars, he is shaking uncontrollably and has a blank look on hi-oh…"
“Daddy? Are you still there?” asks Nightshade, but you don’t acknowledge her, you just stare at Grandbuggy intensely.
Bugze, you’re overwhelming yourself, perhaps bring yourself back to consciousness? Selena tries to coax, but still you can’t help but be flooded.
After a few moments of your catatonic state, Grandbuggy facehooves and mutters.
"Damnit Jack, I told you sending me out first would be a bad idea. But noooooo...we needed the emotional family reconnection. Pfft. Like that weirdo’s ever had a meaningful connection."
“You mean that stallion in the other room?” asks Nightshade.
“Ayuh. Word of warning, don’t take dating advice from that guy,” Grandbuggy says with a roll of his eyes.
He then puts his face close to yours and claps his hooves trying to get a response from you.
"Welp, only one way to fix this," he says as he takes a deep breath and suddenly shouts while pointing behind you,
"LOOK IT'S SAPPHIRE SHORES IN A TANK TOP!"
If it’s even possible, your face becomes even more blank as your memories of your former celebrity crush are brought back up.
Grandbuggy quirks an eyebrow at you.
"Huh...that usually works,” he mutters.
“He doesn’t like her anymore. Apparently she was a manipulative whorse who loves publicity too much,” Nightshade explains.
“Heh, now he gets that? I tried to tell him crushing on celebrities never ends well in the past. Guess he’s the learn from experience type.”
While they have their back and forth, Selena again tries to kick you to your senses.
Bugze. You’re stronger than this. Don’t let this perverted old Bug shut you down. Don’t go clamming up again after all the progress we’ve ma-
But it’s HIM Selly! It’s really him. It’s been so so LONG since I’ve heard him speak. Since I’ve seen him. I…I…
Kersey’s Comment
Kichi’s Comment
“Hmmm,” Grandbuggy scratches under his bowler hat. “Maybe I should-“
And suddenly, the most appropriate response to seeing your Grandbuggy after years comes about.
‘FALCON PUNCH!!!” you roar as your hoof shoots out, striking the old bug in the gut and knocking the wind out of him. Nightshade’s eyes widen in shock as the older changeling crumples to the floor gasping for breath as his cigar falls out of his mouth.
"THAT'S FOR LEAVING ME!!" you yell with tears in your eyes.
He gasps and holds his gut while on his knees, but after a few breaths, he looks up at you and gives you a very wide smile of understanding.
“Alright son. I had that one coming,” he responds as he begins to get back up.
“Nightshade,” you speak up, causing your confused daughter to give a jump. “Would you kindly give me and the old bug the room for a bit?”
She stares at you then Grandbuggy and back before nodding.
“Alright Dad, just don’t go punching crazy again. I mean, the guy did help us,” she says as she exits the room, closing the door behind her.
Silence falls between you two as he shuffles nervously and picks up his cigar.
“Guess my lessons got through to you eventually, that was a helluva punch kid.”
"I... I..." you start to tense up, but before you can throw any more punches, he rushes forward, quicker than what his age would have you believe possible and ensnares you in a hug.
"I know boyo, I missed you too,” he says into your ear.
And like that, the dam finally breaks and you let out tears, happy and grief stricken alike flow from you as you embrace him.
BrownDog’s Comment
“You stupid old bug…”you cry into his shoulder.
“There there now, Grandbuggy’s here for you,” he soothingly says as he rubs your mane, just like he did when you were little. “I ain’t going nowhere.” You tense a bit at that though.
“But you did. You were gone for years…I thought you were dead,” you bawl as he tightens the hug.
“I know boy, and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…”
You cry into his shoulder for so long, but surprisingly, it does help. Just like it did in the past.
“But I’m right here now. I’m back, for good this time.”
You take comfort in these words and a smile graces your face.
After awhile of hugging, you get your breathing back under control. Noticing this, he pulls back and looks you in the face.
“Better?”
You sniffle and say,
“Yeah, Yeah I’m better.”
“Good. I’d prefer not to have more snot on my shoulder,” he chuckles and lets you go.
“And besides, can’t be giving too many hugs around this place, Jack would never let me hear the end of it, or that Water Bending babe for that matter.”
The smirk on his face looks the same as it did all those years ago. There is so much you want to ask him, so many things to catch up on. But first and foremost come the two biggest questions you have.
Roker12’s Comment
“Where have you been all this time? How are you alive?”
He grins at that as the Cigar curls up in his lip.
“I can answer both of those at the same time. I take it you got my note in the bunker?”
“Y-Yes,” you respond. “You said you were launching yourself to the moon. But even if I never found the note, I saw the rockets blast off in the distance.” You recall that day vividly. Running through drills for the Army, made to do extra laps till after dark. You saw the rocket light up the sky in the distance.
“Yeah…about that. I made the rocket alright, launched myself successfully as well…but I didn’t make it to the moon. The Doc saw to that, and I’ve been with him since,” Grandbuggy shakes his head in frustration.
“Seriously, I go through all that trouble of building a space faring vessel on this technologically inclined world to fulfill the last item on my bucket list, and then he shows up in his Blue Box to rain on my parade.”
“The Doctor pulled you out of the rocket?” you ask.
“Ya. Dang thing is probably orbiting us right now as an expensive piece of space trash,” he spits in frustration.
He then closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
“But it’s alright I guess. Plans change. And I guess the last item on my bucket list can be deleted because you beat me to the punch you dog you,” he gives you a smirk and bops your elbow causing you to blush.
“That’s not quite…the situation is…” you stammer trying to explain to your elder with a blush.
Why are you flustered? What is he insinuating Bugze? Why did he even launch himself to the moon in the first place?
He told me that before died, he was going to try and bang the mare in the moon to settle an old bet.
…What?! She screeches in shock.
Yeah…And that’s why I thought he was dead. Aside from launching into space, I figured he’d only do it if he was dying…
Not hearing your interior conversation, Grandbuggy picks up with yours.
“Oh it’s not the situation eh? I’ve seen all them mare’s giving ya the googly eyes, don’t try to deny it,” he laughs as he claps your shoulder. “I’m proud of ya, I guess being a heart throb is genetic after all. Though I guess it WOULD only take a freaking Goddess to carry your almighty child.” he insinuates with a wink causing you to blush harder.
…I don’t think I like him all that much, Selena deadpans.
“So come on boy, give me some details. I lost that chance forever, so you gotta give me a clear picture,” he all but begs.
Just_another_guy’s Comment
Bugze, kick that pervert in his family jewels for me please? Selena says plainly.
Huh? Why? You ask.
For his perverted and callous insinuations. Even had this fool made it to the moon, he would never have “Nailed” me, she growls.
"Was she wearing that sexy armor of hers? How long till you found out you had a bundle of joy from your fun?" Grandbuggy continues to pester.
The black stone is preventing me from doing so myself, so would you kindly KICK HIM IN THE NARDS?
Shrugging you look to Grandbuggy as continues ranting.
"At least tell me how you settled the height issue betwe- *WHAM*- AHHHH MA' D!&K!!!" he shouts as he holds his favorite body parts and crumples to the ground again.
Thank you kindly, Selena says in gratitude.
"...why~?" Grandbuggy whines in a high pitched voice staring at your scowl.
"That's courtesy of Selena you old perv" you respond as you hear a satisfied 'hum' from in your head.
“Who?” he grunts as he stands back up, hunched over.
“The Mare in the Moon,” you declare. “She doesn’t appreciate your small talk.”
His eyes widen at that.
“You telling me she can always hear what you hear?” he asks and you nod as your eyes flash a little.
“Oh, way to leave out that tidbit Doc,” he mutters to himself.
“So yeah, keep a civil tongue about her, I won’t have you besmirching her good name,” you scold.
“Oh lord, she’s got you whipped good @#$%&.”
Your eyes involuntarily flash as Selena grunts.
“Alright alright, didn’t mean any offense Ms. Sel-Moon. In fact, you should take it as a compliment.”
Your eyes just flash again and he sighs.
“Yeesh, everyling’s so uptight these days,” he groans as he unhobbles himself. “But easy on the punches, I may not have used them lately, but I ain’t dead yet,” he mutters.
“Yet?” you ask in worry.
“No no, I ain’t dying. It’s just an expression.”
“Oh…but your bucket list. The rocket…” you point out.
He lets out a sigh at this.
BrownDog’s Comment
“Look boy, I’m sorry if you thought I was dead. I guess I can’t blame ya for thinking so. But I had no intention of dying when I went blasted off. Besides fulfilling my bucket list I had…other reasons for the launch, but I intended to come back. I even thought I’d left you with a Guardian Angel, but I guess each Regeneration makes him more of a secret keeping arse.” He the shakes his head again, “But look, because of the Doc that situation was only months ago for me, even if it’s been years for you.”
“If it’s only been months?” you ask in shock.
No wonder he doesn’t look all that older.
“Why didn’t you come back then?” you ask.
“Because that bastard kept going on and on about the dangers of interfering with fixed points in time that came about because of my absence and blah blah blah,” he explains with a roll of his eyes. “No matter how many times his face changes, the techno speak is always jibber jabber. But he’s usually right.”
Roker12’s Comment
“But you still kicked him out and stole the TARDIS?”
He smirks and says,
“Tartarus yes. The Doc plucks me off my rocket, takes me years into the future, and tells me that I have to show up to help on the day of the Apploosan Invasion.”
He then rolls his eyes. “Not even a “Hey Quick Fix, how’s life been treating you?” or anything just, “Come with me if you want to help your Grandbug."
“And let me guess, he didn’t tell you anything else did he?” you deadpan.
“Been hanging out with him eh?” he chuckles. “Yeah, typical of him, but no, unlike all his other companions, I don’t put up with that bullspit. He owes me more than that, so I got my answers…” he trails off with a frown.
“And?” you ask curiously.
“Well, he then gave me a rundown on your life since I’ve been gone and well…I guess I kind of snapped over hearing how hard you’ve had it…”
You look down and think of all the hardships you’ve been through since Grandbuggy’s banishment.
“Yeah…It’s been tough…”
He sighs and says,
“Lady Luck cursed us my boy. I’m sorry that she’s had her eye set on you.”
You nod at that, still looking down, so he continues.
“But yeah, I shut the door on him after he walked out, which if we time it right will be five minutes after we just got you out of the bunker,” he says as he checks his pocket watch.”
“So, you stole the TARDIS, but how did you know where to find me?”
“Well, I didn’t get specific dates or anything when he was telling me your life story, but I did know when you would be returning to Ponyville. It’s kind of hard to miss a group cute pink mare clones bouncing everywhere.”
You look up at that in shock.
“You were there?”
“I’ve been checking up on you and my Great Granddaughter while you’ve been in Ponyville, watching and learning,” he smiles.
You gasp at this confession as some mysterious fall into place.
“Was…was that you who pulled me out of the river?” He chuckles at that.
“You bet yer keister. Don’t try to make a habit of going over waterfalls, you nearly gave me a heart attack. And that wasn’t the only time I helped you out.”
You think back on your latest stint in Ponyville.
“You were the one who gave me all the desserts during the reunion weren’t ya?”
“That’s right,” he then flashes green and appears as an Apple Mare, “My name’s Candy Apple, nice to meetcha,” he puts on a different voice.
“I knew I’d met that mare twice in a row,” you say in understanding.
He then changes back.
“That was pretty epic with the bats flying around,” he then lets out a wistful sigh. “Glad to see Smithy happy with all her relatives.”
You then ask pointedly,
“You mean MY Grandmother?”
He seems surprised at this, before he snarls.
“Oh damnit. Did the Doc let that secret out?”
“No, actually she did, though she doesn’t know I’m her grandson,” you reply.
He sighs and says, “Good. I’d hate for her to find out so harshly,” he then looks to you and says, “And for Pete’s sake, if you knew what you were to them, why were you getting all close with her Granddaughter? Yer cousins ya know?”
“I know! But I can’t explain that to her and she won’t leave me alone!” you moan as the weight of this confirmed theory hits you.
Holy Crap, I AM related to the Apples…
Kichi’s Comment
“But that’s another thing. Why didn’t you ever tell me the truth? Heck, why didn’t you let Granny Smith know? I know the old Changeling Half Breed Laws, but you never were one for following rules. She still seems broken up over you leaving,” you accuse.
He lets out a sigh.
“Look, it’s not as simple as you make it out @#$%&”
“Bugze,” you say.
“What?” he asks confused.
“My name. It’s Bugze now. I haven’t been @#$%& since the Canterlot Invasion.”
“Bugze? Seriously?” he asks incredulously. “What was wrong with your old name?”
“Nothing it’s just…that name belongs to someone I’m not anymore. I’ve changed since then Grandbuggy.”
Raising an eyebrow he says, “Alright then. If that’s what you want “Bugze” he says as he rolls his eyes. “But anyway, like I was saying, the situation with your Grandmother isn’t as simple as you think.”
“Then what happened?” you ask.
“That would take a LONG time to explain, but I’ll give you some cliff notes. She and I met as companions with the Doctor, we went on many adventures. We fell in love, were going to get married and start a family…and then disaster struck, and we all had to go our separate ways…” he says with a sad sigh.
“What disaster?” you ask.
“Let’s just say I pissed off the wrong crowd, and at the Doctor’s insistence, memories had to be forgotten, and love and family had to be dropped.”
“You’re not gonna give me any more than that?” you ask indignantly.
“Sorry kid, but that story can wait for another time. We may have all the time in the world, but at the same time, I want your head to be in the game for what’s to come, and I don’t want to go telling you sad tales.”
“Sad tales? Grandbuggy, the last three years of my life have been made up of sad tales broken up by spans of false peace…” you bemoan.
He winces at that and looks down.
“Yeah…I know boy. I thought the Doc would keep you out of the thick of it…don’t know why I would have ever thought that after all you’ve been through.”
“Yeah…but why didn’t you?” you ask suddenly as a powerful thought comes to mind.
He tenses at that, so you know he knows what you’re talking about.
“Could…could you have stopped me a week ago?” you ask in hesitation.
He sighs and shakes his head.
BrownDog’s Comment
“I didn’t know it was coming any more than you did,” he says as he puts his hoof back on your shoulder.
“So…you couldn’t have stopped…Trixie?” you ask as your heart quickens pace.
He looks to the side and says,
“No. I wasn’t under the dome, but I felt your pain and tried to ease your anger with our familial Hive Mind... but I heard the outcome, and that sealed the moment. I…I know it must have been hard for you…”
You look down as the guilt crawls back up.
Bugze, we’ve been over this. You’re not a mo-
“But she’ll get better. There’s always another chance to make things right,” Grandbuggy adds confusing both you and Selena.
“What?” you ask in shock. “What do you mean there’s another chance to make things right? Trixie’s dead, I killed her.”
He looks confused at this before his eyes widen.
“Now wait just a moment, did you think this whole time that she…” your shocked face answers him.
“N-No son, that mare survived. She’s up being tended for in the Hospital as we speak.”
His words shatter a boundary, a pressure that’s been on your shoulders for the past week has been lifted. Not all the way, but there is now room to breathe.
“She…she’s alive?” you ask in hope as more tears come to your eyes and you hear Selena sigh in relief.
“Oh boy,” Grandbuggy says as he hugs you again.
After another emotional moment, you regain a bit of your composure.
“I never remember you being this emotionally damaged before. Take comfort in the fact that she’s alive son.”
“I just…I’ve had a collection of guilt these last three years. I’ve done some horrible things Grandbuggy. When I thought Trixie died they all came at me and…”
He lets out a sigh at this and breaks the hug.
“Boy, know that what I say next, I say for the good of your mind. You gotta nut up and cut it with all this emotional baggage.”
“Wh-What?” you ask in shock.
Kersey’s Comment
“I don’t say it to be mean, but it’s what you gotta do. We all do horrible things in life son, there’s things I’ve done that still give me nightmares…but the point is that you have to face all of that crap head on and tell it, “I won’t be ruled by you.”
You look down and mutter,
“Grandbuggy, the stuff I’ve done, you can’t possibly-“
“I know what you’ve done. Tartarus, I kicked the Doctor out of his precious Box after hearing what you’re life’s become kid. The whole Nightmare monster version of you…that was the final straw for me kid.”
“You…You know about the otherworld?” you ask hesitantly.
“Yeah…I know what you went through boy. I know the hardships you faced, and the ones you still face. I know you still fear that one day you’ll become that monster.”
He then looks you straight in the eye in determination.
“But that bullspit ain’t ever gonna happen. And do you wanna know why boy?”
“I-I-I-“ you sputter.
“It’s because you made a choice. You and that smoking hot goddess in your head. You both made a choice to not become that. And that’s what it all comes down to, your choices.”
“Every living thing on this planet is defined by their choices son, and only the individual can ultimately choose. That nutjob in Fillydelphia chose to be an evil murderous flankhole, your little friend Sin chose to side with Chryssy over you, and ultimately, Trixie chose to…do what she did,” he says wincing before declaring to you, “And you chose not to be a monster.”
You scowl at him and say, “That’s easy for you to say. Yeah Trixie made a choice, but I drove her to that. It’s easy to say she made a choice, but she wasn’t all there, and I didn’t help! I made THAT choice Grandbuggy, and I think that makes me a monster in any book. Just because she didn’t die, doesn’t make that fact any less true.”
“Of course it doesn’t boy, but you’re also missing another point. You’re choosing to let this guilt control you. Wallowing in your guilt doesn’t help you, nor those around you. It’s just as bad as losing yourself to your anger. The only difference is who gets hurt, and right now you’re hurting yourself son.”
You look down at this.
“I’m not saying don’t feel guilty, but don’t let it consume you. Treat it like your anger. It’s another motivator that becomes toxic when overwhelmed. You have to find a balance between the two of them, without being blinded by either. You’re no good rampaging, but neither are you good as a catatonic zombie.”
You grit your teeth as you take some breaths.
“And how do I do that Grandbuggy? How do I find this middle ground?”
“That’s up to you boy, but the first step is simple. You have to choose to walk that path. So nut up already and choose to take a hold of your life again.”
You think on his words and all you’ve done.
It…it can’t be that simple. Noling can do this alone.
But you’re not alone Bugze. You’ve never been alone, Selena encourages. You have me, You have Nightshade, and you now have your Grandfather again. You don’t have to walk alone.
You think of her and Nightshade as they held your jabbering psyche this past week. How they’ve been with you through thick and thin. They chose to stick with you, and you chose them. Maybe the choice isn’t simple, but it could be easier with them all at your side.
You let out a breath at her words and turn to your Grandbuggy.
“Y-You’re right Grandbuggy. I…I choose my own path. One not ruled by my anger or my guilt, but not without them either.”
He smiles at that.
“There’s my grandson showing that spirit,” he claps your shoulder.
You clap his shoulder back and announce
BrownDog’s Comment
“I…I still feel guilt for the bad things I’ve done. Especially Trixie. Even if she didn’t die, I drove her to the point where she tried to kill herself. That’s on me…and it always will be. And you’re right. There is still time. It’s not too late for me to make things right with her. With her still alive, I still have a chance to save her…”
You then let out a sigh and add, “But I can’t forget that guilt, or the lesson’s it’s taught. My actions, my words, and even my inactions have consequences. I choose to use these tools on my path… And I still don’t want anyling else to die…”
The old bug smirks again at this statement.
“Alright boyo. And I’ll be here to help…if you’ll have me,” Grandbuggy asks.
You give your own smile back.
“I will have you Old Bug. I don’t care if you were gone for years, just so long as you’re here now,” you say in determination.
“Damn straight son. I’ll help you walk your noble superhero path. In fact, I might have something that can help with that,” he says cheekily.
Raising an eyebrow you ask,
“What do you mean?”
ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment
“Well, I found something interesting in your bags when I picked you up. Besides my great granddaughter I mean!" Grandbuggy says with a hearty laugh before pulling out the item in question: Jetstream Sam's High-frequency Blade. "Best poker prize ever! I also see it hasn't been unlocked yet. Ya haven't just been bashin' ponies on the head with the sheath, have ya?"
You rub your hoof into the floor innocently.
"Maybe once..?"
Grandbuggy laughs again and tussles your mane.
"Ha-HA! You're my grandson alright! How's about I finally take the trainin' wheels off fer ya?"
"Wait, you mean like... actually unlock it?" you ask, to which your Grandbuggy nods excitedly.
You feel strangely conflicted. You couldn't help geeking out when you first picked up that iconic blade, but a lot has happened since then. You realize that, like the rest of the gear you obtained from the bunker, that sword is no mere replica. High-frequency blades can cut through nearly anything... or anyone.
"Grandbuggy, thanks... but no thanks. Like I said, I’m choosing not to take lives anymore, and having a weapon like that isn't going to help. I think it's best for a weapon that can only kill to remain in its scabbard, even if it is incredibly kick flank," you explain, but for some reason your Grandbuggy's cheeky smirk is just getting wider and wider.
"Blade lock verification: Rurouni." he says into a tiny speaker near the blade's handle. He then effortlessly draws the bright crimson blade and casually tosses it to you.
You fumble trying to catch it without cutting yourself, but when you do manage, you find something odd about the sword.
"The buck? The blade is on the wrong side."
Grandbuggy gives another hearty laugh.
"Clever isn't it? It’s design is for those who put more into defensive fighting, and what’s more, it can be a Changeling’s best friend. If you thrum your wings during a swing, the vibrations travel through the sword giving the blunt edge a higher impact.” He then tosses you the sheath with the trigger. “That sheath can fire the blade to your awaiting hoof at high speeds, and is sure to wreck whatever your target is. And the best part is, unless you really try, that sharp edge isn’t going to be used at all. Just like my little pep talk earlier, you have to choose to use that side.”
You then look at the blade in a new light.
“So, unless I choose to swing this the wrong way, I won’t be killing with this?”
“Exactly. And with your vibrations, you should be able to cut through enemy weapons without cutting through the enemy themselves.”
A slight shudder comes to you as you remember the Nightmare using a similar method for the Infinite Mass Punch…but he chose that…
You test it out by lightly vibrating your wings, and the red blade does appear to shine brighter.
You sheathe the blade and say,
“Thanks Grandbuggy. I’ll only use it for the most desperate of scenarios.”
“I bet. Though even them Changelings in Appleloosa shouldn’t have anything too big to handle.”
Your eyes widen at that.
“Oh Crap! That’s right! We have to go right…”
He bonks you on the head.
“Time Machine kid.”
“Oh…right,” you chuckle embarrassed.
“But you’re right, we should start getting our head in the game a bit. And #@$...Bugze. After this is all done, you and I can talk to our heart’s content. I’ll…I’ll let you know about a lot of stuff from the past.”
“Yeah, alright Grandbuggy. I do still have some foggy memories from the past thanks to being…well, Dead and all.” He grimaces at that but nods.
“Now, how about we go talk to the rest of our merry band of misfits?” he is about to head out the door before he turns his head and asks.
“By the way, can the other one in your head hear what we’re saying all the time?”
Your eyes widen at this.
“You know about him too?”
“The Doc told me damn near everything. So much for being a vegetarian huh?” he jabs. “But from what I can tell that crystal fanatic can be kind of a pain. So…is he an issue?”
“I…no. I actually haven’t heard from him in awhile.”
He still sits within his cage silently. He asks for nothing and seems to prefer the distance since last week, Selena chimes in.
So he’s what? Sulking?
I have no clue, nor do I have any passing interest in finding out after what he did to you, she responds matter of factly.
To this you speak aloud.
“So I guess he’s not an issue for now. It’s nothing me and Selena can’t handle.”
“Well alright then. Let’s meet the team.”
Grandbuggy then leads you through the door where Nightshade exited and you enter the TARDIS center.
No matter how many times you see it, you always geek out a little inside. As you geek out, Grandbuggy walks further into the room towards the group of gathered ponies in the room
You then look around the room and see a few individuals. Nightshade is talking to an overly handsome Earth Pony stallion who could only be Jack, and a dark pink mare. A bit of fear does get the fear of you, but before you can linger on her, you are interrupted by a familiar joyful voice.
ThePonySpartan’s Comment
"CV, you're awake!" Aqua runs up to you in concern and relief. You and Selena both smile at the sight of your old bounty hunting partner.
"Just got up minutes ago." You tell her as you give her a hug. “And it’s Bugze remember?”
“Right right,” she chuckles as she breaks away. “Sorry, it’s just good to see you, I forgot.”
You smile and see that she is wearing a dark coat with a lit torch insignia.
"So how have you been? How's your new job?"
"It's... interesting." She says while rubbing the back of her head. “When Celestia talked about a job, I thought I’d be in the guard or something, not in a separate organization. But I guess she owes the boss a few favors,” she says looking over at the Captain as he lifts his chin and gives you a lid eyed smile. Before you can focus too much on that, Aqua gives you a stern look
"So, Nightmare Moon, huh?" She asks with a raised brow.
You look at her nervously.
“Don’t worry, we don’t report to the Princesses. She can ask for help, but ultimately it’s the Captain who decides what we do,” she reassures. “But really this whole time we were hunting together you didn’t feel like mentioning who was in your head?”
You let out a sigh.
“Sorry but you saw how the rest of the world reacted to our secret, don’t take it personally. And she’s not Nightmare Moon anymore, Her name's Selena. She’s her own pony and isn’t the Boogey mare you think she is. And before you ask, Yes, she’s where I get most of my power from."
Aqua takes that info in, and also the stern look you’re giving back to her as you correct her assumptions.
"So you two are that close to each other if you’re coming up with different names,” she postulates before shrugging, “Well I guess after all these years with her inside your head I can't doubt that.”
“Yeah…and look, if you’re wondering if she was the one to hurt you in the past, no that was all me.”
I’d say it was more 50/50 if you want to put a label on it, Selena points out.
Hey, I’m trying to defend you here, you shoot back.
Aqua gives you a deadpan look.
“Gee, thanks for bringing that up,” she rolls her eyes. “But the Captain and Quick Fix already explained some stuff to me, but I just wanted to hear it from your mouth to be sure.”
Raising and eyebrow you ask.
“They explained some stuff to you? Like what?”
“Mostly the fact that she’s, well…NOT evil anymore and stuff.”
“Well she’s not. You couldn’t take their word on it?”
“Eh, I always like to hear it out of the horse’s mouth, or Changeling in this instance,” she smirks.
“Well I stand by what I say. She can’t speak directly to you because of…” you look at the disk and frown, “Reasons. But if you want a second opinion, she’s over there,” you point.
"Second... oh yeah, Nightshade of course,” she says in understanding before frowning again. “By the way, she said Ni-Selena’s her mom, how does that even work?”
Holding up your hoof you respond,
“Don't ask. It's a long and... yeah, long story." You were about to say unsettling but you didn't want Nightshade or Aqua to hear that.
“Well what’s wronog with a long story now and again?” comes a husky stallion’s voice that makes you and Aqua jitter. “I mean, we got wine and everything, I’m sure we could have a listen.”
You both look to the side and see the overly handsome stallion smiling coyly at you both.
Now you don’t swing that way at all, but this guy…you can admit is handsome…So handsome. The actor that portrayed him in the show? Cannot even hold a candle to this guy’s strong jaw.
No Bad Bug! Don’t get lost in his handsomeness! You shriek in your mind, causing Selena to roll her eyes.
While you try not stare at the epitome of handsome, Aqua rolls her own eyes and says,
“You heard Quick Fix boss, we can all shoot the spit later, basic introductions come first.”
“Yeah, well Fix is getting more grumpy in his old age. Bugze hear is a breath of fresh air. He’s like the spitting image of Quick’s younger self…except with better hair,” he says with a flick of your mane.
Blushing a little, you step back nervously.
DWC’s Comment
"Hello, I’m Captain Jack Harkness, but you can call me anything you want,” he flirts.
You just look at him for a second before saying,
"Stop that. Stop that right now. I’m flattered, but We are not playing this game, I’m only into Mares," you say putting your hoof down.
Jack frowns slightly before saying,
"Ah don't be such a spoilsport bud, I enjoy mares too, ain’t that right Aqua?” he says looking at the Blue Unicorn with a grin.
“Jack!...” Aqua whines as a blush crosses her face.
Chuckling, he then looks back at you,
You look at Aqua and back at him.
“Seriously? You two?”
She facehooves.
“Don’t judge me, there’s hardly any mare or stallion alive or dead that hasn’t been with him at one point or another,” she mutters.
“And they don’t regret it either,” he smirks with a trolling grin. “Besides..."
He suddenly leans in and says,
“Changelings are fair game too…”
Before you can say anything back to this Jack suddenly goes stiff (NOT LIKE THAT!) as there is a wet *THUNK* and he falls to the floor with a hatchet imbedded into his skull.
"WHAT I TELL YA ABOUT HITTING ON MY GRANDBUG?! HE'S OFF LIMITS!" Grandbuggy yells at the murdered stallion.
Kersey’s Comment
"That's your granddad alright CV." Aqua snarks, not even fazed that the Captain is dead.
“Thanks Grandbuggy, I don’t think I had it in me to do something like that this soon,” you say in relief.
"GREAT-GRANDBUGGY! WHAT THE BUCK?!" Nightshade exclaims in horror as you look over seeing her holding her face in fright.
“Calm down Nighshade, it will be alright,” you explain matter of factly.
“Alright?! He just killed that guy!” she shrieks, confused by your laid back attitude.
"Wait for it." Everypony in the TARDIS says deadpan simultaneously.
She looks around the room as if everyone’s gone insane.
“Wait for what? Why are you all so calm and-“
*GASP* The stallion on the floor spasms as he comes back to life and sits up.
“And there it is. So cool to see it in person,” you geek out a little.
Jack then indignantly pulls the hatchet out of the back of his head and hands it back to Grandbuggy.
"I guess some things never change huh Quick Fix?" Jack comments in annoyance while wiping the blood off his head.
“Enope,” Grandbuggy responds as he cleans the blood off of his hatchet.
"Wha- but- he..." Nightshade stammers in confusion at the whole scene.
"It’s a long story honey, but basically he can't die. You’ll find out why when you get to the Bad Wolf plot point in the serials" you explain to Nightshade.
“I…So you really can’t die?” she asks flabbergasted as she looks to Jack who smiles.
“Not for lack of trying kid. Believe me, I’ve had worse.”
She still seems a bit confused, so Grandbuggy claps her on the back and says,
"Yeah, so feel free to bash him on the head if he gets too annoying."
“Yeah…I don’t think I want to do that,” she responds as she sees the wound on Jack’s head closing rapidly.
Suddenly there comes a giggle and your mind gets put back on high alert.
“Give it awhile little filly, you may just change your mind.”
The voice comes from the mare you only briefly glimpsed before.
Her body is a darker shade of Pink that what you remember, her wings are either gone, or well hidden under her jacket, and her Mane is now just a solid blonde. The burn and claw scars are all but faded, but you know exactly who she is, it’s all in her voice and those eyes…
BrownDog’s Comment
ReaderRead’s Comment
GreyRebl’s Comment
Those eyes look towards you, and the face they belong to is smiling happily, but panic still rushes through you. Those eyes still belong to the mare that pierced you with an Orichalcum sword. She nearly killed you. She nearly killed Selena.
You hear heavy panicked breathing in your head, and you realize that Selena is just as nerve racked as you are.
Before you fall into a full pledged panic attack though, Jack grips you by the arm and looks into your eyes seriously, no hint of flirting or anything on his face. Only determination. Grandbuggy and Aqua seem to understand why he’s doing so and don’t intervene.
“I know what you went through, and I know it’s hard seeing her again, but she’s alright,” he reassures and you can’t help but believe him. “She doesn’t remember the otherworld, The Doctor saw to that before he dropped her in my care. She is Cadance to a point, but she is also her own pony now.”
You look over and see her chuckling with Nightshade about something.
“What do you mean by that?” you ask.
“She has all her own memories from when she was a child, right up into the point where she ascended. But everything after that, being adopted by Celestia, meeting and falling in love with Shining Armor, and the massacre of her world have been expunged.”
You then see her starting looking at your little group curiously.
“She is a good friend, and a great agent, and I promise you she won’t try to harm you or your friends in your noggin. She goes by Mia now, so play it cool,” he emphasizes before turning around.
“Aqua, why don’t you introduce your old partner to your new partner?”
Aqua looks up at that and nods as she looks over to the former princess and calls out
“Oi! Mia!” she then gestures towards you. Mia’s eyes widens, and visibly shakes her head. An audible sigh comes out of the waterbender.
“Mia, don’t you have something to say?”
“Aqua, please,” she says nervously as she twists her foot causing you to raise an eyebrow.
Aqua then looks to you rolls her eyes, then grabs your hoof and starts dragging you over to the Otherworld Cadence, and you nervously follow her lead.
The both of you then stop in front of the mare and she turns her eyes towards you. Even with Jack’s words, it’s still hard to face them.
“Come on, just talk to the guy” Aqua urges, “It’s not like you’ll have much of chance later. You’ve been antsy about it since the mission detail.”
Then, she gives a glance at you and smirks. “Besides, I’d like my partners to get along.”
Partners, huh? Even after getting a new job, she still counts her trust on you beyond it. At that, you smile back. You then look towards Mia, who composes herself before you.
Her eyes meet yours directly, and the memories came streaming forth. Tears, fire, explosions, pain, falling and darkness; You barely clench your jaw in time to prevent a gasp. Nervously, you smile.
“H-hello,” you lamely say. “You wanted something?”
“No, I just wished to meet you, Bugze,” Mia says, smiling lightly.
“Oh! Uh, you did?” you sputter, not expecting her to sound so pleasantly happy to meet you. “Might I ask why?”
Although you ask, you fear the answer. Even after everything that happened, you still haven’t come to terms with your near-death experience. The blade, Selena’s sacrifice...you were too focused on finding the Crimson Knights. After what the alternative Cadence did to you and what your alternative did to her, the feeling in your gut churls at the thought. In all that time, you’ve been trying to convince yourself that you aren’t that monster,that you can do better.
That you Choose to walk a different path.
Contrary to her shaded coloring, she beams, princess-like. It seems that losing her memories doesn’t detract from who she was subconsciously.
“I just wanted to meet the guy who Aqua knew is all,” she says, almost as though she found an old friend.
You gulp.
“Yeah. That’s me. My name is Bugze,” you nervously hold out your hoof.
“Mia,” she replies as she touches yours, and just like you have a reaction, a look comes across her face, one of confusion.
“You, uh…You alright?” you ask.
“It’s strange. I feel like that maybe in a past life, you and I knew each other…” she then shakes her head. “Sorry, I get weird ideas sometime. It’s a pleasure to meet you Bugze. And you too Nightmare Moon”
You remember. But she doesn’t. That fact is clear as day, Selena mutters within your mind.
"Uh... yeah, it's nice to meet you too, Cad- MIA!” you correct loudly making her wince. “I mean... Yeah…By the way, it’s not Nightmare Moon her name is Selena..."
Cadance stares at you, tilting her head to the side.
"Really? Huh. Well, that is a pretty name. Rolls off the tongue better than Nightmare Moon,” she giggles and you chuckle nervously with her, though you do ease up a bit.
“You doing good?” you suddenly say. When she gives you a confused look, you clarify, “In Torchwood I mean?”
She nods. “Oh Yes. Life in Torchwood leaves much to be desired, but where else are you going to battle Extra Terrestrial monsters? I wish for nothing more. Why?”
“No reason. Kinda wondered what living in a super secret organization is like,” you doggedly excuse.
“It’s actually a lot easier than you think,” Aqua chimes in startling you since you’d forgotten she was there.
“Well for some folks it’s easier,” Mia says sarcastically. “You just had a good teacher.”
“Teacher is one word for it, Stalker is more appropriate.”
“Hey!” Mia responds indignantly. You don’t know why, but this back and forth between them is actually easing your fear more.
“Stalker?” you ask curiously.
“She helped me out adjusting to my new position when I was first brought in,” Aqua explains, ”but then she wouldn’t leave me alone, even during down time.” Then, she smiles, slyly. “Almost as though she was bored.”
“Now see here, Aqua, I wasn’t that bad!” Mia whines.
“Ha!” Aqua rolls her eyes with a laugh. “When we first met, you pinned me down on the ground and asked what my preferences for a lover were!”
Captain Jack pipes in,
“She got my technique down perfectly, too! I’ve never been so proud.” Like a doting mentor, he pats the now pinker than normal alicorn on the back. “Shame she only does it to hook up members of Torchwood,” he says wiggling his eyebrows at Aqua who just rolls her eyes and blushes.
“I-I,” Mia looks away, a wing over her face in shame. “Is it wrong to ship my friends?”
And with that display you actually smile and chuckle. There are shades of your friend within this mare, and yet she is someone knew as well. Someone with her own quirks.
“It’s not weird, I swear,” Mia bemoans.
Aqua shows mercy by concluding her tale.
“I could argue otherwise, but in essence, I didn’t answer everything for her, because that would be telling. And because of that she never let up.”
“Well if you’d just given me something I wouldn’t have been so pushy,” Mia grumbles.
“I gave you other stories about my life, so I’d say we’re even,” Aqua chuckles. “But yeah, because I started talking about our adventures, she kind of took an interest in who you were C…Bugze.”
“Not everything I hope?” you ask.
“Well I did leave out your little back room shenanigans with Sapphire Shores,” Aqua teases causing you to shudder.
“Say what now?” Mia asks coming out from her wing in interest.
“Nothing Happened! Aqua’s being Aqua,” you grumble.
At like that, you are at ease with the one who nearly killed us, Selena mutters impressed.
Me? What about you?
I am always on alert, but I don’t sense any killer intent from her. So for the time being I shall treat her as an ally.
“A-anyways, I hope it wouldn’t burden you if we can get to know each other?“ Mia asks with a goofy smile.
You nod, blinking dumbly. To see her so happy after the literal end of her world… Maybe things aren’t so bad after all? But even so, you don’t know where you stand. After Trixie and after Sin, you want closure. Proper closure. Trixie you still have a chance for, and Sin…You don’t know how you’re going to resolve that now. But for the time being, you can get a proper conclusion.
Aqua, the only friend you’ve been able to get right with; Mia, the amnesiac alicorn princess who has a new and content life in Torchwood; and, finally, your Grandbuggy, who is alive and well and has become your emotional pillar once more. They are happy, and you feel that you could belong.
You smile.
“Actually, yeah. I also want to talk.” You look towards Grandbuggy. “If that isn’t too much trouble.”
The implication behind the old bug’s grin isn’t lost to you. He likely has different thoughts in mind.
“By all means. Do so.”
To that, you can’t help but smile nostalgically while mentally facehoofing in embarrassment. You’re not sure if you can get back to the rhythm of Grandbuggy’s antics quickly enough before physically doing the deed.
“Grandbuggy, it’s not going to be something weird!”
“Eh, I’ll just let you catch up with your friends for now,” he says, blatantly ignoring what you are saying. “Meanwhile, I’ll have a proper chat with my great granddaughter,” he responds as he motions for Nightshade to follow him, which she does. “If your Missus allows it, just nail your ladies first and then we’ll talk business.”
“Grandbuggy!” you roar, annoyed.
That perverted old…Selena seethes.
The bold old bug just laughs it off and chuckles with Nightshade in tow, who has a look of wonder and puzzlement as she stares her at supposed great grandfather.
Aqua just shakes her head.
“I swear, I thought Jack was a playboy, but your Granddad is on a whole other level.”
“He only limits himself to one gender though, I enjoy all there is to offer,” Jack says as he puts his hooves on both yours and Aqua’s shoulders.
As one both you and her elbow him in the kidney’s causing him to drop.
“Yeah, but we can do that and more to you without consequence. The old guy’s got limits,” Aqua snarks.
“Yeah, and seriously, quit with the flirting,” you chide.
Mia chuckles then glances between Aqua and you.
"Are you two an item?" she suddenly blurts causing you both to facehoof.
"Mia," Aqua says tersely, "You are really bad at this small talk thing."
"Sorry," she squeaks.
At this, you chuckle.
Selena lets out a sigh.
What is it?
She got a second chance to start over, and yet we still struggle…
You mentally frown and say,
We’ll get our shot too. But one problem at a time. Once our meet and greet is done, we’ll solve the Invasion problem and then from there…who knows.
POV Change: Nightshade
BrownDog’s Comment
While you hear Daddy talking with the mare that looks like Cadence, and Ms. Aqua, and that creepy yet handsome stallion, you look up at the Old Changeling who smells faintly of tobacco.
Since his declaration as your relative, you have yet to have a one on one, and from what you’ve seen with his interactions, he’s just as eccentric as the stories Daddy has told.
They even look the same. If daddy were bald, and was a lot older, you think you’d be staring at the same face. This gives you a little comfort as you speak with him.
“So, you’re my Great Grandbuggy huh?” You mentally facehoof at the basic question, but you’re nervous.
“That’s right,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “But you can call me Grandbuggy if you want, or Quick Fix, Grand Dad, Grampy. Whatever suits ya.”
“Alright. You…you can call me Nightshade…or Shade if you want” you say as you reach a hoof out nervously.
“Oh to heck with that handshake Nightshade,” he declares as she scoops you up into a bone breaking hug. Litterally, you think some of your ribs crack.
Oh, so this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end, you think as you remember the many times you’ve hugged Daddy, your friends, and even Cerberus.
But two can play at this game!
You then quickly turn the table by returning the hug tenfold, and you hear his back pop.
“Oof, watch the old bones,” the old Changeling croaks as he sets you down.
“Hate to break it to you Grampy, but my hugs come with the territory of being my family,” you respond smugly.
“Heh. Quite the sasser ain’tcha? I like it,” he chuckles before tussling your mane.
“That’s one way to put it. Some say I have a filthy bucking mouth.”
“Oh I don’t doubt it,” he laughs again, not even saying anything about your language. “By the way, how goes that throat punching technique I taught ya?”
You look at him in confusion for a moment before realization hits you.
“That was you?” you ask in wonder remembering the old stallion at the dessert table weeks ago.
“Yup. Unlike your dad, I can change like it’s noling’s business.” To emphasize this point, he changes into the old stallion.
“I…I saw you around Ponyville a couple of times, and even at the Apple Family Reunion.”
“Ayuh. I couldn’t come out and speak to ya freely at that time, but I’d like to think I got the gist of what makes you so adorable and kickflank.”
You love his compliments.
I like this guy.
ReaderRead’s Comment
"...so... what do you do for fun in the TARDIS?" you ask trying to get to know the guy better.
Grandbuggy chuckles to himself.
"Go on adventures, watch movies from the future, eat food-" He lets out an 'oof' as you tackle him to the ground, muzzle pressed against his.
"HAVE THEY RELEASED THE NEXT DIE HARD YET?!" You shout in excitement. "AND WHAT FOOD DO YOU HAVE? I'M STARVING!"
Grandbuggy blinks in confusion.
"...I, uh... well, yeah, they have released the next one, but spoiler alert, it kind of sucks.”
“Aw Man!” you pout. He then smiles and says.
“As for food, we have pretty much everything you could imagine."
“Really? Like all you can eat?”
“All that I can eat? I doubt it,” he challenges causing you to scowl your eyes mischievously.
“Oh you wanna bet?”
He chuckles and gives his own mischievous look and says,
“Kid, I’ve seen your appetite, you can’t teach that, that’s genetic. And I’ve had more years experience in eating.”
You smile at his words.
Oh My Gosh. This guy really is family…I never knew how much I wanted a Great Grandbug till just now!
He then takes you to the Kitchen for a snack, but warns that an eating competition should come later. Soon, you all have to be ready for a fight.
POV Change: Bugze
AllenNoir’s Comment
While Grandbuggy takes Nightshade to the kitchen, you look to the others in your group.
“Okay, I’m sure that with introductions over, we can talk a bit more about what we’re going to have to do.”
Jack nods and says,
“You’re right. Quick Fix gave us the run down. First we get the Doctor, and then we can enact the plan."
“Has he really been stuck in the future for like a few minutes?”
“That’s what Fix said. Never knew someone who could ever pull one over on the Doc aside from him,” Jack explains.
“Well shoot, now I feel kind of bad for thinking he abandoned me and Derpy.”
Jack raises his eyebrow at that.
“Abandoned Derpy? What do you mean? What happened to Ditzy?”
“She thinks the Doctor abandoned her or broke up with her, or whatever it is that they are and it ended,” you explain.
“I ship them!” Mia exclaims.
“Of course you do,” Aqua rolls her eyes.
Jack rubs the back of his head nervously.
“Well that certainly is gonna be an awkward reunion then.”
“Oh, I hope we can bring them back together and explain the situation,” Mia worries.
“The Doctor’s got all the time in the world to worry about that. Now, let’s focus on Appleloosa. What exactly do we have to bring to the table against them?” you ask.
Jack looks at you.
“Are you kidding? You got us, and the Doctor.”
“And your Grandbuggy,” Aqua adds.
“Eyup, and Quick Fix.”
“That’s it?” you mutter in disbelief.
“What more do you need?” asks Mia. “I’m gifted with love magic which should help against changelings, Aqua is a great water bender and skilled fighter, Jack can’t die, and The Doctor and your Grandfather are…themselves.”
“And not to mention, YOU will be there,” Aqua points out.
“I…Okay, that sounds good in principal, but let’s not forget that this is basically an army of trained Changelings. Not even the Deadly 6 were able to take them down…in fact, why don’t we just get them and the Princesses and the Royal Guard?”
They give you a look as if asking, What are you Stupid?
“What are you stupid?” asks Grandbuggy as he walks back in with Nightshade, both with melted chocolate ice cream on their muzzles.
Kersey’s Comment
"No I’m just being practical. Surely we could use some more help right?”
Everyone in the TARDIS simultaneously say,
“Bad Idea.”
"WHAT?!" you and Nightshade yell.
"We got a bucking army attacking Appleloosa! We need all the firepower we can bucking get!" you add.
"The Princesses and the Elements are kind of having their own event going on right now and it’s a,”
“Don’t you dare say Fixed Point in Time!” you snarl back.
“…A Fixed Point in Time,” Jack Finishes.
You facehoof and growl.
“Oh come on, the Doctor’s not even here, how can you know that? Maybe we can unfix it since my old home is being INVADED!!!” you shout.
“Sorry Bugze, but this really is one of those moments. Plus, the Elements are more or less out of commission for the next couple of days…you’ll know why eventually,” Jack explains while Mia and Aqua look confused.
You are about to retort when Grandbuggy interrupts.
"Boy, just think about it! You're the most Wanted fugitive in Equestria and that was BEFORE it made the front page that you got Marey Moon living in your head. They'll blast you on sight before ya could get one syllable out!"
You groan at that, because deep down, you know he’s right. But still…
“Alright, I get that. But isn’t there others we can bring along? What about Bon Bon? Isn’t she one of your Agents?”
“Agent Sweetie Drops is semi retired, and is currently keeping tabs on the…situation that the Elements are going through. She can’t come,” Jack explains.
“Well crud. What about Discord? The guy likes making me suffer, maybe he’ll show up with all the chaos going on?”
Grandbuggy rolls his eyes, “That Turd ain’t getting involved. Also, I boosted the effect of the filter on ya, so that he can’t sense ya. As for the Changelings…I think Chryssy’s goons have their own way of keeping off his radar.”
You grit your teeth at that.
“Well, aren’t we gonna have any allies? Because 300 versus 6 doesn’t sound fair.”
“Actually, if all goes well, we MAY have 10 more potential allies,” Jack explains and Aqua sighs.
“This is the part of the plan I hate,” she grumbles.
You look at her in confusion.
“What? What is it?”
She sighs and says,
“The Crimson Knight Leaders are at the center of this invasion fighting against the Hive. Jack wants to attempt to recruit them.”
They can’t be serious, Selena deadpans.
Your eyes widen at this and you look back.
“Seriously? After all the trouble she and I went through to put these guys away? Some of them are downright nuts and evil!”
“Yeah, not to mention they won’t exactly be too happy to see me,” Aqua adds.
Jack just raises his hooves,
“Look, I know it’s a gamble, but look at it like this. They’re all dangerous in their own way, but right now they’ve found out they’ve been patsies for over a year and are fighting for their lives. When we gathered you from the bunker, it had been twenty minutes into the invasion, and against expectations, they fought together as one and even took civilians under their shelter.”
“But that won’t last long,” Mia adds. “With all the Hive and the Super Charged Officers attacking, they won’t succeed and will be captured. And when that happens, there will be no one left in Appleloosa that we can work with.”
“B-But…I spent practically all year…” you babble.
Grandbuggy then speaks up.
“Right now boy, they’re as close as you’re gonna get to reinforcements. And as demented or idiotic as they may be, they may still yet follow the Hooded Offender.”
Oh really? Even after the news of my bond with you? Selena inquires.
“Oh yeah, Good point. You think they’d still listen since I’m supposed to be Mind Jacked by the Boogey Mare?”
“That’s what I said,” Aqua rolls her eyes.
“Look it’s not a perfect plan, but the desperate and the downtrodden make for interesting bed fellows. We have to at least try," Jack implores.
“I…They really have the last of the civilians under their care?” you ask in hesitation.
“That’s right. If we can recruit them, or even just a few we may yet be able to free the captured towns ponies and put a stop to their plans.”
“I…Aw Crap!” you shout. “This plan sucks…but what else are we gonna do?”
“Exactly,” Jack smirks. He then opens up a map of Appleloosa.
“Whether we recruit them or not, our plan will be to find the largest gathering of the captured, and free the prisoners. There’s only so many large structures where they could be stored, so we’ll have to find it. If we can rescue them and get them into the TARDIS, then the Changeling’s won’t be able to keep recharging themselves.”
“Kay…and what about the dome?”
“The dome keeps all but Changeling’s inside, but the last thing we want to do is to take it down. No, we will need to, as the Doc always puts it, Reverse the Polarity of the Neutron flow and turn it into a true dome. That way, no one, Changeling, Pony or anything in between can get out. We can’t have any escapees.”
“I’m sick and tired of domes this year,” you grumble remembering the Crystal Empire and Trixie.
“Alright. And then? How do we take out the three hundred?”
“We fight as many as we can, but our real targets are the Five Officers, Sin, Mongo, Vicky, Biff, and Tannen,” to these names Grandbuggy just grunts, but Jack continues. “We hope that by taking down their Five Officers, they will relent…but that may prove difficult since they’ve been upgraded and you’ve been…” he points at the disk on your chest.
“Oh, right…” you mutter in annoyance.
Roker12’s Comment
Fireheart1945’s Comment
“Can anyone get this dang thing off my chest? Now that you’ve pointed it out?” you growl in annoyance.
Grandbuggy shakes his head.
“Sorry boy, but none of us can. We tried everything when we first brought you on board. Even a sledgehammer.”
“Really? Even with all this TARDIS stuff you can’t get it off?”
“It’s Magic Bugze, and a strong one at that. Only the one who placed it on you can take it off,” Mia explains.
“Sin…Maybe there’s a way to still get through to her…”
“Not with Chryssy riding her mind kid. You’ll have to figure out some way to get her to take it off.”
You let out a sigh at this.
“So basically, our plan is to go into this clusterbuck, recruit a bunch of nutjobs for our cause, reinforce an enemy dome, somehow beat down 5 Super Charged Changelings, not to mention avoiding their three hundred cronies, and rescue the towns ponies, all while I’m basically handicapped and the only one who can fix that is one of the enemy?”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself Boy,” Grandbuggy grins.
You let out a groan and mutter,
“Again, this plan sucks…But what the hay. If we don’t stop it this early, then Appleloosa will be lost.”
They all nod at this and you all stand up.
“We know what we have to do, but when it comes down to it, we’re winging a lot of this. But if we pull this off, we will have saved this town and put an end to the Changeling’s plans.”
With that said, you all walk towards the center console where all the Doctor’s switches and levers and doodads are.
“Next stop, we get the Doc, fill him in, then rush sally forth into the gates of Tartarus” Grandbuggy chuckles.
ErisedtheinkMoth’s Comment
This is it. You've got a team, you've got a plan, and you're all geared up and ready to save Appleoosa. But as you stand about to throw the switch that will take you to the Doctor... something stirs to the forefront of your mind.
It's a memory of another time, another place, full of darkness and death. Amid the countless bodies lays one in particular that makes you clench your eyes shut as the pain of seeing it returns, a little filly's corpse: Nightshade's.
"Hold it!" you shout, bringing everyone else's heroic bravado to a screeching halt.
"There’s one more facet about the plan. Nightshade, you need to stay in the TARDIS, sweetie."
The parallels are too convenient: Appleoosa, a big fight, and you right in the middle of it. It's not enough to just keep her tucked away in your Inventory this time, you need to keep Nightshade as far away from the fighting as possible, where she'll be safe, so there's no chance in Tartarus what happened in that world could possibly happen in this one.
"But Daaaaaad." Nightshade drones in that indignant way you're becoming all too accustomed to.
"No buts, honey. It's going to be way too dangerous down there for you to-"
"When are you going to stop treating me like a little filly!" she stomps. "I've handled myself just fine in all the other fights I've been in! Heck, I made a dragon my personal nemesis for buck's sake!"
"But you might get- ...hurt." you argue.
"I'm tough." she shoots back.
"But what if-"
"I can take care of myself!"
The two of you argue back and forth like this for some time, until finally Nightshade can't take it anymore.
"What aren't you telling me Daddy?!" and the room goes silent.
Bugze
"Jack, you said we have all the time in the world, right?" you ask.
"All the time in every possible world, to be exact." he tells you.
You nod. "Then would all of you kindly give us a minute? I... I need to tell Nightshade a story."
Grandbuggy perks up at that.
“You sure you want to do that boyo?” he asks nervously. You nod and say,
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Your group of family, friends and allies throw questioning looks to each other as you and Nightshade walk away.
"Well," Aqua shrugs, "I guess we'll play a round of Mare-io Kart, till they get back.”
"Dibs on Bowser!" Grandbuggy shouts.
While you leave all your new allies in the control room, you walk your daughter into the recovery room you woke up in.
"So what is this all about, Daddy?" Nightshade asks as the two of you sit opposite one another.
You take a deep breath.
Bugze…are you sure now is the time?
I knew I was going to have to tell her about what happened in the otherworld someday, and no I haven’t prepared for this moment…but she needs to understand. I have to make her understand why she can’t go.
I…I understand. Just start from the beginning…she hesitantly agrees.
"Nightshade, this all started when I started last year when I kept seeing this message 'The Nightmare Comes'..."
And so, over what feels like days and weeks, but what could only have been minutes, you tell Nightshade about how the Nightmare came to be. There's no room for paraphrasing, or leaving out gory details, just pure, visceral truth.
At first Nightshade is in a state of shock, but soon enough her face pales over as she continues to listen. There are questions, more than you thought there would be, but you answer as best you can. In the process of the story, you can't avoid revealing the true identity of 'Mia', and why you're so jumpy around her.
With the last moments of the Nightmare falling to eternal sleep with the Luna Plushie in it's arms, Cadence stabbing you with the orichalcum sword, Selena's desperate attempt to save you by sacrificing her own power, and the tragic fate of the other world that could never be undone, you finally finish the story that, if written out would have probably taken thirteen whole chapters to tell.
"And that's what happened." you tell Nightshade. "That's why I have this scar, and why Mommy was sick for so long. And that's why I'm begging you to stay behind."
"Daddy, I..." Nightshade begins, but shakes her head. "But you're not the Nightmare! You're different! You wouldn't destroy the whole world just because you lost me! Would you?" she asks unsurely.
"I don't know Nightshade." you answer, unsure yourself. "But what I do know is that I love you, Nightshade, your mother loves you too. You're our little filly. I don't know what would happen if we lost you. But I'm afraid." You think back on the horrors you witnessed in the alt-world, terrified that it might be you that commits those atrocities this time. "I don't ever want to be so angry every again, and I never want to take another life. Please Nightshade, I'm begging you... stay here where it's safe, where you can't d- where you won't..."
Your breath hitches, and Nightshade scoots over to hug you, and you hug her back like she might slip away at any moment. Maybe you have been overprotective of her, stupidly overprotective at times, but she's your daughter. What kind of parent wants to see their child killed? What kind of parent could bare that?
You need to save Appleoosa, the one place that truly accepted you, and the one place you feel you can call home. But you've got all the time in the world. Ten more minutes can't hurt.
ThePonySpartan’s Comment
After holding onto her, she finally speaks up.
“Daddy?”
“Yes honey?”
“I…I understand why you don’t want me to go. After all that horrible stuff…but I want you to know one thing,” she says in determination.
You look at her raising an eyebrow.
"I’m not weak. I'm stronger now." Nightshade also states with pride. "In that other world, I didn't have...” she hesitates, “the opportunity to meet, fight, and train with other ponies and creatures. I fought Discord King Sombra and zombies, trained with mommy, Zecora and some of the Deadly Six and Spike, and even won a magic duel against Trixie who had the power of an alicorn!" You're about to question the Deadly Six and Spike training her but she cuts you off by saying,
"But even so, no matter how strong I’ve gotten... I never got to see for myself what happened in the other world... I don't know what it felt like to witness something like that."
You reach forward and hug her again.
"I'm so glad you understand, sweetie. You're a very smart filly for having such a stupid careless father."
She punches you in the gut right there. Hard.
“Oof!” you grunt as the air is knocked out of you.
"Don't say that! You're not careless or stupid!" She says with a tear in both of her eyes.
"I will stay behind, I will stay safe…But Daddy, I want you to know, if I ever see you in trouble somehow, I'm coming straight to save you, and noling or pony will stop me."
You look at her determination and sees she means it.
“Honey, I’ll be safe, I promise. Just so long as you’re safe, I’ll be fine,” you tell her.
She nods at this, before sniffling and wiping her tears.
“I’ll stay and help out in anyway I can from in here. But right now, let’s go get the Doctor and finally prove that you and Mommy are heroes and NOT BUCKING MONSTERS!!!”
And with that declaration, you and Nightshade walk back into the control room, kicking everyone off their Video Game.
“You say what you needed to say?” asks Grandbuggy.
You both nod and he smiles.
“Good.” He then flips the switch and the TARDIS begins humming.
Almost immediately the humming stops.
“That was a short trip,” Mia exponds, just as the door is kicked open and in struts a very upset Doctor.
“QUICK FIX!!!” he roars.
Now you know better than to earn the fury of a Time Lord, but Grandbuggy…He just chuckles and smiles before saying,
“Get in Loser, We’re Going to do Heroics.”
POV CHANGE: THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS (The Next 20 Minutes)
You all sit within your little fortress, gathering your strength as the enemy begins to power up.
Eventually, you all notice more and more Changeling’s gathering on the roads and on the surrounding buildings. You have no idea what their numbers are, but there are a heck of a lot more of them than your group. And now they’re all powered up to the brim with love.
Two scarred Changelings walk before the Tavern ahead of their troops. One is missing an ear.
They then begin to speak in unison, their voices booming.
They then stop speaking and both fly up and on the roof of the building across the way, the other changeling’s awaiting their call.
They then whisper to each other, so none of you can hear them.
“If they don’t give up, our troops should be able to handle it brother.”
“Indeed, though if thing’s get too out of hand, we can lend aid.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to use Mongo,” they both nod in agreement.
The majority of the Invading Force now are poised to attack, along with two Super Charged and Plasmid Wielding Officers.
You Only Have 20 Minutes To Hold Out
WHAT DO YOU ALL DO?
Outro:
Second Wave is Ago. Good Luck.
Hi Hive Mind,
Let me start of by apologizing for the time delay. A lot of things occurred in perfect harmony to delay me. First off, I got hired to work on a TV Pilot, and the hours were long with short turn around times, so I had to deal with that for a week, and then when that was done, I had to watch over family due to Flu while trying to not catch it myself, and THEN the power in my neighborhood decided to go out for several hours during the hottest part of the day (AZ’s already into triple digits) when I finally had time to write.
Ugh 
Well it’s out now, so enjoy it regardless, and I’ll try not to take another two weeks 
Anyway, we’re back to the Knights now, and just like the waves in Nazi Zombies, it gets harder each round.
This Chapter, The Knights aren’t going to have such an easy time and will struggle. Heck, many of the towns folk inside are probably going to be captured, but if they can hold out for another 20 minutes, maybe salvation will be at hand.
Just remember to factor in the difficulty spike, and as a heads up, Biff and Tannen are boss level, so taking them on will lead to a bad time for your character.
Rules:
No Princesses, Elements, Discord, ETC.
No Killing (Brutalities OK)
And No Rescue Team Yet. Focus on the Knights and the fight, Bugze and Crew aren’t showing up just yet.
Keep those in mind, and see you on the battlefield.
Last Chapter’s Answer: A lot of you seem to agree the Arc from Selena’s confession up till the Trixie incident is the most emotional of the Season, and I have to agree. Even when writing those scenes I got choked up.
This Chapter’s Question:
What was the best fight of the Season (Thus Far)?
We’ve had plenty of battles against many foes, so which one was the best?
Also, one more thing. Don’t forget that there is still an Art Contest being held until May 1st. Get your submissions in.
This is Brown Dog signing off.
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"Until now they were not focused in us, but it could be a problem now..." Say Kichi
"Come on, it's not that bad, we managed to defeat some of them, and the elements could defeat them also, we just need to resist" Say Browndog
"Ummm, yeah... They just didn't fight the favorite changelings of the queen and the army" Comment Kichi
"Why is this different to Canterlot?" Ask one of the knights (whoever wants)
"That was rushed, as our dear queen, did not think that she was going to be discovered, so only part of the army was there, and her favorites were busy doing other missions, that is the reason they didn't help her in Canterlot, so... Yeah, it's not going to be funny, just imagine five Crimson Vengance waiting for us" Say Kichi
"so... What? Are you going to surrender?" Say one of the rescued ponies
"Surrender? Ha, knowing the queen she will not let us go away and even if we surrender, it could end in a war between the queen, the Princesses and their ally, and that is not in my plans, nor is good for feed" Comment Kichi looking around
"So... What is going to happen now?" Ask one buffalo
"If I can guess, Chrysalis is going to send one of their favorites, just like a battering ram, with luck we will have all together versus him, if not, the other changelings will try to attack us and separate us, let's hope that the queen is still not a genius and go with the direct plan of sending them one by one so that we can have a chance to win" Say Kichi waiting
Just then he have a idea and decide to try to divide as he approach the door.
"You say that you want love... Are you sure that is what your queen want? Your queen want only revenge, if she need to use all the changelings as pieces for her game she will use them" Shout Kichi
"Lies!" Shout another changelings from the other side
"Really? It was our queen that tought that it was a great idea to try to conquer Canterlot, from what I and everyone know of the wedding, she not only did a bad job as Cadence but she also throw the student of Celestia directly to her, there could have no fight if she could only stay disguised... and now? Look around, we are taking a full town, sure, no one will miss it soon, but soon or later they are going to look at us. Our queen is powerfull, and if we feed we will be even more powerfull, but think for a moment... If you really want love, what is going to happen?" Kichi stopped for a couple of second to let the idea pass in their head.
"Think about it... They have two Princesses with the power of move the sun and the moon, they have a third Princess in reserve, they have the elements of harmony and if it was not enough... They have Discord, the god of chaos... And even if by some slim chance we could take them, Equestria have many enemy and ally... If we manage to defeat the Princesses, we still have to fight the minotaurs, the zebras, the griphons and the dragons, do any of you want to be food of dragons? Because I sincerely don't want to be, and a country full of war and mistrust is not the best to feed. So, let me repeat the question... You want love but, does our queen want love?" Shout Kichi
After that he decides to wait for the answer, it was mainly chance, but with luck some of the changelings could slow as they think if they really want to fight.
"Honestly, it's probably better if we don't stay in this death room and go outside to fight. We're getting pushed back!" Changer says.
"That gives them more room to attack us!" (Insert CK here)
"And more room for us to fight."
"What about the townsponies?" Browndog asks. "If we do fight outside we need a distraction."
"We ARE the distraction!" Changer yells before blasting his way outside.
(please feel free to edit/expand on)
===
Inside the tavern, we find the Knights scarfing down apple treats and donated love to regain their strength. However they pause to listen as Biff and Tannen deliver their ultimatum.
As their impressive impromptu leader, Browndog claps his paws together and calls a meeting of the assembled fighters. "Alright gang, looks like they'll back off until they get an answer from us."
"Good. We should use this time to take stock of our situation, and come up with a plan." Erised joins in, with Nines still hanging onto him. "First of all, we need to know how many are left. I only managed to turn three. How many did the rest of you kill?"
Everyone balks at the pale changeling, and Nines fearfully slinks off of him.
"Uh zero. We don't do that whole... killing thing." Snap tells him, with the others nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. We might be criminals fighting for our lives, but we're not murderers." Browndog shakes his head at Erised, "Seriously, tone it down a notch or twelve."
"Even you Grey?!" Erised says, grasping for some sort of morbid kinship.
"Don't drag me into your filth, you old roach." The janitor spits, "I beat the cleanliness into them until they were too weak to stand... and it was cathartic as Tartarus."
"You..." Erised clenches his teeth in frustration. "You idiots are bucking worthless! Do you hear me?! Worthless!"
"What's the big deal? So we didn't kill any of them. We still kicked their flanks! They're not gonna be getting up anytime soon." Snap points out, as evidence by all the destroyed furniture and windows around them.
"Sooner than you might think." Erised says in a low growl. "During raids, changelings often employ a tactic known as 'Infinite Legions'. When the first wave is exhausted, the second moves in to draw the enemy's attention while the first drags their injured to safety. By feeding on captured ponies, they can recover in time to relieve the second wave... and the assault continues until the enemy crumbles.
"This is why we needed to finish them. Because now," Erised jabs a hoof at the force massing across the road, "we still have 297 enemy combatants to deal with! Worthless... worthless... worthless..."
With that, Erised walks away muttering 'Worthless' over and over, his three ink-puppets angrily mimicking his movements.
---
8121477
"A change in scenery might be beneficial. This place is barely holding together." Erised says motioning to the walls thrice-repaired with spare timber and changeling slime. "There's a problem however. Even fighting to our fullest extent, we can't possibly draw the attention of all those changelings outside. Some of them will come in here, and these ponies won't stand a chance when they do."
Grey Rebl smirks at this. "Well well, look who's got a heart of gold after all."
"Shut up Grey. If we really are going to fight our way out of this, we need to deprive our enemy of every resource we can. I'd sooner drink the life out of everypony here before I gave those vermin a single drop." Erised says with straight-faced conviction. Nothing about his tone says he's joking. "It would be a quick and merciful death compared to what you'd get from the Chrysalis Hive, and your bodies would aid us greatly as my puppets. Don't try to resist."
As the townsponies and guards nervously back away, and the rest of the Knights are about to pounce on Erised and beat some sense into him, one pony bravely presents an alternative.
"N-now, there's no need to do that! T-there's a basement in this saloon!" he stutters. By his waistcoat and bowtie, the lanky stallion seems to be the owner. "We could hide down there; it's big enough to fit all of us, I think... I hope."
"They're not going to overlook a huge group of ponies simply disappearing." Erised points out, much to the dismay of the townsponies. But then, he turns to his ink-puppets. "Deceive."
On his command, inky black tendrils ripple over his thralls as they transform into a trio of earth ponies in stetsons.
"Two diversions are better than one." Erised explains, looking over his transformed thralls. "Hopefully seeing some 'ponies' fleeing will draw them away."
"Hey! They're not the only changelings we've got here!" Kichi jumps forward and transforms as well. "I'll lead them away too, and then when they think they have me. BAM! I turn right around and give them a spanking they won't forget!"
"I guess I''ll help too." Silver says as he too takes a disguise. "I hope they're ready to have a bad time." he grins, his ponified eyes glowing bright blue.
"Y-yeah. I'll help too." Candy apprehensively dons her pony form.
"Count us in as well." the charismatic guard and his squad step up. "'Tis our duty to protect and serve Equestria and its people. To that end, let us stand together!"
"That's the spirit, bucko! Be the most distracting piece of meat you can be!" Solar gives him an encouraging slap on the back.
"How'd you know my name was Bucko?" the charismatic guard asks, bewildered.
"Save the heroic silliness." Erised growls. "When the fighting starts again break into three groups, head in separate directions, and try not to die too fast."
---
[Later, when the fighting starts]
Erised sits in the basement of the saloon, off in the corner furthest from the townponies with him. He knew the others thought him a coward for hiding away, but he was worthless in a fight. His thralls were his only real means of contributing. Speaking of it was incredibly hard to concentrate on the activities on his thralls with the noise of the battle above, as well as the constant feelings of fear coming from the ponies hiding with him.
"I should have just eaten them." Erised thinks to himself as he finally connects with his thralls. "Give me your eyes."
Just as expected, small groups of changelings broke off to pursue their decoy teams while the bulk of the force stayed to deal with the rest of the knights.
It's the group with Silver and Candy that manage to lead them to an isolated area first. They four of them stop at the end of a long winding alley, and the squad of changelings begin stalking forward in a menacing manner, thinking they've got them right where they want them. Little do they know it's the other way around as Silver drops his disguise and raises a barrier of bones to block the entrance.
"Hey, so I heard you guys want LOVE." Silver quips as he arms a pair of giant skull lasers. "Well check out my Level Of ViolEnce!"
After the screams and lasers finally die down, Erised's thrall descends on the pack of defeated changelings with pained, jerking movements. "Strings on corpses."
With four more thralls under his command, Erised sent them off to skulk for more prey while waiting for the thralls in the other groups to claim victims of their own.
---
(And finally, reposting an edited version of my comment from Ep:79)
Through the eyes of his many lurking puppets, Erised spotted a straggler lagging behind its squad. "Rend the weak."
At the order, Erised's thrall gave a pained, jerking movement and pounced the unsuspecting drone. Clamping it's jaw down on it's former ally's neck, it dragged it away into a dark corner where it began viciously tearing away layers of chitin. Blood mixed with ink until only ink remained... and two mangled changelings stood still as Erised looked through both their eyes.
When the fighting escalated and the rest of the Knights started unleashing Tartarus, Erised continued to pick off strays from the shadows, slowly building his army. It had been easy to claim the wounded, to sever their connection to the hive mind before they could call for help. Their injuries were a non-issue, and his sympathy for them was non-existent; he would force them to fight till the end, and he'd make sure they felt every bit of pain it caused them to do so.
However, with so many eyes looking from so many angles, Erised was painting a very detailed picture of the situation. Things weren't going flawlessly, despite their efforts. The four commanders were being particularly... troublesome. And because they were keeping the rest of the Knights busy fighting, their changelings were able to do as they pleased elsewhere.
Some ponies and buffalo had sought shelter in the massive apple orchards, in small groups or alone. Now they were being stalked like hapless prey. Others were still trying to fend off the changelings near town, the struggle shifting back and forth depending on who held the advantage that given second. And still others had chosen the cowardly yet practical option of locking themselves in their homes, trembling in fear as their doors were broken down.
Suddenly Erised felt lightheaded and weak, his vision returned to his own body where he found he was face down on the floor. "Damn it... too many thralls at once. I'm already overexerting myself." Erised had controlled far more ponies and clones in Arkhay, but his fight with the Crimson Vengeance had greatly diminished his power. Erised cursed that stupid masked bounty hunter, wherever he was.
"Mister changeling?" comes a small, timid voice to his right. One of the foals hiding in the saloon was trying in vain to pick him up. "Please get up! We need y'all and the others to protect our town. My Pa's still out there lookin' for Ma. You gotta make sure they're alright!"
Erised wants to swat the kid away with a biting remark, but before he can, the other survivors are already gathering around as well, lifting him too his hooves and keeping his steady. It seemed many of them had crept up next to him during his telepathic trance. With his changeling senses, he can feel their emotions, their fear and worry for themselves and their loved ones, but also... for him.
"If ya need love, feed on me!" one mare tells him firmly. "Just please, make sure my sister's okay."
As others in the group also offer to let him feed, Erised sees something in their eyes, and feels something he hasn't felt in a very long time: a want to protect them. Not for logical reasons like strategic value, but for simply to keep them from getting hurt.
For so long he's been bitter, wanting so badly to smite his own kind and drive them to extinction for the pain they inflict just to feed themselves, wanting to bring judgement on criminals so much that he became one himself. But after all this time... he'd lost sight of why.
Now he remembered. He remembered his first excursion into pony lands for his hive all those decades ago, the innocence and kind sincerity he saw everywhere, and wanted so desperately to protect.
In that moment taking their love to give himself strength felt more evil than every other horrible thing he had done. But as always, it was a necessary evil.
Slipping into control of his thralls once more, he gave the order, "Save them."
(Author's notes reply)
Also I'd love to hear about that TV Pilot sometime, if you're able to share.
Man, that's crazy about all of that happening to you. Hope you get the chance to take it easy for a while.
Anyway, to answer the question: I think the greatest fight this season (or from all of them, actually) is Bugzy's fight with himself. Sounds cheesy, I know, but I really do feel like Bugzy is his own greatest enemy. With his anger and his guilt, his want to be loved and accepted, and protect those he holds dear... beyond anything we or the world can throw at him, his greatest struggle is simply trying to live a peaceful live. A lot of the time he even loses that fight, and has to pick himself up and recover in time for the next round. And unlike normal villains that can be defeated once and be done with, Bugzy can't be rid of himself; he has to live with himself, and fight himself every day.
But if that doesn't count, then I say his first encounter with Pyramid Head.
Pyramid Head scares the crap out of me.
"Crimson Knights, we await your answer!"
"You have 5 minutes!"
"that's how long you have!"
The two scarred changelings say in there creepy unison. The Knights just look at one another in awkward silence.
Raising an eyebrow at that display, Kichi points out "For all you non changelings" Kichi points at the Duo "That's not normal"
"Yeah well, what is normal now a days?" Changer says looking outside at the horde of changelings and then at the group of possible lunatics defending from said horde in a half beaten bar!
"...Good point..." Kichi replied.
---------------------------
I don't know which battle was the best in my opinion. mainly because I thought The hole Crimson Knights thing would be just another group of (fun) bad guys, so I just didn't think much about them AFTER they got locked up.... please don't kill me
The ones that stick out to me the most are:
. And I hade a hell of a laugh out of the 'puzzle struggle'.
The Video Game Arc. five nights at freddy's played right (get of the chair and run), the first time Sely got drugged was awesome
Applewood Arc was great to see bugze play for movie role. And it nice to learn more about DWC's version of the dragon code when I read about the red dragon called Grubby... or Growl? I can't remember, SOMETHING WITH A 'G'
Bugze could totally duel wield that with his new blade!
PS: What happened to the red and green lightsabres that were juiced in the fight. Is the red one just collecting dust at the bottom of the inventory?
Last but not least The Final Kingt's Arc. It combined most of my favourite things: stealthy, having the straight of the hero taken (in this case the inventory), craziness
, BIG F***INK GUN's and the dramatic ending.
PPS:I can't remember what happened to the Mane-iac. Is she still out there?
.
One of the attacking changelings is hammered into the floor like a nail, leaving only his muzzle above ground.
Oh, and one of you manage to make a cannon out of the wood nearby that shoots, well, just about anything; bowling balls, glasses from the tavern, and bottles of champagne. However, because it is made of wood, the number of shots is very limited.
Also, the town bowling alley is destroyed;
"Not the bowling alley!"
(burns down)
"(Cries)"
Best fight? In my opinion that would be the battle against Erised, that was pretty darn awesome.
Speaking of which, he doesn't know that CV and the Hooded Offender are the same, does he? I would love to see his rection as he finds out. His expression as he realizes that the person who he preached to that the HO would kill if neccesary is the HO himself has got to be priceless.
"I thought we'd get back up by now from guards or the princesses!" Crimson Knight yells.
"We need ANY backup!" Changer yells.
Que Bugze and Co. arriving.
"There it is!" Changer says with a quick glance.
My favorite fight this season is a tie between Sombra at the Crystal Empire and the second Trixie encounter.
With the out of control Sombra fight, we see Nightshade's potential for the first time, a true interaction with Nightshade and the Mane 6, Cadence
Flash and Shining, and Spike, tension with the fact that Selena's life was at terrible risk because she was weakened, and the aftermath of Bugze remembering the other world and how deadly his power was. Plus, Sombra was eaten and absorbed.
Trixie's fight is just great solely because of the emotions put into it and after the fight with her attempted suicide. And if you think about it, Bugze first started to be hated when he first encountered Trixie, and the second time they encounter is when Selena is starting to be hated... again.
Life of a Wanted Spirit
Just thought of something so I'll just leave it here until it's the perfect time to implement it.
Bugze, I have an idea to keep Nightshade safer if we can't get to her. Selena speaks up.
"Really?! What is it!"
Well... when I first appeared as Nightmare Moon after 1000 years of banishment, I had the ability to merge my physical body with my misty mane and travel quickly in the air. It took little magic to use and I'm pretty sure I can still do it, but I had no reason to this whole time.
((Somehow she demonstrates to Bugze what it looks like.))
"That's amazing! If Nightshade were to learn that she could get away from almost anything!" You say in joy.
Precisely. Let's just hope she can indeed learn it and if she does she doesn't fight lost battles.
"We can talk to her later about it, and you can teach her how to use it in her dreams."
The sheriff exclaims the changelings captured Duke Silversaddle while he was trying to rally the Appleloosans with a Bravecart/Independence Hay-style speech.
=================
A group of changelings corners a pair of foals when an Earth Pony with a pale goldenrod coat, carrot orange mane/ tail, dark olive green eyes, and a cutie mark of three carrots and wearing a light green, white-banded, dome-crowned cowboy hat jumps out of a second-story window and lands on the back of a Mongo-sized changeling leading the group. She grabs on to the big changeling's horn declaring,
"Pick on someone your own size ya varmits!" as she painfully grips the horn forcing the changeling to lash out his hooves in pain knocking away his fellow changelings. Unfortunately the big changeling slams his back into a wall knocking the mare off him.
"Miss Carrot Top!" the two foals cry out.
"RUN!" Carrot Top yells at the foals as she gets up and charges the big changeling again. The foals get away, but unfortunately the changelings overpower her. As she's being cocooned she thinks,
I wish I got to see my Bugze one more time...
NOTE: Carrot Top is an Appleloosa resident who would often intentionally break things so Bugze (the town Patcher) would come over,
===============
"Yeah!", [Insert name of Crimson Knight who would be stupid enough to say what's coming next] "We got our equipment back, those bugs are underfed, and we've secured all the entrances. Nothing can possibly go wrong no-"
*Something bad happens*
"YOU JUST HAD TO BUCKING SAY IT!!!" everyone in the tavern yells at the [CK name] at the same time.
"Oh... my ba- *smack*" [CK name] apologizes before even Kersey's comatose hoof reflexively slaps him on the back of the head.
===============
Use this comment by
8075062
One of the higher ranking changelings yells at changeling in question for "playing with his food".
"But the reference was right there! I had to make it!"
"*rolls eyes* You're almost as bad as Private 9001!"
Cue several changelings murmuring how they missed picking on him.
(against my better judgement, I'm gonna have Erised try to take out a boss)wish me luck!
===
Three ponies have barricaded themselves inside the Appleoosa Gift Shop using authentic western memorabilia, including rodeo barrels, full-scale wax sculptures of famous cowponies, and crates full of cider bottles.
"Do you think that'll hold them?" one of the ponies asks as she stacks another box of sand-globes on the pile in front of the door.
"Gosh I hopes so." another mutters, "Are you absolutely sure we don't have any bug spray?"
"That's speciesist." a buzzing voice states from behind them.
The three ponies feel their spines go rigid, and slowly turn their heads to see a trio of changelings standing right behind them.
"Sweet Celestia, how'd they get in!?" the ponies scream as they're backed against the very barricade they had set up.
"Krekeke, you left the back door unlocked." the foremost changeling informed.
"Back door- We don't have a back door!" the pony then glimpses behind them to see a gaping hole blown in the back storage room wall. "Oh... I guess we do now. Heh... heh..."
Just as the changelings are advancing and about to capture them, a side window explodes in a shower of glass and shutters, and a grotesquely injured changeling lands on the other side. It struggles to its hooves, dripping a black substance with every movement. "M-must... Protect!"
Then, faster than it's condition should have allowed, the thrall lunged at the changeling closest to it and sunk its teeth into its shoulder, tearing out a mouthful of flesh as it took its kin to the floor. The other changelings tried to pry the thrall off while sending a warning through their hivemind along with a call for help. Swiping, flailing, biting and spiting blood, the thrall managed to keep the attention of the two changelings. By the time they realized their wounded friend had been turned, he was already on them.
Soon enough, four thralls stood before three horrified ponies.
More terrifying though, was the sound of wings from outside, dozens of them.
---
Erised grit his teeth before letting out a frustrated sigh, knowing more of his thralls would be put out of commission. "Leave them."
As he gave the order, he sensed his thralls transforming into those they were supposed to save before fleeing, hopefully giving them a chance to escape as well. If they did they'd be luckier than the majority of ponies Erised endeavored to help. There was nowhere save to send them, nowhere for them to hide, and any thralls he left to stand guard over them simply got overwhelmed. Picking off stray changelings was easy, but now he was drawing too much attention.
Thanks to the Chrysalis Hive's cursed hivemind, they'd finally been alerted to his actions, and the reason why so many of their voices had gone quiet. It was also because of the hivemind that they were becoming wise to his tricks, putting him at a greater disadvantage with every encounter.
Simply put, Erised was running out of options.
Except for one perhaps...
"Time to cut the head off the snake." Erised thought, and flickered through his remaining thralls for recon data. He had to find the hive Commanders.
Biff and Tannen were the first to come into view, and already Erised wasn't enthused. Even without the swarms of changelings they were commanding, taking on two targets at once would be a problem. And besides their powers of fire and ice, they seemed to be linked in a way that was stronger than a simple hive connection.
Suddenly a magical blast from one of Spartan's books obscured the view, coupled with evidence that a some of the other Knights might be joining in.*(Maybe, possibly, if you like) So Erised chose to let them handle it and search for another target.
Getting a glimpse of Mongo was even worse. It looked like that hulk of a changeling lived at the gym, and Erised immediately decided against fighting him; he'd tear his thralls apart like wet tissue paper before they could even make a scratch.
Finally one of his thralls caught sight of Vicky leading hunting parties through the apple orchards.
"Well well..." Erised thought as he sized up his prey. She was furthest from any potential reinforcements, the teams she was leading seemed small enough to deal with if he was sneaky enough, and Vicky herself didn't seem to have anything menacing or dangerous about her. In addition, her missing wing would make an escape by air impossible. "Beautiful."
With his choice practically made for him, Erised sent out the order to his thralls and began planning his strike. Of the 27 changelings he'd turned, he had to relinquish control of 6 that were subdued. That left him 21, with 5 already in the orchard, not counting of course the ones he'd yet to turn.
"An orchard is a wonderful place to hold a puppet show."
---
A pony let out a scream of terror as a changeling pounced on him, binding his legs and covering his mouth with slime.
"Good work, 553. Bring that one back to the containment area." Vicky ordered, flipping her mane out of her eyes. Capturing ponies trying to hide in the orchard was almost too easy, like playing hide-and-seek with grubs. It was a surprise that the Knights started working together to resist them, but they'd be dealt with soon enough.
"It's him! He's-*~~~~*"
"Repeat 553. You cut out." the shout through the hivemind had been so sudden, the feeling of panic so intense... she had a feeling she already knew who it was.
"Where are you, you cowardly old bug? Show yourself!" she shouted into the orchard, the rest of her team getting into formation around her.
"Oops, I wasn't quick enough on that last one. It looks like I've finally been discovered." Erised's voice echoed through the orchard from all directions, "How careless of me."
A stillness settled across the trees, broken only by leaves falling, and the changelings looking around trying to figure out which direction the attack will come from.
"Hey, all of you." Vicky broke the silence. "Get back to town and help the others."
With little more than a glance back to her, the changelings in her squad did as she ordered and darted off into the air, leaving her completely alone.
"No hesitation." Erised thought to himself, "But why would she-"
Erised's thoughts are cut off when Vicky chuckles to herself, relaxing her stance and casually twirling the end of her mane around her hoof. "So... you came after me? Heh, knowing you it was probably because you think I'm the weakest of our Commanders. Fitting, since you're the weakest member of your little fan-club."
While she was monologuing, Erised decided to capitalize. A thrall covered in ink-blood sprang forth at blinding speeds, closing the distance between apple tree and target without even touching the ground. But just as it was about to sink its teeth into Vicky's juicy backside, some kind of force brought it to a screeching halt and kept it immobilized mid-air.
"What?!"
"Poor little Ink-moth." Vicky gave a mock pout as she turned to face Erised through his thrall. "I used to hear scary bedtime stories about you, you know? They said you were a revenant, a queen-killing exile back from the dead seeking vengeance on every changeling alive. Imagine my surprise when I find out he truth: you're nothing but a lowly murderer with a chip on your flank. All you have going for you are fear tactics and cheap tricks."
Erised's thrall spit a gob of ink-blood right at her face, but that too was stopped and suspended in the air by her telekinesis.
"None of them will work on me, I'm afraid."
"Hmm, she's skilled." Erised thought to himself, "I'll have to think of something special if I'm going to beat her."
"And another thing," Vicky said, her face suddenly twisting into a snarl as the pressure on Erised's thrall increased, "GIVE US BACK OUR CHANGELINGS!"
Erised began to feel his grip on the changeling's mind begin to unravel, and he had to fight just to maintain his hold. It was like she was somehow hacking her way inside the mind of her possessed comrade, diverting the flow of his ink-blood and pushing him out.
"How?" Erised though as he strained against her.
"And the others laughed at me when I chose those engineering tonics. Hah! Shows what they know!" Vicky exclaimed happily, continuing to countermand his control as easily as playing a mini-game.
While she was doing this though, she didn't notice a second thrall coming up from behind until it dropkicked her twenty feet.
"No fair! I was in the middle of hacking! You're not allowed to interrupt me when I'm hacking!" Vicky whined, before realizing Erised's thralls had retreated and she was complaining to no one.
---
The orchard had certainly seen better days. During the course of their fight, Erised had employed a number of 'creative' methods to catch Vicky off guard, and their surrounding suffered greatly for it. With the versatility of her telekinesis, coupled with her ability to override his control, Erised was left on the defensive in their game of cat and mouse. To make matters worse, she hadn't called for reinforcements during their fight. Whether this was because she knew he'd turn them against her, or just because she was too proud to ask for help, it ended up stripping him of even more options.
Erised was down to his last four thralls; five others had been lost in failed attempts to end her. But the changelings were too battered to move once freed, and he considered it a blessing.
This was likely his last shot at defeating Vicky. Knowing this, Erised set up the pieces for one final effort.
Yet another apple tree was uprooted and angrily thrown aside as Vicky searched for the last of his thralls. "I will find you Ink-moth! You can't keep this up forever!" she shouted.
Suddenly an apple dripping with ink was flung at the back of her head. But she caught it and sent it away before it exploded in a rain of ink, having caught on to that trick after the first time.
Vicky whipped around to find a mare with a fruity-colored mane fearfully staring back at her. It caught her off guard for about half a second before she grabbed the mare in her telekinesis and shoved her into the trunk of a tree, shedding the thrall's disguise in the process.
A big gob of ink-spit from a second thrall made her dodge to her left, right into the path of a third that would have gotten her if she hadn't let out a telekinetic blast, scattering everything in all directions and leaving a crater where she was standing.
"You can't keep this up forever!" Vicky roared as she force-bucked Erised's final thrall as it tried and pounce her from her blind-spot.
"I don't need to."
Erised's voice seemed to come from directly below her. Vicky loocked down into the crater she was standing in, and saw it was filling up with ink, ink that was trickling into it from the four thralls she had just defeated. As the ink congealed, a face began to form in it, and it smirked up at her.
"Just as planned." Erised said before dissolving into a literal puddle of laughter.
The tendrils of ink stuck started climbing up Vicky's hooves, and try as she might, she couldn't free herself, even trying to rip them off with telekinesis. Within seconds it was crawling up her face, making its way into her mouth and forcing itself down her throat. But then, just as the ink tendrils completely covered her body and Erised was tried to assert complete control... it was Vicky that smirked.
"Yeah. Just as planned."
Suddenly the air around Vicky distorted, and the ink covering her simply melted off. She began to slowly rise into the air, her mane flowing in a psychic wind and a look of pure satisfaction on her face.
"What? No! Urg- Can't... relinquish control."
Vicky let out a playfully sadistic giggle as Erised tried to sever the link they now shared, fight her for control over it. But it was all for naught, she had an iron grip on him and she knew it.
"Now then..." Vicky said as she got her hooves on Erised's mind-control. "First off, how 'bout you let the rest of our changelings under your control go free. The way you abuse them is just cruel, even by my standards."
Erised couldn't do anything to stop her as his thralls slipped out of his grasp. Meanwhile in town, a dozen and a half changelings would collapse into heaps, writhing in pain from their injuries, grateful to finally be free.
"And now," Vicky continued, "Let's do something about those ponies you're hiding from us."
A jolt of panic went through Erised as his body lurched to its hooves, drawing the attention of everypony hiding in the cellar of the saloon.
"What is it, Mister Changeling? What's happening?" one of the foals asked, worry written all over their face.
"Douse them in your gross ink stuff and march them out to us, would you kindly?"
"No." Erised said back to her.
"Wait- what? What do you mean 'no'? I've got control of you now. You can't just say 'no'!"
Erised chuckled in response. "This didn't work so well last time. But hey, second time's the charm."
"That's not how that saying go- oooohhhhh- AAAAHHHHHH!" Vicky's confusion quickly turned into a scream of pure agony as the ink-blood within her began boiling like acid, eating her from the inside out. Desperately she tried to shove Erised out of her system, but he wasn't having it.
"Hey, you wanted me, now you're stuck with me." Erised weakly got in one last quip, even as he was dying too. "Choke on it."
"No... Not now. NOT LIKE THIS!" Vicky shouted defiantly, using every last bit of her strength to dislodge Erised from her mind and shove him out before collapsing face first on the ground.
The pain she was in was immense, and she she could still feel Erised's ink-blood sloshing around in her stomach, but at least she wasn't dying. That much she knew. There was a jarring amount of silence in her head, apparently when she saved herself she severed her connection to the hivemind as well. She could worry about reconnecting later though. Right now... all she could do was pass out.
Meanwhile, on the verge of death from his own choises yet again, Erised did the same. Only this time, he was confident he did something worthwhile.
8136832
Thanks, now I finally know what to comment.
Changer facing Mongo will be perfect, it'll be like Pinkemena vs. The Nightmare, except Mongo won't be regenerating obviously. Changer's great mobility swiftness and stamina will counter Mongo's slow but powerful body.
Although... two or three direct hits from Mongo and it's over.
At the west side of town
Changer blasted a trio of changelings away with fierce winds, sending them through some rocks, and as he turned, about to engage on some other changelings trying to sneak up behind him, but suddenly they all stopped.
With confusion, Changer looked to his left and saw a large changeling on a rooftop with muscles that made all the others look like twigs in comparison.
The huge changeling jumped down to ground level, his body weight making a small crater. He smiled viciously at Changer who gave him piercing eyes in return.
The changelings left to continue with the invasion, leaving Changer and Mongo in a faceoff.
"Your mistake was challenging me to a duel, which I perform better than being a one man army."
Mongo just smirks.
"You're strong, anyone can tell, but it was kind of sad that they put a changeling with no brains like yourself as a high rank."
Mongo gave a glare and began charging Changer.
The blue unicorn smirked at him, "Bring it."
The buildings and terrain surrounding Changer and Mongo, who were the only two in the area, were slowly being destroyed throughout the fight.
Changer dodged another punch from Mongo by leaning back, taking out his red fire book (which finally recharged from using the fire dragon), and blasting Mongo at the chest with a fireball, creating a smokescreen around him. He leaped back meters away from the smokescreen, not intending to get hit by a lucky punch. "Like I presumed, he's not a smart fighter with all that strength. He's punching where I am instead of where I'm going to be, and his punches are too slow for him to adjust his aim." He said as he stared at the smoke and put his fire book away in his saddlebag under his black vest jacket.
The cloud then cleared, revealing a smirking Mongo with no signs of injury on him.
"His tanky body is withstanding all of my attacks, and if he does manage to land an attack on me he'll start winning the fight. As if I'll let that happen..."
Mongo started to charge at Changer yet again.
"This isn't going to be easy as I thought, I might have to resort to more... violent attacks."
Changer tumbled to the side to dodge a buck from Mongo, and he pulled out his ice book and fired an ice beam.
The ice beam managed to conceal Mongo in a block of ice... for 3 seconds before the ice cracked and broke from Mongo immense strength. Enraged, the superpowered changeling picked up three large barrels full of apples and threw them at Changer, who teleported to a nearby rooftop.
Changer noticed Mongo breathing heavily. While his attacks did next to nothing to the tanky changeling, his stamina made up for it. He then used his ice book to fire sharp ice shards at Mongo. Most of them missed or broke upon hitting Mongo's huge body, but one bigger shard grazed Mongo's chitin, leaving a cut on his right leg. "There! Now my victory begins here." Changer thought.
The blue unicorn jumped off of the building and started diving towards Mongo, who in turn got ready to attack. When the unicorn was close enough, Mongo attempted to grab his body, intending to crush him, but he missed with Changer changed his direction a little left by using his fire book as a mini rocket. The unicorn landed kept his body low to the ground as he took out his wind book and made a wind sword with a yellow handle and a sharp wind blade sprout out of it.
Then, with great precision, Changer sliced the sword at Mongo's cut from his other attack, making the larger Equine hold the injury in pain.
Mongo winced in pain.
Without giving him time to steady himself, Changer took out his other two books and twirled his three paged weapons in a circle above his head, before aiming all three at Mongo and firing a flames, ice, and sharp winds respectively.
"Elemental Force!"
Mongo screamed in pain as he was propelled backward and through a building, destroying it completely. Thankfully, it was already empty.
When the dust cleared after the building collapsed, Changer saw Mongo on the ground. He assumed he was unconscious.
Without a word, the blue unicorn turned his back from Mongo and began to walk away... only for Mongo to appear in front of him and charge at him.
Let's rewind a bit shall we?
One changeling who was passing by saw Mongo being pressured, so he immediately flew over to help.
"Elemental Force!"
Soon after the blue unicorn's final attack Mongo with full force, the changeling transformed into Mongo and pushed him out of the attack's radius and out of Changer's vision. Mongo gave one glance to his comrade in surprised and nodded in understanding when the changeling gave him a look, before taking on the rest of the attack.
Mongo then used Changer's loud attack to stealthily move around behind a couple of buildings and get behind the unicorn. He charged at him with his big body.
Changer was about to teleport when the changeling who replaced Mongo from before sent one blast of magic that stopped his magic channeling before falling unconscious because of his injuries from taking on the rest of Changer's attack.
Noticing he had no time to dodge, charge up a teleport spell or attack from his books, Changer resorted to something he meant to save for later if things got worse.
Mongo noticed a shadowy blue skeleton rib cage appear around Changer's chest but gave no mind to it. He proceeded with his massive attack and punched Changer at the chest, to his surprise cracking the rib cage and sending Changer flying back into a boulder, making a dust cloud.
The large changeling stared at the boulder for a few moments, gasping for air every second as he was reaching his limit of stamina, before turning around, intending to meet up with the others. But before he could get anywhere, a blue claw shot out of the dust and grabbed Mongo. To his utter shock, the claw lifted him off the ground, holding him high in the air.
Out came Changer from the dust, with Mongo barely noticing the cracked rib cage starting to repair itself.
Mongo looked at Changer with wide eyes.
"If I can't do damage to your outer body, there's still internal damage." Changer said darkly as used his second claw to grab Mongo's throat, continuing to choke him until he passed out.
Changer dropped the large changeling to the ground before deactivating his skeleton form.
But little did he know, Mongo didn't take much damage from any of his attacks, the only thing barely annoying him is the one cut. He opened his eyes and stood back up, moving as if he was a robot. He grinned at Changer who had his back towards him before running into a nearby alley, intended to come back later in the fight.
Kichi look at Browndog.
"You are the one with more experience in tunnel... Do you think we could have time to make a tunnel and flee or at last make a tunnel and fight in there?" Ask Kichi as the others look at him as if he was crazy.
"What? It's obvious they don't want anyone killed, they could try to hurt us, but even if they are a thousand changelings, if only a little group can enter the tunnel we can take the advantage and take them little by little, we know that soon or later they are going to attack us, so..." Kichi look at Browndog
"What do you think about make a tunnel and wait them inside?" Ask Kichi