Renegade For the Future

by MaskedPony

Chapter 3: Return of heros

In the Cryo bay, many Cryo pods were seen. Each Cryo Pod were line up in rows. Placed upon these Cryo pods were types of identification; each Cryro pod having letters and sometimes numbers on them representing the pony who is within the Cryo. The identification code helps the Cryo Ponies identify the ponies who are in them. Moreover, each Cryo area is labeled by sector.

Within Cryo Bay Sector 4, the Six Cryo pods stood together. Additionally, these six pods were marked very important in the Cryo staffs logs and to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Unlike the other Cryo Pod participants, these six were the highest priority of the Cryo participants. Not only that, but within one of them was a lavender alicorn.

On the timer of the pods, it was counting down every second. Each second telling how long till the Cryo Pod wakes the pony. Surprisingly, the timers on these pods showed thirty seconds left. When the timers reached zero, it sent a single to the Cryo staff. Not only that, the Cryo pod went into defrost mode, and the ponies who were in slumber within the pod began to defrost.

Within minutes, the defrosting process reached completion and the doors of the Cryo pods opened, with the six ponies falling out. Landing on the floor, they all began to show movement. They showed signs of coughing due to being frozen. "Ugh, I feel like I took a apple to the noggin," the pony with a farm accent groaned as she rubbed her eyes. "W...where am I? Why is everything black?"

The other ponies, recognized that voice. but, they couldn't see. They felt as blind as a fruitbat. "Applejack? Is that you?" One of the ponies with both a horn and wings asked.

While they were try to figure out where they are and who is who, they didn't even note that some ponies were approaching them. Save for one, who had a rainbow mane who happen to hear them coming. With every step she heard, the more they drew closer to them. Soon, all six of the ponies began to hear talking. What the conversation was about was dealing with about the six ponies. Throughout the conversation, the six ponies heard more ponies and what seemed to be something rolling in the distance. Despite not being able to see, the ponies began to fear that something must be up and it most of caused their vision to appear black and not letting me see.

One by one, they felt like they were being lifted and put on some kind of bed. While they were being place on what they presume were beds and feeling like they’re being moved, they heard another pony following them, this time, however, the presence of this pony felt really familiar to them; Especially to the lavender alicorn, who somehow recognized this pony, although not being able to see momentarily. "What are your orders, Princess Celestia?" One pony who was wheeling one of the beds asked.

"Take them to the Cryo recovery room."

Upon hearing this voice, the lavender Alicorn was stunned that her hunch was right about this pony. It was her formal teacher. "P..Princess Celestia, is that you?" She asked before a hoof is put by her muzzle.

"Shh, Twilight, not right now."

As Princess Celestia stopped following, she instructed the team to take care of the six ponies and help them heal. Watching the six Cryo staff and six ponies be taken into the Cryo recovery room, she then saw Merc and Web walk by, who were surprised to see who these six ponies were on the medical beds. After they went into the Cryo recovery room, the two approached Celestia. What they just saw were the heroes of Equestria, the Mane six. They were told that they were dead by their formal leader, but they were surprised that he lied to them.

Walking with Celestia, the two were still surprised. The looks on their faces caused Celestia to let out a little chuckle. It was like they were thinking they were hallucinating. Especially due to the fact for the past many years, no pony ever saw Mane six in so many years.. "Guess you never thought of meeting Equestria’s greatest heroes," Celestia joked.

"B-but how? W-we were told the Mane six died? H-how are they alive?" Merc asked with stutter.

"I will explain later."

Having no time to explain, Celestia followed the Cryo Ponies to the Cryo Recovery room, leaving a dumbfounded Merc and Web in the hallway wondering what is going on. Although they were very clueless, they began asking themselves "why are the mane 6 alive", "How are they not dead" and "Were they lied to about the mane 6's death"? While they were thinking of going to Luna and asking her, they decided against it since they don't want to cause serious problems. Shaking their heads, they decided to head to where they were planning on going, and talk to the Princesses later. They begin to hope what they saw wasn't a hallucination

_____

It's been four hours since the mane six awoken from their slumber in Cryo. Although they were showing signs of confusion and such due to being asleep for so long, they were calm. Unlike others, they didn't freak out or try to bolt from the recovery room leading to the Cryo team to sedate them with sedation drugs. Seeing this impressed the Cryo team.After all, the Mane six are considered heroes to Equestria, and ponies they respect.

When in the recovery room, medic teams followed procedures like they do with any other Cryo pony. Checking the nerves to make sure nothing in the body is damaged, especially the bowel area, was part of the procedure. To the Mane 6 who were at the time being examined, they felt uncomfortable due to not knowing who is touching them because they were temporarily blind, but they could tell by the way they are being examined that it was doctors.

While the four hours were passing, the mane six could tell they were in the a room together since their vision were starting to clear up little by little. Although they could see, their sight was very blurry. They knew the fact their eyesight was slowly returning. Not only that, but their hearing was fine, but they could thankfully tell whose voice was whose since they’ve known each other for many years.

While the mane six were talking, they heard doors seemingly slide open and shut and they heard what was seemingly to be three ponies coming in. Not to mention they heard some sort of weird clanking noise on the ground. Twilight, was the first to look. Although her vision was blurry still, she could make the mane out, and was trying to think who it was. "Princess Celestia, is that you?" Twilight asked while squinting trying to see who it was.

Walking by her bed, Princess Celestia put a hoof by Twilights right shoulder and smiled. To Celestia, she never saw Twilight in eighty years. Eventually, she bought her to a hug. "Of course it's me Twilight."

Letting go, Celestia looked at the six of them who were trying to get up, but they could tell that, even though their vision is still blurry, they might not be in good condition to stand and bow to Princess Celestia. Seeing how they still respect her made Celestia smile as she saw the two ponies, Merc and Web, sit in a area of the room where they could see all six of them. However, they could still see that the Mane six were confused. "Twilight, if I may ask, can you tell me what you remember?" Celestia asked

Trying to recall what happened, Twilight began to show little confusion. Ever since she woke up from a slumber she didn't know she was in. "I remember I was in a room full of pods with my friends, and we were put into them. I...remember a pony saying something, can't remember what, and....I remember me and my friends landing on the floor, and bought here."

Acknowledging, Web began to note that the Mane Six remember the events of being put into Cryo and waking up. Knowing about Cryo, ponies who are frozen in Cryo don't remember anything from the time of being frozen, but before being frozen and waking up. However, the important thing was that Web could tell they don't know what year it is. "Do you all know what day and year it is?" Merc questioned.

Everypony remained silent and began to think. To them, this question was like a really dumb question that should only be asked to a amnesiac who fell into a coma. More importantly they were curious on why this question was being asked. In their personal perspective, it was as if they were in a coma of some sorts. "Ummm....May 24th 2016?" Rainbow guessed.

Mac began to shake her head. "Nope, you be surprised. It's April 29th 2096."

Hearing the date cause the room to go quiet, even Rainbows face was priceless. They couldn't believe it, they were in the future. Knowing they had questions, the Mane 6 began to ask the questions they had about the future. Even Merc and Web, including Celestia, try their best to answer the questions they had. While answering, the mane six felt that they missed a lot. although their families are presumingly deceased, they all considered themselves a family.

With the questions done and over with, a Cryo pony came in and informed them they need to rest a little. While Merc and Web were skeptical about leaving the room, Celestia gave them permission to stay in the room with the Mane 6 incase if they want to chat with them. With the door closed, Merc and Web smiled. Today was a good day for them and now, after the Mane 6 get some rest, they were going to ask the Mane 6 about themselves.

Badlands
1 hour later

Far within the Badlands, there was a Horselance "bandit" outpost. However, this wasn't the only Horselance outpost that was within the badlands itself. Through the years of the process of the Great War and peace falling, in variety of locations in the Badlands, far from each town and civilization, were multiple outposts. These outposts were the other reason why ponies feared leaving the town grounds, because they are scared they would be taken hostage for ransom to the Outposts.

A couple of feet from the outpost, where the outpost can't see, stood a small campsite. Within this campsite, were soldiers in armor and not in armor. Each soldier was either doing exercises for combat or training with their weapons equipped with suppressors. Among them all, was one pony in particular. This unicorn had a dark purple coat with a purplish pinkish and violet mane and tail. Her cutie mark resembled what seemed to be shooting star with some sort of space dust surrounding it. The pony, however, was looking through her thermal scope of her Sniper Rifle at the outpost, watching the soldiers.

While watching the area, she didn't even bother to notice some pony approaching her. "Commander Stardust, ma'am?" The pony asked nervously.

Groaning annoyingly, Stardust lowered her weapon with her magic and looked at the pony. "What is it now, Storm Chaser!"

"M-may I take a break?"

At that point, Stardust gave Storm Chaser a certain look ever since Storm Cloud has been put in her squad for this mission, he has been nothing but lazy. Letting out a friendly chuckle, she gave him a stern look. "Why yes, you can take a break, Storm Chaser, as a matter of fact, the war is over and guess what? you’re the hero. Cloud Cruise is in charge of driving the JV-19 down Canterlot, while Fireball is IN CHARGE OF CONFETTI!"

"I'm no stranger to sarcasm, ma'am."

Looking back in her formal scope and at the outpost, Stardust began to get ticked at the fact that Storm Chaser refuses to do orders when given them and only does so when threaten. In her own opinion she thought of calling the Overseer Chairman and having Storm Chaser relieved from line of duty due to discarding direct orders from time time. "Look, the answer is no, you know it and I know it! NOW, go back to the training grounds we setted up here for our mission and GIVE ME FIFTY!" Stardust ordered

"But Ma'am?"

"Want it to be a hundred for complaining, Storm?!"

Groaning, Storm decided to follow orders. After Storm left Stardust all alone, Stardust began to scan the outpost more. While scanning she found where their targets, the hostages, were. Seeing that most Horselance outpost contained hostages were one of many missions for the resistance, to rescue the hostages and have evac team take ‘em back to their home towns. Stardust on the other hoof was one brave soldier who was known for stealth and one who takes out her targets silently without alerting others.

While planning on taking out the whole entire outpost to free the hostages, her Radio on her visor started to go off. It was Luna. "This is Princess Luna to Commander Stardust Sparkle, come in Stardust Sparkle?" Luna said.

groaning annoyingly, Stardust turned on her radio and answered. From Storm asking for a break and her radio going off, she began to think she won't complete the mission. It was becoming irritating. "This is Stardust, what now?!" Stardust asked annoyingly.

"Don't be cocky Stardust. We....have some news. Do you remember your ancestors name?"

Clueless, Stardust was now off focus, this question was like no ordinary question. To her, it felt like a really dumb question since she knew who her ancestor is, in fact her ancestor was well known eighty years ago. However she was curious on why Luna, who was in charge of handling the missions, would bring up such a question. Even since it's irrelevant to the war. "Well Duh, of course, my ancestor is Princess Twilight Sparkle, whom I told sacrificed her life to save Equestria. W-why are you asking this out of the clear blue?" Stardust asked cluelessly.

"Twilight Sparkle, she is alive."

Dead silence filled Stardust. The words that Luna just said, they were something she doesn't hear everyday. Especially if it involves an Equestrian Citizen of the past. Not only that, but dealing with her ancestor. While Stardust was a filly, she heard stories that her Great Grandparents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light had another foal when Twilight Sparkle mysteriously went off the radar, which turned out to be her mother. During her time growing up, she heard various rumors and theories of how the mane six supposedly died. One rumor stated that the died when traveling, another was they got mauled, and another was that they sacrificed themselves to save Equestria. This caused Stardust to drop her sniper rifle is disbelief. "W-w-what? H..how? S-she's su-supposed to be dead." Stardust replied stuttering.

"Sadly, no. If you want prove, meet at Twilight's castle in Ponyville. We will tell you when. But, for now, since you’re at an outpost, finish your mission."

With that, Luna ended the call on the communicator. Recovering, Stardust then went to the training grounds. It was time to start the mission. Getting two other ponies, while telling the others what they have to do, Stardust was ready to save the ponies that are trapped inside the outpost. Her only hope is that this news, didn't distract her from completing her mission.

Few days later

Days were flying by since the mane six awoke from their Cryogenic slumber. While they were recovering the medic team had to run lots of tests on them to make sure to physical damage wasn't done to them due to being in deep sleep. Many of the tests dealt with their ability to walk, use magic, fly, see, and everything normal. To their surprise no serious damage were done to the mane six's body, even to their lower bodies, which was a big concern.

When they fully recovered they were released from the Cryogenic Recovery Room. However, they couldn't return to Ponyville just yet. They had to spend a few nights in Canterlot at Celestia and Luna’s request. Unknowingly to them, they didn't know the reason was due to the fact that the Princesses wanted to protect them from further harm due to the war. Especially Merc and Web wanted them save, because, to them, the Mane six are their idols.

Within Twilight's temporary room in Canterlot, Twilight was seen on the balcony of her room, looking at the now futuristic Canterlot. This was the first amazing sight Twilight got to see with her own eyes after recovering from Cryo. Unlike the version of Canterlot in her time period, this version was more amazing and gorgeous to look at, even the new buildings. Even the new technology she saw made her more interested to know more about the new Equestria.

While looking outside, she didn't even notice somepony walking in on her and going next to her. She was too busy sightseeing to even bother noticing. "Beautifu,l ain't it? I can tell your love how Canterlot looks now," Merc said getting Twilight's attention.

"Yes I mean...Wow, h-how did they produce this much Technology? In our era, we didn't have much material back in my time period, or in this case, the past. But...wow."

Chuckling, Merc nudge Twilight Friendly like. "We had our ways getting material. Even, since we heard in stories you went to the human world, believe it or not, we made peace with the humans, and, they sent us material so we can have technology also."

Hearing all this made Twilight smile. Even since hearing everything she and her friends did still lived on, especially when they Disappeared off the radar into Cryo. Looking at Merc, she could tell Merc and her friend respects her a lot. When looking at Merc, she even caught eye of Merc's cybernetic. While she saw all of her hoofs were normal hoofs, she began to get curious about the Cybernetic where her left front leg was supposed to be. "Is there a story behind that?" Twilight ask pointing at the Cybernetic. "Because, it's something I usually didn't see in 2016."

Wanting to share her story, Merc then looked at Twilight with a smile. "I guess I can tell you my....backstory." Merc replied as she began.

Going inside, Twilight sat by the table and Merc sat on the other side. This story was one story, Merc never thought of sharing"When I was born, My mom, Moonlight, and my father, whom....I don't know who he is to this day, gave birth to me, I...was born with a birth defect. Mom don't know how the defect happen nor did the doctors, they said I won't be able to walk normally, so, I had to be placed in a wheelchair. My whole life, I felt different, I couldn't do normal pony things, couldn't walk easily with three legs and hoofs, even, I had to have a motorized wheelchair. When this occur, my whole life was turning worse since I couldn't live a normal life. It, was becoming to the point that I had to get a prosthetic, which I hated."

Twilight, who was sitting down, was shocked hearing this. "So, you felt different and like you were an outcast of society?"

"Yes, however, it...took a turn on my twenty first birthday. My mom, who was with me for my whole life after my father, suddenly disappeared, took me to a bar in San Flanksisco to celebrate. When we were there, I met my now best friend, Web Intel, at the bar who saw me. She saw how down I was when ponies kept asking why I have three arms and if I was okay. She, approached me and offer me and my mom something that will change my life, which was Cybernetic implantation surgery. It was expensive, but, we paid it off with the money from my father that was given to my mom after the sudden divorce. So, we went for the surgery, and, with a chip implanted on my brain, and, the Cybernetics implanted on the left side of my body. I now have a cybernetic that I can control."

Hearing this story caused Twilight to feel sad. A Pony who had only three legs and hoofs was something that could scar a pony for life. Usually these birth conditions were pretty Rare, even since it does count a disability due to the fact it being a birth defect. However, one thing struck Twilight’s mind. Throughout Merc’s story she only mentioned her mother, and nothing of her father. Sparking curiosity, Twilight looked at Merc. "H-how did your father react?" Twilight asked.

"My Dad....was never around, I...don't know who he is."

This caused Twilight to be shocked. "You...don't know who your father is?"

Merc then shook her head confirming that she doesn't know who her dad is. "I was only raised by my mother. When I asked about my dad, mom said "Don't want to talk about it", and when I was eighteen, and asked the question again, she said "Don't speak of him, he means nothing to us" I...don't know who he is."

While Twilight could understand Merc wanted to know who her father was so badly, she can tell there was a motive behind the fact that Mercs mother wanted to hide the existence of Mercs father. Unlike most ponies who found who their parents are thanks to government help, Twilight could understand that something about Merc's father was the reason to be hidden.

Throughout the time, Twilight and Merc began to talk to one another about certain topics, ranging from how things changed, and Twilight's sharing her adventures with Merc. During this time, Twilight got to know Merc more, from learning about her implant to her life after the implantation. During the course of the conversation, a random explosion occurred outside causing em to look. Outside, they saw that a Horselance missile was fired at Canterlot. Luckily, thanks to shield generators around the city, the missile didn't pass through. Even though she has been out of cry for four days, Twilight was startled by what occurred. "W-what the hay was that?" Twilight asked with a fear tone.

Groaning Merc remembered about those missiles. "UGH, Horselance with their missiles trying to break the shield. No wonder why I betrayed that Psychopath"

Hearing this, Twilight looked at Merc: While she was still getting used to seeing the futuristic world, she has been yet to be caught up with all it's history. Throughout the time in Canterlot, Twilight remained in her Canterlot room or with the mane 6 for time being. Being in recovery was stressful and, although Twilight wanted to visit the library, she needed to recover fully. However, she never expected an attack on Canterlot, or Merc mentioning a "betrayal". "Wait...You...betrayed a Psychopath?" Twilight asked.

"That is for another day Twilight, but, for now, lets just go hang out with your friends."

Usually, Twilight would question this, but, in her own opinion, Merc was right, it had to be for another day. As she can tell, Merc wanted to protect Twilight from discovering something that might cause a scene. Knowing that she had questions, she decided to drop them for another time, just so she doesn't make Merc mad and having her to use the right to remain silent Getting up, Merc and Twilight began to head out of Twilight's room, and began to head to the mane five. I...hope nothing bad is happening. Twilight began to think as she head with Merc to the hangout room.

Meanwhile,
Horselance HQ

Back at Horselance HQ, The Director was seen walking to the Horselance Laboratory. While he had Locus heading on his mission to go and eliminate the two ponies who betrayed him, things started to turn worse day by day. While his best soldiers had betrayed him after sneaking around the laboratory, things were never quite the same for him. To him, he felt he was getting angrier and angrier everyday. Even to the point he accidentally took a his anger out on a fellow recruiter.

When he entered the lab, he began to search around; Although he usually meets his recruits or fellow workers in his office, this meet was entirely different. Continuing further, he saw a light sea green pony, with a black and white mane whom had a quill-sword as a cutie mark. Approaching, he knew this is the pony that wanted to meet him. Seeing him made the pony salute. "Director, sir." The Pony responded.

"Ah, yes, General Blackquill. How have you been these past weeks." The Director replied as he and Blackquill began to walk.

"Quite busy. Since that wretched traitor Web Intel backstabbed us, I have been more busy here. That judas will so pay with her life!"

Knowing Blackquill, he and Web had a friendly friendship. When Web and Merc first joined Horselance, Blackquill was the one that helped Web come with the ideas of Merc's Cybernetic whenever she needed assistance. Even when Merc was still in Cryo while Web woke up one month before Merc, Blackquill remained by Web' side since she cared for Merc, even since they were both showing signs they were Fillyfoolers. However, due to their betrayal, Blackquill became ticked that the pony he thought was his friend joined the resistance with her friend.

As they continued walking, The Director looked at him. "I know how you feel, that's why I sent Locus to kill em." The Director Assured

"Locus? The one that was shot in the throat and lived?" Blackquill asked surprised.

The Director nodded.

While the two continue talking, they began to head to a room that was still under construction. As they entered, within that room, was some sort of giant weapon. By the weapon, were ponies, mostly pegasi, working their tails off on it. Moving to a room in this area, the Horselance engineers began saluting to The Director, and continued their work. Upon entering, Blackquill went to the holo-computer and began to enter the passcode to enter, and pulled up the weapon; The Director at the other end of the table. "So, what is this weapon you are building?" The Director asked.

Clearing his throat, Blackquill looked at the director. "It is a super weapon. Mostly, like a giant laser that might aid us in destroying the resistance, for good."

Sipping his drink that a engineer bought him, The Director looked at him. This was the VERY first time he heard of this particular weapon. Although he hated it when his team kept secrets from him, this one, was for a purpose. While he knew about the Pon-bot productions was almost complete, this one, was seeming still in Production. Looking at the ponies working hard, they could tell the production was kinda slow due to it being hard work, but, he knew they want to help out the best they can, even to make The Director not mad and such. "How long till the weapon is complete?" The Director responded as he took another sip of his drink.

"It will take some months, probably around... I think 3 months or so. It depends on how fast they work."

Hearing this made The Director smile, although he had been betrayed, he has a feeling this might help win the war. In his mind he pictured the resistance crumbling down, and surrendering. He sees Celestia and Luna being gone for good and the throne becoming his, and moreover, he sees himself ruling all of Equus with a iron hoof. Smiling, he stood up. "Blackquill, why don't you have the day off. I am going to head back to my office." The Director said

"Thank you, sir."

As Blackquill began to leave, The Director looked at the weapon and began to grin sternly, he has a feeling that he is getting a little closer to victory. While Locus was out to kill Merc and Web, the only other thing that stood in his way was the resistance, the princesses of the sun and moon, and both The Chairman, and The Counselor of the Overseer Sub committee. Now he can only hope, is that the weapon can be finished.

Author's Note:

Well, the Mane 6 are alive and well. Luckily they do have a unique role to the story, but they be in like a supporting character role since Merc and Web are the main. Marc's mysterious father is a idea I had but I don't want to spoil too much on who he is since it be all "spoilers" since it be a mystery of who he is for now.

Answers will be revealed about the Ancestor thing in the next chapter. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.