Chapter 21: Something Amiss
“Ok, not that I mind coming along Starlight… but did you really need this big of a group?” Axton asked the nervous unicorn while motioning towards the group of Trixie, Gaige, and Zer0. “Like, is it really that bad?”
“I would say that given what happened on your ‘walk’ in the Everfree, the concern is justified,” Gaige told him, “I mean, you got a vault key piece sure, but your overall methods left Fluttershy and the animals scared of you.”
“You are seen as a / bringer of death and despair / Our presence calms them.” Zer0 added on in Haiku.
“Ok fine I understand that part, bu-”
“They do have a point though Axton.” Starlight could only offer a sheepish smile in response. “However the reason is because I am… well, anxious is putting it lightly and all of you were the ones who have never been there at the town I came from before Twilight and the others went there.”
“By the way, what exactly are you anxious of?” the Commando spoke in curiosity.
“Well I sorta enslaved everypony there in my version of equality and stole everypony’s cutie mark as well.” Starlight spoke quickly, clearly not wanting to explain that well.
“I’m sorry, what?” Axton simply blinked twice, not sure if he heard correctly or not.
“Yeah… there’s a bit of a story to that one,” Gaige replied now, “Remember how Krieg is a reformed psycho? Well, Starlight’s a reformed bad guy.”
Axton just slowly looked back at Starlight and slowly blinked as well, all the while Starlight was smiling nervously and sweating profusely.
“Well, that explains a lot more than I thought it would.”
“I mean, it’s not like they have anything against and totally aren't going to trick into anything…” Starlight mentioned, still looking a bit nervous as she looked behind her, “On second thought, let’s go back. Yeah lets do th-”
Axton then grabbed the attempt at fleeing that Starlight had. “You invited us along, so don’t worry we’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you.”
Starlight then looked back and forth between the Vault Hunter and the town before letting out a sigh. “Fine, but I can’t promise I won’t feel uncomfortable.” Axton just shrugged and let her go after that.
“Come on, Starlight. We’re here to help. What’s the worst thing that could happen?” Gaige asked.
“Hey Gaige… don’t sound like Roland right now.” Axton said as he chuckled as the group made their way into the town.
“What? Am I allowed to not try and give Starlight some confidence?” The mechromancer retorted.
“Nah not that, just a bad track record of that phrase… especially from Roland.”
All Gaige did was shrug her shoulders in response, “Fair enough.”
“Now then, how about we get this show on the road.” Axton then gave Starlight a smile, though to her it looked menacing like a prank was about to be pulled on her.
“Heh, s-sure I guess.” Starlight could only give a nervous chuckle in response. Something that seemed to catch Gaige’s attention, but she didn’t really focus too much on it. Zer0 didn’t pay much attention to either as he just sat on the top of Trixie’s wagon and was meditating.
Hopefully, by the time they reached Starlight’s town, things would be much better.
In the short time that they actually were in Starlight’s old hometown, things definitely did not get any better. The vault hunters tried their best to support the unicorn while they were visiting, but the overwhelming thoughts that were going through Starlight’s head led to her having a panic attack moments after arriving. Not to mention that any kind of ‘support’ that Trixie and the others tried to give didn’t exactly do so well.
The way back didn’t make things better at all. Mainly it was because Trixie’s wagon was designed to carry about three at most. Meaning that every so often, two of them would have to be outside to help with the wagon. A chore that Axton was not exactly fond at all.
“I don’t see why I have to be one of the ones to push the wagon… I could just fly out of here.” Axton just grumbled as he was pushing the wagon along.
“I’m really sorry, but it-” Starlight began as she was outside with him, but he cut her off.
“Nah, you have your reasons for reacting… well reacting like you did. If you would’ve just told us, maybe we could have done something.” Axton said to try and calm down the unicorn.
“Well I did try to.” Starlight began but just got a flat look from the commando.
“By try you mean try and run away?” all he got in response was a sheepish smile and chuckle.
“Wow… what a way to be blunt about it,” they heard Gaige respond.
“I can’t exactly fault him for it though. I mean you all were looking forward to it.”
“Wow, even though you mean well to me I feel bad.” Axton couldn’t help but look away. “But at least someone , oh I don’t know, could help by any chance.” However he still couldn't help but grumble anyway.
“DT and I were originally pushing before your turn and Zer0 was before us with Trixie,” the mechromancer pointed out, “Meaning that the only person who hasn’t been carrying his own weight is you.”
“You are so lucky I didn't decide to just fly back to Ponyville.”
“That we are,” Gaige chuckled.
“No need to be humbled by my generous soul.”
“Heh, are you sure you just don’t want to deal with the others and explaining why you came back alone?” Starlight chuckled out the question.
“No comment.”
That statement alone was enough to have Zer0 speak now, “Admission doesn’t/always require words. Actions/speak louder than words.”
“Oh shush up you!”
Gaige just giggled as she looked back at Axton and Starlight.
“Come on now Axton, you did walk into that.” Starlight said with a smile.
“Yeah, yeah I know.” he then rolled his eyes as he continued to push the wagon.
“If only Trixie were awake to hear that,” the mechromancer added.
“Heh, now that would be something to hear.” Axton then smirked.
“Please don’t, I would rather not have that type of argument right now.” Starlight spoke up, though it did not wipe the little smile on her face as she imagined her friend talking back.
“Moving on,” Gaige spoke up, trying to change the topic of the conversation, “What do you think everyone else has been up to since we left?”
“I’m gonna assume that Brick might drag Roland on his hobby so he has someone else to do it with?” Axton brought up.
“What makes you think that?” Starlight then chimed in.
“I don’t know, maybe to have them catch up or something?”
“That may be possible,” the mechromancer added. “Though, considering Brick’s hobby… I’m not quite sure how long that’ll last”
“Well who knows, i’m just taking a wild guess.” Axton just shrugged. “How about you, any guesses?”
“No,” Zer0 simply replied
“Well then, how much longer do I have to push this damn wagon for?!” Axton retorted, clearly not liking his current situation.
“You have only been pushing for fifteen minutes.” Starlight pointed out to the commando.
“Feels like hours.” He stated.
“Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I thought the same thing when I was doing it,” Gaige added on
“Only slightly.” Axton grumbled, only for Starlight to chuckle at him. He then breathed out a stream of fire at her, but he made sure it wouldn’t hit. “Well hopefully we are going to be near Ponyville soon.”
“That’s a relief to hear.” Starlight said. After everything that they’ve been through over the last few days, it would be good to just get some much needed rest.
“Tell me about it, I just want to sit back and maybe take a walk or two.” Axton added as he smirked to himself.
“Really enthusiastic ones?” Gaige chuckled.
“Hmm, possibly. I won’t deny that that could happen.” The Commando chuckled along. “Maybe some relaxing walks as well.” Which just led to Gaige giving a look of concern to everyone else.
“Is it really that bad?” Starlight then whispered at Zer0, wondering why Gaige had a look of concern on her face.
“Do you really want/to know? There is a valid/reason for concern.”
Couple Hours Later
“Finally, I see Ponyville and can stop pushing this damn thing.” Axton said as he stretched from pushing the wagon. “Never thought I would miss basic walking.”
“Uh huh, sure…” Starlight commented as she learned about the commando’s ‘walks’.
“Need I remind you that we were all pushing this at some point?” Gaige said, “Well, everypony except Trixie.”
“Hey!! No fair! There are other ways that Trixie can support you without needing to resort to physical strain.”
That had the mechromancer roll her eyes, before looking back at the performer, “Oh really? Name one.”
“Huh?”
“You heard me. Name one way that you supported us on this trip back.” Gaige challenged her.
“Well, Trixie did manage to get cold drinks for everypony before we hastily had to leave,” the performer said, “Outside of that, Trixie provided moral support.”
Just that singular response was enough to tempt Gaige to hit her head on the wagon. Especially considering that it was from Trixie of all ponies
“Ok, sure you totally helped us out there Trixie.” Axton commented with heavy sarcasm, which earned him a solid smack in the gut from Starlight.
“Let’s just hope that everypony back in Ponyville has been doing well,” Gaige added.
“I’m sure they are fine.” Axton said as he started walking away. “Besides a walk sounds good ri-”
“AXTON!!” Starlight shouted out which startled said commando.
“Yeah?”
“Uh… actually, could you come and help me with something at the castle and well you seem the best for it.” Starlight commented as she gave a strained smile.
“Wouldn’t Spike or Twilight help you?” Axton asked, confused.
“Well, Twilight is mostly likely busy with something and… well, you have wings…” Starlight made a weak argument.
“That’s kinda mean for the little guy.” Axton said but simply shrugged. “But why not, I could do something to occupy my time.” too which Starlight let out a sigh and wiped her brow.
Gaige herself just looked back at the unicorn and smirked. “Nice save.”
Starlight gave a nod to Gaige as she asn Axton then walked away towards the castle.
“So what exactly do you need my help with?”
Starlight then began sweating. “Well, you now I just need help with some organizing and well also…” She then trailed off as Axton just gave her a flat look, she was just giving him a sheepish smile and an awkward chuckle.
“Whatever, too late to back out now.”
“Sorry I just heard about something and well with things that went wrong… uh um…” Starlight tried and failed to try and clear the atmosphere, however that wasn’t what was going through Axton’s mind anymore.
‘I don’t know why, but something doesn’t feel right.’ He said to himself as he looked around Ponyville, Starlight was still talking or at least attempting to try and get one. As she was looking back at Axton she then saw his expression go to a frown and she was starting to panic, which intensified when he then pulled out one of his guns.
“HEY THERE SLABS!!”
“JESUS F*CKING CHRIST, BRICK!!” Axton shouted as Brick shouted out at them.
“Something up Axton? You look like something went wrong on your trip.” Brick then looked at Starlight and then back to Axton. “The hell did you do, she looks scared out of her mind?”
“WHY DO YOU ASSUME I DID IT?!”
“It wasn’t you then?”
“I don’t- I just… why?”
“Well when something goes wrong, you’re normally the one to cause it.” Brick stated as the commando stuttered in rage and confusion.
“It wasn’t his fault.” Starlight then finally said. “At the town it went wrong because of me, and just now was the same.”
“Oh HAHAHA, sorry about that then slab.”
“You are forgiven.” Axton said as his hand firmly smacked into his forehead.
“Well other than meeting you two here, everyone else has been tense as hell. Hehe, besides I was just about to go to the forest to work on my hobby again.” Brick just gave a smile as he walked away, but the tow caught what he said as he walked away. “Damn wolves keep running when they catch sight of me, wonder why?”
“...What is his hobby again?” Starlight asked with some hesitation.
“Gardening.”
“Wh-”
“Don’t ask further, let's just get to the castle.” Straight meekly nodded as she followed along with the commando. After a little bit Axton walked side by side with Starlight.
“Don’t look now but,” The commando said, looking behind him for a moment before returning his attention to Starlight, “I think something happened in Ponyville while we were gone.”
“I… second that,” the unicorn replied, “Something feels… wrong. Like there’s something missing. Why don’t we ask around town?”
“Maybe, but i’m not sure that would be a good idea.”
“What? Why not?” Starlight asked, a little bit caught off guard by Axton’s suggestion. If there was a possibility that somepony knew what was going on in the slightest, they should at least ask. It wouldn’t exactly do them any good if they just stood around and did nothing.
“Don’t know for certain, just call it a gut instinct.” Axton just shook his head as he gave Starlight a small smile. “Anyway, let’s meet up at the castle after we ask around and then figure out from there.”
“I’ll go tell Gaige and Trixie,” Starlight nodded, before leaving the commando alone for a short bit to go inform them. She was rather quick to return though, for after ten seconds, Starlight returned back to where Axton was.
“So, that was quick… did you have an idea instead?”
“What? No! I was just telling Gaige and Trixie,” Starlight admitted, “Plus I thought we could cover more ground if we do it together.”
“Alright then, so where to begin?” The Commando then looked around to see, then just shrugged. “Does Sugarcube Corner sound good?”
“Works for me.” the unicorn replied as she led him over to the bakery.
“Well, here's hoping Pinkie has some idea about what’s going on.” Axton was still watching their surroundings with some looks sent their way. “I just can’t shake the feeling something happened during the time we left and came back.”
“Sugarcube Corner is closed?” Starlight asked in disbelief as she and Axton were at the entrance to the bakery. There was a closed sign on the door and one of the owners of the bakery, Cup Cake, was standing outside and talking to them, “But I thought Sugarcube Corner was closed later than now?”
“I’m sorry, dear, but Pinkie told me that she had some important business to attend to later this afternoon,” Cup Cake explained to both her and Axton, “Plus, my husband and I can’t watch the twins and run the shop at the same time without her, so we had to close up early for today.”
“Hmm, now that sucks.” Axton was then scratching his head. “If there was anyone who would have an idea what was going on would be Pinkie.” He then started walking away, with Starlight following a few seconds later. “While I can safely assume the same will be at the boutique, lets go to the castle right now.”
“Yeah, that would be ideal.” Starlight commented as she began to trot towards the castle of friendship.
On the way to the Castle of Friendship both of them receive varying degrees of stares on the way, but they just pass them by without looking at them. Upon arriving however, instead of finding any of the doors open, they are locked.
“Ok, now that just screams something is wrong.”
“Well lets try knocking then.” Starlight said as she went up and knocked on the doors. A few moments after she knocked, the door opened up and Spike stuck his head out.
At first, the sign of Spike was treated as a sign of relief. That was, until he started to speak, “What do you want? Twilight’s very busy right now!”
“Uh… w-we just wanted to talk with her-”
“Then make an appointment,” the dragon interjected, before retreating his head back inside and slamming the door in their face.
“So about there being something wrong now, this just says all I need.” As Axton then readied his Mongol rocket launcher, only for Starlight to panic and step in front of him.
“Hold on!” she frantically whispered to him. “Let me go in and find out what's going on ok?”
Axton just looked at Starlight and he could tell how panicked she was. He then let out a heavy sigh as he put away the Mongol. “Fine, but you better make sure you get out fast when things go wrong or you find out what happened.”
The unicorn nodded, before magic began to shimmer around her horn as she teleported inside as Axton stood there and waited. As he did, Gaige noticed him and began to trot over to him. “So… should I assume that since you look like you want to tear down a whole town that something’s up?”
“Yeah, that's the summed up version.” Axton just muttered as he walked away motioning for Gaige to follow. After they both reached the nearby woods he rested against one of the trees. “So I had this funny feeling that something felt off about Ponyville when we got back. Normally it's all bright and cheery and whatnot, yet when we were walking within town it felt… I don’t know, empty.”
He then let out a heavy sigh afterwards before continuing. “It was all wrong but I couldn’t guess why, that is until the only normal thing happened was we met up with Brick before he left to go on his gardening trip. So we then decided to hit up Sugar Cube Corner after Starlight told you and the others. Here’s the funny thing, Pinkie wasn’t there and they were closed.” Gaige could only raise an eyebrow in confusion. “Yeah, exactly. So we then hit up the castle, and would you know it the front doors were locked. We knocked and then Spike came out and he didn’t even say hi or something like that, almost like he didn’t even recognize us. So before I got the smart idea of just blowing down the door, Starlight is inside figuring out what's going on.”
It took Gaige a couple of moments to process that. Though, eventually, she came to a similar understanding. “You’re right… none of this makes sense.”
“Yep, so now you see why I was about ready to blow this town to the ground to find out what the hells going on.” The commando just let out a disgruntled sigh. “Now I just have to wait for whatever it is for Starlight to find out.”
“Maybe while she’s trying to find out what’s going on, perhaps we can find someone we know that might have an idea on what’s happening?” the mechromancer suggested, “Maybe Brick since he’s more than likely gardening?”
“I'm not sure about that, but it's a good idea to start there I guess.”
“I’ll go tell Trixie so that Starlight just doesn’t walk out and think we ditched her,” Gaige told him, before stepping away for a brief moment.
“Well I better get going to Brick then.” Axton stretched as he began walking away.
After some time and finding various creatures ranging from Timber Wolves all the way to Manticores
“Well he at least made it easy to find him… I think.” Axton just mumbled to himself as he walked along, following the various bodies of creatures that got planted in the ground. Some weakly kicked their legs while others looked to be unconscious or dead.
“He is thorough at least in that regard.” the Commando just shrugged as he came to an open area. “Now where is-”
“Hey Slab, gonna help me with some Gardening?” Brick announced as he came into view with some buckets of water. It appeared as if he was solely focused on tending to his garden, for his clothes were covered in both dirt and also the blood of the creatures that he ‘planted’.
“Yeah, not really. I’m here actually to ask some questions.”
“Alright shoot.”
“So have you noticed anything strange happening in Ponyville when we left to go to that other town?” Axton asked.
“Hmm.” Brick then contemplated for a second before answering. “Well I saw some strange bugs like creatures and they tried to take me down. Heh, the two of them didn’t know what they were getting into.”
“Let me guess you killed them?”
“Yep.” Brick said with pride. “After that everyone else avoided me all day.”
Axton then looked at Brick with a flat look.
“You didn’t even think to, oh I don’t know, QUESTION THEM?!”
“No, not really. They jumped me, and I didn’t bother doing anything else after that. However I did notice that Mordecai, Lilith, and Roland were all too busy for some reason. Other than that nothing else really of note.”
Just as Axton was going to comment, he heard something from his ECHO device. “Hey, Axton, I’m back with Trixie and Starlight. How’s it going with Brick? Did you… find out anything?”
“Oh I did alright… I most definitely did.” Axton responded and then just looked at Brick. “So How about the two of us go and meet with Gaige and figure out what’s going on.”
“Maybe, let me finish gardening and then get back to me about that.”
“Take your time.” The commando responded before going back to Gaige. “I’ll meet up with you in a bit and fill you in.”
“Sure thing. We’re back at Trixie’s wagon, so come find us there.”
“Be there shortly.” Axton said as he began leaving. “Meet up at Trixie’s wagon if you got time then.”
“Can do, Slab!”
“So, what did he say?” Starlight then asked as she walked alongside the mechromancer back to Trixie’s wagon, “Did he find out something?”
“Well, from what it sounds like,” Gaige said as she put away her ECHO device, “He did. Though, it didn’t sound like he was too happy with Brick about it.”
“Oh you have no idea.” Axton said as he landed nearby. “Found out an idea as to what caused this whole mess, but this is Brick so he decided action first questions never.”
“Uh… what?” Starlight asked.
“Don’t tell me,” Gaige then retorted, “He decided to plant them in his garden, didn’t he?”
“I think so, kinda hard to tell with them being covered in vines among the others that were there.” He then stretched out and looked at Starlight. “So, what did you find out anyway?”
“Not much, outside of the fact that even though we try to ask honest questions to some of the locals, all we got was hostility,” the mechromancer retorted, “I think I’m getting more convinced that something is incredibly wrong here. Did we wake up in some kind of shattered alternate reality from Krieg’s mind?”
“Wouldn’t that be a bit more… messy?” Starlight asked.
“... Fair point, I’ll give you that,” Gaige replied, “Still, something seems incredibly wrong and unless you want for Brick to start pulling things out of his garden, we’re completely in the dark right now.”
“The only thing I found out was that he was attacked by some bug like creatures and that's about it.” Axton commented. “Any ideas on that?”
“Bug… creatures?” Starlight blinked, “You mean… like changelings?”
“I don’t know, that’s all he said to me. Maybe that is what they are?” The commando just shrugged. “Other than that what’s the game plan now then?”
“We know too little right now to necessarily do anything right now,” Gaige told her, “Though, we could have Zer0 sneak in after dark? See if there’s something going on in the castle?”
“Sounds like our best option right now honestly.” Axton nodded. “I mean if there is anyone best at sneaking around, it’s gotta be Zer0.”
“You called me, Axton?” A familiar voice asked as both Vault Hunters turned to see Zer0 standing on a tree branch above the group, before finishing his haiku verse, “I have heard your dilemma / How may I assist?”
“Ah, just the vault hunter we need,” the mechromancer replied, before looking to Starlight, “Want to tell him what’s up?”
At first, Starlight was hesitant. Though, after a bit, the unicorn swallowed any doubt that she had and began to speak, “U-uh… W-we have a feeling that something very bad is going on at Twilight’s castle. Can you… find out what’s going on? W-without being seen?”
“Silence is Golden / Secrets hidden in shadows / challenge accepted.”
Shortly afterwards, Zer0 disappeared. Leaving Axton, Gaige, Starlight and Trixie by themselves. “So… was that a yes?” the entertainer then asked from inside her wagon.
“Zer0 has his own ways of showing that he agrees with something,” Gaige explained as she looked back towards Trixie, “For now though, the best that we can do is sit and wait until he finds something. Which might be a bit since it’s not even sundown yet.”
“So… anyone up for some card games?” Axton asked for them to do something. “I mean other than that, anyone else got an idea?”
“Trixie might have some cards in her wagon,” the magician replied, before she went to go search her wagon.
“And now we play the waiting game.” Axton commented as he followed right behind Trixie.
Many hours later
By the time that Zer0 had returned, both of the ponies and the vault hunters had anticipated his arrival. What started off as a friendly game between the four of them quickly devolved into Axton and Trixie in a stand off to see who would break an ongoing tie between the two of them at the card games they were playing.
The message that he had to say though… wasn’t entirely a positive one. “Unfortunate news / imposters in the castle / our friends gone missing.”
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10172371
Don't you mean Four Vault Hunters from Borderlands 3? Moze, Zane, FL4K, and Amera.
Yep. This is the Finale of Season Six with Chrysalis and the Changelings Second Invasion and the Kidnapping of nearly everypony. But this time. They so are gonna Die by the Vault Hunters!
Although, the Changeling's disguise ability can be annoying. The Vault Hunters have face worse in Pandora. And can take the Challenge.
Hmm, looks like some of the vault hunters got nabbed too.
10608690
Seriously? How?! They have face worse monsters, Crazy and Insane Bandits, Hyperion, and even Handsome Jack! As well as the many Vault's Monsters and Guardians! Plus, they got Guns, Special Abilities like the Siren Powers from Lilith and Maya. And have Shields and experience from facing worse stuff in Pandora. How can Changelings ( Despite their Disguise Ability) get the drop on any Vault Hunters from both Games?
At least Brick is too strong and a badass to be captured. And already killed two of them, and make the others be scared to death.
Well FL4K isn’t human so I didn’t think they would get changed. Notice I said the three human hunters. I was excluding FL4K because they are technically not human.
As for letting the changelings takeover again I think Twilight needs to invest in some level of security because if this where to keep happening I wouldn’t have faith in her as a leader.
Well the changelings are done for
Ooooohohoho shit the changelings/chrysalis are Fucked lmao