The Gamer, The A.I. and The Changeling

by Corsair49

Midnight's Decision

Midnight's perspective

Plugging in my headphones I made my way to Professor Discords Lab. As usual I was greeted by a familiar voice sounding softly from them.

"Good Morning Midnight. I trust that you had a good time introducing yourself to your new home class. Shall I inform the clan of what you are up to?" Her voice was comforting as it had always been. My only real friend that I had to make.

"Don't worry about that Snow Angel, Did you send the message to the owner of that Score bearer for the game yesterday?" I replied softly enough so my mic would pick it up.

"Yes however there was no reply as of yet." Snow replied. "Would you like me to inform Chrysi of your situation at least? Your mother would do well to know that you are settling in well on your own."

"Well, I'm not on my own now am I, Snow. I have you." I chastised.

"Yes and you had to create me. Also I feel I should Inform you the school Network is clear of Linkers. Surprisingly the majority of the city is clear. Is this the escape you wished for?" She inquired. I didn't want to answer that question... Snow Angel or Ice Queen as Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna and Professor Discord refer to her as given her cold attitude to anyone not me.

"Midnight, we are here." She replied as I almost walked into the door not paying attention. Blinking I looked up and Knocked on the door.

"Well Come in, there is no use standing out there Midnight." The door opened to reveal very strange man. With Brownish black hair with tufts of sky blue by his ears. Eye brows and beard being white as snow. Yellow eyes with Red Irises wearing a mix and match of styles and colors that somehow made him look both sophisticated and ridiculous. I could only sigh as I unplugged one of my head phones so I could still hear Snow Angel.

"Good morning Professor Discord." I said monotonously.

"Good evening to you as well, and Say hello to your Ice Queen for me one time." He said as i walked through before closing his class room door. "And feel free to hook her up to speakers like normal." I nodded to him before taking out my phone and plugging it in.

"Good morning to you as well Professor Discord." Serina said. It took a trained ear to tell the differences in her voice as she responded.

"So your officially attending school today my boy. I'm more than happy your mother agreed to this so don't keep me waiting boy you and I both know I have no patience. I mean after all it took me only 2 generations for Celestia to let me teach here." He smiled a very fanged smile that one could almost mistake as predatory.

"All I did was introduce myself. I've met some of the members of the class and found out about the 2 gaming groups." I replied as I sat down.

"Ah, yes. Young Rumble's Game Crashers, and Monsieur Button Mash's Shining Crusaders." Discord sat back as he stroked his beard slowly.

"And now the two teams want me to referee a match they are having at Sugar Cube corner. And I agreed to it." I put my head down onto the table.

"I see... well this could be an excellent opportunity." He said as a scheme started to unfold in his head.

"Do you wish to introduce them to the Link?" Snow angel asked Professor discord.

"Well that all depends. Do you think it would be a good Idea? I'm more than aware your Mother's private school is already implementing it into their training and teaching systems, and I had thought about bringing it up With Celestia. But it would come down to our little Vanguards efforts." He said smiling at me.

"So what you want me to decide if to introduce a life changing game that goes beyond the game?" I asked more for clarity than anything else.

"I mean it sounds boring if you put it that way but yes." He replied more than a little annoyed.

"I do not believe that would be a good idea. What you're suggesting could cause long lasting mental harm on the children." Snow Angel stated.

"Ice Queen, Did you know that events before your maker here those students were already mentally messed up? Take for example Sunset Shimmer, She literally turned in a magic filled demon monster and was literally turning people into her personal zombies. At that time apparently a princess from another world that is filled with ponies instead of us humans as the dominant intelligent species came to take back the crown that was stolen from her which had given sunset those powers and she fought Sunset like that. And then there was the Sirens Hypnotizing practically everyone with there songs. and Finally the recent Friendship games against Crystal Academy where our Twilight Sparkle came from, she became some kind of magic monster and was fought back by and brought back to her senses by Sunset Shimmer. Trust me this game... outside of the phantom pain of course, Would only help them." Discord explained.

"Of course Professor. I apologize for my outburst." Snow said vehemently.

"Oh dear I seem to have made her give me a cold shoulder. Anyways my dear boy, while I may be an admin in this little world that you, your mother, and Mr.Anonymous created, you still have the final call. I have the Linker collars here which are actually about to go live for the school. All you have to do is decide if you want to bring them in to this little world of yours, of course they have to be able to play it as well. And remember there is only one chance per download and you still have one in your downloads. After all your's is the generation to Accelerate the world" Discord stated before chuckling at the last comment. The bell began ringing. "I do believe this means the end of our time together. Perhaps you should go see Principal Celestia or even Luna. Heaven's know they would love for you to talk with them on it and not just the Construct." He said almost like a father. It made me shudder as he patted my shoulder.

"I heard that Discord." Snow stated more than upset.

"I am aware Ice Queen." He Responded.

"Fine. Would Ms. Cheerilee find it an issue if i went to see Principal Celestia?" I asked as I unhooked Snow Angel putting back in my headphone into one ear.

"I'll let her know Scamp, go get some advice, Just remember Murphy's Law means Chaos Theory has a way of wiggling its way in to everything. Fare Thee well, Orange Luck." He reminded me with a slight laugh as I left his room.

"I don't like him." Angel Declared.

"I know but he is my caretaker and he helped me make you." I Rebutted

"Doesn't mean I have to like him. At least it makes sense why hes 'White Order.'" She commented as I rounded a corner before opening the door to the administrative Room.

"Hello Time Stamp. Discord recommended I come see Celestia in regards to my... Project." I said as walked up to the secretary.

"Hello, to you as well Midnight. She should only be doing paper work right now, so it should be okay for you to see her. Should I ask Vice Prinicipal Luna to see you as well?"

"No, thank you." I said with a sigh before I opened the door to see my Guardian as unplugged my headphones. Closing the door behind me Celestia looked up from her paperwork, her reading glasses on.

"Ah, Midnight Shouldn't you be in Class right now? Making some friends?" She raised an eyebrow unamused. I flinched for a moment. Before me stood the only women who has ever defeated my mother in an argument that she had set up for every possible scenario that took into consideration basically everything logical. This not only shook the foundation of the private school my mother ran, but also mildly inspired me to make Snow Angel. So of course I would be more than a little intimidated by this Powerhouse that stood before me.

"Good morning Principal Celestia." Both Snow Angel and myself said.

"Do you have a moment?" I asked hesitantly. She took of her glasses as she put down her pen to give me focused attention.

"Of course I do for you Midnight. Shall we link?" She asked with a softened smile.

"That would be best so we don't take up too much of your time." Snow angel stated from my pocket. Nodding Celestia used her key to open a locked drawer in the cabinet behind her taking out to collar like devices. An orange one and soft yellow one. She handed me the orange one adjusting the collar on my shirt so I could fit it properly. Feeling it connect to me tingled like it always did. Taking out the cord from my pocket I connect the collar to my phone and the collars turns on as a portion of it lights up into a dark neon orange signifying it is working. My vision becomes altered for a moment as everything starts to load up for the HUD. I see Celestia blink as the same goes for her as she puts hers on.

"You know, your great grandfather is a genius for making these things and it never ceases to amaze me how well they work. Even as much as correcting Vision." I simply nodded Celestia turns her head to look slightly to my left before she smiles and waves lightly. "Sorry for not saying good morning to you earlier Snow Angel."

"It's fine Principal Celestia. I understand the situation." She replied.

"Ready?" I asked her.

"Whenever you are are." Celestia replied.

"Burst Link." the three of declared all at once. The normal world became Blue as our avatars formed. I looked over at Celestia who was wearing what one would swear was a princess's regalia, if not a queens along with that strange horn and wings. As for me I had designed my character to appear a bit more like Brainiac from Super Man.

"Shall we see what field we get?" Celestia asked with a smile. I nodded slowly as I pulled up the player list and initiated the challenge suddenly the world around us changed. Suddenly we were on a floating platform with clouds drifting around us with a Roman style of building surrounded us.

"The heavens stage..." I commented.

"You know Midnight... Everytime I log into this game that we and that strange anonymous man created I first feel angry because of how it plauges the mind but then i see the beauty of why it does it." She commented. Her voice sounded more metallic. I looked over at her and pause. She looks back at me and laughs softly. "I know... this form, its not what one would expect from me right? Copper Guillotine... such a cruel name." Her form as robotic as everyone else's. As her name Implies is a Vibrant copper orange color with green eyes. her arms end in sharp claws but on the side of her for arms are single edged blades. Even her legs end in Copper Blades. I remained silent to her as she looked at the world we were in. "Shall we walk?" She asked as she rounded the Marble table that separated us. I could only nod as we moved.

For a long time we walked through the halls as the Timer went down slowly. I could only look down as I tried to avoid the reflective surfaces that would show me with my curse.

"Orange Luck... Talk to me what is it that is bothering you, are you being picked on?" Celestia asked of me.

"No, its... White Law brought something up with me. Asking if I should bring some of the other students into the game when the neuro-links go live. All of the students in my generation apparently have been outfitted and are capable of doing it from birth. but because of how new the tech is they are limiting the testing area now to 3 schools." I said. Ice began to form on the walls as footsteps could be heard coming towards us from the hallway to the left.

"I see, that's right it goes to the Hive Private school, Crystal Academy Prep, and Canterlot House." I couldn't see it but it was easy to tell she was smiling as she said this. "This will be the start of a new generation of students."

"Yes, but what bothers me is that The Hive private school has already made lesson plans for those capable of being Linkers. Including extracurricular activities. With duels to help weed out the weak. And I know that my mother-"

"Headmistress Chrysalis." Celestia said interrupting me.

"Yes, Headmistress Chrysalis, would more than likely enforce usage of this games ability to shift the edge of the games if not out right challenge you since I am here as a student. Not to mention the initial toll it has on the mind before they get into the fighting, then there is the physical pain they can feel. Add on the fact that this schools gaming groups are divided rather than aligned... and it just becomes a whole mess of things..." I sighed more than worry.

"Midnight Requiem... I find it strange how befitting your Avatar's name is. Orange Luck, One who wishes to reach far distance who views luck to always be against them. Yet based off the abilities you explained that you have you seem to literally twist luck into your favor. Not to mention that your primary weapon is a deck of cards. Perhaps it's time to tempt your luck and see if you can unite the teams." Snow Angel had just met up with us.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Principal Celestia, but doesn't that seem like a dangerous thing to do? Headmistress Chrysalis is not a very.... Forgiving person, I mean outside of Midnight they have 3 established groups. based around 3 of the primary color types. And I can already confirm with a 93.4% probability that she will send some of her students to scout and pull the younger generation into this game, just to spread it and make it so her students can cull the meek. She want's the best students to come from this game." Snow angel stated. Her avatar was where I named her from. A support unit that can immobilize enemies by freezing them in place or adding cold damage into the attacks of others. Her a hazy blue in a European belle style dress complete with 2 ribbons in her mist like hair.

"Be that as it may, I don't want my students to be hurt. However I would not stop those who wish to defend what they believe." Celestia said to Snow Angel.

"Your usage of of double meanings is rather Annoying." Snow commented. Celestia couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Well Midnight, our time is almost up. For my advice that you wanted this is what I have to say-" She turned to face me directly and look at me in what my face would be. "- Make some friends, Trust yourself and trust in them. You may have a lot of weight on your shoulders, but you are not Atlas. Take a moment and find someone other than Discord, Myself, or Ice Queen here, to confide in. Now I'll see you at dinner with Discord, ok?" She said with a slight smile. As she said that the Timer wore out and we returned back to physical world.

"Yes, Ma'am" I said with frown.

"Good now get back to class and be sure to tell Luna that we are having Spaghetti for dinner she should be on her way to your class right now. Discord will drive you to the match ok? " She said with a motherly smile, at least I think it what a motherly smile was supposed to be.

"Thank you, Principal Celestia, for your wisdom." Snow stated sarcastically before Celestia began leering at my pocket.

"Sarcasm is unbecoming of you Ice Queen." Celestia stuck a tongue out and that made me laugh a little. She smiled at that as I gave back the neuro-linker.

"Do you intend on playing tonight as well Midnight?" Her face looked worried as I plugged in the headphone jack.

"I have to... I know you don't like it but I'll be fine. I'll win." I said confidently.

"It's not you winning I'm worried about... It's you getting hurt." She said carefully, I flinched as I knew the direction this was going.

"Well would you look at the time." I said rushing out of the room and back into the hallways.

"Snow can you text Luna for me and let her know about whats going on?" I asked. I turned my eyes to look down as I thought about everything.

"Of course Midnight." She said obediently."Midnight, May I make a statement?" Her voice showed hesitancy. It was probably about that issue again. I just gave a light grunt to allow her to continue. "You should consider what Celestia,Luna, and Discord have offered you. That woman-"

"Is my mother." I finished her statement. Or at least I attempted to.

"-Has been no mother of any kind to you. She has insulted you, hurt you, mocked you, and even rejected you. She even mocked you about creating me. As far as I have researched I am the First fully functional and sentient A.I. outside of science fiction that is capable of learning without degradation.

"Furthering why I think this would be a good is for the past half year you have spent it living in one of the two House holds. Either with Celestia and Luna or with Discord. Discord even assisted into my update and upgrading. As a father figure should. Celestia has helped with your English to the point where she was more than happy to allow you transfer here. Your mother only supported it so you could spy for her. And when you had your nightmares Luna came running and helped you fall asleep. Not to mention they helped you come up with a proper name that you were able to change it to. While your mother still calls you Th-"

"Stop right there." I growled at her as my eyes filled with tears.

"... I am sorry for being aggressive. In my defense you programmed me this way." She said trying to joke about it. Wiping my tears I couldn't help but chuckle.

"It's ok... Your getting better with the emotions." I said chuckling a little bit to myself, we both knew I was just trying to avoid the subject. We both knew it wasn't going make it better but it would only make it worse. We both were well aware of it, but she was made to be my companion and my closest friend. She would speak up when it mattered most and she would comfort me. I could only imagine the amount of stress I put on her motherboard. It was a stroke of pure luck that she worked. And with the idea that she was capable of learning and evolving, it made me happy. I finally had someone I could trust. As I walked up to the door I saw Luna smiling at me. through the window in the door. I opened it up and she left giving me a pet on the head and on my desk was some orange slices and a note.

Good Luck, we know you will make some fantastic memories here. Don't be afraid. We will always do our best to help you. Signed Luna, Celestia, and Discord.