At its defeat at the hands of Perseus the krakens form crumbles under its own stony weight, however while its body was destroyed its soul was sent elsewhere.
the Kraken of myth, servant of the gods... has been sent to Equestria for a permanent vacation
after his defeat at the hands of Perseus, the Greek pantheon has decided it high time there loyal servant got what he deserved. will his departure give him his much earned life of peace or will the inhabitants of his supposed sanctuary pose more of a problem then he once thought. with heroes at his gate and crazed citizens and politicians at his back door will the kraken ever know what it means to find peace on his new home
Mount Olympus, a grand structure that transcended beauty and shined like freshly washed pearls and diamonds. It was at Mount Olympus that Zeus, the leader and king of the pantheon sat amongst his brothers and sisters, silently he lounged before addressing those around him.
“Brothers, sisters” he said, a hint of mirth escaping him “my son Perseus has saved those he wished to protect and has overcome all his fated obstacles” Zeus said with a happy grin peeking from his beard. The pantheon cheered at Zeus’s words and applause rippled throughout Olympus “however, there is still one matter that must be addressed” his tone was stern and demanding, bringing the cheering to a complete stop while some chose to look on with confusion at the Thunder god. “A being of great loyalty was slain during my son's escapades, one we wrongly condemned to its fate without realizing that it would follow its orders without doubt” Zeus raised his hand revealing a glowing orb that floated out of the ground before lazily resting above the world below, the light fading to reveal a large and monstrous soul, a soul that looked to be sleeping peacefully within the glowing ball of energy that lazily hovered over the pictured planet. “The kraken, a being that aided us in not only subjugating the titans but did our bidding without failure for countless millennia” the others looked at the beast within and pity washed over the gathered gods. “I believe” Zeus started “that it has gained, no earned a proper retirement” Zeus finished as others amongst his family began to dawn smiles and grins. Zeus circled the orb, arm outstretched, as he addressed the others. “I believe that the kraken through its long millennia of service should be honored and given peace from those who would do harm to it” the crowd looked down in sadness. “We as gods have done no better, abusing its loyalty and sending it to die for a wrongful and petty cause at a simple whim!” Zeus bellowed, Athena walked up to the orb before speaking.
“What would you recommend then?” she asked as she continued to eye the creature floating before her.
“I say we grant it a new life before casting out to live elsewhere, far away from our influence and the meddling of man, who will stand with me as we shower our great servant with boon and rewards that has long been overdue for such a fine soul as this?” Zeus asked to the Olympians, while most sent a rousing cheer for the one who had served them well, others briskly declined and left as the festivities went on. As those that remained circled the creature the first gift was given and a blinding light filled Olympus.
I awoke slowly, my vision clouded as each one of my six eyes slowly adjusted to my surroundings, I was floating, and of that I was sure as to why that was uncertain. My mind was abuzz with thoughts and things I could not perceive. My mind was sharper, no longer the berserk rage infested logic center that thought nothing but death and undying loyalty to my masters.
“Wake loyal servant of the gods”
Ah a voice that sparked recognition, I remember this voice well for it was the voice of one of my many masters, he however I recognized as Zeus, the god who released me upon that unsuspecting city only for me to die as crumbling stone amongst the waves. My fate I could not fault to my master's fully, though I believe my death should have been final upon my petrification however with the gods it is never so simple.
“Come too, you have been called”
A new voice it would seem, this one was Athena, a preferred voice amongst the many I served. While not demanding I quickly gathered my senses, if I am to be punished for failure then I am to meet it with dignity.
“Good, now that you are aware it is time for you to hear of your rewards”
Shocking, I did not believe I had completed my goal. The gods are as always cryptic and elude me as to how I have earned any award. My anger bubbles but I remain calm ‘odd’ I usually found it simple to bring my anger to bare. Usually it would be my rage to guide me on my endeavors but for some reason I found myself tired and calm, the gods doing no doubt.
“My doing truthfully, my gift to you is wisdom to match your age and though you already contained sentience I have brought you further to the mind of a great philosopher than that of a mindless beast able to understand simple commands” Athena said, slight signs of a smile creeping across her face.
A wonderful gift indeed though of little use if I’m dead, as if hearing my thoughts ‘though I would not be surprised at this point’ Zeus stepped forward before clearing his throat.
“Kraken, you may or may not have taken notice but your intelligence is not the only thing that has changed, combining our powers and strength Hephaestus and I have created you a new body, one that is stronger, larger and more powerful than before though you may notice a few changes compared to the original.
Feeling outward I quickly discovered the nature of said changes, instead of three sets of small crab like legs between my much longer and stronger main legs they were replaced with yet another primary like appendage, bringing my leg count from ten to a simpler six. the change was welcomed for while six small legs were great for latching onto surfaces and aided by the four much larger variants I was easily unmovable, however the small legs prohibited me from attaining great speed on the seafloor and these new much larger legs would allow me swift purchase on the sand. As I went to check my new pair of legs I found that I felt four claws grasp my legs instead of two. Looking down I noticed that I now had four arms instead of my previous two. What was unnerving however was that these were only slightly smaller than my previous ones while my Original arms only seemed to grow larger during my change. Turning around I noticed that my tentacles had changed as well, no longer were they the short and armored whips of death I had come to know, now they were easily twice the length and size of my original. These tentacles also lacked sharp protrusions and armor, while the spear like tips I could live without the armor I retained mix feelings. On one hand no longer would my tentacles be hampered by the armor that restricted both speed and flexibility, bringing the larger tentacle to my face I mused to test the durability only to find I could not bite my own tentacle due to some form of shield blocking my mouth. Looking to the gods for an answer it seemed Zeus had already foresaw my query.
“We restructured your mouth to be more guarded, you now have multiple appendages to cover your massive maw, of course the appendages can open up at you will, you should try” said Zeus as he gestured to my head.
At his words I concentrated, still getting used to this new body, I slowly felt my jaw move as it lowered to allow two large mandibles to slide outward alongside two more to uncover my upper teeth. Another plate lowered itself in the front of my lower jaw and sunk deeper into the gap between my lower front teeth and my lower lip before completely receding from view. Clicking my mandibles provided a nice sound that echoed for a bit as I tested my new mouth out as well before a cough brought me out of my practice.
“I believe it is my turn to present my boon” Poseidon stated before me, drawing closer with every step. “to you I give my boon, what that entails is simple, wherever you find yourself the waters present will aid you in any way they can, the seas and oceans will favor you while ponds, lakes and rivers will look to you with reverence and loyalty. May water forever be your ally’ he finished before a blue glow floated out of his chest before merging into mine.
As the glow faded I felt a slight tingle as the power settled throughout me which left me dazed. Taking advantage of this the other gods gave me their gifts. I watched as both Apollo and Artemis sent a wave of power through me. They then explained that Apollo had made my blood highly regenerative and that it would cure most illness and injury that I received on my journey. At the mention of a journey however my looks of confusion caused Zeus to bring a stern glare onto Apollo who broke away to retreat from what I assumed was some form of secret being revealed. Closing my line of thought for now I focused on the gift that I was granted by Artemis, another one of my masters who I admired greatly, she was possibly near the top of the list in truth, it helped that I enjoyed her soft tellings of the sky and all it held. Bringing up my concentration I listened in to her explanation of her boon.
“-ill make you more attuned to your senses and grant you greater power during the cycles of any moon, may my vassal provide you sanctuary whenever you need, I shall miss you kraken, you were a loyal servant and more, may you find peace and tranquility amongst the stars” she said before making way for Hermes to step up and present a small silken pouch that he proceeded to tie around the wrist of my inner left arm, the pouch itself easily fitting in my smaller claws palm.
“Now this here great kraken is a pouch I made myself, made with the finest silks Olympus could offer, it shall never tear or be destroyed and not only that but it can hold any treasure you can fit into the opening without limit” he said as he turned away before stopping as if remembering something important. “Ah yes and the pouch can only be opened and removed from your body by you yourself” he quickly added before continuing on his way before my vision was quickly filled with Dionysius the god of drink and parties, one of my preferred masters, he always found a way for me to enjoy my duties better, be it offering slight challenges as I went on to my task or simply giving me drink after a subjugation of one of the many titans. What he gave me however was something I may have denied had my voice not been rendered gone by his gift.
“Here take a few of these for your great service to Olympus, should you ever feel parched in the depths of wherever you find yourself know that for your service you have earned the right to taste the drink I have bestowed” he said softly as he got out of his kneeling position and walked away. However before he left he swiftly placed two large barrels of ambrosia inside my pouch, their size easily the size of my chest snuggly fit past the pouches opening which had extended far more than I expected. As he walked away he added a few simple words that caught the ears of all the gods present.
“And don’t worry about running out, they are bottomless barrels of my finest batch yet, may your drinking cup forever run full with spirits” he said without a care. The other gods watched him with astonishment, not noticing the black mist accumulating in front of me before a figure clad in black armor and cloak emerged before me, the mist surrounding him like smoke on a candle. Hades stood before me as a sickly figure with a sad face, the other gods looking at him with mild anger and disinterest. Zeus stepped forward with a stern face before speaking.
“What are you doing here brother, I did not take you for one who had some stake in these matters” said Zeus as he placed a hand on Hades shoulder.
“Relax brother, I have more stake then even you, it was my idea to use the kraken and it was my continued prattle that persuaded you to use him” hades stated as he lowered himself to view me closer. Upon getting closer he pulled out two glowing orbs. One orb was a swirling mist of inky black while the other was a shining mote of pure light. “As you see I owe the kraken much more than anyone else, he was my creation, it was me who sentenced him to die fighting your son, I owe him for his service to Olympus and all he's done for us” Hades said in a somber tone before pushing the mote of light deeply in my chest he continued his speech. “The first of my gifts is the luck of the dead for they no longer need its benefits” he started before pushing the inky black ball of mist into my forehead. “my second gift, is my boon…” he leaned in before whispering the rest of his sentence, his words bouncing around my skull as he stepped away before facing Zeus.
“I must leave now brother, my work in the underworld cannot go ignored for long” Hades said as his form started to slowly fade into the black mist of earlier.
“I understand, good luck brother” Zeus said, his hand patting Hades shoulder as he sank into the ground completely, his form fully gone from view. A moment of silence went by before Athena spoke up.
“I believe it is time” she announced, her voice bringing nods of affirmation from all those present.
“Agreed” said Zeus, his hand waving towards me as the view beneath me shifted to that of the stars. He looked down, a puzzled look crossing his face before looking back to his fellow gods. “The problem however is where we should send him” Zeus mused, his subtle query left room for others to provide ideas however his thoughts were answered as Athena spoke.
“Why not towards the Pegasus constellation, it was with the aid of said beast that your son was able to best the kraken in the first place” Athena chortled, the others weren't amused however Zeus took her idea to heart.
“Yes I like the idea however I’m not entirely sure it would be such a good idea, where would you like to go?” Zeus asked me. Looking down I spotted a small constellation near Pegasus that I remembered from an earlier memory, being the smallest constellation I could view at the time I pointed towards it and received a slight nod from Zeus. “I fine choice kraken, now sleep well for it is a long journey to reach the edges of our influence, even longer to reach your chosen destination” Zeus said sternly, his large smile betraying his true feelings on the matter.
My mind reeled as my view was suddenly flipped to where I found the image of the constellation behind me, to my front however were all the gods. With their hands outstretched they slowly guided me closer to the portal, sleep slowly encroaching the closer I got. As I was near the portal a few gods decided to have a few parting words with me.
“For your service to Olympus and your constant vigil at your own expense, to your undying loyalty to those you served and for your willingness to fulfill your mission at any cost I, Zeus, ruler of Olympus herby cast you out of our domain to the Equuleus constellation, may you find rest amongst the stars and all they may offer you” Zeus boomed, his voice echoing off the walls of Olympus.
“Know noble kraken that this is not done in spite but the exact opposite, we the great pantheon have come to the conclusion that you have more than earned your right to a peaceful life for the rest of eternity, may you never be ruled again and be free from any control, for you have earned that right, from this point on you are the master of fate” Artemis said, her voice filled with sadness as she continued on. ‘Know that you will be missed amongst your creators and that your loyal feats shall not be forgotten” she said, a bit of sadness in her eye.
With a final push by Zeus I entered the portal, sleep taking me fully as I was sent hurtling away from Olympus and towards what I hoped would be my new life of peace.
Princess Luna, diarch of equestria and mistress of the night awoke with a start. Running to the balcony she looked up into her sky with slight shock and fear, something was coming to equestria, and it was very, very big. Throughout her many years alive Princess Luna had never felt such a large life force before. Many times had Luna sensed faint signatures coming close to the planet but those were much smaller and most times they consisted of living comets or magical asteroids and nothing more, the former being good company when Luna had time to converse with such ancient beings and the latter being annoying hassles that could disrupt leylines unless diverted to a safe distance away from the planet. Briefly she entertained the idea of creating artificial ley lines on her moon using the magical asteroids but filed the thought for another time, right now she had to warn Celestia of what she had discovered. Bursting from the door Luna ran like a mare possessed, her speed startling two knight guards patrolling the corridors.
Luna was walking briskly beside her sister Celestia, ruler of the day and fellow diarch of equestria. much had happened since Luna’s discovery last night and with the help of her sister, letters had been sent out to princess twilight and her friends. As both sisters entered the war room they were met with the confused faces of the former elements of harmony, alongside them sat a more bored looking discord who perked up at seeing the sisters enter the room.
“A pleasure to see you princess” Discord purred as his eyes shifted from Celestia too Luna. “and you to little lulu” Discord chided as he waited for a snarky comeback.
“The feelings mutual Discord, im glad you could come” luna remarked, her smile flipping Discord's face into a dumbfounded stare.
“Really?” Discord questioned as his talon raised to his chin.
“Really, we were going to invite you but we had no way of getting a letter to you on such short notice” Luna said as she walked past the still dumbfounded Discord. Both Celestia and Luna sat at the large table, the former element bearers on the opposite side. When Discord collected himself from his stupor and joined them Luna began to explain what she found, and the being that was coming towards them at an alarming rate.
“So what you're sayin princess” Applejack started,”is that this here being is the largest thing a ‘life force’ you ev’r seen,” Applejack rubbed her chin in thought, “and that it's headed straight for Equestria.”
“Manehatten to be precise darling, she said it would land somewhere near the city” Rarity piped in,” what a horrible place to land, some of the best designers live there” Rarity finished. Everyone noticed the disdain for the monsters choice of impact and sadness from the possible loss leaking from her voice.
“Is no one questioning the fact that sentient comets exist?” Twilight argued.
“I say we take the whole city” Pinkie’s forelegs moved above her head, “and push it somewhere else” Pinkie said as she brought her forelegs down to a different side of the table.
“No need, i doubt this things a giant worm looking to eat a city” Discord rolled his eyes, “besides I doubt a worm from space would be hungry for ponies, everyone knows they eat spaceships” he finished.
Pinkie placed a hoof on her chin, “I thought they ate spice” she questioned.
“Are we seriously ignoring sentient space objects” Twilight growled.
“I say we go up there and destroy the thing before it even gets here, whose with me!” dash exclaimed as she shot into the air.
“A bad course of action Rainbow Dash” Celestia chided, “without knowing what it is and what its intentions are we could make matters worse.”
Rainbow deflated at her words while Twilight simply grunted at a lack of response for her question.
“What if we just maybe i don’t know,put up a barrier” Fluttershy squeaked, her mane suddenly transforming into glass as Discord snaked around her.
“Oh don’t try to hide dear Fluttershy” Discord said,”go on and tell them your idea.”
The room darkened as Fluttershy soon found herself in the middle of the table, spotlights shown from the ceiling as she stammered her response from earlier “w-we could form a barrier, around the city” Fluttershys confidence swelled as she continued “im sure with three princesses you could easily cover the whole city and then some, I mean Twilight’s brother was able to hold a shield over canterlot” she finished as the lights faded.
“While that may be true Shining Armor used a unique spell that only he can use, not even we know how he does it” Celestia said, her head drooping slightly at her own words.
“What if we fed my brother the magic as he used it?” Twilight asked, “I remember how you transferred your magic to me when Tirek emerged, if we used a simplified version of the spell so that only the magic was transferred and not our actual mana pools I think it could work nicely” Twilight stated.
Discord grabbed Twilight’s muzzle with his paw “excellent idea Twilight, just one tiny problem” Discord’s paw reappeared in his talons, Twilight continued to rub her sore cheeks “what do we do with the still hurtling monster from space that is destined to impact our little side of the planet” he asked.
“That Discord, is where you come in” Luna said, a smile escaping her lips.
Discord looked at Princess Luna with a confused stare “me?”
“Yes you, you are the only one powerful enough to not only slow it down but redirect the creature into landing in the ocean” Luna said.
Discord stared in amusement “i'll go along with your plan, but what's in it for m-” he was interrupted as a pair of forelegs wrapped around his midsection, looking down he saw two massive teal eyes staring at him. Before Fluttershy could say anything however discord quickly covered her mouth.
“Fine ill do it, just please put away those eyes” he said before slowly picking Fluttershy up from her barrel, “it's simply in bad taste to use such underhoofeded methods” discord chided before turning to Princess Celestia, “and what would you ask of me, i don't exactly know where it's coming from or how i should exactly stop it.”
“That is a simple manner i will correct now” Luna walked slowly towards Discord “now hold still” she said as her horn was surrounded by a deep blue aura.
Discord's eyes shown with a bright light, his vision changed like the scenery around him, as he looked around all he saw were stars and the planet below. “Where am i?” he asked to no one in particular.
“You are still in the castle, however your spirit is far above Equis” Luna appeared beside him “and it is here that i wish to show you what it is that is coming towards our planet.
“I can’t see anything” Discord deadpanned.
“Of course you cant it is still too far away, what i wish to show you is the creature's life force” Luna said, her horn flashing again before an ethereal image appeared before them. “As you can see here we have the life of an average pony” a small orange flame flickered before them, “here we have an average representation of the souls of the bearers” Luna said, another flame bloomed into existence, this one burning extremely bright with a flurry of colors that mimicked a rainbow.
“Whys that one a different size and color?”Discord asked
“It is because they live lives much richer and their spirit burns with the force of the heroes of old” Luna stated in a matter of fact tone, “it is also the reason why they will live to much riper ages, and why they can pull feats of great heroism.”
“I understand” Discord crossed his hands “but i still don't see how this explains the creature.
“Im getting to that” Luna started “here we have the lifeforce of an alicorn” she said as a flame the size of those used in the equestrian games came into existence before him, the flame had an unnatural brightness to it. As Discord stared he noticed what seemed like a small mote of light within but ignored it. “As you can tell it is quite the sight, much like your own” Luna teased, however before Discord could say anything a large orb of energy appeared before him, the orb cleared to reveal what looked like a tiny sun, the fire however seemed to burn in random spouts that shoot out in different places while the whole thing gave off colors that should never exist. As Discord peared at the miniature chaotic sun he could do nothing but smile at the small mote of light residing within, suddenly realization hit him. turning back to Princess Luna and ignoring the flaming orb behind him Discord stared into Princess Luna’s eyes.
“I still don't see how this is supposed to help me understand, my dear” Discord said, his voice still uncertain of the night princess’ motives-
“Look up” Luna said, her face revealing a pained smile.
At her words Discord moved his sight in accordance with Luna's words “oh my” Discord said his voice wavering as he stared at what rested above him. All Discord saw was an inferno, a silver inferno that dwarfed every fire that Princess Luna had shown him. Discord stood stock still as he looked on, the fire captivated him with its beautiful rainbow sparks that circled the fire as if trying to capture the silver light, their dance spinning around like bugs to a lantern. Discord blinked and he was back in the war room, the girls all looking at him with worried expressions. Before Discord could say anything however his legs began to wobble before he promptly sat down on the floor. “So when does it get here?” Discord asked as he looked at the princesses with a tired look.
“1 year” Luna stated, her expression stiff “right now it drifts at the edge of our system, however it draws closer at a slow pace” she said while looking at Discord.
“Plenty of time, I can think of something by tomorrow although that's just for slowing it down” Discord said as he turned to the bearers, his smile failing as he noticed their stares “I’m not exactly sure how I'm supposed to change its course” he said softly, Discord looked down in sadness only to find the same yellow pegasus from earlier hugging his midsection.
“You’ll think of something” Fluttershy said softly, her hug tightening as discord placed a paw on her head.
“Of course I will dear Fluttershy” Discord said his smile expanding across his face “i'll have to say good bye for now, got things to do, creatures to stop and whatnot, ta ta” he said before blinking away.
“He never changes” Princess Celestia said with a small smile going across her face.
“Indeed however we have other matters to address” Luna said as she turned to the former element bearers “what will you do now” she asked.
“Well I believe were all going to rest up and prepare, after all you can never be too ready princess” Twilight said, her friends nodding in agreement behind her.
“Of course, you’ll have an express Chariot to ponyville waiting for you in the courtyard” Celestia said.
As the elements filed out of the room both princesses waited a few minutes before leaving themselves. As both Celestia and Luna walked the halls of their castle they made a swift turn into an uninhabited hallway.
“You can come out now Discord” Celestia said.
“Clever as always I see” Discord said.
“Indeed, however that is not why you are here correct?” Celestia asked
“Very true my dear” Discord replied “I’m simply here to give you my opinion on what I saw” discord stopped floating and came to a swift stop on his feet “as you may already know my magical senses far surpass both of yours, and what I found of the creature may surprise you.”
“Well what did you find?” Celestia asked.
“For starters the creature has… odd magic” Discord sighed “from what I gathered the magic surrounding the creature and the magic in the creature are two different things” both Celestia and Luna gasped “whats even more surprising is that the magic surrounding the creature while powerful isn't something to be all too worried about” Discord said, a smile forming on his face.
“And why is that?” Luna asked.
“Well for starters its the type of magic seen on high level defence wards, the ones used to completely nullify something instead of just protect against it” Discords grin faltered, “although what its meant to nullify I can't determine, the magic isnt technically a ward either because the creature is emitting the magic naturally.”
Raising a hoof to her chin the princess spoke “and what of the other magic? the stuff residing inside the creature” Celestia asked.
“That my dear is stranger still” Discord turned to Princess Luna” im guessing you've shown Celestia here the life force of the creature,” before she could speak Discord abruptly struck his face with his own paw “of course you have what am I saying, the creature itself is possibly older than me however the magic residing inside is older still.”
“How old exactly?” Luna asked.
“Older than our very solar system” Discord said grimly.
I drifted slowly, wondering where it was I had drifted too. Looking forward I noticed that I had indeed gotten closer to a star, what this small system held in store I had no idea. As I silently floated amongst the stars I thought back to everything that had happened to me in the past few years, I had been sent out of my master's domain including the events that led up to such a forced vacation.
I had been sleeping of that i'm sure, it was to help me recover my strength from the battle with the titans that I had partaken in so long ago. It had been a few centuries, millennia ‘bah’ it did not matter, what did matter was one of my masters opening up my shelter beneath the planet's crust and releasing me to the world above with one goal; to destroy the city that would dare insult one of my masters. It had started well I admit, though I wasn't nearly as intelligent as I was now yet I still feel my plan was a good one. I went in through the front gate of the port, to the dismay of those who were manning such outpost, never stood a chance the fools. Next I emerged after destroying most of the boats in the harbor, my Tentacles smashing all those running in the streets. finally my attempt to eat the son of Zeus had failed, that pesky pegasus was the cause but they are a stubborn bunch, strong fliers too. then there's the stone… not quite proud of that I must say, if only i’d been smarter as I am now I may have picked up on the scent of a gorgon roaming around. Seeing the head of Medusa was a shock i'll admit, her eyes weren’t the only reason I was petrified at the time, never had I thought that she would be slain by a mortal, demigod though my killer was it was still a small shock. Maybe if I hadn't recoiled in that moment and kept my lunge moving forward I could have taken him with me. thoughts for another time perhaps, after all it was my death that has sent me off on my permanent vacation… something I still had mixed feelings about.
On one claw I would be free to do whatever I wished, something I had entertained multiple times in the past. On the other claw I will never see my masters again, while some would say they were rather trying and demanding I did enjoy my work, afterall I used to be nothing more than a raging beast half the time and my job was to simply let loose with my bloodlust. On another claw I had been given the chance to view the worlds beyond my master's domain and could thoroughly enjoy what this universe had to offer. On yet another claw I would no longer get to enjoy the works of mortals, they may have been vain beyond measure, I would even say some were so corrupt they could give the demons in tartarus a scare… ‘that was four claws’, looking down I saw that I indeed had four limbs attached to my torso ‘I need to remember I have a different body now’ I thought to myself, while I had grown mostly accustomed to my gifts I still forgot them from time to time.
Returning to my musings I recalled the celestial sights that I had passed on my way to this system, a binary star filled to the brim with rings upon rings of asteroids, a lone white dwarf surrounded by diamonds the size of planets, all beautiful to be sure but I wondered what I would see upon reaching this system. ‘I wonder if i'll land in this system or just continue past it” I questioned to myself, my line of thought was shattered however when a polite cough came from beside me. Turning my head I saw a rather large comet, roughly the size of my torso, that was keeping pace with my slow float through the cosmos. Wondering if Athena had bestowed madness alongside wisdom I decided it best if i entertain this sudden voice in my head, “Hello” I said to the comet.
“Hello” the comet said back, his icy shell glowing in time with his voice which i noted to be that of a rather old being, his tone was filled with wisdom but I could tell he was more than what he appeared, deciding that I was, in fact, not going mad during my drift I chose to continue on with the conversation.
“How are you doing this evening” I said, just because I used to be a rage filled beast doesn't exactly mean i should stay that way in polite company.
“Good, good I saw you floating there and thought I might be able to strike up a conversation” the comet moved closer, “you aren't busy are you” the comets said, his voice rang out as both playful and accusatory at the same time.
“Not at all, what would you like to talk about?” I asked.
“Oh, id just like to tell you about the lovely system your about to enter is all” the comet said.
“Really, what can I expect?” I asked, intrigued by this sudden development.
“What can’t you expect” he said jovially “the whole place is ruled by magic, why when I first entered this system to my surprise I saw that everything rotated around a singular planet” he blared, his laugh taking over most of what he tried to say. “And then- and then, I come by a few eons later and they already have civilization” he stated with a laugh “why the only reason you're seeing me here now is that i've grown tired in my old age” he sighed. “as you can see i'm not a spry comet like I used to be, I've got craters in my craters, and fissures in my hill’s” he said in a somber tone. “As old as I may be however i feel like out of everything i've seen in my life this system has by far the most beautiful and colorful inhabitants, the sights are just as good” he finished, his tone picking up as his explanation came to a close.
“Even more reason to hope I land on that planet” I said a claw stroking my chin.
“Why hope when you can be sure, grab hold of me and ill fling you right to it” he chuckled, his icy form bumping right under my gut.
“Why thank you great comet” I said as I grabbed on with all my arms and my frontal legs.
“No need, you entertained this old rock its the least I could do” he said as his tail began to spark.
“The pleasure was mine, great comet” I said, his sudden acceleration beginning to test my grip.
“Call me Starswirl, its the name I took when I first ventured on that planet to begin with” he said with a laugh, his icy form blinking in time with his merriment.
“As you wish Starswirl, will you be descending with me?” I asked, failing to hide my excitement of a new found traveling companion.
“Im afraid not, the form I take has a bit of a reputation” he said a bit sadly, “besides I much prefer to watch from afar and get the bigger picture.”
“I understand” I sighed, my mood had dropped considerably with his statement however. The great comet must have sensed my declining mood however because his next words managed to perk me up considerably.
“So any reason you're traveling?” He asked.
“Well it's a fairly long story, you sure you wish to hear it?” I said to the comet.
“We've got plenty of time before we get there” he dismissively answered.
When I spoke again I regaled him with tales of my home world, it would take awhile to explain everything, but as he said we had plenty of time.
Princess Luna awoke abruptly, soaked in sweat and worry in her heart she jumped out of bed and made her way to the door where she was met with two worried guards staring at her in confusion.
“Wake my sister and get me some letters, this is urgent!” said the night princess, grim determination steeling her features as she went back within her chambers to prepare her best ink.
That night, next to a warm fireplace in the night princesses study two diligent diarchs sent missives to a vast array of ponies, from the burning magic fires burst the energized ashes of the letters, flying off at unparalleled speeds to their destinations. As the letters flew they seperated above the castle, scattering to the wind and off to their recipients post haste. One letter went north hurtling toward the brother of one Twilight sparkle, prince of the north, lover of the love princess herself and shield of the crystal ponies. A second set of letters sped east, one materializing on the desk of the mayor of manehattan, a large mustachioed individual with a heart just as big as his facial hair while the other was sent careening into a sewage grate at great speed, navigating the underdark with ease it came to rest in front of a dark figure in a chair, the space around coated in darkness illuminated only by the soft glow of hundreds of monitors and the pinkish magenta aura that surrounded the parchment before it could land. One final letter swiftly sped towards ponyville and the large crystal castle that held twilight sparkle, Element of magic, princess of friendship, and well known book enthusiast alongside her friends, the elements of harmony and one chaotic draconequus.
Twilight sparkle took the letter in her magic, reading it over and over until a growing growl escaped her lips followed by an angry yell that awoke everyone in ponyville,
“Its Riding the comet!? How dare tha-tha, that THING!” her glare igniting the paper before her, twilight quickly started packing, for she would definitely be ready to go and stop this horrid abomination that would dare deface the starswirl comet.
Almost a week had passed and preparations were made as a fast train was sent forth from canterlot to manehattan. The train cars rattled as supplies and ponies were brought from the capital to the bustling trade city, on board in the royal coach sat family and friends of royalty, one princess of the night curled up with coffee and blankets way past her bedtime in a corner couch, discord close by acting as a smoldering fire to provide warmth to the sleepy princess, his usual attitude gone as he contemplated his task. Celestia was slowly easing the elements and Shining Armor into their expected roles, be it to stay on standby with the elements or to simply know when to put the shield up at the last moment to allow the least amount of fatigue. Pinkie pie lazily looked out the window at the passing scenery, emotions warring with instincts on whether the monster truly deserved such measures, and whether it would be right to give it a cupcake to ease things over.
It wasn't just pinkie pie that had conflicting feelings and questions over the hurtling mass of unidentifiable life that was drawing closer to their little side of the planet, Fluttershy's nurturing nature was growing stronger and stronger, her motherly side inkling heavily on at least giving it a chance instead of getting it to leave right away, Applejack had a more solid stance on the subject, ‘if it tries to hurt us we hurt it’ she thought as the train continued to steam ahead, a prismatic pony leaping from the window as she decided it would be best to fly alongside the couch, the open air giving her a better idea on how she wanted to kick this things flank if it had one.
As both Twilight and Rarity stared out the window they watched the sky pass by, the clouds drifting lazily as they trudged across the sky, unknowing to the threat that was about to come screaming through the sky like a second sun upon entry into their world, they idly hoped it would burn up upon its attempted invasion but knew better then to hope, they would be there to stop it, and hopefully send it packing ‘maybe even permanently’ thought twilight, a soft white glow creeping from the back of her eyes.
Twilights musing were cut as the call of the conductor carried through the coach, “Well be arriving in manehattan in ten minutes” he called to the royals and those who shared their seats. As the conductors call popped everyone of their day dreams they all prepared to go, the days troubles ready to start with them.
As I finished my story I looked to the comet with mixed emotions, the retelling of the event bringing back the questions I still had unanswered about my new found purpose and body, and how I should go about my new life.
“You have my condolences” said the comet, his tone taking a much somber ring as his voice echoed into the void, before his glow could dim however he asked me in a much brighter tone a question that shook me from my melancholy musings,
“So have you decided were to land?” the comet asked, obviously wishing to sprout more knowledge about the upcoming planetoid, his gleeful tone bringing up my mood.
Upon his question I thought long and hard before coming up with an idea.
“I need a place with deep water and connection to the planets largest ocean” i said after some thought, “oh, and if it's close to these locals you keep talking about then all the better but its not needed, im used to the solitude after all” I stated, the blanket statement hopefully giving the comet some good idea as to where I should land.
“I know just the place” the comet stated his form starting to glow with enthusiasm as his speed increased, my claws gripped tighter as my view was consumed with the blues, greens, and whites of the world before me, my eyes glistened as I was overwhelmed with a sense of joy, journey over yet just about to start as well, i turned to the comet as he once again began to speak.
“Im sending you right into this place called manehattan ‘oh Kraken” he said, his voice somewhat sad at my soon to be departure.
“I hope this isn't our last meeting oh great comet, i'd hate for my first foray into friendship to end so soon” I said, my growing joy at finally having a destination dipping at the thought of my fast friend favoring the idea of continuing his travels.
“Don't worry kraken, remember what i said, how i'm too old for anything else, well i've decided to stay in this system, may even drop by once in awhile, who knows” he assured me with a hearty laugh that defied his age.
“Now i'm going to drop you into the entry path and you should land right in the bay, i'm sure even with my age my aim should be true” he said, an aura of wizardry overtaking my form and guiding me lower into the lower atmosphere, his magic began to form a misty frost over my body as i realized what his intentions were.
“I'm giving you a bit of frost to take a good brunt of the burn, take it from an old comet like me, re-entry is a bunch of hogwash that no one enjoys” he said his voice both irritated and concerned as he continued to push me towards the waiting planet below.
“I'm sturdier than i look great comet but i thank you for your concern” I said, laughing at my assumed vulnerability.
“Come on lad it's not ‘comet’ its starswirl, and i'm just looking out for a new friend” he said, his blinking with every word a sight i already feel i will miss.
“Then this is farewell starswirl the comet, may we cross paths once again amongst the sea of stars” I said, my farewell bringing some kind of salty brine to cloud my vision, ‘odd’ I thought, I haven't been near any water in ages. His next words brought me once again from my musings as his form slowly drifted away.
“Best of luck kraken, may you enjoy your vacation, have fun and till next time” he said and with one final push from his magic I felt gravity take me to the sea of clouds waiting below, and with it my journey on this new and unexplored world began with a raging inferno as I started my descent.
The train station was a steamy and gritty affair, one the princess and party didn't stay in for long, upon departing the train they were met with the mayor of manehattan, an elderly stallion with the stature of big mac and mustache to match, though the wrinkles and laugh lines betrayed his age.
“Hello and welcome to my fair city” the elderly stallion said, his voice giving way to the nervousness he felt of the situation, yet the glee mixed in of having royalty in his city even given the situation he found himself in.
“Like you asked we’ve blockaded and banned all boating in the bay, both recreational and trade” he said as he raised his head, quickly he lead the way outside to the waiting chariots were the elements and royalty plus one draconequus boarded swiftly, on their way to the bay they saw police ponies guiding civilians away from the waters edge and the closer buildings and streets.
“Why all the bustle and hustle?” pinkie asked, looking out the window one could definitely see the evacuation was very much exceeding the possible area, though the fact that everyone was moving with a practised ease was surprising to everyone except the diarchs which had an indifferent but serious look upon their face.
“Yea what gives, its like a world ending scenario is a standard tuesday for you guys or something!” discord said in a huff, his arms flying in the air at the utter indignation of it all. “Youd think something that teters on keter would put a little more fire in them” discord continued, somehow donning what looked like highly protective riot gear with the lettering SCP on the side while munching on what looked like a comma. Pinkie, seeing discords attire, swiftly put on what looked like a white lab coat and a ornately designed ruby studded pendant.
“I agree, we should document and befriend this great beast, be it friend or foe nothing can resist a good cake” Pinkie said, her hair giving way to cake that was somehow hidden there.
“Pinkie, Discord focus!” Twilight barked, “we've got a job to do and we need to get ready, we’re here” she said as chariots rolled to a stop before a large dock, hundreds of journalist blaring their questions at the suddenly emerging princesses and mayor.
“Why the sudden blockage of the bay?” said one stallion.
“How will this act affect the economy?” said a girthy mare.
“Is it true a giant monster is falling from the sky?” screamed a panicked civilian.
“Will we be crushed by a giant corn?” asked a weather pony with large glasses.
“Does the bay blockade have anything to do with the growing minotaur-equestrian tensions?” asked a grizzled reporter.
“Alright settle down, settle down” said the mustachioed mayor “ the princesses and the elements have had a long train ride and i'm sure they can choose to give any answers they see fit AFTER the situation is handled” the mayor said with a smile, motioning them to follow the mayor guided the group past a police line and to the edge of the dock were a group of familiar yet fantastical figures awaited them.
“Oh my gosh their REAL!” shouted an ecstatic dragon as he ran over and gave the masked matter horn a hug on the leg.
Before the elements were another set of heroes, the power ponies, as if staring at an illusion the collective jaws of the elements of harmony dropped, discords jaw actually managing to make the sound like an anvil fell.
“But i don't understand, I thought you guys were just comic book heroes “ twilight said dumbfounded, “ i thought, but- but how?!” she said again, this time less coherent.
“It's a trick you see, we spread the comics to make money to fund our actual crime fighting and the repairs needed for the city for our more over the top adventures” explained the masked matterhorn, “doing this allows us to focus our efforts against fighting the crime and super villains that pop up so much around here.”
“But why doesn't anyone say anything?, why the big secret, why does everyone just keep quiet about this!, you have superpowers for harmonies sake why not travel the world and fix things!?” twilight all but yelled in what sounded half panicked, half angry and all annoyed.
“To answer your first question princess would you believe, without a shadow of doubt and zero facts that if your brother were to come up to you and say ‘the power ponies are real, and they saved my life’ would you believe him?” the Matterhorn said, “ and if some great hero saved your life would you try and constantly pester them trying to get their attention and spread their name or would you want to leave them be so they can do their job” she finished, flourishing her hair and affixing a stern glare towards Twilight before her eyes softened again, her hoof going to Twilights shoulder.
“And to answer your second question, we can't leave the city, we don't know how or why but our superpowers fizzle out and leave us as soon as we leave the city outskirts, good news is that it also applies for the baddies we fight too” Zapp said, her lightning arcing between her wings and hair as she hovered above the group.
As Twilight was about to interject again a resonant giggle could be heard from fili-second and Pinkie pie, the group watched in hesitant curiosity as both slowly looked into eachothers eyes, sparkles and gleams slowly making both glow with an unnatural sheen as the air distorted around them, discords eyes beaming wide he disappeared in a pop, a large brick wall appearing between the two as discord reappeared on top with what looked like a police vest and a triangular ring badge on his hand.
Before Twilights mind could break she turned to the princesses and the mayor who were having a conversation, “so do you have the stand set up like we asked?” asked Twilight.
“We have the stand and the components you requested ready to go” said the mayor, “and are you prepared, we've got time but I just want to make sure” questioned the mayor.
As the stand was brought forward a magic circle with three smaller circles connected to the rim by runes were etched onto the pedestal before them, taking their places the three princesses and shining armor took position in their spots, briefly twilight turned to her friends, each getting along with their colored counterpart before turning back to the mayor.
“I believe were ready sir, just have your people back away a bit and I think we can take it from here” Twilight said confidently, her stature bringing a smile to both Celestia and Shining armor as they looked to her brimming with pride. Twilight turned back to her brother and the princesses with a smile before once again scanning her friends with the power ponies and discord.
“You know, I wonder what else kinda books are actually real” thought twilight as she stared at the now very real power ponies before her.
One coffee colored pegasus appeared through thick vines and underbrush with a machete, her black and grey mane shimmering in the spotted sunlight that broke through the canopy, a random sneeze escaping her mouth as Daring doo ducked behind a tree as a patrol of natives roved past.
“C’mon girl, cant be getting no jungle fever can we, not when were so close.”
Far above the clouds plummeted a beast of gargantuan proportions, so fearsome and dangerous this beast was that he laughed at the flames that licked his body, the blaze touched him like a tongue to a glacier and yet he descended ever faster his speed starting to concern him.
“It would seem simply standing still will not help my fall slow down” I mused with growing concern, though I had fallen from great heights before it would be best not to test this new body… at least not yet, I had no idea what challenges I would face below and though I still had quite the long way to fall I begin to think of way to hinder my downward advancements.
“Hmm…” i could feel the suction behind me and the barrier that formed when i put my hands forward ‘I think i may have found a solution’.
I brought my head down and pulled my arms in, slowly I tucked my torso into my back shell and closed myself further into my lower side, bringing my legs in I drew them into the sides of my body at an angle I thought would help. I continued to draw myself in forming what I would think to look like a large spike hurtling head first with tentacles wrapped around and some trailing behind, with a larger surface now heating up and stopping my descent I could finally feel the heat wafting off my backside, a splendidly warm feeling covered my being as I felt myself soothed to drowsiness at the comfortable blaze of re-entry.
“I should be landing soon” I thought, the last thing I saw being the flashing lights of fire as the roaring inferno sang me to sleep.
Deep into the everfree forest downward into a well hidden cave below the ruined castle of the two sisters sat a glowing crystal tree, the elements of harmony beating like hearts amongst its branches and trunk, the tree pulsed with harmonic energy, its senses that reached far into the sky finally contacting what it felt was a great monster descending onto the planet, with energies unknown it pulsed a heavy wave of magic, the magic spreading fourth across the land and dissipating deep across the world.
An unseen but familiar energy washed upon the land and crashed upon discord, he shivered in place as he looked towards the everfree forest, a chill running up his spine.
Beside him the elements of harmony all looked up into the sky, a faint white glow behind their eyes going unnoticed by those around them, in unison they spoke, slightly spooking those around them
“It's here” six mares said in blank tones, their stern glare giving away the emotions hidden beneath, Celestia and Luna looked at Twilight and the elements in confusion before looking up, there in the sky for all to see was a glowing dot.
Ponies all around looked up to follow the gazes of hero and princess alike, their eyes landing on what they could only presume to be a coming catastrophe. Upon looking at the growing inferno some ponies ran faster and hid, others tried to push their way further into the already full disaster centers, others stood tall, their stance unwavering like their confidence in the heroes that proved time and time again that they could put their faith in princess and power pony alike.
“Shining, Shield now!” Twilight yelled, her voice echoing over the sound of the imminent impact and the fireball headed straight for town.
“Right!” Shining said, his voice cutting out as the energy began to flow through him and out his horn, a purple shield contoured to the city appearing over all of manehattan.
Ponies all over gawked at the shield that appeared over the whole city, the magenta light being cast over the town and all within tinting the whole place a protective purple. Concentrating hard the princesses continued to channel magic into the prince, the ebb and flow of such energy already drawing sweat from Shinings brow.
Discord looked up into the growing inferno and planted his feet, cracks forming from the impact his features grew more feral, claws and teeth sharpening while his horns grew and his body spasmed, his fur bristled along side the floating rocks that danced around him, he was instantly coated in sweat as he reached out and tried to grasp and move the massive object that threatened his friends. Discord balked and groaned as his magic slipped off with no effect, the weight of failure not dissuading him in the slightest he tried again, his eyes growing darker and darker as an invisible wind whipped at his body. Discords expression grew dark, his fear come true, he was unable to change the objects course.
I awoke to a tingling around my body, reaching out I unwound midair to see my iminent impact, shifting my weight and using my many tentacles as a rudder i changed my course for the bay, it wouldn't do to hit ground, and the water was always welcome.
“I need to talk to starswirl, his aim isn't as good as he remembers after all” I said to myself, my vision now consumed by the incredibly approaching bay, the waters reaching up to welcome me i opened myself to land, the fire around me exploding outward at the extension of air and body alike, before it could completely consume my body I hit water, the impact shaking me to my core and numbing my mind as i lay in the now cratered bay, my tentacles unfurled and my legs stretched, i had finally landed, a planet to call my own once again.
The ponies watched as the large inferno turned midair into the bay, the fires growing massive before impact and causing a steamy cloud to form around the sky, a downpour consumed the top of the barrier as wave after wave crashed against Shinings shield, the unnatural forces brought shining to his knees but he remained stalwart, the barrier remaining as the fog drifted and cleared.
When the worst cleared the shield dropped and Shining collapsed, after passing out he was swiftly taken away by medical ponies, the strain of keeping a city barrier the size of manehattan up evident to all. Though tired the princess walked forward to look at the bay, the churning waters violently swaying as if possessed, the mayor himself stood strong in the face of such angry tidings, and the elements assaulted discord in a hug as he stared dumbfounded at the water. Nopony moved as they waited, the twisting waves heralding the unknown, and what would change equestria forever.
Slowly the masked matterhorn and Twilight sparkle walked forward, their voices clear as Celestia's new day,
"get ready girls it looks like our guest has arrived"
The waters stirred alongside my consciousness, the water, familiar yet foreign and oh so inviting.
I could feel the tides, the life, the small temperature shifts here and there as my subtle movements sent currents and riptides forming, I was here, I was in a new home and that thought sent an unknown feeling down my spine but I welcomed it.
I could feel the light shining down from above the drifting waves and the sporadic seafoam forming on the wakes. Slowly I opened all four of my eyes letting my vision be enveloped in the clarity of this water, its light blue shade enveloping the beautiful even colors of sand and rock that drifted below me.
Deciding I should make my presence known I slowly allowed my armored back to rise above the waves allowing me to more directly soak in this worlds sun while also feeling the soothing currents cascade over my face, I could feel my tentacles drift slowly upwards, wafting in a nonexistent wind they wound upwards before breaching the surface, the sun hitting them like my back and warming the tips and slowly the core of my muscles, a wave of something wash over me.
“I shall call this feeling ‘peace’, yes a fine way to feel upon arrival” I thought as a relaxing fog blanketed my mind. Realizing that the inhabitants probably knew of my presence I thought best to let them come to me, my decision was not unwholly affected by my ever growing need to drift in the clear sunny sea that surrounded my now lethargic body,
‘Hmmm this is good’ I felt, something I could quite get used too.
“The princesses and possy watched in tempered curiosity as a large shell like dome slowly emerged from the bay, water cascading off like sheeps flowing away from a found fox, morbid and slowly grasping tentacles following its rise like shambling puppets on dark strings. Our growing gilded group of godly do-gooders getting ready for some grandeur, the tensions high as are the waves I wonder-”
“Discord stop this is serious” interrupted Twilight, her nerves making some of her mane splay outward like wound springs.
“We need to focus on the giant octopus- thing floating in the bay” she stated with mild curiosity floating at the end of her sentence, her head once again turning to face the odd creature that listed amongst the waves, while it did look threatening she couldn't help but feel something else was affecting her judgement, shaking her head Twilight sparkle re- afixed herself with a stern glare towards the still outfitted draconequus with well pressed burgundy suit and perfectly combed hair, the anchor illusion ruined by what could only be white boxers with little hearts planted firmly around his waist.
“Oh my dear Twilight this is prime journalism, you can't assume i'll miss it as a premier pony paparazzi” the chaotic being stated with flair, a small tag that read ‘press’ hanging from his now baren neck, everyone frowned at his obvious attempt to relieve tension, Pinkie pie giggling alongside filly-second at his antics.
“Well it would be quite counteractive to just stand here and wait for the other party to make a move” interjected the princess, her hair flowing in the sea breeze even more so that usual.
“We agree” interjected the masked matterhorn, her voice giving way to some signal as all power ponies stood together and briskly disappeared in a flash, particles of light giving way to an empty space and two dumb founded princess and a very curious draconequus.
“Where'd they go?” asked a perplexed discord, his head swiveling around to find what was no longer there, his eyes fixed to a smiling mayor, and the growing features of aprension dawning on a small drake right beside him.
“Was that…” asked spike, his smile growing ever larger,
“Yes it was” said a knowing mayor, a grin escaping the mustache forest that tried to keep the feature hidden,
“So that means…”
“It does”
“And well get too..” “Front row seats, yes, gonna be quite the show” the mayor replied, his reaffirmation sending the small dragon into a fit of yelps and hollars as he did his best to imitate a happy twilight.
“I don't get it, what are you so happy about spi-” Twilights speech was cut off as a large quake rocked the ponies of their footing, apprehension hitting Twilights mind like a oh so familiar piano, for she remembered now what drew her to the power ponies to begin with, her line of thought was cut off by another set of earthquakes, closer and closer they got as the shakes sounded like giant hoof-falls.
The diarchs of equestria wore confused faces as they looked around, unsure of the source of the quakes, their efforts of location were briefly halted however when a rogue Pinkie pie appeared between them in what Celestia could only recognize as swinger era clothing, the idea of a good dance crossed her mind before Pinkie’s loud voice echoed in their ears.
“A brawl is shurely brewing” Pinkie announced, her voice being overshadowed quite literally as a large figure of incredible size vaulted over the group, a rumble was heard overhead before the crashing of waves assaulted everyone's ears.
Had it not been for Twilights and Discords quick thinking the whole group would have been soaked by the massive wave that crashed on the side dock, the water swamping all others that were unlucky enough to be close by, as Twilight’s shield dropped so too did her jaw, with eyes filled with wonder as she looked up and up, the glistening backs of what looked to be massive metal golems standing deep into the harbor.
The diarchs of equestria were visibly confused and gawked in awe at the monolithic golems before them, the awe inspiring titans beginning their slow pace towards the source of the swirling waves.
“What in orders name are those things!” both Celestia and luna voiced, their concerned tones catching everyone off guard, the mayor seeing his rulers in such a state decided it would be best to explain himself.
“You see princesses, after the fifth fight against the mane-iacs hair titan we realized that sure we can stop it but the time and effort to do so with the power ponies alone was momentous, so they came to me and asked if the city of manehattan would be willing to fund a little project, and honestly it's the best idea we’ve ever had, the time it takes to subjugate large city threats has been cut down to less than one fifth of the original time and by golly the ends most definitely merit the means, not to mention the upkeep for the mark.5 poniments is so much lower than the repair cost of a monster rampage” the mayor explained excitedly, the enraptured faces of the diarchy telling him he had captured all of their attention.
“Beside who would go to the park when you can just watch a titans brawl” the mayor added his tone taking a somewhat mischievous tone.
“But if ponies would pay to see this, why block off the bay? Don't you think the power ponies can handle this?” questioned princess Twilight, her question bringing a frown to the mayors face.
“Do not mistake my confidence for blind faith princess, as much as I enjoy my prospering city my citizens come first, better safe than sorry after all” he said, his tone going flat at Twilight's words.
“Beside, fate is a cruel mistress, nothing is set in stone, and if it is it does not stay that way for long” he said, his eyes briefly turning to the draconequus.
The mustachioed mayor slowly trotted over to discord who was busy cuddling saddle rager and fluttershy together, he briefly stopped before the god of chaos, a small bead of sweat going down his forehead before he coughed to get Discords attention.
“I humbly ask of your assistance great discord” the mayor said bowing “i understand you can transform into many things and I ask for some extra insurance incase the power ponies are not enough” he said, his mustache sweeping the ground as he lowered his head.
Discord for his part was unfazed at the mayor's display, a flash of trickery and toothy grin crossing his face before it morphed into an actual face of contemplation, “i'll think about it” said the draconequus, his features softening as the mayor walked back to the princesses.
“So wait, where were you hiding such large golems” asked Celestia, her gaze now drifting to the large titans making their way to the creature in the center of the bay, their slow gates bringing them to the halfway point between the docks and the creature in the waves, the sea churning at the foreign object floating within her.
“Bunkers across and under the city” said the mayor, a cocky grin visible under his facial hair, Pinkie pie, Twilight sparkle and spike nodded knowingly at his words for they remembered the same explanation from the last issue of the power ponies comic.
The princesses and ponies all around turned to look at the now still titans, their forms grinding to a halt a mere hundred meters from the front of the still unresponsive creature. Royalty starred in fascination upon the six mechanical forms before them, each resembling the pilot that was nestled deep within the heart of the monolithic mammals. Twilight sparkle looked on in unbridled joy at the six poniments, the forms of powerful heros about to take on a giant task both metaphorically and literally.
Spike, growing a quizzical side waltzed over to the mayor, a question forming on his lips.
“So, what now” the tiny drake asked, his question forcing the mayor to pull out what looked like a small radio, a smile forming on the mayors face.
“All right ponies are you ready to start the show!” the mayor declared, the rhetorical question flying well past the radio and outward to the ponies around him.
“Yes sir” answered the radio, six voices speaking as one as the large robotic forms of six ponies advanced towards the awaiting titan, two pegasi, two earth ponies and two unicorn poniments wading through sea brine to get closer to the large creature. Even from the shore and dock one could hear the large whir of magi-engines and more coming to life and preparing for what laid ahead.
“Now we don't know if the things hostile yet so try and give it a warm manehattan welcome” said the mayor, his face smiling before dipping quickly into a frown, he stared at the radio in fear, “i hope they know I meant to literally give it a warm wel-” the mayor tried to say before a loud sound like a microphone turning on pierced the air.
“Unidentified creature” blared the first poniment, its resemblance to the masked matterhorn uncanny “ you have 3 minutes to identify your purpose or be swiftly destroyed for your intrusion into our peaceful planet and interrupting trade.” silenced rained before the poniment once again spoke the voice like dignified ice piercing the air.
“I repeat, identify yourself or be destroyed” it repeated, the voice booming out over the waves.
The ponies on the dock had mixed reactions to the outburst and ultimatum. While Celestia, Luna and the mayor blanched at the obvious provocation the elements of harmony cheered loudly, rallying quickly to the terms laid out for the supposed intruder. As the proclamation was made however the masked matterhorn tensed, her gut instincts telling her this wasn't going to be just another monster smash, before her fears could start to grow however a screen to her left lit up, the staticy image of her friend Zapp appearing to glow before a voice came through.
“Hey matterhorn what's up, I can see you sweatin in your seat” asked the electrifying equine, her question hitting home right in her friends gut.
“Something's up, this thing doesn't feel right, get ready” said the panicked mare, her tone warning her fellow power ponies, “i think this things smarter than we the- Zapp Dodge!” screamed the masked matterhorn, Zapps reflexes however, though what one could say we're lightning quick, were not fast enough to dodge the incoming tentacle, her poniment was sent hurtling into the awaiting form of fili-seconds giant poniment, who caught her flying friend moments before collision.
All ponies stared at the now swirling tentacles as more began to rise amidst the waves, sea foam forming at the churning waters around the now hostile creature.
I awaited with lazy mind as I felt something large enter the bay from the land in front of me, I could feel the pulse of displaced water as they impacted the churning sea, I could feel the tremor as they landed on the bay floor and strode towards me in slow paces fitting for one who knew how to wade through water and not flow with it like me.
I could sense them yes but I could not feel them, their life force blocked by something, my mind began to churn at this oddity as the continued to close the large gap, their continued movements feeling almost wrong. As the large quadrupeds continued their course I was struck with an epiphany, one that brought unknown yet mixed feelings to my mind, one I knew already as ‘happiness’, I recalled this feeling that always welled up within me whenever I managed to subjugate another titan or completed a task for my old masters, the other one was strange in that I remember briefly my one master dionysius mentioning the words ‘confused’ and ‘dumbfounded’ when I had managed to drink that entire barrel of his alcohol after completing his task, while I was oblivious to his feeling then I think I know them now more as a form of advanced questioning. As I pondered this new development in my mind my senses dulled as many questions raced through my mind.
‘How did they create such large constructs’
‘How are they moving’
‘What manner of artifacts empower them’
‘Why do they bring them out for me’
These and many more questions rattled my mind, the distracting statements bouncing around like bloated corpses between filching beast, my momentary stupor was broken however when I felt the constructs start to move again. As the large creations moved closer they stopped near the edge of my landing crater and I could hear a loud booming voice emanate from above, the large creatures obviously trying to communicate pushed me to actually try and listen, a voice echoing down to my head shocked me with its next words.
“Unidentified creature” it said much to my delight, ‘a good start’ I thought, us being able to communicate was bringing an odd feeling to my lower abdomen that I couldn't identify, replacing another I could feel ebbing away as the other replaced it, ‘weird’ I thought, yet I placed it into the back of my mind, this was obviously a welcome and I should be listening in.
“-or be destroyed” it said, the voice stopping as if the declaration had such weight that I would cower, with my mind buzzing I realized that I had obviously missed something during my internal monologue, hoping that I could fix this error I stopped my parade of thought and listened closer this time as I heard that strange noise come on once again.
“I repeat, identify yourself or be destroyed” it once again said with finality, I could feel my face darken along side my mood, well known emotions welled up within me, the name of it washing upon my mind as I would upon them, ‘rage’, the word came to me with ease but my new mind caged it, chained it and set it aside, I was no longer the beast to destroy what my masters pointed at, I was new and remade and I would not squander this chance.
As my mind was trying to calm down I let my head rise slightly my eyes now catching sight of what lay beyond the crater, I floated transfixed at what I could only recognise as extremely large shiny hooves,eyes traveling upward I noticed through the water that this creature was shaped like a horse and not just any horse either, though clunky and oddly shaped the wings were quite obvious and with this new information I quietly unlocked the cage of rage in my mind, the anger boiling to a point of bursting I fell back on what I could say was most comfortable given my years of service. I looked on in fury as I could feel a growl escape my now opening mouth.
“PeGaSus” I said, my wits forgotten as I lashed out with a tentacle, the force of my appendage sending the pesky creature flying away. After hitting the construct my anger began to peter out, my mind not allowing me to truly delve into it like I would in the past.
As I brought more of my tentacles to bare I could feel the six large equine constructs rally to what I could barely see to be one shaped in the likeness of a unicorn, before I could act out with more lashings I felt some type of energy shoot out of its horn and impact one of my main tentacles.
“Interesting that these can use such a magic” I said, the injured tentacle retracting beneath the water so that I may more inspect the damage done.
I looked on with fading anger my mind racing to keep up with my bodies actions and the now fresh example I had set. With growing focus I watched still partially relaxed as my tentacles continued to fend off and beat back countless attacks by the golems, their growing frequency and fervor drawing more and more attention from my silent thinking. With my back still exposed to the open air I could only close my mind and think, my mind taking in the forms they used and fought with, I could see myself successfully brushing them off with my appendages alone thus my body remained submerged. My ponderings were interrupted moments later by what I could only assume was a ceasefire, the stopping of attacks on my tentacles gave me pause as well as I focused on the now odd formation of the golems. I watched from below the waves as all the golems disappeared in the air only to come down a few moments as a singular much larger golem.
‘Both interesting and annoying’ I mused, my anger once again welling up. With what little I could see I viewed before me what some would consider a burgeoning titan, truly my feelings were mixed now because before me was what appeared to be some mockery of minotaur however the sprouting wings from its back said much of the creators personal touch. I watched on as beside the beast dropped what appeared to be a greatsword of purple light. The sizzling water around the blade screamed in an unknown voice, the bubbles sealing away the torment as the blade boiled the water around it before being removed and hefted into the air by my new challenger.
‘It seems they wish to continue’ I thought my mind growing slightly light at the idea of this new foe, I was about to get up when the golem moved at an incredible speed and I watched as all my tentacles were cut off in a flash of purple light. The pain in that moment was immense but I gritted my mandibles to hold in my anger.
“To attack before i'm ready, what dishonor!” I barked, my voice sending bubbles spewing at my angry words. Before I could get up however my back was met with a blazing white light and pain unlike anything i've felt hit me squarely in my exposed rear shoulder plates. I looked up in anger as I sank slowly into the crater, my vision blurring to the color of blood, whether it was mine I could not tell but I did understand that it would most definitely be the golems in the coming moments
Things were not looking good for the power ponies, after having Zapp sent flying by a surprise attack the power ponies began to relentlessly attack the growing amount of tentacles that had begun to emerge from the shifting waters around the odd armored mound floating in the bay.
“Marevelous and Filly you take the left ones, Zapp and Rager you take right, Radiance your with me lets do this” commanded the masked Matterhorn who together with Radiance shot a massive bolt of energy at the nearest tentacle, causing the now singed appendage to sink beneath the waves defeated. The ponies on the shore starred in slack jawed awe at the display of monolithic mayhem before them, Discord watched on in glee as the poniments continued to fight in such spectacular ways, Twilight the princess of magic surprised even pinkie pie when she was found to be wearing a hat shaped in the likeness of the masked Matterhorns mecha. Though the elements and discord were cheering the ensuing fight, the princess and mayor watched with frowns as dawning apprehension reached the three at the same time.
“They fight a losing battle do they not?” the lunar monarch suggested, the frown on the mayors face deepened at her words.
Before the mayor could retort however saddle agers poniment went full force into a tentacle sending a resounding crack around the bay as her golem was sent skidding to a hult from the impact, the dazed and shaken mare was only rescued from the speedy intervention from fili-seconds poniment which had shoved the other right as a tentacle slammed down at the previous location. The elements and discord abruptly stopped cheering when it was finally seen that Zapps lightning was having no noticeable effect and even still were the tentacles fighting back at an even pace, given that the situation was growing bleak, the poniments retreated back to devise a plan.
“Any ideas!?” Zapp said, her monitor still flickering from the energy expenditure of earlier.
“I've got nothing, this thing throws back whatever we give and I don't think our poniments can handle anymore” huffed saddle rager, her anger causing her body to bulge ever so slightly.
“Contact those elements i've got a plan” said the masked matterhorn, her radio flickering on to alert the ponies on shore her new idea.
“Mayor can you hear us?!” bleared the mayor's radio, the sound drawing the eyes of everyone present.
“Yes I can hear you, what's wrong?” he said, his eyes taking on a hint of worry at the power ponies tone.
“Were going to transform and cut the tentacles off, tell the elements to get ready to blast it when its not protected” blared the radio, it's confident tone instilling the same feeling in those who heard it.
“Understood you have clearance to merge” said the mayor in a breath that was filled with sadness, his face met the eyes of the elements where he proceeded to direct them to get ready, his features however could not hide the growing worry on his face.
“What is this ‘merging’ that has you so worried?” asked princess Celestia, her eyes filled with questioning concern “is it truly something so frightful” she questioned.
“Quite the opposite, it's just sad that it's come to this i'm afraid” said the mayor, his eyes going downcast at what he assumed to be the creatures coming end.
“If it's the creatures end that you see why the gloomy face?” said princess luna, her inquisitive face tilting slightly to the right.
“Well I just wanted us to be friends, the first life outside our planet and we go and kill it, I just feel if things went differently we could have been friends” said the mustachioed mayor, his face going downcast like the current weather.
“Dont worry silly this won't end it, everyone knows the boss always has a second more powerful faze, it's just silly to think this will work” laughed a giggling pinkie pie, her bubblegum mane bouncing with her babbles.
With the elements in place the ponies watched in awe as the six poniments transformed into a giant golem of immense size, the two pegasi forming together to form a head, torso and wings, the two unicorns shifting and connecting to form two plated arms, while the two earth poniments transitioned into two pillar like legs that the great machine stood firmly on, as the great golem reconnected with the water the machine easily stood just above 150 metres, towering over the now small tentacled creature stood a massive winged minotaur of mismatched colors.
With a loud clack a horn like object detached from the arm and fell to the water below,before it could hit however a bright magenta light erupted into the shape of a giant sword that sizzled and sparked as it stuck deeply into the ground, the ponies on shore gasped in amazement as energy continued to circle around them. Discord watched as the elements powered up, the energy causing him to slowly step back next to the princesses and mayor.
“So why a minotaur, why not an alicorn?” discord asked, his question drawing a puzzled face from both princesses before they too turned towards the mayor.
“Well you see, we needed something that was meant for fighting, i'm all for pony pride but even I know i'm no match for a minotaur, same reason” stated the mayor, his blank expression wincing at the growing lights before him.
At that very moment the alitaur P struck with tremendous speed, by burning the engines at the max while also drawing on the reserve power they flared the blade to a massive size and swung with incredible might, a flash of power was seen before a wave formed behind the blade and rushed forward at tremendous speed, reality itself bent ever so slightly around the beam as it sailed forward and cut the tentacles instantly, the now slack appendages fell into the water with sickening splashes, the blood of the creature tinting the water ever so slightly a darker shade, before the creature could react however a rainbow of light nearly blinding all who saw it connected with its outer shell, the beam searing away at the armored plating and forcing the beast further into the depths of its landing crater.
Discord looked on with mild concern and sadness at the beam, understanding fully how much such a thing could hurt, Luna too winced as the beam struck, memories flashed in her mind as Celestia brought her closer with a wing. As the creature sunk deeper into the watery depths the alitaur P was brought to its knees from the pure mana consumption, one of its ultimate attacks powered fully dropping its energy to nearly empty. A resounding cheer was heard as hundreds of hoots and hollers were made by the city, the fight broadcast all around by Pegasus camera ponies high in the air. The elements minus pinkie and twilight celebrated, the mayor looked on at the badly damaged and under fueled titan slowly rising in the bay, the power ponies within both physically and mentally drained from such a fight.
“It's not over” said the pink mare, her hair deflating as her eyes went stern at the bubbles beginning to rise from the water.
“What are you talking about pi-” Twilight tried to say, her voice being cut off by the large splash of a massive tentacle, much bigger than the rest, quickly rising from the water and wrapping around the midsection of the turned around alitaur P. the mayors eyes turned to pinpricks as the voices of the power ponies screams echoed off his radio, his eyes then vanished into tiny specks as two more giant tentacles emerged from the water, as they grappled the now struggling golem the ponies watched in horror as the power ponies were slammed into the water again and again before being thrown at the dock were the elements were.
As the large shadow grew closer the princesses panicked, their magic flaring as they tried desperately to catch the massive mech to no avail, as they closed their eyes in desperation they awaited the quick pain that never came, as they opened their eyes they saw a surprising sight, massive black vines covered in spikes had sprouted from the ground and caught the falling automaton. As the ponies looked around they spotted a feral looking discord brimming with anger, arms outstretched with barely contained fury.
“No one hurts my friends” he growled, a scared fluttershy looked on in surprise and fear at this unknown side of discord. As discord looked around he saw the surprise and fearful faces of his friends, his expression morphed to one of puzzlement before he noticed his changed features and looked forward with a suddenly stoic face.
“Well mayor it seems i'll be needed after all, now if you'll excuse me it's time you all learned a lesson” he said with a soft spoken but stern tone.
“That the only thing that can beat a monster…” discord trailed, his eyes opening slightly at the now rising threat emerging from the waves. The ponies stared out into the bay at the now emerging beast, a creature unseen before that was truly one of a kind, as it rose the first thing to be seen were four glaring eyes that spoke of unknown intelligence, what followed were the appearance of two large crab like legs dragging on the bay floor to pull the beast out of its crater, soon arose the full head, a grisly plated mouth open to show the hundreds of sharp teeth within, a glistening head connected to a torso that could make a minotaur jealous, four giant arms covered in plate framed the torso that continued to rise, the image was complete when the creature stood fully, a massive near two hundred meter titan of unknown strength and origin stared down the now unmoving alitaur P its eyes burning with hatred and rage that made the elements shiver.
“Is another monster” Discord growled, his form disappearing in a snap as he reappeared floating above the bay.
The whole city watched as a ball of light and color grew above the bay, a massive form springing forth in the shape of a massive lizard like creature, with green scales and spikes of purplish blue the face however brought recognition to quite a few, for it was discord grown huge and scaly and mean. Both titans stared at each other deadlock, neither side flinching, both waiting for the other to make a move.
As tensions rose onlookers looked forward with both worry and despair, with the power ponies defeated their only hope was the god of chaos itself.
The great tentacled titan looked at his new opponent with contemplation and roared, a slight grin formed on both of the titans faces, this however went unnoticed by both parties as they charged at each other.
As they raced closer time seemed to slow to a crawl in anticipation of the upcoming brawl, the elements watched in concern as their friend raced off to fight the now rage filled alien.
