Someone knocks at my bedroom door. I groan, it’s too early for this.

“Ember?” It was Chrysi. What’s she doing up so early? “Ember! It’s like twelve!” Oh.

*Did I really sleep in that late?*

-Guess so.-

*Ugh, fuck me…* I groggily get up from my bed and trudge to the door. I open it and a very concerned looking Chrysanthemum is staring up at me.

“Hey Chrysi, don’t worry, I’m fine. Just slept in a little.” I know that was pretty unusual of me, but come on, it’s not like it’s the first time I’ve slept in before.

“Alright.” That concerned look didn’t go away. God, why does she seem to care about me so much? It’s really getting annoying.

~Maybe it is due to you not being so familiar with others caring about your well-being so much?~ Ruby offered.

*No, can’t be that. These ponies have taken care of me a few times already.*

~True, but maybe this one changeling that consistently worries for you is new to you?~

*Hmm… Maybe you’re right. But as if I’m going to let myself get used to that.*

“Agreed.” All three of the voices in my head said at the same time. I already got started on making breakfast, which seemed to have attracted a certain bug-pony. I wouldn’t put it past her if she only cared about me since I make great food or provide her with enough real food, real for her anyway. She should be more grateful, I saved her life from that manticore thing. I made a simple breakfast today; eggs with tortilla chips. An old breakfast ‘trick’ mom showed me a while back. Just put a little salt and boom, tastes like eggs mixed with hash browns. Actually, that sounds better… Meh. Fuck it.

“What is this stuff?” Chrysi asked as she poked at her bowl of eggs with tortilla chips.

“Eggs with torn up corn tortilla. I recommend putting some salt on it.” She took my suggestion and sprinkled some salt on her bowl. While I made it fucking snow on mine. I, love salt on almost any food… Shut up. Chrysi daintily took a spoonful of the food, I prefer forks, but whatever, and took a bite. As soon as the salty, eggy goodness hit her tastebuds she gasped. And chocked a little on her food. Only for a second, since a conveniently-placed glass of milk seemed to appear out of thing air. She grabbed it and chugged its contents down her throat.

“Careful now, wouldn’t want you choking to death.” I cheekily said. She glared back at me.

“You could’ve helped me, dung-head.”

“I’m not a changeling so that doesn’t mean anything to me.” Came my witty reply. “And I did help, where do you think that glass of milk came from?” She made an ‘O’ face and looked at the recently drained glass.

“Oh, uh... Thanks.” I nod.

“Anytime.” I resume eating at a leisure pace. I notice the changeling blush and quickly leave the kitchen. Weird, never seen her blush like that. Should it be odd in the first that she blushes through her chitin? Bah, I shouldn't even question it. Fucking planet and its skewed versions of biology and crap.

I finished off my morning meal and set the plates in the sink before heading back to my room and down to the underground warehouse. I need to name this place…

Fuck, I’ve been devoting more and more time to building my army. I couldn’t get started on making any cavalry since I can’t magic up all the necessary parts, and I highly doubt Celestia would have anything in that department. So I had to settle on just making the foot soldiers. Maybe I can make them able to fly? Nah, too much work.

And then I can probably hijak a few takes from the u.s. army if I’m lucky enough. And maybe an apache or two… Nah, too ambitious. I’ll just work with what I made for myself. Which is currently half made. Yes, with the assembly line, and what Celestia has provided me, I’ve already gotten done with at least half of my army. Judging by the half-filled underground warehouse. But this just brings another issue, how am I going to bring all of them to Earth?

...I can probably just ask for Discord’s help, again. I wonder if he can even do that, teleport an army of androids across dimensions. Am I even in a different dimension than Earth?

No, I need to stop thinking about it, just move on and ask the fucking snake-goat.

… I just realized my plan looks and sounds a lot like that movie, iRobot. The one Will Smith is a detective with a robotic arm. Awesome.

So it seems that Discord will help me in transporting the army, and he was happy to hear its near completion. A little too happy if you ask me. There really is no understanding that guy, I just go along with it. I swear to fucking god if he tries to fucking up my plans I’ll make eat his own heart… Heh, eat your heart out, mister Q... I swear, he sounds like Q from the old Star Trek franchise. But a lot of these ponies have familiar voices. Shouldn’t be very surprised. Just my simulated mind drawing comparisons.

And there I go going off on a stupid tangent again, where the hell are my headphones?

“Celestia, Luna great to see you.” I greeted the princesses and stepped to the side to allow them entrance to my home.

“Likewise, Ember.” Celestia. “Though, could you explain why you requested our presence?”

“We are curious as to what you have done with what our sister has provided thou with.” Luna said, and I smiled.

“That’s precisely why I asked you two to come. Allow me to show you two what I have created.” I lead the diarchs to my room, opened the hidden doorway, and down the elevator. When the doors slid open both of their jaws dropped.

There, right before them, stood my fully completed army of androids. All on standby.

“Ember? What is the meaning of this?” Celestia calmly turned to me, though I could tell she was a little angry with me.

“It’s my army.” I coolly replied. I saw Celestia’s left eye twitch. “But you don’t have anything to worry about. I’m taking them back to Earth.” The sun god stopped showing all emotion. But could practically feel the wave of relief that washed over her.

“If do not mind me asking, why are taking them to your homeworld.” Or she could still be seething with rage. I can barely tell, she’s good at keeping a poker face.

“You, Luna, and I all know that my world is not the best to live on in certain places right?” At the mention of her name Luna picked up her jaw and turned to us.

“Yes, where are you going with this?”

“Well, I plan to use my small army to, ‘liberate’, my world. And start a new era of everlasting peace. I’ve always wanted to see Earth become a better place for everyone.” At that both diarchs smiled, but said smile quickly faded.

“Do thou has to use such force on thee own people? ” Luna

“Oh, no. I’m not, at least, try not to, use force. I made them to spread ideas of a utopia. And bring in people who will side with me.”

“How do you know po-, your own people will side with you?” I smirk at Celestia.

“Humans are a diverse species, Celestia. There are people with the same mindset as me.”

“Oh, well then.” Celestia straightened herself out. “I just have one more question.” She peered down at me. As best as she could being near my height. “Who helped you do all of this?” She waved her hoof towards the warehouse-sized itself.

“Discord.” My answer, quite understatedly, shocked them. Whether they didn’t expect Discord to be that helpful or otherwise. “He just wants to watch.”

“Oh, good.” I half expected both of them to sigh in relief when Celestia said that, but I digress. “Is this all you have to show us?” I grin excitedly.

“Partly.” I turn the my completed army. “Atteeen-TION!” I yelled at the top of lungs. The room doing a good job at carrying my voice.

The androids all straighten up from their slouched postures, stomp on the floor with their right foot, salute, and then all robotic eyes fall on me.

“Sir, reporting for duty, sir!” Every single one of them belt out. Oh, god I feel so empowered.

“Stannnd-BY!” I shout, they salute and face the wall behind us. I turn to the immortal sisters and giggle like an anime school girl at their wide-eyed expressions. “Impressed?“ I asked.

“That is an understatement.” Luna answered. “We are astonished, you created all of these...” She trailed off, trying to find the right word.

“Androids?” I supply and she nods. “Yes, I did. Technically.”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked. I point to the long assembly line way of the right.

“What is that?” Celestia asked.

“An assembly line, something I made to speed up the process of making all of them.” They both nod and share a look at each other.

“Ember. Why did you really make this… army?” What?

“To make my world a better place. I’ve already told you.”

“Yes, we know. But we must know the real reason as to why you created an army. We both know that is only part of it.” Since when does she care about some other planet? As far as I’m concerned she can shove that horn of hers up her ass.

“Celestia, there’s a rule about my types back on earth; Don’t ask too many questions.” I pause. “Well, that’s a lighter version of the rule. But you get my point. What I am going to on my planet doesn’t concern you.” I tried to tell in the nicest way I could manage. I hoped it worked.

“Very well.” Celestia held her head up just a little bit higher, it didn’t work. “Luna, let us make our leave.” Fuck, I pised her off... Bah, no matter, if she and her sister as old as the ponies have said, she’ll get over it. I roll my eyes and call for Discord. It’s weird that he can hear anybody that calls for him from wherever they are.

“Yeees my monkey friend?” He asked when he appeared in a flash, literally. He turned to my army and his friendly smile grew tenfold. “I see we’re ready to commence!”

“Yeah, about that. How are going to take all of them to Earth?”

“You let me worry about that young lad.” Discord smirked.

“Alriiiight.” I give him a confused glance before I shake my head and face my army. “Antteeen-TION!” Once again they straighten up, stomp their feet, salute and report to me. “Begin recruitment procedures!” Their pre-programmed systems kick in and they adopt human-like expressions and demeanors. Shit, they’re gonna need clothes…

“Not a problem.” Discord snapped his talons and the androids are now wearing random sets of clothing, some looking like people from movies and games, while other look like real people. “But, pray tell. How will they be acting inconspicuous if they still look like buckets of bolts?” I glare at goat-face.

“They’re fucking androids. And that won’t matter. There are people that chose to look like robots when they get the nanites. Should've done that when I fucking got them.” I mumble the last part. “Anyway, you gonna take us all there? I highly doubt I have the power to do so.”

“But of course!” He cheered as the world went sideways.

Okay. Note to self: Do not let Discord teleport you. It is a nightmare and half an acid trip. Don’t ask how I know what that’s like.

Anyway, we end up in some old, run down warehouse.

“Discord? Where did you take us?” I calmly, but creepily turn to goat-head.

“Why, to a ‘ghetto’ as you humans call it.” I shake my head and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Whatever.” I turn to my minions. “Operation Romeo is a GO!” They all salute to me and file out the main doors of this place. Me and Discord leave last, and he changed to look like a hipster, figures.

“‘Romeo’?” He shoots me a ‘really?’ face.

“Phonetic alphabet. Romeo is the letter r.”

“And why did you name this little operation the letter r?”

“Because it’s the first letter for recruitment? I don’t know, something like that.” Sarcasm is a wonderful joke-making tool.

“Oh har har.” He straight-faced a laugh. “Whatever, let’s just find a place to temporarily call home.” He walked out the building, me right behind, and went straight for a Motel Six, how he got us a room with two beds mystifies me. And of course, I never bothered to ask.

*Fucking figures… I wonder how my magical double back home?*

Y’know, it’s kinda weird knowing you’re a magically created double of a person.

I mean, sure, it’s all good after that little realization. And after freaking the fuck out when said realizations hits you like a fucking train going back in time.

Yeah, that was something I hope to never go through again.

But enough of me going off on a tangent.

“Ember? I thought you were still at your house.” Roseluck, one of the first ponies that decided to freak out at original Ember’s arrival, asked.

“I decided I wasn’t spending enough time outside.” I answer.

“Oh! Well, great then!” She beamed. “So what are you doing today? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Nothing much.” I shrugged. “I just planned to walk around for a bit. Maybe get some more sweets from Bon Bon.”

“Oooh! Good choice!” Roseluck clapps for front hooves. “I hear she has the best candies around!”

“She does.” I said. “I bought some stuff from her the other day; best treats I’ve had ever.”

“Good to hear! I was planning on buying a couple of her famous bon bons myself.” She said.

“Cool.” I look around while she rearranges some red roses. “I’m gonna keep walking around. See ya around Roseluck.” I waved to her, and she waved back.

“See ya Ember!” I turn the corner and head to the residential part of town. I decided I would check up up button and his mother. I think Nursery Rhymes was her name… Yeah, Nursery Rhymes, that’s it.

Anyway, I make to their home and knock on the door.

“Coming!” Nursery called from behind the door. A few seconds later I hear the clip-clop of hooves against wood and the door opens.

“Ember?” She looks up me confusedly. “Not that I mind you dropping by, but why?”

“I just wanted to see how you and button are doing. Doing well I hope?” I ask and she smiles brightly.

“We’re doing just fine thanks to you! Ponies stopped harassing us all together!”

“That’s good to hear.” I smile myself.

“Why don’t you come in? I was just making some tea. Do you want some?” We both walked inside, me closing the door behind.

“No thanks. Not a big fan of tea.” *Unless it’s the Arizona kind.*

“That’s ok. I would show you the living room, but you already know where that is.” She giggled, and I chuckle. Wow, they’ve already moved on? That’s pretty quick, even for ponies.

“Hahaha, right...” I head to the living room and take a seat on a surprisingly plush sofa.

“Button! A friend is here!” I hear Nurse call from somewhere in the house. About a second later I hear small hooves and button runs into the living room. Whose face goes from curios to happiness.

“Ember!” He runs over and hugs my leg. “How are ya?”

“I’m fine, Button. Just wanted to check up on ya. Make sure no one's been messin with ya.”

“Oh, we’re doing ok! Thanks!” The little guy tightens his hug on my leg. God he’s so fucking adorable.

“Heh, anytime kid.” I ruffle his hair a little. Being mindful of his little hat. And suddenly an idea pops into my head. lean down and whisper to him. “Don’t tell your mom, but I also came by to see for myself how go a racer you are. I heard from some ponies that you’re the best they’ve ever seen.” As soon as those words left my mouth Button fucking beamed up at me. He had the most happiest smile I’ve ever seen on a kid.

“Really!?” I nod. “Well, I’m not to brag, but… I am pretty good.” He pulled back and blew on his hoof, then rubbed it against his chest. I guess in polishing some shiny object. Oh, he’s smirking, he’s being smug. Hmmm… I may have to fix that…

“Well? You mind showing me?” Button nods eagerly and leads me through the house to his room.

“Moooom! Me and Ember are going to my roooom!” He shouted.

“Ok sweetie!” She shouted back.

“Well, here we are!” Button pointed a hoof into a doorway. I peer inside and see a typical little boy room. Posters depicting racers and cars, a couple toy cars and trucks litter the room. Even his bed with stylized to look like a race car. Wait… race cars? How? Why..? Just… ugh, forget it. I’ll never understand this world.

Then there’s a t.v.. What the fuck. Seriously, what the hell is with these ponies and their fucking technology? Did they like find some ancient technology from a long dead race and they’ve only come this far in reverse engineering?

That’d actually would be kinda creepy if that was the case… Since this stuff is human-looking.

Moving on, button pointed to the little t.v. and said he’d get it started. He then grabbed two old Nintendo controllers, they look like the originals, and turned on the t.v. And a familiar-looking games console that sat under it. The screen flashed too… no fucking way…

No way, it looks exactly like the Playstation One. It even has the towers and swirling orbs! Holy fuck!

“Uh… hey. You ok?” Button waved a hoof at me. Oh right, I’m in Button’s room.

“Yeah… I’m fine. Just, that reminds me of an old system from back home.”

“Really?” I nod.

“Yeah, it does...” I kept staring at the dancing orbs. “Well, uh… what games do you have for it?”

“Oh! Lots!” He pulled out a drawer from the otherwise featureless box the t.v. and consol sat on top of. What he reveals astounds me; there, perfectly lined up, are two rows of c.d. cases. All depicting games that I know bare some resemblance to some old playstation games. “I’ve got Mareio Cart, Slam Bandicoot Racing, Rogar the Dragon, Midnight Mares the racing series, The Legend of Mare Do Well. And some other ones...” He trailed off listing more and more games. But I couldn’t help but just stand there and look at basically my childhood. I get to relive all those memories… Did I go to heaven?