CHAPTER 4 Shadows of Former Selves

No one controls me and no force on earth and no god to great can stop me; for if I was meant to be controlled I would have been a puppet

Unlike all other days in the land of Equestria this day was gloomy as the grey blanket of clouds over any sun the may try to break through. As the rain plummeted to the ground stones jutted out of the ground some old that were eroded and cracked and some new showing their define smooth features with their writing easily more readable. On this gloomy day the graveyard was empty except for one grave which was occupied by 5 ponies. They sat around the stone covered by umbrellas as they sat there not saying a word just thinking to themselves until one purple mare talked.

“I can’t believe its been a month and yet it still feels like this only occurred yesterday” said Twilight, saddened and not even bothering to look up at the rest just staring at what the stone said

“Here lies Blaze Hawk, a pony who gave his life for the one’s he cared for, may celestia watch over him”

“Still he doesn’t want us shedding any tears over him remember, only that we keep smiling” said Applejack who kept a straight face

“Yea smiling always helped me and I pinkie promised Blaze I would do just that” said Pinkie who stood as stiff as a statue and pulled a serious face then flopped back to her normal happy self

“Hehe yea Pinkie almost nothing can put you down” laughed Twilight a bit as she finally looked up at the rest

“Oh um Applejack what did Rainbow Dash say when you asked her to come with us?” asked Twilight

“Well I went to her house but when I mentioned it she became more stubborn than anypony ive ever seen” said Applejack as she shot a hoof into the air in frustration

“But I can understand why; Blaze was her very first friend besides Fluttershy and I guess she can’t help to think about it” said Applejack putting a hoof to her chin

“Still I hope she will visit him eventually” said Fluttershy with a smile

“Yea i’m sure Rainbow Dash will be better in no time; now I really must get going I have a lot of orders to fill out” said Rarity

“Yes ok well thanks for coming girls I’m sure Blaze liked our company” said Twilight

“Yea he probably shouting at you saying (oh it’s not like that!) Hahaha!” said Applejack before bursting into laughed as she tried to mimic Blaze voice then the rest joined in the laughing

“Well then I guess we should go so I’ll talk to you all later then?” said Twilight as she began to separate from the group

“Yea seeya Twi” said Applejack as she walked off in her own direction

“Yes goodbye” called Rarity as she walked away as well

Then Twilight was alone walking back to her castle in the rain. As she tracked through the mud and avoided puddles she was just into the main market until a voice sounded out from behind her.

“Greetings Alicorn”

Just as Twilight turned around she instantly leaped out of the way of a cloaked figure as it jumped and landed it a thud where Twilight once stood.

“Who in the hay are you and why would you almost try landing on top of me?!” shouted Twilight who was not amused at the figure

The figure then removed its cloak revealing a robot this time it had jagged and broken pieces of metal and wood which twisted and snapped into place to form a timberwolf; its bright blue claws and razor sharp teeth along with a thick wire tail that held a neon blue chainsaw as it whipped around in the wind; the shiny coat that stuck out with pieces of scrap like twisting branches and vines as it glistened in the gloomy air as the rain pelted off its body and then it spoke

“I am a TW Prototype 1” as its green pupils grew and shrank as it scanned its target

“Why are you here?” asked Twilight, nervous at what the answer maybe

“I am here to acquire a relic of an old partner and my scanners indicate you know where its location is, it is a blade of gold and its owner was recently delt with” explained Prototype

“No i’m not giving you that sword; that thing should just be left to rust away and never seen again” said Twilight who began to prepared to go on the offensive

“I wish to avoid any unnecessary violence so just cooperate and nopony needs to be injured” said Prototype as he continued to just stare

“Why can’t you just go I don’t wish to harm you” Said Twilight sympathetically

Not all of us can be given a freewill for if I don’t I would be disposed of so I’m not given a choice” said Prototype as if walked back and forth and continued to pierce Twilight’s soul with his stare

“Yes you do no one can control another… I've seen that… choose your own path and not the shadow of others” said Twilight as she began to calm

“I’m sorry please forgive me but… exterminate!” said Prototype as he let out an ear piercing howl that felt colder than the air around them

He then began to dash toward Twilight as she began to bring up a shield

(Slash, slash) nothing but a metal mass as it glitched in front of her and slowly shut down and then Twilight noticed the grey stallion standing there staring down at the wolf before looking up. His eyes were a cyan blue and his mane and tail were a dark grey and his cutie mark was that of a yin/yang symbol then he spoke with a calming voice

“Are you alright miss?” asked the grey pony as he slid the black sword with the word

“Vengeance” back into a leather holster

Twilight shook her head and then realized the sword he carried and then she bore an angry look as she asked in an angry tone

“You robber, how dare you take my friend’s sword, that.”

“calm down it just appeared one day, that’s why I’m hear; there’s more to this sword here than my friend Blaze let on to, figures he tends to do that” interrupted the grey stallion as he rolled his eyes “now can we get indoors and I’ll tell you everything Twilight; unless you want to talk now?”

“But, Um ok then?” said Twilight confused at what had just transpired. They then walked off towards Twilight’s castle once again into the gloomy weather.

“Oh and if this is all a bit much for you to take in I understand if you want to talk later” said the grey stallion

“No I’m fine just a lot on my mind at the moment; also what’s your name?” responded Twilight

“My name is Desmond”…

As the empty streets continued to stay grey and dull the metal wolf glitched as the rain seeped into the holes made in its shiny coat as it then looked up slightly and saw a figure standing there

“Huh I guess I have to do this myself then, hehe at least he can’t stop me this time. You on the other hand are of no use to me; you worthless mutt you failed as my slave now I’ll leave you here to rust”

As the figure walked towards the castle Prototype said softly to himself

No… I am no…no Sla…slave

Later that day…

As Twilight who was now accompanied by Rainbow sat in the map room as the 3 of sat and as Desmond Blaze’s old friend and teacher explained everything about the sword and answered any other questions Twilight had Rainbow interrupted them with a yawn and said

“Anyway besides you two boring me to death why did that timber wolf thing want Omega’s blade?”

“Well when I tell you, you won’t like it” warned Desmond as his face was very grimmest about it

“Please we need to know Desmond” said Twilight

“Alright he wanted it to… to bring back Omega” said Desmond as his voice trembled at the thought

“WHAT!?” Shouted Rainbow and Twilight in unison

“But his soul was destroyed along... Along with blaze so he can’t come back” said Twilight as she shook her head in disbelief

“Well his sword is apart of him, Omega and the sword are one. And to answer your next question a soul that is spiritedly connected to an item can only return in a catalyst and during an eclipse” explained Desmond

“Oh perfect and an eclipse is suppose to happen tonight” deadpanned Rainbow

“That’s most likely the reason no other major operations have been carried out for a long time; they knew it would be pointless to grab it all that time ago knowing there luck of survival; at least that’s what ive gavered from you two” said Desmond as he sat an pondered on what to do

“So we destroy the item the soul’s connected to can that stop this reawakening?” asked Twilight

“Yes that might work” said Desmond in amazement “but we have to act quick before they try to take it again”

“I can use Blaze’s sword to destroy it, it should be powerful enough to beat that jerk into the dirt again” said Rainbow with a grin

“Ok let’s go, follow me” said Twilight

As the 3 of them walked the endless halls of the castle they finally ended up in the library. There were books as far as the eye could see, reaching as high as a 2 story house and long halls with endless amounts of books. But Twilight brought them to face one specific shelf.

“Ok wait right here” said Twilight as she walked over to another bookshelf and pulled a book which in turn opened a secret doorway in front of Desmond and Rainbow.

“Alright let’s go” said Twilight as the 2 followed down the flight of stairs

“So Twilight what is this place anyway?” asked Rainbow as she just staired in confusion at how the dark abyss below them seemed to stretch endlessly

“Well this was created as a way to store powerful items or other oddities that were deemed to unstable or powerful for anypony to control, so naturally we stored Omega’s blade down here and the entire room stops any unwanted personal from entering” explained Twilight

“Um you mind giving me the non- egghead version” said Rainbow who eyes were low to signify her point

“(sigh) fine, it keeps intruders from entering ok?” said Twilight in an unamused tone

“Yep anyway I wouldn’t know but I think where here” said Rainbow

It was a circular room with midnight blue torches lining pillars around the area and in the middle was the Golden blade, as light reflected off its shiny surface Rainbow then began to unholster Blaze’s sword and gripped in her mouth as she slowly approached it

“Come on Rainbow Dash unless your scared to go near it?” said Twilight with a cocky grin

“Me scared? Yea right I’m not afraid of some trinket” said Rainbow as she quickened her pace but something was wrong

“Um Twilight?” asked a muffled rainbow as she continued to hold the blade in her mouth “is the sword suppose to be moving?”

“Wait its moving?” said Twilight who was just as confused as Rainbow but then Desmond almost instantly bolted towards Rainbow and tackled her to the ground as 3 daggers just narrowly missed both of them.

this starts

“Oh so close but so far” came a very familiar voice

As Rainbow and Desmond rose to their hooves a figure began to appear out of thin air. But as the figure became clearer its metal hand was around Omega’s sword and as he turned everypony saw who it was.

He was at least 6 feet tall, he had a red line running along where its eyes would be; with his signature massive blades that hung on his sides and his voice ever so rich and clear but had a hint of disgust as he talked.

“Long time, no see you 2, did you miss me?” Said Krux tho he had a metal plate covering his mouth they knew he was grinning.

“Well besides from that you like the new improvements since our last encounter”  

His body had changed significantly, his body was skinnier not a signal joint was exposed. Its new shiny armor glistened in the dim room as it began to walk around the pedestal

“Look for once I can get it you don’t want me to get away with this because all that rat worked towards would have been for nothing but it’s not my problem I’m just following orders” said Krux as he shrugged

“But why? Why do all of you let them walk over you like that? Why not follow your own path?” asked Desmond

“Why; well freedom is not as easy as you would think; you don’t know what it’s like to be killed as a cyborg. We feel pain much more slowly and with great intensity and if we don’t listen we will be punished so too bad so sad you neutral pest” said Krux as he began to walk

“You’re not getting away with this, I’m going to cut you down a notch before you even realized it” said Rainbow as she flew up into the air, grasping her blade

“Oh really well then come get me and trust me I’m a lot stronger now” said Krux as he began to walk towards the stairs

“Oh no you don’t!” shouted Rainbow as she brought the sword down with all her might but realized that Krux had already caught the blade in his hand. Then with a twist of his arm he flung Rainbow in the opposite direction and he continued to walk.

“Hehe I thought that you were going to cut me down a notch; I guess not” mocked Krux as he continued to walk

Krux then was hit with a flurry of attacks from Twilight as she shot magic bolt after magic bolt at him but all it seemed to do is disintegrate as soon as it touched him

Desmond then attempted to attack with his black blade but Krux managed to avoid all his attacks and landed a single punch on Desmond’s side sending him rolling across the floor as he dug the blade into the ground to stop his rolling.

“Ugh what power could such a machine uphold” said Desmond as he climbed back to his feet

Rainbow just watched as Twilight and Desmond tried to do something to stop Krux but nothing seemed to work and she swore that she knew he was giving them all a mocking grin right now

*FLASHBACK*

“remember everything has a weakness you just have to look past the obvious” said Blaze as he stood in front of Rainbow as she once again got up from the floor of the dojo as she said

“Well not all of us have an eye that can see an attack coming a mile away”

“Yes but look beyond what you see and detect the finer details; like my eye scan your target, find something different in their movement, how their body moves ECT”

Rainbow then lunged forward but just as Blaze went to block her frontal attack she darted upwards and connected a hit on Blaze’s right leg as he skipped out of the way

“See always a way”…

*FLASHBACK ENDS*

“Alright time to see if this works” said Rainbow as she focused

As Rainbow scanned every possible weak point she found only 1 and that was Krux’s single eye and as she thought to herself she grinned at the idea she got “time to show you why I’m the fastest flyer around tin head”

Then as Krux was about to reach the stairs Rainbow shouted at him as she darted from left to right and everywhere else in between “hey Krux let me show you something I like to call the rainbow whip!”

“The Rainbow what?” “AHH MY EYE AHH!!!” just as Krux finished his sentence Blaze’s sword was plunged deep into his eye. Then as Rainbow flew away whiles ripping the sword out with her Krux flailed about in pain as he cursed “Your dead you bitch!”

“Alright Blaze let do this” said Rainbow then as she shot towards Krux from his blindside she held Blaze’s sword in between her hooves as she used all the strength in her body an plunged the sword deep into Krux’s back and through his chest. As she wrenched the sword out of his back wires sparked and hissed and pieces of metal were turned to unrecognizable shapes. Krux turned and fell on his back as the sword fell to his side with a clack

“Hehehehahaha” laughed Krux as he glitched as sparked

“What’s so funny Krux?” asked Twilight as they all faced Krux

“There’s 1 more improvement to this body and that’s” said Krux as he disappeared and he appeared at the top of the stairs with Omega’s blade in hand “doppelgangers, well it was nice meeting you all but I got to go and reincarnate a psychopath” said Krux as his voice echoed though out  the chamber.

“Quick we have to go get him!” shouted Twilight

“You two go I’ll get the rest and explain to them what happened” said Desmond

“Alright Twilight you ready?” asked Rainbow

“Yes let’s go” responded Twilight as her and

Rainbow both flew into the air and darted their way towards the exit of the castle making sure not to slam into the sharp turns.

As they finally reached the outdoors it was sunny once again and the remains of the downpour were slowly drying up into nothingness and in the distance heading into town was a metal behemoth. And then a purple and blue blur shot there way towards the Mechanical freak.

As Twilight and Rainbow both avoid hitting anypony or anything they desperately tried to gain ground on the surprisingly fast Krux as he shoved and threw anything that got in his way.

They then heard an almost silent voice of Krux saying “prepare teleportation in 2 minutes destination the BoneYard”

“Rainbow I don’t think will be able to catch him in time” said Twilight who was beginning to slow down

“Wait what’s that on the roof?” said Rainbow as her and Twilight saw a mechanical Timberwolf running across the roof tops as tiles cracked and fell due to its weight and then without warning it pounced on top of Krux as he yelled in annoyance

“Wait what?! Prototype?” said twilight in confusion as her and Rainbow both landed only a few feet away from the 2 robots.

What they saw was unreal. As TW Prototype lashed its claws towards Krux, Krux kept blocking the attacks with Omega’s blade as they both fought to take it

“You dare disobey me you mutt I’m your master!” shouted Krux as he swung the golden blade towards the wolf but he proved he was too agile for Krux to keep up with.

“I was never your puppet, I have realized I had gone back on an old friends word and I’m my own master for there are no more stings attached to me like you, freedom must be earned for one's self” said TW Prototype “and my name is Dark Oak”

“Well then consider this your deactivation” said Krux as he disappeared and grabbed Wolf by the neck and plunged Omega’s blade twice into his body then he Dropped the now severally damaged cyborg as he began to warp away but not without getting one slash to his chest by Oak. Grunting agenst the pain he said one last thing before going

Then others than showed up as Krux was teleporting “you all can’t stop his return none of you can” and with that Krux was gone along with the blade and that only left one thing to do and that was to get answers (song ends)

Later that day…

As all 7 of them staired at the metal-wooden wolf some gave it angry looks and some listened intently on hearing what he had to say about what had transpired this day. They sat in the map room as the wolf finally reconfigured itself and spoke, its eyes slowly moving around the room.

“Well that could have gone better” said Dark oak as he sat and just staired

“You have some explaining to do or else your firewood” said Rainbow giving him a glare

“Yea like why you attacked me just to help us in the end, why?!” shouted Twilight before Fluttershy walked towards Oak and looked back at her friends with her usual calm expression

“You all should at least give this poor thing a chance to explain before saying such mean things to him” said Fluttershy before she faced Oak and smiled “I’m sorry for what you have been put through, even if you are one of those metal monsters”

“Thank you your kindness is appreciated, even if all of them don’t agree. That and I still have feelings I’m not all metal remember so watch it” said Oak as he glared towards the rest

“To make an enemy a friend is the most challenging task, well done” said Desmond to Fluttershy

“Thank you I just know that no matter if he’s done some horrible things in the past he shouldn’t be harmed for it. It’s not his fault he’s like this” said Fluttershy as she saw all the rests faces become friendlier as Applejack said

“Sorry Oak we just thought you were tricken us but I guess we judged on your appearance, sorry” said Applejack

“It’s fine I’m not one to get mad over precautions to insure the safety of others” said Oak as he continued “now you are all wondering why they want to bring Omega back besides to most likely get his revenge on any and all ponies that interfered with his plan, correct?”

“Yes can you tell us about why and where this is all happening Oak?” asked Twilight eager to hear the answer

“Well before he perished he sent one message out stating that if he were to be revived he would reward the one’s who did so the same powers as him, so naturally all personal including me were on the search but” said Oak as he paused

“What is his true intentions my friend?” asked Desmond who’s eye showed fear for what the answer may be but remained serious

“He sent out to only 3 others this message, me being one of them” said Oak as the words he spoke chilled all in the room down to the bone as he said

“Death is only the beginning; they shall be nothing but charred bones when I awaken”

As the air fell silent they all just staired at each other before Twilight spoke up

“Alright everypony we can’t let what he says get to us if we work together we can stop this from ever happening. I know that we are all freaked but together we can stand strong agenst him once again” said Twilight as her grim expression formed into a determined look

“Alright I’m in since you’ll need all the help you can get” said Desmond as he stood up

“Same here I really want to show that metal bucket what happens when you mess with me” said Rainbow as she flew in the air throwing 2 hooves forward in a punching motion

All the rest soon agreed then Twilight said

“Alright some should stay behind to prepare for the worse and…” said Twilight before she was interrupted by 3 voices

“I’ll go” Piped up Rainbow

“Same here, somepony got to stop you from doing anything stupid” said Applejack with a smirk

“I will accompany you two on this mission for I wish to pay a friend back” said Dark Oak as he stood up as his tail wished around in anticipation

“Are you sure?” asked Twilight with a concerned look

“I have protocols built in to insure that if anything jeopardizes are safety that I can fallback if necessary” responded Oak “you should all begin acquiring safety protocols and prepare the civilians to stay off the streets as we head out”

“Ok then good luck to you 3 then and please be careful” said Twilight

“We will, now then Dark Oak where we be headin?” asked Applejack as they began to walk down the endless halls

“The point of interest of which they plan to reincarnate Omega would be in plains of this part of the country next to some ruins called the BoneYard; it is about 2 miles east of this location” said Oak as his eye began to bleep and as they reached the exit he said “keep up”

“Yea right me keep up” said Rainbow with a grin “I could get there in 10 seconds flat”

“Yes but do you know the exact location?” said Applejack with a smug look as she raised an eyebrow

“Umm?”

“Exactly” said Applejack as they set off into the day not knowing what lied ahead was something much more sinister…

“Alright we should be almost nearing the location” said Oak as he walked beside Applejack whiles Rainbow flew ahead

They walked across a massive plains, the grass blew in the little wind in the area as trees were scattered in the distance. The hill rose and fell like waves on land as they continued to walk then Dark Oak asked

“I have detected through out our journey that the one in front of us called Rainbow Dash; her emotional levels have risen every time ive mentioned how close we were getting”

“Yea she’s been dealing with the fact that this monster was the one that killed her friend and that he could come back” said Applejack as she turned to glance at Rainbow then turned her head back to Oak as he continued

“Not just that but something else has been effecting her which due to her current metal state is not normal” said Oak as he saw a odd look on Applejack who kept glancing at the ground to not fall

“Why what could be out of the ordinary wolf?” asked Applejack

“In her metal state I scanned…” Oak then paused as if to ponder on the right words to say “delirium?” responded Oak

“What now how in the hay is Rainbow crazy?!” snapped Applejack as she piped down as she saw Rainbow glance back at them then back in front of her

“I am a more highly technologically advance Timber Wolf but even I struggle for the answers that are clouded in mystery” responded Oak “a pony of the same problem told me that”

Applejack then perked up at that and asked “wait does this pony have metal.”

“Yes, if you are referring to last owner of that sword your friend keeps glancing at then yes” interrupted Oak as Applejack asked in response

“How did you know him? Did he turn you into.. This?” asked Applejack in a worried voice

“No; knowing him is more interesting; he was the one who showed me that life is always precious even if it’s a monster…”

*FLASHBACK*

A timber wolf then leapt towards the one that was injured and bled sap as it lay agenst a tree but was knocked back from 2 hooves connecting with his face

“Alright come on fight somepony your own might!” shouted Blaze who was cut and had splinters sticking out of his now messy (or messier) mane as he stood in front of the injured timberwolf, then as the timberwolf approached it backed off and ran back into the darkness of the forest as its howls could be heard ringing out from afar.

“Are you alright?” asked Blaze as he sat beside the wolf and mended its wounds as they began to snap and heal back into place

It just looked at him with big green eyes that seemed to say “why?”

“Well you could be a monster or a pony but no one deserves to suffer like that not for anything; so I hope will meet again someday umm…?” said Blaze as he put a hoof to his face and said “Dark Oak; is that fine?”

The wolf then wagged its tail in agreement and began to walk off into the darkness as the last words it heard were “seeya Oak! Ok I really need a physiologist, I’m talking to wolves now”…

*FLASHBACK ENDS*

“After that I was captured and made into this thing but I still stand by what he said for his motives were odd but justifiable” said Oak as he finished telling the tale and then said as he saw Rainbow had stopped just in front of them “were here”

They all staired at the ruined monument, their features gone bare and moss covered the cracked stone path on the ground. This all lead to a crumbling staircase that lead to an open space but as the 3 walked up the stairs and reached the top symbols were faded and seemed to just about make out a lunar dial and then they noticed the shadow moving ever so closer to the peak as the moon rose. They completely lost track of time as the night rose higher and higher.

“So you finally arrived; took you all long enough?” said Krux as he stood off to the side and a body of a bot lay in the center, its body a lot more high tech than the rest

“Don’t do it Krux he just playing you for a fool” said Applejack as she steadied encase of an attack which seemed to come

As if on cue they were surrounded by magical spheres as robots began to appear around the edge of the platform but Oak was electrocuted to the ground like he was tasered

“Normally you would be able to get out of them but by that time it would already be too late and I hope you like your new restraints but don’t worry the electricity will cut out soon but not in time” said Krux as he place Omega’s blade in the center of the platform

“Your clouded by your own vengeance that you don’t even realize that he’ll just throw you away; that’s what they all do” said Rainbow in response

“Oh one of… oh what’s his name oh yes Blaze the corpse of a hero’s lines hehehe” said Krux as he looked toward Rainbow as he seemed to anger her

“You better watch it you freak” warned Rainbow as she began slashing at the bubble around her

“Well then you have fun using a dead mans sword but for the rest enjoy the show” said Krux as the Eclipse began

The symbols began to glow blue as they snaked around the platform and then finally meeting the body in the center. As the energy surged the body began to move and soon its red eyes opened as it began to hover in the air like a puppet on strings.

Then it began to laugh, that same cold, dark laugh as it echoed around the area then flesh began to form over the metal construct as it spoke before being engulfed in a black light

“Physical form don’t mind if I do!”

Then as 3 in the bubbles looked back as well as Rainbow breaking out of hers only to stop dead in her tracks as the fear washed over all of them. There he stood; his tattered wings with no cape, his gantlets, gone. The rest of his grey attire remained thow his rainbow hair glowing in the moonlight. And those crimson eyes as they showed nothing but anger and vengeance; his smile ever so cold.

“Ahh it feels good to be back; so long since ive actually wanted someone dead just for the heck of it” said Omega his eyes pointed directly at Rainbow Dash as she stood there, holding her blade

“Sorry but I’m putting you back in your grave Omega” said Rainbow as the bots along with Krux stood in front of her

“Sorry but killing him won’t bring your maggot of a friend back; oh sorry did I say maggot I meant degenerate, fool, weakling...” said Krux before he was interrupted

“Shut up you fucking piece of scrap!” shouted Rainbow as her voice plus another more psychotic voice could be heard in sync with her own “you want to have fun well I’m going show you something you won’t forget hehaha”

“This is bad; my scanners indicate that feeling again but… stronger” said Oak as he managed to stand up and shook his body followed by Applejack’s shield coming down and she staired at oak

“What should we do” asked Applejack who was still taking in the fact that Omega is back

“Back up NOW!” shouted Oak as they just stood and watched

“Alright boys get her” Said Krux as he pointed a finger in her direction

“Ok then hehaha time to let er rip” said the distorted voice of Rainbow

The bots then jumped forward only to be cut into pieces in the blink of an eye. Before Krux could react his left arm was torn off followed by his leg and half his face. He then began to crawl with all his might away from the monster only to have hooves smashed into his back with such force that it tore through the other side

“No… no please” begged a scared Krux but all he saw was magenta eyes, soulless and a smile almost as big as her face and with that Krux’s world faded to black as he shut down

“Aww looks like he kicked the bucket, oh well-Wha. What happened?” asked Rainbow as she stumbled around

“It seems his arrogance led to his downfall oh well. Now where was I… oh yes this” said Omega as he soon kick Rainbow flying towards the others as the wind was knocked out of her

“Now tell me how many corpses dose it take to send a message?” asked Omega as he slowly made his way over to the 3 as Oak spoke

“None as far as I’m concerned”

“Well then let this send the message; activate now!” shouted Omega as a huge shadow loomed from behind him as 2 massive claws came crashing onto the platform

The rest of the machines body grew and grew as a large hulking body appeared and with it a long snaking head with only one eye staired back at them and then let out an ear piercing roar that echoed all around them; then its red claws and spines began to glow

“MD-173 Head to Ponyville and… kill” said Omega as he leapt onto its back; they watched as the ground erupted as it began to walk away the back legs now visible and its long tail witched ended in an array of spikes

“I would love to stay but ive got a village to burn into ashes along with its residents!” shouted Omega as he and the dragon road off

“Alright activate directive 0127” said Oak as they were surrounded by a blue aura and before they knew it they were back in Ponyville

Then Twilight approached them as the rest soon followed then they saw what was wrong without even asking. Timber was fine as well as Applejack and Rainbow say for the burse that formed where she was kicked. But the look of fear, dread and despair on their faces gave them all the answer.

“So what do we do now” asked Twilight as she too just sat there in defeat

“My processors indicate that we have a 10.71% chance of success” responded Oak

“That’s good enough” said Applejack as she got up and began to talk to the rest “alright everypony we got less than an hour before he arrives so going to need everyone to pull their weight here got it?”

They all nodded

“Alright Twilight; you, me Rainbow, Oak and Rarity will take on Omega; Pinkie and Fluttershy will keep all the civilians from panicking.

“Okey dokey lokie!” said Pinkie as her and Fluttershy ran off into the town

“Ok now Oak how much do we have?” asked Twilight

“We have approximately 20 minutes” responded Oak

“Alright everypony lets get ready!” said Twilight as the rest scattered and prepared for the fight except Oak and Rainbow Dash who just sat, staring at the ground

“Why do you blame yourself?” asked Oak as he sat beside her

“What are you talking about?” snapped Rainbow

“I’m a highly intelligent A.I. stop lying to me” said Oak in a calm voice

“Why do you care your just a machine”

“A machine that knows that feeling guilty for something that was not your fault is no way to help yourself move on” said Oak sounding offended from the retort

“…(sigh) well I feel like all I did was stand there and watched him die how could I not feel responsible for that?” said Rainbow as her ears flattened Oak then lifted Blaze’s sword in his jaw and held it towards Rainbow who just staired in confusion

“keep fighting, no matter what, pain can last for and minute, hour, day or more but it will last forever if you don’t stand agenst it” said Oak as Rainbow lifted the blade and holstered it

“Th… thanks Oak I needed that” said Rainbow now beginning to smile “you ready Oak?”

“Affirmative”

15mins later…

As they stood there all but a giant shadow loomed over them as the hulking machine stood and let out an ear piercing roar that rattled their bones

“Now then you pathetic ponies prepare to burn Hahahaha!” shouted Omega as he jumped off the dragons back and walked towards where a lone mare stood holding a blade in her mouth

“Well, well, well the prodigy returns now then shall we finish this feud once and for all?” asked Omega as his golden blade appeared in his left hand

Ok here it goes, I made a promise to keep your fight going and here I’ll avenge you

“Ok then Omega… lets dance!” shouted Rainbow as they charged towards each other as their blades struck

“How in the hay are we suppose to beat it if we can’t even hurt it!?” shouted Applejack as she backed up from a massive tail that swooped in and almost pancaked her

“Error no possible signs of weaknesses; probability of success very low” responded Oak as parts of his body where broke and snapped

Twilight kept the beast from moving any closer to them and rarity kept a shield up for cover but then the beast’s mouth opened and the entire street lit up in purple light. As the dust settled a new curved out mark was in the dirt and the 4 of them struggled to lift themselves off the ground as the thing slowly began to lift its massive tail

“Can... can we block-” said Rarity

“No; even with my power I can’t” said Twilight as she looked around at the rest of her friends as they were unable to move and then she looked at the metal dragon as it held its tail in the air and turned its tail around so the spikes faced downwards.

Rainbow then dodged 3 magical blasts as she swooped in and connected with Omega’s blade but he easily threw her away giving her another slash this time across her cheek. She then landed as her injured right wing gave way.

“Look as much as I want to burn your corpse; just give up; I admire your bravery-” said Omega as a blade connected with his arm witch did nothing for only a small bit of strength was behind it and he continued “its over; so give up and except your fate!”

As he blasted the earth In front of him an attack caught him off guard as his arm was slashed and the metal skeleton below could be seen.

Unfazed he turned to see Rainbow using the blade to balance herself as her right eye was closed due to the pain she felt

“I’ll never fall to a monster like yo-” said Rainbow as she was kicked into the dirt and spat blood as she layed their and weakly attempted to get up.

"shut up you pest, vermin, bloody worm" said Omega as he continued to enjoy every kick he connected to he body

As the 4 looked around time for what they saw seemed to move slower around them but they still move as normal as they noticed 6 objects moving slowly towards the dragon. Apon closer inspection 3 words were written over the joker cards

“You are fucked” and a voice could be heard in the background

“Fuck, bitches get money!”

Then as time resumed to normal the 6 cards implanted themselves in the body of the beast and before anyone could say a word they erupted into a fiery explosion. Then as the smoked cleared the dragon’s metal body look like it had rotten for over a millennium as it struggled to move towards the rest.

“Dark Oak now!” shouted Applejack  

As soon as she spoke Oak leaped onto the row of buildings and ran towards the Dragon. He then jumped toward the beast as it lifted a claw to attack; Oak then spun like as buzz saw and diced through the scrap arm like paper.

Oak then latched his whip blade into the next building and spun again into its other leg bringing the beast down with a smash. He then jumped onto its back and began to swing left and right then as “X” marked the spot Oak turned into a buzz saw and began to cut deep into its back and with a final strife he had completely cut through its chest as the thing was up in a blaze of glory.

“You are now free” said Oak to the now dying dragon as it finally switched offline

“Are all of you alright?” asked Oak

“Yes we are fine but what the hay was that?!” said Twilight as she inspected the holes where the cards landed but nothing

“Well whatever it was it saved us” said Applejack then she remembered as she eye grew wide in fear “oh no what about Rainbow Dash?!”

As she ran off in the other direction the rest soon followed

This began to play

Rainbow knelt, the sword 15 feet behind her and she knew her legs have lost all the energy in them as cuts and bruises dotted her body and the form of Omega looming in the sky  

“Well now look at this” said Omega as he saw the rest appear “Looks like were all here bar 2 for the grand finally!”

The rest just stood back as they already knew that they would only anger him if they did

“Why? Why are you doing this? Why all this; just because we stopped you?” asked Twilight as she looked up into his eyes

“You all took much more than just my victory; my body, my mind and soul; now I can’t feel anything, I’ll always feel the metal gears turning in my head no matter what. You all took my life away and now I’ll take yours” said Omega as he readied to attack with his crimson blast

Blaze I’m sorry but I couldn’t do it; you know I’m strong but i just can't. To him I’m just a mare holding a metal stick

As rainbow prepared herself for the imminent death she remembered all the fun memories she had and of all the times that her friends were always there by her side; never did they give up on her. Then I hit her like a brick; they never gave up on her so she would not start giving up on them now. Then she began to rise to her feet

“my friends have always been by me and I’m not going to let them down; so hit me with you best shot you freak of nature!” shouted Rainbow at the top of her lungs

“Well then all I have to say is… goodbye” said Omega as he released the energy towards her

As it inched closer and closer she closed her eyes and waited for the attack… that never came

As the rest stood watching in otter fear as the last words exited Omega’s mouth. Twilight saw out of the corner of her eye something was heading their way and fast. Before she and rest knew it the thing shot passed them at blinding speed, and picked the blade up and jumped straight in front of the blast as the energy shot back in all directions; then it died down as they staired in disbelief. Then Omega whose face was that of anger and shock said

“No, no how is this possible!!!”

As Rainbow opened her eyes the figure stood in front of her; it was much taller than her and seemed to also have wings, a tail, a longer mane and pony ears as it spoke which echoed in Rainbow’s ears forever

“Hey Omega, looks like we got here in time”

“I know but maybe if you flew faster we would be here sooner”

Blaze stood there with that same smirk and oblivious eyes not saying a word only the words he spoke as Rainbow was lifted by her friends as they backed up. Then out of nowhere Pinkie and Fluttershy appeared or well Fluttershy hid behind Pinkie in fear

“Hey did you all see that, Blaze just came in from the sky out of no-” Pinkie stopped as she knew that her friends had already gotten that far

“Twilight?” asked Blaze his voice sounding calm “I need you and the others to do that attack again”

Twilight paused then bore an angry expression

“What No I’m not helping you do that again not after all that’s just?!-” shouted Twilight as she stopped and noticed Blaze’s smile, that same smile from before. Then he said them same words from before

“Do you trust me?” asked Blaze

“Um… I ugh… oh ok, but if you die I’m going to” said Twilight as she shut up and told the rest what to do...

In an instant they fired that same cursed beam towards Blaze as he began to absorb it and once again he struggled to hold it in

“Really this again? When will you learn that you can’t just absorb the energy and hope for the best; what kind of person do you think you are?” questioned Omega as he teleported to the ground, 10 feet away from the rest

“I’m just doing what’s right; ive seen things and done things that would be considered crazy but that’s just it; I am crazy and if that means that I can save my friends and every other pony then so be it; I’m never giving up and now I’ll show you what I’m really made of Ahhhhhhhhhh!” said Blaze as he finished he yelled at the top of his lungs and began to rise as the energy surged around him then he was engulfed by the power as the darkness was pushed back by the light. Blaze’s hair and tail turned an array of colors and his eyes turned out the same way as a cloth mask covered his face up to his nose and with that the energy subsided as he stood holding his blade in hand.

“No… no way” said Omega as he brought his sword out ready to attack

Blaze then walked over to the others his entire body pulsing with a rainbow aura. He then knelt beside Rainbow Dash and raised his hand over which healed her in an instant. Blaze and Rainbow just stared at each other until Rainbow hugged him which out of just the edge of the mask Blaze’s face was turning red. Then Blaze returned the jester before they let go. Then as Rainbow, she was blushing a tiny bit also Blaze pulled his mask down reviling a smile and after putting it back in place he then walked back to his prior position and then he became more like his usual self

“Holy Jesus i’m glowing I mean look at me this is so awesome!” said Blaze as he looked at his now multi-colored wings and tail then he turned to see that a hole was through his chest but before he could react it began to regenerate.

“Ok now that’s something I can get used to!” said Blaze then he faced Omega and his eye narrowed but the mask over his mouth moved indicating he began to smirk

“So then shall we finish what we started old friend?” said Omega as he two smiled

“Once and for all” said Blaze as he held his blade to his side

“LET’S DANCE!”

They stood there staring at teach other waiting for the other to make a move. This time only one will remain

This time I not dying; my friends need me and I need them; besides I’m the only one crazy enough to do Soooo…

“Ahhhhhh!!!” shouted Blaze and Omega as they charged towards each other

They both clashed as their swords sparked and the ground around them cracked under the sheer force of the attack.

“Now I’ll show you what happens when you force someone to become a monster” grunted Omega as he stared directly at Blaze

“And ill show you that I’m never alone” grunted Blaze as he too stared back then they broke off

Blaze then flew into the sky as Omega darted out of nowhere slashing at ever inch of his body and soon Blaze did the same as they shot around the black sky as they clashed and sliced away at each other. More of Omega’s cybernetic body was revealed as Blaze just slowly regenerated and bit agenst the pain as it flared in his body.

Omega then fired a volley of blasts towards him but as Blaze raised his hand to block a beam of rainbow light shot from his hand, blowing up the blasts

“Ok now things are getting goo-” said Blaze who was drop kicked into the ground as he dug into the dirt. Then before he could react another volley of attacks ensued blowing up the entire area around him. Then as the dust settled Blaze was gone.

“Hmm where’d he go?” pondered Omega as he looked around

Omega then holstered his blade as he blocked a punch from Blaze. Then they began to trade blow for blow; Blaze’s left leg then connected with Omega’s face as he slid back. Then Omega and Blaze both threw a punch (blaze right and omega left) with connected with both their faces as they fell back. Blaze then ran up and right-hooked Omega followed by a roundhouse kick to the side and finally an uppercut which sent Omega into the dirt.Omega then lifted parts from the mecha and began to form a massive blade about 50 feet in length as it managed to create a shadow. As he swung the blade down Blaze didn’t think he acted and blocked the blade with his arms. The ground beneath him began to crack and burrow inwards and sparks from the distorted metal sounded out

"ill put you under" said Omega as he applied more force

Hehe alright lets do this

Blaze then began to lift the blade with all his might and then began to swing it around and around until he let is slide freely in the air.

Now then time to see if that game was lying

He then jumped apon the blade, brought out his sword and began to swing as he ran then his target was in sight. He then latched the sword around Omega’s left arm and began to spin him around and finally threw him head first into the ground with a smash. Then as the pieces of what remained of the blade fell around Omega he looked around but couldn’t find Blaze anywhere

Then as he continued to look; above him in the stratosphere Blaze shot down at an alarming speed as he headed directly for Omega and then Omega noticed this and began to fire his red beam

“This is it say goodbye!” shouted Omega as his blast turned the sky red as it shot towards the incoming target

Alright KAI are you ready to show him our new move?

Yes let’s break his bones; increasing speed to mach 3

“Alright Metal-Sonic-Boom!” shouted Blaze and KAI at the same time

Then as they went faster and faster towards the beam of energy Blaze then shot towards it as he became a red light of electrical energy as electricity surged around him and he connected with the attack. As Omega kept the attack up slowly Blaze made his way closer and closer, the energy wisped around them and with a final strife the world was blinded by a sheer amount of light as everyone was blinded

“Ga! Wait where is he-” said Omega before he realized Blaze just stood just opposite of him holding his blade to his face

“Let’s end this” said Blaze as he prepared to dash forward

“One attack” Omega did the same then the charged

They yelled at the top of their lungs and finally connected as the wind whiplashed around them. Crimson eyes stared into rainbow as they continued to fight each others might

“Grr no I’m- i’m not losing to you!” grunted Blaze as he began to slide back

“You will die like the rest of your pathetic friends” said Omega as he pushed forward

That seemed to strike Blaze and his eye then seemed to burn with anger as he pushed back with all his might as Omega’s blade began to crack at the top where they connected

“You will never hurt my friends again; it’s over ahhhhhh!!!” shouted Blaze as his blade shattered Omega’s and Blaze shot forward due to the amount of power he put behind his blade

Omega then stared at his broken blade and the piece of the ground before turning and seeing only the spectrum of colors. He then began to block it but slowly his body began to turn back to the metal construct beneath it

“No, no, noooooo!” shouted Omega as the blast engulfed him and he erupted in a spectrum of colors and with that their fight subsided. (song ends)

As blaze holstered his sword he stood there as he continued to glow staring into space until he saw it Omega’s almost destroyed body beside the broken blade. As Blaze walked over to it Omega’s body moved and rainbow eyes stared into red

this starts

“It’s over Omega you lost” said Blaze

“Hehehe no; for now; but I’m just the beginning” said Omega as what was left of his face smiled

“Why who else is there?” asked Blaze his voice low

“I won’t tell but; there are others, more powerful than me and you; not only that you will soon show your true colors Blaze”

“What do you mean?” asked Blaze confused

“You all think your so perfect, so good, so… kind; evil lurks in all things, it’s only a matter of time; count on it” said Omega with a pain filled smile

“Well I’m not going to stop fighting; count on that” said Blaze in response

“Hehehe we’ll see; you all will see; death... I. is only the beginning...” said Omega as his systems failed and he shut downed for good

“He is dead” said Oak as he walked up beside Blaze the rest all just staring “was this outcome necessary?”

“I don’t think any real right answer exists; he was clouded by hate and now his fate ended up in my hands again” said Blaze as he picked up the two pieces of the blade

“A golden titanium broadsword; its craftsmanship directly links it to the original weapon; making it a very powerful weapon” responded Oak as he grasped the broken top in his mouth

“Wait” said Blaze as he held the rest of the cursed blade in his right hand

He then stood upright holding the blade to the center of his face then slashing it down to his right side and then he spun the blade around and placed the broken part of blade into the ground and spoke

“Goodbye Omega; I know that your past is not great but you fought with honor” whispered Blaze

He then lifted then blade and gave it to Oak; then Blaze powered down and turned back into his pony form and stretched

(song ends)

“Oh god some times that can be annoying ah” groaned Blaze as he walked towards the others with a smile on his face  

All of them were smiling as he was bombarded with questions which began to make his head spin

“Ok calm down; I can’t exactly answer you all at once” said Blaze throwing his metal hoof in front of him

“Well then answer this” said Twilight with a puzzled look on his face “how are you alive?”

Blaze then laughed and sat down rubbing the back of his head then after brushing his long-spiked hair out of his face he said “well trust me when I say this you will be confused by the end”

“Wait but before that did you throw those cards into the metal thing?” asked Rarity

“Um what?” said Blaze raising an eyebrow

“Error last I checked where not the sort to play 52 pick up” responded KAI

“Well then who did?” asked Applejack

“I don’t know but I’m sure its not the last time it will happen” said Twilight “alright who wants to go inside and talk about this?”

Everyone piped up and began walking but Blaze hung back with Oak

“Anyway long time no see Oak” said Blaze as they walked

“It is nice to meet you again friend” responded Oak

“Hey do you know what happened to Desmond?” asked Blaze

“I do not know; one minute he’s here the next he was gone; also he left this for you” said Oak as his tail flicked a black sword in Blaze’s direction as he grabbed it

“Well it’s good to have my sword back, thanks” said Blaze as he holstered the blade and it disappeared

“Anyway we’ll most likely see the dude again but besides from that let’s catch up with our friends yes?” said Blaze

“Indeed let’s go” said Oak as him and Blaze ran to catch up with their friends as the sun began to rise on another beautiful day in Equestria.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Even in good people evil exists and in Evil people good exists. The strongest one is whichever we choose to feed.

Blaze Hawk