-TERRARIA, CAMELOT-

The morning rays of the sun kissed Twilight’s face as she laid unconscious in an alleyway. In addition, both Zecora and Starlight were nearby as the alicorn groaned uncomfortably and questions:

“Wh-what happened?”

~Mission Objective is awake. Do you require medical aid?~ A mechanical voice said which causes Twilight to raise her gaze upward, and towards the robot staring down at her. Twilight yelps in response and jolts onto her hooves, imitating a goldfish with wide eyes.

~Please do not be afraid. I have changed my primary objective to being your kinds’ guardian.~

Twilight uses her left forehoof to close her own mouth as she swallows a lump in her throat. Then, she simply stares at The Mech with a sense of wonder, albeit her fright is still present, as she comments:

“Wh-what are you? D-do you have a n-name?”

~Unknown. Many files have been co-co-corrupted in my database.~

The alicorn seemingly ponders on this with a hoof to her chin, “Well, I know a couple of individuals who might be able to-”

The sudden groans from Starlight Glimmer cuts off the alicorn’s words, “T-Twilight, what happened to- OH MY SWEET CELESTIA!” The unicorn exclaims as she takes in the form of the mechanical entity before them.

~Please do not be afraid. I will not harm you. My new parameters will not allow me.~ The Mech says.

Starlight, much like Twilight before her, was now also imitating a goldfish. The lavender alicorn closes her student’s muzzle with a forehoof while another individual, a zebra, regained their consciousness and looks towards the entity before saying:

“Ah, a wonder you truly seem to be. I am Zecora of The Everfree.”

~Please do not be afr- Negative. Subject is not afraid.~

Zecora tilts her head and chuckles, “Afraid of you, though you seem to be of such girth and might? No, you do not instill in me such fright.”

The mech stares at Zecora before scanning the windows of The Guild, where a large number of Terrarians appear to be staring in awe at the metal giant. Various whisperings and exclamations are let loose as a result:

“Woah, look at that thing!”

“Hey, those are ponies next to it.”

“And a zebra?”

“Hold up, isn’t Shadow Thunder a pony as well?”

One particular Terrarian seems to open a side door and step outside, carrying a large bag of garbage. Upon seeing the mech, he immediately spins around and closes the door while saying:

“Nope nope nope nope NOOOOOPE. I am NOT dealing with this shit right now. Hell no.”

While Starlight continued to stare at the metal giant in absolute awe, Twilight and Zecora approach the mech with the alicorn saying:

“I don’t suppose you know what happened after we arrived here?”

Its’ head seems to tilt downwards to look at the alicorn, who jumps a bit at the sudden movement.

~Obtaining Data… Negative. Hypothesis: You were evacuated from the Underworld by an unknown entity. No further in-in-information.~

Starlight finally snaps out of her stupor as Twilight starts to shout:

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Did you hear that?! It can calculate possible scenarios and outcomes!” She then merrily hops around the large mech with her curiosity peaked to its maximum. Starlight and Zecora look on with concern, not for Twilight, but for the mech, as it was now prey to the alicorn’s antics.

~High levels of Glutamate detected in subject cerebrum. Analyzing… Subject is: Excited.~

Overhearing this, Twilight’s ears perks up, “Are you kidding me?! Excited?! More like absolutely amazed by this! Your technology is so advanced that you can practically imitate an ACTUAL being. Wait, I’m not offending you, am I?”

“Uhm, Twilight… it is still a machine, you know.” Starlight comments with a nervous chuckle. Zecora turns towards the unicorn with narrowed features and says:

“Speaking as such just isn’t right, please, my friend, be more polite.”

Starlight smiles sheepishly, “I, um, I’m just gonna stay quiet now.”

~Data Incoming… If subjects were to be escorted to Subject Name: Katelyn The Mechanic, there is a 97% chance of successfully implanting a personalized AI chip to allow me the ability to imitate any number of live beings.~

“EEEEEEEEEEEE!” Twilight squees in a gleeful tone, “I’M VERY EXCITED ABOUT ALL OF THIS! EVERYTHING! JUST, YES!”

As this goes on, one of the nearby onlookers comments:

“Dude… I think that purple one is turned on by this?”

“NOPE,” Yells the same Terrarian who had mistakenly gone outside. “HELL FUCKING NO.”

Suddenly, a large series of clanking armor and the clopping of hooves could be heard as various knights arrive soon after. Most were ground-based forces, but some among them were mounted on the backs of powerful horses that almost resembled that of Linn’s partner, Ves.

A single mounted knight beckons their horse to step forth and unravels a parchment, “Hear ye’, hear ye’, her royal highness, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, hereby seeks an audience with you three,” The knight says, gesturing towards the trio. “As for your… Interesting friend, unfortunately, they will have to remain here.”

~I will be coming with the ponies to perform my primary objective of protection.~ The mech says, its head swiveling to the knight.

“Well, I beg your pardon, um, sir, but you can not join us. Her Highness has only requested these three, not you.” The Knight responds.

“Well, I want them to come with us!” Twilight exclaims in protest.

~That was not a request. Continuous refusal will result in target classification Level 1 and lethal force.~ The Mech threatens.

The knight raises a hand and gestures to those behind him, “If you do not concede, we will be forced to-” His words are cut off as the mechanical entity steps forwards and grabs the knight straight off his horse as if he weighed less than a feather.

~Last Requisition. Any further refusal will be met with lethal force. I will be coming with these ponies to perform my primary objective.~

The knight held within the mech’s grasp was now sweating profusely as a horrified expression adorns his features. Incidentally, if one were to take a quick sniff, the faintest odor of urine could be picked up.

Starlight, Zecora, and Twilight scrunch their features and cover their noses as they say in unison:

“I think he just pissed himself.”

A sudden fit of laughter could be heard behind the knights, but it also gave off a sense of recognition for the former prisoners of The Underworld. Everyone present, aside from The Mech, turns their gaze to a pink-haired terrarian who was mounted on the back of her steed.

“That’s what you all get when you don’t think before you act-” Her words are cut off as she takes notice of the two ponies and zebra, “T-Twilight?”

The mech immediately looks at the mounted Terrarian and turns its gaze towards her shadow before staring at a very poker-faced kenku who lurked within, along with a certain dark pegasus.

~Pony detected. Primary Objective in effect. Multiple targets detected. Kenku detected. Classification: General Threat Level 2. Non-Threat to current objectives.~

Linn recovers from her momentary stupor as she dismounts Ves and runs towards the ponies, arms outstretched. Twilight happily gallops into the terrarian’s arms and says:

“Linn! I’m so happy to see you again!”

“Twilight! We were worried sick about you guys. We’ve been training like crazy in an effort to save you all.” Linn responds as the two gently break their embrace. Both Starlight and Zecora approach soon afterward. However, the unicorn in particular couldn’t help but recall the mech’s words. Particularly, when it spotted another pony nearby.

“Well, it seems I’ve been made,” A male voice calls out from Linn’s shadow as a black pegasus pony slowly rises up. He takes notice of Starlight Glimmer and smiles vibrantly before shouting:

“Celebes was right! I'm so glad you're ok, beautifu-”

His words are cut off as the unicorn mare runs into him, throwing her forehooves around the back of his neck. He returns the gesture by covering the mare with his wings but is pleasantly surprised as she pulls back and lunges forth. Their mouths connect in mere seconds as Shadow Thunder closes his eyes in content, Starlight letting out a content sigh in tandem. Various bystanders began to react as Twilight, in particular, smiled vibrantly at the scenario while saying internally:

-I’m so happy for you, Starlight.-

~Possibility of Pony Reproduction: 99%. Please be aware that taking care of children is a lengthy affair and is not for those who do not plan to stay together for the duration of the child’s early life.~ The Mech said which causes both of their eyes to shoot wide open as the duo shouts in unison:

“I-it’s not like that!”

The mech seems to glitch briefly, a few sparks shooting off of it, as static emits from its’ voice. Another glitch and the robot seems to go back to normal.

~Warning: Unknown Error. Scanning for a possible cause.~

Twilight, Zecora, and the flustered Starlight look on with concern as the lavender mare questions:

“Wait, what was that just now?”

~Error: Possible malware. Running Antivirus… No threats found. Er-er-error...~

The robot glitches again before seeming to shut down momentarily. When it reactivates, its eyes seem to have a form of alien life in them.

~What… What happened?~ Asks The Mech, seeming to be confused, although its’ voice seems ponylike and genderless, almost as if made up of a multitude of individuals.

Twilight tilts her head sideways, “H-huh? What’s going on in there? I hear so many different voices. They’re familiar, yet so different. Can you tell me about it?”

~We… I don’t know. I felt something change in my systems, like a virus or… something… I’m sorry. We’re getting off track. I need to follow my primary objective, not worry you about my problems.~

“Wait, hold on! This could be a breakthrough!” Twilight exclaims in response with an extended forehoof.

“Twilight.” Linn comments. “Not to sound rude to you or your friend but we must make haste and meet up with my cousin,” The pink-haired terrarian turns towards the knights, “The mechanical entity is hereby granted permission to accompany us.”

“B-but, Lady Linn-”

“Are you questioning my order, Sir knight?” Linn responds, walking towards the very same knight who was caught in the mech’s grasp, “I’m not a member of the main branch of the royal family, but don’t you forget who’s the current Captain of the Royal Guards,” She then sniffs, “Also, go wash yourself off… you smell like piss.”

Linn then gestures for the knights to disperse as the terrarian calls over her shoulder:

“Come along, everyone!” She then glances towards The Mech, “That includes you too, of course.”

The Mech seems to nod, still with a confused expression on its face, as it makes sure the ponies stay close around it.

~Just because I’m acting differently doesn’t mean that you get to run away from me. I still have to protect you all.~

Twilight, Starlight, Shadow Thunder, and Zecora nod in response as the group started to follow Linn in the direction of the nearby castle. The knights trailed behind them as Linn herself was now mounted on Ves once more, in the lead. Incidentally, Tori himself was detached from Linn’s shadow and vanished without a trace.

Starlight presses her body against Shadow Thunder’s, who contently enjoys the gesture, and nuzzles the base of his neck before saying:

“How did you all know that we were here? And why were you hiding in Linn’s shadow?”

The dark pegasus chuckles in response, “Well, it all started when Celebes and Silence returned to Anubis’s Pyramid...”

……….

As they traverse through the capital, all eyes were instantly locked onto them for understandable reasons. If it wasn’t the ponies and zebra trotting along curiously, it was certainly The Mech that stood over them as its large steps echoed throughout the town.

Incidentally, they were now passing by a very particular baking establishment as a piece of parchment was etched onto its window with a picture of a pink pony. Above the equine was the words:

“Please inform me immediately or forward her to my bakery. I will reward anyone for doing so.”

Below the parchment were various quotes that read:

“Best cupcakes I’ve ever eaten!”

“Wish the chef would reveal the recipe, although I don’t even think he himself knows it.”

“Mmmm, tasty!”

“They’re finger-licking delicious!”

Normally, one would assume that Twilight and her friends would take notice of the image. Sadly, their attention was drawn elsewhere as the lavender alicorn couldn’t take her eyes off of the mechanical marvel.

“Hey, I heard a warehouse burned down somewhere nearby.” Starlight comments.

Linn looks over her shoulder, “Yeah, it was the Flim-Flam brother’s warehouse down by the docks. Incidentally, those two went missing by unknown means.”

However, a gust of wind that carried a parchment sent it colliding into Twilight’s face as the alicorn grunts in annoyance. She fires up her horn and floats it before her with a lavender aura, but her eyes widen upon seeing who was etched onto it and the words above the image:

WANTED!!!

Dead or alive:

Tanner The Guide

Character inventory/equipment:

Fluttershy: Statigel Armor(pony, equipped), Overloaded Blaster, Eviscerator, Crimslime Staff, Corroslime Staff, Slime Staff, Finch Staff, Snow Flinx Staff, Hornet Staff, Blood Clot Staff, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Healing Potion, Honey Comb(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, Staff Of Necrosteocytes, Purified Jam.

Rainbow Dash: Necro Armor(pony, equipped), Star Cannon, Minishark, Eviscerator, Aquatic Discharge, Bloody Rupture, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Healing Potion, Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Victory Shard, Slime Mount.

Zecora: Crimson Armor(zebra, equipped), Dune Hopper, Sausage Maker, Beenade, Tooth Ball, Aorta, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Various Potions, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Sand Cloak(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Bloodstained Gloves(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Skeletron Hand.

Starlight Glimmer: Meteor Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Starfury, Vein Burster, Purple Phaseblade, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Healing Potion, Victory Shard, Rocket Boots(equipped), Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Slime Mount, Book Of Skulls, Skeletron Hand.

Rarity: Meteor Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Hornet Staff, Snow Flinx Staff, Ice Mirror, Blood Clot Staff, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Rocket Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Slime Mount, Book Of Skulls, Skeletron Hand, Staff Of Necrosteocytes.

Applejack: Crimson Armor(pony, equipped), Vein Burster, Orange Phaseblade, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Rope, Metal Detector, Healing Potion, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Flurry Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, Bone Glove, Skeletron Hand.

Twilight Sparkle: Meteorite Armor(pony, equipped), Space Gun, Book Of Skulls, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Mana Potion, Ichor, Victory Shards, Aero Stone(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Slime Mount.

Pinkie Pie: Crimson Armor(pony, equipped), Vein Burster, Blue Phaseblade, Bloody Rupture x2, Aorta, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Blood Lust Cluster Axe, Metal Detector, Rocket Boots(equipped), Honey Comb(equipped), Flurry Boots(equipped), Brain Of Confusion(equipped), Mana Polarizer(equipped), Bone Glove(equipped), Honeyed Goggles, Slime Mount, The Blood Butcherer, Skeletron Hand.