Climate of Change Pt 3: Storming the Factory

>It’s early. Way too early.
>The sun hasn’t even risen. Scootaloo’s probably still asleep. At least she better be.
>You know you need to focus on the mission, but your mind keeps wandering.
>You’re all led to the Celestia’s private chariot port.
>You notice the girls have their respective necklaces and Twilight’s wearing her crown thingy.
>You’re resplendent in your armor. Luna’s horseshoe held tight in your hand.
>Your chariot isn’t one of Celestia’s, it’s dark and foreboding, probably Luna’s. Good, it’s dark and will blend in better to the night’s sky.
>You all board but you have an added passenger. Nop0ny questions his presence and before you can ask, you’re all away.
>Damn, these Pegasus pulling the chariot are fast. On their own, they’d probably give Dash a run for her money.
>You decide to address the elephant.... er, p0ny in the room.
>”Don’t mean to sound rude,” You say, raising your voice over the rushing wind. “But who are you?”
>He looks you up and down. “I’m a Sergeant in Luna’s Guard.”
>Ooookay. “And that’s it?” What’s your name? Why are you here?”
>He looks forward again, breaking eye contact. “The inner circle of Luna’s Guard are survivors from the facility. We showed emotional and physical toughness to thrive, therefore we’re the best.”
>Makes sense, and pulling them from that place probably makes them loyal to a fault.
>He continues in a matter of fact way. “The name I once had means nothing now that I’m in the service of my princess.”
>You chuckle. “Come on man, can’t just call you Sergeant.” you nudge him in an attempt to rustle some jimmies.
>He gives a sigh and looks at you once again. “My name... It’s Sunshine Smiles.”
>You give him a smile. “That’s a good name Sunshine.” You say without any sarcasm.

>”There it is!” Sunshine calls out and points a hoof to a rapidly approaching mountain.
>It doesn’t look like a factory, or anything. Hell, looks more like a volcano. But it’s not smoke billowing out, but clouds to be sent out through all of Equestria.
>Your drivers take you in fast. Straight through the clouds.
>You hit the landing pad with a violent impact, but nothing you can’t shake off.
>You dismount with Sunshine and Dash at your side.
>Everyp0ny, spreads out and the chariot takes off. You all have 2 hours to initiate the Tempest Protocol and get the hell out. No problem.
>Looks like you made it in undetected. You rush to the nearest door and pull it open slowly.
>Too much to hope for. The door flies open as it’s kicked.
>You sprawl out and see a very familiar Captain Pegasus. Looks like his face healed nicely.
>Don’t worry, he recognizes you as well.
>”Look who it is. No child to save you this time.” He yells as he charges you.
>Nope, but you do have the nocturnal fury of a moon goddess.
>You hold up the horseshoe and focus. The blade forms as Captain asshole comes down right on top of it.
>Oh boy he’s heavy. And he’s all bleeding on you. At least he’s dead.
>Sunshine and Rainbow rush to you and help you get him off of you.
>Damn, this blade just went through his armor like it was nothing.
>”Over here,” Sunshine says as you’re helped to your feet. “Down these stairs, but be careful. They may know we’re here.”

>No shit.
>You can already hear the distinct sound of Applejack kicking ass.
>Rarity screaming about something.
>Magic stuff happening.
>You hope Fluttershy’s holding up ok.
>Racing down a long hall, 3 strong looking Pegasus block your path. From behind you, you hear “GET DOWN.”
>You, Sunshine, and Dash immediately hit the ground.
>Ka-BOOM!
>They’re knocked on their asses by... confetti, cake, and streamers? Bless Pinkie and her Party Cannon.
>”We should be getting close,” Sunshine says, getting back up.
>Dash scoffs “Good, maybe we’ll find a REAL fight.”
>”Don’t get cocky,” You bark as you vault over the downed soldiers.
>You haven’t run into any kids and you’re glad.
>After a few moments of running with a few close in visceral fights, you come to a gigantic vault door. This is it.
>You grab what handles you can find and start pulling and pushing to no avail.
>Dead end? No... not when you’ve come this far.
>You pull back to slash at the door with your sword, but you’re pulled back by Dash.
>Just in time too. Twilight’s kinda freaky. She’s hovering and her eyes are glowing. Reality itself appears to be rippling around her.
>Without any effort, the door rips apart before the glow dissipates and she lands on the ground catching her breath.
>Through the smoke you hear “Bravo, my little p0nies.”
>The mother fucking Director.

>The smoke clears and there he is. Surrounded by guards.
>Hello Anon, this is you Jimmies speaking....
>”I know I can’t talk you down, so as a p0ny of honor and tradition I hearby challenge you to single combat. I will even consider sparing your friends.” Oh what a dick.
>You start walking his way, his guards part for you. You have a fire in your eyes and he sees it.
>His only eye goes to your blade. “Now it wouldn’t be honorable for you to fight me armed. You are a man of honor aren’t you?” You don’t like the way he accentuates ‘man’
>You’re pretty close to him and stop. You look at your gifted weapon. “I got a friend, he likes to talk and one of the things he always says....” You look him dead in the eyes. “Nope.”
>In a flash, you lunge for The Director.
>His guards take the opportunity and try to jump your friends. They have their work cut out for them.
>The Director tries to dodge, but you manage to cut him on the flank.
>He’s a trooper, he doesn’t make a noise and just kicks you with his one good leg.
>Thank goodness for the armor, that would have shattered some ribs.
>You two trade blows, he’s quick, but not quick enough.
>A few quick slashes and you bring him to the ground.
>”Any last words asshole?” You growl, spitting on him.
>”Luna failed once, and she’ll fail again. It doesn’t matter if she’s corrupted the elements or...”
>You shut him up permanently. You look around, The room is yours.
>The girls look ok, but where’s.... Sunshine!

>You find him under a pile of bodies. He’s beaten pretty bad.
>”Hey man, you still with us?” You ask, cradling his head.
>He opens his eyes, but he has a thousand yard stare. “Just... just destroy this damned place.”
>You nod. “Don’t worry, we will...”
>He smirks a bit. “Jus... Just wish I could have gotten my mark... found my place.”
>”You might not have found your mark...” You’re holding back manly tears “But you definitely found your place.”
>He nods and smiles. “That’s good.” And with that, he dies in your arms.
>You gently set him down.
>Dash comes up and asks if you’re doing alright.
>You don’t say a word and reach into your pouch and pull out Celestia’s feather.
>You hold it for a second before it starts shaking in your hand.
>You don’t feel like you’re victorious, just apathetic.
>Battle fatigue?
>That must be it. Your adrenaline is running on empty.
>What’s that feather doing.....
>A sudden explosion knocks you across the room.
>When you come to, you see Celestia. Good, you must be back in.... No, you’re still in The Factory.
>Your ears stop ringing and her voice starts to fill your ears. Who’s she yelling at? It’s the girls.
>”Thank you all for giving me a reason to exile my sister once more. She’s started getting that pesky ‘compassion’ back.”

>Celestia sneers at them, “All I need is the Elements back. Shame, I could have used you, but you all had to uncover the secret.”
>”But... but...” Poor Twilight. “WHY!?”
>”Weather is the ultimate form of chaos!” Light crackles off of her horn. “Imagine an Equestria where floods could happen at any time! Droughts ravage the land! I brought order!” Oh she’s all kinds of crazy. “My sister was too short sighted, she opposed me, so I sent her to time out.” Celestia throws her wings open and you can even feel her magical energy. “I know she hasn’t learned and I grow tired of trying to teach her. Maybe another thousand years will help. And all of your actions here today will be my reasoning. Her blade, her p0nies helping, my sister is all to predictable.”
>”Enough!” Twilight’s as pissed as Celestia is crazy. “Formation girls!”
>Celestia’s not scared, she’s laughing. “Fools, I created the elements, and I have long since created a defence.”
>Is it possible for light to be dark? Because that’s what you’re seeing.
>The Elements fire, but with no effect. Celestia’s just cackling.
>You hurt, but you’re on your feet. Luna’s sword in hand. What did she say about it? ‘So powerful that, If needed, I’m sure it could even cut mine sister’
>Hope it wasn’t just an idle boast.
>C’mon legs MOVE.
>As you punch into her ribs, you give a battle cry.
>YEAH, you’re sword’s balls deep into her chest!
>But she’s still up.
>A concussive force throws you back.
>Her attention is all on you dude.
>But she’s distracted, her guard is down. The girls are powering up for one last hit.
>It’ll be too late for you.
>Celestia snarls some sort of foul insult as a lance of light perforates your body.
>You think of Scootaloo.
>This is what death feels like.