Prologue

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"Incoming!" a horrible whistle pierced the night air as First Sergeant Dean Forester of the Army Rangers Special Unit jumped into a nearby ditch. His equipment clattered as his stomach hit the ground; the recently developed prototype armor taking the brunt of the impact.

Crack-Boom!

The earth shook as superheated energy blasted apart the ground to his left, vaporizing a few unlucky task force operatives moving positions.

Wincing from the debris, Sergeant Dean shouldered his modified SCAR-H tactical assault rifle. It was fitted with an AGOG multi-zoom scope, and green laser sight. A Surefire suppressor was attached to the end. The gun was painted in a forest camo, much like his current setting and sported an under-barrel grip for recoil control. Scratches blemished its body, showcasing to the world the wear and tear of the last seven years.

He quickly shifted his head gear back into place before crawling to the edge of the trench and peering through his sights. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his breathing steadied as he lined the optics with the defending forces. About two hundred meters down range, the enemy launched their hard-light projectiles towards the advancing humans.

These beings, the invaders, were called the Orith: a fanatical group of extraterrestrials who thought that they would attack Earth. They had come in their spaceships by the millions, broadcasting a signal around the world with one message and one message only:

"Humanity is weak, and it is our duty to rid the galaxy of discrepancy. It is the will of the gods for your destruction, and we are their instrument."

As it turned out, the Orith severely underestimated Humanity. They made the mistake of giving valuable time to prepare; and prepare Mankind did. Military infrastructure had money literally dumped on top of it. New technologies were created, technologies that one could usually only see in sci-fi media. A group called Enertech came out with the first energy shield. They were big enough to protect cities but required immense power.

New weapons entered service, bombs that could level entire continents, devices that allowed one to manipulate a field around any object and move it, genetically engineered super-soldiers with cheetah-like reflexes and muscles tougher than iron. There was only one problem with these new advances. The enemy technology was unknown, and during the time given to them, Humanity held its breath in preparation for what could be a fight for survival.

And that's when they finally showed up.

The Orith took Africa in just under a month, hardly losing any forces in the attack and landing millions of soldiers and equipment in mere days. Surprisingly enough, there was no orbital bombardment, and no warning of the impending attack. By the time word reached the world, the UN had mobilized the armies of Europe and began the march to defend their borders as the Orith advanced northward.... but the attack on Europe never came from Africa.

The Orith had taken some of their ships and landed them right in the center of Austria, a lightly defended country at the time. The ancient European state fell within the day, and it only got worse from there.

With chaos ensuing around the globe, the only ones who hadn't stepped in yet were the countries of North America. The world found out why three days after the European invasion.

It happened fast, too fast. Dean himself got to see the launch of the new super weapon: the Planetary Collider.

The weapon, made from stolen alien technology, was launched from a hidden space station. Faster than light, the device struck dead center in the continent of Africa. Instead of a typical explosion, the weapon expanded its energy in a massive dome around the targeted area. Anything from the East coast to the west coast of Africa was vaporized instantly.

The Orith lost a massive section of their army, but humanity lost an entire section of their planet.

With the evidence of a superweapon out in the open, the Orith stepped up their game. They decided to bombard cities from high altitude, they pushed further into Europe and Asia, and they finally attacked North America in a surprise invasion.

That's where Sergeant Dean Forester of the Rangers Special Task Force currently was: defending his country from the alien menace.

His squad's goal was to take back a top-secret tech facility in an Ohio forest. A task that was proving to be difficult. The position they were assaulting had originally been built to survive orbital bombardment, and the Orith were using the man-made structure to its fullest capabilities. Hundreds of troops fell to the futuristic weaponry the Orith utilized, and if they didn't act soon, hundreds more would follow.

"Move up!" Captain Mason’s voice boomed over the radio. The bolts of Hard-light had finally ceased and the team was able to push up. Dean slowly rose from his position and moved forward. His enhanced eyes and ears were trained on his surroundings, analyzing potential threats left, right, up, and down. His HUD (Heads Up Display) kept him in sync with the rest of the squad. Moving like a spectre, Dean’s footsteps were silent as he quickly worked his way forward. They met no resistance as they approached.

The group finally reached the compound, huge metal doors blocking their entrance. Dean let out a shaky breath as several soldiers, the remainder of the 29th Mechanized Division and some of the National Guard, took up positions with their weapons ready. Captain Mason's voice suddenly crackled over the radio, breaking the growing silence descending over the attackers.

"Clarence, bring the rockets over here, everyone else, get clear." The captain’s garbled voice caused Dean to wince. The man was an Operative as well, and looking to his left, he could see he was in rough shape. With their augmentations, RSTF soldiers had an inhuman pain tolerance. His left arm was currently missing, and the end was cauterized. His right ear was gone, and his armor and clothing were scorched. That said, Mason still had the steely look of a soldier, and he hefted his own rifle in his only hand. Everyone backed away behind cover as the bazooka team took their positions.

"Backblast!"

"Clear!"

Whoosh - BOOM!

The explosion rocked the earth, and the metal doors of the complex were blown open along with much of the concrete wall. Blue tracers leaped through the smoke and debris, smashing into the Rangers cover and raining debris everywhere. A few men cried out as they were hit, and Dean jerked backwards as a beam flashed past his head. Time slowed as his eyes tracked the plasma projectile, and he scowled as it smashed into an infantryman a few yards behind him. The man went down without a sound, his chest missing.

Dean pulled a Fragmentation grenade from his belt and primed it.

"Grenade!" He yelled as he tossed the small device into the darkness. There was a loud whump and the bolts of energy stopped. Cries and alien-like groans echoed through the darkness to their front.

"Move up!" Yelled the Captain. "Exo's! Up top!" That was Dean's cue.

As the majority of the group moved through the doorway, Dean and a select few operatives ran towards a nearby wall. One thing about the new armor, it was basically a strength enhancer as well as a protective piece of equipment. The suit itself looked bulky but was actually very lightweight and versatile. The spooks in their labs had tested some stolen hard light weapons on it and it was very resilient. It worked like Kevlar in a sense where it spread the energy of the projectile across the armor. It wasn't indestructible however and could only take a few blasts depending on the weapon wielded against the wearer. Many soldier’s this late into the war were equipped with plates and helmets made from the new material, drastically improving survivability and slowly shifting the tide in Humanities favor.

Shaking the thoughts from his head, sergeant Forester reached eighty kilometers per hour and did a flying leap. Wind whistled past his protected head, and his legs kicked as though he was running on air. His prototype suit helped him clear the fifteen-foot wall and absorb the impact of landing on the roof of the main building. Tucking into a role, Dean came up with his weapon to bear, searching for targets. Seven operatives landed just after him, each following his lead as they quickly scanned their surroundings. Once clear, the seven activated their foot dampeners.

Dean's job along with the other seven was to find the main laboratory and destroy any intel before the Orith could acquire it. Their briefing had included a detailed blueprint of the structure, and each of the operatives had it committed to memory. He figured that whatever was in the building was very important if high command was willing to send this many troops. Never had so many RSTF operatives been in one place on the same mission. A quick glance in his peripherals showed the rest of the company moving in through the main entrance, putting down injured aliens left and right as they pushed forward.

"I've got eyes on the entryway. Over." Dean recognized the voice of Corporal Daniels and quickly moved to him. His HUD highlighted Daniels position and recognized who spoke making it easier to pinpoint who was talking and where. A yellow marker appeared on his eyepiece and was placed five meters away towards a rooftop entrance.

"Not detecting any hostiles on the other side, it's clear." Someone said from beside the door as they lowered their tac-pad. With the scan complete, Dean silently moved forward.

"I'm going in." Dean raised his SCAR and pulled. The door easily swung open without so much as a squeak, revealing a dimly lit staircase. A light flickered near the bottom of the stairs, and the smell of gore wafted through the air. Turning on a flashlight, Dean found the walls were covered in the viscous fluid of now dead humans, and a body in a white lab coat was slumped halfway down the stairs on the right. Chunks of his flesh were gone, almost like someone had chewed them away.

Dean scowled.

"The blueprints showed the main lab room is just behind the door at the bottom of the stairs. Move quickly and quietly." A Ranger mumbled quietly to Dean’s rear.

Explosions sounded from somewhere in the complex, causing everyone present to tense; they had to hurry. Dean briefly wondered if the rest of the task force was alright but shrugged it off, he had a mission to complete. If this place was as vital as the top brass claimed, then casualties were a small matter to consider.

Dean crept down the stairs, his fellow operatives quietly following behind. They quickly reached the bottom and stacked against the wall. Dean gave a hand signal, and everything went quiet.

"I'm counting twelve hostiles," corporal Daniels set down the thermal tracker on his tac-pad. The device in question was attached to the armor near the wrist.

"Nine-Bangs, then breach," Sergeant Dean replied quietly. He could hear the chittering on the other side of the door as a sentry walked by.

Two Operatives moved to the front, each with a Nine-Bang in hand. Dean's heart began to pound in anticipation. His fingers curled and stretched as he prepared himself. Once under control, Dean's hands clamped down a little harder on the handle of his rifle, and he saw many of his operatives in similar states of mind. Even through the nervousness, the Sergeant knew there would be no hesitation from anyone once they began. They were trained, hardened, and engineered to perform beyond a regular Human. Daniel's fingers slowly fell into a fist, and he gave a nod to the operatives at the door. This was it.

"Now." One whispered over the radio.

The one on the left opened the door while the other primed his Flash Bang and threw it in, the second one following quickly thereafter.

There was a moment of quiet before the group heard a few shrieks of surprise on the other side of the door. This was followed by deafening explosions and blinding light. The helmets muffled the noise, but the Sergeant could still hear the thumps through the dampeners.

"Move!" Someone roared. Dean was the second one through the door and immediately found his first target. An Orithian machine gunner had his eyes covered, a mounted turret sat beside him, unused. Dean raised his rifle, lined up the reticle on his scope, and squeezed the trigger. The silencer muffled the shot as the bullet ejected and the Orithian's head exploded. He paid the dead alien no mind as he moved onto his next target. His movements were ridged and professional, and not once did he miss. He was a robot, a machine as he dealt death to the next set of aliens that poked their heads out of cover.

Dean's squad mates packed through the door, their muffled gunshots making a deadly whisper throughout the room. Within seconds, all twelve Orithians were dead. The sounds of battle outside the complex had grown louder, and Dean quickly swept the room.

"Lab clear." Dean called through his helmet's radio. "Daniels, prime the C-12 for five minutes. I want charges there, there, and under there." Dean pointed to two sides of the room, as well as an arch holding the center in place. While a single brick would have been enough, Dean wanted to be thorough that nothing made it out.

The Sergeant walked around the lab, examining the various pieces of equipment. He passed what looked like an old stone archway attached to a control panel and stopped to examine it. Dean decided to move on and walked up to a dead Orithian. It's a hard-light rifle laying in its dead hands. The design was sleek, its total length coming to about three feet. The sides of the weapon were traced with glowing orange lines of energy. Some sort of scope was attached to the top. Crouching down slightly, he extended his arm to touch it. He didn't notice a brief commotion near the entry to the main complex as a door slid open.

"Get Down!"

Sergeant Dean had the time to turn his head before the world around him exploded. Hot shrapnel glanced off his armor as he raised his arms to protect his face. One piece missed his protective shell and embedded itself in the fleshy part of his left arm, causing Dean to cry out in pain. His body was thrown back from the pressure and smashed into the boxy control panel near the arch. There was the sound of whirring, then a low whine. Dean ignored the sounds, as he was focused on trying not to black out. By now, the chemicals in his body should have been negating the pain within him, but it seemed like an eternity to the man as he sat there.

Dean's eyesight kept going in and out of focus as his arm screamed at him. He heard gunfire erupt and the trademark whiz of hard-light projectiles. A grizzled face appeared above him.

"Sergeant! Get up! The C-12 is armed, and we need to-" Corporal Daniels was cut off as a hard-light projectile passed through his exposed neck. A second shot followed, and half of the man's head was vaporized.

Dean started to regain focus, and a shaky breath escaped him. A ringing was overtaking his ears as he searched for his gun. He heard the machinery behind him come to life but once more decided to ignore it; he had to help his squad mates.

The Sergeant finally found his SCAR on the ground and raised it to eye level. His arm screamed in agony, but he ignored the feeling. The agony was quickly dissipating, being replaced by a chemical induced high as time seemed to slow. The hard-light shots as well as those of his fellow operatives were silent, and a feeling of dread slowly formed in his gut. The ringing in his ears stopped, and what followed were sounds from one's nightmares, clicking, and the tearing of flesh from bone. Not a good sign.

Dean got into a low crouch and kept his gun facing forward. A bit of panic was welling inside him, and he gave the mental command to activate his radio. Two quiet beeps sounded, and the man waited for a response. There was none. A toppled desk provided him cover from the entryway. Carefully moving into a crouch, he slowly peered over it and got a good look at what he was up against.

A swarm of Orithian soldiers numbering in the dozens were slowly making their way towards his position. A few others were walking among the dead, and the rest seemed to be tearing chunks out of his slain comrades before consuming them. Among them was a much bigger Orithian, likely a leader or commander. As if it had eyes in the back of its head, said leader turned and pointed towards him. A low, throaty growl followed by a click emanated from its throat, and Dean's eyes widened.

"Shit!" Dean shouldered his rifle and fired within a millisecond. He missed the commander as it ducked behind a pillar of metal, but one bullet smashed into a nearby soldier's head, alerting the rest of them to his presence. Hard-light energy was launched towards him, but it all seemed to miss. A few more bullets flew, and a few more soldiers dropped. By now, the entire battalion of aliens were trying to kill him.

Dean knew at that very moment he was going to die. There were too many of them. Even if he did manage to shoot his way out, there were several pounds of C-12 explosive ready to level the complex. He would never make it. A hard light projectile smashed into his torso, pushing him back. The heat splashed across his armor, and he felt the sting on his face. Dean continued to fire as he stepped backwards. His left arm was numb, his thigh had been hit, but he could barely feel it. Quick as a snake, he unholstered his pistol and shot another three Orithians before noticing a flicker in the corner of his eye. Glancing to the side, he noticed the archway had lit up and seemed to be slowly pulling at him, as if it was trying to pull him in. Its hazy surface seemed to ripple and whirl like a storm cloud, and the very color seemed to draw him towards it. Rifle in one hand, and pistol in the other, he ducked down behind cover, hard-light whizzing overhead, and contemplated his options. The archway looked like some sort of portal, but he didn't know what would happen if he jumped through. Incineration? A horrible and slow death?

He looked down and saw the look of fear on the remaining half of the corporal's face. He then noticed the watch, and Dean's decision was made for him. The timer for the C-12; it read ten seconds.

With nothing left to lose, Dean did a flying leap, his armor boosting him towards his objective. Time slowed even further as beams of energy flitted past him and smashed into the walls and ground. He scowled as he fired a shot with his pistol, causing a few Orithians to duck away lest they be blown to pieces. Switching his focus, the portal grew close enough to touch, but something was wrong. Dean was dropping to soon, and true fear coursed through him as he failed to reach the target. He just fell short, and in his wounded state, both his weapons were ejected from his grip and bounced through the portal.

Defenceless and desperate, Dean reached forward to pull himself up the slope and into the portal. Hard-light exploded around him, one punched through the back of his already injured leg, another grazed the opposite foot, melting some of the metal plating. The pain was excruciating, but Dean grit his teeth as he tried desperately to crawl forwards as tears nearly blinded him. Then, the shooting stopped, causing the man to hesitate and look back. The leader was walking towards him; too bad it would never make it. A menacing sneer crossed his face as Dean reached forward, his arm a hairsbreadth from the portal. He heard clicking behind him and looked back to see some sort of energy pistol leveled upon his face.

"F-fuck... y-you." Dean coughed out with a scowl. With his remaining strength, he quickly lunged and grazed the portal. A single shot smashed into the small of his back, but the armor absorbed the damage. He expected to have to be fully submerged inside the writhing swirls of the device for it to work but was taken by surprise. The portal sucked him in, and he felt himself falling. His heart climbed into his chest as the feeling of vertigo overtook him. He spun in place, and when he looked back, he saw only fire, then a dark object. Said object rapidly grew closer, and the man was too weak to move as it connected with his head, and his neck snapped backwards.

Dean felt himself losing consciousness as strange lights appeared around him. He was dying, this much he knew. He saw a face, a beautiful face, and it smiled down on him.

"I'm coming Marie, I'm coming..." He mumbled his last words as darkness enveloped him. After seven years, First Sergeant Dean Forester was finally at peace.

As the lone human fell through the swirling vortex, unconscious, a strange being with mismatched body parts appeared before him. It’s body was wrapped in ethereal light, and its piercing red irises bore into the soldier as he fell through the depths of time and space. Its calculating eyes scanned the Human, and a contemplative look came over its features.

"You will do nicely," the being frowned down upon the figure. "It's time for a second chance. I hope this doesn't prove to be a mistake."

The being disappeared, but throughout the cosmos, if one were to listen closely, they would most likely hear the snap of fingers. A snap that would forever change the fate of the Multiverse.

Chapter 1: Whole New World

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Screaming, so much screaming. Smoke filled the air around her, clogging her senses. Two-legged beings, Dark Elves, ran around through the streets of Canterlot, causing chaos and destruction. She witnessed one such Dark Elf commit a heinous act against a mare, inflicting terror and suffering. Her screams were only one of the thousands sounding throughout the besieged city. Her friends were close beside her, running like bats out of Tartarus. She wished she could turn back and help, but it would have been futile. Her mentor had instructed her to flee along with the other elements and hide from these invaders; her loyalty to her teacher was the only thing standing between her fleeing and trying to help.

"Were almost to the gate!" Yelled Rainbow Dash. She pointed a hoof towards the gate. Royal guards clashed with the Dark Elves, though it was obvious who had the superior fighters.

She watched as an Elf aimed its spear towards a charging royal guard, causing a beam of light to erupt from the tip. The beam struck the guard, causing him to cry out in pain. His screams ended when the same Elf struck him down.

She held back the urge to vomit and forced herself to keep going. Her legs were burning from the exertion, but she had to persist.

"Alicorn! There!"

The air around her seemed to fill with tension, as if each moment could be her last. She watched as a beam of energy struck Applejack's leg, causing her to collapse. Rarity went to help but suffered the same fate.

She didn't have time to ponder when she heard her name over the sound of battle. The next thing she knew, she was flying through the air, both her wings refusing to function. She fell and fell before-

Twilight Sparkle's eyes flew open. She had heard something.

She lay there, on the ground and unmoving, hopefully whatever was near her would pass by. She glanced over to the side and saw her camouflaged saddle bags beneath the leaf cover.

Twilight had been traversing the Everfree for the last two years, slowly straying further and further from her hometown of Ponyville. The elves sent parties out to capture her, forcing her farther into the forest. Even after two years, it would seem the elves would not relent in capturing the last Alicorn.

Twilight started to hear voices. Voices with an accent she was all too familiar with. She quickly but quietly slid out from her cover, lighting her horn in the process. The camouflage cover rolled itself into a neat bundle while the saddle bags were levitated onto her body.

By this point, the voices were getting louder; she didn't have much time. Twilight quickly charged her horn just as the first elf walked around a large tree in front of her. Right as it opened its mouth to yell, Twilight shot a beam of pure magic directly at his chest. The elf only had time to shout before the purple beam plowed into him, causing him to fly backwards through the air and smash into a tree with an unsettling crunch.

Twilight was about to enjoy her little victory when she heard what sounded like a whistle. Thinking quickly, she rolled to the side just as small ball of light landed and exploded where she had been standing a moment ago. Twilight stood up and began to run deeper into the forest, away from her attackers.

After two years of non-stop running for her life, she was very fit and could easily outpace the Dark Elves. Knowing this, she began to pick up her speed. One physical advantage she was born with was the fact that she ran on four legs instead of two, immediately making her faster than anything bipedal.

Twilight got caught up in her thoughts so badly that she didn't notice the trees start to thin out before it was too late.

Crying out in surprise, she barely managed to levitate herself back onto the edge of the cliff. A few rocks tumbled into the abyss, causing her to look down. A roaring river greeted her sight, causing her to shiver. Twilight calculated a twenty-three percent chance of surviving should she have fallen in. She looked up and figured that by flying over, she could lose her pursuers entirely.

Refocusing on the present, she took a deep breath and used a technique Rainbow Dash had taught her, she moved back, spread her wings, breathed out once more, and-

A beam of yellow energy cut through the air and burned a hole through Twilight's wing. She, in turn, collapsed to the ground, shrieking in agony.

Fire seemed to shoot through her nervous system, overloading some of her senses as she tried to regain motor function. Her body convulsed as her screams intensified. Those screams were soon joined by yelling and laughter.

The fire in her wing slowly died down to something akin to a knife in her bone, allowing her to regain some coherency. Tears continued to pour down her face as she sniffled. She nearly blacked out entirely, her brain failing to understand and cope with the horrible pain in her wing.

She slowly started to crawl away from the voices, the tears in her eyes causing everything to blur. She started to hear footsteps come towards her and tried to pick up her pace, she only succeeded in falling into a disgruntled heap. It was over.

Rough hands grabbed her by the scruff of her neck, causing her to groan in pain. A face appeared in her view, it had a swirly mustache and pale beige skin. Its ears were pointed and its mouth was showing a horrible sneer. Then she heard a voice, the voice of her teacher.

"Don't give up my pupil. You are strong! Stronger than them!"

The voice faded away as a small amount of energy surfaced into her very being. She was close, so close to her freedom! She would be damned before she let these beings capture her.

With renewed energy, she sent a mighty kick into the the stomach of the Elf. His grip on her fell away as he doubled over in agony.

With a mighty flap of her good wing, she soared through the air before descending. And then descending some more, then descending further. Walls of stone encased her view as she plummeted towards certain death.

Flashes of memories came to the forefront of her mind. Her time as a filly under Celestia's wing, hatching Spike the dragon, meeting her friends, saving Equestria countless times. All these played in the space of a second. Twilight realized that she missed them. Her friends, her family, her mentor and her old life, causing a tear to leak away from her. Then she remembered the good times, and a smile fell upon her face.

Seconds later, everything went black.

*****

"Awaken." The command reverberated through Sergeant Dean Forester's mind like a distant echo, coaxing his consciousness back to the realm of awareness. With a grunt, he slowly emerged from the shroud of unconsciousness, his senses gradually returning to him. His eyes flickered open, two green orbs instantly alert and scanning the dimly lit cave where he found himself. The rough stone walls stood sentinel around him, the faint glimmer of sunlight filtering in from the cave's mouth casting dappled patterns on the floor.

Memories flooded back with the force of a tidal wave, crashing into Dean's consciousness with relentless clarity. The infiltration, the chaos of battle, the searing pain of his mortal wound inflicted by the Orith Officer, and then the inexplicable sensation of being torn from his reality and thrust into this unknown, swirling abyss.

Just as he began to make sense of his surroundings, a sudden movement caught his attention. Whipping around, Dean found himself face to face with a creature unlike anything he had ever encountered. It stood mere inches away, its mismatched features regarding him with a curious blend of amusement and intrigue.

Startled, Dean recoiled instinctively, his muscles tensing as he attempted to gain distance from the creature.. His augmented body, a product of military enhancements, calculated options in a fraction of a second, and his hand moved reflexively to the familiar weight of his sidearm, the P23 Equalizer. Equipped with a laser sight, a silencer, and an extended magazine along with the option of burst or semi automatic, his pistol had yet to fail him.

The creature remained eerily composed, its expression unchanging as Dean leveled his weapon at it, his senses on high alert. The tension in the air crackled like static, palpable and unsettling.

"Hello, Sergeant," the creature spoke, its voice echoing with a smooth, yet otherworldly timbre that sent shivers down Dean's spine. His grip tightened on the pistol, his gaze unwavering as he glared at the enigmatic being before him.

"What the hell are you?" Dean demanded, his voice edged with a mixture of apprehension and defiance. "Are you with the Orith?"

The creature's smirk widened slightly, a hint of amusement dancing in its eyes as it responded. "I am not. I don't have a lot of time, so listen well, human."

Dean's attention was drawn to the creature's sudden gesture, a snap of its fingers that conjured a misty screen before them. As images began to materialize on the ephemeral surface, Dean jumped when the sound of static filled the room around him.

"Not the best reception in the cave. Sorry, this might take a minute," the beast crossed it's missed matched arms, staring intently at the screen. After a few seconds, an image seemed to materialize.

Dean's curiosity mingled with trepidation, his gaze locked on the unfolding scenes with rapt attention. His eyes slowly widened, and his gun slowly lowered as the beast began to talk.

He watched in grim silence as the creature narrated the events unfolding in a place called Equestria. The idyllic landscapes and peaceful inhabitants stood in stark contrast to the chaos and devastation wrought by the invasion of two-legged beings, their malevolent intent palpable even through the veil of mist.

Horror tightened its grip around Dean's heart as he witnessed the carnage unfold, the senseless violence and suffering painting a grim tableau of despair; something he was all to familiar with.

Two legged beings flew in from the skies on strange machines and landed among the ponies of Equestria. They raised their spears and begin shooting some form of energy into the panicking crowds who fell in droves. He noticed a group of six break away and make for the gates, not realizing their guard was being overpowered and the city was surrounded. Dean found himself silently coaxing them on, pleading that they got out okay. He watched as the group powered through the two legged beings, nearly breaking through their lines to freedom.

Then one was struck, then another, and another. The last one, a purple... Pegacorn, was thrown over the side of the cliff, her wings seemingly inoperable. The screen faded out as she was about to hit a lake at the bottom of the mountain.

His mind reeled at what he had witnessed, the weight of his situation pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. There was an eerie silence in the cave as the human stared at the frozen picture. Then, like a switch was flipped in his brain, Dean's face hardened into a scowl once more.

"Why did you show me this?" Dean's voice rang out, sharp and resolute, cutting through the silence like a blade. "I have a war to fight back home, a family I need to protect!" The Sergeant raised his pistol once more, his voice took a calm tone as he glared at the beast. "Take me back, beast."

"I can't. And you can call me Discord." Discord gave a defeated smirk as he looked up at the sergeant. His smirk left however when when a deafening bang echoed throughout the cave and he found a smoking whole through his chest. Discord hummed to himself before looking back up to the human before him, the whole already beginning to mend itself.

"I would conserve your bullets Sergeant, you may need them in the future."

Sergeant Dean stared in shock at the creature before him, but did not lower his gun.

Before he could properly react, a harrowing scream shattered the stillness, jolting both Dean and Discord from their standoff.

He noticed Discords face morph into an expression of horror as he stared past the sergeant.

"Come with me human. If you want to return home, then come with me." Discord stalked past the stunned Sergeant and out of the cave.

Instinct propelled Dean forward, his resolve steeling him for whatever lay ahead as he followed Discord's lead, his mind racing with questions and uncertainty. He nearly stumbled when he finally processed what Discord had said to him.

"I can go home?" He whispered to himself. He holstered the pistol and took off after Discord, the thought of his family and country moving to the forefront of his mind. As he moved, he saw Discord leaning down beside a river, his back to Sergeant Dean.

As they reached the river's edge, Dean's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight that greeted him: the unconscious figure of the "Pegacorn" lying motionless on the bank. Reality blurred at the edges, the lines between truth and fantasy blurring as Dean grappled with the enormity of his predicament.

"Shit, this really is real," Dean muttered to himself, his voice a low rasp as he processed the surreal tableau before him. Without saying another word, the Sergeant began the process of securing the fantastical being before him.

Chapter 2: A Bad Start

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"So, what you're saying is that you can't locate their hideout?" The elven guard stationed at the door scrutinized his colleague, their brows furrowing in shared consternation as they awaited the response.

"Yes, Emperor," the voice on the other side of the door replied, barely above a whisper, betraying a hint of trepidation.

"Even with the best battle mages the Elven Empire has seen in generations?"

"Yes Emperor." The voice was barely audible now. The two guards slowly shuffled to the side, already knowing what was to transpire.

With a barely contained growl of frustration, the Emperor's patience reached its limit. In a swift motion, he thrust open the door with a surge of magical force, sending a plump elf hurtling through the entrance to skid unceremoniously down the grand hallway.

"Take him away," the Emperor commanded tersely, his voice laced with disdain as he gestured toward the fallen general.

The two guards exchanged a knowing glance before moving in unison to lift the disheveled general from the floor, their purpose clear as they escorted him toward the dungeons.

Meanwhile, within the opulent throne room, shafts of light streamed through the pastel-colored windows, each pane depicting a pivotal event in the previous ruling Empires history. At the far end of the expansive chamber, atop a raised platform constructed from the remnants of conquered foes' weapons, sat the Emperor's throne. Its seat, armrests, and backrest were fashioned from bleached bones, while draped over the backrest and spilling down the rear rested the final piece, custom made by the Emperor himself. An ethereal rainbow coloured mane stitched together with a similar midnight blue one was draped across the backrest and seat, providing comfort for the one sitting.

Only one figure dared to occupy this throne—the uniter of an Empire, the conqueror of once-untouched lands, and the single most powerful magic user in the realm: Emperor Dommik BlueBlade.

At his side rested a chest containing relics of unimaginable power—the Elements of Harmony, artifacts coveted by would-be heroes and feared by enemies alike. Dommik's lips curled into a sardonic smile as he contemplated the absurdity of such potent artifacts being wielded by those he deemed inferior.

"Stupid animals," he muttered under his breath, his disdain evident in the contemptuous sneer that tugged at his lips.

With a heavy sigh, the Emperor rose from his throne, his regal stature commanding attention as he awaited the arrival of his servant. However, when the appointed time came and went without her presence, his irritation grew palpable.

Finally, the sound of hurried hoofsteps echoed through the chamber, heralding the arrival of the alabaster unicorn mare who served as his attendant. She stumbled to his side, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she stammered out an apology.

"S-sorry I am late, your Highness! One of my fellow servants was choking on a date, and I stopped to help her. It won't happen again," she offered, shrinking back under the Emperor's penetrating gaze.

Dommik's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized her, his expression inscrutable as he weighed her words.

"I don't believe that for a second," he retorted coldly.

Before she could react, Dommik brought his leg up faster than should have been possible, and smashed his heel into her ribs, the bones shattering under the powerful blow.

The unicorn flew through the air before smashing into a pillar where she lay still. He could hear her pathetic whimpers as he stalked towards her.

Upon reaching her curled up form, he reached down and wrapped his long fingers around her neck and lifted. The unicorn began to gasp for air as she feebly kicked at him with her hind legs. It was almost as if a toddler was poking him.

"You are lucky I need you and your pathetic friends alive if I want to steal the harmonic magic from the Elements." He used his other hand and jabbed into her broken ribs. He smiled ferally as she began to shriek in pain and thrash even more violently.

After a second, he released her. Her body shaking from the abuse as she cried on the stone floor.

"I am done with you for now, don't be tardy again." At that, he turned and left through the front doors to the throne room.

He strolled along the corridor, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant flags and standards adorning the walls. A twisted grin played across his lips as the cacophony of screams and a rhythmic slapping sound emanated from a barely closed door. However, his ultimate destination lay elsewhere—his favorite spot for meditation: the gardens.

Approaching the ornate doors, flanked by two guards who saluted him, Dommik watched as they pushed the doors open, allowing a soft breeze to waft through the hallway. He noted the chill in the air, a harbinger of the impending autumn. Undeterred, he proceeded down the path lined with a variety of statues, each evoking a different emotion within him.

Among them stood a statue that captured his interest—a depiction of a bipedal being akin to himself. Intrigued, Dommik approached for a closer inspection. The being's eyes, wider than an elf's yet smaller than a pony's, held an enigmatic gaze. Its ears, rounded instead of pointed like an elf's, added to its mystique.

But it was the clothing that truly fascinated him. Unlike the lightweight and loose garments favored by elves, the being wore stiff attire, crafted from luxurious materials. Dommik's curiosity deepened as he studied the intricate details of the knee-length jacket, the unfamiliar hat, and the oversized footwear.

"I see you have found one of my favorite statues, Your Highness," a snooty yet smooth voice interrupted Dommik's contemplation. He turned to find the unicorn stallion, Prince Blueblood, approaching with measured steps. He had a well kept blonde mane and sported a strange black and white chest piece, a bow-tie sat neatly in the middle. A red rose was tucked into a small hole in the miniature suit and his fur seemed to gleam in the sunlight.

"Prince Blueblood, how nice to see you again. I wasn't expecting you back from Zebrica for another three days. I trust negotiations went well?" Dommik returned his gaze to the statue before noticing a plaque.

"Oh yes, the Zebra kingdom is now our ally. Their terms had started out as ludicrous, but after some convincing with those elite guards you so heavily love, I was able to coerce them to change their silly trade agreements to better suit our needs."

Upon seeing the Emperor's focus was once more returned to the statue, Blueblood huffed before adjusting the rose on his collar.

"This here is an ancient statue, predating even the princesses! Legend has it that this being possessed unimaginable power—capable of leveling mountains and rending the sky asunder," Blueblood explained, his tone tinged with reverence as he gestured toward the statue.

Dommik nodded absently, his attention momentarily diverted by a plaque bearing unfamiliar script. Frustrated by his inability to decipher the language, he attempted a translation spell, only to be met with failure.

"We actually don't know what it says, but according to myth, it was a being of power, a Human. No need to worry though, these creatures are only myth and legend. Even if they were real, they likely existed eon's ago. Gooday Emperor, I must retire to my chambers. A certain alabaster mare is calling my name," a devilish smirk crossed his face as he retreated. Dommik simply nodded his head.

As Blueblood departed, Dommik's thoughts churned with unease. The mention of humans, beings of legend and myth, stirred something primal within him—a sense of foreboding that lingered as he resumed his walk.

Sensing a chilling presence, Dommik halted in the middle of the path. The sound of slithering and sliding grated against his ears, and a raspy breathing began behind him.

After several seconds of walking, he felt a shiver crawl up his spine; he was being watched.

"What news do you bring of the princess?" Dommik didn't turn around as his informant slithered towards him. The slithering stopped and Dommik felt a hot, rancid breath on his neck.

"A battalion had cornered her on a cliff, but she was able to escape. I also felt a foreign presence, but know not its origin." the being's voice was hoarse as it talked. It was like it hadn't drunken anything in years.

"Keep tracking her then. I want her captured by the end of the week or so help me, I'll have your heads on a platter," Dommik felt the being behind him shiver slightly and smiled.

"Very well..."

As the informant retreated, leaving Dommik alone with his thoughts, a nagging sensation gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Passing by the statue once more, Dommik couldn't suppress a shiver as he felt its gaze follow him until he disappeared from view, the doors closing behind him with an ominous finality.

*****

Twilight jolted awake, her senses instantly on high alert as she absorbed the details of her surroundings. Struggling to control her breathing, she feigned unconsciousness, wary of whoever had imprisoned her in this unfamiliar place. The metallic ropes binding her confirmed that her captor was still nearby.

As if summoned by her thoughts, the sound of footsteps echoed into the cave, accompanied by grumbling. Twilight listened intently as the newcomer cursed and dropped something metallic behind her.

"Bloody monster and its bloody schemes. This is all bullshit. Taking me from my home, but not returning me? Mother Fucker is going to get it when I'm done here in magical wonderland," the voice ranted, sending a shiver down Twilight's spine. She recognized the dialect—it belonged to the elves! But there was something off about the footfalls, a faint clanking sound like metal against stone.

Then came the unexpected voice, addressing her directly. "Y'know, you don't need to pretend to be unconscious, the BAI (Biotic-Anti-inflammatory) Foam should have worn off by now."

It took Twilight a second to realize the elf was talking to her and she cringed. Better get this out of the way and make an escape before he decides to stop playing nice.

Before she could move, a soft whistle caught her ears and she felt her limbs loosen as the rope thing fell away. What truly dumbfounded her was that it didn't just fall away or loosen off, no. It uncoiled, recoiled right in front of her, and flew past her head towards her captor.

Scrambling to her hooves, Twilight twirled around and got low to the ground, spreading her wings and prepared for an attack. Her mind didn't register that her previously burnt wing was currently functioning.

Her eyes scanned over her captor, who was sitting off to the side on a green crate. Bundles of metallic gadgets and gizmos sat around him. He seemed to be wearing some form of metal armour that covered the majority of his body. It was a gray and dark green shade, causing him to shimmer with the stone of the cave. A similarly coloured helmet sat atop his head, covering his ears and hair. He had a long, forest camouflage metal stick laying over his lap. Twilight's eyes drifted up to his, causing him to cock his head to the side slightly.

"Alright, enough gawking, time for introductions." Twilight jumped slightly at his deep voice. "I am Sergeant Forester of the United States Rangers Special Task Force," the elf held out it's hand towards her, obviously expecting her to be fooled.

"Stay back Elf!" She growled at him. Sergeant Forester gave her an odd look and retracted his hand. A frown worked its way onto his face.

"I ain't with those sacks of shit. I'm not from around here." Twilight couldn't help but feel slightly confused. What was the elf talking about? He had all the same facial features of his brethren as well as the same body type, if not, bigger and with more muscle. The only part of him she hadn't seen were his ears, both of which were covered by that strange helmet.

"Take off your helmet." Twilight demanded with a growl, not moving an inch. She was growing anxious as she glanced around the room, looking for a quick exit.

"Sure thing, if it'll help me convince you. Also, I wouldn't leave just yet, I don't know how well that wing of yours has healed," ignoring his words, she watched as he reached up and slowly grabbed the strap under his helmet. With a soft click, the strap came undone and he used the other hand to slip it off. Twilight felt her eyes widen as the Sergeant revealed his flat ears. They were actually closer to what one would see on a primate. Shaking her head, she growled as she stared at the... thing before her. She wouldn't be fooled so easily.

"What happened to your ears? Did you magically enhance them? Where are the rest of your kind? This is some sort of trick isn't it?!" Twilight slowly backed away from the not-elf, sitting in front of her. Her horn started to glow as she prepared to knock him out.

"Look, little lady, I don't know what you are doing with that horn thing but-"

"No! I won't let you take me or my magic away! Your kind already took my friends and my family! Dean Forester was struck with the full might of the Royal Canterlot Voice, causing him to cringe and take a step back. Then he felt the hairs on his neck stand on end, causing him to cast an eye to the crazy purple Pegacorn. Her horn was sparking, obviously building up an immense amount of energy; he had to make her see reason!

"I'm a Human!" Dean roared as he stood up. He noticed the Pegacorn's eyes widen, but apparently, she had built up to much energy. He raised his arms to protect his head, but he wasn't fast enough.

The last thing Dean saw before falling into unconsciousness was a purple beam and a panicked shout, then, it all went black.

*****

Twilight's gaze lingered on the smoldering form of the sergeant, the tendrils of smoke curling upwards from his scorched armor. Tears welled in her eyes, not because she had misjudged his species, but because she had intentionally taken a life. The weight of her actions pressed heavily on her, causing her ears to flatten against her head and her pupils to shrink to mere pinpricks. A wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm her as she sat back on her haunches, grappling with the magnitude of her mistake.

But amidst her anguish, a realization dawned upon her—the human had repaired her injured wing. A gasp escaped her lips, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Her breaths came in ragged, uneven gasps as she surveyed the cave, her mind reeling from the conflicting emotions swirling within her.

"He... he set down his weapon. He obeyed me when I demanded something... He even tried to shake my hoof!" The realization struck her with a fresh wave of sorrow, and she collapsed to the ground, her sobs echoing off the hard stone walls. It was the first time she had deliberately taken a life, and the weight of her actions bore down on her with crushing intensity.

She wept until her tears ran dry, her body trembling with exhaustion as she lay sprawled on the unforgiving stone floor. Then, a faint cough pierced the silence, drawing her attention. At first, she mistook it for her own, but as she lifted her head, she realized it came from the human.

A groan escaped his lips as he stirred, his arm moving tentatively to his chest. "Fuckin' hell, what hit me? Jenkins, I'm getting you back for this," he muttered, his voice laced with pain.

Twilight could only watch in disbelief as the human, despite sustaining a direct hit from her powerful magic, began to rouse himself. It defied all logic and reason—this creature, this human, had survived her lethal spell.

His gaze turned towards her, and she met his eyes, her own widening in astonishment. A grimace crossed his face, and he muttered something unintelligible before pushing himself upright.

She remained rooted to the spot as he approached her with purpose, stopping mere feet away. His towering form seemed to loom over her, and she couldn't help but crane her neck to meet his gaze.

"He has to be at least eighteen hooves tall!" Her mind raced with incredulity as she tried to comprehend the sheer scale of him.

Then, he spoke.

"Little missy, I think it's time you and me had a little chat. One without trying to kill each other," his voice was calm yet firm as he settled down in front of her, his eyes locking onto hers. She swallowed nervously, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks in embarrassment.

She saw a smirk tug at the corner of his lips, and she slowly turned to face him, her eyes falling to the outstretched arm before her.

"Hello, I am Sergeant Dean Forester of the United States Special Rangers Task Force, and I... am a human."

Chapter 3: Introductions

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"Hello, I am Sergeant Dean Forester of the United States Special Rangers Task Force, and I... am a human."

Twilight didn't know what to think. To much had happened in the last few hours, leaving her mind in a state of disarray. She tried to formulate words, but they just wouldn't come. Her mouth flapped for a few seconds before the etiquette lessons that had been drilled into her resurfaced.

"I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, element of Magic," she slowly lifted her foreleg and placed it in the human's hand, expecting... something to go wrong. Her eyes closed and she held her breath, her head slowly shying away.

Instead of doing anything to hurt her, the human gently closed his hand around her hoof, shook once, and let go. She looked back at him, her ears raising slightly as she examined his body language. Unlike an elf, his ears didn't give away what he was thinking. His gaze was steely and when she looked into his eyes, she shivered. This person was dangerous.

"So... what are you? You look like a mix between a pegasus and a unicorn? A Pegacorn?" His gaze wandered about her wings and horn, scrutinizing her and taking in every detail.

"I'm whats called an Alicorn. I have the flight of the pegasi, the magic of the unicorn, and the strength of the earth pony. How do you not know what I am?" Twilight ruffled her wings slightly. All traces of tears and sadness having vanished.

"Well Mrs. Sparkle, I'm not from this world so to speak. Some freak with mix and matched body parts pulled me here." Dean reached behind him and grabbed his helmet. It had fallen off the crate from Twilights energy blast earlier. "All this here stuff is what got sucked into the portal with me."

'Surely he doesn't mean Discord?'

"Do you know who this being was? Was it's name Discord?" When she had been on the run, she remembered hearing from an elf patrol that the had finally "Neutralized the mad god." She assumed they meant Discord because their weren't exactly many mad gods running around Equis.

"Yeah, that's what he called himself. He left a few hours before you woke up actually." Dean couldn't help but let a little bitterness into his voice. He hated the crazy draconequus with a passion.

"I thought he had been killed in the invasion. His magic would be to chaotic for the elves to control, so they would have to.... end him, if they wanted an absolute victory," Twilight was talking to herself more than she was to the sergeant. Her mind getting sidetracked as she thought of the possibilities behind Discords motives and what they might entail.

"Did he say why he brought you here?" She questioned. She noticed the eyebrows on the human's face furrow slightly, but she paid it no mind. She was in scholar mode right now.

"He did. He said I had to help you." Dean kept his answer short. His anger was popping up for some reason. He looked to the right and out of the cave. He had placed some LED lights around the room and had covered the cave entrance with shrubbery from the forest. His internal clock was telling him it was night however, and he was feeling quite tired. He looked down at Twilight and noticed her eyes were slightly unfocused and bags hung beneath them.

"I think it's time we both got some shuteye. You need some rest if you want your body to heal whatever damage you might still have. It looked like you expended a whole lot of energy back there when you blasted me." Twilight cringed when he said that. Tears threatened to return to her eyes.

"I-I just w-wanted to say s-sorry for t-trying to k-k-kill you," she sniffled and looked down. She knew she deserved some form of punishment for what she did, trying to murder another being. Sure the elves had done plenty of that to her people, but she had never before stooped that low, not until now.

Sergeant Forester looked down at the Alicorn with pity in his eyes, the anger leaving almost instantly. The grizzled Ranger had always had a soft spot for civilians. So it took no effort for him to close the gap between them and carefully wrap the little purple pony in a hug.

'I'm hugging a horse. I'm hugging a talking, magical, purple horse.'

"It's okay. You thought I was an enemy and acted accordingly. I probably would have done the same thing if I woke up in a cave, disoriented, and with what looked to be an attacker." Dean looked down at her and saw tears flowing down from her face. He realized that this pony had been through a lot. At the moment, she just needed a shoulder to cry on, and so cry she did.

He sat there with her for what seemed like an hour before her sobbing was replaced with light breathing. Looking down, Dean noticed her eyes were closed and she was asleep. She looked at peace, and it made him smile inside. Then he crushed that happiness. He couldn't afford to make friends with anyone on this planet. He was in unknown territory with limited supplies. After hearing Twilights breakdown before her attempted murder, he was almost certain they were at war with these elves, if not already conquered. He didn't want a part in that.

Unless, they could somehow get him home, he felt no obligation to help.

'Screw Discord. I bet he was some sort of trick. I'm probably in a coma right now after taking so many hits from the Orith. That would explain why I'm not wounded. This is all a trick of the mind. Guess, I'll play along and live normally until I wake up. This is to confusing. When I wake up, I will realize this was all fake.'

And with that, Sergeant Dean Forester carried Twilight over to a bundle of blankets near the equipment and set her down. She cooed happily and snuggled into the fabric, causing a sad smile to cross his face.

He then turned on his heel and walked to the other side of the room. Grabbing a spare sleeping bag from a bag beside the crate. He laid it down, grabbed a Ghillie suit from the crate, and slipped into the bag, armour and all. He was asleep within minutes.

*****

One Year prior....

Phat, Phat, Phat, Phat....

Whoosh... Krak-Boom!

An Orith tank fired a round over the heads of the humans, missing them and failing to halt their advance. Sergeant Dean Forester was among them, helping in pushing the alien menace from New York city.

For two weeks, the battle raged. Entire city sections were devastated as the Orith pushed forward, showing no mercy or quarter. The humans had air superiority at the time. The Orith space ships being occupied in Europe. They had come by sea, striking the city and leaving little time for retaliation. Only when the national guard showed up did they start to push them back.

Dean paused in the window of a shop, glancing out towards the harbour. Streaks of light and bullet tracers flew through the air. He watched as a missile fired from a Destroyer was shot down by an Orith light cannon. Said Destroyer was quickly obliterated as a massive Orith warship fired its main pulse cannon.

"Push the bastards into the sea!" Dean watched as a rocket was fired from somewhere in the ranks and smashed into the Orith tank. The ensuing explosion rocked the building Dean was currently in. Dust rained from the ceiling and Dean heard the supports groan from the strain.

"Push forward!"

A mighty roar echoed from the human ranks as they sprinted from cover to cover, all the while shooting towards the retreating aliens.

"Covering fire!"

"On your left!"

"Sampson is hit, man down!"

The sound of gunfire and the screams of the injured and dying echoed across the city. Explosions rocked the earth, causing Dean to regain focus.

"Move Sergeant!" Dean was shoved from behind as a beam of hard-light flew past his head. He had frozen up without realizing!

Turning behind him, Dean saw a soldier wearing gray body armor lying beside him, a hole blasted through his head, revealing the insides and brain matter that had cooked inside the helmet.

He stifled a scream and quickly looked away. He scrambled to his feet and pushed his back against the wall, grabbing his rifle in the process. Then, everything stopped.

The noise died instantly. The gunfire seized, the shouting stopped, and the screams of both friend and foe stopped. Dean looked around, confused and frightened. After a second of contemplation, he slowly stood up. His gear clanked and shifted slightly. He felt the familiar weight of the ballistic vest and his combat helmet as he brought his rifle to bear. He was using an M27 assault rifle for this particular mission with a red dot scope and foregrip.

His boots crushed some broken glass as he moved outside the building. He slowly crept towards the objective, not seeing hide nor hair of anyone or anything. It was quiet, eerily quiet. He didn't like it at all.

Then he heard a noise.

It sounded like someone was crying. A female. Dean picked up his pace and found his route blocked by an overturned truck. The crying seemed to originate from the other side, but he wasn't able to see who it was. Slowly, he slung his rifle over his shoulder and reached for the truck. The very second he touched it however, it disappeared and the crying stopped. Now Dean was not one who got spooked easily, but whatever was going on was unnatural to say the least. He unconsciously shivered has he brought his rifle to bear once more.

"An interesting setting for one's mind..." Dean spun around, his weapon moving back and forth before resting on an alleyway. He wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a figure standing in the shadows. The voice, however, seemed to echo across the rooftops and through the streets, coming from everywhere and nowhere.

"I can feel your emotions. Such compassion, yet such rage and devotion... what are you?" The voice continued to echo.

"Show yourself!" Dean yelled towards the figure. He didn't want to accidentally shoot a civilian or a friendly soldier. His arms began to shake slightly and he nearly lost it when laughing began to pierce the air.

"You aren't in any position to make demands, beast. I am the watcher, I see all and know all. You are but a peasant. Soon, you will serve the Emperor an--"

Krack

Deans gun barrel smoked slightly as the bullet tore through the shadowed figure. He heard a strangled cry as it dropped to the ground, causing him to scowl.

He started to make his way towards the figure, gun trained on it the whole way. Then, the unexpected happened. He knew something was wrong when the figure raised his hand, but didn't think anything of it. What Dean didn't notice was how the world seemed to start once again. The explosions started, the screams resumed, and the Orith continued to shoot their hard-light.

Dean had enough time to turn before a hard-light beam struck him in the face, causing everything to go black.

*****

Footsteps padded down the brightly lit hallway of a sleeping Canterlot. Elven soldiers were spaced every few meters in a neat line, standing vigilant and ready. The older elf, a scribe made his way up the the line of soldiers and towards the figure at the front.

"Your highness!" The elven scribe called towards the youngest son of the emperor. "Your highness, please wait!"

The elven prince, Trignar, turned to the scribe, a scowl plastering his face. He removed his dragon scale helm as the old scribe got closer, revealing a handsome young face, pointed ears, blonde hair, and stunningly blue eyes. However, those eyes held something terrifying, something sinister.

"Why are you bothering me scribe? Don't they need you in the library?" A few soldiers chuckled as the scribe reached the prince, panting and completely out of breath.

"Your highness," the scribe quickly bowed, "your father's seer has seen something. He asks that you do not participate in this glory hunt of the princess! He saw some-" the scribe was swiftly cut off by the Princes laughter. Soon enough, the rest of the small contingent of soldiers joined in. The scribes face lit up like a hearths-warming tree, but he maintained his composure.

"Come now, scribe! You know as well as I do that the bitch princess is as good as ours. The only reason I am going after her is because I would like the honour of presenting her to father. It was reported that she was injured and unable to flee. The guards that had originally pursued her have caught up, and if you don't stop wasting my time," the prince lunged forward and grabbed the scribe around the throat, lifting him into the air until their noses were centimeters apart, "I won't be able to gain my honour as the rightful heir to the Empire, and you will be thrown into the dungeon to rot.

The prince threw the poor scribe to the side before raising his hand.

"My fellow elves, master sorcerers and warriors, we have been given a chance to gain honour in the light of the Empire. The last princess of this accursed land is within our grasp; nothing can stand in our way! We will gain the full power of this magical realm, and together, we will have our names in the history books. Prince Trignar and his fellow elves, all heroes for destroying the last of the alicorn menace! Who's with me!?" Trignar bellowed towards the small army of elves, numbering thirty in total. All were the elite sorcerers and soldiers of the Elven Empire, veterans in the many conflicts waged in the past. The royalties personal guard. All were ready, and they voiced their approval in a mighty roar. Trignar raised his hand, and so did the rest of the sorcerer elves. As one, they teleported. All thirty of them were blinded for a second before regaining coherence. Trignar looked around for a second. The lights of a small town greeted him and he smirked a devilish smirk. Then he turned around and came face to face with an awning darkness. After a second of thought, Trignar waved his troops forward. As one, the entered the forest in pursuit of the elusive princess. No beast in there was a challenge for himself or his troops, they were the best after all.

And so they went, leaving the light of the moon and entering the depths of the Everfree forest...

Chapter 4: The Hunt

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Sergeant Foresters eyes snapped open, slowly analyzing the cave ceiling. The cave was well lit, likely by LED's. He did a quick equipment check. His body armor was still on, but his helmet was out of sight. His P23 Equalizer was holstered by his side and his combat knife was still strapped across his chest. If he still had all his equipment on, then where was he?

Then he heard a scream.

The noise was feminine in nature and oddly familiar. He quickly scrambled out of his sleeping bag, taking in his surroundings in a split second. He saw his helmet lying on the ground and snatched it up, buckling it in place. He noticed his SCAR-H leaning against a crate and grabbed it, bringing the weapon to his shoulders. Then the memories came rushing back.

He nearly tripped when he realized where he was and who the scream belonged to. Rage built inside him as the true weight of his situation fell upon him. He was stuck in this world, and the only way out was to cooperate. He used his rage to exit the cave in three mighty bounds, his gun trained and ready for anything. He knew Twilight was in danger, he just didn't know what he was up against.

He burst through the camouflaged entrance to the cage and was greeted by the sight of the cliffs and the river. There was no Twilight in sight.

There weren't many places she could have gone... unless she was taken. Dean attached the rifle to his back and reached into a pouch on his side. After digging around for a second, he pulled out a small green eyepiece. It was a thermal HUD designed to attach to his helmet and armor, it also could be used as a weapon reticle should he not be looking into his scope. He quickly clipped it on to the right side of his helmet and peered around, looking for any clues. He looked down and noticed something very odd: Footsteps were barely imprinted on the ground, nearly invisible to the naked eye, and they led towards a steep incline on the cliff beside the cave. He reckoned that whoever had taken Twilight had gotten the jump on her while outside; why she was outside in the first place, he would never know.

'Fuck you Discord. It's your fault I have to save her,' he took off towards the cliff and upon reaching it, scaled the wall at an inhuman pace. Twenty seconds later, he was at the top. The footprints were more prominent now, almost like they had somehow lessened their own weight before kidnapping Twilight.

Dean followed the general direction of the footprints with his eyes. He counted roughly three sets, probably a scouting party. He looked around to get a bearing of his landscape. A large mountain sat off to the right. Behind him, a menacing looking forest loomed across the gorge. To his left, tree's started to appear and long grass led into a hilly landscape. The footprints lead there. Dean shouldered his rifle and stalked forward. Running to fast would tire him out but going to slow would allow his enemies to escape. He settled into a light jog. His power armor and exo-suit had a core in them that, when certain features are limited, could last a good five or so years in emergencies. However, there was a self destruct feature that only the corps knew about. It was connected to a neural interface in the small of the back and could only be activated with his fingerprint.

As the sun made its way down from high noon, Sergeant Dean let his mind wander. It was obvious that he was stuck with the task of saving the princess and freeing the people here. Kinda cliche in his opinion. Once he got Twilight back, they would have to devise a strategy to take out the elves. Dean wasn't stupid, he knew there was no way to take them on in open combat; he was just one guy! However, cut off the head of the snake, and the rest will fall into line. Dean smiled to himself. If there was anything he was good at, it was quickness and efficiency. His armor provided protection, though he didn't know how it would fare against whatever weapons the elves used. At the moment, he had no idea what he was walking into. Retrieving Twilight would probably provide insight. He was the best of the best, a Ranger Special Operative. Nothing would be able to stop him.

*****

The sun was reaching the horizon when he finally found her. Dean sat atop a hill in the long grass, gun trained on the figures a few hundred meters away. There was close to thirty of them and they all seemed to be in a state of celebration, cooking what looked to be a large stew over a roaring fire. Tents were set up in a haphazard formation and with lack of discipline, perfect.

He glanced down at his watch before returning his attention to the scope. It was roughly seven o'clock at night and not yet dark enough to proceed. It was times like this were he wished he had a ghillie suit. He felt slightly exposed sitting in the tall grass, even if he knew he was hidden pretty well. Only the barrel poked its way out and towards the camp, completely noticeable unless someone were to trip on it.

Dean was about to hunker down and wait out the next few hours in silence when a figure entered the center of the camp. He was dressed very differently from the other figures throughout the camp, sporting a flowing red robe and black high-knee boots. What looked like a great-sword was strapped to his back. He had blonde hair tied back into a ponytail and pointed ears. Dean immediately defined him as the leader and rationalized that Twilight would be in this elves tent.

For four hours, Dean tracked the leader with his scope, wishing he could take the killing shot. Usually one would be horrified at killing another sapient being, but Dean was different. Sure, the elf in the camp was human like, but he was an enemy and a leader. Dean didn't have a problem killing inhuman creatures, he had been doing it for the last five years. These elves may have looked like them, but after what Discord had shown him and he had accepted his predicament, he realized they were closer to monsters. Conquer a nation? Sure. Enslave the populace, abuse them, and treat them as animals? Nope. Where Sergeant Dean came from, that would have had the country face annihilation.

Sure, the people he was saving were horses, but at least they were capable of human thinking.These elves, were the lowest of the low, and he would put them in their place.

*****

** CTRL F 'END' to skip **

Twilights muffled yelp of pain was barely heard, the rope bondage stuck in her muzzle stopping any effort on her part. The prince, Trignar, had been slapping, punching, kicking, and molesting her for the last few hours. It had started slow with the odd slap here or there, then it got to a solid punch to the stomach, then he started doing things with those hands.

Before her country was conquered, creatures with hands, trimmed and dulled claws, and paws, were used in the pleasure department quite heavily. They could get places and make ponies feel good in more ways than ever before. A hoof could only go so far after all. But then the elves invaded. They raped and pillaged their way across the country. Twilight had heard horror stories over the last two years about what the elves did to their slaves. The could magically enhance certain... aspects... of themselves and they were by no means gentle.

Twilight was experiencing this first hand.

Trignar may have only been getting started, but already she was in so much pain that she felt unconsciousness approaching. Blood seeped from one of her teats on her chest and more of it leaked from the edges of her mouth. Her breaths came in raspy and dry and her hind leg twitched slightly.

"I said I wasn't done with you, slut!" She felt his magic wash over her, bringing her back to the land of the living, only to receive a fist to her side, causing her to whine in pain. Tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed into the carpeted floor. Silently, she prayed for a way out. She knew that Sergeant Forester would never come help her, he owed her nothing. She cried as her captor continued to yell at her. Attempting her magic once again, she felt a slight zap as the inhibitor ring shocked her horn. She received another blow to the side for that one.

"If you weren't so important to fathers plans, I would have killed you. I will gain respect and a title from this anyway, but just imagine what they would say if killed the last Alicorn! I would be a hero!" He started to undo his blouse, slipping it down to his ankles as he exposed his stallion hood. Twilight groaned in pain and fear as she tried to avert her eyes, whimpering all the while. She felt all her legs lose feeling as she fell to the floor on her stomach. She noticed Trignar grinning ferally as he stalked behind her and knelt down. She shuddered and whimpered once more as his hands slid down her back and under her tail. She tried to flick him in the face with it, but he simply grabbed the stringy hair and moved it to the side. She tried to squirm away, but her legs wouldn't budge. She began to sob, knowing what was to happen to her. She would become a slave and broodmare. If the elves didn't kill her once they took her magic, they would ship her off to some remote island where she would be raped and assaulted till the day she died.

If only she hadn't left the cave.

It was all because she had needed to do natures call. They had gotten the jump on her when she squatted near a bush, sliding the inhibitor ring on before she could blink. They had hit some sort of pressure point on her, causing her to black out, but she had been able to let off a scream for help. She had hoped it would wake the Sergeant, but as they reached the top of the cliff, she realized it had not worked. She was alone and helpless.

**END**

"Your Highness!"

The voice cut through the tent like a knife, halting the princes advance on her. She breathed a silent sigh of relief as he stood from his position and slipped on a robe, leaving her on the ground in a puddle of her own tears.

"You better have a good reason for interrupting my alone time, Corporal. I was busy with our guest," Trignar snarled at the interrupting elf. Twilight couldn't see the front entrance, but she could hear quite well with her ears.

"Your Highness, three sentries were murdered near the south side of the camp and two carts where set ablaze. I fear we have a traitor in the ranks!"

"Give me a moment, round up everyone in the camp, I want a head count and an interrogation by each soldier!" Trignar stalked past Twilight, giving a mighty kick to her rear leg. The appendage in question made a horrid crack before laying limp. Twilight somehow found the energy to shriek in pain, causing the prince to smile.

"I'll be back for you yet, my little slut." With his attire secured and his sword attached, Trignar stalked out of the tent with purpose, leaving Twilight alone on the floor, eyes squeezed shut from the pain.

She lay there, unmoving. There was no hope of her being rescued. The elves had been sure to leave false trails and to create a random travel pattern on their way back to their destination. She actually remembered this particular spot from a camping trip with her friends. A sob escaped her lips as she thought of them. All captured and likely killed by the elves. Maybe she would see them when they reached Canterlot, before they stole her magic and killed her.

She heard something then. Almost like a flap being lifted and a scrape of metal on wood. Was Trignar back already? No, it had only been five minutes. But then again, he very well could have found and killed whatever traitor he had in the ranks in that time, but that was unlikely. Her ears twitched when she heard a soft footstep approach her from behind. It was definitely Trignar then, he was finally going to have his way with her.

She braced for the pain, but nothing came. Instead, she felt padded hands slowly turn her over, letting her see the figure above her. She had to squint in order to make out who it was at first, but then she saw the metal armor and the dark grey metal stick over his shoulder. Her pupils dilated as her lips trembled.

"Don't worry Princess, I'll get you outta' here." He brought out what seemed to be a metal canister and brought it to her bleeding nipple. She heard a hiss and the wound began to sting, causing her jaw to clench, but then she felt a soothing sensation, causing her to look down.

A gel like substance had solidified over her bleeding teat, stopping the flow and causing the wound to go numb. She could only stare in shock at the efficiency of the device as the Sergeant placed the canister in a pouch on his hip.

"We don't have a lot of time, can you walk?" She shook her head, unable to form words at the moment. She felt her brain fall into a state of shock as she continued to stare at her savior. She continued to stare even when she was hoisted up over his shoulder, not feeling any pain. She continued to stare as the Sergeant silently but quickly moved through the seemingly abandoned camp. And finally, she continued to stare as he set her on some grass a few hundred meters away and behind a hill. Then she blinked.

"Uh... I, uh... I-I..." She felt tears trickle down her fur as she cried from relief. She didn't care if the Sergeant was watching, she just needed to let it out. What surprised her however, was when the Sergeant slowly wrapped her in a hug, being careful not to squeeze her injured ribs and legs.

After a full two minutes, she finally stopped crying. She felt the Sergeant let go and stand up. She meekly raised her hoof to try and keep the Sergeants warm embrace around her, but it was to no avail. She sniffled before looking up. The Sergeant was adjusting some straps on his armor before moving on to his metal stick. He turned a few knobs on the cylinder on top and extended what seemed to be a shoulder rest from the rear. Then he looked at her.

"I was forced to watch that asshole almost molestee you. If I hadn't been waiting for the opportunity to get you out unseen, then I would have killed him right then and there, but that would have run the risk of you being put in danger, which I can not allow."

Twilight stared at him once more with wide eyes, feeling slightly ashamed that he had seen her in such a humiliating a position. She was Princess damnit!

"Wait, how old are you?" The Sergeant leaned down and peered into her eyes. She couldn't place the emotion in his eyes, so she decided to answer truthfully.

"I'm... I just turned twenty." She shied away when the breath of the Sergeant hitched. She watched as his face scrunched up, almost like he was battling with his own emotions. After a second of silence, Twilight decided to see if he was okay.

"Sergeant, I know it might seem like a young age but ponies mature faster than other lif-"

She backpedaled as far as her broken leg would allow her, which wasn't far, terror displaying from her entire persona.

The Sergeant glared back at her, hatred in his eyes. It was as intense as a raging inferno, but behind the fire lay the cold, calculating mind of a killer. Twilight could tell when something was a predator, she had lived with a dragon after all, but never before had she seen so much anger in the eyes of another being and so much feral hunger in its eyes.

"Those bastards." She heard him whisper. She then realized that the anger was not directed at her, but towards the elves!

"W-what do you plan to do Sergeant? Are we not going to go back to the cave?" She felt like a foal at the moment, talking to the Sergeant like a kid. But her mind was not really forming any coherent thought at the moment, she just wanted to go back to where she thought was safe and secure.

The Sergeant slowly reached forward and pinched the inhibitor ring. It crackled slightly from the contact but failed to electrocute the him. He slowly lifted it off and Twilight felt her magic coursing into her horn once more, causing her to shiver in content. She sighed and her head drooped. Sergeant Foresters next words quickly brought her back from the blissful state.

"We will. But I think that punishment needs to be dished out. These elves have had their fun for the last two years and have grown arrogant. It's time I put them in their place, it's time that I freed your people, it's time that I gave them their just dues." he turned away from her before stopping. He glanced back at Twilight, who had grown white in the face, the fur doing nothing to hide her shock and fear. "I will show them what power really looks like, I will show them how a war is really waged." He turned and began walking back towards the camp, leaving Twilight sitting in the grass. Before he crested the hill, she saw him turn around and stare right into her eyes.

"They will pay in blood." Sergeant Forester crushed the inhibitor ring to dust then and let it fall into the grass. He turned and stalked out of sight, the long metal stick held in one hand. Her mouth fell open and her eyes were glued to the remains of the ring, then she came to a haunting realization.

Her ears splayed back in fear as she perceived what she had been looking at. Her breaths started to quicken as she looked up at the spot where the Sergeant had disappeared. She knew then that this human would make a great friend, and a terrible enemy. Twilight hadn't been looking at a soldier, no, she had looked into the eyes of death itself.

Chapter 5: Blood

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Sergeant Dean Forester was no stranger to killing. The Orith proved that much. He considered his augmentations a rebirth of life. He was designed to be the ultimate weapon, and the pinnacle of human engineering. For five years he had fought alien invaders. His mind was that of a soldier, the mind of a killer.

Even if he was in a new world, Dean knew that he would have to keep killing. He didn't particularly enjoy it, he only killed when he thought was necessary. Like when the Terrorists held hostages at the mall in his hometown, when the Orith attacked Africa, and now, when a group of primitive and uncivilised beings enslaved another race with a culture that allowed rape and assault. It sickened him, but he grew used to it. It was his duty.

And so he found himself stalking towards the camp, murder in his heart as he prepared for what he was trained for. He knew all the elves would still be in one spot, disorganized and confused. He had made sure to slit the throats of each sentry to ensure that they suspected one another. He had felt no emotion performing the deed, casually wrapping a hand over each mouth and bringing his knife across each throat.

From there, he had set two nearby wagons alight using his lighter and the clothe covering on the wagon itself. They had burnt nicely when he was leaving and he was sure it would catch their attention. Then he had proceeded to the tent.

He had entered when Twilight was being beaten. The leader had done horrific things. Plucked certain feathers, put some form of ring over her horn causing it to shock her when she built up her energy. He had physically winced as he had broken her leg, though he knew he had to push through the pain of watching the torture. Then when the elf moved to rape her, he nearly snapped.

His gun had been trained on the head of the assailant when the soldier had rushed into the tent. Never before had he felt such rage that he had nearly lost control. He had seen death on an untold scale and watched as civilians and soldiers alike where gunned down in front of him. So why did he nearly lose his composure there?

And that brings him to now.

As he slowly approached the camp, he got low and crouch walked towards the rows of tents, his SCAR-H up and ready. He heard the shouts of the elves as their leader berated them. He slowly stalked through the tents, weaving and ducking behind cover, constantly looking over his shoulder and checking his surroundings. He could almost hear his drill sergeant in his ear as he went through the routines. Some might think it was stupid, but it had saved his life on more than one account.

Dean froze when a twig snapped off to his left, behind a cart. Mumbling sounded as Dean swiveled his gun towards the noise. His feet carried him forward as he slowly peered around the cart. What greeted him was an elven soldier rummaging around in a box with his back turned to him.

"C'mon, c'mon! Where is it!" Dean quietly unsheathed his knife and moved behind the oblivious elf with practiced ease. He turned on the sound dampeners on his feet, causing no noise to be created. It seemed that luck was not on his side however as the elf must've heard something.

"Sorry Captain, I'm going to report, I just need to find my sword," the elves voice was slurred and his movements where jerky, obviously a sign of intoxication.

"Alright ready to-" The elf turned around to find a knife buried into his neck. He choked once in surprise, blood pooling out of his mouth and gushing from his neck wound. The elf fell to his knees clawing at the knife weakly while Dean stared deeply into his eyes. Then, he fell on his face in the dirt, dead. By that point, Dean had removed the knife and was already on the move once more.

He crept towards the growing noise at a snail's pace. He had resheathed his knife upon not encountering anyone else and brought his rifle up once more. The suppressor that was outfitted on his gun had been a new design during the war. Just like other suppressors, it didn't fully silence the gun. However, while his rifle usually ranges around one twenty to one sixty decibels of volume, the suppressor attached brought it down to fourty.

The noise grew in volume once again and Dean could now make out yelling. It sounded like he had done his job to well as he heard the crack if a whip and an elf's cry of pain. He smirked deviously as he peeked around a tent and into the open center of the camp. The fire had died down at this point but the pot of stew remained, smoke wafting through the air. To Dean, it actually smelled quite good.

His eyes moved around the assembled enemies as he counted who he was up against. While he did this, he also went about a plan on how he would proceed. He would be able to gun down a bunch of the bastards, but more than a few would survive. Not to mention, he had to be sure that not a single elf survived. If one were to escape, they would inform their leadership about were his temporary base of operations was, putting himself and Twilight in a very compromised position. Until Twilight healed fully and he was able to get bearings on what he would do in this world, they would have to lay low. If the elves were to find his location, he would have to move, but the question was where?

He decided he would gun them down, his advanced reflexes and his power armor would allow him to move quickly enough. If push came to shove, he was certain that he could easily overpower the elves. He had to be careful with his ammunition, the only resupply being whatever was in the crate that came through the portal with him.

He smirked as he brought his rifle to bear. He would injure the leader first and leave him immobile for questioning. Then, he would switch to full auto and hose into the packed enemies; there was no way he could miss. Thirdly, he would move into close quarters. The ensuing chaos and confusion would let him enter and kill the remaining elves easily.

Lining up the scope with the leaders thigh, he breathed once, blinked, closed his left eye, and pulled the trigger....

*****

Trignar was about to lash the traitor once more. He enjoyed bringing punishment, it gave him a head rush every time the whip came down against exposed skin.

'Maybe I can do this to that whore in my tent once I'm done here?' He brought the whip down, and all of Tartarus broke loose.

Trignar felt both his legs catch fire as daggers of pain shot through his body. Screaming, he collapsed to the ground in pain as the rest of the soldiers shouted in panic. He heard muffled thumps somewhere behind him but didn't bother to look, he was to focused on not passing out. However, he did open his eyes when the screaming started.

Trignar tried to push through the pain and managed to get himself onto his back. He turned his head towards the noises and nearly died then and there.

His troops, his elite guard, were dropping like flies around him. He watched as some tried to run, but a muffled crack later and their heads exploded into a gory mess. Those who stood in a stupor where brought down as well as blood flew from holes in their body. Trignar tried to call out to his men, command them to get to the ground and avoid whatever was killing them.

Some found sense and dropped to the ground. Others jumped behind any cover they could find. Trignar groaned in pain when silence reigned across the camp. Ever so slowly, the heads of the cowering elves popped into view, looking around in terror. Trignar counted eleven elves in total, less than half their original number. A fire had started when an elf had tripped and knocked over a few burning logs, catching the grass and tents.

"We've got to get out of here! The gods wrath is upon us!" One of the survivors jumped to his feet and sprinted past Trignar, his face holding a manic expression as he charged past. Trignar tried to reach out and stop him, but all he managed was a low groan and a turn of his head to follow the elf. His legs felt like they were on fire.

He was about to call for help when a sickening snap echoed through the space the elf had disappeared into. A wet squelch sounded, almost like someone had cut into flesh. Trignar and the rest waited with baited breath until, suddenly, a figure flew out of the smoke, landing beside the downed prince with a squish. The elves in hiding jumped from the gruesome display.

Trignar tried to stifle a scream as the twisted face of the elf looked back at him, fear and shock dominating most of his features. Blood leaked from a large gash in his abdomen and the neck hung limply to side, broken.

He blinked, then noticed something moving through the smoke. At first he thought it was an elf, but as it materialized, he realized this was not the case. The beast before him was covered head to foot in metal, the only exposed part being its face. Trignar shivered as its eyes passed over him. It was like the god of death himself had come to enact his judgment.

"Your kind have done enough damage to the people of this country, It's time you paid the price for your actions," the being stopped in front of Trignar and looked down. The glare was so intense that he was forced to look away out of a primal fear. "Pathetic, I will deal with you yet."

"Help the Prince!" Trignar breathed a sigh of relief as he looked towards his elite guard. Their devotion and willingness to die for the royal family sending hope into his heart. This was just one creature, surely ten elite fighters could take this creature?

The first elf grabbed a light spear off of his back and pointed it towards the creature, his finger mashing into the trigger with gusto, sending a beam of pure magic towards its chest. The creature dodged, and Trignar felt a chill wash over him.

He hadn't seen the creature move. One moment it was there, the next, it was beside the offending elf. He watched as the creature whipped a knife from his chest and stabbed it into the chest of his guard, killing him instantly. The next guard threw a knife at it, but the blade deflected off of the metal armor on its chest and impaled the ground not two feet from Trignar's face. He in turn gave out a terrified eep and slowly began to crawl away from the monster.

The creature lunged forward and grabbed the elves throwing arm. Pulling the poor soul forward, he twisted and lifted, throwing the elf over his back, breaking his arm, and causing him to smash head first into the ground. Two sickening cracks sounded as the elf's skull caved in, killing him.

And so this thing, no, this Demon, blew through his guards, killing each one in a display of savage persistence. They never stood a chance.

The last guard dropped his sword, his legs shaking. He fell to the ground on his knees before the Demon, his eyes begging for mercy. Trignar thought the Demon would show none, but this was not the case. He watched as it slowly knelt down to the terrified elves level, its eyes never leaving his face. The beast was covered head to toe in his elite guards blood, their bodies strewn about the now torched camp. Trignar couldn't help but sympathize with the poor elf. He was terrified of this thing, having watched the massacre first hand. He had never seen something so brutal in his life, not even when he ordered the mass execution of the pony guards; at least their deaths where mostly painless.

The Demon whispered something to the elven soldier, who nodded quickly, his face was white than snow. What a coward, socializing with the enemy. Sure, it was a terrifying beast, but to stoop to conversing with it, that was inexcusable.

"C-coward!" Trignar coughed as he tried to yell to his fellow elf. The elf looked at him, but the Demon reached up and moved his head back to face it. More words where whispered, none of which Trignar caught.

As quick as a flash, the elf bolted from the site, a slight dust trail left in his wake. Trignar coughed once more as he tried to move, his legs having dulled and gone numb. He made it four feet before the Demon was upon him. He felt its rough, leathery hands grabb him by the ponytail and pull up, bring them face to face.

Trignar analyzed the beasts face, then realized it may not be a beast at all. Its face was strangely elf like with the strong jaw, and smaller eyes. It's nose, however, was more condensed and he couldn't see its ears beneath its helmet. Then it decided to smile.

It was more of a sneer than anything, but it was still just as terrifying. Trignar could see the pointed canines on the beast as its lips curled up. He was looking at a predator. It's eyes held malice and death as well as a cold calculating mind.

Trignar would like to say he was brave, but he wasn't. He had others do his bidding for him and he only partook when he knew he could win. So it was at this moment, as he looked on in horror at his captor, that he felt liquid trickle down his legs.

"Heh." The beast grunted in amusement before winding its fist back. The last thing Trignar saw was the canines and the blood covered face of the Demon, then it all went black.

*****

Life in Ponyville was dull for its inhabitants. They walked around on leashes, pulled by their masters. When doing manual labor, they were under constant guard. If they fell behind, they were beaten. Life in Ponyville was not just dull, it was downright terrible.

Lyra Heartstrings, the local conspiracy theorist, was sitting on the porch of her old house, napping in the midafternoon sun. Her owner was a plump old elf with a swirly mustache wearing a fancy suit and tie. At the moment, he was talking to a female slave broker about getting another pony.

"D'ya have any o' the younger 'uns lef', Missus Brown'igg? Lyra 'ere would be a'le to care for 'em when I'm not 'round," Lyra's owner crossed his arms as Brownrigg checked over her chart.

"We have a yellow filly with a red mane, well toned from working on the farm for most of her life. Are you sure? I have many much better candidates that would suit your needs Mr. Jowl.

"Yah, you might be right. Though I like 'em young and fr-" Jowl was suddenly pushed to the side as a skinny elf guard ran into him, causing both to topple to the ground.

"Eh! Watch were 'ure goin' ya' daft idiot!" Mr. Jowl roared, trying to stand himself up and ultimately failing.

"H-he's coming! He's c-coming for us all! Guards! Guards!" The elves eyes were frantic as he looked around the town. Lyra snorted before looking up at the commotion, her eyes slightly droopy from exhaustion. She hadn't been getting much sleep lately. With her owner keeping her up mixed with the odd nightmares of a metal being, she was getting more and more tired every day.

"Who's coming, wait, are you an Elite Guard?" Mrs. Brownrigg examined the frantic elf before her, surprised at his behavior.

"He is coming! He's going to kill us all!" The elf lunged forward and began shaking the poor broker violently, throwing her glasses to the ground.

Lyra examined the elf. He was an Elite Guard, only seen around royalty. She knew they were the best of the best and played a part in the capture of the princesses. Something very bad must have happened for one such as this elf to be in such a frenzied state.

Jowl had finally gotten to his feet and pried the delusional elf off the poor slave broker, throwing him to the ground. When he went down, he started to cry, his lips sprouting random nonsense.

Guards began to arrive and soon, the entire house was surrounded.

"What happened 'ya punk?" Jowl glared down at the poor elf as he sobbed uncontrollably. After a minute, Jowl signaled the guards and they moved to take him away.

"It killed Trignar! It killed the Prince!" The elf sobbed even louder.

The guards recoiled as if struck. The faces of the slave broker and Mr. Jowl went pale, and Lyra's eyes widened.

"Who killed him," One of the guards demanded as he stepped forward. Lyra recognized him as the captain of the local militia. "Who would dare touch a member of the royal family?"

Lyra's eyes narrowed as the elf looked around, his sobbing having stopped. He was clutching at a good luck charm around his neck as he rocked back and forth.

"It was a Demon." The elf looked around before his eyes settled on her. Lyra gulped as he spoke directly to her. "A Demon made of metal."

Chapter 6: Meetings (Part 1)

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Twilight could only stare in horror at the carnage below her. Her ears folded back and her jaw slightly hanging. Never before had she seen such power and brutality packed into one being. She had seen some pretty horrible injuries when the elves had taken Canterlot, but those were quick deaths. Here, she watched from afar as Sergeant Forester cut through the Elite Guards like a sheath through wheat.

She had hobbled to the top of the hill on her good legs, ignoring the pain around her body. From there, she was able to get a good vantage point while remaining hidden.

Even though she was several hundred meters away, she could hear the screams of pain as those cut down died a slow and painful death. It was bittersweet in her ears.

'Wait, what?'

Twilight plopped down on the ground, a devious smile crossing her face. For two years, she had been running. For two years, she was alone and scared. For two years, these monsters hunted her relentlessly. And for two years, she had quietly been wishing she could enact revenge. Now, she could do just that.

This human was the key to her success in saving those she loved. She would be able to see her friends again! And she would be able to destroy the invading menace in one fell swoop.

A small part of her brain yelled at her, told her she was acting like a psychopath, that she wasn't herself, but she pushed it to the side. She couldn't help herself!

Twilight giggled slightly as she watched the camp burn, the fires reflecting in her eyes as she imagined the deaths of the ones who took away all she lived for. She sat there for what seemed like hours until a dark figure made its way up the hill towards her. It was bulky at the top and walked on two legs.

Quietly, Twilight crouched down into the long grass, charging her magic. With the inhibitor ring gone, she had access to the whole arsenal of spells. Before she could cast it, the shadowed figure spoke.

"It's me Twilight." Sergeant Forester walked up to her and stopped. How he saw her in the tall grass, she would never know. "I've taken care of the raiding party, and I brought along a friend." She visibly relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. Tiredness started to creep into her mind when she realized she was safe once more.

She perked up and watched with intrigue as Sergeant Forester unceremoniously dropped a certain Prince right in front of her. The malice she had experienced before temporarily vanished as she shied away from her previous captor. The stink of sweat, blood and urine filled the air all of a sudden, causing her nose to crinkle in disgust.

"Y-you caught the Prince! Are you crazy!?" Twilight began to hyperventilate as she scooted back, stopping only when her broken leg bumped into a rock, causing her to cry out.

Dean immediately rushed to her side and began an examination of her wounds. Even though it was dark, his eyes had been enhanced along with the rest of his body, allowing him to see better at night. It wasn't perfect, but it definitely helped.

"I shouldn't have run off like that without checking you first, for that, I am sorry." Dean grabbed the BAI foam from his pouch and quickly applied a generous amount to the many cuts and bruises across Twilight's body. The fur covering her made it somewhat difficult to rub the healing medicine in, but it worked nonetheless.

Twilight sighed in relief as the swelling went down around her leg and body. She would never admit it, but she actually enjoyed the Sergeant's hands when they rubbed into her fur.

Cooing softly, she rubbed her head into the palm of his hand as he applied some of the foam to her ear. An immense feeling of safety and relief flooded her when he began scratching behind her ear. They sat there for a few minutes, the Sergeant softly scratching around her head and mane while she sat there in content.

Dean, on the other hand, was somewhat confused. After he had found out that the animals here could think and talk like he could, he had started to see them in a more human fashion. It intrigued him when this particular pony started rubbing against his hand and arm like a cat. He decided to test a theory of his and slowly began to to scratch around her ears and mane like he would a horse back home. His suspicions proved correct as she seemed to melt into his hand, eyes closed in appreciation.

'She looks so cute.'

Dean frowned. He didn't know what he thought of Twilight. Was she a friend or an acquaintance? He already had a wife and kid at home, so he wouldn't have to worry about love in this world. He had only known Twilight for a day and a half, but he had risked his neck to save her. Dean settled on the conclusion that she was indeed his friend, for the most part.

'Good thing I'm not attracted to horses, Jenkins would have a heart attack from the sheer stupidity of it,'' the sly part of his mind informed him. He chuckled softly out loud before deciding he had wasted enough time.

"I'll see if I can find you a splint for that leg." Dean removed his hand and began to scourge around for a log he could cut up. Twilight looked up and began to hyperventilate once more.

"What should we do with the Prince? He is a pretty powerful person. We could use him as a bargaining chip, o-or maybe we could get some information out of him? What are the chances that he will even answer anything we ask? Royals are the best at keeping secrets!" Twilight giggled nervously as her rant ended. Dean could only look at her in exasperation.

A sudden groan caused both their heads to swivel towards their captor. Dean whistled, and Twilight watched in fascination as a metal chord detached from his arm and flew towards the prince, wrapping his legs together.

"Is that what you used to tie me up yesterday?" Twilight looked at Dean's arm in wonder. "Is it some sort of magic?"

Dean simply chuckled. "No, it involves electromagnetic coils and a heat signature in order for it to work. Whatever living thing I direct it towards, it'll target them and wrap 'em up! Enough talk, there's plenty of time later to learn about my technology." Dean finally spotted a log and grabbed it. Tossing it to Twilight, he started walking towards the elven prince. "Can you make yourself a splint? I have someone to take care of.

Twilight sighed and sat down. Using her magic, she levitated the log up. She eyed its length for a moment before condensing her magic and slicing into the wood down its length. She repeated the process on the other side before levitating it towards her busted leg. She nearly dropped the wood when Trignar suddenly let out an ear piercing shriek of fear. Regaining focus, she glared in the prince' general direction before huffing, "stupid elf."

Dean, for his part, nearly jumped out of his skin when the elf shrieked. He looked down in annoyance as the terrified elf tried to break his bonds and escape to no avail. Dean decided to wait for the prince to tire himself out before talking.

Ten seconds later, Dean had had enough.

"Would you quit struggling and shut up you worthless dickweed! The metal line binding your legs is not coming off anytime soon!" Quick as a snake, Dean reached down and grabbed the prince by the scruff of his shirt and pulled him upwards until their faces were inches apart. The prince stopped struggling, his face going as pale as the moon.

"R-release me Demon! I am p-prince Trignar of the house Blueblade! Y-you don't want to mess w-with me!" Trignar tried to look tough, but ultimately failed as Dean continued to glare into his soul. Twilight sniggered from her spot on the ground.

Trignar's head whipped around at the noise as he peered into the darkness. Once his eyes fell on Twilight, he visibly snarled and began shaking again.

"You bitch! I swear, when I escape these blasted bindings I'll make you wish you were never born! I will put your head on a spike after I have every Dark Elf in Canterlot ra-" Trignar didn't get any further before a devastating punch smashed into his solar plexus.

Coughing Trignar looked up into the enraged face of Sergeant Dean, eyes wide.

"I think that's enough out of you. In a few minutes here, we will be making our way back to our little abode. You will be coming with us as our prisoner. If I hear so much as a peep from you, I'll slit your throat and leave you to the crows." Dean mustered his most intense glare as the prince looked up at him. He was rewarded with a whimper as the prince coward away once more. "Good, now be silent."

Dean hoisted the prince to his feet and whistled once more. The bindings on his legs unwrapped and flew up to his arms, binding them together instead. Trignar jumped when the metal rope coiled around his wrists, but he did not cry out, much to Dean's disappointment.

"Are you ready to go?" Dean looked down at Twilight, who was just getting back to her feet. She wobbled slightly before standing stock still and looking into his face, determination radiated from her.

"Just one second." Twilight hobbled over to the prince, who looked up slightly in confusion. Dean noticed beads of sweat sliding across his forehead but thought nothing of it.

Quick as a flash, Twilight lit her magic and launched it towards the prince. A ring formed around his neck and an arc of electricity zapped him, causing a cry of pain to escape into the night as he fell to the ground.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Dean yelled as he jumped towards the prince, determined to stop Twilight from doing anything rash.

He stepped in front of the prince and knelt down to examine him. He was lying on his side, panting slightly, but the seemingly holographic ring had not disappeared.

"He'll be fine. That ring will keep him from performing any magic while he's here." Twilight walked up beside Dean and looked down at the prince. "Now you know how I felt," she snorted and hobbled off. Dean leaned down and picked up the gasping elf before roughly shoving him in Twilight's direction. Trignar impressively stayed on his feet and began to follow the princess down the hill.

Dean looked back towards the glowing lights the flames provided.

'Why do I not feel anything? No remorse, no horror from what I have committed? Have I really become so desensitized to killing that it's a second nature?'

Dean sighed. He didn't like killing, but these elves had it coming to them. He decided he would see them like he did the Orith: inhuman.

Snorting, he turned once again and began to follow the prince and Twilight. The grass moved in the wind and the air smelled like smoke. He could hear the sounds of different animals as they stalked through the night. In the distance, a wolf howled, soon joined by many more. The moon shone down on him as he waded back the way he originally came.

As he followed the trail of his charge, he failed to notice a figure slip out of the shadows. Jumping from one patch of cover to the next, it stalked the unsuspecting trio.

*****

Emperor Dommik Blueblade sat upon his throne, the strings of the rainbow and star covered hair providing some comfort from his growing headache. His youngest son was to brash for his own good, this he knew. He had just received word from the mayor of Ponyville that his youngest son had apparently been killed. After consulting his... informant, it appeared Trignar was indeed not dead, though he was captured by what appeared to be an armored elf and the blasted pony princess.

Slamming his fist down, he decided to call in his guests. The Emperor usually never associated with the other races in the known world, especially after an incident Involving a certain Storm King.

"Bring them in, I want to get this over with as soon as possible." The elven guard at the foot of his throne nodded once before bringing the butt of his spear onto the marble tile of the floor. The following crack of metal meeting stone rang across the throne room, soon overtaken by the grinding of the massive throne room doors.

An elf walked in, then a second. They quickly made their way to the end of the carpet, several feet from the foot of the throne. When the Emperor looked up, a perfect replica of his two guards stood before him, eyes scanning the room and hands tucked into their sword belts. Then another elf walked through the doors.

This one sported jet black hair styled in a bun. He wore a flowing red robe and a crown upon his head. A goatee took up most of his lower face and his eyes revealed intelligence and strength. His muscles bulged beneath the cotton blouse and a belt kept his trousers up. High knee, mauve coloured boots sat upon his feet. Dommik was staring at a replica of himself.

"I could have you killed for impersonating me." Dommik spoke lazily, hiding his annoyance. His two guards brought their spears up and trained them on the replicas. "Show yourself, insect."

A scowl crossed the face of his doppelganger, but it quickly disappeared in a flash of green as the three elves before him caught fire. Dommiks guards did not move.

"You know, that is no way to treat a lady." Green tinted eyes peered at him through the flames. A shadowy body and warped horn appeared next as the queen of the Changelings stepped into view. Her smaller children followed behind her. "How may I be of service?"

Dommik simply scowled before waving his hand. A map of Equestria appeared in front of him, facing towards the queen and her minions.

"I have searched far and wide for the rebel army attacking my new kingdom, yet I can not find them. They attack in the night when my soldiers are asleep, then leave just as quickly. Their leader is a former guard high up in the chain of command. You might know him as Shining Armour," Dommik paused as Chrysalis shivered, malice appearing in her eyes before disappearing all too quickly.

"Yes, I know of this guard you speak of. His wife had made a fine broodmare for my children last year. T'was a shame she took on one to many eggs." Chrysalis chuckled deviously while Dommik's face remained neutral. He never did like the insect race, but he had to admit, they had the best methods of torture and execution.

"Good, then you will know how he thinks. I need you and your minions to infiltrate their base of operations, kill their leaders, and expose their location to my armies. You will be rewarded with anything you so desire so long as it is within my power." Emperor Dommik stood from his throne and stepped down towards the Changelings. He easily towered over the minions, but the queen was roughly his height.

"I think that terms can be arranged. I will send my minions to locate and infiltrate their base of operations. They won't even know what hit them. We are masters of disguise after all." The queen's wings buzzed, as did the minions. They slowly ascended before zooming back out the throne room doors.

"I have a bad feeling about this 'Demon.' If what that soldier said was true, then I need to act fast." Dommik turned and slowly took his place back on the throne, the coloured hair providing its comfort once more.

Dommik Blueblade smiled. It wasn't necessarily the hair that comforted him, no. It was the fact that the beings whom he had torn it from would no longer pose a challenge to him. And soon enough, once the final princess was caught, no being would be able to stop him.

This world was as good as his.

Chapter 7: Meetings (Part 2)

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"And you say humans here are a legend?" Dean walked alongside Twilight, his hand never leaving his holstered pistol, and his eyes never leaving the Prince.

The trio was cresting over a hill, the long grass swaying in the breeze. Dean figured they were only an hours walk from the hideout. The only light they were provided with where Twilight's horn and the ring around Trignar's neck. Dean had little issues seeing with his enhanced body. He could see the massive forest Twilight had identified as the Everfree slowly approaching with every step they took; the gorge would be somewhere before it.

"Yes. According to legend, before the two sisters or even the three pony tribes, there was a species that were considered gods. They built machines of wonder and mastered nature. Once day, the humans all but disappeared. Other races began to emerge, the last being the ponies. As of right now, the only memory of humanity on Eques is a statue sitting in the royal gardens of the palace." Twilight scanned the forest they were walking through, making sure that no predator's would be able to get the jump on them.

"Sounds like humans to me, though we definitely weren't gods. We used our brains and technology in order to achieve the impossible." Dean heard a scoff in front of him and his eyes drifted to the back of the Princess head and he scowled. "Something you want to add?"

"It's impossible that your species was able to advance so far in technology. The Dark Elves have been the masters of magic and science for over a thousand generations. Your people sound weak, not using magic." Trignar chuckled. "What kind of feats where you able to accomplish that our people have not already done?"

Dean's face lit up into a smile.

"Well, Prince. Humanity managed to land a ship on the moon, walk its surface, plant a flag, and come back. We managed to have someone jump from the edge of space, into atmosphere, and survive." Dean smirked when he noticed Twilight's face, jaw dropped and eyes wide. She stopped and so did Trignar, who in turn began to laugh.

"That is preposterous! The only being that was able to reach the moon was Nightmare Moon herself, no technology could possibly reach that distance!" Trignar chuckled.

"I don't care if you believe me or not." Dean continued to walk, Twilight by his side. Trignar turned and continued in front of them.

"Your people would be a minor annoyance in the side of the Empire, your technology wouldn't even compare to our might!" Dean groaned in annoyance. He had mowed down nearly all of the elite guards, he had single handedly taken on the others with nothing but a knife. Was this guy a lunatic?

"Sparing me and fixing my wounds proved that much. And lets not forget about you, Princess." Trignar chuckled to himself. "When the Emperor gets ahold of you, he will steal your magic, rape you, then kill you and the rest of your pathetic friends. They have all already given up and submitted to our rule. Your other Princesses have been killed, but not before myself and my older brother were able to use them." Dean heard a sob behind him and looked back. Twilight was sitting on the ground, tears flowing down her face. Unbridled fury started to creep into Deans mind, his brow furrowed and his lips tightened into a thin line.

Trignar stopped but did not look back. It was obvious that he had heard Twilights quiet sob.

"Pathetic. You Alicorns were supposed to be powerful, not weak," he chuckled, "The big white one squealed like a piglet when I had my way wi-"

Dean stalked forward and shoved Trignar in the back, causing him to stumble forward. "You are lucky I even let you talk in the first place, considering what I witnessed you doing to the princess. Remember what I will do to you if you move or speak out of line." Dean slid a finger against his own throat, a menacing glare accompanying it for the intimidating effect. He felt Twilight shiver slightly behind him, and a hint of feral joy passed over him when the same happened to Trignar.

"Y-you wouldn't kill me Dem-human, y-you need me!" Trignar backpedaled as Dean stepped even closer. A rage was building inside him as he remembered the things he witnessed the prince had done to Twilight. Twilights quiet sobbing behind him reminded him of that. Some of the things Trignar had said cut deep into Deans heart.

'What kind of monsters would do this to another sentient being?' Then Dean realized something. These Dark Elves resembled the Orith: monsters with backwards ideologies and thinking. The only difference? He was now the one with advanced technology and knowledge.

"I don't need you actually, I could put a knife through your jugular and be done with you. Your race is primitive and backwards, I witnessed that early in the night." Dean shot his arm out and wrapped his fingers around the throat of the Prince, causing a squeak of fear and a strangled gasp.

"Because of your people, I was forced to leave everything behind. Because of your people, my loved ones might die. Because of your people...!" Dean threw Trignar a good ten meters through the air before taking off like a shot, standing beside Twilight one moment and then gone the next. Trignar slammed into the uneven ground, his clothes ripping and shredding from the slide across the dirt. A rock caught the small of his back and he hissed in pain.

Calling on his magic, Trignar tried to attack the human out of instinct, but to his horror and pain, electricity began to course through his body. He screamed as loud as his airways would let him as the energy ran its course through him. Trignar barely felt himself being picked up again, nor did he see the knife gently laid across his throat.

With the electricity gone, Trignar was able to regain control of his breathing. Then he felt the knife.

"Maybe I should kill you, just to make a point. You have hurt the Princess enough as it is, and you have been a pain in the ass." Dean snarled as he pressed the knife a bit more, drawing a thin line of blood. He heard the Prince whimper, good.

He drew the knife back, the smell of urine suddenly hit his nose, causing it to crinkle and his eyes to water slightly. "Pitiful." Dean dropped the elf and turned back to Twilight, who was staring off into space. The tears had dried up, replaced by a look that Dean was all to familiar with.

"I knew they died you know. I felt my mentor's life signature stop, Luna's soon after. Last year was my sister in law, Cadence. I-I just couldn't accept it. The only thing I have left in this world are my f-friends." Twilights lip trembled, but her eyes remained foggy and distant. Dean was about to kneel down to her level once again to comfort her, but she started to chuckle, causing him to hesitate. "Is it bad that I want them all dead? Is it bad that I feel like ripping the head right of the Emperors shoulders? What is wrong with me? Why?" She looked up into his eyes. Dean saw a lost soul, one that had been alone for to long. This pony, this young girl, had seen things that no one her age should have seen. Sure she was twenty and legally an adult in human years, but it was still to young. No person should have to experience the things she had experienced, and he pitied her for that. He had grown used to the death, become accepting of it. The horrors of war where finally catching up to Twilight, he could see that. Dean had to be careful, for her mental state was on a very thin thread. One push, and she could fall into the grips of insanity. He had seen it happen with some of the new recruits early in the war. Some pushed through, others didn't. Dean wasn't any good with things regarding the mind, so he did what he knew was the basic form of comfort: He knelt down, looked into Twilight's eyes, and pulled her into a hug.

*****

Trignar lay upon the ground, staring at the Demon and the Princess. Something had happened, this much he knew. He felt it premating around him and in the forest. It was a calming feeling, really. His mind felt clouded for some reason, almost like a thin veil was covering his eyes. He reached up to rub them, but was ultimately restricted by the strange metal binding his arms together.

He blinked, then blinked again. Something was definitely wrong. He breathed deeply, closing his eyes and concentrating. He could hear the sounds of the various woodland creatures and the rustle of the wind through the grass.

Opening his eyes once more, he gasped in surprise. Before him was something unlike anything he had ever seen. His eyes only continued to widen as he took in his surroundings.

Lavender particulates seemed to float through the air, flashing in and out of existence like fireflies. The tips of the grass blades seemed to glow softly in the same colour. Trignar looked down at his hands and nearly yelped in surprise. The tips of his fingers were glowing vibrantly, as where his ripped clothes. An odd twinkling sound vibrated through the air, causing him to look up, his jaw practically dropped.

The Princess hugged the Demon tightly, tears flowed down her face, but no sound came. Something was trying to escape from within him, a feeling so foreign that he could not place it. It was almost like he felt the need too break down and cry, o-or atone for his sins.... against her. He felt the truth about to come out, the veil was starting to lift, but then she opened her eyes. The twinkling stopped, the grass and his body ceased to glow, and Trignar was suddenly overcome by a splitting headache.

'What happened?'

He shrugged it off. The Princess was as good as dead, there was no doubting that. This Demon would not be able to protect her. Not from... it.

'Wait, what?'

Who was 'it'? Did he not mean to say the Emperor? What was going on with him?

'Maybe I should tell her the truth?'

Trignar jumped to his feet, a scowl crossing his face. He didn't like these thoughts, they weren't his, they couldn't be his! He tried to think desperately for a distraction, anything to take his mind off the treasonous thoughts.

"Alright, lets go."

Trignar's eyes snapped to the sound of the human, no... Demons voice. He smiled slightly as the metal monster pointed past him. Trignar noticed the purple Alicorn standing just behind the beast, eyes cast to the side as she balanced on three legs. He noticed blood slowly trickling down her front leg and frowned.

"Why are you bleeding?" He asked nonchalantly, pointing at Twilight. The mare in turn made an eep noise before mustering a pathetic glare, however, Trignar couldn't help but wither slightly before it. He watched as the Demon turned and unpacked a small metal canister before moving towards the Princess.

"Why do you care?" Hatred oozed from her words, her muzzle twisting into a snarl. Trignar found he couldn't find the strength to retort, so he sneered instead. He watched as the Demon applied some sort of foam to Twilights stomach, and he couldn't help but be impressed.

"What is contained within that canister, Demon? Some sort of potion?" He knew it had to be some form of magic. The elves used magic within their healing products, making them more effective. If the stuff inside that canister was able to fix the wounds in his thigh as well as the lacerations on the Princess, then it had to have some sort of magical property.

"No." The Demon grunted without turning. Trignar huffed at the disrespectful gesture. All his life he had been used to getting his own way. Ever since the Orb was given to his people by The One, they had been blessed with riches beyond belief. Thinking back that far created a fuzzy spot in his mind, though he didn't dwell on it. All that mattered was that once the magic-hoarding ponies of Equestria where subjugated, he could do whatever he so pleased.

'What happened before the war?'

Trignar cocked his head to the side as he began to think , but doing so caused a headache to begin forming, so he stopped. It didn't matter. Himself and his fellow Dark Elves where happy, the magic would once again be theirs once the Princess was caught, and they would all live happily ever after.

Smirking, he waited until the Demon was finished with the Princess. Once they were ready to go, he began to walk with them, all the while receiving nasty glares. The feeling of guilt and pity was slowly leaving him, so their looks did not affect his psyche. All he had to do was play along until he was rescued.

*****

After two hours of walking, they finally came upon their destination. To their left, the outskirts of the Everfree could be seen. light wind blew through the trees, causing their trees to rustle. Trignar shivered as the wind bit at his exposed ears.

"Alright, where here." The Demon stopped and so did Trignar and Twilight, the latter breathing a quiet sigh of relief. The equipment the Demon possessed rustled as he shifted the metal stick to his back. Trignar winced as the sound of knuckles cracking echoed throughout the expanse.

"Where is here? It's just a forest." Trignar huffed and strode forward. He was about to toss another comment over his shoulder when his left foot suddenly hit open air. With a yelp and a scream of fear, he felt himself teeter slightly as a sense of vertigo overcame him. It wasn't until a rough pair of hands suddenly grabbed his foot, did he stop screaming, and begin hyperventilating.

"Holy Creator! Oh, please don't let me die!" He looked down at the yawning void and shrieked. "Pull me up! Pull me up, damn you!"

"Hold still you imbecile! If you keep moving, you'll slip out of my hands!" Trignar looked up and noticed he was being held by a measly three fingers. The Demons face peered at him from over the edge of the cliff, face strained and eyes shut.

"Hurry up!" Trignar looked down again and began to try and pull himself up.

'If I can reach the edge, I can grab hold and climb up.'

Forgetting his hands were tied, and that he had no access to magic, Trignar reached within. A few seconds later, disaster struck.

A crack of thunder caused him to lose focus and prematurely release some magic. The binds Twilight had placed upon him reacted, electrocuteing every millimeter of his body. He began jerking uncontrollable for a second before he felt the Demons grip on his foot loosen. Crying out, He swung his arms, thinking he could catch a piece of the rock face that was jutting out. Two things happened instead: Electricity arced up his arm, immobilizing it, and he finally realized his arms where bound.

He began to fall, the darkness the loosely packed trees provided causing him to almost lose sight of the Demon entirely. He blinked, his life flashing before his eyes. It started foggy, but he began to see things. Playing as a kid with his older siblings, encountering a griffin emissary while hiding behind his father's throne, enlisting into officer school as required by all children of the royal family, watching as his soldiers mowed down pony guards and civilians alike, though not participating himself. He mentally sighed. He had raped and occasionally pillaged, but killing unarmed innocents was not something he did. All those times he had bragged about it, it was to make himself look better. At heart, he was weak. By capturing the Princess of Friendship, he would have proven himself strong, but now, he would never get the chance. He would be looked down upon or forgotten through history.

His eyes opened after the one blink, and he saw something akin to an angel. At first he thought it was the Princess, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was a midnight blue Pegasus. It's wings were sleeker than anything he had ever seen, and it seemed to be wearing some sort of dark, body tight clothing.

The pony dove past him, he reached out and managed to spin in midair. His bound hands and body were able to wrap around the ponies barrel before the wings. Energy filled him as he realized he wasn't going to die. He looked down as the Pegasus began to glide downwards, dissipating the momentum of him falling. Adrenaline began to leave his system as he smiled in relief. Their downward glide halted by the flap of the Ponies mighty wings. He had always wanted to fly as a child, and now, his wish was granted.

*****

"No!" Dean yelled, but it was to late, he had lost his grip. Maybe it was from his exhaustion, maybe it was his hesitation. Either way, he wasn't strong enough to save the Prince.

'He's better off dead,' a dark part of his mind whispered.

"Shut up." Dean mumbled. He could only stare at the falling form of the Prince. The gorge was a good twenty five meters, there was no way the Prince would survive.

A cry of alarm from Twilight caused him to whirl around, only for a jet of black to zoom past him. If he didn't have superhuman reflexes, he likely would have missed it entirely. Following the figure with his eyes, he watched as it dove over the edge, disappearing like a ghost.

"W-what was that?" Twilight asked in a shaky voice. She slowly hobbled over to his side and dared a glance over the edge. Dean had a millisecond to pull her back when the same shape flew past their heads and out of the gorge.

Giving a cry of alarm, Twilight stumbled back, her magic keeping her standing even though dean had grabbed her and pulled her back.

They heard a whoop of glee and a smidge of laughter as the figure soared back towards them. What Dean could now identify as a Pegasus pony touched down twenty feet from himself, its legs bending slightly; the Prince rolled off its back. Dean was having none of it.

Quick as a flash, he brought his pistol out and trained the iron sights on the ponies head. He had heard from Twilight that some of her fellow equines had turned on their kin in order to survive. This could be one such traitor.

"Peace, Human." His voice was smooth and sounded fairly young. Dean narrowed his eyes as the pony stood to its full height, which wasn't that tall. "I only wish to talk."

"How do I know know you aren't working for the Emperor and are here to rescue the Prince?" Dean stepped closer, his boots crunching on a fallen branch. The Pegasus could only huff in response as it glared at him.

"If I was with the Emperor, I would have attacked you long ago back in that narrow gully you had move through. It would have been a perfect ambush." Dean narrowed his eyes. He needed more proof. "I can see you still don't believe me, would you be able to cast a truth spell upon me, Princess? Dean watched as Twilight's horn glowed slightly brighter and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the same lavender glow appear upon the Pegasus. Twilight gave a nod, her horn still glowing. "

My name is Midnight Flow, former Equestrian Night Guard. I am currently a scout for the Equestrian Resistance, stationed near Maritime Bay. For two years, we have been fighting the Dark Elves in a guerilla war, disrupting supplies, attacking at night, and causing general chaos. Our aim is someday push the Dark Elves from the lands we call home." Dean noticed the Prince had grown quiet, a quick glance showed he was paying rapt attention.

"Everything he said was true, Sergeant." Twilight sighed tiredly. Dean nodded before holstering his pistol, the frown never leaving his face.

"If what you said is true, then come with us to our camp, I would like to speak to your leaders. I was sent here in order to help push the Elven menace out as well, it would seem we could form an alliance." Dean walked forward until he was standing in front of Midnight. He had to give him credit for not shying away, though he did notice his left eye twitch. He held out his hand and Midnight glanced at it. After a second of hesitation, he laid his hoof in his palm and shook.

"We will set out tomorrow morning then. Maritime Bay is actually not far from here." The Prince stood up and walked up to the edge of the gorge, this time waiting for Dean to lead the way.

And so they went. Rain began to pour from the clouds and thunder blasted from the heavens. Tomorrow, they would set out to the main camp where these rebels were hiding. Tomorrow, they would finally come up with a plan to take back Equestria.

Chapter 8: Inventory and Questions

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Sergeant Dean stood off to the side, analyzing his crate of limited supplies. The Princess and the Pegasus, Midnight Flow, sat near the fire in the center of the cave. The Prince was asleep off to the side. The Princess had cast some sort of spell in order to guide the smoke to the exit. The concept of magic truly amazed Dean. The fact that if one could think of it, they could do it, really applied now. On their long walk back, Twilight had told him about teleportation, levitation, attacks, shields, defenses, and so much more. It was a surprise when Twilight had informed him of their most advanced piece of technology being an airship; which there weren't very many of. He couldn't quite fathom that with such advanced natural abilities, they wouldn't be able to create incredible technologies that would far surpass humanity.... or defend against the Dark Elves.

He had told her about various technologies from his own world, but he kept it to a minimum. If the prince were to escape, he didn't want him to get any ideas on how to wage war. Twilight was especially amazed when he showed her his tac-pad. The item in question told him the condition of his armor, exo-suit, and overall health, but there were other features he had figured out how to use.

Before his mission, he had downloaded a few books, three of his favorite songs, and flappy bird. Of course, in Equestria, there was no service, so he had no access to the internet. Nevertheless, Twilight was still amazed and asked him if she could use it. He had told her that she could fiddle around with it when they got back to the cave.

Tuning out the two ponies by the fire, Dean rummaged around in his box. It was a miracle that the thing had made it when the Rift began sucking things in. There were a few small, tied down stacks of 7.62 caliber, totaling up to four hundred rounds. Beside the 7.62, three extra magazines sat in an unorganized heap, previously not put in the correct locations resulting in a being scattered upon impact. Dean rummaged around and found two more thermal sleeping bags and compact pillows. Below them, two flashlight torches lay upon their sides and two med kits sat neatly off in the corner. Dean was about to close the box when a glint caught his eye.

Quickly moving an extra tactical helmet to the side, he reached down and grabbed the heavy titanium gadget from the bottom. Even though Titanium is a lighter material compared to iron or steel, the box still weighed quite a bit. He had only spotted it due to the flicker of the fire catching its reflective green surface; it otherwise blended into the material of the inside of the box, making it virtually invisible.

"A fabricator." Dean mumbled matter of factly. He slowly set the item down and looked around for the power switch. He noticed Midnight Flow looking in his direction, a questioning look on his muzzle.

After a couple of seconds, Dean found the little black button on the side and gave it a light tap. The device was fingerprint activated, meaning only humans could turn it on.

Dean had only heard stories of these devices. They were never intended to be used as military hardware, but when the Orith invaded, the military started to produce them bigger, and better, and more frequently. The one he had in his possession was an antique compared to the ones the military used, but it was still quite a prize to find. This thing would definitely come in handy.

"What's that?" Dean jumped and turned to face the being the voice belonged to in annoyance. He wasn't all that surprised to see Midnight Flow standing off to the side. The machine gave off a hum as it booted up. Dean turned back around and began fiddling with the various parts as they opened up; he was never that good with nano-particles.

"It's a fabricator. It builds things I want it to if I have the right raw materials." Dean looked over the screen. This particular device had Orith technology built into it, explaining why it was in a box in a secret lab. He wondered what other secrets where in there; he still hadn't explored the whole thing.

Dean waited for the Pegasus to respond, but after several seconds of silence, he turned back to find a look of awe. The eyes of the Pegasus were wide and his jaw was hanging open. He couldn't help but smirk slightly at the facial expressions these ponies were capable of.

"H-how? How do you have this technology? No being on Eques could make something like this! Are you certain it isn't magic?" The Pegasus frowned and looked at Dean accusingly. Dean in turn was about to offer a response when Twilight beat him to it.

"He's not from this world, Midnight." She stretched like a cat before blinking owlishly in their direction.

Midnight stuttered and spluttered, his jaw flapping unceremoniously. "But... but I thought Humans, even in myth, were originally from here! There is no way he could be from a different world! only something the likes of Discord could do something like that. You make it sound like 'being from another world' explains everything."

Dean chuckled and Midnight's head swiveled back towards him. He couldn't help himself really. He may have been a battle hardened soldier, but the irony of everything the baffled Pegasus said was slowly getting to him.

"That's because it was a being called Discord who brought me here. And being from another world does explain everything. Nowhere on this planet will you find a being with such advanced technology, not even the Dark Elves." Dean eyed the sleeping Prince, an emotion he couldn't quite place welling inside him briefly.

"That doesn't make any sense though." Midnight Flow growled. "Humans were originally from here according to the stories, simple as that."

Dean sighed and started pressing more buttons. He didn't feel like having this conversation again. He decided to put it off. "Go talk to Twilight, she can fill you in."

Midnight Flow scowled, "Nuh-uh, not until I get some answers. How did you get here if you are from another world?"

Dean stared long and hard at the Pegasus. Glancing towards Twilight, he noticed her head tilted towards him in a thoughtful manner. Sighing once again, he stood up and stretched, towering over the little pony before him. His equipment rattled slightly. Detaching his helmet, he placed it on top of the crate along with his rifle; his sidearm stayed in his hip, as did the knife on his chest.

"I guess it is about time I got some answers. In turn for answering one of your questions, I get to ask one of my own." Dean grabbed the single expanding camping stool and propped it on a flat section of the floor, closer to the entrance. This way, he could talk, and keep an eye on their prisoner.

Twilight nodded and laid down, her legs tucked under her comfortably. Midnight Flow stalked to the other side of the fire, the scowl still smeared across his face.

'He was so calm and collected earlier, why is he suddenly all emotional?' Dean mused to himself. Midnight Flow sat down and glared at him. He was still wearing his odd suit, probably built for aerodynamics.

"To answer your question. I was sucked through a rip in space when a mission I partook in went FUBAR. The enemy had been expecting us, and I was lucky to be alive. After that, the last thing I remember was waking up in a cave with a mismatched creature who I found out later was named Discord. It turns out, Discord brought me here in order to help free the populace of this country, though I think he has an ulterior motive." Dean mumbled the last bit to himself. He looked up to see Twilight's confused look and Midnight's shocked expression. His jaw was comically hanging open and Dean couldn't help but shudder; he hoped that not all ponies were capable of such strange features, it would take him a while to get used to.

"That can't be right." All heads swiveled towards the corner of the cave, towards the voice of the Prince. Dean had given the prince a pair of standard issue pants when they had entered in order to eliminate the smell of piss. The prince had originally refused, but after a threat from Dean involving ears and a nose, he had complied easily enough.

"What do you mean that can't be right? I saw him myself." Dean growled as he glared towards the prince, challenging him to make a remark. It surprised everyone however when the prince gave a straight answer along with a straight, honest face.

"I watched as his life force was sucked from his very being, the whole royal family was present." Everyone went silent as they stared at the prince. Twilight was glaring at him with enough hate to burn through a mountain. Trignar noticed this and began to sweat. "I-I didn't partake in the murder of the Chaos g-god! I am simply t-telling you what I-I know!" He chuckled nervously.

"Maybe it wasn't Discord but someone posing as him?" Midnight Flow suggested. It could have been possible, but Dean had his doubts. Maybe it was a Discord from another dimension? Dean himself was from a different world, but he had no idea if the portal had brought him to another universe or simply shot him a million light years through space. The topic was starting to give him a headache.

"Whatever the being was, it brought me here for a reason. Now, seeing as you are awake, I can ask you a few questions." Dean looked over to Trignar with a smile that did not reach his ears. The prince in turn shivered.

"You should leave the interrogations until we get him to Maretime Bay. That way we can record everything that is said on parchment and act upon it." Midnight Flow stood up and stretched. "Do you have any food? I'm kinda hungry."

A rumble sounded throughout the cave, causing the group to look towards the perpetrator. Twilight in turn blushed a deep shade of red as an embarrassed smirk crossed her muzzle.

"I could do with some food to, I think." She mumbled. Dean couldn't help but chuckle.

Standing up, he walked back towards his crate of goodies and rummaged around. The rule of a question for a question temporarily forgotten. He neatly stacked what things he had to move off to the side. The cave was relatively clean and there was no water to speak of, so nothing would get damaged. After moving aside a few more pieces of kevlar plate, Dean came to his prize: four MRE's.

"Alright, we have one packet of Vegetable Crumbles with Pasta in Taco Style Sauce, Shredded Beef in Barbecue Sauce -" Dean looked up when he heard a retching noise.

"B-Beef? Who would eat beef?!" The prince along with the Twilight and Midnight were all staring wide eyed at him, almost like he had grown a second head.

"My kind would eat beef, and seeing as the Dark Elves are humanoid, I would assume they would to." Dean saw each of their faces pale in horror.

"That is utterly barbaric. Are all humans carnivorous?" The prince scooched away from him in fear.

"Yes they are, though we are actually omnivores. We can eat anything." Dean deadpanned before turning away from them. He only had so many packets, hopefully not all of them where meat based...

"What are humans considered were you come from? If your people are as powerful as they claim, then you would have to be high in the food chain to survive," Twilight's voice seemed to echo around the cave, and Dean paused. He didn't want to scare the ponies, but at the same time, he could use what he was about to say to his advantage.

"My people are masters of death and destruction, but we are also capable of life and love. Back home, we are the apex predators on Earth, the ultimate being. We conquered nature, we built machines that broke the sound barrier three times over. We created weapons so powerful they could level a cities. But we also created wonders. Massive buildings that touched the clouds, satellites that provided information to the whole world, and mechanized artificial intelligence: robots." Dean looked back towards the group once more, the MRE's temporarily forgotten.

"What about ponies, o-or Griffins? Do you not have them where you come from?" Midnight Flow plopped down beside Twilight; the prince continued to hyperventilate.

Dean reached back down and grabbed three MRE packets. Without glancing at the labels, the tossed one to each member of the cave.

"Humans were the only sapient species on Earth. Things like griffins, unicorns, elves and pegasi were myth, only ever mentioned in lore or entertainment." Dean sat down without an MRE. He could go for quite some time without getting hungry thanks to his augmentations, so he decided to conserve what was available. If everything went according to plan, they would reach the resistance base the next day. Food and water would be provided, and Dean would be able to receive help getting his equipment transported. Seeing as the majority of this planet seemed to be herbivores, he would probably need to conserve the MRE's anyway.

"You say you were the only sapient beings on your planet, why's that. Is it because you discovered us?" Twilight scooched forward slightly. Dean could tell she was eager to learn, and he didn't doubt her. It wasn't everyday you got to learn about a living legend, or an alien for that matter.

"We uh, we discovered that we weren't the only sapient beings in the galaxy a few years ago." He did not want to talk about the Orith. It was bad enough that he was trapped on this planet till he fulfilled whatever tasks he had to do. Just thinking about them gave him homesickness, and a feeling of loss.

'Marie.'

A tear leaked down his eye as he went silent. Images of explosions and beams of light flew before his eyes. Screams of the dying cried out into his ears as the roar of gunfire thumped in the background. He could almost smell the burnt flesh from his fellow soldiers as they were hit by light-rifles. Dean couldn't register anything around him, there was simply to much!

"Dean."

"Dean!"

"Sergeant Dean!" He looked up and backpedaled slightly, knocking his stool to the ground. His right hand flew to his holster and grabbed the grip of his pistol, but he hesitated. His breathing came in quiet gasps as he looked around the cave, expecting one of the alien bastards to jump out at him. Then he came face to face with Twilight.

'A friend.'

"I'm sorry." Dean mumbled as he slowly stood up. "I don't know what came over me." He grabbed the fallen stool and placed it back on the ground. Twilight backed off towards Midnight once again, her eyes filled with compassion.

"Would you like to talk about it? When something is troubling you, its best to get it off your chest." Twilight smiled sadly as Midnight nodded in agreement. Dean wasn't so sure. He didn't want to spill his life story to these beings, but one look at Twilight showed that she really did care for him. Sighing, he decided that if they got to know him better, then they would understand why he is what he is. A killer. Taking a seat, he huffed once, looked at Twilight once more, decided to begin his tale.

"Well... It all started when humanity received a signal from space. It was a message, a message that would start the bloodiest war in human history...."

Chapter 9: Origins (Part 1/4)

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"Humanity is weak, and it is our duty to rid the galaxy of discrepancy. It is the will of the gods for your destruction, and we are their instrument." Dean remembered the words that made history. He was at the television again, an eighty five inch flat screen, and was watching the news. He felt hatred burning within him, as well as a mixture of fear. Looking over, he saw his loving wife, Marie. Her beautiful brown hair cascaded down her shoulders and her shirt hugged her body in an arousing manner, though he hardly noticed any of that. What he noticed instead, where the tears sliding down her face and her mouth slightly hanging open.

Dean heard an explosion and turned back to the screen. The newscaster was saying something, but he didn't really hear. He felt numb.

"Oh my lord, t-that was one of the great pyramids!" The newscaster nearly dropped her microphone. Another explosion rocked the city behind her, then a shadow appeared. Dean could only watch in horror as a massive ship three times the size of the Empire State Building came into frame. "W-we are getting reports that the Egyptian military is getting pushed back, leaving some civilian's behind. Wait, were getting something new..." He heard his wife gasp as the majority of the screen, minus the reporter, was lit with a blinding white light, then, just as suddenly, the screen switched to static.

The news reporter stared into the screen, piercing Dean's soul. It was almost like it was demanding something of him. "It-it would seem that-" Whatever the news reporter had to say was suddenly cut off, the screen being replaced with a dark blue hue.

"What the heck?" Marie stood up and walked over to the tv. Dean noticed her shoulders where slightly slumped and the odd sniffle escaped her nose. He felt the same way, though he wasn't feeling overly emotional. There really wasn't much he could do even if his country went to war. He was a lowly entrepreneur, average in height, build, and everything else. There was no way he would survive such an excursion. Plus, he had a family to feed. His son was upstairs sleeping. Thinking of them, he realized that if the army started enlisting, he had a duty to a country. He didn't want it, but he would join if he had to.

He slowly started to change his mind, the world was under attack, and it was his duty as an American to defend it; even against a technologically superior enemy. He started to develop a headache, his duty to his country or his duty to his family? What was the right choice?

"Honey, I don't think the tv turned off, something must be interfering with the signal." Dean stood up and moved to the kitchen, intent on grabbing a glass of rum. He heard the soft footsteps of his wife slowly approach from behind, then felt her arms wrap around his waist. He stood there in silent contemplation as her head pressed into his back.

"Honey. I, as well as every person in this country has a duty to uphold. I-I've been thinking, a-and I've come to the conclusion that with you here with Jacob, I might be forced to enlist soon.

He turned around as his wife's arms left his waist. Her eyes looked into his, tears once again making themselves known. He reached up, his face scrunching into what he hoped was a soothing expression, and traced his finger across her cheek, wiping away a tear.

"Hopefully it won't come to that though. If the European Union can fight them back, or they start nuking them, then we might have a chance, and I wont need to join." Dean shuddered. He realized that while soothing his wife, he was still trying to convince himself he wouldn't need to do it. He wasn't a coward, he simply did not want to abandon his family.

"Promise me." He looked down again as his wife spoke, her hand reached up to his cheek. "Promise you won't leave me." her eyes searched his own. Beautiful blue eyes, flowing brown hair, perfect body, loving and caring personality: It was why he married her.

Dean opened his mouth to respond, but a knock sounded on the door. Marie glanced back in confusion, as did Dean. They did order a new kitchen set online, but it wasn't due for another two days. So if it wasn't their package, then who was it? Dean stepped around his wife and made his way to the drawer. If it was a burglar, then they likely wouldn't have knocked, that didn't stop him from checking to make sure his nine mil was in the drawer near the exit.

Looking through the peephole, he examined the sight on his front porch. A slick black car was parked on the side of the road, its frame only illuminated by the lonely streetlight. Looking up, Dean noticed his vision was blocked slightly from the rest of the road. His eyes traveled upwards until a crease in a black dress jacket appeared. A white dress shirt with a tie neatly tucked in was plastered smoothly against the person before his eyes. Reluctantly, he unlatched the door and twisted the knob. A draft of cold air quickly breezed through the opening and across Deans neck, causing him to shiver slightly. Opening the door fully, Dean stood up straighter and let his mouth form a thin line.

"Are you Dean Stewart Forester?" The man asked. He was wearing a pristine suit with dress shoes. A beret sat upon what Dean could see was a clean shaven head. Muscles rippled beneath the mans suit, instantly putting him on guard. A pair of aviators rested on the bridge of his nose, concealing his eyes. He reminded Dean of a Navy Seal.

"Yes."

"Good. My name is Captain Steve Mason. I am am a member of the Rangers Special Task Force or RSTF, it's a pleasure to meet you." The captain stuck out his hand, his face betraying no emotion. Dean on the other hand, knew his face was painted with suspicion. The captain realized this and retracted his hand.

"Can I help you, sir?" Dean replied evenly. He heard Marie approaching down the hall, her footsteps making no noise on the hardwood floor. Ignoring this, Dean focused on the man, who was rummaging around in his suit.

"Actually, you can help me. Mr. Forester, I have an offer for you. As you know, the Orith are pushing towards Europe." The captain found what he was looking for and pulled out an envelope, but held onto it for the time being. "Even though our country has not joined the war and is looking for a diplomatic approach, it has been quickly building up its arsenal and manpower. As you probably know, we have been creating new technologies-"

"Like the fabricator?" Dean mumbled, mostly to himself. Captain Mason seemed to overhear and nodded vigorously.

"Indeed, like the fabricator! Now, I cannot stay for much longer, duty calls after all, so I would like to give you an invitation." Captain Mason held out the hand with the envelope, the seal facing up. Dean recognized the crossed rifles along with a silver wreath on each side as part of the Rangers insignia. But instead of a skull, what appeared to be a phoenix sat in the middle. Three stars sat above its head and it had an inhuman skull in its left talon. In the right talon, an American flag sat, waving as if there was a strong breeze.

"Why would I want this?" Dean was worried. He was worried because of what the envelope could imply. He glanced behind him and saw his wife was thinking the same thing. Sorrow passed through him as his surroundings seemed to darken. The captain noticed his mood and his face scrunched up into a look of pity.

"Look, I get it. You've got a family to take care of. You have a healthy life going on here, and you are scared. The thing is, if the Orith somehow win across the ocean, we're next. There will be no more family to fight for, no more lives to live. If we get our military strength up, then we have a chance. This envelope is an offering. The Ranger Special Task Force has been monitoring you for the last little while, and we believe you are a good candidate. If you choose not to join, then in three days time, a mandatory draft will go out to every citizen of able body." The captain moved the letter a bit closer, coaxing Dean into taking it. Dean for his part couldn't think. It felt like a weight had fallen on his heart, and he couldn't push it off. He looked back to his wife, Marie, once more, noticing her saddened expression. Today had been heart wrenching for the both of them. If he left to join, he would be leaving everything he loved behind. He needed time to think.

Reaching out his shaky hand, Dean carefully grabbed the envelope. He flinched when his fingers brushed the course material, almost as if he expected it to catch fire then and there. Breathing a quiet sigh, he slowly pocketed the envelope before looking up to the captain once more. The pitiful look had been replaced by one of understanding, though this did nothing to comfort Dean.

The captain turned to go, but stopped halfway down the wooden steps of the porch. A light rain started to fall. it brought with it a chill that seemed to sweep past Dean and into his house. The light plink of water hitting hitting the eavestrough radiated through the air. Turning his head slightly, the captain stared at Dean. Then, with a subtle nod, the captain turned and walked towards his car.

Dean could only stand, frozen, as the sleek black vehicle came to life. Its headlights cut through the rain filled air and seemed to reflect of the now sleek pavement. Looking up. Dean could only fathom one thought, tears slowly starting to form in his eyes. His wife's face appeared before him, her loving smile every time he told a joke, her soft lips as she passionately kissed him. His wife seemed to back away, and for a second, he thought she was leaving him. Then, his son appeared. Jaxon Forester, his little boy. He smiled slightly as he saw them, but that smile soon turned into a frown.

Ever so slowly, Dean turned towards his physical wife. His living, breathing lover. All of the happy times, the hard times, the fun times, and the sad times came to the forefront of his mind as he looked at her. He felt sick. Sick because he knew what he had to do. Guilt consumed him, and tears spilled down his face. He nearly chuckled when he heard his father words, 'be a man,' whisper in his ear.

"I'm so sorry."

And with those words, Marie rushed forward and buried her face into his chest, sobbing and soaking his shirt with her tears. Dean himself let the tears run down his own cheek. He needed to be strong. His future seemed to be set, and it weighed him down.

'No. I will come back. I will survive when the war comes here. I will push through.'

And with those thoughts, Dean and his wife stood upon the porch as rain fell lightley from the sky.

'I will do this, and I will survive.'

*****

"Alright Mr. Forester. I'm going to ask you a few questions, then we will proceed." Dean glanced nervously around the blank room, taking in as much detail as possible. A reflective window was directly in front of him, roughly ten feet away. Looking to his left, a lady stood, her hair pulled up into a bun. She also wore large round glasses along with a bleached white lab coat. Dean immediately classified her as some sort of shrink.... or was the term egghead?

At the moment, he was sitting in a medical chair, not all that different from the ones at the dentist. This chair however had all sorts of gadgets and gizmos held aloft. Dean spotted more than one needle amongst the field of technology.

"Can you tell me your age?" The lady looked up from her datapad and gazed at Dean with an expression he couldn't place.

"I-I'm thirty five years old, m'am." He managed to stutter. Dean was feeling nervous, and why shouldn't he? He had talked with his wife, and with much hugging and tears, they were able to agree on him accepting Captain Mason's offer. Now, he wasn't so sure. The room felt stuffy, and he was having trouble breathing.

"Can you tell me your gender?"

Dean whipped his head around and gave his best, 'seriously?' look. It didn't have the intended effect however as the lab lady continued to stare at him with a blank expression. Sighing, he answered.

"Male."

The scientist lady looked down at her data pad once more, as if she needed to recite the question she was about to ask. He saw her eye twitch and her lips fall into a small frown.

"Should you wish, you are permitted to leave the procedure at anytime within the next one hundred and twenty seconds. If you fail to give your answer, you will have no choice but to continue. Your two minutes starts now." Dean felt as if a whole boulder was dropped into his stomach. His vision narrowed as his breathing sped up. Blinking once, then twice, Dean found that his hands had become clammy.

He turned his head to ask a question, but found the scientist lady gone. He was completely alone. His breathing continued in raspy gasps as his eyes darted to and fro. The walls seemed to compress in on him, his reflection in the mirror window seemed to expand, and a pressure was building in his stomach.

Dean closed his eyes and concentrated. He focused on a happy memory; a memory as a kid. He saw his grandma singing him a song as he went to sleep. Smiling to himself, Dean felt his mind relax and go blank. He knew what he needed to do.

The door swung open at exactly two minutes and in walked the lab lady. This time however, she was followed by two beefy men. Each one wore grey fatigues, ballistic vests, and helmets. Their gloved hands swung at their sides and their laced combat boots stomped as they stalked forward. Dean didn't bat an eye as he gazed upon the trio. Only when the lab lady spoke did he snap to attention.

"What is your decision Mr. Forester?" She held her usual blank look as she looked him dead in the eye. Her datapad was clutched against her chest.

Dean swallowed and squeezed his eyes shut.

'God help me.'

"I accept the procedure," he spoke clearly. His voice did not waver, but he felt tension building between his eyes. He could feel his heartbeat through his head as the lab lady examined her datapad once more. Ten seconds later, she brought it back to her chest and looked Dean over. Her eyes finally settled on his own and he shivered; she had been looking at him like he was a piece of meat.

"We will begin."

And with those words, the machine above him began to whir. He looked up from his spot on the chair and watched as a metal tube snaked its way down towards him. Dean recognized it as a face mask used on respirators.

"Please put the mask firmly over your nose and mouth."

Dean reached up and gently grabbed the mask before placing it on his face as instructed. His other hand found the strap and he quickly wrapped it around the back of his head. Once it was secure, he leaned back into his chair and looked at the scientist. His eyebrows rose however when she gave him a warm smile. Before he could say anything, he heard what sounded like a hiss of air before his consciousness left him. That last thing Dean Stewart Forester remembered was fourteen metallic needles making their way towards his body.

Chapter 10: Origins (Part 2/4)

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"Wait, wait wait, lemme get this straight. Your country has a mandatory draft? Why? Doesn't that infringe the rights of a po- I mean person?" Midnight Flow questioned. Dean could only stare at her in confusion. Did the ponies on this planet not have a draft? Is that why the elves took over so easily, too small of a military?

Twilight cleared her throat and stuck her nose in the air. Her whole personna radiated a teacher lecturing a student. Dean found it amusing that she could switch so suddenly between moods. Listening, lecturing, crying, laughing... it reminded him of Marie actually.

"We actually do have a mandatory draft in times of war. It is labelled under subsection eight of the Clopton accord, amendment seven of the constitution. 'In times of war, any pony above the age of eighteen and below the age of fifty five must abide by the mandatory enlistment if the leaders elect it so. The only ponies able to prematurely start or end the draft are the ruling Princesses at the time. See section nineteen of the Clopton accord for the requirements to enable the mandatory enlistment."

There was silence in the cave. All three beings present could only stare at Twilight in bewilderment. She didn't notice at first, and continued to keep her snout in the air, but when the silence became deafening, her eyes opened and she looked around.

"Heheh, I went on a lecture, didn't I." She chuckled sheepishly as a blush appeared on her cheeks. She glanced back towards Dean, who sported a smirk and a look of bemusement at her flustered expression.

He was about to make a snarky comment, but a crack of lightning accompanied by a blast of thunder shook the cave. Trignar gave a terrified shriek, Midnight jumped, and Twilight whimpered. Dean's face grew dim, a shadow passing over his features.

"I think I should continue my tale. Some of the things I am going to tell you will be violent and brutal. If you don't want to listen to it, or you want me to stop, then just give me the say so." He looked around, but no one moved a muscle, they were entirely focused on him. He sneaked a quick glance at Twilight and saw she had moved closer to Midnight, shivering slightly. her eyes were on him however, showing how much her desire to learn overpowered her fear.

"So, after what felt like a few seconds, I woke up, and I felt one thing and one thing only...."

*****

Pain. So much pain.

"Hold him steady!"

Bones turned to dust, blood turned to flame.

"Keep that arm down! Jackson, pass me the strap!"

Senses sharpened, it hurts, it hurts to see, It hurts to hear, it hurts to taste and smell. It hurts so much!

"Keep still Mr. Forester. It's going to be okay."

I need to leave! I need to move! Its killing me!

"His heart rate is through the roof!"

I can hear it. The blood, the roaring inferno inside my veins. I can feel everything, and also nothing. Soft and hard.

"We're losing him!"

SNAP!

Dean silently awoke, the only sound being his steady breathing. He tried to move his arms, but he couldn't feel them. He tried to move his legs, but they seemed to have disappeared. What was going on? What happened? His eyes darted around, taking in the foreign surroundings with gusto. He began to panic.

He heard a door open and then close, followed by footsteps. He couldn't tell how many there were, but there was definitely more than one. He heard a scribble, then a click. It was loud, too loud. Sweat began to trickle down his forehead. A fly was slowly making its way across the ceiling, its little legs moving in a rhythmic sink. He tasted salt, probably from his own body. It lingered along with his unwashed mouth. His nose crinkled suddenly when the smell of body odour assaulted it. It was coming from somewhere on his left, likely belonging to one of his visitors.

Then he felt his arms.

Ever so slowly, feeling was begging to return to his main appendages. Tingling now ran from his elbow down, slowly dissipating with every millisecond. But for every one of those milliseconds, an eternity passed for him. His mind flickered, as if trying to tell him something. It remained clouded for a second before a sharp click brought him back into focus. With a jolt, he ripped his arms from their straps like they were made of playdough. His legs soon followed as he fell to the ground beside his chair. He heard a yell and an assortment of footsteps. He felt hands grab him by the shoulders and haul him to his feet. He had to get out of there, he had to escape! His family needed him at home!

Dean thrust his right arm backwards and grabbed some sort of rough fabric. Acting on instinct he whipped his arm like a pitcher and was rewarded with a large black covered shape flying through the air. The shape yelped before smashing into the wall. Even though his vision was slightly fuzzy, he could see the spider web of cracks the figure had left in the concrete wall.

Dean suddenly felt a sharp sting in his ribs and hissed in annoyance. It was like being aggressively pinched, and he did not approve of it.

With lightning quick reflexes, Dean dropped, swiped his legs through the air, got up and kicked. The outcome was his attacker having his legs taken out from under him and while suspended in the air for half a second, receiving a kick to the stomach, launching him across the far end of the room and skidding across the floor. He did not get up.

Dean looked wildly around the room before spotting a seemingly steel door. He backed up slightly, jumped in place twice, and took off at a dead sprint. He lowered his shoulder and squeezed his eyes shut, expecting to smash into the door like a pancake. But instead of splattering on impact, his shoulder made contact and the door flew from its hinges. He didn't spare it a second thought before turning right and running. He found himself in a wide hallway, wide enough to fit a tank! The sounds of running feet slowly invaded his hearing, causing his head to swivel back the way he came.

Six men clad in freakish looking power armour were chasing him down the hall. Their steps were long and their strides were powerful. Dean pushed himself harder, but he knew that they would eventually catch up to him. He came across an intersection and made a hard left, nearly smacking into someone on the way. The person gave a squeal of surprise as they fell on their behind. He didn't stop to check on them.

"Dean, stop!"

His name cut through his adrenaline and speed, causing him to glance around in confusion. That voice was familiar.... too familiar. He looked around some more until the sound of heavy steps and irregular breathing caught up to him. Dean slowly swivelled around to face them.

"Where is she? Where is my wife?" His eyes narrowed in anger. If they were holding her captive, then there was no force on Earth that would stop him from getting her back. It seemed like the kind of thing a shady government operation would do too.

"Your wife is safe at home Mr. Forester, we just needed you to stop and think." One of the soldiers stepped forward slowly, his arms spread to his side to show he was unarmed. Dean analysed the other five soldiers warelly. Their hands rested at their sides, but he could see the grips of pistols on their hips. His eyes wandered back to the first soldier, who had begun talking once more.

"You are probably confused and disoriented right now, it's an aftereffect of the serum. There is no need for us to be hostile, we just want to help." Dean was still tense. He wanted to go home.

"You came here with a sense of duty to your family and country. You volunteered to become a soldier, a super soldier. Let us," the soldier gestured behind him, "help make you the best of the best."

Something about the soldier's voice was familiar, but it was muffled by the strange helmet upon his head. Dean looked for clues on who this soldier was. He sported what looked to be a thick 'H' on the top of his helmet and the strange Rangers insignia ingrained in the body armour of his left breast. Dean's eyes widened when the soldier pulled off his helmet, revealing the buzzed hair.

"C-Captain Mason?" Dean stared at the Captain in shock. Events were catching up to him and he was starting to develop a headache. Just what did they put inside him?

"That's right Mr. Forester. Why don't you come with me and we can explain what's going on." The Captain took another step forward and slowly laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. He didn't react, but instead, simply nodded.

"Follow me Mr. Forester." The captain, along with the rest of the group, turned around and began to briskly walk down the way they came. Dean easily kept up with them and let his mind wander while they travelled. He knew that Marie was okay and he assumed his son was as well. He examined one of the soldiers beside him. The helmet they were wearing covered their whole head and was a dull steel grey colour. Their bodies were covered in seemingly heavy body armour that looked capable of stopping a tank round. The soldier had many pockets along their waist and Dean could spy a pistol holster. Some sort of strange pistol was strapped inside it. Dean wondered if it would have been used against him should he have not complied.

They passed the room he had broken out of and Captain Mason whistled.

"Damn, you really did some damage here."

Dean looked sheepishly through the door where several nurses were tending the soldiers he had thrown around. A few of them were being loaded onto stretchers. One nurse turned their head towards him, their face falling into a scowl. Dean looked away and quickly caught up to the Captain, his bare feet padded against the ground.

"We're gonna have to get you some new clothes, eh? Can't exactly have our newest recruit running into training nearly stark naked." Dean looked down at himself and noticed he was in nothing but his underwear. His face suddenly felt like it was about to catch fire. The Captain noticed his expression and snickered, though he didn't comment further.

After two more minutes of walking, they came to another door. The hallway had gradually become skinnier and could only fit four of them abreast, but Dean didn't mind. His guards travelled with three behind and three ahead. Captain Mason was slightly ahead of the group and gestured towards a door to the left.

"Through here is the entrance to the barracks. This whole facility is mostly underground, so there isn't a whole lotta room. I've gotta run some errands for a few hours with the higher-ups, so I'll leave you in the hands of my colleagues." And at that, the Captain spun on his heel and walked down the hall.

Dean looked up and noticed that the RSTF logo was engraved above the entryway. He heard the squeal of metal hinges and looked back towards the door itself. The words 'U.S Army' were printed in bold, metallic letters on the front, but they quickly disappeared as the door swung open.

Looking inside, Dean saw only rows upon rows of beds. A square space roughly twenty by twenty feet sat in the middle of the room. Most of the open space was occupied by a table and a large number of chairs. Most of said chairs were occupied however, resulting in a large mass of heads suddenly turning to see who had intruded. Dean started to sweat slightly as twenty or so soldiers sized him up. He became slightly self conscious when he remembered he was wearing virtually nothing.

"Everyone, this here is Private Dean. He is our newest recruit and I expect you to welcome him with open arms." Dean looked over and noticed the name tag read 'Staff Sergeant Lee.' "JENKINS!"

A man who had previously been lounging on his bed sat bolt upright, smacked his head on the bunk above, and rolled onto the ground before leaping to his feet and saluting. "Yes, Staff Sergeant!"

"Private, I want you to find Dean here a bunk and some clothes. The standard uniform, you know where they are?"

"Yes, Staff Sergeant! I do, Staff Sergeant!" Private Jenkins didn't move.

"Why aren't your legs moving private, that was an order!" Dean resisted the urge to cover his ears. The noise that Staff Sergeant Lee created was nearly deafening. It seemed though that the Sergeant saw him wince and turned to look at Dean.

"Everything alright Private?" Dean looked up to the Staff Sergeant and nodded quickly. He seemed satisfied for now and decided to move away from the subject.

"Follow Jenkins, he'll hook you up with a spot in the barracks." He turned his head to look back at his fellow soldiers. He was still wearing his armour, as were the others behind him who hadn't uttered a thing. "What the fuck are you looking at?"

As the Sergeant stalked towards the soldiers with purpose, Dean looked over to Jenkins, who smiled. The man was just below his height but seemed built like a tank. Dean reckoned he also had the augmentations and smiled back.

"Nice to meet you Dean, I know your callsign is a Private, but I like to stay on a first name basis if that is okay with you?" Jenkins started to walk through a row of beds, Dean followed behind him. There was the odd person lying in their bunks, but the barracks seemed empty enough. Looking back at Jenkins, Dean realised he had no knowledge on military protocol.

"Say, Jenkins. I'm not very well versed in the procedures that take place in the military, would it be okay if-" Jenkins cut Dean off with a wave of his hand.

"Don't you worry D-Dean, we all start the week with training and learning. You h-have the first half of the day in the classroom, and the other half in the training yards. Half the people here are from different branches of the m-military, myself included. But the other half were originally civies. We don't know why they recruited people without military experience, but hey, I won't judge." They approached a locker with the number thirty inscribed upon it. It was roughly seven feet in height, only about three inches taller than himself. "This here will be your locker. We ended up with only thirty recruits for the RSTF program and you are the last I believe. Inside..." Jenkins pressed a few buttons on the side and the mechanism unlatched. Grabbing a hold of the frame, he lightly swung it open, revealing its contents "....are your clothes, uniforms, etcetera. Here." Jenkins grabbed a pair of urban camouflage pants, a belt, a matching shirt, and black boots. He handed the accessories to Dean.

"Don't worry about us seeing you naked. We all became sterile after the augmentations so we can't get hard or horny."

Dean stopped and slowly lifted his eyes to his fellow Private.

'what?'

"What?"

Dean liked his penis, as did his wife. Did that mean he couldn't have sex anymore? What would Marie think? She would still love him nonetheless but still..."

Dean heard a chuckle and looked back towards Jenkins, who was softly snickering to himself. Dean glared at him, only causing the noises to grow louder.

"Whoa boy! You should have seen the look on your f-face!" Jenkins began to full on laugh, tears coming to his eyes. Jenkins suddenly looked up and his facial expression turned into one of pure shock and horror, all before quickly morphing back to the horrible laughter.

"Not funny." Dean growled as he slipped his pants on, a slight smirk touching his lips. He took the belt from Jenkins, who was doubled over laughing, and slipped it through the loops and around his waist. He shivered slightly and decided to move on to his shirt. He slipped the greyish long-sleeve over his head and made it comfortable. He looked into the closet and saw a grey camouflage jacket. He remembered this particular piece of clothing being part of something called a BDU or Battle Dress Uniform. He decided to leave it in the locker for now.

Once he had his boots on, and Jenkins had finally laughed himself out, Dean stood and admired himself in a mirror on his locker. He turned and rummaged through the metallic box and found a watch. He had no idea why it might be in there, but it must be important.

He turned to talk to Jenkins once more, but came face first into what seemed to be a wall of muscle. Dean took a half step back and looked up into the eyes of the enormous man before him.

'He has to be at least seven feet tall!'

Dean was slightly intimidated, but he covered his fear with a look of boredom and annoyance. It had always worked at his job, why not here?

"So, you're the new guy. I see you have already started to make friends." The man sneered at the mention of friends, his eyes passing over Jenkins quickly before focusing once more on Dean. "Though your choice could have been better. Being friends with a retard is a very ballsy move."

"Hey! I-I'm not a retard! Just cause I s-stutter a bit o-or say things without knowing d-doesn't make me stupid!" Dean realised this guy in front of him was a bully. He narrowed his eyes slightly and his lips curled upwards.

"What's your name?" He asked blatantly. The towering behemoth looked back towards Dean and frowned. His muscles seemed to ripple. Dean noticed a similar group of people standing some ways down the small ally between the bunks, acting as a wall.

"I am Corporal Deager, and you will address me as such, Private."

'Gonna pull the rank card huh? Lets see how far I can push it.'

"Sure thing." Dean shrugged, his eyes not leaving the Corporal. He saw his eyes narrow with anger at the lack of being addressed properly.

"Do you know who you are messing with boy? I am right from the Marine Corps. The best of the best. I would suggest you be careful what you say." Dean saw a woman walk up behind Deager and tap him on the shoulder. Deager simply grunted and turned back to the duo. "One wrong step, and I will show you what it's really like to know pain." He turned and began walking away, before tossing another comment over his shoulder. "And if the retard so much as speaks to me, I stuff his head so far down the fucking toilet that not even the plumbers will find him.

Dean heard Jenkins breath in then take a step forward. Thinking quickly, Dean stuck his arm out and grabbed ahold of his shirt, just stopping him from doing anything stupid.

"Just leave him. I get it, he's an asshole, but you have to ignore him. He's acting like a child, so don't stoop to his level. Got me?" Dean looked Jenkins square in the eyes. He could see the reason slowly overcoming the anger that had previously gotten to him. "That's it, just keep calm and carry on."

Dean was about to say something else, but a shout echoed across the room.

"Listen up! Lights out in ten minutes! Training begins at oh-five hundred hours. If you are late, you'll be in for a world of hurt this coming week."

Jenkins' previous frown immediately turned upside down. Dean didn't like the look of that.

"Alright, I'll show you where you'll be sleeping!" Jenkins began to walk down the aisle before making a left; Dean followed with haste, trying to keep up with the man's quick strides. Jenkins sweeped his arm dramatically at a top bunk, a smile plastered on his mouth, his eyes shawn with mirth. "You can sleep above me if you would like."

Dean thought for a second. This man had been nothing but friendly and welcoming, and he'll admit, a bit funny. He knew he might need a friend if he wanted to come out of this mentally unscathed, so he was willing to try it with Jenkins.

"Sounds good to me." Dean slipped out of his pants, shirt, and boots. He noticed the other recruits hanging their clothing on various hooks at the ends of the bed, so he copied the idea. He tucked into the soft sheets of his bed and sighed in content. The mattress wasn't overly comfortable, but it would suffice. His pillow was fluffy, and after a stressful day of being experimented on and running around, he was gld to put his head down and sleep. "Just don't snore."

As Dean uttered those words, a quiet, but very audible snore escaped from beneath him. Just as he was about to tell Jenkins to shut up, the lights went out and the room was bathed in darkness. He literally couldn't see a foot in front of him. Another snore echoed from below him and he mentally groaned.

'This is gonna be a long week...'

And at that, Dean closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep. Completely clueless to the world of pain and suffering he would experience the coming weeks...

Chapter 11: Origins (Part 3/4)

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Three weeks of pain and misery. That's what Deans life had come to. The instructors were unrelenting, the exercises and drills were unceasing. Never before had he felt this way. His augmented body was pushed to the limits. His bones seemed to be made of titanium, his lungs almost never winded, and his senses were heightened to their max. Though this wasn't enough. The instructors pushed him till he collapsed. It was fine the first few days, but those days turned into a week, then two, then four, then eight. His body became bigger, stronger, and fit. He was taught fighting techniques: Krav Maga, Taekwondo, and JuJitsu. He Learned how to maintain, respect, and fire a rifle. And lastly, he was taught to kill the enemy.

They showed him the things they did, and the savagery with which they carried it out. The Orith were brutal, and it scared Dean immensely. He had watched as soldiers laid down covering fire while a women and child made a run towards them. A large arachnid like creature standing at about twelve feet tall had jumped down from the top of a building and snatched the child away. The soldiers, who Dean had recognized as French, shot at the behemoth, but it was to heavily armoured. He was forced to watch as the child, kicking and screaming, was devoured by the monster. A shielded compartment of the armour had opened up and the terrified boy was stuffed inside. The quality the video was taken in was to good, and everything could be heard. The gunfire was deafening, only barely overpowered by the screams.

Dean had lost everything in his stomach.

Every since that session, Dean couldn't help but see his sons face as he was lifted away from him and devoured before his eyes. Nightmares always started with him waking up in a cold sweat, but over time, it turned into rage. He used that rage to train harder, to get better. He used it to keep motivated. And he was going to use it when the time came to face the enemy.

Now, on the last day of the ninth week, Dean was standing in line with his fellow recruits, their backs rigid and their faces grim. Gray clouds dominated the skies and thunder rumbled in the distance. There was a storm coming.

"Atten-Hut!" The drawn out call to attention echoed across the courtyard. All thirty recruits were outside for the first time in nine weeks. In that time, Dean had been promoted twice. Apparently, he had some leadership skills and the Brass had taken a liking to it. Now, he was a Corporal, same as that bully: Deager.

"Recruits." The Captain's voice pierced the air, causing all eyes to swivel towards him. Captain Mason was unfazed and began walking down the line. "Today is your last training exercise. You've learned how to shoot, you've learned how to kill, and you have learned how to be the ultimate soldiers." The Captain stopped and his eyes found Deans, who remained still. Captain mason Nodded slightly before continuing on. "I expect you to apply your knowledge of tactics, abilities, and training to good use. I'm going to be honest with you. The Orith are winning across the ocean. If our governments can't come up with a peaceful solution, then we will be going to war, and you will be on the front lines. Rangers Lead The Way after all. We need you at your best, we need soldiers who will be an inspiration and victorious. The trial is going to be a game of capture the flag. Your CO has the teams listed out already. Goodluck, make us proud."

The Captain walked off and a man who Dean recognized as Staff Sergeant Lee took his place. Winch cleared his throat as he moved up and down the line.

"The rules are simple. You have the entire forest and the abandoned town in the centre to work with. Two flags will be in designated spots for each team; the goal is to capture these flags. If an enemy flag is brought back to your base, you must keep it there for ten minutes. You will be wearing standard uniform and armour. You're weapons will be modified variants of that, when shot with a round, it will cause you to cease up and lose consciousness. There are various weapons to choose from, but it is up to you as a team to come up with a strategy. If there are any questions, speak up now." Lee watched like a hawk for any signs of movement, but he would find none. Seeing this, he huffed and spun on his heel. "Your teams are as follows: Corporal Deager, red team, Private First Class Amira, red team..... " Dean tuned out the Staff Sergeant when a flash of lightning attracted his attention. His eyes caught a few birds scattering from the thunder that followed. After several minutes Dean heard his name.

"Corporal Forester, Blue Team, Specialist Jenkins.... Blue Team." Staff Sergeant Lee brought his datapad away from his face and stared at the recruits with a cold, unwavering gaze.

"Alright, you have your teams. Go to the barracks on the left and get yourselves equipped. You have thirty minutes to grab your shit and make it to your base." The Staff Sergeant whipped around and stalked away.

"You heard the man! Blue team follow me!" Sergeant Higgins, the current leader of their team, waved his hand in the air as Dean, Jenkins, and the rest jogged towards him. Once they reached him, they filed into pairs and double timed it towards their colour designated barracks. Their steps created a drum beat as they synced upon the paved ground.

"Ohhh, I can't wait to shit on that no good prick." Dean looked towards his friend in confusion. Jenkins was wearing a devious smile as he jogged alongside him. "He won't know what hit 'em!"

"Focus Jenkins. We need to complete the exercise. You can get your revenge later when we've won." Dean fell behind slightly to allow Jenkins into the barracks first before quickly following. Inside, an enormous amount of weaponry and armour sat in specific areas. Dean knew that military hardware had been advancing at a steady pace, but some of the stuff lining the walls looked downright futuristic. Reading a label as he passed by, Dean could make out the words 'grapple shot' written in bold underneath the strange device.

"Hey Dean, check this out!" Dean turned and saw Jenkins holding what could only be described as a handheld cannon. His jaw fell in astonishment as Jenkins hefted the device like he was carrying a baby. "Looks like something straight out of War Hammer!"

"Jesus Christ Jenkins, the term 'go big or go home' really applies to you, eh?" Dean chuckled as he examined the wall before him. Other members of his team shuffled about the complex, but his eyes were entirely focused on the weapon before him. The name read P23 Equalizer in big bold letters.

Dean had learned quite a bit about attachments and different aspects of guns. So much so that he was nearly a master, and his aim was that of a marksman. This gun before him was a sleek, jet black colour, yet it gave off no reflection. It's iron sights were an electric blood red and the grip was perfect for his hands.

'Wait.'

Dean Blinked and found the pistol was gently being caressed by his hands. Having no memory of grabbing the weapon, he blinked once more as if he were in a dream. Smirking, he grabbed the pistols holster from the rack and tied it around himself. Once done, he walked over to the ammunition store and looked back at the pistol. Dean thumbed the magazine release, causing it to slide out and into his waiting hand.

"That there pistol takes a special fifty caliber round. When used in real combat, the bullets are made of your typical compounds, but also something new called compound X. Something the eggheads over in Ohio cooked up." Dean turned his head and noticed the armourer standing off to the side, cleaning a GLOCK with a once white rag.

"Interesting. I think I would like to use it if that's okay with you?" Dean smiled and placed the pistol on the table.

"Sure thing. I'll get you the training ammo. Are there any attachments you were looking to put on it?" The armourer placed the weapon he was cleaning onto the table. Dean thought for a moment. He was likely going to play as an attacker, so he didn't want to be heard while sneaking around.

"How about a suppressor, extended magazine with a quick release." Dean thought about what his primary should be.

"Going for the stealthy approach eh? You'll probably want a suitable rifle to accompany it. On the rack over there is a SCAR Heavy. Bring it here for me." He pointed behind Dean before turning to grab the requested attachments for the pistol. Dean nodded and moved to collect the requested weapon.

As soon as he laid hands on the bulky gun, he immediately knew it would be perfect. His hands fit comfortably in the grip, the length was perfect for his long arms. Dean smirked as he twisted the weapon around to the floor, looking into the iron sights. Being black, it would easily blend in to the shadows.

'An AGOG would go good on this. Laser sight on the side rail, foregrip on the front, and of course, silencer to touch it off.'

Dean made his way back to the weapons bench and gently placed the SCAR upon the counter. He took the time to glance around at his teammates. All of them were checking over their weapons and armour. He picked out to soldiers, a man and a woman, and noticed they were carrying what looked like L96A1 bolt action rifles. Large scopes sat atop the guns; they would come in handy.

Dean looked around before finally spotting Jenkins. He had switched the cannon for a DMR of some sort and was busy adjusting the reticle on the sight.

"And here we go. I assume you want something similar for the SCAR?" Dean looked back at the beautiful specimen before him before smiling at the armourer.

"Yes please. I was looking for a foregrip, extended dual magazines, an AGOG scope, and a green laser sight please." Even though he was now a part of the army, and he had to go through rigorous training, he still believed politeness could get you a long way.

"Sure thing, I'll only be a moment."

And so Dean waited. He looked at the clock on the wall once and noticed they had twenty minutes to be ready and waiting. It would take five minutes to get to their base; plenty of time.

"So, what'd you choose?" Dean looked over at a decked out Jenkins. He was wearing some sort of prototype exo-suit along with a standard spec-ops kevlar helmet. He sported standard forest camouflage but it didn't do much to conceal the strange armour.

"Where the hell did you get something like that?" Dean admired the armour with a critical eye. Jenkins chuckled before doing a quick spin, showing off the rest of the armour. Metal pieces seemed to interlock at the back, protecting his spine and ribs. Each space in the spinal plates pulsed a deep red every so often, mesmerizing Dean.

"This here is a set of power armour. Its apparently only in the prototype faze but the things it can do is freaking amazing! I can reach speeds of a car on the highway, I can jump some four meters in the air, it has the latest bulletproof tech, and lastly, it connects to my neural interface, boosting reaction time down to the microsecond!"

"Wait, did you say neural interface? When did you get that?" Dean was puzzled. He would have known if they were putting things in their brains.

"What do you mean? We all got them when we had the augmentations." Jenkins huffed. "Looks like your gun is ready."

Dean looked behind him and sure enough, his SCAR was sitting on the desk.

"Thanks." He said. The armourer nodded in recognition before wandering off, likely to continue cleaning his gun. Dean looked back towards Jenkins but found him staring off behind him. Dean, confused, turned around as well. Looking up, he saw a small TV he had failed to notice on the wall above an entryway. At the moment, the Britain International News was on.

The room suddenly went quiet, but Dean didn't care. They were likely all focused on the same thing as he was.

"Just two hours ago, the Orith invaders landed in Austria. With the military mainly focused at the African border, they were able to take major points within the country just recently. President Stitz was apparently killed in the first attack. Satellite footage shows that the Orithian army is slowly making its way towards Germany's borders..."

"Jesus Christ, they're caught between a hammer and an anvil. We've gotta help 'em!"

"Why aren't we being sent in? They need us!"

"Where the fuck is our government on this! These fuckers can't be bargained with, they're monsters!"

Dean looked back to the TV, a scowl crossing his face. Rage and frustration worked their way to the forefront of his mind.

"Gentlemen!"

Every single recruit in the room snapped to attention as Captain Mason's voice rang out. His footfalls could be easily heard as he made his way to the front of the room and within eyesight of everyone. Dean waited with anticipation as the footfalls began to slow. Turning his head, Dean saw he was stationed just below the TV, hands clasped behind his back.

"There has been a development. We are canceling the training exercise early until further notice. I want you all gathered in the mess hall, full combat readiness. The Weapons you have, I want brought to a locker with your name. During the briefing, your weapons will be made combat ready. Link up with the other team and move out." Dean and everyone else obeyed his orders without question. After having them drilled into his head for weeks on end, Dean would not hesitate to do as he was commanded.

But even as he turned to leave, Dean couldn't help but look back at the Captain quickly. What he saw terrified him. It was something the Captain never showed, and even though it was barely visible, it still hit him like a freight train.

It was fear. The Captain was afraid.

*****

"Wait, wait, wait. So you guys didn't do the test? Why not?" Midnight Flow was leaning forward ever so slightly, but Dean could see the bags starting to develop under his eyes. Glancing at his tac-pad, Dean noticed it was nearly eleven o'clock. He had been talking for three hours straight!

He was about to answer, when he heard a chuckle come from a certain prisoner.

"Your military doctrine sounds weak and undisciplined. Who in their right mind would have their special forces play games as training?" Trignar sneered, causing Deans blood to boil slightly. He was about to make a retort, or a threat, but it would seem the storytelling was taking its toll on him as well, for Twilight beat him to it.

"Shut it Trignar. If I remember correctly, he single handedly killed twenty of your elite guards." Twilight snarled as she looked over her shoulder, fixing the elven prince with a glare. Dean saw Trignar wince and shuffle back a bit, causing him to smirk slightly.

"You took on twenty elite guards... and survived!?" Dean and Twilight both winced from the sheer volume that Midnight had acquired, the latters ears folding back in agitation.

"Yes, I did." Dean deadpanned as he turned to face Midnight, whose jaw was comically on the floor. "What of it?"

"Not one of our guards, not even the special forces at S.M.I.L.E could come close to them. They are the ultimate warriors of the elves... t-the best of the best! And you killed TWENTY of them!?"

'Whats gotten into him? He was all dark and mysterious when we met. Why is he acting like this?'

"Personally, I thought it was closer to thirty five, but otherwise yes, I did. Now, can I please continue with my story? I'm having enough trouble recounting my past as it is." The pegasus immediately sobered up and stood straight. It must've been Dean's eyes playing tricks, but he swore Midnight was slightly closer to Twilight. He smirked.

"Well, we were called to the mess hall for a briefing, but half way there. Something happened. the skies were alight with fire, and the earth shook to the point where we couldn't stand." Dean looked at the assorted faces once more. He was near the end of his story, he had to be strong. "I didn't find out until later that my country had joined the war not through words, but through an action so terrible that it made the wrath of God himself seem like a joke. If anything, we had unleashed the wrath of God right then and there."

"We called it the Hydron Collider, and by using it, we showed the true nature of Humankind...."

Chapter 12: Origins (Part 4/4)

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Dean stopped. Something was wrong.

He looked left and right, but the setting around him didn't change. The bunker entrance remained where it was, the tree's remained swaying slightly in the wind. Dean narrowed his eyes. Was the world around him getting brighter? Was something wrong with the augmentations he had?

He stopped analyzing around him and instead focused to the front. The soldiers in front of him were staring behind him, mouths agape as their weapons rested at their sides. After several seconds, one soldier took a hesitant step back, then another. Dean finally clued in to what was happening and slowly turned around. The world went from bright to blinding in an instant and Dean was forced to look away, his eyes screaming in pain as he rubbed at them ferociously.

The metallic screech of an alarm came on. It started low, then became louder and louder, slowly worming its way into the minds of those still outdoors.

"What the fuck is going on!" Dean yelled as he stumbled towards his fellow soldiers. Each of them had their backs turned and were making their way to the bunker.

Glancing at them through squinted eyes, Dean recognized Jenkins just in front of him. Off to the left was Private First Class Leo, someone who Dean didn't talk to a lot. It would seem they heard his yell and both did a half turn towards him, being sure to keep the blinding light out of their eyes.

"Dean, is that you? I can't exactly see behind me right now!" Dean's lips twitched at Jenkins' snarky tone, but didn't comment on it. Instead, he quickly walked up and laid his hand on his shoulder, letting his friend know where he was.

"Let's just get to the mess hall. I'm sure they'll tell us what the hell is happening." Dean took a step forward... and was immediately thrown to the ground as the ground shifted beneath him. He heard Jenkins cry out with a surprised yelp as his forehead came into contact with the ground.

Ears ringing, a dull thump reverberated through his head. Dean could feel a stinging pain coming from his nose and quickly rolled over. Any noise flowing through the air was muffled for him, every vibration sent his vision spinning. It was then that he realized he could see, and the blinding light was gone. Instead, everything he could see was a dull red. He tried to wipe his eyes with his hand, but the ringing in his ears was to intense. His arms reacted on instinct instead and covered his ears. His mouth opened in a silent scream as his face scrunched in pain.

Ever so slowly, Dean began to regain motor function. He heard his something, a lone droning screech. Opening his eyes, he saw a figure stumble into view, but it's form remained encased in shadow. Dean blinked, and the form started to regain its physical shape.

Dean.

Dean!

"Dean! Common buddy we gotta go!"

Dean felt his arms being pulled and swiftly obeyed. His training began to kick in and he began to take in minuet details. MP's were running about the facility, shouting orders and assessing the situation. Private Leo was helping up a fallen soldier. Jenkins was tugging on his arm, trying to get him to move.

Dean looked into the sky and saw smoke billowing out from the nearby city. His city.

'Oh God. Marie, Jaxon!'

Deans mind cleared and he looked towards Jenkins with a steely expression. He nodded once, Jenkins nodded back, and together they double timed it towards the mess hall.

They passed by panicking staff and scientists, but ignored them for the most part. Dean did stop for one MP who was nearly crushed by a tool rack. He had tackled the MP out from under it just in time.

The halls of the complex were alight with yelling and panicking people as they ran to and fro. The once clean and pristine hallways were raining dust down upon the occupants in a very concerning matter. The bunker was designed to survive a direct thermo-nuclear strike; whatever had happened must have been ridiculously powerful.

'Did the Orith use a superweapon?'

Deans face paled at the thought. So far, the Orith had only been looking to take over the Earth and use it as their own... or so he thought. It would explain why they didn't just glass the surface with their ships from orbit.

After another minute of running, the small group joined into the ranks of a steady stream of cybernetically enhanced recruits making their way to the mess hall. Dean looked beside him and saw Jenkins demeanor had changed entirely. The usually happy-go-lucky prankster was now getting serious.

"Alright, get into formation recruits!" The voice of Staff Sergeant Lee echoed across the cavern they had just entered. Thirty some people milled about in confusion as they tried to determine their spots. After several moments of confusion, everyone stood at attention in a neat order before the Staff Sergeant. "Floor is yours Captain."

Captain Mason walked onto the stage before facing the crowded mess hall. Usually, it would only be the RSTF members that occupied the massive room, but Dean guessed that nearly the whole base staff was there.

The ground rumbled slightly before going quite once more, causing a few uneasy glances to be cast upwards. The Captain noticed and raised his hands.

"There is no need to worry. This facility is one of the most advanced bunkers in the United States. Now, you are all probably wondering what just happened outside a few minutes ago. All I can say is that we will be receiving a report in detail tomorrow on what transpired. For now, you are being sent on duty. Some of you may think that your training is not complete, some of you might think you are entirely ready, but know this: Nobody is prepared for a war, not even the bravest soldiers..."

As Captain Mason talked, Dean couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. He had gone through so much in such a short period of time, only being able to talk to his wife and kid every once and awhile had made him focus on the tasks at hand. But now, he wasn't sure if he was ready. Looking between the different faces, he noticed anxiousness on quite a few, but they all held a form of steely resolve; the kind of resolve a soldier who would die for their country represented. Dean focused on that: the faces of his brothers and sisters of arms. It didn't matter if he wasn't ready. It didn't matter if he completed or didn't complete his final exam... he would defend his country and his people till the day his heart stopped beating.

"...See to the barracks, get equipped, and know this: You are the best of the best, the elites of the military. Trust in your enhancements, your training, and your heart. Rangers lead the way!"

The room seemed to shake with the war cry as it was repeated by every single person in the room. Dean let a smirk touch his lips as everybody filed out in an organized line. They had been trained by professionals, Navy Seals and Delta force members. They had gone through every exercise, scenario, and tactic, drilling them into the heads of each and every RSTF member.

They were the best of the best, but Dean still had that nagging feeling in his gut. He would just have to wait and find out what it was....

*****

Dean took a deep breath and looked up. He tried to force the gruesome thoughts that were starting to pop into his head, the thoughts that haunted his dreams.

"Dean, are you alright?" Dean jumped when Twilights concerned voice pierced through his train of thought. His eyes settled on her adorable, but massive eyes. Her ears were twitching every so slightly and her muzzle was stuck in a small frown. If he had any less control, he would scoop her up and squeeze her like a teddy bear; her cuteness was almost overwhelming!

"Y-yeah, I'm good. Just a bad memory came up." He glanced at Midnight and saw his attention was still fixed. The pitch black Pegasus regarded him with focused eyes. Just glancing into them, he could tell that this particular pony had seen a lot.

Shaking his head slightly, Dean grimaced.

"See, the thing about humans, we have those within our society who are crazy and overreact violently. It was bad enough when religious fanatic's around the world started declaring the invasion as a start to the end times, thus panicking the masses and causing chaos."

Twilight huffed and ruffled her feathers. "But isn't religion supposed to be good? We have quite a few religious denominations on Equis and they usually teach about being good and living healthy. Why would religions want to cause chaos like that?"

Dean could only stare at her in dumbfounded disbelief.

'How can she be this naive? After all the atrocities she had to have witnessed...'

'Or maybe they lived a different form of life here? These ponies talk and think like a human, but they act very differently.'

"I'll have you know that most major wars were I came from were started because of religion, or in some way related to it. One of the world wars where I came from saw the mass extermination of a religious group. It wasn't directly a part of the war, but it was uncalled for and ended up fueling the flames needed to continue the fighting."

Dean saw all the beings present shift slightly at his words. Trignar looked like he wanted to say something, but instead kept his mouth closed. Dean huffed slightly in exasperation.

'Maybe this played a part in the ponies losing the war? Was it because they were taught peace?'

"Now, as I was saying..." Dean paused to glance at Twilight, but upon seeing she wasn't going to interrupt, returned his gaze to the wall. "There was one such finatic while I was on patrol. They had taken out the local law enforcement, so that left me and Jenkins as the only ones close enough to engage. It wasn't until we got visual contact that we realized the true severity of the situation....

*****

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Dean grumbled to himself as he jumped behind cover once more. The bodies of three terrorists lay on the floor, dead, from his last lightning quick attack.

Checking his ammo, Dean counted fourteen rounds left in his rifle. He mentally cursed himself for bringing such a long weapon on patrol with him. If he knew he would be traversing through a shopping mall filled with gunmen, then he would have brought something a little smaller and useful.

The patter of heavy feet brought him from his loathing; it sounded close.

Dean quietly slipped his rifle over his shoulder and grabbed his pistol and cocked the slide, arming it. A small sneer made its way to his face as he prepared himself for the pain to come.

'1'

The footsteps grew slightly louder, but one set was moving through a small shop, flanking him.

'2'

Light whispering could be heard, then the crackle of a radio while someone else responded. The whispering sounded nervous. Dean breathed once, and blinked.

'3'

Dean found himself flying through the air, his augmented legs launching him upwards and away. The deafening rattle of machine-gun fire echoed through the deserted mall. Sparks flew as bullets smashed into surrounding walls, benches, pillers, and anything else that was in the way. Not a single one hit Dean.

The man himself stuck his leg out, his world slowed down to a crawl as his foot made contact with the pillar he was hiding behind. He felt the cement give way and spiderweb from the impact, but it still held its form. Dean looked down as he was launched sideways. He slowly twisted his body to the side as a bullet ricocheted off his helmet, slamming into a wall soon after. Deans arm seemed to move on its own as his pistol started to level out.

Only hesitating for a second, Dean could make out the eyes of one of his attackers. He saw surprise, astonishment... and fear. it didn't matter to him though. He had watched as these men had gunned down escaping civilians, all the while yelling about providing mercy and a quick escape from the inevitable death they would receive.

As he looked into those eyes, the image of a little girl popped up. She was running away from the the shooting, crying and screaming for her mother. Dean had burst through the door to the mall, catching sight of her instantly. She seemed to recognize him as a member of the military, for her face had lit up into a smile at his entry. It was then that her head had exploded like a melon, painting Deans face and armour with blood and brain matter. He had shot three of the seven gunmen as they walked around the corner, but he had failed to shoot the one responsible for the girls death. And so here he was, staring into the eyes of her killer, the soulless bastard who had killed an innocent child.

Dean's eyes went from hesitation, to red rimmed fury. His trigger finger pulled down, the slide on top of the gun flew back, the explosion of gunpowder ignited, and an experimental bullet flew from the end of the barrel... all in the space of a microsecond.

The terrorists head exploded then and there, but the violence didn't end there. The compound inside the bullet stopped in his chest and exploded right afterwards. The mans chest exploded on the wall in a gory mess as Dean perfected a front flip over him, his eyes already searching for the next target.

Dean snapped his pistol around as his augmented hearing caught footsteps coming from the side. His first shot pulverised the terrorists right leg, causing him to scream in pain as he fell to the ground. Dean put and end to the screaming when he put another round in the man's head.

A gunshot sounded, and Dean saw stars for a moment as the wind was knocked from his lungs. He thanked whatever deity was out there for reminding him to wear his body armour. Dean did a quick leg sweep, catching his attacker off guard and causing them to fall to the ground. He was on his feet in an instant, and his brain barely registered the flowing red hair of a young women as he put a bullet between her eyes.

"Dean, we've got a situation, over."

"What is it Jenkins, over." Dean talked into the earpiece attached to his head as he scanned his surroundings once more. It would seem that he had eliminated all the gunmen, and women, in the immediate are.

"I need you to come to the food court ASAP with the medkit, I've got a young man here who tried to play hero and ended up getting shot in the side. The bullet pierced through his ribs but missed any organs. Hurry, he's losing blood, over."

Dean's eyes widened as he began to double time it to the food court. He kept his gun trained on his surroundings as he all but sprinted towards his objective.

A minute later, he reached it.

The massive crowd of people cried out in surprise and alarm at his speedy entry, but upon seeing the American flag on his breast and the RSTF emblem on his helmet, they all calmed down. Dean jogged towards Jenkins as the people parted like the red sea. He briefly noticed a small pile of bodies sitting near a Subway, obviously the terrorists Jenkins had taken care of. It pained Dean when he saw a few civilian bodies in the midst of the pile as well.

Dean finally reached the boy and got to work. No one else was going to die if he could help it, no one.

*****

"D-did the boy live?" Midnight flow asked anxiously. Dean looked from his spot on the wall and towards the pegasus. For a brief moment, the shadowy outline of a little girl appeared behind him, causing Dean's eyes to widen in fear.

"Dean?"

Dean refocused on Midnight, finding the shadow now gone, almost as if had never existed. "Y-Yeah, the boy lived. The bullet barely missed his liver; he was lucky.

....

"So, what happened after?" Dean was surprised to hear Trignars voice pierce the silence. It had felt like an eternity since he had heard the Dark Elf speak, not that he appreciated it.

"Well, I was actually bumped up a few ranks to Sergeant First Class. And before you ask," Dean cut Twilight off with a hand, "I prefer to go by Sergeant, Sergeant Dean, or just Dean among the people I knew." Dean saw Twilight's ear flick as she pouted from his interruption. "Sometime in the early stages of the war, each and every operative gained a special prototype body armour and exosuit, the same one you see me wearing. We became badass soldiers, and our exploits became legendary amongst the population. Morale is key in war after all."

Dean looked at his tacpad and checked the time. He frowned slightly when the clock read Twelve O'clock midnight. he needed to wrap it up so the others could get a proper rest. From his own experience, a few hours of sleep meant the difference between life and death on the battlefield.

"I have one more major event to tell you all about. I had received a message from somewhere. I didn't know the military knew how to make jokes, and 'lemme tell you, it wasn't a very good one... nearly made me lose my sanity." Dean mumbled the last bit as his eyes unfocused, but before could say anything, they snapped back to the present. He chuckled lightly as he rubbed his hand through his messy hair. "Anyway, we had just one a major offensive against the alien bastards....

*****

Dean sidestepped a swing from an Orithian foot soldier. Its massive, six fingered hands, were almost as big as his entire head. If he didn't have such a quick reaction time, he would become the headless horseman... minus the horse.

A quick jab found a gap in the Orithian soldiers armour, and Dean heard a satisfying snap as some sort of bone shattered. The alien let out a primal bellow and lunged for the human, but in its fury, it failed to account a certain knife being unsheathed. And so, as the human side stepped once more, the soldier made to let out another roar of anger, but instead began to choke. Its massive hands came up to its neck as its eyes glazed over. The last thing it saw was the smirk of the human soldier who had bested it so easily.

Dean smiled down at the alien below him before spitting on its corpse. He looked up at the battlefield before him. The sound of gunfire was slowly starting to die down, but the smells and sounds of death hung in the air like an overbearing spirit. He watched as a M3S4 Templar rumbled past, its main cannon swiveling and firing to a point in the distance. The city of Boston, smoking and in ruins, lay in front of the human army as they pushed forward.

Looking behind him, Dean contemplated if his latest choice was a good one.

He had called his wife a few days prior, telling her to take Jaxon and leave on the next plane in order to stay with her mother in British Columbia, Canada. He hoped that they were safe, especially with the Orith finally invading the mainland.

The Captain had ordered that they pushed forward, leaving it up to the national guard to cover their flank. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't heard any word on whether or not the National Guard had made it forward.

"Sergeant First Class Forester?" Dean looked behind him and saw a young soldier standing behind him. His rifle was clutched in his hands and they seemed to be shaking slightly.

"How can I help you Private?" Dean gave his most disarming look, which seemed to work as the boy stopped his quaking.

"A letter from Captain Mason sir, he requests you report to the command tent immediately. They set it up just behind that hill." The Private handed Dean a letter and saluted.

"Thank you Private, carry on." Dean saluted back quickly before jogging towards the designated hill. The HUD attached to his helmet and combat glasses let him know the movements of his allies, so he had no problem locating the tent itself.

Two guards were stationed outside the tent entrance, and each saluted in turn as he approached. Dean nodded towards them as he pushed the flaps open. Upon entering, all chatter stopped. Dean saluted smartly and held it.

"At ease Sergeant." Captain Mason waved his hand as all the officers and higher ups continued to stare at him. Dean brought his hand back down but remained stiff at attention. He had spotted the Major of the Rangers brigade standing off to the side and did not want to give the man another reason to hate of the RSTF. When the Rangers Special Task Force was created, a lot of people in the rangers corps thought their title was stolen from them. In reality, the RSTF was merely a branch of sorts.

"Sergeant First Class Dean Forester, you are likely wondering why you are here?" The Captain came and stood at attention a few feet away from him. Dean noticed that he was a bit farther away than normal. Why was that?

"Yes sir. Permission to speak freely sir?" Dean was very curious now. They needed him on the front lines, so why was he here.

"Granted."

"Sir, I was wondering why I am here. I am needed on the front lines with my fellow soldiers; we are very close to breaking through! Sir." The Captain let out a defeated sigh.

"Sergeant, I have some bad news." The Captain pulled another letter from his pocket and handed it to Dean. The letter was neat and in good condition. Dean breathed in the scent of paper that only a letter could give off. He flipped it over, and a wax seal presenting the RSTF's insignia. A small pang of worry bounced around his head, but he ignored it.

Dean opened the letter, gently tearing the top of and grabbing the small slip. His anxiety began to increase as he slid the letter free and rested in his hand. Something was wrong, something was very wrong. He recognized the letter, but he refused to accept what may be inside. He had seen the Captain writing in a similar one when the asshat, Deager, was killed.

'No, no, no....'

Dean, with trembling hands, opened the folded piece of paper. His vision tunneled as he slowly began to read the contents. He felt a moistness building in his eyes, but they refused to come out. He didn't see the officers present wince and hang their heads in sympathy.

"S-Sergeant Dean. At approximately oh-ninehundred hours...." Dean felt the tears begin to fall. Their forms tracing a wet trail down his dirty and windswept cheeks.

"Your wife, Marie, and your son Jaxon...." Dean felt his legs give out as he collapsed to his knees. Someone rushed to his side, probably to check if he hurt himself. He didn't feel anything.

"Were killed...."

And then, something in Deans mind snapped.

*****

Nobody moved, nobody breathed. The only noise that could be heard was the light rain outside the cave. Its muffled tip-tap echoed around the cave.

Twilight slowly stood up, her eyes fixed on the unmoving Sergeant Dean. She cautiously stepped towards the immobile soldier, almost expecting him to jump up and turn into a monster before her very eyes.

Instead, she caught a glimpse of his irises. They seemed sunken, dead. It saddened her to see him this way, and she felt tears start to moisten her eyes.

She was a foot away now, and she could hear his breathing. It was no longer calm and controlled. Instead, it was laboured and somewhat raspy.

She reached out a hoof.... and Deans head snapped towards her.

"It was just a joke. They were only trying to give me more motivation to fight. Once I'm done here, I'll go home, the war will be done, and I will live happily with Marie and Jax." Dean whispered, but it sounded like a booming yell. Twilights and Midnights ears folded against their heads. Unbeknownst to the two ponies and human, Trignar, one of the Princes of the Dark Elves, was battling his emotions. He was on the verge of crying, but he knew that he had seemed emotionally weak enough in the last day, his pride couldn't take another blow like that.

"I-I think I'll go to bed. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow, so rest would be beneficial." Dean got up and walked towards his sleeping bag. His movements were robotic and jerky, but he stayed on course to the little sleeping bag.

Everyone present failed to move as the soldier tucked himself in and began to snore. After several tense seconds, Midnight ever so quietly went to his pack and unraveled his sleeping kit. He was out next. Twilight slowly walked towards her little sleeping area and pulled a blanket over herself.

'The things he had described, the situations he had to face... any regular pony would never made it as far as he did. Right now, he needs friends.'

And lastly was Trignar. The dark elf sat there for a good few minutes, his focus was entirely on the human in the bag across the cave. Frowning, he slid back over to his rugged old blanket and curled up as best he could. His last thought before he went to sleep was how much the human had gone through in such a short period of time. It was then and there that Trignar began to realize: This human, this Sergeant Dean... if he could survive so much and come out on top, nobody stood a chance against him.

Absolutely nobody.

Chapter 13: A Walk In The Woods

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"So where are we going exactly? I've never heard of a Maritime Bay, and I've been all over Equestria!" Princess Twilight skipped along beside their guide, Midnight. Behind the two walked Sergeant Dean and Prince Trignar, the latter of which was grumbling in irritation to himself as he scratched lightly at the violet anti-magic ring upon his neck.

"Well, Maritime Bay is located near the North Luna Ocean. It was a small city with a small population before the invasion, and not very well known. When Canterlot fell, communication was lost with most major settlements. My unit was stationed in Maritime Bay at the time due to an increase of Krakens in the area, and when we received word of the attack, we prepared. We waited and waited for days, but no attack came. We thought that we were in the clear, that maybe it was a false alarm." Midnights eyes caught sight of a bird taking flight from a nearby tree and he paused. He tracked the bird for a few seconds before wincing when some sort of large snake sprung from a branch and gobbled it up. His eyes cast over the group, but they seemed to have not noticed.

"So the elves never found you; are there any other settlements like Maritime Bay?" Twilights face had morphed into a frown and her eyes stayed straight on the path., the thought of the invasion springing back to the forefront of her mind.

"Not that we know of. We had contact with a few other small towns further inland, but they went silent after a while. Upon scouting their locations, we had found the elves occupying the settlements. The last settlement we had lost contact with was just two hundred kilometers away. We were actually able to predict the elven attack and were able to get a few ponies out, but we didn't have enough time. That was two weeks ago. At this rate, the elves will find Maritime Bay by the new year."

"Speaking of which, how far is Maritime Bay? You said it was nearby." Midnight barely turned his head as Dean spoke from behind him.

"To get to the town itself, we must exit the West side of the Everfree, cross a plain and major train intersection, and enter Whitetail woods. From there, we head north a few kilometers before we reach the border

Dean stared at the Pegasus; something didn't add up.

"The city you speak of doesn't seem all that far from civilization, so how have the elves not discovered this place?" Dean glared at the Prince as he started to lag behind.

"Well, a few refugees from Vanhoover had brought with them some illusion generators, and we set them up just in time. The generators had apparently been a secret project that only Celestia and prince Shining Armour knew about. The only downside to the generator is that it needs a magical refill every five hours, something only unicorns can do." Midnight raised a hoof to his chin as he thought. "That, and the fact that anyone or anything can pass through it. It's not exactly a physical barrier." Midnight Flow's nose twitched slightly as he deeply inhaled.

The group continued to shuffle along in silence, the mood having taken swing downwards. The sounds of the forest constantly reaching their ears, causing them to jump slightly at any noise louder than a rustle. Dean wasn't all that worried though. His nose and ears had grown exponentially powerful in their senses, so much so that they apparently outclassed certain animals. If a predator was nearby, he would know. They traveled for another two hours before the signs of fatigue started to appear. Dean noticed and decided to call a rest.

"Alright, take ten minutes," Dean smirked as the group all but collapsed in the small clearing they had entered. Looking around, Dean speculated that they didn't have that far to go before reaching the plain Midnight had mentioned.

"Sergeant Forester."

Everyone turned to regard the prince, who had stood back up.

"What? I said take ten. If you want food, then to bad. We need to conserve it." The glare that Dean tossed in his direction would likely have melted solid Titanium, and the Dark elf visibly flinched from it.

"I-I need to relieve myself." The elf gulped and stuck his nose in the air ever so slightly, though Dean smirked when his pointed ears visibly drooped.

The group had successfully washed the prince of piss and blood before leaving, making his smell tolerable for the travel. Dean didn't want to be the one who killed the groups nasal cavities by making the Elf piss himself once again.

After a minute of contemplation, Dean sighed softly and nodded. He stood up and stretched his arms, the armour plating rubbing slightly from the movement.

"Fine, turn around, take ten steps, and I will release you from your bonds. Your magic collar stays on and if you make any attempts to run, I'll put a piece of lead right through your brain." Dean watched as the prince did as he was requested, and with a quick whistle later, the metal coil flew from the elves arms and reattached itself to Deans armoured thigh. He crossed his arms slightly as his attention stayed fixed to the Dark Elf.

He was carrying as much of his equipment as he physically could, as well as Midnight and Twilight. The latter's leg had healed due to "Alicorn Magic" as Twilight called it, so she was able to carry some equipment on her back. The reason she wasn't using magic as a method of lifting was due to his equipment somehow nullifying its effects. Dean had chuckled when the little alicorn tried in vain to lift his fabricator, only for the aura to fizzle out. This had ended in an adorable pout, which only encouraged his and Midnights mirth.

The tell-tale clop of a ponies hooves reached Deans ears, causing him to look down into the hate filled face of Twilight. Her glare wasn't directed at him however, but instead at the tall bipedal being some ten yards away. He cringed nonetheless at her look.

"I was forced to watch my friends fall around me when we tried to escape their soldiers. The five other mares that had laughed with me, cried with me, supported me, and loved me. You saw how their kind treats mine, especially if they are of some importance." A tear trickled down her fuzzy cheek as her glare lessened. It was filled with what seemed to be loss, though Dean wasn't sure. He briefly wondered what had brought these thoughts on, but decided to let Twilight talk it out.

"I have been entirely alone for the last two years. My adoptive brother Spike was taken, the Princess who took me under her wing was slain before my eyes... all because of them."

Dean placed his hand upon Twilights back, hoping to provide some measure of comfort. He found it good that she was starting to grieve. Her pain and her emotions had been bottled up to long; Dean knew how it felt... how it feels.

"I guess... I guess the reason I'm telling you this is so that I can say thank you." Dean looked down in surprise at the purple pony. Her face was matted with tears now, but she held a small smile that warmed his heart ever so slightly. "I would've died if it weren't for you. Even though this other Discord stuck you here, you still had no reason to help me. You could've set out on your own, trying to find another means of returning home. But when Trignar's soldiers came and took me, you followed. When you went to take on the entire camp of elves, the look you gave me showed just how much you cared, even if it was downright terrifying." Twilight chuckled slightly. Dean didn't dare say a word. He could feel Midnights eyes on them, observing their conversation. "This probably isn't the best time to talk about this." Twilight must've sensed it to. "Just know that I am truly thankful for everything you have done."

Twilight looked up into Deans face, and he looked down upon hers. Her smile held a relaxed and trusting feel to it, and he couldn't help but smile back.

"Uh, guys? I think I smell something, it's pretty fam-"

Dean heard a snap off to his left. His pistol was out of its holster in under a second as he aimed into the underbrush. He heard Midnight and Twilight tense behind him in anticipation.

'Is it the Elves? Another scouting party? Wait, when did it get so quiet?' His augmented eyes scanned through the trees and foliage, but found nothing. Dean began to lower his pistol, when he heard a scream that he recognized all to well.

"Fuck! The Prince!"

He took off like a shot in the direction of the scream, all-the-while berating himself for letting the Dark Elf leave his sight. His heavy steps crushed the vegetation underneath as if it wasn't even there.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.... How could you get so distracted?'

His eyes narrowed as he began to see light up ahead, a light from a campfire. His legs pumped faster as the light grew larger and larger, and before long, he was in a clearing. Time slowed down, and every detail was taken in.

The Prince, his target, was lying on his back, hogtied. Standing over top of him were three ponies in ragtag armour. He noticed that each were one of the three pony types. On the pegasus, he could make out the glimpse of metal in its wings, the appendages themselves were an orangish yellow. The ponies mane was spiky and contained trails of darker orange, making its head appear to be on fire. It wore a black bodysuit not so different from Midnight's.

The Earth pony wore a rusty, roman-esque helmet upon its head. The colour may have previously been gold, but it was obviously too worn down to notice. The pony wore chainmail armour on its appendages while an iron breastplate was strapped to its chest. A short gladius was being held in its teeth.

And lastly was the unicorn. The pony wore no armour whatsoever, but a black metal rod was strapped to its side. It's alabaster coat was matted with mud and grime, but that wasn't what caught his attention. What caught his eyes were the massive, purple, round goggle glasses attached to its face. That, mixed with the crazy purple hair, threw him off guard.

'That has got to be the strangest getup I have ever seen, especially on a horse!'

He saw the orange Pegasus ponies eyes widen in surprise, her wings beginning to unfurl in an aggressive manner. The other two whipped around at his grand entrance and took up defensive stances. Dean stopped and raised his pistol until the iron sights were aligned with the Pegasi' head; his SCAR would be of no use at this range. He placed the winged pony as the leader of the small group and glowered at it from under the rim of his helmet, his bulky armour hopefully providing some form of intimidation.

"Lay down your weapons and release the Elf!" Dean called to the trio. He was beginning to wonder where Midnight and Twilight had gotten to, but that didn't matter, he needed to get the Prince.

The Earth Pony snarled at him and took a step forward, the gladius held in an offensive manner.

"We half you suwaunded, euff! hute down ve heupon!" Dean stared at the little pony in bewilderment, not understanding a single word it had uttered.

"I suggest you comply long ears, or else we will use force!" The Pegasus yelled at him. Her feminine voice was scratchy and hoarse, like she yelled to much. It almost reminded Dean of his drill instructors.

Dean looked back and forth between the two ponies before his gaze landed on the unicorn. He noticed its eyebrows were scrunched together in what seemed to be anger, and its mouth was parted slightly in a silent snarl.

"Dean!" The far shout from Midnight echoed through the forest, it didn't seem that far. It seemed that the others had heard it to for their ears folded back slightly.

"Der ish mowre humming Sthpits! Wha do we do?" The sword wielding pony asked through the sword handle.

Dean saw the Pegasus snarl in obvious frustration. There was a pause before her eyes locked with his own.

"Vinyl, take him down." Dean's eyes widened as the Unicorns horn suddenly became as bright as the sun. His gun whipped around, the laser sight training on the horn of the Unicorn. He fired just as an almighty crack sounded, and for a second, he thought that his silencer had malfunctioned. He blinked once, and found the Unicorn was gone.

'Did I vaporize her?'

Dean could only stare at the spot where the Unicorn used to be... and it wasn't until he heard an intake of air behind him that he cursed is idiocy.

He started to turn, but the feeling of many thousands of volts had other ideas. His entire body seemed to seize up, his chest cried in pain as his limbs and back caught fire. His heart felt ready to explode and all the air escaped his lungs. And lastly, his Neurolink started to fry inside of him. Dean had been struck by a taser before, but the ones back on Earth had nothing on this!

"AAGH!"

His scream of agony caused nearby birds to take to the skies and the surrounding ponies to jump. His knees gave out and he collapsed onto them. The electric flow had stopped as soon as it had begun. His rifle clattered to the soft forest floor and his pistol dropped from his hands.

Breathing heavily, Dean found the strength to push himself to his feet. Rage burned deep inside of him, though most was directed inward. He had failed to react, something that should have come easy. He snarled as he whipped around, his metal hand already wrapping around the stunned Unicorns throat. He saw it's horn light and quick as a snake, he grabbed the bony protrusion with his free hand.

A gurgle of pain erupted from the unicorn as it tried to cry out. He could feel the fear behind the purple glasses as his hand began to squeeze around its throat. These ponies must've been mercenaries of some sort, looking to make a profit off of capturing the Prince and himself. He had to put and end to them before they went after Twilight and Midnight. He'd be damned if anyone touched his only friends in this fucked up world.

"Dean! NO!" Dean's head twisted around at Twilight's panicked shout, but he wasn't able to spot her as something heavy smashed into the back of his head. His helmet was launched right off of his head as the strap broke against his chin. Something heavy glanced off the back of his skull, but it was enough.

Dean felt blackness surrounding his vision and tried to blink it away. The back of his head was throbbing dully and his heart hammered in his chest.

"Damn teleporting horse shits." Was all Dean was able to mutter before his consciousness faded to black. The last thing he saw was a flash of purple before his eyes finally closed.

Chapter 14: Intimidation

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SLAM!

A hand collided with the wooden table.

"No! We need our troop shuttles to flank down towards the West! The Gryphon forces are spread thin there and we can break through!" A well decorated Elven General yelled at the amassed group of advisors before him.

"But what about the Eastern front? They have been amassing their warriors there and if the shuttles are moved, they are sure to break through! Even with the technological advantage, we are beginning to spread too thin!" Another advisor, a Major, stood and shouted back.

"It is the Emperor's call what we shall proceed with. We have an opportunity here to push into their capital, but they also have a strategic advantage in the short term that our troops are moved about. If they break through, then they pose the risk of flanking the main force." All talk ceased as the Dark Elven Princess, Mya, spoke. She sat at her father's right hand and acted as a mediator and voice for the Emperor. Her silvery blonde hair fell down past her shoulders. She sported high cheekbones and a pointed nose, her eyes were a sparkly blue and were accompanied by perfectly trimmed eyebrows. She wore a loose silk skirt as well as a golden pendant around her neck. Her features were highlighted quite nicely, adding more to her physical beauty. On the inside, however, lay the mind of a cunning and prodigious elf. Her magicks could likely rival her the Emperor's on a good day. "My elder brother is on the front right now and has some of the Empires best at his disposal. I suggest we give him some artillery but that is all. The Gryphon barbarians are still using pointed sticks and stones as weapons, so it matters not if they have the larger force. We possess superior technology, tactics, and fighters."

The Emperor, who had been quiet until now, nodded his head in agreement. His right hand scratched his goatee while the other rested upon the armrest of his high chair. His eyes hovered around the assorted faces before him. Each elf present was a high ranking official and played various important roles in the Elven conquest. So far, due to their ingenuity, they had managed to conquer most of the planet. One might wonder why he was waging the war, and it was quite a complicated answer. Only his daughter and a select few advisors knew of his plans for the world. Alas, those thoughts and plans could be postponed for another day. At the moment, he had a war to win.

"I agree with my daughter, though we will be leaving artillery as well as one gunship. My eldest son will know how to handle the situation from there. General Atlas, your request for the troop ships has been accepted. Relay the plans to the army as quickly as possible. If we can get that artifact from those barbaric birds, then our plans can finally enter the final stages."

The assembled officials clapped their hands politely and nodded their heads in approval.

Suddenly, in a flash of green flames, a scroll appeared before Emperor Dommik. He gently grabbed the floating piece of paper and unrolled it. Is eyes flashed over the words written down before he ever so slowly looked towards the door.

A simple gesture of the hand was all it took for the doors to unlock and swing open, almost on their own accord. All heads turned towards the opening as the patter and clank of footsteps approached and a few eyebrows raised as two Elite Guards, one missing his armour, walked through the doors. Upon closer inspection, the high ranking leaders shied away from the duo for the smell premating off him was wretched. It was almost as if the poor elf had been running through the wilderness for weeks without bathing or resting. Its eyes were bloodshot and its hair was a frizzled mess. Its shirt was torn in several places and it walked with an awkward hobble. The Elite Guard who was the acting escort showed no hint of discomfort as he marched alongside his disheveled brother-in-arms.

Both Dark elves bowed as low as they could when they entered the room before standing up. The guard butted the end of his spear into the floor once before about facing an leaving, his face an impenetrable mask the entire time.

Silence reigned throughout the room as the leaders collectively took in the Elf before them. His eyes were locked with the Emperor's and beads of sweat were trickling down his face.

"Everyone, this is Sergeant Kelvin, the Elf who was part of Prince Trignar's search party. He is the sole survivor of my son's guard and has made the long journey through the Everfree forest to report to us. I have been notified that he has information regarding that pesky resistance." Emperor Dommik waved his hand at the young elf. "Go on lad, tell us what you experienced."

Dommik's eyes flicked to his daughters uptight form. Ever since she had heard about Trignars apparent capture, she had been brooding and fuming. She had gone as far as to request her own band of warriors in order to retrieve her younger brother as well as slay the being responsible for his capture. Dommik had refused. They still didn't know enough about this 'Metal Demon,' hopefully this surviving Elite Guard could enlighten them.

"Certainly your Highness." The Elves voice wavered slightly and sounded as if he was struggling to speak. The Elite Guard took one breath of air before launching into his story.

"It started when Prince Trignar began flogging a suspected traitor in the ranks. We had found two of the sentries with their throats slit as well as a wagon having been lit on fire. A general alarm was called and we were all lined up. The Prince had thoroughly questioned each and every one of us, and in the end picked out a member who was hastily dressed and carrying provisions. We had suspected that he was trying to make an escape, but one of the higher ranks among us found him and directed him into line. The flogging had gone on for nearly three minutes when all Tartarus b-broke l-loose." The Elite Guard blinked and suddenly seemed to stare off into space. The Princess leaned forward in her seat and waved her hand.

"Go on guard, it is rude to waste the time of royalty." Kelvin did not move, and the Princess grew angry. "How da-"

"Sulfur and brimstone. The smells of blood and death. Invisible objects obliterating our skin and muscle, ripping through our ranks like a scythe through wheat. The long metal stick in the Demons grip, spouting fire and mayhem. Its movement, faster than a Manticore out on the hunt. Its strength, rivaling the Trolls and Yeti's of the Frozen North. His mouth, stuck in a horrifying snarl as it cut us down, its canines bared for the prey to see. Its knife, cutting through flesh and metal and bone as if it were nothing." The survivor spoke in a dead voice.

Nobody spoke a word as Kelvin slowly looked into each and every one of their eyes. Each time his gaze passed over a peculiar elf, they would immediately shiver and sweat. The shaken guards eyes seemed dead to the world. Princess Mya was staring at Kelvin in fear, his words chilling her to the bone. Everyone present jumped when the Guard began speaking once more.

"I can still see them, my friends and brothers, cut down and killed by the one clad in metal. No mercy, no emotion. The ones it didn't kill right away it left to suffer in anguish on the ground."

Kelvin began to smell the blood, the irony scent overpowering his senses. He saw the fire erupting from the metal stick in the Demon's hand. Body parts flew through the air as gore splattered the ground. One of his long time friends was lying on the ground, his head having been blown apart and his chest riddled with holes, Kelvin could see his ribcage. He saw the magic spear's energy discharge towards the metal clad, the first one missed, the second one smashed into its torso, but seemed to only knock the wind out of it slightly for it kept coming. The gleaming knife in the moonlight as it slashed through each and every Elite Guard, the best of the best, the ones who could not be beaten and were regarded as immortals among the conquered nations. Kelvin, the only surviving Elite Guard in the group, fell to his knees.

"It gave me a message. I remember its blood splattered face staring down into mine, I couldn't move, could hardly breathe." Kelvin took a shuddering breath as tears streamed down his eyes. The spectators could only stare in horror at his display. They all jumped once again, even the Emperor, as Kelvin suddenly leapt to his feet and began screaming.

"It is coming for us! The Demon is going to rip and tear through our ranks and there is nothing that can oppose it! Its fury knows no bounds, and it will stop at nothing until every. Last. One of us is dead!" Kelvin stomped his foot with each word. Guards began to swarm into the room as the onlookers cringed back in fear, the Emperor himself being disturbed by the display. Never before had he seen such a mentally unhinged display. He had seen war, he had seen enemies and elves alike crying for their mothers. He had witnessed soldiers breaking down into tears, but this... this psychotic display was entirely new to him!

"I will not be It's victim! I will not witness the horror that is to be inflicted by the Demon!" Kelvin lunged at a nearby guard, taking him by surprise. The guard failed to react in time as the Delusional elf grabbed his dagger, ripped it from its sheath...

....and slit his own throat.

"I.... I... will n-not..." The elf slowly fell to his knees as blood gurgled from the gaping neck wound. His eyes slowly lost their light as he choked and red liquid spat from his mouth. The red misted projectile flew all over one one chubby elf who was in charge of the finances of the Empire and into his gaping mouth. What ensued could only be labeled as utter chaos. Screaming and yelling erupted from the leaders present, the one covered in blood waving his arm about as most of the noise was coming from him. Someone's chair fell over and a book thumped onto the floor. More guards began to swarm the room, trying to bring back some semblance of order, but it all for naught. The Princess and the Emperor merely sat in their respective seats, but their own emotions were at war. Princess Mya's face had gone pale, her eyes dilating and her ears bending so far back they threatened to fall from the side of her head.

'No, no, no! It was all an exaggeration! No one being could cause this! No one being could take on twenty Elite Guards and the Prince! Whatever this thing is, it had help! That's right; and it tortured the Elite Guard to the breaking point, sending it back here with a message with the purpose of intimidation.'

Princess Mya exhaled slowly and closed her eyes. a second later, she reopened them. A cool calmness had passed over her as her mind was made up and the conclusion determined. She glanced at the Emperor, who was was slightly pale, but seemed more deep in thought than afraid.

"I must consult 'It.' Do not disturb me, do not even look for me. That guard may have been delusional, but I can feel in my bones that something bigger is happening. Try and get the leaders back into some semblance of peace before the whole castle riots at this news. We do not need word of this Demon spreading and causing fear. This being is working for the resistance, and it is simply another thing that we will crush beneath out might. Do not fear my daughter."

Emperor Dommik swiftly exited the room through a side door. His footsteps thudded as he walked down the dimly lit hallway. This passage was old and downright medieval, but It prefered to live down this particular hallway. Its room was easily accessible from all parts of the castle. Dommik passed door after door, each leading to different parts of the Equestrians former capital. Thoughts of what Kelvin the Elite Guard had said plagued Dommiks mind. His heartbeat began to pick up as he marched to his destination, he wasn't far. 'It' was something created from his own mind, a masterpiece of magic and sorcery. It was the ultimate weapon in the case that the Empire came under threat, and also his spy for his enemies that hid in the shadows.

Finally, he reached a large oaken door. He stopped, knocked once, then turned the handle and entered. A pugenant and rotten smell immediately assaulted his sensitive nose, and his ears threatened to bend back. Through sheer force of will, he maintained his composure and glared into the darkness.

"Beast."

Silence permeated the air; it was listening.

"What do you know of the Demon in metal?"

Dommik heard a quiet whimper behind him, and upon turning, he found a little unicorn mare lying in the corner. One of her legs were broken and blood seeped from a gash in her side. He frowned slightly as he realized what he had walked in on.

"I am sorry to disturb your... dining hours, but I need this information."

"The answers you seek you already know, the words of the Guard a prophecy alone."

"The Demon of metal, a foe to behold, his methods are destructive, his emotions cold."

But fear not for when making your plan, do keep in mind.... this Demon.... is nothing but a man."

Dommik stepped away as a tentacle flew from the darkness and snagged the pony behind him. The animal shrieked in fear and pain as she was swiftly dragged into the shadowy confines of the room, leaving a trail of blood in her wake.

"But do keep in mind if you underestimate him, your assured chance of victory will grow slim..."

There was a wet crack and the screaming stopped. A low slurping sound slowly echoed throughout the room, and Dommik BlueBlade, the Emperor of the Dark Elves, had heard enough.

"Very well, Beast. I will leave you to your dwellings. But know this, if the changelings fail, I will have this Demon's head, and you will acquire it for me. My victory is guaranteed.

And so he left. The sounds of slurping only growing dimmer as the Emperor moved back to his planning and brooding. He had plans to make, and if he was careful, this Demon of metal... no... This Human, would simply be squashed under his fist.

Dommik smiled coyly as he opened the door, and entered his throne room once more...

Chapter 15: Interrogation

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Plip, plip, plip, plip....

The sound of water droplets hitting a puddle slowly wormed its way into Deans senses. Their soft dripping seeming to echo all around him.

Plip, plip, plip... Thu-thump...

A dull thumping started to overbear the soft fall of water, causing him to wince. It sounded at a steady pace, and a tinge started to develop around his head. Next came the musky odor of woodland rot mixed with something akin to rust. Dean's entire body twitched from experiencing the smell and he winced once again, the dull thumping only seemed to grow louder. Groaning quietly, Dean tried to open his eyes, but found a rough fabric blinding him. A fog that had previously been covering his mind began to lift, and with it, pain and thoughts began to emerge.

His head suddenly lit up like the fourth of July, a flash of torment every time his pulse reverberated through his skull. His backside began to ache uncomfortably, sending shivers up and down his spine as annoyance crept into his mind. He felt metal underneath him, curved slightly and smooth. Dean tried to scooch backwards a bit to relieve the pressure, but upon hitting the metal backrest, he groaned louder in irritation. Whomever had built this chair did not have humans in mind. Pain and annoyance was becoming the overbearing state of his mind and he could feel adrenaline slowly coursing through his veins. He could feel some sort of heavy chains binding his hands and legs to his seat, but upon rattling them, he found that he had more than enough slack to break free. Whoever had set up this interrogation was either an amateur, or an idiot.

The sudden creak of a door opening caused Dean to cease all movement and focus entirely with his ears. His training was beginning to kick in once again and he found the agony and uncomfortable anxiousness slowly dissipating. The thumping in his head dulled until all was quiet, but the pain remained, as well as that stupid water.

Plip, plip, plip - clop...

The telltale clip-clop of a ponies hooves slowly approached. Their falls seemed slightly heavier than Dean remembered, so he assumed that it was a larger pony that was coming to interrogate him; he only had Midnight as a reference after all.

"I wouldn't bother trying to escape, Elf. We have just about every anti-magic ward attached to your being right now. One attempt and your insides will likely evaporate." The hoof steps stopped and silence seemed to echo through the room. The only noise being the occasional light splash of the water hitting the the puddle.

After about ten seconds, the blindfold was suddenly ripped from Deans face, scratching his rough skin slightly. He winced as his eyes were assaulted by a bright light. He slowly blinked his eyes to try and adjust, but it didn't seem to work; the pony must've had some sort of flood light trained on his face. He heard the pony snark lightly and turned his head in that direction. Dean could barely make out the outline of a much larger than average unicorn.

"What is your goal here, Elf?" Dean heard the unicorn snarl from behind the light.

"Forester, Dean, Sergeant First Class, One-Four-Six-Zero-Nine-Three-Romeo." Dean frowned, these ponies weren't going to get any information from him. He still had yet to determine whose side they were on. The Resistance seemed like the most plausible option, but he was very aware that in times of strife, bad people tend to band together. He had to be sure.

There was a pause.

"W-what?" The stallion seemed taken aback by his response. "What in Tartarus does that mean? Your name and rank? That doesn't -- You know what, never mind. Let's try an easier question. Where were you planning on taking the Princess?"

"Forester, Dean, Sergeant First Class, One-Four-Six-Zero-Nine-Three-Romeo."

The stallion huffed in irritation. Dean could tell when someone was an amateur interrogator. He looked down and his eyes widened. His captors had left all his armour and his exo-suit on his person! After a moment of silent contemplation and a subtle smirk, he decided break interrogation protocols and mess with the stallion.

"Va sucer un oeuf, cheval-garçon!" He winced at his terrible dialect, but began to chuckle nonetheless. He could just imagine the ponies face in all its glorious stupefaction.

"Buck this," the stallion quietly growled.

The light suddenly flicked off as a purplish glow enveloped Deans head. His eyes widened in panic as he and his metal seat were levitated off of the ground, flipped sideways, and sent plummeting to the floor below. Dean had the sense to aim his shoulder towards the ground and somehow managed to avoid hitting his head. The resulting vibrations caused his previously ignored concussion to flare up once more, and he cried out in pain. The ground seemed to be made of rock and course dirt, explaining the rotting vegetation smell.

"This could go SO much easier if you would just answer my damn questions! I told them you wouldn't be able to give anything and that we should have killed you! But no, don't listen to the guy who had to watch his wife get dragged away by your kind. Don't listen to the guy who has been through Tartarus and back while trying to protect everyone from YOU heartless bastards!"

Dean didn't say a word as the stallion moved into his field of view. The only parts he could see were dark blue hooves, steel horseshoes, white fetlocks, and-and...

'Goddammit, I did not need to see that!'

But before Dean could see more, a hoof suddenly rocketed out and into his chest. The sheer force of the hit caused all the air in his lungs to forcefully eject and his eyes to widen. The clip clop of hooves sounded as he hacked and wheezed. On the final cough, blood shot from his lips and onto the floor, sprinkling a few lumps of moss in bright red mist.

'Did I just get hit by a truck? I hope the plating didn't break!'

After a full movie, Dean was able to finally get his breathing under control, he was able to tune back into the asshat of an interrogators rant.

"No, I think I'll parade you through the streets of Maritime Bay. Naked. The citizens will see you as a representation of your kind. Weak, undisciplined, disgusting animals. Then-"

"Did you say Maritime bay?" Dean interrupted the ranting pony, his interest finally piqued. "Are you part of the resistance?" There was silence from the pony, and it went on for quite some time. Dean tried shuffling sideways as a strange looking beetle slowly crawled towards him. The nasty little bug came within three inches of his face before he found himself being dragged by his head once more into the air. A few joints popped from the strain, but he ignored it, his eyes were focused entirely on the pony before him.

The stallion had a longer snout than what he had previously encountered. His horn was nearly as long, if not slightly longer than Twilights and matched with his white coat. Even though Dean could tell that the stallions fur was supposed to be white, he could see traces of grime and dirt. Upon even closer examination, Dean found the pony before him seemed very well muscled, even compared to the horses on Earth! At least Dean was still a few feet taller. He also remembered Twilight had mentioning something about how the tattoos on a ponies flank is called a 'Cutie Mark.' At the moment, he couldn't see what the white unicorn before him had as one.

'If I didn't have my armour on during that strike, my insides would be mush!' Dean thought as he hovered in the air. He briefly wondered why the pony kept going quiet, but passed it off as slow thinking.

'Or he's just failing at making this suspenseful.'

"What is it to you if I am with the resistance. You are my prisoner now, and what I say goes. I could kill you right now without batting an eye-"

"And lose a valuable asset?" Dean cut the stallion off quickly. "Look, I know that I look like a Dark Elf physically speaking, but if you ponies would just take a closer look, you would realize that I am not, in fact, with the pointed ear bigots." He fixed the stallions hard glare with one of his own. He saw the ponies eyes analyzing him once again and decided to point every difference out to him.

"My ears are similar to a primates, my nose is smaller and less sensitive, Inside my mouth are canine incisors as well as flat molars and front teeth, making me an Omnivore. I can't do magic, or I would have used it when I fought those three thugs." Dean's eyes followed the pony as he turned and began pacing; that is, until he caught sight of what was on the ponies flank...

*****

"Seriously? Cutie Mark? That has got to be the gayest shit I've ever heard. Sounds like something my Ex in grade seven would have come up with!" Dean threw his arms up to exaggerate his point. His heavy footfalls seemed to echo through the silent forest

"It's not that hard to understand, Sergeant." Midnight began. Dean could hear the scowl in his tone. "A pony gets theirs when they find their special talent. Mine is hidden at the moment, but it would show a hoof-tip moon underneath a red and gold spyglass." Dean could see the irritation portrayed on the ponies face. The only one who hadn't spoken up was Trignar, who was a good few feet ahead of them. Dean's eyes didn't leave the Dark Elf's back for more than a few seconds since the start of their trek in the woods.

"How did you get yours, Twilight?" Dean decided to ask the Alicorn beside him. She hadn't left his side the entire trip so far and still carried a light limp, but she was otherwise just fine. She looked up at him curiously before focusing on the trail once more. She quickly adjusted her Camouflaged saddlebags before replying.

"Well, when I was a filly, I was enrolled in Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. I was top of my class and so was given the hardest task when the final exam came up. I had to hatch a dragon using only magic!" Twilight sighed quietly as a smile crept onto her muzzle. "I tried and tried some more, but I wasn't able to summon the necessary power. It wasn't until a sonic rainboom startled me while I was attempting the spell. I pushed to much power into the spell and unlocked something deep inside me. I didn't remember what happened, but all I can recall was one moment there was a blinding purple light, and the next, Princess Celestia's was saying she would take me as her personal student! After the magic outburst, I got my cutie mark!" Twilight beamed at the memory.

"So what happened to the dragon in the end?" Dean glanced down at her. His ears picked up an almost inaudible grumble from the Prince, but he ignored it.

"Well, he became my adoptive brother after that and for the last thirteen or some years him and I have lived together." Her expression suddenly soured. "I-I haven't seen him since the day before the invasion, I hope he's alright. He wasn't in Canterlot the day it fell to the Dark Elves, s-so he could've gotten away."

Dean patted the Princess on the back lightly as she let out a sniffle.

"Probably a bad time to ask, but do you have any other siblings?" He suddenly asked. Midnight Flow had begun conversing with Trignar, though it seemed more like an angry rant than a conversation.

'Good, the point eared bastard deserves the hate.'

"N-no it's okay. But Y-yeah I do, his name was Shining Armour. He was my Big Brother Best Friend Forever." Her one ear flicked.

"Was he some sort of knight? Back home, we have the term 'knight in shining armour." It usually describes someone who is gallant, handsome, courageous, and strong." Dean scratched lightly at Twilight's coat, causing her to lean into him slightly as they walked.

"He was all of that and more. Shining and I would do everything together. When I was feeling down, he would cheer me up, when I was struggling with something, he would help me, when I needed someone to talk to, he would listen. He was the Captain of the Royal Guard and later a Prince." Twilight looked ahead at the conversing duo. She scowled at Trignars back.

"His Cutie Mark was a blue shield with a lavender star in the center, much like my own, plue three small stars over the top. I-It s-stood f-for h-his..." Twilights voice fell to a whisper. Dean could feel her body shake ever so slightly as she quietly cried. He knew how it felt to lose loved ones.

"....His steadfast protection and caring nature." Dean finished for Twilight. He looked down at Twilight with a soft smile once more, but this time their eyes met as she looked up. He could see tears leaking down from her eyes, so he quickly scratched behind her ear.

"I'm sorry. I-I really need to get a better grip on my emotions, I think I'm crying way to much." Twilight chuckled half heartedly.

"It's okay. You've gone through a lot in the last little while. I am here if you need someone to listen as well, you aren't alone anymore." Dean looked back towards the two bickering figures ahead of them, but he could feel Twilights grateful smile as she looked at him.

"So, now I'm curious. There are elves, mythical ponies, dragons, and draconequus monsters on this world, what else is there here?" Dean looked down at Twilight and his eyes widened. Her tail had straightened, her snout was in the air, and she walked with more elegance.

'Shit.'

"Well, to know this, we must first dwell into ancient Equestria and the first settlers to cross the Celestial sea. According to ancient texts in the Canterlot archives..." Dean sighed. This lecture was his doing, he would just have to suffer through it.

*****

"You're him." Dean suddenly said, causing the white stallion to whirl around and glare at him. "That Cutie Mark or whatever it's called. The shield, the lavender star, the three small stars! You're him, Shining Armour!" Dean suddenly laughed loudly, but began coughing as his chest flared in pain along with his head.

"That is Prince Shining Armour to you, thing." Shining snarled.

"Human, actually." Shining Armour's eyes suddenly widened at the words.

"Wait, Human? But those are myth, you can't be one!" Dean sighed and squeezed his eyes shut in irritation. His hand moved to rub the bridge of his nose, but upon an intense magical pressure on his head, he relented.

"That is a topic for another time, right now, I need to know if you are Twilight Sparkle's brother." Dean looked Shining dead in the eyes, his own complexion morphing into pure intimidation. He had to be sure in order to guarantee her safety. "Are you Twilight Sparkles brother?"

Shining armour visibly shivered. His ears folded back slightly as he gazed into Dean's eyes. He suddenly felt the instinct to run, and not look back. Whatever this thing was that was in his magical grasp, Human or otherwise, it was not something to mess with. It was intimidating enough with the bulky metal armour they had failed to extract from its body. Shining had only heard the report that this thing had moved with a speed faster than the eye could see and was able to withstand a full shock from the electric rods.

His hooves seemed to have a mind of their own as he continued to look at the creature and he took an involuntary step back. Was this it's goal? To get into the resistance base and tear it apart from the inside? To assassinate him?

'Then why did it bring Twilight and Midnight?'

Shining armour paused as the creatures eyes seemed to harden even further and its mouth solidified into a scowl. Shining realized he was acting weak, and he matched the creatures scowl with his own.

"I-I am Princess Twilight Sparkles brother,yes. Your tactics of int-"

BANG! CRACK!

Both Shining and Dean jumped as the massive wooden door to the interrogation room was blown off its hinges and smashed against the opposing wall, nearly flattening Dean as it flew past. Shining's magic grip let go of Dean as he spun around to face the new threat.

Dean on the other hand fell to his hands and knees and began coughing, the sudden movement causing pain in his chest and head to erupt once more. His world began to swim as the pounding came back in full force.

"Show yourself!" Shining called through the now broken doorway, his horn sparking with energy. He was taken by surprise however when a lavender blur shot past him, nearly knocking him over in the process. "Wha-"

"Dean! Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?!" Twilights voice echoed throughout the now silent interrogation room, her panicky voice trembling slightly with emotion.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine. I'm not made of glass you know." Dean snarked at the Princess. She merely huffed in retaliation and turned away from him, but not before swatting his chest playfully with her tail.

Shining armour couldn't believe what he was seeing. His sister, who had been unconscious, was conversing with the enemy! She must've been brainwashed by him!

"Stay away from my sister!" Shining armour teleported between Dean and Twilight and quickly spun on his hooves to deliver a powerful kick. Once more, Dean didn't see what was happening before it was to late and was launched across the room from the hit. His grunt of pain was only heard for a second before the yelling started. Dean's vision flashed as he tried to regain his bearings, but everything seemed to come out murky. He grimaced in pain as he fell on all fours. Blackness was starting to creep into the back of his mind.

'Must've hit my head. Damn ponies and their dirty tactics!'

Dean collapsed onto his stomach as the yelling continued from across the room. The voices seemed to garble together and Dean chuckled. The yelling stopped immediately and his remaining vision was suddenly enveloped in lavender once again.

"I hope this type of greeting doesn't run in the family." He managed to cough out.

And then Dean passed out, the last thing he saw being the stupefied and rage filled face of Twilight Sparkle as she looked down on him in concern.

Chapter 16: The Tavern

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Prince Shining Armour sat on the park bench in discomfort, his eyes focused on the mare opposite him. Her purple Irises seemed to pierce through his very soul as she glared at him. Her dark, frizzled mane with the lavender streak seemed to wave slightly in the breeze. The courtyard they were standing in was one of the nicer areas of the forward operating base and was devoid of any life sans the two current ponies. The sounds of ponies singing in harmony outside the walls could be heard all around. Their joy for the Princesses return seemed to flow through the evening air. Shining himself was feeling utterly ecstatic, but something was holding him back from celebrating just yet. It was probably the look he was receiving from said princess at the moment.

"So... erm, Twi-" Shining began, but he was swiftly cut off with a raised hoof. His sisters large eyes searched his eyes as she frowned at him. Shining gulped as his ears folded back slightly, but he didn't break eye contact. He didn't dare do it for the fear that none of this was real. His sister was here, in the flesh, in front of him! His angry sister, sure, but it was HIS sister!

Twilight's eyes continued to search his being, and he continued to feel uncomfortable, the feeling only growing as time went on.

'Okay, how do I properly approach this? She's obviously mad about what I did to the creature, so maybe apologizing? But she might not want me to talk yet, especially after that last attempt. Wait... is that a sm-'

Shining didn't get to finish his thought as the purple Alicorn suddenly launched herself at him, knocking him from the bench, wrapping her legs around his torso, and squeezing the actual life out of his very being. Shining gasped in surprise as he was suddenly crushed and looked down in confusion and surprise. He saw his sister, her eyes were closed, her face beaming in pure elation and joy. Tears poured from her, slowly soaking his chest fur. Her wings wrapped around him, making sure he couldn't escape.

Shining quickly overcame his confusion and swiftly wrapped her in a hug of his own. He heard a brief sniffle and quickly nuzzled Twilight's head, being mindful of her horn. They then just lay there, on the grass in each others embrace. Shining felt moisture building behind his eyes and tried to blink it away, but he ultimately failed. He squeezed his eyes shut as the tears slowly traced down his muzzle.

"Are you crying?"

Shining Armour looked down at the sudden question, a sense of nostalgia suddenly working its way into his mind.

"N-no! Its just... it's just... uh, liquid happiness! Y-yeah that's right!" Shining looked down at his sister and she giggled quietly through her tears.

"I'm sure it is, BBBFF." She nuzzled into his chest and sighed happily. "You have no idea how incredible it is to see you again."

Shining chuckled before hugging his sister close once more. A quiet sob escaped from within him as he squeezed her even closer.

"I thought I lost you. I've been trying to detect your magical signature everyday for the last two years along with Cadence's, but I wasn't able to find either. I thought the w-worst." Shining's chest wracked once again, and apparently Twilight felt it to for she began to stroke his back with a free hoof.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm perfectly fine now. I was able to cloak my magical signature with an old spell Celestia taught me. With magic as powerful as mine, the Dark Elves would have been able to pinpoint me easier." Twilight breathed in deeply, then exhaled. Shining could feel her heartbeat through her chest and smiled at it. He felt the tears slowly fall away completely and he sighed once more.

"You are going to have to tell me about what you did in the last two years, but I think there are some things we need to address at the moment." Shining extracted himself from his sister, who huffed slightly in annoyance.

"Damn right we do. Why were you torturing Sergeant Dean? He helped me get here you know." She glared at him once again, causing him to sweat uncomfortably. Her forelegs crossed in irritation as she growled at him.

"H-hey! Watch your language young l-lady!" Shining gulped as the glare picked up in intensity. His ears folded back as he began to stutter. "W-what I meant to say was, well, I thought he could've been a spy using you to get into the Resistance. I was told by the scouts you encountered that he was holding you and Midnight prisoner, so I might've assumed that he was with the enemy. It didn't help that the youngest Prince was with you either, free of bondage." Shining rubbed the back of his head with a hoof, looking as if he had been caught stealing a cookie from the jar.

"Well, when Dean wakes up, I want you to apologize to him. I get you thought he was an enemy but if you had used that thing between your ears," she bonked his forhead with a hoof, "I wouldn't be scolding you. Now, you are going to apologize to him." Twilight stuck her snout in the air and looked down at her brother. Her feathers ruffled slightly as she wiggled in place. "Deal?"

"Fine. It's a deal. I'm gl-"

Shining Armour could say no more as a fluffy lavender form in the shape of her sister suddenly launched through the air again and tackled him. They both laughed as they playfully wrestled in the courtyard. Birds chirped a happy chorus and the ponies began to finish their happy song...

*****

...Finally, our Princess has returned,
Let us rejoice and our voices be heard,
Even in our darkest hour,
When black magic the lands do scour,
When all hope seems lost,
And our morale grows soft,
The light of friendship will always be in our hearts,
No Dark Elves to snuff it out!
No depression to suffocate its might!
Our Princess has returned, everything shall be alright,
Yes, Everything, shall be all right!

And at that very moment, the bells of the clock tower struck one as the mighty percussive drums sounded their last beat of the song. The hundreds of ponies who had partaken simply went about their daily lives, albeit in much better moods. Smiles adjourned almost every face in the streets, the mood seeming to radiate across the sprawling city. There was one who didn't smile though, her mind was to plagued with thoughts as she traveled to the local bar. She sported a fuchsia coloured coat along with a purple mane and tail. A light teal streak ran down the center of each section. Her horn glowed as she levitated a large stack of papers behind her. Her cutie mark was a gray equal sign, and her name was Starlight Glimmer.

Starlight had been in Maritime bay for just under a year. Her perfect town was eviscerated from the map after the Dark Elves pushed North from Canterlot. Most of the population was enslaved, but Starlight and a few of her close supporters were able to escape via the underground tunnels. How they were able to escape and the others weren't... was not something she ever discussed.

The reason she and her following equalists were headed to the tavern was to deliver their equality pamphlets to maximum effect. The city was in a sorry state and was hanging by a thread. One snip in the leadership.... and it would all come crumbling down.

'If everyone is equal, then we can improve! We could build back what little economy we have and gain the pony power to take the fight to the Dark Elves! Hmm, maybe my slogan should be "Build. Back. Better." Yeah, I like that.'

"Hey, Starlight! What if that barkeep doesn't let us in? With the last project we did, we kinda got looked on in a bad light." Sugar Belle commented from the front of the group. Her eyes cast about uneasily as they got closer to the tavern.

"There is nothing to worry about, Sugar Belle! We are only going to be spending an hour distributing our pamphlets, then we are going to talk to the Prince about our plan. It's good enough he will agree, but it will also give me some more control. I may only be a counselor in the cities government, but I am sure that this new plan will work just fine! Plus, you have me this time." Starlight skipped up the the front doors of the tavern with a cheery expression and proceeded to swiftly open them wide. Laughter and and conversation suddenly picked up in volume by a tenfold as the group of ponies walked in.

"I'll stay out here and get the stand set up." Feather Bangs called from the front steps. He gave Sugar Belle a quick wink before turning and trotting towards his stands location. Sugar Belle huffed in irritation and rolled her eyes.

'When will he learn that I'm not into him?' She mumbled to herself quietly. Sugar Belle wasn't looking where she was going and ended up bumping into a burly stallion, causing her to fall to her haunches and the stallion to stumble slightly.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, idiot." The stallion gave her a sideways glare before resuming his poker game. After a second, His head swiveled back to regard her once again. "Hey, aren't you an equalist?" His eyes narrowed.

Sugar Belle gulped and her ears splayed backwards. Her pupils dilated slightly as she gave a nervous chuckle. The stallions eyes seemed to bore into her own as he stared her down. Sugar Belle was about to turn tail and run before she was saved by her friend and leader, Starlight.

"Guardsman, I suggest you show some politeness while off duty. We don't need any more fear being spread around this city." Starlight placed a hoof on Sugar Belles wither, encouraging her to stand up. She did so and quickly moved behind the equalist leader.

The stallion regarded the mare before him with a critical eye. The equalists may have been a pain in the flank as of late, but this was their leader and a counselor of the city. He really did not want to spend a month in the Dungeon like the last guard who pissed her off. He shuddered at the memory of his friend after he came back. A smile too large, consistently optimistic, and not getting his duties fulfilled. He decided to play it smart and apologize.

"I'm sorry for the disrespect ma'am, I hope I didn't inconvenience you." His glare lessened as he looked at Sugar Belle once more. The mare puffed her chest out slightly and nodded her head. Her muzzle formed into an overly creepy smile.

"It's alright. I'll be sure to watch where I am going next time!" Sugar Belle continued to smile even as she walked away with Starlight. The stallion visibly shivered, shook his head, and turned back to the card game once again, his buddies giving him odd looks.

The duo approached the bar counter. A couple of ponies sat at the long island table, their drinks sitting untouched as they listened to the strange, blocky device on the wall. Upon closer examination, Sugar Belle was able to make out an Elven communication device, a magi-comm. It was just another advanced piece of technology that the Dark Elves held over the inhabitants of Equis, especially the ponies. It had allowed instant communication among their warriors, allowing them to outmaneuver the Equestrian military and defeat them easily. Sugar Belle scowled at the sudden sense of hopelessness she got from just looking at the machine. It showed just how much the resistance was behind, how desperate they were getting by using the enemies own tech. it made her sick. The only real benefit was that the Resistance now had a way of staying in the loop.

"And this just in! More territory has been gained by our brothers in gold in the Griffin Empire! Prince Agnus BlueBlood had successfully repelled a Griffin counter attack on the Eastern front while his main force came in from the West. Elven forces have finally moved into the capital of Griffinstone and secured the magical artifacts stolen from our ancestors! The Emperor will be giving an announcement later in the week. Speaking of Royalty, it appears that the rumours of Prince Trignar's death have been proven false. Instead, he had been taken hostage by the legendary Demon of metal. We have yet to receive word on what the Demon's demands are, bu-"

The Magi-comm station suddenly cut out, the only sound being white noise. The Bartender, an utterly massive minotaur with hulking muscles, tried to get the machine to work again.

"Iron Will commands that you work, stupid device! Bah! Stupid Dark Elves and their stupid technologies. They are lucky Iron Will does not go and fight them head on!" The Minotaur, Iron Will, fiddled with the many knobs and wires on the Magi-comm, but ultimately failed to rejuvenate the frequency. Starlight figured it was a good idea to get the Barkeeps attention. She cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, Mr. Iron Will?" Iron Will stopped his fiddling and turned towards her.

"What can Iron Will do you for, little pony? I've got drinks, copyrighted by Iron WIll, I've got snacks, copyrighted by Iron Will, and I've got different assorted knick knacks, all copyrighted by Iron Will." A goat appeared at Iron Will's side and bleated once. The Minotaur in turn glared at a table somewhere off to his right. "You break it you buy it, Dirtbag! Or else you'll have to deal with the most fearsome Minotaur in the lands! Sorry about that little lady, what were you looking for?"

Starlight stood a little straighter, but barely came up to the Minotaurs abs. A sickly sweet smile played out on her muzzle, though it did not reach her ears.

"I was wondering if the great Iron Will would allow me, counselor Starlight Glimmer, to set up a stand just outside your tavern? I would also like to run my campaign from this location." She laid on the 'counselor' a bit harder than usual, but it would seem that Iron Will either didn't hear the shift in tone, or chose to ignore it.

"Well little pony, what is in it for Iron Will? This is legally my establishment after all." Iron will crossed his broad arms across his immense chest and smirked. The goat standing beside him also turned it's head to regard the duo.

"Well, I am offering the fact that once I win the coming election for mayor of the city, your establishment will expand to all the other food and shelter business in Maritime Bay. I'll even put you on the counsel as the head of the business sector." Starlight beamed as Iron Will scratched his goatee in thought. Sugar Belle was still standing behind her leader, keeping a watchful eye around the room. She kept getting strange looks from all the ponies present, but chose to ignore them. Her attention returned to the bar when Iron Will gave his decision.

"Iron Will agrees to your request." Sugar Belle mentally cheered in her head.

"Splendid! Just sign here and we will be all set."

And so Iron Will signed the contract. Starlight and Sugar Belle went back to find Sugar Bangs, only to discover him being questioned by no more than six local guards.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Starlight calmly called as she trotted up to the partially set up booth. A stack of pamphlets rested on Feather Bangs back and was teetering dangerously as the guards remained crowded around him.

"We are closing up your little gig here. You are on private property and we do not want another incident like last time." The gruff, female voice of Spitfire growled towards Starlight.

"Well, then it is a good thing that I have an agreement with the landowner. My campaign establishment will take place right here beside the tavern. Starlight magicked up the contract and passed it to the fuming captain. Spitfire quickly scanned through the document before throwing it at Starlight in disgust.

"Fine, but no funny business. You equalists cause enough trouble as it is." Spitfire made to turn around, but something soft tapped her on the shoulders. She and the others in her squad turned back to face the Equalists. "What?"

"Why don't you take a pamphlet? I'm sure you might be interested in the coming election." Starlight, Sugar Belle, and Feather Bangs all smiled impossibly wide, causing all but one of the guards to shiver.

"Y-yeah whatever." Spitfire and her five cohorts each received a pamphlet and all but one actually tucked the pieces of paper away in their armour. A white unicorn grabbed his in the air and began to read through it casually.

Starlight watched as the six guards strutted down the road once more and chuckled. Her other two Equalists chuckled with her before moving about their tasks of setting up.

'It's about time we got this show on the road. Soon, the ponies of Equestria will know freedom. They will know true equality, and I will be at their center!

And so, for the next few hours, Starlight and her small band of Equalists started to grow their support. Once enough ponies joined their cause, strife, greed, and other annoying emotions would become a thing of the past. Nothing would stand in her way.

*****

He watched from the shadows as the ponies passed out their campaign pamphlets. His mind worked a million miles a minute as he thought on the situation. Then it clicked.

A message was sent, an order was given.

The bug in the shadows chuckled ominously, his form slowly melding into darkness until there was nothing but pale blue eyes standing in the shade. And after a second, even that was gone to. The ponies wouldn't suspect as thing...

Chapter 17: Her Brother

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"And then, I fell down this cliff into an entire patch of Poison Joke! My horn didn't stop wobbling for two weeks after that!" Twilight rubbed her horn thoughtfully as Shining laughed. After a second, Twilight began to giggle as well and before to long, the duo were on the floor, laughing up a storm.

"Seriously? I can't say I've had that happen to me before. That is quite the story!" Shining Armour stood up, still smiling and offered his sister a hoof. "Why didn't you try and fly away?" He tapped her right wing and it unfurled. Twilight sighed and looked towards the floor.

"Well, you see, I was supposed to be getting lessons from Rainbow Dash when we were called to Canterlot again. You know the rest of the story from there. I still haven't been able to learn. One, because the Dark Elves keep on tracking me every time I'm higher than the trees, and two, I've mostly been running this whole time. I bet I could outrace you if I wanted to." She tried for a joke, but her somber expression took away from the effect. Shining merely sighed and instead decided to sit beside his sister. She looked up at him, a question on her lips, but chose to stay quiet as he placed a leg around her. The two just sat there in comfortable silence as the birds chirped away and the sun slowly dipped in the sky.

"I've been wondering, who has been moving the Sun this whole time. It hasn't been me, I'm not powerful enough." Twilight asked as she looked out and over the walls of the fort with a thousand yard stare. The side of her head pressed into shining's chest and she breathed deeply. "Sometimes, I can still feel a ping of Celestia's magic every once and awhile. I think it's just muscle memory; dust and echoes."

Shining's ear twitched as he thought. He to was watching the horizon, but his mind was constantly abuzz.

"Well, we don't know yet who is doing it, but I have to assume they are on our side. Not a single Dark Elf is powerful enough to move the Sun and Moon on their own. We will just have to find them." Shining looked down at his sister and nuzzled her head. She gave off a quiet giggle and squirmed in place.

"I missed having my big brother around."

The duo suddenly jumped as a wooden door slammed open across the courtyard. The sound of hooves quickly drummed their way over, causing Twilight to huff.

"Princess, Prince. The nurses in the Infirmary would like you to know that the creature is awake. Best if you hurry though, he was getting quite aggravated when I left to inform you."

Shining Armour stood and nodded to the guard who had approached them. The guard in turn saluted them both before turning on the spot and trotting to his post. Twilight watched as the guard trotted back through the door and out of sight. Her gaze then quickly switched to her brother and she raised an eyebrow.

"Fine, fine, let's get this over with." Shining huffed as he hauled Twilight to her hooves. The two began a brisk trot as they made their way to the infirmary; not a word was spoken. Twilight was analyzing the base with sorrowful eyes. Former guards walked about with their heads down, their armour and weapons in horrible condition. She noticed more than a few were wrapped in bandages around various ligaments.

Twilight nearly got the scare of her life when a Pegasus stallion suddenly cried out and jumped in front of her. His pupils were dilated to mere pinpricks and his legs quaked.

"Make it stop! Make the screaming stop! Oh Faust, what they did to the kids, a-and Blue Rose! P-p-please make the screaming sto-o-p-p!" The stallion collapsed right in the middle of the path, sobbing and weeping. Every few seconds, one of his legs would lash out at what was seemingly a Ghost.

"Just step around him, there isn't anything you can do." A nearby guard called from across the path. Twilight merely nodded and kept walking, but now with an obvious shake in her step. Twilights breathing grew heavier as she tried to get the sobbing stallion erased from her mind, but it wasn't working. Never before had she seen somepony act like that. What would she even call it?

'Seeing things one shouldn't have to see? Trauma?'

The clop of her brothers hooves suddenly stopped ahead of her but she failed to register it. Her own hoofsteps carried her a bit further past the door she was supposed to stop at, and it wasn't until Shining called her name that she snapped out of her trance. She quickly trotted back to her brothers side and faced the doorway to the infirmary. Her eyes slowly drifted over the red cross above the entryway and she took a step forward... only to be halted by her brothers outstretched leg.

"Maybe I should go first, he might-" Shining didn't get to finish as Twilight backed up and glared at him. He turned to face her and scowled.

"He isn't going to hurt me Shining. He saved my life not once but twice! It's not like he's suddenly going to sprout fangs and eat me or something! Why do you hate him so much?"

Shining's mouth tightened into a thin line and he stomped his hoof in irritation. "He is a threat to everyone's well being. Just because he claims to be a creature from mythology does not mean he is one. He could be using you to get into the Resistance, he could be using some sort of mental magic! He-" Shining was cut off as Twilight huffed.

"The Prince of the Dark Elves captured me and brought me to his camp. If it wasn't for Dean, then I would likely have been dead by the end of the week. Instead, he saved my life, killed more than twenty Elite Guards, took the Prince prisoner, and made sure that we got to Maritime Bay in one piece." Twilight glowered and Shining continued to scowl.

"You don't understand, Twily. I-"

"What don't I understand Shining? I know you have always been the protective big brother but this is ridiculous! I'm not a foal anymore! I'm a Princess!"

"I understand that entirely but-"

"You didn't even come to see me first, you went to interrogate the 'creature!'" Twilight signed 'creature' with her hooves. "The only pony I recognize when I woke up was Midnight, I was scared!"

"It isn't like that, I was only trying-"

"Trying to what, exactly? Does duty always come bef-?"

"I COULDN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN!" Twilight backpedaled away from her brother in fear, her eyes going wide and her wings flaring to the side. Tears poured down Shining's face as he stared into her eyes. Both of his ears were plastered against his head and his pupils were dilated. With a defeated sigh, Shining hung his head. "I had to be sure you were safe and nothing could threaten you. I knew that this 'Sergeant Dean' was powerful, so I had to find out everything I could before I eliminated him. He was the only thing in the base that could hurt you, and I had just gotten you back. I thought that maybe he might have been controlling you and had to get rid of him for it. I-I can't lose you. I've already lost Cadence and Mum and Dad, I can't lose you too."

By this point, tears were streaming down both his and Twilight's face. For the longest time nopony said a word. The hallway they had traveled down was utterly silent, minus Shining Armours laboured breathing.

And then, as if a light switch had been flipped, Twilight blinked. Her ears folded back against her head as she rushed towards her brother. Her front legs wrapped around his neck as she cried into his fur once again. Shining Armours tears flowed from his eyes as he hugged his sister back.

"I-I can't. Not again."

"I'm so, so sorry Shiny. I overreacted and got angry at you when you were just trying to help. I-I'm sorry! Dean makes a terrifying enemy and I didn't want you to get hurt. When I found out you were interrogating him I thought he might consider YOU an enemy." Twilight continued to sob into his fur as he stroked her back.

"It's okay Twily, I know that this cr- Human means a lot to you. I probably could have taken a more rational approach. And don't you worry, your brother can handle nearly anything."

After several minutes, Twilights sobs began to settle down. Shining smiled and let go from their hug. The two began to make their way to the door when Shining came up with something devious.

"You like him, don't you?" He kept a straight face as Twilight spluttered and choked for a second. When she was able to get her breathing under control, she threw another nasty glare at Shining, who swiftly dodged it by looking the other way.

"I-I do not! He's one of my friends!" Twilight harrumphed and began walking to the door again.

"Friends with benefits? I don't know what happened while you two traveled with each other!" Shining struggled to hold in his laughter as Twilight nearly fell on her face.

"N-no! Ew! Why do you even think of this stuff?" She glared at Shining, though a blush was slowly making its way through her fur.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Shining's tail wagged slightly as he strutted past Twilight. He grabbed the door with his magic and swung it open. The smell of body odour and something else quickly wafted into the hallway, causing Twilight to gag. Shining smirked as he saw Twilight role her eyes.

"Come on, I want to properly meet my new brother in law."

"SHINING!"

*****

Sergeant Dean stood tall as he faced down the three nurses before him. Each only came up to about his waist and were holding various medical instruments like weapons. He couldn't help but smirk at their behaviour.

"M-Mr. Creature sir, I-I'm going to have to ask you to lay back down in your bed. You still have a concussion." A yellow Earth pony with a roll of gauze as a cutie mark stated.

The bandage wrapping Dean's head shifted slightly, causing him to wince as a dull throbbing echoed through his skull. He kept still however and continued to glare at the ponies before him. The second he moved to sit down, they would likely try to jump him and restrain him to the bed until Prince Gallant Knight or something showed up. Dean's ears twitched as the sound of hooves echoed from down the hallway. The nurses didn't seem to notice or simply didn't care as they continued to look at him.

The sound of Twilights voice caused his eyes to look away for a split second, and that split second was all the nurses needed.

"GET HIM!"

Dean suddenly found himself being attacked from three different angles from three different ponies. The yellow earth pony went for his legs and succeeded in latching onto his right shin. Dean tried to shake the fuzzy thing off but found his world obscured by fur and fluff as the second nurse, a red pegasus pony, clung to his face.

With an indignant yelp, Dean was sent catering off balance. He fell to the floor with a loud THUMP! The third nurse, the ringleader, smiled down at him as she hopped onto his chest.

"Alright, the Princess has made you an honoured guest, but we were instructed to keep you here. She never said how we were supposed to do it. SO, you will not be moving until she comes back. Am I clear?" The pony yelped when Dean suddenly reached up and picked her up by the scruff like a kitten. He jumped to his feet, mindful of the pony wrestling his one leg, and turned towards the entry to his room. The pony around his face slipped, but Dean quickly scooped her up to. He walked out the door, looked right, then left, spotted an open closet, and proceeded to walk towards it, all the while dragging the yellow Earth pony down the hall. Upon reaching his destination, he spotted a pile of dirty sheets laying in a corner and proceeded to lift both ponies up to his face. He smiled at them, being sure to show his canines, and they cowered away in fear. Dean chuckled as he threw the two nurses into the blankets.

Upon picking up the yellow pegasus, she gave a quiet eep and looked into his eyes, a sheepish smile adjourning her face. Dean simply huffed before tossing her in as well.

Once Dean shut the door, he turned around and was immediately assaulted by a lavender blur. His moment of shock was quickly turned into a chuckle of amusement as he began to scratch behind Twilights ears. Then, a second set of hooves entered his hearing.

Dean stood up straight and quickly pulled Twilight off of him, much to her protest. His eyes were locked on the figure that was slowly making his way towards them, and his face fell into a mask of professionalism. Prince Shining Armour stopped about four meters away from the towering soldier and visibly gulped. he eyed the bandage around the Human's face warily and grimaced slightly after realizing he was the one who had caused the wound.

The Sergeant stood their, full armour and exo-suit, glaring down at the pony who had attempted to interrogate him.

'If you could even call it that.'

"Come back for round two, or am I going to have to turn your words against you again?" Dean smirked as the Prince scowled. He saw Shining look at Twilight, then back at Dean.

"Sergeant Dean." Shining began in a dead panned voice. To Dean, it sounded like the Prince was trying to force the words from his throat. Shining looked at Twilight once more before huffing. His ears splayed back and his face portrayed irritation. "I would like to apologize for my earlier behaviour and assumptions surrounding your person. If there is anything-" Shining was abruptly cut off when Dean held up his hand. With a raised eyebrow he looked down towards Twilight, who was a bit red in the face.

"Did you put him up to this?" He narrowed his eyes as she looked down at her hooves. Her sheepish smile was all he needed to know. "Huh."

Dean looked back towards the Prince and smiled.

"You may have been an ass the first time we met, but I am not dense, I knew the second I found out you were Shining Armour that you were trying to protect your sister. I likely would have done the same if some random, heavily armoured warrior showed up with my sibling and attacked my friends." And then Dean surprised everyone by snapping his heels together and saluting. "I also heard you were a Captain. I am First Sergeant Dean Forrester. I hope those three scouts that caught me are okay."

Shining Armour merely stared at the metal clad Human with his mouth slightly open. Never before had he experienced such a turn of events.

Shining quickly realized that he was making a fool of himself and snapped his own salute in response. His eyes drifted over the Human and he was able to take in minute details. Scratches decorated the metallic armour in various areas and black paint seemed to be peeling off around the center of his body. There was some sort of combat webbing on his front as well as a strange belt with tons of pockets and various holders. The one detail that caused Shining to shiver were the small blood splatters around his gloved fingers. To sum it up, it looked like Sergeant Dean had gone through a lot.

"I am indeed a Captain of the Royal Guard, It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sergeant. And to answer your question, the pony you choked is somewhere in the infirmary while the other two are on duty." He saw Dean wince slightly and smirked.

Both Dean and Shining dropped their salute as one and turned to face Twilight with critical eyes. Twilight chuckled nervously as the Human and her brother stared at her.

"Heheh, I guess I owe an apology." She looked at Shining with a sincere face. "I'm sorry for forcing you to apologize to the Sergeant, Shiny."

Shining Armour merely chuckled before walking over and nuggying his sister playfully. Dean couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

The Prince looked up at Dean with a neutral expression. "Well, Dean. You are hereby free to go. I am going to be assigning a guard for you for when you go into town-" Once again, Dean cut off Shining.

"Whoa there bucko, I'm not exactly staying here and sightseeing. I'm on a tight schedule." Dean gave one more scratch behind Twilights ears before crossing his arms and looking at Shining.

"And were exactly do you have to that is so important, Sergeant?" Shining raised an eyebrow. He still didn't fully trust the Human and visibly expressed it. His eyes hardened as he glared up at the soldier.

"Well, I have to get home, I'm not exactly from this world and I have a war to fight." Sergeant Dean saw Twilight look down sadly but chose to ignore it. He looked back and saw Shining do a quick double take.

"Another world? And how are you going to do that? Say I believe that you are an alien; We don't have the capabilities here or the spells that could possibly send you back to wherever you came from." Shining Armour had a feeling he knew where the conversation was going.

"Maybe not, but I made a deal with someone. If I completed my mission, they would send me back to my world. I intend to get that done as quickly and efficiently as possible; my people need me."

"And what was this deal, might I ask." Shining groaned on the inside. The counsel wasn't going to like this.

"Well, I am supposed to help free your people from the Dark Elves." Dean smirked as Shining huffed.

"And how will you do that? We don't have a military anymore, our morale is hanging by a thread... and you are just one guy! We need to wait and plan our next move against the Dark Elves, not rush in blindly and hope for a victory." Dean heard the defeat in the Prince's voice. He felt the coldness that seemed to leech off of the pony when mentioning their oppressors. Sergeant Dean may have been looking to get home, but these ponies were slowly growing on him. They seemed... human, in a sense, and nobody deserved the treatment they were receiving. The past of the United States of America, his home country, was reason enough for him to fight, and the sooner he got done here, the sooner he could get back home and win the war.

"Prince Shining Armour, I told Twilight this and now I am going to tell you something similar." Deans face seemed to darken as he glared down at the pony. His whole frame seemed to grow to an impossible height and his armour seemed to thicken. His eyes narrowed and the Prince gulped.

"Victory is always possible for the one who refuses to stop fighting. I suggest you remember that. And let me tell you, I'm going to give those pricks a fight for the centuries." Dean began to walk past Prince Shining, who was staring at him with... some sort of emotion. His metal boots created a deafening stomp that seemed to drag out through the hallway. Twilight was looking at Dean in awe once more as he stalked past.

"I need my equipment, I need my guns, I need four good soldiers. He looked back at the Prince, who was still standing there. A small ray of hope seemed to be breaking through his downed expression. He just needed another nudge.

"These Elves have grown lax in their victory, they think you are beaten. The reason I am here..." Dean pushed the heavy wooden door open, letting bright sunlight spill through the entry. He looked back at the siblings, one held malice and a sense of revenge in her eyes, the other held a sense of awe and inspiration. His smile widened.

"...is to show them the fight is just beginning." He turned and walked through the doorway. "Common, let's go win this thing."

And so Shining Armour and Twilight followed the Sergeant. A new sense of hope hung in the air around them. As the group moved towards the barracks, Shining was able catch a glimpse of the city of Maritime Bay, the city he had protected for the last two years. By doing so, he came to a decision: They would finally take the fight to the Elves, they would finally free all the oppressed ponies, and they would finally be able to get their... revenge.

'Did I say revenge? No, I-I meant what was stolen. Yeah, we will take back all that was stolen from our ponies.'

*****

'The Demon of Metal has joined the resistance!'

'We need to find a way to remove it.'

'But how? What? No, no, that could jeopardize the already tense relations!'

'It doesn't matter. If we can get that power, not even the Dark Elves could stop us. Do it.'

'Fine, but if it fails, you get to answer to the queen.'

'I will bear that responsibility.'

'Wait, What of the Prince?'

'He matters not, neither do. If you have the opportunity, kill them both.'

Chapter 18: Getting Set Up

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Sergeant Deans heavy footsteps were accompanied by the clip-clop of two different ponies hooves. His hands were balled into fists and his eyes were constantly analyzing every detail. Things seemed to pass by in slow motion as the group made their way forward. A trio of guards passed them on the left, two of which gave him a heated glare. The third shied away with his ears splayed back. They began to mumble and grumble behind Deans back, but he ignored it. He had to find his stuff.

"Your belongings are being held in the barracks at the moment. We were going to try and find out how everything worked but Midnight Flow advised that we wait for you to wake up and show us." Shining kept pace by trotting at Deans side, Twilight remained silent and contemplative just opposite him.

"Smart of him to do so. My weapons aren't the same as what the Elves use. They are more sophisticated and advanced." Dean noticed a gradual increase in ponies wearing armour. Some held spears and swords, but more than a few held what looked to be looted weapons from the Dark Elves. The group passed a large hedge and came upon a massive training ground. A shooting range lay a few hundred meters away with only a few ponies occupying the shooting zones. Dean watched as a familiar orange maned Pegasus leveled a bow towards the target, drew back, and fired. The arrow flew straight and true as it struck the center bullseye.

"I would like to speak with that Pegasus." Dean gestured with a thumb towards the shooter. Shining gave him an incredulous look but otherwise simply nodded his head.

"I can arrange that. What exactly are you trying to put a team together for? Wait a minute!" Shining galloped ahead and pivoted in place, forcing Dean and Twilight to stop in their tracks. "Is this your goal? To take command of my forces and force them on suicide missions?"

Dean stared at the white unicorn for a second, thinking of a way to answer the question. He heard Twilight huff in irritation beside him and knew that she was likely about to try and scold her brother. Dean knelt down in front of the prince in order to seem less intimidating.

'She can be pretty naive sometimes.'

"I'm not trying to do anything of the sort. The longer the Elves are left to their own devices, the bigger the chance they have at finding this little Resistance you have going here. I intend to take the fight to the Dark Elves. I've been shown what they did to your species, treating them like animals. Where I come from, it is the duty of a soldier to fight slavery and oppression. I don't go on suicide missions either, I go on missions to win. It's my job as a member of the RSTF." Dean stood back up as a look of relief spread across Shining Armours face. The trio began walking once more.

"What's an RSTF? Is that your countries Royal Guard?" Shining analyzed the training grounds critically, scowling every time he saw somepony slacking off.

Dean chuckled lightly as he reached up and tapped the insignia on his left breast. The Prince had to crane his neck up in order to properly see the logo.

"RSTF stands for Rangers Special Task Force. Where I am from, we are the deadliest and most efficient soldiers in Human history. We are equipped with the most advanced gear the world has to offer and are the main line of defense against the Orith. And before you ask and I have to go on another long story, the Orith are an alien menace waging Genocide on my people. That is why I have to get back home as soon as possible, we are losing and we need every available person in the fight." Dean saw a massive concrete building come into view as the group made another turn. The structure seemed rustic and utilitarian. Arrow slits were spaced every so often along the walls, causing Dean to snort. The barracks reminded him of an old British fort he had visited as a kid, Fort Henry or something. The squat and imposing building before him looked downright Medieval! He would have hated the layout if it didn't provide a beautiful view of the ocean.

Shining Armour merely whistled as they approached the double oak doors. Two Earth Pony guards sat on a bench off to the side, playing a game of dice. When they saw Dean however, they both jumped up and drew their swords, completely missing the fact that two of their superiors were standing just off to the side of the imposing Human.

"Stay back Elf, I-I'm warning you!" The first guard sounded young, almost a teenager. His short sword was vibrating slightly along with the rest of his body. Dean figured the poor pony was utterly terrified.

"I'm not going to hurt you, kid. I'm not an Elf either." Dean held his hands up in what was supposed to be a calming gesture, but the second pony must've thought he was reaching for a weapon.

"I've got 'em lad!" The guard that was flanking around suddenly launched at Sergeant Dean. Twilight cried out, her and Shining having backed up to witness the exchange. She had nothing to worry about however as within the blink of an eye, both guards were laying on the ground, disarmed. It was then that the they noticed the Prince and Princess standing off to the side.

"Princess, Captain! Get away from the Elf, get help!" The Guards Pony quickly got back to his hooves and brandished a dagger towards the soldier before him. Dean simply smirked.

"Put away your weapon lieutenant. Sergeant Dean here is on our side!" Shining Armour walked over and laid a hoof on the Lieutenants side. After a second of contemplation, the guards pony resheathed his dagger.

"Why is this thing roaming around? I thought that Elves weren't permitted in the Resistance?" The guard turned to address his Captain. Behind him, the younger guard was still on the ground, quaking in fear. Dean noticed this and bent down. The Guard shied away from the sudden movement and closed his eyes, his ears pinning against his head.

"I'm not going to hurt you kid." Dean's voice was soothing and friendly, he even added a touch of a smile as he reached out and offered his hand to the stallion below him. He saw the guard peek out from under his helmet and stare at the hand.

"The Dark Elves never offered their hand in friendship to us." He analyzed Deans face and ears, then his bulky armour. The guard cautiously lowered his hoof into Dean's hand. He flinched when Deans fingers closed around his leg, but upon being hoisted up, he looked at the Sergeant in awe. "And it appears that you are not entirely similar to them either. What are you?"

"I'm a Human. The only one on the planet. I've been called a few names since I got here, The Demon of Metal, Elf, Asshole, but I just like to to go by Sergeant or Sergeant Dean. What's your name kid?" Dean adjusted his head wrap.

'I wonder if they brought my helmet back too?'

"Private Swift Spear, sir." The pony continued to look at the Human in awe. He had no idea what a Human was, but if the Sergeant was anything to go by, they must be pretty awesome! He hadn't even seen the soldier move before he was on the ground and disarmed. Swift Spear had always been one to go with the flow. If this thing wasn't an Elf, which was now obvious, then he was okay with that. If only the rest of his species was more like him.

"Well, Swift Spear, how about you help me find Midnight Flow? He's a good friend of mine and I'm told he's been holding onto my stuff for me."

"Sure thing, Sir! Oh, uh, you can call me Swift if you would like." Swift trotted up to the doors and quickly wrapped his hoof around the knob. The door began to slide open with a mighty creak and Dean winced at the noise. "Right through here Sergeant. Midnight is an officer so he is in a different part of the building." Swift quickly trotted through the doorway.

'Hopefully my luck plays out and all the ponies accept me like Swift here."

Dean took a deep breath, and walked through the doors. The first things that greeted him were the cheers and yells as he stepped inside. The room before him gave Dean a heavy sense of nostalgia as his legs carried him forward. Bunks lined up in groups spread out across the large room, all neat and properly made. The concrete floors were swept until they shined and the walls were devoid of any wear and tear. If it weren't for the group of Ponies standing and cheering on a wrestling match, Dean would have called it home.

"Elf!"

The sudden cry caused Dean to cringe internally, though he kept his mask of professionalism as he stopped walking. He knew that any sudden movements could lead to him being mobbed.

Ponies scattered and ran about in a frenzy. Some took cover behind their bunks, some ran towards a door in the back. The rest formed a wall of flesh and fur as they surrounded the Human from all angles. Dean snorted.

"Come quietly or we will use deadly force. You may have gotten the jump on us, but there isn't any escaping." A brave Pegasus pony stepped forward from the crowd and glared at him. Her glare turned to Swift as she noticed the Earth Pony for the first time. "Swift? I knew you were green, but I never knew you were coward enough to join the enemy. You will be dealt with once we get this Elf to the dungeon." The pony took a cautious step forward, causing Dean to raise an eyebrow. She continued to grow closer, as did the rest of the crowd. All were tense and ready to spring into action at the slightest movement. Dean caught sight of a unicorn levitating some sort of skiv into the air beside him. Dean's eyes darted around the assembled group, taking into account every move.

"He's not the enemy, Stormfly! This is Sergeant Dean, he's a h-" Swift was cut off as Stormfly growled. her ears folded slightly in aggression.

"I don't care what you have to say, traitor. The Elf knows he's beat, look at him, quaking in his boots." This caused Dean, who was tensing even more, to raise an eyebrow. His fingers silently curled into fists at his sides as he prepared.

'This is NOT how I planned this to go! That, and my hopes of them being like Swift have been obliterated. Stupid, Dean!'

"Whoa, what's going on here?" Dean breathed out a shaky sigh of relief as Midnights yell echoed through the room. His shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Taking out the enemy and a traitor, First Lieutenant Midnight." Stormfly growled out. Dean didn't dare take his eyes off the crouched pony. He really did not need a repeat with the nurses... albeit deadlier.

"At ease Corporal, Sergeant Dean is on our side. He's the one who rescued the Princess and got her here safely." A few eyes in the crowd widened, Swift Spears especially. Muttering started to break out among the guards and more than a few looks of suspicion were thrown towards the Sergeant. Dean spotted the Charcoal coloured Night Guard making his way through the crowd and smirked.

"But Midnight, sir, this is an Elf! A bucking Elf! They invaded our country, razed our villages, and murdered and raped innocent ponies. He's a monster!" Stormfly's eyes narrowed. "I don't give a buck, these things killed my sister!"

Dean's eyes widened as the Pegasus suddenly shot towards him, then they narrowed. He needed the military arm of the Resistance to understand he was a friend, but also not something to be bossed around. He was on a tight schedule and was taking a risk by doing what he did next.

Dean sidestepped the Pegasus as she swung a mighty punch at his head. He watched as her eyes widened in both fear and surprise as he avoided her. Both emotions were swiftly erased from her face however as one of his hands suddenly reached up and clamped around the back of her neck. He made sure he wasn't choking the pony as he halted her forward momentum with a step back. Stormfly squealed in a very unladylike fashion as she found herself struggling lightly to breath. Her hooves flung about wildly as her eyes widened in panic. Shouts of outrage and fear filled the room as the ponies all backed away. None of them had seen the Sergeant move and were now terrified of him. Their fight or flight instincts told them to get away from the danger while their training demanded they attack. This resulted in chaos as ponies tripped over their hooves in confusion. Dean watched as the chaos slowly came to a standstill, even Midnight was shocked by Dean's display. The man in question slowly turned the pony in his grip to face him. He was surprised by the defiant face of the mare she she crossed her front hooves together.

Their eyes locked and Dean frowned. The Pegasus mare in his grip scowled and started to feebly swing her hooves at Dean once more. What little armour she had clinked with every move of her body, but Deans grip was like iron.

"Just kill me already. You bastards have already taken everything, I'm just another pony to kill. You aren't going to be leaving here alive either way, I can guarantee you that." The Pegasus stopped her struggling and seemed to grow limp, but her eyes remained focused on Deans face as he stared at her.

A tension began to build in the air as the two beings stared at each other. Ponies who had initially hid started to come out while a few others bared their teeth. Dean's eyes slowly moved from the Pegasus to scan the rest of the crowd. They were all ready to fight him to the death, even with one of their own at his mercy. Dean looked back at the Pegasus and he sighed.

"You have courage, soldier." And then everyone in the room got the surprise of their life, including Stormfly. Dean gently bent down and placed the violent Pegasus on the concrete floor. Stormfly's look of anger turned into one of confusion and shock as she stared at him. Dean smirked and stood up once more.

"You all have courage. Even when facing insurmountable odds, you continue to fight for your freedom. Hear these words, I am not your enemy, the Elves are." Dean spun in a slow circle as he regarded each and every soldier before him. Each was staring at him with their full attention, albeit in visible confusion. "I could have killed every single one of you a few minutes ago if I chose to, but I didn't. My enemy is your enemy! You don't have to trust me, hell, you can have every once of hatred for my well being if you want, but my fight is not with you. I saw what these Dark Elves were doing to your kind, I saw what they do to prisoners. Do you know what I did when I witnessed these things." Dean turned once more and regard Stormfly, who had her head cocked to the side. Not a single pony spoke, they all seemed to hold their breath.

"I killed them."

Dean crouched down in front of Stormfly once more, who was looking at him in awe. "I'm not asking to be your friend, I'm not asking you to outright trust me. I am asking for your alliance, so that we can get rid of the Dark Elves and free your species." Dean stood up and glanced around. All the ponies were looking at him with various emotions. Some still held hate, some held awe, but many held shock.

'Not my best speech, but I think I got my point across.'

After several more seconds filled with tense anticipation, Midnight Flow cleared his throat loudly. All heads seemed to turn to him and he scowled.

"Alright Sergeant, come with me so we can get your things." Midnight turned and began to walk off, parting the sea of ponies like a quadruped Moses. Dean moved to follow him but took an extra moment to look down at Stormfly. The mare was staring at him with an emotion he couldn't place, though he was happy she and the rest of the guards were no longer harassing him. He looked away and took off after Midnight. Dean heard hoof steps follow him and assumed that Swift Spear was following along. He briefly wondered where the two members of royalty had gone but banished the thought; he'd find them soon enough. As the Sergeant's heavy boots clunked after Midnight, his thoughts began to wander. The guards had a lot more training than he had anticipated. They recognized a threat who was outright stronger and faster than them and chose to surround and keep distance. Dean had no doubt that he would have been mobbed had Swift Spear not been there.

"On the left here. I have everything we brought with us in this room." Midnight opened the door he had mentioned and gestured for the two to stop. Midnight fixed Dean with a glare and snorted. "What you did back their, Sergeant, was stupid. Those ponies would have killed you in a heartbeat had Swift not been there. You are lucky." Dean crossed his arms.

"That may be, but I had to show them I wasn't an enemy. If I came in here hiding behind royalty or a superior, then I would look weak and they would never trust my word. They don't trust me yet, but it was a giant leap towards it. Had I walked in here and had the Prince and Princess deal with it, I'd probably get my throat slit in the night at some point." Swift shivered at Dean's comment.

Midnight Flow regarded the Human for a few seconds before snorting in bemusement. "You are full of surprises, Sergeant." Dean could only smirk at that.

Midnight opened the door and the trio proceeded into the room, Dean having to duck to fit under the doorway. Upon looking around, the three moved towards the giant pile of objects in the far corner. The room was occupied by a single bed pushed against the wall along with a table and cordless lamp. Dean wondered where the power came from as the ponies didn't seem capable of creating batteries yet.

Both ponies jumped as Dean cried out and rushed towards the pile, his heavy footfalls seeming to shake the room. Both ponies had folded their ears at the initial sound and were now glaring at Dean.

"What the buck was that for? That hurt my ears!" Swift growled out. His face turned a shade of red when Dean began chuckling.

"And here I was, thinking that some fuzzy ponies might have tried to experiment on you! But not this time! Ha!" Dean proceeded to stand up along with what Swift assumed was a large metal club. It was a fantastically intricate design and was covered in some sort of mottled forest colours. Swift tilted his head in confusion.

"What is that? I don't think I've seen a club with such an odd shape." Swift stepped closer as Dean turned to look at him.

"It isn't a club, my people moved past such primitive weapons centuries ago. Though they do tend to be used in riots and the such." Dean looked down the sights of the rifle towards the floor and checked the safety. Satisfied that all the basics were in order, he began looking around the gun with a more scrutinizing eye. A layer of dust had seemingly built up all over the modified SCAR-H. After being unused for such a long time, he figured he would have to clean his weapons if he wanted to ever use them. "It's my rifle, a very versatile weapon. The one I will be carrying with me later will be my pistol, but I'll need to clean both if I want them to work properly. Now where did... ah-ha!"

Dean placed his SCAR against the wall and started rummaging through the pile once more. After several seconds, he held up a gray, sophisticated looking helmet that matched the bulky armour and quickly placed it on his head, not bothering to remove the bandages. The strap then came to life, causing both ponies to jump.

"I didn't know your helmet could do that! You've always taken it off by hand!" Midnight trotted forward and took a closer look at the protective gear. A metallic clip was stationed in the middle of the strap, connecting the two straps into one. The straps split into a V towards the ears and onto equally distanced locations on either side. The top of the helmet seemed to be padded in some sort of course fabric, but just by looking at it, the Pegasus could tell there was layer of something hard underneath. The helmet seemed to bend somewhat near the Humans neck, reaching down even more and covering his ears. The overall colour was the same dark gray/black of Deans armour; just by looking at him gave Midnight the feeling he was looking at something from the far future, albeit on two legs. Midnight noticed a very subtle red light, almost invisible even at close range. He suddenly blinked and found that Deans face was way to close for comfort. The Human soldier visibly showed this by leaning back and tilting his head away, but never looking away from the Pegasus.

"Sorry Dean, I got carried away examining your equipment." Midnight spoke in a rush as his cheeks tinged red, causing Dean and Swift to chuckle. Midnight quickly glared at Swift, shutting him up instantly. This time Dean chuckled, but was unaffected by Midnights withering glare.

"S'alright Midnight, even some soldiers back home where in awe by my battledress. And no, I can't explain what everything is. It's classified for the most part. The most I'm allowed to say is I am wearing an Exo-suit with very special armour." Dean caught Swift about to ask a question, but upon answering he immediately caused the pony to close his mouth.

"Lets get everything sorted, then I can catch up with Twilight and Shining. Thanks for holding onto my stuff Midnight, I owe you one. Or should I say, lieutenant?" Dean smirked as Midnight blanched.

"Even if I am a higher rank, I consider you my acquaintance or even friend Sergeant Dean." Midnight looked up at the Human and smiled. Dean smirked back.

"Alright Midnight, I'll call you by your first name if you call me by mine. You to Swift, you aren't getting out of this one either." Dean looked down at Swift Spear, who audibly gulped.

"Is that okay with you Lieutenant Midnight?" Swift asked as he looked at Midnight.

"I believe so. Also, I would like to apply you for a promotion later for helping Sergeant Dean here. I think you've earned it." Midnight smiled as Swift Spear's jaw dropped, Dean snickered and turned back to his sorting. "I must go and report to Captain armour, then I will come back to help you move things, Dean."

"Sounds good, and thanks again for keeping my stuff safe." Midnight nodded before he and Swift disappeared out the door once more leaving the Human to his lonesome. Dean looked around the room once, and then his mind went into work mode, something that was drilled into him since his early training. He quickly strapped on his radio and holstered his pistol, swinging it on his finger before slamming it into its home on his side.

"Now where was I, oh right! My nine-bangs!"

Chapter 19: A Call For Help

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“What do you mean he’s on our side? He’s a Dark Elf!” The guard, who’s name was Gimli, waved his hooves in the air with anger. “What would the citizens think, hm? That creature walking through the city will cause mass panic. Ponies will riot and become violent, it’ll be a shit show!”

“It doesn’t matter. I plan on making a public announcement about Dean's existence to everypony in Maritime Bay. And let's not forget that if it wasn’t for him, my sister, your Princess, would never have made it to the Resistance alive! I get you are afraid of the Elves, I am too, but Sergeant Dean is here to help.” Shining Armour was about to walk past the guard when something caught his eye. The Prince groaned as he watched a certain fushia coloured mare trot up the dirt path towards him. Twilight followed his gaze and tilted her head to the side.

“What an odd cutie mark, I wonder what it means?” She took a few steps forward to address the approaching mare when two more ponies arrived. Twilight's eyes nearly bugged out of her eyes and her jaw fell open. The two new ponies sported the same cutie mark as the Unicorn! “Wha..? But how…?” The trio stopped before the Prince, Princess, and lone guard. The unicorn’s eyes seemed to pass over Twilight and land on the Prince, causing the Princess to frown.

“Good evening Captain Armor!” She smiled a cheery smile, as did her associates. Twilight cringed when their mouths split impossibly wide, showing nothing but their teeth and cheery eyes. Shining huffed in annoyance and grimaced.

“Good evening, Counselor Starlight. I see you’ve finished your errands a bit early.” Shining deadpanned as he looked at the angle of the sun. It was four thirty and he wasn’t expecting the meeting until five. He heard the guard salute the Fuschia coloured unicorn before turning and backing away., leaving the two groups to talk.

“Indeed I have, and I couldn’t help but see you are skipping on your duties again. Though I guess that’s alright if you are showing the Princess around.” She turned towards Twilight. “My name is Counselor Starlight Glimmer. I am a member of the equalist faction here in Maritime Bay and am in charge of the smaller imposed laws set by your brother here.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow critically before nodding and unfurling her wings slightly. “I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship.” She looked towards her brother. “What's this about counsel?”

Shining was about to answer when he quickly interrupted. “The council is a group of ponies who dictate certain areas of our infrastructure. There is the agriculture counselor, the civics counselor, the armed forces counselor, and the research counselor. The last pony is the mayor, who governs the day-to -day life in the city.” He gave her an irritated glare but the Unicorn decided to ignore it. “I am the civics counselor, hence the laws. Your brother is the head chairpony and makes decisions in the grand scheme of things.” Starlight gave the Princess a cheery smile before turning back to the Prince.

“Now, about our meeting. The election for Mayor of the city is coming up soon and I was looking for your support on the matter. And before you say no outright, I have a few plans that you might be interested in seeing.” Starlight trotted up to Shining’s side and leaned in. “In private of course.”

Twilight strained her ears to hear what the unicorn said but ultimately failed. She instead scowled and glared in her direction.

“Anyway, I look forward to hearing your response soon! Oh and if you see–”

“CAPTAIN! COUNSELOR!” A gray Pegasus pony smashed into the dirt just in front of the three leaders, sending a plume of dust into the air. Twilight rushed over to the ponies side, but was forced back when the Pegasus jumped to his feet and looked around wildly. “Prince Shining! I bring urgent news from the console!”

“What is the matter, soldier?” Shining Armor’s face grew into a professional stone mask. The soldier saluted and began talking.

“The console is requesting both of your attendance within the next twenty minutes. They have received a message over the Magi-comm about a town called Ravenford. I must deliver this message to our winged department as soon as possible; General Blight wants them ready.

Shining looked at Twilight and sighed.

“Very well, myself and Starlight will head over there now, you are dismissed.” The three watched the guard take off and quickly ascend into the clouds before facing each other once more.

“I guess I’ll come with, I’m sure Sergeant Dean will be fine once Midnight finds him.” Twilight gestured with a wing towards the city. “Let’s get going!” Shining heard a bit of… something in Twilight's voice and the smile she put on seemed fake. He shrugged it off as his sister over-thinking things like usual and began to canter to his destination. Starlight and Twilight remained on either side of him as the open training grounds morph back into the fort’s stone structure, guards and civilians alike passing them by in a blur.

“So, what's this Ravenford place? I’ve never heard of it.” Twilight looked at her brother uncertainty as she dodged a cart full of lettuce, the owner jumped out of the way to avoid being trampled.

“Well, Ravenford is a town just south of us by about two hundred kilometers. It used to be a traders town, but the Elves repurposed it into an intelligence headquarters. It’s where some of their gunships are docked. Just recently they had the local pony population construct some sort of huge structure, but we aren’t sure what it’s for.” A wooden structure approached and the group started to slow down. Twilight got a sense of nostalgia just by looking at it’s round structure filled with intricate design and decoration.

‘It looks like the Ponyville town hall.’

Two guards stood outside the entryway, their spears forming an ‘X’ across the entry. Upon coming up to it, the guards swiftly uncrossed their spears, not even batting an eye or blinking. Twilight smiled at the guards as she passed, but upon not receiving anything in return, she hung her head. Shining noticed her downed mood and gave her a smile instead.

“Don’t worry about it Twilight, those guys act professional all the time. There’s a lot of tension in the city these days due to rumors of the Elves getting closer to Maritime Bay.” The trio passed under the arch and entered a very familiar sort of auditorium. Ponies were scattered about the seats in a very disorganized order while a select few sat upon the stage, facing the entry. Talking and the occasional shout permeated the air, but the majority of the occupants remained quiet. Starlight quickly trotted up to the front and claimed an empty seat, causing everypony to go silent and turn their heads. Twilight quickly felt her face heat up as everypony's gaze seemed to land on her within a few seconds of them entering. She chuckled nervously and followed her brother to an empty seat near the front of the room.

“Now, seeing as everypony is present, we can now begin.” An older mare spoke up from the group on the stage whom Twilight didn’t recognize. Her mane was a frizzy white and her Cutie mark was a letter stamp crossed with an ink pot.

A stallion with a silly mustache wearing chainmail armor cleared his throat. “Certainly, Margret. Now, we received a distress signal over the Magi-comm doohickey we stole from the Dark Elves. We have had spies in Ravenford that have confirmed for us that… that the whole Equestrian population of the town is being rounded up and to be executed. There have been mass killings before but this time the civilians have a possible escape route.” The one who Twilight assumed was General Blight looked around the assorted faces. “I would be willing to send a team to infiltrate the town and cause havoc, leaving a window for the civilians to escape North-East into the forest. I propose we hit the flying craft that are docked there in order to minimize the chance of pursuit.” Starlight tapped her hoof loudly at the table.

“I think it is too much of a risk! We don’t have the pony power to spare, nor do we have proper weaponry to cause such a large diversion. If you haven’t noticed, we are using mostly Elven technology in order to wage war. Even then, it doesn’t work unless the ones operating are strictly unicorns!” A burly stallion off to Starlights left snorted.

“Let’s not forget the spies mentioned a certain General was going to be there. The Bloody Baron is a ruthless and cunning foe, even if we were to launch a surprise attack, he would most likely come up with a way to kill even more of our warriors. Even if we get the civilians out, we will lose valuable fighters!”

The whole table broke out into argument and Twilight could do nothing but watch. It saddened her to think that her race was being slaughtered without a chance. They were being treated like animals! She had read history books about ancient civilizations waging war and conquering each other, and sometimes the losing side would be enslaved for a time. But it never went to the lengths of extermination. The Elves were slowly but surely thinning the world's population, she had heard enough stories from guards she had snuck up on. Everyday the Dark Elves conquered more land, and soon the whole world would be under their control; It was almost like the Elves were trying to create a world solely for themselves, even if it wasn’t possible.

“I say we hold a vote. Those in favor of rescuing the citizens of Ravenford, raise your hooves.” Twilight blanched upon realizing she had missed the entire conversation. It made her queasy to think that she had missed most of an event that could determine the outcome of hundreds of lives. She was a Princess for Faust’s sake!

“W-Wait!” All heads turned to her and silence reigned through the room. Her brother was giving her an alarmed look but otherwise remained quiet.

“What can we do for you Princess, we have a vote to draw so if you could wait patiently–” The mare, Margret, was cut off when Twilight stood up.

“Should I not get a say in this, I am the only remaining Princess after all!” She was beginning to sweat as everypony’s full focus was on her and her alone. Her eyes darted back and forth among the faces of the console.

After a second of pause, General Blight sighed loudly.

“Princess Sparkle, it is truly wonderful that you were returned to us safely, but at the moment, you are, and I’ll be honest here, not entirely qualified for leadership yet. Not to mention–”

“Not qualified? What the hay do you mean? I am a Princess of Equestria!” Twilight cut the General off and her uncomfortableness became akin to righteous anger. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the Stallion. The next person to speak was the stallion on Starlights left.

“We understand Mrs. Sparkle, but we have just recently decided that the Resistance will be run democratically.” As those words were spoken, Twilight's breath caught in her throat. She looked at her brother for confirmation and was devastated when he nodded sadly.

“Bu-but…”

“We understand that Equestria has always had the Princesses as it’s rulers. We ourselves were utterly content with their leadership before the Elves came.” The General spoke softly and in a reassuring tone. It did nothing for Twilight's mood.

“Equestria has fallen, Princess.” Margaret was talking now, but Twilight was hardly listening. “We are running on borrowed time and need to make educated decisions that benefit us all, it was actually Starlight who came up with the idea. So far, it has worked in our favor, and we have kept the darkness at bay.”

There was silence. Twilight's mind was at a standstill for the first time in her life. Equestria, her home, was lost. What she saw around her was pretty much all that remained. The counselors regarded her for a few seconds more, but upon a nod from Shining, they continued on with their meeting. The Mayor grabbed a small wooden hammer in her front hooves.

“All in favor of the rescue.” Two hooves shot up: The Generals, and the Mayors. Tears began to form in Twilight's eyes.

“All who are against?”

Three hooves shot up, A hammer hit on hardwood, and the fates of an entire population center was sealed. All with the strike of a wooden hammer.

*****

Dean sat in his new room, playing with the walky-talky. Midnight Flow had come back after about ten minutes, stating he couldn't find either members of royalty. In the end, the black Pegasus had helped Dean move all his belongings into the new room. It was very small, and was relatively close to the main barracks, but it was a safe place for him to store his things. Upon moving everything, Dean had nothing else to do until Shining and Twilight arrived, so he had cleaned his guns, but when that was done, he played with his now useless walkie talkie.

'bzz, click... bzz, click'

Dean's mind began to wander. How would he convince the Prince that he needed his stuff from the cave? He could go himself, but it was unlikely that the guards would let him back in. And what about food? The ponies and Elves were herbivores in this world, so he would have to go hunt for himself. He chuckled at the look Twilight would give him after dragging a dead Deer into the barracks to gut and clean.

'Bzz, click... bzz, click... bzz, CRACKLE!'

Dean stopped moving and stared at his walkie talkie in fascination. If the device was making that kind of sound, then that must mean there was a signal! Maybe more humans? No, as far as he knew, Dean was the only one Discord brought over. Maybe he should try reaching out.

Dean pressed the button on the walkie talkie and brought it to his mouth.

"This is Sergeant Dean Forester of the RSTF, does anybody read, over?" He let go and waited a few seconds, but all he could hear was static. He decided to try again.

"This is Sergeant Dean Forester of the RSTF, I heard your signal and requested a response, over?'

Dean waited, then waited some more, then waited a little longer. After two whole minutes, he gave a sigh of defeat. It was probably just his hearing messing with him, or his radio being faulty. It was a newer model so he began to wonder just what was wrong wi--

"...H-Hello, is any... there?"

Dean lept of the bed in surprise and amazement. Someone was talking to him! He wasn't alone! He gave a whoop of joy and moved to respond.

"I read you, this is Sergeant Dean Forester of the RSTF, with whom am I speaking?" He couldn't contain the beaming smile that threatened to split his face in two. He giggled ever so slightly and contemplated if he had been going mad from lack of human interaction.

"Hello Mr. Dean... can you help me out here for a moment?"

The audio was in much better condition this time, causing Dean to frown. It sounded like a kid was talking to him on the other end. Was Discord really cruel enough to bring a child into this world?

"S-sure thing, kid. What seems to be the problem, are you lost?"

"No, my mommy told me to call for some help for something, but she didn't tell me why. Are you a pony Mr. Dean, my mommy said it had to be a pony if I was going to talk to them." ,

Dean's heart dropped and his shoulders visibly drooped. So it was a pony kid, a foal, who was talking to him. Dean's heart ached, he just wanted to go home.

"I'm not a pony, kid, but I do work for them. Are there any Elves with you?" Dean was cautious now, the Elves might have figured out he had radio technology.

"N-no, my mommy told m-me to hide from them in the cellar. They're doing something in my town's center, setting up bleachers and fences. I saw through the window that most of the adults and a few of my friends were put in the holding pens." Dean frowned at that, why would the ponies be put in pens? What was going on?

"They also said there would be a-an exocu... no, an excomun... no, no. They said something about an ex-something. All the Elves are setting up near the pens, I think I'll go see mommy tomorrow when it's bright out again."

Dean's blood ran cold and his face paled. His hands started to shake as he walked towards the only window in his room. He could see the edge of the horizon starting to twinge red and got a strong sense of Vertigo.

"What town are you from, kid? I think I can help you! I-I'm a good friend of the ponies!" Dean started to sweat as he started pacing around his room. Until now, he had no idea what the ponies were going through. He assumed that they had simply been conquered and the leader was an evil tyrant who needed stopping. If these Elves were executing entire towns, then something much bigger and worse was going on.

"Really?! I have been trying for the last hour to try and reach a friend! Oh, I live in Ravenford. If you ask the Mayor where you live, then I'm sure they will tell you how to get here."

Dean threw his rifle on the bed along with most of his equipment. Two frags, three nine-bangs, two extra magazines for the rifle, and two extra clips for the pistol.

"Mr. Dean, are you still there?"

Dean fumbled with the button as he tried to respond.

"Y-yeah! I'm here kid. I'll be coming to help you out okay? I'm not a pony though, I'm something called a human. I-I'm the ponies awesome helper!" Dean started to pack his supplies into their spots in his armor. The rifle attached to his back, his extra bullets went into their little slots, and his grenades were placed on his sides. He quickly searched for his optical unit while the pony kept talking.

"That's so cool! I've heard some stories from my daddy about Human's but they are just myths. You're actually a Human?!" Dean cracked a smile at the ponies' energy. This is what he was trying to save, the future of the Equestrians. He had a job to fulfill, even when he had no obligation either. He could have ignored the foal, gone on his mission, and let the ponies suffer. He would have completed the mission, but he would also be living up to his reputation: A killer without a heart, always focused on the mission. This was his chance to prove himself, both to the ponies, and to his personal being.

"What's your cutie mark kid, and what type of pony?" Dean hoped the foal would give him some more information before the Elves arrived to take him away. He was surprised the pointed eared bastards even had radio technology; maybe it was powered by magic?

"I don't have one yet, but I'm a Unicorn, Mr. Dean. I can do levitation too, I'll show you when you get here!" Dean grimaced, he needed to know where the town was if he wanted to rescue the ponies there.

"I look forward to it, kid. I'll tell you what, I want you to hide somewhere in the basement until I get there, don't go looking for your mother until I get you, okay?" Dean waited a moment for the kid to respond.

"S-sure thing, Mr. Dean. My house is a big and white one right near the forest, it's the only one with a pumpkin patch. When will you get here?"

Dean thought about that. He would need to acquire a ride. If he explained the situation, he was sure the Prince or Twilight would help him out.

"I'll be there tomorrow at sunrise, kid, maybe even earlier!" Dean tried to sound upbeat through the mic.

"That's good, they said they were going to do the exo-thingy around ten. You'll have plenty of time! I've gotta go, my cat wants some food. I'll see you soon Mr. Dean!" Dean felt dread creep into his heart at those words. He didn't have enough time.

"I-I'll see you soon kid. Don't leave the house." His voice came out hoarse as he closed his eyes and breathed. He needed to focus for this mission, who knew how many lives depended on him. Dean figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a few guards to join him.

With his mind set, Dean stalked out the door to look for the royal duo. The bell tower in the city struck seven, starting the countdown for the lives of the ponies in Ravenford

*****

Twilight plodded along behind her brother, her head down and tears running down her eyes. Her ears were splayed back as the crack of the hammer pounded around her mind. All those ponies, dying for nothing. It was the Dark Elves fault, they were the evil ones, the ones who would massacre villages to get what they wanted.

'Thump, thump, thump, thump...'

The sound of very familiar footfalls snapped Twilight of her stupor. Her eyes briefly lit up as a familiar metal clad bi-ped jogged down the path towards them. Twilight's brief joy turned into confusion when she saw that Dean was wearing his rifle and a few strange thingies on his waist. She decided not to question it and quickly raced towards the Human, Shining following behind at a slow trot.

"Dean!" Twilight cried as she reached him. Her hooves left a rut in the path as she skidded to a halt in front of him. And then the soldier jogged around her.

Twilight's heart shattered in an instant and fresh tears poured down her face. Confusion filled her mind as she whipped her head around to look at the tall figure. The Sergeant finally stopped in front of her brother and stopped.

"Sergeant Dean, are you out for an evening jog?" Twilight heard the strain in her brother's voice. He was likely irritated that she had been utterly ignored by the Human.

"No, sir. I bring urgent news as well as a very important request."

'When did Dean start calling Shining 'sir'? Did something happen that I missed earlier?'

"What is it Sergeant? Why isn't Midnight Flow with you?" Twilight began to walk towards her brother.

"Sir, I was fiddling with my communication device a few minutes prior when I picked up a signal. Some foal out in a place called Ravenford communicated with me seeking help. His entire town is going to be executed on the morrow!" Dean looked down at Twilight and noticed the tear streaked face. He winced slightly but otherwise didn't say anything. Upon his words, Twilight's heart had nearly stopped. Her breathing quickened as her eyes searched for this communication device.

"Sergeant... there's no easy way to say this..."

"Don't worry Captain, I have a group of ponies I think have potential if you'll allow them to work with me. It shouldn't take too l-"

Dean stopped as Shining held up a hoof. His eyes closed as his nose dropped towards the ground. Twilight saw confusion cross Dean's features as he stared at her brother.

"Sergeant. The counsel got a similar message just a few hours ago. They voted not to help the town in order preserve our location." Shining looked up into the face of Dean and nearly regretted it.

"They did what?" Dean's voice was a whisper, but the coldness behind his words cut like a knife, causing the two ponies to wince.

"We c-couldn't stop it from happening, Dean. It was elected among the group in a democratic form." Twilight sighed, her eyes searching for Deans, but his face was cast in shadow. "There is nothing we can do."

"Like hell there isn't." Dean looked up, his irises burning with fury. "Women and children are going to be slaughtered tomorrow morning if we don't do something. I can't stand by and let it happen if I know I can do something to stop it." Dean turned and began to walk away. "I'll run there if I have to." He turned his back, but Shining called out to him.

"Dean! You can't take the Dark Elves on your own! They have an army in that town and you are just one soldier! You don't stand a chance!" Dean whipped around and stalked back towards the siblings. Twilight backpedaled slightly and her eyes widened.

"I've seen enough slaughters to last a lifetime. I won't let another one happen on my watch, I won't. I will rip the bastards apart with my bare hands if I have to. I will tear through their ranks like a saw through bone if it means I can save. One. More. Life." Dean stopped and poked Shining in the chest for each word enunciated.

He then turned his back and jogged towards the gates of the barracks, which would lead him to the Everfree.

"DEAN!" Twilight's shout caused him to turn back around. "Just... just be careful, Ravenford is to the South West from here!"

"Twilight, this is no time for caution. It is now a race against the clock." He turned and jogged off, but not before yelling another comment over his shoulder. "I won't let another massacre happen again!"

Twilights mane flew in the light wind, her eyes were shining as the last rays of sun set behind her. After a few moments, Dean was completely out of sight. She turned to her brother.

"Get Midnight flow and your sleekest chariot." Twilight ordered. The authority in her voice snapped the Prince from his long off look.

"Twilight, he can't possibly do th-"

It doesn't matter." She snapped. "If we don't do something to help, then we are just as guilty as the Dark Elves. Dean can do this, I believe in him, but he needs to get there, fast." Shining looked into his sister's eyes for a few seconds, seeing nothing but determination. He nodded his head.

"Okay." And he took off at a full gallop towards the barracks. Twilight turned to look at where Sergeant Dean had disappeared to. He will have passed the gates of the fort by this point and would have to cross a bit of field.

'Come back to me, Dean.' She whispered.

Time was ticking down, and with it, so were the chances of the town's survival...

Chapter 20: Rescue

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Sergeant Dean felt as if a pit was developing in his stomach. He had eaten a vegetarian lunch earlier in the day, but now he was just feeling empty. His heavy footsteps rose and fell as he quickly jogged through the next piece of farmland. With his augmentations, the exo-suit, and his training, he was certain that he could keep this pace for hours on end. The only thing he didn't know was how far Ravenford was from Maritime Bay, he hadn't given Twilight a chance to tell him. At least he knew which direction to run.

Dean's thoughts were quickly interrupted when a black shape sped past over his head. Dean immediately skidded to a halt and unholstered his pistol, training the iron sights on the long figure standing in the shadows. After a second of pause, two eyes opened the being walked forward. Dean dropped his pistol to his side and gave a grumble of annoyance.

"You know, you really shouldn't surprise a hyper lethal soldier like that, Midnight." The shadow merely chuckled and stepped forward, revealing the Midnight black pegasus. The clink of metal and wood suddenly clinked together, causing Dean to look behind the Pegasus.

"I figured the hyper lethal soldier would need a ride if he were to get to Ravenford on time. I am your personal chauffeur, outfitted with the sleekest chariot in the Resistance." Shadow said as Dean stepped up to him, examining the wooden chariot.

"You sure it will hold my weight? I'm not exactly light." Dean took a cautious step onto the chariot and winced when it groaned beneath him.

"Yep, it's got a strength and stealth enchantment on it. It will hold you and make us virtually invisible to the Elves sky trackers. The Unicorn who accomplished the feat had a heart attack from to much mana exposure, so we only made one." Midnight slowly turned the chariot around and began to trot forward. "I suggest you hold on, Sergeant."

'The Elves have radar? Things just got more difficult.'

Without warning, the chariot suddenly lurched forward, causing Dean to lose balance. His hand shot out and grabbed the iron railing in a death grip.

'I forgot, I hate heights!'

After several seconds of Dean trying to control his breathing, Midnight looked back.

"Not a fan of flying?" He smirked as Dean violently shook his head.

"At least I couldn't feel the wind back home when I was in the air. This thing is downright dangerous!" Dean looked behind him at the awning drop into the forest. The chariot wasn't all that high up, probably due to the Elves 'radar,' but to Dean it seemed like a thousand meter drop. He got a sense of vertigo just by looking down.

"Humans can fly? I didn't see any wings on you when you came here, does that mean there are different types of humans?" Midnight adjusted his course ever so slightly before giving another mighty flap of his wings. The chariot leaped forward and Dean was forced to crouch down.

"Yes and no, Humans aren't physically capable of flying, so we used technology to do it!" Dean had to yell over the wind.

"Cool! Look, I'm gonna increase my speed here. If you stay seated, we will reach Ravenford in three hours. We have to avoid the sky trackers!" Midnight looked behind him and Dean gave him a thumbs up. The black Pegasus nodded his head before lowering his head and tucking in his legs. Dean took that as his cue to duck down and was just able to get behind the barrier before the chariot accelerated to impossible speeds. Dean silently praised the Pegasus for moving with haste; now all he had to deal with was making a plan and trying not to fall out of the chariot.

The device in question suddenly bumped lightly and Dean flinched.

'This is gonna be a long three hours.'

*****

Snap!

Dean winced as his foot landed upon another branch, his foot dampeners not being able to reduce the pressure enough to avoid the branch. He noticed Midnight Flow look over at him questioningly but Dean shot him a glare.

Lights danced through the forest from somewhere up ahead; an ominous feeling crept into the minds of the two rescuers as they worked their way towards the city. A light fog was building on the ground, lightly concealing their positions from any prying eyes. It was roughly four o'clock in the morning according to the Sergeant's HUD. Dean reckoned the Elves wouldn't set up sentries, having assumed they won the war. That's two things the Dark Elves had done wrong.

Dean suddenly held up his fist, signalling Midnight to stop. When the quiet hoof steps continued, Dean snapped his fingers. Midnight stopped and was instantly alert, causing Dean to roll his eyes in agitation. The Pegasus looked at Dean as he quietly moved to his side.

"You know the plan?" His whisper seemed to carry through the forest, causing them both to wince lightly. Midnight nodded his head.

"Get the kid, bring him back to camp. You lead the inhabitants of the city into the forest while I wait for you. If something goes wrong, fire this flare thingy into the air somewhere away from the rendezvous." Midnight held up the neon red flare with his wing tips. Dean nodded before glancing at his eye piece once more. The time read four thirty.

"Let's move out."

The two continued to walk and the fog continued to creep. Shadows seemed to dance every time one of them moved past a tree or a branch swayed in the wind. A chill raced up Deans spine as he shouldered his rifle and pointed it ahead of him.

After several minutes, the two finally exited the forest. The sight before the Sergeant nearly took his breath away, and not in a good way.

The buildings were laid out sporadically, seemingly without plan. Most where close to two or three stories tall and were made of wood and thatch. It was as if the world Dean was in had jumped back several centuries. All he needed was a Flux Capacitor and he would be all set!

"We need to find the big white house with the pumpkin patch. Take to the air and tell me what you see." Dean waited as Midnight rocketed upwards. His watch was reading close to five, meaning the sun would come up soon. They needed to get this done, quick!

"About one hundred meters, East." Dean jumped when Midnight suddenly appeared by his side. He gave the Pegasus a stink eye before moving in the direction provided, Midnight following beside him. Dean took three steps... then swiftly grabbed Midnight around the barrel and tucked into a shadow as two Elven guards unexpectedly walked around the corner of a house. Dean felt his heart rise into his throat as the clink of armour drew closer to their little hiding spot. His rifle was tucked against his chest with one hand while the other gripped around his combat knife. He forced himself to lower his breathing as the two guards slowly passed by their hiding spot.

"Hold on a sec' Marv, I gotta piss." Dean nearly groaned in irritation as he slowly placed Midnight on the ground. The one named Marv did it for him.

"Seriously? What in the bloody Tartarus did you drink? We have rounds to ma-did you hear that?"

The Dark Elf would get no chance to hear anything else as Dean drew both his pistol and his knife, plunging the latter into Marv's neck while placing the pistol against the other Elves head and squeezing the trigger. The prototype silencer did it's job wonderfully as nothing but a quiet snap sounded. Dean did wince though when blood splattered across the ground in front of him. Both Elves fell face first onto the ground at the same time, blood slowly seeping into the grass. Dean extracted his knife and holstered his weapons, his face a mask of neutrality. He felt rather than saw Midnight's shock and reckoned he would get his ears talked off once more when they got back.

The two reached the white house without a hitch, so Dean enacted the next step in his plan.

"Hey kid, you there?" He whispered into the walkie talkie as he and Midnight approached the basement window. He noticed that the rest of the house was boarded off and looked very rundown. Whoever had owned the place stopped caring for it a while ago.

"Y-Yeah, I'm here Mr. Dean. I don't know how long I can talk, there are Dark Elves upstairs." Dean stood up straight and peered through a crack in a nearby window. He was able to make out a kitchen table and a set of stairs just outside an archway. He pulled back when a figure draped in shadow suddenly crossed from one side of the arch to the other. Dean slowly reached for his walkie talkie.

"I'm outside the basement window kid, I'm here to get you to safety." Dean let go of the button and looked at Midnight. The Pegasus was analyzing his surroundings with a keen eye. Good.

"O-Okay Mr. Dean. I'll be right there."

After a few seconds, Dean's advanced hearing picked up the sound of light hoofsteps from below him, causing him to look down. A little brown Unicorn foal stared up at him through the window in awe. His mouth moved, but Dean didn't here what the little pony had said.

The Sergeant knelt down and placed his hands against the window pane before pointing towards the locking mechanism. The pony nodded his head in understanding before squeezing his eyes in concentration. The lock was to high to reach. Dean watched in amazement as the pony's horn glowed a dull brown. A second later, the lock glowed the same colour and slowly unlocked. A click sounded and Dean was able to move the glass pane to the side.

"Are you Mr. Dean?" The little unicorn whispered up at him. Dean nodded and smiled down at the pony, causing him to smile back. Dean lay upon his stomach and reached his hands through the now open window way. It seemed to him that the Unicorn would be able to fit through relatively easy. The only problem now was the height.

The little unicorn below him seemed to realize this as well and made his horn glow again. This time, a few paint cans drifted into view and where set down upon each other below the window. The pony then proceeded to clamber to the top of his little tower and balance on two legs. Their limbs were centimeters apart, Deans fingers brushing the unicorns hoof tips.

Then disaster struck.

The paint can tower became unbalanced and teetered, threatening to topple over with the pony in tow. The unicorns eyes widened as he flung his hooves wildly into the air. Just as the tower fell, Dean lunged his upper body through the window and latched onto the unicorns foreleg, causing the window to spiderweb, but remain together.

The same couldn't be said for the paint cans. The tower fell to the hard floor and created a racket loud enough to wake the dead. At least, that's how it seemed.

Dean heard Midnight jump from the loud noise and take off into the air, no doubt looking for any Elves coming to investigate. Footsteps thumped from the basement stairway and an almighty crack echoed through the darkness. The Elves were coming into the basement. Dean began to haul the little unicorn through the window; the poor things eyes were wide and his body shivered in fear.

"Hurry Mr. Dean, the Elves are coming!" The terrified unicorn squeaked weakly from below. Dean scooched backwards when footsteps began pounding down the stairs. He had seconds.

Three Dark Elves clad in forest green capes and holding longbows jumped down the last few steps and spread out across the basement. Their eyes searched every nook and cranny as they used their magic to find hidden shelters. One Elf noticed the paint cans laying on the floor and a window wide open.

"Seems we have a runner, should we pursue?"

"No, they won't survive out in the forest on their lonesome. There have been sightings of Manticore as of late. We already have the city population rounded up, no need to chase ghosts." The Elf analyzing the window peered around once more, the scowl decorating his face being hidden by his cowl.

"Report back to the Baron. Executions begin in a few hours." The Elf looked out the window one more time before sharply turning, his cloak billowing behind him. As he moved, his whole body seemed to meld with the shadows as he and his buddies moved back upstairs. Their wraith like forms disappeared completely, and the house was quiet once more.

*****

"Mr. Dean, where are we going? We still have to help the other ponies." Dean carried the little Unicorn in his arms as he and Midnight double timed it through the forest. His heart rate was finally winding down after the dangerously close encounter with the Elves for the second time. Dean cursed himself, the mission needed to be done with stealth. It was his mission to get every single pony out, and he would be damned if he didn't accomplish it.

"Were going back to our little camp where you will be safe! Midnight will look after you while I get your friends and family. Once I help them out as well, we are all going to go back to Maritime Bay and throw a party! How does that sound?" The foal giggled happily at Deans suggestion, causing him to smile.

"I love the sound of that, Mr. Dean! I wonder if we will get a big cake?" Dean glanced over and saw a dreamy look on the Unicorns face.

"What's your name, kid?"

The unicorn snapped out of his daydream and smiled a happy smile. "I'm Brown Ink, though my friends call me Brownie."

Dean nodded his head in response. They were almost to the chariot, then he would be able to move onto the next stage of his plan. The sky was relatively dark still, though Dean could feel more than see a bit of light appearing on the horizon. He had an hour at best to get the towns-people out and into the forest. If they were to succeed, Midnight would fly back to the Resistance and grab more chariots. It wasn't fool proof, but he didn't exactly have a lot of time to work on something better.

"Alright, Brownie. You are going to stay here and follow Midnight's instructions from now on." Dean set the little unicorn down beside the chariot before turning to leave. He stopped, however, when a fuzzy body suddenly wrapped around his leg in a hug.

"B-bring them back for me, okay Mr. Dean? I-I want to see my m-mommy and d-daddy again." He heard the unicorn sniffle and his face fell. Dean couldn't outright make such a promise, but he could give some reassurance.

"I'll do my best to get them back to you, okay? I'll make sure you see your parents again." Dean saw Brownie look up into his eyes. He saw hope, sadness, fear, and trust. The unicorn trusted him.

"Go with Midnight, Brownie. I'll be back with everyone soon. Including your parents."

After a second, Dean felt the pressure on his leg release. He looked at Midnight, nodded once, and began to run back towards town. The fog continued to seep around him as he flashed through the forest. It was already starting to grow a bit brighter out and he had no doubt that the Dark Elves would be waking up soon. He speculated that an execution would be like a day off for them, so he had a bit of time.

Dean's slowed upon reaching the outskirts of the forest once more, but instead of heading off to the East, he kept going forward. He was approaching a long pathway that seemed to lead towards the towns center, but he couldn't be sure.

His foot dampeners worked wonders as he jogged lightly down the road, being sure to stay in the shadows. He hoped that his bipedal nature would give the Elves the assumption that he was one of them. But the second they got a good look at his armour and weaponry, it was over.

After several minutes of walking through the silent streets, the pathway began to widen out. He recognized the beginnings of the market area and began to analyze above him as well as in front of him. His precautions paid off as he spotted Dark Elven guards standing upon raised upon raised platforms staring towards the market center. Dean followed their gaze and his eyes widened.

A massive pen was set up with metal chain link fences. The fences stood around seven feet tall and were topped with something similar to barbed wire, though Dean wasn't to sure. It was more the occupants inside that got his attention.

The ponies were in all sorts of uncomfortable positions. Laying down, leaning against each other, sitting in place... and the worst part was the smell. Dean noticed there wasn't a lot of room in the enclosure that was housing some two hundred ponies and put two and two together. His nose wrinkled in disgust, so he kept moving.

Dean raised his rifle towards the first tower and sighted a Dark Elven guard, making sure the semi-automatic option was selected. There were four towers in total and one Elf per tower. Another five guards stood around a fire near the pen's entrance. Dean smirked as the Elves head was aligned with the reticle of his scope. This was going to be the easy part. He breathed once, closed one eye, and pulled the trigger....

****

Crackpot was a middle aged unicorn and had seen a lot in his life. He had grown up in Ponyville and worked for a few years as a demolition expert. After a few years, he moved out to Ravenford, it being near the coast and all. He raised enough money to retire early and enjoy the rest of his life with his wife and kid, one of which he would likely never see again. His eyes drifted across the sea of ponies as he sat with his back to the fence. His wife lay curled up beside him, sleeping.

A crying filly suddenly walked in front of him, her volume piercing the morning air. Crackpot sighed and closed his eyes; he knew what was about to happen.

"Hey, you! Shut the fuck up!" One of the Elven guards clanged his spear against the fence, causing the filly to jump. Crackpot prayed she would stay silent, he prayed and prayed, his teeth gritting in anticipation. The filly did not stop sobbing.

Pew!

Any noise that was originally floating through the air stopped in an instant. All the air seemed to be sucked from the lungs of the ponies present. Crackpot, against his better judgement, opened his eyes. They dropped at what they saw.

The little filly, a turquoise Earth Pony, was laying on the ground, her torso smoking from a hole in her chest. The Elven guard responsible lowered his spear back to his side. Crackpot sighed, then blinked.

'What was that?'

Crackpot quickly rubbed his eyes as he stared off into the darkness. It had looked like a shadow had just bolted between two guard towers. His eyes drifted upwards, but he saw no guards.

'How odd.'

"Serves her right." The Elf stared into the crowd, his keen eyes analyzing every detail. His ears twitched slightly from the breeze.

Crackpot nearly fell over when the other four guards, who had been minding their business by the fire, suddenly collapsed. Their forms crumpling forward onto the ground. Crackpot's jaw hung open as his eyes widened. Something was very wrong.

"You, pony. What the fuck are you looking at, huh?" Crackpot slammed his mouth shut when he realized he was being spoken too. His gaze had been relatively close to the Elf at the fence, so he must've taken it as being stared at. "Do I need to teach you a lesson?" Crackpot violently shook his head, but his ears splayed back when a wraith seemed to rise from the ground a few feet behind the Elf. He couldn't voice his words, he couldn't move.

"Hey! I said do I- Grk!" The Elf was cut off as a shining, serrated knife pierced through the back of his neck, exiting out his throat. The Elves arms flailed helplessly for a second as he tried to reach for the blade, but it was for naught. A wet choking started to gurgle across the pen. The knife was ripped from the Elves throat, causing blood to spray out. The figure let the Elven corpse fall to the ground beside him.

By now, quite a few ponies had noticed what was going on. Their expressions where relatively similar to Crackpot's.

He watched as the figure, who he could now see had one dull green eye and was covered in metal, rushed towards the entryway and kicked it open. The lock gave away like it was made of butter, causing the ponies closest to the entrance to back away. With the ponies backing up, the body of the little filly lay by its lonesome on the ground, the hole in her chest still smoking. He heard someone cry out as the figure knelt down and pressed a hand against the fillies neck. he then proceeded to flip the corpse over and lean down.

'By Faust, it's going to eat the body!'

Crackpot, and many others, looked away from the gruesome display before them. Their bodies and minds told them to get as far away from the danger as possible. Crackpot got the surprise of his life a few moments later.

"Common kid, common!" The monster talked in perfect Equish, causing many to focus on it once more. Crackpot himself turned his head and stared as the creature seemed to be leaning over top of the filly, his arms pressing down rapidly on her chest. He also saw a small canister of some sort laying on the round beside them along with a large metal stick.

"W-what is it doing to Lucy?" A pony who crackpot assumed to be a parent stepped closer to examine the creature as it worked. She backed up however when the creature suddenly leaned down towards Lucy's face and placed his mouth on hers for about two seconds. He then sat back up and continued on what he was doing.

The whole town watched as the creature continued on for a few minutes, doing some sort of ritual on the little filly. Crackpot noticed that it was starting to slow down ever so slightly. What was it doing.

Everypony gasped when the filly suddenly started to cough and splutter. The creature rolled Lucy onto her side as a mixture of blood and stomach fluid poured out of her mouth. Nopony moved, nopony breathed.

When Lucy stopped hacking, the creature carefully picked up the little filly and placed her over his shoulder. He then stepped forward and raised his head, a collective gasp rang about the crowd.

Crackpot, and everypony else, were staring at the Demon in Metal.

*****

It had been close, to close for Dean's comfort. He didn't know much about pony anatomy, but he had to try. If the beam had missed any major arteries or organs, he had a chance of saving her. He looked at the little filly who was unconscious in his arms. The BAI foam had done its job wonderfully, cleaning the wound and mending certain tissues. The pony had stopped breathing at some point, so he had started CPR. Near the end, he had begun to lose hope, but the filly had miraculously pulled through. She would need surgery, but she would be okay.

Dean turned his head and regard the massive crowd of ponies before him. All of them were staring at him with various emotions. He hoped his new status as Demon of Metal would have spread this far in the country. If not, hisn job would get a lot harder.

"Demon of Metal."

"It's that Demon!"

The whispers inspired some hope that he was indeed recognized, so he stepped forward and made his announcement.

"Come with me if you want to live." Dean winced; that was to cliche. He then turned and began to walk away and at first nopony followed. But then an older looking pony, probably close to a senior, got off his behind and began walking after him. Then two more, then ten, then fifty, then the whole town.

Dean hoped that they would try to minimize the noise. It was a very high chance they would be caught within the next few minutes, and if that was the case, he was counting on speed and the unpreparedness of the Elves to work in his advantage. Once they got close to the edge of town, they would be able to sprint to the forest. Dean looked down as a pony tapped the back of his leg.

"M-Mr. Demon, may I h-have my d-daughter back?" Dean saw a unicorn mare and a Earth Pony stallion walking behind him. Both seemed deathly afraid of him, but he admired their courage in coming to ask him directly.

"Sure thing ma'm." Dean whispered back. He carefully lifted the filly off and held her near his waist. The unicorn mare grabbed the little filly in her magic. With the pony out of his grip, he was able to shift his SCAR into both hands. He kept the weapon trained forward as his eyes moved around the street.

They nearly made it to the edge of town.

A door about fifty feet away opened up with a groan. Several gasps went out among the ponies as a burly Elven male strutted out the door, a lantern in his right hand.

"What the hell? I swear I heard a pony out here a few-"

Dean didn't give the man a chance to turn around and face them.

Three shots fired, three holes appeared in his chest. He was dead before he hit the ground. Dean breathed a sigh of relief and began to move forward again. They made it ten feet before a females horrified scream pierced the air. It came from the house in front of them.

Dean looked back at the ponies, they looked back at him.

"RUN!"

Chapter 21: The Battle of Ravenford

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Hoofsteps thundered forward in a flurry of panic. Any sense of stealth was abandoned there and then as two hundred ponies flew past the Demon of metal, who was yelling for them to run into the forest.

Crackpot ran as fast as his old legs would carry him, which wasn't overly fast. A sea of technicolour fur and manes were at all angles, seemingly crushing in on him, suffocating him. His eyes darted around the massive crowd in search of his wife, but he could not find her. He reckoned she was somewhere in the crowd with him and chose to keep going.

Screams echoed from the front of the stamped as two Elven guards charged out of an alleyway, their armour disheveled and hastily put on. Both carried light spears and proceeded to aim at the crowd, causing the lead ponies to grind to a halt in fear.

Their fear turned into surprise, then back into panic as bloody holes appeared in the heads of the Elven guards. The group surged forward once again and Crackpot could see the forest approaching. A massive explosion in the air caused him to stumble and press his ears to his head. He looked up and to the left, just catching sight of a red star, no, flare falling through the sky on the other side of the city.

Crackpot focused over the sea of bodies and caught sight of a midnight black Pegasus flying in front of them, his head tilting side to side as he looked for any pursuers. After a moment, he turned his head down to the crowd and yelled down to them.

"Follow me! I'll get you to safety!"

The promise of safety spurred everypony forward in a frenzy. But once more, another explosion, this one closer, echoed through the air. Crackpot glanced behind him in time to see a massive fireball erupt from somewhere near the town centre. He shivered slightly before resuming his mad sprint. If the Demon of Metal was helping them, then maybe, just maybe they had a chance.

*****

Two minutes prior to the explosion...

"Common you fuckers!" Dean sprinted head long into the emerging Elven troops. They were all disorganized in some way shape or form: Missing weapons and armour, disgruntled looks, confusion. Dean smirked; he couldn't have picked a better time to save the towns ponies and attack the Elven forces. All he needed to do was hold their army off long enough for Midnight to evacuate the civilians. In that time, he also planned to try and cripple any advantages the Elves might possess. To the average person, this would be suicidal, but to Dean, it was another day at the job.

A Dark Elven warrior leveled his spear at the charging Human, but he wasn't able to get a shot off as his head suddenly exploded into a gory mess. His brothers in arms merely stepped past him, intent on overwhelming the lone fighter who was running at them.

Dean saw them clumped together and smiled. While running, he leveled his SCAR, flipped a switch on the side, and squeezed the trigger. A torrent of suppressed brass flew at supersonic speeds at the rushing Elves. The warriors' armour stood no chance as the bullets ripped through it like tissue paper. Blood splattered as Elf after Elf collapsed to the ground, dead or in brutal agony. Dean swiftly put an end to any cries or screams with a few well placed shots.

With five Dark Elves remaining, Deans rifle clicked empty. He reached around and placed the gun on his back, swiftly exchanging it for his sidearm.

The Elves looked at each other once before running at Dean, easily closing the distance in a few strides. The first Elf lunged forward with his spear, intent on shish-kebabing the metal clad warrior. He was in for a surprise, however, when Dean twisted to the side, letting the spear sail past him. The Elf found himself having his legs kicked out from under him, sending him sprawling to the dirt. He didn't feel again once an experimental piece of metal found its way into his brain.

The next two Dark Elves threw down their spears in exchange for longswords strapped on their hips. They rushed the super soldier with the long pieces of metal raised. The last two stopped and leveled their light spears, intent on pulling the trigger. They had to wait due to their comrades running in front of them.

Dean glared from under his helmet at the two charging Elves; he knew just what to do. Unsheathing his dagger, he sprinted forward, faster than the eye could see.

His legs, powered by the exoskeleton, helped propel him through the air as he leapt at the sword wielding Elf farthest from him. Both his armour encased feet slammed into the Elves stomach at fifty kilometers an hour, shattering his inside like glass. He flew through the air like a ragdoll and slammed into the rifle wielding soldiers, knocking the weapons away and causing them to fall to the ground.

The first Elf had swung his sword where Dean had originally been, but found much to his horror that the human was no longer their. The question of where the metal creature had gone too was answered when his legs were kicked out and a knife ripped into his chest while still in the air, causing him to slam into the ground with an almighty thud. Not a sound was uttered when a bullet pierced his skull.

Dean huffed as he spun the knife once and sheathed it along with his pistol. He was about to continue on when a crushing force slammed into his back, sending him tumbling forward with a grunt.

Dean heard footsteps and a shuffle, causing him to whip around, his pistol raised and ready. His eyes landed on the only remaining Elf, the other having been knocked unconscious from his flying friend. The Elf currently looking at Dean was frozen in fear, his eyes wide and ears pinned downwards. His legs were quaking and his spear was shaking in his grip. He watched as the creature turned and drew his small weapon in an impossible amount of time. That wasn't what scared him, no. It was the face that the creature took a blast from his spear right in the back and survived. The weapon worked on other creatures, even armoured ones, so why did it not work on the creature before him? What was this thing?!

The Sergeant regarded the Elf before him with a hard glare, his hands unmoving and his gun trained on the Elves chest. The Dark Elve looked ready to piss himself, but he held his ground. Very admirable.

"W-w-what a-are you?" The Dark Elves voice was barely above a whisper. Dean smiled at him, showing off his canines in all their glory.

"I? I am the Demon in Metal." Dean's voice lowered into a menacing growl, causing the poor Elven soldier to pale. Dean's eyes hardened.

'"Run."

And so the Elf ran. He ran and ran and didn't look back. The Elf ran from the very thing he had heard stories about. Something that he, until now, didn't think really existed. He ran from the Demon in Metal.

*****

General Ender, otherwise known as the Bloody Baron, stroked his goatee with his right hand. His left was currently occupied with the baby dragon in its grasp. The little bugger had tried to bite him again, but the Baron was not one to fool around. He needed the Dragon as a replacement for his previous assistant as well as other... necessities.

He knew that Dragons, when raised right, where the ultimate companions. When he became this particular reptiles master, he would use it as the ultimate weapon against the Empires enemies; not that it would have any in the coming future.

Ender shook his head, he was daydreaming again and he scowled because of it. His fist tightened ever so slightly, causing the dragon to let out a terrified 'eep.' It's previously purple face was no becoming blue.

'Pathetic.'

Endor threw the dragon to the floor and scowled down at it instead.

"Next time you try to bite your master, the consequences will be far worse. You are stuck here, accept it. I am keeping you alive simply because you make a good pet, and that is all you are good for. You may be sentient now bu--"

Krack-Boom!

The whole building shook as a mighty explosion rocked the city. The Bloody Baron stumbled and looked about. He proceeded to stalk towards a nearby window and peer outside, ignoring the sniveling purple reptile laying on the floor. He caught sight of an airship going up in flames. An alarm bell clanged loudly enough to give the General a small headache. He looked down and saw Elven soldiers streaming out of their barracks and rushing towards the docking yards. He could hear screams off in the distance as well as what sounded like energy spears discharging. He was quickly snapped out of his musings as heavy footsteps pounded down the hall towards his room.

The general did a one-eighty as the door was thrown open and a Sorcerer Elf strode in. His dark green cloak causing him to move across the floor like a wraith. The only part of his body that was shown was his hand holding a massive longbow. The Elf tilted his upper half in a bow before straightening once more.

"General, the pony folk have escaped." This simple words nearly threw the Bloody Baron into a rage.

"What?! How? They don't have the backbone to fight back! It had to be the resistance!" Endor walked past the Elf and opened a large chest sitting on a bench. Inside was a pile of silver armour along with a short sword. A metal gauntlet was laying on top of the whole pile.

"Yes and no, General. It is a single being that has managed to free them and is now wreaking havoc with our forces." The Elf followed Endor with his head, never once showing his eyes.

"Impossible! The only thing capable of that was- was... no, it can't be." Endor turned around and stalked up to the Sorcerer. "Tell me it isn't the Demon. It can't be here!" All it took was a single tilt of the head for the General to fly into a fury.

"No! I won't let that thing ruin my plans! It is the mission of the Emperor that certain towns be executed! If there is to much harmonic magic still alive, the plan won't work! Gah!" General Endor kicked a chair, causing it to shatter against a wall. "Once I have donned my armour, myself and your fellow sorcerers will take the Demon in battle. We must end this little charade before it grown in power and throws the whole plan into chaos!"

The General reached into the chest and lifted his donned his gauntlet, balling his hand into a fist.

"The Demon of Metal's story ends here."

*****

Dean cursed as another bolt of energy flew over his head, exploding against a wooden barrel some ways down the street. He promptly took a kneeling position and fixed his rifle downrange, sighting the offending Elf and blowing his brains out. An Elven civilian wearing nothing but a blouse promptly ran back into their house upon nearly being hit by stray energy, screaming in fear. It was the first time Dean had actually seen an Elven female, but he couldn't focus on that now. He had to keep the Elves away from the forest and act as a distraction. More bolts whizzed over his cover, causing him to duck down.

He had already blown up two of the Elven airships; hulking metal things resembling the air boats from the movie 'Thor.' Dean had never liked their design in the movie, so it was no problem for him when it came to blowing them up.

'Take that Asgard!'

And then, as if a lever was pulled, the shooting suddenly stopped.

"Naur -o i anor!" Dean heard an Elf cry from above. He had just enough time to jump to the side before an arrow impacted where he had been sitting. He was about to return fire when the seemingly primitive device exploded, sending the Human flying through the air.

Dean landed on his stomach and tried to get air back into his lungs. His ears were ringing and his head was aching. Dean still wasn't fully healed from his head injury, evident by the fact that his skull felt like splitting in two.

"Demon of Metal! Your day of reckoning has come!" Dean scrambled for cover as bolts of light began to whiz around him. He found an overturned chariot and promptly threw himself behind it. Not a moment to soon as another cry in the strange language was spoken and another arrow exploded where he had previously been. Rocks and dirt flew through the air from the blow and showered Deans cover in dust. He turned his head away and came face to face with a dead Elf. He snarled in disgust and shoved the corpse to the side before getting to one knee. The battlefield went silent once more and Dean took the chance to peek over his cover. He raised an eyebrow at the sight before him.

An Elf in flashy armour stood in the center of the street, his weapons shining in the morning light. His helm sported a romanesque mohawk and covered most of his head and neck. Long slits fell down his face so as to only show his eyes. He wore a golden breastplate with a large, blood red shoulder pauldron. His left and held a massive metal gauntlet while his right held a short sword. To sum it up, he looked like something out of a fantasy movie. Dean wondered if the helmet hurt the Elves long ears.

Surrounding the imposing looking Elf were about five figures wearing dark green robes with matching hoods. Each one carried a massive longbow along with a quiver. Their faces were entirely hidden. These ones triggered a warning in the Sergeants head. Unlike the Elite Guards he had encountered, these ones seemed more secretive. Something about them was different.

The Elven soldiers who Dean had originally been fighting had backed off, leaving the new group to face him. Dean quickly checked his dwindling arsenal and cursed silently. He had one magazine left for the SCAR and three for the Equalizer. The only thing that gave him reassurance was the two flash bangs and two fragmentation grenades at his side.

A crunch sounded from above, followed shortly by a quick intake of breath. Dean's arm shot out on reflex and gripped something fleshy. His head whipped around to find another one of the hooded Elves in his grip. His hand was wrapped around the Dark Elves throat. Dean quickly took notice of a wicked long dagger in his enemies grip, a wicked long dagger that was making it towards his armoured bisep.

The super soldier reached for his own knife and whipped it out. His knife hand flashed out and deflected the Elven blade in the nick of time, causing sparks to fly. Dean snarled at the enemies attempt to sneak up on him. He hadn't even heard the bastard until it was basically on top of him. It didn't matter though how good at sneaking the Elf was though, for Dean wasn't some rookie.

He snapped the Elves neck like a twig and dropped the body before looking over the barricade again. The Elven leader was speaking once more.

"Fight me, Demon! One on one! My guards will not interfere, as it seems you outmatch them. But I can assure you, you do not out match me. I am the Bloody Baron! General of his majesties armies and sword smaster of the Empire! Come, unless you are a coward!"

Silence reigned throughout the street and time seemed to stand still. Dean contemplated his options. He could take on the General now and hopefully win, or he could continue fighting how he was trained. Dean was no hand to hand expert, but he could hold is own easily enough. he was confident that the swords the Elf used wouldn't stand a chance against his armour.

"Or I could have my guards attack you. I doubt that armour is powerful enough to survive a direct hit from an explosive enchanted arrow, much less five!" It was settled then, Dean had a plan.

He slowly rose from cover, but kept his rifle pointed at the ground. Should the need arise, he could lift it in an instant and suppress the enemy. he hoped the Elves had some sense of honour. He could see civilians peeking out through windows and doors, no doubt curious for why the fighting had stopped.

"Don't worry Demon, I may be a noble of sorts, but I am still honourable. Fight me!" The Elf raised his armoured hand and the hooded warriors backed away, blending into the shadows cast by the nearby buildings. It was now just Dean and the Baron.

"Was it honourable when you decided to enslave an entire species?" Dean started to circle, his whole body tensed and ready for action. His rifle was still facing the ground.

"Those ponies are mere animals, along with the other species. The only reason we keep them around is because of their willingness to bend to our will. They had grown lax with the magic they took from us, but now we have control of it again, and soon enough, we will control everything. It is not about honour, it is about pest control. Why do you fight for them, Demon?" The Baron swung his short sword in a circle as he eyed Sergeant Dean. Both warriors moved in sync, their footsteps traversing in a near perfect circle. The audience, who had grown exponentially, was merely watching. Dean slowly placed his rifle on his back, never taking his eyes off the Baron. He slowly drew his combat knife along with his pistol, switching the safety off with a satisfying click.

"They may not look like me, but they are living, breathing creatures. Were I come from, slavery is the single worst crime next to murder. That is enough reason for me to fight, so long as I am breathing, the inhabitants of this world will be free." Dean suddenly brought his pistol up and fired three shots in rapid succession. The Bloody Baron quickly squeezed his gauntleted fist. Dean's eyes widened as the bullets came to a slow stop mere inches from the Barons chest, their smooth metal heads glistening in the morning sun. Nobody moved, not even Dean.

"Fascinating. Some form of metal projectile moving faster than the eye can see. But alas! I am quicker still." The Baron suddenly became a blur of speed, his sword swishing in a deadly arc towards Deans neck. The Sergeant quickly dove out of the way and rolled across the ground. He sprung to his feet in time to narrowly dodge the blade once more by swaying to the side. Dean brought his knife up and made to plunge it between the Baron's ribcage, but he had already moved away.

"Impressive, I have never seen another creature move quite as fast as you. Even with my speed enchantments, I have a hard time catching you." The Baron chuckled. "I've been wanting a challenge for some time."

And so the two fought, Dean usually being on the defensive as the Baron waged a relentless onslaught. But as the battle continued to draw out, Dean couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. He just needed to distract the Baron along with the troops long enough for Midnight to rendezvous. He had given the Pegasus another flare to signal the pick up, but Dean was starting to worry that such a thing wasn't going to happen. He had to remind himself that the black Pegasus had an entire village to relocate to safety, he needed to keep buying time.

But all it would take was one slip up, and that is what Dean just did.

The Baron must've sensed a hesitation in Deans movement and made a quick lunge, causing Dean to move for a block. What Dean wasn't expecting however was a feint, the Elf having positioned his sword just to the side. Dean's arm extended, and the Elf lunged forward, the blade's edge cutting across his thigh. Dean lunged backwards and examined the wound. It wasn't to deep, thankfully, but blood was quickly soaking through the wound. He reached into another pouch and withdrew some gauze while the Baron kept boasting.

"So you see! The Demon of Metal is naught but flesh and blood!" The Baron turned back to Dean, who was tying off the already blood soaked bandage. He lifted his armored fist and strained slightly in exertion. Nothing happened. Dean merely kept doing his knot as he eyed the Baron before him. He reckoned that the Elves had been postponed long enough.

"My magic does not work on your personal being? Intriguing. No matter." The Baron swung his sword sideways through the air, causing a swooshing shock wave to smash into Dean. He was sent tumbling head over heels across the ground before slamming into his previous cover back first. Thankfully, the knot he tied on the bandage was done and did not slip. Dean slowly got to his feet, glaring at the Baron the whole time.

"You are weak, Demon! I have heard stories of how you managed to capture Prince Trignar and kill his Elite Guard. Now I know the truth, they were just that: stories! Mere propaganda made by that pesky resistance. I wonder if that purple princess is there to, being the useless animal she is. I think that once the plan has been put into motion, I will make her my personal broodmare! I will succeed where the Prince failed, I will gain the honour of presenting the last Alicorn to the Emperor! No creature can stand in our way!" Spittle was flying from the Barons mouth at this point, a crazed look in his eye. Dean caught sight of something akin to a shadow for a split second, though it was most likely a haze that was brought upon by the smoking remains of the air boat.

"You're crazy." Dean stated outright, holding up his knife and pistol, the former placed under the latter. "You Elves are nothing but rapists and murders. A rag tag assortment of half-assed fighters. You have some skill, Baron, I'll admit. But I don't back down so easily." Dean felt anger bubbling up inside him. Just the thought of seeing Twilight screaming in pain as this monster raped her from behind was to much to fathom. His emotions instead fueled his rage and strength; adrenaline coursed through his veins and he became numb to the pain in his leg. He started to walk back towards the Baron. Playtime was over.

"Bah! You are nothing!" The Baron raised his sword once more and swung it vertically downwards, splitting the air and sending another shockwave. Him, as well as the spectators, gasped as the Demon seemed to disappear for a split second, reappearing a few meters to the left. The Baron reached out with his fist and grabbed a nearby wagon, lifting it in his magic and launching it at Dean. The Elves cringed when the wagon made impact with the ground, but all were focused on the metal clad warrior who had quickly slid underneath before jumping up and running forward. The Baron's eyes contracted in fear as he raised his sword to the ready position and crouched down.

Dean raised his pistol and shot two rounds. The Baron quickly raised a shield, causing the bullets to impact and send vibrations and ripples throughout the yellow construct; temporarily blinding him. The distortions in the shield made it seem as if Dean was waving side to side as he ran, but then he was suddenly gone.

"Behind you!" An Elf yelled from the crowd. The Baron had the sense to roll away as a large knife sliced the place where his neck had once been. The Baron swung his sword blindly and heard a dreadful noise. He looked up and saw the Demons metal arm blocking his sword, the edge cutting a small slit in the strange, gray material.

"You were going to execute an entire town!" Dean brought his pistol down with the hand grip facing down, intending to pistol whip the Baron. The Elf kicked out with his leg and rolled to the side. The kick was meant to disorient the enemy, but instead of getting some breathing room, all he felt was pain.

Endor screamed like never before as the Demon grabbed him by his now broken leg and tossed him through the air. He flew a good ten feet before smashing into the ground, crying out as the leg bent in a very wrong way. Dean was on him in an instant.

"Women! And! Children!" Dean dropped his P23 and punched the Baron in three different places around the body with each word. The Elven general let out a quiet whimper as blood pooled from his mouth and into the dirt. Dean smashed his fist into the Generals face for good measure, breaking his nose.

'Why am I so angry all of a sudden? Why do I feel this... rage?'

The world flashed before Dean's eyes as he threw the General once more through the air. Black smoke rose through the air and the sky seemed red with hundreds of fires in the distance. Screams of the innocent and suffering echoed through the air, causing Dean to shiver. He saw a massive structure hover past him, it's turret belching hard light energy towards an unseen enemy. Deans focus shifted back to the Elf on the ground, but it was no longer the General. It had avian features and scaly hands. A sword simmering with energy and power lay discarded to the side. Purple blood leaked from the wounds Dean had inflicted upon the alien, the monster, the Orith invader.

He saw people, and other creatures laying scattered about. His wife and kid, laying sprawled on the ground, their chest imploded and smoking. He saw different ponies, the townspeople, all with various fatal wounds. A few had their heads lopped off, the ]headless corpse spewing blood across the barren earth. Then he saw Twilight.

Her horn was sheared off, cracks spider webbing the remaining length. One wing was missing and spurting blood, and Dean could see the bone it used to be attached to. Patches of fur and flesh littered the ground, seemingly torn off in chunks. Her flanks was bleeding and she had a large gash running down her stomach to her genitals. Dean looked down and saw a purple feather. He reached down and grabbed it, but it morphed into a different shape, a shape Dean recognized all to well.

His P23 Equalizer was being held in his grip, its barrel pointing towards the ground. Dean stalked forward, his metal figure shimmering in the torched atmosphere. His face was cast in shadow with only his eyes peering out.

'Something is wrong.'

Dean shook his head slightly, and the world seemed to warp. Flashes of sunlight broke through various places around him, he saw cobblestone and dirt. A voice was yelling.

"Do not inter... Single com... hold..."

Dean felt something smash into his torso, but he ignored it. His focus was on the Orithian foot soldier before him. The creature looked up at him with terrified eyes. The being tried to grasp its fallen sword, but Dean was already there and stepped down on the weapon.

He placed an armoured boot on the aliens chest and pushed down. The creature screamed as its ribs cracked open. It started to hack and wheeze, and Dean stopped pushing. He did not remove his foot.

Dean blinked. The red hazed environment was gone, the fires were gone, the screams were gone, and the Oritian soldier was gone. In its place was a town filled with smoke and fire. It's inhabitants were watching him with terror in their eyes. Dean glanced down and saw his frontal armour was smoking, someone having shot him to little effect. Dean looked down at the Elf and was surprised to find his pistol's barrel placed against his head.

The only sound was the crackle of flames in the distance and the two warriors breathing.

"Finish it, Demon. This is single combat, so you must end me. Know this though: You will fail, and pony-kind will be nothing but slaves. All hail the Empero-"

Splat!

The Bloody Baron's brain splattered against the road and Dean stood up, his rage slowly dissipating. He rolled his shoulders as he eyed the massive crowd of Elves before him. Hundreds lay in his way, so he would have to go through them.

"An admirable fight, but sadly, it was for nothing. Now you must die." Dean's eyes went wide as a hooded Elf stepped forward and made that announcement. Every single Elven soldier leveled their spears at the Human, their faces a mix of fury and hatred.

SQUEEEE... BANG!

All heads turned towards the deafening screech and explosion of the flare. Some thought it was an attack and aimed their spears in that direction, others were simply fixated to the red smoke falling through the air. Dean smirked, his hands quickly moving to his sides.

His knife was in his sheath, his pistol and rifle were holstered, but each hand was occupied. Both held a flashbang.

"He's running!" An Elf shouted, but it was to late. Dean primed the flash grenades and threw them forward. He closed his eyes as the helmets sound dampeners kicked in; a second later, the devices exploded.

Elves screamed and fell to the ground, holding their ears. More than a few had blood dribbling between their fingers as they cried. Dean took the chance and took off towards the flare, reaching eighty kilometers per hour in five seconds flat.

He heard shouting and the sounds of running feet, but they were slowly falling behind. An arrow whizzed past his head, causing him to jerk to the side. The resulting explosion threw wood and stone into the air, but Dean ignored it and kept running.

He made it to the edge of town and caught sight of his ride. The chariot was sitting idle on top of a low hill, its driver lazily looking towards the town.

Dean waved his arms and shouted as he ran, causing the Pegasus to perk up and jump to his hooves. The chariot rattled slightly as he began a trot down the hill.

"No! No! Other way, running start!" Midnight halted at Deans words and was about to retort. But then he saw the pursuers. Some fifty or so Elves stormed out of the city, their spears discharging and launching projectiles through the air. One flew past Midnight by a few feet and he yelped. Promptly turning around, the Pegasus began a straight gallop away from the city, though remained slow enough for the Human to catch up. Energy and magical bolts whizzed past him as the chariot gained more speed.

There was a loud thump and Midnight felt some weight behind him. He picked up more speed and spread his wings before promptly taking off. He head a light crack every few seconds and glanced behind him.

Sergeant Dean was aiming his rifle towards the ground and firing into the crowd of Elves. After several minutes, the chariot was far enough away to cruise; Dean slumped back.

"Did you get everyone out?" Midnight nodded.

"Yes, Sergeant. All the civilians are at the rendezvous point. The Elves wouldn't be able to find them if they tried."

"Good, well let's head - GAH!" Midnight heard Dean jump and quickly looked behind him, fearing the worst. Instead, he saw a small green and purple lizard with its head poking over the side of the chariot. It eyed Dean with fear and pushed itself to the side.

"I-I'm sorry! I needed to get away from the Elves! I-I swear, I'm not with them!" Midnight huffed before turning back and adjusting his course. Dean could deal with that.

"How the hell did you get on the chariot? And what the fuck are you?" Dean's eyes were wide and he had his pistol directed at the purple and green lizard before him. He was never very found of reptiles.

"I h-held onto the side and crawled on when the Pegasus wasn't looking. P-Please don't hurt me! My master has already done enough." The lizard was shaking and tried to become one with the chariot, but failed. Dean sighed and lowered his pistol.

"I'm not going to hurt you. What are you?" Dean furrowed his brows at the lizards response:

"I-I'm a-a dragon, Mr. Demon, Sir." The dragon's scaly ear... things folded down and it's eyes grew moist. Dean gave a disarming smile.

"Nothing is going to hurt you anymore, not with me around. You are safe. Call me Sergeant Dean. Do you have a name little guy." The Dragon stopped his quaking and leaned away from the side slightly. His eyes were now full of something Dean was slowly growing used to seeing: Hope.

"My name is Spike, Mr. Demo- I mean, Sergeant Dean." The little reptile took a hesitant step forward and raised his arm. Dean raised an eyebrow before shrugging. He reached out himself and gently clasped the Dragon's claw in a handshake.

"Well met Spike. I'll tell you what, you take a nap; our trip is gonna be a few hours." The Dragon's eyes lit up.

"Really! Thank you!" Spike leaned against the front of the chariot and closed his eyes.

'This dragon is awfully trusting, but I did technically just rescue it.'

"Seriously, thank you." Dean smiled lightly as the Dragon dozed off.

"You are welcome, Spike." Dean shuffled around before staring off into the distance. He smiled and his eyes closed. Within two minutes, he was asleep.

Chapter 22: Aftermath

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Earlier...

"Mrs. Sparkle, we cannot send our chariots on a suicide run! I don't know what kind of faith you have put into this Sergeant Dean, but it is misplaced! The Elves outnumber him more than thirty to one, he has to get almost two hundred ponies out of a city without being detected, and let's not mention that the Bloody baron himself is there. I am truly sorry, but your friend is as good as dead." General Blight eyed the purple princess cryptically. His soldiers were standing behind him, watching the exchange with rapt attention. The General huffed once before turning back to his recruits. "Someone get me lieutenant Midnight! He is to lead the next exercise!" All the ponies present were quiet, a few shuffled about in nervousness.

"Uh, sir, Lieutenant Midnight didn't report to the armoury today. We were told he was on a mission for Captain Shining Armour." A pony guard near the front spoke up. The other guards nodded their head in confirmation, but they quickly shied back as the Generals eyes seemed to bug out as his face went red.

"Where is Captain Armour?" He said through gritted teeth.

"He is out at the farms at the moment, he won't be back for a few hours." Twilight couldn't help but let a little snark work its way into her tone.

"Is he now." The generals words came out as a hiss of malice, his teeth clenched so hard that Twilight feared they would shatter. "Where exactly did he send my most experienced officer?" He turned to face the princess.

Twilight held her ground and looked the general in the eyes.

"It wasn't entirely his decision, I requested that Midnight Flow be sent to aid Sergeant Dean in his mission. He was to act as transport." Twilight cringed slightly when the General let out a winey of anger.

"You had no right! These soldiers are under my protection! We cannot afford to be throwing lives into the hay grinder simply due to acts of faith and desperation. One creature does not stand a chance against a superior enemy, much less two!"

Twilight held up a hoof and scowled at the General.

"I would say that the Sergeant is the single most technologically advanced being on this entire planet! I watched him take on an entire platoon of Elite guards and come out on top. Actually... he massacred them! He is a fearsome and dedicated warrior, something you and your guards are obviously not!" A sudden spike in tension suddenly filled the atmosphere. The majority of the guards scowled and bared their teeth, snorting in anger. A vein was popping out of the Generals forehead. Twilight turned to face the angered guards.

"An entire town was going to be executed! Ponies where going to be relentlessly slaughtered! How could you stand by and let it happen!" Her face began to heat up as more than a few heads looked at the ground. "Is it not your duty to protect the innocent? Is it not in the Royal oath that guard of Equestria should fight to their dying breath in order to preserve the lives of their kin? Is it not-"

"Princess Sparkle, that is enough!" The General shouted with barely contained fury. "Maybe it was our duty to protect Equestria and its ponies, but if you haven't noticed, there isn't an Equestria left to protect! The Dark Elves have taken everything from us and we don't have the means to fight back! The situation we are in is HOPELESS!" The General's nostrils flared with every breath. The guards behind him had a far off look in their eyes. Twilight scanned each and every one of them, finding the same thing: hopelessness. A heavy blanket seemed to have been draped across each and every ponies positivity, smothering it. She snapped her head around when the General began talking again.

"The most we can do is wait for things to change. Maybe one day the Elves will integrate ponies into their society and we will be equals. Maybe they never find this last bastion of freedom and we live on in peace, knowing that we are all that's left." The General sounded tired; Twilight noticed his whole body seemed to age ten years. "Princess, you haven't seen the state we are in in all its severity. We are hanging by a thread as it is. While you were on your own in the forest, we have been trying to keep the Elves from finding this city. it is a losing battle. The ponies you see behind me have accepted that, but they keep a brave face for the sake of the populace, as do I. All we can do is-"

"General! General Blight!" Twilight, the guards, and the General looked in the direction of the scream, fearing someone was in trouble. What they saw caused more than a few eyebrows to raise.

A disheveled young mare was galloping full tilt towards the training grounds. Her back was weighed down by two saddle-bags filled with notes and papers. A gray raven was perched upon her head. Twilight cocked her head at the sight. The mare kept running and was steadily approaching the group at an alarming rate. Twilight could see the mares pants of exertion now and how her legs shook with effort. She lit her horn knowing what was about to happen.

The mare stumbled, tripped on a rock, and flew through the air; the bird took off in a flurry of panic. A yelp escaped from her mouth as she tumbled head over heels and braced for impacting ground, the latter of which never happened.

The mare, who had a brown mane and green coat, wiggled about in the lavender aura holding her in place. Her head twisted around and landed on the General, causing her to struggle more. The General stepped closer and analyzed the ponies cutie mark. His eyes widened with revelation, the pony before him was the intelligence mare who sorted through the emergency letters, a boring job seeing as nopony used the emergency mailing system. So why was she here?

"Letter-Penny! What on earth has you running at us like a bat out of Tartarus? Don't tell me Dunkin' Tim was mes-" The General was cut off when the mare started screaming at him.

"General! You must get the air divisions in the air along with every chariot you can spare! There is no time, please! Princess! We need to get those chariots! Idon'tknowhowthatcreaturediditbutherescuedtheentiretownofRavenford! We need to hurry!" Letter Penny stopped for a breath and looked back and forth between Twilight and General Blight with an urgent frown.

"Mrs. Penny, please slow down! Why do I need to get my chariots ready, what is the emergency? Are the Elves getting closer, are they attacking?!" The Generals eyes went wide at the last statement.

Letter Penny yelled in frustration and wiggled her hooves.

"General! The creature you brought in the other day has attacked the town of Ravenford! Midnight Flow reports he successfully evacuated the populace some fifty kilometers away to our safehouse! I got a messenger raven stating the location!" The mare continued to wiggle. "Please put me down Princess, I need to give the message to General Blight!"

Twilight obliged and quickly set the pony on her hooves. She wobbled for a second but quickly regained her bearings. Letter Penny quickly trotted to the general, grabbed the parchment in her teeth, and presented it to gaping stallion.

General Blights eyes scanned over the paper with such intensity that they were turning bloodshot. Twilight instinctively leaned forward along with the guards behind the General. Not a sound was uttered, not a bird nor an insect.

"I don't believe it!" General Blight quickly turned to face the Princess. He tried saying more, but his jaw was working open and closed. He blinked once, shook his head, and quickly whipped around to face the guards.

"Sound the alarm! I want all airborne divisions at the sawmill safehouse, and I wanted them there ten minutes ago!" Ponies of all sorts began galloping to and fro, some tripping in their haste. A bell started to clang rather loudly, causing Twilight to look in its general direction. A feeling of elation was building in her.

"He did it! He actually did it!" Twilight jumped in the air and squeed as her wings fluttered. A massive smile was growing on her face as her eyes began to moisten. She looked up at the sky and noticed it was nearing noon. Twilight didn't know what to do, or where to go. She was too excited! She had been praying that Dean would succeed, she had been hoping against hope. But with the recent news, she felt so many things, mostly relief.

'Oohh, I have to tell Shining!'

Twilight lit her horn in order to prepare a teleportation spell, but a hoof on her withers stopped her flow of concentration. She looked beside her and found the general standing there.

"Mrs. Sparkle, I owe you an apology. I was doubtful when your friend ran off on what I thought was a suicide mission, and I was furious when I found out Midnight had gone along. I see now that my doubts were misplaced, and for that, I am sorry." General Blight's ears pinned the sides of his head and his eyes dropped slightly. Twilight gave a small smile.

"General Blight, look at me please." The General did just that, his eyes betraying his confusion. Twilight searched his facial features and her smile grew warmer.

"You don't owe me anything. You were in the right for doubting Sergeant Dean's capabilities, hay, anypony with half a brain would have. But I knew he would succeed. It is fully reasonable that you were angry, especially since it was mostly my fault that your top lieutenant went on the mission. I think it is I who owes you the apology. I went behind your back and that was wrong." Twilight bowed her head slightly as the General stared at her with wide eyes. After a few seconds, he audibly gulped.

"How about this, we both had our reasons, and it worked out in the end either way. I think we can forget any hard feelings and move on. After all, we have a whole town's worth of ponies coming and nowhere to put them. Would you like to aid in the organizing?" The General held out a hoof, which Twilight gladly bumped.

"Of course, General! Lets get a move on, we don't have much time!" She powered up her horn for a teleportation.

"Take us to the council building, Princess." Twilight gave a nod, and a second later, the two where gone. The wind picked up slightly and blew a few leaves across the ground; autumn was beginning to set in and the trees were slowly turning vibrant.

Letter Penny shivered slightly as she looked around.

"Guess I'll walk back then," she said as she slowly trotted from whence she came.

*****

"Covering fire!"

KRACK-BOOM!

Dean leapt through a doorway as his previous position was eviscerated. The poor Marine who had been near him was caught in the blast and was swiftly wiped from existence. Dean raised his SCAR and peered out of a window. He sighted an Orithian foot soldier's head peek from a building across the street and swiftly pulled the trigger. His bullet smashed into the windowsill and sent wood splinters flying; the foot soldier quickly jumped out of sight.

The sound of explosions echoed through the town as the two sides slugged it out. The Orithians were trying to push deeper into the country, but the General in charge wasn't having any of it. The human army had set up defensive positions all across the state of Mississippi. Almost all of the southern retaliation force was focused in this area alone for it was the only place the Orithians had decided to attack. Why? Dean would never know.

The Orithian' push had ground to a halt at the town of Greenville. Both sides waged a ferocious battle for two weeks straight, neither giving up or losing ground. The once beautiful city was now but a blasted husk full of death and destruction, and Dean was at the center of it.

He quickly spotted friendlies trying to move positions and opened fire towards the enemy lines. The constant bolts of energy that whizzed overhead paused for a brief moment, allowing the human soldiers to move their positions. A bolt flew towards the group, catching the last human in the group in the side. He went down, screaming in pain as his flesh seared off. Dean winced as he was forced to ignore the wounded soldier. He saw another man hunkered down a few meters down the street, tears poured down his face as his cries were drowned out by the current fighting. Dean ignored him to as he raised his rifle once again

A beam of pure energy flew from somewhere down the road and struck Dean in the chest. An explosive cough escaped him as all the air in his lungs disappeared. He felt a dull thumping coming from somewhere as well as shouts. Then it stopped. Everything stopped.

Dean slowly got to his feet, his rifle swinging wildly. This was the second time that a memory had frozen on him, but this time seemed different. He felt it rather than knew it: the feeling that something important was going to happen. A quick glance outside showed that the fighting had frozen in time. Bolts of energy where hovering in the air; shrapnel from an explosion was frozen in time. The soldiers Dean had helped where stuck in their positions, much like mannequins. He couldn't help but stare at the scenery in awe.

An echoing sob passed through the silence like a knife, causing him to raise his rifle and twirl in place. The sobbing continued and seemed to be coming from above him. Dean gulped and slung his rifle over his shoulder, knowing that the close quarters would put him at a disadvantage. He drew is P23 and slowly made his way towards the back of the building.

Chairs and tables were haphazardly placed all over the place and dust floated through the air. Dean huffed quietly and noticed he could see his breath.

'This battle happened in the summer, why is it cold now?'

He jumped as his foot crushed a plate laying on the ground, its crack seeming like a thunderclap to Deans ears. The crying stopped for half a second, causing Dean to pause. After a moment of silence, the sobs resumed. At this point, Dean was beginning to grow fearful. He slowly walked forward, dodging past debris and various broken trinkets. The air around him seemed to steadily grow darker and a weight seemed to sit on his shoulders. He stopped when he reached a set of stairs.

The crying was coming from somewhere in the room above his head. Dean gulped once again, his throat felt dry. The farther up the stairs he looked, the darker it seemed to be. It was pitch black at the very top, so he settled for turning on his helmet mounted flashlight.

The devices beam pierced through the inky darkness and highlighted the wooden roof above. The crying continued, though something else was now present: An odd, barely audible slurping. He slowly started to make his way up the stairs, the floorboards creaking slightly under his weight. By this point, he knew for certain that he was in a dream of some sort... or was it a vision? Either way, he didn't care. With the oddity of how these were playing out, and with his new knowledge of the enemy using magic, he figured that someone or something was trying to affect him mentally. He wouldn't tolerate it, not one bit.

His expression hardened as he stomped up the stairs without care. All his fear had flown out the figurative window, being replaced by annoyance and anger. He figured that he wouldn't be physically hurt in a dream, so any sense of caution was pushed aside. Whatever was here with him was going to get a head on confrontation... and probably a bullet or two to the head.

'Dean...'

He paused, shook his head, and kept moving. It was probably just the dream he was in. His finger twitched in anticipation on the trigger, the metal grip of his gun bringing comfort to his person.

'Dean...'

After a few seconds, he reached the top of the stairs and looked around. His flashlight carved through the almost suffocating darkness as his enhanced eyes sharpened. The crying and slurping was coming from just ahead of him, but he couldn't see anything. The flashlights effects seemed to stop on what appeared to be a wall of black several meters away. He figured it might be a heavy curtain of some sort and took a step forward. That is when the flash light passed over something odd.

Dean looked at the thing on the ground in confusion. The figure was a long, dark navy blue stick of some sort with some something akin to pristine fur all over its length. The end widened out to show some sort of silver guard on the end. After a second of analyzing, his head slowly turned and illuminated more. His eyes began to widen, his breath began to quicken.

The bottom half of a pony was sticking out from behind the dark curtain. It's fur was the same as its leg: a dark navy blue. He could see some sort of ethereal, galaxy like tail laying flat on the floor. Dean's eyes widened when they landed on the ponies cutie mark. It was a black splotch of some sort covered by a half moon. He recognized it from somewhere, probably Twilight's lectures, but his mind was starting to grow a bit fuzzy. The crying, which was now slightly muffled, seemed to be originating from this pony and he made to move towards it, but something held him back.

'DEAN...'

His instincts were screaming at him, telling him he was missing something. He looked closer at the pony before him and saw something truly disgusting.

The ponies fur around its belly was moving in unnatural ways. It was as if it's intestines had come to life and were wiggling around. Dean grimaced at the sight and took a half step backwards. A floorboard creaked under his weight.

The wiggling suddenly stopped, but the worm like protrusions were still very visible. The crying continued on, but to Dean's utter confusion, it seemed to be coming from beside the pony.

'Suckkkk-plop!'

Dean took a step back as protrusions seemed to leave the stomach, retracting upwards to where the head would be. The body twitched as whatever was inside of it had finally exited, the stomach giving a small wiggle at the motion.

'DEAN.'

He stared in horror at what he had just witnessed. Silence fell through the upper level as the crying and the slurping stopped. He didn't dare look towards whatever was near the pony, his eyes stayed focused towards the ground. Dean felt a numbness wash over him and his arms began to shake. A pool of blood was slowly trickling underneath the pitch black shape that he had thought were curtains. The gun rattled slightly in his grip as the ponies life source pooled around his feet and down the stairs. It seemed inky and slick as the light reflected off of it.

Dean felt bile rise in his throat and slowly began to raise his head. The body of the pony disappeared and was quickly replaced by that inky black mass. He stopped in the center of the mass, the only sound was his breathing. His legs felt like jelly, his arms like lead. The pistol in his hands suddenly felt heavy, while his heart and mind filled with dread.

He slowly looked up, finally illuminating whatever was before him.

'Dean!'

He froze in terror, his body wasn't responding.

'DEAN!'

His mind was shutting off. He couldn't think, he couldn't speak, he couldn't move. His fight or flight instincts were failing, so the only thing he could do was stare.

'DEAN!!'

The abomination stared right back at him, it's gaze and twisted flesh burning through his body and soul. It's six eyes, two magenta, two yellow and red, and two teal, were deluded with inky black veins that got bigger as they moved into and under the skin. Bits and pieces of fur and hair were peeling off, revealing dying muscle and sinew. The monster seemed to have been fused in certain places as it's mouth were two different shapes. Tears were pouring from the magenta eyes, but no sounds were uttered.

Time slowed to a crawl. Dean saw the slimy mass of tentacles rise up from behind the beast. He watched as they flew towards his face at impossible speeds. He blinked, and-

"DEAN!"

*****

"Gah!" Dean's hand found his pistol and swiftly whipped it out of it's holster. Within the space of a nano-second, he had the iron sights trained on the young, purple dragon beside him. His free hand was latched onto the dragon's throat, causing his eyes to bug out. His breath came in ragged heaves as his mind tried to catch up to his actions.

'Wait, Dragon?'

Dean's eyes remained locked on the reptile for a long moment. He saw fear in those beady little eyes. Fear... and a slight sense of betrayal. Dean blinked, his mouth falling open ever so slightly. He slowly let go of the Dragon, Spikes, throat. Next came his gun. He slowly lowered the weapon and clicked the safety on before placing it back in it's home at his side. His eyes slowly lifted and examined his surroundings.

There was no horrid monster doing vulgar acts on a corps. There was no war zone as the humans tried to push back the alien menace. Instead, he found a sea of colour and wide eyes staring up at him. Dean quickly looked down and saw that Spike had pushed himself against the wall of the chariot in fear, his eyes never leaving Dean's hands for a moment.

"Spike." Dean held up a hand slowly, revealing he was unarmed. "I am truly sorry for hurting you. You caught me at a bad time."

At Dean's words, the young dragon looked up into his eyes. He audibly gulped before standing up, barely coming to Dean's chest even when he was crouched down.

"I-It's okay Mr. Dean. You just scared me is all."

Dean gave a small smile before rising from his kneeling position. He quickly hopped off the chariot, causing the sea of ponies to back away from him. Dean saw that they were in the middle of a massive clearing in the forest; the exact place he had planned to move the civilians to. He looked back to thank Midnight, but found him curled up beside the chariot, snoring up a storm. Dean frowned at the lack of discipline, but ultimately figured the Pegasus had earned it.

"Mr. Dean!" The sudden cry echoed through the clearing, causing more than a few ponies to jump. Dean himself twisted around, only to be tackled by a small brown ball of fur and hooves. The super soldier stumbled back slightly as his arms reflectively reached up to hold the now familiar pony in place. His eyes widened and a smile started to part his lips. Dean gave a small chuckle as the little brown ball of fur nuzzled his armoured hand. His chuckle died however when a quiet sob escaped from the unicorn.

"Mr. Dean! I c-can't find my parents! I-I... you said..." The colt looked up at Dean with sad and heart broken eyes, tears steadily spilling down his furry face. Dean's face fell into one of shock, he had been sure he had gotten everyone out! He opened his mouth to try and comfort the little unicorn, but the clip-clop of hooves slowly made themselves known, causing Dean to look away from the young colt.

Two ponies approached, one was a tan Earth pony stallion with a graying goatee and pepper coloured mane. He walked with a noticeable limp as he approached. Beside him was a dark blue unicorn mare. She held bags under her eyes and her main seemed to be nearing the graying stage as well. Both ponies were looking at Dean with hesitant expressions as they moved closer. The two slowly passed the crowd of ponies and entered into the space separating the human from everyone else. They stopped about six feet away from Dean and looked up. He noticed that their attention was no longer focused on himself, but rather the little unicorn in his grasp. He let out a happy sigh.

"Brownie. I have a little surprise for you." Dean smiled lightly as Brownies head cocked slightly to the side, though the tears didn't stop. Dean looked towards the two ponies and nodded his head in their direction. Brownie took the hint and followed his gaze.

A quiet gasp escaped the little pony and his eyes widened. Dean felt the unicorn go rigid in his grip and slowly set him on the ground before standing back up. Not a sound was spoken, all eyes were focused on the three ponies and the human.

Brownie took a small step forward, then another. The mare smiled softly, a tear trickled down her eye. The stallion took a more straightforward approach.

"Browns... my boy." The stallion smiled.

With a high pitched cry, the little unicorn took off like a shot, closing the distance between himself and his parents in a heartbeat. With wide open hooves, the two ponies embraced their little colt, tears and crying quickly following.

Dean, as well as the rest of the town, could only watch with joy as the family was reunited. A tear trickled down the Human's eye, and he quickly wiped it away. The mother was swiftly replaced by Marie, Brownie with Jackson. The stallion who was wrapping the two together in a hug, morphed into Dean himself.

Dean blinked, and the vision disappeared. He heard what sounded like soft impacts starting around him, causing Dean to look around. The noise only grew louder with each passing second, but it wasn't until Dean looked behind him and saw Spike.

The baby Dragon was clapping.

He slowly turned and looked back towards the crowd. The noise, which he saw was stomping, was almost deafening at this point, but Dean couldn't help but smile. These ponies, the ones who had been behind bars and ready for execution, had been saved by him. Dean's gaze passed over the sea of colour, but now he could see their hooves thumping the ground in an unorganized harmony.

They were applauding him.

Dean sighed. He was just doing his job: protecting the innocent and killing the enemy. He didn't deserve any applause, he didn't deserve the recognition. It was the same on Earth: he was a Ranger Special Task Force Operator, a special forces member. He was just doing his job.

Dean looked up and noticed shapes flying towards them from the west. He triggered his zoom feature on the eyepiece and quickly identified more than thirty chariots. It would seem that the Resistance was finally going to help.

"Thank you."

Dean looked down at the pony who had spoken, ready to dismiss the thanks, only to find the family of three looking up at him. Dean closed his mouth and instead smiled at the happy group. He saw the pure elation in Brownies expression, his tail swishing every few seconds. Dean knelt down and faced the trio at eye level.

"You are welcome." A sudden thought occurred to him, causing him to smile warmly. "Anytime you need help, anytime you feel you are in trouble... call for me, and I will be there. I swear it." Dean didn't know where the vow had come from, or why he had even said it, but it felt right.

'I'm only going to be in this world for so long, I can't grow any attachments!'

But with one look at Brownie, his energy, his happiness due to him being with his family; Dean couldn't help but see his son. His eyes must have betrayed his honesty as the three ponies swiftly grabbed him in a hug. But just as quickly as it had started, the embrace came to an end.

Dean slowly stood up and looked out across the watching ponies. He quickly pointed westward and into the air, turning a few heads.

"The resistance is coming! You are now safe! You are now free!" Dean's yell was met by thunderous cheers, he even saw a hat get thrown into the air. Dean chuckled at the display.

With a swift about face, Dean walked back to his chariot. His mind was alight with many new ideas. Maybe he could do this with all the towns, and work his way up? No, maybe he could equipe the ponies with modern weaponry? Maybe.

One thing was for sure though: Dean had finally made his move. He had officially started the game of chess when he captured the prince, but now it was getting serious. It was a waiting game at this point. He had given the Dark Elves a bloody nose; it was time to see how they responded.

Chapter 23: Insight

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Emperor Dommik Blueblade walked down to hallway in silence, his thoughts wandering to and fro. It had taken exactly twenty four hours for the news to spread. A single day in order to strike fear into the hearts of his kin, his subjects. He scowled in irritation. This was all because of the Demon in Metal; that blasted human!

Dommik balled his hand into a fist and thrust forward. A ball of scorching fire erupted forth and vaporized a nearby pillar. A chain reaction ensued as the pillar crumbled, bringing most of the wall with it. Dommik huffed and continued on his way, stepping over the debris.

He suddenly stopped when he heard something peculiar. It sounded like metal scraping on stone, and if he listened closely, he could hear a grunt of exertion. He looked up at the door and smirked knowingly. This particular section of the castle acted as a holding area for... 'special guests' and was usually heavily guarded. The Emperor looked down at his wrist, where a magical watch lay, and figured the time was around three in the morning.

Right in the middle of the guard rotations.

Ever so slowly, Dommik walked over to the door and silently opened the observation slide. He was met with nothing but blackness, causing him to scowl. He took a few steps back, smirked to himself, and summoned another fireball. He figured that if he was going to take his anger out, the best place would be here. The scraping stopped for a moment as someone, whispered on the other side of the door.

"Did you girls hear something?"

With a feral laugh, Dommik launched the massive ball of destruction. The fireball smashed into the door, sending wooden shrapnel and some stone cascading into the room. Heat singed the hallway as the fire blackened what remained of the wall.

Four voices screamed out in fear, one in pain. Dommik kept his smirk as he slowly strode through the door and into the dust filled holding room.

"Is everypony okay?" Came a squeaky voice from the corner of the room. Dommik held his position in the door, unmoving.

"Y-yeah. I can't see anything though! What the hay happened?" Another voice, this one raspy, called through the gloom.

"G-guys, I think something is wrong with..." The third voice sounded weak and quiet. Her words slowly became inaudible as she talked.

"Holy horsefeathers! Someone help me out here! Applejack, hold on!" The raspy voice sounded panicked. Dommik figured it was a good time to step in.

All movement stopped and everything went quiet as Dommik's footsteps clunked slowly into the room. The air seemed to become heavy with dread. The Emperor's smirk turned into a sneer.

"Oh no..." A timid voice whispered.

'Oh no indeed, little ponies.'

"So, trying to escape where we?" Dommik looked around the assembled ponies, refusing to call or identify them by name; they were just animals after all. A blue pegasus mare with a rainbow coloured mane stood off to his left. Her featherless wings twitched as she lowered to the ground in fear. Beside her stood a pink pony with equally pink hair, the latter of which was flat against her head. A massive, ugly scar ran along her cutie mark resulting in a deformative look; the fur-less skin around the wound was red with infection. Looking to the right, Emperor Dommik spotted an all to familiar white unicorn. She looked weary and an inhibitor ring was latched firmly to her horn, her tail was torn to shreds and her barrel was wrapped in hastily put together gauze. Behind the white one was a cowering yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and timid features. Her head was covered as she hid behind the unicorn. Just like the blue one, her feathers were also plucked, leaving nothing but a bit of skin and bone.

He heard a groan and promptly looked down. The last equine, a tan coloured earth pony, was half buried in rubble. Her forehead was bleeding profusely from a piece of debris. Her foreleg was twisted the wrong direction and her eyes were squeezed shut. The pony was in a very delirious state, causing the Dark Elf to frown. This would not do, not if he wanted the plan to come together.

He conjured a shield across the enlarged entryway before kneeling down beside the battered pony. He saw her open her eyes for a brief moment, though they remained unfocused. Dommik smiled down at the pony, but it never reached his eyes.

Quick as a snake, he wrapped his entire hand around the ponies face. She thrashed about, but it was for nought as Dommik was to strong. A quick glance showed that the rest of the ponies had backed away in fear, even the esteemed Element of Loyalty.

Dommik caused pure energy to flow through his grip along with a touch of a healing spell. He gave a small chuckle as the pony began screaming in pain; the thrashing intensified. He saw tears pouring out of the closed eyes of the pony below him; his chuckle turned to a laugh as the equine convulsed.

After another minute, the Emperor deemed the pony healed enough to live. Quiet sobs wracked the animals body. Her rear legs were likely dislocated or broken from the debris, but that was fine in his books There would be no more escape attempts from this one. The others in the room still needed a lesson, it would seem that he hadn't broken them enough.

He strode towards the yellow pegasus, whos eyes contracted in fear, her legs starting to tremble.

"It would seem that you filthy animals didn't get the memo." He lunged forward and wrapped a hand around the shivering ponies throat, causing her to give a quiet eep. He heard an intake of breath behind him, but other than that, nothing else happened. He leaned his face in towards the Pegasus' muzzle; she tried to lean away.

"There is no escaping this place!"

He threw the Pegasus through the air. Her featherless wings extended and the Emperor savoured the look of terror on her face as gravity took hold. The yellow equine smashed into the far wall, a sickening snap adding to Dommik's bliss.

Everything went quiet as the Emperor picked out his next victim. He took one step forward towards the pink one, but a certain multicolored pony stepped in front of him, teeth bared and featherless wings extended.

"Hm, a challenger. I hope you realize how useless this is. By being defiant, you are only making the pain worse." Dommik crossed his arms and sneered. The Pegasus gulped but held her ground.

"You are wrong, Elf! Twilight is still out there and she will help us. We will wait another decade if that's what it takes, enduring your punishments and torture."

Dommik looked around at the assembled ponies with intrigue. What he saw satisfied him. It was the look of defeat. The only one not showing it was the blue pegasus before him. After another brief pause, he took a step forward.

The pony didn't move.

He took another step forward, this time letting a small ball of fire erupt in the palm of his hand.

The ponies eyes went wide and her ears folded back, but still she held firm.

'Suit yourself.'

Dommik threw his hand forward and the fireball obeyed his command. The pegasus could only recoil as the flame flashed towards her impossibly fast. Her attempt to evade failed as the projectile smacked into her chest, but nothing happened.

"What the..."

Dommik counted to three in his head. At three seconds, the screaming started.

"Ow, ow! Somepony help!" The pegasus was feeling its effects now. The fire had burnt the upper layer of fur and was quickly scorching her flesh. The smell wafted through the room, causing nearly everyone to choke. The Emperor stood in silence, his black irises dancing with the steadily growing fire.

The cries of the Pegasus grew louder and louder before it became an unintelligible screech of pain. The little ponies friends where trying their best to put the fire out, but it had no effect. It was magical after all.

Dommik squeezed his fist, snuffing out the fire in one fell swoop. The roar of flames came to an abrupt stop, but the screams did not. He analyzed the Pegasus laying on the ground before him. Her fur was completely gone, burned away. Her skin was scorched red and black, muscle and sinew visible in some places. The mares left eye was sealed shut, seared beyond belief. the screaming slowly dissolved into choked hiccups of pain, her body twitching every once in a while.

Emperor Dommik glanced over to the side and caught sight of something metal. He swiftly strode forward in silence and levitated the object, which he saw was a pick of some sort, to eye level. He reached out and grabbed the device before turning to face the intact ponies.

"Unicorn, We know what happens when you go behind Blueblood's back. I'm sure he will be very upset when he found out you snuck away to find a tool to escape. It matters not how you got it down here unseen, for I will be taking it. None of you will escape. Once you broke out of the complex, you would have to traverse open courtyard filled with guards. Then you would have to figure out a way down the mountain with your... incapacitated friends." Dommik snarled as he stepped forward, the ponies shying back and leaving the Pegasus as a shriveled mess on the floor.

"You will never leave this place. You are animals, nothing more or less. The magic you stole from my kin is almost under my control, and there is no way of stopping me. You. Are. Nothing. Your lives are as good as over. The princess will not save you, for she is a coward. The resistance won't save you, for they are incompetent. The De-" Dommik closed his eyes and huffed, quickly catching himself from making a mistake. If he mentioned the Demon, the Human, then he would likely only give them, a bit more hope. He glanced back at them and saw nothing in their eyes but defeat. He smiled at that.

"Now, don't try anything again. There are worse punishments than physically harming you to the point of death." And at those words, the Emperor turned and left the room. Guards began to arrive finally and Dommik had faith that they could take the situation from there.

He walked for another ten minutes before coming to his originally intended destination. A large wooden door stood before him, a large black crystal positioned near the top. Two elite guards stood on either side with stoic professionalism. They saluted as he stopped in front of them. Dommik nodded in return before focusing on the crystal.

'Sombra may have been an incompetent leader, but he sure knew his security measures.'

The Emperor spoke a quick chant, causing the midnight coloured crystal to shine a toxic green. The door slowly opened to reveal an inky wall of black. Dommik wasn't fooled and strode through with confidence. His vision turned black, but he could still hear, smell and feel. With an ominous groan, the great door closed behind him, causing the room to go deathly silent. Dommik waited, then waited some more.

''̸̠̥̈́̈́̒D̶̢̥͚̽e̷̦͗͌̏̑̕a̷̹͓̜̪̐̈́t̷̘̠͙̑͂̏̌̓h̴̢͕̦̠̘͐́̄͝.̸̼̓̈́̿.̵̇͆ͅ.̶̨̘̫͑͆͐́̑'̸̲̼̎̚'
̸͓̞͐'̸̱̫́̽D̶̰̀e̵̲͊s̷̲̟͝t̶͍̅̅r̶̥͝o̵͕̽̂y̸̨̯̓ē̷̌͜r̷̪̰̔̕ ̷̮͑̔ö̸͓͙́f̵͍͑̍͜ ̴̲̪̃͛w̷͍̍͋o̸͖̍́r̸͔̙̋͐l̸̡͔͐̊d̵̯̎ṡ̸̪̥̈́.̴̘́.̵̹̖̅̆.̸̭͆'̵̰̫͝
̴̱̹̆'̴̱̈B̸̭̫̎å̵̯͆n̸͓̠͠ĕ̷͙͝ ̵̲͌õ̵̖̮͐f̴̰̎͗ ̷̫͑t̴̰̽ẖ̶̀̋e̴͙̺̎ ̶͚̾͂G̶͇̮̓u̶̞̞̍a̷̳̐̂r̴̡͓̉d̶̯̏͘ĭ̶̝â̸͍ň̶̛̟.̴͓̲̋.̴̜̈́̕.̶͕̪̓'̴̰͔̇̆
̷͇̽͛͜'̷̘̄̈H̴͕͙͒̐ȃ̶̡͇̉r̴̦͂m̷̰̈́o̴̰̊͒n̵̡̖̂̅y̵͕͓͊ ̷̺̙̒ś̴̺h̶͎̐a̶̢͆l̸̟̿l̴̢͖̋̈́ ̴̦̯̈́n̶͇̍͛ẻ̵̻͖̀v̷̦͚͛̃e̷͉̽ŕ̸͍̬͊ ̶̥̈́́ȓ̶̬̯ẻ̸̾͜t̸̘̤͑ů̷͎̟̀r̵̠̔̕n̸̛͔̙'̸̛͙̃
̷̢̲̒́'̵̨̽A̶̩̘̒s̵̻̅̾k̴͕̿,̸̮͖̒ ̵͇̌s̴̘̹̽͘e̷̠̐ě̵̦̽k̵̺̃͂e̸͖̦͋̏r̸̭̯̄̋.̷̘̰́.̴̜̾̏.̷̳͠ ̷̭́͠ä̴̝́ṇ̴̈d̵̠̄ ̶̖͉̀̒ỷ̶̱̍͜o̶̢͙͆͂u̷͎̮̚ ̵̨̩̎͝s̸̭̽̀h̶̡͆a̵̧̞̒l̵̙̇͜l̴̩̋ ̷̤̣́s̴͙͂e̷̪̞̍ê̸̹̦'̵̮̪̾͝
̷̡̝͌'̴̮̑T̸̙͇̄̎h̸̹͛ȩ̶̗̄ ̴͙̺̀̉t̵̰̄̒r̸͖̄̉ụ̴͎̈́̎t̴̨̄ͅḣ̶̤ ̵̘͛o̷͚̺̍̊f̵̟̔͝ ̴̙̺̾̕y̴̜̔̈ȍ̷̝u̶͔̾r̸̤̾̄ ̶̮́e̶͍͔͌ṇ̸̀̋ͅt̶͚̂̀i̶͇͐r̶̭͋͛ẹ̴͒ ̶̙̺̀è̴͇̓ͅx̸̨͇̾͌i̴̗̯̿s̶͓͕̄t̴̫̟̎e̶̮̐̆͜ṅ̴̢̯̚ċ̷͈e̵̹̜̿.̶͎̈́͋.̷̡͙́͠.̸̳͚͋'̴̤̆
̴͖̈́̆'̵̡̬̈́̅N̴͇̂̋o̴͔͘͝n̶͕̻̋̈́ḙ̴́ ̵̖͇̆ő̵̹͇́ṯ̷͑h̷͙̞́͠ë̷̡͎́͌ȓ̴͎ ̴̠͒͑ṯ̸̳̈͠h̸̙̿å̷̬̣͆ṅ̷͜ ̷̝͑m̴̟̔͝e̸̜̓̋.̴̮́.̸͓͔̓̊.̵̹̍'̷̤͚͒͑

Dommik saw an orb in the center of the room, its texture blacker than the darkest black, seemingly a void in existence itself. Dommik hobbled towards it in a trance and slowly raised his hand, the appendage trembling in exertion. Time seemed to slow down, everything seemed to become dull.

Dommik's hand touched the surface, and he was pulled into a vision.

A shrill scream echoed across the landscape, causing the inhabitants of the earth to stare into the heavens. A star of fire crashed through the sky, but something was wrong. The true sun seemed to grow darker, the wind seemed to change direction, and the tides seemed to stop in their entirety.

A mighty roar shook the earth, causing various creatures, ponies, minotaurs, various bipeds and others to flee in terror. As the falling star grew closer, the sky itself seemed to charge with lighting and grumble like thunder, mountains caught fire and trees withered and died.

The star split, one half falling into a valley, the other in a desert. All waited with baited breath as....

'̶̛̣T̵̨͙̍́́ḩ̶͔͛è̷̺̀ ̸̟͉̳̑̅̆ḩ̴̯͉̯̈́̽ö̶͉͕̮̍̄r̸͈̠̮̀̅̀̃r̶̞̙̣̞͋ȏ̴̢̦̆̋̄r̴̛̛̻̺͑,̵̛̝̱̽̌͘ ̷̩̻͖̎̒ṯ̶̅̍h̶̰͎̬͌̇̈́́è̵͈̠̗͔̒͂ ̷̧͇̈́̈̍d̸̼̒ě̵͍͉̐̔͠ś̵͔̼̞t̷̗̥̮̓̇̐ŕ̴̛͕̯̀̎ų̵̲̹̼͊ć̶̹̣̳̏͆͌t̴͎̖̊́͐̐ì̴͓̯ö̶̢́̊̎̐n̷͈͐ ̷̨̘̦̫̆̈̚a̸̧̳̖̝̾̈̌͊n̵̡̉̀́̕d̷̨̧̳͇͗̈́̓͌ ̵̛̳̘̄͛̏d̷̮͆̊ę̴͙̦͗a̷̛̟t̷̠̱͕̯̓͘h̸̳̠̉.̶͚̋̅̎̾.̴͓̤͌͂͠.̷̘̭̎̐͝'̸̮̠͚̥͒͠

Two being clashed in the air, the ensuing shockwave causing the earth to crack and the skies to split. Quick as lightning, the two beings threw a flurry of punches while midair, each connection causing more waves of force. The atmosphere itself seemed to charge and a sphere grew around the two.

'̵̻̑͛̈́͝Ṯ̶͈̝̆̕h̴̲̪̜͓̎̈͗̽ḙ̶̦̦̀͆ ̴̝̲͚͖̐̍͘Ä̵̲̩͓́̈́̒̈́n̸͖̩͂͒͌̚g̷̟̰͙̫̀̅̿͑ȩ̷͍̂l̷͍̿̉̿ ̴̠͚̞͙͑̅͠s̷͙̼̐̽ō̴̦l̵͖̙̣̇̾́̀i̸̠͖̗͋͊͝d̷̛͔͎͈͐͑̀i̴̻̮̊f̵̨̠͋͂͆̅ȋ̸͙̫̰̠̈́e̶̝͑ḑ̸͖́͌̔̈́,̷̠̓̃ ̸̗͖̰̂͘ͅt̴̜̻̼̎̈h̷̞́͋̕̚e̴͙͍̥̦͝ ̷̛͎̌̓̒D̴͎̲̭̅̈́̀̽e̸̹̊̒̉ͅm̷̥̤̻̬͛̒̋̕ǒ̴̑͊͜͠n̸̙͋ ̶̨̢̡̳̾̇̉̏ř̵͖é̵͓̫̥̆͒c̵̞̳̙̅̒t̵̟͎͉̔į̷̬̩̏̇̐͛f̷̧͇̠̤͂̐̊͝i̸̡̨͒̋́̋e̵̜̙͑d̸̢͈̱̳͒͋̇.̴̥̯͊͗́.̴͇̻͎͓̈́̊.̶̨̙̲̦̋́̎'̶͍̆̌

The creatures of the earth came together in harmony. Their strength causing a beam of rainbow to erupt forth and consume the two beings. Flashes of a future seemed to enter the minds of all those present. A shriveled bodied thing wearing a cloak made of creature skins sat upon a throne of bodies and blood. All others bowed before it.

Ṯ̴̞̥͎̀̾̃̽h̶̻̲͗̋̈ë̶͍́͝ ̶̞͝r̷̡͈̭̰͒̉ẻ̶͉͖t̷͔͐͆͑͝ú̴͔̺r̵͍̝͘ņ̴̺̤̒ ̴̢͓̻̿̉̂ͅị̶̏̚͝͝s̸̙̥̗̘̈̋̐ ̵̗̙͐p̵̰͍̀̍̉͝ŗ̶̙̦̈́̋ô̵̞̝̌̆̕p̶̠̰̮̍ͅh̷̞̥̼̃͑ë̵̝́̊ś̵̰̫͇̞́͝i̶̺̣̟̒̒e̶͖̱͒̈́̈́͜d̵̪̹͌̆,̶̡̩͌̏̚ ̶̯̲̹̈́̈͑͝y̵͉̤̌̅͊̇o̸͙̯̺̮̒ụ̷̬̆͗͛ ̵̨̜̿͌ŵ̶̠̖̤̍͒͘i̶̡͍̹͆̊̋l̸̅͊͜l̸̼̯̪̱̋̈́͝ ̴͔͙̙̝͂́b̶̘͑ę̴̹̜̄̈͋́ ̸̡͉̊̅͝t̸̮̲͇͎̚ĥ̶̭̫ͅe̷̻̯͌̃͊ ̸̨̬̯̊ͅī̸̗̪̩n̷̹͎̳̰̏s̵͎̳̦̈́ͅt̴̬̺̖̮́̓̀r̴̛̺͙͈̈́͐u̵̪̫̳̽m̵̨̬͇̝̓̂̾̐ĕ̷͈̑͛n̵̡̲̘̮͒̋ṯ̵̾̈̚.̷̧̯͕͓̎͝ ̴̮̥̻̜͌́̏

The two beings each threw something to the far corners of the earth. One seeking help, the other, a gift. An orb of blackness fell to the earth and was buried for countless millennia. Nations rose and fell, wars fought and peace taken. The orb was finally discovered, set in what would become the single greatest Empire in history.

Ẏ̶̯̼̹ồ̵̡̕u̴̹͘͝ ̶̮̖̖̄̌͛á̵̜̫͇̳͂r̷͍̱̎́ḙ̷̭̻̇̈́ͅ ̷̙̖̭̀̔͛t̷͕͚͌͂͌̽h̶̹̽̎̎̂ė̷̩͈̈́̋͝ ̴̣͙̀̄̿͝í̷̜̌̀ņ̸̫̮̓̎̒̈́s̷͈̻̳̀́̊̕t̶̡̓̉r̶̰͕̊ư̶͈͈̆̊͘m̷͇̞͔̹̎e̶͚̚n̶͎͌̎́̈́t̴̩̻̣̗̄́.̵̢̞̩̮̊.̵̰͍̏̑ͅͅ.̸̧̙̜́̈̓

Millions of Elves marched upon the earth, conquering, killing, raping, and pillaging. The magic was given back to their rightful rulers. At the front of the column was a figure... a god. It lead the forces of Elvenkind through time and space, conquering everything in their path.

I̵̯̞͑ ̷̢̢̜̇a̴̺̅͘m̷̮̃̄͜ ̷̺̳̅͑̍̀P̴̻͔͋͌̃̔ë̵̘̹̆̕á̴͇̬͈͍̑c̶̫̆ě̸̠̚͝,̸̳̻̖̅̋̏̍ͅ ̶̢̛̗̘̊I̴͍̠͉̾͆̉̈́ ̸͇͔̎͒ạ̶̑ḿ̸̜̝ ̵̲̰̎̄̿͌Ṡ̶̢ā̸̞̊͝l̸̛͈̺͚̙̀͊v̵͇̍̀̆̅a̵̛̲̐̉͐t̵̻͂i̷̤͗͗õ̶̗͎̥͚n̸̢̺̆!̷̡̛̮̖̋̈́͝

The orb finally released Dommik's mind from its hold, black tendrils and wisps of dark fog seeping back into its smooth surface. The Emperor smiled at the orbs revelation, the magical device never having failed the Empire before. It guided them through their conquest, allowing them to take back what was rightfully theirs. It would give them the power to put forward the great wipe, a plan set in motion since the discovery of the orb. All they needed was all the harmonic magic in the land.

All that was left was the Princess of Friendship.

Dommik laughed, hard. There was no Demon of metal in the vision. There was no loss for the Empire! They would succeed in their conquest! Everything was coming together: Everything would be consumed in the fires of the orbs imperialism. Dommik's irises widened and his eyes grew bloodshot. The orb whispered to him again, causing a twisted smile to crest his features.

Ḣ̸̯͍â̴͉̯̙̓r̵̢̦͚͕̆̓ṁ̷̛̦̈́̃ȯ̵͇̽n̴̙͔̘̣͊̚͝ÿ̶̨͓̗́͝ ̴͚̞͇̯̒̀̿͝w̸̬̟̗̪̔î̴͍͔͈l̵̨̒̌̐l̴͇̯̔ ̶͕̲̩́̿b̵̟̰̀e̸̯͆̍̇ ̶̛̹̼͎̆͘t̴̤̟̫͒̇à̶̫̆k̸͖̉ͅẹ̷̡̧̻̑́̽͝n̷̩̠̈́́͝!̵̥̰̊͂ ̶̧̭̥̈̌̽̒S̴̡̜̠͖̈́a̸͚̾̒͆̽ḷ̷̫̊̏v̸̩̈́͂ả̴̧̯ṯ̸̣͋̿̐͝i̸̻̤̅̎̑͝o̸̥̥̮͇͌͌̾n̶̼͎̉ ̴̳̭͑̓s̴͕̟̎̆͋͠ḧ̸̦͎̝͎́͑͝a̶̼̳͊͒͆͠ͅļ̷̪̾͌̈́̕ĺ̶̪̅ ̸̦̇͠b̸̝̱̬̳̓̆̊͠e̵̥͒̉̊ ̴̨̊̈́̾͜͜͝a̴̺͕̍̈́̅c̷̛͎̥͉̀h̸͙̤̗̜͗͛̕ī̵̡̝͇͌͜è̶̡̳͚́͑ṿ̶͛͐̕͜e̷͍͗̍d̷̡̥͓̂!̶̢̦̱̃͋͒ ̷̡͙̲̈͝A̶̤͝ń̷̲̤͈̈́̔̉d̴̡̧̃̆ ̷̥̯̊̃͠n̷̝̞̮̐o̴̗͚͛̈́̍t̵̩͈̏̏h̷͈̟̊i̴̝͚͎̠̅̂͆̚n̸̻̬̅g̴̗̗̽ ̷̮̳̓̓̀c̶̢̾́ą̴͉̜̻͐̋̅n̸̳̹̰͑͊ ̷̘̥͈̒̈s̷̢̨̗̮͆̔̇͝t̶̻̻̃͐͒a̶̲͙͑͊͒n̵̨̬̰̥͒̈͠ḋ̸̤̻̩ ̷͍́͋î̶̗̜̥̘̊n̴̡͂̈́ ̵̞̮͂̅o̷̠̖̺̪͗̿̄̋u̴̫͖͓̎r̵̪̗͑̈̇̕ ̶̹̞̪̗̔͋̀͌w̵͙͆͗̽̓a̸ÿ̴̜́͊̅̕͜͜!̶̙̩̟̒̓

Indeed! They would reach salvation! They will acquire harmony! With the D̴̥͎̿͗̐͝e̶͙͐s̸͖̓̕ṫ̷̪̎̏͝r̷̨̰̫͆̆͜o̸̙̩̺͂̅̍y̸̢̡͈̦̍e̶̜̼̓̓͜͜r̵͍͎̲̬͌ on their side, nothing would be able to stop them! Not a measly resistance, nor a renegade princess! No being could stand up to the combined might of the Elves and the D̴̥͎̿͗̐͝e̶͙͐s̸͖̓̕ṫ̷̪̎̏͝r̷̨̰̫͆̆͜o̸̙̩̺͂̅̍y̸̢̡͈̦̍e̶̜̼̓̓͜͜r̵͍͎̲̬͌... Not even a Human!

With that thought in mind. Dommik worked his way back to the throne. He had a populace to please, an invasion to plan, allies to undermine, and lastly...

A Princess to capture.

Chapter 24: Return

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Wind whipped at Deans face as he sat in the chariot. The wood beneath him groaned when his weight shifted, but otherwise held his immense weight. His eyes scanned the scenery below, his SCAR constantly perched against his shoulder. One leg hung off the end of the chariot, lazily waving back and forth.

"Sergeant Dean?" Dean turned his head and regarded the little dragon behind him. Spike had uncurled and was staring at Dean with a familiar look: Curiosity. He had seen the same look on Twilight when she asked him about his technology.

"What can I do for you Spike?" Dean turned back towards the forest below, it's sprawling and beautiful landscape lost on him as his thoughts remained elsewhere. He heard the young dragon shift slightly.

"I was wondering if a certain pony was with the Resistance? I figured that if she got away, then she would take shelter there." Dean spotted a dove just off to the left, it's pearly white feathers seemed to shine in the morning light.

"What's her name? I only arrived the other day, so I haven't had time to meet many people." He heard Spike shuffle before going quiet once more.

"Never mind. If you haven't been around that long then you might not have seen her. Sorry for b-bothering you." Dean heard a sniffle behind him and chose to look back once more. What he saw sparked pity in his heart.

The little dragon was leaning with his back against the chariot wall, his tail between his legs while he stroked it's length in a comforting manner. Spikes eyes slowly looked into Dean's, causing him to let out an 'eep' of fear.

"I-I didn't mean to bother you. It was just a stupid question." Dean stood up as the dragon mumbled those words, causing the whole chariot to shift. Wind buffeted his face and body, but he held firm. He took a half step forward so that he was standing beside Spike before slowly kneeling down. The Dragon was cowering away in fear, tears in his eyes. Dean sighed and placed a gloved hand on Spikes shoulder, causing him to flinch.

"Spike, look at me." The little dragon side eyed him, his face scrunching up in a wince. It was as if he was expecting Dean to hit him.

"You can ask me anything. I won't get angry." Dean saw the little guy look at him fully now, his tears slowly starting to dry up.

"A-are you sure? I d-don't want to offend you or anything." Dean chuckled and sat back against the chariot wall beside the young dragon. A smile made its way across his features as he admired the sky. A few chariots carrying the ponies of Ravenford came into view just behind them.

"I don't think there are many things left in this world that can offend me anymore, Spike. I have a job to do and I don't have time to get angry over words. Plus, I think your a pretty good guy, so anything you say won't make me mad. That's the honest truth." Dean continued to smile as Spike looked at him in wonder. After a moment of silence, he snapped his jaw shut with a clack.

"T-thank you, Sergeant Dean." Spike smiled as Dean chuckled.

"Just Dean, kid. What was your question earlier? You said you were looking for something?" Dean felt their altitude drop slightly, more chariots becoming visible in the process.

"Well, I was going to ask if you had seen a pony named Tw-"

"We are at our destination, prepare for landing!" Midnight's shout reverberated through the air in volume. A few more Pegasi nearby made the same announcement. Dean quickly stood up and slid his rifle onto his back.

"I'll help you find whoever it is you are looking for when we touch down. In the meantime, hold onto the railing. We are going to pass through an invisibility field." Dean faced forward and looked past Midnights beating wings. The forest started to come to an end a few kilometers ahead before dropping off into an ocean.

'One.'

A flock of birds seemed to materialize off to the left, heading away from the chariots.

'Two.'

Spike raised an eyebrow at the bleak landscape, probably looking for the invisible barrier. Dean snorted in amusement, it was considered invisible for a reason.

'Three.'

The world suddenly warped, as if they were looking through rippling water. Dean winced as a strange sensation came over him, making goosebumps appear on his neck. He heard Spike yelp and fall back into the chariot.

The first thing Dean saw was the sprawling city of Maritime Bay. The main infrastructure was surrounded by spiked wooden and stone walls piled haphazardly in order to make a barrier and ramparts. The ground sloped up the closer it got to the cliffside, a large fortress made of stone sitting at the very top. Dean spotted the side exit he had used to leave the area halfway between the main city and the fortress.

Ponies moved about to and fro below them. Dean heard more than saw the shouts of surprise coming from below, but he ignored them. His focus was directed towards the fortress airstrip, where ponies in all sorts of gear were waiting for them. Dean reckoned that the majority would be medical personnel for the sick and wounded. The ponies of Ravenford would certainly need the help seeing as they were locked away without care.

The strip grew closer and closer before the wheels of the chariot finally touched down upon the smooth dirt with a clank. They finally came to a stop some ways away from the main body of ponies in order to make room for the other chariots. The human soldier quickly hopped out, but stumbled as he hit the ground. A wave of fatigue had washed over him, but Dean pushed forward. He walked up to Midnight, who was still strapped into the chariot. The poor Pegasus had worked his ass off all night and day without rest; Dean couldn't be more proud.

"Midnight." Dean patted the pony on the shoulder, causing him to look up. His eyelids were drooping and his wings were hanging limply at his sides. Dean noticed the ponies eyes harden into determination.

"Sergeant Dean! Would you help me get out of this so that I may help the other ponies?" Midnight reached behind him and dried to grab one of the buckles that were tied around his torso. Dean put a stop to the ponies actions by placing a hand on his neck and gently pushing it away from the harness.

"I'll get this, but once you are out, I expect you to get some R&R." Dean saw the Pegasus about to retort, but a hard glare shut him up. "You may be a higher rank, but you have earned it. What you did tonight was an act of heroism in the highest regard, and you need the rest if you are going to function properly. I'll take care of the townsfolk."

After a second of pause, Midnight nodded his head.

"Very well, thank you Dean." The Human quickly undid the straps of the harness, allowing Midnight to finally be free. The Pegasus gave him one more grateful look before walking through the growing crowd and to the barracks. Guards, medics, and the occasional civilian ran about, helping ponies out of chariots and treating those who were injured or sick. Dean saw a young stallion be given a needle of some sort, upon closer examination, dean found it was a painkiller for the ponies broken leg. Dean felt a wave of weariness wash over him, but he steeled himself and pushed forward. His job was not done until all the ponies of Ravenford were okay.

"DEAN!" The sudden cry caused him to turn around... and be met with a lavender ball of fluff and feathers. He stumbled back in order to lessen his attackers impact and wrapped an arm around her fuzzy torso. Looking down, he saw the Princess of friendship nuzzled up against his chest with her eyes closed. A small smile crossed her muzzle and the traces of tears trickled down her face. Dean chuckled as her wings wrapped around him protectively.

"I guess you missed me?" He gave her a scratch behind the ears, resulting in a coo of appreciation as well as a nod of the head.

"Yep, I'm just happy you made it back okay." He chuckled as he carefully set her down.

"Dean? Where'd you go?"

Dean saw Twilight tense up and her pupils dilate. Confused he called back to the dragon.

"Over here spike, by the front of the chariot!" Dean looked back at Twilight with a smile, but the expression quickly died when he saw her features. Her ears were pinned back, her breathing was sporadic. Her eyes were wide and much more noticable tears were gushing forth.

He was about to ask what was wrong when she let out an ear-piercing cry of grief and suddenly lurched forward, catching Dean off guard.

With a huff, Dean moved to follow.

*****

Dean? Where'd you go?"

She couldn't believe it. She just couldn't. That voice... that voice was just like her little brother, the one she lost just two years ago when the Dark Elves invaded. It still held that same youth, the same energy that only Spike the dragon could hold. But it couldn't be him, the Dark Elves would have made sure he would never see the light of day again, especially if they knew he was her little brother. So no, it could not be her number one assistant, it just couldn't.

"Over here Spike, by the front of the chariot!"

All train of thought instantly died, her motor functions not responding in the slightest. She felt her own heart hammering in her chest, it's constant thumping sounding like a gong repeatedly being smashed. Her legs felt like jello, wobbly and weak. She also felt sick to her stomach, so many emotions building up inside her. They all jumbled together: Excitement, sadness, horror, elation, grief, disbelief, and so many more. It built inside her like a fire being fed, and soon she couldn't hold it in any longer.

With a cry that would have woken the dead, she took off like a shot. Her destination was clear, her mind set in stone. Her hooves carried her forward, she didn't slow down. Even when the stubby little legs of her companion waddled around the edge of the chariot and into view, she didn't stop. When her little adoptive brother, whom she had thought she had lost forever, gave a shout of surprise, she did not slow down. Her forelegs were already wrapped around his torso faster than the blink of an eye, her wings encased the both of them and shut out the world around them. Twilight head the sound of weeping, but she couldn't place if it was her own or that of somepony else.

She sat there for what seemed like days as time became a concept of the past. She could feel the rough scales pressed into her chest as well as the stubby little arms gripping around her torso.

Opening her eyes, Twilight saw the purple scaled head pressed into her fluff. She gave a sniffle and leaned down to nuzzle the little dragon, causing him to tighten his grip. After several more seconds, her little brother spoke.

"T-Twilight? I-is it really you?" She heard him sniffle and tightened her hooves.

"It is S-Spike. It's m-me." She choked back a sob and rested her chin on top of Spikes head. A joyful smile was starting to make its way onto her face. She heard the baby dragon let out a sob as he tried to bury himself further into her chest. His tears began to wet her fur, but she didn't mind in the slightest. All that mattered was her adoptive little brother, right there and then.

"Twilight, i-it's been-" She quickly squeezed him and nuzzled the top of his head.

"Shh, don't worry Spike, I-I've got you. I won't let you out of my sight ever again, you here. N-N-never a-again!" Something she was not used to feeling was growing inside her. A feral protectiveness and loyalty seemed to radiate off of her very being. Twilight felt raw energy around her, but she remained focused on the dragon. Twilight would never let him go again, she would die first.

*****

Dean stared in amazement at the two hugging companions. He still did not know the significance that Spike posed, but he was now getting an idea. This dragon was important to her and they had obviously been separated by the invasion. It brought him joy to see them united once more.

He was about to take a step closer, when something truly remarkable happened. There was a brief flash of purple light, bright enough to be noticable and cause Dean to squeeze his eyes shut. When Dean opened his eyes, he could only stare in amazement.

Purple particles were floating around through the air aimlessly, one passing by his nose by only a few centimeters. He looked around and noticed that something had happened. All the equines had happy smiles on their muzzles, but otherwise seemed oblivious to the stuff floating through the air.

Dean was about to say something, but a particle began floating towards his face. He watched in mild fascination, unmoving as the thing got closer and closer, before finally landing on his nose.

Almost immediately, Dean was overcome by a sense of comfort and happiness. It was so overwhelming that he momentarily forgot where he was! However, it soon got to the point where it was making him uncomfortable. He knew that his body was not obeying his commands and had to do something. With a gargantuan effort, He focused every once of his being. When that didn't work, he went for another method.

The image of Marie suddenly appeared before him like a ghost. It was as if someone had decided to flip a restart switch in the back of his brain, for everything seemed to black out. Fatigue washed over him as he slowly became hyper aware of his body. His leg felt sticky, he figured from sweat, and his head pounded. His eyes slowly opened, only to find a concerned white equine staring down at him along with a tiled roof. How did he get inside? He knew the ponies name, but at the moment, he couldn't place it. Everything was hazy for some reason. He reckoned he needed a bit of sleep, that was all.

"We need the stabilizer immediately!"

"What if he has a reaction?!"

"Hold on Dean don't g...."

"The poison has re...."

"Administer s..."

"Please Dean, Plea..."

And so Dean slowly drifted off into unconsciousness. But right before he passed out, he briefly saw the figures of his wife and kid, causing him to smile. Closing his eyes, Dean fell into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 25: The Guardian

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I was standing before a field of wheat, the plants themselves swaying in the gentle breeze. A massive forest, followed by a city, lay beyond the field. It's massive buildings seemed to rise up and kiss the atmosphere, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance of Mankind and it's conquering of the impossible. Just above, the sky was filled with puffy white clouds that lazily drifted to and fro. Some were gray, some were white, but all took the shape of something recognizable.

I saw a baby being carried in a mother's arms, a smile on his face. Another showed a young boy and his father, seemingly throwing a baseball through the sky. Next was a taller being, a young teenager of some sort, holding what seemed to be a diploma in one hand and a trophy in the other.

The clouds kept coming, each one showing something new from the past. I saw so much. A family, a business degree, first romance, broken hearts, and... and...

A tear slowly slid down my face as I saw the last one.

A man was on his knees, his head bowed and his arms hanging loosely by his side. Wispy tears trailed through the sky. I knew all too well what it was like... to lose the ones you loved. The feeling of hopelessness, the powerlessness....

A sudden bang echoed through the land and as the sound traveled, the world evaporated with it. I was left standing in an empty void. looking down, I found that my body was still there. My knee length, brown trench coat rested against the back of my jean covered legs. I reached up and adjusted my black ball cap.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner, my friend." A mischievous voice with an undertone of sadness echoed through the darkness. I recognized the voice instantly and smiled.

"Discord, It is good to hear a friendly voice. Being entrapped, teleported, and left stranded is really not a comfortable feeling. I'm sure you could relate." I quickly turned and eyed the Draconequus, a smirk appearing upon my face.

"Only the first part. I still need to get revenge on those pigeons." Discords face grew dark, literally, and I chuckled.

"So what did you come here for? Surely not to brag about me being in your position? How was I supposed to know that the Destroyer was going to weaponize those weird magic thingies? I think that was the first time I've been solidified by a gay death ray." Discord smiled, but his eyes were downcast. Something was wrong, that much I could tell. I have known Discord for a while now, well most of his multiversal forms. It wasn't hard to tell when something was bothering him.

"What's wrong man? Penny for your thoughts?" I summoned a copper penny and flicked it towards him. His claw darted forward and snatched the metal piece out of the air before slowly lifting it to eye level. He gazed upon its surface for a few moments before refocusing on me.

"Well, lets just say that the multiverse might be in trouble, again. I might have broken a very important rule." Discord smiled sheepishly and twiddled his, uh, fingers together.

I narrowed my eyes and frowned. I prayed that he didn't do what I think he did. Being a god, he was bound by certain rules, unlike myself. Gods are only supposed to affect the boundaries of their own universe, and they did not act as protectors or antagonists. Discord's chaos makes him a neutral party in the grand scheme of things, I can only imagine what he did this time.

"What did you do?" I held my breath. If it was as serious as I think it was, then there was going to be quite the shitshow.

"The planet you landed on has been utterly devastated by another race due to the Destroyers influence. When I saw that you were trapped, and the very elements that had bound you were in no condition to help. I started over thinking things." He looked me dead in the eye, I stared back.

"The Destroyer is still in this universe, but her essence is physically imprisoned. Over the last hundred millennia, her influence caused death and destruction on an untold scale. Humanity wiped themselves out, the different species fought, and the artifacts that could free you have been locked away." I scowled and crossed my arms, but gestured for him to continue.

"The leader who sealed away the elements is something called a Dark Elf. Usually this would be no problem, but something happened. With the help of the Destroyer, this Elf was powerful enough to kill and absorb the magical essence of this universes' Discord."

My eyes widened. This was bad news, very bad news. Even with the infinite possibilities of the multiverse, this was something that wasn't supposed to happen. I knew that the dark powers of the Destroyer where powerful and insanely influential, but I did not know that something like the ability to kill a god and steal it's powers could become an outcome.

"Here is where I messed up. I grew scared that the Elves might be able to open the seal containing the Destroyers essence. If he got his hands on that kind of power, then he would have to ability to take on the two eternals! In last ditch effort, I.. I..." Discord looked down and stroked his tail.

"Spit it out!" I regretted snapping at him, he was my friend after all, but something this serious warranted extreme measures. I needed to get out of here! Damn that fucking horse!

Discord winced, but continued.

"I... summoned a Human from another dimension. There was a pony, a princess that was in trouble- Erk!"

He wasn't able to finish as my hand was now around his throat. He squirmed and wiggled, but my grip was stronger than Iron. he tried to snap his fingers, but a quick mental command ceased his movements. His eyes portrayed terror as I glared at him.

"You. Fucking. Idiot. Do you realize what you have done?!" My voice was quieter than a whisper, but the daggers it spat forth seemed to cut through Discords very being.

"C-Can't... Br-brea...thee!" I saw his face turning purple. After a moment of consideration, I let him go, causing him to fall to the nonexistent ground in a heap.

"I don't know what to do, Discord. By influencing two separate dimensions, as a god no less, you may have just caused a chain reaction throughout the very fabric of reality. The walls of the Rift have been forced open by you. You know that only an Archangel can cross through a Rift without immediate consequences, right? By bringing this Human through, you used an immense amount of power keeping him alive while he went to his destination! NOW IF THIS ELF ABSORBS THE DESTROYER, THIS COULD REPEAT EVERYWHERE!!"

Discord rubbed his throat and sat up.

"Guardian, I-"

"DON'T YOU GUARDIAN ME! THIS LIKELY ISN'T SOMETHING I CAN FIX ON MY OWN! DAMNIT!"

My yell caused the whole void to warp around us. My fists clenched at my sides and started to turn white. My breathing was heavy, and my brain was running at Mach ten in order to think of a solution. After a moment, I raised my clenched hand to my face. I realized how powerless I was at the moment. How I could do nothing but watch. Just like those cloud visions I saw earlier. I wonder if that was the human's life I had seen, the one that is upsetting the balance of existence.

Wait... The human!

"Discord!" I turned around and levitated towards him. He shied away at first before I grabbed him by the wrist and hauled him to his feet. He looked at me in confusion and I merely smiled.

"The human could help free me! If... if he gets those weird doohickeys and shots that gay beam at my statue, then I can fix this mess! Yes, this is perfect!" I did a little jig before wrapping Discord in a bone crushing hug; his ribs literally cracked before mending again when I let go.

"Guardian." Discord huffed and shook his head. I was too excited to care.

"Think about it. I'm sure that if that prissy white Alicorn gave the gay beam to some common folk, then he might be able to convince them to help. Once I'm out--"

"Guardian!" Discord spread his arms wide with a look of irritation. I realized I had been rambling and quickly slammed my mouth shut.

"Yeah, Discord?" I looked at him with my charming and innocent smile. He merely huffed at my antics.

"The reason I brought the human here was to get you free. That is what I have been trying to say this whole time."

Dead silence. That is what ensued. I felt embarrassment working its way through my mind and causing my cheeks to flush slightly. The silence went on for several seconds before I decided to try and laugh it off.

"Hah, hah! I'm sorry my friend! I... uh... I should have heard you out sooner. I am truly sorry." I looked down and shuffled my feet. After a second, I felt a lion's paw on my shoulder.

"It's okay. I know you are feeling anxious about what is happening with your imprisonment. If it makes you feel any better, your home universe is still in limbo from when you left so long ago." I perked up at that.

"I think that once I get out of here, I'll fix this mess and return there. Creator knows how mad Amy is going to be when she finds out I froze the universe again for more than ten thousand years." Discord chuckled.

"Well, it shouldn't be long now until you get out. Though can you do me a favour?" I laughed.

"Of course! You've helped me so much and still are! What can I do for you?" I crossed my arms and smirked. That smirk fell when Discords own features grew deadly serious. He took a breath before looking me in the eyes.

"Whatever happens, ensure that the Human lives when you escape. I had no right to pull him from his world. Especially with all that he has gone through. I have dwelt far to much in this universe, so I leave it up to the human. If I don't hear from you within the next five months, I will attempt another rescue. You are needed, Guardian. Even if it puts the multiverse at risk."

I thought over his words while he stared at me. I couldn't promise anything in reality. But if I can save a life, then by God I will.

"Very well. I will do what I can. I can't promise much, but I will do whatever it takes to help this human and keep him alive." I saw Discord begin to fade from view, a content smile on his face. A sudden thought came to me.

"And Discord..." He raised an eyebrow. "When all this is over, you and me are going and getting a drink."

Discord laughed heartily.

"I'll hold you to that, Guardian. Good luck, and keep the Human safe." And with those closing words, Discord disappeared from view. I chose to sit there in the void by myself for some time. Thinking over the millions of possibilities that could be created from the Chaos god's actions. With a quick thought, my surroundings warped. Before me stood the Human himself. His eyes were closed, as if he was sleeping peacefully. Scanning over him, I noticed something quite odd. I quickly walked towards him and placed my hand on his chest before concentrating. A pulling sensation spread through my fingers and up my arm, but I held firm. It was as if the projection of the Human before me was resisting.

Ever so slowly, a small paper photo materialized through the armour of the Humans left breast. The picture slowly levitated towards me and I slowly analyzed it. It showed a young women, maybe twenty five or thirty, with wavy brown hair and a beautiful smile. She actually resembled my mother in a strange way. In her arms was a young lad, maybe eight or nine, and he was holding a small stuffed bear in his one hand while the other grabbed his mother's shoulder.

The last person was a tall man wearing business casual attire. His well built arms were comfortingly wrapped around his wife and son from behind, while the other rested at his side. His brown hair was somewhat messy and fell down along his ears. Out of the three, his smile was the largest.

I sighed and looked back to the holographic image of the Human. A small telepathic command and I was able to find the Humans name was Dean Forrester, a Sergeant in the United States Rangers Special Task Force. He seemed like a capable man, and looking farther into his memories showed just how much of a ferocious and dedicated person he was. He was fiercely protective and loyal, always putting himself before others. He showed kindness, always comforting those who are in a situation they had no right to be in the first place. One particular example that I saw was a little girl who had lost her family. Dean had taken care of her for most of the day while high command was moving various refugees. He personally saw it through that the girl got to a safe area.

Next was his honesty. It seemed that the Sergeant wasn't one to sugarcoat things when the situation grew dire, but he was also an inspiration as well as a leader. He commanded an entire platoon of soldiers, ones that thought they were going to succumb to the Orith onslaught. This was only rivaled by both his laughter and generosity. When moods where down, he brought them back up in no time. When someone was lacking something, he would be the first to help them find it.

Then there was... something. I don't know exactly what it was, but the feeling was recognizable. It was weak, but it was there. This thing helped him out of tight situations. Where he would usually have the odds against him, he would come out on top. The closest literation of this would only be considered luck.

I saw all this in the space of a second, taking in all his attributes, strengths, and weaknesses. Atop all of these things was a battle hardened soldier, one who fought for freedom and justice.

'He will do.'

I exited the Human's mind and re-envisioned my surroundings. I was back in the wheat field but this time, I had a visitor. The hologram was gone, and instead was replaced by the Human himself. I saw him look around in confusion before turning to face me. His jaw dropped in shock and he took a step back. I simply smirked.

"Hello Dean, It's so nice to finally meet you."

*****

Dean's eyes opened. His drowsiness had disappeared, his senses were back on high alert. The first thing he noticed was the sprawling wheat field before him, the grains waving gently in the breeze. Beyond that, a forest sat before a sprawling city, the towering buildings seeming to scrape the sky itself.

'How the hell did I get here? Wasn't I in Maritime Bay?'

He felt eyes on his back and promptly turned around. At first he was confused, but that confusion soon turned to shock upon what stood before him.

"Hello Dean, It's so nice to finally meet you."

The Guardian. The hero from that ancient comic book back on his world, was standing before him. His trademark brown Trench coat, black ball cap, dark blue jeans, brown hiking boots, and gray shirt, made up the superhero before him.

His brain temporarily stopped. He had read the Rift comic when he was ten years old, and it was one of his favorites! How could the main character be standing before him!?

"Now look, I know what you are thinking, and it is not possible for me to explain at the moment. What matters right now, is that I am here to help you."

Dean slowly closed his mouth and stood up straight. His armour shifted as he moved.

"And how is that? Why are you even here? Your existence should not be possible!" Dean took a few steps forward to try and get a closer look, but the Guardian held up a hand.

"What matters is that I am here, in the flesh... er, stone. Look, I have been informed of your little mission in ponyland, and I have decided to help you." Dean tilted his head slightly.

"Why don't you come in person. If I am to understand, you are the second most powerful being in existence! So where is your real body... why are you visiting me in a dream. Or am I hallucinating? Was I po-" Dean was shut up when a small shock wave blew across the field, causing the whole setting to distort.

"I am trapped at the moment in Canterlot! Just let me explain!" The Guardian scowled from under his hat, causing the Sergeant to step back. The Guardian took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"I came to this world chasing the Destroyer. I managed to weaken her so much that I was able to entrap her. However, the inhabitants of this land had some sort of weapon that could turn any powerful entity to stone. This device was used on me, and I have been stuck here for the last ten thousand years. The Destroyer pulled one of her tricks however and was able to leave behind a part of her essence, slowly corrupting the various creatures around the planet. It is up to you to find these devices and use them to free me, so that I may fix all the problems that are being caused around the multiverse." The Guardian opened his eyes and stared at Dean.

"You will be waking up soon, but know this: I am here to guide you. I will do what I can to help you make it through this little escapade alive and well. This is all very rushed, but I didn't have a lot of time to talk to you. When you wake up, you will likely forget the majority of this conversation."

Dean stared at the Guardian. But otherwise stayed silent.

'Yep, this is definitely a dream.'

The Guardian huffed and shook his head.

"I can see you don't believe me. I will try and visit you again when you are asleep in order to clarify some things. Just so you know, I can see your thoughts and through your eyes." He smirked deviously. "You should totally fuck the purple Pegacorn!"

Dean finally reacted... by recoiling with a disgusted look.

"What the hell? That's fucked up, she's a pony! Wait, this is just a dream, so whatever you say is just a figment of my imagination." Dean smirked and crossed his arms. "I think I'll try and wake up now."

As Dean slowly began to fade away, he heard the voice of Guardian, albeit slightly distorted now.

"Be that as it may, you still thought it!"

Dean's world went black, but not before he flipped the bird to his fucked up imagination. As he regained consciousness, he swore he could hear the horrible laughter of the make believe superhero.

*****

Beep... Beep, Beep, Beep.

Dean's eyes slowly opened. His mind felt fuzzy and his lower half was killing him. His surroundings were quite blurry, so he tried to reach up and rub them, but found he couldn't.

Looking down his immobile body, he made out the blurry outline of something lavender laying on his arm. He blinked, and the world slowly came into focus. What he saw made him catch his breath.

Twilight was laying on the side of his bed, all curled up and snoring lightly. A certain trench coat wearing person suddenly made its way to the forefront of his mind.

'God Damn it.'

Chapter 26: Hospital Talks

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Dean gazed down upon the sleeping Alicorn. Her head rested on her hooves as her torso moved up and down in sync with the beeps of his heart monitor. He smiled at the pure cuteness before him and moved his other hand in order to pet the little pony. His arm felt sluggish as he moved it.

Twilight gave a little hum and slowly opened her eyes as his hand gently stroked against her side. She blinked owlishly for a second before she noticed just who she was staring at.

With a yelp, she jumped into the air and wrapped her hooves around Deans neck, trying to squeeze the life out of him. Her wings fanned out across his body as her horn waved dangerously close to his eyes. Dean chuckled and hugged the little pony back. The scent of lavender filled his senses as she nuzzled into his neck with a smile.

"How long was I out?" Her head tilted to face him at the sound of his voice. Dean saw some tears threatening break free of her eyes and decided to try and lighten the mood.

"It will take a lot more than some simple poison to kill me y'know." He scratched behind her ear, causing it to flick slightly. Dean saw her squirm slightly so as to not fall off the bed; not like she would with the death grip she had on him.

"W-we thought we had lost you. By the time the medics arrived, they discovered that the poison had already moved through most of your body! With your strange armour, they wouldn't be able to get a proper read and treat you in time. It wasn't until a day ago that your body countered the poison entirely, a-and all I c-could do w-was watch and pray!" She sniffled and buried her head further into his neck. He smiled softly and continued to scratch her behind the ears, even giving the occasional back rub.

"I'm not going anywhere. If the mission isn't complete, then I'm not allowed to die. Right now, you, and your people are my mission." He heard Twilight give a content sigh before slightly loosening her grip around him; her sadness seemed to have disappeared. Dean looked down at Twilight once more, but upon looking up, he saw what appeared to be an outline of a young women. He squinted his eyes as more features were made out. She had long brown hair, a skinny but well built frame. Her curves accented her form perfectly. Dean found himself staring at his wife, her ghostly smile causing all matter of functions to stop working within him. Her lips were moving, and her expression was sad, but he could not understand what she was saying. Her image seemed to shimmer in the Artificial light.

'How is she here? She looks like a ghost!'

A thump of pain suddenly slammed into his head, causing him to wince. Upon looking back, all he saw was the blank wall of the room he occupied. His wife was gone.

"Thanks Dean, thanks for everything." He looked down with a start, temporarily forgetting where he was.

"Y-you're welcome." He felt a sudden fatigue pass over himself, causing his eyes to droop. The places where Twilights fur touched bare skin was warm and soft, her embrace gave off a comfort that Dean had not felt in quite some time.

"Uh, am I interrupting something?"

Dean's eyes snapped open as a certain Princess rocketed into the air for the second time in five minutes, his brain failing to process what had happened. His disorientation proved to be his downfall as Twilight landed on his stomach with her full weight, knocking the wind out of him as he lurched in the bed.

"SPIKE!" Twilight grinned impossibly wide as she sat on top of Dean, who was huffing and puffing. The little dragon was standing several feet away from the bed with his hands behind his back, a knowing smirk stretched across his mouth. Dean looked over the edge of the bed and moved into a sitting position, causing Twilight to stumble, flare her wings and promptly smack Dean in the face.

Spluttering, the Sergeant reached forward and grabbed the princess around the torso before hauling her onto his lap. Her face lit up as red as a tomato while she tried to wiggle free, but it was to no avail. Spikes quiet laughter only made her embarrassment worse.

"Dean, Put me down!" She tried to wiggle free one last time, but Dean's hand suddenly found it's way behind her ear once more, causing her to melt into his embrace. He chuckled at her antics and turned to face the young dragon.

"What can I do for you, Spike?" He noticed Twilights wings were slightly extended to the sides, but thought nothing of it. It was probably just her attempt to stay balanced while he playfully messed around. He saw the dragon trying to hold his laughter once more, causing him to smile deviously.

He slowly lowered his head so that his mouth was close to the little Princesses ear and whispered just loud enough for Spike to hear:

"Sorry Sparklebutt, looks like we are gonna have to put this little lecture session on hold."

"Deaaan!" Twilight whined and began her squirming once more. Dean decided that he had had enough fun for now and carefully lifted her under the belly before placing her on the floor. Her face facial fur was beet red and her ears were angled down in annoyance.

Spikes laughter intensified, causing him to double over in a fit of laughter. Tears were pouring down his face as he rolled around on the floor.

Crossing her hooves, Twilight sat on her back legs and stuck her nose in the air. Dean nearly had a heart attack at how cute she looked.

"Not funny." The purple Princess mumbled to herself. But as soon as Dean looked away, she couldn't help but let a little smile creep across her muzzle.

Dean for his part was trying sit upright in the bed, but his head began to swim and his thigh began to throb. Usually he would tough it out and ignore the pain, but seeing as there was no danger, he figured he should listen to his brain heal up. Twilight must have noticed his failed attempt and jumped to her hooves.

"I'll go get the doctor, they have the diagnosis on your full condition." Twilight raced out of the room, leaving Spike behind with the Human. Silence ensued, both parties looking around awkwardly. Spike decided to try a conversation.

"So, uh, Dean. You and Twilight huh?" He put on a smile as he watched Dean blanche. The human chuckled softly and turned his head to face the little Dragon.

"Sorry to disappoint kid, you're sister and I are just close friends. Not to mention I'm married and have a kid back home." Dean's face suddenly darkened, like a cloud had passed over the sun.

"That plane never crashed."

Spike didn't hear what the Sergeant had mumbled; he figured it wasn't his business either way. He had more pressing matters to deal with.

"Wait, how did you know I was Twilight's brother?" The little dragon didn't recall ever telling Dean that Twilight was his older sister (adoptive mother?). Dean chuckled and looked back a the ceiling.

"Wasn't too hard to figure out. You said you were looking for someone in Maritime Bay, and when I saw yours and her reaction to seeing each other, it just clicked." Dean waved his hand carelessly in the air. The fatigue was slightly dulled now that he was comfortable, at least he would be if his helmet still wasn't on his head.

With a sigh, Dean reached up and undid the strap for his headgear. He slowly pulled it off his head and let it fall to the floor beside him with a thunk. His greasy hair was slowly starting to grow out, but otherwise remained quite flat to his head. He was never one to get super long or curly hair, and the way he styled it in highschool made him look older than he really was. Right now it was just messy.

'Now that I think about it, I should probably take a shower. I don't think I want to know what I smell like under the armour.'

He looked over at Spike, who had grown quiet for some reason. He saw the little dragon looking towards the floor with a sad expression.

"What's wrong kid? I can see something is troubling you." he patted the side of his bed gently, encouraging the little dragon to move closer. Spike hesitated before slowly moving closer.

"Well, Dean, I never got to thank you for saving me a-and reuniting me with Twilight. She also told me about how you rescued and took care of her. So, uh...yah, thank you. I-I owe you my life in a way." The little dragon was holding his tail between his legs and refused to look at Dean. The Sergeant noticed this and gave a sincere smile.

"Spike, it's my job to help others. It was the least I could do by rescuing you and your sister, and don't even think for a second that I wont continue to help you. You don't owe me anything little guy; if you are ever in a tight situation, call for me, and I'll be there." Spike looked up at Dean with a tearful smile. There was a moment's hesitation before the little dragon launched through the air and hugged Dean, catching him by surprise. The human instinctively wrapped his free hand around the Dragons torso, his massive, armoured arm seeming to envelope the little reptile entirely. After a second, Spike let go and slid back to the ground.

"Thanks again, Dean. I think I'll head out for now, I've gotta clean the room Twi and I are staying in. I'll see you around!" The little drake jogged out of the room, his mood lifted by his conversation with the human.

Dean sighed and lay back down. He sat in silence for a solid ten minutes, but not a second later, he began to think.

'Why are all the species on this planet so emotive? My actions would be seen as minor back on Earth, but apparently not here. The only ones here who act similar to humanity are the Dark Elves. No, those guys are closer to the Orith. Or maybe not? All they seem to care about is keeping an iron fist over the equines. Rape seems to be common, and the ponies are deemed as inferior, like they are animals! Maybe they aren't as bad as the Orith, but as an American, it is my duty to fight for freedom and justice. That, and I need to rescue them. My people are counting on me to help finish the war back home, but if I don't stop what is going on here, then the chances of THAT happening are next to zero. I need to devise a plan of attack. Maybe I should attack the source of the problem, the Emperor? Maybe there is a weapon that can wipe out the Elves in one fell swoop? Shit, I'm getting ahead of myself. Heh, nuking the Elves wouldn't be so--'

"In here please, nurse."

Dean was cut from his musings as the door swung open violently. A very familiar yellow Earth pony trotted into the room, followed closely by an even more familiar Princess. The Earth pony walked on three legs and held a clipboard in the fourth. Her eyes darted back and forth across whatever she was reading before slowly looking up towards him.

He watched as her irises seemed to dilate and her ears folded back. The hackles on her back slowly began to rise, and with the soft and longer fur of the ponies, it seemed like she was becoming fuzzier.

"Princess, I was not told that It would be here. The doctor is supposed to be coming soon, s-so I should probably--" The nurse began to back away, but soon found her exit blocked by a rather burly stallion.

The pony in question sported what seemed to be a goatee along with glasses and a lab coat. His horn was alite and Dean watched as a trolley was wheeled through the door by his magic. Twilight stepped closer to the bed and smiled up at Dean.

"This is Dr. Lactose, the lead doctor in the Royal Guard. He and his apprentice here, Yellow Wrap, were the ones who tried to help cure you of the poison." Twilight raised a hoof and pointed to each pony as she said there names, both of whom were silently bickering about Dean.

"He is a patient in need and it is our duty to help him. I don't care if he threw you in some dirty laundry!" The doctors voice was tinged with a french accent; Dean wondered if he spoke the language.

"B-but he has canine teeth! He m-might eat you!" The nurse took a step back as the doctor stomped his hoof on the floor. The impact caused a small crack to appear in the stone.

"Je m'en fiche! It does not matter! Griffon's eat meat, and you and I have treated them just the same as a pony! je s'en fout ci, Sergeant Dean est un carnivore, he is still a living, breathing, est thinking personne!" Dean's eyes widened in surprise as the stallions words slipped between French and English. He looked over at Twilight, who was analyzing the bickering with a tilted head. Dean could tell that she didn't understand some of the words. He decided to try and reassure the two before things became more heated.

"Je ne mange pas de chevaux, si vous vous demandiez." All three heads turned to him in surprise and shock. Twilights look of utter disbelief was priceless, causing him to crack a small smile. The nurse was looking at him with confusion and fear, while the Doctor seemed to simply be bewildered. After a moment of silence the doctor gave a hearty laugh.

"The Human has more intellect than I imagined! Pray tell, how do you know the langue de mes forefathers?" The stallion trotted up to Dean, the nurse long forgotten.

"I studied the language in school, my people call it French. Je suis Sergente Dean Forester." Dean sat up and held up his hand, to witch the stallion eagerly shook in both hooves.

"Dans Equestria, my language is called 'Prench.' Tres coïncidence, non? Je suis Docteur Lactose, but you can call me Lactose or doctor!" The doctor then turned to his assistant who hadn't moved. "Don't you see? Le Sergente is quite friendly. Stop being a chicken and help me get set up. Dean," his head swiveled back to Dean, "we will be running a few tests to ensure that you are healthy. We will also be giving a full diagnosis on your condition. Is this okay with you?"

Dean nodded and waved a hand. "Sure thing doc." He sat back against his pillow while the doctor went about helping his assistant. He realized there was something missing and promptly looked down...

...only to find Twilights bloodshot eyes several centimeters from his own.

"Gah! Twilight, don't do that!" Dean jumped, causing the bed to shake. His outburst went unheeded as the little Alicorn slowly raised herself on her back legs before placing her front ones on the edge of the bed. A feral grin was working its way onto her muzzle.

"What else did these schools teach you?" Her words were slow and methodical, as if she had rehearsed the phrase countless times before. Dean was a bit dumbfounded and could only stare the the Princess.

"Well, that depends on what grade. If you are talking about when I learned french, that was in a time when we were learning basic math, english, economics, and other various courses." Dean leaned back as she suddenly grew closer.

"Can you show me the things you have learned? Being from a different world would mean that you posses different knowledge. Is there a way you can teach me?" Her expression turned from aggressive to pleading, but that to soon morphed into realization. Twilight quickly hopped down and looked around nervously. The doctor was still setting up and his assistant was occupied with the sink. Her cheeks tinged red as she looked down shamefully.

"I'm sorry Dean, I-I got carried away when you started speaking another language. It's just... since you possessed such advanced technologies, I thought that you also must have advanced knowledge beyond pony intellect. I-I'll leave the room now so the doctor can talk to you." She made to turn, but Dean quickly called out to her:

"Twilight, do you remember what I promised you when we were walking back to the cave?" She stopped and turned to look at him, her ears perking up to attention.

"Not really no, that all went by in a blur if I am to be honest." She saw Dean reach for something and took a step closer.

A sudden noise sounding like an electronic beep emitted from beside Dean. The pitch caused her ears to flick slightly in agitation. After a second, a metallic hiss emanated from the side; now she was really curious.

"What is that?!" She watched as he balanced a rectangular mirror in his one hand. The mirror had a strap attached to it, likely for being placed on an arm. But what would Dean need a mirror for? He was a soldier!

"This is a tacpad. It holds quite a load of data as well as a few personal additions that I put in. I had told you that you could read one of the human books that I had downloaded onto its hardware." Dean pressed the mirror, causing it to suddenly light up in a brilliant display. Twilight 'ooh'd' as his finger caused various things to move across the surface. Never before had she seen such advanced technology.

"Here we go, Lord of the Rings." Dean clicked on the icon, causing the book in question to appear before him. He then proceeded to hand the device to Twilight, who accepted it very carefully in her hooves.

"This is a piece of human literature!?" Twilight stared in amazement at the little screen before her. Her eyes were already dancing across the lines of writing.

"It is. Be careful with that thing, and if you want to flip to the next page, tap the screen and it should respond. Since it is detached from my armour, it's battery life will only remain on for two hours. Should be plenty of time while the doctor checks on me."

That seemed to be a cue, for the doctor suddenly appeared beside the bed.

"Dean, if you would like to stand up, we will start with a quick physical examination." The doctor glanced at Twilight before looking back to Dean. The human tapped Twilight on the shoulder lightly, for her focus was no entirely on the tacpad.

"Oh, yes! I'll be super careful Dean. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" And then Deans heart nearly stopped when the purple alicorn flapped her wings and planted a little kiss on his cheek. His eyes went wide as Twilight proceeded to saunter out of the room, the tacpad in hoof.

Dean looked at doctor lactose, who sported a devious smirk. Dean simply scowled and waved towards him.

"Let's get this over with."

Chapter 27: Party Crashers

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"Alright, that should be it! Try and keep from doing anything to strenuous. Too much movement in the brain and you could be seeing a lot worse than a concussion. The pills I gave you will hopefully stop the symptoms and mend what bruising was done in that skull of yours." Doctor Lactose checked off a few more boxes on his clipboard before looking over Dean critically. His eyes drifted over the various wounds before slowly lifting back to the human's face. "Also, you might want to take a shower and remove any dirt surrounding that leg wound. It looks to be healing nicely, but infection is still possible." Dean merely nodded, his mind too distracted to focus properly. The doctor took that as his cue to go and signaled his assistant, who was still giving Dean the occasional glare.

"Allons-y Yellow Wrap. We have many autre patients to treat apres l'accident au Ravenford." The doctor clopped over to his trolly and enveloped it in magic. He was about to leave when Dean suddenly jumped from his bed.

"Are the townsfolk alright? I didn't have time to check if everyone got here safely." He saw the doctor cock his head and questioningly mouth 'everyone' to himself before looking back to Dean with a smile. He was about to reply when Yellow Wrap jumped forward, aggression in her stance.

"Why would you care? Were you planning on eating them to?" Dean raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything when he saw the Doctors face go beet red.

"Yellow Wrap! How dare you accuse him of such things. The Sergeant here has been through quite a lot, and if it weren't for him, the ponies of Ravenford likely would never have survived this long!" Dean saw Yellow Wraps eyes widen as she wilted under the Doctor's withering gaze.

"B-but h-he... how did..." She looked at Dean and then back at the Doctor, who had moved closer still.

"I think you owe Mr. Dean an apology." Lactose' withering glare caused Yellow Wrap to seemingly shrivel up. Dean huffed and walked to the foot of his bed. His helmet and HLD Body Armour(Hard Light Disbursement) was lying in a neat pile along with his pistol and rifle. He quickly picked up the long weapon and slung it over his back before grabbing the P23 and holstering it. He turned, rubbing a hand through his stubble. Dean knew that he would have to replenish his lost ammunition and grenades eventually, which meant setting up the Fabricator. He still had to talk to Shining Armour about lending him a few soldiers in order to retrieve his gear. That crate held quite a few important assets, and he would be damned if the Elves ever got their hands on it. He looked back at the doctor and the assistant, the latter of which was still getting scorned. Dean waited patiently as Doctor Lactose stopped his rambling and glared at the yellow pony. Said pony slowly turned to face him with an apologetic look.

"Mr. Dean, I would like to formally apologize for my behaviour. I had no idea you were responsible for saving the ponies of Ravenford. I-if you ever need anything, I am at your beck and call, myself and all the others owe you for your bravery."

Dean noticed how she had gained more confidence as she talked, so he presumed that she wasn't merely following the doctors demands. He smiled and slowly walked over to Yellow wrap, his helmet tucked under his left arm.

"Your apology is accepted Mrs. Wrap. And I don't believe you owe me anything, it's my job to do that sort of thing."

'Won't stop me from asking a favour or two...'

He stuck out his free hand in order to gesture a handshake. The little equine quickly sat on her haunches, took his digits in her grip, and vigorously shook his appendage. Dean's eyes widened at the enthusiastic response and continued to stare at the Doctor's assistant even when she stood up and smiled.

"It was a miracle that the ponies in Ravenford were saved. Had I known it was you who did it, I would never have treated you so harshly." Dean kept his smile and stood up, towering above the two equines.

"Again, it's alright. But I don't need you going around and telling anyone at the moment. I'm just trying to--" He was cut off as the nurse gave an excited squeal.

"Oooh! I need to tell Sweetie Drop! A-and Marie Gold!" Dean tried to call out, but the mare was already out the door. He proceeded to glance at Lactose, who wore an exasperated look.

"I don't know how you ponies do it. One moment you are aggressive, the next, you are all sunshine and rainbows!" Dean walked past Lactose and reached for the door. Dr. Lactoses next words stopped him.

"Sometimes, I don't know how I tolerate that mare. Ponies are an expressive folk, but Yellow Wrap has always been more emotional. She is a solid worker though so I guess it's fine." Lactose waited for a response, but upon receiving none, he glanced up at the human, who was frozen at the door.

"Is something the matter Mr. Dean?" Lactose questioned. He cocked his head to the side as something akin to a Snrk, escaped from the human before him. his eyes narrowed slightly. "What is so funny?"

Dean, for his part, was stifling a laugh. He had to say it, he just had to: "Lactose, I would have expected you to be more... intolerant rather than what you just told me."

Silence. If one were to drop a spec of dust, it would have reverberated through the halls of the medical ward. Nothing dared to move, not a flea, nor a mouse. Nothing. Not even the human.

Silently, Dean slowly turned his head, his smirk only growing wider. Doctor Lactose' eyes were slowly constricting to mere pinpricks. His eyebrows were scrunching together, slowly developing into an angry furrow. His mouth twitched, before slowly developing into a hard frown.

"Mr. Dean." The Doctor's voice was cold and sent a shiver down Deans spine.

"Yes, Doctor." Dean smiled with the innocence of a child.

"Do note, I am well aware of the location of your temporary quarters." The doctors glare was deadly serious, prompting Dean to chuckle halfheartedly.

"I, um, I will keep that in mind doctor. Thanks for the help, and a good day to you..." Dean slowly pulled the door open and exited with haste. The doctor waited several seconds as the Human's footsteps fled down the hall. Once the heavy steps had disappeared, a thin smile spread across his lips.

"It's about time someone in this damn city made a decent joke." He then proceeded to gather his equipment. There were many ponies to treat; his work was far from done.

*****

Dean silently made his way down the stone hallway, his thoughts once again wandering. His wounds should heal very quickly, but it would also probably be wise to take a day off and make sure the poison had no after effects. What he truly needed, however, was a plan. He had been winging it up until now, following along with whatever situation presented itself. His mission, according to Discord, was to free the ponies and topple the Dark Elven regime. Sounds simple enough.

The only variable standing in his way was magic. He now knew that his equipment was resilient against the seemingly fantastical ability this world possessed, but he could by no means underestimate them. Those hooded elves had created some sort of exploding arrow, and he was lucky that one didn't actually strike him. Next was the 'Bloody Baron,' That Elf had somehow used his magic in order to raise himself to Dean's speed and strength. Even if he was loathe to admit it, the General had, for the first bit, given him a bit of worry.

The Emperor, by what Dean had heard, was a very strong individual. And if what the so-called Guardian had said was true, then the Dark Elves might possess a super weapon capable of rendering anyone or anything incapable of fighting. He shuddered at the thought.

So far, he had seen very little of the Dark Elves true military power. Their gunboats looked clunky in design, and their formations resembled the Napoleonic eras' tactics. It made sense why the ponies were crushed so easily, fighting with medieval weapons and all. He could already hear their screams of pain as they were cut down in droves by a superior force. Magical beams of light shredding through armour and flesh.

'Death! Kill them all!'

Dean shook his head and staggered slightly.

'What the fuck was that... that feeling??'

He blinked, a fog was seemingly descending over his eyes. He heard gunfire, and the smell of sulfur as well as... burnt flesh. Blue beams of energy lit his surroundings, and explosions sounded all around him. He looked to the left, and saw a little girl sitting underneath a shelter of rubble, holding a teddy bear and screaming in terror. He heard the clack and chitter of an other-worldly being. It's noises got louder and louder until--

"Sergeant?"

The super-soldier blinked. He was standing in a long hallway, decorated with white symmetrical doors. Several meters ahead, the hallway ended with a very natural looking oak door, painted glass decorating the sides along with the top. He remembered that someone had called his title and looked down.

The blue eyes of Prince Shining Armour stared back at him. His horn came up to about Dean's abdomen, forcing the human to strain his neck.

"C-Captain. What can I do you for?" Dean shivered, a cold sweat had developed on his face. One glance into Shining's eyes confirmed that the unicorn noticed it to.

"Are you alright Sergeant? I was told to come and fetch you for an important event. I noticed you were standing in the hallway, mumbling to yourself and sweating. If required, I can take you back to the doctor?" Shining's bluntness caused Dean to cringe. He had looked weak in front of a foreign soldier. If Captain Mason had found out, he would have Dean's ass on a platter. The very thought of his Captain spurred him into motion.

"I-I am fine, Captain. Thank you for the concern." Shining did not look convinced, but Dean began to walk forwards, forcing the unicorn to follow. "What is this special event? Is it a strategic meeting?" Dean looked down at the trotting unicorn, his smaller legs struggling to keep up with Dean's long strides.

"It is more of a morale booster. Don't worry, it won't be anything to strenuous, and Twilight will also be there." Shining lit his horn and enveloped the door handle in his magic aura. Dean paused and watched in mild fascination.

"I will never get used to magic." He mumbled to himself.

The door swung open, temporarily blinding Dean. His helmet was still tucked under his left arm, so he used his right to block out the sun. The twitter of birds and the occasional voice came from outside. The human took a step through the open door...

...Only to be met with an unholy cacophony of loud voices, cheers, hoots, hollors, and stomping. The sheer noise caused his sense to temporarily overload and his eyes to go wide. A sea of ponies stood before him in a massive courtyard. He recognized it as one of the training grounds for the soldiers. The dummies had been moved away, replaced by folding tables half filled with strange herbal foods. He even saw a large bowl of punch!

"Dean! Dean!" A small, but familiar, colt ran through the crowd and right up to the towering human. Dean looked down and and smiled.

"Hey Brownie!" He was forced to yell over the noise. Dean crouched down and already found the little unicorn latched onto his torso. He gently wrapped one hand around Brown Ink's back and laughed as the unicorn nuzzled him.

"Mr. Dean! I'm glad you are here! Remember the party you promised? Well, since you are all better, we can finally get it going!" The little unicorn jumped down and pranced in a circle with a large smile. "There's even a cake!!"

Dean chuckled and shook his head as Brown Ink's parents trotted forward. Dean smiled at them as well and waved.

"Hello Mister and Missus Ink!" The noise was starting to die down and ponies were walking about. Music had started up and more than a few were making their way to the food table.

"Hello, Sergeant Dean was it?" Brownies father stepped forward and raised a hoof. Dean leaned forward and grasped it in his hand.

"I am Crackpot, and this is my wife, Amber Jem.

"Usually I'll go by Sergeant Forrester, but you can just call me Dean." Dean smiled as hoof and hand shook. He turned his attention to Amber Jem and held out his hand to her as well. She smiled and placed a hoof in his palm; Dean shook it without hesitation.

"So, Dean, as you can see, we are holding this small party in recognition of your heroic deeds. If it weren't for you, we would have been goners!"

Dean chuckled.

"You can thank Brownie here actually. If it weren't for him, I would never have gotten there in time!" Dean gave the kid a pat on the head, to which he beamed in joy.

"Nonetheless, we thank you for your actions. I'm sure the others at this party share the same view."

Dean was about to comment when an ungodly screech echoed across the grounds.

"It's an Elf! There is an Elf invading the party!" Dean looked over and noticed that a large arch, the gate towards the city, was filled with panicking ponies. His soldiers instincts kicked in, causing him to launch off the hospitals stairs and towards the archway. He dropped his helmet in his rush.

'There must be a Dark Elf trying to sneak in! I didn't see any guards around so I am the only one able to deal with it!' In the space of two seconds, Dean had already crossed the distance to the archway. His leg had begun to ache and he could feel a flare of pressure building in his head. He ignored it.

"I-it's coming right for us! Run!"

This confused him. The ponies at the entrance were running away from him. One unlucky mare got pushed to the side and fell flat on her face. Dean slowed down and walked up to the shivering ponies form. Her eyes peeked out, widened, and then were covered by her forehooves.

Looking around, Dean could see almost the entire party looking in his direction. The other ponies that had begun to run off came to a grinding halt. Their gazes landed on him, and he could feel their fear and uncertainty. Looking back down, he slowly took a step closer.

"It's gonna kill her!"

"Somepony get the guard!"

"The Horror, the horror!"

Dean analyzed the ponies under the arch. Judging by their reaction, he speculated that these particular equines had come from the city itself; a place he had not yet visited. Realization suddenly hit when he went to rub the back of his head below the helmet, but found the piece of gear was nowhere to be found.

"Dean! Dean!" He briefly heard Shining's voice from behind the crowd. From the sounds of it, he was having a hard time getting through. A quiet whimper brought his attention back to the situation before him. The pony that had fallen was whimpering and whispering to herself, though he could hear her words just fine.

"Please... please don't kill me! I-I'm sorry Foxy, I failed to take care of y-you." She whimpered once more.

"Who is this Foxy you speak of?" Dean decided on the diplomatic approach.

"M-My younger sister. I-I failed to take care of her! I-I..." He saw the mare visibly stiffen up before slowly peeking through her hooves at him. Her abnormally large eyes were staring directly into his. After another long stretch of silence, she spoke up once more: "You d-didn't kill me? B-but why..."

Dean smiled and knelt down to her level. She uncovered herself some more and was now looking at him with an inquisitive eye.

"You're ears... what happened to your ears?" she remained on the ground, the group behind her holding their breath in anticipation. They couldn't hear what the mare was saying from their distance.

"Nothing happened, they are natural. It would also help to say that I am not an Elf. Take a look at this." He curled his lips back and slowly raised his hand to his canine incisors. The mare before him perked her ears and cocked her head. Some sort of commotion was developing near the front of the Locals, but he ignored it.

"I-if you aren't an Elf, t-then what are you?"

Dean could see he was winning her over. All he needed to do was add the final touch and this whole debacle would be over. He had grown tired of being seen by the ones he was helping as an enemy. Dean briefly contemplated whether to say he was the Demon in metal or a Human. Chances were that the mare before him had heard of the Demon, so he would mention it first.

"I am the D-"

A turquoise beam of energy, followed by another mix of different coloured beams, were suddenly heading right for him and the mare. His eyes widened as the world seemed to slow down. He wouldn't have enough time to dodge, and the beams trajectories were very random. Right at that moment, he had to make a decision. He could let the pony be his shield, or he could protect her with his body. The answer came easily enough.

With inhuman speed, he reached forward and grabbed the mare around the barrel before turning his back to the magical energy, causing her to let out a surprised yelp. Grinding his teeth together, Dean braced for the pain. His armour could withstand magic, he knew that much. But with the sheer volume of magical energy heading towards him, he didn't know how much he could take.

The first beam smashed into his back with the force of a gunshot, but he held his ground. Magical energy and electricity crackled around him as the beam's force spread out across his HLD protection. The mechanics of his interior exo-suit whined in protest as they tried to reinforce the protection on his back.

The next group of bolts hit, and all Dean could feel was pain.

*****

Twilight glided across the sky lazily. Her little trip into town had proven fruitful as a bag full of wine was suspended in her magic beside her. She had decided that tonight would be a wonderful night to finally get some alone time with Dean. Ever since he brought back Spike, she had been having these strange feelings every time she saw the human. Even if it was while he was bedridden, she couldn't help but feel... something. It wasn't until he had given her his little device to use that she had discovered what was nagging on her so.

She loved him.

Well, more like had a very strong crush on him. Twilight had only recently met the Sergeant, but in that short period of time, so much had happened. A twinge of uncertainty suddenly overcame her, causing the purple princess to lose a bit of altitude.

'What if I am taking things to fast? Maybe he doesn't feel the same way? He told us his family was killed, maybe I should help him ease out of that particular dark spot in his head? What if I am overreacting a-and these thoughts are misplaced?!'

Twilight came to a conclusion. She knew that the Sergeant was in pain from his past, so she would help him through it. Asking him to be her coltfriend could end up disastrously, or would it? Butterflies kept filling her stomach everytime she thought about the powerful Human.

'Gah! I'm no good with this stuff!'

Slowly but surely, the party came into view below her, causing her to smile. That smile dropped however when ponies near the main entrance began running away from the party. Her keen eye also picked up Dean sprinting towards the entrance. Confusion entered her mind, causing her to pause.

Dean had crouched down next to a fallen mare, and he seemed to be conversing with her. She felt a small pang of jealousy, but quickly crushed the unprovoked feeling. There was nothing to be jealous of really, he was likely just helping the poor mare u-

Unicorns from within the ranks of ponies near the entrance suddenly emerged, one of them was an all to familiar Fuschia colour. Twilights confusion turned to horror and shock as counselor Starlight as well as several of her followers unleashed a barrage of magic right at the Sergeant and the fallen mare.

She watched as the Sergeant grabbed the mare faster than the eye could see and turned his back to the magic bolts. As the first bolt smashed into him, she dove into action.

The wine bottle was let go from her magical grip as she dove as fast as she could towards the scene. Her eyesight grew tunneled as her speed continued to increase, and she could feel the wind biting at her fur, but she refused to slow down. By this point, several of the bolts had slammed into the Sergeant, forcing him to drop the pony and his his arms to stabilize himself. His body stayed positioned protectively in front of the mare, who was hiding under her hooves once more.

Twilight conjured a shield behind the Sergeant right before slamming into the ground, the impact kicking up dust and debris. She felt the bolts of energy smashing into her shield, but her strength held. Twilight quickly got up from her landing position and rushed over to Dean, who was still kneeling on the ground. His arms were planted in the ground as fists and his back was smoking. Upon getting closer, Twilight could see that his armour had been burnt away, revealing some sort of solid metal underneath. She gave a sigh of relief and quickly moved closer.

"Dean? Dean, can you hear me?" She watched as his head slowly rose, his eyes finding hers in an instant. Upon seeing her face, she noticed his entire posture relax. The dust was beginning to settle and the shouts and yells of ponies slowly came to the forefront of her mind. Twilight was about to lend a hoof to help him up, when the Sergeant groaned in pain and collapsed on his side. She in turn gave a yelp and tried to catch him, but it was of no use.

"M-Metal underneath wasn't meant to stop p-pure energy. Sensors detect third degree b-burns underneath the s-suit." Twilight didn't hesitate and quickly looked around. A long cloth and two walking sticks were leaning near a table off to the side.

She ignored the screaming and guards rushing in and used her magic to grab the three items. Twilight proceeded to make various loops and knots until a fully fledged stretcher lay before her. It was then that Shining appeared at her side.

"What the buck happened?! I saw a bunch of unicorns shooting magic, are we under attack??" Twilight glared towards the entrance where guards where herding the townspeople away from the party. The ponies of Ravenfolk cried in outrage, having witnessed their saviour being attacked for what seemed to be a lack of reasoning. The shield was still up, but the bolts had long since stopped coming. Twilight noticed this and quickly deactivated her magic.

"Dean has third degree burns under his armoured back; we need to get him back into the hospital." The ponies of Ravenford were beginning to gather around, and more guards were slowly approaching the group.

"I-Is he going to be alright?" The mare, who had previously been hiding, was now sitting wither her ears splayed back, concern etched across her muzzle.

"Why do you care?"

"Why did you even come here in the first place?"

"A bolt hit my straw hat!"

Various ponies began yelling at the poor mare, who cringed back and stayed low. Twilight held up a hoof and the crowd went silent.

"If we can get him into the hospital, then yes." She turned her attention back to the Sergeant, who was being pushed onto the makeshift stretcher by her brother and two guards.

"He... he saved my life." Twilight turned back and regarded the earth pony mare. Her coat was beige and her mane was orange mixed with purple. Her cutie mark was a spade under some sort of plant. Twilight saw tears in the ponies eyes and slowly walked towards her. The mares eyes seemed vacant, staring into space. As soon as Twilight laid a hoof on her side, her eyes snapped back to attention.

"It's what the Sergeant does. Saves ponies. He did it for all the ponies here; saved them from execution in Ravenford." Twilight saw the mares eyes widen in realization.

"T-That's the Demon in Metal? The one who protected me was THE Demon in Metal??" The mare looked like she was about to have a panic attack. "If it weren't for me, if I hadn't tripped, this wouldn't have happened! Oh, I'm a terrible pony!" The Earth pony fell on her face and began sobbing.

"No you aren't. Because of you, the townsponies will see the Demon as a hero. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, that's all." Twilight smiled before walking after the stretcher. She knew Dean would pull through. He always did. "Don't beat yourself up. If you want, you can come visit him when he is better." And at that, Twilight entered the hospital, the sea of ponies parting like a wave on rocks before her.
The mare stopped her sobbing and watched the princess of friendship disappear through the door. After a moment of hesitation, she moved to follow.

A single brown colt slowly hopped up onto the stage holding the music devices.

"Hey. Hey!" All eyes turned towards him; all sound ceased.

"Just because Dea... uh, the Demon in Metal was attacked, doesn't mean we can't still celebrate. it was because of him that we are all safe. I know the Demon very well, and I know he will be alright. I also know that he would want us not to worry and to continue enjoying our new found freedom!"

Everypony was shocked. A colt, no more than six or seven, had just delivered something akin to a motivational speech. After a moment of silence, a collective cheer rose up, and the party started once more.

Sergeant Dean, who was still semi-conscious and lying on the stretcher, smiled as he heard Brownies words. The last things he saw where the face of a concerned princess, and an irritated doctor before his world was once more enveloped in darkness.

Chapter 28: Spreading Around

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Dean found himself standing in the void once more. The inky blackness seemed to suck in all thought and emotion, it's endless expanse giving a sense of foreboding. At first, there was nothing, but after several seconds, another presence emerged. It's feeling was ominous and powerful, but also warming. The genetically enhanced soldier knew exactly who was there with him.

"Well, well, well, look who's back! Did ya' miss me?" The Guardians enthusiasm seemed to radiate off of him, but the waves washed over Dean with little effect. His mind was focused elsewhere at the moment. The Guardian took notice of this and decided to appear beside the Human.

"What do you want now? I really don't want to be seeing you every time I end up unconscious, which at this rate seems like it will happen quite often." Dean crossed his arms as his mind moved adrift. Scenes began flashing through the void, mirrors of his thoughts and perceptions. He saw himself holding back hordes of enemies with nothing but his pistol and a knife. The scenes switched, this time showing him kneeling over someone, or some ponies lifeless body. Their corpse was nothing but a shadow, and his tears fell down his face and onto the body. Fires raged around him, and screams began to pierce the void. People ran for cover as beams of energy flew overhead, pulverising and obliterating anything in their path. Dean suddenly found himself caught in the moment, his world had now turned into the very scene he had been analyzing.

The smell of blood wafted through the air, it's irony scent searing itself into his memory. Bodies of all sorts littered the ground, each and every one a familiar face. He saw Jenkins, Captain Mason, Jaxon, Marie... and then more. He saw the ponies: Shining Armour, Midnight Flow, Brownie, the townspeople, and Twilight.

At the center of it, an exact replica of Dean stood. His armour was smoldering, blood ran down his face and arms, dripping off his fingers. His eyes seemed dead to the world and this caused the real Dean to shiver.

'I've seen this before... I-I don't think-'

"You think you have failed them, or are going to fail them." The Guardians words cut through the vision like a hot knife through butter. Their tone was understanding, and pitying. They sounded like they came from someone who knew exactly what he was going through, causing anger to well up inside him.

"What the fuck do you know? Hm?" Dean swiveled around and marched towards the infuriating being behind him. The Guardians trench coat swayed gently in the wind and his face was partly hidden in shadow, but Dean wasn't intimidated in the slightest.

"I know a lot. I also know what you are going through." The Guardian looked around him, taking in more of the scenery before his eyes settled on the bodies lying across the ground. Gore had accumulated across the terrain, as if some otherworldly creature had decided to rip everyone apart and use their innards as a design.

Dean stopped a foot and a half from the Guardian, his stance aggressive and ready for anything.

"You don't know anything about me, what I have gone through and what horrors I have seen." Dean waved his hand behind him, as if the Guardian had not already seen the carnage. "My people are being exterminated! My home, destroyed! My family is in danger, and if I don't get back soon, they will be gone too!"

During Deans little rant, the Guardian had noticed two ghostly silhouettes standing atop a mound of dirt off to the side. Their forms briefly took the form of a young women and a young boy before blowing away in the wind. The Guardian raised an eyebrow before turning back to the fuming soldier.

"And what about Twilight and the others? I can't just abandon them after everything that we've been through. Hell, Twilight is one of my best friends in this lonely world, and I know exactly what will happen if I leave her." Dean turned around and glared at the purple Alicorn's corpse. "This! This will happen! The Elves will torture her, rape her, and then kill her. Same with the other ponies. If I don't stop them, I'll be failing my duty as a soldier." Dean stumbled slightly and grasped his head, causing the Guardian to narrow his eyes.

A wisp of black smoke was circling around Dean's head, and had a lesser being been watching, they would have missed it. But the Guardian was familiar with this kind of thing, and he knew exactly what was happening. He had seen the wisp on most lifeforms through the Sergeants eyes. It punctured every creature, every plant, and the very atoms that made up the universe. It was the very manifestation of evil, and influenced those slowly, corrupting them. It was the Darkness.

The Guardian was about to say something, when the unexpected happened. A purple speck, no bigger than a dime, began floating towards the Human. It's shape pulsated every once and a while, and the Guardian could briefly make out six verticy points on the shape. He realized that it was some sort of star.

The miniature star lazily swooped down farther and farther, before finally coming to a rest on Dean's neck. Instead of staying there, the little purple speck sunk into his skin. The Guardian watched as the Darkness seemed to move away from the Sergeant's head, almost as if it was a magnet being repelled.

Huffing loudly, Dean turned and faced the Guardian once more. He looked older somehow, his eyes were sunken and his expression was defeated. Instead of the previous anger, there was only sadness.

"I... I just want to see them again. I want to see my little boy go to school, see him grow up and be just like me. I want to see my beautiful wife. I want her beside me while we live our lives happily." Dean's face hardened into a glare once again. The Guardian had an idea on what was causing these mood swings. "But because of them. Because of the war, the Elves, the ponies, and you! Because of you, I am stuck here in this God forsaken world, away from the people that need me!" Venom dripped from Dean's voice, and the Guardian saw the shadow begin to return. Dean's voice became hollow once more.

"I see them every day, and every night. I see the war constantly, it's never ending violence has been ingrained on my mind. Before you showed up, and that... thing, started invading my nightmares, all I saw was war and death. I-I just want it to stop!

Silence reigned across the landscape, the only sounds being gunfire and the odd explosion in the background. The Guardian stood there, his expression as stoic as his stance. He watched as Dean crossed his arms and looked into the distance, his shoulders slumped. Finally, the Guardian decided to speak up.

"I was forced to watch my family die in front of me, y'know. Their throats were slit right before my eyes, and there was nothing I could do about it. I'm sure you know most of the story from your little comic books, but it is no longer a fiction. I was forced from my world, and put into a situation that I didn't want. Do you know what I did, Dean, when all hope seemed lost?" The Guardian took a step forward and waved his hand. The landscape warped and molded, turning from a hellish landscape to a city. Dean watched without a reaction.

Dean looked around and spotted a second Guardian just across the street. The duplicate was talking to a pretty blonde girl in her early adult years. His gaze turned to the original Guardian, a question forming on his lips.

"I made friends, Dean. I would never have survived without them. I entered a whole new world, scared and alone. I was scared that my own home had been destroyed in my absence, that there was no more hope. But my friends convinced me otherwise. They helped me get home, and save it from the evils that plagued it. In return, I also corrected the wrongs in the their. You and I aren't so different you know. We both have been displaced before, we both believed that our home planet needed us and thought of turning our backs to what was in front of us." The Guardian walked up to Dean, who was stock still. His eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly hanging open. The Guardian's finger prodded him in the chest, right above the heart. "But we never gave up. This is where you are. You must not give up, not now, not ever. The people back home and the people here are counting on you."

The Guardian slowly backed up and the scenery began to fade away. The city began to deteriorate, and Dean's vision seemed to grow hazy. He blinked, and found that he could see nothing but black. Blinking once more, he saw a light just ahead of him, causing him to reach towards it. Just before his fingertips brushed the light, a voice called to him from far away.

"You have friends here, Dean. Never give up... you aren't alone..."

And then his consciousness returned.

*****

THWACK!

Steel Beam, a Pegasus pony, drove the last nail into the podium with his hammer, securing the wood in place with expert precision. Looking around, he could see hundreds of faces looking in his direction. The whole city of Maritime Bay was present at the moment, ready for the grand announcement by the counsel.

"I wonder what the announcement will entail this time!"

"The last meeting was almost a month ago; remember the food crisis?"

"I hope the Princess is there!"

The last phrase caused excited muttering to break out across the crowd. The Princess had not been making very many public appearances since her arrival. The only reason the townsponies knew she was alive and well was due to a journalist taking a photo of her when she entered the council building all those days ago. Since then, there was speculation that she was constantly in the main fortress, protected and safe.

A commotion appeared some distance away near the marketplace. A select group of ponies, the council, was making their was to the podium, right on schedule. As they approached, Steel stuck his hammer under his wing and saluted sharply. He could see the Captain Spitfire, his boss, amongst the group, so he wanted to make a good impression.

"At ease, engineer." Spitfire called as they worked their way up the steps. "Return to the barracks and prepare for a briefing. We have a mission to accomplish tomorrow and I need everypony ready." Steel Beam dropped his salute and cantered away.

Spitfire huffed and looked towards the Prince on her left.

"Why do you need me here again? I don't have any power over the council's decisions." Spitfire's eyes wandered over the assembled crowd, her classic Pegiator glasses keeping her eyes hidden. On her body, she wore th standard officers attire presented by the guard. Her various medals shined in the afternoon light.

"You have to help reassure them that the good Sergeant isn't going to hurt anypony. You used to be part of the Wonderbolts, so they look up to you." Shining saw Spitfire glare at him and gave a huff. "Vinyl was alright in the end, and it was a big misunderstanding. He's on our side."

Spitfire shook her head and sighed, the rest of the council members had taken their positions, so it was time they did to.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Prince Shining. That thing you are keeping in the fort resembles an Elf far to much to my liking." With those parting words, Spitfire trotted to the side. Shining looked across the faces of the council and spotted Starlight, who was giving him a glare. Shining sighed and shook his head before stepping up to the microphone.

"Good afternoon ponies of Maritime Bay!" Shining now had the attention of the crowd. "As you all know, we have had a few major event happen these last few days. This announcement is to inform you on exactly what took place." He looked around. The ponies of Ravenford had been invited to come, but because they were still being integrated, they had the option to stay in the fort. The announcement was regarding them so it was likely that they wouldn't want to listen to a repeat of what they had to experience.

"Three days ago, the Dark Elves ordered a mass execution of the town called Ravenford." A collective gasp rose from the crowd, many had fear on their faces, but more than a few held anger. "Due to it's location, the Resistance would not have been able to intervene on time, and the ponies would have died-"

"What do you mean, would have?!" A pony near the front shouted. His voice was easy to hear as the spectators had been completely silent. Shining tried searching for the pony who interrupted him but was unable to, he decided to keep going.

"I will be getting there in just a moment. Now, there have been rumours of an ally of the ponies called the Demon in Metal," this caused more muttering, Shining paused in order for things to quiet down. Upon doing so, he continued talking.

"These rumours are true."

Ponies began to yell out questions at an unperceivable rate. There voices became a jumbled mess, and Shining's ears folded back on instinct from the sheer volume of noise.

"QUIETTTT!" Spitfire's roar cut through the air like a whip, immediately silencing the endless noise and questions. All eyes turned towards the Captain of the wonderbolts, who's glare seemed to pierce each and every one of them. After a moment, Spitfire waved for Shining to continue. He nodded his thanks and turned back to the crowd.

"If you have questions, please wait until the end of the announcement. Now, the reason why the Ponies of Ravenford are not dead, is because the Demon saved them, and brought them back here, alive. You may be wondering: what does the Demon look like? How was he able to do that? Well, the answer to those questions are as follows: The Demon of Metal is something called a Human. Human's, according to legend, are a race of bipedal beings not to dissimilar to the Dark Elves. However, this particular Human is from a different land and was sent here to free pony kind. Just last night, a few of you probably saw the human at the party, but mistook him for an Elf. The council expects those that attacked the Demon to give a formal apology within the next two days. And let's not forget, the Demon was the one who brought back our beloved Princess. If it weren't for him, I'm afraid that her capture would have been a crippling defeat for all ponykind. Now, questions can wait till after, I will now invite General Blight to the podium." Shining stepped away as the sound of stomping rose into the air. Passing General Blight, he took his place beside Spitfire and Starlight. He turned his head to regard the latter.

"You know, that apology includes you as well, counselor Glimmer." Shining saw the unicorn about to retort and quickly snarled. "This is not up for debate. The Sergeant has done nothing but help, and you as well as a few others attacked him without warrant. He should be awake soon so--"

"Prince Armour, need I remind you that as counselor, I can do as please without your approval. That, and if you recall what we discussed a few nights ago, we likely won't be needing anyponies help in the near future. Maybe I need to... enlighten you once again on what it means to cross me?" Shining shivered but shook his head.

"That won't be necessary, counselor. I-If you'll excuse me, I need to go find my sister." As Shining backed out of the line of counselors, Starlight noticed something odd. Upon looking closer, she saw Spitfires ears were turned towards her and her head was slightly tilted on an angle. She scowled when the Captain of the Wonderbolts slowly turned her head and frowned in her direction. This continued for some minutes until Spitfire was called to the podium. Upon her leave, Starlight frowned, but her expression soon became a stoic mask. If she wanted the support of Maritime Bay, she would have to play the part of the good counselor.

The meeting continued for several hours.

*****

Ponyville

Lyra Heartstrings looked up from her book as her owner, Jowl, thumped into the house. His big boots clunked on the hard wood as he moved towards the coat hanger. Lyra decided that her book could wait and went to greet the Elf.

"Good evening, Master!" She mumbled he removed his footwear. Jowl merely grunted in reply. Lyra gulped and shuffled a bit before asking the question nagging on her mind. "Uh, Master, were you able to get the new filly?"

Jowl stopped what he was doing and sighed loudly. Lyra's ears folded slightly as she watched her masters expression drop. She had been hoping, no, praying that he would be able to buy the little farm filly from that wretched market. It would seem that fate was not on their side.

"All business was put 'n a standstill this mornin'. Aye tried te git 'er, aye really did, but missus Brown'igg was throwin' quite da' fuss. Sorry Darlin'." Jowl shuffled his way into the house, each step causing the floor to creak and groan in protest. Lyra followed him into the living room where a large box called a magi-comm was located. She still didn't know how the thing worked, but it was simple enough. It required a small magic gem to produce the energy required. After some time, the Gem would deteriorate and have to be replaced by a new one. It amazed her that these pieces of technology straight from a sci-fi novel even existed; being able to communicate over immense distance within less than a second. It was certainly faster than dragon-fire.

"Ther'll be a broadcast 'ere in a few seconds. Ah'm sure d'ey'll explain every'ting then." Jowl fiddled with the knobs and tapped the antenna with his free hand. At first there was static, but after several seconds, a voice started talking through the Magi-comms speakers.

"Good evening, my fellow Elfkin! My name is Eric Strongarm, and I will be your comms host for the day! Now to start things off, many of you may have noticed the sudden closure of business around the country of Equestria. There is no need to panic, the brave soldiers of the Empire are taking care of the problem as we speak. Just this morning, one of our larger towns and boat yards, Ravenford, was attacked!"

Lyra and Jowl looked at one another, then back at the radio. This broadcast required her full attention.

*****

Manehatten

Hundreds of Elves and ponies gathered in front of their magi-comms, each one wanting an explanation for the market shutdowns. A pub not to far from central park had it's magi-comms cranked to full volume, causing the patrons to go quiet and listen.

"Now, this is definitely bad news, as it was the resistance that staged this horrible attack. It grieves me to say that it wasn't just the Resistance that decided to wage their petty war this time, no, it was none other than the Demon in Metal. That's right folks, the legendary Demon in Metal was the one who led the surprise attack. With the introduction of extermination, we have been able to begin lowering the slave population to a manageable level. Our top generals in the military are saying that this may be what provoked the attack, but there is nothing to worry about..."

The Elves began talking to one another. Some were fearful, others were simply angry. The drunkards' talked and boasted about how they would defeat the Demon in Metal while the sober ones merely listened. The conversation soon went off topic, and the news broadcast was quickly ignored.

*****

Appleoosa

"GET BACK TO WORK YOU NO GOOD ANIMALS!" A Dark Elves whip cracked against the back of an unsuspecting pony, causing her to collapse. The others in the small group, who had been trying to listen in on the Magi-comm, galloped off, leaving the lone mare behind. The slave driver noticed this and began whipping her mercilessly, each hit causing blood to spurt forth. "I SAID GET BACK TO WORK! DON'T MAKE ME TELL YOU AGAIN!" The Elves voice was growing hoarse from all the shouting.

The mare shivered and whimpered, but managed to make out words:

"P-Please sir, I-I just c-came for water. I wasn't s-spying n-none." She whimpered pitifully and stared up at the slaver. Her hooves were pressed against her stomach, which did nothing to cover up her exposed ribcage. The slave owner cackled at the sight and crouched down beside her.

"You want water, little pony?" He detached his canteen from his belt and held it out to her. "Take it." He shook the bottle as her foreleg reached forward. Her eyes filled with hope as her hoof drew closer, but that hope was crushed when the Elf quickly snatched the flask away. He proceeded to open it and lift it to his mouth, taking long, deliberate gulps.

"Remember folks, if you see a slave who is out of working condition or being rebellious, don't be afraid to bring them to the local camp. Keeping the population under control is top priority, and no Demon or Resistance fighters will be able to get in the way. Our armies are strong, or will is stronger. The ponies are weak, hiding in the shadows. Their rulers, the most powerful beings in all the world, were killed by US in a day! I'll say this, do not be afraid. The ponies are nothing but animals and slaves..."

The Elf listened for a moment to the radio behind him, the mares pitiful whines becoming a background noise. After a moment of contemplation, he sneered cruelly.

"Well, I seem to recall that Appleoosa's labour camp has not been built yet. And seeing as you are unable to work," the mare's eyes began to go wide and her ears began to fold back, "I guess I'll just have to take care of you myself." The Elf reached behind him and grasped a golden hilt tucked under his shirt.

"P-P-please, no! I-I can work, I c-can still help!!" The mare screeched and tried to lift herself up, but quick as a viper, the Elf magically enhanced his leg and brought it down upon the ponies own. An awful snap caused the mare to screech in pain, bringing tears to her eyes. The only thing stopping her from passing out was the fear of the knife know being held in the Dark Elves hand.

Without so much as a word, the Slave driver kneeled down and sunk the tip of his knife into the mares throat. Her eyes went wide and she tried to cry out, but only blood managed to escape her open mouth. Her body twitched as the knife slowly pushed deeper and deeper. Upon hitting the spine, the Slaver gave a violent jerk, ceasing the ponies movements completely.

The Elf stood up, grabbed his whip, wiped his knife on his pants, and began walking out into the orchard. the Demon in Metal was no threat to him, not way out in the desert. Not to mention that the Emperor's personal guard was hunting him down. The Dark Elf smiled devilishly as he worked his slaves to the bone.

The sooner the Demon in Metal was killed, the sooner he could get some more slaves. Until then, he would have to make due with the ponies he owned.

*****

Canterlot Castle

The footsteps of an Elven scribe padded down the throne room, their impacts causing a silent echo across the walls. Guards were lined at every pillar, and the national flag of the Empire was hanging in the spaces between. The scribe was panting heavily as he approached the throne and he could feel the eyes of every single Elite Guard on his person. One wrong step and he could find himself on the receiving end of spear.

At last, he made it to the base of the throne and quickly proceeded to take a knee. Sweat ran down his body in droves and he mentally cursed his lack of physical integrity. Above him sat the Emperor, and at his side was the Princess.

"What news do you bring me, scribe?" The Emperor's voice was cold and monotone, but his posture didn't change. A quick glance up showed that he was staring past the scribe. Beside him, the royal princess was idly playing with a wicked looking knife. The scribe gulped and presented a scroll.

"A message for his majesty, from Queen Chrysalis." The scribe felt the scroll float from his hands into those of the Emperor and he quickly lowered them to his side. He could feel the sheer magical power radiating the throne before him and truly did not want to be there.

"Hm, it would seem that the bug was useful after all." The Emperor snapped his fingers, causing a fresh pamphlet to appear beside him along with a quill. He began scratching away and occasionally muttered to himself in thought. His words were to quiet for the scribe to hear

"I think I'll hold them back for now, no sense in a pointless battle... Quick in and out, three pegasi with one arrow...

After a solid minute of scratching, the Emperor finally finished his letter and rolled it up. His quill disappeared and he proceeded to stand up.

"Rise." The command immediately forced the scribe to his feet, though he refrained from making any eye contact. his legs felt like they were quaking and his arms seemed to be made of lead. The Emperor slowly and deliberately walked down the steps of his throne and stood before the shivering scribe.

"Find Commander Kioti, have him deliver this message to the bug Queen. Seeing as she doesn't have dragon fire or magi-comm, he will have to deliver the message the old fashioned way." He held out the letter to the scribe, who promptly, but gently, grabbed it and tucked it into his smock.

"Glory to the Empire!" The Scribe held his right fist against his chest and bowed, the Emperor mimicked him.

"Glory to the Empire. Now go, make haste."

As the scribes footsteps receded down the hall, the Emperor turned to his daughter.

"I want you to go to. If the bugs fail, I will need you to bring the last Alicorn here. We are nearing the end goal, I can feel it. If you need any backup, you know what to do." Princess Mya smiled cruelly.

The princess grinned ferally and twirled her knife. Standing up, she quickly jumped down the steps and gracefully stepped up to her father.

"By your will, father." She gave a quick bow and exited with haste, but that terrible grin never left her face.

And so, events were set into motion, and gears began to turn. The clock was ticking now, and the Emperor knew in his soul that his plan would succeed. All he needed to do was prepare.

*****

Maritime Bay

Sergeant Dean walked down the hallway of the barracks, his exosuit and body armour left behind in his room. A heavy bandage was wrapped around his waist and his movements were restricted. It annoyed him to no end, but if he wanted to heal, he would just have to suffer through it. There were some positives however: His hair had been trimmed and no longer looked like a greasy mop. His body no longer reeked like death, and his wounds were healing nicely. The doctor had told him that he would recover in about three days.

Dean smirked. With his enhancements, he would be good in one. He began to hear voices as he moved down the hallway. Dean picked up his pace and came to a half closed door. Upon reaching it, he quickly pushed it open and walked into the main barracks.

Ponies sat around, their gazes fixed on what looked like an ancient radio in the centre of the room. Dean slowly plodded forward, his movements causing eyes to shift in his direction. Soon enough, every single pony in the barracks had their attention fixed on him. A single pony caught Dean's attention, her folded wings and hard glare immediately identifying her as Stormfly.

The Pegasus got up and slowly walked towards Dean, her gait was smooth and her eyes never left his face. Looking around, Dean had a hard time figuring out the general atmosphere of the situation around him. There was no hostility, but no friendliness either. It was just... neutral.

"Sergeant." Stormfly's voice was quiet. She had stopped not three feet in front of him, forcing him to look down at her. He shuffled slightly, easing some tension that was building inside him.

"Stormfly." Dean tilted his head, his eyes remaining locked on her figure. He analyzed her for any sense of tension or readiness, but was unable to find any whatsoever. The Pegasus before him was completely defenseless.

"We... we heard about what you did in Ravenford. I would like to be the first to congratulate you." The little Pegasus pony, whom Dean had thought would hold a grudge against him, quickly saluted with one leg pressed against her forehead. All the ponies present suddenly stood up and saluted as well, causing Dean to look around in confusion.

"It-it was nothing really. I was just doing what had to be done." He managed to stutter out. Dean slowly returned the salute as his gaze returned to Stormfly. All the ponies dropped their own salutes and proceeded to sit back down while Stormfly remained standing. Dean's eyes caught movement from the back of the group and he was just able to catch a glimpse of orange before the colours began to blur together.

"Sergeant... uh... we need..." Stormfly shifted with discomfort and her eyes faced the floor. Dean crouched down and came to her level.

"What is it you need? We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I am on your side and here to help." Dean was no longer looking at an enemy, he was looking at a soldier.

'She might make a good candidate.'

"We... need your help, now more than ever. We just found out that they are beginning to create designated areas where ponies are to be exterminated. After what you did at Ravenford, the guard gained a new found respect for you. The enemy, who we have seen as unbeatable, was beaten by you. The ones who attacked our race and enslaved our kin, were sent reeling back after you saved our princess and captured their royalty. Had it not been for you, we would have given up a long time ago. We owe you... I owe you." Stormfly looked at her hooves and shuffled slightly. Dean merely stared at her.

Slowly, he analyzed the group around him. Where he had seen nothing, he now saw hope. Where he saw failure, he now saw the will to push forward. He began to smile, and that smile soon turned into a chuckle. The ponies seemed taken aback by his reaction and the light in their eyes started to dim. Dean noticed this and stopped chuckling, but the smile remained.

"Back when I first entered these barracks, I told you all that you possess courage. The courage to face down a superior enemy. It was not I who made you see this, though I helped... it was you. The very fact that you have created a resistance and continue to fight even with the odds against you is a testimony to your will and strength." Dean crouched down in front of Stormfly and booped her muzzle, causing her to go crosseyed. "Because of you all, hope lives on. Because of your steadfast resolve, you have managed to survive. And because you have done this, help is finally here." Dean turned in a circle, looking each and every guard in the eye.

"I have decided to help you. I will train you to fight a proper war, to take the fight to the Dark Elves. We will inspire fear into their hearts. I will stand by your side, here and now, and we will show the Elves that they are not unstoppable! On this day, you are no longer a resistance! Instead, you are now liberators! We will free your people, and we will end this war once and for all!

Dean's speech ended with him shouting those last words. Words that would go down in the history of Ponykind. The thunderous roar of approval by the soldiers of the Resistance was said to shake the very foundation of Equestria, even reaching the ears of the Emperor.

It was time that the Dark Elves found out what a war really was....

Chapter 29: Squad Selection

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Two days. That's how long it took to get all his stuff from the cave. Due to the Elves radar capabilities, the six pony squad was not able to fly a chariot to the designated location, and thus were forced to walk while towing a wagon. The Sergeant had gone with them to ensure they got to the designated location and acquired all the necessary equipment. He knew that the Elves would never be able to find the cave, but he needed the stuff for what he had planned.

Before the little expedition, Dean had talked to General Blight and Captain Armour about training the guard. It took some convincing, as well as an overview of what he had planned, but in the end, Dean was given the go ahead. Twilight provided an overly long hug along with a threat should he get hurt. He let her keep the tacpad until he got his suit back in working order. Their group was made up of Swift Spear, Midnight, the pegasus that had caught his eye: Spitfire, Stormfly and two unfamiliar faces: one unicorn and one Earth pony. The two new ponies were heavily muscled and rugged. Their armour was worn and torn, proving their veterancy. Dean had requested they come on the mission in order to get a good idea on their true capabilities.

Pulled by the two stallions was a wagon that Dean had judged to be big enough. It had a sturdy frame, but Dean was afraid the wooden contraption would break under the weight of his gear. At least the wagons back home had metal frames.

The group walked in silence through the forest, ever on the lookout for predators or Elves. Dean was wearing his regular body armour without the exo-suit, slowing him down ever so slightly. The exosuit, along with the titanium back plating, needed repairs that he couldn't do without materials for his fabricator. Dean figured that the ponies did not have the materials required to make new sets of armour, so he would have to break down some of the extra's inside the crate and let the fabricator work it's magic.

Speaking of fabrication, he wondered what he should make. Everything in that box, including the fabricator, was experimental technology, so it could either be game changing, or completely and utterly useless. The ponies armour was outdated and flashy, so maybe he could fabricate them something new? No, he would merely have to repurpose their new armour and camouflage it. Fabricating hundreds of pieces of modern body armour would take an exceptionally long time, time that they didn't have.

Dean hoped that the candidates that he had chosen would fit the bill. He had privately selected various guard members that showed a lot of potential. With there help and his training, he was positive that they would be able to make a special force group of sorts. If he succeeded, then missions would go along smoothly and efficiently. He still needed to plan for the end game though. The Dark Elves had an overwhelming number of forces, so direct attacks against their military would be futile. He had been told about some sort of weapon that could turn powerful beings to stone. If he managed to get to the capital, acquire the weapons, and use them on the Emperor, then the war was as good as won! And if he wasn't able to get the Emperor, he could always try and free the Guardian. The question is, where would they be located? What was the layout of the capitol?

'One thing at a time, Dean.'

The group came to a stop, their silent march interrupted by Midnight, who held up his hoof. Spitfire walked up to the Pegasus and began asking him about the sudden stop. Dean saw Midnights ears flicking rapidly in various directions, almost like he was listening for something.

A sudden movement in the darkness caused Dean to whip around. His hand drifted to the P23 on his hip as he analyzed the forest around him. The other ponies seemed to have noticed it to for each and every one was suddenly on guard. The two new ponies had detached from the wagon and were brandishing spears outwards, their backs together and their stances ready.

Dean blinked, his instincts screamed, and he dropped to the ground instantly as something massive passed over him by a hair's breadth. A pony down the line cursed as some great beast roared. Dean was up in an instant and began to take in the situation. Time slowed down, and every minute detail was absorbed.

Some sort of monster with a frighteningly human head, the body of a lion, the wings of a bat, and the tail of a scorpion stood before the little group. Saliva dripped from it's open maw, giving Dean a good view of the countless razor sharp teeth. It's stance was low and it's tail was poised to strike. It's wings were fully extended, each one bigger than a pony. At that moment, Dean realized that yes, this world could get weirder. He was now staring at a real life Manticore. The beast from the greek mythos.

Seeing it as a threat, Dean made the split second decision to charge the beast. His pistol found its way into his grip and his finger was already pulling the trigger by the time anything could react.

What Dean did not anticipate was a spike suddenly flying towards him at subsonic speeds in return. Three bullets connected with the Manticores body, the bullets sinking through the flesh and exploding. Bits of meat and bone flew through the air as blood erupted from the Manticores wounds.

Dean twisted to the side just in time, but the spike still connected with his arm. The force of the impact sheared his arm protection right off and caused him to drop his gun. The titanium plating exploded into bits but the spike did not touch his skin.

"ATTACK!" With a mighty war cry, the ponies rushed forward while the beast was injured. Dean paid no attention as he scrambled for his gun. The shouts of the ponies and the roar of the Manticore was deafening, but he ignored it as his hand found purchase.

Quick as a snake, Dean aimed his pistol once more and made to pull the trigger, but he was a bit to slow. A thin streak of wood and metal sheared through the air, causing the Manticores howls of rage to die off. The ponies stood around the corpse, panting for breath. Dean noticed the culprit of the beast's death was a lengthy spear buried almost a foot into the Manticores right eye.

"That was close." Spitfires raspy voice broke the silence, causing everyone to snap to attention. Dean stood, spun his pistol and holstered the weapon at his side. He then reached up and removed his helmet, letting a cool breeze pass through his hair.

"Sergeant, why are we even out here? I know you want your stuff, but this is the Everfree forest! we've been lucky so far with just the Manticore attack, but there are worse things out here that could get us all killed!" Spitfire stalked up to Dean, followed by the other members of the group. Each one was giving him a hard stare, all except Midnight.

"Captain Spitfire, the things that we are gathering are very important. If the Elves were to get their hands on my stuff, they might be able to reverse engineer the technology for themselves. Not to mention that it contains some very valuable supplies that I need to keep fighting." Dean reached behind him and grabbed a canteen off his belt, which was worryingly light. He was out of BAI foam, he was nearly out of rifle and pistol rounds, he was out of grenades, and it had been days since he had any meat.

'Wait, meat!'

Dean suddenly stalked towards the Manticore and his trusty knife found its way into his hand. The ponies merely watched, confused with what he was doing. It wasn't until he started cutting into the thigh of the beast that cries of alarm and disgust reached Dean's ears, but he ignored them.

"Set up a fire please." His command shut them up right quick, but none of the group members moved. Dean stopped his cutting and glared in their direction. "Hop to it, we don't have all day." The sun was beginning to set, and Dean wanted to be gone before it did completely. He would quickly cook the meat and bring it with them.

"Hay no! Are you trying to cook up the Manticore?! Not happening. That, and who made you the boss, hm?" Spitfire approached him aggressively, but Dean wasn't cowed. He had chosen these specific ponies for a reason and General blight had given him temporary command. Until now, Dean had decided to keep it a secret in order to see their reactions.

"Well, Spitfire, the good General made me the boss for this little expedition. I chose each and every one of you for the purpose of getting to know your new squad better." Dean saw the ponies look between one another and then back at him. Stormfly chuckled, causing all eyes to turn towards her.

"Look, Sergeant, the guard trusts you now, and we remember whole heartedly what you said in your speech, but why us? We've never worked with one another before, and in a game of survival, that means life and death." The others nodded, but Midnight's eyes remained locked on him with curiosity. The next to speak up was Swift Spear.

"And why me? I'm a rookie and everypony here outclasses me by a lot. I-I have a hard time-" Spear snapped his mouth shut when Dean held up a hand.

"Okay, look. I have been watching and judging each and every one of you since I got to Maritime Bay. I noticed your capabilities, your determination and your skill. This little expedition is a test of sorts meant to show me how you operate. Right now, I am this squads leader." He saw Spitfire about to retort but he held up his hand once more. "I don't care if you are an officer of some kind or if you outrank me in the standard chain of command, right now, I have the most combat experience out of any of you. It is my hope to use the six of you to create an elite squad of sorts." Dean paused and looked around at the assorted faces. Many held disbelief upon their muzzles, some held a bit of wonder. Midnight stepped forward and saluted with his right wing, causing the others to switch their gazes to him. His smiles was warm but also professional.

"Well, First Sergeant Forrester, I will follow you as my squad leader." Dean slowly stood up, his body casting a shadow across the semi-circle of soldiers. The other five shared a few glances with one another, a phycological battle being waged between them.

Dean raised an eyebrow in surprise when Stormfly was the next to step forward, her stony gaze piercing right into his soul as she looked up at him.

"After everything you have done for us, I am proud to have you as my leader." Dean smiled internally, the Manticore long forgotten behind him.

The two new ponies looked at each other and shrugged before stepping forward at the same time. Both their hooves mashed against their foreheads as they saluted him with gusto.

"My name is Corporal Steel, and this is my brother, Corporal Carbon. We've been needing to take the fight to the Dark Elves for some time. After all they have done to our people, we want the opportunity to fight back. What you said in the barracks was moving, and your experience is vital. We shall serve under you and help free our people." Dean actually smiled at that one; his gaze flicked to the last two ponies. Swift Spear was looking at the ground while Spitfire remained stoic.

"Sergeant. I don't understand why you would want me on this team at all." Dean sighed as his smile dropped slightly. "I'm not overly fast, I don't have any special abilities that I can think of, and I only just joined the guard!" Swift Spears ears dropped and his whole body seemed to sag. Dean stood up a bit straighter and inhaled sharply.

"Lieutenant." Dean's voice was powerful, but not overly loud. It commanded authority and caused the others to straighten to attention. Even Spitfire found herself perking up slightly.

"Yes, Sergeant?" Midnight kept his salute up and his eyes forward.

"Tell me, who ended up killing the Manticore behind me?" Dean gestured behind him with a hand. Midnight's eyes flicked to the Spear imbedded in the beast's eye before returning to their original position.

"That would be Private Swift Spear doing, sir." Swift Spear looked up and gazed at the jet black Pegasus. He opened his mouth to voice an objection, but Dean quickly cut him off.

"And how far away was Private Swift Spear when he killed the Manticore." Dean smirked at the look on the Earth ponies face turn to confusion. He reckoned that due to their military doctrines being quite behind his own, the ponies would fail to see the importance of a sharpshooter. Midnight scrunched up his face in thought. His mouth opened, but Dean interrupted once again.

"Private Swift Spear threw his weapon from nearly ten meters away and hit his target, a seemingly impossible feat for many of my kind. NOT only did he hit his target, though, he also managed to pierce it's eye and kill it instantly. That is a one in a million chance for someone who doesn't have the eye of a marksman." Dean turned his head and looked down at Swift Spear, whose ears were perked back up. "I am analysing the strengths and weaknesses of every perso-- er, pony in this group. You have demonstrated one of your core strengths already. Private Spear, I chose you for this expedition because I saw potential, as I did for everyone. That is why you are here!" Dean glared down at the pony, who's muzzle was scrunched in contemplation. The wind rustled the leaves in the trees, and a bird called from somewhere afar. Finally, Swift Spear looked up and faced the Human before him.

"The Elves killed my family some time back, but because of you, I can see a bright future for all ponies. You are an inspiration, and I will be honoured to serve under your command." Swift Spear saluted sharply and Dean smiled subtly. His gaze flicked to the Captain of the Wonderbolts, who saluted as well.

"My subordinates trust you, and I trust them. I see now that you know what you are doing, therefore I will serve in this squad." Dean nodded and analyzed the ponies before him. Each one was saluting in some way, their eyes holding a fiery determination; one that hadn't been seen for a long time. Quick as a snake, Dean brought his own hand up in a salute, causing the ponies to smile. After a moment, he, along with the others, finally dropped their hands/legs/wings.

"Alright, the sun is going down and we have a few more kilometers to cover. Let's grab that wagon and get to the cave." Dean yanked his knife from the Manticores leg and proceeded towards the wagon, his new squad mates in tow.

'Looks like I'll have to wait till we get to the cave. I'm sure I left a few MRE's with meat there.'

The group continued their walk through the forest and remained uncontested all the way to their destination. It had grown dark in the few hours that they had walked, and Dean could tell that everyone was a bit tired. Stars shined far above in a beautiful canvas, something Dean had never really paid attention to in his time here. The world he was stuck in was without pollution for the most part, something that couldn't be said for Earth. If the Orith succeeded in their conquest, then no human would ever see the beauty of the stars again, pollution or no. He needed to get back, and quickly.

"Sergeant, are you okay?" Dean jumped when Spitfire appeared at his side. She had removed her glasses and he could see the look of slight concern written on her muzzle. Upon glancing behind him, he saw that the others had stopped to look at him. Turning ahead, Dean found that he had come to a standstill before a very familiar canyon.

"Y-Yes, Captain. Just had a moment of thought for a second there. I realized that your world is very unpolluted, and I can see the stars quite clearly. That may just be because we are out in the country though. We... we should camouflage the wagon and head down to the cave. We will rest there before loading everything in the morning." The ponies pushed the wagon behind some trees and Dean cut through the foliage in order to make some cover. After ten minutes, the wagon was no longer visible.

"Follow me."

And so they descended. Dean had equipped his eye piece in order to see better. His hands found good purchase on the rocks and outcrops on the way down, but he was afraid his squad would have a harder time. He knew the three Pegasi would be just fine, but the brothers, Steel and Carbon along with Swift would likely have a harder time.

Halfway to the bottom, Dean paused and looked at the progress of his squad, and what he saw brought a smile to his features. Corporal Steel was levitating himself down the face of the cliff while Stormfly and Spitfire carried Corporal Carbon slowly downwards. Looking to the side, Dean saw that Midnight was holding Swift Spear underneath his barrel and was slowly gliding down.

'Now this is teamwork. I think I can work with this.'

Soon, the whole company was situated at the bottom of the ravine. A river gurgled lazily off to the side while beams of moonlight pierced the pitch black surroundings. Dean quickly reached up and clicked a little black button on his helmet, causing a beam of light suddenly erupted forth. The built in torch cut through the darkness and illuminated the wall of rock before them.

"Your helmet has a built in flashlight? How is it powered, with magic?" Stormfly walked up to Dean and began to analyze his headgear. Dean smirked and shook his head.

"No magic. This device is purely electrical." He stepped past the mare and analyzed the wall. He searched his memory for a very specific... there! There was a small sapling, barely waist height, that was standing next to a large boulder. Dean walked towards said boulder, forcing the ponies to follow.

"Uh, Sergeant? I don't see a cave." Swift Spear commented from behind. Midnight snorted and shook his head.

"Watch."

Dean stepped forward and pressed his hand against the seemingly rock wall. Instead of facing solid resistance, his hand caused the whole wall to shift as if it was made of fabric. Everypony gasped as he strode through the wall and out of sight.

"D-Did he just disappear?!" Spitfire slowly walked towards the wall and prodded it with a hood. The material bent slightly from the pressure and she jumped back. Midnight snorted again, trying to contain his laughter. Spitfire whirled around and glared at the jet black Pegasus. "What's so funny, lieutenant?" She growled.

"Nothing, Captain. It's just fun to watch you interact with the Sergeant's technology. The material in front of you is a camouflaged fabric that blends into almost any background. It isn't advanced persay, but it is definitely more than what the guard forces have ever used. Just wait till you see the thingies the Sergeant has inside the cave."

There was a muffled thump and then a curse close to the cave entrance. A low whine slowly built in volume before going silent completely.

"Piece of shit, can't work for five fucking seconds." And then Dean was standing before them once more. His flashlight was thankfully turned off in order to not blind all the ponies looking at him.

"Sorry about that, the lights had died while I was away, so I had to manually turn them on. Follow me, I'll need the help getting everything organized if we want to leave on time tomorrow." Dean pushed the fabric to the side, allowing light to spill out into the canyon. All the ponies squinted as they slowly trotted into the now existing cave system.

"Welcome to my humble abode. You will find vegetation, rock, and quite a bit of highly advanced gear." Dean's voice carried through the cave as the ponies spread out. Dean walked through the cave and up to his crate full of supplies. The crate had a thin layer of dust on it, which he quickly dispersed with a swipe of his hands. He opened the crate and analyzed it's contents. Everything was in its original placement, and nothing seemed to be missing. Perfect.

Dean turned to his squad and clasped his hands together.

"Alright. Let's get any loose equipments stowed away, then we can get some shut eye. It'll be a lot harder getting back tomorrow, so I want to be ready." The ponies quickly saluted and got to work.

Dean was about to turn and load a stool into the crate when a sudden feeling came over him. It wasn't malicious, but nor was it friendly. The feeling was suddenly gone, almost like it was forcefully removed. This left Dean slightly disoriented and he shook his head. Blinking once, he found that everything was normal and he was thinking straight once more.

Looking around, he saw the others also recuperating from the sudden wave of... something. They all returned to their jobs quickly enough, so he didn't question it.

'What the fuck was that? Must've been fatigue.'

Dean and the squad continued with their jobs, oblivious to a certain being waging a mental war in order to keep them all sane.

Chapter 30: Princely Things

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Twilight hummed as the tacpad switched to the next page of her book. For the last two hours, the Princess of friendship had been reading through the literature Dean had provided her with a feral hunger. Never before had she received something so incredible and life changing. Something so otherworldly and futuristic that it made every discovery made by ponykind entirely moot. This ‘something’ was a fantasy book of epic proportions.

The Lord of the Rings had enthralled her. Its writing style was somewhat complex, but also very easy to understand. A normal pony would find the descriptions drawn out, or the pace to slow, but not Twilight. She flipped through pages at a record rate, so much so that the tac-pad occasionally had trouble keeping up.

Her ears were perked to their highest as she read about Frodo Baggins getting stabbed by the ring wraith. She had silently pleaded that the hobbit would survive, and her sigh of relief was genuine when he was healed by Strider. That was a half an hour after she had started reading.

Twilight flipped the page once more and began to read. As her eyes consumed the words before her, her muzzle scrunched up into a scowl. Her blood began to boil as the Elf, Glorfindel, rescued Frodo and rode him to safety. Twilight had seen mention of the Elves throughout the book, but thought nothing of it. She had assumed that the main contingent of characters would not stop at this 'Rivendale' for safety; they had to know that the Elves were evil. Gandalf had mentioned them being fair and wise, but Twilight knew better. There would be a point where they met the Elves and found them killing and enslaving innocents. They would have to move on from there to complete the quest.

But as she read, Twilight's demeanour became more confused by the sentence. The Elves had let the group into their home, and prepared a FEAST!!??

Twilight jumped to her hooves and began pacing back and forth. There was no way that the Elves could be depicted as good in Human literature, it was unfeasible!

Twilight stopped as a sudden thought came to her head. Thousands of years before Equestria was created, humanity had lived on Equis, as did all the other races. According to legend, the Elves had lived in harmony with the various species, including Humanity. Could it be possible that Dean's world had somehow formed a depiction from that long ago? Were their two worlds truly interconnected in some way?

Twilight was on the verge of a mental breakdown, but she needed answers. She looked left and right, trying to find something to give her inspiration, but found nothing.

She suddenly froze. There was one creature that could give her answers, but she refused to even look at him again. That... monster, had tried to rape her. He, along with the rest of his kind had enslaved her kin and were beginning to execute them simply because they existed. No, she couldn't, she wouldn't do it!

'But you might be on the verge of something here.'

A voice subtly whispered in her head. She knew it was her subconsciousness, the thing that had kept her company for the last two years and kept her alive and well. She scowled and shook her head.

"No! I won't go down there and talk to that horrid creature! The things he's done--"

'But something changed. It can't be a coincidence that Dean's book has good Elves mixed in with other creatures, including humans. Maybe the two worlds are connected in some way. We already know that Humans are the only sentient inhabitants of his planet.'

Twilight paused and slowly looked down. The vibrant light of the Tac-pad shone up at her. The miniscule words floating across the screen mocked her, confused her, and made her want to scream. Twilight sighed and closed her eyes for a second and concentrated. A second later, she reopened them and moved for the door of her room.

"Fine. But this better be worth it."

The door opened and closed, causing silence reigned through the room. A tree branch tapped against the window, its attempt at passing through the glass barrier interrupting the hushed setting. It was as if the room itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

A sudden noise broke the quiet atmosphere. The sound of hoofsteps slowly stepped towards the centre of the room where the tac-pad lay, forgotten. The little device was the only source of light, as the curtains were closed, but that didn't stop a shadow from falling over its little form. Magenta coloured fur slowly came into view, then a horn, and then a purple mane with a turquoise streak. Starlight Glimmer slowly tilted her head down to regard the technologically advanced device before her.

She had entered the room upon seeing the Princess leave. Even though it was on the second story, it was really no problem to get up. Whatever the Human had left behind, it would surely come in useful for her plans. Her lies and deceit had worked wonders, but if it wasn't for that blasted ape, she would have succeeded long ago.

Reaching down, she slowly tapped the tip of her hoof on the screen of the device. The Princess was so naive, not even thinking to explore the device's true capabilities. There could be untold amounts of information on there, not just books and silly games. If she could just get into the important stuff, she could bring it back to her Employer.

Her hoof scratched the surface of the device, and all hell broke loose.

"ORITHIAN BIOLOGY DETECTED: CHITIN, ENDOSKELEToN, COLD BLOODED! ACTIVATING DEFENSE PROTOCOL 001!"

An Arc of electricity suddenly reared up and climbed her appendage. She cried out in pain as arks of lighting seemed to shoot through her nervous system, threatening to knock her out.

Quick as a snake, she recoiled her now seared hoof and back pedalled away in fear and pain. Her eyes held tears as she tried to keep from making any noise at all, not that the device had already done that.

"FORCE SHUTDOWN INITIATED, INDEX FINGERPRINT REQUIRED: SERGEANT FORRESTER, DEAN, SERIAL NUMBER: R4299STF! FOURTY EIGHT HOURS REMAINING BEFORE PERMANENT TERMINATION!

Starlight galloped through the room, heading for the window. She could hear hoofsteps approaching the doorway, likely guards or curious bystanders. She placed her right foot down, but hissed in pain as she accidently kicked a book. Upon looking at her hurt leg, she realised that black chitin was exposed up to the joint. Her magenta fur was intact above that point, so there was still hope. Whatever that device had done, it had cancelled out her magic where the electricity had touched. Starlight would have to get that fixed up, or cover it up as an 'accident.'

'Damn the Human!'

She levitated herself out the now open window, just as a guard unlocked the door and entered the room. The window silently latched shut, and the intruder made a hasty getaway.

*****

Prince Trignar was cold. It wasn't a natural cold, but one that was caused by his surroundings. The stone walls around him seemed to leech heat away from his body should he lean against them, and the fact that he was underground didn't help. The floor was constantly damp, the atmosphere was constantly dark, and there was a breeze constantly blowing through the dungeon block. His clothes were disgusting, and the rest of his body even more so. His hair hung in a matted mess, and a scraggly beard was beginning to develop. To top it off, a magic inhibiting steel collar was wrapped around his neck, cutting him off from his magic entirely.

Trignar wasn't just cold, no. He was downright miserable.

In the time that he was down there, he had a lot of time to think. The constant silence was his only companion, and he was trying his best to ignore its tempting calls. More than once he found that words were being whispered to him, but he chose to ignore them. One might think that he was crazy, but the voices said otherwise.

The voices started on the second day, nothing more than a buzz in his ear. The guards outside his door never made a peep, not even a shuffle, so half the time he forgot they were there. He was alone, abandoned, and forgotten. Something inside him had snapped at that. For years, he had believed the Empire to be this mighty force for good. For years, he had been taught that anything that wasn't an Elf was an animal. But looking at it now, Trignar found out the truth. He was by no means stupid. Brash, impulsive, and perverted, sure, but not stupid. He had seen how the nobles in Canterlot had treated their slaves, how they left them to rot in a dark cell when not being used. He had seen the Elements of Harmony in person and the living situation they were in. Back then, he figured it was a well deserved location for them to be, but the more he looked at it, the more he realised he might be wrong. The ponies had managed to capture him, something that should not have been possible for mere animals. No, these creatures were clearly intelligent. This cell only proved that; they were treating him like his kind treated theirs.

Trignar looked down and noticed something new. Cocking his head to the side, the Prince moved his shirt to the side, causing his eyes to widen.

Sitting on his stomach was a purple... thing. It was the size of a small pebble, but very clearly noticeable with its pulsating lavender glow. How he had not noticed it before, he would never know. Even though he knew the thing might be harmful, he was actually oddly fascinated by it. Upon poking it with his finger, Trignar suddenly felt warmth shoot up his spine, albeit for only a moment. His ears perked slightly in interest. Whatever this thing was, it was likely going to be his lifeline. Who cared if it might be a magical rumour or some new disease; it was giving him some measure of comfort in the cold, dank cell.

The clank of a deadbolt unsecuring caused his eyes to widen in fear. He quickly glanced down and realised that the thing on his stomach would be visible through the thin fabric of his shirt. Cursing mentally, Trignar realised he had less than a second before a pony entered his cell. The damned creatures would likely try and take his newfound source of warmth, and he couldn't allow that.

Quick as a snake, and acting on impulse, Trignar yanked the purple thing from his body. He expected some measure of pain, but it never came. Instead, the little lavender pebble seemed to slide off like ice on marble. He didn't have time to think about it as he quickly stuck it in the most conspicuous place he could find: Down the back of his pants. The thick material would definitely hide the purple glow from prying eyes. He just prayed that the guards didn't decide to pat him down or probe him.

The door opened, it's rusty metal hinges screaming in protest at the sudden abuse. Trignar's ears folded back and he winced from the sheer volume of the door. He was soon forced to close his eyes as well as light flooded into the previously dark cell. He was able to hear the sounds of talking and the occasional raised voice before a set of hoofsteps clopped into the cell. Trignar slowly squinted and tried to blink lightly in order to adjust his vision accordingly, and slowly but surely, he began to make out shapes.

"Stand up, Elf." The voice was gruff and aggressive. Trignar found himself snarling in agitation, but that was soon turned into a grimace of pain as the butt of a spear slammed into his side. He doubled over in his sitting position and hacked aggressively. His head swam as he threatened to vomit, but he knew he wouldn't be able to.

Ever so slowly, the youngest Prince of the Dark Elves stood upon wobbling legs and opened his eyes. Before him was the now lit cell as well as a pony guard standing off to the side. His scowl and glare bore holes through Trignar's head, but he ignored it. What really caught his interest was the nervous looking lavender Alicorn standing a few metres away. He sneered.

"Come to finish the job yourself Princess? You could just have your guards, or better yet, your pet Demon do it for you." Trignar received a kick in the shins for that one, causing him to grunt as his leg flared in pain.

"Speak only when spoken to, Elf." The guards voice was strained, like he was trying his best not to murder the pointy eared, bipedal being before him.

"Or what?"

The guard moved to strike him again, likely harder than before, but the Princess held up a hoof, causing him to stop. Her nervous look was replaced by one of stoicism as she analysed the battered Elf.

"L-leave us, Corporal, I can take it from here." Trignar watched as the soldier gave a huff before turning on his heel. His glare switched to the Princess as his ears stayed trained on the Prince.

"I must advise against this your majesty, the Elf is dangerous." The pony side eyed the Prince.

"It is fine, I can deal with him if anything gets out of hand, plus, you will be right outside the door." Twilight raised an eyebrow as the guard seemed to relent. With a grumbled 'fine' and half a bow, the pony corporal trotted out the door before closing it behind him. Twilight's eyes did not leave Trignar's as the metal contraption screeched once more. Once the door was closed, everything was silent. Twilight lit her horn and an oil lamp appeared beside her, it's flame causing shadows to flit across the walls. Trignar noticed the Princess's nose curl at the smell of the room. Seeing as he didn't have a place to relieve himself, he had taken to doing it in the corner, like a savage. Trignar's sneer widened as his ears perked up.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Alicorn bitch. What could you possibly want with a captured member of royalty such as myself? Did you come so that I could finish what we started in the tent. Maybe-" Trignar felt his mouth seal shut temporarily, his airways sealed along with his ability to speak. For a moment he panicked, but after a few seconds, the glow disappeared and he could breathe once more. His gasps broke the heavy silence that had fallen across the cell, and he glared daggers at the pony before him.

"Before you say another word, I have a question." Twilight's voice was monotone, but the Elf could see the anger in her eyes. He shivered slightly as he realised he was entirely at her mercy. He would have to play this smart.

"And what might that be." He crossed his arms, the loose chains fixing them clinking slightly. Twilight shuffled her hooves lightly and her wings ruffled at her sides. She looked nervous about something, causing Trignar to grow curious.

"I was wondering... if there was a point in time..." Her ears pinned against the side of her head as a heavy scowl dominated her muzzle. Trignar merely cocked his head to the side as he waited. His sneer had vanished, replaced by a small frown. Twilight shuffled a bit more before taking a deep breath.

"Was there ever a point in your history that your kind was friends with the races of the world?"

Trignar felt his mind go blank at the utterly ridiculous question. Any hate he held for the Alicorn Princess bled away as he suddenly became very, very confused.

'Why would she ask something like that? What's that supposed to mean? The Elves have lived in solitude for aeons, at least I think they did. What... What did happen before the conquest? Why is everything so fuzzy?'

Trignar stared at the ground as he tried to remember. The Princesses question had sparked something in him, and he felt he should be able to answer the question. But for some reason, he just couldn't. There was something blocking that portion of his mind, something foreign.

'Why am I just realising this now?! What the fuck is happening to me?!?'

Trignar stumbled back and leaned heavily against the wall. Ever since he had been in the company of the Princess, strange things had started happening to him. He was questioning his own reality now, something he had never done before. The feeling he was having now was similar to when Twilight had hugged the Demon. Things were starting to grow hazy, and a sense of nausea threatened to overcome him. He looked up and swore he could see a nearly invisible dark cloud above him, but he figured it was just his mind playing tricks on him. It must have been a shadow cast by the light.

"Prince Trignar?" He recoiled as he looked forward. The Princess had gotten closer and begun analysing him. He fought down the nausea and snarled, causing her to jump back.

"Fuck off with your idiotic questions, fucking slut! The Elves have always been superior! Our history doesn't matter to lowlives like you!" Trignar stalked forward, causing the Princess to stumble back and her eyes to widen. He only stopped when another chain attaching him to the wall snapped taught.

"Leave me. I do not wish to be bothered by you animals. You won't get a shred of information from me." Trignar turned his back and stared at the wall. Something in his head was whispering to him, but now there was another voice. This voice was telling him he had made a mistake, but he ignored it. The ponies were animals, nothing could change that.

"S-so be it then. I hope you enjoy your time in this dank, dirty smell. It suits you well enough." He winced at the harsh words, but otherwise didn't move. The telltale clip-clop of hooves signified the Princesses' hasty retreat, but the light remained. Trignar wondered why she had left it and turned around. What he saw next caused his eyes to widen.

A tray of food filled with tomatoes, beans, salad, and an apple, sat just in front of him. The lantern was out of reach, but the food was not. Trignar merely stared at the assortment of nutrients before his ears pinned to their sides.

'She wasn't after anything threatening. What was she after then? Why was she going to show me this... kindness?' Trignar slowly sat down and crossed his legs, his mind still not processing the events that had unfolded. After ten minutes, his stomach growled and caused a flare of pain. He figured that if the Princess was going to leave him food, then he might as well take it.

The matter of why she did it could wait till later.

*****

Twilight entered her room once more, but her demeanour was very down. Her eyelids felt tired, and her muscles felt stiff. Her ears hung downwards in exhaustion as she worked her way towards a measure of comfort: Dean's tac-pad. She sighed as she sat down on a nearby pillow. The things screen was blank, but she was sure she could figure out how to turn it back on.

After fiddling with the various small buttons, the screen finally flashed, but her smile soon turned into a frown when she read what appeared on the screen.

"SHUTDOWN PROTOCOL IN EFFECT. TIME REMAINING: 47:13:12...11...10..."

Twilight huffed and placed the device to the side. It must have been because she was gone for so long, resulting in it losing its battery. Her demeanour dropped even more as she felt another wave of exhaustion overtake her. Yawning, she slowly walked over to her bed. Dean was supposed to return tomorrow, and the device read two days, he would know what to do when he got back. Yawning once more, Twilight tucked herself under the covers and layed down. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light.

Chapter 31: Fabrication

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"Alright, set it down here." Dean motioned for the group of ponies to place the crate beside the barracks. A few guards were out and about and watched the group as they slowly levitated the crate from the wagon. The skies were grey and Dean could feel a moisture building in the air; it was going to rain.

"Sergeant, glad you are back!" Dean turned and snapped a salute as Shining Armour trotted down the path towards him, the magenta pony known as Starlight following closely behind. His squad came to attention behind him, their bodies going ridgid.

"Glad to be back, Captain. Thanks for lending me the helping ha-- er, hooves." Dean and his squad dropped their salute and stood idle. The guards around the training centre went back to whatever it was they were doing, some continued to stare however.

"It was no problem. I hope you have all become well acquainted with your squad leader?" Shining addressed the squad directly; Midnight decided to step forward on their behalf.

"We are well situated here, Captain. Sergeant Forrester will make an excellent leader and trainer." Shining raised an eyebrow.

"Trainer you say? And will he be training the other guards' ponies as well?" Shining cast an eye at Dean, who was reaching to unclasp his helmet.

"I will be, yes. I intend to get started tomorrow, after the rain dissipates. I also have a question, Captain." Dean succeeded and slid his helmet off his head, letting his dirty brown hair get a breath of fresh air.

"What is it, Sergeant?" Shining lit his horn and caused a scroll to pop into existence. Dean regarded the scroll with interest, but what really caught his attention was how Starlight was looking at it. He also noticed that her front hoof was wrapped in what appeared to be a cast of sorts. Refocusing, he looked back to Shining once more.

"I was wondering if you had a smithy or armoury? I need certain materials if I am going to be of any use to you." Dean reached behind him and undid one of the straps on his container, his recruits watching him with interest. They had been standing rigid for the past minute, and it seemed Shining quickly took notice.

"At ease recruits," they relaxed and breathed a collective sigh, "Yes, we have both. What would you need from there? I have a feeling that the weapons you use are much more advanced than ours. If you are going to train the guards, then wouldn't you need more of your own weaponry?" Dean smirked as he undid the final clasp on his crate. He proceeded to lift the top off and toss it to the ground.

"That's exactly why I need stuff from your armoury, Captain. I intend to create some of my homeworld's technologies in order to help you all fight this war." He heard Starlight snort, causing him to look in her direction with a raised eyebrow. "Something funny?"

She scowled at his tone, her amusement becoming a growl.

"Watch your tone, ape, you are speaking to a superior." Starlight's eyes narrowed as Dean turned to face her. His eyebrow had raised even more and he was now frowning. The recruits watched him in silence, waiting to see his reaction. They knew the power that counsellor Glimmer held, but they also knew of Dean's battle prowess. It was now a matter of whose will was stronger.

Dean regarded the pony before him. He hadn't actually talked to the counsellor, but Twilight had. Technically speaking, the magenta unicorn before him held no power over himself. He was helping simply because he could, and it seemed she failed to recognize that. Dean really didn't care what the unicorn thought or did, so long as she didn't get in the way. He glanced back at his recruits in order to judge their reactions to the little standoff. They seemed a bit tense and Swift Spear had his ears pinned to his sides. Looking forward, he noticed that a few guards from around were also looking at the exchange in mild fascination. Shining Armour's reaction was by far the best. His look pleaded with him to apologise and avoid a conflict. Dean snorted, he hadn't even started this one, and the fact that she hadn't even addressed him properly already was a heavy decider on his reaction.

Dean suddenly grew taller, causing the counsellor to wince. Dean scowled and crossed his arms in front of him in order to appear even bigger, it seemed to work.

"Frankly put, I don't really give a shit. I don't have to do anything you tell me in reality, for I am not a part of your country. I am here to help your people fight a war and gain freedom. It is my duty as an American to fight for the oppressed. I could care less if you were a counsellor, or a goddamn Queen... I don't take orders from you." Dean suddenly pointed at Shining. "I listen and show respect to Shining because he earned it. He is a foreign officer, and one that is working towards the same goal as me. Maybe if you had addressed me properly, I would have shown a bit more... respect towards you, but you decided to insult me and try to boss me around. Now, if we are done here, I suggest you run along and do whatever the fuck it is you are supposed to be doing instead of trying to intimidate the guy who is trying to help you."

Dean's response was met with utter silence. He definitely could have worded that better, but at the moment, he just didn't care. He listened to people that earned his respect and camaraderie, not those who acted all high and mighty. He only helped the Equins because he was both forced to, and because he knew it was the right thing to do. If they wanted his help, then they would have to learn how to accept him.

The look the counsellor gave him held pure malice. Her ears were pinned to her side and her eyes were dilated to mere pinpricks. Her teeth were clenched and her tail swished back and forth. Had he had better eyesight, the Human likely would have seen a bit of steam streaming out of her ears.

Before the mare could begin yelling, Shining Armour decided to step in.

"Alright, alright, enough of that. I am sure that the Sergeant is merely tired from his expedition, hence the... blunt attitude. I'm sure he will apologise when he has gotten everything he needs to start the training." Shining glared at him, but Dean merely sneered. Starlight's eye twitched, but her demeanour soon switched back to the professional mask she usually carried.

"Very well. I will see you soon, Captain. Make sure the good Sergeant gets his head on straight." Starlights horn lit up and she disappeared with a pop. Her insult flew over Dean's head as he was now rummaging around in his box.

"Midnight and Spitfire, please go and fetch my fabricator. It is sitting by the foot of my bed." The two ponies nodded and sped into the barracks, pushing past any guards in their way. The rest watched Dean as he grabbed a few new magazines for his rifle and stuffed them in his tactical belt. By the time he had acquired all the necessary ammunition, Midnight and Spitfire returned with the fabricator. The jet black device seemed to absorb the light around it, and it seemed to be taking a physical toll on the ponies. Dean recalled how Twilight was unable to lift the device with her magic; he wondered if something similar was happening to the two Pegasi before him.

Dean grabbed the device and tucked it under his arm.

"Alright, you all can head into the barracks and get some R&R. Tomorrow, we will be beginning our training, and trust me, you'll want the rest." Dean smiled cruelly, he would finally be able to put them through the pain he had experienced with the drill Sergeants. Shining huffed and began walking back down the path, forcing Dean to tag along. With a little wave, the supersoldier trudged behind the irritated unicorn.

*****

Spitfire and Midnight trotted into the officers section of the barracks. After getting everyone else situated, the two figured they should figure out a good way to keep the guard forces in line as they are being taught. Even with the Human's new popularity, many still feared him and compared him to the Dark Elves.

"We'll need everypony to listen intently to the Sergeant. No doubt he'll teach us new tactics and formations." Midnight sat down on a chair designed for pony use. Sitting back, he watched as Spitfire walked over to a nearby sink and filled up two glasses of water. The water supplied for Maritime Bay was put through a magical filtering device located near the bottom of the cliffs. So long as the city had farmland, they would never run out of the proper nutrients and beverage. The city itself had enough supplies to last a four month siege, though that was taking into account the tactics of the olden days. When the Elves invaded, they brought with them new technologies.

Magical mortars, odd, boxy contraptions with a high calibre magic projector, weapons that solidified magical energies into a force so powerful that not even a unicorn's shields could withstand them... the list went on. Midnight briefly wondered how Dean's armour was able to withstand the bolts of energy the Elves possesed. He knew that the human's body armour could only take so much punishment before collapsing, as seen at the party, but even then, the Elven magic spears were many times more powerful than a unicorn's condensed magic. Maybe the time between hits was a factor?

Midnight wasn't able to think on it any longer as a large glass of ice cold water clunked on to the table before him. He looked up at the Captain and smiled cheerily. She nodded her head and sat down just off to his left. Various off duty officers milled about, but they largely ignored the two Pegasi in the corner of the room.

"So, I wonder what the Sergeant has in store for us tomorrow?" Spitfire took a sip of her drink and closed her eyes briefly, Midnight stared at her for a moment with a light smile before taking a sip of his own drink.

"I was able to learn a bit on how his kind fights whilst in the cave with him. Humanity, as we used to know it, fought with the typical weapons: Swords and spears, but in Dean's world, they fought with something called a gun. He'll likely train us on how to go against the Elven weapons." Midnight looked at the Captain once more, her fur looked very nice, even if they did just come back from trekking through the forest. He suddenly became slightly self aware of how he likely smelt, causing a small frown to appear.

"That long metal stick he had was a gun, right? I saw him pull out the smaller one on the Manticore, but I still don't know what it did other than make a loud noise and cause pain." Spitfire took another drink of her water and lifted an eyelid slightly. She caught the lieutenant looking at her and smirked lightly.

Midnight looked out the window, which held a perfect view of the cliffside. He briefly considered going for a little fly, but thought better of it. He'd likely need to get rested for the training Dean had in mind. His eyes suddenly widened when he felt a hoof rest on his side.

Darting his eyes to the left, he found that Spitfire had grown a little closer.

"Y-yeah, they were his guns. They shoot little metal bullets at high speed in order to penetrate their target. I actually kinda want to try one of them out." Midnight gulped as he felt his wings begin to stiffen slightly at his sides. His face started to heat up when he noticed Spitfires' own look, so he turned his head the other way. Quite a few of the other officers had left the room, leaving only a few in the far corner near the washrooms.

"Well, instead of his gun, why don't you penetrate something else with that nice, hard..."

"Midnight? Midnight?" Midnight found a yellow hoof waving in front of his eyes, which were fixed on a particular mare. Drool was starting to accumulate in his mouth, and his wings were slightly uncomfortable. Midnight shook his head and swallowed the saliva in his mouth. He blushed heavily as he tried to force his wings into their rightful position. He looked back at the mare beside him and saw her chuckling with mirth. Midnight blushed harder, his jet black facial fur becoming a good representation of a tomato.

"Y-yes, Spits?" He used her nickname in order to try and get her mind off of his blunder, but it only seemed to make her chuckle louder.

'Way to go, idiot.' He mentally scolded himself, his ears drawing back slightly.

Spitfire stopped her chuckling and looked at him with a playful smile.

"I was asking if you wanted to go and get cleaned up. We did just walk through a forest after all." Midnight nodded dumbly and moved to stand. His face was still flushed crimson as he shuffled towards his little room.

"S-sure! I-I'll be back in a few minutes, u-unless you were going to go and clean yourself up as well..." He paused as she trotted up beside him and playfully nuzzled his cheek before trotting past. He slowly followed in confusion, the mare in front of him moving with a bounce in her step. Midnight noticed that one part of his daydream had been real, and there were a lot less ponies in the room. The ones who were there were paying zero attention to their surroundings. Midnight got so caught up in looking around that he nearly bumped into his now open door. He looked back and forth, but couldn't find where Spitfire had gone. She must have slipped away while he was zoned out again.

Midnight trotted inside, glanced at the bed, walked towards the bathroom, did a double take, and then stared hard at the yellow pegasus standing beside it. His wings began to extend slightly as he looked back to the closed doorway. Spitfire giggled and trotted up to him, her hips swaying from side to side. Midnight eeped as the yellow pegasus' tail playfully smacked him in the face on the way past. He saw her own wings ruffle slightly and a light blush covered her cheeks. His mind was unable to cooperate with his mouth, and so he just stood there, staring at her in astonishment. He and Spits had been in relationship for almost two months now, but they could never find the time to just hang out. What was happening right now was by far the farthest either had gone.

"Well, I never said you were bathing a-alone." Spitfire turned and regarded the pitch black pegasus with an alluring smile. Midnight gulped and took a step forward, but hesitated once more. He turned his head and regarded the closed doorway; if the Captain caught them doing this....

"Common, slow poke. We don't have all day."

Midnight quickly came to decision and followed the mare into his bathroom, closing the door behind them both. His smile never left his face.

*****

Ponies moved off to the sides, their looks of fear and their pinned ears giving away their emotion to the seven and a half foot tall Human. He noticed a mother push her foals into a corner and promptly shield them from his watchful eye. These ponies were native to Maritime bay and likely didn't know about his exploits. Dean recognized a few folks he had saved from Ravenford, he noticed more than a few giving him a smile and wave, which he would promptly return.

"Why are there so many civilians around here, isn't this part of the fort?" Dean looked around and noticed quite a few vending stalls set around.

"The townsfolk usually expand the market here on weekends in order to reach the guards better. It's their way of saying thanks for protecting them." Shining gestured gestured to a large building off to the side of the road. A few guards were standing about and waiting while the sounds of clanking echoed from within. Judging from the smoke belching from a stack on the roof, Dean guessed that this was the forgery.

"This here is the smithy. What exactly will you need from it?" The guards moved out of the way while eyeing the towering Human. Dean side eyed the Captain as he moved towards the door.

"I need raw materials for the fabricator." Dean shuffled the fabricator under his arm so that it stopped sliding away. A quick glance showed that Shining was looking at the device with intrigue.

"And how does it... uh, fabricate stuff?" Shining opened the door for the Human and entered the piping hot smithy. The air was heavy with heat and moisture, and a quick look around explained why. An earth pony stallion was running pel-mel through the large room, moving between the various and currently ablaze furnaces. A younger stallion, bigger than a colt but smaller than an adult was sitting on a barrel nearby, watching the proceedings of the smithy. Before Dean could answer the unicorn, the stallion's eyes locked onto the duo, causing the young pony to hop down and trot towards them. The little pony had a look of fear when his eyes passed over Dean, but upon seeing Shining, they quickly lit up again.

"Hiya, Prince Armour! Welcome back to our little corner o' town." The colt stood from his bow and looked back towards Dean, who had moved off to the side in order to put down the fabricator. "Whose, 'ure friend?"

Shining motioned with a hoof towards the Human as he returned to his side.

"This is Sergeant Forrester, he's the resident Human."

"HA!" The earth pony from before caused all but Dean to jump as he suddenly appeared beside the teenage pony. His fur was covered in soot and his mane was a mess, but Dean could see the muscles brimming underneath all the fur and grime. His eyes were locked on Dean as he smirked. "Resident Human 'ya say? Never seen one before, but ah didn't think they'd look like 'dem dirty Elves!" The ponies' accent was familiar, and after a few seconds of processing, Dean figured it was Russian.

"Well, I can assure you, I am no Elf. I've actually killed quite a few of them." Dean crossed his arms as the Stallion chuckled.

"Well, that's definitely an accomplishment, son. With yer' elp, I'm sure that we can finally take 'dis fight to the Elves!" The Stallion prodded the younger pony. "Go and tend to furnace three, the metals can't go above a certain degree." The younger stallion nodded before cantering towards the designated furnace. The stallion looked back and smirked.

"Me' names Iron Mallet, What can I do yer' for?" Dean uncrossed his arms and beckoned towards his fabricator.

"I need raw materials for my... technology. It breaks down the required pieces and moulds them into something of my choosing. I just need a few things that your smithy might have." Dean crossed his arms again as the pony cocked his head to the side. "I don't need you to know how it works, I just need to know if you have certain metals I could use."

The stallion shrugged and trotted over to a door against the wall. With a light push, the device swung open easily and revealed a large, dark interior. Dean walked towards it and followed the pony inside.

"Well, we 'ave quite a few metals in 'ere and plenty of 'em. There are only so many guards so half my stock rarely gets used. In that corner is Iron, over there is lead, over 'ere is nickel..." Iron Mallet listed off the various resources at his disposal. Dean listened with rapt attention as he made a mental checklist. He knew the basic materials need to repair his armour and exo-skeleton, but there were some more advanced resources he would need to complete the set. He figured that with his armour being classified, the fabricator wouldn't be capable of replicating directly what he needed, so he would have to do it manually. It would take time, but he was sure he could do it with the right stuff.

"I will ensure that you are rewarded for your aid, Mr. Mallet. I am likely going to need a majority of your resources if I am going to help against the Elves." As Shining and Iron Mallet came to an agreement, Dean slowly walked through the various materials.

Upon passing a stack of cobalt, a shimmer caught his eye. Dean turned and moved a box of metals to the side only to reveal a strange purple tinted metal of some kind. He leaned forward and noticed that the metal seemed to be protruding from a large boulder the size of a wrecking ball. Dean became so transfixed that he didn't notice the younger stallion sneak up on him.

"Nullstone ‘catch your eye?"

Dean jumped and whirled around. Upon seeing the kid from the front of the Smithy, he let out a quiet breath of relief. The young pony was standing several feet away and had a nervous look in his eyes. Dean remembered the fear outlined on the pony's face when he had first seen him, but now it seemed that his fear was slowly dissipating.

"Seems so. What exactly is nullstone? I've never heard of it." Dean moved a few more boxes out of the way, exposing the rest of the boulder to the outside air. The teenager trotted up beside him, albeit a little warily, and pointed to the metallic purple material.

"That light purple metal is nullstone. It holds anti-magical properties within it, making it a great defence against unicorns. I'm sure you know what an inhibitor ring is?" The kid glanced up at him with a questioning look. Dean thought for a moment, and after combing through his memory, he figured that he did indeed know what an inhibitor ring was.

"I remember taking some sort of smooth ring off of Twilight's horn after rescuing her, pretty sure it was stopping her magic. So that's what it was made of." Dean was talking to himself more than anything, but the earth pony below him nodded his head anyway.

"You'd be correct. We haven't been able to figure out how to refine the metal just yet due to its complexity and, er... unique qualities, so it was chiselled into rings and other devices to be used as magic inhibitors." Dean nodded his head and turned away from the stone.

"Well that certainly explains a lot. I think I'll be taking a closer look into that nullstone in the coming days. Something just seems familiar about it, and not in the fact that I saw an inhibitor ring." Dean's hand passed over the surface of his helmet before coming back to rest at his sides. Something was very familiar.

"Sergeant, grab what you need and let's head on back, the sun will be setting soon and you need to prepare for training tomorrow." Shining's voice carried across the little warehouse, causing Dean and the earth pony to look towards the entrance.

"That's my que, thanks again for the help..." The pony smiled and his ears perked up.

"Iron Hammer, Iron Mallet's son. It was no problem at all, you are welcome anytime. Sorry if I offended you, you just surprised me when you walked into the shop." The two were walking back to the Prince and Iron Mallet as they talked.

"Don't worry, I'm used to it. Plus, it seems you warmed up to me right quick, so I can't fault you. If you ever need some heavy lifting down, just ask for Sergeant Forrester next time you go by the barracks." The two approached the Prince and weapons smith. The former smiled and began walking towards the door. Dean followed through and grabbed his fabricator on the way by. Upon reaching the front door, however, he noticed a wagon filled with raw materials. He briefly wondered how Shining was able to acquire all that in such a short time.

"Thanks again, you two. We will stop by again sometime in the next few days." Shining grabbed the handle of the wagon with his magic and steadily pulled it out the door. Dean followed closely behind and smiled at the two ponies as he waved goodbye.

With that out of the way, Dean now officially had one more stop left before he needed to prepare for tomorrow.

*****

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Twilight's ears perked up as someone banged on her door. She blinked lazily in confusion for a moment, the book in her magical grasp floating in front of her. A desk was cluttered with various pieces of literature, many of which were related to Dean's electronic book. Drawings of two legged dwarves, Orcs, black riders, and wizards decorated the wall before her. To say that Twilight had been a bit engrossed in the story may have been an understatement, and with the tac-pad temporarily disabled, she had to occupy her time using other means. She had never been that big into drawing, focusing more on reading and learning, but in the times that she had found herself overthinking, she found that she was able to visualise and copy down her ideas and thoughts.

The knocks sounded again, and Twilight heard Spike yawn loudly from his little basket. The baby dragon had been out with Shining while she was reading the Lord of the Rings.

Twilight blinked and found that her adoptive brother was now reaching for the door handle with his little claws. Twilight figured it would be a good idea to get up and quickly hopped off her stool. Her wings ruffled at her side and her tail flicked as she trotted towards the door just as Spike swung it open.

Sergeant Dean stood on the other side, his hand balled into a fist and ready to smack the door once more He wore none of his armour, and instead sported a black skin tight shirt and brown cargo pants. A thick vest of some kind was strapped to his torso, and his helmet was nowhere to be seen. His look of surprise quickly turned into a smile as he caught sight of the purple Alicorn trotting towards him. Twilight stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening and her ears perking up as she too caught sight of the Human. Her tail swished as she galloped forward and sprung into the air with a cry of joy.

Dean, for his part, could only open his arms and catch the excited mare as she tried to football tackle him out of the door. As soon as she collided with his chest, his arms quickly wrapped around her barrel as her own hooves found their way around his chest. He felt her nuzzling his shoulder and he could feel her smiling bright enough to give the sun a run for its money. Dean chuckled and looked down as Twilight snuggled up in his grip.

"Someone seems to have missed me." He carefully walked into the room, seeing Spike at the last second and stopping beside him. "Hey Spike, how's it going?" He let one arm go from supporting Twilight and balled his hand into a fist before reaching towards the little dragon. Spike jumped up and completed the fist bump with a happy smile.

"I've been great, Dean! It may have only been half a week, but the stuff to do here is incredible! I found some of the younger ponies and we went down to the beach just the other day. It's not as good as the Ponyville lake, but it was still fun..." The dragon blabbered on while Dean spotted a rustic old couch and moved towards it. Twilight hummed happily as his fingers scratched down the back of her neck and behind her ears, her little sighs of pleasure causing him to give her a bemused look.

As soon as he sat down, she opened her eyes and hopped onto the couch, though her head stayed within reach of his hand. Her eyes closed in bliss while Spike pulled up a chair and sat down.

"...and that's how I got myself stuck in a peach tree." Spike finished his tale and looked at Dean eagerly. "So what have you been up to? I noticed you went on an expedition yesterday, but I haven't seen you around the city all that much."

Dean chuckled as Twilight flipped over, giving him an obvious hint. Dean quickly began to work on her belly, the fur feeling like silk between his fingers. Dean focused once more on the dragon and smiled.

"Well, I've been stuck in the hospital for quite a bit just recently. I'm sure you heard what happened." Spike nodded, and Dean continued. "Well, as soon as I got out, I went back to the hideout that Twilight and I stayed in after rescuing her and got my stuff back. After I'm done here, I'm gonna use some of that equipment to fix my armour and resupply myself for the training exercises that are coming up." Dean heard a quiet squeak escape Twilight's muzzle, but upon looking down, nothing had changed. He kept his scratching as Spike rubbed a claw under his chin mischievously.

"Do you think I could come to this training too? You might need the help against the Dark Elves?"

The comment caused Dean's eyes to widen, and Twilight to suddenly jump into the air. Her form had gone ridged and her wings were extended at her sides.

"MOST CERTAINLY NOT!!" She screeched. Both Dean and Spike shied away slightly at the sheer volume the lavender Alicorn achieved. The Human noticed that her eyes were dilated and her ears were folded back.

"B-but Twilight, what if--"

"NO!" Twilight jumped off the couch and slammed onto the floor, causing dust to jump into the air. Spike hopped off his chair and placed it between himself and the raging Alicorn. Dean himself was growing concerned. The look in Twilight's eyes held anger, hate, and... fear. He saw tears beginning to form in her eyes as she paced back and forth.

"I WON'T LET THEM TAKE YOU TO! I DON'T CARE HOW NOBLE YOU THINK IT IS, YOU AREN'T DOING IT!"

Dean stood up and held his hands up defensively.

"Twi, why don't we take a quick breather here and think this through. I'm sure that Spike--" Twilight suddenly whirled in her spot, her eyes holding a manic plea as she stared into his very soul.

"You can't let him, Dean. Please, you can't let him! T-they'll take him away again, l-like they did to the others! I just got him back a-and they... they'll..." Twilight suddenly collapsed to the ground and began sobbing. Her front legs covered her eyes and ears as her tears streamed down her fur.

Dean sighed and looked at Spike, who was staring at the scene with his own teary expression. His look of regret caused Dean to look away and back towards the sobbing Alicorn. Thinking quickly, he knelt down and slowly began stroking her back and mane. Slowly but surely, Twilight's weeping dissolved into a few hiccups and shivers, but the tears remained. Dean hated seeing her cry, it was heartbreaking really. The poor girl had gone through so much, and even the thought of losing another one of her friends to the Dark Elves scared her beyond belief.

Dean got a bit of a surprise when Spike suddenly crept forward and tapped Twilight on the shoulder. She glanced up from under her hooves, and upon doing so, received a hug around the neck by the little dragon. Twilight sat on her haunches and wrapped her hoof around Spike, nuzzling the top of his head tenderly. Dean stood up and took a step back, but a creak on the floor boards caused her eyes to find his.

"Please, Dean. I get that you are trying to take the fight to the Dark Elves, but you can't let Spike join. He's been through enough, and I don't think I could ever bear losing him again." Her eyes were pleading as they searched his being.

Dean thought hard for a moment. Spike was by no means built to be a warrior, not to mention he was still just a child. However, the boy was obviously looking for some way to help. After another moment of thought, Dean had just the solution.

"I'll tell you what." Spike also looked at Dean, his face neutral. Dean sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair, it needed to be washed again. "I will not let Spike join the training, for he is too young." He heard Twilight let out a sigh of relief, but he held up a hand, causing her to focus on him once more. "However, I will teach him self-defence. The world today is hostile, and I think it would be beneficial if he knew how to properly defend himself should the need arise."

Twilight slowly let go of the little dragon and held Dean in a stare. He matched it with his own and raised an eyebrow. Twilight suddenly smirked as she glanced at the young dragon.

"I think that would be a much better idea."

Spike looked at her in astonishment before smiling a genuine smile. He turned to Dean and gave a mock salute.

"Private Spike reporting, sir!" Dean chuckled and crouched down beside the young dragon. He gave Spike a pat on the head before standing up and walking over to Twilights desk. He noticed quite a few familiar drawings resting on the walls and edges of the table, but ignored them; his gaze was set on a specific device sitting facedown on the wooden surface.

Dean grabbed the tac-pad and flipped it over, his eyes widening at what he saw:

SHUTDOWN PROTOCOL IN EFFECT. TIME REMAINING: 12:01:15...14...13...

Dean quickly slammed his right hand thumb onto the screen, causing a light blue circle to illuminate around it. The device beeped once before the shutdown protocol warning disappeared entirely and was replaced by a dead battery symbol. Dean sighed and shook his head.

"I don't know what happened to it. I thought it had died and something had gone wrong, or I might've pressed a button I wasn't supposed to and caused that to happen. It was fine when I left the room for twenty minutes, but upon returning, it was sitting where I left it, but with that strange shutdown protocol. What exactly was that about?"

Dean sighed and turned to face Twilight. He slipped the tacpad into a pouch on his vest; he would recharge it once he got his armour funcional again.

"The shutdown protocol is a program that is meant to keep the tac-pad out of enemy hands. These things, when connected to the mainframe, hold vital information that could give the enemy an advantage on the battlefield. When the Orithian's showed up, the tac-pads were enhanced to force shutdown upon being touched by their genetics. If the protocol isn't stopped on time, then the device self-destructs with the power to level a small house. I don't know how it detected Orithian biology, but it must've been a malfunction. I would know if the alien bastards were here." Dean scowled and made his way to the door, only stopping when the Princess didn't follow.

"Y-You don't think any of them came here with you, right?" Dean saw the dear developing in her eyes and quickly stepped over to her. He crouched down and dragged the little purple Princess into a quick hug.

"They aren't, and even if they were, I wouldn't let them hurt you or anyone else here. It was my job to combat them, remember?" Dean pulled back and smiled, Twilight mimicked his look.

Standing up, Dean walked towards the door once more, but not before giving Spike another fist bump as he passed him.

"Dean."

Dean turned around, only to be jumped on for the second time that day. He wondered where the sudden affection came from within the lavender alicorn, but thought nothing of it. It was likely due to the friendly bond they had; after all, life and death situations tend to bring people very close together. That's probably what it was. Dean smiled and patted Twilight on the back before slowly setting her down. He noticed her pout slightly and patted her on the head just above her horn. Her small pout turned into her sitting on her haunches and crossing her forelegs as she looked away. Dean chuckled and opened the door.

"Come by tomorrow if you would like to watch the training, but it probably won't be all that exciting. And Spike," The dragon looked up at him, "come see me after training tomorrow, there's a few things I'd like to teach you."

Dean scratched Twilight behind the ears one more time, causing them each to flick and her to smile, before finally departing. The door slowly closed behind him as he made his way back to the barracks.

*****

Dean typed away on the holographic keypad of the fabricator. He had used similar technology before, but the whole concept of a touch sensitive hologram was still very new to him. At the moment, he was searching for a particular piece of classified technology.

"Exo...suit... crap, uh, RSTF... AHA!" Dean let out a cheer as he found a folder labelled under the RSTF. He quickly clicked on it and began scrolling through the various options. He saw medical records, biological engineering ingredients, weapon designs, and then his target: exo-suits.

Dean tapped on the folder, but instead of words, the hologram expanded into a full on diagram, one that made his stomach fill with butterflies and his heart to pound with excitement. What lay below him was something out of his greatest dreams, and an enemy's worst nightmares. The best part: he had all the materials required... except one.

His suit wouldn't just be getting fixed tomorrow... it would be getting a full on upgrade.

Dean dragged the cart full of materials towards the fabricator and dumped the contents beside the device. The fabricator had a short range suction that used a complex form of nanotechnology too complicated for Dean to understand, but if it worked, then it worked. Dean pressed the large blue button and gave a quick prayer in the hopes that this would work. He then quickly stalked over to his beloved exo-suit. The device had been with him for five years, and it had kept him alive throughout the war. He was hesitant, and he felt a pang of regret as he hefted the mighty machine in his grip and dragged it to the fabricator.

He took one more look at the device that had been like a second skin to him. His eyes passed over the scratches, marks, and burns that showed its use throughout the conflict. His hand reached up and slid across the alloy of metals; he only had one shot, and if he fucked up, then he would be fighting without armour.

Dean's eyes snapped open and his gaze hardened. It was a worthy sacrifice to make, and should it succeed, then the ones he was fighting for would be safe. The Elves wouldn't be able to stop him, that asshat of a unicorn wouldn't be able to stop him. Dean was well aware that she was the one who shot at him and melted the back of his armour, and he vowed to never let that happen again. In the end, nothing but good could come from what he was about to do.

Dean dropped the armour in front of the fabricator and turned without a second glance. In exactly ten hours, he would find out if the choice he made was right. Dean made his way to his bed and layed down. The second his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.

The Fabricator whirred as it created the single most advanced piece of technology the world had ever seen...

April Fools Interlude: Morning Madness

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A beam of sunlight cut through a crack in the blinds and caused a certain Human to groan in discomfort. He slowly turned over, being sure to snuggle up tighter into his thick blankets. Dean cracked a smile as a wing slowly extended to rest on his body. The feathers were ultra soft, and he reached over to stroke the appendage. Twilight always liked when he played with her feathers, especially when...

Dean's eyes snapped open, something was wrong. He heard a shuffle in the corner of his room, along with what sounded like a muffled whisper. Dean's eyes hardened as he kept his breathing even. The attacker couldn't know that he was officially awake and hyper-alert. He glanced beside him, checking if his marefriend was still asleep, but he was having a hard time seeing her for some reason. It wasn't too dark within the bedroom of the library, and with his enhanced eyesight, he should have been able to see her just fine. He glanced down at the wing overtop of him once more, but instead of a soft lavender, he was met with a pale white.

The mumbling intensified, and Dean came to a conclusion. Ignoring his failing eyesight, he tensed his legs and arms, getting ready to spring upon his attacker. He judged them to be roughly three feet to the left, and four feet up... likely on the windowsill.

The chirping continued outside, and Dean's face fell into a shadow.

Within a second and a half, he was up and throwing off the sheets, the pony in his bed giving a loud yelp of surprise. Time slowed down, and Dean was able to make out a shadowy figure against the blinds covering the window. He could see them slowly tensing and getting ready to spring away, but he wasn't having any of it.

With reflexes faster than a cheetah, Dean launched forward and ripped the blinds from their perch before ensnaring the attacker in the window. The pony let out an undignified squawk of surprise before beginning to struggle in her bounds. Her grunts of exertion and flailing limbs provided some challenge for Dean to keep the intruder wrapped up; he grunted as he lifted the bugger into the air.

"H-hey, hey! What gives!" The trademark and raspy voice was easily discernible, causing the Human to scowl. He stalked around his bed and quickly snatched up the second pegasus, who was caught in the sheets. Both began to struggle, with the former putting up the most fight. The other pony tried squirming away, but he knew it was a lost cause. Dean's grip around his barrel was like iron, and he did not seem keen on relenting. He gave off a knicker of protest, as his forehead glanced off the doorframe.

"Damnit, Dean!" Swift Spear growled out as he momentarily went limp. "Why do you do this?"

Dean looked down and raised an eyebrow at the starch white Pony. The one in his left arm had gone silent and stopped her struggles.

"When you are constantly getting pranked by two hyperactive pegasi, fending off the attacks becomes like second nature. If I embarrass you enough, then maybe you'll think better of doing it." Dean felt the pegasus in his left arm wriggle before popping her rainbow coloured mane out of the curtain. Her eyes bore holes into the side of Dean's head with enough intensity to melt titanium. Dean was unfazed.

Rainbow Dash, the queen of pranks, the speed demon of Equestria, pouted as she tried to wriggle her legs free, only to end up failing.

"Like seriously, I didn't know you were into binding?" Rainbow smirked as Dean blanched. Dean dodges bookshelves and the occasional beanbag; no one was in the library at this hour so it was easy enough to manoeuvre with his long legs. The clatter of pots caught Dean's attention, followed by a certain Alicorn poking her head through the kitchen entryway. Her eyes held a curious glint, but upon seeing Dean, her muzzle curled into a cute smile. Twilight abandoned her work in the kitchen and trotted up to Dean's side, ignoring the two pegasi in his vise-like grip.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" She chirped as she skipped along beside him. Swift tried to wriggle free once more, but Dean tucked him under his arm in order to free up a hand. Said hand found its way to Twilight, who quickly nuzzled it with a cheek. Dean scratched behind her ear momentarily before moving Swift back into his grip. The Alicorn pouted slightly as his hand retracted.

"Those little scratches you do never seem long enough!" She smiled and finally glanced at her two other friends. "Maybe you two should come here for the scratching treatment instead of trying to prank my poor coltfriend." She smiled as Rainbow groaned.

"Not you too, Twi! It's all in good fun-- hmph!"

Rainbow was silenced as Dean set her face down on the couch, causing the mare to get a mouth full of cushion. Next was Swift, who was looking at Dean with horror.

"Don't you d--"

Quick as a snake, Dean unravelled Rainbow Dash and quickly slid Swift in beside her before she realised what was happening. Swift Spear tried to flap his wings, but Dean's speed was unparalleled as the curtain was quickly wrapped around the two once more and tied off.

"Hey, Twi?" Dean heard Twilight hum in acknowledgement behind him. He smiled cruelly as a malicious thought came to his mind. "What day is it today?"

He heard Twilight tap a hoof on the floor before she answered him.

"It's Friday I believe, why?"

Dean's smile widened, but it didn't really reach his eyes. Swift , who was blushing heavily, saw his look, causing his ears to fold back. He tried to shift out, but he accidently pushed against Rainbow, who blushed redder than a tomato.

"O-okay Dean, you got us, can you unwrap the curtain now!" Her voice seemed strange, and Dean could see a slight protrusion where Rainbow's wings would be located under the curtain. He looked at the position he put Swift in and internally smirked. He hadn't meant to do it, but Swift's body was facing the rear of Rainbows. After a moment of silence Dean answered Twilight.

"Well, I think I have some garbage to take out." He glanced at the clock and chuckled. "Perfect timing."

Dean grabbed the bundle of ponies in his arms and made a beeline for the door. Quickly swinging it open, Dean was greeted by the sound of tires screeching to a halt.

An Elven made vehicle slowly came to a halt as its magical core powered down. The machine resembled a prototype build made by the Flim-Flam brothers, albeit much smaller. It towed behind it a large metal dumpster half full of garbage. Even though ponyville was still a largely nature oriented city, the layout had been... revolutionised in a way. The Elves had expanded the city drastically and made it into an industrial district for much of the war. After the fighting stopped, and the Elven occupation left, the ponies didn't know what to do with the new technologies. Dean had come forward and suggested they use the Elven machines for everyday use by repurposing it. He got the help of Flim and Flam and they used the Elven machines to create various other automobiles. The first was a tram car of sorts that ran throughout the city, and they only continued to improve from there. The best part about it: there was no carbon dioxide pollution!

Dean slowly walked up to the garbage pony, who was staring at him in bemused shock. Dean hefted the two pegasi up, both of which were trying to bribe him into letting them go free. Dean could not be swayed as he climbed up onto the back of the dumpster and looked inside. There was nothing overly dangerous within, other than a few smelly and likely hazardous clothes. Dean looked at the two ponies in his arms and smiled.

"Welp, seems that I got a good amount of trash for you, Mush." He turned to the garbage pony, who was still looking at him in shock. Dean shook his head and smirked at the two pegasi. They had gone silent and only stared intently at him with pleading, puppy dog eyes. Dean found his will failing, and his desire for revenge slowly crumbling. The sheer ferocity of the puppy look hit him at full force. The teary eyes, the quivering lips, and with the two in a bundle, they looked positively adorable.

Then the look suddenly failed. Dean the soldier came forth and his gaze hardened. His stern look caused the ponies to try and intensify their looks to seem like they were on the verge of crying, but the remorse within Dean had been crushed.

With a snort, he let go of the bundle of Pegasi. He relished in their momentary screams of fear as they fell several feet into the soft, garbage bag filled floor of the dumpster. Dean hopped off the metal contraption as their yelling and pleading for a way out intensified; he ignored it in favour of the garbage pony, whose look hadn't shifted.

"What?" Dean asked, crossing his arms. He felt a light breeze tickle his bare chest, causin a few goosebumps to form. His equally bare feet shuffled slightly on the rock path and his naked legs...

Naked.

Dean immediately blushed and quickly walked back towards the tree house with an uptight form. Ponies along the road had stopped to observe his little display, and he felt their eyes on his nearly hairless form and massive build. He heard the garbage pony shuffle awkwardly towards the machine, and by the time he was back inside the tree house, the garbage pony had left, and the spectators went on their way.

Dean shut the door behind him, closed his eyes, and breathed a sigh of relief. The sudden smell of breakfast suddenly slammed into his nostrils, causing him to smile. Dean breathed once, opened his eyes, stepped forward...

....and promptly found himself hanging eight feet in the air by one foot.

Dean let out an undignified yelp as he felt himself get yanked back and then up into the air, the top of his head missing the floorboards by a hair's breadth. Panic overwhelmed Dean as a sense of vertigo and disorientation overtook him. Was he being attacked? Did someone get in the library?

Dean spun slightly and came face to face with a light blue cannon of some kind, its fuse at the top alight and rapidly burning to its base. His eyes went wide, he knew there was nothing he could do, there wasn't enough time.

With only a second to spare, Dean covered his face with his massive arms. His bones and muscle structure had grown ridiculously powerful due to the augmentations. He doubted he could stop a cannonball, but it was worth a shot.

'So this is how it ends, huh? I fought two wars, survived both, and now I'm strung up like a turkey and about to be blown to pieces.'

And then the ammunition was launched with a tremendous explosion. Dean's life flashed before his eyes, and he squeezed them shut.

Nothing happened. Literally nothing.

Dean felt a strong gust of air blow his hair wildly and cause his cheeks to flap noisily. He felt something soft rush past him as a tremendous boom rocked his ear drums. Dean didn't know what to do, so he kept his arms over his face, the ringing in his ears slowly beginning to fade.

After a moment, he slowly let his arms drop. Blood was rushing to his head and he could feel a bit of pressure behind his eyes. His legs felt a little numb as he took in the scene before him. In his dumbstruck state, his embarrassment of being nearly naked fled him completely.

Gone was the cannon, replaced entirely by five familiar ponies and a dragon. All of Twilight's friends minus Rainbow stood right-side-up before him, their smiles and chuckles of mirth causing him to grumble in agitation. He caught Twilight's eyes and glared at her; she chuckled and stepped forward.

"April fools!"

All thought suddenly left Dean's mind as he tried to comprehend what the lavender Alicorn had just said. There was no way for her to know what April Fools was, seeing as it was a Human tradition. He had actually gone through all of Equestria's holidays and events and couldn't remember ever seeing the day of tricks even mentioned there. Pinkie's Pinkie-sense couldn't have done it either, for it didn't tell her exactly what was going to happen in the near future.

Dean's eyes swivelled to his armour stand in the corner of the room. His eyes narrowed as he realised something:

His tac-pad was missing.

"Looking for this?" Twilight asked mischievously as she waved the device past his face in her telekinetic glow. She flicked her hoof out of her mane as she sat right in front of him. Her friends were trying to hold their chuckles in, and Spike even had to turn his back as Twilight booped Dean's nose with a hoof. He didn't retaliate and instead crossed his arms.

"How did you manage... this?" He waved his arms around at the assembled group. "I was gone for five minutes."

It was Pinkie Pie who came forward instead; she began bouncing in circles around him as she recited their grand scheme.

"Well, we had Twilight put a silence spell on your door so you wouldn't hear us all come in. Then, we all hid in very inconspicuous areas while Rainbow and Midnight went up to your room. She wasn't initially supposed to go, but she wanted to see your reaction. Anyway, we hadn't really anticipated you going and throwing them into a garbage machine, but it gave us that much more time to prepare. I called up the Guardian and he gave me the idea of a booby-trap. So, instead of of just the party cannon, we also strung you up!" Pinkie finished her triad with a bright smile as she moved back into line with the others. Dean was too shocked to actually say anything at the moment.

For some reason, Pinkie was able to communicate with the Guardian even across the different Universes'. Maybe that is why he occasionally saw her having a conversation at the wall, or simply talking to thin air? Whatever the case, the ponies had definitely gotten him. Twilight must have seen April Fools marked on his calendar; something he had completely forgotten to check within the last three weeks. It wasn't just Friday, no, it was Friday April, first. He mentally slapped himself in the head.

By doing so, he brought on a mischievous thought.

"Twilight." She looked at him and cocked her head to the side. The smile was still on her face as she inched closer.

"Yes, Dean?" She smirked, clearly enjoying his uncomfortable position. Dean smiled internally, he had just the plan.

"So, you were the one that organised this," she nodded, her ear flicked lightly, "and you had obviously been planning this for a few days?" She nodded again. Dean smiled outwardly this time, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Ten."

Twilight raised an eyebrow and smiled , although with uncertainty.

"What do you mean by--"

"Nine." Dean a bowl with pencils, eraser, and most importantly, scissors. His smile grew.

Applejack stepped forward, a smile of her own decorating her muzzle. Fluttershy and Rarity slowly backed away from the scene while Pinkie and Spike shared knowing looks. The only one who still wore confusion was Twilight.

"Dean, I still don't know--"

"Eight." Applejack trotted forward and tapped Twilight on the shoulder.

"Seven."

"Uh, Twi..."

"Six."

"Yes AJ?"

"Five."

"I don't know about you, but--"

"Four."

"I don't understand why he's counting down, all I did was...." Her face scrunched as she tried to think.

"Three."

"Twi, I'd git' goin' if I were you." Apple Jack stepped out of the way as Dean tensed.

"Two."

"What do you mean, I don't under...stand." Her back went rigid and her eyes went impossibly wide. Twilight's wings poofed out and she took a step back. "Dean wait, lets ta--"

"One."

Dean launched to the side, grabbed the scissors, and sliced through the rope with impossible precision and strength. Within less than a second, he was tumbling to the floor, tossing the scissors to the side in the process. Twilight yelped and jumped back as Dean tucked into a role and recovered to his feet. His eyes quickly found Twilights, causing her to freeze. A feral grin smeared his features as he began to stalk forward.

This provoked some action, and the lavender Princess took off like a shot. Dean wasn't one to be beaten and went from standing still to a controlled sprint in under a second. He nearly grabbed the princess right off the bat, but she nimbly danced to the side and out of his reach. He skidded to a halt and turned on a dime, already in hot pursuit of his target.

Twilight gave a squeal of surprise as Dean suddenly vaulted through the air and landed in front of her, cutting off her escape through the back door. She didn't have any room behind her or to the left, but to her right was the staircase. Just as Dean lunged, she bolted toward the right and barely missed his outstretched hand. She eeped as his finger brushed the tips of her wings.

Twilight raced up the stairs at mach one and jumped onto her bed. If she could lure the Human towards her, then she might be able to use her wings to her advantage and glide over him.

Speaking of the devil and he shall appear, Dean came flying up the stairs, but instead of charging her like she expected, he came to a grinding halt a few feet from her bed. She crouched down and prepared herself; her breaths were becoming slightly ragged from all the running, but she knew she could keep going.

"Might as well give up now, Sparklebutt." Dean slowly shuffled forward with crouched legs and ready arms. Twilight couldn't help but examine his well toned body. His perfect abs and large pecs caused her to blush and her wings to stiffen. She tried to calm herself down, for she couldn't fly with stiff wings, but it didn't seem to work. Dean seemed to realise this and bum-rushed her.

Twilight gave a squeal of surprise as she was scooped up in his massive arms and flattened into the soft mattress of her bed. The sheets were messy and out of order, and only proceeded to tangle around her as she tried to escape. Dean wasn't having any of it as he began one of the worst punishments known to man or ponykind: Tickling.

His many digits began to poke, prod, and irritate all around her body, causing her to fall into a hapless mess of giggles and snorts. Her eyes shut tight as she rolled around underneath the Human, but she wasn't able to get away. Her hind legs kicked out and squirmed around as she laughed, which only served to encourage Dean to go harder.

It wasn't until his fingers, deliberately or not, passed over the base of her wings and down her side. She let out a quiet moan in between giggles and her wings became stiff like arrows. She noticed Dean had begun to relax on the handwork and opened her eyes to look up into his. His face was inches away, and she could feel his breath on her nose. She giggled and her ear flicked as she leaned forward and closed her eyes.

As their lips locked, Twilight's horn lit up and her magic encircled the open door. Said door slowly swung shut as Dean got his revenge on the purple pony princess, and started the day off right.

Chapter 32: Training Begins

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"Crystal Shine, reporting!"

"Ember Pearl, reporting!"

"Scarlet Map, reporting!"

The line of ponies all snapped a salute as the Captain passed them by. The small force of guards had been mustered by Spitfire and Midnight at the crack of dawn and called to attention in the training field. The sun was just starting to creep over the horizon, its light painting the sky in a red hue and signifying a storm to come.

Shining Armour finally got to the end of the line and about faced with a clack of his hooves. The guards followed him with their eyes he trotted towards the training grounds entrance before stopping not ten feet from it. The bell tower in town clanged seven times, and on the seventh toll, a bipedal figure appeared in the entryway like a wraith.

A few guards gulped, a few pinned their ears on their heads, but a few perked up and smiled. The Demon in metal was easily recognizable as he slowly walked into view, but as he came closer, something appeared off. He looked bulkier, and as he walked into the yard, the ponies could tell why.

A green and gray metal helmet sat upon his head, its design was sleek and had odd , symmetrical protrusions. On the side, a small, boxy device sat. The device was a flashlight and infrared sensor built to be compact and accessible via the neurolink inside the superhuman. Looking down, the ponies now realized that they could no longer see the Demon's pale, featureless face. Where eyes, mouth and teeth used to be, a dark gray and tinted visor angled in downwards in a triangular form. Its metallic gray surroundings made the Demon seem robotic and alien.

Underneath the terrifying helmet, the ponies could see various pieces of metals and alloys making up the bulk of his armor. Not an inch of skin was visible, and what sections weren't covered in armor were overlaid by a thick, forest green fabric of some kind. A metal and oddly twisting chest piece was firmly placed over the Demon's body, the portion near the neck being the thickest. Various pouches lined the front, and gray, woven armor seemed to outline the Demon's abs. Metallic limbs mimicked the Human's own and interconnected with the alloy like armor. All but the insides of his arms were covered in armor with sleek and durable design. On his hands, armored gloves outlined each and every finger, and a black mirror device was attached to a clamp just above the wrist. On his waist, the Demon wore a thick, tactical belt filled to the brim with various pieces of equipment. His P23 Equalizer sat upon his right hip and was firmly locked in place while the SCAR-H was clamped magnetically to his back. The Demon's legs were covered with plates of strange metal, but certain areas remained exposed in order to give mobility. But from the shin's downwards, he was entirely encased in armor, and if one were to look closely, they would notice only the slightest of gaps between the leg guards and steel toe boots.

All in all, what walked into the training yard was not a human. It was closer to an alien or a robot, but none of the guards voiced this; they were too scared. The ones who had heard his speech grew nervous, the ones who did not grew fearful. A dark cloud seemed to descend and the entire guard branch seemed to hold its breath.

Shining Armor gulped and shakily saluted the thing before him. He knew it was Dean under all that armor, but he was still intimidated beyond belief. If the first set he had worn had been scary, this new armor was downright terrifying. Towering over the ponies at nearly sixteen hooves (eight feet), the Human looked like a literal behemoth.

The Sergeant stopped a few feet from Shining and slowly reached up. A hiss emanated from right beneath the helmet and Shining swore he saw small puffs of air expel outwards. The helmet was slowly removed, revealing Dean's hardened expression. Tucking the helmet under his arm, Dean gave a crisp salute. The two soldiers dropped their salutes at the exact same time.

"I see you've gotten an upgrade, Sergeant." Shining looked over the metal armor and intimidating helmet. He noticed Dean give a subtle smirk and a nod.

"Indeed I did. Turns out that the old armor I wore was considered outdated by this point. I don't know how the fabricator figured that out, but I'll take the upgrade. This suit gives me more speed, mobility, agility, strength, and tactical precision. It also provides stronger and more effective armouring.

Shining nodded before gesturing to the recruits aligned on the field. He had grown used to Dean's Human technology by this point, even though he didn't understand how it worked.

"This here is roughly half the guard force. The other half is on duty at the moment, so you'll need to switch between them depending on their schedules. Think you can do it?" Shining looked up at Dean, who raised an eyebrow.

"Please, it'll be a cake walk... at least for me. I intend to put your troops through rigorous training in both the body and mind. You are welcome to watch if you would like to learn something, but I understand that being a captain as well as a Prince holds lots of responsibilities." Dean slowly walked down the line with a critical eye. More than a few ponies puffed out their chests, while a few shied away. He figured that some of them would see him as similar to the Dark Elves, being bipedal. There wasn't much he could do to change that other than gaining their trust.

"Guards of Maritime Bay, liberators of Equestria!" Dean made sure to use the title he gave them during his previous speech. "You are here, at this moment, because you are in desperate need of help. For the last two years, you have been fighting a losing battle against a technologically and numerically superior enemy. Today marks the day where you learn how to fight back. I am going to be honest with you, the training will not be easy, nor will it be fun, but in the end, I can assure you, it'll be worth it." Dean's voice carried easily across the yard as he slowly turned and paced back the way he came.

"I will train you in the art of modern warfare. Whatever knowledge you had on combat prior to today, is now obsolete. The Elves are years ahead of your current state, but I will bring you decades ahead of them!"

Dean heard a few mumbles spread through the crowd. He felt Shining Armor's eyes on the back of his head, but continued anyway. Raising his eyes slightly, Dean noticed a number of civilians and on duty guards watching from the fort ramparts.

"We will start with a quick conditioning exercise. Line up at the obstacle course and await my command. You have twenty minutes in total to complete the course. Those that make it through, you will complete one hundred pushups and one hundred crunches in the main yard. After that, you will wait beside the track until everyone is ready. I will explain the next exercise once there.

The ponies all looked at him as he went silent. A cool breeze blew in from the ocean, and Dean scowled.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WAITING FOR, GET GOING!" His roar spurred the guards into action, and they took off at a dead sprint towards the obstacle course. Dean sighed as he turned to Shining.

"Your soldiers are unmotivated. Probably has to do with them being in hiding for the last two years." Dean began to walk after the guards, the Prince at his heels. The equines were starting their course, but it almost seemed half hearted and sloppy. Dean wondered how he would fix that.

"It's been all about survival for the last two years. With the invisibility generators, we have only needed our best troops to go out and about in order to fight or cause chaos. This late in the game, everypony believes we are on the verge of defeat. What you did in Ravenford brought a bit of hope back, but we are going to need to win a lot more if morale is to ever be raised." They stopped at the obstacle course and Dean crossed his arms. The ponies seemed to notice his and the Captains presence and picked up their pace ever so slightly, but it was still too slow in Dean's mind.

"I intend to win the next few battles against the Dark Elves, but I'll need help if I want to succeed. The team I have now will set out with me at the end of the week and we will raid another town. I have an end goal here and I intend to finish this war as soon as possible so I can return home." Dean didn't notice Shining gave him a confused glance before his face switched back into a professional mask.

"And what about Twilight?" Shining winced as a unicorn stallion tripped over a rock and face planted into a log pillar. Another guard helped him up before they both continued through the course. Dean looked at his watch, then towards the sun and squinted. He mumbled something incoherent and shook his head.

"What about her? I would consider her a good friend in this new world, and I will protect her with my life if it comes to it. But if you are wondering if I will stay for her, then you would be mistaken. I have a family back home and a country to protect."

The world blurred for a moment and Dean blinked. He felt eyes on him and quickly looked around for the perpetrator. He scanned the stone buildings off to his left, then the city to his right. The last spot he looked was directly ahead of him, and for the briefest moments, he saw two familiar bipedal silhouettes. Dean took a step back and blinked once more.

"Sergeant?" Dean looked down and noticed the Captain trying to get his attention. Dean stared back stupidly with confusion.

"Y-Yes Captain?" Dean slowly straightened his posture and slowly looked towards the cliff. He started to sweat and his eyes darted around rapidly, but he saw nothing.

"You seemed out of it there for a second; are you alright?" Shining's look bled concern, causing Dean's features to go ridgid.

"I'm fine. Let's focus on the trainees. I want to start lessons right after this, so I need your help to spur them on."

Shining Armor watched as Dean stalked towards the course with a mighty scowl. A Pegasus had just used his wings to hop over the climbing wall, and the Human wasn't having any of it.

"YOU!" Dean's shout caused all the guards to look towards him, but upon seeing the stallion he was addressing, he continued as if nothing had happened. The pegasus Dean was yelling at stopped and saluted. His salute soon found him on the ground as Dean swiped his one free leg out from under him. The stallion fell to the ground with a yelp.

"GIVE ME TWENTY PUSH UPS, RIGHT NOW!" Dean screamed into the stallion's face, causing him to shy away in fear. The other recruits looked at him in horror, but he ignored them. His focus was on the whimpering pony beneath him.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID I SAY, GUARD!" Dean prodded the pony with a finger. "YOU CHEATED BY USING YOUR WINGS, AND NOW, YOU'LL GIVE ME TWENTY GOD' DAMN PUSH UPS!" Spittle flew from Dean's mouth and the pony moved into action. His body stretched out and his front legs lifted up. This variation of the push up was very similar to that of a human's with the hind legs stretched out and the hooves planted on the ground. The pony began his pushups, but on the fifteenth, his legs became wobbly.

"COMMON SOLDIER, KEEP IT GOING! FIVE MORE! GET YOUR ASS MOVING!!" Dean continued to scream at the pony. If they couldn't take a verbal lashing, then they wouldn't be fit for fighting. Being creatures of prey, and him being a predator, probably caused the fear and lack of will in the first place. Dean intended to change that.

Finally, the stallion completed his push ups and slowly got to his feet. Dean didn't like that, so he began screaming again.

"GO, GO, GO! GET YOUR ASS IN GEAR!" The pony found the energy to move and took off like a shot. After that little experience, not once did he use his wings throughout the rest of the course.

*****

Ten minutes later...

"GET A MOVE ON YOU FUCKING DICKWIPE!" Dean screamed at a unicorn mare who was crawling under the logs. She was covered head to foot in mud and her movements were sluggish. She was the last pony on the course, and the other trainees were in the middle of their conditioning. He had no idea how she had lagged behind so much, but he would not let her get a break as he chased her through the course.

The mare hurried at a rapid pace, but this resulted in a lack of attention. Her horn bumped a log just above her, causing her neck to bounce backwards painfully. Still, she carried on.

Dean could see in her eyes that she was tired. The amount of running she had to go through was taking its toll. Dean realized that the ponies were far more out of shape than he had anticipated, and it angered him. If they wanted to win, then they would need endurance. Of course, there were the odd few who went above and beyond his expectations, but they were far and few between.

The pony was now at the wall, having used a huge amount of energy focusing on crossing the balance beam. She teetered slightly before shuffling forward once more. Upon coming to the end, she cantered towards the vertical climbing wall.

"MOVE IT, GET YOUR FUCKING ASS IN GEAR!!" Dean bellowed at the pony. This seemed to spur her into action and she began racing up the vertical wall. Surprisingly enough, she was able to get to the top in just under five seconds. Dean watched as the pony squinted, shuffled, crouched, and then flew through the air. Time slowed down, and Dean calculated the angle of her impact before it happened. He wasn't fast enough.

Snap!

The pony wailed in pain as her leg broke from the landing. Dean was afraid something like this would happen. If the pony didn't have the proper balance, focus, and depth perception, then accidents would certainly occur. Couple that with being dead tired, and you make a recipe for disaster. Dean had seen it while observing a few army recruits training. The young lad was laden down with his pack, and he had to jump down a small cliff. His drowsiness caused him to stumble and dislocate his ankle on a tree root.

Dean was about to move in to help, when something amazing happened.

Two ponies, one pegasi and one Earth pony, sprinted on to the either side of the unicorn. The mare whimpered as her compatriots lifted her onto their backs and began a brisk trot towards the finish line. Dean looked down at his tac-pad and found that much to his surprise, the time remaining for the course was almost over. Had anyone failed outside the time limit, he would have made them run till they collapsed. Obviously, the mare wouldn't be able to do that, but it was definitely a sight to see as her two compatriots helped her towards the finish.

He looked up again and saw one of the ponies stumble slightly from the weight of the pony, and two sets of armor. A third pony suddenly rushed in and took the Pegasi’s place and continued where they had left off.

At long last, they made it over the finish line, and Dean blew his whistle.

All eyes turned towards him with a variety of emotions. Some were exhausted, others looked ready to go. Dean glanced down at his tac-pad once more and checked the actual time. It read twelve forty five; lunch time.

"Alright you lot. That was a solid effort. You get twenty minutes for lunch, and then I will teach you a lecture for exactly one hour before the next group comes in. Dismissed."

He didn't bother seeing if they had finished the push ups and walked towards a large tent that had been set up. He spotted Shining talking to General Blight, and the discussion seemed heated. As he approached, his ears picked up the words of their conversation.

"And I'm telling you, General, we need to learn these new tactics. The Elves have us beat in most regards, but imagine if we were taught how to fight back properly!" Blight's eyes narrowed as his words came out with a growl.

"And I'm telling you Captain, we do not have the pony-power to be able to fight an extended war! Sooner or later, the Elves will find us and we will need every available soldier in order to defend while everypony escapes! I was able to get in touch with a Griffon ambassador the other day, and if we ever get in trouble, then they will send ships to transport our people to a safer area. They are the only ones still fighting the Dark Elves, and so our hope lies in their victory." Shining snorted and was about to continue when Dean interrupted.

"But what if you struck at the heart of the Elven Empire and took down their leader?"

Both sets of eyes turned towards him; one with astonishment, the other with suspicion.

"And how would we do that, hm? Canterlot castle was a stronghold of epic proportions before the Elves took over, and with their modern technology, they've likely made it nigh impregnable." Blight's tail swished in agitation.

"I actually used to specialize in taking down enemy leaders. Where I'm from, my people were outmatched in most aspects. But once we made my group, the RSTF, we were able to even the playing field. We trained in espionage, hand to hand, stealth, and so much more. We figured that if we couldn't simply stop the enemy's overwhelming numbers, then we would have to put them into a state of disarray. I got sucked here before we could start a mission against their top leader, but I guarantee that if it had happened, then we would have succeeded. I just need my group, a few select pieces of equipment, and we will be able to infiltrate the capitol." Dean crossed his arms as lines of guards made their way to the cafeteria to get food. A quick glance at his tac-pad showed they had fifteen minutes left.

"A frontal assault wont work, we need to draw their forces away from the Emperor. They have a small army stationed there." Dean was surprised to hear Shining speak against his plan, but his shock only showed for a second.

"I'm certain I would be able to--" Dean was cut off as Shining held up a hoof.

"Think for a second. Canterlot is filled with the best magic users in the Dark Elven Empire. The Emperor himself has power beyond imagination. Maybe you wouldn't get hurt, the ponies under your command definitely would. The main bulk of the Elven Army is fighting the Griffon Empire, so if we attacked multiple areas now, then we would force them to spread their forces. More forces being spread out means more forces leaving Canterlot. Less Elves in Canterlot means a higher survivability rate. I say we attack a few places, free the ponies there, and force the Emperor's hand."

Dean and Blight were silent as they took in Shining's words. On one hand, it would extend Dean's time on this planet, but on the other, that tactic would certainly give them a better advantage should it work. The more Dean thought about it, the more he realized that it was the right choice. He glanced at Blight, and saw that the stallion had likely come to the same conclusion.

"Alright, Captain. Your plan is sound. I'm sure that the Sergeant agrees as well. However, we still don't stand a chance against the Elves!" Blight turned towards Dean now.

"I know that you possess vast knowledge in the art of war, but with our outdated technology, I seriously doubt we would stand a chance against the Dark Elves."

Dean rubbed his chin for a moment. His helmet was attached to a strap on his waist in order to keep it out of the way.

"That depends on how the Elves fight. What are some of their more notable tactics?" Dean watched as the two leaders thought for a moment.

"Well, they use a devastating technique that creates death on an untold scale. Their soldier's line up in a long line several Elves thick and shoot volley after volley of magic towards their enemy. Our own tactics have focused primarily on charging head on and using defensive shields to keep attacks at bay, but their light spears are too strong. If only--" General blight was cut off as Dean started giggling. The giggle soon turned into a chuckle, and the General's ears folded slightly in agitation. "What is so humorous, Sergeant?" He growled.

"S-So, what you are saying, is that the Elves create a firing line?!" Dean sneered at the thought. Oh, this was just getting better and better. General Blight's face was priceless.

"Unless it is a unique circumstance, then yes, that is their main offensive tactic." Dean suddenly broke into laughter and nearly doubled over. Now it was Shining's turn to get slightly angry.

"Sergeant, many ponies died at the hands of the Dark Elves ! What could be so funny about this?" Dean stopped his laugh, but the odd chuckle still escaped.

"I'm sorry, that was disrespectful of me. The ponies that fought them were brave. What I find funny however is the similarities between this world and my own." Dean looked down and shuffled his feet slightly. A bit of dirt had accumulated on his lower half, but that was to be expected from running so much. He'd clean it when he got back to the barracks.

"So you have decent enough knowledge on how to counter them? If your people fight the way that they do, then we could develop a way to combat it!" General Blight scratched his chin with a hoof. Dean raised his eyes once more and raised an eyebrow.

"Actually, General, my people don't use that tactic. We developed new and better ones." He saw Shining cock his head in confusion, so he continued to illiterate. "The year in my world was around twenty thirty. The tactics that the Elves use right now dates back to around eighteen fifty. Nearly two centuries difference." Dean saw the ponies mouths open in shock at his statement. Shining was the first to recover.

"Y-You're saying that you've moved past such tactics one hundred and seventy-seven years ago?!" Shining began pacing. "No wonder your technology is so advanced. You must have created tactics to counter such formations a long time ago. How do you do it now? Explosive magic? Artillery?" Shining's eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect of new ways to wage war.

"It started with the repeating discharge weapon, a weapon called a machine gun. It was able to mow down infantry within seconds and could be wielded by one man." Dean saw their eyes light up in shock and awe. The General snapped out of his state and shook his head. His hoof raised shakily and pointed at the SCAR-H on Dean's back.

"Is... is that a machine gun that you speak of?" he cocked his head to the side.

"This is an assault rifle. It is similar to a machine gun, but doesn't hold as many--" Dean suddenly found himself with a pony clinging to his armored chest. Looking down in confusion, Dean noticed the General was glaring into his very soul.

"Sergeant, I need you to make these weapons for the guard."

Dean frowned and grabbed the pony by the scruff of his uniform. He wriggled around for a second before being gently set on the ground. The Human proceeded to cross his arms as he thought on the General's words. He had originally thought of such a possibility, but even with such advantages, it still posed a risk. If a rifle-pony died, then the Elves had a chance to capture a weapon. He was lucky that they never found his equipment in the cave, and if the Elves were to start mass producing rifles, it could be disastrous.

'But, what if they won't use them?'

Dean rubbed his chin. The Elves used their own ranged weapons in combat. In the raid on Ravenford, he had seen various interesting pieces of technology. The first were the light rifles, which seemed to use a person's magic in order to work. He had tried testing a captured spear just the other day, but it didn't work for him in the slightest. The next were those strange flying Asgard boats, one of which he blew up. There were likely other pieces of technology, and at one point he swore he had seen some sort of car, but he needed more information before he made any plans.

"I will consider it, General. It isn't easy to make a rifle, but I will do my best tonight to try and make a prototype of some sort. I'll need more raw materials if that is the case." Dean saw Shining's ears flick slightly.

"I will get those for you at the end of the day, Sergeant." Dean nodded as Shining smiled. A glint caught Dean's eye, and he looked down at his tac-pad. He was five minutes past the twenty mark, and it seemed that the trainees had not yet finished. He sneered as he saluted the two superior officers.

"I'll see what I can do, but if you'll excuse me, I have some soldier's to train." Dean about faced and began marching towards the cafeteria, a mask of rage covering his face.

Shining winced as Dean's voice boomed across the yard and caused a few birds to take flight. The recruits scrambled to get into formation as the Human screamed at them to move towards the barracks. Shining sighed and faced General Blight once more. Before he could say anything, Blight beat him to the punch.

"We need those weapons, Captain. The Elves have the advantage, but imagine the possibilities if we upgraded the military hundreds of years past their own!" Blight smiled brightly as Shining frowned.

"We can't rush things, general. It takes years to make the perfect soldier, and ours are very out of practice. I have no doubt that the Sergeant will whip them back into shape, but we need to wait for him to present suggestions. I trust the Sergeant, and if he says he needs to think on it, then he needs to think on it."

The General grumbled and stomped his hoof.

"We need this done soon. If the Dark Elves find us before we are ready, then we won't stand a chance. Our only help will come from the Griffons!" Shining groaned as the conversation came full circle once more.

*****

As the two debated, they failed to notice a certain fuschia coloured unicorn spying on them from the bushes. A certain earth pony, Sugar Belle, sat beside her.

"This is a threat to my leadership. If the Human continues to train the guards like this, then we will surely fall to the Elves." Sugar Belle's ears pinned to the side of her head as she thought of the implications.

"That's not good at all! How do we stop him?" She looked at her leader who wore a similar cutie mark as her. Starlight still had her hoof covered by gauze, but her magic was slowly recuperating enough to cover the exposed chitin. In another day or so, she'd be as good as new.

"Well, we can't at the moment, he holds too much sway. If we can get the ponies of the city to lose their trust in him, then maybe, just maybe, we could dispose of him." Starlight pulled a list out of her saddle bags and handed it to Sugar Belle. "Here are all the guards who are on our side."

Sugar Belle analyzed the list, her eyes darting across the pages at a rapid pace. Her tail swished as she read a pitiful amount of names listed before her.

"Starlight, I'm not sure this will be enough, I--" Starlight held a hoof to Sugar Belles mouth, shushing her instantly.

"We will get more in time, not to worry." Her eyes glinted green for a split second, and Sugar Belle felt a wave of drowsiness. She blinked once, and saw Starlight light her horn.

"W-what's going o--" She was cut off a second time as a thin beam of green magic pierced right between her eyes. Her drowsiness faded and her focus returned. Her ear twitched as she looked back at the list and smiled.

"You know what's best, counselor!" She whispered in a chippy tone. Starlight smiled as the earth pony kept going through the list. That had been a close call, and she couldn't afford to have any of the ponies break her influence. That damn Human was sending her focus every which way, and if she didn't dispose of him soon, then she would have a genuine problem on her hands. She also didn't have access to dragonfire, and the Emperor had yet to get back to her with orders. A gut feeling was telling her to wait a little bit longer... that something big was going to happen and an opportunity was to present itself.

With that in mind, Starlight turned back to analyze the guards as they trained under the Human. He had taken them to the side of the grounds and a massive whiteboard sat behind him. The cursed device of his was sitting on a table and he seemed to be reading off of it.

Scowling once more, Starlight shook her head. The time to strike would come soon, she knew it. And when that happened, her plan would finally come into effect.

Chapter 33: Lectures

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Almost sixty guards sat on cushions lined in rows. Their various colours and armour types create a chaotic canvas of fur and steel. They held about them an air of confidence, but that confidence was slowly draining the longer they sat. All eyes were focused forward at the tall, metal biped that was standing before them. The Demon in Metal, as it was called, was giving them lessons on how to fight back. Many were confused by the terms he used, but there was a general understanding that ruffled more than a few feathers. The Demon was proving again and again that their previous tactics were now obsolete.

One particular mare grumbled as she crossed both hooves in front of her chest.

"Who does this guy think he is? The guards have had the same standards of training for the last four hundred years. Now he just wants us to forget it all. All the stuff we've dedicated our lives towards." She whispered to a pony beside her.

The stallion nodded in affirmation and frowned. The Demon was talking about how the light spears of the Elves worked, but they all already knew this information. It wasn't like they hadn't suffered at the expense of these weapons before. The stallion shook his head slightly as he remembered the hundreds of guards that had charged towards the enemy lines. He had been in the back, and was forced to watch as his brothers and sisters in arms were cut down like a scythe through wheat. A tear slowly appeared in his eye as the smell of charred fur and flesh seemed to waft through the air and into his nose.

The stallion blinked as the mare beside him nudged his side. He looked towards her and she gestured with her head towards the front. His blood ran cold and he began to sweat as he noticed the Demon was looking at him.

"You, what's your name?" The Demons voice carried over the group and easily reached his ears. The stallion gulped as more than a few sets of eyes settled on him.

"W-Wild ace, sir!" He called towards the biped. He saw it nod its head before motioning towards him with one of his arms.

"Wild, what is your rank?" Wild gulped and looked around once again. All eyes were on him, some with pity, some with amusement.

"Second Lieutenant, sir!" He called out after a pause. He saw the Demon nod his head. The brown fur atop his head waved gently in the wind and his face held its constant frown. Suddenly, he began slowly walking towards Wild's position.

"Second Lieutenant Wild, do you know why I am teaching you about the weaponry of the Dark Elves." Wild's mouth flapped open and closed for a second before an answer finally made it to the front of his mind.

"S-So that we can better understand what we are up against, sir?" Wild saw the Demon roll his broad shoulders slightly, causing the various pieces of equipment to move with him. His long, deliberate strides brought him closer to Wild's position, causing the pony to sweat nervously.

"A wise man once said: 'Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated. When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are sure to be defeated in every battle.' This man came from my world, and he was a master of war. In his forty years as a general, he never lost a single battle." The Demon stopped beside Wild and looked down at him with a stern glare. "The reason I am teaching you about Elven technology is so that you may know your enemy. If you know the tactics, power, and technological level of the enemy, then you can develop strategies to defeat them. By hiding, your kind has grown ignorant of the enemy's prowess. I'm here to remedy this issue." The Demon turned and quickly began walking back towards the massive white board.

"The Elves use an old but devastating tactic called a firing line...." Wild was paying much more attention now. He understood why the Demon was doing what he was doing now, and a quick glance to the side showed that the mare, along with all the other guards, did as well. The Demon had successfully acquired their attention.

Wild and the rest of the platoon watched as the Demon began showing the effect that the firing line had on a charging enemy. If they wanted to survive this conflict, then the guard would have to pay rapt attention.

*****

Dean talked for almost three hours straight. He had taken some time to go over the Elven firing line tactics and how to counter them, but he could tell that some of the guards weren't getting it. He would have to find a way to train them in these new tactics, but until then, there were more pressing matters to speak about. Dean moved onto some of the machinery the Dark Elves used. Upon mentioning the flying boat things, he saw a large portion of guards, mostly pegasi, pale at their mention. He hadn't seen them in action, but judging by the reaction of the guards before him, the Elves used these machines to devastating effect. Shining had provided him with a brief overview on the capabilities of each and every machine. To a human soldier, they would be relatively easy to deal with. But to the ponies, who utilised weapons made in the mediaeval era, they would seem unstoppable. Couple that with what seemed to be a Mk.IV tank hybrid of sorts, and the Elven war machine would seem impossible to defeat. Tomorrow, Dean would teach them how to properly build a hedgehog in order to counter these war machines. It was his hope to show the ponies they still had a chance, even if it seemed slim. He knew that the Dark Elves had the main bulk of their army off the continent, so they didn't see the resistance as a threat. Dean intended to punish them for this mistake.

"On my home planet, these machines are called tanks. The ones seen in this photo," he pointed to a black and white photo, "move slowly and have a terrible turn radius. Make no mistake though, these things pack enormous firepower should they get a shot off. I've been informed that they are usually used to target artillery, while the infantry fights smaller ground targets. I am going to show you how effective infantry can truly be against these metal behemoths tomorrow morning in person, but right now, I will go over the general idea."

Dean saw a hoof raise and paused in his lecture. He noticed that the sun was beginning to set, meaning his time was almost up. He pointed to the mare who had her hand raised, signalling her to speak.

"Sorry for the interruption, sir, but I thought I should point out that the Elves regularly use magic. Their 'tanks' can have anything from thicker armour to literal shielding. How do we compensate for that?" The mare sat down as Dean pondered the question. Magic was an unknown variable for him, so he would need a unicorn's advice. He could go to Twilight, but he doubted she would know much about it. His best bet was, once again, Shining Armour. Maybe they could develop new types of artillery designed to destroy magic? Or would EMP devices work? Dean knew he could create EMP grenades, but he had no idea what their effect on magic would be. His mind briefly wandered back to his encounter with the Bloody Baron and how he was able to stop supersonic bullets mid-flight. If the Dark Elves could do that to his most effective piece of weaponry, then what could they do against everything else? He was probably overthinking this, but the amount of variables were overwhelming. After a few seconds' pause, Dean decided to do a test on the morrow.

"I will be performing a few... tests tomorrow after your training. There are certain technologies I have that might be effective against magic of that degree, but until then, we will continue on with what I am teaching you tomorrow morning at six o'clock sharp. Dismissed." The sounds of sixty plus equines getting up reached his sensitive ears, causing him to flinch lightly. He watched as they all trotted out of the lecture area and towards the barracks. Only six ponies remained behind, and each of them quickly trotted up to him and saluted.

"Reporting as ordered, squad leader!" Midnight spoke as the voice of the squad. Dean nodded in approval and quickly saluted back. He dropped his salute and the others quickly followed.

"You are all probably wondering why I have kept you here, and the answer is simple: Something important is coming up, and we will be taking part in it. Dean walked up to the board and quickly wheeled it around, revealing a blank surface. He whipped out his black dry-erase marker and began scribbling upon the surface.

"General Blight has informed us of a concentration camp near Stalliongrad, located between cloudsdale and the remnants of a place called the Crystal Empire. It is also confirmed that this particular camp is understaffed and rarely inspected according to a few spies in the area. What I am more interested in is the fact that a high ranking official in the Dark Elven government, General Atlas, will be visiting this facility on Friday, four days from now." He paused to gauge the looks on everyone's faces. Instead of confusion or fear, he saw determination. However, behind said determination, he also saw their looks of admiration towards him, and their keen listening as he outlined their mission. They believed in him, and his ability to lead them to victory. He smiled subtly before continuing on with the briefing.

"We will perform a stealth operation at approximately oh-three-hundred hours and kill any guards in the area. Once that section of the mission is done, we move onto section-B. The rescued civilians will be moved somewhere safe until the General's train arrives at the camp. Once there, we will kill the conductors as well as any soldier's accompanying the General. Atlas is deemed a priority target, but should he be caught in the crossfire, then that works as well." Dean saw Swift raise a hoof. Dean nodded to him as everyone's eyes focused on the smaller pegasus.

"What weapons will we be using? I'm not sure bows and arrows or spears and swords will work to our advantage here." Dean smiled and nodded; the ponies were paying attention to his lessons and realising they were at a disadvantage.

"A great question, Swift. I intend to designate you all with various weapons based on your strengths and weaknesses. However, I have yet to find a way for them to work with your biology. This mission is based on stealth, so any form of noise will end in a mission failure. Until I can come up with ways to incorporate my weapons with your physical attributes, you all will have to continue using melee weapons. That does not mean that I won't begin training you based on your roles on this squad." Dean eyed the group with an appraising eye. They all remained silent as they watched him move to the end of the line, right in front of Corporals Steel and Cobalt.

"You two, you will be my muscle on this coming mission. Tasks such as breaching rooms, moving debris, and setting up fortifications: you will be in charge." Dean slowly walked down the line. "Lieutenant Midnight, you will be my scout and stealth pony. You will remain completely invisible to the enemy, and you will be deadly while doing so." Dean saw the pitch black Pegasus nod firmly before moving onto the next pony in line. "Spitfire, you will take the lead. Your speed, mixed with your strength will keep yourself and the squad ready, let's not forget your leadership skills and ability to make quick decisions." He saw her nod as well, one which he returned. The next pony was Swift, and Dean smirked. "Swift, you will be staying back with a special crossbow designed for ponies. You will be the overwatch as well as the rear guard. If you see something that we don't, you either report it, or take it out from range. I will be giving a piece of technology called a radio to each of the squad members, but you will by far use it the most. You have to watch our backs." Dean saw Swift's ear twitch, but a quick nod was all Dean needed to keep moving down the line.

Then there was Stormfly

Dean paused as he thought of the role she would play. She was aggressive, fast, agile, and stubborn to the core. He smirked and crossed his arms.

"Stormfly, you will be my weapons expert. You will use your agility, speed, and aggressiveness to take down any Dark Elves in your way. In a battle, you will be the first line of defence and our main fighter. When you faced me down, I saw your fearlessness and courage." His eyes passed over everyone. "I saw all of you show strength. If you keep that mindset, we will win, I can guarantee that."

Dean sniffed and walked back to the board. His eyes passed over a lavender form sitting under a tree off to the side, her large eyes fixated on him and his squad. He smiled, but otherwise ignored her.

"After every training session for the next two days, we will meet and discuss the plan of attack in more detail. It may not seem like a lot of time, but time is not something we had much of anyway. The Elves are basically on your doorstep and getting closer every day. I say that we take the fight to them, instead of cowering in a corner and waiting to be slaughtered." Dean saw nods of approval. Tomorrow, they would get some new equipment like grenades, flashbangs, and walkie talkies. He would have to wait in order to create guns, but given enough time, Dean was sure it was doable. When that time came, the Dark Elves would be in for a rude awakening. Dean waved his hand and turned around. "Dismissed."

The ponies began filing away one by one, the last two to leave being Midnight and Spitfire. Dean noticed a black primary feather sitting behind Spitfire's ear; an orange primary sat behind Midnights. Dean shrugged and surmised it to be a cultural thing the ponies shared. It was none of his business anyway.

A gentle breeze blew through his hair, causing him to subconsciously run a hand through it. The sounds of ponies doing drills found his ears, and he smiled. He had given Shining an overview of what he wanted in terms of conditioning. From here on out, Dean would be teaching tactics and combat drills. He hadn't been lying when he said the Elves were basically on their doorstep, the only reason they hadn't found the resistance being because the main bulk of their army was in the Griffon Empire.

Gentle hoofsteps padded through the grass towards him, and Dean smiled. Twilight was his first friend in this world, and he would be damned if anything bad happened to her. The only dilemma he was facing was the fact that in the end, he would have to leave her, and everyone else behind. Mary and Jaxon were in British Columbia at the moment, a place where the Orith hadn't hit yet. When he had been sucked away, the Orithian advance had been stopped and was slowly being pushed out. If he was lucky, then the alien bastards would be long out of the U.S and fighting a defensive war. He would go and see his family first upon returning, but Captain Mason would likely redeploy him immediately. He hated that he would have to go, but duty calls, and there is no rest for the wicked.

"Hey, Dean!" Twilight stopped beside him and bumped his leg with her side. Dean chuckled and leaned down, his fingers finding their way behind her ear for a brief time. The little Alicorn sighed and leaned into his hand, her wings ruffling at her sides.

"Hey Sparklebutt, how's it going?" He heard her eep' at the name, so he looked down. Her large, lavender eyes stared up into his, a mock pout dominating her face. A slight blush tinted her cheeks, and her tail swished back and forth none too subtly.

"Dean! You know that my proper title is Princess Twilight Sparkle. That also entitles you to bow down before me every time you grace my royal presence." Twilight stuck her nose in the air, her voice taking on a posh accent. Dean smirked and feigned shock.

"Oh... I am so sorry, your highness! Thank you for gracing me with your presence, I have no words!" Dean slowly bowed as low as he could go. Twilight remained silent as she looked down at him with a raised eyebrow. A hint of mirth danced in her eyes, and Dean's smirk grew.

His head snapped up, causing Twilight's eyes to widen. With a playful yell, Dean lunged forward and wrapped his armoured arms around the Alicorn, dragging her into a bear hug. Twilight squealed in surprise as her legs kicked through empty air. Her eyes went wide as she felt a falling sensation in her gut, thus causing her wings to snap out on reflex. A feather slapped Dean right in the face and tickled his nose. Nearly sneezing, the Human fell onto his back, the air flying from his lungs. He felt Twilight scrambling for some form of purchase and decided to give her the relief. Unwrapping his arms, she was able to flip onto her side before pushing up.

Dean raised his head and looked up, only to find the Alicorn menace sitting on his chest. A mischievous smirk decorated her face, causing Dean to groan.

"Oh how the mighty have fallen. It would seem that the lowly pony has finally beaten the great Demon in metal." She looked down at his arms in mock terror; Dean fell for it and glanced down, afraid that something was wrong on his new armour.

"GET HIM!" A familiar voice cried from behind him.

Dean had just enough time to brace before a colt, a filly, and a young dragon suddenly landed atop him and rightfully pinning his ligaments to the ground. They giggled and snorted as Dean's eyes widened in surprise. Looking up, he saw Twilight holding a hoof to her mouth as she fought to contain her own chuckles. Dean sighed and smiled.

"Woe is me, I have been caught by the pony menace!" Dean wiggled around, the foals atop him only giggling louder. "Whatever shall I do?" He smirked as he saw a familiar brown Unicorn look up at him. Brownie must have sensed something was going to happen and tried to warn his two friends, but his words quickly became a yelp of surprise when Dean lifted his arm. The poor unicorn was still attached as he hovered three feet in the air.

"He's loose!"

Dean suddenly found a vaguely familiar turquoise earth pony trying to wrestle his arm back to the ground. He let her pull the ligament down ever so slowly, so as to make her think she was gaining ground. But inches before it touched the grass, he suddenly twisted his arm and pinned both ponies to his chest. He kicked his one leg up as well, sending the purple dragon attached flying above Twilight's head before being caught in his free arm. Said arm brought the dragon in beside the two foals, completing the movement restricting hug. Twilight's laughter echoed through the clearing as she quickly hopped off Dean's chest. The three kids squealed and laughed as they found themselves nearly six feet in the air. He chuckled at their antics before turning to Twilight.

"I think it's about time those three got back to their houses." Dean nodded, but upon hearing the little ones go quiet, he looked down at them. What resulted was nearly a heart attack inducing wave of cuteness.

The two foals had their heads tilted towards him, their large, puppy-dog eyes staring into his very soul. Their lips quivered to the point of crying, and their eyes seemed to become watery. Spike was trying to replicate the look, but it wasn't nearly as effective. Dean smirked and thought for a moment. An idea came to his head and his smirk grew.

"I'll tell you what, you guys can ride on my shoulders," he saw Spike's downtrodden expression and chuckled, "you as well Spike." The trio cheered as he loosened his grip and allowed them access to his upper half. Brownie climbed up to his left shoulder, and the filly to his right. Spike wrapped around the back of his head and swung his legs in the spaces left between each foal and Dean's head, essentially getting a piggyback. Dean made sure they were secure before plodding forward.

"Let's get going." Dean signalled for Twilight to lead the way, to which she happily obliged. Her hips swayed and she bounced with every step as they made their way to the city proper. Dean got more than a few looks, but upon seeing the young ones riding on top of him, many chose to go on their way. They walked in relative silence before the turquoise filly asked a question.

"Mr. Demon, I would like to give you my thanks." Her voice was soft and Dean could hear a tinge of nervousness creeping within. He reached up and found the pony's torso before slowly scratching away. Twilight seemed to really like his scratches, so he assumed the filly would too. His guess proved right as the little filly hummed in satisfaction.

"What for, kid? I recognize you, but can't quite remember where from?" Dean watched a squad of guards marched on by. The sun was beginning to set and the townsfolk were starting to head indoors.

"I-I'm the filly you saved back at my home, R-Ravenford." He heard her sniffle, but that went unheeded as he stopped in his tracks. Twilight stopped as well and looked back at him with concern.

The world suddenly grew blank, any noise, smell, or feeling was cancelled out. A dull ringing replaced the emptiness, followed by a waft of burnt fur and flesh. Someone was crying, a parent, as a little filly lay dying in the mud. Her eyes were squeezed tight as her heart slowed to a standstill. Her fur was matted with dirt and blood seeped from the un-cauterized sections of the wound. Dean then saw the little boy be eaten by the Orithian monster in the street, then the little girl as her head was blown to pieces by a terrorist. He couldn't save them, he wasn't fast enough. He had failed, failed as a soldier, a husband, a father.

Fast as a lightning strike, the world returned entirely. The noises of the city flew into his ears, and the smell of food and dirt reached his nose. He felt three distinct forms on his shoulders, and it took him a second to remember who it was. He glanced up to his right side, seeing the filly from his episode, alive and well. Looking back down, Dean noticed that Twilight had gotten closer, concern bleeding from her expression.

"Dean, are you okay?" Her eyes searched his as he gulped nervously.

"Y-yeah, yeah, I'm fine." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes and it seemed Twilight noticed. Instead of pursuing the matter, her eyes flicked to the filly on his shoulder before she smiled brightly.

"That's good, we wouldn't want these three to be late!" Brownie and... Lucy was it? Brownie and Lucy giggled, and that was all Dean needed to keep moving forward. Twilight slowly slowed so that she was in stride with him before looking back up to his face.

"Would you be free for dinner tomorrow, Dean?" He felt Spike stifle a snort, but ignored it. He knew why she wanted to talk, the concern radiating off of her was obvious enough. He took a moment to think about it. His training with the squad would end around nine, so that would leave plenty of time to go with the Princess. Dean nodded and smiled.

"Sure thing, Twi." He saw her pleased expression and knew that whatever was on her mind would wait until tomorrow. He wasn't in the mood to speak about what had just happened.

"Awesome, I'm sure it'll be fun!" Twilight pointed with a hoof to a run down house off to the left. "This is Brownie's house."

*****

As Human and the Princess dropped the kids off, not once did they notice a certain unicorn mare following their every move. Soon enough, she would have her chance to strike, but not yet. Her drones needed to be in the perfect position, and it had to be with the element of surprise.

The pony chuckled mirthlessly as she melded into the shadows. A certain Captain of the guard was expecting a fuchsia coloured unicorn in his bed, and she would hate to be late.

With a final sneer, the changeling moulded into the night.

Chapter 34: Dinner for a Few (Part 1)

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Dean whistled as he passed through the barracks. His helmet rested under his arm as his boots thudded against the stone floor. Passing by a window, Dean saw the beginnings of a setting sun painting the sky with a beautiful splash of colours. Mixtures of orange, pink, and red washed through the widespread clouds and across the horizon, setting a calming effect across his stressed mind.

For the coming operation, he would be hard pressed to ensure his squad's survival. Just because the Dark Elven numbers at the base were few, didn't mean that they were any less of a threat to the ponies. His squad mates were handpicked by him, and he knew they were skilled, but they had lost the war for the reason of being technologically and militarily inferior. If he was going to turn that around, then he would need a lot more time than he was currently given.

The sound of laughter caught Dean's attention and he stopped whistling his merry tune for a moment. The laughter continued, and after taking a few more steps, he found himself in front of Lieutenant Midnight's room.

The door was cracked open ever so slightly and Dean was just able to make out the Pegasus sitting on a chair. Midnight was chuckling, as was a familiar sounding mare. Dean reached forward and knocked twice on the door. Upon hearing Midnight yell 'come in,' he slowly walked in, the hinges creaking at the movement.

"Sergeant!" Midnight hopped down from his perch and trotted towards the towering Human, a smile plastered across his muzzle. Upon getting close, Midnight stuck his hoof straight out; Dean caught on quickly and bumped an armoured fist against Midnight's hoof.

"How's it going, Lieutenant?" Dean saw Spitfire sitting on a chair, her trademark shades sitting atop her head. She was not wearing her usual Captains attire, however, and instead had settled for neatly braided hair. Dean looked down at Midnight and noticed he was well groomed as well. Both their fur was in pristine condition, as were the feathers upon their wings. Dean raised an eyebrow at the two. "You plan on going somewhere?"

Midnight smiled and trotted back to his seat, but instead of resting in his original position, he decided to push it around the table so that he sat beside Spitfire. As soon as he was upon the chair, she immediately leaned into his side and nuzzled his neck, a content smile on her lips. Dean himself smiled at the display of affection, and silently congratulated the two.

"Yep! The tavern down in the city is hosting a special feast in honour of the Ravenford survivors. Believe it or not, counsellor Starlight was the one to set it up. It's a formal event of sorts, though a tuxedo isn't necessarily required. I decided to take Spits with me for one last night out before the mission..." Midnight continued talking about the coming event, but Dean wasn't paying attention. His vision was distorting and a ringing had begun in his ears. Suddenly, the room disappeared.

Music played gently in the background, the assorted stringed and brass instruments creating a harmonic melody. Patrons and diners sat around large, round tables covered in silk table sheets. Cutlery, professionally set up, rested in perfect order before each person. A large chandelier provided a copious amount of light throughout the room, reflecting off the wine glasses around the room. One such glass was in Dean's hand, red liquid sloshing within as he laughed with the beautiful girl in front of him--

Dean found himself blinking as his vision grew slightly blurry. He blinked a few more times before he realised everything was silent. Looking around, he noticed Midnight was looking at him expectantly. Dean's mind went blank for a few moments before Midnight spoke.

"I asked if you were going as well?" Midnight's eyes flicked to Spitfire, who had her eyes narrowed in thought. Dean suddenly felt slightly self-conscious as beads of sweat formulated upon his forehead. No doubt his face was pale at the moment from the sudden memory.

'Just don't think about it.'

Dean forced a smile as he spoke.

"I think so. Twilight invited me to dinner with her tonight, so I assume that since the event is tonight, then that's likely where she will bring me." The bell in the city clanged, its melody echoing across the bay. At seven strikes, the bell tower fell silent.

Midnight perked up, as did Spitfire, and they promptly jumped down from their seats. The two trotted through the room, looking for their saddlebags. Dean took that as his cue to leave.

"I'll catch up with you at dinner!" Dean called as he backed out the door. The two pegasi stopped and waved at him as he left.

"Don't be a stranger, come and sit with us if you get the chance!" Spitfire called. Dean merely nodded before beating a hasty retreat. If those two were getting ready to go, then he likely didn't have a lot of time before he needed to meet Twilight.

His footsteps clunked down the hallway at a much quicker pace than before. Guards moving to and fro glanced at him in confusion before going about their night. The change of the guard would be taking place in roughly an hour, and Dean did not want to be caught up in the middle of that.

After a minute of walking, he finally made it back to his room. Opening the door, he was greeted by a large pile of supplies.

Flashbangs, fragmentation grenades, EMP devices, and night vision goggles littered the floor. A quick glance at the wagon showed that roughly half of his materials were gone, the Fabricator having used their components on the various devices.

Dean walked up to the device in question and began fiddling with the controls. All the supplies he had asked for were fabricated, but he wanted to make sure he wasn't missing anything. After scrolling through the holographic screen, Dean happened upon a peculiar section inside the weapons folder.

//EXO-SUIT-UPGRADE// //:DESIGNATION, BLADE... MATERIALS REQUIRED: COMPOUND_X, STRADIUM;; DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED?//

The glow of the hologram splashed across his features as he stared down at the picture before him. Giddiness welled in his chest as his mouth hung open. When he had left, the RSTF had only just begun implementing armour variants onto the operators. The first stealth projection device had been in field testing when he was sucked into the Rift. It had allowed the wearer to become virtually invisible, something that the Orith invaders had not thought to invent. Even with superior technology, the Orith were very rudimentary in their designs. They had never thought to keep inventing, thinking that Humanity was so inferior that it wasn't worth the effort.

Dean smiled at the thought. The Orith had underestimated his race and their ability to adapt, giving them plenty of time to find ways to fight back. Dean knew that if Humanity won the war, they would have the biggest technological advancement in history on their hands. They could travel the stars, colonise planets, protect themselves from the Alien menace!

Dean smiled wistfully. He wanted to be a part of that, but it wouldn't be possible unless they won. Humanity needed all the help it could get in the war, hence his need to return. That, and he wanted to see his little boy grow up....

'NO, DON'T LET IT IN!'

Dean frowned and shook his head. He swore he had heard a voice, one that was awfully familiar.

'THEY ARE GONE, DON'T GIVE IT LEVERAGE!'

Dean blinked, a small headache forming within the back of his skull. He briefly wondered if he was coming down with something, but that shouldn't have been possible. His suit would have alerted him, and his augmentations made it near impossible to get sick. It would take a tremendously deadly disease to knock him off his feet.

Dean closed his eyes and counted to ten. Over the course of that time, the headache slowly dissipated until it was nothing but a small twinge. Satisfied, he looked back at the screen of the fabricator, the options of 'select' or 'cancel' were arrayed before him. Without hesitation, Dean's finger tapped the option to begin the fabrication process.

'Alright, now that that's over with, let's see if I can find something to wear.'

Dean began shedding his new armour and undergarment. He knew he had some basic clothing somewhere, so that would have to suffice instead of something fancy. With a final smirk, Dean got to work.

*****

Twilight trotted back and forth throughout the room, her mind combing through every detail of her planned night. Her lavender coat was brushed till it shined, and her mane was done up in a bun on the back. A quick flash of magic, and a barely noticeable sparkle seemed to tinge her tail. There wasn't anything fancy she could wear, not with the city's lack of such resources. All she could do was wash herself with some decent shampoo and add a touch of makeup to her face. The dinner itself wasn't all that fancy, the only reason it was considered 'formal' was for Starlight's speech on the ponies of Ravenford.

Twilight growled slightly as the unicorn came to her mind. Something was off about her, and she was determined to find out what it was. Her brother had fallen for her, much to Twilight's charagin, but she wouldn't be fooled. That unicorn had a hidden motive, a plan that was hidden in the shadows.

Twilight blinked as she found herself glaring hatefully at her saddlebags and quickly wiped the expression from her face. Such an attitude wouldn't do if she was to be the Princess everypony needed. With her arrival, morale had increased significantly. Pair that with Dean's victory, and the hearts within the Resistance soared. Hopefully they could continue this streak.

"Twilight? Are you ready to go?"

Twilight levitated her saddlebags onto her bag and turned, a happy smile dominating her features. Her tail swished softly as she trotted towards her number one assistant.

"Sure am, Spike!" She said as the baby dragon held the door for her. His scales had been shined and his spines had been smoothed. A little red bowtie was strapped around his neck. "Let's go get Dean, then we can go." She trotted out the door and entered the cool evening air. A beautiful sunset was arrayed across the horizon and reflected in her eyes. She stood there for several seconds as her mind went blank. It was as if she had just sat down with a book, her light blanket wrapped around her as a fire crackled nearby. She could see it now, her bookshelves would be arranged perfectly, compliment to Spike's hard work, and a phonograph played quiet music in the background. The sun was setting just outside her l-libr... her library.

A tear slid down Twilights cheek, even though the smile remained. The memories of a time past took her thoughts from her as she recalled her life in ponyville. Her friends, the six best ponies one could ask for, were gone, probably dead. Her town was likely repurposed, used for the Elven war machine as the inhabitants were killed and enslaved.

Twilight felt her back legs give out as she stared across the horizon. Her ears had drooped, as had her wings, and she was no longer smiling. She felt someponies hand, likely Spikes, rest on her withers in a comforting gesture. She had no idea why she was getting so emotional, it wasn't like her. Something about that beautiful sunset and its array of colours was getting to her. Maybe it was the gentle breeze washing through the air, or the birds chirping in the trees. Maybe it was the sounds of day to day life in the city as it closed down for the night. Whatever it was, none of it mattered. She was stuck with the memory of her friends, and the good times they had together. After two years of being alone, running from a deadly foe, the true nature of her situation was catching up to her. If it wasn't for Dean, the Human, the Demon in Metal, then she most likely would have gone insane.

"You can tell me what's wrong Twi, I'm here for you." Spike's voice was soothing, and Twilight found the dam about to break. She had been ignoring it all week: the urge to break down into a sobbing mess. So much had happened in so little time, and she couldn't help but get overwhelmed. Coupled with her feelings for Dean, it was a miracle she hadn't collapsed at all.

Her body began shaking, and her lips trembled. Spike saw what was happening and immediately wrapped his sister in a hug. His shorter arms were not big enough to encompass her fully, but that didn't stop him from trying. Twilight wrapped her hooves around the little dragon and squeezed him tightly, nearly to the point of suffocation. tears poured down her face, causing the small amounts of makeup she had applied to run down her cheeks and off her face.

Nopony was around to hear her sobbing, which she was grateful for. She just needed to let her feelings out. She could literally feel the years of stress, horror, pain, and loneliness begin to wash away and out into the sunset. The negative emotions she had bottled up inside spilled out into the breeze, flowing out like a raging river.

Spike was there through it all, never letting go. After several more seconds, Twilight spoke.

"T-thanks, Spike." She whispered her weeping having dissipated into the odd hiccup. The tears flowed to a stop, leaving her face sticky and moist. A small smile touched her lips as she continued to hug her little brother.

"Don't worry about it, it's what siblings are for." Twilight snorted and slowly detached herself from the baby dragon. She reached a hoof up to wipe away the streaks of makeup. Spike looked up at her and smirked.

"Though my fee for comforting others is ten gems for every five minutes."

Twilight snorted and closed her eyes. All traces of sadness were gone as she giggled at the little dragon before her. She stood back up and nudged Spike with her side, sending him toppling over. They both laughed at his plight before Twilight lit her horn. Her face was quickly enveloped in a lavender aura before the makeup streaks all but disappeared. Twilight beamed and lifted Spike onto her back with her magic.

"Alright, let's go find our Human!" Spike cheered as Twilight trotted down the path to the barracks. Her mood was lifted, and her energy was returned. She felt lighter, like an invisible weight had finally been removed. Her duty as a Princess wasn't gone, her problems weren't fixed, but something inside her was finally void of negativity.

With a pep in her step, Twilight continued on her mission, the shimmering sunset at her back.

*****

Lyra Heartstrings cursed as she nearly sliced her hoof on the knife before her. What she was doing required the utmost attention and precision. Should she fail, then her task was an utter failure; and that was something she could not allow. If the Dark Elves caught her, then she was a dead mare walking.

With a mighty swing, the knife split the air with a slight whistle, the gleam of its blade highlighting how sharp it truly was. A moment later...

...the blade sliced into the carrot, cutting it perfectly in two.

Lyra smiled and began to dice the orange vegetable. She took pride in her delicately put together foodstuffs, and her master loved it. Technically speaking, Jowl didn't see her as a servant or slave, but with the constant need to use such terms when in public, they sort of just adopted it.

Speaking of Jowl, his heavy footsteps creaked across the upstairs floorboards as he moved about his room. The Dark Elf wanted this to be a special night, especially since their new... guest, would be arriving shortly.

Lyra was about to dump the newly diced carrots into the bowl, when a small giggle sounded from behind the wall. Lyra immediately stopped what she was doing and listened intently, her ear swivelling in the direction of the noise. The giggle sounded again, and Lyra smirked.

What she didn't notice, however, was the pair of orange hooves slowly descending towards the board full of carrots. The stubby little legs belonging to a certain Pegasus filly waved unevenly as they reached further and further. If someone were to look behind the freezer box, they would notice a little white unicorn focusing her magic on said Pegasus.

Said magic began to waiver and sputter, the strain from lifting her friend growing too much.

"WHOA!"

Lyra spun around and immediately cast a levitation spell, ensnaring the little orange Pegasus in a turquoise glow. Glancing sideways, she caused the spell to encircle the little unicorn as well and promptly floated both so they were in front of her.

Scootaloo and Sweetie-Belle each wore sheepish expressions as they realised they were caught. Scootaloo's wings fluttered at her side as she crossed her forehooves in front of her chest.

"No fair! Pipsqueak was supposed to distract you sooner!" She huffed and turned her nose in the air. Her purple, messy mane fell into her face, which prompted Sweetie Belle to giggle. Lyra was about to make a remark when a certain Earth Pony colt sprinted into the room.

"I'm so sorry, guys! I forgot the amount of time you said to wait before starting the distraction. I also saw a mouse over by the chair and it distracted me!" Pipsqueak looked between Lyra and the crusaders before his gaze settled on the mint coloured Unicorn. His eyes widened and he tried to scramble away, but he wasn't fast enough.

Lyra's magic wrapped around the colt's hind legs and dragged him through the air to rest beside the two fillies. The trio looked at her in worry now, realising that their fate rested solely in her hooves. Lyra contemplated for a moment on how to punish the would-be thieves, but Jowl chose that minute to enter the room.

"Alright, listen up, ye lot." His massive frame strode into the kitchen before promptly stopping beside Lyra. He placed a hand on her back and gave an affectionate rub before regarding the three foals before him. "I need you tree tah shtay quiet while ah deal with 'Missus Brown'igg. It was ah miracle she even letme buy dat poor filly in dah first place, so don' go screwin' it up!" Jowl gave them each a stern look, but it didn't hold any heat. The three foals knew that he was simply being stern in the hopes of keeping them safe. He was taking an immense risk hiding them away and taking care of them so well.

Ever since the invasion, there had been a select few Dark Elves who had opposed the actions taken against the Equestrians. They believed that the ponies should be able to live with them, even if they did steal all the magic. The only problem was that the movement never gained traction, and was thought to have died out.

Jowl, the plump, and seemingly well off Dark Elf was one of those opposers. He had started slowly, first by buying his current lover, and then working towards the younger ones. The older ponies were put to work, but since the younger ones couldn't do the same jobs, the Dark Elves had made... other uses for them. Under the pretence of using them as pleasure, Jowl had succeeded in buying three fillies, with a forth on the way. This other filly, Apple Bloom, was actually requested by his current house mates.

Finally, after a week of non-stop arguing and negotiating, he could finally save that filly from that horrible farm she had used to live in.

Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock!

All of their eyes widened as someponies knuckles rapped against the front door. Jowl’s face went red as he scrambled towards the living room.

"Quickly, quickly! Get yourselves tied up before the guards notice!" Jowl ushered the four into the living room. Lyra placed the three foals beside the Magi-comm, where a trio of leashes lay attached to the wall. Her magic worked quickly as she slipped the metal collars over each pony's head and around their neck. Once they were secure, she moved onto her own binds.

A dark blue collar found its way around her neck, followed by a fake inhibitor ring around her horn. With a flash of her horn, a black eye suddenly materialised on her right eye.

Jowl checked over each and every one of them before swiftly standing. He reached up and straightened his tie before turning towards the door.

Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock!

"Coming!" Jowl cried as he thumped forward. He could see three silhouettes through the stained glass beside the entryway, but he already knew who was there. He passed by a few pairs of shoes, each for a different occasion, and swiftly unlatched the door.

Swinging it wide, Jowl was greeted by two Elven soldier's, a grumpy sales broker, and a terrified filly. His eyes flicked between the three Elves before focusing on the yellow furred Earth Pony near their feet. He could make out various bruises, purple in colour, decorating her coat. Her mane was messy and unkempt, and her eyes seemed dead to the world. Her right hind leg was lifted slightly off the ground, likely due to some form of injury. Jowl contained his wince of sympathy and covered it up with a feral, demented smile.

The filly's eyes glanced upwards, but upon seeing the look Jowl was giving her, she shied away and tried to tuck behind Mrs. Brownrigg's legs. A swift kick in the side ended her retreat quickly enough.

"Well, Jowl, it seems you've lucked out. Even with the threat of the Resistance, the Mayor has decided to grant you a bit of leeway. The barns were getting too full, so the more Elves that we sell too, the better." Mrs. Brownrigg smiled devilishly and took a step forward. "May I come in for just a moment?"

Jowl simply nodded and stepped back. He stumbled slightly on one of his shoes, but managed to retain his balance. Mrs. Brownrigg and her two guards slowly entered the house, the terrified Earth pony shivering as she passed through the door.

"Nice little place you've got here." The sales broker commented as she began to examine the little entry-room. Jowl began to sweat lightly beneath his suit. He had prepared for something like this, but that didn't mean he wanted it to happen. The sooner Brownrigg left, the better off things would be.

"Ay'd have tah agree with ye, madam. Dah previous owner kept it clean an' spiffy!" Jowl regarded the two guards warily. Each wore a stoic expression and carried a shock baton on their belt. Jowl knew first hand how much those devices hurt; hopefully they wouldn't have to be used.

"Quite." Brownrigg sniffed before slowly walking towards the living room. Her high heels clicked with each step she took. Her posture was uptight and rigid, putting Jowls senses on edge. He nearly missed her next question.

"How are those other foals you bought? I'm sure by now they would be broken in?" Brownrigg missed the frown that Jowl gave to her back, but he quickly fixed his expression before anyone could see.

"The foals are definitely useful. It's been mighty lonely, and a man needs to find some way to release his pent up energy." Jowl gramaced inside at the perverted words he had just uttered. Never before had he thought of raping anyone, much less a pony. It wasn't right.

Brownrigg snickered as she stalked towards Lyra, whose face was down like she was sleeping. The three fillies watched from their spots on the wall as the sales broker knelt next to the Unicorn. With a sneer, she tilted her head to the side, as if to examine the pony beneath her. Jowl began to really sweat now, his face turning slightly red. This was not how it was supposed to go.

Applebloom saw his expression and regarded the Elf with curiosity. The gaze he had given here was downright predatory in nature, but something was missing from it. She couldn't quite place what, but it was almost as if her new owner had been acting. Her attention returned towards Mrs. Brownrigg when she stood back up.

"Stupid animals." She muttered.

Quick as a snake, her hand reached out and snagged a shock baton from the closest guards belt. The Elf in question didn't bat an eye as the broker jammed the staff into the Unicorn's side and ignited the electricity.

The ensuing screech of pain was possibly the worst Applebloom had heard, and that was saying something. She could only watch in sadness as the unicorn was painfully electrified. Bloom recognized the pony, but two years inside a prison of sorts had caused her to lose touch with the going ons outside the barn.

Glancing up once more, she was surprised to see something unlike ever before.

Her new owner was staring down at the Unicorn, shock plastered across his features. His eyes were wide and his ears were pinned downwards. His mouth opened and closed feebly as the screeching intensified in volume.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Brownrigg retracted the device and shut it off. Handing it back to the guard, she turned to face Jowl. Her own expression morphed into suspicion at his look.

"Jowl, are you well? Did my actions... shock you... in any way?" Applebloom shrunk back at the tone of voice. Such an undertone usually meant a beating if one wasn't careful.

The unicorn whimpered pitifully on the ground, her fur scorched and her flesh seared. Her hooves clutched the burnt area as tears poured down her face. Applebloom slowly shuffled towards her until she was resting at the mint coloured ponies side. Leaning down, she slowly nuzzled the side of the unicorn's face, causing her eyes to crack open. Applebloom caught the faintest of smiles before Jowl responded.

"N-not at all, mam!" He said quickly, holding up his hands defensively. "Ah jus' didn't know somethin' could make such ah loud racket is all!" He chuckled, but his ears remained downwards. Mrs Brownrigg examined his face for a second, then two. Applebloom could see the nervousness outlined there and cocked her head to the side. Something was going on, but she had no idea what it was.

Finally, the female Elf broke her stare before walking towards the door.

"Be careful, Mr. Jowl. Sometimes, If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” The two guards followed her out the door, which closed with a Slam behind them.

As soon as the door closed, the Dark Elf let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank the gods, she's gone."

Apple Bloom had no time to think about what he had said before she felt a tingle around her neck. Looking down, she saw a yellow hue surrounding her collar.

Elven magic.

She began to struggle against her owner's grip, trying to break free. She had been one of the lucky ones on the farm, having avoided most of the Dark Elves looking for some fun. There was only the one incident where she was... she was...

Her efforts grew as she grunted in exertion. She would rather die than go through that experience again. Never before had she felt such pain, emotionally and physically. Whoever this new guy was, he wasn't going to get any pleasure from her!

The glow suddenly stopped, causing Apple Bloom to fall back on her rump. Shaking her head, she gazed up at the Dark Elf in fear. Being so young, she was miniscule compared to the bipedal monsters. The size of this one was big in both width and height this time. If he so much as got his hands on her, there would be nothing she could do. There was nothing she could do even now.

Tears spilled from her eyes as she collapsed to the ground and began to sob. Her tail tucked between her legs and her ears pinned to the sides of her head. Her forehooves covered her eyes, the hopelessness of the situation finally hitting her at full force.

An Elf only bought a foal for one thing and one thing only: Pleasure. That was what was going to happen to her now. This Dark Elf was going to have his way with her until she died. There would be no--

"Apple Bloom?" A soft voice suddenly spoke.

The little yellow filly stopped her sobbing, her brain trying to process the voice she had just heard. The only pony she had seen had been the mint green unicorn from before, but this voice was different... familiar. It sounded like--

"It's okay, Apple Bloom, you're safe now." This voice was raspy. The filly slowly lifted the hooves off of her eyes, not daring to believe what she had just heard. Her heart rate sped up and her breath quickened. She saw two sets of hooves, one covered in orange fur, the other in white. Upon raising her eyes higher, she let out a loud gasp.

New tears sprung forth as her tail swished back and forth.

"G-girls?" She whispered, still unbelieving of who was now standing in front of her. Upon seeing them nod in unison, she let out a strangled cry and stumbled forward.

Grabbing her two best friends in each hoof, she cried as she pulled them close. Too much had happened that day, too many emotions had been going through her head. Never before had she felt so much relief!

As the three hugged one another, Jowl and Lyra stood off to the side, the latter holding a damp cloth to her burn. They watched the CMC reunite for the first time in two years, and it brought a tear to Lyra's eyes.

"You know how much this meant to them, right?" She pointed with a hoof towards the three fillies, who now sat silently in each other's embrace. The crying had stopped, but they remained together. "Because of you, they can continue to live free, and happily." She looked up at Jowl and smiled. "Thank you."

Jowl smiled sadly and shook his head.

"There is more tah do yet; these four foals are only dah first. More'll be saved in time." They watched as Pipsqueak trotted forward and joined the group hug. Lyra caught a blush on Scootaloo's face, but she didn't say anything as she turned towards the kitchen.

"Common, let's get dinner set up. I have a feeling that I'll need to make more than one salad." They both chuckled as they moved to the kitchen.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were finally united, but the night was only just beginning. Several hundred kilometres away, a certain Human and the last Alicorn were on their way to a dinner of their own...

Chapter 35: Dinner for a Few (Part 2)

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Twilight squee'd and rushed forward, causing Spike to fly into the air. He tumbled around before hitting the ground in an explosion of dust. Upon picking himself up from the sudden impact, he noticed a very tall figure standing only a few metres away across the street. A tall figure who was having the life crushed out of him as Twilight latched onto his torso.

"Whoa!" Dean cried as he stumbled back.

Spike analyzed his Human friend with an appraising eye. His face sported light stubble and his dark hair was brushed back. Massive muscles complimented his arms, his biceps seeming to strain against the light grey shirt he was wearing. The shirt seemed slightly small, but Spike reckoned that it was simply Dean's immense size that was causing that. Both his legs were utterly massive, each seemingly bigger than a pony in sheer width. Even with such size, he handled Twilight with care as his arms supported her body. He seemed to move with grace and precision as he moved towards the baby dragon staring at him.

"Hey, Spike!" Dean chuckled at the look he was receiving. "I know I'm gorgeous, but it makes me uncomfortable when people stare."

Spike snapped out of his stupor and shook his head wildly. His little bow-tie stayed firmly in place as he looked up at the towering Human. The baby dragon thought for a second before a devilish smirk crossed his face.

"Dude, you're jacked! I can understand Twilight's actions now." Both Dean and Twilight blushed, the former setting the latter on the ground very quickly. Twilight gave an awkward chuckle while Dean smiled.

"Twilights just a good friend of mine. Plus, don't think I didn't see you ogling Lucy." He chuckled as Spike began to sputter. Truly, he had been talking quite a lot to the filly and they hung out often. Spike had found himself liking her more and more with each day they saw each other. The only problem was that he had no idea if she thought the same. It was his hope that Lucy would be at the party tonight so they could hang out again.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Spike's voice seemed to be an octave higher as the trio began walking down the road once more. Dean and Twilight laughed, much to Spike's annoyance.

"So, Dean, how was training today?" Twilight changed the subject, allowing her little brother a moment of respite. Spike noticed that a small crowd of ponies were walking in the same direction as them. Upon closer examination, Spike noticed that all of the ponies currently around them were wearing some form of dress wear. Spike caught sight of an Earth pony mare walking the opposite direction, her eyes looking over the slowly assembling crowd with disapproval. Spike chose to ignore these observations in favour of listening to Twilight and Dean.

"Well, I had the trainees assembling tank traps today. It wasn't going well for the first hour, but they soon got the hang of it. My goal is for them to create traps, barricades, and defences in a very short period of time. Once I come back, I will begin issuing them some equipment from my world. Flashbangs, grenades, NVGs, EMPs, radios, and hopefully some Kevlar." Dean counted each item on his hands, holding six fingers before him. He noticed Twilight tilt her head in thought.

"What does all that even mean? I've never heard of any of those things." Twilight lit her horn, and with a pop, a quill and paper appeared before her. Dean's eyes widened, but he chose to shrug off the strange phenomena.

"Well, you know what grenades are, right?" He saw her nod, her eyes glued to the paper. Dean noticed Spike rolled his eyes dramatically and smiled. "Well, to start it off, a flashbang is a type of grenade. Instead of an explosion and a spread of shrapnel, it uses a mixture of chemicals to create a loud explosion followed by a blinding light. It essentially disoriants, blinds, and deafens the target." The scratch of a quill quickly stopped his explanation, and he looked down at the Alicorn beside him.

"Keep going, this stuff might come in handy later!" Twilight looked up at him and smiled cheerfully. The noise of the busy street suddenly died down, and Dean's heart rate began to quicken. He suddenly found himself looking at a replica of Mary. Her always exuberant personality, coupled with her energy and affection.

"Dean, are you okay?" Twilight's voice caused him to blink, and he realised his mouth was slightly open and his brows were furrowed. He looked down and chuckled halfheartedly, but that didn't stop the heat from suddenly going to his head.

"Sorry, yeah. I'm fine." A quick glance showed that Twilight wasn't convinced; even Spike was looking at him funny. He decided to continue on with his explanations.

"A-anyway, the next piece of tech is called an NVG, or night vision goggles..."

The three continued to walk, the crowd they were in steadily growing. If one were to observe closely, they would notice that the majority of party-goers were wearing fancy additions and expensive jewellery. These ponies were nobles who had escaped to Maritime Bay after the invasion. Very few 'common' ponies were attending, the only ones being residents of Ravenford.

The stream of ponies continued down the road, their path only deterred by the imposing biped walking down the centre of the road. Many gave Dean a wide berth, thus resulting in an immense circle of space between him and the tide of ponies. Odd, and fearful looks were cast his way. Dean knew that he probably should have interacted with the townsfolk more, but the constant moving around and preparing had taken all his time. This little break would be beneficial to not only him, but his team as well. They would be going on their first true offensive against the Dark Elves in two days, and if someone is too stressed, then they had a chance of messing up in the middle of the mission. The ponies under his command were excellent, but he didn't want to take any risks.

Twilight had paused in her questions, instead opting to look around the town instead. Ever since he had shown up on this world, Twilight had proven to be an incredible and supportive friend. He truly couldn't stress enough how crucial she was to his sanity. Dean truly would have gone insane; from fighting in a losing war, to getting sucked into an alternate universe and fighting for a group of aliens in order to protect them from both enslavement and genocide. It was literally unbelievable, and such a tale back home would put him in an asylum for sure.

There was something else as well; a feeling of some sort. He constantly felt someone's eyes on him, and he tended to jump at loud noises. Nightmares haunted his dreams almost every night, and he hadn't heard from the Guardian in some time.

He frowned in thought.

That voice, when he was disoriented... What had it said? It was something along the lines of not letting something in; but what could that something be? As far as he knew, he was the only person occupying his brain, and occasionally the insufferable trenchcoat wearing dickhead who was supposed to help him. Other than that, he didn't have the foggiest clue as to what could be going on. Maybe his instincts had been acting up, or he had been talking to himself? No, that was crazy talk! He would know if something was trying to pry into his brain.

'Maybe you should talk to Twilight about it?'

Dean frowned in thought, his eyes finding Twilight striding alongside him. He noticed her give him the occasional glance, as if she was thinking of saying something, but no words were uttered. Dean's eyes flicked back to the road ahead, and what he saw caused his eyes to widen.

Two ghostly figures were standing in the middle of the crowd, their bipedal nature identifying them as either Human or Elf. Their smokey grey forms seemed to shimmer in the moonlight and their hands were interlocked. One was small, maybe the size of a child, while the other one was taller and sported long flowing hair. The colours of their forms were mixed hues of greys, blacks, and whites, but- that didn't matter... Dean already knew who they were.

His breathing began to quicken, and his heart rate spiked. His eyes seemed to grow to the size of dinner plates and he stopped dead in his tracks. Not once did his vision stray from the ghosts before him, and not once did he believe what he was seeing. It was impossible, unfeasible!

Tears slowly caused his vision to cloud, and he felt his motor functions begin to shut down. A dull thump seemed to reverberate through his head and hearing, cancelling any noise from the outside world. His throat was dry, and his mouth was slightly open.

Suddenly, he was on his knees, the ponies and house around him seeming to tower higher and higher into the sky. The scenery began to warp and mould before him, something that shouldn't have been possible in the waking world. The ghosts disappeared, replaced by the forms of barely recognizable generals and commanders. All around him, the walls of a large tent seemed to rise from the earth. Smoke billowed in front of Dean's face, taking the form of Captain Mason.

At approximately oh-ninehundred hours...." Dean felt the tears begin to fall. Their forms tracing a wet trail down his dirty and windswept cheeks.

"Your wife, Marie, and your son Jaxon...." Dean felt his legs give out as he collapsed to his knees. Someone rushed to his side, probably to check if he hurt himself. He didn't feel anything.

"...At approximately oh-ninehundred hours...."

Dean looked up, into the Captains. His eyes were blank, his mind numb. This place seemed familiar. He knew he should remember it, hell, he thought he had told Twilight, Midnight, and Trignar about this particular scene. But why was it important? What had happened. Something in his head was screaming to be let out, as if it knew what this place truly was.

"Your wife, Marie, and your son, Jaxon..."

Something wasn't right; something was... off. A foreign presence was there, lurking in the depths of his mind. Something was affecting his rational thought and ripping into his memories. Its presence was disgusting, as if it had tentacles reaching into the far depths of his consciousness. Its many faces were snarling at him as they realised they had been caught. He was getting closer to IT now.... wait....

"Have been--"

"FINALLY! NO MORE GAMES MONSTER!"

There was a mighty crash, and Dean caught sight of a man in a trenchcoat and baseball cap before the world exploded into light.

*****

Dean gasped, his vision suddenly refocusing. His cheeks felt wet, and his back felt sweaty. Looking down, he noticed that his hands were shaking violently. He seemed to be closer to the ground for some reason, and upon closer investigation, he realised he was on his knees.

"Dean?"

Dean's head snapped up, his eyes alert and his senses focused. It was as if he had taken a shot of adrenaline. He analysed every little detail in microseconds, the houses on the road, the street lamps faintly glowing, the sudden lack of a flow of ponies, and the concerned face with abnormally large eyes directly in front of him. It took a few tries, but Dean was slowly able to bring his entire focus to the Princess before him.

"Dean, are you okay? Do I need to get a doctor?" Concern bled from Twilight's voice and expression, and he didn't know why. Ever so slowly, he began to stand up. His balance teetered for a second, but he was able to catch himself before he fell. Twilight stuck out a hoof, and Dean used it to stand to his full height.

Now able to see everything, Dean was able to make out the tide of partygoers down the road, the end of their line a few hundred metres away. Music seemed to be echoing across the street, obviously signifying the start of the event.

'Dammit, we're late!'

Dean cursed and strode forward, but a hoof tapping his side got his attention once more. Looking down, Dean noticed Twilight still held the concerned look.

"What is it, Twilight?" He asked. Her ears folded back slightly from the heat in his voice, and he immediately regretted his words. Where had that sudden anger come from?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so harsh. What's up?" He softened his voice and crouched down. He noticed that Spike wasn't with them at the moment, and decided to ask once Twilight said her piece.

"It's just... you kinda fell to your knees a minute ago. You were crying and staring off into space. Something is bothering you." Twilight sat on her haunches and crossed her legs, her eyes lowering into a light glare. Dean knew that he would have to come clean now, her tone demanded it. Ever since he had returned from Ravenford, he knew that he had been different. Something was affecting him, and he thought he knew the cause.

"Twilight, you of all people know what it's like to seemingly lose someone you love." She nodded, her glare lessening into a neutral and understanding look. She nodded, and Dean took that as a sign to continue.

"Well, I've told you this before already, but when I was ripped from my home, I left everyone I loved behind. My Mary and Jax are still there, their lives in constant danger with the Orith attacks across the world. At the moment, I have no idea what has happened. I don't know if they are alive, if the Orith have been extinguished from my planet, or if the battle still rages ever on. I'm in the dark on this one." He saw her open her mouth to say something, but he continued before she could speak.

"The battle at Ravenford put things back into perspective for me. I had thought this whole other world thing would be a cake walk. I would make sure you were safe, go beat the Dark Elves, then return home. Instead, here I am, training soldiers to fight a war so new to them that it might take years for any kind of understanding. I'm going on little side missions instead of gunning for the Emperor himself. Through all this, I have to make sure none of my friends get hurt, you especially." He reached out and scratched behind Twilight's ear. She sighed contently, but her eyes didn't leave his own.

"As an American, as a soldier, it is my duty to protect the innocent, and fight the battles they can not. That includes your kind, no matter how dissimilar you are to Humanity physiologically speaking." Twilight gave a soft chuckle before slowly pulling away. Dean retracted his hand, but stayed crouched.

"So that's the problem then: you feel conflicted. On one hoof, your species is fighting a war against extinction, one which you could help in. On the other, you are stuck in an unfamiliar world, one where innocent lives are taken and enslaved. You want to find a way home, but you also want to save those in need. My question is why? Us ponies are aliens to you, yet you still help. Why even bother doing anything at all? The Emperor likely has enough magical power to send you home. With the Elements of Harmony on his side, then surely it would be possible." Dean silently mouthed 'Elements of Harmony' before filing away the name for later research.

Dean sighed and shuffled uncomfortably.

"Well, to put it simply, it's the right thing to do. I was brought up where everything that lives has a purpose. When one tries to take away that purpose, then they are no longer part of the equation, and must be eliminated. The Elves seem to want to destroy everything, hence the whole taking away that which is sacred. It's my duty to put a stop to that kind of evil."

Dean noticed Twilight had leaned forward slightly, but upon hearing his words, a brief flicker of disappointment crossed her face. It was gone in an instant, so Dean decided to ignore it.

"So, that's all that is troubling you? This internal conflict." Dean nodded, but once again, he felt eyes on his back. He half turned and for the briefest moments, he caught a flicker of a ghostly grey form. It was gone in an instant, and he frowned. Said frown disappeared upon turning back to the Alicorn in front of him.

"That's all it is. Don't worry about a thing, Sparklebutt, I'll keep protecting you from those nasty Elves!" He reached forward without warning and scooped the little Princess under his arms. Her legs kicked feebly and she whined in protest.

"DEAN! Put me down, this is embarrassing!" Dean chuckled and shifted her position. He heard Twilight give a content sigh as she was able to wrap her forelegs around his neck, and her back legs around his waist. Dean's arm's were strong enough to keep her aloft as they plodded towards the party. The sounds of music had grown louder, and singing could be heard.

"Thanks, Twilight. Thanks for everything." Dean mumbled the words, but it seemed Twilight was able to hear them. He smiled as she giggled.

"You're my friend, Dean. I'm always here for you."

...

"Where's Spike?"

*****

Spike walked alongside his friend, Lucy. The two were making their way through the various ally's and backstreets, heading towards the cliffs.

When Dean had collapsed to his knees, Spike had moved to help. Twilight had other ideas, however, and shooed him away, telling him that she would get Dean on his feet again. Spike had relented and stood back, away from the Human. Never had he seen his friend in such a state: tears pouring from his eyes, which had seemed dead to the world. His face was sunken and he had seemed to age twenty years. His arms had gone slack at his sides and he had been staring into space. It scared Spike, immensely.

It was about thirty seconds later when Lucy had appeared from the crowd like a wraith, sneaking up on Spike and scaring the daylights out of him.

She had told him that she wanted to go to the cliffs for some reason, and Spike had obliged. He had asked Twilight if he could go, and he had received a half focused "sure" as she tried to break Dean from his trance. Spike had seen the concern etched cross her face, and chose to leave her alone.

So here he was, sneaking past a troop of guards patrolling a side street.

"Alright, let's go!" Lucy waved her hoof and moved out from behind the barrel they were previously using as cover. Spike quickly followed along behind her as the sound of the party grew dimmer. After five more minutes of walking, Spike decided to ask the big question.

"So, why are we going to the cliffs? There isn't usually anything worth seeing there." A clatter off to the left caused his head to swivel, but nothing seemed amiss. Every day after guard training, Spike had gone to Dean to learn basic self defence. Being bipedal, it was relatively easy to learn each move, though he was still too small to perform some of them outright. He was taught the leg sweep, a proper punch and block, as well as where to strike an enemy. A punch to the throat could incapacitate someone very easily, giving him enough time to make an escape. A good hit to the cheek, with enough force, could outright knock someone out. He hoped he would never have to use such techniques in the future. It was called 'self defence' after all.

Anyway, he was confident that if anypony, or anything got the jump on them, then he would be more than capable of defending himself and Lucy.

"It's a surprise, silly! Common, we're almost there." Her tail twitched in excitement, and Spike blushed. A million thoughts raced through his head as he moved to catch up. Whatever was going on, it was awfully similar to one of those romance novels he had read a long time ago.

'Stupid Spike, she's just your friend!'

Finally, they came to the edge of town. The wall surrounding Maritime Bay ended on the cliffs, which created a natural barrier themselves. The only way down was through a series of tunnels and stairs where the clifface was lower. Where they were now was higher up, and therefore didn't have many access points. Spike wondered if they would be going down and carefully plodded over to the edge. The roar of waves crashing caught his attention, and he was only able to look away when a hoof touched his shoulder. Looking back, his eyes widened.

A thin blanket was laying on the grass several metres away, its chequered pattern barely visible in the night. What took his attention completely, however, was the beautiful turquoise mare before him. Her hair was braided down her neck, and her eyes seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. Her forehooves' crossed in front of her shyly, and her bangs seemed to hang in front of her eyes. Spike gulped and ran his claws over his scales, folding them back slightly.

For some reason, he had been experiencing certain... abnormalities. He was beginning to bathe more often, and usually grew self-conscious when someone noticed if he smelled. He had been looking at his friend differently as well. Not in a bad way, per say, but it all felt so different. He was a bit confused really, but he wouldn't let that ruin his opportunity here and now.

"I was wondering if you wanted to stargaze with me? I've always loved the night sky, but it gets boring when you are alone." Lucy blushed, and so did Spike. He shuffled in place before working up the courage to respond.

"S-sure thing, lucy." He said, his voice just over a whisper. He caught sight of a flash of a smile before he felt two hooves grab onto his arm. Spike allowed himself to be pulled, his only focus being his best friend.

*****

Starlight gazed over the crowd of ponies with a scowl. The pompous, love hoarding bastards seemed to radiate such tasty emotion. She briefly wondered how they had managed to make it to safety amidst the invasion, being so stuck up and prideful. In the end, it did not matter. Her plan was finally in play, and soon, the ponies would be under her rule. The Emperor didn't know who he was dealing with. Dommik was arrogant and sure of himself. His rule over the ponies had made him weak, and she decided that she would use this to her advantage.

She giggled under her breath as a cruel smile appeared on her lips. She moved towards the microphone sitting on the stage, and promptly tapped her hoof against it. The ensuing noise caused all eyes to turn towards her, and the room was filled with a deathly silence.

The celebration was taking place in a new warehouse. The space inside could be considered cavernous, more than enough to fit the two hundred ponies now present. The predictions for food supply had been off, and Maritime Bay had ended up with too much crop, and not enough storage. It was the hope of the council that the party would both raise morale, and deal with the excess food supply.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts." She started, her eyes twinkling as she spoke. "I would first like to thank you for coming to this celebration. Not only has our crop been exceptional, and our morale got a boost.... we've also managed to rescue and take in more of our kin!"

Her intro was followed by a cacophonous stomping and the occasional cheer. She noted that the majority of the noise was coming from the nobles, while the few Ravenford ponies that had shown up merely stomped out of respect. Starlight decided to continue with her speech.

"As you all know, the Dark Elves have begun setting up concentration camps throughout the country. These camps are designed to slaughter our kind, and to control our population. The ponies of Ravenford nearly suffered this fate." A series of gasps and growls filled the room. Starlight smiled at the emotion leaching through the air. If only she could have a bite...

"I would like to call up the first scout squadron along with Lieutenant Midnight of the guard." The scouts had been scripted, but Starlight had not originally planned on having Midnight come up. She had hoped that the Demon in Metal would not show, as her plans on keeping the ponies in the dark relied upon this. If the citizens began fearing the Demon, then the chances of her mounting a takeover were very high in probability. If they began to doubt the Demon's capabilities, which she knew were beginning to spread via rumour, then they would try to cast him out. It wasn't the perfect plan, but she didn't have a lot of time. If she was to succeed against the Elves, then things would have to speed up. Chaos was her ally here, not time.

Starlight produced a basket of medals from somewhere off stage with her magic and began to distribute them. Midnight was looking around with confusion etched on his face, but upon the counsellor reaching him, he chose to straighten.

"Counsellor Glimmer, I do believe that the Sergeant should be receiving credit. Should we not--" Midnight was interrupted when Starlight held up her hoof.

"You will only speak when spoken too, Lieutenant. The Demon was late, and thus shall not be mentioned in the ceremony." Her statement caused Midnight to sputter in bewilderment. This went against everything he was taught as a guard. Even if somepony wasn't there, they would at least get mentioned and awarded appropriately! Something wasn't right; maybe the counsellor had something against Dean? He would take this matter to General Blight once the ceremony was concluded; no sense in making a scene.

Starlight saw his look of hesitancy, followed by acceptance, and decided to move on. Putting away the medals, she trotted back to the microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlecolts, these are the heroes that saved more than two hundred lives! let's give them a round of applause!" The room was once more filled with the sounds of stomping. This was quickly drowned out by a surprise firework that squealed through the air and lit up the sky in a brilliant flash. The invisibility field would make sure that the explosion would not be seen.

As the stomping continued, Starlight's voice boomed into the microphone once more.

"Now go! Eat, drink, and celebrate with your fellow ponies!" This was met with more cheers, and Starlight smiled. She would take part in the festivities, but only for a bit. There was somewhere else she needed to be soon.

"Hey, Starcheeks." She cringed at the sound of her pet name, but forced a smile onto her face. Her magic wasn't working the same against Captain Armour, not since the failed Changeling invasion on Canterlot. His mental walls had been strong, his brain a nigh impregnable fortress. Had he not lost his wife two years ago, then she likely would never have been able to influence him in the first place. Turning around, she let a seductive smile cross her muzzle.

"Hey, stud, are you ready for the party?" She purred as she walked closer. Starlight leaned in and nibbled at his neck affectionately, causing the stallion to shudder. She giggled at the taste of emotion radiating off of him. It signalled trust, caring, and lust. SHe knew exactly what he wanted.

"Yes ma'am. The real question is, are you ready for tonight? I have a few... surprises for you." Starlight heard his tone and mentally scowled. She had forgotten how insufferable he could be when trying to get in the mood. Posing as Cadence during the invasion had been a nightmare, and now she was stuck with him again.

'He's nothing but a puppet.'

"I'll go get us some drinks." She smiled and nuzzled the Captain before sauntering towards the party. Her tail shifted to the side and she heard Shining's intake of breath. This caused her to smile as she let her tail fall back into place. This night was going to be a good one, she could feel it.

*****

Dean and Twilight sat at a table just outside the warehouse. Ponies were scattered about, talking, dancing, and having a good time overall. Most of the food and special dining was taking place inside, while the main party was happening outside. A dancefloor had been erected close to the entrance, and Dean could see a vaguely familiar unicorn at the DJ station.

"Would you like a drink?" Dean jumped at the sudden voice and turned. Before him was a teal coloured earth pony holding a tray. Various spirits and alcohols unknown to Dean sat upon its surface. Dean himself was never much of a drinker, and he didn't really feel like getting drunk tonight. This didn't stop Twilight however.

"Sure, we'll take two glasses of Stalliongrad gold." The waiter smiled and grabbed the requested bottle with her teeth before placing it on the table. Two glasses soon followed suit, and Dean found that Twilight was looking at him.

"...What?" He asked nonchalantly. Twilight huffed and shoved a glass full of what looked to be scotch towards him. Dean looked down at the drink, then back up at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. Twilight sat on her stool and crossed her hooves in front of her chest. Her own eyebrow flew upwards, and her ear flicked. Dean found it positively adorable.

"I'm not going to drink tonight." He stated as he rested his arm on the table. He reached up with the other hand and scratched at the side of his nose as an itch began to develop. Twilight's eyebrows only rose higher.

"Yes you are. You need to relax after all the training you've been conducting. Plus, it'll be fun!" She smiled cheerfully and clapped her hooves together. Dean smiled and shook his head.

"I have to keep a level head while I'm here. What if something bad happens, or someone needs help?" Dean was about to continue when a new voice cut him off.

"Well, then we will solve those problems when they come!" Dean turned around and smiled. Midnight and Spitfire were making their way towards his and Twilight's table, a plate of food being held on the former's back. Upon getting close enough, Midnight shifted the plate off his back, down his wing, and into the middle of the table. Dean's mouth began to water as the cheesy scent of nachos filled the air. The gooey treats seemed so enticing, so inviting, that he began to prematurely reach for one. A yellow wing slapped his wrist before he could get close.

"Ah-ah, you want a nacho? You'll have to earn it." Dean pouted lightly before switching his gaze to Spitfire. The Pegasus Captain smirked and sat down opposite him. Midnight dragged a stool from a nearby table and plopped down beside Spitfire. She leaned in and nuzzled his neck, a gesture which Midnight returned, before looking back to Dean.

"Don't give me that face, Sergeant. If you want to partake in the fun, then you've gotta get wasted with us." Spitfire grabbed a bottle of what seemed to be Vodka from a passing waitress and twisted the cap off with her teeth. The moment the cover fell to the ground, nearly a quarter of the liquid was down her gullet. Dean's mouth fell open in shock as she placed the bottle back on the table and wiped her mouth. Spitfire hiccuped once before giving a cocky smile.

"How about a drinking contest?" Midnight suddenly proposed. Spitfire looked over and nodded her head vigorously.

"Sure!"

"I'm in." Twilight agreed.

All eyes turned to Dean, who suddenly grew uncomfortable under their gazes. He cast an eye to the drink in front of him, then back to the group before him. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to have a little fun? The next few days were going to be stressful, and there was always the chance that he would be killed. Surely a little break from the norm would be beneficial.

'Fuck it.'

Dean sighed and grabbed the glass of liquor in his hand. He brought it to eye level and swished it about for a second. The golden colour seemed to twinkle with the strobe lights from the dance floor. Dean smirked.

"Fine, but I better get some of those nachos."

He tipped his head back and downed the drink. The ponies around him cheered, and Dean smiled, a blush covering his cheeks.

"Hay yeah!" Midnight hooted as Dean slammed the glass down on the table. Spitfire merely grinned as she pushed the nachos over to Dean.

Dean reached out and claimed his prize: a sizable chip smothered in gooey cheese and topped with various condiments. He saw onions, an olive, and a slice of a jalapeño. The slice of deliciousness was in his mouth in an instant. Twilight giggled at his antics and floated a chip in her magic. She took a tentative sip of her beverage before stuffing the nacho in her mouth as well. Dean reached over and scratched behind her ears, causing her to hum in appreciation.

"Aw man, those ear scratches look nice." Dean glanced at Midnight in surprise. The pitch black Pegasus was gazing at his hands with wide eyes. Spitfire was looking at him in bemusement, and Dean smiled.

"Well, I do have two hands..."

He didn't need to say any more as Midnight lunged across the table and into Dean's chest. The Human gave a startled yelp and proceeded to fall backwards off his stool. His back impacted the rough dirt and all the air left his lungs. He tried to put a hand out to help himself up, but something was preventing his movements. Dean looked down, only to find a certain Pegasus laying on his chest.

"So... about those ear scratches...?" Dean couldn't help but chuckle and raised his arm. His hand found its way behind Midnight's ears and he slowly began to work his magic. Midnight seemed to turn into putty on Dean's chest.

"Sergeant, if I had to hazard a guess, I think you may have killed him." Spitfires' tone was laced with amusement, causing Dean to smile. A waitress walked by, seemingly upside down to Dean, and he reached out with his other hand. He just managed to tap her on the hoof, causing her to jump in fright and look down. A bottle of liquor toppled from her tray and tumbled through the air.

Quick as a snake, Dean's arm shot out and snatched the bottle before it could smash into the dirt. He quickly flicked the cap off and looked back at the waitress with a toothy smile. Her ears folded back as he tilted his head slightly.

"Thank ya kindly, miss." He then took a swig from the bottle. The waitress moved on with a shake of her head, and Dean chuckled. Tonight was going to be a good night.

*****

One hour later...

Twilight's laughter filled the air as Midnight fell to the floor in a heap. Dean soon followed as he lost his balance and tripped over the black Pegasus. Spitfire watched from her seat, her eyes alight with mirth as the two boys lay on the ground.

Midnight had come up with the brilliant idea of doing a flip without the use of his wings. Of course, being a Pegasus, this would be difficult on all fours. So after the first few failed attempts, Dean had offered a hand to help. Midnight had perched on the Humans back, but in his drunken state, he was very off balance. What proceeded to happen was what could only be described as a disaster. Midnight had tumbled forward, and with an unmanly cry, fell face first into the ground. Dean had begun laughing, but stepped forward and tripped over his friend's body.

That's where they were now: laying on the ground in a tangled heap.

Dean looked up at Twilight and smiled. Her laughter brought a sense of happiness to his brain, and he enjoyed the sound quite a lot. When he had found her, she was suspicious, angry, and traumatised. The mare above him was entirely new. Her persona readiated care and love, and her demeanour was much more calm and happy.

"What?" Twilight managed to say between her chuckles. She looked down at Dean with a twinkle in her eyes. Her coat seemed to shine, and the bass from the constant music was entrapping. His vision flashed, and for a brief moment he saw Mary. It was gone in an instant, and he chuckled to try and get rid of the sudden feeling. He couldn't think straight, the world was spinning around him.

Dean grabbed Midnight around the barrel and hoisted him under the arm. The Pegasus wiggled as Dean placed him back in his seat. He then proceeded to sit beside Twilight on the ground, the top of his head roughly the same height as she was sitting. He looked back at the dancefloor, and noticed the hip-hop style music was coming to an end.

A few stringed instrumentalists were beginning to make their way up to the stage, and Dean had a feeling that a slow song was coming on. He turned back to Twilight, only to find her face inches from his own. He gave a start before chuckling once more. He noticed that Midnight and Spitfire were already making their way to the dance floor, and Dean frowned in thought. The alcohol was really getting to him, his augmentations doing nothing to prevent the intoxication. He was immune to most chemicals, but not ethanol. Why? He didn't know.

'Maybe their drinks are made differently?'

His thoughts were cut short when Twilight tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up at her with a smile, one which she returned.

"Dean, I-I was wondering.... would you like to... go dance with me?" Her whisper caused Dean to tilt his head towards her, but with his hearing, he was able to easily pick up her words. Maybe it was the alcohol talking, maybe it wasn't, but his next words slipped from his mouth without much thought.

"Sure."

Dean stood up and held out his hand for the purple Alicorn. She looked at it, then back at him. After a moment of hesitancy, she reached out and placed her hoof in his open palm. Dean gently wrapped his fingers around her appendage and pulled her to her feet. Twilight blushed and her feathers ruffled.

The two walked to the dance floor and stepped up onto the platform. Ponies were beginning to sway in time with the music, more than a few couples moving side to side with their partner. Dean spotted Midnight and Spitfire. They swayed in time with the music, their necks keeping each other close.

The music was sombre, and Dean could already feel his muscles begin to relax. He likely wouldn't remember half of what happened that night, but that didn't matter. What did matter was the purple Alicorn standing beside him

"O-okay, but how are we going to do this? You're pretty tall..." Her tail swished and she looked down. Her cheeks were flushed red and she refused to meet Dean's eyes.

Dean, for his part, thought about how they could do this. It was true that he was very tall, but Twilight was forgetting one thing. He quickly leaned down and grabbed both of Twilight's forehooves in his hands. She gave a little 'eep' as she was forced to balance on her back legs.

"Let's try it like this." He smiled at her, and their eyes met. Dean's smile widened as he placed one hand under her leg, and the other on her side. One of her hooves balanced on his waist, while the other rested against his arm. They slowly began to sway in time with the music. The strings and occasional piano caused Dean to lose track of time. His eyes were focused entirely on the mare in his arms, and for a brief moment, he felt a swelling joy fill up inside him.

For the next two minutes, the duo shuffled around the outside of the dancefloor, never drawing attention from the other ponies. Most were too drunk to notice the massive biped dancing with their Princess, but those that did simply ignored it.

Twilight's eyes seemed to sparkle. Her hair waved in the gentle breeze blowing through the night air, and Dean found himself entranced. The music was reaching a crescendo now, and Dean felt something stir inside him. His heart fluttered as he looked into the eyes of the mare... no, women before him, and he noticed she was leaning towards his head. Dean felt his world spinning now; he didn't know what to do. Even though he was eight feet tall, Twilight was nearly as tall as him on her back hooves.

'Wait, what is happening? Am I drunk? Why can't I think straight?'

He looked down at Twilight, her eyes were closing and her lips were getting closer. An instinct told Dean to lean down, to accept the kiss, but a quick glance behind the mare caused his blood to freeze.

There, just outside the light of the dance floor, was his wife, Mary.

Her skin was falling off, her hair torn out. Holes punctured her body, and she seemed to be missing an arm. Her mouth was set in a hard frown, and Dean couldn't help but feel the one emotion he had long forgotten: Fear.

"No..." He looked down at Twilight, who was eyeing him with a hurt look. His mind wasn't able to process what was going on and he let go of her hooves. Twilight had the foresight to see this coming, and easily rested on the floor. Tears threatened to flow from her eyes, and her lips began to quiver. Dean didn't notice.

Time seemed relative now, and he found himself running down the dark road to the barracks. He passed the occasional pony or other creature, and at one point, he thought he saw some sort of insectoid bug pony. He didn't dwell on any of it and continued running.

He ran and ran. He ran from his fear, from the one thing that continued to haunt him. In his drunken state, his mind was finally able to gain some clarity. The truth came out, and something inside him broke in half. He saw their faces everywhere, in the alleyways, in the ground, in the stars, and in his head. He couldn't get rid of them, no matter how hard he tried.

As he reached his bedroom door, the horrors of the truth suddenly ceased. His mind shut down completely, and he realised that he wouldn't remember a single thing that happened that night.

"I'm going insane."

Dean proceeded to collapse on the floor, asleep before he hit the ground.

*****

Spike lay still on the blanket, not daring to move in fear of waking up his companion. The stars twinkled like little lights in the night sky, and it created a canvas of beauty and mystique around the world. Of course, it was nothing compared to the little pony that was laying her head and half her body on his chest.

The two had spent almost an hour looking up into the sky. Lucy had brought a large assortment of foods, likely from the party, and the two ate them with vigour. They had talked about little nothings throughout the night, mostly about what they got up to when they weren't seeing each other.

Spike suddenly remembered something important. A circus vendor had been living in Maritime Bay for some time now, and he was going to be putting on a show for all the kids in a few days. Spike was going to ask Lucy to go with him, and he figured that now would be the perfect time.

"Lucy?" He gently nudged her small frame. She gave an adorable little snort before her large eyes opened and focused on him. Her muzzle curled into a smile and she yawned.

"Yes, Spikey?" He blushed at the name, but continued.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go with me and see that circus pony perform. I was meaning to ask earlier, but I wasn't able to find a good--" A hoof suddenly pressed against his mouth, silencing him. This was followed by the filly slowly leaning towards him and pressing her lips against his.

Spike's mind went blank, his brain failing to send signals to his body. For a second, he feared he had just had a heart attack, and wondered what the cause could possibly be. That's when his eyes refocused, and found a turquoise filly pressing her lips against his.

"Lucy?"

The little filly suddenly broke away from Spike, ending the kiss way too quickly. This didn't register in Spike's mind as he suddenly found himself on his feet and facing Lucy's mother. The mare seemed to have a sad look in her eyes, but for some reason, they were focused on Spike.

"I'm so sorry, little one. Lucy has just sped things too far for our liking." The mare took a step forward, and Spike took a step back. Alarm bells were ringing in his head- for some reason, and Dean had told him to trust his instincts. Before he could bolt, another voice appeared behind him.

"Don't worry Shimmer, this actually works wonders for the plan." Spike mentally groaned. Twilight had told him to avoid Starlight, for she wasn't a good pony. He turned to face her, but jumped back when he found Starlight uncomfortably close to his face. It was downright creepy the way she was looking at him.

"H-Hey counsellor Glimmer." He smiled meekly and took a step back. He bumped into Lucy and promptly turned to face her. As soon as he turned, he noticed that her eyes were rimmed with tears, and her ears were pinned to her head. Spike immediately grew worried and placed a claw on her cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Spike." She sniffled and slowly pushed his claw away. He looked behind his friend, and noticed that her mother held the same look.

"What for?"

He turned back around at hearing Starlight let out a sigh. His ears pinned against his head as she took a step towards him.

"I'm afraid that you have become the first victim of my plan. Lucy is going to be put on probation for her actions with you, and you will become the newest addition to our love sponsorship. Revenge is such a sweet thing, is it not?" Starlight chuckled, but instead of her usual voice, a deeper, guttural noise projected along with it. It was very recognizable, so much so that it had given Spike nightmares for weeks. Only one pony sounded like that:

"Q-Q-Queen C-C-Chrysalis?!" Spike felt fear like never before as the queen smiled devilishly. Her horn lit up, but instead of a translucent blue, it was now a poisonous green.

"The one and only."

Spike turned around, only to scream in fear. Before him sat two more changelings, one adult, and one youngling. The younger one had her ears pinned to the side of her head, and tears continued to pour down her face.

"L-Lucy?" Betrayal laced Spike's tone, and Lucy cringed.

"I'm so, so sorry, Spike."

Something thunked against the back of Spike's head, and he felt himself losing consciousness. A cruel laugh filled the night air, and the last thing that Spike saw was the changeling infiltrator that he had fallen in love with. His eyes finally shut, and darkness overcame him.

Chapter 36: The Storm

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A clap of thunder erupted through the morning air, its cacophonous sound drowning out the crashing of waves against the nearby cliffs. Wind swept through the city of Maritime Bay, tossing leaves, garbage, and debris through the abandoned streets. Window shutters clanked against the walls as the howling storm passed overhead. No Pegasi were in the air dispersing the tempest, for it was above the shield of invisibility. No foals played in the streets, the grey atmosphere dampening their energy. The only ponies out and about were the farmers outside the city walls... and one lavender Alicorn.

Twilight Sparkle plodded through the streets, her eyes downcast and her head hung. Her ears were flattened against her head, and tears were dribbling down her face. A grey sheen seemed to overlay her once pristine coat, and some of her feathers were out of place.

Twilight sniffled but continued on. She didn't really have a destination in mind; her tired and emotional state making it impossible to think of one. She didn't want to go back to her little residence, she didn't want to go and watch the guards train, and she certainly didn't want to see Dean.

The thought of the Human brought more tears to her eyes, forcing her to stop and rub them with her leg. It was all so unfair. He was mere inches from her, their lips practically touching! She had seen in his eyes that he had wanted the kiss, the way his features had relaxed, and how his smile grew. Nopony had cared for what they were about to do, and it had seemed that Dean hadn't either.

So why had he left her?

Was it because he thought she was taking advantage of him? Was he simply not ready?

'Maybe it's because you are a pony.'

She let out a quiet whimper at the thought. Interspecies relationships were common on Equis. Heck, Spike trying to woo Rarity was a good enough example! But Dean was different. He came from a world of Humans, and nothing else. She remembered him saying that many of the species on Equis were a figment of his people's imagination. Twilight realised that the Orith were the only sapient beings Humanity has ever encountered. Maybe that's why he had refused the kiss, because she was different? It was possible, but something was missing. A piece of information was on the tip of her tongue, but she just couldn't seem to recall what it was. Something Dean had told her, back in the cave, was relevant to the situation she was in.

With a sigh, Twilight eventually found herself near the training ground once again. She didn't really want to be here, but there was one other person that she needed to talk to. Someone who wouldn't judge her, someone who cared for her like no other.

"Company, double time!"

Thunder rumbled in the sky, but Twilight's focus was on the large, unicorn stallion trotting in front of a troop of guards. The clanking of armour and in time hoofsteps created a static rhythm on the path towards the mess hall. Twilight's ear twitched as she sat on her haunches and waited patiently.

Eventually, Shining saw her little sister sitting off to the side and steered the guards towards her. The group clattered to a halt some ten feet away before bringing their right for hooves' together against the opposite leg.

"Company, right hoof, salute!"

Armour clanked once more as every single guard in the formation brought their right leg to their forehead, including Shining. Twilight's eyes gazed over the assembled guards, a blank look upon her muzzle. After a moment, she giggled and smiled.

"At ease!" She chirped. Every single guard dropped the salute, but remained in position. She watched with interest as Shining turned to face the company.

"Continue on to the mess hall. You get a thirty minute break, and then we are back on the field. Those squad tactics you performed were sloppy at best, and if we are going to win this war, then you'd better perfect it! Dismissed!" Shining barked out the last order, and the group promptly did an about face. A lead pony began calling out steps, and before Twilight knew it, they were gone.

Shining turned and faced his little sister, a light smile touching his features. Thunder rumbled far above, and Twilight shivered slightly.

"Walk with me." Twilight nearly stumbled as her brother began walking back down the path and towards the cliff. His long strides gave her little time to catch up. After a few seconds, she found a gait that matched her brothers and followed in step with him. Grey clouds rushed by overhead, and Twilight could see rain clouds developing in the distance.

"So, what's on your mind, sis?" Shining's question nearly went over her head as her attention was focused on the stormy sky. Twilight gave a good shake of her head before smiling sheepishly.

"Well... nothing much, just thought I'd pop by and see my BBBFF!" She cringed at the sound of her own voice, which didn't sound believable in the slightest. A quick glance at Shining Armour was all she needed to confirm he didn't believe her either.

"You're a terrible liar, Twi. You can tell me what's wrong, I won't judge." The two came to an old picnic table under a tree. The clifface sat not a hundred metres from them. Should she go and stand on the edge, she would see the white capped waves thundering across the rock face.

Twilight looked out across the bay. The peninsula was a mere shadow through the raging storm, which was growing ever closer. A water-spout was forming off in the distance, its funnel swirling in a mesmerising pattern. Twilight had to admit, It was a beautiful view.

She looked away from the gathering storm and looked down at her hooves, contemplating what she was going to say next. Should she tell Shining about what happened on the dance floor? He was known for being quite protective, and she didn't want him doing anything rash.

"W-well, you see... I was at the p-party last night.... and I was dancing with Dean..." She ruffled her wings and her ears flicked. She could feel her brother's gaze on her. "A-and we... we were... about to kiss..." Twilight glanced at her brother and cringed. He had a goofy smile across his face, and his eyebrow was raised. He likely thought that everything was going to be positive, that she was going to tell him that she had a new coltfriend. Twilight took a deep breath and sighed deeply. "B-but we didn't. S-something happened, a-and he l-left me on the d-dance floor."

She heard her brother's intake of air beside her and looked up at him. Her ears folded back against her head and her eyes went wide.

"Wait, before you get mad, I don't think he meant it in an insulting way!" Twilight waved her hooves in front of her, as if she was warding away an attack. Shining was now scowling, but otherwise stayed silent. She took this as a cue to continue.

"He was drunk out of his mind, and I don't think he was thinking clearly. Where he's from, there are only Humans, so it might have seemed alien and wrong to kiss something from another species." Twilights looked out across the bay; the rain had grown closer. Shining took the moment of silence to speak up.

"It still doesn't make it right. He knows you are intelligent and capable of thought. But I don't think it's our physical attributes that are scaring him." Shining grimaced as Twilight's eyes locked onto his.

"Y-you don't? What could be then? Tell me, please!" Twilight's lip trembled. She had thought of every possibility, every reason why he wouldn't accept her. Some of her speculations were reasonable, while others were preposterous and unrealistic. She had gone over plenty of scenarios in her head as to why he might not like her... so what did Shining know that she didn't?

"Twily, you have to remember that if Dean came from another world, then he also likely had a life there. He had a duty to uphold, and his race was on the verge of annihilation. He told me that once he is done here, then he is heading home, and finishing his war."

Twilight's eyes brimmed with tears, and her lips trembled. Her ears were flat against her head as her eyes closed. Did he really not care for her like she thought he did? Was all his affection for show? Did he only rescue her in order to get closer to going home... to leaving her? It wasn't safe in this world, with or without the Dark Elves in power. What if they came back? What if they took Equestria again, and he wasn't there to save her? What if--

"Twily?"

Twilight felt a hoof on her back, and she immediately leaned against her brother's barrel. Small droplets of rain began to fall throughout the park, but the tree above them provided some shelter. Thunder suddenly boomed, and both ponies felt it in their bones.

"I know what you are feeling sis', and I know it's difficult. But I also believe that you are overthinking this." Twilight looked up at her brother. His eyes were filled with wisdom, and he seemed to grow taller before her eyes. In his pupils, he held kindness and understanding.

"H-how so?" her voice was meek, and she felt like a child. Was it so hard to just get some semblance of normalcy in the crazy, dark world?

She just wanted to be at home, in the tree house. Dean would be there with her, and her friends would have been visiting. Spike would make hot cocoa, and all the ones she'd lost would still be there. The vision suddenly clouded over, and every single pony present vanished... except for Dean. The powerful, deadly, and kind Human that had dragged her back from the brink of insanity. The one who had kept her company and protected her from harm. The one who was fighting for her people's freedom.

"Since meeting the Sergeant, I could see that he cared for you. Deeply. When we were talking the other day, he told me that he would protect you with his life if need be. When you were taken by prince Trignar, he followed after them in order to get you back. He believes you are one of his greatest friends! Dean isn't leaving because he wants to, he's leaving because he needs to. That doesn't make you worthless in his eyes. If anything, I think it means that he is going to complete his mission, whatever the cost, in order for you and all of us to live in peace. Only then will he go home in order to fight for peace once more."

Twilight's mane swayed gently in the wind. Her tears had stopped flowing, and a look of understanding showed in her eyes. Shining turned back to look out to the Lunar sea, but the rain was getting too thick to see the ocean. Rain was starting to break through the tree canopy above, and both ponies visibly shivered.

"I think it's about time we headed inside somewhere warm. Would you like to stay with me, or are you going to head to your room?" Twilight looked to the side and thought for a moment.

"I need to find Dean and talk to him first. I don't know if he remembers the party all that well, but I want to make sure there are no negative feelings." She heard Shining's intake of breath and looked up again.

"You'd better hurry then, he's supposed to leave for Stalliongrad in one hour."

For a moment, Twilight's heart nearly stopped dead. The storm disappeared altogether, and the only noise that could be heard within her mind was a dull ringing.

"WHAT!" Her shriek caused a guard several hundred feet away to fall down the steps to the mess hall in a disgruntled heap. The blast from her voice seemed to cause the leaves and branches on the trees to bend unnaturally. Shining's horn was lit, and his ears were surrounded in a purple glow. His only true reaction was a subtle smirk.

"He's at the armoury, getting his squad geared up. They are leaving this soon.... because..." Shining looked around and blinked owlishly. Twilight was already gone.

With a shrug, Shining hopped off his seat on the bench and began cantering towards the mess hall. Wind or rain, lightning or snow, his guards had work to do. If they got the hang of these new tactics that Dean had presented, then they would have a new and significant advantage over the battlefield.

*****

Dean stood a few metres away from his squad mates, his rifle laying disassembled before him. The air was damp, but the components of the SCAR remained safe under the shingled overhang above him. Beside him, a large tactical bag lay full of MRE's, tactical gear, extra armour, and extra ammo. His helmet sat on the table beside his rifle as well as the tacpad. The helmet sported a white and black colour pattern, and he was currently fiddling with the tac-pad settings in order to reorganise the camouflage of his exosuit. Certain positions on the body armour were able to mould into certain shades, but not full on colours. The basics were black, grey, and white. Having a pattern like forest green, or U.N blue required a prefabricated component that attached to the armour. His previous exo-suit had a built in forest camo component, but it was deconstructed when the new suit was made. Dean would have to fabricate a new one when he returned from the mission.

Stalliongrad was going to be interesting. The city itself lay past the targeted encampment, far enough away to be secluded from whatever slavery was going on, but close enough should reinforcements be needed. With the current war being waged in the Gryphon Empire, necessities such as reinforcements were scarce in the outer cities. Stalliongrad was an easy target, and it just so happened that a major general in the Dark Elven ranks was visiting.

Dean tapped another icon on the tac-pad, and it emitted a beep before returning to the main screen. He groaned in frustration and tossed the device onto the table. He barely heard the hoof steps approaching before it was too late.

"Technology not working for 'ya?" Dean groaned a second time, but louder, and hung his head.

"Don't even start Stormfly, it's bad enough that we will be travelling in this weather. I don't need you on my ass as well!" He pulled a stool from under the bench and sat down. Grabbing a nearby cloth, he picked up the muzzle of his gun and began cleaning. The silencer being attached had left the inside of the muzzle quite dirty, and it was taking quite a bit of effort to clean it out.

"Not sure what a Donkey has to do with this, but your word is law boss. Just know that magic is always an alternative!" Stormfly danced away as Dean reached a hand out and swatted in her general direction. He felt nothing but air, but his ears could very well hear the snorts and giggles coming from the various squaddies.

"Har-har, yuck it up. Won't be so funny when it's my advanced technology saving you assholes on the battlefield." Dean kept cleaning, but upon not hearing any retorts or comments, he turned to find out what was causing the sudden silence. A strange buzzing, like a stuka dive bomber, began to fill the air. Dean's eyes widened.

He had just enough time to stand and brace before a purple fur ball slammed into his torso. He was ready this time, and only moved back a step to soften his attackers impact. He couldn't help but let a smile grace his lips as his arms wrapped the fuzzy pony in a hug. He heard a very feminine giggle and chuckled in response.

Glancing over at his squad, he noticed that many, if not all of them were trying to contain their laughter. Dean felt Twilight nuzzle his chest before his face turned into a scowl.

"Salute your princess, pronto!" This order was met with six stomps of the right hoof followed by a ridgid salute. Every pony present had a stone cold face and hardly any movement of the body. Dean was impressed, but he had more important matters to attend to.

"How are you, Princess?" He smiled as her large eyes found his. She was so adorable when she looked up at him, her muzzle buried in his chest while her gaze seemed to pierce through him. Her bangs fell down in front of her right eye, causing it to close slightly. Twilight gave a huff, vainly trying to remove the offending hair, but failed. Her one good eye looked at Dean pleadingly.

Dean chuckled and reached up before wiping the stray hairs away. He heard her give a happy 'eep', causing him to snicker and pat her on the back. He slowly placed her on the ground and took a step back, the smile never leaving his face.

"At ease."

The squad gave a collective sigh of relief as they were finally allowed to lower their hooves. Dean caught Stormfly giving him a half glare and only smirked in her direction. She rolled her eyes before trotting over to Cobalt. Dean looked down, only to find his friend had seemingly disappeared. He promptly turned around, only to find the Lavender pony sitting in his seat. Dean sighed and pulled another stool out from under the table before fixing it next to Twilight.

Taking a seat, he began his equipment inspection anew.

"So... I heard you are leaving soon?" Dean stopped, glanced at the Alicorn beside him, then continued on with his work.

"We are, yes. We are going to show the Dark Elves that the resistance means business; that we aren't to be taken lightly. Plus, the more ponies we add to the ranks, the better chance we have of winning this war. We leave in ten minutes!"

A series of "aye" and "yes sirs" echoed across the armoury. Gear was being loaded up, and final checks were being made. Dean was nearly done with his rifle, having cleaned the last part. All that remained was assembly.

"Dean, when you get back, I was hoping you would come and see me? There is something I need to tell you, but it requires a lot of time that we don't have right now." Twilight's tail curled around her, and she began stroking it with her hoof. Dean frowned, recognizing the anxious movements she was portraying.

"Is something wrong? I can have the company wait if it's that important." Dean gently placed the half finished gun on the table and fully turned to face the little pony before him. He could see something in her eyes, something familiar.

"N-no, it's not all that important, but I do need to tell you at some point. Just be careful, okay?" She looked up at him with teary eyes. Dean's heart seemed to break at the sight, and he quickly, but gently grabbed Twilight's forelegs in his hands. The rain seemed to quiet down, just for a moment, and Dean took the opportunity to speak.

"When you were taken by the Dark Elves and nearly raped, I came looking for you. When I went to Ravenford, and saved all those ponies, I came back to you. There is no need to be afraid, for if I am still alive, you will be safe. I swear, on my life, that I will come back alive and find you. We will have the chat you were hoping for, and we will be close enough together that nothing bad can happen. You have my word."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, as if sealing a binding contract, and Twilight's mouth was open in shock. This shock was replaced by a warm and pleasant smile. Before Dean knew it, he was being wrapped in another hug. No snickers came from the squad, and the rain seemed to pick back up, drowning out any noise. Dean returned the embrace, but only for a second. As the two pulled away, their eyes locked.

"I will come back. I promise."

Dean rose from his seat, attached the final component to his rifle, and hefted his supplies bag. He gave Twilight one last smile before marching towards the assembled squad.

"Alright. We have a long trek ahead of us, and the weather is not in our favour. Anyone who wishes to back out now may do so without reprimand. If this is the case, then I will find a more willing soldier."

Everypony was silent, the only noise being the rain cascading down from the heavens. A flash of lighting lit the sky, and Dean sneered. His hand found the slide and he proceeded to chamber his weapon. A metallic click told everyone present that everything was ready.

"Very well. Let's kill some point-eared bastards!"

The ponies assembled let out a cheer before filing forward. Dean took point and the group began their march out of the city. Twilight looked up and lit her horn.

A flash of purple and a loud crack later, and Twilight was standing on the ramparts of the fort. She stood on her back legs, her front ones resting on the barrier. She watched, through the rain, as Dean and his squad marched past houses and through the empty streets, but something was bugging her.

Twilight shuffled nervously, her eyes beginning to scan left and right. A guard several metres away was side-eyeing her, and she could feel eyes on her back from below. Turning around, Twilight turned her back on the fleeting form of the Demon in metal. But as she did so, a flash of green caught her eye. She scanned through the fort, but the flash did not reappear. The stares from the guard were getting on her nerves now, and her tail swished in nervousness. She was being watched, and she didn't know why. Something was off, but she couldn't tell what.

'I just need some sleep.'

Twilight yawned and lit her horn once more. As she made to teleport, her eyes met the guards, and for the briefest of moments, his eyes flashed green. A moment later, and she was back in her room. She stood still for several seconds, confused and scared. Twilight yawned once more, and imagined it was a trick of the light.

But as she moved to sleep, a feeling of dread washed over her...

Chapter 37: Longa Via Septentriones

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Rain pounded from above and droplets of water fell with vigorous intent. The constant wave of shaking leaves, and groaning branches resonated through the dense Everfree forest. Far below the roof of the canopy, figures moved in tight formation with one another. Every once and awhile, a light clap would echo around. Moisture clogged the air, and the smells of earth and rot wafted through through their senses. The forest floor was damp; perfect for breeding a certain blood sucking insect.

"Fuking bugs." Dean grumbled as he slapped a hand on his neck to kill the pesky insect. It had been roughly six hours into their journey so far, and they were making good time. The only setback was the constant blood suckers. Dean couldn't wait to get away from the forest and into the icy tundra near Stalliongrad. At least there there wouldn't be any bugs.

"You know, for being some super soldier from another dimension, you complain an awful lot." Dean scowled and looked back at Midnight. The jet black Pegasus revealed no emotion, or annoyance, from the constant onslaught of mosquitos attacking the group. Wisely, he never looked up at Dean's scowl.

"These bugs could be carrying an unknown pathogen that might be harmful to myself. If--"

Dean was interrupted by a snort coming from his left. His head whipped around as he tried to find the perpetrator, and his eyes landed on Stormfly. He barely caught the edges of a smile before her face went blank as well. Dean refocused on what lay in front of him and continued walking.

The equipment brought by the ponies rattled and shook as they trotted after their Human leader. Each one was wearing unique armour. Some was scavenged, some was homemade, and most was from their previous duties as royal guards.

Spitfire wore a sleek black and white striped jumpsuit as well as flight goggles on her head. hardened fibres of some sort, as well as various lightweight metals, covered all four of her legs. Her torso was surrounded by padded armour, and a strange glint was emanating from her wings. Dean reckoned they were wing blades of some sort.

Unlike Spitfire, who wore metal as well as padding, Midnight only chose the latter. His flight suit was also striped black and white in a camouflage pattern, and he wore padded armour on every single leg. A strap containing various small weapons and equipment crossed across his chest and neck, allowing him easy access should the need for a fight arise. He too had metal through his feathers.

Stormfly was slightly more unique, and Dean was the reason.

Because of her confidence and brute like personality, Dean had dubbed her a close quarters fighter and weapons expert. She carried a short sword under her wing, similar to a Roman gladius, and blades in her feathers. She wore the old royal guard greaves on the front of each leg, and a modified version of the royal guard body armour. Chainmail replaced parts of the lower body armour, while plate metal protected her chest. Her armour was painted a checker-like, and disorganized white in order for her to blend in better. Dean had personally overseen the pattern and made sure it was as close to standard winter camouflaged as possible.

On her head, sat what Dean could only describe as a relic of the past. A United States, World War Two, M1 combat helmet. The headwear was covered in white and black camouflage material, blending in perfectly with her current armour. Were she had found such a piece of equipment, Dean would never know. Not once had he seen or heard talk of anything similar to the second world war, nor has he been shown any evidence of a war prior to the Elves that would involve such technology.

The twins, Steel and Cobalt, were carrying their equipment with the wagon of supplies. Those two had developed a very heavy armour, leaving only their joints exposed and everything else covered. Had Dean given them something akin to a back mounted minigun, then they would be the pony equivalent to a juggernaut.

Swift Spear was very unique, almost as much as Stormfly. He carried very light armour, and opted for a simple hat along with a vest. A heavy crossbow was strapped to his back, and he carried around thirty bolts.

Each pony was outfitted with equipment provided by Dean. Each had a walkie-talkie, with the channels programmed to each other. Each had one flashbang, and one fragmentation grenade. Unlike the primitive grenades occasionally found throughout Maritime Bay, the modern, Human design was much more lightweight and easy to carry. Dean had had to show his squad how each piece of equipment worked during one of their training sessions.

The ponies were only missing one thing, and those were guns. The weapons they were currently utilizing were primitive and obsolete. For the current mission, he wasn't going to worry too much seeing as they would be in close quarters fighting, but in the future, they may not get such a luxury. It was his intent that by the time the Resistance made a push on the capital, he would have outfitted a select few with various rifles.

The group plodded along, and Dean remained lost in thought. Various possibilities played through his mind, and each one would be able to help them win the war. With the Dark Elven army occupied across the sea, they would have some time to attack and destroy the Elven Empire. It all depended if the Griffons could hold out just a few months more.

The Emperor had underestimated the Resistance, this much he knew. Should he have wanted, he likely could have sent his armies across the nation and eventually found the last free city of Maritime Bay. Thankfully, this wasn't the case, and Dean intended to use this to his advantage.

By wreaking havoc amongst the Dark Elves and their establishments, the Emperor would be forced to post what little guard force he has across the country in order to counter the guerrilla tactics of the Equins. Hopefully, he was cocky enough to think of himself as untouchable atop his castle, and by the time he realized the true extent of Deans plan, it would be to late.

"We will sing together
And the mountains will hear our call;
And we will raise our voices
Remembered forever, the Land of Equestria..."

The soft voice of Swift Spear overtook the rain, his words seeming to erase the chilly atmosphere. They continued walking, but all ears were turned towards the young Earth Pony as he continued.

"We will dance through the country
And the night and the day will be one;
Side by side, we will unite
As one mind, as one soul, the name of Equestria

Oh, Luna's night full of bright stars
With the moon shining down on the land;
Celestia's summer skies
To guide us, to lead us, in ruling Equestria

We will live in joyous laughter
With the love and the trust that we share;
And the world will know the good times...

The music was somber, but the lyrics told a different story. They spoke of a joyous nation, a land filled with wonder and laughter. On the second verse, all the other squad members slowly joined into the song. Each pony synced perfectly with the next, creating a beautiful chorus of harmonious vocals. The rain continued to pound down, and thunder continued to occasionally clap overhead, but not once did it drown out the music coming from the ponies.

Dean realized something then. These ponies, these people, they all had been living in harmony and peace with one another. The song being sung was a testament to that, with the depictions of play and love. It depicted a living soul at the heart of it all, something that these ponies had refused to leave behind. They fought for the freedom to once again see their idea of Equestria: A free and joyous society.

If only Earth was similar.

Even before the Orith, Humanity was tearing itself apart. Dean wasn't really a religious man, but if he had to hazard a guess, he would say the end times were nearly upon them. Things like corruption, war, and starvation were rampant, and the threat of global extinction was always stalking in the background, itching for someone to press a button and end it all.

Dean wanted a free world, a world where people could work together, love one another, and find happiness. Maybe Earth wasn't that spot, maybe it was to late to change. However, Dean knew one thing and one thing only: He would not rest until this world had the chance that Humanity didn't. They had a chance; a chance to push back the Elves, to remake and reshape the world into one of peace. Once this was done, and he was going to make sure it was, then and only then would he return home. Right now, the ponies needed him more than ever. He had the capability to change what happened in this world, and it was his duty to enact it.

And so, Dean listened as the song slowly came to a close. At some point, instruments had somehow made an appearance. A Piano had been playing, and a whole orchestra had played quietly in the background. It had been joyous and triumphant, but as the song came to a close, the somber feeling returned. Once more, the rain could fully be heard, but this time, it was overpowering. A crack of thunder rumbled across the sky, and lightning lit the air. Even with Dean's advanced hearing, he had a very hard time hearing the last words of the song.

"Glory and honour, the Land of Equestria."

Dean subtly turned his head and regarded his squad with a saddened expression. He could sense the nostalgia in the air, as well as the feeling of dread and sadness. He saw it on each of their faces, the hopelessness in their eyes and the defeat in their expressions. Such a powerful song, reduced by the overwhelming odds they faced. Sure, they would succeed in the coming mission, but the full brunt of the Elven war machine seemed unstoppable. For two years, the Equestrians had lived in fear and uncertainty. For two years, they had fought a losing battle. But that was just it... a battle. The war was not done, their hope was not extinguished. They had held out against the Elven menace, and their salvation had arrived.

Dean smiled as they plodded along. He felt energy entering his body, a happy, patriotic feeling. The others must have felt whatever he was feeling, for their ears perked and they all looked to the Human in their midst. Thunder rumbled once again, and the rain poured ever harder. An image flashed through Dean's mind, an image that portrayed freedom and justice. It was a song that represented life and liberty, as well as freedom from oppression. The ponies needed something to signify what they were fighting for, and Dean had just the song:

"Oh say can you see,
by the dawn's early light..."

Midnight and Spitfire looked at the Human in surprise, their mouths falling into an "oh." Stormfly raised an eyebrow, while Swift Spear's ears perked. Cobalt and Steel remained as stoic as ever.

"What so proudly we hail'd
At the twilight's last gleaming?"

The rain tried to drown out the uplifting tone in Dean's voice, but it failed. Thunder crashed once more from above, and a streak of lightning flew through the sky. Its rigid lines and electric look lasted for only a second before the world was once more bathed in gray. Dean kept singing.

"Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd
Were so gallantly streaming?"

A quiet humming accompanied Dean's voice, it's tune matching his lyrics. Each ponies hoofbeat suddenly became rhythmic, creating its own harmonious noise. Dean smiled and looked towards the treetops. A beam of sunlight suddenly cut through the gloomy sky, its ray piercing through the leaves and branches. Dean kept singing.

"And the rocket's red glare
The bombs bursting in air..."

Something akin to an orchestra was now playing softly in the background, though no instruments could be heard. The ponies behind him were now singing along, their voices adding a healthy mix of high and lows. Dean's voice was growing louder as he sang, his passion to his country, the one he protected and served, giving him the energy needed to continue.

A quick glance behind him showed that his squad was no longer stuck in a gloomy state. All except one. Swift Spear still kept his down trodden expression, and he seemed to ever so slightly be falling behind. The storm above was beginning to break, its clouds thinning in order to reveal a beautiful sunset. Shadows cast by the trees seemed to dance around them, swaying to the song of freedom and liberty.

"Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there..."

The rain slowly drizzled to a stop, and the rays of the fading sun fully flashed through the canopy above. Dean estimated they were about a quarter of the way along their journey. They would likely need to continue marching into the night, something he could easily do. The real question was: were his recruits up for it.

"O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the brave!"

The song came to an end, the final words seeming to echo across the forest and through the air. Dean felt pride. Pride in his nationality, and that he could live up to being a freedom fighter for the innocent. The Equestrians were suffering at the hands of the Dark Elves, and it was his job to deliver their freedom. They needed a morale boost, one that he could give.

"First Sergeant, I can't say I've ever heard you sing. Your voice is incredible!" Dean looked down and to his left, were a certain hot-head Pegasus was trotting along beside him. Another quick glance back showed looks of admiration and respect from his fellow soldier's. Dean blushed slightly and turned to hide his look of embarrassment.

"I'll say! You totally killed that!" Dean chuckled as Midnight piped up from behind him, but he decided not to respond. His eyes were back to scanning the surrounding forestry, and his ears were on high alert. He hadn't realized how loud he had really been singing, and he doubted the ponies did either. He was told stories about the forest they were currently in, the Everfree, and they weren't all to pleasant. Big or small, something would have heard them singing.

"Sergeant, it's nearly dark. I say we find a spot to set up camp." Spitfire's raspy voice caused Dean to jump slightly. He had been so focused on the forest, that he had forgotten about his own squad mates.

"I'm not sure Spitfire. I'm getting a strange feeling at the moment. It almost as if we are being--"

A flash caught the edge of Dean's vision, and his eyes swivelled towards the offending light. He stopped moving, as did everyone in their small group. Ever so slowly, Dean reached towards the P23 on his hip. The forest was deathly silent, definitely not a good sign. No birds chirped, and the wind no longer blew. Something was wrong.

Dean heard something then, something akin to a whisper. It blew past his ear, on the edge of his subconscious. Looking around, Dean's hand moved from his pistol to his helmet. A gentle yank was all it took to detach the headgear from his waist, and ever so slowly, he moved it towards his head. His eyes flicked to the side, and time slowed down.

Quick as a snake, Dean lifted his right arm in front of his face, and just on time. A metal tipped dart of some kind pierced through the air without a sound, the only warning of its presence being the light reflecting from its tip. The small projectile connected with his armour and ricocheted off into the depths of the forest. Before Dean could react, someone in his squad cried out in pain. He turned and saw that Midnight was now hanging some ten feet in the air, his legs snared in a rope.

Dean turned back around and slipped his helmet on, preparing for a fight, but before he could react, another dart came rocketing out of the gloom. Dean was to slow this time, and the dart deflected off of the bottom of his helmet, where his neck would be. Dean growled and lifted his rifle from his back before pointing it towards the foliage. A quick command through his neurolink and his surroundings suddenly went from forest green to neon infrared.

Through the dense bushes and undergrowth, Dean's eyes caught sight of a peculiar sight. A quadruped was standing behind a tree, and one hoof was raised to her face. Dean questioned why this was before the being lurched forward. The processors within his helmet calculated that a needle-like object was once again making its way towards him, so he quickly side stepped and let it pass.

"Where the buck are they!!" Stormfly yelled as she and the others minus Midnight ducked behind the wagon.

"One quadruped, North-North East. Moving to engage." Dean's voice crackled through the built in microphone. The device made him sound robotic and unnatural. He holstered his pistol and took off at a dead sprint. His infrared vision kept track of the enemy combatant. He failed to hear his squad calling for him to wait.

Another dart was launched towards him as he crashed through branches and brush, but once again, it was deflected away. Dean was rapidly approaching his target, but it had still not moved. It was obviously a pony of some kind, given its quadruped nature, but why would one be shooting at them? Sure, he could be mistaken for an Elf, but there was a multitude of ponies with him as well, free of chains and in armour no less.

Before Dean could think anymore, he suddenly found the reason why the pony had not moved. His eyes widened as a sixth sense screamed at him to duck. He followed that instinct immediately.

Some sort of hybrid animal suddenly jumped at him from the side, twin, razor sharp swords were held in its claws. Its war cry was all Dean heard as he flopped to his stomach and planted his face in the ground; the strange creature soared overhead.

Within milliseconds, he was up again and running, but this time, towards the new threat. If the two were allies, and he could subdue the flying thing that had attacked him, then maybe he could get them to converse without the need for violence. It was a risky plan, and he didn't have any backup, but he didn't really have any other options. Sooner or later, one of those darts would find a chink in his armour.

Dean approached the bird like creature rapidly as it moved to stand. Its failed attack had left it discombobulated and it was currently trying to stand. The creature was large, nearly three quarters his size lengthwise. It sported a pair of massive wings, and was covered nearly head to toe in feathers. Speaking of its head, the thing resembled an eagle, but its eyes were to big, and its beak was to small. From the waist down, it was a lion.

"My god, it's a Gryphon!" Dean whispered under his breath.

He didn't have much time to further analyse the fantastical creature before him, because it was now poised to attack once more. Its beak was curled into a snarl, and its swords were pointed towards his chest. Not once did it show fear towards the towering behemoth before it, and Dean smirked behind his helmet.

"DIE ELF!" It yelled in a vaguely feminine voice. Dean surmised the Gryphon to be a she, but he didn't have time to think on it as she was now jumping towards him.

Faster than a snake, Dean sidestepped her attack while simultaneously bringing his arm across both her talons. The sheer force of the blow was enough to knock the swords out of her grasp, and bruise her ligament. Her squak of pain and surprise was cut off as Dean's free arm found its way around her throat, while the other one came up to complete the choke hold. Should he want to, he could easily break her neck, and it seemed the Gryphon knew it to, for she went rigid and still.

"Gilda!" A deep, but womanly voice suddenly called from through the trees. It reminded Dean of an old African American lady he had met once while shopping with Mary and Jackson. Dean turned to face the perpetrating voice, making sure that the Gryphon in his grasp was angled towards it.

Dean's eyes nearly bugged out when a zebra of all things ran through a split in the trees before stopping not twenty feet away. A pair of worn saddle bags rested across her striped back, and golden rings ran up her neck. Her mane was decorated in a mohawk, and a strange marking not unlike a cutie-mark rested on her flank. Around her neck, was a primitive dart thrower, and across her side, was a wide array of darts.

"Release her at once, Elf! Surrender now, or suffer the consequences yourself!" The zebra snorted, lowered her head, and narrowed her eyes. Her ears folded back, and her tail flicked. The only thing that Dean could focus on at the moment was the fact that she had just threatened him by rhyming. He began to laugh.

"Pray tell, what is so amusing? Surely you know, your death is soon approaching!" She snarled the last bit and took a step forward, but Dean was faster. Before the Gryphon or Zebra could react, his knife suddenly made its way into his hand. Neither of them had seen him move, but both could now see the glimmering piece of stainless steel pressed against the Gryphons throat.

"Not another move. All I want is a moment to speak." Dean saw the Zebra narrow her eyes, but inside those irises, he could see a trace of fear. She wouldn't move so long as the Gryphon was in his custody.

"What is it you seek? My temper is at its peak." Dean bit back a retort. How was the zebra acting so high and mighty with the situation they were in?

"Sergeant! Wait!"

Dean half turned his head, but the knife never moved from its position. Lieutenant Midnight was galloping towards him from behind, his eyes frantic, and his breaths heaving.

"I'm a bit busy here Midnight." Dean grumbled as the Pegasus approached.

"I can see that. Though I don't think your attempt at diplomacy is working." Midnight snarked. Dean scowled under his helmet and chose to ignore his friend for the time being.

"Alright, Zebra, I am not here to harm you, or this Gryphon. Myself and my squad are just passing through on our way North." Dean watched as the Zebra's face became confused, then irritated. Her attention swiveled to Midnight, completely ignoring Dean and his captive.

"What business does a pony have with an Elf? Surely you wouldn't betray your kind, for the benefit of yourself?" Dean sighed as Midnight answered.

"Well, that's because my friend, Sergeant Forrester," he pointed to Dean with a free hoof, "is not an Elf." The Zebra's face fell into a mask of confusion once more before she turned back to Dean.

"I do not believe that. Unless you can prove he is not one of those horrible rats, then I will not trust you enough for further chat."

"Wait, Zecora! Y-you aren't going to leave me r-right? If he is an Elf, then y-you'll rescue me, right?!" The Gryphon suddenly found a blade very close to her throat, cutting off any words she was going to follow up with.

"You stay silent, that way, nobody gets hurt." Dean growled. They were running behind schedule as it was, and these two idiots had gotten in their way for long enough. After a moment of hesitation, and a whole lot of contemplation, Dean decided to take another risk.

Removing the knife from the Gryphons throat, he gently pushed her towards Zecora the zebra. Gilda gave a squak of surprise, but quickly bounded behind her friend. She shook like a leaf as she eyed Deans knife with terror. Zecora looked from Dean, to the knife, and then back, before merely raising an eyebrow. Without saying a word, Dean slide the knife back into its sheath on his chest, and slowly reached towards his helmet.

"Uh, Dean? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Dean paused at Midnights question.

"Yes, if it means gaining their trust." he then proceeded to lift the helmet from his head, revealing to the two strangers before him what he really looked like. After ten full seconds of awkward silence, Zecora finally spoke up.

"It seems what the pony says is true, you are not an Elf, though your true nature among my people is taboo. In ancient texts, has there been such a specimen, and if I didn't know any better, I would think I am looking at a Human." Zecora slowly plodded forward, Gilda in close pursuit. She stopped an arms length away from Dean, and raised her head to gaze into his eyes. Dean stared back, unflinching, as she analyzed every detail about his face.

"Trust you yet, I do not. But not five minutes ago, things were getting hot. I propose an alliance with one another. That way, we may get to know each other further." Zecora stuck her hoof out towards Dean. The Human looked at the appendage for a second before slowly reaching his arm out as well. Both Midnight and Gilda held their breath as Dean's hand slowly grasped Zecora's appendage and shook once. Their collective breath was released as they both lowered their appendages.

"We were going to set up camp soon anyways, why don't you both come join us?"

Zecora regarded Dean, then Midnight, before turning back to Gilda.

"What is your opinion my friend, I believe this conflict is at an end."

Gilda eyed Dean with uncertainty. She was loyal to her zebra friend, but she didn't trust this supposed Human. He was dangerous, that much she could tell. Being a predator, she knew when a threat was standing in front of her, and she had a feeling that this Sergeant was a bigger threat than anything she had come across. She looked back towards Zecora, and her loyalty temporarily won out. Without saying a word, she slowly walked past Dean and picked up her swords.

"I believe that answers the question! The others are setting up the camp right now, so we'd best hurry." Midnight cast one last glance at Dean before trotting ahead of the group. Dean waited for Zecora to go past him, but when she did, another feeling came over him. The hair on his neck stood on end, and his muscles tensed in anticipation.

After several long seconds, Dean heard Midnight call for him. The Human looked around one last time before slowly turning and jogging after his new acquaintances. Something definitely wasn't sitting right. He just didn't know what.

*****

Emperor Dommik's fingers drummed across the armrest of his throne. Their beats created a rhythm that described his current condition: annoyance.

Dommik was annoyed, and for good reason. Not only did the bug have the audacity to ask him a favour, but she had even withheld vital information! He knew that she was doing it on purpose, to grate on his nerves to the umpth degree. Because of her, the location of the Resistance still remained a mystery. If that bug didn't deliver on her promise...

Dommik huffed and leaned back, all this drama left him in need a distraction.

A whimper rose from in front of him, and Dommik's eyes snapped towards the perpetrator.

A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane hung limply in his magical grasp some five feet in the air. Her body was beaten, her fur was falling out, and her eyes were sunken. Dommik suddenly squeezed his other hand into a fist, causing the little Pegasus to shriek in pain. One of her legs snapped into an awkward angle, only increasing the noise. It was music to his ears.

"M-Master... please...." her voice caused him to frown. It reminded him of what he was trying to accomplish here on this measly planet. One he was through with his grand scheme, there would be no more suffering, no more pleas for help. Hell, there would be nothing wrong at all! He just needed until the next blood moon, the one that happened every seven hundred years. If he could complete the ritual by then...

"M-M-master!!"

Dommik slowly unballed his fist, allowing the little Pegasus some relief. His focus was to distracted at the moment for him to toy with her. He needed something else to do.

A sickly sweet smell suddenly invaded Dommik's senses, causing him to frown.

"What news do you bring?" Dommik dropped the pegasus to the ground unceremoniously, causing her to cry out in pain. He watched as a tendril of some kind snaked past his throne, down the steps and around the Pegasi' stomach. As she was lifted up, Dommik just barely caught sight of the tentacle making its way into the little ponies mouth, and down her throat. An odd slurping noise sounded, but Dommik ignored it; he knew IT wouldn't kill one of his assets.

"It is getting harder to enter into the Human's dreams, Emperor. The Guardian's influence is strong, stronger than meeee..." More slurping continued, and a drop of liquid landed on Dommiks shoulder. ever so slowly, he reached up and swiped the substance away.

"If that is the case, then I will give you a temporary... power. Use it wisely." Dommik closed his eyes and focused. An image of the orb flashed through his vision, and he called upon its power. He felt a surge of energy, more than he usually gathered, and quickly raised his hand. He couldn't see it at the moment, but a ball of perverted green was now floating inches above his palm. He sensed more than felt as IT reached forward and snared the ball of magic before ingesting it. Dommik slowly opened his eyes and straightened his robe.

"Very well, you may carry on. Do what it takes to break the Human. Whether I like to admit it or not, he is a threat that must be dealt with." Dommik watched as the little yellow Pegasus was brought back in front of him. black tendrils snaked through her body and up her neck. Her eyes were rolled back, and her belly seemed to be pulsing. He continued to watch as the tendrils slowly retracted, snaking their way out of her body before coming free with a suck-plop!

Dommik looked down at the Pegasus, who was barely breathing as it was. Dommik judged she would live, and waved a hand dismissively into the air.

"You are free to go. Fail me, and there will be consequences."

He stood up and walked past the unconscious pony; the guards would bring her back to her cell. Instead, Dommik made his way back through the doors to the garden. His footsteps carried him to a particular statue, one that he often ignored. It wasn't until a few days ago that he had learned the true origin of this statue, as the Destroyer had not bothered to inform him.

The Guardian, the Archangel... the bain of her and his existence. He stood tall upon that pedestal, his trench coat billowing in non-existant wind. A strange hat was placed atop his head, casting his face in what seemed to be shadow. One arm was outstretched, while the other was behind his back.

Dommik suddenly lurched forward and yelled viscously. Pure, black magic blasted from his hands and directly into the statue. The cocaughany of sounds that followed sounded like metal scraping on stone, and after a solid thirty seconds, he finally stopped.

Panting, Dommik scowled at the still intact statue before him. He wasn't strong enough yet, but when the blood moon came, and the Princess was in his clutches, then, and only then, would he be able to rid the multiverse of this pesky Guardian.

Dommik snorted and stood back up.

"Your time is running out. I know you can hear me in there, so know this: Whatever plan you have in place, whatever it is you are doing with this Human... it will fail. Your precious multiverse will be destroyed, and I will be the one leading the carnage. Your reckoning is at hand." Dommik turned and stocked back towards the castle, not once looking back. But as he left, he failed to notice a measly little crack appear within the stone.

The Guardian had indeed been listening, and all he could do was pray that Dean hurried. Time was certainly running out, and if the Destroyer got loose, then nothing would stand in her way. The Human needed to free him, lest the whole multiverse be left in darkness.

Chapter 38: The Campfire and the Dream

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A fire crackled merrily in the centre of the camp. Its dancing flames casting light upon the faces of the various creatures surrounding it. Beyond the ring of light lay only darkness. The trees were barely visible, and all that could be heard was the gentle chirps of bugs and frogs. The occasional woodland creature would scurry through a bush, or a small predator would chase another animal a ways away. Not once did any of these things come near the camp.

Sitting in a circle, eight of nine beings regarded each other in silence. Midnight, being the quickest and stealthiest, decided to take the first watch, hence his absence. The silence continued on for sometime, only disturbed by the occasional shuffle or breath. No one knew how to start a conversation here. What could they talk about? There was no news on the weather, and everyone knew the state of affairs around the country.

Dean sighed, and all eyes turned to him. His helmet was off, but he still wore the majority of his equipment. His rifle lay in his tent, but his pistol was still strapped to his side. An untouched MRE sat beside him, its green and grey texture seeming to absorb what little light the fire gave off. He shuffled slightly in his seat before straightening his back. A series of pops was able to be heard from underneath his armour, and more than a few of the current spectators winced.

"Alright. It's been almost an hour that we've been sitting here, and nothing has happened." Dean looked at each and everyone in the eyes.

"Well, there isn't much to talk about. Zecora and Gilda know that we are heading towards Stalliongrad, and we've gone over the plan countless times. Everything is set up, watch times have been set, and all that remains to do is eat and go to sleep." Spitfire raised a hoof to her face and inspected it as she responded. Her wings ruffled at her side, but she otherwise remained sitting.

Dean brought a hand to his face and scratched the stubble on his chin. He would have to shave again as soon as he got back to Maritime Bay. Twilight had told him she liked his facial hair, but he intended to follow protocol. If he was going to make it home, then discipline was essential.

"Well, I was actually wondering, what are you two doing here in the Everfree? It's pretty dangerous here." Cobalt directed his question towards the two newest members of their group, breaking the awkward silence that had suddenly descended. Dean saw Gilda jump, but Zecora remained collected.

"We are in the Everfree, where the prying Elven eyes cannot see. This place was once my home, and Gilda has come, so as not to be alone. The area we are in is sacred land, and cannot be affected by the outside hand. You folks stumbled in here by surprise, and leaving soon would likely be wise." Spitfire frowned from across the fire.

"What's that supposed to mean? Why have none of you tried to find the resistance? Surely you've heard of us!" She crossed her hooves and glared in their general direction. Zecora huffed and shuffled in her seat.

"I do not wish us to be put in harm's way, and I can feel in my bones, Equestria is beginning to decay. With the Emperor still in power, I can't help but feel this country is upon its final hour. I have seen bits and pieces of the future, and what I viewed cannot be seen with humour." Zecora stopped her tirade and instead gazed into the fire.

"H-how can you see the future?" Dean heard a tinge of fear in Spitfires voice, and upon glancing at her, found that her eyes were wide and her pupils were thin. A quick look around showed the other ponies having similar expressions. Turning his eyes back to the zebra, he listened intently as she continued her story.

"I am a shaman, little pony, take me not for a fool. I've seen things like daemons, and all things cruel. Whatever this mission of yours intends to accomplish, know that there is a bigger threat that needs to be abolished." Zecora sat back, and the air suddenly seemed to grow chilly. The fire's light didn't seem so welcome anymore, and everyone present could feel their hair standing on end. Dean reached up and began to rub his slowly forming stubble. He was more concerned than afraid; the Zebras' words confused him. Due to her riddles and constant rhyming, he was having a hard time understanding her message. He needed to see this future for himself...

"What are Human's like?" Gilda suddenly piped up.

At first, the question didn't register in Dean's mind, and he kept scratching at his face. After about five seconds of an awkward silence, Dean looked up at the various creatures once more, whom were looking at him expectantly. His eyes darted around before his face fell into a frown.

"Did I miss something?" He set his arm down on his knee and sniffed.

"Yeah, I asked what Humans' are like? I've never heard of them." Gilda shuffled nervously, and her voice was barely above a whisper. Her eyes stayed locked on Dean's face, which had seemingly fallen into a shadow. He appreciated the change of subject from the doom and gloom. It was an interesting question on her part, and completely random. He needed time to think.

"Well, you folk have stories of Humans on Equis, right?" He saw Zecora and Spitfire nod, but the others didn't. He huffed and cast a glance to the side, analysing the darkness. "Well, if that's the case, then I don't know how different my world is in comparison to yours--"

"You speak like you are not of this planet, yet I see something my Elders spoke of in my old Hamlet. Surely you jest when you speak of this, otherwise, I think something may be amiss." Zecora crossed her hooves and raised an eyebrow. Dean hummed in thought for a second before an idea popped into his head.

"How about this: you guys tell me what you know about Humanity before I arrived here, and then I'll share my story. Most of you know I'm from another world, but I want to hear what this planet's Humanity was like." Dean leaned forward and stared into the fire. The previous conversation seemed all but forgotten, and everyone was slowly becoming invested in the talk of Humanity. He expected Zecora to start talking first once more, but was in for a surprise when Swift Spear spoke instead.

"Upon making friends with you, and finding out you were a Human, I decided to do some research. I had heard the name before, but it wasn't until I went to Maritime Bay's decrepit library that I found out more. I may not look like it, but I am actually quite a bookworm on occasion." The constant swirl of light and shadow hid his blush from the rest of the group. Dean signalled for him to go on.

"I found two books, one on various societies, and one on technological achievements. I searched in the first book for a few hours, and had nearly come to the end, when I found mention of Humans. It was the last chapter, and some of the pages had stuck together. I read what I could, but it wasn't all that much." Swift Spear paused and reached to his side. After a second of rummaging, he slowly straightened in his seat. Where his hooves were once empty, a canteen now sat. After a quick swig of water, he continued.

"It said that the Human race had existed thousands of years prior to Ponykind; as far back as the earliest records. Apparently, the copy I had was one of the last additions to be printed, which was exactly three hundred years ago. Anyway, the book spoke of a mighty civilization which spanned over entire continents. Cities with buildings that reached the heavens, machines that moved to and fro, and terrifying equipment meant for Death and Destruction. It said that out of all the existing races, Humanity was the most violent. Constant wars, greedy governments, plagues, and pollution cut through their history like a knife. Their civilization was said to have lasted nearly ten thousand years, but it didn't go into detail on how it ended. All the book stated was that Humanity became too advanced, and to corrupt with disharmony, that they ended up waging their last war, and erasing themselves from the planet." Swift Spear paused to take another sip of water, giving time for Dean to speak up.

"You mentioned another book, something about technologies?" He waved a hand dismissively. Everyone present was focused on Swift Spear as he continued.

"I did. Just like the last book, this one only mentioned ancient Humanity near the end, though this time, the chapter was much longer. It contained diagrams of strange machines and equipment; I even saw a device that resembled your gun! Once again, the book was one of the last of its kind, and was nearly falling apart by the time I was done reading it." Swift Spear hummed and sat back. "That's all I know about Humanity on Equis. A lot of ponies no longer know about them because they became irrelevant. In the dark ages, according to the prologue of the book, the rise and fall of various civilizations was common until the royal sisters brought peace and order."

There was silence once more, but this time, it didn't last very long. Dean was slightly confused, for a lot of details seemed to be missing. What level of technology was Humanity at that caused its extinction? There was no way that they were a measly ten thousand years old before the end. It didn't add up!

"There are holes in the story, but I'll find them when we get back to Maritime Bay. I guess it's my turn, eh?" The group collectively nodded and focused on him with rapt attention. It was slightly unnerving to have so many sets of eyes focused on him, but he shrugged it off.

"Well, where do I begin..." Dean mumbled under his breath.

"How about a timeline to start things off?" Spitfire piped up. "I was kinda curious about your history ever since I came into your squad."

Dean nodded and shuffled in his seat. The wooden log beneath him wasn't the most comfortable of furniture, but he'd sat on worse before.

"Alright. Well, unlike your stories, Humanity where I came from has been around for nearly three hundred thousand years. My planet has been around far longer. Through evolution, we used our minds to create various technologies. We had no magic, no flight, no uncanny strength... just intelligence. I don't know for certain, but one of the first proper societies to start was the Greeks. They are seen as an ancient people from an ancient time, their legends and folklore are still popular today. Things like Pegasi, unicorns and Gryphons were part of their myths. I-- Yes?" Stormfly had raised her hoof into the air, like she was at school. With all her armour on, it actually looked quite funny.

"You said Unicorns, Pegasi and Gryphons, but what about Earth ponies and, erm, zebras?"

Dean thought for a moment. He hadn't told anyone what horses were actually like where he came from. He wondered how they would react.

"Well, hor-- er, ponies and Zebras certainly existed. I don't know any good way to word this, but on Earth, neither of those species are intelligent." This was met with an assortment of gasps and 'whats' of shock. Everyone present stared at him with wide eyes and open mouths. Dean shifted once again.

"Before my planet was invaded by aliens, Humans were the only intelligent species," he kept going in the hopes that they would soon forget about his revelation, "We progressed through many different era's, which brought upon many new technologies. It wasn't until the industrial revolution that Humanity really started to progress. From what Twilight told me about your people, Equestria was just beginning their own industrial revolution. after--" Dean stopped when Zecora gasped.

"Y-you said Twilight, yes? The Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Dean immediately noticed the lack of rhyming, as did everyone else. Confusion sat on many of the ponies faces as they stared at the zebra. "I-I..." Dean watched as tears began to flow from Zecora's face, and his own eyes widened.

"You know Twilight?" Dean sat up a little straighter and tilted his head slightly to the side. He watched as Zecora tried to wipe away her tears, but with little success.

"S-she was, er, is my friend, one of my first in Equestria. She got the ponies of Ponyville to trust me and accept me into their society. After the invasion, I had heard news that the Princesses had been executed publicly. I assumed Twilight was among them, and it gives me great relief that she is alive." Her words spilled out in a flood, and once again, she did not rhyme. Dean gave her a moment to collect herself, and Zecora took a deep breath.

"Dean saved her from the Elves, you know." Zecora's head suddenly whipped around to face the slowly emerging Midnight. The lithe black pegasus slowly walked into the clearing and sat down beside Dean. Cobalt, who had previously been silent, stood and walked to his post on watch without a word. Dean let a small smile appear on his face, but it was gone a second later.

"I was not informed of this heroic act. Is what Midnight says false, or truly a fact?" Zecora faced Dean now, her pupils wide and her tail swishing from side to side. Dean shrugged.

"I did, yes. She had been captured by one of the Dark Elves princes, and she was going to be taken back to the Emperor. I intervened before that could happen." Dean looked at the ground, his face falling in shadow.

"If it was a member of royalty, then surely he was well guarded? Did the resistance help you?" Gilda's question caused Dean to shift, the firelight flickered and reflected off of his armour. His face remained hidden in shadow as his eyes travelled upwards.

"I was alone, and there were thirty six elite guards. After rescuing the Princess in secret, I went back... and killed all but two. The Prince is under resistance custody, and I left one survivor to tell the tale. Have either of you heard of the Demon in metal?"

Dean's question was met by a shake of Zecora's head, but Gilda slowly nodded.

"Yes, he was in a newspaper I stole a few days ago. He's apparently a fearsome fighter who took on the town of Ravenford, saved a bunch of ponies, and is currently one of the most wanted beings in Equestria. I assumed that the Demon in metal was a pony, o-or a gryphon or minotaur! You're saying that you..."

"Yes. I am the Demon in Metal. The only Human on this planet. I freed those ponies at Ravenford, I took on an army of Elves so they could escape. I've captured a member of the Elven royalty , and massacred a group of Elite guards that were once thought indestructible." Dean sighed and shook his head. "It's not enough yet. My end goal is not to keep harassing the Dark Elves; that'll just make them angry, and they might eliminate the Resistance. No, within the next few months, I intend to attack them at their core, and eliminate the Emperor in hopes they will all back down." He stood up and stretched. "I think that's enough storytelling on my part, I'm gonna get some sleep before my shift, I suggest you all do the same. We leave at dawn." Dean moved towards his little one man tent and moved to unzip the front.

"But, you never really told us... what are Humans really like?"

Dean turned and looked back towards the campfire. His squaddies knew a lot about him already, but no one nearly knew what his species was truly like. He gave pause for a moment before sighing loudly.

"Put it like this. Humanity is resilient, and steadfast. We are capable of both love and hatred, creation and destruction. Our intelligence and ingenuity knows no limit." Dean turned and pulled the zipper on his tent, but Zecora called to him one last time.

"Human, I have heard stories of your people's capability with conflict and war. Does this have anything to do with your people's lore?" Dean turned and regarded the Zebra. The questions were starting to nag at him, and his temper was growing short. He stifled a curse under his breath, and instead let his face fall into a scowl.

"Humanity is the master of violence and brutality. I would assume that my reputation is a testament to that." Dean then turned and headed back into the tent. He felt a headache coming on, and he did not want to answer any more questions about his people. It made him homesick, and only reminded him of the small amount of time they had left. He needed to get home, his family's lives depended on it. He laid his head down on his pillow, and the inky blackness of sleep immediately took hold.

*****

He was standing in a hallway, that much was certain. The walls, floor, and roof were all made of stone: like you would see in a mediaeval castle. The hallway was lit with torches for some time, and upon looking in both directions, he found he could not see either end.

Dean inhaled sharply; something wasn't right.

He slowly reached down to his waist, and his hand rested on his pistol grip. His eyes scanned back and forth, but there wasn't much to see. Dean suddenly realised that he wasn't wearing his helmet, and upon looking over his person, was unable to find it.

'Okay then, that's fine... I think.'

Dean got a sudden feeling, like a subconscious thought. It told him to go forward, and to keep moving forward. Dean debated whether or not to ignore this feeling. That was a mistake.

An ungodly screech echoed down the tunnel from somewhere behind him, its sound bouncing down the hall. The force of the screech actually caused Dean's hair to blow back, and he winced as warm air assaulted his face. Quick as a snake, his pistol was now in his hands and pointed down the hall, the iron sights trained on the seemingly never ending corridor.

He stood there, unmoving, for what seemed like hours, but in reality, it was seconds. Maybe, whatever it was was gone? Maybe it realised he wasn't running for his life and got intimidated. Maybe--

'What was that?'

Dean squinted down the hallway and tried to see as far as he could.

'I swear I just saw... there!' His eyes slowly grew wider as he watched a strange phenomena.

Some hundred metres down the hall, two torches had suddenly winked out. The occurrence kept happening, getting closer and closer to the stock-still Sergeant. Every time a torch would go out, an inky darkness would appear. It seemed to be consuming everything in its way.

Dean's brain restarted in slow motion, all the while letting the darkness get closer. It was twenty metres away now, nearly a quarter of a football field's length, and didn't seem to be slowing down. Dean blinked, and his arm shot up once again.

KRACK!

Dean realised that the silencer on his pistol was missing, thus allowing the noise from the gun to reverberate through the enclosed hall. The noise was loud, too loud, and it overloaded Dean's senses. A ringing began in his ears, and his teeth grit together. However, not once did his eyes close, for they were widened in fear.

Ignoring the pain in his ears, Dean pulled the trigger two more times.

KRACK! KRACK!

Two tracers flew down the hall at supersonic speed, but as soon as they entered the dark, they suddenly hit something. The first bullet deflected off of a massive hide of some sort, while the second one went whizzing past the things head. The darkness suddenly stopped some five metres away. Its oppressing nature seemed to suck the air from the hallway, and pull the light from the remaining torches. Suddenly, four beady eyes, each set a different colour, opened on the creature and narrowed. Their eyes seemed bigger than a Humans, and Dean couldn't help but shiver. Instinctively, he took a step back.

The beast's eyes snapped to his leg, and Dean froze. Ever so slowly its eyes travelled up his body before settling on his face. The two just sat there, staring at one another. Dean's breathing became laboured, but he wouldn't back down. At least, not yet.

A sound like a creaking door suddenly began to emminated, and it seemed to be coming from the beast. Dean watched in horror as a split began to open about a half-foot beneath its eyes and slowly began to widen. He watched as what seemed to be the creature's mouth slowly opened into a massive maw of razor sharp teeth. The protrusions seemed to go down its gullet, where a light seemed to be flickering. The light provided Dean a good view of what else was inside that mouth, and a rotten, pungent smell began to waft through the air, making him nauseous.

"Helppp... meeee..." A head slowly rose from the depths of the mouth, and Dean nearly gagged when he recognized a unicorn. He had grown so familiar with them, that it disgusted him to even see such a gruesome display of one. Its skin was in tatters, and no fur remained. Its eyes were missing, and blood seeped from its various wounds. Its horn was nothing but a snub.

Dean felt fear like never before. The maw was still getting bigger, big enough to envelope him, and not once did the eyes break contact with his own.

'Run.'

The thing drew closer. He recognized it as the beast from his prior dreams, the one that was constantly terrorizing him. He hadn't seen it in days, so why now did it appear before him now?

'Run.' The beast drew closer, and he could now see tentacles swishing around on its back. One was slithering along the floor and towards his feet, the slimy appendage wiggled and turned. The end of the tentacle opened, revealing a suction like protrusion.

'RUN!'

Dean's feat gained motion, and before he knew it, he was sprinting down the hall. Torches and stone became a blur as he sprinted forward.

A roar echoed from behind him, and Dean nearly stumbled. His mind was full of blind fear, and his terror spurred him onwards down the hallway. Not once was there a turn, or bend. There were no doors or alcoves he could hide in. Just the endless hallway!

He heard it then, the lumbering of the beast. He could feel the darkness creeping up on him. His surroundings were still a blur, but he had the uneasy sense that the thing behind him was gaining. He heard an odd sucking noise behind him, but he was too terrified to look. All he could do was run, and run fast.

Something smashed into Dean's back, and he caught air. The world seemed to spin before his eyes, and the feeling of no gravity overtook him. It only lasted for a second before his back impacted against something solid, and he slid to the floor in a daze.

Thump, thump, thump...

The beast's large gate slowed as it got closer. The torches near it continued to extinguish, and there was only one more set before it got to Dean. He smirked at the thought.

It all felt so real. The impact, the fear, the setting, and the monster. Even if he knew it was a dream, he couldn't help but feel helpless and terrified. The great Demon in Metal, Sergeant Dean Forrester, First Sergeant in the RSTF, was scared. Captain Mason would be disappointed, yelling at him to get up and fight. Something about this beast was affecting his mental state, and he needed to figure out what and why.

"Huummmaaannnn..." The beast gurgled as it drew closer. Dean tried to move, but a wave of pain overcame him. He wasn't supposed to feel pain on this magnitude; his augmentations didn't allow it. "This is my domaaaiiinnn. Thisss iss myy powwweerrrr." The beast gurgled, and its maw opened once more. One of the tentacles was snaking its way towards Dean's torso. His hand twitched.

"W-what do y-*cough* -you want?" Dean snarled as he tried once more to move, and succeeded. His arm lifted and rested on his torso. Blood was leaking from his head, no doubt from him hitting the door at the end of the hallway.

'Wait, door at the end of the hallway?"

Dean looked to the side and saw a small wooden door. On it was a grip meant for pulling, and hinges were bolted onto the side. He stared at it for a few moments before returning his attention to the creature.

"Princeesssss Twiligghhhttt... Wheerree isss sheeeee..." The beast stood stock still, its many teeth resting a few feet away from the Human. Dean snarled in response.

"Y-you'll never get anything from me!" Dean slowly stood up, his back pressed against the wall. His teeth grit as he forced his body to move, and his limbs screamed in protest. The door was directly to his left; all he needed was a distraction.

"Isss thattt soooo..."

Dean just barely moved his head to the side as the tentacle, which had not gone unnoticed on the floor, rocketed towards his head. its blobby form smashed against the stone, crushing a few inches into the rock and dislodging debris. Dean's hand found a cylindrical object on his waist, and he grabbed it. The Beast roared, but did not move, obviously it was trying something with those tentacles; he couldn't let them touch him.

He removed the pin, but before he could throw, a second tentacle flew from the darkness and attached itself to Dean's face. He screamed in shock and fear as the slimy appendage suctioned around his mouth and nose, cutting off his airways. It was then that a slimy... thing tried worming its way past his lips. Dean clamped his mouth shut and struggled with all his might. His one hand was around the tentacle, trying to rip it off for all it was worth, but he wasn't strong enough. He fell onto one knee, and his face was turning red from the lack of oxygen. He shuffled left, hit the wall, then shuffled right, and did the same. The tentacle was winning this fight, and there was nothing he could do.

A calmness swept over Dean, and he realised he was still holding his ticket out of this. Without hesitation, he released the nine-bang and kicked it towards the monster with his feet. Just as the explosion went off, the tentacle made it past his teeth and down his throat. There was a bright light, an impossibly loud noise, and then he was free.

He choked and dry heaved as the appendage retracted from his mouth, and the monster began screaming in pain. Blind, and deaf, Dean began reaching around blindly behind him. The door handle was around there somewhere. He stumbled around, dragging his arm across the surface of wood in search of that damnable handle.

His hand touched metal, and Dean squeezed his fist around the handle. The door swung open easily with nary a sound. Without a second thought Dean shoved his way through the opening, and promptly began falling. His scream of terror only got lost in the wind roaring past his ears, and he flailed his arms in panic. Like a bullet hitting him in the chest, Dean's training finally kicked in, and he spread his arms and legs as wide as they would go. He had no sense of sight or hearing, and his body was roaring in pain. A sixth sense warned him, and he suddenly found himself lying face down on something smooth. There was no pain, no flash into the afterlife... just nothing. Dean rose to his knees. His breathing was heavy, but now it seemed to echo. It was as if he was in a cavernous room, which was quite odd seeing as where he just came from.

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Dean tried to force the effects of the flashbang away. With such a close proximity, it was a miracle that he hadn't lost his hearing.

"May I assist you, Human?"

A female voice, deep, professional, and with a strange accent called from somewhere in front of him. It reminded Dean of someone from the Victorian Era. Dean stood awkwardly and faced in her general direction. It was then that he realised she had actually not spoken to him, in a sense. He had heard her voice in his head! Dean began to sweat as he took a nervous step back.

"How do I know I can trust you?" He brought his arms up into a defensive stance and scowled in the voices' general direction. His eyes remained closed and in pain while he slowly turned around. He heard a sigh before a strangely familiar feeling suddenly overcame him. Something akin to warm water enveloped his head, and he felt the pressure in his body dissipate.

"'Tis merely but a dream, this place, so small nuisances such as this are easy to mend." Dean felt his ears stop ringing, and his eyes stop burning. Ever so slowly, he blinked, and all he saw was darkness.

He quickly and whipped his head back and forth in search of the women.

At first, he missed the Alicorn standing a few feet away, but upon a second passing of his eyes, he stopped to regard her. She was dark blue, and had massive wings on her sides. Her hair was waving in a nonexistent wind, and a moon overtop of a black splotch was her cutie mark. Dean recognized her from somewhere, but that didn't matter, she had indeed helped him.

"I have been attempting to reach you in my dreams, Human, but IT was constantly blocking me. My name is Princess Luna of Equestria, 'tis a pleasure to meet you." Luna smiled warmly and her wings ruffled at her side. Dean could only stare at her in shock. This was one of the famed Princesses? But both Twilight and Zecora had said they were murdered.

'What the fuck...'

"Princess? But.. but you died." He stated dumbly. Luna tsked and nodded.

"Indeed I did." She deadpanned.

"But, how are you here then? I...I-" Dean was cut off when Luna raised her hoof.

"I am not here to trade stories, Human, for my time is limited. I am here to give you a warning and hopefully some wisdom on the conflict at hand. This is not my true self, but a conjuring of what little remains of my mind." She analysed his features, and a sad look came over her.

"The Emperor has created a terrible monster out of mine, my sisters, and King Sombra's bodies. That is what chased you here through the hall. It is a twisted and demented thing, that beast. In order to beat it, you will need something called the Elements of Harmony, but your time to use them is running out. Something big is going to happen, a ritual of some kind. I don't know the extent of the ritual the Emperor intends to conduct, but it will take place on the next blood moon in two weeks. If that ritual is complete, then everything you have fought for will be for nought. You have to stop this from happening."

Dean held up his arms and waved them in a 'slow down' manner.

"Whoa there, what the hell are you talking about? Two weeks? There isn't enough time to get everything done! Plus, the ponies won't even be able to fight in one week, they aren't ready." Dean huffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I think you may have your dates wrong your--"

"DO NOT QUESTION OUR WISDOM, UNGRATEFUL WHELP!" Dean's hair was blown back from the force of Luna's voice, and the ringing returned. Once Luna was done yelling, she took a deep breath and looked to the ground in shame. Suddenly, she cried out in pain, and Dean saw multiple shadow images of her suddenly appear throughout the void. The beast's tentacles had ensnared the one to his left, and on his right, the corpse of the Princess was laying at the feet of a hidden biped. Blood poured down her face, and a look of shock was over her muzzle. Dean stepped away as the shadow Luna's dissolved, only to leave the first princess sitting on the ground before him.

"I'm sorry, Human. I only have so much time, a-and what the Emperor d-did to m-my p-ponies..." she looked up with teary eyes and right into Deans. It was heartbreaking really, watching her ears and wings droop while tears streaked across her cheek. Even if this wasn't the real Princess, she had obviously been through some traumatic experience. Dean's caution and common sense battled with his heart as he regarded the Princess. She had looked down again, and was quietly weeping to herself. She was saying things under her breath, too quiet to hear, and Dean's eyes softened. The hard soldier's kinder side took over, and he felt his muscles relax.

Dean strode forward and bent down to the Princesses level. At first she shied away, but Dean was too fast and quickly wrapped her in a hug. There was no smell to her coat, but her fur was soft. Her own hooves wrapped around his midsection as she sobbed into his armour.

For several minutes, they just sat there. Dean could understand her pain, and a hatred deep within him was once again brewing. That damned Emperor and Dark Elves. Had they not invaded, she would still be alive. Dean wouldn't have to play the part of a hero, and everyone could have lived happily. He was going to fix this, and he gently whispered into Luna's ear.

"I-I will save your people, and I will kill the Emperor myself. You, your sister, and everyone else who lost their lives will be avenged... I swear it." Dean squeezed the Princess one more time before letting go and standing up. A content look crossed her features, and a remorseful smile came across her muzzle. She moved to wipe a tear away and gave a shuddering breath.

"I can feel the truth in your words, and I find you to be a worthy champion. I have one last request for you, and it is likely my most important one." Dean nodded and straightened his back.

"Protect Twilight Sparkle with your life, for she is the key to everything. If the Emperor gets his hands on her, then Equestria, and the whole of Equis is doomed. Promise me." she looked into his eyes with a steely expression, one that he returned. It was a look of determination, and Luna seemed to see that. She looked into the air and closed her eyes.

"Thank you, Human. I'm only a memory now, a being of a time long past, but you give me hope for Equestria's future. Kill my possessed body, stop the Emperor, save my little ponies, and protect Twilight Sparkle." A tear ran down her face as she smiled towards the sky. A light was forming above, and Dean immediately looked up as well. "My duty is complete, you have given me reassurance for the future, and there is no more need to stay on this plain of existence. Thank you." Her lips began to tremble, and she brought her eyes back down to the Human. Silvery wisps were slowly peeling from her body, giving her an astral-like appearance.

Luna surprised Dean by galloping forward and wrapping him in a bone crushing hug. Had he sported no armour, his bones would have broken. He returned the hug, but was surprised to find that nothing was there for him to wrap his arms around. Looking down, he found that Luna was gone. No dark blue Alicorn, no wisps of smoke, nor a trail to follow. Just gone.

"Thank you, thank you so much... Sergeant Dean..." A ghostly voice seemed to pass by him before moving towards the ever brightening sky.

Dean felt something on his face then, and it confused him. He winced as he brought the front of his hand to his cheek and wiped. Upon lowering his hand and examining it, Dean found a small drop of liquid directly in the centre of his palm. He looked up and around, his arm remaining suspended before him.

The severity of the conversation he just had suddenly hit him full force. The Alicorns were nearly gone, wiped from the planet, all thanks to the Dark Elves. Dean had a promise to keep, multiple actually. But they all led to the same ending. No matter the cost, no matter the danger, Dean was going to save the Equestrians. He was going to make a change on this planet, and he was going to free its people... or die trying. He would honour Luna's memory, and heed her final message. He would ensure, no matter what, that she, and the rest of the slain, were not forgotten.

"I'm coming for you, Emperor." He whispered harshly.

Dean scowled and stared at the droplet in his hand, which was slowly dissipating. He looked into the sky, where a bright light was suddenly becoming blinding, and squeezed his hand into a fist. The fabric stretched and protested from the force he was applying, but he didn't care. What happened was more than just a dream now, and what he did in the coming days would decide the fate of this planet.

"I promise, Princess. I promise to save your people. I promise to rid the scourge of the Dark Elves, and I promise to avenge yours and your sisters' deaths. I promise."

The light enveloped Dean, and he slowly worked his way to the land of the living.

*****

Twilight awoke with a start. Something was off.

She kept her breathing even and her body movements to a minimum. It was a feeling that made the spine tingle, like one was being watched while they slept. Twilight prepared herself and readied her wings. Counting to three, she closed her eyes, tensed, and...

Fwoosh!

The blanket around her flew into the air, courtesy of her extended wings. She let out a whinny of aggression, hopefully to confuse her attacker. Her horn charged an electric violet, and her stance lowered into a threatening pose. She quickly jumped down from atop her bed and landed on the now squirming bedsheets on the floor.

With a snort, she grabbed the sheet in her mouth, keeping her horn charged, and yanked the cover off. A tiny purple and green head revealed itself to the world and Twilight gasped in shock.

"Shpike?" She questioned with the blanket in her mouth. She quickly spat the fabric out and trotted over to her assistant. "Spike! I'm so, so, so sorry!" She danced in place for a second before lighting her horn and hauling the baby dragon to his feet. She quickly dusted him off with her hooves before beginning to fret over her little brother.

"Are you okay, Spike? Did I hurt you? I really didn't mean it!" Twilight examined her little brother up and down, side to side, before sitting on the floor.

"Jeez, Twilight, what was that for?!" Spike snapped at the Alicorn. Twilight's ears folded against her head and she tapped a hoof on the floor nervously.

"Well... you see... I thought someone was in the room, and most have overreacted--"

"Overreacted?!" Spike half yelled. "Is this what spending two years in a forest has done to you? Made you all crazy in the head thinking you should jump at every shadow? I was only going to get some water!" Sike snorted and crossed his little arms. His eyes flicked to the side for a moment, before he focused back on Twilight.

"S-Spike, I truly didn't mean it! I-I'll get your water for you, how about that?" She was already up and moving towards the sink and preparing her magic. She wasn't able to fully complete her task, for there was a quiet 'whooshing' sound, and something heavy hit the back of Twilight's head. She collapsed to the floor in a heap.

"Sorry Twilight Sparkle, but you just don't get it."

Twilight's eyes cracked open, and she groaned in pain. She saw Spike, and then another pony standing above her: Starlight. She tried to move, but a magenta hoof pressed her neck into the floor. Twilight gave a whimper of pain. Spike leaned down to her ear and whispered the last words she would hear for a while.

"You should always trust your instincts, even in a 'safe' place."

Twilight's eyes finally closed, and she fell into a very deep sleep.

Chapter 39: Wasteland

View Online

"This is as far as myself and Gilda go, Human. It was a pleasure meeting you, despite our earlier confusion." The group was stopped at what appeared to be the edge of the Everfree forest. For the last day and a half, the group had been steadily moving north towards Stalliongrad, and were only about half a day's march away. At some point on their journey, the temperature had dropped exponentially, and the group had found itself in rockier terrain. Trees were growing more apart, and their elevation had only continued to rise. Zecora had informed them that the city of Stalliongrad was in between two mountains, and a river split the city down the middle. What she didn't know was the fact that there was a concentration camp several kilometres to the south of the city.

"Good luck, Sergeant. It is truly horrifying what those Elves have begun doing. I knew they were enslaving all the races of this planet, but never before have I heard of mass ex... extermination." Gilda's face went green as she said that terrible word.

Dean turned and smiled at the two. His squad stood behind him, checking over their equipment one last time before they ventured into the frozen north. From here on out, they would have to move with extreme caution. No doubt, the Dark Elves had patrols around the city or near its outskirts. The wagon was being covered in a white camouflage tarp, and everyone was ensuring that their own concealment was properly in place.

"Your hospitality has been most welcome. And we thank you for the help in navigating here." He turned and faced the gryphon with a sad frown. "Mass extermination is something I am all too familiar with, which is why we are going to liberate as many people as possible. Soon, this war will end, and you won't have to hide in the forest any longer."

Zecora stepped forward, her expression neutral.

"How can you be so sure, even if your cause is so pure? Gilda escaped with her life, and I was lucky not to be near any major settlements when the invasion occured. Equestria as we knew it is gone, The resistance is built on nothing but hope, something that won't last long. I ask again, how can you be so sure?" Zecora's gaze became one full of pleading, and Dean shuffled under her look. He took a deep breath and thought for a moment before answering.

"A man on my world created a saying that has stuck with my people for the last half a century. It goes like this: 'If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you must keep moving forward.' This man started one of the single biggest civil rights protests in history. What I'm trying to say is, you can never give up, for if you do, then the enemy has already won." Dean noticed Midnight out of the corner of his eye; it was time to go. He turned back to Zecora and Gilda before bending down onto one knee and sticking out his hand.

"It was a pleasure meeting you both, even if we got off on the wrong foot at first. I would also like to say thank you for showing us the quickest way here. The circumstances for the ponies in Stalliongrad are critical, and your aide will be remembered." He smiled.

Gilda slowly crept forward before holding out her claw as well. The two appendages met in the middle, and they shook. Even if they had only known each other for the better part of a day, each of them understood the importance of getting along; they were all on the same side after all.

Next was Zecora. Dean still couldn't get a read on the Zebra shaman, but she had proved her allegiance well enough. However, he still couldn't get the nagging feeling out of his stomach. She knew something, this he was aware of. Something she had said yesterday he had been meaning to ask about...

Dean lowered his head and stared hard into Zecora's eyes. She saw his look, and must have realised that he had something to say for she leaned in as well. "Zecora. You said when we first met that you had seen bits and pieces of the future. Can you tell me what you saw? I need every advantage here." Dean stayed kneeling as Gilda watched from the side. He could also sense a few of his squaddies listening in as well.

Zecora shuffled lightly and looked down, her ears pinning to the sides of her head. The wind suddenly began to howl, and a sense of foreboding washed over the group. Dean swore he could hear a howl come from somewhere above in the chilly air.

"Are you sure, Human? Sometimes, knowing what is to take place can be a dangerous game. If one is not careful, then the fates of all could end in flame. I can not recount exactly what I saw, but I will be accurate enough; be sure your skin doesn't crawl." Dean nodded, and Zecora sighed once more.

"What I saw all those weeks ago, forthold a catastrophe the likes of which the fates would not sew. Something Malicious lurks around, its shadow is everywhere, its tendrils dragging this world down. I saw the enslavement of every creature, and I saw the destruction wrought, I shall not describe its features. My dreams were invaded, my thoughts besieged, I delved too far, and the creature nearly succeeded." Zecora paused and searched Dean's eyes. His face remained stoic, so she continued. "I know you have encountered the Guardian, for he has spoken to me. He made my mind free, but he needed me to spread a word. The fate of this world depends on his release, especially with what is about to occur. I have been counting the days, and in exactly two weeks, Equestria as we know it will be razed."

Dean stared at the little Zebra in shock. His dream about that alicorn, Luna... how could she know what was said? He didn't want to believe that he only had two weeks, it wasn't enough time! A sinking feeling was forming in his gut, and he shuffled in place to remove the discomfort. Swallowing once, he waved his hand for her to continue.

"This is the future as it was set to be. I saw no heroes, no resistance, and no Human as far as I could see. Yet here you are. I wish not to be sceptical, but your mission seems imperceptible. You are merely delaying the inevitable."

Dean sighed as Zecora gave him a firm look. It was obvious that she was spooked by her visions. He doubted he could change her mind, but there was one more thing he needed to try.

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. This quote is from a famous story where I came from called Julius Caesar. See, we Humans have had our ups and downs, and we have had our fair share of prophecies. Listen when I say this: We control our own destiny; it's all in the mind. Human's never thought they would be able to fly to the heavens, until someone believed and built the first flying contraption. No one believed that a monarchy could be overthrown, but my people proved it could by leading one of the most famous revolutions in history. When one believes, they can achieve the impossible." Dean stood up and swung his rifle so that it rested in his grip. His eyes held steely determination as his hair blew in the wind. "I believe we can stop the Elves, so that is what we are going to do. Goodbye, Zecora and Gilda."

Dean turned and strode up to the watching ponies. Each one looked shaken and slightly pale, but upon his passing, they immediately sobered up.

"Sergeant! Wait!" Dean stopped and half turned towards the voice whom he recognized as Gilda's. With one mighty flap, she landed beside him and looked up into his eyes.

"Sergeant, It may be a small distance, but be wary. Ever since the Elves have taken over, Harmonic magic has deteriorated rapidly in these parts. Monsters lurk in the shadows, and beings beyond understanding stalk the night. I've seen one of these beasts myself and barely escaped. I believe in your mission, but you need to be careful. The Elves aren't the only evil beings in this land."

Dean unclipped his helmet from his waist before slowly sliding it over his head. The seals engaged with a hiss, and Sergeant Dean was gone. Standing before Gilda, was the Demon in Metal.

"We will keep our eyes open. You should go back with Zecora." She nodded and once more flapped her wings. Zecora was already walking away, and Dean watched as the duo slowly left his vision.

The storm seemed to pick up then, its howling and moaning seeming to reverberate across the snowy tundra. Checking over his squad mates, Dean found that each one was bound in something warm under their armour. They were good to go.

With a silent command, the group began its trek through the storm. Snow crunched at their feet, and the wind whipped at their faces. They didn't make it a hundred metres before an ungodly screech rose through the air somewhere far to their left.

"What was that?!" Spitfire growled as she scanned her surroundings. Dean's motion tracker was on its maximum output, but he didn't see anything. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the growing storm, but nothing seemed amiss. With a curse, he breathed one word.

"Trouble."

The group progressed through and into the frozen north. Their nerves slowly increasing the farther they wen't

*****

Seven hours in, and Dean knew something was very wrong. All six of his squad mates must have sensed it too, for they immediately tightened formation and unsheathed their weapons.

Steel and Cobalt didn't have their heavy armour on at the moment, so they instead resorted to lighting their horns and forming a half shield around the group. Their combined magics made it quite resilient, and it allowed Dean to see overtop while being able to take cover. Stormfly got low to the ground while Spitfire and Midnight prepared to take to the sky. Swift Spear narrowed his eyes and scanned the storm in hopes of catching signs of movement.

The wind howled as the group sat in silence. No one dared move around unless they were turning their heads. In Dean's case, he kept an eye on his motion tracker, and an eye on his surroundings. The Helmet actually contained a feature that allowed him to use his peripheral vision, so he used it to its fullest extent.

The searching of his eyes was for nought, however, as the storm was too strong. His augmented eyes could see well in the dark and far distances, but this blizzard was something entirely new. He cursed his inability to see what had spooked the group and turned in place. With the low visibility of his surroundings, he opted to switch from his rifle to his P23 Equaliser.

"RNnnnngggggguuuuhhh..."

A haunting, gurgly moan erupted somewhere to Dean's left, and all eyes snapped in that direction. It had sounded sad, and downright miserable. It also worked in setting everyones skin crawling. It was the moan of someone on the verge of death, who was in immense agony, or was... inhuman. That was the word to best describe it: inhuman, otherworldly, and alien.

"Sergeant, look behind you." Dean heard a tremble in Swift Spears' voice as he spoke. He slowly turned his head, only to find what could only be described as a horse made of the blizzard. Its mane was a silvery white and blew lusciously in the wind. The horse's eyes were a blinding, icy blue, and Dean couldn't help but get a chill from just looking at them. The horse whinnied, causing all the squad mates to turn around and regard the creature in fear.

Dean snapped his rifle up and pondered over the creature as he analysed it. Was this one of the spirits that Gilda was talking about? What did it represent?

"I-It's a W-Windigo!" Midnight shivered as his ears folded back. Dean looked down at them.

"Don't you mean Wendigo?" Flashes of a skinny creature with a horrifying face and razor nails popped into his mind, and he regarded the Windigo with more trepidation.

"N-no, it's a windigo. A malevolent spirit that arrives when disharmony and distrust reign. They a-are part of Equestrian lore." Steel appeared on Dean's left and gave him the information. The Sergeant merely nodded before lowering his gun. A gut instinct was pulling at him, telling him that whatever this thing was, it didn't mean them harm.

'Follow it...'

Dean paused as a voice seemed to whisper in his ears. Looking back, he saw that he was now a few feet away from his squad, and closer to the horse of wind and ice. He had walked right through the protective barrier, and out into the cold. Not once had he heard anyone calling to him.

"Sergeant, what are you doing!?" Spitfire called, clearly panicked. The others were all looking at him in horror. Their weapons were drawn, and their eyes were glued to the horse. It whinnied again, and Dean looked back at it. The horse stared directly at him, and he was about to move forward once more, when its head turned and its ears fell beside its head. Dean turned, and his blood ran cold.

Behind his squad, who were all focused on him, was a creature of one's nightmares. It crawled on four spindly, twisted legs, and its massive claws stretched several inches. The creature was covered in fur on its back and rear legs, but not its front. Then came the head, or mostly just jaws. The creature's face resembled that of a bobbit worm, and large, pointed teeth took up whatever space was left over. Dean watched as this creature crept forward on all fours, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting ponies.

Dean watched as its muscles tensed from about fifteen feet away. The creature was no bigger than a cow, but the muscles under its skin seemed to pulsate with strength. The wind was blowing towards it, making the monster invisible to the nostrils of the ponies.

He was gone in a flash, his legs pumping as he moved to intercept the creature. The pony at the back of the line was Stormfly, who was eyeing him in shock. Her facial expression changed in slow motion as Dean rocketed towards her, and her head turned at an impossibly slow rate. Just as her eyes landed on the monster, it pounced.

Stormly was like a deer stuck in headlights. She couldn't move, she couldn't breathe. She had faced the Dark Elves countless times, and survived in harsh environments that would break your typical pony.

Never before had she stared death in the face.

The monster's front legs were angled forwards, its claws intending to turn her into a kebab. Its mouth opened impossibly wide, and its upper and lower jaw unhinged to show rows of sharp teeth. The beast had no eyes, and no nose. How it had gotten the jump on her, she would never know.

Stormfly cried out and tried to move, but a stone sat buried beneath the snow, and her front leg twisted the wrong direction. She cried out in shock more than anything and looked back up. The creature was literally a foot away, its kill guaranteed. She would become nothing more than a quick snack for this thing before it got the rest of the squad.

She let out a terrified scream and covered her face. Yet the pain didn't come. There was no set of jaws ripping her head off, and no claws skewering her through the stomach. She heard shouts of surprise and confusion as the rest of the squad tried to coordinate.

"Mother fucker!!"

"ROOOAAARRR!"

"CRACK!"

Something landed on Stormfly's legs, which were over her eyes. She shook like a leaf as more chunks of stuff rained down around her. Ever so slowly, she uncovered her eyes and looked around.

The snow was red. Speckles of the stuff were sprayed in a wide display all around her. Looking at her leg, she realised that the chunks that had landed on her were bits of flesh.

"G-Gross!" She half shuddered, half gagged. Stormfly had dealt with plenty of blood and gore, that wasn't what bothered her. What bothered her was the fact that she had been caught with her horseshoes off, and a beast had gotten the jump on her.

'I'm a royal guard, dammit!'

She cursed under her breath and looked towards the remains of the beast. Its body was intact, though one of its front legs was bent very awkwardly. Further analysing brought her to the beasts head, or lack thereof for that matter. Everything was gone. The jaw, the teeth, all the way down the creature's neck. It was utterly eviscerated. The wind howled, and Stormfly's eyes seemed to go hazy. Dean appeared in front of her as she continued to stare at the creature.

Another low, but loud moan broke through the air, followed by more. More moans echoed off to their sides until the group was surrounded by an ungodly harmony of depressive noises.

Storm heard the Sergeant say something, but it was all gibberish. She continued to stare at the monster. Someone yelled in her ear, and the next thing she knew, she was being carried like a foal. She blinked and looked around. The dead monster was gone, replaced by snow and wind... but that couldn't be right?

'We were just there?' Stormfly blinked again and found herself lying on cold stone. A roof made of rocks sat above her, indicating that she was now in a cave of some sort.

"She's in shock at the moment, Sergeant...."

"She needs rest for a night. Nothing seems to be wrong physically..."

Stormfly's world faded into black.

*****

Never before had Dean been so stressed. Sure, the war with the Orith was stressful in its own right, and he had to make questionable decisions on a basis, but it was different somehow. This time, he had really questioned his sanity. A giant creature from out of a kids nightmare had nearly skewered one of his squaddies, and boy was it ugly. Dean's weight with the exo-suit had allowed him to tackle the monster out of thin air, and in the process, break its right foreleg. Dean recovered faster than the monster, and had quickly whipped out his P23. Usually, if a target was too small, the experimental bullets would merely go through them. With the size of this horror, the ammo would work just fine.

And work it did.

The monster stood no chance when he had fired, and the little piece of metal travelled right through its skull. The prototype bullet lodged itself in the beast, just as it had prepared to jump at the Human. The ensuing explosion of blood, bone, and gore was quite the spectacle.

After killing the creature, Dean had walked back to the group and looked back in his original direction. The windigo was still there, and its ears were still folded back. It stood stoic and unmoving. Its ethereal, whispy white mane blew heavily in the wind.

The voice had whispered to him again, but more urgently this time:

'Follow it! Follow the spirit...'

"Everyone, I think we need to follow this thing. Form up on me!" He signalled with a hand, but sensed no movement. Looking behind him, he saw that each of the ponies was looking at him with uncertainty.

"Dean, I don't know if we should do this... thats a Windigo!" Swift Spear waved his forelegs in the air towards the Windigo, but the Human wasn't amused. He noticed that the rest of the squad shared the same sentiment, and was about to comment, when a gurgly moan/screech pierced the air. This was followed by two more, then another, and another.... Dean lost count around fifteen. He turned back to his squad, who now all wore fearful expressions.

"Listen, more of those things are coming, and I can't kill all of them. Right now, you are going to have to trust me as your leader and friend in order to make it to safety." Dean eyed each of the ponies before him, hoping they would overcome their natural instincts.

Dean had chosen them because they were the best candidates Maritime Bay had to offer, and it would seem he had chosen right. Each of the ponies' expressions became steely and determined. Spitfire nodded her head and smirked.

"Lead the way, Sergeant." She said,

Dean smirked and nodded back.

"Rangers always lead the way."

The group set out at a jog, constantly alert and ready for an ambush. The blizzard was hard to see through, and so was the Wendigo, which hadn't moved.

"Dean, wait!" Dean stopped and turned towards Swift Spears voice. He was about to ask what the problem was when he saw a pony shaped figure behind them. He squinted his eyes, hoping to make out who was following them when his eyes widened. Doing a quick head count, Dean's eyes widened in horror.

The Windigo whinnied, and the creature's howling was getting closer; nearly on top of the group. He gulped, then made a decision.

"Follow the Wendigo, now! I'm going back for Stormfly." The Windigo whinnied again, this time more urgently than before. Dean could make out shadows in the snow storm slowly approaching the stock-still Pegasus.

"No! We will get her with you!" Spitfires' nostrils flared as she flexed her wing blades. She never got the chance when Dean was suddenly in her face.

"GET THE REST OF THIS SQUAD MOVING, OR WE ARE FINISHED!" He screamed at her. The ponies wouldn't last two seconds against these creatures, especially with swords and spears. They were also heavily outnumbered, and Dean didn't plan on staying for a fight.

His words seemed to cause the others to shrink back, but Dean didn't care. They needed to move.

'ROARRRR!'

Without a second thought, Sergeant Dean holstered his SCAR and made a B-line for Stormfly. The wind rushed past him, and the snowflakes seemed to move at warp speed around him.

'How did I not notice she wasn't following?!' He chastised himself silently. Anger boiled in him for his mistake, and he used the anger to propel himself even faster. He was rapidly approaching the frozen Pegasus when the worst happened.

One of those monsters lept from the side and through the storm, once more headed right for Stormfly. She didn't show any signs of fear, or movement, or anything, and Dean feared the worst.

With a yell, he lept through the air, his left arm out to snag the little pony, and his right unclipping his pistol. Time slowed down, and Dean was able to gauge everything. He saw the saliva and teeth within the monster's gaping jaw, and he saw its razor sharp claws aimed right for the oblivious ponies side. His left arm came down and scooped Stormfly up, while his other brought about his P23.

Turning his body midair, Dean flew on his back, just barely missing the dagger like talons the beast was trying to use. He also saw its jaw coming to snap him out of the air, so he moved once again.

Being sure to keep stormfly tucked away, he brought his left boot into the side of the monster's head just as it tried to snap him in half. Using his superhuman strength, he pushed off the creature's head, and a sickening crack echoed around his helmet. The creature howled in pain as Dean completed the backflip and landed on his feet, but he had no time to celebrate.

"One, two, three, seven, twenty..." He counted the amount of dots on his motion tracker and began backing towards the way he came, but it was for nought. A large blip appeared directly behind him, and Dean froze on the spot. Looking around, back and forth, he saw shadows creeping towards him through the storm, and a lot of them. He had lost count on his tracker a while ago, so he used his eyes and ears to their full advantage.

"Not an Elf... Not a Pony.... Fresh meat..."

Dean turned and raised his pistol, trying to seem intimidating and tall. It was very difficult with a ponies rump under his one arm, but he made due.

Slowly turning, Dean paused when he was facing the direction he was supposed to be going. His eyes travelled up and up before finally landing on what appeared to be a head.

This new... abomination was very similar to its smaller kin in overall appearance, but there was one key difference: it was massive, and black tendrils seemed to snake through its body. If Dean had to hazard a guess, from what Twilight had told him, he was likely looking at something born of Dark Magic.

He sighed and rolled his shoulders. He didn't want a fight, but this thing was standing in his way. This thing was obviously a leader of some sort, so if he took it out--

"You are not of this... world.... you are not from this... plane of existence... You have also been blessed.... I can see it..... the Moon has chosen you, but whyyyyy....." The beast rasped and slowly lowered its head to Deans level. He was slightly intimidated, but he had dealt with exceptionally large enemies before. Orithian crab hybrids for example...

"What do you want?" The speakers on Dean's helmet distorted his voice on his command, and he thought he saw the creature's mouth twitch, but he stayed still and ready.

"That does not matter...." The creature's voice rumbled and shook the ground Dean was standing on, but he stayed firm. "There is another.... presence.... on you. One I had thought to be... extinguished.... the Element of Magic." A hiss rose from the assembled monsters, and Dean's head swivelled to ensure none were making a move. At the same time, he repositioned the still comatose Stormfly so that she was easier to carry.

"What even are you, monster!" Dean called from his spot on the ground. His voice was reminiscent of a stormtrooper, but deeper and more guttural. There was a twinge of electric voice alteration going on as well, but that wasn't all too important.

"I? I am the monument to all... your... sinsss... Born in the... darkness.... destined to reclaim the light.... but the elements.... they imprisoned us for eternity..... With the rise of the Dark... Elves, the spirits of Tartarus are... freeee.... The Elements are... gone.... harmony is lost.... and Darkness consumes... the land.... The great reckoning is nearly here.... on the blood moon.... one fortnight...."

A chill went up Dean's spine and his hand shook as he slowly holstered his pistol. His hand now free, he reached towards the round, green object sitting on his belt.

"What is the great reckoning?" Dean unclipped the pin, but kept a death grip on the lever. Should he let go, then his plan would go to waste.

Suddenly, there was an ungodly screech. It was so loud that Dean nearly dropped the grenade at his feet there and then, but he kept hold. Ripples travelled across the snow and blew the white particles away. When the screech was finished, all that remained was constant blizzard, and the ringing in Dean's ears. Looking down, he saw that Stormfly's ears were folded down, and a little bit of blood was oozing from the one on her right. Dean scowled and looked up at the monster, but what he saw made his skin pale.

Something was forcing the jaws of the beast open and squeezing around to make room. Tentacles and tendrils spewed out in a mess and seemed to latch to the skin of the massive monster. A sinking feeling was beginning in his gut, and he was almost certain as to why.

The thing that was haunting his nightmares, the beast that plagued his dreams, had hijacked the mind of the monster, and was now sitting in its mouth. Three sets of eyes opened horizontally across the black abyss, and two sets of teeth smiled down at him. Dean took an involuntary step back, never keeping his eyes off the new enemy.

"My my, it seems the Demon in Metal is afraid of little old Us!" Gone was the broken speech of the monster, replaced by the low, raspy, female voices that haunted him.

"We finally found you, pinpointed where you were when my pet and its... offspring picked up your scent. Now, here we are, on the verge of claiming our prize, all because you came back to rescue the pony." It laughed a guttural laugh, but combined with three different voices. Dean shivered from the noise and took another step back. His brain was running at mach speed trying to figure out a way to escape with this new development. If the creature was anything like in his dream, then he would have a hard time out running it. He could use the grenade currently in his hand, or a flashbang, but it might see those coming.

"That little stunt you pulled by blinding us won't work again, Human. All we seek is the location of the Princess! Should you tell us... then we can get you home..."

Dean's world suddenly became quiet. A dull thumping, probably his heart, echoed through his head as he stared at the creature. His vision zeroed in, and he was tempted to take it up on the offer.

Then he blinked.

"Enough mind games, asshole! I won't tell you jack-shit!" Dean released the lever on his grenade and tossed it towards two monsters that were behind him. The grenade bounced off the one's head, causing it to growl in annoyance. The others began to tighten their formation slightly, but Dean wasn't watching, he was hunkered down with his body overtop of Stormfly's.

"You can't escape, Human. Your suffering is--"

A mighty explosion of fire and metal tore through the blizzard, causing a multitude of screeches from the surrounding monsters. Dean was up in an instant and sprinting to the small window he had created. He passed by the goopy remains of what used to be one of the creatures and sprinted into the cold embrace of the Frozen North. If his assumptions were right...

A whinnie blew across the wind, and Dean scanned the skies for their source. He caught sight of a horse-like figure trailing in front of him through the blizzard, occasionally dipping in and out of view. He smirked as the voice reappeared in his head.

"Follow the Windigo, hurry!"

"Don't need to be told twice." He muttered to himself. His armoured feet pounded across the wastes as he raced after the elusive wind horse. The blizzard made it hard to see as he sprinted nearly eighty kilometres an hour towards what he hoped to be safety. He silently prayed his squad had made it to wherever the Windigo had taken them, and hopefully he could get Stormfly some medical attention. Looking down, he noticed her lips were turning blue, but her eyes were open. He tried calling to her, but she didn't acknowledge his voice at all. Her stare seemed to go beyond the blizzard, so he halted his attempts to wake her.

Had he not looked up from the Pegasus when he did, he likely would have become a Human shish-kebab.

Dean expertly performed a barrel roll midair as a massive set of talons slashed where he used to be. The razor sharp daggers swept under and over him as he bobbed and weaved his way around. He knew what it was attacking him, and he was dead if he slowed down.

His feet hit the ground and he kept running. A new sense of urgency overcame him when It released a bestial roar behind him. The ground began to shake as the massive possessed creature lumbered after him. The creature itself had no eyes to speak of, but the thing in its mouth was obviously controlling it.

It was at that moment that Dean remembered the words of a certain Dark Blue Alicorn:

"The Emperor has created a terrible monster out of mine, my sisters, and King Sombra's bodies. That is what chased you here through the hall..."

Dean grimaced. He wasn't going to be able to avenge her yet. He felt a sudden pang of guilt as he continued to sprint. The outline of something large and black stood out through the blizzard, and Dean nearly gave a whoop of joy when he saw the beginnings of a jagged mountain appear through the storm. Looking up, he saw the Windigo veer slightly to the right, so he followed.

Dean immediately caught sight of a cave entrance big enough to fit his old pickup truck and laughed when he saw five ponies standing at the entrance. His free arm pumped in tandem with his legs as he drew closer and closer. The thumping had stopped a while ago, and Dean believed he was in the clear.

A gut instinct didn't let him let his guard down fully though, and his training kicked in when the monster suddenly lunged through the snow towards the seemingly unsuspecting Human.

Dean, for his part, saw the horrified looks on his squaddies faces as the monster lept towards him. He tensed his legs and made to jump straight up, but just as his legs cleared the monster's outstretched limbs, a black tentacle from within its mouth lept forth and smashed into his back.

His arms flailed wildly as Stormfly was knocked from his grip and thrown towards the cave. She landed some ten feet from the entrance, whereas Dean smashed into the ground some twenty feet away, kicking up snow and dirt as he skidded across the ground.

Quick as a snake, he was on his feet again and facing the threat. His knife found its way into his hand, and he glared at the monster as it stared in his general direction. Then, something strange happened.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" The creature controlling the spirit from Tartarus screeched as it began looking along the cliff face. Its massive steps shook the whole mountain as Dean stood in shock. He watched as it passed right by his position without a second glance.

"You win this time, Guardian." The beast growled before stalking back into the blizzard. Dean didn't move until its footsteps no longer shook the earth, and its moans and roars could no longer be heard.

"You know, you might still get frostbite if you stay out too long." Dean turned towards the very familiar voice and lowered his knife.

"You." He stated before reaching towards his head. He removed his helmet and spat on the ground. "What are you doing here?" His tone was less accusatory, and more agitated. His mission had nearly been foiled because some otherworldly eldritch beasts had decided to try and make his group food. He was now physically being stalked by the creature haunting him in his dreams, and now, he had to face one of the more annoying aspects of this planet. He looked past the prick standing in front of him and noticed the lack of Stormfly on the snow. The others must have brought her inside.

"Oh, thanks Mr. Guardian! Thanks so much for saving my life! I owe you everything, and I'll kiss your toes and lick your nipples for you if you want! ohh! Ohh!" The Guardian, who was now standing beside Dean in the blizzard, spoke in an overly high and girlish voice as he mocked the Human super soldier. Dean merely grumbled in response.

After a moment of silence, Dean felt eyes on the side of his head, but he chose to ignore them. When a certain ball cap wearing head slowly entered his vision, he made a point of turning his head away. It was childish, but he was in a bad mood. After another twenty seconds, Dean glanced to the side. The Guardian was still staring at him, unblinking. It was actually slightly creepy.

Dean huffed and crossed her arms.

"Thank you, Guardian." He stated before turning back towards the blizzard. The Guardian hummed in appreciation before finally blinking and standing upright. He was slightly shorter than Dean side by side, but he knew it was just a sense of perspective. He had read the comics, so he knew quite a bit.

"So can I--" Dean spoke, but the Guardian held up a hand.

"No, you can't say my first name. That's reserved for my friends as well as the prequel." Dean looked at the man beside him in confusion, but shrugged it off as an all powerful being being all powerful.

"So, how did you hide us from that thing?" Dean glanced at the Guardian again before staring back into the storm. Without the unease in his stomach, the surroundings and scenery was actually pretty ominous and pretty. The snow here seemed pure and comically white. Dean could only imagine how beautiful the landscape would be without the storm.

The Guardian smiled and wiggled his fingers.

"Magic." He simply answered. Dean huffed and smiled.

"So, two weeks huh?" Dean's smile turned into a frown when the Guardian asked him that. He had enough to worry about trying to wage a war, but with a deadline like that, one that determined the outcome of everything, it was starting to get to him.

"Yeah, two weeks. I've been told by three different people now. One from Luna," He noticed the Guardians sudden intake of breath, but he kept going, "Zecora the Zebra, and that monster with the tentacles. I take it you knew Luna?"

The Guardian smiled sadly and blinked away what appeared to be a tear. Dean immediately felt bad for bringing up such a question, but the Guardian began talking.

"We were best of friends once, on a different planet. I have been to many Equestrias, Sergeant, and all of them treated me the same. Having the appearance of a Human, and the fact that I was constantly trying to contain the Destroyer did not put me in a good light. It wasn't until I met the Princess of the night. The last world I was on saw the Elements of Harmony being used on me by the main six, and only Luna stood up for me." The Guardian turned and looked into Dean's eyes. "She was a smart young alicorn, and she had a knack for seeing things before they happened. Whatever she told you, make sure you heed her advice." The Guardian turned back and sighed. "Let's go into the cave, the others are likely wondering where we are."

The Guardian turned and stalked towards the cave entrance, his trench coat billowing in the wind around him. Dean waited a second longer before following. This was the first time the Guardian had physically intervened in anything, and he was curious how much he would do so in the future as well.

Dean caught up to the long strides of the Guardian and tested a theory of his. Quickly he reached out and shoved his hand where the head of the Guardian would be. His hand passed right through like he was made of light, and Dean heard a chuckle come from in front of him.

"I thought you'd be smart enough to know I wasn't actually here." He snarked. Dean huffed as the two entered the cave.

"Dean!" The Human suddenly found himself on the receiving end of a bone crushing hug from a certain jet black Pegasus. He chuckled as the furry attacker tried his best to squeeze the life out of him. Had Dean not been wearing his armour, that likely would have been the case.

"Hey, Midnight." Dean chuckled as he scanned the rest of the group as well as their new little hideout. The cave before him was decently spacious, with enough room to hold all of them as well as their wagon comfortably. A makeshift bed had been arranged for Stormfly so that Cobalt could examine her. Believe it or not, but the buff unicorn actually had some extensive medical training. Coupled with his magic and brute strength, it was no question why he was on the team.

"What's the diagnosis, Cobalt?" Dean sat down against a nearby wall and looked pointedly at the stallion. Cobalt merely huffed and smirked.

"She's in shock at the moment, Sergeant. That monster must've truly given her a fright. She also has minor hypothermia, something I can fix in a few hours with my magic. She just needs rest for a night. Nothing else seems to be wrong physically, so she should be good for tomorrow. I am worried about a little trauma from the experience. She has been fighting in the resistance for the last two years, and the things we have all had to do were quite horrific while fighting the Elves. I bet that the war is slowly catching up to her."

Cobalt trotted over to his sleeping bag and began checking over his equipment, the others began doing the same. Dean cleared his throat as he stood up from his place on the wall.

"Alright. Tomorrow at dawn, we will be scouting the camp from the side of the mountain. If my map is reading right, then Stalliongrad is literally on the other side, while the camp is closer to where we are. The general arrives in two days at around lunch time, and we will have seized the camp by the same morning. We've gone over the tactics, and you all know the plan. Get some rest, you'll need it." With that final statement, the ponies let out an 'Oorah' before moving to their sleeping areas. None of them questioned how the monster hadn't tried getting into the cave, and he briefly wondered why. He looked back to the entrance of the cave, where a certain trench coat wearing person was standing. It was likely his doing.

As everyone slowly went to sleep, Dean walked over to the entrance and once more stood beside the Guardian. Looking over, the mans goofy smile and cocky posture was gone, replaced with a solemn look and a fixed stare.

"You know, I have a knack for knowing when something bad is going to happen." The Guardian raised his hand and felt along the rock wall, but the appendage passed right through. The guardian sighed and lowered his arm. "Something bad is going to happen, and you are going to have to make a choice in the near future. Don't ask what it is, because I don't know. You are soon going to be put through your hardest trial yet, and I am scared that you won't succeed. I have faith in you, Sergeant Dean, but you are still merely a Human, and Humans make mistakes. Learn from them? Sure. But should you mess up here, then the multiverse is doomed. I'm not trying to brag here, but if I don't get released, and the Destroyer does, then it's finished. That's what the end goal is here for the Dark Elves. The Destroyer has twisted them into working for her. She will use their armies to steamroll through the cosmos, and I won't be able to do a damn thing. You know, I am only nineteen years old, and I was chosen to be the Guardian of the Multiverse at seventeen. I'm going to be honest Sergeant, but this all comes down to you." The Guardian shuffled on the balls of his feet as he looked anywhere but at Dean. "I trust Discord brought you here for a reason, even if he usually doesn't have one at all. You are the last hope of this world, and countless others, even if they don't know it. I need to know, Sergeant, " He finally looked into Dean's face, "Can you do this? Can you be the saviour everyone needs?"

There was silence. Nothing but silence.

Dean suddenly sucked in some air and his expression turned steely. He faced the Guardian and paused. The expression on the young man's face was genuine, and even held some fear. Seeing fear on the face of an all powerful being was not something he wanted to see, but it made him realise how high these stakes really were. Should he fail, and the Guardian remained entrapped, then he wouldn't just be failing this world and its people, he would be failing the multiverse as a whole. He knew the capabilities of the Destroyer, but he couldn't fathom what she could do to multiple worlds at a time with a massive army. The Elves weren't advanced enough in terms of tactics, but their magic and technology made up for that. give them ten years, and Dean speculated without a doubt they would become nearly unstoppable, even if he was loath to admit it.

He needed to succeed, no matter the cost.

"Guardian, I am just a Human, and only one at that. The stakes here are impossibly high, and I recognize this. I don't know if I was the right choice to save everything, but know this. I will continue to fight until my lungs give out, until my heart stops beating, and when my face runs pale. I can't immediately promise victory, you and I both know this... but I can damn well try. We can't dwell too much on the future, for it will tear us apart. I will plan, I will strategize and prepare. When the time comes to officially stop the Emperor and whatever he is planning in two weeks, then it will be done. If not, then I will be dead." Dean turned and saluted, his hand coming to his forehead as his back straightened. The Guardian smiled and snapped a quick salute as well.

"I'm counting on you, and so are Trillions more. And I'm sorry for seeming so depressed and negative. I entrust you with this task, and believe you will succeed. Thank you, Sergeant Dean Forrester." The Guardian held his hand out for a shake, but Dean looked at it sceptically. The Guardian realised his blunder and blushed.

"Sorry, I'm still getting used to projecting my image. I forgot about the no touchy rule."

Dean chuckled and chose to wave instead.

"I will shake your hand when this is over, Guardian, not sooner or later."

"Sam."

"What?" Dean looked down at the young man, who was smirking.

"Just call me Sam, all my friends do."

And at that, Sam/the Guardian disappeared. Dean stood in mild shock for a moment before smiling a genuine smile. He saluted again and chuckled.

"Will do, Sam, will do." He made to go to his bedrole, but a sudden pressure began building behind his eyes. Dean blinked and stumbled slightly, his hand shooting up to balance himself on the wall.

"DEAN!! Help..... ME.....!" The ghostly words were hard to make out and were very distorted, almost like radio static. A scene had flashed in his head. Purple legs were tied in front of his eyes, and black horse bug things were walking around. The image was gone in an instant, and Dean was left wondering what the fuck had just happened.

With a shrug, he slipped his helmet back on. No matter how safe the Guardian had made this place, he wasn't going to sleep without it in hostile territory.

Just as more pressure was developing behind his eyes, and what sounded suspiciously like the ghostly voice of Twilight whispered around him, he slipped his helmet on. The static whispering was cut off, and the pressure disappeared. Thinking he just needed sleep, Dean lay down on his mat. One hand rested on his pistol, one on his chest.

As the Human fell asleep, he was completely unaware of the connection that was attempting to establish itself past his magic proof armour...

Chapter 40: Massacre

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"Take a look over there." Dean followed Midnight's hoof with his binoculars and focused on the front gate of the camp. His helmet was able to zoom in pretty far, but it wasn't enough for the current scouting mission. So, he had resorted to using a large pair of camouflaged binoculars. The snowy peak that the small group sat upon was covered in ice and quite a hazard, but this also worked for their benefit. The sun glared down upon the mountain, reflecting off the slopes and a permanent light reflection to shine down upon the camp. Dean didn't have to worry about the glare of his binoculars being seen just yet, the mountain itself acted as a shield... at least for another hour or so. As soon as the sun was above them, their position would be given away.

Dean analyzed further and counted the guards at the front gate. He knew that the camp was understaffed, but this was just lazy! He had seen a grand total of three watch towers; the guards looking bored and disinterested in their jobs. Only three Elves stood at the front entrance, two of which were bundled in warm trench coats inside their pillboxes. Only the one stood guard outside, but he or she didn't stray far from the warmth of a small barrel fire that was set up near the entrance. Dean reckoned that the laziness was due to their current surroundings. Where would a pony go if they did escape? They would either succumb to the cold of the frozen north, or they would be shot upon coming near Stalliongrad. Dean also noticed quite a few flying machines patrolling off in the distance, but few ever came near the camp.

"Not the entrance, Dean. Look at that warehouse off to the side." Midnight pointed once more and Dean huffed in exasperation. Surely he had seen... everything...

He lowered his binoculars in order to rub his eyes. Surely he was seeing things? He brought the device back to his face and peered through towards the warehouse once more. His breath caught in his throat as he looked at the metal behemoth.

A massive tank, something akin to a Mk.IV topped with a large turret and massive barrel, sat unused, inside and out of the snow. A few Dark Elves walked around within the warehouse and chatted idly with one another. Large caliber armor-piercing shells, something Dean had not thought the Elves capable of creating, were stacked neatly off the side. He had seen almost an exact replica of those shells on the M3S4 Templar main battle tank.

Dean froze. He remembered seeing the power of those vehicles as they blew apart the Orith lines and anti-infantry vehicles. The sheer ferocity of their cannons and size caused many invaders to flee, and it was one of the two times Dean ever got to see the Orith show fear. One, the tank, two, when facing an RSTF operative.

"Dean?" The Human shook his head and turned to Midnight.

"Alright, here's the plan. Tonight, you, me, and Spitfire will enter through the front gate. The guard towers are in a rugged position, and don't have a clear view of the entrance. I can take out the sentries with my rifle while we start the infiltration. Cobalt, Steel, and Stormfly will attack from the rear of the camp. It'll be their job to take out the one barracks there, and also calm the ponies being held prisoner. No doubt they will be scared when a random Person breaks down their door in the middle of the night. Swift Spear will be providing overwatch from that incline near the middle of the camp. It's tall enough that he should be able to see most of the camp, excluding a few blind spots. Upon entering, you and Spitfire will go and rouse the rest of the prisoners. Any Elves you see that are unarmed, you will attempt to round up in the center of the camp. Most will be asleep, so that shouldn't be a problem. I will do the same with that barracks closest to the entrance. If someone tries to sound the alarm, or tries to fight back... end them. I saw a pit near the back of the camp. We can tie up the remaining Elves and leave them at the bottom. In the morning, the General should arrive on the train. We kill his guards and the engineers before commandeering the vehicle. From there, we will take the engine until we get to the Everfree before unloading near the coast. In the end, it's a simple hike to Maritime Bay!" Dean smiled, and continued to smile as his head turned away. His smile dropped instantly when he peered through the binoculars again.

"But, Dean, don't we NOT want to leave any witnesses? The whole thing about being the Demon in Metal was that you killed without mercy and saved the innocent. Surely--" Midnight suddenly found himself pinned to the ground as the Human's massive hands grabbed ahold of his armor and pushed him down.

"I AM NOT--" His voice started in a yell, but he quickly realized his mistake. Even in the cold, sweat trickled down the back of his neck. Dean grimaced before scowling down at the Pegasus. "I-I am not a cold-blooded killer." His voice was barely above a whisper as his eyes seemed to gain clarity. "W-what the Elves are doing is wrong, I get that. I've seen extermination before, but if we act like them, then we are no better."

An image of a group of civilians popped into Dean's mind. He remembered being in a trench, yelling for them to get to cover. It was then that hard-light energy had burst from the smoke, cutting through the fleeing Humans like a scythe through wheat. After that, he and Jenkins had charged the oncoming enemy and single-handedly eliminated a whole battalion. They were praised as heroes by their fellow soldier's, but the image of those civilians was burnt into his mind.

The Elves were different, they had to be! They were humanesque, to a degree, and he had seen women and children among them. In Ravenford, he had heard the scream of a woman, and if there was a woman and a man, that meant there were children. These Elves were not the Orith, not even close.

Wait... Something was wrong.

An image suddenly flashed to his mind once again, but it was different. It was the little filly, Lucy. She was on the ground, a smoking hole in her chest. The image skipped ahead to where he felt that overwhelming rage against the Bloody Baron. He had killed him, all the while comparing his species to the Orith.

Dean's fight or flight instincts kicked in, and he suddenly found himself sitting on the ground across from a confused Midnight. The black Pegasus rolled onto his knees before standing on all fours. He slowly approached the Human before him and prodded his boot with a hoof.

"Sergeant? Are you alright?" Midnight was deeply concerned, what was happening to Dean?

The human's eyes snapped upwards, and his breathing was heavy. His hands shook as he moved to grab his helmet sitting on his waist. Dean fumbled with the bulky head gear for a moment before slipping it onto his head. The familiar hiss of the locks engaging as well as the startup of his HUD gave him a sense of relief, and his breaking visibly slowed. Midnight must have also noticed the sudden change for he sat on his haunches in the snow.

"Want to talk about it?" His voice was calm, and his eyes held a knowing look. Guards and civilians alike had shown some of the same symptoms of what Dean had just gone through, and if he had to hazard a guess, the Human had been going through it for a long time.

"It's nothing." Dean's garbled voice caused Midnight's ears to twitch. He ignored the feeling and decided to prod a bit further.

"Dean, I was the second pony you met on this planet. I consider you both my friend and ally. Whatever might be troubling you, I am here to listen. I'm a soldier too, you can trust me." Midnight lay a hoof on Dean's foot once more, and the Human seemed to let out a breath.

"I'm overwhelmed, Midnight. I've got a war to fight back home and a family I need to find. I was brought here by chance, and am now fighting once again. I had promised myself that I wouldn't make connections while here, but I failed in that regard. Couple all that with the fact that everything just feels wrong, and I find myself overthinking everything. I feel like I'm missing something. Something so obvious, but so elusive at the same time. Y'know, I never dealt with post traumatic stress disorder until I came to this world. It was a blur back where I came from, the focus was the fight. Now, I'm not so sure. Something here is affecting my train of thought, and it feels like something foreign is waging a battle against my own mind. Had it not been for Twilight, I think I would have snapped a while ago. I get these thoughts: one moment, the Elves don't seem like the real enemy, the next, they are the spawn of Satan himself. Even if I have played such a big role in freeing your people, I still feel small compared to whatever it is I'm missing."

Dean sighed.

"Don't tell anyone else about this, not even Twi. I can't be seen as weak, especially when I am supposed to be the Champion for a princess and a hero for you ponies. That reminds me. What I said about being a killer? I lost track of what it meant years ago. So, when I came here, and I grew a hatred for the Elves, something inside me awoke. I realized what it meant to kill, and the consequences it brought with it. I tried comparing the Elves to the Orith, but they are too Human-like. At least until I see them performing deeds which resemble my peoples enemy. Something else is going on, and I feel that if I kill the Emperor, then the house of cards will come tumbling down." Dean slowly brought one knee to his chest before staring idly towards the concentration camp. "Back on my world, there was a large war. The enemy, the Nazi's built camps just like this one, but much bigger and with more troops. They were designed to slowly kill off a certain group of individuals, and they very nearly succeeded."

"I take it your people stopped these Nazis?" Midnight cocked his head to the side. Ponies weren't familiar with fighting one another, but he had read stories of the olden days. He understood what war was. Dean chuckled at his question and shook his head.

"Yes and No, we played a part. It was a group effort with many countries taking part in the many battles. In the end, we freed the people in the camps, and ended the Nazi regime for good." Midnight couldn't see it, but Dean was glaring down at the camo. "We, as a group, are going to do the same thing. We are gonna free those ponies, or die trying. It's the duty of a soldier to protect and serve, so that's what we are going to do."

There was silence on the ridge as Midnight looked at Dean with a new sense of admiration. The battle had seemed hopeless for the resistance before, but with Dean, things seemed to be getting better. He was about to open his mouth when the sound of grunting reached their ears.

Dean's pistol was in his hand in an instant as the panting seemed to get louder and louder. It sounded vaguely feminine, and Midnight smiled when he recognized the sounds. He quickly trotted over to the edge and peered over. A yellow and orange Pegasus in winter camo was nearly to the top of the ridge, but stopped when a pony shaped shadow descended over her.

"Hey, Spits!" Midnight chirped from above. Dean heaved himself into a prone position once more and stared down at the camp. His helmet made him appear like a wraith silently stalking its prey.

"Hey, Nighty." Spitfire panted as her coltfriend heaved her onto the lookout. "Hey, Sergeant."

Dean grunted in response.

"What's got him all upset?" She whispered into Midnight's ear. The Pegasus frowned as he watched the Human from behind.

"He's likely just... in a planning mood." he hesitated at first, but he decided to withhold the conversation he and the Human had had. It seemed that his judgment had proved right as he saw Dean give a subtle nod before resuming his spying. Midnight shivered; he would never get used to the fact that the Humans ears were so small, and he seemed to pick up even the slightest sounds. There was no sneaking up on him.

Spitfire made an 'O' with her mouth before trotting up to the Sergeant and saluting.

"Sergeant, Stormfly has recovered completely according to Cobalt. The others await your results as well as a plan of action." Spitfire dropped the salute and sat on her haunches. Her nose twitched as she stared down at the prone Human. She suddenly found herself intrigued by his stature, and couldn't help but analyze the rear of his body.

To a pony, anything Bipedal was especially tall. The Elves were like giants to pony-kind, and this had played a part in their conquest of Equestria. With technological superiority, all that was needed was a fear factor. The standard war dress for a Dark Elf was scary in its own right. Pointed edges, and deadly looking weapon holders. The standard issue Helmet for a Dark Elf within their military resembled a skull.

Dean's outfit was scary in its own way. His massive build coupled with the layers of metal alloy made the man seem like an utter giant. His massive boots caused rivets in the snow so big that a little filly could fit in one lying down. Spitfire shivered. They were lucky that the Sergeant was on their side. She could sense more than anything the sheer power that the Human exerted.

"Careful, Spits, he's taken by Twilight." Midnight chuckled and danced to the side as she playfully went to boop him with her hoof. She herself chuckled before Dean's gravelly, distorted voice broke their banter.

"Real funny, Midnight. You know I can't be with her. I've got a family to return to, and not a lot of time to do it." Dean stood up as Spitfire and Midnight looked at him.

"Let's get down to the others, they are likely wondering what's taking so long." His back was rigid, and his voice sounded uptight. Spitfire gave Midnight a confused glance, to which he mouthed: 'I'll tell you later.' She nodded in understanding and moved to follow the Human.

Spitfire glanced between her coltfriend and Dean. She had the sudden feeling that she had intruded upon something important, but she didn't know what. Her ears folded down, and she looked at her hooves as the group progressed down the side of the mountain. She felt Midnight's eyes on her, but she refused to look up.

A wing draped over her back, and she felt the soothing warmth of Midnight's fur against her side. The two stopped and looked at one another. Spitfire's eyes glanced at Dean's form some three meters below them before looking at Midnight questioningly.

"It's my job as a Captain to see that something is wrong. What's going on with the Sergeant?" She reckoned that with the powerful wind, as well as the distance from the enhanced Human, that her words wouldn't be overheard. She heard Midnight sigh as his own ears drooped slightly.

"Dean is suffering some form of trauma. I can't tell you everything, I promised him I wouldn't talk about it, but we need to be careful. He is our best shot of freeing Equestria, but I fear that his life in the military is finally catching up with him. Whatever it is, we need to support him, because right now, he is the Resistance's last hope." Midnight nuzzled Spitfire and smiled. "Common. Dean's going to get suspicious and think we were doing something naughty." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Spitfire chuckled and skipped past Midnight, but not before swatting his nose with her tail.

"Mind out of the gutter, Nighty." Midnight chuckled and followed suit. The wind howled at their backs as the day slowly progressed. In a few hours, their mission would start...

*****

The quarter moon rose ominously in the night sky, its usually brilliant light dimmed from a lack of care and devotion. Two years prior, that moon was a brilliant display of light, and it gave the denizens of Equis a feeling of protection each and every night. This was no longer the case. With the deaths of the Princesses, everything dimmed. The days were no longer refurbishing and comfortable, and the nights were no longer pleasant.

It was this particular night that a small trio of Dark Elves sat in their guard post and tuned in to the local magi-comm station.

"Two weeks, my brethren. Two weeks until the scourge of the planet are nothing more! With the power bestowed upon our glorious Emperor and his kin, we shall become the dominant species on this planet.... nay, this universe! I have seen, just as you have, the promise of the Destroyer. A new era will be born from the ashes, and we will rule as one! Never again will we be refused our right to magic! Never again will we be oppressed while the ponies of Equestria go gallivanting through the meadows! For the last decade, we have led a conquest that will be seen for the rest of time! Right now, our brothers and sisters are holding back the Griffon scourge so that we may have the time to initiate our plan for total domination! We will--"

One of the Elves' ears flicked in agitation. Something had disturbed his hearing. He was of middle age and in healthy condition, a prime fighter to have on the front lines. Had it not been for a prank that he had done to the wrong CO a few days prior, then he wouldn't be at the concentration camp at all.

"Guys, I'm gonna do a quick round, gotta stretch my legs." The Elf picked up his spear and cracked his back with a few satisfying pops.

"Can't you do that somewhere else? An ad for the newest pleasure ponies is playing, and I need a decent price here!" A younger Elf grumbled from his seat.

"Well, if you keep working here, then it'll only take you another sixty years to afford one!" The third Elf replied. The first chuckled and shook his head.

"You kids never learn. You gotta invest bits at a young age, and find good paying jobs! Back in my day--" The younger of the three waved his hand.

"Back in my day, back when I was a whatever... I don't want to hear it, gramps! You old people don't know what it's like to actually afford stuff anymore! Now let me listen, the auctioneer is entering my price range here."

The older Elf, whose name was Jin, huffed before opening the door to the outside world, all the while grumbling about the younger generation. The frigid air hit him like a train as he held an arm over his eyes. He immediately felt regret for leaving the warmth of the guard post, but he had a job to do. Whatever he had heard, he could likely deal with it. Small animals and the occasional spirit were a cake walk; nothing bigger ever came close to the camp.

Jin shivered violently before lowering his arms and peering around. His light-Spear was held tightly in his grip, and he squinted into the looming darkness. A strange shape was barely visible a few meters away, and he had a hard time focusing on it.

After sweeping his sides, he focused entirely on the figure and slowly crept towards it. Whatever this thing was, it heavily resembled an Elf. Its shadowy frame remained unmoving in the freezing wind, and Jin felt a sense of fear encroach upon him. Something was amiss, and he figured this figure was the key.

He pointed his spear and called out into the darkness.

"Show yourself, whatever you are!" There was no answer, so he crept forward once more to get a better view. The breeze picked up again, and his boots crunched in the snow as he moved ever closer. The shape still did not move, and Jin's heart rate only picked up.

"You! Who are you?"

The wind howled as he gulped slowly. His hands were starting to get cold, and his ears were numb. The darkness seemed to compress him at all sides, and the figure in front of him seemed to loom in the shade. It still hadn't moved.

Jin froze and slowly turned his head. After a full one-eighty, his ears drooped and his eyes fell downcast. He was very far from the barracks, too far to shout for help... not that anyone would hear it over the wind. He cursed himself for being so stupid and let out a whimper. He took a few steps towards the guard outpost, reasoning the figure was of nothing but his imagination, when he heard a noise.

It sounded like breathing.

Once more, Jin found himself slowly turning. His ears somehow compressed further against his head as his arms and legs began to shake. His heart felt as if it would burst from his chest at any moment. Gone was the looming figure, gone was the speckles of snow and the shady darkness.

In front of him, he saw nothing but black.

Jin looked from side to side and found he could nearly see past the wall in front of him. But when did....

'Destroyer save me.'

He looked up, his neck having to crane in order to see the face of the metal behemoth in front of him. Various instruments and armor plates covered the beast's body as it stared down at him. Its faceless visor seemed to hold no emotion, no pity, and no sympathy.

Jin dropped his rifle, his arms shaking too much to be able to carry it. Tears tried to come down his face, but they froze nearly after exiting his eyes.

"D-D-D-D-Demon..." Jin's mouth hung open, the monster he had heard about over the radio, the one who had massacred the Elite guards of royalty, the one who captured and killed the Prince, the one who freed a whole town of those animals by himself. It was him, the Demon in Metal.

Jin could only watch as a massive, gloved hand reached out with lightning fast reflexes and wrapped around his throat. He felt his body lift several feet off the ground, and he began to struggle. His airways were being cut off, and he couldn't breathe or scream for help. Had he stopped panicking, he would find that he actually COULD breathe just fine. The Demon began to walk back towards the outpost where his fellow guards resided, and he started to thrash about. If he could just get their attention...

Before he knew it, the Demon and himself were standing before the doorway. Jin could only watch helplessly as the metal being drew what appeared to be a weapon from his side and flicked a switch. A green beam suddenly cut through the darkness, and Jin found himself staring with intrigue at the device.

His attention was brought back to his current situation as the Demon slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Jin saw the two guards, whom he had only known for a few days, sitting at the radio. The Demon's grip suddenly tightened around his neck, and he found himself quickly losing consciousness. The last thing he remembered was seeing both guards rush to stand, and then their heads suddenly exploding.

*****

"You just looove to make a scene, don't you." Dean smirked under his helmet as Midnight's voice came through his internal radio. It would have been simpler to sneak up on the unsuspecting guard, but he wanted to have a little fun. Was it in violation of everything he had learnt regarding espionage? yes. Did he care? Only a little. He wasn't going to pull a stunt like that again, that was for sure. Had he messed up, the operation would have failed.

"The prisoner should wake up soon. Is everyone in position?" Dean eyed the unconscious Elf tied on the floor before him with disgust, his mind wandering and coming to conclusions about what this particular Elf had done to the Equestrians. His look changed to one of neutral anger as he saw the Dark Elf stirring. Contrary to what one would think, the Elves skin was not light, but it wasn't all too dark either. It was like looking at a blue tinted Middle Eastern person from Earth.

"Ready for your signal, Sergeant."

Dean noticed his prisoner stirring and promptly contacted the rest of his team.

"Be ready in two minutes.

"Wha... where am I?" The Dark Elf looked around and blinked, his voice croaked slightly, courtesy of the Humans earlier handling of his neck.. Dean slowly crouched so that he was eye level with the being before him. Upon looking straight ahead, his eyes widened to an impossible degree.

"Y-Y-You--" Dean's hand shot forward and promptly covered the Dark Elves mouth, stopping his soon to be fit of yelling. He watched as the Dark Elves jaw moved up and down, his eyes never leaving the metal behemoth in front of him. It brought Dean a sense of satisfaction, seeing his enemies in a state of terror. It was good that they felt such an emotion, for in this case, he was the judge, jury, and the executioner.

"How many Elves are within the camp?" Dean said the words slowly so as not to confuse the terrified being before him. His faceless gaze didn't waver, and it left no room for argument. He slowly lifted his hand away and rested it on his knee. His eyes bore holes through the skull of his prisoner, and Jin gulped.

"T-T-There are about forty guards in total. There is also the Destructor crew, and a few, erm, doctors..." Jin trailed off as the withering glare of the Demon bore into him with more intensity, even without eyes. Tears began to leak down his cheeks. He didn't know what lay beneath the helmet, nor did he want to find out... but he could almost sense the raw violence and power the being possessed. His own magical skill wasn't enough to take him on... nor was anyone elses who resided in the camp.

"I-I don't know anything else! P-Please... spare me! I-I have a f-family!" Jin watched as the Demon tilted its head to the side. He heard what sounded like a grumble before the Demon in Metal stood up, towering over him and casting an ominous shadow.

"You will wait here." It said simply. Jin breathed a sigh of relief and closed his eyes. His heart was refusing to calm, and he needed to get his breathing under control. The Demons voice sent shivers up and down his spine, its metallic and garble like sounds striking fear within him.

Jin was about to sit back when a piece of cloth was suddenly wedged between his teeth, prohibiting him from making a noise. He gurgled and tried to shake his head, but it was no use. Within seconds, a firm knot was tied around the back of his head, and a rough hand grabbed his hair.

Jin's cry of pain was muffled, but that didn't stop the tears from forming in his eyes as he was forced to look into the Demon's non-existent face. The air seemed to grow colder as the imposing figure raised his other hand towards his head. Jin whimpered and shied away.

"Shh." The index finger of the hand pointed up around where an Elf's mouth would be, and Jin found himself nodding subconsciously. The Demon gave another tilt of his head before suddenly letting go. Jin sagged as much as he could in his seat as the Demon's footsteps clunked out of the guard post. The door was shut with surprising care, and he looked for the reason as to why.

He didn't find one, as the Demon was now gone. It was as if he was never there.

Jin gulped when the smell of iron suddenly hit his nose, causing it to crinkle and his eyes to water once more. Confused, he tried to twist his neck in order to identify the putrid and slightly nauseating stink. It seemed to be coming from his right.

He forced his head to turn, and his eyes just caught sight of what used to be the other Elves in the guard post. He couldn't remember fully what had happened when the Demon had taken him prisoner, but he recalled glimpsing some sort of violence. The sight before him was unlike anything he had ever seen, and he felt panic rising in his throat. His breathing quickened as he looked at the mushy brain matter and bone strewed about the floor. The younger of the guards was missing half his face, showing the splintered bone and muscle. Half his brain was gone.... the other half was oozing into the floorboards.

His breaths came in gasps.

The older Elf, the one whom he had only known for a few days, lay on the floor. His head was missing entirely, and upon looking at the wall, Jin found where it had gone.

Red, gray, and yellow substance coated the wall above the magi-comm, and the device itself wasn't spared. Blood dripped from one of its antennae, each drop striking the chest of the dead Elf.

He couldn't bear to look at it anymore. Never had he seen such brutality, or gore. He was a new recruit, who had challenged an officer and ended up in the Frozen North. He had been promised the good fight, an honorable war against his foes.

This wasn't war.... this was something else entirely.

Something inside him snapped, and Jin screamed through the fabric in his mouth, but there was no one to hear him. His body lurched back and forth as tears poured down his face, but not once did his eyes leave the bodies. Forever scorched into his mind, was the work of a Demon.

*****

Dean stopped at the front gates, his body and armor well camouflaged against the lazy eyes of the tower guards. He saw between the bars of the gate the occasional guard, but they seemed to mostly just be moving to and fro rather than standing guard. Had the Equestrian's morale not been so low, then it would have been a cake walk to escape on their own.

He raised his arm and flipped on his tac-pad while gliding between two crates. the device wasn't very bright, but he wasn't going to take that risk.

"Fourty, minus two..." Dean programmed into the device the amount of Elves that were remaining within the camp. This way, he could keep tabs if anyone seemed to be missing when the operation was done. When the inhabitants of the camp were freed, he would tally them as well.

He looked up towards the hill near the mountain, and was just barely able to make out the shadowy forms of group two. Cobalt, Steel, Swift Spear, and Stormfly all lay upon the ridge, awaiting his command.

"Midnight, Spitfire, on me." He whispered into his walkie talkie. He waited for about thirty seconds before the two Pegasi glided like wraiths to his position. They stayed close to the ground and in the shadows as they made their way forward.

"We're here." Midnight whispered from behind the Human. They were crouched behind a barricade of some sort, and only Dean's head was showing as he peeked over the top.

"Good, do you both remember the breaching lessons I taught you?" one of the tower guards yawned and looked in his direction. Dean brought his head down just in time. Both ponies responded with a yes, so he nodded in approval. "Good, I'll move in first and go right, you two go left." Once more they responded with a yes, so Dean turned on his walkie talkie.

"Blizzard, Blizzard, Blizzard." Upon uttering the final word, Dean caught sight of a flash of metal before he lost it in the night sky. A moment later, the guard in the tower farthest from everyone lurched backwards. Dean could see the bolt stuck through his throat. The guard collapsed without a sound.

Two more crossbow bolts flew through the air without a sound, and the final two guards were put down. All three bolts had hit their targets perfectly.

"Good job, Spear. Everyone, move in. Spear, provide overwatch. Over." Dean waited for the confirmations before unholstering his rifle and raising it to his shoulder. He turned on his thermal view, and gave the hand signal to move. The trio made their way to the gate, only to find a rusty padlock. Dean grabbed the metal contraption and quickly yanked it off. He squeezed a bti to hard and ended up crushing the padlock in half. He paid it no mind as the gate easily swung open.

"Moving into position. Over." He heard Stormfly over his radio. He didn't respond, for they had gone over the plan earlier. There were three barracks, each with an unknown number of Dark Elves. There would be two per barrack (except him), and once everyone was in position, they would all simultaneously throw their nine-bangers. From prior experience, Dean knew that the bangers were highly effective in stunning a large group of Elves, Since they would be inside a building this time, the effects would be much worse.

"Cobalt, on your left behind the door is an Elven guard, I'm taking him out. Over." Dean directed Midnight and Spitfire towards their target before moving towards his. His route would take him right past the tank hanger.

Dean's boots barely made a sound in the light snow, thus adding to the ominous silence of the night. The moon hung in the sky like a spotlight, but a cloud moved in front of its bulbous form. The world around him was cast in absolute darkness, but he kept going. Each of the ponies in his squad was equipped with a pair of night vision goggles, something that Dean had found difficult to make. The last set was created literally a day before they left Maritime Bay, for he had needed to acquire an immense number of specific materials for the fabricator to work.

Dean's eyes snapped up as someone coughed to his right. He whipped his gun around and had the sight trained on what appeared to be the Elves head within the nano-second. The only thing that stopped him from pulling the trigger was the fact that the being before him appeared to be blue on the thermal scanner of his helmet. He paused for half a second, which was long enough for the figure to get a word in.

"Dean, it's me." The Guardian stepped out of the shadows and folded his arms in front of his chest. Dean checked all around him before moving into the shadow cast by a supply building. His thermal scanners came up blank all around him, so he focused on the Guardian.

"What is it, I'm busy." He whispered. He made sure to turn off his helmet's distortion in order to appear quieter. The Guardian sighed as Dean once more checked his corners.

"There aren't any Elves here, they are busy in their barracks. I came to warn you." The Guardian took a step forward and held out his one arm. "I only took a quick look, but there are some truly horrible things going on within this concentration camp. I'm sure you know this, for the Nazi's did similar things in the second world war, but your soldier's don't. Do not lose who you are here. The Elves are being influenced by the Destroyers power, it is better to--"

Dean snarled and pointed an accusatory finger at the Guardian.

"You don't know who I am, and you certainly don't know about how bad it really is out here. You got stuck in stone, and I'm willing to bet that you only started paying attention when I showed up. I don't care if there is influence involved, punishment needs to be dished out. Hitler influenced the German people to kill millions, and he didn't have any bullshit powers. They were all held accountable, and they will be here too. I didn't come here looking to kill everyone, but I will if I have to." Dean scowled and moved to turn away. The Guardian walking through him and turning caused him to pause once more.

"Listen! Maybe I don't know how bad it is, but one man cannot play god in this situation! Those Elves probably have families to, and who are you to judge how evil a person truly--"

Once more, the Guardian stuttered in his words as Dean's fist collided with a cement block near his head, causing it to break apart in a shower of rubble. The Guardian winced slightly, even though he was merely a projection.

"These... monsters are not people! They are savages, and I will not stand for them enslaving the inhabitants of this world! Plus, they are already beginning to execute the Equestrians in mass. Couple that with whatever is happening in two weeks, and it's easy to see that a bigger plan is being formed." Dean pointed a finger at the Guardian once more. "You can either help me win, or you can sit by and watch, I don't care but I will not let these crimes go unpunished." Dean stalked through the Guardian and did not utter another word. His rifle once more began its circular pattern as he checked every crevice and corner on his way to his target.

The Guardian sighed.

An image flashed in his head, and he saw two paths. He knew which one the Human was wandering towards, and a tear came to the Guardians eye as he stared blankly ahead. He wouldn't stop trying, but sooner or later, Dean would have to choose. If he kept going the way he was going, then all of existence was doomed.

"I can't fail, not after everything that has happened."

A look of determination came across the Guardian's features as he began to dissipate. He lost this small battle, but there was still a war to fight. It was his job to ensure victory.

The Guardian departed, and the night was once again taken by the enduring silence, cut only by the occasional howl of wind.

*****

Dean approached the barracks with nary a sound. His senses were on high alert, and for good reason: The lights within this barracks were on.

He scowled as he thought about what he could do. The others were in position, and were awaiting the go ahead to begin, but the element of surprise and disorientation would be less effective this way. He would need to see the exact positioning of the targets. That way, he could deduce what exactly he was dealing with.

Dean crept towards a window and slowly peeked inside.

He saw multiple bunk beds, roughly ten or so, and only a few were occupied. His eyes moved through the building and towards the back of the room. There seemed to be a commotion in the far corner, and the lights were ominously dimmed.

A pit grew in Dean's stomach as he picked up on the little details. Pants missing on nearly all the Dark Elves, some laughing, some smiling maliciously. They were blocking his view from whatever was in front of them, and Dean tried his best to see past the wall of bodies. The pit in his stomach grew once more when a slightly taller Elf stood up within the semi-circle. His face was sweaty, and he was panting with exertion. The smile on his face was psychotic.

The others in the group cheered, and it was loud enough that Dean could hear it through the wall. His fist clenched at his side as he slowly holstered his SCAR... and drew his knife.

An Elf moved out of the way, and the one who looked exhausted walked through the gap. Dean squinted once more. There was a leg, covered in fur. Blood seemed to be matted within it. He caught sight of a tail, then... then...

Dean could only watch as a Dark Elf got shoved forward, laughing all the while and making the gap slightly bigger. His fingers wiggled and flexed as a greenish hue surrounded his now exposed genitals. Horror crossed through Dean's mind as the Elves' manhood seemed to grow five times its original length and girth.

His look passed back to the pony and his sense became dull. A thumping was heard in his ears, and time seemed to move at a crawl. The Guardians' words seemed to echo within his head as he zeroed in on the mare laying on the floor.

"One man cannot play god..."

The words echoed and bounced around in his head. His lips silently worded out the phrase, albeit mockingly. Fury replaced his shock and horror as he watched the Elf insert himself into the mare. He saw her shriek in pain, even heard it, but everything just seemed dull.

Movement caught Dean's eye, and the Elf from before walked past the group. He was fully clothed, and seemed to be holding a pipe in his hand. He said something inaudible to a buddy in one of the bunks before moving out of sight. Dean slid like a wraith to the front of the barracks, and the silver sheen of stainless steel glinted in the moonlight.

A door opened, and footsteps approached. After a moment of hesitation, Dean was around the corner, and his free hand was wrapped around the Elves throat. He gave a squeak of surprise and fear as his airway was instantly cut off, and he began to kick and punch at the metal behemoth that was holding him. Dean did not hear, or feel anything.

"Sergeant, we are ready when you are." Midnight's voice snapped Dean from whatever it was he was feeling, and he paused in his assault of the Elf long enough to respond.

"Begin the operation."

Two distinct whumps seemed to echo across the camp, and Dean returned to glaring at the Elf in his grip. He was still kicking, but his movements were sluggish and weak. Dean dropped the Elf in the snow, right beside the discarded pipe. The soldier wheezed and coughed. He looked up in terror towards the being that had grabbed him, only to find him missing. There were no footprints to give evidence of its flight, and the Elf's eyes widened in panic. He scrambled to his feet and sprinted for the door to the barracks.

Bursting through the wooden entryway, nearly all heads turned towards his rushed intrusion. The only one who didn't look was the Dark Elf that was having its way with the pony.

"Gather your weapons, we are under attack!!" He screeched as he moved to the nearest bunk. He grabbed hold of a light spear and a sword while an officer stalked towards him.

"Calm down son, what's got you wound up?" He said calmly. He was shirtless, and his muscles seemed to ripple as he stared at the private.

"S-Sir! I was j-just attacked! S-Something ambushed me outside. It was made o-of m-metal and grabbed my throat--"

Catcalls leered through the barracks, the Elf drilling the small equine even looking up to jeer at the shaken Elf. Said Elf growled in frustration as his ears pinned to his head. He rushed back to the door and faced his commanding officer.

"PLEASE SIR, LISTEN TO ME!" He all but screamed at his fellow soldiers. They were too busy laughing. What sounded like footsteps calmly walked up the stairs behind him, and he looked back in terror. Urine leaked down his pants.

"Oh, that's a good one Private, but we don't want to hear about your dirty..." The officer trailed off, and the laughter came to an abrupt stop. All that could be heard was the distinct howl of the wind, and the hacking gurgle as the seemingly delusional Private choked on his own blood.

"Wha..."

There was the sound of ripping, and someone screamed in horror as a metal hand wrapped around the Privates throat and yanked. His head came clean off, and blood began gushing out in a torrent. The officer got drenched in the life fluid of his comrade, and everyone else present seemed to only stare in shock. The pony lay forgotten on the floor, and she took this moment to crawl into a corner.

Thunk, thunk, thunk.

An utterly massive figure ducked into the barracks. It was faceless, and small gadgets seemed to pockmark his chest and side of its head. In one hand, it held the Privates head. In the other, a gleaming red knife. Its imposing figure cast a shadow through the small barracks, and the smell of Urine began to waft through the air.

"Boo."

Pandemonium erupted as Elves scrambled every which way. Some wen't for their weapons, others went to hide. Dean analized the room within a second before taking action.

He jumped forward and grabbed the top of the officer's head, yanking his hair as he plunged the knife into his heart. The Elf spat up blood before being dropped to the floor like a sack of flour.

Dean found himself facing down the remainder of the Barracks as everything became quiet. The Elves each had a weapon of some kind in their grasp, and they seemed to have overcome their shock.

He smiled.

The first Elf bum rushed him as someone behind him fired a beam of energy. As Quick as a cheetah, he leaned to the side and let the projectile fly past his shoulder. His first target let out a warcry as he brought his sword down towards the Sergeant. The long piece of metal met empty air, and the Elf found himself with a knife slicing through his spinal cord. His corpse was used as a shield as three Dark Elves fired their spears simultaneously.

The smell of burnt flesh caused many to gag, but Dean's helmet filtered the air. He threw the body at one of the spear wielders before slipping his knife away and drawing his pistol. He let loose two shots, both of which eviscerated the heads of the two attackers. One of the bullets actually kept going and lodged itself into the chest of an unsuspecting Elf. The chemicals within triggered, and blood, bone, and organs exploded outwards.

Two Elves charged, but the second one came slower and leveled his spear. Thinking fast, Dean dodged the first Elves sword swing and flipped him sideways with a swipe of his legs. Just as the second Elf pulled his trigger, Dean did a side flip, bringing the stunned Elf with him. The beam of energy missed the now upside down Human, and instead slammed into the rear of the first Elf's head, causing it to explode into burnt goop. Dean retaliated by leveling his pistol while still midflip, and putting a bullet through the perpetrators head. His body collapsed to the floor in a heap.

The rest, who were all naked below the waist, threw down their weapons. Some ten Elves in total.

Dean watched as a young civilian, no older than a teenager, was lifted by the massive Ortihian monster. Dean was behind cover, and the group of Orith did not know he was there. He could only watch as the Orithian's talked in their chittery language as the girl sobbed in despair.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers, an officer by the looks of it, ripped off the clothing of the girl in one fell swoop. Dean had never seen the Orith doing anything other than killing, but he soon came to the horrific realization that the brutality of their actions went beyond genocide.

Strange body parts, not too dissimilar to a bungee cord, snaked their way inside the girl through every single one of their holes. Upon closer examination, Dean found the officer was of the female designation. Females were a rare find, as they usually were not a part of the main military body. They were also the ones responsible for doing the fucking rather than being fucked.

The girl was long dead, her belly swollen to twice its size. Dried tears had fallen through her makeup, and the males seemed to be intent on picking away the meat on the 'free' spots along her body.

"H.Q gives the go ahead, permission to engage."

Dean moved to avenge the little girl.

The Human saw the legs of the pony sticking out from the corner she tried to hide in, and he saw red. He put away his Pistol and quickly equipped his SCAR-H. The Elves tried to run, they really did, but Dean was faster. The last of the monsters were turned to mince meat as hot lead ripped through their bodies.

Silence reigned throughout the barracks, only broken by the labored breathing of the pony.

...

'The pony!!'

Dean sprinted towards the twitching equine and dropped to his knees in front of her. A can of BAI-Foam was already in his hand as he analyzed the wounds. His arms went slack, and the canister dropped as he took in more details.

The mare was dying, and there was no stopping it. He could see from the swollen belly, the gaping hole that used to be her genitalia, and the popped out spine that was butchered by the Elves magical enhancements. He brought a shaky hand to her bruised cheek while the other pulled his helmet off. His radio was abuzz with the ponies calling their mission a success, but Dean didn't listen in.

The pony sniffled, then coughed. Her eyes found his, and tears fell down her face.

"N-no more. P-Please..." She all but whispered. Dean put on his best smile and rested his palm against her head. She didn't react to his touch.

"You are gonna be okay, miss. It's all over." He whispered soothingly. His hand reached behind her head, and he felt around, afraid of what he might find.

"Please.... it hurts so much... I-I want my p-parents." She sniffled and looked towards the ceiling. Her legs twitched and she tried to move. Dean held her down and whispered soothing words in her ear, but she still tried to move.

"Please, let me see them... I d-don't want to go! P-Please!" Dean forced her back against the wall, and the pony began to sob. He pulled his hand away from her head, as he had found what he had feared most: A skull fracture, and a brain leakage.

"I am s-so sorry." A tear trickled down his face, but rage was building inside him. He blinked, and looked back at the mare. Her eyes were staring into his, and she seemed to have some clarity once more.

"Please... make the pain stop. I want to see them..." She leaned against the wall and winced. Her legs twitched once more as Dean slowly stood. The night was slowly turning to morning, and a tinge of dark blue was upon the horizon. The mare groaned and Dean found himself shaking. Whether it be from grief, shock, horror, or all of the above. He didn't want to do this, he couldn't do this.

His hand rose, and his Scar shook in his grip. He trained the sights on the mare and tried to steady his breathing. It didn't work, he couldn't shoot her. She was a pony, but so much a Human. A civilian caught in the web of the Dark Elves' evil ways. He couldn't shoot her.

"P-Please."

Dean raised the rifle once more, his eyes holding an emotion that he had not felt in a long time. He closed them, and squeezed the trigger. There was a whisper from his silencer, and the tell tale thump of a body hitting the floor. He felt sick.

"Don't be weak, Dean, you are no stranger to killing..."

'WEAK!? SHE WAS A CIVILIAN! SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS, AND YOU SHOT HER!! YOU'VE NEVER HAD TO KILL A CIVILIAN!! NEVER!!!'

Dean's face scrunched in rage as tears poured down his face. The last time he had felt this way was when... was when...

He looked back at the pony and stared at her corpse. The shot was clean, and had pierced her brain perfectly. There was no pain, and no suffering.

"AGGGGHHHH!" He screamed his emotions into the air as he leveled his SCAR towards a dead elf. coincidentally, it was the one who had used the magic.

Dean squeezed the trigger and felt the retort of his weapon against his shoulder. Spent shell casings clattered to the ground as blood spluttered across the floor. Seven years of hatred, death, and destruction was let loose as the body below him was reduced to pulp. Only when the rifle clicked empty did he stop.

Dean turned without a second glance, his rage reduced to despair and depression. This world used to be peaceful, and now he had to save it. It was the Orith all over again. Same war, new faces.

"We are going to put the prisoners down in the large holes near the south side of the camp. Meet us there. Over." Spitfire's voice crackled over the radio, and Dean replied with an affirmative.

It took two minutes to cross the camp, for he had abandoned stealth and silence. The prisoners were in order, and the inhabitants of the camp had been rescued. Apparently, there was a group called Crystal Ponies among the Equestrians. he would have to look into that later.

Dean approached the group from behind, and a large assortment of gasps flew through the air. Heads turned as he stalked towards his Squaddies, who were standing guard around the Dark Elves. Some twenty or so were lined up in two rows in the snow, facing the Equestrian prisoners with their heads bowed. None acknowledged that the famed Demon in Metal was standing before them.

"Dean, we rounded them up, just like you said. Midnight should be back any second with our plan to hide them away when the---"

"I'M GONNA KILL THEM!!"

Dean jumped forward and intercepted Midnight as he charged towards the Elves with his wings extended. The Elves looked up in fear at his sudden entrance, and many began to mumble to one another. They finally saw Dean, and more than one look of fear passed someone's face.

"Midnight... MIDNIGHT!" Dean yelled at the Pegasus, trying to calm him down. Spitfire and Stormfly appeared at his side as they talked quietly into Midnight's ears, but it wasn't working too well. His ears were folded back and his eyes were dilated. His teeth were gritting and grinding, and his wings twitched at his sides.

"Tell me what's wrong. What happened?" Dean knelt in front of the frothing pegasus, making sure to take up his full view. Tears poured down the pony's face as he squeezed his eyes shut.

"T-t-the pits are..." He let out a sob as the two mares held onto him from the side.

"The pits are what, Midnight? What are they?" The Elves were taking notice of the commotion, and more than a few were listening in with their sensitive ears. The rest of Dean's squad slowly came within earshot, but remained on guard.

"The p-p-p-pits... they have...." Midnight shook his head and mumbled under his breath. His legs were shaking from the adrenaline rush from moments ago, and Dean laid a hand on his withers.

"What about the pi--"

"BODIES!" He screeched, his wings flaring at his sides. "IT'S A BUCKING MASS GRAVE, AND THERE ARE H-HUNDREDS! I-I COULDN'T"T TAKE IT... T-THOSE MONSTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE, THEY KILLED THEM ALL!!" Midnight began to sob as Spitfire tried to sooth him. Dean stood up, and so did Stormfly.

The Elves were beginning to panic, their confusion growing as they remained sitting. What had the Pegasus been talking about?

One Elf clued in and became frantic. He stood and tried to sprint away.

"RUN!" He screeched, but he wasn't fast enough. A bullet found itself lodged in his skull, causing the Elf to fall to the ground. The other Elves went silent as they stared at their fallen comrade. Dean took the opportunity to face the freed ponies.

"Cover your eyes!" His voice boomed.

Parents understood what he meant and shielded their children. They themselves also averted their eyes as Dean turned back to his squad mates. He nodded to Cobalt and Steel, then to Stormfly and Swift. he proceeded to chamber a round into his gun.

"Kill them all."

Screams could be heard for miles, some even saying they reached the city of Stalliongrad. No one came to investigate, for they assumed it to be the ponies. No one bothered to go and check on their kin, who now lay dead in the snow. This was a new kind of war for the Equins, and one Dean was all too familiar with.

No mercy was to be shown, no quarter was to be given.

As the final Dark Elf fell, a blade in his back, a figure watched from the shadows. After a few minutes, he was gone, and all that remained were the horrors of war....

Chapter 41: Seven Years

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Author's Notes:

This is merely a filler chapter. I am heavily struggling through writers' block right now, and I figured that a small filler would help motivate me. I am leaving for University in two days time, and the stress is immeasurable. This story will not die, and Dean Forresters Legacy will continue!

Anyway. This chapter may seemed rushed, because it is, but I am experimenting in another new department here. A little warning, the main topic of this chapter is heavy in trauma. It is very short in comparison to what I have been writing recently, but it is merely a filler to hopefully show the true state of our main character. (That and it'll get me motivated for more)
I'm going on here and repeating myself, so I'll just skip to the end. My plan is to have the next chapter done within two weeks time, and hopefully I can continue to produce what you the readers would like to read.
Your feedback keeps me going, and as always
Until next time.......

P.S Small time skip

Boards creaked, metal groaned. The ever-present rumble of an engine thrummed in the background. Somepony coughed, another shuffled. There were ponies laying down, ponies standing up, and ponies sitting. Nobody physically moved, but all their eyes were on one place, and one place only.

The Demon in Metal.

It sat against the far wall near the entrance to the engine, it's arms hanging over its knees and its head bowed. It's faceless mask helmet seemed to bore into the wooden floor beneath the bench it sat upon. Its figure loomed in the darkness for those farther away, but the ones who were lucky enough to be close got to see every intricate detail.

Blood covered its armour, the viscous substance seeming to stain the fabric beneath; and shine on the smooth gray material. The Demons shoulders were sagged, and some thought he was asleep. This did not deter them from averting their curious gazes.

Directly across from the Demon was another sleeping biped, though this one was given an even wider berth. It's pointed ears and blue tinted skin gave away what the monster sleeping in the car with them was. Nopony looked at him, nopony spoke to him, for they were to afraid. They wondered why the Demon had not just killed the General right when he had gotten off the train and rid the world of another Elf.

Everypony jumped when the bench the Demon sat upon creaked and groaned from the shift in weight. Some watched in fascination as the towering metal behemoth stretched its arms as high as they could go, wich wasn't far seeing as the roof was only slightly higher than him.

"I will be back." Its voice spoke with a deep, garbly tone. There was seemingly no emotion. More than a few ponies shuffled uncomfortably as the Demon raised his right arm and began fiddling with a device attached to it. silence reigned throughout the train car, and more than a few ears drooped down. A unicorn mare, a teenager by all accounts, brought her younger sister to her side with an outstretched leg, trying to keep her as far from the sleeping Elf as possible.

Eyes turned and regarded said Elf, and fear took the hearts of many. So many ponies within that car had been abused, tortured, raped, and broken. Even with their new-found freedom, many still held a lingering doubt and sense of unease.

"M-Mr. Demon, sir."

A young voice broke the tense atmosphere, and the Demon looked up from its device. Its faceless mask seemed to cast a shadow across the car, not like there was much light in the first place. Its head turned left and right, searching for the perpetrator behind the voice.

A young stallion stepped forward from the darkness. His coat seemed to shimmer, and his fur seemed glossy and smooth. Even as a pony, everyone knew he was very, very different.

This stallion was a Crystal Pony,

"Yes?" The Demon's voice once more sounded throughout the train car, its voice seeming to echo in the silence. Everypony present watched the exchange with intrigue.

"Y-you aren't going to leave us alone with the e...e-e-- that thing over three?" The stallions voice seemed to catch in his throat as he tried to name the vile being tied up and sleeping on the bench. Nearly everypony's eyes filled with fear, more than a few backed away with their ears folded.

The Demon turned and regarded the sleeping general. He had a large bump forming on the side of his head were the Demon had struck him, and a splatter of blood decorated his once pristine suit were one of his dying guards had fallen on him. The Elf was bound in the mechanical metal rope that detached from the Demons arm, but the heavy muscles of the General seemed bulky enough to break it. The Demon turned back to the ponies.

"I'll be in the next car over. The metal wire wrapping him up is strong enough that not even I could break it without immense effort. You are all safe." The Demon saw a few ponies visibly relax, but more than a few kept their fearful expressions. After a moment of thought, a buzzing suddenly sounded throughout the car.

"Spitfire, come in, over." It sounded as if the Demon was talking to someone far away, but that seemed ludicrous to many of the Equestrians. They saw the Demon nod his head once before a mighty bang at the end of the car caused everypony to jump.

A Pegasus in ragtag armour strode through the doorway and kicked the door closed behind her. Upon entering the light and taking off her headgear, gasps resounded throughout the assembled ponies.

"Its Spitfire!"

"It's the Captain of the Wonderbolts!"

"She's alive!"

The Demon saw that the focus was directed away from it, and silently exited towards the front of the train. Unlike his squadmates loud entrance, he made sure to be stealthy. It was his hope that Spitfire would calm them down long enough for him to get a report.

Dean opened the door to the next train car, which was empty, and proceeded through it. His boots clanked upon the floor as the wind howled through an open window to his left. Dean stopped and walked up to the window.

Outside, the sky was turning gray, showcasing the beginnings of a large squall. They had been riding south for nearly four hours now, and it would be another two before they came to their rendezvous point with General Blight. The General had informed them to stop near one of the Resistance safe houses were they had been stockpiling what had seemed like barrels of gunpowder. Dean wondered what exactly the General intended to do, but didn't question it. He would find out once they returned.

A somber feeling passed over him, and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. What sounded like scratching reached his ears, but it was gone after a second. Dean reckoned it to be a mouse or rat of some kind, seeing as how old some of these train cars were.

'Dean...'

Lightning flashed outside, and the Human spun in place, but did not draw his weapons. His head slowly turned to find the perpetrator, only to come up blank. His motion detector was silent as well. The room was dark, but he could see well enough with his enhanced vision.

'Please.'

The window was forgotten as Dean slowly crept to the centre of the train car. He was growing tired of things messing with his brain, and he was nearly certain that it was happening again. A pang of fear gripped his heart as the thought of the monster from his dreams materializing in the darkness behind him. Its massive jaws ready to devour him whole, those tentacles ready to do unspeakable things to his mind and body....

He shook his head and scowled.

"Show yourself!" His voice was raised, but not so much to be a yell. His hand drifted to his pistol, and his eye twitched. A pressure was building in his gut, and his hair was standing on end.

'Accept it....'

'We are gone...'

"Who are you!" Dean's eyes went wide as his pistol snapped upwards. Surely he was hallucinating. All the horrors he had recently witnessed had reawakened something within him. This something was begging to be let loose, to rip and tear its way through all that stood in his path. Funny thing really, as he was utterly powerless at the moment to do anything. The situation felt hopeless, the cruelty of the Elves seeming to have no bounds.

'Please... Dean...'

It sounded like Marie, but that was impossible. She was back on Earth, safe with their baby boy. Something was using voice, something was trying to break through the mental wall that he had erected seven years ago.

The world flashed white, and Dean suddenly gained clarity. She was dead, and it was all his fault. He had screamed that night, cried until the tears could no longer come. It was an impossibility, the reliability of that cursed letter. The Orith hadn't pushed that far, they hadn't reached so far out before. He was a superhuman, designed to take on the Orith and keep those behind him safe. He was the hero humanity needed...
He was the hero his family needed...
He failed...
He failed Marie...
He failed Jaxon...
He failed...

Another flash of light occured, and Dean blinked. A fog descended over his thoughts like a blanket. His senses were hyper aware, and his breathing was rash. The boards beneath him groaned, and he found that he was kneeling on the floor. Lightning flashed, and Dean blinked. Why was it so bright?

He could see them again, the Orith. They killed his wife, his kid, and now, they were killing this world. Because of them, he was forced into war, because of them, he was a killer. Because of them.... so many have died... Had he been earlier for that little girl in the shopping mall, maybe for the boy that was riddled with holes in front of him? What of the women who had been used for an act so vulgar that he couldn't truly describe it using words. What of what they tried to do with Twilight? Or what they did do to that poor mare. What about the hundreds, thousands, or millions of Equestrians that were enslaved, raped, and killed. What about them? He couldn't save them, he was powerless. He was supposed to be powerful, but instead, he was but another pawn in the cruel game of life...

A cold, metal taste filled his mouth. The scent of steel, brass, and gunpowder wormed its way into his nostrils. His eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he slowly became aware of his hands, and what they were holding. He didn't want to look, he didn't want to believe what he had nearly done.

His hands began to shake, then his shoulders, then his whole body. Rain began to fall outside the train, and the streaks of water mimicked what was currently crawling down his cheeks. His hands slackened, then tightened, then slackened again. His helmet lay off to his right, and his gloves were missing. He could feel the cold metal of his pistol not just in his mouth, but also his fingers and palm. A simple squeeze, and it was over. Everything he had worked towards, everything he had fought for... gone. He didn't know why, he didn't know how, but the itch to pull that trigger had suddenly seemed welcome...

...and it sickened him.

"Dean?"

His eyes snapped up, and they were met with a look that understood. How could they though? How could they possibly understand? So much had happened, so much had been a weight on his mind and shoulders. So much pain, death, destruction and depression. So much that he felt the need to see it gone. For good.

What would he know, the Pegasus before him? Maybe he did know, but that was impossible. The suffering was to much, he couldn't take it. He wanted to see her again, to see his wife and kid--

"Easy, Dean. It's alright." A hoof rested on his arm, and the gun was pulled from his face painstakingly slow. The prior negative feelings slowly began to deteriorate, and the cold embrace of realization crept up on the Human. His heartbeat accelerated, and his breathing quickened. Lightning flashed once more, and it illuminated a face full of panic. Tears poured freely from his eyes, which seemed dead to the world at large. He barely noticed his fingers slacken, or the metal device falling away. He hardly noticed the hoof that was placed on his shoulder.

The gun finally clattered to the floor, its sound seeming to echoe and reverberate through the train car. Dean's horror-struck eyes followed it as the weapon seemed to bounce. Its black figure swallowed whatever light touched it, and the death wrought by the pistol caused his head to swim with nausea.

His eyes closed, and the tears poured even harder. Never before had he felt so helpless, so weak in his life. Seven years he had fought, and seven years he had seen the horrors of war and genocide. Was this what trauma was? Why was he suffering from it now? Why not last month, or last year? Why not at the beginning of the war when he... when he received...

"Dean, look at me."

He did, and the sobbing stopped. The tears did not.

"I am here for you, and I know how you feel. Whatever it is you are going through, I know that you'll pull through. We need you, Dean, we need you more than ever. If you focus on the past it will tear you apart. Instead, focus on the future, winning the war, freeing the creatures of this world, and bringing peace to yours."

Dean found himself nodding, and he sniffled. His face began to harden, and the feelings of doubt, loathing, and despair were left behind. The problem wasn't fixed, not even close... but he couldn't quit, not now, not ever. His arm found its way to his face, and he wiped away the wetness. His depression was gone in the blink of an eye, and the sudden swing in his emotions went unregistered by both the Pegasus and the Human. Dean began to wonder why he had even felt the way he did anyway.

'Why did I do that? What did I see that caused such a... reaction?' Dean blinked, and his mind came to a temporary conclusion:

'Jaxon and Marie are fine. Whatever is messing with my brain is in for a fight, because I won't give in so easily,' Dean glanced at the Pitch black Pegasus who was staring at him. His wings were unfurled, and a sad smile was splayed across his face. A feeling of warmth came from the look, and Dean knew that a connection had somehow just been established. If they were to succeed, then they would need each other. The others needed support, Midnight needed support, and even Dean needed support. Together they would win. And together they would free Equestria.

"Thank you, Midnight. Let's get to the front," Dean stood up and grabbed his pistol, helmet, and gloves. He holstered the gun, but did not don the final touch to his armour, instead choosing to leave his hair to run free. A look of determination came over him, and he silently vowed that whatever inner turmoil was harassing him could wait. He had a mission to accomplish, and he would be damned before his feelings got in the way.

As Dean turned to leave, he failed to notice the ghostly form of his dead wife and kid, standing in the darkness. Their fates were once more forgotten, and the storm raged ever on.

Finally, the lightning flashed once more, and the figures were gone. There was nothing left but the shrouded darkness, and the tears of a broken man...

Chapter 42: No Rest for the Wicked

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'WHOOO, WHOOOOO!!'

The hiss of brakes dominated the air around the station, and the screech of metal on metal echoed through the snowy tundra. The train slowly came to a stop at the station, and a final hiss sounded as the vehicle came to a standstill. The labour camp that General Atlas had to audit lay nearly a hundred meters away, but it was hard to see due to the constant snowfall.

"I'll be, it's mighty damn cold out here!" A baritone voice sneered as the doors opened. A hefty Dark Elf wearing a flashy overcoat decorated with medals and badges stepped onto the platform. A monocle sat upon his right eye, and a top hat sat upon his head. A decorative shirt and tie lay beneath his coat, and gold cufflinks were upon his wrists. In one hand, he held a cane, in the other, a leash. At the end of the leash was a small gray Pegasus with bubbles as her cutie mark. Her ribs showed through her fur, and many of her feathers were missing. One of her crossed eyes was a milky white, while the other was full of sorrow. The mare's mane and tail were in disarray, and more than a few teeth were missing from her mouth.

General Atlas looked around the platform and huffed in annoyance. There was no guard nearby, and magical lamps within the building were off. He lifted his wrist to check his watch and noted that the shift wouldn't end for another hour.

"Guards, on me." Within seconds, the General was swarmed on all sides by no less than ten elite guards. Each had a full helm and body armour. On their waists were shock batons, and in their grips were magical spears. They clattered onto the platform and took up defensive positions along its edges. The General shivered and his ears drooped. Whoever was in charge would get a rather large chewing out and a demotion.

A figure ghosted up beside the General, causing the old Elf to start. The figure wore a white camouflaged hood and robe. In his hand, a large bow sat strung and ready. The General chuckled halfheartedly as his gaze switched to the hooded Elf beside him.

"I don't like the look of this, General Atlas." The hooded Elf stated. His eyes were covered by his cowl, but the ethereal glow -near his neck signified the use of magic. Even through the cloak, the General could tell that the Elven Sorcerers magic was at work.

"I'm sure that the local Officer forgot about the inspection. I was told this place would be a decrepit hole in the ground, and it did not disappoint. Why the Emperor sent me here of all places, I'll never know." The General began to walk, and his guard matched his pace. The shield of elves moved through the snow towards the nearby camp, and the General got a nagging feeling in his gut. Sure, with the Military off continent, things had been getting pretty lax in Equestria. The ponies were subjugated, broken, and controlled, and the war was slowly drawing to a close. The only real worry among the Elves was the Resistance. For the last two years, the pesky group had been performing hit and run tactics all across the continent. Their elusiveness was a constant pain, and Elves like the General suffered for it. Only recently had the high table been getting any leads on the whereabouts of these rebellious ponies, but this came at a cost. Ever since the fabled Demon in Metal had sprung up out of nowhere, fear had begun to take hold of the many Dark Elves within Equestria. It was simply unheard of for a single being to liberate an entire town full of ponies, and it was another for that same being to capture a member of the royal family. To some, he wouldn't be seen as a major threat, but the Emperor had said otherwise. Atlas had scoffed upon hearing that the Demon was a threat, that he was truly capable of the feats that had been described from the town of Ravenford. He trusted the Emperor and his warnings, but this was just ludicrous.

Anyway, due to the recent disturbances from the Demon, and the fact that they needed the last Princess of Equestria, the Emperor had upped the ante on finding the Resistance headquarters. Entire sections of the Military were called back to Equestria in secret, and the special forces within the Elven ranks were deployed heavily across the country to find any information regarding their situation. They had been so close with Trignar, but once again, the Demon had interfered. Now, they were relying on those pesky changelings to root out the last of the free Equestrians, and to find the last Alicorn. The Emperor wasn't taking any chances, and was sending the vast majority of his Elves on the hunt.

Atlas snorted. They would have the Princess within the week. Operations were being planned, and pieces were being put in place. The ritual within two weeks would be the final testament to the strength of the Dark Elves. Ripples would be felt across existence itself, and terror would be felt within all that inhabited it. The days of Equis were soon to be over, it was only a matter of time. The inhabitants of this planet were soon to pose no threat against the Elves, and once their dark god was unleashed, no being in the multiverse would either.

"Do you recall what happened on the last blood moon, General Atlas?" The hooded figure beside him suddenly asked. It would seem that they had been sharing similar thoughts.

"I know some of the ancient stories, Enclaire, and I would never have believed them had the Emperor not shown me his plan. I recall there was a war, and the orb had been used for the first time. It was the age where the forerunners of this world came to their end. I recall not their names, but they were like us Dark Elves. God-like creatures with the ability to cross entire continents in hours, weapons so powerful they could level a city. However, they were magicless, and the orb that we now posses' destroyed them. Because of our control over the Arcane, the Dark Elves were able to control the orb and conquer all who stood in their path. Did I miss anything?"

Atlas glanced at the hooded Elf called Enclaire. His kind were some of those special forces, and were master sorcerers. Every Elf had some degree of magical control, but these ones were masters. Enclaire slowly nodded his head.

"There is one more thing. Doth thou not know the name of these forerunners?" Atlas paused and so did the entire group. The snow was still falling, and a small chill swept through the air. The pony near Atlas's feet shivered and whimpered.

"I do not recall, no. I figured that their names were lost to time itself, and that our ancestors had considered them to be too weak to be of any significance. They suffered for their mistakes, and we did not make them like they did. Do you somehow have hidden knowledge?" Atlas continued walking, and the rest followed. The pony hesitated, and Atlas gave the leash a good tug to coerce her along.

"My family had possession of a book, the last of its kind. It talked about the creatures that once dwelt the Earth alongside everyone else. These forerunners were lost to time because all records of them were burned centuries ago. Their knowledge would have set us Dark Elves down the same path, so we got rid of their knowledge and made our own. The Equestrians actually utilized some of the ancient technologies used by the Forerunners, albeit to a minimal degree. That gives us one more reason to rid the planet of these ponies, no?"

Atlas chuckled and shook his head.

"Indeed it does. They used forbidden techniques, stole all the magics from the realm, and denied us the power necessary to bring ultimate peace. Once the ritual is complete, all the magic will be returned to us, as promised by the orb, and the other races, cultures, and technologies of this planet will be forgotten to time. Soon, it will only be us! I wonder still, what was the name of the forerunners? You have still not told me!"

Enclaire went to reply, but stopped suddenly and without warning. Atlas and the rest of the party stopped out of confusion, the soft footfalls on the snow going quiet. Looking up, Atlas noticed that they were right outside the gates of the camp, which were wide open.

Why were they wide open?

"What is it?" Atlas glanced at his bodyguard, but was only met with a raised hand.

"I smell... blood."

Shivers washed down Atlas' spine, and he suddenly felt a sense of dread and unease. His eyes darted around through the wall of flesh and metal that was his guard. His hand gripped his cane like a vice, and his ears slowly lowered on their own accord. The wind howled around them, and Atlas suddenly jumped when a hand touched his shoulder. He looked over into the dark hood of Enclaire, but found no reassurance there.

"It is coming from the guard post, something is within these walls. This section of the world is known to host benevolent and insidious beings. It is possible one of these eldritch horrors have wreaked havoc inside. We must turn back and get on the train. From there, we will contact Stalliongrad. This place is now--"

"You won't be going anywhere."

The distorted and guttural voice caused everyone in the group to jump and whip around. Not once did they see who the voice belonged to, but it had sounded fairly close. One of the braver guards brandished his spear about and shouted into the snow.

"SHOW YOURSELF, FIEND!"

"I was hoping for more Elves, but I guess y'all will suffice. Your kin within the camp are dead. I killed them." This response left everyone present speechless. Everyone except Enclaire, who was slowly analyzing where the voice was coming from.

"Can you get a read on where he is?" Atlas whispered in desperation. The hair on his neck was standing on end, as if a predator was stalking him. He could feel eyes on his back, then his side.... then in front of him.

A shadow moved within the blizzard.

"There!" The same Elf pointed towards a point somewhere beside them and leveled his spear. He was about to pull the trigger and discharge a beam of magic when his head quite literally exploded. Gore and brain matter splashed across his fellow Elite Guard and many cried out in shock. Spears were leveled, and magic was released into the storm. Panicking and frightened, the Elite Guard of the Emperor began to blindly fire into the snowy tundra. After several volly's, Enclaire held up his hand, and the shooting stopped.

Nothing happened for a good minute, and all was silent. Atlas began to think they had hit the perpetrator when that same guttural voice echoed around them.

"You people are scared? Good, you should be."

The air was silent again, and against his better judgment, Atlas yelled into the icy wind.

"WHO ARE YOU!!" His voice was filled with desperation and fear, something that was reciprocated by his company. Once again, the only one not showing his emotions was Enclaire. His head was bowed slightly, and the glow on his chest grew brighter. It was a good ten seconds before an answer came, and when it did, every single Dark Elf present regretted even wondering what had killed their friend.

"A Demon."

A knife came spinning through the air faster than the eye could see and impaled itself in the chest of an Elite Guard near the head of the circle. He gurgled in pain as the blade tore through his lungs, causing him to slowly drown in his own blood. Elves began screaming and yelling as something utterly massive barreled towards them in a blur of movement. The knife was ripped from the dying Guards chest, sending blood spurting into the snow, and slit across two more Elves necks before the others realized what was going on.

Chaos ensued.

Many drew their swords or jabbed with their spears, but they weren't fast enough. The Demon cut through their ranks and easily dispatched the remaining eight Elite Guard. It wasn't until the fifth had himself split from groin to neck did Atlas say something.

"Enclaire, do something!" Atlas screeched, his feet carrying him back. He watched as the Demon took a sword from an Elf and quickly ran him through the neck. A twist and yank later, and the head of the dead Elf toppled sideways as he fell to the ground, the body part in question holding on by nothing but a thread.

"Enclaire!" Atlas took another step back, and his bodyguard still did not move. He could see a tinge of yellow surrounding his hand, and realized Enclaire was trying to time an attack on the Demon. Atlas realized this was a mistake when the final guard fell, and the metal behemoth slowly turned to face them. Atlas got a good look at the being that would haunt his dreams forever.

The faceless mask of the Demon was covered in blood, and so was his armour. A large knife was held in one hand, and a sword in the other. A large weapon of some kind sat on his back, and a holster holding another sat upon his side. Gadgets and gizmos pockmarked the Demons torso, and a black mirror of some kind sat upon his arm.

The Demon walked towards them.

"Enclaire!" Atlas backed away a few more steps, and it was then that he felt a tug. The pony below him was yanking against her leash, albeit quite feebly. Her eyes were screwed shut in effort, and Atlas found himself having a hard time reigning her in as his fear began to take hold. He looked up and saw the Demon moving even closer to his bodyguard.

"Enclaire, do something, please!" Atlas's voice was full of desperation and panic, but yet again, his bodyguard refused to move. What happened next was almost too fast for General Atlas to catch with his own eyes.

The Demon sprung forward, and Enclaire released his built up mana. A scorching fireball erupted from his outstretched hands and devoured everything in its path. The dirt beneath the snow was revealed, and the smell of ozone and sulfur filled the air. Atlas had enough time to blink before the Demon was on Enclaire. His sword flashed down towards the Elves neck, but with surprising agility, the Elf dodged to the side and drew his own curved blade. The two partook in a deadly melee that lasted exactly five seconds. Enclaire's sword was quickly launched from his grip, and the Demon snapped his arm out and grabbed the Elf around the throat. The Demon's own sword suddenly plunged within Enclaires chest, and the Elf let out a spluttering cough.

Atlas could only watch, part in shock and part in horror. The struggling pony in his grasp was forgotten as his faithful bodyguard's dying corpse was tossed towards him without regard. He could only watch as Enclaire stood up, threw up blood onto Atlas's suit, and then collapsed onto the ground. The last thing the General saw as he looked up from his dead friend was the grip end of a knife as it made contact with his temple.

*****

The nervous voices of nearly two hundred or so Equestrians overlapped one another as they patiently waited within the largest of the empty barracks. Members of Dean's squad walked up and down the lines of ponies, providing food, water, and whatever warm gear could be found. More than a few of the concentration camp survivors had looted the dead Elves piled near the central area, and many carried stolen weapons as a means of comfort. The vast majority of the now free inmates were quite malnourished, and even more were utterly terrified. The prospect of freedom had been a pipedream to many, and most were uncertain of their newfound freedom. The resistance members were wearing headgear and heavy armour as protection, so many of the starved ponies had no idea who they were. The only recognizable member of their saviors was the Demon in Metal. nopony had thought that the famed warrior would come and rescue them. They were out in the middle of nowhere, and their hope had been extinguished. They knew as well as anypony else in captivity that the war was over. Some went as far as to feel that they needed to remain at the camp, in fear of punishment for their sins.

Thump, thump, thump, thump...

Fear took hold of the masses, and shouts of terror and cries of sorrow filled the barracks. Ponies skittered away from the door, and pushed to be as far away as possible. The sudden surge of bodies caught the squad members by surprise, and Midnight, Cobalt, and Swift Spear were caught in the mass of fur, flesh, and panic.

"They came back!" A mare cried out.

"They'll kill us all!" A stallion near the back shouted.

This caused the yelling and screaming to pick up in volume, and the footsteps went from a calm walk to a dead sprint towards the entrance. Footsteps meant bipeds, and the only bipeds were the Elves. The ones who murdered, raped, and abused their kind. The ones who had broken the will of nearly every race on the planet. They were all going to die...

The door burst open, and an utterly massive figure launched into the room. Both his arms were supporting a small, L-shaped metal stick and his whole body moved as if he was analyzing the room. Everypony went silent, the terror and realization that resistance was futile causing all to seize up. There were grunts and curses coming from within the mass of bodies, and the heads of the squad members popped out.

"Sergeant! Show them you aren't the enemy!" Midnight then cursed as he was pushed back under the masses. Dean took in the situation and realized why there was such a commotion. They were scared of him. They had associated his footsteps with those of an Elf. The fear and horror that those monsters had instilled in the Equestrians was something he had never seen before. He knew that something like this could happen to slaves in Human history, where they thought that resistance was futile, and oppression was their life. He was now witnessing this first hand.

Slowly, Dean tried to make himself seem less imposing, which was difficult with his immense size. He holstered his P23 at his side and slowly reached for his helmet. He heard whimpers come from the mass of bodies, and paused. Would they recognize he was different? Would they even begin to trust him?

With a final effort, the three squaddies weaseled their way out of the tightly packed horde and fell off to the side. They sat there and analyzed the situation, judging when they ought to intervene.

There was a hiss, and many flinched as his Helmet was removed. Maybe some knew he was the Demon in metal, but his overall stature and build was that of an Elf's. He needed to prove he wasn't with them. And as his helmet came off, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate only slightly. Good, he was making progress.

Dean crouched down ever so slowly so as not to startle the assembled equines. His knees touched the ground, and then his helmet, and free hand. He slowly leaned back and placed his rear on the hard surface of the floor, officially sitting before the two hundred some faces in front of him. Finally, he spoke.

"My name is Sergeant Forrester. I am a Human, not an Elf. Some of you know me as the Demon in metal. Some of you think that the power of the Elves is unmatched. Some of you think they are unstoppable. This morning and last night, I proved they are not. Every Dark Elf within the camp. All the ones who abused you, raped you, murdered your kind, and committed unspeakable sins? I killed them. I killed them all." Dean kept his voice slow and even, and he made a point to look into as many faces as possible while he did so. He could see looks of fear turn to understanding, and feelings of terror turn to relief. Someone near the front broke into sobs and collapsed to the floor, and a pony beside them spoke for the entire crowd.

"Are... are we truly free?" His voice held a youthful hope, one that was uncertain and terrified of the prospect of being wrong. Everypony behind him held their breath, waiting for the response of the monstrous Human sitting on the floor before them. The air was charged with tension and intensity, and many who had believed that they were free began to fear they had been wrong. It was an agonizing five seconds, and then the Demon spoke.

"Yes, you are now free."

And like that, the dam broke. Cheers and tears of joy chorused through the barracks as ponies hugged one another, cried with one another, or sayed their thanks to whoever was watching from above. Dean remained sitting through it all, a content look on his face as the ponies once more began to spread out and relax. Their joy seemed to radiate through the air, and Dean found himself outright smiling. This is what he worked for, this is why he fought. The war against evil never stopped, not even in a different world. He blinked.

Blood covered his face, and a manic grin seemed to rip across his features. Elves fell by the sword, and died by his hand. The ponies, humans, and others watched behind him in horror as he cut through what he thought was the enemy. He didn't take into account that they might've had families, or that some had secretly been against the wishes of their Emperor... he just killed, killed and killed some more. Blood flew, guts were strewn on the dirt. Elves, Orith, and the enemies of Humanity fell before him in a terrifying display of brutality. He was the judge, jury, and executioner, and it wasn't until someone tapped him on the back did he realize his mistake too late.

He turned on instinct and swung downwards. His eyes went from a savage grin to a look of downright horror. His mouth morphed into a silent scream as he tried to avert his strike, but he was too late, and the force of his blow was too strong. He could only watch as the hardened titanium and compound-X blade severed Mary's head from her body, then half of Jaxons face, before finally stopping in the side of Twilight's skull. The blade cut into the bone like it was made of gel, and Twilight's left eye exploded from the force of his blow. She didn't collapse, or scream in pain. Instead, she just sat there and smiled.

Dean let go of his blade and fell backwards, his features wrought with dread and disbelief of what he had done. The army of Elves were left forgotten, and all Dean could see was the blood and death he had caused to his loved ones.....

Dean blinked and grimaced, the scene only lasting for a millisecond. His hand came to his temple on instinct and a chill ran up his spine. After a moment, his eyes opened, but he refused to move. His gaze flicked left and right, and among the ponies, he saw ghostly figures of those who died. The ones he loved, the ones he had worked with. He couldn't place faces, but he knew each and every one. Had he looked behind him, he would have seen the ghostly figures of his wife and son.

"I'm losing it, I'm fucking losing it..." He whispered to himself. His voice cracked even at such a low volume, and he felt tears coming on. Seven years of nothing but bloodshed was catching up to him, this he knew. He had tried to ignore it, pushed it to the side while preaching that the mission came first. In his delusions, he had forgotten the most important factor in his life: his family.

"I need to see them again, to make sure they are alright. They are alright, they are alright, they are alright..." Dean stopped, suddenly becoming self aware. He felt eyes on him and quickly lifted his head to look for the perpetrator. No one was looking in his direction as far as he could tell, and no one was paying attention to his little episode. Dean blinked and found a very familiar ballcap/trench-coat wearing demigod staring at him from across the room. Their eyes met, and the Guardians gaze seemed to change from stoic analysis to sympathy. His hands were in his brown pockets, and his head slowly shook. Dean blinked again, and the Guardian was suddenly gone.

"Sergeant?"

Dean started and twisted around to find Cobalt standing next to him. When did he get there??

"Sir, we are ready to begin loading. We found only five more Dark Elves on the train, which were taken care of. That guard you kept from last night is causing quite a ruckus, and Spitfire threatened to neutralize him should you not do something. The mare you saved from the Elven General has not said anything since her rescue, and I fear something unrepairable has been broken within her. Besides that, everything is in order and ready to go. Is there anything else we should do before departure?"

Dean brought a hand to his grizzled chin and stood up, his joints creaking in protest. Cobalt was forced to look up as the Human stood to his full height. Dean intended to let the guard they had captured go to spread his otherwise growing reputation. Hopefully he would force the Emperor's hand, and he would be presented an opportunity to strike swiftly and brutally. In regards to loading the train.... an idea suddenly came to Dean's mind, and an evil grin wormed its way onto his face. The medic gulped as he noticed the Sergeants new look.

"Corporal Cobalt, do you know how to drive a tank?"

*****

8 hours later...

Screeeeeeeeeeeeech...!

The train lurched as the brakes kicked and ground the locomotive to a halt. The ride had lasted all but six hours, but the new addition to their luggage had taken Dean an extra two to figure out. He huffed in agitation and stuck his head out of the viewport for the conductor before looking towards the back of the train. Pegasi and two unicorns worked on lifting the massive tank off the train, deciding not to use the ramp as it would take too much time. Resistance fighters aided the free ponies of the camp towards ground based chariots. A secret pass would take them through whitetail woods, and they would end up in Maritime bay within the hour. Dean himself could run faster than the chariot, at eighty kilometers an hour at top speed, but it was only for emergencies and not long distance. Too much overuse could injure him, or break his armour. At least... that's what he thought...

See Dean only had the specs of his old armour to go off of. The Mk.II was newer to him, and he had yet to find the true range of its capabilities. Once he got back to his room in the fort, the newest addition to his armour would be complete, and he would have something that he had only dreamed about years prior...

But that was for later.

The Human opened the door on the side of the train and quickly jumped from nearly ten feet in the air. His feet smashed into the green grass; oh how he had missed the green grass. He swore that when he got back to his family, they would never go on a vacation that involved snow or evil eldritch monsters.

Dean spotted a certain equine General and quickly jogged over. Blight saw him coming and a smile graced his lips. He waved away a Pegasus he had been giving orders to and promptly saluted as the Sergeant stopped in front of him. Dean returned the salute before shifting on his feet.

"I take it the mission was a success, Sergeant?" Blight held a twinkle in his eyes that went unnoticed by everyone except Dean. Truth be told, the General was ecstatic. Once more, they achieved a great victory against the Elves, and once more valuable pony lives were saved. He doubted another party would be held in the name of this victory. No, the party would wait till the war was won.

"Indeed, General. The Dark Elf known as General Atlas has been captured, and we were able to save nearly two hundred Equestrians, including a few Crystal Ponies as well." The General gasped, and Dean cocked his head to the side.

"D-Did you say Crystal Ponies??" The General's eyes grew wide, and his ears were standing at attention. His tail began to swish back and forth as a full on smile appeared. Dean chuckled.

"Indeed sir. I counted ten that we brought along with us. May I ask what their significance is, sir?" The loud rumble of the tank's engine suddenly blasted through the forest, startling a few birds farther away. There were shouts of approval down the line of guards, and a flow of ponies began making their way towards the chariots.

"Yes, yes..." The two began a brisk walk towards the path, leaving the train behind along with a few ponies to move it. There was a concealed piece of track nearly two kilometers away, and they would hide the train from prying eyes. The General had a plan in mind to utilize the newly acquired vehicle, but it would require a bit of time. "The Crystal Ponies are an interesting breed. Not four years ago did they, along with their empire, return from a thousand years of banishment. And before you say 'that's preposterous' or something along those lines, know that Dark Magicks were ahoof. One thing ponies often forget is that the Empire was a beacon of light, love, and hope. When it reappeared, and the Tyrant Sombra was defeated, Magical power and harmony was restored nearly everywhere on the planet. When the Elves invaded, they targeted the Crystal heart, the power to all the magicks of the land, along with our Princesses. When the heart was destroyed, and the Empire razed to the ground, the spirit of Equestria was broken. Permanently. We thought the Crystal ponies were gone; extinct and lost to the ashes of the Elven war machine. The fact that you managed to retrieve some of their kind means that not all hope is lost, and that we still have a fighting chance. At least, I hope we do..." The General trailed off as he and Dean came to a chariot. The General looked up into Dean's faceless mask and sighed. "The history behind the Crystal Empire is lewd and complicated, and I am not a good enough explainer. You will want to talk to Princess Twilight should you yearn to learn more. I presume you will want to ride with your squad, so this is where we depart. Report to me at dawn tomorrow, for there we will move to the next step in the plan. I am loath to admit, but you are our only true light in these dark times, Sergeant. had it not been for you, my ponies likely would have given up and submitted."

The General moved to get into the chariot, but Dean removed his helmet. The audible hiss of the pressure depleting caused the stout pony to turn and raise an eyebrow.

"General, there is a problem."

The tone of voice the Sergeant used was not positive, not in the slightest. The General felt a pang in his heart, for this could only mean that something dreadful would reach his ears here and now. He made sure nopony was looking in their direction before nodding at the Sergeant to continue.

Dean shuffled and looked around. He didn't fully trust the word of the Zebra, but not once, or twice, but three times he had been informed that they had two weeks to act. It wasn't nearly enough time, and Dean feared the repercussions of his soon to be statement. If the General panicked, and word spread, then he could lose what little progress had been made. He was in the makings of a plan, but he needed a little more time, something he had precious little of...

"General, something has come up. I received information on my travels from a Zebra and an enemy that there is no more time. By the end of the week, we must act and act fast. It was my hope all along not to fight a drawn out war, and this new revelation has only solidified that it could not be done anyway. Something terrible is going to happen in one fortnight, and if we do not stop the Dark Elves, then the world of Equis as a whole is doomed. There will be no more Equestrians, no more Crystal ponies, no more anything... just the Dark Elves.

Doomed, Doomed, Doomed, Doomed....

The word seemed to echo in the General's ear, and the world seemed to bend around him. His ears folded back and his breathing quickened. This wasn't supposed to happen.... what little hope he had in his heart shattered in an instant, and the word continued to echo within the confines of his mind.

Doomed, Doomed... Equis is... doomed...

A tear fell from his eye, and he made no move to get rid of it. He had worked so hard, so bucking hard to keep the spark of hope alive. And now, he was told it was all for nought. The Dark Elves had won, and there was nothing he could do...

"General."

The statement brought him back to the land of the living, and Blight blinked. He saw the concerned look that Sergeant Forrester was giving him and gulped. He was a General, a veteran of a genocidal war... and he was helpless. Dean began to talk, and the General could only listen.

"General, do not give in to your fears. I can see what you are going through right now, and trust me when I say this: There is still a light. I don't know what the Elves are going to do, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that we take the fight to them before whatever it is they are planning comes to bear. I know you doubted my capabilities before, but I have a plan. In one week, I will infiltrate Canterlot... and kill the Emperor, thus ending the war."

The lunacy of the statement caused the General to blink, then to look down, then to blink again. A disbelieving scoff began to form on his lips, but he hesitated with the look within the Demon's eyes. They held determination, and a will to fight. He thought about all that had happened: Him saving Princess Twilight, liberating the Ponies of Ravenford, and now freeing those who were being exterminated. This Human had done more than the entire Resistance had accomplished in a year within a week and a bit. However, the General could not just accept the Humans' proposition. He needed to think about it, and act in the morning when he was of clear mind. He just had the worst news in his lifetime dumped on him, almost nonchalantly with the Sergeants blunt and straightforward words, and he needed to process it. The General finally looked Dean in the eyes once more.

"Find me at dawn, and we will discuss in detail with the council. We are on a streak here, and I do not wish to sour that with tidings of the destruction of this world." The General chuckled half heartedly as he took a seat on the chariot. A few more officers came by and hopped up alongside him, some giving Dean a look of awe as he stood there.

The Sergeant nodded and smiled with what seemed to be understanding.

"I will see you tomorrow, General.

The chariot took off and Dean watched General Blight depart until he was swallowed by the forest. He frowned. He was remaining calm and collected, he needed to if things were going to go according to plan.

Two weeks. Then it's over...

Two weeks, and his deal was fulfilled. Two weeks, and he would have liberated this planet, and saved them from an unspeakable fate. He still knew not what the Emperor was going to do, nor what this ritual would entail, but one thing was for certain... Dean would stop him.

As he turned to leave a feeling came over him. It was one that he was used to, and one he had been trained to listen in on. This feeling had kept him alive, and made him second guess everything. His skin crawled, and his neck garnered goosebumps. Something was wrong, something was very wrong...

"DEAAAANNN!! PLEEASE!!!"

Dean collapsed to his knees and screwed his eyes shut. Pain exploded in his head as foreign voices and one familiar voice echoed around between his ears. He sat back on his rear and shook his head violently, as if trying to ward away some pesky deerfly.

"Put her under, before she breaks loose again! We need to keep her whole until the queen....

"Do you think she'll do what happened to the last Prince...

"Yes, and it'll be just as...

Dean slipped his helmet up and rocketed to his feet. His eyes were wide in fear and confusion as he whirled around on the spot.

Twilight…. T-that was Twilight's voice!!

His head spun, he needed to get back to Maritime bay! Dean spied Midnight and the rest of the squad attaching to a chariot, and forced his legs to move. They felt like lead as he ran, and a feeling of dread sat itself in his stomach. She was in trouble, she was in trouble and he wasn't there to protect her. He had promised...

"Midnight! We need to go, now!!" Dean barked and began manually strapping the chariot to the Pegasus. The others backed away in confusion at their commanders sudden panic, and many grew worried.

"Dean, what's wrong? Did something happen? Is the city under attack?!" Spitfire hovered in front of him, her body tense and ready to spring into action. Dean shook his head violently. He had ignored it the first time, dismissing it as his deteriorating mental health. He wouldn't make the same mistake again. He prayed he wasn't to late, and that his ignorance had not caused another dead friend. Panic set into his heart, and he whirled on the Pegasus.

"Get to Maritime bay and find Shining Armour! The Princess is in trouble!" His order caused gasps of shock as he turned back to his task, his hands working feverishly in an effort to strap the dark Pegasus to the chariot.

"B-but that's i-impos--" Spitfire began, but was swiftly cut off by Dean.

"Do not question me Captain! Something has happened, and Twilight is in danger!" After snapping at her a second time, Spitfire obliged and darted down the path to the forest. She couldn't go above the trees lest she wish to be discovered by radar, so she had to resort to speeding between would, brush and branches in a mad dash to fulfill her orders. Never had she seen the Sergeant so panicked, not even when they were attacked in the Frozen North. A feeling of dread took hold of her, and she used it to spur herself ever faster.

Dean, meanwhile finished strapping the Pegasus up and began hoisting the others onto the chariot. He did not jump in.

"Go!! I will meet you there! I'm faster on foot, and when you get to the barracks, I need you to restock your equipment. I fear we may be in for a fight soon." Dean beckoned them forward, and without a word, Midnight took off like a flash. Dean hesitated, only for a second. He would not fail, he couldn't. He had promised not to make connections in this new world, but he had failed. Twilight meant more to him than he had initially realized, and he would rather die than see her hurt. Something within him, a primal surge of adrenaline shot through his body, and Dean found himself rushing through the forest. He dove over logs, past trees and over streams. He rushed to escape his ignorant and stupid mistake.

He rushed to save his friend...

He rushed to save the Princess once more...

Chapter 43: Deception

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The air within the black walls of the hive was damp and heavy, and water occasionally dripped from crevices within the ceiling far above. The occasional piece of glowing moss was the only source of light within the cavernous room, and it outlined the sticky, gray material that made up the superstructure. In this section of the hive, it was usually quiet, but this was broken by the quiet sobs echoing through the blackened setting. The plipping of water droplets seemed to mix with the sorrow and pain, causing an ominous and hopeless atmosphere.

If one were to peer through the dark, they would have been able to view a strange outline. Two stone pillars were erected near the center of the cavern, steps leading up towards them. Between these two pillars, thick chains woven with runes and glyphs pulsed every few seconds. Within their grasp was an Alicorn.

The last Alicorn.

Twilight Sparkle sat in the darkness, strung by all four of her legs in the air. She was at least two feet from the ground, and her head was bowed in defeat. Her bangs had fallen into her face, and tear trails traced down her cheeks, matting her fur. Bruises and marks pockmarked her head and side, showcased for the world to see. However, her humiliation and pain was nothing compared to her sorrow. Something within her mind had decided to just stop. Two years she had been on the run. She had known terror, grief, insanity, and pain. Then came Dean, and her world was once more brought back to the light. Over the course of their friendship, her sanity had slowly recovered, her heart seemed in a good place once more! She had felt comfort, happiness, and love for the first time in two whole years... seemingly a lifetime.

And then it was ripped away. It was taken, and she would never have it again...

Twilight suddenly screamed. It was a scream of many things, but mostly out of frustration, hopelessness and defeat. Her eyes screwed shut and she choked back a sob as the familiar feeling of sorrow clouded her mind. It didn't work, and once more the tears spilled out. This time, her feelings were accompanied by the welling of a song in her heart. Her eyes looked blankly into the inky blackness of her surroundings, and she began to sing with an angelic, but melancholic voice.

I remember, a time of friendship,

When all I did, was laugh and play,

I remember, a time of laughter,

but now, all I feel is dis-may.

Twilight let out a sob.

When I found hope, it was taken,

When I found love, it was snatched away

My life is gone, the enemy has won,

I fear I will never see the sun againnnn...

A slow, despairing violin was now playing in the background, seemingly from nowhere. Its strings were played slowly, and Twilight took that as a sign to continue.

Stuck here, down in the darkness,

all I can do, is think and pray,

No one will find me, I've succumbed to madness,

I never thought I'd see the day,

Whatever hope Twilight still hung onto was fading away into the oppressive and inky blackness of her surroundings. Dean had no idea she was gone, and she had failed to install a mental link in time. Her pleas and cries for help have gone unheeded, and now... all was lost. The violin continued, but it was slowly fading into the background.

I have failed them, to a bitter darkness,

Equestria is doomed,

my only hope, is in my lover,

but I can only assume,

the time has passed,

and the light is consumed...

The energy began to leave the broken Alicorn. Her heart made a dull thump in her chest, and her aura began to cascade into a dull gray. Her cutie mark began to dim, and bags appeared under her eyes. She was captured by the Changelings, who would pawn her off to the Elves. She had overheard the news from a changeling general. There was no way Dean could rescue her; he didn't know where the hive was!! Couple that with the fact that the Emperor was simply too powerful. She had faith that Dean would fight to the death to rescue her, but that Damned Elf was able to kill both Luna and Celestia single-handedly! She could remember the horror struck look on Celestia's face as her younger sister was struck down. She vividly remembered seeing the broadsword that was thrust through her mentor's alabaster neck, severing her spinal cord, and killing her. She remembered the blood, the scream that may have been hers, the chaos involving her escape, Rainbow shoving her off the cliff as the rest of her friends were taken, and then...

The violin was nearly gone, and Twilight let out a final breath full of sorrow. She was exhausted both mentally and physically. Her voice was barely above a whisper as the brief, but dread filled song was finished.

It is over, the Elves have won,

My life and friends, forever gone,

I just wish, that I could say,

so many things, much to my disarray

Twilight's eyes began to drop closed.

I remember, a time of friendship,

When all I did, was laugh and play,

I remember, a time of laughter,

But now all I can see... is how it was all taken away...

As her voice drifted off, the last Alicorn fell into a nightmare filled sleep. Her hope was gone. Her will... extinguished. Maybe Dean was still capable of saving her, and maybe she still had a chance to escape, but none of that mattered at the moment. It was the final straw, the last nail in the proverbial coffin. The mind of Princess Twilight Sparkle… was officially broken.

*****

CRASSHHHHHH!!!

The hinges attached to the door exploded from their spots like a rocket. The screws holding them in place acting like bullets as they buried themselves into the walls throughout the room. However, that wasn't the worst of it: The great oaken door, reinforced with solid iron, was launched from its spot and sent crashing into the opposing wall. On its course of destruction, the door slammed into the small coffee table, breaking off two of its legs and sending the piece of furniture spinning across the room like a top.

A vaguely feminine screech was heard, as well as the yelp of a young adolescent. A purple alicorn dove behind the couch, and a small dragon shortly followed thereafter. There was a series of rapid, but heavy footsteps that carefully but quickly went around the room.

"Princess and Dragon are safe, moving to sweep the apartment."

The garbled and distorted voice of Sergeant Dean suddenly broke the tension the Alicorn and the Dragon had been feeling. Their looks of terror turned to uncertainty as the poked their heads from around the couch. The Alicorn was just able to watch as the Sergeant passed through the doorway to her washroom, his body leaning on the doorframe as he peeked around various corners. She was able to catch a glimpse of his side arm as he spun around and marched back to the center of the room.

Twilight opened her mouth to say something and raised a hoof, but nothing but a quiet eep escaped as the utterly massive Human stalked past her and checked each and every curtain. As soon as he was satisfied with his search, he quickly walked over to the pair behind the couch and crouched down. Twilight flinched, and Spike hid behind her.

"Are you two alright?" Dean spoke with as much of a soothing voice as he could manage. His eyes darted back and forth between the two, and his senses were on high alert. His motion tracker was kept under constant surveillance as he reached out a hand.

Confusion briefly came across him when Twilight flinched at his touch. Ever since he had met her, she had never been scared of his hands. Maybe he was gone for two long, and his hands brought on a bad memory for her? No...

The confusion passed as the little pony princess leaned into his hand and sighed. Her muscles were still tense, but a sense of calm was radiating from her now. He noticed Spike was still standing behind her and chuckled.

"Seriously, Spike? I thought my lessons had paid off! Guess you and I have a bit more training to do, eh?" He meant it as light banter, but the Dragons uncomfortable laugh caused him to frown. He shrugged it off as the little guy trying to calm down from his hasty entrance.

The clatter of hooves and shouting appeared from outside, and Dean quickly stood up. He slightly raised his pistol, but did not point it at the doorway. The clatter of many hooves let him know that multiple guards were on the way, and he took a step back to ensure he was covering Twilight and Spike.

Dean nearly started when Shining Armor himself burst through the open doorway, sword in his magic, and his teeth bared. A form of body fitting purple armor had him encased, but his head was left free. Dean could see the wear and tear on the protective gear, and gained yet another ounce of respect for the Prince. Something was telling him that Shining armor wasn't new to battle.

Ten more soldiers streamed in, and Dean felt pride as each of them performed a basic sweep of the building that he had taught them. While their Captain had not started it off right, the soldiers had improvised and covered the Captain as they took in their surroundings. Dean spied a flashbang in one's magic as they slowly reattached it to their waist. Good, they were following his instructions.

"Sergeant, report! What the buck happened." Shining's hard glare turned to Dean and his sword never lowered. Dean kept his pistol ready as well.

"Sir, I had reason to believe that Princess Twilight was in immediate danger, and I took action. As you can see, my assumption was apparently wrong. Dean moved his head in the direction of Twilight and Spike, who were now standing behind him. He failed to see Spike and Twilight's annoyed look from behind his back.

Shining was about to open his mouth to respond, but another, more feminine voice called from the hallway.

"And what reason might that be, Sergeant Forrester?"

Dean groaned inwardly and holstered his pistol. He duly noted that none of the guards lowered their own weapons. He was about to take off his helmet when the Fuchsia menace herself stalked through the entryway. Her scowl seemed to burn into her surroundings, Dean included, but he was unfazed. He merely stared at her as she trotted up beside the Prince. The counselor's scowl turned into a momentary smile as she nuzzled the Prince, but it returned quickly enough when she turned her focus back to the Human.

Dean crossed his arms.

"Ma'am, I figured that something might've been wrong. I've been having this feeling ever since I left Maritime Bay, and it only grew stronger as I returned. Obviously, I had no physical evidence of the problem, but I trust my instincts. They've kept me alive 'till now as it is." Dean reached up and pulled his helmet off. An audible hiss escaped from the seals, and everypony in the room flinched as his hard gaze traveled around.

Dean was upset. He was upset because he had been wrong. He was upset because the Fushia prick of a Counselor wouldn't leave him alone, and he was upset because something was trying to mess with his head. This new development of him being wrong had planted a seed of uncertainty in his mind, because for seven years, his instincts had never been wrong. Never. Something was definitely wrong, there was no question. But if he didn't have a means of telling friend from foe, or action versus communication, or just trusting his own natural instincts, then something was going to have to change. One way or another, he was going to find out what the problem truly was.

The counselor stared at him for a good ten seconds, as did all the other guards. And then, like a switch was flicked, the counselor burst out laughing. The guards chuckled uncomfortably, most likely due to their uncertainty in following their leaders choice of action, but many stopped and took a step back as Dean seemed to grow taller. His scowl deepened, and his canines began to show.

The only sound was Starlight, who had her head down and shaking from side to side as she laughed. Only when Dean took a step forward did she stop and look up. Starlight then proceeded to match Dean's scowl and took a step towards him, forcing her to look up and him to look down. A tension was building in the air, and many eyes looked around in uncertainty as they planned a possibly route of escape.

Finally, Starlight spoke.

"Sergeant, the fact that your instincts told you is nothing to be afraid of. Sure, they would come in handy if the threat was close, or there was a LEGITIMATE reason for concern. Whatever it is that you experienced, it was in your bucking head! Now, it would seem to me as though you are experiencing some sort of trauma... or maybe it's an obsession? The fact that you came to the Princesses aid twice before does not mean you need to again. She is safe in Maritime Bay, but your constant agitation and rowdy behavior is putting everyone on edge. I heard you were conspiring with General Blight to organize an attack on the Emperor? Utterly preposterous! and to think you actually knew what you were doing..."

The unicorn slowly walked around Dean as she spoke, and at one point she smacked his legs with her tail. His scowl deepened, but he stubbornly refused to turn and look at her. Her tone was downright manipulative, but he had to ask the question:

Why?

The counselor was in the same boat as everyone else in Maritime Bay, and from what Dean had seen, everyone had the same general mindset: Work together, and survive. The times Dean had talked to the counselor, she had openly been against him. She had attempted to seem superior, and failed. Surely she knew he was actually on their side?

Dean glanced to the side and noticed two guards mumbling to one another. He focused on his hearing in order to examine their conversation.

"An attack on Canterlot? Wouldn't that be suicide?"

"Most certainly. I don't know what the Human is thinking, but this is not a good idea."

"I doubt many, if any of us would come back alive from that..."

Dean refocused when Starlight cleared her throat. She was once more standing in front of him, and the annoyance within her glare was enough of a hint that he had missed something. He smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"I'm sorry, counselor. I missed that last bit." His words felt like ice to all within the room, even Shining Armor gave a slight shiver. Dean's smirk grew as the counselor seemed to splutter. After a moment, she straightened, and lifted her snout into the air.

"Hmph. Simple ape, I had said that you are to remain within Maritime Bay until I say otherwise. As the acting Governor, I--"

"Yeah, no." Dean crossed his arms. There was an intake of breath, and Starlight's eye twitched as she regarded the Human.

"What did you just say?" Her words were barely above a whisper, and her pupils were dilated. Dean analyzed the room and found that the previous tension had only increased. There was an electric feeling in the air, and it held malice. Twilight and Spike remained forgotten temporarily as he decided to glare down at the little Unicorn.

"I said no. I have things to do and not a lot of time to do them. In two weeks, the Dark Elves will be performing some sort of ritual or attack. I intend to be prepared to put a stop to it. I was going to discuss this with the council, but I can only assume that you have ultimate authority now, governor, so I will discuss it with you."

Dean took a wild guest upon invoking her new title, and it would seem his gamble had paid off. The Unicorn's horn began to charge with energy, albeit at a slowed rate. Dean's muscles tensed, and his chest puffed out. Two could play a game of intimidation.

"Guards!" Starlight cried in anger. "Surround the Human and take him into custody. He will spend a night with the Elf!"

A deathly silence dropped over the room. The second the words were muttered, Dean's eye flicked to each and every guard's face. His look said 'don't do it,' and he could see that each of the ponies in the room had come to a silent agreement. They slowly backed away, casting nervous looks at their enraged leader.

Dean heard a huff behind him and half turned his head. His eyes followed Twilight as trotted forward with a hesitant but firm look and faced the counselor.She glanced at Dean once, and he swore he saw a tinge of green for just a moment. Her wings extended slightly as her eyes moved into a light glare.

"Counselor Glimmer, I think you are out of line here and overreacting! The Sergeant has just returned from a hard mission and saved hundreds from a sure death by the hands of the Dark Elves. I believe that a meeting is in order to be conducted tomorrow, and you WILL hear what the Sergeant has to say! Am I clear?"

Starlight stomped and snorted, her one ear twitching madly along with one of her eyelids. It was only when a navy blue hoof was placed on her withers did the Fushia unicorn sease her tantrum. Shining leaned in and whispered something into her ear.

Dean tried to listen in, but his attention was focused on the purple Alicorn. Something seemed off, and after spending so much time together, he was certain she wasn't telling him something. He analyzed her with a keen eye, trying to spot any differences in appearance, but failed. Nothing physically seemed off, so what could the matter possibly be? Was she being harassed? Bullied? Maybe he had been gone for too long, and she was angry at him?

"Sergeant?"

Dean snapped out of his analyzation and glanced towards the perpetrating voice. He noticed that Starlight was gone, but Shining Armour and the guards remained. Twilight had turned to face him, and a quick glance over the shoulder showed Spike had wandered back to his bed. Dean turned back to the Unicorn.

"Sorry, Captain, ‘got caught up with something in my head." He noticed Shining's subtle smirk and rolled his eyes. "Fuck off with that."

Shining chuckled and shook his head.

"Nonetheless, I will see you both at the meeting tomorrow. I get that Starlight can be a bit... passionate about her profession, but please do try and see things from her side as well as your own."

Dean merely nodded before narrowing his eyes. The Captain had done something just then, as he had finished speaking it was so subtle... there! Dean saw Shining wince, and a momentary look of tiredness came over the stallion. Dean tilted his head to the side and sniffed.

"Have you been sleeping at all, Shining?" He suddenly asked. He saw the Captain give a start at his question, and all the guards exchanged glances. Dean thought he saw some untrimmed facial hairs showing around the Captains muzzle, and upon looking back, he finally noticed the Captains mane and tail were in a medium of disarray.

"Y-yes, I have been. Why do you ask?" Shinging's voice was like that of a toddler who got caught stealing from the cookie jar. Dean sighed and shook his head before gesturing his arm randomly in the air. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and glanced at his right arm. His tacpad flashed at him, and Dean's eyes went wide. He had to go, something extraordinary had happened! He closed his mouth and straightened, but his face remained in a small frown.

"It was nothing, Captain. I must take my leave, something has come up and I need to check on my inventory." He saluted sharply before turning to Twilight. He expected a look of disappointment, but was surprised when all he got was a blank stare. He shrugged it off as her being in her own little world and smiled kindly. "Come to my quarters in an hour, I've got something cool to show you, and then we can hang out." he winked at her and smirked, but his smirk slowly died on his face when all he received was an uncertain look. He noticed Twilight's tail flick in agitation, and he quietly cleared his throat.

"Hm, Oh! So sorry Dean! I zoned out there pretty hard, heheh!" She sheepishly ran her hoof along the back of her neck and blushed. Dean chuckled and shook his head in exasperation; just Twilight being weird.

"See you tomorrow at the meeting." He saluted the Captain one more time, nodded to the guards, and quickly walked out the still busted doorway. He was forced to duck under the arch, and he caught a small whistle from one of the guards.

"Are all Humans that big?"

"Beats me, but I sure wouldn't want to get in his way. Kinda feel sorry for the Elves..."

There was a pause.

"Nah... I take it back, the buckers can burn in Tartarus..."

Dean shook his head and continued down the hallway. There was one person he needed to see before he went about his errands, even if he was loathing doing just so.

As Dean left the residence, it suddenly came to him, there and then. It was so painstakingly obvious that he nearly slapped himself in the head for not even bothering to ask about it.

Her limp was gone!

Twilight's Alicorn magic was either that strong, or the doctors here were simply amazing. Breaking one's leg was never a pleasant experience and people usually felt something come from it for years afterwards. Sure, she had said that because of her magical abilities as an Alicorn, she healed much, much faster, but he didn't think it could be this fast!

"Idiot."

Dean shook his head and continued on, the lack of a limp pushed to the back of his memory.

*****

"My Queen, what are your instructions?"

"..."

"My Queen?"

"Report."

"I was unable to garner any love from him, but I could feel it in the air. It was as if it wasn't able to be absorbed, as it was a feeling that emanated off of the Human rather than magic. He has love, but it cannot be put to use."

"..."

"My Queen?"

"We begin tonight. Eliminate the Human and await further instructions. I will have departed by early morning for the hive, and at the meeting, you and the others will eliminate the council. I will be nearby should your operation go south. Do not fail me."

"Yes my Queen. And if I may, what of the Princesses fate? Surely you won't let her go to the Dark Elves?"

"..."

"There are warrior-lings that need to be hatched, and only the best come from flesh and blood. The Elves will be getting nothing but the corpse of a broodmare."

"..."

"Start on your operation, and do not fail me."

"Yes my Queen. And may the hive reign through change."

"May the hive reign through change."

*****

Plip, plip, plip plip. THUNK.

Trignar jumped to his feet, his breathing heavy and his eyes wide. His heart felt as if it was about to burst forth from his chest, and he tried an exercise to calm himself down. It seemed to work, and no more noises were heard. He felt around in his waistband for a moment and retracted the purple orb from a hidden pouch he had created.

Tired eyes stared into the embracing warmth of the item, the swirling textures seeming to give off a feeling of kindness and trust. It was addicting, but not in a bad way. It kept the Elf warm in his little cell, and he felt as though new life had been breathed into him. A veil had finally been lifted from his eyes, but instead of falling into a depression, he resolved to follow the pearls' guidance: to seek friendship.

"Nice doohickey ya' got there."

Trignar screamed in a not so manly manner and threw the orb into the air. It sailed for a moment before the momentum of the little piece of magic reached its zenith and began to fall. Trignar lunged forward and the orb bounced off the tip of his index finger. He shouted in fear, for should he lose the orb, then he would lose his sanity. He would forever be doomed to sit in the dark, cold confines of the cell, and he would die. No one to help him, no one to keep him company.

The Dark Elven prince lunged forewords even more, but the chain snapped taught. He gave a strange gurgle and a quiet sob as his little orb flew past his reach... and stopped in the air? No, that wasn't right. A gloved hand encased in black material was holding the little purple ball between two fingers and slowly turning around and around. Trignar heard movement right in front of him and watched as an arm was revealed, then a leg, then a torso, and then...

He screamed like a filly for the second time in five minutes, falling to the ground on his back and scrambling away in blind terror. Only when his back hit the wall did he stop. His hands were held high in front of his head, as if getting ready to shield a blow. It never came.

All that was heard was the shallow and sporadic breathing of the Elven prince, and the occasional, soft exhale of the Demon within the shadows.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I just have a few questions." Dean shuffled closer and crouched down onto one knee. He tried to seem as non-threatening as possible, but it was quite hard with his massive armor. Now that he thought about it, the last time he had seen the Prince was when he was wearing the Mk.I Exosuit, which was notoriously smaller in comparison to his current Mk.II. Oh well, didn't matter, it added to the intimidation.

"I-I won't tell you a damn thing, Demon! I am loyal to my kin, and would rather die than betray them! Nothing you can do will break me!" Trignar tried to seem tough, but all he caused was a slight eyebrow raise.

"Really. So if I were to do this..."

Dean quickly closed his fist around the little orb and tensed his muscles, but he did not squeeze. His eyes flicked to Trignar as the Elf gurgled something incoherent before screaming.

"N-NO! P-Please no, that's all I have in here!" Trignar leaned forward and grasped Dean on the arm, but his efforts were in vain and he barely budged the supersoldier. Dean stood up and scowled.

"All I have to do is squeeze. If you don't start talkin' then you can say goodbye to the orb." This caused Trignar to nod so hard his jaw rattled. His ears were fully folded back, and tears were falling down his cheeks. The Dark Elf smiled hesitantly and nodded profusely once more.

"I-I'll answer any questions you have, I-I swear it!" Trignar stayed in his kneeling position and Dean smirked. That was easier than he had expected.

"Very well. How many soldiers are guarding Canterlot?" Dean glared down at the Elf, his face cast in shadow.

"W-Well, when I left, I recall there being no more than one thousand soldiers housed there. However, before I went to capture the Princess, I had overheard that the Resistance had been raiding certain supply trains around the borders. The soldiers within the capitol are meant to be ready to go at all times if something were to happen within the country. The main army is fighting in the Griffon Empire right now, as they are the last civilization in our way." Trignar breathed deeply after his small story. Truth be told, Dean had only listened to the first little bit, but Trignars last statement intrigued him.

"How many Elves are within your main Military at the moment?" Dean scratched at the stubel on his chin.

"Nearly... one hundred and twelve Million, give or take a few more."

Dean nearly did a double take, but a rational part of his mind told him to calm down. The Elves currently had control over the entire world, so they would obviously need a huge army. He continued.

"Okay, and who are currently allied with the Dark Elves. When I say that, I mean not subjugated and enslaved." Dean felt the smooth surface of the orb in his closed hand. True enough, it seemed to be pulsating some form of warmth. It brought the Human peace of mind, and his head appeared to be clearer. In fact, it reminded him of when he was around Twilight. She always had a warmth and kindness about her that seemed to radiate off her very being. Looking back on it, Dean realized that he had not felt that same feeling when in her presence today. Sure, he had scared her upon barging into the room, but that shouldn't mean...

'Doesn't matter. You can look into that later.'

He refocused on the Elf.

"Well, after the Storm Kings defeat, his soldiers followed the next strongest leader, who was the Emperor, so they are allied with my kin. The Abyssinians of the south decided to ally with us, and they even accepted the terms of my people being able to occupy their territory. Lastly are the changelings, and lemme tell you, those little buggers are quite something. They were supplied Equestrian slaves in exchange for going undercover for the Emperor. I actually got to meet one y'know, his name was Trex. I found out one day that he had a strange fetish about licking--"

"That's enough of that." Dean growled. "I asked who your allies were, not your day to day adventures! Now, my last question... what is the monster that your father has control of?" His voice lowered to a growl, causing Trignar to lean away.

"I-I-I don't know w-what you are talking--"

Dean's hand suddenly smashed into the wall beside Trignar's head, causing the poor Elf to yelp and skirt to the side. The fist caused the solid rock to spiderweb and crumble; little bits of stone cascaded to the floor. Dean's face held a manic snarl as he stared into Trignar's eyes, his muscles tensed around his neck and his eyes wide.

"Don't fuck with me on this!" Spittle flew from his mouth. "You know exactly what I am talking about, and if you don't spill it, you won't need to worry about your precious orb, cause it'll be your goddamn neck getting crushed instead!"

Trignar had not seen this side of the Demon before. When Dean had taken him hostage, the anger portrayed was chilling and dangerous. When they had traveled to the Resistance, the Human had been stoic and cold, only showing emotion when talking to the Alicorn Princess. This anger now... this was something akin to that of a madman. This anger was when something caused a flight or flight instinct to kick in, and the one being affected chose to fight. Trignar realized suddenly that the Demon was scared. The unstoppable being responsible for massacring the most elite soldiers on the planet was scared... no, terrified!

"Y-You are scared." Trignar chuckled weakly.

Dean's eyes snapped up and widened. His body went stiff, and he very nearly dropped the orb as his fingers went slack for half a second. Trignar began to laugh.

"The great Demon in Metal, scared! You took down thirty Elite Guards, and you are scared of one monster born of magic. Y'know, I remember when you were telling us all that story about your world. Were you scared when the aliens started massacring your kind? Were you scared when you had to watch your pathetic brothers in arms get slaughtered before your eyes, simply because they weren't as strong as you?"

"Don't-"

"And how about this... Were you scared when you walked into that tent, opened that letter, and finally found out that your wife and kid had d-- ERK!"

A metal clad hand locked around Trignars throat, and the Dark Elf suddenly found his airways cut off. He was lifted off the ground by a solid foot, but that hardly brought him to the Demons full height. Looking up, Trignar swore he saw red in the eyes of the Human choking him. The Demons teeth were bared into a snarl, and his grip suddenly tightened, causing the Elven Prince to gasp. His lips began to turn blue, then purple, and his body began to spasm from the lack of air. Darkness began to creep along the edges of his vision, slowly taking more and more away at an alarming rate. Trignar's feet kicked out, but they barely made a dent against the metal clad leg of the Demon.

Just as Trignar knew he was going to die, he suddenly fell to the ground. His vision slowly returned, and he found himself gasping for some much needed air. His eyes were wide in terror as he brought his hand to his sore throat. He could feel a bruise already beginning to form, and pain was starting to flare in the affected area. His adrenaline was wearing off, and he found that every breath suddenly felt like a knife was digging into his throat. Any longer, and his trachea, along with the rest of his neck would have been crushed. His eyes flicked to the Demon, then to the floor. This only caused his pupils to dilate even further as he caught sight of a small purple ball lying on the ground right beside him. He snatched the little piece of safety and cradled back and forth with it in his grasp. A happy smile appeared on his face as he gazed into its depths. This smile was wiped when he heard a chuckle come from above him, causing his eyes to drift upwards.

"You almost had me there, I'm not gonna lie. I don't think I've ever lost control like that in my life, not even while fighting the Orith. Your lies won't get through to me so easily, Elf." The Demon was facing away from Trignar, and his arms were folded over his chest. "I'm not a bad person, and I'm going to be nice to you by letting you keep that orb. Know this though," Dean faced Trignar over his shoulder, a definitive and malevolent scowl crossing his face as he did so. His eyes were cast in shadow, and his muscles seemed to bulge under the armor. "You, Trignar Blueblade, will never see the light of day again if I have anything to say about it. After what you did to Twilight, and after what your kind did to this world, forgiveness will not come so easily."

Dean turned, slipped his helmet on, and forcefully strode to the door. He didn't look back at the Elf, he didn't make any final remarks. He opened the door, walked through, and closed it behind him with an ominous thump. As he left, he suddenly got a feeling. He didn't know what it was, or how it was relevant, but it was nagging at the back of his head. Dean huffed and continued on. He didn't have time to be thinking about small feelings of self doubt.

*****

Click... hisss...

The metallic attachment slowly lowered onto the arm guard of his armor, sealing itself with titanium covers and blending in perfectly to the armor.

Dean felt giddy and excited. It was that feeling like getting a new, expensive, shiny toy for Christmas. Now, this toy would vary per person. Some would get a Lamborghini, some would get a new tablet or phone. Dean was not like some people, and it showed as he pressed the release button on his new weapon.

With a metallic scrape that was oddly satisfying to the ears, a three and a half foot blade suddenly shot out from its concealed position on the arm guard. Its pristine, gray surface shone in the waning sunlight coming through the window. The edge of the blade seemed to cut the very air around it, for the blade was sharper than even the most expensive of swords. Made of titanium and compound-X, the blade was extremely resilient and strong.

Dean wasn't just giddy, no... he was feeling downright murderous.

Guns were great, especially since he was trained on how to use them and how to use them well. But, there was just something about being able to come face to face with your enemy, one who sees themselves as all powerful, and literally tearing them apart. This brought on a peculiar memory:

Dean faced the lone Orithian soldier standing not ten feet away, his pistol in one hand, and the body of another Orithian in the other. This soldier was an officer of some sort, and they were typically very aggressive and proficient in combat. The one Dean had previously just killed was merely a scout of some sort, weak on the military standing of the Orith hierarchy.

Dean growled, his eyes narrowed, and he dropped the dead alien in his grasp. The Officer had a human Marine in his massive claws, and it stared into Dean's eyes as it began to pull. The human super soldier refused to look away as the dead marine was promptly ripped in two before him, causing a cascade of blood and organs to spill across the ruined road. The fighting had moved on to a different block, so it was only Dean and the officer. Both looked at each other in hate and utter resentment, but neither moved.

Ever so slowly, Dean brought his pistol to its holster and placed the weapon securely inside. His other hand moved to his chest, and he aggressively ripped his KABAR from its sheath. A crazed smile wrought itself upon his face, which was stained with blue blood and grime. His stance shifted, and he brought the knife forward in an aggressive pose. It was a sign of challenge, and the Orithian officer gladly accepted.

The officer roared, its arms spread wide as a sword appeared in each hand. The blade was long and thin, but not made of metal. Dean reckoned it was some form of chitin, much like the Orithian body armor. He briefly wondered how sharp those blades were, but that thought was quickly vanquished when the Officer charged the Human Super soldier.

In a tension filled moment, Dean saw his wife and child, their ghostly images ingrained in his memory. With them in his head, the Human let out a blood curdling scream as he too rushed the alien monster looming before him. The Orithian swung its left blade, which Dean promptly ducked under, and he raised his arms to deflect the incoming right stab. He was successful, and the agonizing screech of metal on metal echoed across the road. With lightning fast reflex, the Human made a wild stab into the Orithian's side. He felt the metal pierce the armor, but no contact with flesh was made.

Dean's inner sense warned him of incoming danger, and he did a role just as another blade grazed his shoulder. Sparks flew, and a chunk of metal went spinning off into the street as Deans armor once more took the impact.

Thinking quickly, the Human grabbed the Officer's offending blade arm, placed his body in front, and dragged the Officer over top of him. He heard the Orithian give a surprised screech as it was launched over the smaller Human and promptly smashed into the hard asphalt below.

Dean was on top of the alien in milliseconds, his arms swinging on their own accord as he pounded into the massive beast beneath him. His face was grit into a snarl, but inside, all he felt was satisfaction. He was satisfied that he was dishing out punishment, and avenging his fallen brothers in arms. The Orith had tried to take everything from him and his people, but with each small victory, hope continued to grow. The mere fact that he was on top of an alien invader, one that believed itself to be technologically advanced and far beyond Humanity, only fueled the Sergeants efforts.

Dean lost track of time. The only thing that truly registered within him was the fact that his fist kept coming down, and that his knife was currently lodged somewhere in the Aliens torso. He had abandoned the knife there, and instead resorted to nothing but his fists. Blood was plastered against his face, and his manic smile was replaced by a look of sorrow and hate. Tears fell from his face as he continued to eviscerate the corpse below him, which was now nothing more than mush.

'Dean.'

His fists continued to fall, and he let out a scream of frustration and despair. His tears leaked down his face, splattering the ground around him along with the corpse of the long dead Orithian Officer.

'Dean!'

So many images passed through his mind as he continued to smash his fists downwards. He saw Marie and Jaxon, he saw Jenkins, he saw his old job, he saw the life he once held--

"Dean!"

Dean shook his head and jumped to his feet as a familiar voice called his name. He blinked as he looked around the room, almost as if he was seeing everything for the first time. His eyes eventually settled on the little purple Alicorn standing near his door, her head cocked to the side and her tail swishing about. Her eyes were narrowed as she gazed upon his face, and Dean chuckled sheepishly.

"Sorry, Twi. I kinda zoned out there. He turned back to his armor, noticing that the final sword had been put into place and sealed. All he had to do now was don his protective suit once more and connect the new pieces to his neurolink. Dean sighed; that was a tomorrow job.

"I'll say, I called your name twice! Is everything alright?" He heard her trot into the room and sit down on his cot. He personally didn't mind, and instead grabbed his tac-pad from its perch on the fabricator. The screen lit up, and Dean began scrolling through the various features, only glancing around once or twice as he searched for the song he had been wanting to show his guest.

"Twilight, the last time I let you use my tac-pad, I believe I only gave permission for the Lord of the Rings." He glanced up, and upon seeing her nod slightly, he continued. "This time, I want to show you another cool feature. When I had some down time during the war, I would always listen to this music to keep my spirits up and my head cool. I always found a sort of peace listening to it, if only for a minute.... ah, here we go!"

Dean clicked play and gently set the device on the bed beside Twilight. She stared at it in confusion for a second before the first of the song kicked in. This was followed closely by a hard strum of an acoustic guitar along with the toll of a bell.

'Right outside of this one church town

There's a gold dirt road to a whole lot of nothin'

Got a deed to the land, but it ain't my ground

This is God's country...'

Twilight's ears perked up, and Dean gave a small smile as he moved back to his task on the armor. On his way, he stopped at his supplies box and rummaged around. Eventually, he pulled out a ballistic vest and Spec-ops combat helmet. Dean frowned. He had no idea how useful those two items would be, especially with the nature of the Elven weaponry. Maybe he could create stab vests instead?

As Dean rummaged around, he failed to notice Twilight's eyes boring into the back of his head, an angry frown dominating her face.

'I saw the light in the sunrise

Sittin' back in a 40 on the muddy riverside

Gettin' baptized in holy water and 'shine

With the dogs runnin'

Saved by the sound of the been found

Dixie whistled in the wind, that'll get you Heaven bound

The Devil went down to Georgia but he didn't stick around

This is God's country...'

Dean hummed along with the song, time seeming to pass by surprisingly quickly. He finally moved back to his suit, a chocolate chip granola bar in hand. His eyes were droopy, and he felt fatigue washing over him. All the horrors of the last few nights had taken their toll, and now he needed rest. However, he couldn't just kick Twilight out, she was enjoying his music!

Twilight stepped down from her perch, deadly silent with her head low and her wings slowly extending. A spell was cast on her hooves as she tiptoed her way forward.

'I don't care what my headstone reads

Or what kind of pinewood box I end up in

When it's my time, lay me six feet deep

In God's country...'

Dean hummed slightly, and a tickling feeling was working its way across the back of his neck. He frowned, his head tilting slightly as he tried to discern what was happening. He questioned why he was suddenly feeling tense, afterall, there was no danger here! The only one in the room with him was--

Dean dove to the side, his face scrunching in pain as his shoulder collided with solid stone. There was the smell of ozone and burnt flesh. His eyes widened as he scrambled to his feet and dove towards the chair near the entrance, determined to grab his pistol. Whoever was attacking him had made a mistake, and he would ensure they would pay. First and foremost, he had to make sure the Princess was safe.

His blinding speed must have confused his attacker, for his hand grasped the body of his SCAR-H. It took him less then a second to whirl around, his gun ready, and face the attacker. His eyes crossed over the room, intent on finding the perpetrator, but he found no one but the little purple alicorn standing on the other side of the room. Her horn was softly glowing with a toxic green energy, and her eyes were wide in shock.

"T-Twilight, are you okay? Did you see who attacked me?!" He kept his gun raised as he scanned the room, checking every nook and cranny. After a few seconds, he realized that something was off.

"Twilight, what is wrong with your horn?" Dean slowly lowered his gun as he stared at his best friend in confusion. Something was very wrong with the situation at hand. Who had attacked him? How did they get into the barracks? How--

Once more Dean was forced to roll to the side as another bolt of energy shot towards his head. This time, his confusion grew into realization, then horror. The bolt hadn't come from some unknown assailant, no. It had come from Twilight!

"Twilight, what the fuck are you doing!?" Dean came up with his gun trained on the little purple alicorn. His hands shook, and he had a hard time keeping his aim.

'She's your friend...'

Another bolt, another dodge; Dean drew slightly closer. The music played ever on, slowly coming to the ending of the song.

'I saw the light in the sunrise

Sittin' back in a 40 on the muddy riverside

Gettin' baptized in holy water and 'shine

With the dogs runnin'

Saved by the sound of the been found

Dixie whistled in the wind, that'll get you Heaven bound

The devil went down to Georgia but he didn't stick around

This is God's country...'

"Twilight, stop!" Dean cried as he dodged another bolt. The look of pure hatred crossing the Alicorn's face sent chills down his spine. He had never thought he would see such an appearance on his friend. He had saved her life, fought for her people, and here she was, trying to kill him. It didn't add up!

Dean suddenly found himself ever closer to his target. His mission was now to subdue the wild pony and try to get answers. This world had magic; maybe she was being brainwashed? Maybe she was possessed? What was with the green magic?

His eyes widened as not one, but three green bolts shot towards him. Time seemed to slow down, and Dean moved to dodge. One bolt missed, then a second, but the third... he misjudged. The third smashed into his unprotected hand, searing the flesh and causing him to snarl in pain. The force of the bolt snapped the gun from his grip, sending it crashing to the floor. horror took hold of Dean as another foreign sense filled him: dread.

He could only watch in horror, cradling his burnt hand, as the gun clattered once. The safety flipped off, having scraped across an edge on the stone floor. Dean let out a yell as after a second bounce, the SCAR, his SCAR, discharged. He saw the puff of smoke, heard the quiet thwip, and watched as the bullet traced a path right past his shin. He turned all too slowly as his eyes followed the bullet's trajectory, and his eyes could only widen in horror as it smashed into Twilight's chest.

Her face went from an angry snarl, to a look of pure shock in a millisecond. Blood splattered from the new wound in her chest as her legs gave out, and she went crashing to the floor. Dean yelled something unintelligible. Within the second, he was beside her, his hand trying to staunch the flow of blood. Tears poured down his eyes as he stared into Twilights; he could hear her heartbeat waning and dying.

With one last shuddering breath, the little purple Alicorn went still. Her heart stopped beating, and her eyes seemed to dilate. Dean could only cradle her, tears pouring down his face as his teeth grit. His lips trembled as he gently shook his friend.

"Wake up, Twi." She didn't move. Dean's eyes went wide and he shook her more violently. "P-Please wake up, Twilight... please?" She still didn't move.

A ringing entered Dean's ears as the world was drowned out. His vision tunneled on the pony in his arms as he sat back on his rear. His hand absently stroked her mane as he silently weeped.

'It isn't fair! this isn't fair!!'

His eyes squeezed shut, and his chest was wracked by hacking sobs.

'I-I promised! I Promised her! She was supposed to be s-safe, protected! WHYYY!!!'

With his eyes closed, he failed to see something happening right below him. Twilight's body was rippling, almost seeming to stretch. What sounded like a fire being lit caused Dean to open his eyes, and he yelped in fear as the alicorn was engulfed in green flames.

Scrambling backwards, Dean bumped into the chair holding his P23. He quickly snatched it up and pointed it towards the ever expanding flame. The embers seemed to reflect off of Deans eyes as he stared at the phenomena with both terror and awe.

Finally, the fire abruptly dissipated, leaving behind a sleek, black... thing? Dean had no idea what he was looking at, especially not from his seated position against the wall.

With trembling hands, he slowly stood and shuffled closer. Tear streaks were painted across his face, and his mouth seemed stuck in a permanent state of disbelief. Confusion and fear raced through his mind as he slowly drew closer to what appeared to be a sleek black pony.

It was then that his training kicked in. His eyes scanned the rest of the room for threats, and his gun swiveled from side to side. His prior feelings of dread and despair were put on the backburner as he tried to make sense of the situation he was in.

"W-what?"

Laying before the shocked human was what could only be described as... well, ugly. It bore resemblance to a pony in nothing but shape alone. Its wings were that of an insect, its carapace was a black, chitin-like material, and its eyes were a solid aqua blue with a tinge of white. A fleshy and webb-like mane sprouted from the back of its neck. Fangs could be seen from its open mouth, and a serpentine tongue lolled out across the floor. A whole, presumably where the bullet made contact, was smack in the center of the things chest.

All in all, Dean was thoroughly disturbed.

"Horse Apples. You really had to go do it again!"

Dean whipped around and trained his sights on the source of the familiar voice, and he wasn't surprised when Counselor Glimmer stepped through his door, her face set in a snarl.

"W-what the fuck are you talking about?" Dean demanded. He realized he had stuttered and quickly worked on slowing his rapidly beating heart. The adrenaline from the assault was slowly beginning to wear off, and Dean blinked in confusion.

"Stupid ape, I thought you'd have figured it out by now." Starlight's horn suddenly charged dangerously fast, and Dean tensed in preparation to dodge another attack. He was in for a surprise when the bolt of energy flew past him. He kept his gun trained on the Counselor as her smile only grew. Dean growled.

"W-What have you done? What the fuck was that... that thing! Where is Twilight!!" he took a menacing step forward, but Starlight chose that moment to scream like an utter banshee. Dean physically winced at the sheer volume she achieved, and he took an involuntary step backwards.

"GUARDS, GUARDS!! HELP!!!" She screeched in mock terror, her ears pinning themselves to the side of her head as her pupils dilated to mere pinpricks. Dean scowled as the sound of rapid hoofbeats pounded down the hallway, the clanking of armor accompanying them. After a moment, two guards in rugged armor galloped through the door and took up defensive positions, their eyes scanning for threats. When they saw Dean, they visibly relaxed... until their eyes drifted lower.

Dean saw their jaws fall open, and one of them even turned green in the face. The Earth Pony who didn't look sick to his stomach clamped his mouth closed as his face morphed into a snarl. Ever so slowly, the spear in his grasp was lowered until the tip was level with Dean's chest. The Humans eyes widened as he stared at the weapon, not quite believing what he was seeing.

"Corporal, get backup. Now." The stallion said through gritted teeth, his eyes never leaving Dean. The man, for his part, was extremely confused, and he slowly raised his hands in a pleading gesture.

"Sir, I--"

"SHUT THE BUCK UP!" The guard suddenly screamed, his breathing growing heavy. "Y-YOU ARE A TRAITOR!!"

Dean paused, his mouth hanging open. He could still see Starlight standing behind the guard, but her look of shock was morphed into a devilish smirk, causing the uncertainty to grow. He took another step back, and the guard's eyes flicked to something on the floor behind him.

Dean clued in and glanced around as well. What he saw caused his breath to hitch, and his blood to run cold. Lying on the ground was the Princess. The being from before was gone, and Twilight's dead eyes now stared upwards into his. Another piece of the puzzle suddenly clicked, and Dean turned back to the guard in a panic.

"I-I can explain--"

The Guard suddenly let out a strangled cry, his eyes bugging out of their sockets, and spittle flying from his mouth. Dean tensed as the spear was thrust forward, and nimbly dodged to the side. The Guards' look of hatred turned to shock as the Human was suddenly beside him.

Dean scowled and casually ripped the spear from the pony's grip, causing him to stumble slightly from the sudden force. His stumble suddenly turned into a full face plant into the ground as the shaft of said spear was smashed against the top of his head, knocking him out and denting his helmet.

After a moment of consideration, Dean turned and faced the counselor with a dark scowl.

"You." His words were laced with venom as he stared hard into her eyes. She only chuckled.

"Me."

Dean charged forward with a roar and made a wild swing for the Counselor, but all she did was laugh and teleport away with a pop. A crackle of energy alerted him to her reappearance, and he found himself facing her through the open doorway.

"This is it for you, ape. Once you have been disposed of, I can finally reclaim the throne that was taken from me not once, but twice! Coupled with that, and your precious marefriend will be dead within the week. The last alicorn... gone!" Starlight cackled, but she quickly dropped the facade as what sounded like dozens of hoofbeats raced towards his room. She gave one more sinister smile before taking off down the hall, all the while screeching about the Human going crazy and murdering the Princess.

Thinking quickly, Dean slammed his door shut and toppled a nearby dresser in front. He wasn't a moment too soon as the sound of hooves on wood suddenly echoed throughout his room. Shouts could be heard on the other side before something heavy hit the door. Dean secured the deadbolt and quickly ran to his armor stand.

"We know you're in there, Sergeant! Open the door and surrender!!" Dean ignored the call and began the tedious task of donning his armor. He slipped on his leg gear, then his protective jacket. This was followed by him backing up into the standing piece of armor. There was a hiss, and the protective plating descended overtop of his massive form. Plating surrounded his legs and arms while the plating on his back clamped into place. A piece of connector metal pushed into his spinal cord, officially calibrating him and his neuro link to his suit of armor. Once everything was in place, Dean reached down and grabbed the frontal piece of his chest armor with one hand and placed it appropriately across his front. Titanium alloy connected to the rest of his armor system and down to his hips. The metal was mixed with compound-X, allowing strength and flexibility all around his ribcage and abs.

The process complete, Dean jogged to his bed and grabbed his tac-pad. He quickly set it in its spot on his wrist as he went about collecting his weapons and a few extra pieces of ammo. In the end, he ended up with four extra magazines for his rifle, and six for his pistol. Dean frowned.

Everything that had happened within the last hour wasn't adding up. Where was Twilight if the thing on his floor wasn't her? Had she always been one of them?

'No... just no...'

Dean's eyes suddenly filled with determination. He had been wrong in thinking she was safe, and he once again had to go and rescue her. He had made a promise to multiple people, but most importantly, he made a promise to himself, and Princess Twilight. He wouldn't let any harm come to her, and he would protect her until the war was over.

"ARGH!!" Dean smashed his fist into the wall beside him, letting his frustration go into the feeling of crushing something. The wall caved in, and a spiderweb appeared right in front of him. Dean looked at the wall, then his fist, then back at the wall. After another moment's hesitation, and another pound at his door, Dean set to work. His armored fists pounded into the stone with an animalistic ferocity, as if he was a caged lion. The sun was setting in the distance when he finally broke through, his fist traveling into empty air. The pounding was still going on at the door, but Dean wasn't paying attention to that. While he had worked, a sneaking suspicion had come to his mind.

It was obvious those black bug horses were a species of their own, and Dean only knew of a few allies to the Elves that fit the description of a quadruped: Changelings. Wherever these changelings held their base of operations was the most likely spot he would find the Princess. There was one other person he knew had the whereabouts to the Changeling hive, and he loathed the fact that he would need this particular monster's help.

"For the greater good..." Dean was about to put his helmet on when another splitting headache crashed through his skull. His eyes squeezed shut as he collapsed to his knees and cried out in pain.

"DEAAAANNNN!!!!"

Twilight. It was Twilight all along. Her scream caused his eyes to go wide. His headache abruptly came to a stop, and he shook his head. A menacing scowl crossed his features as his eyes seemed to darken.

"I fucking knew it..." He mumbled to himself in anger. His eyes rose and searched the sky before he briefly closed them. A breeze blew his hair gently and a shiver ran down his spine. A Harvest moon was rising in the west, and the setting sun splashed the sky with an assortment of beautiful colours. Finally, His lips moved on their own accord as his fist clenched at his side.

"I made a promise once, and I failed. Hear these words: I will not rest until you are found and safe; I will die before any harm can come to you. I will find you, Twilight. I. Will. Find. You."

With his resolve set, Dean took one last look at the canvas-like sky before he placed his helmet over his head. The determination in his eyes was hidden away by the metal mask, and once more, Sergeant Dean was gone... in his place, came a Demon.

A Demon made of Metal.

Chapter 44: Bad Company

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WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

An alarm blared, snapping Midnight from his nap and causing him to go sprawling across the floor with an undignified yelp. He heard Spitfire, who had been beside him, jump to her hooves in an instant, already alert and ready. Not wanting to be outdone, Midnight got to his hooves as well, the tiredness all but a recent memory.

Quick as snakes, the two set about their room gathering their armor. The alarm had only been set off once before during a drill, and every guard knew how to react should it happen for real.

Within seconds, the two had donned their equipment and were sprinting out the door. Guards and officers ran about pell-mell, trying to form some medium of order. The clatter of spears and swords echoed up and down the barracks as weapons were given to their respective fighters. A horde of soldiers were running towards the main courtyard, and Midnight figured it best that they followed along. He, along with Spitfire, sprinted along without a word; the time for questions would come later.

The duo finally made it outside, and when they did, they were forced to pause. General Blight was standing on a rock near the center of the field. His face was formed into an angry scowl as he pointed different groups of guards into seemingly random directions. There was a constant outflow of soldiers as they were assigned to various tasks.

"We should find our squad. Can you see Sergeant Forrester from here?" Spitfire suddenly asked from beside Midnight. The lithe black Pegasus shook his head.

"Not at the moment, he must be getting his equipment. Let's find the others and get directions from the general, I'm sure he will be out by that point, and we can brief him on the situation."

The two took to the air and began searching the crowd. So many ponies were constantly on the move, making the task of finding anypony incredibly difficult. After a good thirty seconds of searching, Midnight was able to spot Stormfly in the crowd. He tapped Spitfire on the withers and the two of them descended towards their squad mate. Upon touching down, Cobalt and Steel seemed to materialize out of the crowd along with Swift Spear. Both the bulky stallions were wielding their heavy armor, and Swift was sporting his trusty crossbow. Midnight was happy to note the different devices Dean had provided them with were strapped to his torso.

"Lieutenant, any idea what's going on??" Midnight turned and faced Stormfly, but before he could say a single word, the courtyard suddenly went dead quiet. A chill seemed to sweep through the assembled guards, and the mass of bodies suddenly found itself moving. Midnight started to move with the bodies, but somehow ended up on the front line as the guard force was split in two on either side of the barracks entryway.

Dean's squad waited along with everyone else as a group of ponies suddenly appeared in the doorway of the barracks. Midnight recognized a few nurses as well as Doctor Lactose. They seemed to be arguing with each other, and Lactose was waving his hoof wildly at the assembled crowd. The alarm continued to blare further in the city, but it had become a background noise for everypony present.

The clatter of hooves followed by a certain Captain skidding to a halt caused many heads to turn. Shining Armor stopped beside General Blight and faced the barracks, a look of disbelief and horror plastered on his face.

"What..."

Gasping was heard, then someone screamed. As a stretcher came into view, panic and fear began to set into the crowd. Ponies were pointing, their expressions full of shock; Midnight was no different. He hardly felt it when his jaw fell open and his ears splayed back. He hardly felt it when his rear legs gave out, causing him to sit down hard on the rough ground. It couldn't be real, what he was seeing. It wasn't real...

A cloud that had been concealing the moon suddenly moved out of the way, and Midnight could see exactly who it was. Light shone down from above, highlighting the lavender corpse of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Looking around, Midnight found Captain Shining Armor running down the line of ponies, his face one of desperation. General Blight followed close behind.

There was a sudden pop, and Midnight saw Starlight Glimmer appear beside the stretcher. Her hair was in disarray as she waited for Shining to reach her. When he did, the stretcher bearers stopped in their tracks. Midnight only caught glimpses as ponies suddenly crowded around him, trying to get a better view. All the Lieutenant did was sit there on the ground, the world seeming to be nonexistent in his mind's eye.

'It's not her.'

He heard a wail of sorrow, followed by a cacophony of noise as word was passed around. Midnight still sat on the ground.

'It can't be her.'

A few ponies moved, and Midnight was able to see through the bodies. He could see the mare's dead, soulless eyes staring into his, her mouth slightly hanging open. One wing was draped over the side to the stretcher, sagging and scraping on the ground.

'What caused this?'

He saw something then, something strange. There was a small hole in her chest, and blood seemed to have leaked across her fur. A sense of familiarity suddenly hit Midnight. He should know what that was, the hole. He knew what had caused it, but his brain was not wanting to believe it.

A hush fell over the crowd. A pin could have dropped, and the sound would have been deafening. All eyes were focused on the Captain of the guard, who was gently nuzzling the slain Princess with tears in his eyes. His look of sorrow was heartbreaking, and Midnight could only imagine what was going through his head. Suddenly, the Captain spoke.

"LISTEN!" His yell caused many to stand straighter, their masks of professionalism slipping on in place of their grief and fear. The Captain got up and began to pace around, causing the tide of ponies to back away ever so slightly. Gone was the sadness; in its place, was a cold fury.

"FIND THE DEMON IN METAL, FOR HE HAS BETRAYED US! FIND THE DEMON IN METAL, FOR HE HAS KILLED THE LAST PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA! FIND THE DEMON IN METAL... AND KILL HIM!!!" The Captain's words ended with him falling down beside the stretcher, one hoof laid across his sister's body as he silently wept.

There was hesitancy at first. None of it made any sense. The Demon in Metal, the one who had befriended them, trained them, and saved their kind. The Human who had gone out of his way to protect and serve an alien race... had killed the one pony he seemed to care about? Midnight wasn't stupid, and things weren't adding up. But what of the hole in her chest? He knew now that it was from what Dean had described to be a bullet, it was the only weapon capable of inflicting such a wound!

"I-I saw it with my own eyes!" A guard suddenly yelled. He sprung from the crowd, his eyes frantic and wild. "He had tried to attack the counselor when she came to his room. She yelled for help, and myself and Private Tailor saw the Demon standing over the corpse of the Princess! He killed her, he killed her in cold blood! He's a traitor!"

Mumbling was heard through the crowd. The words 'traitor,' and 'killer' reached Midnight's ears, but he still didn't believe what he was hearing. Something didn't add up, Dean would never do this!

He looked back at the squad, and he saw similar looks on each of their faces. Their initial shock was replaced with looks of uncertainty. The squad slowly grouped together as their fellow guards went over their gear one last time.

"You have your orders! Move out, find the Demon!" General Blight’s voice echoed across the courtyard in a ferocious roar. His words galvanized the guards into action, and a steady stream of armor and determination began double timing it out and into the city. The only ones who didn't immediately move were Midnight and the rest of the squad.

Spitfire turned and regarded each and every member with a stern look.

"Something isn't right here, and I think you all know it. We are going to find the Sergeant, and we are going to get some answers. Are you all with me?" An assortment of "aye's" and "yes Ma'am's" chorused in acknowledgment. Spitfire's eyes met Midnights, and he gave her a quick smile and nod of the head. She returned his smile before her stern expression returned. "Lets move out, ponies! On the double!"

The six soldier's quickly made their way out into the city along with everypony else. However, unlike the others, their mission was not one of death, but one of understanding. One way or another, they would be getting answers.

*****

"Y'know, I still don't understand why you need me of all people for this little expedition of yours! Why not take, oh, I don't know, literally anyone else??" Trignar glared at the Demon as he was steered through the various alleys and backroads. A constant, droaning alarm echoed across the city in its entirety, and every once and awhile, Trignar noticed platoons of soldier's sprinting by. He glared over his shoulder at the Demon, his fist clenching around the little purple orb in his grip. "What in the bloody blazes did you do!?"

"Shut the fuck up." The Demon simply growled from underneath his helmet. His one hand clenched down on Trignar's shirt, causing him to wince in pain as his skin was pulled.

A sudden crackling sound stopped both of them in their tracks, and looking back, Trignar could see the Demon's head was cocked to the side. A gust of wind blue down the Alleyway they were currently in, and a stray piece of paper blew in circles. The Elven Prince took a step back, his ears folding down on their own accord. His eyes scanned every nook and cranny, every shadow, and any evidence of movement. A trash can cluttered down the alley, and his eyes snapped in that direction. Trignar's eyes widened when he saw the shadowy form of a pony standing not five meters away.

"D-Demon." Trignar gulped as the Demon gave a grunt of acknowledgment. Suddenly, the Dark Elf was forced to the ground, causing him to give a momentary cry of pain.

Trignar's surprise turned to confusion when he felt the Demon's hands leave his back. Taking a quick glance behind him, he noticed that the Human was now holding his smaller weapon in a two-handed grip. His stance was lowered, as if he was preparing for a flight.

Trignar blinked, and another shape suddenly appeared behind the Sergeant. Looking around, the Elf counted a total of six ponies having suddenly appeared.

They were surrounded.

Looking back to the one that Dean was facing, he noticed that the Pegasus had moved forward so that he was visible. His face was neutral, but his stance was ready. His eyes darted between the Demon and the Elven Prince, then to his various squad mates. One of his ears flicked as his head tilted to the side. The Demon remained silent.

"Did you kill her?" Midnight's voice was even and controlled. There was no accusatory tone, and no interrogative meaning. It was a simple question... a simple question that carried so much weight. The other squad members seemed to hold their breath as they waited for their leader's response. His massive, unmoving form gave them no indication as to what he was thinking, or what he was planning. All they could see was the flat, glassy surface of his helmet.

Finally, after five infinitely long seconds, the Sergeant gave his response.

"No, I did not."

His words caused the tension in the air to dissipate altogether, but not in its entirety. Midnight took a calm step forward and gestured with his leg, much like a person would do with their hands while talking.

"We saw her body. Can you prove it wasn't her?"

Dean nodded tersely before reaching with his free hand towards his tacpad. Trignar could only watch in mild fascination as the screen lit up in a brilliant orange display. He became so enticed by the flickering lights, that he nearly jumped out of his skin when the Demon spoke.

"Open mission log two dash three dash seven. Status: Dormant." His deep voice seemed like a cannon shot in the quiet night, even if it was merely more than a mumble. The device beeped once, causing Trignar's ear to flick. "Open holographic projection."

Trignar, along with everyone else, jumped once more as a blinding array of lights lept from the side of the tacpad and into the night. The light seemed to solidify before their very eyes, seemingly turning into a solid object a foot away from the device it originated from.

Before anything could happen, Dean's head snapped up and to the side.

"Corporal Steel and Cobalt, invisibility field, now."

Without much hesitation, the two burly stallions lit their horns, and not a moment too soon. A platoon of guards marched down the street in quick formation. The unicorns at the front, middle, and back, cast light from their horns as they scanned the various alleyways and roads. Once they had officially left, Dean spoke once more.

"Keep the field up, just in case." He turned to Midnight. "What I am going to show you is an advanced piece of Human technology called a video. It allows someone to capture entire scenes or situations; a moving picture if you will. You wanted proof? Here it is."

Dean pressed play, and the holographic video began. Even though it was being played via his tac-pad, the video was actually taken from his helmet. It was uploaded the second he reattached the device to his arm.

Trignar watched in fascination as he watched what appeared to be Dean playing a music piece, followed by him coming close to the camera and messing with his armor. All the ponies saw when the Princess hopped off the bed and began stalking closer, her horn lit with a toxic Green hue. He cringed when the little Alicorn began shooting magic at the unsuspecting soldier, but was surprised when he dodged the attack and came up with his own weapon.

"That green magic... I've seen it before, but where?" Spitfire suddenly announced. She rubbed a hoof against her chin as she kept regarding the video.

As the recording continued, Dean holstered his pistol at his side, making sure to flip the safety on. It pained him to have to see himself in such a sorry state, when he had thought he had killed his best friend in the land of Equestria. No one could see it, but a tear slowly traced its way down his cheek. Even if it had been an imposter, he couldn't stop seeing the Princesses body in his arms; her lifeless eyes staring out in shock and pain. He could see it now, the light leaving her as she was murdered.

The Emperor, the things he would do to her... he didn't want to know what he would do. What fate had the other Princesses suffered? Would he do the same to Twilight? What about the changelings? Surely, if they are working for the Emperor, then they would hand her over? What was it Starlight said; dead within the week? He wouldn't allow it. He needed to--

Dean's face scrunched in confusion as he felt something at his side shift. Looking down, he saw his pistol held in a green glow. The shock of seeing something so foreign wrapped around the grip of his gun caused him a moment of hesitation. Once the pistol had been moved free of its holster, he remembered who utilized green magic and promptly jumped to take back his weapon. Unlike his armor and its attachments, the P23 was made of simple metal, thus allowing it to be picked up by magic. His hand wrapped around the barrel of his pistol, and he heard the safety switch off. A bullet from the P23, even with armor, would pulverize his insides. Quick as a snake, he forced the barrel up just as the trigger was pulled.

THWIP!

The discharge of the silenced pistol went off right beside his ear, causing him to flinch out of the way. The bullet smashed into the corner of a building and promptly exploded when the chemicals within it reacted. As dust rained down from above, the magic on the pistol dissipated as soon as he got a good grip. His eyes darted towards the only two unicorns around, and he was just in time to catch a green hue disappear around Corporal Steel's horn. Without hesitation, he brought his gun around and pulled the trigger within a millisecond.

Once more, the bullet came out with nary a sound, and Dean calculated the trajectory and speed of the bullet. The piece of supersonic metal seemed to leave a trail as it flew towards the offending Unicorn's leg. The bullet pierced flesh, but continued through as if nothing had happened. Just as the disguised pony's face writhed in pain, the bullet hit the ground and exploded. The rocks and dirt acted as shrapnel; an especially sharp piece pierced the exposed belly of the stallion.

Just as the fake Corporal went to scream in pain, Dean's fist collided with the side of his head. The stallion fell without a word, and Dean glared down at the fake.

"D-Dean! W-What the buck was that?? Why did--?"

Dean whirled around and pointed at the unconscious fake below him. Even though his face was covered, the ponies could practically feel the rage filled scowl on his face.

"The Resistance has been infiltrated by changelings. I was attacked by one of the bugs disguised as the Princess. When it died, its form reverted back to its original look. The counselor showed up and blasted the dead bug with magic, turning it back into the Princess."

"But how can--"

"SCAN CORPORAL STEEL!" Dean's voice was full of heat, and it caused the squad to inch away once more. The Human was filled with a rage so potent that he was starting to see red. He didn't have time for this.

There was a beep, and the tac-pad gave its analysis in a deep, robotic voice.

"//:ORITHIAN BIOLOGY DETECTED! CHITINOUS ENDOSKELETON, TWO HEARTS, ONE ABNORMALITY NEAR TOP OF HEAD, UNKNOWN ENERGY READING. RECOMMENDED ACTION: EXTERMINATION!//:"

Dean turned and faced Cobalt.

//:SPECIES: EQUINE IN NATURE://

He repeated this process for each of his squad mates, and each came up clean. Throughout his procedure, each of them held a stupefied look; their jaws collectively dropped. The only one to not share their looks was cobalt, who was trying to stem the flow of blood coming from the bug's foreleg and stomach. Dean briefly wondered why the Changeling didn't revert back to its base form, but figured it might be because he didn't kill this one.

The first to shut their mouth was Midnight.

"If this is the case, then we have to deal with this infestation! I say we notify the General or Prince." Dean shook his head and waved his hand dramatically.

"Your job is to inform them and exterminate the infiltrators. I have a plan and it requires every available soldier. Cobalt, is the spell still up?" The unicorn nodded as he tied off the last bandage, his attention returning to the Sergeant.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Listen in." The group slowly crowded into the Sergeant, forcing Trignar in with them. Having no magic, and no way of fighting back, he was truly no threat to whatever plan Dean had cooked up. Dean took a knee and began.

"I will be going with the Prince to the Changeling hive, seeing as it is the most likely place they brought the Princess. This task will likely take a few days, as I intend on taking that train we 'borrowed' from the Frozen North. Midnight, once this little meeting is concluded, I need you to fly as fast as you can to my room and grab a large duffel bag filled with white blocks. Beside the duffel bag is a smaller bag filled with electronics and wires. They were going to be part of a training exercise I had planned for next week, but that'll have to wait. You will bring them back here within five minutes; we don't have all day. Anyway, while I am gone, you lot need to convince the General that the Resistance has been infiltrated. You need to exterminate the bugs, and prepare all defenses.

"B-But why? If you get the Princess back, then why would we need to prepare?" Swift Spear spoke with a shake in his voice. Dean could hear the fear behind his words, and a dark look came over him.

"I was told we have two weeks before the Elves start their master plan, and I intend on making sure that never happens. If they get word that the Changelings lost the Princess, then it'll be likely that they will send an army to get her back." Dean sighed. "I didn't realize Twilight was so important to their plans, but I think I have a way of stopping the inevitable invasion."

Dean's squad were paying rapt attention now. The implications of him taking the Princess back were truly dire. A weight seemed to descend on the assembled group as they realized time was running out. Stormfly's ears folded against her head, but a look of determination crossed her features.

"Whatever your plan is, I'll stay beside you. The Elves took everything from me," her eyes lingered on the nearby Prince before settling back on the Sergeant, "and I won't stand by and wait for them to come."

Dean cracked a smile under his helmet, but to ensure he expressed fully how he felt, he reached out an arm and laid it on her withers. He saw the determination in her eyes, and could not have been prouder. He removed his hand and looked around.

"I have left a detailed outline for proper defenses on my tac-pad, and I will also be leaving it with all of you to help you find the Changeling infiltrators. Contact each other through your radios; I will be long out of range by the time you are finished here, so I won't be able to give you any help. I am taking the Prince, one, because he knows the location of where they are keeping Twilight, and two, because he refuses to give me directions unless I take him." All eyes turned to the Prince, who gave a wide sneer in return.

"What? I'm not stupid enough not to miss an opportunity like this!" He gave a quiet chuckle, which quickly died as he realized he was still being stared at. Spitfire scowled and turned back to Dean.

"I wouldn't trust him, Sarge. The moment you turn your back, he'll take the opportunity to stab it."

Dean nodded ever so slowly, his gut telling him that she was right. But what choice did he have? Starlight, or whoever was portraying Starlight, had told him that the Princess would be dead by the end of the week! He didn't have time to make a solid plan, or even consult the General or the Prince. He was against the clock once again, and if he failed, then the world... no, the Multiverse was doomed. He vaguely remembered the words of the Guardian, and no matter how much he disliked the Archangel, he couldn't just refute his warnings. He knew of the Trench coat wearing man's lore, and he knew that if the Destroyer were to escape with the help of the Elves, then everything, and everyone were as good as dead. Hell, Dean's own world would likely be annihilated along with countless others. It was a momentous, nigh impossible task, but he had no choice. It all started somewhere, and at the moment, he needed to begin by saving his best friend.

Dean turned his gaze to Midnight.

"Midnight, go and get the supplies I requested, and quickly. Every second wasted is one step closer to the loss of the Princess." The jet black Pegasus saluted, and faster than the blink of an eye, was in the sky. Dean watched as he zipped off before sitting down completely. There was nothing he could do at the moment except wait.

"Sergeant?" He looked up at Swift Spear. The pony realized he had his superiors' attention and stuttered as he tried to speak. "W-What h-happens if the Elves get the Princess? You make it seem as if this one thing could be the end of, well, the world."

Dean looked around and realized that the ponies were still in denial. Even the Prince seemed confused. Dean gave a sigh before removing his helmet. His eyes held a far off look as he stared straight ahead.

"I was visited in a dream by none other than Princess Luna. She told me she was long dead, and her figure was but a memory. She warned me that the Dark Elves were up to something bad, and told me I had two weeks. She also made me promise to keep Twilight safe, for if the Elves got ahold of her, then all of Equestria was doomed." Dean saw questions forming on everyone's lips, but kept going before they could speak. "That monster that was chasing me, back in the Frozen North... The reason it couldn't find us was because we had some outside help. There is a being trapped in stone up in the Capitol called the Guardian. You don't need to know who he is, or what he can do, cause frankly, I really don't like him." Dean scowled.

"Surely he is important? Maybe he can help us if we free him?" Spitfire sat down and cocked her head to the side. Dean merely looked down.

"I wish that was the case. I don't know how to get him free; and you are right about him being important, but not in the way you think. He governs something called the multiverse. Sorta like how I came from another world myself, he ended up here and got trapped. His enemy is here as well, giving the Elves information and corrupting them. Whatever the Elves have planned, it involves Twilight. She somehow plays a part in the release of the Guardian's enemy. If IT gets free, uit won't just be this world that gets destroyed."

The atmosphere seemed to darken as a cloud passed over the moon far above. The shadows cast by the light upon Cobalt's horn seemed to Lengthen.

"First, It will wipe out this planet, then travel to the next, and the next. She will have the Dark Elves at her back as they go from world to world and burn them till there is nothing but a desolate wasteland. I know this because back on my world, there is a book about It, so I know a little bit about the enemy."

The ponies passed looks of fear among one another, and Dean saw quite a few shiver from the information he just provided. He decided he needed to lighten the mood.

"However, should we succeed, none of that will happen. Should we kill the Emperor, and keep the Princess safe, then they can't complete whatever it is they are going to do. Do not give up on hope, and do not let the darkness consume you. Instead, trust in each other, and we will win... we have to."

At those words, Dean heard a whoosh, followed by the telltale thump of a certain Pegasus landing in the shadows of the alley. Dean quickly stood and slipped his helmet back on. Trignar must have sensed it was time to go, and promptly stood as well. Dean took a look to the sky as his squad all got to their hooves and saw a squadron of Pegasi fly overhead. None noticed the little group in the depths of the alley, and they were quickly out of sight.

Looking towards Midnight Dean let one hand rest on the grip of his pistol while he strutted forward. No one spoke as Midnight stepped through the invisibility field, a duffle bag in one hoof. He grinned cheerfully as he reached up. Dean leaned forward to grab the bag, but his hand paused midreach.

"Hey, Midnight, what's my last name?" Midnight's head snapped up and he let out a quiet, but slightly uncomfortable chuckle.

"It's uh... it's--" Before anyone could blink, Dean's pistol was already pressed against the head of the infiltrator. It took a moment for everyone to catch up before a large assortment of gasps echoed through the alley.

"Give me one reason not to kill you, Changeling." Dean snarled. His helmet distorted his voice, and he suddenly seemed much more imposing. The bug in disguise went cross-eyed as he stared at the weapon pressed against his forehead.

"We can still use him." A familiar voice suddenly called from behind the group. All except Dean turned as the real Midnight walked through the shield. The requested bag, which was much bulkier than the one Dean was about to grab, was set down next to Trignar along with a black backpack. "He presents more proof."

After a moment of pause, Dean grabbed the Midnight in disguise around the neck. The bug gave a surprised squeal as it was lifted off the ground several feet. Dean walked back to the squad and promptly dropped the disguised Pegasus on the ground. He then walked over to his bags. Dean recognized the survival bag from the one within the crate. At the time of his entry into Equestria, it had been completely empty, but that changed as he was able to sort through all his equipment and prepare for an extended stay. He had two MRE's, a flashlight, a first aid kit, one flashbang, one frag-grenade, Two extra magazines for both his weapons, and a rope. Dean holstered his pistol, opened the front most pouch, and grabbed the long piece of material from the bag. He then walked back to the Changeling, who shied away as the Dean's opposing shadow seemed to loom overtop of it.

"You will be taken to the General, and I strongly suggest you give him any answers he so requests. I am already pissed off with your kind, and don't think I won't kill every last one of you should you become a problem. Y'know," Dean leaned down, his face plate a mere foot from the cowering infiltrator, "I haven't eaten an insect since my visit to Brazil. I truly wonder what your kind tastes like when cooked properly." The bug beneath him whimpered, its ears flopping downwards. There was a flash of green, a small flame, and the Changeling's true form was revealed. Its tail was tucked between its legs as it refused to meet Dean's eyes. After a moment more of regarding the bug, Dean turned.

"We've wasted enough time. You all know your jobs, so get to it. If I am not back in... let's go with four days, then you need to send as many soldiers as you can and attack the hive. Twilight's survival is essential, and even I am prone to failure...

Dean's vision flashed, and for the briefest moment, he could see a piece of paper in his hands: a letter. The sound of gunfire and the launching of hardlight echoed around him. With a blink, he was back to reality.

Grabbing the rope, he quickly bound the legs of the Changeling before grabbing his backpack and hoisting it around behind him. He made sure his rifle wouldn't get in the way by quickly equipping it in front of him. With his one free hand, he slung the strap of his next package around his neck and shoulder, making sure it wouldn't get in the way of his legs as he walked. The effort of carrying those two bags, as well as weapons would have been nigh impossible for a regular Human, but to Dean, it was a piece of cake. He barely felt any weight as he detached the tacpad from his wrist.

"I entrust this to you, Stormfly. Don't lose or break it, or I'll run you 'till you are dead upon my return." He saw the little Pegasus smirk as she gently grabbed the device with a hoof and put it inside one of the many pouches on her vest. "A simple tap will turn it on, and it's already locked on sensory mode. All you have to do is point the glass piece on the end at whatever it is you intend to scan, and it'll do the rest." He turned and faced the others.

"I will return with the Princess, and the Resistance will reign victorious. If I don't make it back..." Dean straightened and went into a crisp salute. Each of the ponies replicated his action with their hooves, and he dropped it once it had been returned entirely. "...It was truly an honor."

At that, he shoved the Prince of the Dark Elves from behind and began his trek out of the city. The six ponies were left watching the Human and the Elf as they disappeared into the shadows, but only for a moment. Stormfly turned and faced the others.

"You heard the boss, it's time we find those no good bugs and put an end to their charade. The Resistance stands strong!" At those words, Cobalt dropped the silence spell and picked up the two bugs in his magic. The conscious changeling made no move to struggle as it was lifted in the Unicorn's aura, and whisked away to an unknown fate.

*****

Getting out of the city had proved to be more difficult than Dean had guessed. Had he been by himself, it would have been no problem. He was a master of espionage and stealth, only being seen when he wanted to. Believe it or not, Dean's nickname was called Spectre, and was given to him by his fellow soldier's when he had all but disappeared during a mock battle exercise. Usually, this would give him the classifications of being a sniper or scout, but Dean was more of an 'up close and personal' kind of guy. His chosen weapons often put him in the heat of battle, but he didn't care one bit.

Dean also liked the name the Elves had given him. He had only shown how brutal of a fighter he was, as well as how terrifying his persona could be. But just like a Demon, he lurked in the shadows, ready to strike, to kill. Maybe Demon was the more appropriate name?

Anyway, upon leaving the squad, the Demon and the Prince had easily made it no more than half a kilometer towards the front gates when they all but ran into a patrol of guards ponies. Dean had reacted in seconds and placed a hand over the Prince's mouth as his foot dampeners activated. The two had stood in a corner, not ten feet from the rhythmic hooves produced by the marching soldiers as they trotted past his position.

Upon their passing, the two escapees made a break for it to a small door built into the main gate. It wasn't very practical, but Dean hadn't gotten around to buffering the Defenses of the walls just yet. He saw no guards on this side of the wall, but he remembered seeing multiple upon leaving for his expedition in the North.

They had walked right through the door, and Dean was in for a nasty surprise when nearly ten guards stood idly around the posts off to his left and right. Maybe they had been waiting for him for some time and grew bored, but that didn't matter.

Quick as a snake, Dean lifted the Prince in a fireman's carry and sprinted through the cluster of guards. One had about to cry out upon his entry through the door, but he was too slow as Dean shot past him like an arrow from a bow. There was the sound of yelling, the clatter of hooves, and someone falling over. Dean quickly entered the surrounding forest and didn't slow down, even while the sounds of pursuing guards grew more distant with every step he took.

He only stopped when he hit the pathway to the train tracks; his muscle kicked in and guided his feet as he made his way to his goal.

After ten minutes of jogging, and many curses from the Prince over his shoulder, he finally reached the final part of his escape. He set the Prince down and activated the thermal settings on his visor as he scoured the area with his vision. He could see the heavily camouflaged tarp over top of the train off to the side. The tracks split, and seemed to end upon turning to the right. To a common person, it would look like the track deteriorated at some point as grass and dirt covered the tracks a certain ways in. Dean knew it was nothing but an illusion, made by magic. The General had informed him that the Resistance utilized something called magic gems to store certain spells. Obviously, the gems planted in the ground beside the tracks (which he could see in thermal just beneath the dirt) contained some sort of illusion spell. He didn't know how it worked, nor did he need to. He just needed the train.

Dean and Trignar carefully jogged to the train, the Elf giving the Sergeant a stink eye as he moved. The broken chain around his neck seemed so loud in the darkness of the clearing. The moon was past its zenith now, so Dean deduced it to be around two or three o'clock in the morning.

Once they reached the engine itself, the two stopped and examined the beast before them.

The train was well maintained, and utterly massive. The colours were faded from its constant use, which was only better for what Dean had in mind. Now, unlike a steam engine from Earth, the locomotive was powered via (more) magical gems. The Sergeant didn't know the specifications behind the design, but he did know that the more gems, the longer it would last. One gem would last roughly one hour, and upon leaving the concentration camp, he had found the supply to be plentiful. Dean had briefly talked to a pony who was once a conductor, and she had said that the engine uses a magical cooling system while operating. Basically, the engine would not overheat, and it would last as long as there were gems in the tank for it to absorb from.

In a way, Dean had to admit that the idea was pretty cool. Humanity had nothing on a design like this, and he briefly wondered what would happen should the Equestrian's have had a modern-esque military. Maybe they would even surpass Humanity, especially with magic on their side.

"Alright, hop in. I've gotta do something."

The Elven Prince gave Dean another nasty look, but otherwise obeyed. Dean was quite surprised by the Dark Elf's compliance, but he knew that at some point, his luck with the point-eared prick was bound to run out. With one hand clutching his little purple orb, the Prince scaled the side of the Engine and disappeared inside.

Dean jogged to the back of the engine, skipped the car half full of gems, and came to the first coach. He scowled as he looked at that particular car. It was where he had seen them, all of them. Even now, just looking at it, the smell of fire and brimstone seemed to enter his senses. Dean shook his head and looked away; he had a job to do.

With a mighty kick, Dean unlatched the rest of the train from the engine. There was the satisfying sound of metal letting go of metal, and Dean promptly jogged back to the engine itself. He wasted no time climbing into the cab, where he was met with a snoring Prince sitting against the back corner near the far window. Dean scowled and stalked over to the Elf before giving a good kick to his thigh.

"What the!" The Prince whined as he grabbed his leg in both hands. Tears sprung into his eyes as he looked up at the Demon. "What the blazes is wrong with you!?" He hissed.

"You're in the way, asswipe." Dean growled. The Prince folded under his intense tone and promptly moved to the front of the locomotive. He rubbed his tired eyes and yawned as he looked out the front window and into the darkness beyond. He saw nothing but the outline of trees, a slight fog, and the flicker of a torch....

Wait.

"D-Demon!" Trignar's cry went unheeded as Dean regarded a map stuck to the back wall. The Elf's eyes went wide as another flame, followed by two more entered through the fog. "Demon, ponies!"

Dean turned and glared at the Elf, but his expression went from stern to surprised as he spied the torch-bearing guards running through the forest. He gave a quiet curse under his breath as he began flipping switches and turning knobs. His scowl never left his face as the engine sputtered to life, and a deep roar sounded from somewhere underneath. Pushing a lever to his left forward, there was a sudden grinding noise, followed by the train giving a jolt.

The ponies, having heard the Engine roar to life, were now making a B-line for the train. Even if there were three torches, Dean could count at least twelve guards galloping their way.

"Which way to the hive?" Dean turned to the Prince, who's ears folded down at the question. He stuttered at first but a quick snap of the fingers caused him to regain his train of thought.

"T-towards the badlands! We must go past Vanhoover and go past the Everfree all the way to Appleoosa!" Trignar glanced out the window; the train was picking up speed, and soon they would reach the intersection determining their direction.

"So we go right." In two strides, Dean was out of the train and sprinting ahead. He came to the first railroad switch and all but smashed it in the desired direction. The first point rails switched to the right, followed by the second ones connected to the main track converting to allow a smooth transition.

Dean was about to run back to the train when an arrow made of light seemed to come from nowhere and smash into his back. With a cry of shock, He was sent carrening forward onto the tracks... mere feet from the quickly approaching train! His eyes widened and he was temporarily frozen in shock as the lights all but blinded him. Seeing as his vision was still on the thermal setting, all he saw was a large red splotch.

A primal instinct forced his legs to move, and he all but flew through the air and off of the track. The train rumbled by, and seemed to already be moving as fast as a car! The Sergeant noticed the Torches were much closer, so much so that he could see the furious ponies sprinting towards him in the darkness. He was on his feet in an instant, his blood pumping as he sprinted full tilt to the runaway locomotive.

The yells and curses from the pursuing ponies went unheard as Dean swiftly caught the train and jumped onto the side access ladder. Instead of climbing up, Dean watched as the torches disappeared in the gloom along with their bearers. Trees overcame his vision, speeding by at an alarming rate while a fog descended over the land. Soon enough, all he could hear was the speedy chugging of the engine, and all he could see was the blur of the surrounding forests.

Dean sighed.

Things just weren't going according to plan, and he hated it. First the changelings, and now he was an outcast. The dubbed savior of this world had enemies on all sides now, and the only thing he could do was try and correct this debacle. After another few seconds of hesitation, Dean climbed up and into the cab, where he was once again met with the sleeping Prince.

The Human walked to the nearby control console and sat himself in the seat beside it, his eyes never straying from the map to his right. After a moment of thought, Dean took off his helmet and placed it beside the consol. Beads of sweat were matted in his hair, and he could only imagine how bad he smelled. He had gotten no time to shower upon returning, especially with all the errands he had run before getting to his room. By the looks of things, he wouldn't be getting a warm shower for quite some time.

Unconsciously, the Human super-soldier began to hum under his breath. The song, Wavin' flag, had come to his mind for some reason. It was a hopeful and bright little tune, one that he had listened to during his early years as an adult. He knew it was associated with soccer, and even though he wasn't a fan of the sport, he still found it catchy.

'Hell, Jaxon loved this song... especially when I took him to his hockey games."

A smile crept across Dean's grizzled face. The thought of his son always made him happy, and it always gave him the inspiration to keep going. Jaxon was, simply put, the future. Him, and countless others were the next stage in Humanity, and the Orith wanted to take it all away.

"So, Sergeant..." Dean snapped from his reverie and regarded the Elven Prince not with a scowl, but a plain look. He didn't have the energy to get mad, for his focus was elsewhere. It helped to try and be happy, especially with everything going to shit. Maybe they would be able to expel the Changelings, but what then? If he managed to rescue Twilight, then the Changelings would report it to the Elves. They would divulge all their resources into finding the Resistance... all because they had something planned by the end of the next week. It wasn't enough time, nowhere near enough...

"Why do you care so much for the Princess?"

Dean blinked, then blinked again before giving his full attention to the Elf. He frowned.

"Why do you care?"

Tringar shrugged and peered out the window to his left. His eyes held a distant, far off look as he watched the trees fly by. After a moment, a small smile appeared on his face before he turned back to Dean.

"Well, get that you are helping free this world from the tyranny of my kind, and I get that Twilight is the center of my fathers works... but the attachment I saw between you two has been a center of interest for me... especially after the night you took me prisoner."

Dean frowned in confusion, his eyebrow raising. "What are you talking about, the night I took you prisoner? That was weeks ago. Nothing particular happened, other than your near raping of the Princess, followed by me slaughtering your entire battalion of 'elite guards'." Dean raised his hands into air quotes as he said the name of the highest trained group in the Elven military. Trignar merely rolled his eyes.

"Be that as it may, when you were consoling the Princess after I made some very rude comments, you gave her a hug."

Dean scowled.

"And?"

"And you didn't see it? The purple mist and particles dancing in the air, touching the blades of grass and enveloping everything in a feeling of warmth and solitude?" Trignar winced and unfurled his hand, showing the little purple orb he so cherished. "I know not where this thing came from, but I found it stuck to my skin upon being out in that dank cell under the earth. It was like when you held the Princess in your arms: magic... pure, light magic!" Trignar smirked. "You have a bond with the Princess; your fates are now intertwined deeper than you could possibly fathom."

"Enough!" Dean growled, his eyes narrowing. "I don't know what you are playing at here, but this little nice and observant side is getting on my nerves. What happened to the raging Prince who hated me? To the bloodthirsty monster that was about enslaving an innocent species?"

Dean was very, very confused. He would never forgive the Prince for what he, and his kind had done, but something was off. The tone Trignar spoke with was one of lightheartedness and longing. Looking at him now, the Elf seemed to have lost some of his dark blue tint within his skin. Minus the ragged clothes and scraggly facial hair, he would look like an Elf from Lord of the Rings.

"Well, something changed, and I believe it was the orb that did it." Trignar looked up at Dean with a determined glare. "What I did was wrong, and my prior actions throughout my life were utterly repulsive. You still don't trust me, and I respect that, but know that I can now see through the illusion. Ever since I was given a look at what true friendship looks like, when your Princess tried to show me kindness, I have begun to see the truth. Just know... I am sorry." The Elves' ears drooped as he looked shamefully at the ground.

Dean for his part was staring at Trignar with his mouth hanging open. It wasn't as comical as when a pony did it, but it was wide enough to look slightly ridiculous. He stared at the Elf for at least twenty seconds, the only sounds being the chug of the train and the constant expulsion of steam being released from the engine's stack.

The Human closed his mouth with a loud snap and scowled.

"I don't believe you for a damn second, you pointy-eared bastard! Your kind has done far too much damage, and you were up near the top of it all. This whole orb and magic thingumabob you are talking about is the biggest lord of horseshit!" Dean clenched his teeth as Trignar sighed. "The only way I would believe a word of what you just said is if you physically proved you meant well. Say for example, if you helped me rescue the Princess, then maybe, MAYBE, I'll think about it!" Dean all but yelled as he ranted at the Elf. It was his fault he was forced to save the Princess the first time. He bore witness to Trignars actions first hand, and got to see what his kind was truly like. Going to Ravenford, then the concentration camp only solidified his beliefs that the Elves were nothing but pure scum. It would take more than a few words that seemed wise to convince him of anything.

Upon hearing his last phrase, Trignar's ears perked up and he gave Dean a smirk.

"You would truly be convinced, if only slightly, should I help you save the Princess?" The impish tone behind the Elves' words grated against Dean's nerves.

"Yes. Sure. Whatever." He growled as he waved his hand. Trignar merely shook his head and closed his eyes. A few moments later, his soft snores accompanied the sound of the engine chugging through the night. No more words were spoken, and Dean sat in silence. He refused to believe that the Prince of the Dark Elves, one of the higher people in their hierarchy, a hierarchy that enslaved, raped abused, and killed helpless people, could simply turn on a dime and say he saw through all the wrong doing. It was not possible, not even close.

"I see he threw you for a loop?"

Dean's pistol was in his hand before he realized who had spoken. He let out a breath as he forced the sudden surge of adrenaline to calm before glaring at the perpetrator.

The Guardian stood in the darkness, nothing but his eyes and the outline of his body visible within the shadows. It was a bit unsettling, but Dean ultimately didn't care.

"What the fuck do you want this time? Here to preach about how everyone is good again? Or how I can't be the judge, jury, and executioner?!" Dean all but snarled the words as he scowled at the trench coat wearing demigod.

The Guardian sighed, and Dean noticed his shoulders sag ever so slightly.

"No."

That one word, caused Dean to raise an eyebrow and his scowl to return to its trademark frown. The Guardian's eyes found Dean's, and a shiver ran up his spine.

"I am here to say, I am sorry. As it turns out, I was wrong about the Elves. I went ahead and looked at what they were doing across the world, and found it inexcusable. I... underestimated the severity of the situation, even when you told it to my face. I've seen some pretty horrible stuff, but this is up there being one of the worst scenarios I have witnessed. I am truly sorry."

Dean could feel the meaning behind the Guardian's words, and truly felt they were genuine. The Guardian was by no means his enemy, nor was he evil in any way. He remembered reading the book about him back home, and he recalled how the being before him was forced into a world not his own.

Just like Dean.

"However, Sergeant, there is something I found. While the Elves aren't being controlled by any means, they are still being influenced by my nemesis, the destroyer. Whatever spell IT cast merely enhances their loyalty to the Emperor, but it does not make them commit atrocities. Kill the Emperor, and the spell is broken. You likely already knew this, but I figured I should remind you."

Dean smirked.

"Well, I'm thankful for the advice. The problem is, I have only two weeks. Less if you count the days since I received the news. I will try my best to win, but that's all I can promise."

"And that's all I ask."

The Guardian stepped out of the shadows and smiled kindly. His smile slowly became a look of sincerity as he regarded the Elf sleeping on the ground to his left.

"You can find allies in the most unlikely of places, Sergeant. Trust your instincts, and never lose sight of who you are. I must go for now, but know I am watching. I will do my best to keep your mind safe from the Destroyer while you work, rest assured. Goodbye, Sergeant Forrester."

"Goodbye, and thank you."

The Guardian faded away, and Dean was left staring at the steel interior of the cabin. His thoughts roamed adrift as he became lost in the depths of his memories. One thing kept popping out however: Twilight. Her smile was so pure, her cheerfulness and kindness always bringing a smile to his face. The bond they had been developing was closely knitted, and Dean found himself more determined than ever to save her.

After sliding his helmet back on, checking his coordinates, finding where they were on the map, and setting an alarm. Dean began to doze off. The sensors on his suit were tuned to the maximum in case an Elven flying boat showed up, but he wasn't overly concerned about that. His alarm would wake him long before they reached civilization, or even open land for that matter. From here until the morning, it was nothing but forest.

With a final yawn, Dean fell into unconsciousness. The last thing he saw was the smiling face of Twilight, and the happiness it brought just seeing her.

*****

The fire crackled away as the moon began its slow descent across the sky. Stars winked and sparkled far above, and a cool breeze swept through the small clearing. Inside this clearing, six Dark Elves sat around the campfire, eagerly awaiting for their leader to emerge from her tent.

"What do you reckon our new orders are, Commander Kioti?" A young elf asked from across the fire. He was a new recruit in the Elite Guard program, and he was still very green. However, his sniping skills were renowned and considered some of the best in the kingdom. It didn't stop him from being a pain in the backside.

"No idea, now shut up, I think she is coming back."

Sure enough, Princess Mya, the only daughter of Emperor Dommik Blueblade, stepped out of her tent and zipped up behind her. She turned and faced her soldier's, a smug look in her eyes.

"Gentlemen, Begin taking everything down. We have orders to infiltrate the Changeling hive! One of our own spies has informed the Emperor that our target is being held there as a captive."

Looks of excitement were shared between the guards, and a few dark chuckles were heard. Princess Mya smirked and stuck her right hand against her chest.

"For the Empire!"

"FOR THE EMPIRE!"

The group moved with haste as they magically took down their tents and put out their fire. Soon, everything was loaded on their hover-boat, and they were ready to go. However, there was just one problem.

"Common, fucking slut!" One of the Guards was yanking on a small brown Earth Pony slave. Guards typically never brought their slaves with them while on a mission, but this was often overlooked by superiors due to the need to release pent up tensions, whether they be physical or emotional. The pony currently with them was refusing to budge an inch, which was surprising considering its skinny frame.

"I-I won't! The Princess is alive, and I won't let you get t-to her!" The resolve in her voice was actually quite cute to the Princess, but they were ona time limit here.

"Plymouth, if you can't get a hold of her, then you will have to leave her!" Mya barked. Plymouth let out a breath and gave a withering glare to the pony. She shrunk back, but otherwise refused to move. The chain around her neck went slack as Plymouth dropped it.

"Fine, have it your way."

Quick as a snake he reached forward and used his magic to enhance the strength in his arms. As the pony made to cry out, his fingers slipped into her open mouth, and began to spread apart. Both his hands worked in tandem as he yanked one down and the other up. The pony's eyes widened, and she jerked away, trying desperately to escape.

It was for nought, and a horrific CRACK echoed through the night. Elves jeered and catcalled as the pony screeched in pain, her eyes watering and her legs giving out. Her wails were loud enough to wake the dead, but they quickly went silent as a gurgling began to emanate from deep in her throat. Her whole body twitched as saliva and blood trickled down her throat and caused her to choke. Her legs kicked as her panic grew, her eyes bugging out of their sockets as she looked for some form of help.

"Here." Plymouth caught a spear from one of his fellow guards before turning to the dying pony. Tears poured down her face as she continued to hack and attempt to cough.

Plymouth sneered as he lowered the tip of the spear and touched the tip near the upper jaw bone so that it was facing towards the brain. The pony didn't notice what he was doing till it was too late.

He began slowly pushing, and felt an immense rush of satisfaction when the spear slowly pierced the flesh and slid effortlessly under the bone.

"Wease... Wease ohh!"

The pony twitched and cried as the spear drove deeper and deeper, cutting through flesh and scraping against bone. Her hooves weakly kicked against the ground as her choking sobs slowly ground to a halt. Her face had gone purple, and her twitching didn't stop until the spear was all the way inside her head. He gave a satisfying breath of elation as the pony drew her last breath and twitched one last time. Ever so slowly, he pulled the spear out with a squelch, and Plymouth grunted happily.

"Oh man, That was beautiful."

"Turned me on, that's for sure.

"Can't wait till I can get my own slave, the stuff I'll do..."

Mya huffed and rolled her eyes.

"If you are done, we have to go." She gestured towards the boat, where the rest of the company was watching from above. Plymouth smirked and took a step forward, but not before turning and spitting a glob of phlegm upon the new corpse.

"Let's hit the road, we have a Princess to capture!"

The Elves gave a short cheer as the boat lifted off the ground and sped towards their next destination. The race was on, and only one group would come out victorious.

*****

The corpse lay there, in the grass as the night continued. It was a sad concept that the universe did not care who lived and who died. It was not fair, it was not just. The Equestrians were conquered, they couldn't possibly beat the Dark Elves, for they had an army at their back. Their hope relied on one man... one human. If he failed to save the Princess, if he failed to stop the Emperor... then it wouldn't just be the end of the world, no.

It would be an end to the entire Multiverse.

Remembrance Day Tribute (Hiatus)

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War is a cruel thing, and it brings out the darkest aspects of Humanity. However, those young men and women who fought, in any war, did so for a reason. They were fighting for their country, for their families, and their loved ones. They chose to lay down their lives and pay the ultimate price. If it weren't for them, we as a people would not be how we are today. We wouldn't have freedom, we wouldn't have the comfort of our day to day lives. We do not forget those who laid down their lives, because without them and their sacrifices, we would have nothing.

For some reason, I haven't seen much talk of the poem, In Flanders Fields, so I'll post it here for everyone to see.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Chapter 45: Traitors in the Ranks

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3 Days Earlier...

A fire crackled merrily, it's orange and yellow flames lighting the small clearing. A large gray cauldron sat atop the fire; a frothy brown stew bubbled within. Two worn tents, their colours long since faded with the constant use throughout the years, sat near what seemed to be a wall of vines a few meters away. Both were currently uninhabited; their occupants not at the moment present.

Thorax twitched as his eyes scanned the cozy looking campsite. It had been a miracle he had managed to make it this far, especially in his current situation. A sudden rumble from his stomach suddenly caused him to look down, and for his ear's to fold downwards. He could feel his energy, both physical and emotional, teetering on the edge. If he stopped now, if he sat down, then he likely would never move again.

The aroma coming from the pot of stew seemed to hypnotize the young changeling, and his eyes slowly grew lidded. It was true that Changelings needed love to survive, but physical nutrients were capable of sustaining them for a short period of time.

The more he thought about the food, the more he felt himself losing control of his bodily functions. The two inhabitants of this little camp had recently departed in search of firewood and something called Gluteus-Gargantua, a rather foul smelling plant with strange healing properties. They wouldn't be back for some time.

His legs moved on their own accord, his eyes locked on his target. He swayed, almost drunkenly, towards the delicious smelling stew. He could already taste the potatoes, carrots, and broth all mixed into a heavenly concoction of nutrients. His mouth watered at the sheer thought of gulping it down by the ton.

He didn't see, nor hear the Gryphon stalking up behind him, nor did he hear the low growl from behind him. It wasn't until the cold hiss of steel being drawn wormed its way into his mind did he slowly realize something was wrong. Before he could turn around though, the being behind him spoke.

"Do not make a move, or your head comes off."

Thorax shivered, but did as asked and did not move. He could feel the last of his energy leaving him, and his legs began to wobble from the sheer effort of standing up. His vision was growing blurry, and he found that with each second that passed, the world became more and more distorted.

Being detached from the hive meant that he no longer held the same mindset as his other kin. He could no longer talk to them, no longer feel their pain, joy, or anything in between. He was alone, and he would die alone.

'You can't, not until you finish the mission...'

The ghostly voice in his mind seemed to snap him from his exhausted and dying state, and he managed to find the energy to speak.

"P-please... food..." His legs suddenly turned to jello, and he found himself face down in the dirt. A squak of surprise sounded behind him, but it seemed so far away. He heard the Gryphon shouting something, then the cold feel of hooves touching his chest. Every time he blinked, hours seemed to flash by. Now he was being carried, and then something warm was forced down his throat. Tiredness swept through him, and he found his eyes were closing. The voice in his head, one that had sounded masculine in nature and rather caring, had showed him the truths and lies he had been ignoring and fed. It had helped him escape the hive, and it had given him a simple task: Find the Resistance, and warn them.

He tried to say something, anything, for time was of the essence. He couldn't fail, not with the knowledge he held. He had escaped with his life, and he needed to tell them.

Thorax's eyes closed, and he felt himself falling into a state of unconsciousness.

...

"Thorax."

"Hmmm..."

"Thorax."

"Juss anover min..."

"Thorax get up!"

Thorax jumped awake with a start, the blue orbs of his eyes going wide as he panted for breath. His head twisted wildly from side to find the perpetrator behind the voice. Sweat rolled down his face as his ears drooped again. It was the voice, it was that stupid voice...

"Outside..."

Thorax gently shifted a raggedy blanket off of his body and attempted to move. Believe it or not, Changeling's actually did sport some muscle under their natural chitin armour, and each and every one was screaming in pain as he made to sit up. The Changeling hissed as the mere action of sitting up caused pain to rock up his spine and down his legs. Tears threatened to blur his vision, but he powered through.

He had to warn them.

He got to his hooves and teetered in place for several seconds. The inside of the tent was pretty basic, and another sleeping bag sat unoccupied to his right. A few pots and pans lay scattered near the entrance, cleaned and ready for use. Above him sat a small oil lantern, which was currently turned off. Taking a peek outside, Thorax could deduce it was daylight hours.

His stomach rumbled, and he sighed in annoyance. He wasn't as hungry as he was when he collapsed who knew how long ago, but obviously the food he was given would only last a little while.

Looking back up, the Changeling nearly jumped out of his chitin upon seeing a feathered face staring at him from through the tent flap. The Gryphon stood there, a stoic and guarded look on her face as she analyzed him. Thorax gulped and his ears drooped; his rear hoof took an unconscious step back. After a few tense seconds, the Gryphon spoke.

"Come out, and no funny business."

Her gruff, but feminine voice surprised the Changeling, and he could only nod as she slowly backed away from the flap. He gulped once more, took in his surroundings for the last time, and then proceeded out of the tent.

Thorax let out a small hiss of agitation as he was nearly blinded by the sudden brightness.The sun caused his eyelids to come down and protect the blue orbs underneath.

"Come over here." The Gryphoness spoke once more, and Thorax could only obey. He followed with his eyes squinted before coming to a rather long log sitting beside a small fire. He sat on the log as the Gryphoness pointed to it before she herself walked to the other side and stood behind an Equine with a cloak. He couldn't see under the hood, so he decided to remain silent and wait for them to speak first.

"So, a Changeling in our midst, I see it is true. As of now, my only question is who?" The deep female voice spoke from under the hood, and the rhyming threw Thorax for a loop. He stuttered as his ear flicked.

"I-I'm Thorax. L-look, you- you gotta--"

"SILENCE!" The gryphoness roared, fury in her expression and tone. Her claw hung over a blade handle on her side, and she glared at the Changeling as if daring him to speak another word. Thorax merely whimpered.

"Now now, Gilda, there is no need for such anger. At the moment, he poses no danger. We shall let him speak his mind, then decide whether or not to be kind." The rhyming equine's head turned towards the cowering Changeling, but all he could make out were two seemingly yellow slits. This was somepony important if she was covering up the way she was, but she seemed to have been lacking. Her snout was visible from beneath the cowl, and Thorax could clearly see the black and white stripes indicating a Zebra.

"T-T-thank you, ma'am." Thorax gulped at the Gryphonesses murderous stare before shakely explaining his mission. "I-I am on a mission of the utmost importance, and I need to get to the Resistance before it is to late. I have a message to deliver to them, and if they don't heed my warning, then everyone might just be doomed!" Thorax weakly raised his hoofs for dramatic effect, but his half hearted attempt caused the Gryphoness to laugh.

"Seriously? You think we are gonna believe that dumb excuse?" The Gryphon chuckled, and Thorax frowned. His hoof scraped against the dry dirt nervously as he shook his head.

"You don't have to believe me, but it's true! I have to find the Resistance, or at least the Demon in Metal. He would know what to do." Thorax sighed. "Look, if the Emperor gets his hands on the Princess of Friendship, then we are all finished. I know where she is, and I can help the Resistance find her!"

The Gryphoness and the Zebra both gasped in shock at his words. Thorax's head tilted in confusion for a moment due to their reactions. He had anticipated they would know about the Princess being captured... so why did he get the idea these two might be out of the loop. The Zebra recovered first and met his eyes with a level stare.

"Your words are quite unsettling, and we cannot know if it is the truth you are telling. Last we had heard, the Princess was safe. What you say now is most grave." The Zebra shuddered and looked at the Gryphoness, who huffed in annoyance.

"I don't believe him for a second. That Demon in Metal told us she was safe back at the Resistance hideout. How would she have been taken? Better yet, tell us what you know, I wanna hear some more of his bullshit before I kill 'em."

Thorax squeaked and his his pinned to the side of his head. His whole body seemed to shy away as the Gryphoness seemed to grow taller.

"Gilda, that is quite enough. We have nursed him back to health, and still have no proof to call his bluff. I do not yet know, what I am feeling, but clarity will come if we just listen." The annoyance was evident in the Zebra's tone, and the Gryphon seemed to wilt under her piercing gaze. Thorax took another breath. What he was about to say was confidential, but what choice did he have? If he told them now, there was more of a chance they would let him go. The message needed to be delivered.

"Well... It all started when I was stationed by my queen at Canterlot..."

*****

Present Day

"MAKE WAY!!" A group of guards jumped to the side in surprise as six ponies sprinted by. Above them, in a magical grasp, were two dark but easily recognizable creatures.

"Wait, is that a..."

Stormfly skidded to a halt before the group of guards ponies as her squad moved on. All eyes turned towards her, and more than a few held confusion.

"Scan for Chitinous biology." She spoke as she held the tacpad in her hoof. The little device gave an ominous hum as a blue laser suddenly flashed in a wide arc across the stupefied group. A few shyed back in fear as the strange device's laser passed over them.

As the laser came to the last guard, it suddenly gave a loud beep and an exclamation point appeared on the screen. The laser stayed focused on the last guard as it scanned him and him alone. The guards eyes darted side to side and he snorted in anxiousness.

"//:ORITHIAN BIOLOGY DETECTED! CHITINOUS ENDOSKELETON, TWO HEARTS, ONE ABNORMALITY NEAR TOP OF HEAD, UNKNOWN ENERGY READING. RECOMMENDED ACTION: EXTERMINATION!//:"

"W-W-Wait, what?!" The guard took a step back, his eyes going wide as his ears flattened against his head. Nopony else spoke as they stared at the guard in shock. Stormfly sneered.

Faster than anyone could react, the athletic Pegasus launched forward and twirled on the spot. The blades in her wings flashed in the moonlight as her victims eyes widened in surprise, then horror. There was a wet squelch, then the crack of bone as Stormfly's wings sliced clean through the infiltrators neck, instantly decapitating him.

There were shrieks and whinneys of horror as she landed gracefully on the cobble street. Her right wing dripped with blood as she watched the headless body fall to the ground in a heap. Blood oozed and spurted from the corpse, creating a crimson stream that gushed through the cracks in the road. The leader of the now horrified group came forward, his mouth flapping in disbelief as he poked the body on the ground. After a moment, anger filled his eyes and he rounded on Stormfly.

"ARREST HER!!"

"Uh, boss?"

The pony's attention swept from Stormfly to the guard who had called him, his mouth set in a nasty snarl. Said snarl slowly changed into confusion, then fear as he watched the dead guards body go up in green flames. Being a veteran before the Elves arrived, he knew exactly what was happening.

"N-no..."

Within a few seconds, the body of the guard was all but replaced by the black shelled insect known as a Changeling. All the ponies stepped back in shock, their eyes locked on the corpse leaking not red, but green blood through the cobble. The leader looked back to Stormfly, who's face betrayed no emotion. The two locked eyes and Stormfly snorted. Her wings slightly puffed out as she stood a little bit taller.

"Round up as many guards as you can and bring them back to the barracks. You were taught before the war what to do should there be a Changeling incursion. I want as many unicorns who know the Revelare spell as possible scanning through our ranks until every last Changeling is found and eliminated." The Captain saluted, even though he outranked the Pegasus giving orders, and turned to his soldiers.

"You heard the mare! Let's get going! I want Skippio and Dawn Flash using the spell. The rest will assist in securing any bugs we find! Move out!" The group cantered ahead in rhythm as Stormfly launched into the air. Her squad was likely already warning the Captain.

*****

"Are you sure this is the right way?"

Throax groaned as his head raised to the sky in distress. His hooves were growing tired once more, and the sun was beginning to set far above them. Shadows descended across the forest, and every noise seemed to stand out to the trio of quadrupeds. Gilda, the Gryphoness, had been asking non-stop if he truly knew the way, and it irked him to no end.

"Yes, we are going the right way. My whole hive knows the way to Maritime Bay at this point, especially with how long the Queen has been disguised there."

The trio continued in silence for a short while longer before coming to a clearing. Thorax gave a sigh of relief upon being able to properly see the stars again, and he could only gaze in wonder at the beautiful night sky. Everyling knew the Princess of the Night was dead, but that didn't stop him from admiring her last effort at organizing the heavens above. If only that blasted Elf hadn't killed her, then maybe...

"Thorax, are you alright? I can see tears reflecting in the moonlight." The Zebra, Zecora, caused him to jump with her phrase. He realized he had indeed been silently crying, and he quietly shamed himself for it. He had to be strong. He had to make it the Resistance and deliver his warning.

"I-I want to live in a free world. A world were we aren't all trying to kill one another, and a world where our kin aren't reduced to animals, soon to be forgotten and erased from history. It isn't just the world of Equis and our freedoms on the line, it's our very way of life, our history, and our souls. It is our mere existence that is being threatened. My Queen decided to preserve the hive by allying with the Emperor, but now I realize that was a mistake. I tried to warn her, I tried to warn the rest of my kind, but they didn't believe me! My last hope is with the Resistance and the one who is helping them, the Demon in Metal. I overheard the Elves talking about his capabilities and technology, and he poses a real threat to their power. I need to deliver the message, because he may very well be our last hope."

Thorax looked to the ground with a sullen and wistful expression. He had done everything he could to try and warn his Queen and his people, but they refused to listen. They didn't know they were being used, and that they would be cast aside like all the others should the Emperor's grand plan succeed. His message had to get to the Resistance, and from them, to the Demon in Metal. He had heard stories of heroism and a will of iron. He had heard the Demon took on an army to save the last Alicorn Princess and won. He had heard this metal behemoth had liberated a whole village, and rescued nearly two hundred ponies from extermination. This Demon was Thorax's only hope... Equis's only hope.

A hoof gently rested on his withers, and Thorax' gaze lifted to find Zecora looking into his eyes. She held understanding, and a familial pain there that told Thorax all he needed to know.

"What you say is the truth, and the road ahead will not be smooth. We will help you on your quest, and find a way to save the oppressed." Zecora looked up and smiled. She could hear the sounds of the ocean smashing against a cliff face, and her trained Shaman eyes could make out a feint ripple just ahead of the group. "Come, Thorax and you will see. Your end goal is near, and easily within reach."

Zecora retracted her hoof from the Changeling and promptly began walking towards what appeared to be a great oak tree. Gilda and Thorax merely watched in confusion.

It was so sudden that the two nearly missed it. One second, Zecora was walking, the next, she was gone! Gilda let out a squawk of surprise and launched forward, unsheathing one of her blades in the process. After a moment of searching with her eyes, she turned towards Thorax with a hate filled glare.

"What the buck did you do?!" She snarled. She moved to stalk towards him, but a detached, striped hoof emerged from seemingly nowhere and touched Gilda on the shoulder. She gave another squawk of fear and jumped into the air. Her sword flashed, and the edge stopped mere inches from the side of a certain Zebra's neck. Thorax had to rub his eyes in order to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

Zecora smiled cheerfully and pranced in place.

"Come, come! The Resistance is not far! Just beyond this field, in the direction of the Northern Star!" Zecora turned on her hooves and trotted back through whatever barrier was in place. She all but disappeared, leaving Gilda and Thorax together. The two shared a glance before shrugging in tandem.

As they trotted through, the Changeling messenger couldn't help but feel a shiver run up his spine. He was never one to question fate, but he could only wish things would go according to plan. The entire world was at risk.

With that final thought, he passed through the barrier and marched towards an uncertain future.

*****

Rolling dark clouds shrouded the sky above, leaving a slight chill in the autumn air. The waves from the sea slammed against the cliff face below the city of Maritime Bay, and lightning flashed far in the distance. The only thing countering the oppressive nature of the weather was the lights of each humble home and small shack. Torches lined the stone walls surrounding the city, and Pegasi darted through the air in organized formations.

One particular building was more brightly lit than the others. Every square inch was bathed in the warmth of candles and magic gems. Usually, such an excessive use of these devices was frowned upon due to the scarcity of certain resources. However, a certain Prince had other ideas.

The Demon in Metal's ally was the darkness. He had been told of the Demon's capabilities when he attacked Ravenfor. He had heard from his own sister that he had seemed like a wraith as he slaughtered her captors to-be. He never struck during the day, at least to his knowledge so far.

Shining knew that even with all the lights on, the Demon simply had to stand from afar and shoot through one of the windows with his rifle. He pushed that thought to the side; he needed to think clearly, and the candles gave him and his fellow leaders that much more security.

Shining was currently pacing back and forth, his face descended in shadow. He felt rage unlike anything he had ever experienced. He felt sadness for he had lost the last person he could truly call family. Lastly, he felt guilt. He should have been there to stop the Demon. He had just gotten her back, and he should have known the Human was a double agent of some kind.

Fresh tears entered his eyes, and his face scrunched as he tried to hold in his emotions. He couldn't be weak, not when the Resistance was counting on him. Starlight had seemingly vanished, for she had never showed up to the emergency meeting currently being held. Was she taken by the Human, or was she somewhere in the city helping with the search?

"Prince Armour, we understand how you must feel, and you have our condolences, but the safety of Maritime bay is heavily at risk right now. The Dark Elves could strike at any moment now that the Princess is--er... gone..."

Ears drooped, and all the leaders present shared a moment of silence for the Princess. General Blight sniffled, a tear forming in his eye. He had only talked to the young Alicorn a few times, and each time he couldn't help but feel a warmth radiating from her very being. Maybe it was because she was the Princess of friendship, or maybe it was because she was once more reunited with her fellow ponies. Either way, she had been so full of life... only to be betrayed by the one she had called friend. It was no secret to most that the Princess had her eye on the resident Human, and each of them supported her decision in secret. Blight felt a pang in his heart, causing him to wince. That man, that monster, had betrayed them all.

"Prince Armour, I would suggest we--"

There was a sudden crash, followed by an intense moment of swearing and yelling from beyond the doorway to the conference room.

"Let us in! The counselor's need to see this; it's a setup!"

"Ma'am, please wait, it is important that--Erk!"

The doors burst open, and a frizzled Captain Spitfire rocketed through like a comet. Her eyes widened in shock as she collided bodily with the edge of the round table in the center of the room.

"Oof!" All the air exploded from her lungs in a rush as she crashed to the floor. Her groans of pain seemed to carry through the now silent room. Every eye was on the yellow and orange mare, all except those of the Prince.

"Thanks a lot." A peeved Midnight trotted into the room, his ears folded down as he glared at the two guards. Swift Spear followed along with Cobalt in tow. It wasn't until two familiar black forms floated into the room behind the group that there was a large gasp from every counselor present.

"C-Changelings?! W-what are they doing here?" General Blight's wide eyes stared at the two bugs with a hint of fear. His ears were against the side of his head, and his tail swished in nervous agitation. Nervous looks were cast around the room, and a few ponies seemed to back away if ever so slightly. At the mention of Changelings, Prince Armour whipped around. His eyes were filled with both shock and fury; a low growl began in his throat.

"Changelings, hm?" The death of his sister was momentarily forgotten as he glared at the two bugs hovering in the air. Each of the squad members gave a nervous look between the Changelings in their care and the Prince. "Set them down."

Without a word, Cobalt dropped the Changelings before the Prince and took a step back. The room seemed to hold its breath as Shining Armour stood there, unmoving and glaring. The ponies present shuffled around uncomfortably for a few more seconds before Shining spoke.

"What is your kind doing here?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but the evident fury behind his phrase caused everyone present to shiver. The two bugs gulped as one and shook their heads, but otherwise remained silent.

"C-Captain Armour, if I may-" Shining's glare was directed at Midnight upon his speaking. The Pegasus seemed to wilt under the glare, but continued on as if nothing was happening. "We believe that the Changelings are in league with the Dark Elves. We also think the Princess is actually not dead."

A pin could have dropped, and it would have seemed like an explosion had gone off. The silence in the room was deadly quiet, and pregnant with tension. Every counselor present had their eyes wide and their mouths hanging open, and every guard present waited with baited breath.

"What?" Fury rimmed Shining Armours voice as he glared at the Pegasus. His words came out with a venomous hiss as his pupils began to dilate. Spitfire stepped forward, hopefully the word of a fellow Captain would be enough to make the unicorn Prince see reason.

"It's true, Prince Shining, and we can prove it to!" Spitfire waved her hoof in the air dramatically and smiled. Once more, there was silence. The only difference was it was quite awkward as nobody moved. Spitfire's demeanor shifted to one of annoyance as she glanced around, looking for someone who was currently not present.

Shining snorted.

"This is a waste of time. You have the audacity to come in here and tell me my sister isn't dead when EVERYONE saw her body?! The Demon in Metal is the one who killed her, and if I seem to recall, you are all a part of his squad! I already know you are going to try and defend him... oh, and sure, we were infiltrated by the Changelings, but all our sources say they went into hiding! The chances are that there are a few, and if they were allied with the Elves, the Prince would have told us during his interrogation!!"

Shining's voice turned to a roar as he faced Captain Spitfire, spittle flying from his mouth. A crazed look entered his eyes, and tears were beginning to develop. The room was silent, only broken by the Captain's laboured breathing, and more than a few looks of pity and understanding were sent his way.

"S-she was the only family I had left, and she was the last Princess of Equestria. Her being alive brought hope unlike ever before among our resistance. We had a fighting chance; we could have... we could have..." Shining turned away, his sorrow threatening to spill free before everypony present.

Spitfire stomped a hoof.

"Captain, please! What you saw was a fake, and we can prove it! We have a device with his, and it can determine whether or not she was a ch- EEP!"

Spitfire was suddenly held painfully by the neck in a purple-hued, telekinetic grip. The magic around her throat lifted her into the air before squeezing in on her windpipe. The Pegasus kicked and squirmed as she feebly tried to pry herself from her magical bonds.

Below her, the others only shared a moment of shock before weapons were drawn. Midnight himself lunged with a snarl before anyone could react, his wingblades extending towards the Prince's head.

Shining Armours eyes flicked towards the attacking Pegasus and with a snarl of his horn, his horn flared in intensity. A bright purple shield erected itself moments before Midnight collided with the unicorn, and he went down with a yelp as his face smashed against its smooth surface.

The rest of the squad started yelling at Shining to put down the former Captain of the Wonderbolts, whose face was going a dark shade of purple. Her struggles started to slow as she stared down at the Prince with pleading, desperate eyes. When this ended up being futile, her gaze switched to the various council members standing around behind the Prince, unsure of what to make of the situation. One member, General Blight, was looking between Spitfire and Shining Armour with fear. However, while his compatriots seemed to be unmoving, his own hooves were skittish. He took a hesitant step towards the Prince and gulped, his eyes finding Spitfire once again. She was quickly losing consciousness, and a choked gurgle sounded deep within her chest.

"P-p-please..." She went limp in Shining's magical grip.

The unicorn was about to increase the pressure, insuring she would not open her eyes again, when he was blindsided by a certain general. His magic flickered and died as he was tossed towards the far wall of the room with a grunt. The impact left him just dazed enough to miss the General charging towards him, but not so much that he got to his hooves to dodge the incoming attack. He was just in time as a shock baton crackling with electricity impacted where he had been lying a moment ago; little lightning bolts danced across the wood and licked at his hooves as the active piece of equipment rolled across the floor;

Shining growled as he faced off against the weathered General, who held a look of determination and fury.

"Prince Armour, under the authority of the council, I am placing you under arrest for the attempted murder of Captain Spitfire!" That was all the warning the Prince got as Blight charged once more. Shining erected a shield in front of him, but something was nagging at the back of his mind.

Something was affecting him, and if one were to look closely enough, they would see the green tint within his irises. This green tint, a side effect of long term mind manipulation, caused his horn to pang in a bout of agony. Shining blinked, and then the General was upon him.

The burley Earth pony twisted onto his fore hooves and delivered a powerful kick with his rear. The Prince was just able to create a small barrier between him and the General, but it only slowed the force of the kick down.

Shining once more collided with the wall, the air expelling from his lungs as his brain tried to regain motor function. The pang in his horn was getting worse by the second, possibly due to the constant attempts at defensive magic combined with his already fragile mental state. Dizziness overcame him, and he groaned in pain. Everything was tinted green for some reason, and the sudden urge to vomit briefly overcame him. Shining groaned once more before weakly trying to rise.

By this point, the room was crowded with ponies of all sorts. A few guards from outside had come to investigate, followed by a few locals. Gasps were heard as many saw the state of their Prince and Captain of the guard. Other than that, there was silence.

Near the back of the room, Midnight cradled Spitfire's head in his lap. Tears poured down his face as he tried to wake her up, but it seemed it would all be for nought. He silently wept as everypony gave him a wide berth. That was, until Cobalt came sprinting towards him, a medical pack in his mouth.

"Lieutenant, put her down, she doesn't have much time!" Midnight was so shocked by the sudden intrusion that he let Cobalt slide in next to him and carefully grab his marefriend from his hooves. After a moment of realization, Midnight's brain restarted itself, and a brief flare of hope entered his eyes as he watched Cobalt work.

Suddenly, the Unicorn faced him with a scowl.

"When I tell you, I need you to block Spitfire's nose with your hooves and blow down her mouth twice in succession. We need to keep her lungs moving." He reached into his bag and retracted a stethoscope. "I won't have another friend leave me, not now." He placed the device on Spitfire's chest and gently moved it around until he was satisfied with the angle. His face visibly brightened after a moment, and his horn quickly lit up. "Her heart is beating, but barely." Suddenly, the center of Spitfire's chest was enveloped in Cobalt's magical glow, and Midnight could see a paced compression of her chest beating down on top of her heart. After about thirty compressions, Cobalt turned to Midnight. "Now."

Midnight leaned down and placed his one hoof over the bridge of Spitfire's nose before pressing down. He then proceeded to place his lips on hers, and blew twice. He saw her chest move from the air, but she still lay still before him. Midnight's eyes grew wide with panic as he looked down at Spitfire, his gaze searching her eyes for any sign of life... any at all. Suddenly, he heard Cobalt muttering under his breath and turned to look.

"Five, six, seven..."

Once more, her chest was compressed by his magic, and once more, Midnights eyes shifted to look at his marefriend. A tear leaked down his cheek as he weakly stroked her mane.

"Come back... please."

*****

There was a sudden commotion near the back of the building, and somepony screamed. Ponies and guards alike parted like the red sea as three intriguing individuals burst through the doors and into the main room. Four groups regarded each other: the ponies spectating, Dean's squad, the counselors, and General Blight and Shining Armour. After another moments pause, spears around the room were leveled towards the newcomers; many of the wielders recognizing the Changeling.

Thorax gulped and stepped forward, his ears drooping as he gazed from side to side. He was running on empty again, and his legs trembled from the effort of mere walking, but he had to get his message through.

"Y-you are all in grave danger, a-and there i-isn't much time!" His voice carried around the room, and more than a few eyebrows raised. Thorax gulped, but his throat was dry, and it resulted in him wheezing uncontrollably. After a moment, he was finally able to stop choking.

"The Changeling hive has stolen away your Princess, and there are infiltrators amongst your ranks! I-I need to find the D-Demon in M-Metal." His voice wavered and his vision swam.

"Traitor!" A guard in the ranks lunged forward with his spear, but he wasn't fast enough. Gilda, who had been scanning the room, reacted far faster than any creature thought possible and skewered the guard through the neck and spinal cord, killing him instantly. There was a cry of shock through the room as the guard suddenly went up in green flames, revealing a Changeling in disguise.

While all the excitement was happening, Zecora spied Prince Shining Armour sitting against the wall. His horn was sparking uncontrollably, and his eyes were glossed in a toxic green hue. She frowned in puzzlement and approached.

"Missy, not another step." The General, who had been regarding the scene with shock, analyzed the Zebra with a critical eye. Zecora merely stared back.

"If you may be so inclined, I have a remedy that can cure his mind." At the Generals questioning gaze, she huffed. "I know mind manipulation when I see it, good sir, so please, let me handle him, and this will be over in a blur." She took a hesitant step forward, but the General didn't move, so she continued forward.

Kneeling in front of the Prince, he looked up at her with a stupified gaze.

"Z-Zecora? Zecora the Zebra?" He mumbled. The Zebra shaman frowned. She was surprised he remembered her from their one chance meeting after the invasion. Whilst Chrysalis had invaded Canterlot, Zecora had been present during the wedding. Upon Shining Armour and Princess Amora's love blast, not every Changeling was expunged. She was able to work with a few of Canterlot's finest scientists and developed a spell capable of revealing the Changeling illusion magic. It was called Revelare, and she was awarded by the Prince himself for her efforts.

"It is indeed I, Captain Armour, Just a moment, and you will be woozy no longer." She reached into her saddle bags and dug around for a moment. Finally, with a smile, she pulled out her prize. "Thankfully I always carry a spare, though this must be used with the utmost care. This little potion, gives insight along with better locomotion. Drink." She tipped the strange white potion down Shining's now open throat. He did not fight back against her words, but merely obeyed him. She hoped she wasn't to late.

For Shining, the world stopped hurting, and instead faded to black.

*****

"Wha... what is this... this intrusion?? Thou are't not supposed to be here... unless.... DAMN THAT SHAMAN TO THE PITS OF TARTARUS!!!"

The world warped and turned at the sudden but familiar screech of rage. Two green, feline-esque eyes peered through the warping colours, regarding the little unicorn Prince floating before her. He couldn't speak, couldn't move, but he could watch. He was at a crossroads here, a path between two minds. One held a heart so foul, no creature would ever seek it's love or presence, the other held a familial love, one that was meant to heat the chill wrought by a cold Hearth's Warming 'eve. It was one that would stand in the way of danger, and act as the shield that guarded against the forces of darkness. The light in the dark, the knight in Shining Armour.

'Wait...'

'His name...'

'It was Shining Armour.'

The warping surroundings suddenly solidified into a pasty black and white setting. Changeling's milled about huge cavern, most already sitting and facing a strange structure on an ancient, raised stone dias. Shining was hovering slightly above the group of Changeling's and he saw what appeared to be a strange X formation between two pillars of stone. Squinting harder, he could make out the raised form of a pony. Her fur was pink and vividly contrasted against the dark grey surroundings. There was no cutie mark that he could see, but something about her tail and mane just rubbed him the wrong way. The colours were eerily familiar, and he couldn't help but think he was looking at a ghost.

His gaze switched from the pony to something that was appearing in the shadows behind her; The pony was facing Shining, but her face was cast in Shadow, as well as most of her body. The four legged creature opened its eyes, and Shining mentally snarled, his eyes narrowed.

"My loyal subjectsssss. Today, we bring forth the next generation of warriors. Born from the blood of the purest love..."

'Purest love? What did that mean?'

"One day, I will be replaced, but thanks to the generous offer of our new ally, the Dark Elves, our kind will forever live in prosperity! This pony... this Alicorn...

'Wait... she can't mean...'

"She will be the brood mare for this next generation. I have taken her love from her; her magic is gone. Bear witness, my loyal subjects, as you welcome in your next of kin!!"

The hair. He had recognized the hair. And the fur. Memories flooded Shining Armour's mind. Her joyful laugh, one that was full of life and passion. Her loving compassion, as she cared for her subjects needs, and kept the Stallion she was married to going. It was her, it was her....

'No...'

'You will watch.'

'I can't...'

'Then I will make you.'

Shining's eyes were pried open by an unseen force. He couldn't fight back, he couldn't resist. He had been told she had been killed, and it had broken him. They... they had told him it had been swift, that the Emperor himself had struck her down as he tried to escape with their daughter. Whatever was happening before him... it couldn't be real. It couldn't!

'It issss....'

A strange tube pulsating a toxic green slowly unfurled from underneath the queen. Shining could now see the inflated belly of Chrysalis, something he had not seen in all the times he had encountered her.

The hose like appendage snaked between his wifes legs, but continued past her groin before rising up. Then some more... and then more.

The full, horrifying length of the appendage was revealed as the tip reached up to Cadance's chin. The pulsating green light illuminated her wings, sheared horn, and bruised face, confirming to Shining that it was indeed his wife. He felt bile rise in his throat, but he could not open his mouth.

Jeers and yells of approval rose amongst the ranks of Changeling's as the appendage retracted. Shining watched as it slowly traced down his wife's stomach, leaving some kind of slimy residue as it traversed through her fur. He heard her whimper, and her eyes squeezed as she bit her cheek. He could see the pain written on her features, and a tear slid down his cheek.

'No... no more... please...'

'The Zebra Shaman gave you a potion to counter the effects of my control, but she did not anticipate that I would be aware. You get to watch as our connection is slowly destroyed, and you get to see what I will do to your lovely sister in the coming days...'

'What?'

'Foal. Ask your Demon...'

Shining's eyes were forced back to the sight before him, and his ears folded against his head. He could see his wife, her face, her body. For two years, it had been nothing but a painful memory, a testament to his failure. He watched as the appendage snaked inside of her, causing her to scream in pain, and for tears to begin dribbling down her cheek.

Shining shook his head. It was to much, it was all to much!

Horror crossed his features as he watched egg after egg slip inside his wife, her screams and cries for help seemingly going unheard as her belly slowly began to swell. After a moment, there was a loud crack, and the Princess of love screamed. Shining noticed her rear end go limp, and due to his extensive medical knowledge, figured her spine must have broken.

Tears continued to crawl down his eyes; he tried to scream, but no sound came.

He saw her ribs expanding, then cracking as egg after egg was forced into her. Every time an egg slipped in, an unholy scream would erupt from her lips. It seemed that the Changeling queen was trying to make the process as physically painful as possible. Shining could only watch in mute horror. His chest was wracked with sobs, his eyes were going bloodshot, but still no sound could come forth. He heard the presence of the Queen near his ear as she smirked.

'This will happen to your sister, as it happened to your wife. The best part? You can't stop me! You drove the Demon away, your only hope in finding your precious sister! This is your fault, Captain. You damned your wife to this fate when you abandoned her.'

'No...'

'You damned the Resistance when you drove the Human away!'

'Faust, please... no...'

'And finally, you damned your sister. The last family you have on this world. Your wife is gone, your parents are gone, your sister is gone, and your hope... is gone.'

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

*****

Shining bolted from the bed in a flash, a primal scream erupting from his throat. His eyes were wide, his ears pinned to the sides of his head. His heart raced as he looked around in terror, but all he could see was darkness.

The Prince fell back to his mattress, which he could also not see, and began to weep. Heaving sobs wracked his whole body as he cried into the pillow below him, his mind alight with the horrors he had just witnessed. His wife... his love... his daughter... his sister...

A hoof lay upon his wither, but he dared not look. He was hiding, hiding from the world, his mistakes, and that terror of a bug. She was right, it was all his fault, all of it. He should have stayed with his wife, maybe then they would have had a fighting chance. Or maybe he should have kept a closer eye on Twilight? He had thought her dead, murdered by the one she loved. He had been wrong, and he was too weak to save the ones he loved.

"Captain Shining?"

He knew that voice, and he cried ever louder at the guilt welling in his chest. He had tried to strangle to pony, murder her in cold blood. Why was she here? She should leave him alone, she would be safer that way.

"Shining, look at me."

He felt something slide off his face, and the world became noticeably brighter even with his eyes closed. Tears still poured from his eyes.

After a moment, his sobs died down to the odd sniffle or hiccup. Everything seemed so serene, so quiet. He was likely in the hospital, and if he had to hazard a guess, not one, but two ponies were standing beside his bed. He knew who they were, and he felt like a weakling whilst avoiding them. A tiny voice entered into his mind.

"Get up Shiny."

"Come on, daddy. You can do it!"

"I need you BBBFF..."

Shining forced himself to his hooves, which proved quite difficult due to his tired state. A look of determination came over him as he faced the two soldiers beside his bed. He winced in guilt upon seeing a dark bruise forming around his fellow Captain's throat, but he would have to apologize later.

"Report, what happened while I was out?" He went right for business; now was not a time to mess around, not anymore. The two Pegasi gave each other a look before Midnight stepped forward. Shining noticed a unicorn guard standing in the shadows near the door, but ignored it in favor of his lieutenant.

Midnight hesitantly snapped a salute. "Sir, the Changeling's have been expunged from the guard, but we are still searching the city for stragglers." Midnight dropped the salute and blinked.

Shining hummed, his eyes squinting. He needed to be sure. His guilt could wait until after he got Twilight back, but until then it was a distraction. He had cried everything out anyway.

"Shining, are you alright?" He barely registered the question posed by Spitfire, and without thinking, he shook his head. A murderous look entered his eyes, but he wasn't looking at Spitfire. He was going to find that bug, and he was going to make her pay. The suffering the... the bitch put his wife through would be reenacted tenfold if he had his way. He needed to get to the hive, and he needed to burn it to the ground.

"You two, grab a platoon each and ready the chariots. We will be riding to the Changeling hive in three hours." He shakily got to his hooves and hopped off the bed, nearly collapsing in the process. However, the sheer rage developing deep within him kept him on his hooves, and he shrugged it off.

"Captain, there is something else you should know before we do that." Shining's eyes turned to Midnight, an eyebrow raised as he paused midstep. The two Pegasi were slightly weirded out by their leaders behaviour. His sobs had been utterly gut wrenching, but upon them rousing him from his melancholy, he nearly had a full mood swing. Spitfire analyzed the Captain's eyes as Midnight informed him of Dean's plan. She had known Shining Armour since officers training, and the two had grown a friendly bond of sorts. The recent choking he had done was a result of his poisoned mind, so she could at least forgive that. The look in his eyes though, she had seen it in many recruits. The bitter hatred for an enemy, the longing for revenge, and the plan to enact it. Something had happened when that Zebra fed him the potion. She could see he was clear of the mind alterations, but something had happened that he wasn't telling them.

"Lieutenant, thank you for bringing this to my attention. While the Sergeant is indeed capable, it is my sister that needs saving. I just... have a feeling he will need help is all, and I need you both to trust me." The Captain's eyes turned pleading, almost to the brink of tears. Spitfire decided she had enough.

"What did that potion do to?" She suddenly asked. She glanced at the guard stationed at the door and bobbed her head. The guard took the que and promptly exited the room. Now, it was only the three of them. Shining looked at the yellow Pegasus with a hint of fear.

"N-nothing, it just g-got rid of Chrysalis' control over my mind." He forced a smile, but Spitfire could see the beads of sweat on his forehead. It seemed that Midnight saw it to, and he let out a sigh.

"Captain, we are your friends, and we want to help. We saw you scream in fear, we heard you weeping, and we can both see the murderous glint in your eyes. What really happened?" The two sat before their leader, a pleading look in their eyes.

Shining Armour sighed, his ears drooping and a tired look coming over him.

"The connection that Chrysalis made with me was very strong, and when the potion knocked me out, I was able to see her thoughts, and she, mine. She knew the potion was eating away at the connection, so she decided to s-show me something." Shining grimaced, and a tear traced its way down his cheek. After a moment of silence he looked at the two ponies before him. "S-she murdered my wife. Executed her in such a horrific manner, that it makes the Elven Emperor look good. S-she said t-that the s-same would happen to T-T-Twily, a-and..." Before Shining could break down again, his two compatriots quickly moved to his side and wrapped him in a hug. He began to sob once again; the thought of his little sister, his last living family, suffering that fate... he felt sick.

As the stallion cried between them, Midnight and Spitfire shared a look. The yellow Pegasus gave a nod, one which her coltfriend returned. When Shining finally got his emotions under control, the two gave him a determined look.

"Dean was warning us that if the Princess falls into the wrong hooves, then Equestria as a whole is doomed. We will get her back, whatever the cost. We will help you, and I know every soldier, and every citizen in this city will lay down their lives for her to... and for you."

Shining's eyes once more simmered with tears, but instead of sadness, they were filled with joy. He smiled at the two ponies and straightened his back.

"Thank you, thank you both. We will save Twilight, whatever the cost."

"Whatever the cost," the two echoed.

*****

Sixty ponies in full battle armour were lined before a raised podium on the training grounds. Each held a stoic, almost imperceptible look as they regarded their Prince standing before him. The sun was rising in the East, and the sky was a bloody red colour. A storm was coming.

"Guards! Resistance fighters! And Citizens!" He made sure to include the civilians looking in from the ramparts. "I have called you hear today because our way of life is more at risk than ever! Last night, we discovered that Changeling's, who have allied with the Dark Elves, had infiltrated our city. Last night, I... I was fooled into thinking the Demon in Metal had killed our beloved Princess! I was WRONG!" He bellowed. There were a few gasps of shock in the ranks, and looks of uncertainty where passed. Shining sighed before continuing his speech.

"She was taken by none other than Queen Chrysalis! She was taken, and the queen intends to kill her! She thinks that we are so weak that she can come right in, and steal our Princess! I think she is wrong! The Demon in metal went ahead, and he is on a mission to save Twilight Sparkle. He is sacrificing life and limb to bring her back to us safely. However, the Demon cannot do this alone. We are needed, no, obligated to do whatever is in out power to get out Princess back. She is the hope that ponykind needs, and she will come home to us! Soldier's I am asking you, not as a leader, but a fellow pony, and as a brother in arms, that you follow me to the Changeling hive! I ask that you follow me, so that we can bring hope back to Equestria. And I ask that you follow me, so that we may show that Equestria stands STRONG!!!"

"OORAH!!"

The assembled soldier's let out their war cry. Spears were raised in the air, and looks of determination were all that could be seen across the field. Shining smiled.

"GO NOW! TO THE CHARIOTS; FOR THE PRINCESS!!"

"FOR THE PRINCESS!!"

Sixty ponies boarded onto their transportation. It was to be the biggest offensive the Resistance had orchestrated throughout the war. The Demon in Metal needed their help, and that was just what they were going to do. Looking at the purple helmet with a deep violet mohawk in his grip, Shining's face remained neutral. He would save his sister, he would fix what he had done wrong...

...or he would die trying.

With that thought, Shining Armour placed the helmet upon his head. A look of determination washed his face clean, and he prepared for the coming battle. The Princess depended on him, on Equestria, and on the Demon.

"I'm coming, Chrysalis." He snarled.

The twenty chariots took off from their landing strip and soon disappeared west over the ocean, avoiding the radar, and making their way to rescue Princess Twilight Sparkle, the last Alicorn.

Interlude: Brownie's Christmas

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A frigid wind blew across the Human as he walked down a road in Canterlot. Snow decorated the streets, and decorations hung from every available corner. Chimney's along every house and every mansion were alight, and smoke lazily wafted into the air. Fluffy gray clouds floated lazily above, and if one were to look, they would see a multitude of Pegasi playing various games.

Dean, the Human, smiled as he approached his next destination. Under one arm, he carried a basket that was half full of various trinkets and unique objects. Each one sported a sticky note on the side, so as not to be misplaced or for their recipient to be forgotten.

He was just reaching for the door of the distillery before him when a small, round, and white blur flew past his face. The hunk of snow splattered against the frame of the door, and chunks of the former projectile landed on Dean's.

The Human gave a huff of amusement as he half turned towards the perpetrator behind the attack. His eyes searched for a good moment before coming upon what seemed to be an oddly shaped snow bank. His smirk grew into a smile as a little colt's head slowly rose over the edge of the bank. Nothing but his eyes and snout appeared as he searched for the human, and when his eyes found their target, his pupils dilated.

Quick as a flash, the pony was gone, and Dean could hear fierce whispering coming from behind the snow bank. Dean took his custom faux leather gloves out of his pocket and slipped them onto his hands. He then proceeded to carefully place his basket of goods beside the window of the distillery.

Ever so slowly, he turned around and regarded the snow bank once more. He was surprised to see at least three more faces analyzing him from afar, but his surprise melted into a kind smile.

He bent down and quickly scooped some snow from a bank beside him, his eyes never once leaving the children. His dexterous hands molded the snow into a fine ball, and once done, he held it in his right hand like a baseball.

The kids, having seen what he was up to at the last second, yelled at their fellows to run, but they were too slow. A brown Pegasus with a fiery red mane was a second too slow and received Dean's snowball to his side. The colt yelped and tumbled down the hill as the others ducked for cover.

Dean laughed loudly as he shook his head. Kids will be kids after all, especially when school was out for the winter. Mares and Stallions walking the street chuckled upon witnessing the short lived snowball fight before continuing on their way. Dean himself turned around and hefted his basket once more. He was about to continue when his eyes caught something in the reflection of the glass.

A rainbow blur promptly shot through the sky, but it was gone before Dean could get a good identification on who it was. He had a suspicion, but it wasn't of much concern to him. That Pegasus knew what kind of things happened when he caught her.

With a snort, Dean adjusted his heavy overcoat and twisted the knob of the door. The wind had been picking up again, and he could see a flurry of snow beginning to develop far above. His boots clunked as he stepped into the massive store, and he was forced to duck as he took a step in. Hopefully, those kids wouldn't pull anything when he came out.

"What can I do for you today?" A stallion behind the nearby counter asked with a thick accent. He spoke the common tongue, but there was no denying this stallion's foreign heritage. Dean cocked his head to the side ever so slightly as he recognized the accent.

"Are you from the Crystal Empire?"

The stallion smiled, not taking offense to the fact that the enormous biped before him had ignored his initial question. He nodded his head and chuckled.

"Indeed I am! Though, it has been years since I was last in the city. The last time I saw it on the train that took me to that wretched camp the Elves had created in Stalliongrad." The stallion shivered, and his smile dipped slightly. There was a moment's pause as the pony got a far off look. It only lasted a second before he shook his head and the smile returned.

"I don't suppose I'll ever see my home again. So, I have made it my duty to help keep the memory of the city alive for all who visit here. Now, what can I do for you?" Dean had frozen up at what the stallion had said, but upon seeing the ponies' rapid change in demeanor, he simply shrugged it off. What happened in the past was going to stay in the past.

"Well, it has come to my attention that this place was having a Chr- I mean, a Hearths-warming special of sorts. I was wondering if you had anything for a small group of people to celebrate with?" The stallion nodded his head and pushed a button on his desk.

"Ah yes, let me check for you. I'm sure we've got something in the back." Dean nodded his head and allowed the stallion to do his work.

As the pony wandered off in search of a drink, Dean's eyes wandered about the building. His basket of goodies was still clutched in his hand, and he placed it on a stool just off to the side.

A fire crackled a ways away in the corner of the room. Its flames danced and swirled as the magic induced wood kept it alight. Above the fireplace, sitting on a ledge, was one of those weird Russian dolls. Dean tilted his head at the familiar piece of wooden craft and slowly walked up to it. The drawings decorating the Matryoshka, depicted snowflakes and what appeared to be prancing ponies on a snowy hilltop. Dean was about to reach forward to look closer at the doll when the store pony returned and cleared his throat.

Dean immediately stood straight and turned towards him. The pony smirked as he glanced at the Matryoshka.

"I see you found one of my family heirlooms. My father would always put one above the mantle of the fireplace and said it was a good luck charm that kept the Windigos out." The stallion analyzed the Matryoshka for a few seconds more before turning to Dean. Presented a pale brown bottle to the Human before him, and his smile grew. Dean took the bottle and tried to read the label, but the words on it were unknown to him. While he knew a variety of languages from around the world, this one utterly stumped him.

"It's a special brand of alcohol created from the Crystal fruit and fermented into a wine. It is then slightly heated to ensure maximum taste. Essentially, it is much like Brandy, but the difference is the magical essence that leaks from the special fruit that was once found in the Empire. You would have to taste it yourself to understand."

The two found themselves in front of the counter. Dean's focus shifted from the bottle, and a smile graced his lips. Without a word, he reached into his pocket and grabbed his wallet. As he pulled the folded faux leather object, the stallion's eyes went wide.

"Oh no, no, no, there is no need to pay for this drink, my friend!" The stallion chuckled; Dean huffed.

"A drink such as this, especially with how rare it is, deserves to be paid for. How much do I owe you?" Dean began counting out a handful of bits. While most things in Equestria were considered pretty cheap, alcohol was not within that margin. It had cost a surprising amount before the war, and once more cost a lot afterwards.

The stallion shook his head and stared into Dean's eyes.

"It is on the house, my friend. Consider it a gift, and a thank you." Dean looked up in surprise, his mouth twisting into an 'o' shape.

"W-What do you mean a 'thank you'? I-I haven't even done anything to warrant this." Dean was dead silent as the stallion decided to glare into his eyes. There was a determination there, and what appeared to be a little bit of admiration.

"Does the term, Demon in Metal, ring a bell?" The stallion suddenly asked.

Dean inhaled sharply, his eyes widened.

"Wait--"

"Because of you, myself and my wife were able to escape the Dark Elves and live peacefully together. Because of you, we now have a beautiful daughter and a comfortable life." The stallion reached over the desk and gently closed Dean's hand around his bits. The human in question merely continued to stare at the pony.

"Take the drink, Sergeant. It's the least I can do.

"T-thank you," Dean said with a nod. His body unfroze, and he found himself at the door. His basket was in his hand once more, and the bottle of secret brandy sat nestled beside some chocolates. The pony smiled and bowed his head in return, and then scurried off down the aisle. The human watched the pony go for a moment before opening the door and stepping back out into the frigid December weather. Dean glanced to his right and then left before making his way back down the road. He remained silent as he thought of Stallions words.

Ever since winning the war, and defeating the Emperor, Dean was seen as a national hero. While it did give him a sense of accomplishment, he didn't like the amount of attention he was getting. People would stop him on the street, or in stores, or wherever he was to tell him how proud they were of him. He felt honored by the praise, but it was also a bit irritating. He was just a human, and had he not had the backing of the Resistance, and had the Guardian not stepped in, and, and and...

Dean was so lost in thought that he didn't see the snowball coming before it was too late. It splattered across his back, causing him to halt in his tracks. The sound of giggling echoed behind him.

Turning around, he caught a few of the kids from before scrambling for cover. His frown slowly morphed into a smile he caught sight of a nearby guard. He quickly stalked up to the pony, whose eyes were on him as he approached.

"Sergeant, can you take this to Captain Spitfire? Tell her to leave it in my quarters." The guard silently saluted as he took the basket of goods in his magic.

As the pony trotted away, Dean turned and faced the direction of his unsuspecting targets. He stood in the street, the only movement being his eyes. High snow banks were on either side of him, and he carefully predicted where he would strike first. His eyes flicked to the side as he caught sight of someone moving to his left. He heard a giggle and some muffled whispering. He smirked.

Carefully leaning down, his gloved hands scooped a good portion of snow from the ground, and for the second time that day, he molded his weapon of terror.

Just as the first colt poked their head over the snowbank, Dean wound his arm back, and began a snowball fight that would echo through eternity.

*****

"Where the heck have you been?! I've been waiting for you to arrive for the past hour!"

Dean cringed at the sudden volume of the voice, but he couldn't help but chuckle. There was no heat behind the tone, and Dean knew this particular pony well enough that he could tell what she was thinking before even she knew herself.

"Good afternoon to you too, hon." He replied with a smirk. He was in the process of hanging his coat from one of the pegs by the door when said pony bodily collided with his chest.

Dean gave a yelp as he flared his arms and fell onto his back. He didn't much feel anything, for his attention was on the pony lying on his chest with a warm smile.

"Hey, love." She cooed as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Her muzzle was right beside his neck, and her breath tickled his skin. Her fluffy chest seemed to act as a blanket as she wiggled closer to Dean's head. He smiled silently as she slowly wiggled closer, a mischievous glint entering her eyes. He noticed her tail flick, and her wings extended ever so slightly to the sides. His smile turned into a smirk as he himself decided some mischief was in order.

Before the Princess could pounce and claim her prize, Dean's arms suddenly wrapped around her back, effectively pinning her to his chest. She gave a squeal of surprise as she was lifted into the air by the human super soldier. Dean quickly crossed the room before jumping onto the couch sitting before a lovely fire. He once more fell onto his back and Twilight giggled when he stopped moving.

She gave him a brief case of puppy-dog eyes, and he conceded by letting her go. All the warning Dean got was her irises widening before she was upon him. Her lips collided with his without a moment's notice, and her wings stretched to encompass him and her both. Dean accepted the kiss with gusto, and he instinctively brought his hand up onto his marefriends back.

She purred as they made out on the couch, and Dean decided to go the next step.

His hands traced along her spine, then off to the side as he reached the Princesses flank. Just as Twilight slowly broke apart from him, he gave a firm squeeze, causing her to yelp and blush redder than a tomato. Dean chuckled as she leaned back down and nuzzled his neck tenderly... that is, until a timer went off in the kitchen.

Dean groaned as Twilight slowly sat up. She was in such a peculiar position at the moment, and it seemed she realized it too. Her eyes danced with mirth as she gave a quick wiggle of her rump against him, causing his own face to heat up.

"Heh heh, sorry stud, but I gotta get the turkey." She hopped off of her Human and seemed to Prance her way towards the kitchen. Dean watched her go in disappointment, but that changed when she looked back and wiggled her backside once more. She gave him a wink before disappearing through the doorway.

Dean laid back against the couch and closed his eyes. The warmth of the fire was slowly worming its way through his consciousness, and he was having a hard time staying awake. He gave a quiet sigh as his mind wandered.

On the morrow, the two would be making the trip down to Maritime Bay to celebrate. Twilight's friends were all coming, and so were most of the surviving members of the Resistance. It was uncanny; he hadn't celebrated Christmas in nearly nine whole years. There was no time, on Earth or in Equestria, to take the much needed break and celebrate together.

A tear traced down his face, and a sad smile came upon his face. He remembered the last time he had celebrated the holiday with his family. It was about four months before the start of the war, and everyone had come home to join them. It was the last time he had seen his parents, both of whom he didn't talk about all too much, and one of the last overly fond memories he had with his wife and kid. He recalled a particular song just then, one his entire family in front of the fire a few hours before 'Santa' came.

The lyrics came to him vividly, and he softly began to sing.

"Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,

Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth"

Dean smiled as he stared at the roof. The flames from the fire caused shadow's to dance across the roof, and the human held a sense of longing. He had long since come to terms with the fact that he could not, and would not go back to Earth and he had finally to terms with the death of those he loved.

So why was he feeling this way?

Dean felt something bump against his arm, and he glanced over at the white cup with steam wafting out of it. He could smell the chocolaty goodness of the hot cocoa hovering beside him, and he could see a plethora of marshmallows stacked within. He smiled as he looked past the cup towards his girlfriend, who was giving him a look of understanding.

As he grabbed the cup and sat up, the Princess slowly walked over and hopped onto the couch beside him. Her head leaned against his side, and he wrapped a free hand around her, bringing her close.

"Want to talk about it?" Twilight murmured softly against his chest. Her eyes were closed, and Dean could feel her heart beating in rhythm with his own. Dean stared into the fire as he thought silently. The drink in his hand did wonders to take away whatever stress he had just been feeling.

"The last Christmas I ever witnessed was nearly eight years ago, four months before the war." Twilight hummed at his side, and he knew she was listening. "It is surreal to think that after everything I went through, after all that I have done, I'm finally at peace. I missed last Christmas, or Hearth's Warming I guess.., though I think we all did because of the damages that needed fixing.

Twilight sighed and nodded. When the Elves were freed from the Destroyer, she and Dean had to work tirelessly around the clock to bring Equestria back from the darkness. There was a food shortage at one point, and suicide rates were the highest they've ever been. They had gone through most major holidays making sure the kingdom wouldn't crumble from the war that they had no time to celebrate or rest. Now that she thought about it, it had been only a month since something major had come up, and this was the first Hearth's Warming Equestria would experience in three years. The thought of that alone brought a tear to her eye.

"Every Hearth's warming, I would gather my friends and family and we would all go skating on the lake beside Ponyville. I can remember it now, it was the first time I had ever used skates. You should have seen it, I fell on my flank so many times that I just resorted to scooting around!" They both chuckled as they pictured the obscure scene. Dean brought Twilight ever so slightly closer against him and sighed.

His face was now contorted into a smile, and a jolly light danced in his eyes. It all made sense now, why he had felt that sense of longing. This is what he had been missing: the cheerful feeling, the cozy warmth along with his significant other curled up by the fire. It had been so, so long... longer than he could remember.

"Thank you, Twi." He murmured as he held her close. She eagerly nuzzled his cheek and draped her wings around them, relishing the warmth and comfort they both created. Dean inhaled deeply, the smell of Lavender and something else reaching his nostrils. Twilight giggled happily, causing her boyfriend to smile. The twinge of exhaustion was overcoming them both, and Twilight yawned. The two stayed in the embrace, and neither had any plans to move for the rest of the night.

"Happy Hearth's Warming, love," Dean whispered softly.

Twilight gave him a soft smile and nodded.

"Merry Christmas, Dean."

...

Knock, Knock, Knock!

Dean looked at Twilight, and she looked at him. Who would be knocking at their door at this time in the evening? It was nearly sundown, and the city of Canterlot was alight with celebration. The two had no plans other than to sit by the fire and relax...

"I'll go see who it is." Dean volunteered as he moved to sit up. He heard Twilight give a light mewl in disappointment, and gave her a light scratch behind the ear. This seemed to satisfy her as he stood and made his way towards the door.

He reached forward and unlatched the bolt before opening it wide. While he was by no means in a warzone, it still helped to err on the side of caution. Should anyone have been looking to force their way in through the door, they would be met with no resistance and would have fallen through.

Dean's eyes scanned the hallway with a questioning eyebrow, not seeing anyone of note.

The Human super soldier nearly jumped out of his skin when a light cough sounded at his feet. He took a surprised step back as his eyebrows shot up and his mouth formed into the shape of an 'O'.

The pony at his feet was easily recognizable, and Dean was too flabbergasted to comment on his roughed up shape. He vaguely heard Twilight approaching from behind, and as she stood beside him, her mouth fell open as well.

"Brownie?!" They said in unison.

*****

Two hours prior...

The dirt brown Unicorn sat in the middle of the street, His hooves tightly folded across his body as he shivered in the cold breeze that blew down the dark road. His coat was worn and ragged, His mane and tail were misshapen and ruffled. His eyes held a vacant look as he stared at a spot on the ground just in front of him.

"T'was Hearth's Warming 'eve, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." A tear formed in his eye as he murmured the old foals tale. His mother had used to tell it to him every December, and each time he had been enthralled. Just last year, his parents had found that same tale buried in the Maritime Bay Library, and the three had read it on that cold Hearth's Warming 'eve.

"No..." he murmured once more. He couldn't think of them, not any more. They were gone, and there was nothing he could do about it. The ones he had loved, the two ponies who had cared for him, protected him, and comforted him." he shook his head from side to side, his teeth gritting as he tried to expel the memory. His teeth chattered as she shivered on the side of the road.

No one was out and about at this time, they were all at home celebrating. The sun was setting, and the sky was cast in a dull orange light .

"I... I want them back." He mumbled absentmindedly. It had happened so suddenly. His folks were going to be killed, and he would have died right alongside them. But then he had showed up. He had talked with the man over the magicomm, and he had rescued his whole town. He had promised to keep him safe, that he would be reunited with his mother and father soon.

And he did! The Human had held up to his promise! For a little while, the little colt that was Brownie had everything. He was free, he had a place to sleep in comfort, he had friends, and he had his parents...

And now he has nothing.

As he shuffled down the road, his ears drooped and a tired expression entered his eyes. He couldn't well cry, for his tears would freeze before they even had a chance to spill. He just needed a place to properly think, that was all. A... place to sit and contemplate his future.

His feet carried him to the edge of the city. He had no idea how long he had been walking, but it had obviously been a while. Below him, a ledge with a snow filled garden sat next to a frozen over pool. Beyond that, a sturdy marble wall ended the boundaries of the city. He could hear the waterfall cascading from somewhere below, and Brownie found its sound mesmerizing. He was ten years old now, but some ponies could easily mistake him for being older. The war, the death of his parents, and the trauma had shaped him in such a way that he was forced to grow up. Muscles bristled under his coat.

Brownie slowly plodded up to the edge of the wall and looked down with a solemn expression. No ponies were around, which was good, as he didn't trust himself to say anything. The thought of talking to another pony was something that he wasn't sure if he would ever be able to manage in this state of mind.

It was better that he was left alone after all. He had no friends, as they had stayed in Maritime Bay, and he was scared to go see the Sergeant. The Human had better things to do then worry about one lone colt after all. He was helping rebuild a whole kingdom along with the Princess, and they would likely not want to be bothered.

The tears finally came as he stared down the several hundred foot drop below him. His body shook with wracking sobs as he found himself remembering everything he once had. The Elves had taken everything from him, and he couldn't get any revenge. He was just a colt! A young, stupid child. He wanted his parents again, he wanted to be with them and be young again. He wanted to forget everything that had happened... he was so tired, more so than anyone his age had any right to be.

He stood on two hooves and placed his front ones on the ledge. It was Hearth's Warming, a time of love and friendship. A time when one got together with family and cuddled by the fire.

Brownie no longer had any of that. All he had was himself. He was the stupid kid, the one who had needed saving. It was him who had gotten them killed. When the house began to collapse. His father had held the burning beam long enough for his mother to throw him out of the window. Then there was an explosion, and he had lost consciousness.

It was his fault.

It was all his fault.

...

Something landed softly to his side and just behind him. He heard whomever it was ghost up and lean against the barrier. Out of his peripherals, he could make out what appeared to be a humanoid figure wearing a large coat and a strange hat. His arms were crossed as he leaned against the barrier, and his eyes stared out into the distance.

"What do you want... a-are you an Elf?" Brownie asked meekly from his seat. The fact that those wretched beings were allowed to stay and help repair the country sickened him. They all deserved to burn, all of them. He had let a bit of anger slip through into his voice, but the fear was evident. He slowly shied away from the being beside him, his ears flattening against his head.

"No, I'm not." Brownie's head slowly turned to regard the figure standing there. Confusion entered his mind first, then apprehension as he realized what it was. The ears and clothing gave it away pretty easily.

"Y-you're a Human!" He gasped out. His prior thoughts were momentarily put on the backburner as he gazed at the man in wonder. As far as Brownie knew, Dean was the only one! He needed to inform someone!

"Hold it, kid." The being chuckled merrily as he held up his hand, "I'm an Archangel, not a Human, but also a Human... It's complicated. My name is the Guardian, but you can call me Sam." Sam smiled lightly and crouched down. "What's yours?"

Brownie's mouth flapped for a moment as he slowly retracted away from the ledge. Everything was quiet except for the waterfall far below. The sound didn't sound so inviting now, and Brownie shivered as he came to the realization of what he was about to do. He gulped as he averted his gaze from both the Archangel and the ledge. He gently pawed at the ground and shook his head.

"I-I.. I'm Brownie." Faust, he sounded like a child. Sure he was one, but it sure didn't feel like it. "It... it's nice to meet you." He mumbled.

Sam smiled and sat down in the snow, his back leaning against the wall as he took a breath. His eyes sparkled with mirth as he regarded the little brown Unicorn sitting in front of him. His smile never left his face, and Brownie felt a sense of comfort all around him. This individual before him was different... powerful. However, unlike the suffocating feeling he had been told to expect among strong magic users, this one was more of a warm and gentle feeling. He felt a tear fall from his eye as happy thoughts entered his head, and he hurriedly wiped it away.

Sam frowned.

"Is something bothering you, Brownie?" He asked quietly. He didn't move so much as a muscle, and the kindness in his eyes was so inviting. Brownie realized that he had not talked to anyone about his feelings in nearly a whole year. Not since... not since the incident.

"H-how can I t-trust you?" The colt sniffled as he regarded Sam warrily. He couldn't be too sure, not in this day and age. Sam smiled and shrugged.

"Well, that's for you to decide. I could tell you that I am a good friend of the Princess, or that I am the one hosting tomorrow's festivities, but in the end, it's you who has to make the decision to just... open up."

Brownie sniffled once more as his body was wracked with sobs once more. Without realizing, he suddenly found himself in a warm embrace. Two arms wrapped around him carefully and softly. Brownie buried his head into Sam's chest and wept, all the while the Archangel held him there, acting as support.

After a moment, Brownie's feelings began to return to normal, and he gently scooted away from the Archangel. Sam let him go without a word and returned to just looking at him again with kind eyes.

"I read that Hearth's Warming is a time to celebrate the unification of the Ponies, and how they overcame the odds. However, there was another tidbit that I couldn't help but notice. It is a time to celebrate with friends and family, and a time to let worries pass. Technically, I guess it's a rebirth into a new season that will hopefully be better than the last. Why are you out here, all alone?"

Brownie sighed and looked towards the setting sun. It was nearly behind the far off mountains and he could see that twilight was nearly upon them. It was going to get cold soon, very cold.

"I have nowhere else to go." He whispered gently. "I have no friends here, no family, and all I feel is... is this rage. It was my fault that I have nothing, it's my fault my family died. I-I figured..." He didn't finish.

"You figured that you wanted to see them again, that maybe, because you had nothing here, you would gain something by being by their side again."

Brownie looked up in surprise as the Guardian finished his sentence for him. The Archangel was no longer smiling, and instead sported a sad, understanding look. Brownie's mouth fell open as he stared at the Guardian, not daring to speak.

Sam, for his part, let out a sigh and gently stood up. With a quick thought, whatever wetness he had garnered on his rear was wiped away. He crossed his arms before smiling again.

"Come with me, Brownie. I have something for you." He began walking, albeit at a slow pace so the colt could keep up. No one his age should have suffered the way he had, lost what he had lost. It was like staring at a reflection almost, and Sam's heart went out to the poor boy.

He could sense the little pony following behind him after a second of hesitation and smiled. He had merely been passing by for the sheer fun of it, but he had noticed Brownie all by his lonesome with a downtrodden expression. He had followed the young pony all the way to the edge of the city, where he found him ready to make his mistake. The same mistake Sam had nearly made.

At the moment, he was invisible to everyone except the colt, but he didn't need to know that. He would make himself seen when they approached their destination

The two strolled past party goers, ponies singing carols, and houses full to the brim with Hearth's Warming celebration in full swing. Brownie was constantly at Sam's side, his eyes wandering around in wonder. Sam chuckled as he looked at the scenery. It reminded him of home, and how much fun he was going to have with Amy upon his return... if she didn't kill him first for temporarily freezing the universe.

"Where are we going, Sam?" Brownie quietly asked as he looked up at the towering Archangel. Sam smirked and gestured forward.

"To the castle. I need to pay my old friend a visit." Brownie merely nodded and continued walking. The two continued on for a few more minutes when Brownie suddenly stopped. Sam also halted and turned to face the colt with a questioning look, but the little Unicorn wasn't paying him any mind. No, he was looking through the glass of a nearby shop. Sam switched his gaze and noticed a spectacular looking gingerbread house sitting on a display table. Gumdrops decorated the edges of the roof and icing caked the open spaces between candy canes. Pieces of thinly sliced and curled chocolates were sprinkled above, and licorice in the form of smoke wafted from the cookie chimney. Sam's stomach rumbled just looking at it.

"My... my dad and I would make those all the time." Brownie sniffled as he approached the glass. The Guardian watched from afar as the colt layed a hoof on the window frame and peered through with a mellow expression. A family was currently inside the store, and a filly not much older than Brownie was pointing at the gingerbread house. Sam saw the parents nod their heads, and the filly raced towards the treat, but before she could pluck it, her eyes caught sight of Brownie. She only spared a second before she snatched the house and trotted back to her parents. Brownie hung his head and walked back to the Guardian's side, his ears drooped.

"Let's just go, I'm sure you have important things to do after you show me whatever it is you want to show me." The Guardian nodded silently, but did not move. A smile slowly crept onto his face as he continued to face the store.

"Guardian?"

Silence.

There was a ring, and the sound of hoof steps approaching from behind. Brownie turned around, his mouth falling open in surprise as the filly from before slowly walked up to him with a little paper bag in her mouth. When she was nearly three feet away, she dropped the bag on her waiting hoof and held it out to the stunned colt. A kind smile as well as a blush decorated her cheeks as she regarded Brownie.

"You looked sad, so I got you a cookie." Her voice was quiet, but Brownie found it quite cute. Her pink mane fell down along her side, braided and gleaming. Her orange coat seemed to shine in the evening light, and a pretty red bow sat upon the back of her head.

"T-thank you. Thank you very much." Brownie grabbed the bag in his magic and a smile appeared on his face. He still held the gloomy look, but his spirits were now starting to lighten.

"My name's Sandy, Sandy Shine. What's yours?" She batted her eyelashes. Sandy's parents watched from the door, talking to each other as they waited for their daughter.

"M-my name is Brownie." the colt stuttered and mentally kicked himself.

"Well, Brownie, I hope to see you around soon. I hear there is a festival happening tomorrow in Maritime Bay that everypony is going to... maybe I'll see you there?" She blushed as Brownie dumbly nodded.

"Y-yeah, I'll see you there Sandy. Happy Hearth's Warming." He smiled a genuine smile, and so did Sandy as she turned to go.

"Happy Hearth's Warming to you, Brownie!" She chirped.

As Brownie turned, he felt a pang in his chest. A warmth was spreading throughout his body, and an emotion he hadn't felt since... Well, he didn't know the last time, but it was there. His eyes seemed a little brighter than before as he trotted up to Sam, his cookie in his magical grasp. Sam chuckled.

"You ponies are so adorable." he commented, causing Brownie to blush.

"Let's get going." He managed to squeak out, causing Sam to chuckle.

"Sure thing Casanova."

Brownie didn't know what a 'Casanova' was, so he ignored the remark and plodded along with a pep in his step. He happily munched on his cookie as the two walked in comfortable silence. There was one instance where a pony handing out strange red hats trimmed with white fluff along with a pompom on top stopped the two. Brownie had asked what the meaning of the hat was, but the pony said that it was a Human thing the Sergeant had ordered to be sold. It was a means to boost morale and get people into the holiday spirit apparently, and once the two had departed (Brownie was given a hat), the Guardian had a good chuckle at the fact that Dean was already influencing society.

"What do you mean by that?" the colt asked as they continued on. The pompom on the end of his hat bounced with his steps, and he gave his head a good shake to make it wave wildly through the air.

"Well, that hat is actually a part of Human culture, and Dean, being the leader he is, is already starting to bring in some of his ideas. Did you notice the new armor the guards were wearing? Or maybe the reutilized vehicles prowling the streets? Most of those were Dean's ideas."

"Whoa, I guess he is really busy if he is doing all that." Brownie jumped to the side as snow from a ledge collapsed right where he had been standing. A second sooner and he would have turned into a snow-pony!

"Heh, not as much as you think. Though it is true, he has a lot of work, he manages to make time for other things... at least from what I've observed while here.... Oh, are those powdered donuts!?

*****

After another thirty minutes of walking, the two came to the steps of the royal palace and stopped before the two guards on duty.

"What are we doing here?" Brownie asked as he looked up towards Sam. The Human shrugged and raised an eyebrow.

"My friend lives here, and I figured you could join us in a bit of holiday cheer. He's a good guy; I think you'll like him." The Guardian pulled his sleeve back and revealed what appeared to be a watch. His smile turned devious as he looked at the two guards.

"Watch this." Sam whispered before promptly disappearing from view. Brownie scurried back in shock as his companion literally vanished before his eyes, and his actions drew the attention of the two guards on duty. One of them stepped forward to help the colt out of the snow, but he would never get the chance.

"BOO!"

Sam's voice echoed across the street, scaring the absolute tartarus out of the Guard and Brownie. The guard screamed like a filly and jumped straight in the air before crashing to the ground in a heap.

As the second guard lowered her spear, Sam revealed himself, roaring with laughter and floating through the air above the guard.

"Oh, oh that is too good!"

Brownie looked between the disheveled guard and his companion before shaking his head and letting out a chuckle. While the disappearance had been sudden, the outcome of Sam's prank was indeed humorous.

"Well, if it isn't our favorite oaf of a demi-god." A raspy voice called from above. Sam had just landed, but he did not anticipate the heap of snow that was suddenly dumped on him. Brownie's earlier chuckle became a full on laugh as he rolled on the ground. Snow was piled on Sam's head and shoulders, his face held a bemused look, and water dripped from his ears.

"I'll be getting you back for that, Spitfire." The pegasus in question floated down and snickered as she regarded the Archangel. The two had met at the celebration a few days after the fall of the Dark Elves, and became quick friends when Spitfire beat Sam in a drinking competition.

"Oh don't be such a sour-puss." She blew a raspberry at him before facing the little colt on the ground. Brownie had calmed down by this point and was staring at Spitfire in awe. He had never met her in pony, and she was just amazing as the stories had described her.

"Careful, squirt, your mouth will get stuck like that." Brownie's mouth closed with a clack as the Captain of the Wonderbolts chuckled. She turned around again and motioned to the first guard to open the door, to which she did with a role of her eyes.

"You two stay out of trouble. It's mighty cold, and a few Windigo's were sighted a few hours ago near the edge of the city. I gotta run, but I'll catch you both at the party tomorrow. Spitfire waved at them with her wing before shooting off into the sky. Brownie felt a tap on his shoulder as the Guardian chuckled.

"C'mon, kid, we're nearly there." Brownie nodded and trotted in alongside his companion... no, his friend. The Guardian had been nothing short of a friend to him. So much so, that any depression he may have once had was all but gone. However, there was still a nagging question burning in his mind, and now that they were alone, it was the perfect time to ask it.

"Sam?" The man stopped and looked down at the pony before him. He saw a hint of fear in those comically large eyes, and the colt's tail was tucked firmly around his waist.

"Yes, Brownie?" Sam crouched down so that he was at the colts level. His kind and caring eyes seemed to cause the colt a sense of comfort, and he let out a shaky breath.

"Why did you help me?"

There was silence. Dead silence.

Sam's mouth went from a smile to a thin, contemplative line. His head slowly tilted to the side as he analyzed the child. Once more, it seemed like a literal reflection was staring back at him. He hoped what he was about to say would help push the child that much closer to the light.

"Brownie, when I look at you... I see myself." Brownie's head cocked to the side as he looked at Sam. The man could see the question forming on the child's lips and held up a hand.

"When I was about seventeen years old, I lost everything. I watched as my family died in front of me, and I was filled with rage. There had been nothing I could do to stop it, and it nearly destroyed me. I was where you were an hour and a half ago, on that ledge. I was ready to give up." Sam sighed and looked away with a wistful smile. "It ended up being my friend's that pulled me back from the edge and kept me from making the greatest mistake of my life." he reached over and gently began scratching behind Brownie's ear, causing the pony to hum in content. Sam smiled as he continued.

"You were on that ledge, Brownie, and I knew that you needed a friend. I see a lot of potential in you, kid, and I'm sure your parents would say the same thing if they were here. I heard someone say, once, that when we are at our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change. I think that you are changed, Brownie, and I think that you are bound for greatness."

Sam stood up as the little pony processed his words. His lips moved without any sound, and his ears flicked every so often. Sam merely waited and watched, hoping his words had made some sort of impact.

He barely saw the little brown pony suddenly jump from the floor and latch around his torso, but he couldn't help but smile as he felt tears begin to wet his shirt under the coat.

"T-thank you, Sam. Thank you for being my friend." Sam stroked the colts back and hummed.

"You are welcome, Brownie. Now, let's get going shall we?" Brownie was gently placed upon the floor, and the two continued walking towards their intended destination. Brownie had a feeling he knew where they were going, but since he was with Sam, he wasn't really opposed to it.

The two walked down the furnished hallways and passed various castle servants and maids. Brownie gazed about in wonder and awe, and Sam quietly whistled with his hands in his pockets.

Finally, after another two minutes, the two stopped in front of a large door. It was pretty plain in its design, but was noticeably bigger than any of the other doors in the hallway. A wreath hung from the knocker, and Brownie could see little bells and a mistletoe hanging from the frame far above him. It was quite the decorating job for such a simple design.

Brownie jumped when Sam crouched down beside him again. His smile was still shining, and his eyes seemed to twinkle. The little colt turned and faced the Guardian with an inquisitive look.

"I'm going to have to leave you now, I have very important matters to attend to and a few evil spirits to destroy." Brownie's ears drooped as he looked at the floor.

"S-so, this is it then? I won't see you again?" Fear and heartbreak broke through Brownie's voice, and a small sense of betrayal entered his heart. Was the Guardian not his friend? Was he not important enough? Maybe--

"Brownie, Brownie, Brownie!" Sam chuckled and booped the colts snoot, causing him to crinkle his muzzle adorably. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow at the festival! I wasn't kidding when I said I was hosting it, and I plan on making sure it'll be a blast. I have a feeling that Dean here will take good care of you tonight, and that tomorrow, you will have the most fun you've ever had in your life."

Sam stood and knocked on the door rather loudly before smiling down at the stupefied colt.

"If you need me, for any reason, call my name. I will hear you, and I will come to you in a heartbeat. Goodbye for now, Brownie, and Happy Hearth's Warming." Sam suddenly vanished from sight, almost as if he was never there. Brownie's frown turned into a sad smile as he thought about the last hour or so he had spent with the Guardian.

Just as the door opened behind him, he came to the conclusion that he had needed the Guardian then and there, and that he should take the opportunity that was now presented to him. He turned around, only to find a pair of legs obscuring his vision. His gaze continued upwards to reveal a massive torso, two arms, and a very recognizable face.

Brownie gave a light cough followed by a pleasant, not at all forced smile. He watched as Sergeant Dean Forrester, the Human, looked down at him in shock and surprise. The Human's mouth was left hanging open for several seconds before a familiar purple alicorn appeared behind him. Her eyes also widened in surprise before they both spoke in Unison.

"Brownie!?" He cringed at the volume and chuckled nervously as he pawed at the ground.

"H-hey Dean, hey Princess." He whispered.

For a second, he was afraid that the Human would close the door on him, but Brownie gave a surprised yelp when purple magic engulfed his body and dragged him through the open door. He suddenly found himself being assaulted by a certain Princess's complaints and chidding as she gave his whole body a critical eye. Her hooves prodded his skinny torso and flicked through his mane as she talked at mach one.

"Brownie! What happened to you? Why are you so skinny? You look so unhealthy! You poor thing, you must be so cold and hungry!"

There was a flash of light and Brownie suddenly found himself sitting at a chair in front of a dinner table. A glance to his left showed Twilight was now routing around in the fridge, almost frantically, as she looked for suitable food.

Dean suddenly appeared in the doorway and leaned against the frame as he gave his marefriend a bemused look. Brownie giggled quietly as he watched the lavender mare fumble with an apple with her hooves before catching it in her magic. She then proceeded to trot over to the little colt and place the fruit in front of him. Brownie stared at the red piece of deliciousness with a salivating mouth, his eyes going wide as he gazed upon its splendor. He had been in Canterlot since the celebration after the war, and had been staying in an orphanage that had been housing the many foals in need of a roof. Thinking back, he realized that he had been purposely hurting himself. He hardly ate, hardly slept, and avoided everyone in the orphanage. A small bout of shame crossed his mind, but it was quickly pushed aside as he eagerly bit into the apple.

"So, Brownie, I'm glad to see you are all right. What brings you to our door?" Dean was now sitting across from him, Twilight stood to his left. The question wasn't aggressive in any way, and Dean's voice even held a tint of amusement. Brownie looked a bit closer at the Human and realized that behind the jovial tone, his body language radiated concern.

"I.. I uhm..." He thought of what to say to the Human hero of Equestria. He couldn't very well just state he had been about to throw himself off the mountain now could he? No, he would be honest, but not to that degree. "I... I wasn't having a very good Hearth's Warming, and a friend found me over near the edge of Canterlot. He brought me here after taking me around the city."

'Where am I going with this?'

The anxiousness and depression were slowly returning to the little unicorn as his thoughts grew darker and darker. Maybe Sam had been wrong. Maybe coming here was a bad idea.

"Let me guess, the Guardian found you?"

Brownie was snapped from his musings when Dean's soft voice seemed to echo through the room. His mouth hung open in shock as he regarded the Human. How could he have known?

"H-how did you know that?" he asked.

Dean chuckled while Twilight walked over to the coffee maker and started it up.

"He gave me a call before you two got here. That Archangel has a knack for doing strange things. Though, I bet he had a reason to bring you here if his message was anything to go by. Why are you not with Miss. Peregrine or the other kids your age? I heard they were going to the park today to learn how to skate?"

Brownie rubbed his leg with a hoof as he looked at the floor.

"I wasn't wanting to intrude, and... and I was in a pretty bad frame of mind. I wanted to be alone, is all." There was silence after his confession, and Brownie's ears folded against his head as a tear appeared in his eye. "Look, I-I didn't want to bother you two, a-and I feel like I shouldn't be here.... I-I should go." Brownie sniffled and hopped off his seat before anyone could react and padded towards the door. Half the apple remained on the table. Mrs. Peregrine was likely worrying already, and he had to be responsible for his own actions. He was independent, now that his family was gone. He was all on his own, and he only had himself to get through this.

"Brownie..." he heard the understanding in Dean's voice. It was the same one the Guardian had. If there was anyone who knew what Brownie was going through, it was Dean. The little pony knew this well enough, but his idea of not wanting to intrude was getting in the way. His emotions had been running on a high the last two hours, and he was suddenly very very tired. He just wanted to feel loved, to feel his father's or Mother's embrace. He wanted to be normal again.

Brownie turned and ran at Dean. The man had crouched down, and as the little pony ran towards him, he could see the tears spilling from his eyes. His worry deepened as he embraced the colt and held him close. He had an idea of what was going through Brownie's head, and he blamed himself for the situation the young boy found himself in. Had he been five minutes sooner, or had he not left when he had... then the boy's parents would probably still be alive.

Twilight suddenly knelt down beside the two and wrapped her wings around them, providing a comfortable blanket of feathers and warmth. Dean rocked the colt in his arms gently, making sure Brownie knew he was there as a means of support. The Guardian had warned him about this, and Dean couldn't help but scowl darkly at his lack of strength. The war was over a year ago, but the scars still ran deep. He was doing his best alongside Twilight to fix everything, but there was so much that they couldn't get to on time.

Thank goodness for trenchcoat/ball cap wearing demigods.

The sound of light snoring caused Twilight and Dean to smile; the former gently plucked the sleeping colt from Dean's arms with her magic.

"Poor guy must be all tuckered out." Twilight giggled softly as she kissed Dean on the cheek. The human gave a hum of agreement and slowly stood up, his back cracking as he did so.

"I think we should put him to bed. I'll call Mrs. Peregrine and let her know Brownie is safe." Dean walked over to the old dial phone on the wall, but stopped before he could reach for it, a shiver ran up his spine. A smirk worked its way onto his face as the feeling passed.

"Y'know, you would make a good spirit from a "Christmas Carol" the way you are doing these things." Dean heard a chuckle from the table and faced the Guardian. His trench coat was now a gray and white camouflage along his hat, and a set of dark brown gloves sat beside him on the table. Besides these few differences, Dean's friend still held that jovial smile.

"I probably would, though, I don't think people would be too happy about me appearing beside them and taking them on fantastical trips through the past, present, and future."

Both men chuckled and Dean shook his head.

"I'm sorry for dumping him on you two like that. I had so much to do and not enough time. I know you and Twilight had some things planned for the night, but I do hope you can forgive me."

Dean sighed and shook his head in sincerity.

"Think nothing of it, Sam. I've already asked a lot of you by having you here, and I can't thank you enough for saving that boy's life. He was actually one of the first ponies I liberated upon coming to this world believe it or not."

Sam frowned and stood up.

Dean cocked his head to the side as the demigod suddenly snapped his fingers, and a large burlap sack appeared beside him. The Human had a sneaking suspicion as to what Sam was doing, and couldn't help but agree that it may be a good idea. Brownie needed cheering up, and what better way to do it than with a gift from Santa?

"I'll leave these things here, but I didn't have time to wrap them. Hope the kid likes them." Sam placed a perplexus maze, a teddy bear with a neat red bowtie, and four long, flat snowshoes designed for a pony. Dean whistled and smiled.

"I've gotta run, but I'll see you tomorrow." Sam snapped the bag away once more, and with a wave, he seemingly vanished. Dean blinked as hoovesteps quietly made their way to the kitchen, and turned to find his girlfriend.

Twilight had a sad frown adjourning her face as she walked up to Dean and nuzzled his hand. He opened his fingers and gently began to scratch between her ears, causing her to hum and smile softly.

"It's not fair what happened to that poor colt." Twilight mumbled, a tear in her eye. Her whole persona seemed to droop as she said those words, and Dean smiled as he stared at the toys on the counter.

"Twi, I think I have a way to cheer the little fella up." He pointed to the toys with his free hand and Twilight's eyes widened as she caught sight of the toys. Her magic ignited, and the six objects floated in front of her. Her eyes examined each trinket thoroughly as they levitated in her grasp.

Dean stopped his petting and quietly moved to a nearby closet. Upon opening it, he found the item he was looking for: wrapping paper. The paper itself was red with green stripes, and little decorations of wreaths were spaced evenly apart across the surface.

It would be perfect.

The two spent about ten minutes wrapping the presents and idly chatting about little nothings. While the appearance of Brownie had somewhat dampened the mood, neither the Human nor the Princess strayed from their task. Both felt for the little colt, and how one so young could go through so much. He needed cheering up, and once this Hearth's Warming was over, Dean and Twilight both swore they would begin a campaign to better the lives of all the displaced children following the war.

When the presents were wrapped, the two placed them in a small stack next to the dying fire; far enough away so as not to get burnt, but close enough that it would be aesthetically pleasing. Dean hummed in thought as he looked at the three gifts and his right hand found its way around his girlfriend. Twilight giggled as she was picked up and placed on the couch. Dean quickly followed suit and sat down before reaching behind him and grabbing a blanket. Their room only had one bed, and that bed was currently occupied by a certain colt.

As the fire died down before them, the Human and the Princess eventually dozed off into a comfortable sleep. Their forms could be seen in the dying light, and the flickering fire seemed to cast shadows across the room. After another two hours, the room finally went dark.

...

A wisp of light traveled through the night sky far above the Earth. It moved too slowly to be the Archangel, and not a single creature noticed it as it seemed to wander into hundreds of homes all at the same time. Little twinkles accompanied this wisp,, and the barely noticeable sound of a jingle could be heard resonating through the air.

A strand from the wisp suddenly came through the window of Brownie's room. It stopped before the colt and reared up, almost as if it were analyzing the sleeping pony. It watched as the young child whimpered in his sleep and flipped onto his side. His ears were pinned, and tears slowly traced down his eyes.

After a moment, a small strand seemed to break off from the streak of ethereal light and entered into the pony's mind. It took less than a second for the colts frown to turn to a smile as pleasant thoughts and dreams wracked his very being. The wisp, its first task done, entered into the main living room. It saw the two sleeping figures on the couch and used the same method on them.

Once this was done... it got to work.

*****

Brownie's eyes slowly opened, his body feeling light and peaceful. He felt as though he was ten pounds lighter, and not a single dark thought could make its way to the forefront of his mind. For the first time in a year, it was blank.

The colt sat up in his bed, the sheets seeming like they weighed nothing as they slid from his body. Brownie had a routine to keep, so he slowly got out from under the sheets and promptly jumped from the bed. His brain seemed to go on autopilot as he moved to the washroom to do his business. He didn't outright notice it, but a relaxed smile never seemed to leave his face.

Upon leaving the washroom, clarity suddenly struck him like a hammer. His eyes widened as he wildly looked around the unfamiliar room, his mind not quite registering all that took place the night before. His tail tucked between his legs as his breaths became shaky and erratic.

'Focus, Brownie... focus.'

Closing his eyes and forcing himself to breath, Brownie found that his surroundings were silent. Memories from last night slowly resurfaced, causing him to grimace as he recalled the last minute rescue by the Guardian. However, his grimace soon turned into a small frown as he realized whose room he was in, and how there was only one bed.

Because of him, Twilight and Dean were forced to sleep on the couch.

This thought put a dampener on Brownie's mood, and the little colt slowly plodded towards the closed door of the bedroom. If he was lucky, the two were still asleep and he could sneak out.

Brownie quietly nudged the door open and was quite pleased when it didn't squeak. Upon poking his head through the opening, he couldn't help but catch his breath.

Everything had changed. Absolutely everything.

Green garland intertwined with what appeared to be sparkles were arrayed around the mantle of the fireplace, a big red bow sitting dead in the center. A wreath hung above the main window to the room, and Brownie could make out some kind of uniquely pointed star sitting at the bottom. What appeared to be giant socks hung from the mantle below the garland, their odd shapes giving away the fact they were packed full of many different things.

Brownie's jaw dropped when he saw the tree.

It was sitting in the corner of the room, but its bushy needles and healthy branches made it seem welcoming and festive. Tinsel decorated each and every square inch of the branches, and some kind of golden streamer wrapped all the way around the tree itself. Various decorations ranging from shiney and decorative balls to candy canes hung from front to back on the pine.

Tears welled in Brownie's eyes as a happy smile spread across his mouth. Something about the whole setup screamed comfort, love, and festivity. It was so imposing in fact, that Brownie failed to notice a small yawn come from the couch. There was a quick catch of breath followed by erratic whispering. Ever so slowly two heads appeared above the edge of the couch and landed on the stupefied colt.

Twilight smiled as she saw the look on Brownie's face, and she could feel more than see the smile on Dean's as well. She had no idea how any of these decorations got into the room, but for the time being, she wasn't going to question it. It seemed that Dean held the same idea as he gently pulled her against his chest and gave her a quick peck on her cheek. Twilight giggled as she turned and returned the gesture before switching her gaze back to the colt of the moment. Brownie had taken a few steps forward and was now standing directly beside the tree. His gaze traveled around its base before stopping on a small wrapped box sitting before him. His eyes seemed to widen when he read the little tag sitting on top.

Slowly, Dean stood from his spot on the couch, causing it to creak. Brownie's ears swiveled towards him on their own accord, and this was quickly followed by his whole head. His eyes landed on Dean as the Human sat down beside him with a kind smile. Brownie's shocked look turned to content as Dean placed his hand on his head and ruffled his mane.

"Whaddya' say we open some presents?"

And in that moment, Brownie's life changed forever.

*****

Brownie smiled as snowflakes passed by him. The "Skiff" as Dean called it, flew quickly through the air on its way to Maritime Bay. Its glass dome protected the occupants inside from the frigid weather and kept the interior at just above room temperature. Brownie had never ridden on one of these machines before, but doing so was quite something. Never before had he moved so fast at such a high altitude. There were two guards sitting on either end of the machine, and Dean and Twilight sat on cushioned benches off to the side. Spike and his girlfriend sat on the other side of the enclosed space and were fast asleep. The driver, a Unicorn mare by the name of Swifty Skies, piloted their vehicle towards their destination. Brownie drew himself away from the window and trotted over to Dean and Twilight.

"-three times, and I still can't get over their resemblance to those Asgardian boats!" A childlike glee sparkled in Dean's eyes as he smiled. He had been a big fan of the Marvel comics back when he was a kid, and his parents had taken him to see some of the first MCU movies. His inner fanboy screamed in elation every time he got to ride one of these flying boats, and his ramblings only slightly annoyed the mare sitting beside him.

"So you've said for the last hour, Dean." Twilight rolled her eyes as she leaned against her Human. A relaxed expression came across her as she sighed. They would be landing in a few minutes now, and she couldn't wait to see her friends again. They had held monthly meet ups since the end of the war, but due to her constant work, something had always seemed off whenever they were together. She hoped that this celebration would allow them all to relax and have fun together like the old times.

"Sorry, Twi. I got ahead of myself." Dean wrapped his arm around her, causing her to hum in happiness and snuggle closer. She had found out that Dean was surprisingly warm without his armor and relished the fact every chance she got. It was even better when they cuddled together.

"S'okay..." she mumbled cutely as her eyes drifted closed.

"Prepare for landing!"

Twilight realized she had been dozing off and quickly opened them in response to the booming shout of the Captain. It seemed that Spike and his Marefriend didn't fare any better as the former yelped in surprise. His marefriend bopped him on the nose, causing the teenage dragon to snort before he glared at her in mock irritation.

Twilight giggled at their antics before her focus shifted to Brownie. The little stallion was playing around with his perplexus ball, his tongue sticking from his muzzle in a cute manner as he focused intently on the maze-like contraption with intent. He had let Twilight try the maze once a few hours ago, and after the third attempt, she had gone into a rage filled rant about how unfair and stupid the device was.

Both Dean and Brownie had a good chuckle over that one.

Her coltfriend suddenly stood up beside her and groaned as he stretched to his full height. Twilight couldn't help but ogle him as his massive muscles showed through his shirt. She could see his massive arms flex and stretch along with his pectorals. She could almost see his abs through his shirt, and suddenly, her mind began imagining him standing above her in bed, his massive strong body ready to take her away and...

A quiet cough snapped the Princess from her musings and she quickly blushed as Dean gazed at her in loving amusement. Seeing his Marefriend get all flushed and flustered brought great amusement, and he swore that one day she would give him a cuteness induced heart attack.

The flying machine slowly came to a stop before touching down on the snowy courtyard of the fort. Dean could see through the window the amount of guards standing at attention in long lines near the exit ramp and sighed. While it was proper protocol, he was more than capable of protecting his mate. A certain Pegasus Captain was going to get a chewing out later, he was certain.

"Alright everyone, thank you for flying with Canterlot airlines! Please be sure to leave us a review, and we hope you enjoyed the flight!"

Dean rolled his eyes as he grabbed his and Twilight's bags. His own personal armor was adjourned for the moment, along with his pistol. He wouldn't need the exo-suit, and he certainly didn't need his rifle for such a trip. Twilight and Brownie followed behind him, the latter seeming to try and stay out of view. Upon walking down the ramp, Dean was welcomed by an ungodly amount of ponies cheering and hollering for both him and the Princess. He smiled down at his girlfriend as she blushed from the amount of attention. Brownie was nearly tucked between the Humans legs by this point and was shaking like a leaf. His gaze was pointed towards the town, and Dean knew exactly what was on his mind. However, Before he could address that concern, he had to kick the festivities off.

"People of Maritime Bay!" The crowd grew quiet and Dean smiled at the hundreds of adorable, large eyes of the ponies staring at him. "You all know what day it is! It is a time of celebration with your friends and family. It is a time for you all to be happy. Let the festivities begin!" Dean's shout was followed by a cacophonous cheer as ponies departed and went about their activities. The Guardian had been busy it seemed, and Dean could see the Archangel himself hovering above the town hall, looking at him. The human turned and crouched down beside the little brown Unicorn.

"Brownie?" The colt's eyes found his, and a small tear traced down his cheek. Dean sighed before reaching forward and wrapping the kid in a hug. Brownie was silent, but Dean could feel the tears pouring from his eyes. He should have known this place would bring back bad memories for the colt, and he cursed himself for not taking his feelings into consideration sooner.

After about thirty seconds, Brownie slowly detached himself from Dean and wiped the tears away from his face. The human was surprised to note the happy smile on the colt's face. Had he been wrong in his assumption? Was Brownie actually crying from tears of joy rather than loss?

"I know what you are thinking, Dean. Brownie sniffled and looked back towards the town. "My parents died over there by the cliff in order to rescue me, and I should be feeling saddened just being here. But..." He looked at Dean in the eyes and smiled. "...Because of you, Twilight, and Sam, I feel as though I shouldn't be sad. I feel that my parents are watching me right now, and that they would want me to be happy with this new opportunity. If it wasn't for all of you, my friends, I wouldn't be here right now. So... what I'm trying to say is.... well... thank you!" Brownie lunged at Dean and suddenly wrapped around him in a hug. The human wore a shocked expression before his own smile appeared along with a tear in his eye. He looked over and saw Twilight in the same state. He gestured her forward, and she gladly wrapped her wings around the two in a comforting and warm hug. The colt sighed in content, not wanting to break the hug.

"Uh... B-Brownie?" A young filly called from beside them. Dean heard Brownie gasp and proceeded to let go of the colt. Brownie himself gasped and jumped in the air, his eyes wide in a look that Dean couldn't identify. Twilight smiled and stepped over to Dean's side as a cute young filly with a bow stood in the snow. A pink fuzzy scarf wrapped around her neck, and the end of her tail was wrapped in an elastic not so different from the way Applejack used to wear hers.

"Sandy? H-hey!" Brownie took a hesitant step forwards and awkwardly raised his hood in a half-wave. His mouth was split between a smile and a grimace as his cheeks began to flush in embarrassment. Sandy giggled at his look and smiled with mirth as her tail flicked behind her.

"I was wondering if you wanted to come into town with me? There's a cool person in town called a 'Santa Claus', and we can get a photo with him together if you want?" She tilted her head and blinked her eyelashes, a blush of her own decorating her cheeks. Brownie gulped and nodded his head.

"S-sure, just let me ask Dean first." Brownie turned to Dean and gave the Human a questioning look. Dean merely chuckled and nodded his head.

"Go ahead, lad."

Brownie gave a quiet squee before trotting up to Sandy. The filly herself looked happy herself, and Dean couldn't help but feel joy for the both of them, especially Brownie. This is what was supposed to happen on Hearths' Warming/Christmas: love, fun, and joy.

Twilight leaned on Dean's side and hummed in content. There was still lots of work to be done still around the kingdom, but today was going to be a good one full of high morale, happiness, and celebration. She snuck a glance at her stallion and internally smiled. She loved him very much, and he loved her all the same. They both knew what they wanted, and both were ready. Maybe... maybe if all worked out... they could get a foal of their own? Twilight had always wanted a foal; someone young to love and cherish. Her eyes flicked to Brownie who was standing on his two back legs as he reenacted something for Sandy, the filly in question giggling at his antics.

Twilight shook her head; she was thinking too far ahead. Dean and her were waiting for the Kingdom to settle down first, then they would do the same with each other. This was no time to dwell on the future... It was a time for fun and games! She felt Dean stand up, and she quickly got to her hooves as well with a happy smile. Time to start the--

POOF!

Twilight yelped as a snowball smacked her in the hindquarters, causing her to jump in the air and tuck her tail between her legs. She was about to turn and face her attacker when a second snow ball flew past her and impacted Dean square in the chest. The human looked down at the ball of snow, then looked towards the snow bank from whence it came. His eyes narrowed as both he and Twilight caught sight of a Rainbow blur. Quiet giggling from what sounded like multiple ponies sounded from behind a large snowbank, and Twilight's demeanor only Brightened even more.

Twilight looked at Dean, and he looked at her. Both grinned mischievously.

Without a second thought, both took off like a shot. Their movements were like a well synchronized machine as he went left and she went right in a flanking maneuver. Her magic began collecting snow into a large boulder, and his hands reached down faster than the blink of an eye and created two snowballs; one for each hand. There was a yelp of surprise and a cry of warning, but it was too late. The Princess and the Human descended on the unsuspecting ponies, and thus started the great Maritime Bay snowball war.

This Hearth's Warming was only getting started...

Chapter 46: The Human and the Prince

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Several Hours Earlier...

A warm breeze blew through the desert air. Bits and particles of sand seemed to whip about in the wind, their small pebbles capable of tearing through the most dexterous of clothes. The sun beat down upon the earth, its relentless rays causing the ground to shimmer and wave as if it were an illusion.

A small town lay beyond a sand dune, and within this town, quadruped and bipedal beings alike roamed the streets. A dense, but small, apple orchard lay off to the side, and beyond that, the beginnings of a mesa formed. On the side of town where the Mesa began, a train track could be seen traversing between two cliffs. The track itself continued past the town, but stopped nearly a hundred meters away near the beginnings of the desert.

See, this was no ordinary desert, this was the Badlands. Beyond that town, many a pony and Elf have gone missing. It was once said to be a cursed place by the ponies, one that was forged by the battle between the Solar Princess and the Mare of the Night, but the Elves knew better.

Beyond the many dunes, through a long dead forest, and in the middle of what could only be a meteor crater, sat the Changeling hive in all its glory.

Many avoided the place, but there were two individuals who had this place as their destination. Hidden under a cloak of rough material, the armor of the Demon in metal was concealed. Him and an Elven companion, the Prince of the Dark Elves, walked through the town and towards the sand dunes. Had anybody wondered where the two had come from, they would have a hard time finding out. The footprints of the two were long since wiped away by the wind and the sand, and they didn't acknowledge anyone within the town.

Mothers hid their children away, and farmers kept a wary eye on the two strangers. There would not have been much of a fuss, but the imposing seven and a half foot tall 'Elf' was truly a sight to behold. He was built like an ox, and his features were grim. A scar ran down the side of his face, barely noticeable if one weren't looking directly at it.

The other sported a scraggly beard, but was also quite muscular. His hair hung loose around him, down to his shoulder blades, and an aggressive look was cast across his face. He gave the town a look of disdain, especially upon passing a wire-fenced pen full of ponies.

The Equestrians, tired and starving, watched the two pass with dead looks in their eyes. Their coats, along with their normal colors, seemed to contain a sheen of light gray. Each and every pony had their ribs exposed, and dirt, grime, and feces littered their holding pens. Despite the filth, each of them still held a wistful expression.

As the pair passed through the town and approached the dunes, the Prince of the Dark Elves spoke.

"Your idea of concealment is very... shoddy at best." The Elf smirked at his companions' outfit as the Sergeant scowled. The Human's eyes were darting back and forth at each passing glance they received. More than a few Elves held a look of suspicion.

Dean wondered if this particular area was similar to the fantastical wild west from back home. People with revolvers, stand offs, and brigands all over the place. Everyone in the town currently wore rugged, utilitarian clothing, and more than a few had sabers at their sides. If only there were a few horses tied up on a post, waiting for their owners while they went about an errand.

Oh... wait.

Dean saw Trignar's eyes passing over the various ponies, each in a worse state than the last. He watched as the Prince's scowl seemed to deepen, and his fist balled up and shook in rage. Trignar's breathing was erratic, and while Dean didn't trust the dark Elf, he could understand the feelings he was going through.

"Ignore them. There is nothing we can do." Dean spoke. His gruff voice snapped the Prince from his stupor and he shook his head.

"I cannot believe it. All this time, I was so blind. I get why you hate my people so much," his eyes caught movement down a street to their left. An Elf in a wide brimmed hat was beating a pony mercilessly. Blood caked the stallion's fur as the whip came down again and again; the pony sobbed on the ground weakly. The Demon and the Princes passed by with looks of disdain.

"Does this not make your blood boil? Does this not make you want to find the nearest Elf and wring their neck till they collapse at your feet? How can you say 'ignore them'?" Trignar whispered to Dean. The Human sighed and shook his head, a far off look entering his eyes as he stared past the town.

"Buddy, while everything here is downright horrible and deserving of some form of justice... it currently doesn't hold a candle to what I've seen. At least here, I have a chance to save people. Back home, the enemy didn't take prisoners or slaves. They just killed anyone in their sights; man, woman, and child. The reason I can stay so focused on the mission is because if I learned that if I don't, then even more will die." Trignar stared at the Human in stunned silence. His eyes were wide, and his mouth was in the shape of an 'o'. Dean shook his head and the two continued walking.

That is, until one of the townsfolk decided to talk to them.

It was the first female elf Dean had seen up close, and she was quite pretty. She sported flowing silver hair that was braided down to her waist, and a desert flower of some kind sat at the very end. She sported no makeup of any sort, but that only made her look more beautiful. She had dimples on her cheeks, and her teeth were a pristine white as she smiled whilst walking down the road. She wore a long flowing dress akin to what a post-medieval woman would wear, which was quite simplistic in design.

Dean snorted and glanced at his Elven companion. The Prince had a gobsmacked look as his mouth hung slightly open. His stare followed the girl as she slowly approached the two, and it seemed he had lost all motor function. Dean halted in his tracks when he realized the Prince wasn't following and his hand slowly drifted to his pistol. If the Prince decided to betray him here and now, things were going to get messy.

The girl noticed the Prince, but she didn't react to him. Instead, her focus shifted to Dean. The Human was vaguely aware of the exaggerated sway in the Elves hips as she leisurely changed her course towards him. He heard the Prince give a jealous huff but paid him no mind; he needed to find a way out of his current situation.

"Hey there, good looking... What brings you into town?"

Dean couldn't help but admire the frame of her body. She had a decently large bust as well as an hourglass frame. While anybody else would find it arousing and practically be drooling over the girl, Dean was no such man. He raised an eyebrow and gave a grunt.

"Just passin' through. Myself and my companion have business in..." Dean's brain scrambled for a destination. He had scoured the map during their train ride, and had found a multitude of towns he had not known previously existed. Finally, he found a name that was somewhat relative to their location. "... Dodge Junction."

The girl hummed as she analyzed his face with a critical eye. She seemed not to mind that his ears were the wrong shape, and her eyes instead seemed to admire his scar.

"Say, a scar like that must mean you've seen some action... Where'd you get it?" She leaned a bit to the side and put her hands on her hips. Dean could feel Trignar's eyes on his back but ignored him. Dean was once more stumped for words. He couldn't well say he had been fighting an alien menace.

An idea came to his mind.

"Ever heard of the Demon in Metal?"

A chill seemed to pass through the small group, causing the girl to shiver and her ears to lower. A door somewhere to their left creaked ominously, and a tumbleweed barreled across the road behind them. Dean let a hard glare cross his features to maximize the effect, and the girl's eyes dilated.

"Y-Yes, I do." She squeaked, no longer as confident.

"I fought him at Ravenford. I'm sure you heard of that fiasco, but I'll give you a little insight." Dean's hand suddenly raised in a flash and his index finger pointed to his scar. "The Demon gave me this in one on one combat. I remember seeing the dark pits it has as eyes, and the three inch fangs with blood dripping from its mouth. I had no time to feel fear, and the Demon struck me with its sword." Dean slashed his hand down, causing the poor Elf to jump. He continued. "I could only watch in shock with blood pouring down my face as the Demon tore through my fellow soldiers' ranks, killing everything in his path before he came upon the bloody Baron himself."

A small crowd had slowly gathered to listen to Dean's recounting of the story, and nearly all held some semblance of fear in their hearts. A cloud passed over the sun far above, and a shadow seemed to fall across Dean's face as he scowled.

"It was a vicious battle, but the Bloody Baron stood no chance. Magic did not work on the Demon, swords, arrows, and light-spears could not pierce its metallic skin! The last thing I remember before passing out from blood loss was seeing the Demon surrounded by hundreds of my fellow soldiers. It alone stood there, unflinching in the face of certain death. We all thought we finally had it outmatched... we were wrong. It pulled two devices from its waist and through them towards the soldiers. There was a blinding flash of light along with the sounds of a hundred explosive detonations, then it all went black."

Dean stood to his full height and looked around the fearful gazes of the crowd, his eyes scanning each and every single one critically and precisely. Movement suddenly caught his piercing eyes, and he saw the ponies from behind the fence. Instead of fear, they held a look of astonishment and hope. Their coats no longer seemed gray in essence, and some smiled as tears fell down their cheeks.

Without a second thought, Dean grabbed Trignar by the arm and began walking. The Dark Elves parted for him silently as he marched ever onward. He did not look back. He did not stop, he just kept walking. Trignar was silent beside him, and feelings of resentment and hate began to build in his chest towards the Elven Prince. Sure, he was trying to help now, but for two years he had helped in the destruction of this planet. For two years he had relished in the pain and suffering he and his kind brought upon the peoples of this world. And for what? Was it to satiate their hunger for death and destruction? Did they merely think of themselves as superior? Or was the Guardian right, and they were being influenced by the true Demon known as the Destroyer. Whatever the cause may be, Dean now had a role to play. Contrary to the words of the Guardian, he was the judge, the jury, and the executioner. Discord had brought him here to enact vengeance and save a planet once more from the tides of darkness. It was his duty, and his calling to defend the weak, protect the innocent, and destroy those wishing to eliminate peace and justice. It was a bit dramatic, but Dean couldn't care less. He wanted this done so he could go back to his wife and kid. He wanted the war, the pain and the suffering to stop. He would get these things, but he would ensure that the peoples of this planet were safe first. This all started with a Princess.

Dean now had no doubt in his mind that the Emperor was planning something big. So big in fact, that he didn't tell his own son. Whatever it was, it required his charge, Princess Twilight in some way. The Human felt a bubbling rage build inside him and used it to keep his legs moving forward with renewed gusto. He would die before he let Twilight fall into the Dark Elves' hands, and even if she did, nothing would be able to stop him from destroying every enemy in his path before he could reach her again. Now that he thought about it, he really did care for her. She was funny, adorable, she listened to him and always seemed enraptured by what he had to say. He had saved her once before, and he would die trying to save her again. It would be hard to let her go once this was all finished, once he returned home to fight another war. He didn't want to hurt her, but he had a duty to Humanity.

"Did that really happen? Did you really kill the Bloody Baron?"

Dean was snapped from his musings and glanced sideways at the youngest Prince of the Dark Elves. He held a look of wonder rather than fear, and it confused the Human greatly. It was unheard of for someone to switch so fast from being an enemy, to being an unlikely ally. Had it happened any faster, Dean would suspect the Prince of being bipolar or something.

"Yes, it did happen. And yes, I did kill the so-called Bloody Baron, 'best swordsman in the Empire.'" Dean waited, but the Prince was silent. He preferred it this way, as it left him to his thoughts and musings. His mind has always wandered like that for some reason, but he had found it never truly distracted him in any way. He always had top marks in school, he could hold conversations as well as the next guy, and his attention never wavered whenever something was going on. Maybe it was the creative side of him? He had always dreamt of filmmaking or writing, but he never got into the hobby. Maybe--

His thoughts were stopped when a flash caught his eye. He could see the sun was quickly falling from its zenith and went to check his tacpad for the time. As he raised his arm, it suddenly crossed his mind that he had given the device to Stormfly.

He hoped they were all okay. The Changelings had taken them all by surprise and left Maritime Bay vulnerable to attack. He needed to get the Princess back as soon as possible before he began to upgrade the defenses around the city. While they had walls, Dean knew the Elves had many different ways of breaching the defenses. He needed a proper anti-air, and anti-tank system set up, but he didn't have the time. Two weeks was all they had. Two weeks before the Emperor's grand plan.

Dean had a plan of his own, however, but he didn't have a lot of time to enact it. If he killed the Emperor, then the rest of the Elven regime should follow suit. If not... Well, he had guns, swords, and his own fists. He would kill them all if he needed to.

*****

The two walked for more than three hours into the night before they came to a seemingly dead forest. The desert had given away to some kind of Mesa, and brown grass rose up to Dean's knees. He could see a decrepit forest with a slight tinge of green in the distance, but unlike the Everfree, it was nowhere near as dense.

"The hive is a two hour walk beyond that treeline, but I know not whether there are scouts out and about. Queen Chrysalis is quite cocky, even with her forces outnumbered. She has a magic dispelling device seated inside her throne, which makes it nigh impossible for a magic user to wield their art."

Dean paused and glanced back at the Elf, a question immediately springing to his mind.

"If that's so, then how was it that I could hear Twilight cry for help every once in a while? Surely something like that requires magic? If she is in the hive, then such a connection shouldn't be possible."

The Prince was silent for a moment, and Dean took that as a que to continue. However, a ting of pale red caused him to stop in his tracks. The Prince, who was still contemplating Dean's question, walked right past him. It took the Elf a moment to remember where he was, but when he turned around, he couldn't help but sneer.

The Human was leaning down and lazily swishing his hand through a crop of what appeared to be poppies. Trignar knew they produced a particularly powerful drug, but other than that, he failed to see their significance to the Human.

"Sergeant, while I would absolutely hate to annoy you, I don't believe now is the time to be frolicking through the flowers." Trignar, while still not on good terms with the Human, had attempted to make his words seem like a joke, but the look of ferocity he got from Dean could melt through the strongest Eskil alloy. The Prince took a step back as his ears folded to the sides of his head. He could only watch as a shadow seemed to fall across the Human's face while he stood and began stomping towards the forest at a heightened pace. Trignar scrambled to keep up with Dean's long strides, and was soon huffing and puffing for air.

'What did I say that was so wrong? Did those Poppies hold some kind of significance?'

Trignar huffed and glared at the Human's back in disdain. He had tried to be nice; he was trying to put himself into a good light... but it seemed that the more he tried, the more he was shunned.

He hated himself and his people for what he had done, but that didn't mean he could quit. He had to strive to fix the wrong doings... it all starts with one person after all. He was trying to show he was a changed Elf; he was trying to show that he wanted to fix his mistakes!

'Mistakes? What mistakes? The Dark Elves are the superior race! The magic harnessed by the ponies is Elvish by right!'

Trignar did not know where the dark thoughts suddenly came from, but a splitting headache was beginning to form. He could hear every thump of his heart, and every breath of his lungs as his skull tried to tear itself apart. It felt as if two people were warring for control over his mind once more. Now that he thought of it... he had felt this feeling once already--

Trignar's hands scrambled into his pocket on their own accord as sweat began to slide down his face and back. Dark, murderous thoughts were flashing through his mind as he glared daggers into the Humans back. What was the likelihood that the Sergeant would hear him coming? He could quickly take that knife strapped to his chest and impale him through the exposed part of his neck! Maybe--

Trignar's fingers touched the purple orb in his pocket, and a feeling of nausea threatened to send him pitching forward. He blinked; the grass was racing towards him. He blinked; he could see the Human scowling down at him, but he couldn't move. Trignar blinked once more, and darkness finally swallowed him.

*****

"Ughhh..." Trignar groaned as his eyes fluttered open. He blinked once, then twice before he was finally able to take in his surroundings. A picturesque night sky floated far above him, and he even saw a shooting star as it flashed across the heavens. He would have stared at the beautiful scene for hours, had a curse followed by what sounded like someone bodily falling on the ground not suddenly startled him.

Trignar sprang to his feet and scanned his surroundings with tired, but practiced eyes. He saw the Demon sitting on the ground, awkwardly propped to the side as he moved to sit himself up properly.

"What happened to you?" Trignar asked, causing Dean's eyes to find his. He still saw the Human's anger behind his eyes, but the intensity was gone. Instead, what looked like tiredness slowly took over as the Demon shook his head.

"None of your fuckin' business." the Human grumbled as he finally managed to right himself. He slung his weapon, a rifle if Trignar recalled, and began inspecting it with a critical eye. The oddly shaped device was still very foreign to Trignar, even if he had seen it in use. To think something without magic could be more advanced than Elven magic was a foreign thought. Such a thought would bring harsh punishment should someone of higher rank hear of it. Trignar remembered being taught how the Elves were the master race, how their conquest and ultimate crusade was noble and beneficial to all beings of the planet. He remembered being taught to hate the Equestrians the most, and their friendship loving, magic hoarding ideology. It took them a month and a half to take Equestria. With such vast resources, and such a powerful army, they were literally unstoppable.

However, amongst all the killing; all the pain and despair... was Trignar Blueblade. He had looked away when the Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon had their powers absorbed and their necks slit. He did not follow when the Princess of Friendship attempted to escape. And he did not participate in the mass killings of the mares, stallions, and foals the day after the invasion. At the time, he had thought he had simply been a coward, and was labeled as such. Then, he went and began doing minor acts of terror and violence: taking his soldiers and destroying a town of equalists, torturing a father by forcing him to watch as Trignar raped his wife and two children, and so much more. In the end, the darkness in him grew, and so did his lust for power.

Then came the Demon, and that night on the hill. Something in him had tried to break free, tell him something was wrong. He had ignored it then, but as time went on in that dank, dirty cell, Trignar had a revelation and made a connection. He was no philosopher, but whatever had happened between the Human and the Princess had seemingly affected him as well! The purple orb could only have come from the Princesses magic, but he had never seen the likes of this before. He recalled Twilight being labeled as the 'Princess of Friendship,' and he had found an old dusty book in Celestia's collection to the 'magic of friendship.'

It was possible that the Princess had used some kind of deeper power when she embraced the Human super soldier, and it had somehow wound up sticking to him as well! The implications of this being the case were astronomical, and if he could show this 'magic of friendship' to his fellow Elves...

Trignar huffed and sat down on the ground across from the Human, his eyes sporting a sad glint to them. All this theorizing was due to his extended stay with his own mind to keep him company, so who knew if it was true. There was one problem to solving this growing mystery, and that was the Princess herself. Trignar knew what the Changelings were going to do to the Princess; he had heard news of something similar happening to one Princess Cadenza. The bugs were slimy and untrustworthy, and he knew that they would likely only try to spite his father. What better way to do it than executing his long-sought after prize via one of the most vile forms of death imaginable. Trignar had been told horror stories about what certain species of bugs and spiders would do to a mammal in the deeper parts of the Everfree, but knowing that a sentient being was doing it to another sentient being...

He shivered. He couldn't really judge per say, as his kind had introduced genocide to another race of thinking, breathing people. While the Changeling's methods were... gross, his own kind were much, much worse.

Trignar watched as the Sergeant absently fiddled with his weapon, then his armor, and then his helmet; never ceasing to move. His eyes were alert and attentive, but Trignar was no fool. He could see the nervousness and fear behind those cold, merciless pits. Having heard Dean's backstory, the Elf actually felt quite bad. To lose one's family, fight for seven years in a grueling war, and then get trapped on another world... Trignar would have broken down into a sobbing wreck had that been him. A thought came to his mind, and he cocked his head to the side.

"What keeps you going, Demon?" He had decided that either Sergeant or Demon was a respectful way to approach things. He didn't think they were on a first name basis yet, after all.

There was a second of pause as the Human's eyes flicked towards the Prince, a scowl crossing his face momentarily before settling back into the ever neutral look.

"Didn't you already ask this question back in town?" Dean responded with a question of his own, letting a brief tone of annoyance creep into his voice. He had enough on his mind as it was.

Trignar shook his head and folded his hands together.

"No, that was different. I am referring to something else." He gestured at Dean and huffed. "You have fought against an alien menace, watched countless people die, you were pulled from your world, witnessed the atrocities of my kin, and forced to fight in another war. I would imagine that a lesser... Human, would have broken by now, but still you persist. So, I ask again. What keeps you going?" Trignar had made sure not to include the death of Dean's family, as he knew that was a touchy subject and did not want a repeat of nearly having his head popped off his shoulders. He waited in silence as the Demon stared into the distance, an unreadable mask concealing his feelings.

Finally, he spoke.

"Do you remember those flowers from earlier, the poppies?" Dean's voice was quiet, and the Elf listened with rapt attention as he nodded his head. The Human must have seen the movement, for he kept going.

"Back on my world, there was a war. It was a gruesome war, full of death and destruction on a scale never seen before in my people history. In the end, when the dust settled, and the guns fell silent across the continent, we realized just what kind of horrors we had created, and how many young men willingly marched towards what they thought was a noble battle of history. It ended up as their early grave." Trignar was silent as his eyes widened in shock. He was fascinated to be hearing such history from the man.

"Someone wrote a poem named 'In Flanders Fields.' and it went like this:"

'In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.'

There was a moment of silence as the Human hung his head, and Trignar swore he could hear the mutterings of what sounded like a prayer. After the moment was done, the Human resumed his position and continued.

"War after war, the poppy became a symbol and an important part of culture. It is meant to represent those who went to war for the greater good, fought for our freedoms, and died so that we may continue to live." Dean turned to Trignar. "To answer your question, Prince Trignar, I keep going because it is my duty. It is my duty as a soldier to fight the enemy, and to protect the innocent. It is my duty as father, to fight so that my son and my wife are safe. And lastly, it is my duty xto know that if I don't fight, then someone else I love may die, and I can't allow that. I keep going because there are people who need me, whether it be fellow Humans or Ponies or otherwise. I keep going because my friends, my family, and my kind are in danger. I keep going because who else will answer the call when the cry for help goes out, when the oppressed call for a savior? That is why I keep going, and that is why I keep fighting." The Human slowly stood to his feet and let out a drawn out sigh as he stared in the direction of the hive, a forlong look coming across him.

"Get some rest and hide under that blanket behind that boulder, I'm going to scout the forest and find a route into the hive. I will be back, and then you will help me rescue the Princess." A scowl came across Dean as his hands balled into fists at his sides, shaking with barely contained fury. His next words dripped with enough venom to paralyze an Ursa Major.

"In a few hours, those Changeling scum will learn just why humanity is considered an Apex predator."

Without another word, the Human slung his weapons and slid on his helmet. His bootsteps thumped off into the distance before disappearing along with any sign of his presence. A lot had been said, but instead of fear, Trignar felt resolve. Dean's explanation had seemingly sparked a fire in his heart, and he knew that while the Demon was still alive, so was hope for this world.

With that final thought Trignar found the blanket, hid behind the boulder outcropping as instructed, and dozed off into a dreamless sleep.

*****

"Incoming projection, your majesty!" Captain Kioti called from the door to Princess Mya's planning room. The female Dark Elf in question nodded her head and began preparing the spell to receive the transmission. "Thank you Captain!" She called before focusing her magic.

In an instant, a hooded figure materialized before her. It looked real enough, but should someone decide to poke the figure, their hand would go right through. The spell was done by combining a special magical device created by the Dark Elves along with an Elves' magic. In doing so, a strong enough link could be created in order to visually see one another. This device was always carried around on Princess Mya's waist, but without it, such a way of communication would not be feasible.

"You're highness." The figure bowed his head before standing up straight. Mya could feel the Mage's eyes on her, but could not see them. That particular group had always sent shivers down her spine, and it was no different tonight.

"What is it?" She demanded haughtily. Her group was making good time towards the Changeling hive, and they only had a few more hours to go. She did not need any more distractions.

"Princess, your father has requested that you stop in Appaloosa and await the aid of the forty-first company, fresh from the war in Griffonia." The mage bowed again, but the Princess paid it no mind. Her cheeks were alight with fury.

"What the fuck do you mean wait in Appaloosa?! If we wait any longer, the Resistance might make a move!!" She all but screeched at the mage. The Elf seemed undeterred by the outburst, and calmly answered her.

"The Emperor figured you would say that, but his demands are final. I'm not allowed to say this, but all I can tell you is that the Demon in Metal has now been raised to an Apex-Level threat. He fears the Demon will show at the Changeling hive, and he wishes to be ready in order to kill two Pegasi with one stone. I believe the plan is that the Demon will weaken the Changelings, and thus be weakened in turn. From there, we will swoop in and finish the job while capturing the Princess in the process."

Mya was silent for a moment while she pondered the mage's words, her finger tapping against her chin. She, along with most powerful magic users, knew the Princess was at the hive. The intense waves of communication magic that only an Alicorn could produce had rolled across her like a wave when it was unleashed. She was surprised that the Alicorn was able to even use her magic due to Chrysalis's throne, but it didn't matter. With the technological leap they had begun achieving, the Elves had already found a way to bypass the thrones' enchantments.

Finally, she faced the mage.

"Very well, I will wait for the company in Appaloosa. What is your name, mage?"

"Di'etrues, your Majesty." The mage bowed again.

"Di'etrues, I for the information you have given me, I will send a message to the royal handler. You will be able to pick one of the Elements of Harmony to warm your bed tonight." She saw the mage visibly shake and swore he heard her mumble something about a Pegasus, but she ignored it. "If that is all, I must get back to planning."

The mage came back to his senses and bowed for the last time, maintaining the bow even as the projection began to fade.

"That is all, Princess. Good luck, and may the Destroyer guide your path to salvation."

With that, the hologram disappeared with nary a sound, and the Princess returned to her musings. One way or another, she would get that pesky purple Princess.

A devilish grin split her face, and a tinge of red winked in her irises. Soon, the fun would start, and the Emperor's plan so long in the making would finally come to pass.

Chapter 47: The Fury of a Demon

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"Alright, here's the plan." Sergeant Dean descended into the gulley he and the Prince currently occupied. The Prince was visibly sweating and panting after sprinting between the trees, and he demonstrated this by glaring at the Human a few feet away.

"Whatever it is, could it not involve me running two and a half miles?" Trignar hissed as a cramp suddenly found its way into his lower stomach. He grit his teeth in pain, but managed to stay focused on Dean.

The Human in question ignored Trignar's remark, his stoic expression giving no hint to what he was thinking or feeling. There was no time for quips or small talk. The life of the Princess was on the line here, and Dean needed to be in pristine mental condition if he was going to accomplish the mission. He had promised he would keep her safe, and keep her alive. He had sworn to the late Princess Luna, and on his own life. If he failed....

Dean shook his head. There was no place for such thoughts. There was no failure for an RSTF operative. There was no backing down, and there was no fleeing from the enemy. Now... Now was a time to kill.

The Sergeant turned to Trignar, his eyes holding a look that brimmed with fury at the most, and severe annoyance at the least. He saw the Elf visibly shiver, and watched as he slowly relaxed and put on his own serious face. Dean nodded before grabbing a small stick and playing with it as he talked.

"I don't believe it is the best course of action to take you into the hive with me." Dean saw the Elf about to protest, but a raise of his hand and a hard glare caused him to snap his mouth closed. Trignar huffed as Dean continued.

"I was trained in espionage, stealth and assassination. My purpose back home was to literally sneak behind enemy lines, destroy key enemy assets, and kill anything in my path." Trignar's eyes widened slightly, but merely nodded his head in response. Dean continued.

"I don't doubt you have some skill with the blade and with magic, but I'm trying to get the Princess out quickly and quietly. I-"

"Sergeant, there is one problem." Dean stopped and raised his eyebrow at the interruption. Trignar fidgeted as his ears folded back and he pursed his lips. A gust of wind blew overhead, filling the air briefly with the sounds of crickets and blowing sand. Dean's eyes stayed locked on Trignar.

"The Changelings work as a hive mind of sorts. Any deaths will send a ripple through to their Queen, thus alerting them. I don't know how many Changelings there are exactly, but the Generals back in the capitol suspected nearly half a million. It would be no problem for my kind to simply wipe them out, but we needed their shapeshifting abilities. Their hive is also a literal labyrinth of sorts, with walls and doorways shifting or disappearing often. The second you kill one of them, Queen Chrysalis will suspect something is wrong." Trignar peeked over the ridge behind him, his eyes sitting on the spire at the top of the hive before he sat back down. He noticed that his Human companion had gone silent, and shuffled in discomfort. It was awfully warm out, considering how close they were to a desert, but Trignar could manage. Hopefully.

"What is the hive's superstructure made out of?" Dean suddenly asked, causing the Elves' ears to perk.

Trignar hummed as he put his hand against his beard. He remembered one of the Guards escorting him asking a similar question, and by Trignar's own surveillance, he could deduce certain aspects of the hive from merely looking at it.

"Well, It's a strange design in reality. It's made of some kind of soft stone with very little density, thus allowing it to mold and shift to form exits and entrances. There is also some kind of moss that lights up the pathway for magical beings. They are very delicate, so much so that if you were to merely poke a patch of the stuff without being a Changeling, it would kill it." Trignar remembered the feeling of curiously grabbing some of the moss on his short visit. The fragile plant and literally crumbled at his touch!

Dean hummed once more as he unzipped his duffle bag full of explosives and rummaged around. After a moment, his armored fingers brushed across the detonator switch, causing him to smile. The Human did not know exactly what made up the explosives sitting in front of him, but he knew they packed a punch. In reality, the devices were not actually called C-12 explosives, as it was a nickname given to it by the special forces. One brick was enough to demolish half of a two story house, and Dean had close to two hundred of them in this bag.

The plan he had in place was hopeful at best, as he was on a tight time limit once again. However, unlike the Frozen North, Dean felt somewhat good about the coming mission. He was in his element now, and nothing would be able to stop him.

First, he would infiltrate the hive and find where the Princess was being kept. So long as the Dark Elves didn't show up anytime soon to take her away, he would be in the clear. He smiled sadistically as the next phase of his plan entered his mind. Now, Dean was by no means a heartless creature, but in war, measures had to be taken in order to ensure survival.

Once Twilight was safe, Dean would begin planting the explosives. If what Trignar had said was true, then the explosive power behind the C-12 would be perfect for destroying the majority of the hive. It would disrupt the Changelings, and delay them in retaliating against the resistance. Dean was also counting on a few outside factors, and while risky, he didn't have many other options. If the Dark Elves found out their only allies had failed to capture their most sought after pony, they would start a conflict amongst each other. However, If the Changelings were smart by any means, they would have evacuated long before the Dark Elves could arrive, thus safeguarding the location of the Resistance. From there, in one week's time, Dean would conduct an organized attack on the Capitol, kill the Emperor, and end this war.

Dean shook his head and snarled. He was getting ahead of himself. If he was clumsy, people would die under his command. His own daydreaming made him look like some kind of hero; which in a sense, he was. He had the technology and the skills to liberate this world. If he didn't win, all was lost. A shiver ran down his spine as an assortment of faces seemed to flash past his vision. Friends, brothers in arms, and loved ones: all of whom depended on him coming home and fighting the Alien menace.

He was about to shake some clarity into himself, but another, more prominent image suddenly appeared before his eyes. He sat there, crouched on the ground and unmoving as a lifelike Twilight looked up at him. He could see her cute smile and adorably large eyes staring up at him, causing him to start sweating. A pit was forming in his stomach, and he didn't know why. Thoughts raced through his mind as he began to second guess himself. Was he missing something? Was there something he should know?

The vision of a happy Twilight vanished, and Dean was left staring blankly at a tree root directly in front of him. What was going on with him? Never had he seen something as clear and vivid as that!

"Sergeant." Dean turned and fixed the Elf with a stare. It was hard to do through his helmet, but he saw the Prince shiver. He didn't move as Trignar gulped once more as he peered out of the gulley before looking back at the Human.

Finally, he took a breath and spoke.

"You do know you will have to shoot your way out, right?" There was an undertone of fear in his words, but Dean quickly realized it wasn't caused by him. Either way, it didn't matter. Trignars words had caused Dean's thoughts to pause. He was all on his own here. There was no backup, no squad helping him. Once he got the Princess... What then? He realized then that simply grabbing her and leaving wasn't an option; it was never that simple. Infiltrating a place by himself was one thing... but carrying a bright purple unicorn out before the bugs knew she was gone? It would be very difficult.

Dean had confidence in his abilities, but worms of doubt were slowly crawling into his head. Twilight was one of his best friends in this world, and he would rather die than see her hurt. Now, her life was on the line. Once the Changelings gave her up to the Dark Elves, his task became exceptionally more difficult. He already had the impossible task of defeating the Emperor and freeing the Guardian. Trignar said there were next to five-hundred thousand Changelings, all capable of magic. From his run in with Starlight Glimmer, he knew that with enough time, the magic used against him could melt through his armor. Sure, he would take out hundreds of them, but once the damage added up, he would die. RSTF members were superhuman, but not indestructible.

If he had the backing of the Resistance, he was sure that he would easily succeed. But that was a pipe-dream. He was alone with an enemy turned temporary ally, and he was the only one who could rescue the Princess.

Like a wall in front of a tsunami, Dean's doubts came to a grinding halt. All his fears suddenly left for the back of his mind as the iron-willed human warrior came forward instead. If he needed to shoot his way out, then so be it. If he needed to die so this world had a chance, so be it. While he had a mission to get back home, the stakes here were too high. If the Princess wasn't rescued, and the Elves one, there would be no home for him to return to. He would die, his friends and family would die... everything, gone.

Dean growled as he suddenly grabbed his bag full of explosives, zipped them up, and slung them over his shoulder. His eyes seemed to take on a hyper aware gleam, and his muscles tensed under his armor. He looked like a shadow amongst the still darkened sky, and the featureless face of his helmet made him seem like some kind of unholy specter.

A Demon.

Trignar shivered as the Human stood to his full height and glanced towards the hive. It was an hour until sunrise. An hour to find the Princess, and carry her to safety. It was a time for action.

Without another word, nor a response to Trignar's question, Dean took off down the hill at a dead sprint. His armor seemed to blend into the shadowy terrain, and his feet made nary a sound. Trignar huffed and crossed his arms. There was a nearby cave he had been instructed to hide in until Dean came to get him. If all went according to plan, the Human would be back in about an hour.

Trignar had no reason to run away, as he hated what his kind had done for the past two years. He hated himself more than anything though, especially for the acts he had committed whilst under the Orbs influence.

When they got back to Maritime Bay, Trignar was going to give as much information away as possible. He would start trying to sew the broken relationship between his kind and the Equestrians, starting with himself.

As Trignar walked towards the designated hideout, a sense of foreboding came upon him. He shivered at the feeling, but there was nothing he could do about it. Everything rested on Deans back now; he prayed the Human would not fail.

*****

Dean grunted as he ducked behind a gray pillar to his left. No actual noise escaped to the outside thanks to his sealed helmet, but he still held his breath as the Changeling guard buzzed lazily past his position.

He had just entered the Changeling hive, sneaking past the two guards at the front entrance rather easily before making his way into a cavernous room. Doorways and tunnel entrances dotted the walls, and the occasional bug walked across platforms far above. The guard that had just passed the Human was the first Dean had officially needed to hide from, and if things kept up the way they were, there was no doubt he would be able to find the Princess and get out.

Shaking his head, Dean continued on down the side of the room, his armor helping blend him into the odd material making up the hive. A dull hum seemed to permeate the air around the room, almost as if the superstructure itself was alive. Each and every time a doorway opened or closed, it almost looked as if the wall was taking a breath with the way it flexed. Just looking at it unnerved Dean. It was unnatural, and it reminded him of an Orithian forward operating base he once had to infiltrate with Jenkins:

During that mission, Dean and Jenkins had both been chosen to take out a few Orithian officers as they met at their base. It was here that Dean had gotten a close up look at how the Orith technology worked.

Their structures were made of some kind of hard, Chitinous material, and strange bulbous growths would appear above in order to give light. It was because of the efforts of both Dean and Jenkins that Humanity found out a key weakness the Orith possessed.

Nerve toxins.

When he and Jenkins had thrown their canisters into the meeting room, the ensuing chaos was quite the spectacle. The walls seemed to shrivel up, expand, convulse, and implode or explode seemingly at random. It was the first time nerve toxin agents had been employed in the war, as it was quite early on, but it proved efficient in disrupting the Orith within their occupied territory.

It also helped that the Orith had almost no defenses against toxic nerve agents. Gas masks were useless for them, as the toxin caused their own skin and armor to seemingly melt. The only thing capable of deterring the weapons Humanity was using was having their soldiers stay inside armored vehicles. But while strong, Humanities own armor and anti-armour capabilities were far superior. Thanks to this discovery, Humanity and the Orith had once more formed a sort of stalemate.

The Humans couldn't use the toxin en-mass. And the Orith couldn't push forward lest they get bombed by the deadly gas in small quantities.

The sound of talking caused Dean to pause behind a barrier. While the thoughts on the Changeling structure and how it related to the Orith had occupied most of his head, he had continued moving forward undeterred. The Sergeant was at an intersection now, but an open doorway lay just a few feet away from him.

He could hear the chittering of the bugs as they spoke in broken English, and he decided to turn the sensors on his helmet to their maximum in order to overhear their conversation.

"Personally, I am quite excited. There is only thirty minutes until the Queen will call us." The sound of armor being strapped on suddenly made itself present. There was a pause before a deeper voice replied.

"Do you think it will be as exciting as the Princess of Love's execution? Watching that spectacle was a once in a lifetime opportunity. But alas! Here we are, a second Princess to be broken before our eyes."

A pit was forming in Dean's stomach. Who was the Princess of Love? What do they mean by an execution?? A frown appeared as he began listening with more attention.

"Personally, I find her to be a lot better looking. Y'know, in a cuter sense? The Princess of Love was beautiful, but the Princess of Magic is, quite literally, magical to look at!" The two bugs chuckled as one of them walked further away from the door.

A dull thump was pounding in Dean's chest as a chill washed over his body. Something was very, very wrong. He searched his memory, as he knew he was forgetting something. Surely, if the Dark Elves and the Changelings were in league, and the Elves wanted the Princess alive, then surely they would just be holding onto her? Why kill her if she was so vital.

Dean's answer came quicker than he expected.

"I wonder if the Demon in Metal will try to rescue her? Y'know, with all the stories I've been hearing, he seems like a formidable foe."

"Bah, quite calling the ape the 'Demon in Metal'. That's just a scare tactic he uses. Plus, he had the help of the resistance whenever he went and did something. I don't doubt he's a nasty fighter, but to put him on such a high standard? Preposterous. Plus, with the new warrior-lings that will come from the body of the Princess, I doubt even the Demon would be able to stand a chance!"

Cold fury swept through Dean's mind, leaving him unable to see straight for half a second. A red tinge was creeping into the edges of his eyes, and his fists began to ball at his sides. He slowly put his rifle upon his back before his hands returned to his sides. One thought kept replaying through his mind, a memory of sorts.

Then it dawned on him, and he could once more hear the voice of counselor Glimmer ringing in his ears.

"Your precious marefriend will be dead within the week!"

A low growl escaped Dean's throat as the voices drew closer to the door.

"Come on. Let's get going before the guards lock the chamber. Such a ritual is quite an extraordinary event, and I don't want to miss this one!"

"Y'know, I never understood the closed doors thing. Like, is it religious, or..."

The two Changelings slowly walked out of the doorway, oblivious to the seething Human a few scant feet away. They chittered about the coming sacrifice as if it were Sunday brunch, and all it did was make Dean's blood boil.

The Human actually hadn't felt this infuriated in a long time. He had felt anger when Jenkins died, he felt anger when he witnessed what the Orith did to a poor girl they captured, he had felt anger at the Frozen North, he had felt anger at Ravenford, and he had felt anger when he first rescued the Princess.

None of that could compare to what he was feeling now. It was a different feeling altogether, one that he had only tasted once before, but not outright felt. It caused a primal aspect of his mind to rear its head as adrenaline began coursing through his veins. He could feel something else flowing through his body, something foreign, but it only added to the effect. One of the people he cared deeply for, bordering on a form of love, was in danger. No one threatened those he loved. No one.

The effect on him could only be described as one thing, and one thing only.

Rage.

His first friend in this world, the one he had sworn to protect with his life. The pony who had shown him kindness, and stayed the reason why he didn't just run off and try to find a way home immediately.

Dean realized it then. He realized that while he was usually fighting to do the right thing, there was always that underlying reason. This reason was Twilight. He fought so he could protect her, so he could give her and her kind a better future. He fought because he cared about her, and because she was his friend.

And he had twenty minutes before she was murdered.

Dean came to a decision; the cold, calculating mind of the super soldier took over. The time for stealth was over. Now, it was time for violence and blood. It was time the Changelings learned that they had pissed off the wrong Human. He quietly, but quickly upholstered his rifle and detached the silencer. Putting the device in his belt pocket, he held the rifle in one hand as he flicked the green laser-sight on.

The Human clenched his teeth before sending a simple command through his Neurolink. In the free hand at his side, the wicked sharp blade slowly slid from its sheath near his wrist, its smooth surface not casting a single sound as it extended to its full three and a half feet of length. He began to walk in earnest behind the two bugs, his foot dampeners turned off as he gently crept behind them.

The Changelings just ahead of him paused as their eats swiveled around, a sense that danger was near causing their bodies to react before their minds could, which caused Dean to smile as he crept closer. He knew the Changelings fed on emotion, and while his suit had anti-magical properties, he had a sneaking suspicion it didn't block out everything.

"Did you feel that too?" The Changeling on the right squeaked out, his wings buzzing softly.

"Yes... there is an emotion in the air... rage, such rage! It hurts!" The Changeling on the left stumbled and tried pawing at his ears, whining as the Human snuck ever closer.

"I-I haven't felt something like this before in my life! Where is it--" The two instantly froze up as realization swept into their minds. Their ears simultaneously swiveled to face him, soon followed by their heads.

Dean gave them no time to react.

His blade pierced right through the base of her skull, causing an odd gurgle to sound from her dying body. The bug's lifeless eyes stared up at him in horror, and Dean sneered from under his helmet.

At first, the second Changeling didn't know how to react, as it seemed the shadowy piece of metal had materialized from nowhere. But as the blade quickly retracted, the Changelings' eyes followed it.

"You wanted to know what is causing the feeling of rage? The hatred that is seeping into the air?" Dean's voice came out in a metallic, but menacing snarl as the Changelings eyes drifted upwards. He watched as the bug's legs began to quake, and its pale blue eyes widened considerably. The featureless face before it causing an immense amount of fear to circulate its brain.

The blade retracted fully into its sheath, and the Demon's hand snapped out and wrapped around the bug's throat before pulling it close to his own face, or lack thereof. He heard the Changeling make a pathetic squeak as tears began to fall down the sides of its face. It tried desperately to shy away from the literal behemoth, but their heads were too close.

When the Changeling was about to pass out from fear, the Demon spoke, his tone seeming to be a dead, guttural whisper.

"Where. Is. The. Princess."

*****

Spike groaned as he slowly came too. He couldn't see or feel much of anything at the moment, and he was perfectly content to stay that way. He was quite comfortable. He felt a lingering warmth all around him, and it felt like he was floating around in the physical manifestation of bliss. It was like whenever he got picked up in Twilight's magic while he slept. He could always feel it when she put him to bed, even if he was asleep. It was always a peculiar feeling, like the touch of a thousand feathers, or the warmth of a hundred silk sheets. Personally, he didn't want to wake up at all, but that all suddenly changed when he felt something in his throat. He still couldn't see, but he could feel the gooey substance that his body was trying to expel. The feelings around him suddenly changed, and he found he was no longer warm. The feeling of magic silk and feathers had all but disappeared, leaving him on cold stone. His hearing was muffled, and he still couldn't see. The choking he had experienced had now died down to a minor hacking cough, and he suddenly remembered he could breathe.

Sweet, sweet air properly flowed down his abused throat and he groaned from the feeling of release. He weakly brought his claws to his face and tried to rub his eyes, but found instead a layer of gooey substance. He began to panic once more as he desperately tried to claw the goo away, but his arm now refused to obey him. He knew this feeling, and he was immediately on guard in case the magic wielder tried anything else.

Spike's eyes suddenly fluttered open on their own accord, and he found himself looking at what appeared to be a wall covered in luminescent moss. There was another feeling of magic, and sounds now rushed in for his brain to process. He could properly hear his breathing, and he listened as his claw scraped along the stone floor.

Then there was another sound.

It sounded as if someone else was standing behind him and trying to be quiet, but they weren't doing a good job. As Spike had gotten older, he had noticed that his eyesight and hearing had become exponentially better. He blamed his predatory instincts for that one, but it had helped him in quite a few situations when his master had been prowling. While under the Dark Elves' service, he had been beaten often by passersby. Even his own master didn't spare him, and he found that when his master was in the mood, he would actively seek him out to abuse him. He still had nightmares from that dreadful time, but the fact he had been rescued by Dean had gone a long way in helping him recover.

And now he was captured again.

Spike's eyes narrowed and his muscles tensed. Whomever had decided to release him had made a big mistake in deactivating their magic. They were easily close enough for him to wrap his claws around their horn and cut their magic off, and he was going to do just that.

Quick as a cheetah (at least in his mind), Spike turned and lunged towards whoever it was that was behind him. He heard the Changeling give a small squeal in surprise and fear, but ignored it as he grabbed its horn with one hand before jumping over its back and wrapping his arm around its neck to perform a choke. He could feel the bug beginning to panic as he squeezed and forced her throat to compress.

"S-S-Spike, P-Please!"

Wait, he recognized that voice! Where had he...

"Lucy?" He whispered in shock as his grip around her neck slackened. He felt her nod before hearing a sniffle come from below him. In that moment, his rage returned in force, but he decided not to choke out the Changeling below him.

The Changeling who he had thought was a friend.

Spike snarled and shuffled in front of the bug in order to look her in the eyes. His one hand stayed wrapped around her horn as a precaution. He felt his anger slowly subside into fear as he got a better look at his unfamiliar surroundings. As it turned out, he was in a massive cave. Water rushed around somewhere in the darkness, but Spike could not tell where it actually was. He could see more pods down on the other side of the cave, giving the room an odd, green hue. His focus quickly came back to the Changeling; he would deal with the other prisoners when he got some answers.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't end you." He all but hissed.

The Changeling in his grasp gave a quiet whimper as tears fell from her eyes. Looking at her now, he noticed that she was not like the Changelings Spike recognized from the Canterlot invasion. Her back held a somewhat turquoise hue, and her tucked away wings seemed to sparkle in the green lighting. The overall black look of what he expected of a Changeling was gone, and in its place, was what seemed to be a cross between it and a Pony. She was actually quite beautiful in a cute sort of way, but Spike's mind was far from those kinds of thoughts.

He heard her stutter for words for a moment and felt a brief moment of regret, but it was quickly washed away when he heard chittering and buzzing from somewhere down the dark. His eyes snapped up along with the Changelings. The sounds were steadily growing closer, and with it, so were various words.

"Hide!" The changeling in Spikes grasp whimpers.

In a matter of seconds, he pulled the Changeling along with him and jumped behind a massive stalagmite. He quieted his breathing and held his palm over the Changelings mouth. His other claws were still wrapped around her horn. Spike calmed his breathing, and not a moment too soon as two Changelings buzzed around the corner.

"Seriously, Trex? You just had to lick the Generals hoof not once, but twice?? What has gotten into you!"

"Hey! If I'm gonna get that promotion to royal secretary, then I gotta suck up to the general. You would do the same thing in my position!"

There was what sounded like a muffled sound of anger before the other Changeling responded.

"That would have worked, had you not been caught by his bucking hive-mate! Now we are on this stupid guard duty because of you! We could have had the Princess' shift, but noooooo, my partner just had to go and lick the Generals bucking hooves!!!"

"Whatever. We need to go investigate that disturbance near the barracks anyway. I wonder what clumsy fuckups decided it would be a good idea to get themselves killed."

"I bet they ran each other through with their spears while jousting. Remember Jeremy and Todd, two years ago?"

"Heh, yeah. It was hilarious! Brutal... but hilarious."

The two Changelings continued on, oblivious to the Dragon holding one of their own hostage a few scant feet away. Spike didn't dare breathe as the two Changelings flew down the cave and through a hole, bickering, shouting and conversing the whole way. The Dragon briefly wondered how they had missed the pod he was previously in, but figured it was due to their simple lack of awareness. Spike's hard gaze once more returned to the bug he had pinned and he slowly retracted his hand so as to let her speak.

"I-I'm trying to help you, Spike!" She cried quietly as she looked up at him. Spike once more found that he had missed yet another difference. This time, he noticed that the typical blue hue of a Changeling's irises were missing, and were instead replaced by... purple? The drake shook his head and grumbled. He may have a hatred for the Changeling race, but looking at this particular one, he couldn't help but feel something towards it... her? His eyes drifted lower, and he was surprised to see some kind of silk-like fur covering the Changelings body rather than typical Chitin.

"Why would you help me?" He growled as he suddenly stood up, his scornful gaze staring hard into the Changeling. She all but covered herself with her hooves and gave off a quiet whimper, but Spike didn't let up. The more his senses returned, the angrier he got. His memory of that night by the cliffs was also starting to come back, and he felt something well in his heart. He tried to shove it back down, but it was a losing battle. Luckily, Lucy, or rather, the Changeling, spoke once more. Her words flowed out in a rush, and Spike had a hard time keeping up.

"I-I am so sorry, Spike. I didn't mean for this to happen! The time we spent together made me realize how wrong my people were in aiding the Dark Elves, and I got so enamored being near you! I-I wanted to tell you, I really did! But I would have been killed for betrayal! I have only just come to terms that I love you too much, and that I will do everything in my power to help you escape!"

Lucy was full on sobbing now, and all Spike could do was stare at her. His heart pounded in his chest as he thought over the words she had just said, and his breathing began to quicken. His feelings were warring with each other in a brutal battle of wills. On one side, she was a Changeling and one of the ones responsible for infiltrating the Resistance. He knew they were allied with the Dark Elves to a degree due to his inside knowledge after being a slave. On the other hand, he had fallen for a pony who had not judged him, seen him for who he was, and had suffered just as much as him. There was just one more thing to ask.

"Lucy."

She looked up with large, shimmering eyes as tears continued to fall. Spike beant down and put a claw under her chin before giving her a critical, but at the same time, comforting look.

"You being my friend... was that real? Was you being shot at Ravenford real? And lastly, what happened at the Cliffs... was that real?" His insides felt cold, and he held his breath as he waited for an answer. He still didn't fully trust her, but that could be healed in time.

Lucy nodded her head and sniffled as she looked into his eyes.

"It was all real, Spike. I swear it on my life."

Spike's eyes searched her for what seemed to be an eternity. He really had no reason to doubt she was telling the truth. Why else would she have risked her life freeing him? Why confess her feelings not one but two times. Spike had seen nothing malicious coming from her, and she was risking her own life in order to free him. If she really was the Lucy he had grown to care for the last few weeks, then he knew that she was indeed trying to help. While sure, she was a Changeling, he knew not to judge others by their looks. Lucy had proven she was trying to help, and he came to the conclusion that he did indeed forgive her. While some would think he was taking this whole forgiveness thing too fast, something deep down was telling him that he wasn't, and that he was making the right choice.

For exactly five seconds, they stared into each other's eyes, but for them, it seemed like an eternity. The two slowly seemed to grow closer, and Spike could feel her breath tickling his nose. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, causing Spike to lean in just a little more. The two were mere centimeters apart and--

KRAKOOOM!!

Dust fell from the strange ceiling above, and the bioluminescent vegetation within the cave seemed to flash. The walls of the cave shook as yet another explosion rocked the ground beneath the Dragon and the Changeling, the latter of which held a look of terror in her face. This terror suddenly morphed into pain as the hive mind suddenly flooded her senses. Fear, suffering, and death shook her to her very core, nearly causing her to fall over. Spike held her steady as his wide eyes scanned around him fiercely. His protective instincts getting ready to defend his friend by any means necessary.

'Are the Elves attacking?! W-what is happening!!'

RWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

A deep droning noise rumbled through the massive hive, jittering the dragon and the Changeling to the utter core. The pitch it rested on along with the somber tone caused one thought to go through the teenage Dragons mind: fear. The two took a step back as the sound of screaming and loud cracking noises filled the halls. Cries of fear, pain, and anger seemed to come from every direction as the sounds of hundreds of hooves stampeded somewhere within the Hive.

"Oh no..." Lucy whispered as she took a fearful step backwards. Spike himself felt fear and uncertainty growing in his chest.

"What is it?" His voice trembled slightly as another explosion rocked their surroundings. His eyes met Lucy's, and he gulped.

She whimpered, and her ears pinned themselves to the sides of her head as she began to tremble behind the dragon. Spike was terrified now. The loud cracking had turned into repetitive booming, and the noise very nearly left his ears ringing. Whatever it was, it was getting closer.

The screaming didn't let up, but the loud booming did. Spike looked around the pillar they were hiding behind as everything began to quiet down.

He nearly vomited at what he saw.

Bodies of various Changelings littered the floor outside of the cave entrance, their greenish blood splattering the floor, walls, and tunnel roof. The viscous liquid was trailing from newer, and smaller holes through various parts of their bodies, and was slowly forming a small river into the cave.

Spike jumped as a Changeling crawled into view and began slowly making his way towards him and Lucy. Upon closer examination, and much to both teenager's horror, the Changeling was missing both its back legs and its horn. Tears poured down his face as a trail of blood followed in his wake.

"H-H-H-Help m-meeee!" He all but squeaked out in a desperate voice.

Spike did not like to see others in pain, and watching the display before him, he knew needed to do something. Sure, he had been captured, but just because his captors were evil, didn't mean that he had to be!

The little dragon started walking with haste towards the wounded Changeling. Dean had told him that fire was a good way to stop someone from bleeding, and Spike himself could literally breathe the stuff.

Spike was so fixated on the hurt Changeling, that he didn't notice the towering shadow, nor the beam of green light before it was too late.

He froze as cold metal pressed against his forehead, causing him to stutter to a halt with wide, fear-filled eyes. His breathing started to become erratic as he watched a metal clad boot rize up in front of him before descending with the force of a boulder onto the Changelings head, killing it instantly.

The fear clouding Spike's mind was so overwhelming, that he barely heard the familiar voice speak down at him. The cold metal object was still pressed against his head, but the little dragon was starting to make out more details now as the voice registered something in his mind.

The metal morphed into the shape of a large gun, and the shadow clad being turned into a massive biped covered in grayish armor. Spike's beating heart slowly calmed itself as he stared into the face of what could only be his friend and rescuer.

"S-Sergeant Dean?" He whispered in shock more than anything. Spike had expected an army of Elves of all things, but with his Human friend here, all his worries suddenly began to disappear.

"How did we first meet?" Dean's words seemed more like a statement than a question, and it took the dragon a moment to figure out why he had asked it.

Smiling, Spike gave his answer.

"I scared you when I crawled over the side of the chariot at Ravenford. You held your pistol, the P23 Equalizer, at my head." Spike knew that last detail would ensure Dean knew it was him, and he couldn't help but feel an immense relief as the Human nodded his head and lowered his gun.

"How did you get free, and who is standing behind the pillar of stone?" Dean spoke fast, and without emotion. Spike sighed as he glanced back at where Lucy was hiding.

"Lucy is back there, and she freed me from the pod." Spike pointed up and to his left, causing Dean to glance to the side.

"I was wondering what those were..." He whispered to himself before turning back to Spike. "I take it Lucy is a Changeling?"

There was a surprised gasp from both Spike, and the Changeling behind the pillar, causing Dean to sigh in annoyance. He was running out of time.

"If Lucy is on our side, I need you two to go and free as many ponies as possible. We need everyone we can to get Twilight out safely." Dean was about to turn and run back towards his objective when the little dragon called out to him.

"What do you mean 'get Twilight out?'" Isn't she back at Maritime Bay?" The worry was evident in the dragon's voice, and Dean growled in annoyance. He turned and fixed Spike with a stare.

"Focus on your mission. Get everyone you can out, and I will save your sister. I promise, everything will be fine." Spike watched as the Sergeant sprinted out of the entryway and made a sharp left. It took several seconds, but the sound of more pops, cracks, and repeating booms picked up once more as the Human laid a path of destruction.

A feeling of dread filled Spike's heart at Dean's words, but he had to be strong. He trusted the Sergeant with his life, and if he said everything was going to be fine, then that was the case. Plus, he and Lucy had a job to do.

As the Dragon and the Changeling took off to start their mission, a certain Human was causing terror and destruction in a quest to rescue his Princess,

*****

Dean grabbed another Changeling by his head and smashed it into the ground; brain matter and blood splattering in every direction. He felt no satisfaction from the death he was causing, and instead was brimming with rage.

Faster than the blink of an eye, he took off after the small group of Changelings running from him, their screams and cries for help landing on deaf ears. His earlier prisoner had told him the general direction of the Princess before Dean had torn her head from her body. He was now following this small group in that very same direction, using them as a sort of blitzkrieg maneuver as they fled in blind terror.

Soldier drones tried to attack him, but it was like someone throwing matches into the ocean... and Dean was a category five hurricane. His rampage literally left a trail of bodies in his wake as he moved forwards towards his objective like a well oiled machine.

The Human snapped his rifle up and lowered himself as a group of soldier's pushed their way past the fleeing civilians, only for a green beam of light to land on each of their heads before promptly causing them to explode mere milliseconds apart. Smoke wafted from the tip of Dean's SCAR as he gave chase once again, his body somewhat slouched and his knees bent as he kept his gun facing forward.

The green beam of his lazer was perfect for filling the enemy with fear. The Changelings had put two and two together and realized that wherever that beam of light pointed, whatever it landed on would quickly die in a gory mess.

Dean's plan of a shock attack was working, and he was making staggering process as he approached what appeared to be a large set of double doors. Said doors were slowly closing as the civilians he had been pursuing squeezed through and out of sight. Dean growled at the seven guards who stood in his way.

These ones were different. They wore some kind of blue armor that nearly fully encased their bodies, and were overall bulkier than their counterparts that Dean had utterly slaughtered.

He stood there in the shadow of the hallway like a wraith, the only visible part of him being a barely noticeable red light on the side of his helmet. Dean stood to his full height and placed his rifle on his back; he needed the rest of the ammo for when he faced the queen.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't the Demon in metal himself." Dean's eyes flashed upwards as a misty projection suddenly materialized above the soldiers, causing silence to fall across the cave. Dean growled as he recognized the face of Starlight Glimmer, and his eyesight went temporarily red in fury. The pony chuckled.

"My, my, someone isn't happy. I can feel your rage from here, and by the maker is it delicious!" The pony fraud suddenly lit into green flames, and before the Human stood one of the ugliest creatures he had ever seen. She was taller than the average Changeling, maybe slightly shorter than himself, and fangs could be seen as she smiled toothly into the projection. Her mane was a toxic green, and just looking at it made Dean feel slightly nauseous. The bug chuckled.

The Changeling suddenly moved to the side, and Dean's heart nearly stopped upon seeing the broken form of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

She was chained by all four of her legs, and a nullifying ring was placed on her horn. Patches of fur had fallen out around various parts of her body, her mane was in disarray and bruises and swelling pockmarked her entire body. Then Dean saw her ribs. He didn't know how this had happened; she had only been gone a few days! But the Princess in the projection looked like a skeleton on the verge of starvation. Her eyes were open and seemingly lifeless, and her entire body seemed to have taken a gray shade.

Dean's arms trembled at his sides, barely restraining himself from doing something irrational.

"It's incredible what a little bit of magical torture can do to a pony. Starve them, cut them, and break their will to live... it's marvelous tasting their fear." The bug cackled, and the guards standing in his way began laughing.

Dean slowly reached up and slipped his helmet off, causing the Changeling Queen to pause, her eyes full of amusement.

"Oh please, what do you intend to... to..."

Queen Chrysalis took a step back, her face betraying her obvious fear before she quickly restored her mask of aloofness. The same couldn't be said for her soldiers.

Each of them took a step back as their ears folded back, and their legs began to tremble.

The look on Dean's face could melt through solid titanium, and he bared his teeth as he took a menacing step forward. He had seen so many horrible things, and never had he been able to prevent them. But now? Now it was different. Now, he could save his friend from death, and he could deliver punishment to the one who had hurt her. The look on his face told the Changeling soldier and their queen one thing, and one thing only.

They were all going to die.

Now, it was only a matter of how.

Dean snarled, his features molding into a terrible twist of various emotions, each one indescribable. The closest word to what he was feeling was wrath. He was beyond anger. He was beyond furious.

"I am going to kill every single one of you insect abominations. And you." He pointed a finger at the Queen as a shadow seemed to fall over his face. "I'm gonna rip your fucking head off."

Dean slid his helmet back on, and in a dramatic display of aggression, he bent into a fighting stance and pumped both his arms. His two blades shot out with a metallic 'shing', and he began to stalk forward. The shadows seemed to mold to him as he stomped towards the guards, who each held looks of utter terror. All except one.

"Come on, lads! We are Her Majesties' most elite!" He lowered his spear and snarled at Dean in an open challenge before galloping forward. The others followed after a moment of hesitation.

Dean snarled and suddenly broke into a dead sprint.

There was a flash of light, the sound of metal, bone, flesh, and blood, and the other soldiers ground to a halt.

Lying before the Demon was the body of their leader, split in half with a shocked look. They had not seen the Human move until he was already in front of their leader, and as he slowly rose to his full height... they panicked.

The guards fled as fast as they could, but it wasn't enough. There was the sound of heavy footsteps before a Changeling promptly had its head removed from its body. Another found he couldn't move as a blade pierced him through his rear end out through his front. He realized he was dead after the Demon had moved onto its next target.

In a manner of savage brutality the likes of which Chrysalis had never seen before, she watched as her Elite guards, born from the body of Princess Cadenza, were literally torn apart.

The final guard ran to the door and began clawing and pounding on the door in a frivolous attempt to escape. He cried and he pleaded to be let in, to escape the monster that was quickly marching towards him.

Chrysalis watched in stunned horror as the guard was grabbed around the barrel, and in a feat of herculean strength, ripped entirely in half. Blood and guts sprayed everywhere as the Demon dropped the two halves of the Changeling before looking towards the Projection of the Queen.

Without a word, he took a few steps back before sprinting towards the massive throne room doors and lowering his shoulder. There was an explosion of dust, and the doors were thrown away like they weighed nothing.

*****

Chrysalis snarled as the Demon stalked into the throne room and passed what used to be a magnificent pair of doors crafted hundreds of years prior.

Suddenly, a devious thought came to her mind, and she turned towards the strung up Princess.

The purple Alicorn had raised her head at the sound of the doors smashing open beyond the chamber they were currently in. The ritual chamber took place behind the throne room, so Chrysalis still had a bit of time. Not to mention, if the Demon got in, he would have to face an entire legion of Changelings.

"Well, it seems your rescuer came after all, Princes Twilight." Chrysalis watched as the mare began to fervently struggle in her bonds, grunting and crying out as she tried to free herself. Chrysalis chuckled as she eyed the Alicorn's body.

In her personal opinion, Twilight had a perfect figure for bearing children, and was extremely attractive. The last bit mattered, as her loyal subjects loved the pretty ones, female or male, whenever the ritual was done. If what the Changeling Queen had done to Twilight for the last few days hadn't broken her, what was about to happen surely would.

Chrysalis walked up behind Twilight as the crowd below was silent, their attention was divided between where they assumed the Demon would come from, and the ritual that their Queen was about to commence.

Chrysalis propped muzzle right beside Twilight's head, drinking in the emotion that was bleeding from the Alicorn. Fear, disgust, hope, and strangely enough, love.

"You love him." She hissed in amusement, causing the mare to shudder and begin to cry. Chrysalis chuckled as she prepared herself. Female ponies were always the best for laying eggs. She had the option of three holes to violate, and each one was just as painful of a process as the others. Chrysalis decided then that she would humiliate the Princess. After all, she had been important in her defeat all those years ago. Why not a little revenge.

Her exceedingly long ovipositor snaked its way around Twilight, causing the mare to whimper in fear. But before she could do the deed, there was an explosion.

Chrysalis felt a wave of magic splash over her as the room shook, causing her eyes to widen in horror. The Human had figured it out!

The Princess's eyes widened just as the tentacle probed at her entrance, and she grit her teeth in concentration. Now, the nullstone ring currently attached to her horn was quite old, and not very strong. Unlike the Dark Elves, who had nearly perfected every aspect of nullstone minus refinement, the old versions the Changeling had on hand were not meant to contend with the power of an Alicorn.

There was a surge of purple magic, and Chrysalis suddenly found herself laying on her side. She quickly mustered all her power, and stood up as her subjects faced her and the freed Princess in shock. Said Princess, however, was slowly crawling towards the edge of the raised stone ritual area. Her movements were weak as she used what little strength she had left to escape.

"Not so fast!" Chrysalis grabbed Twilight by the tail with her magic and dragged the young Alicorn back. She kicked and screamed as she was pulled back towards certain death, and her desperation only grew.

"DEAN, H-HELP ME!!!" Twilight cried out as loud as she could. Her sobs rose as the Queen wrapped her horn in her toxic green magic, strangeling whatever spell the Alicorn was trying to cook up to defend herself. The Queen saw the desperation and fear in Twilight's face as her legs were pried apart.

She growled and began Twisting from side to side, desperately fighting against the Changelings hold on her. It became so much that Chrysalis stomped her hoof on Twilight's stomach, causing the poor mare to lose her breath and nearly black out.

With the Alicorn finally subdued, Chrysalis cackled. Before any other setbacks could occur, she plunged her ovipositor into Twilight's depths, causing the Alicorn to scream in both fear and pain.

A door at the end of the hall was kicked open, and the Demon in Metal himself plowed through full tilt. The human stopped in shock at the scene before him, and after a moment's hesitation, began sprinting with reckless abandon towards the Queen and the Princess. Changelings were bodied and thrown aside violently as the Human all but plowed through them relentlessly. Spears and magic impacted across his armor from all directions, but his focus was on the Alicorn a hundred meters away.

He wasn't moving fast enough.

*****

Twilight sobbed and screamed as she tried to fight back. She fought harder than she ever had before, but it wasn't enough. She saw her life flash before her eyes. Her hatching of Spike, her tutelage under Celestia's wing, moving to Ponyville, her friends and their adventures, and meeting the Human named Dean Forrester.

The first egg slipped inside her, and she heard a howl of righteous fury that seemed to shake the very foundation of the hive. Her eyes caught a flash of metal as Dean's knife spun through the air, and she smiled a tear filled smile.

Then it all went black.

Chapter 48: No Sacrifice too Great (Part 1)

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Ten minutes. That's how long it took Spike and Lucy to open every pod in the cave with them. Ten minutes. By the end of it, both were covered in disgusting green goop and feeling miserable. How couldn't they? Both teenagers recognized each and every pony they freed, and the farther along they got, the more they realized how many had been replaced. Even Lucy, who had been in disguise herself, did not know the full extent of the Changeling infiltration. She also didn't know what the Sergeant had been talking about when he mentioned the Princess.

Spike gave a breath of frustration as he got to the last pod. This one was hanging quite a ways out of the way, and Spike's frustration only grew with each step he took to get there. He was feeling restless and energetic, so much so that it was making him uncomfortable. He wanted to punch something, preferably a Changeling.

A whimper sounded directly behind him, and Spike paused.

"Spike, I can feel your anger. I promise, everything will be okay." Lucy slowly walked up to him and rubbed her head against his side affectionately. The young dragon sighed and wrapped an arm around his friend, holding her close.

"I know, but I'm just so worried! Dean is the strongest guy I know, but something about his words was unsettling. There is something he didn't tell me, and it's eating me up inside." Spike's ears drooped and he stared at the floor solemnly. Lucy decided he needed some cheering up, so she quickly reached up and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Spike chuckled, and his mouth twitched into a shallow smile.

"Thanks, Lucy. Come on, let's get this last pod."

KRACKOOM!!

The sound of an immense explosion echoed throughout the hive, and after about two seconds, something not too dissimilar to magic washed over the duo. It was so intense in fact, that Lucy fell over, and many of the ponies previously laying comatose began to stir.

"Wha... What the..." A large white Unicorn stallion slowly got to his hooves and looked around. He blinked his eyes a few times before reaching up and wiping the excess gunk out with a leg.

Spike and Lucy both jumped when the guard suddenly went rigid and got low, his horn lighting a bright purple so intense, it was nearly blinding. The little dragon shielded his eyes as Lucy jumped behind him and whimpered.

"Where the buck am I?" Corporal Steel growled. His horn stayed lit and blinding as he glared at the two beings standing a few feet away. If he was now free, then he needed to link up with the rest of his squad and find the Sergeant. He had to warn them of the Changeling incursion!

"Well?" He saw the pony shiver, but the Dragon merely seemed annoyed.

"Are you Steel or Cobalt? You guys look the same whenever I watch you train." Spike asks with uncertainty as he tries to block the light. Cobalt shakes his head and snorts, his eyes narrowing as he regards the drake. He had seen the teen watching him and his squad train over the last two weeks, but didn't think anything of it. However, he did sort of recognize him.

"Wait... You're Spike the dragon, right?" The brightness of Cobalts horn dimmed somewhat, and Spike lowered his arm as he got a good look at the unicorn.

Cobalt was still wearing his armor, and his fur was dirty with grime and Changeling slime. Bags hung under his eyes, and his legs seemed to barely be holding him up. His face twisted into an angry grimace as his eyes narrowed at the dragon before him.

"Prove it."

Spike opened his mouth to give an answer when two things happened:

First, a mighty, indiscernible roar of outrage and fury shook the very halls of the hive, causing the many unconscious ponies to groan and whine as their ears were assaulted. Spike, Cobalt, and Lucy fared no better, the Changeling herself getting the effects worse due to her connection to the hive-mind.

Second, following a full fifteen seconds of shocked silence, a mighty explosion near the front entrance of the Hive caused debris to fall, and the room everypony was in to shake. Spike turned and covered Lucy with his body as a chunk of rock tore itself free from above and fell towards the unsuspecting mare.

The teenage dragon gave a sharp cry of pain as the rock smashed into his back and deflected to the ground beside him. He heard screaming throughout the hive as the sounds of battle once more picked up. The only difference was the clang of metal on metal and screaming of the dying. It sounded like two armies were clashing somewhere, and fear grew inside the drake as he looked towards the entrance to the cave.

Spike's attention turned to Cobalt, who was listening to a strange device tucked into the mesh on his armor. A relieved smile and a laugh came from within him as he began shaking the ponies around him, trying to get them to fully awake. His eyes quickly found Spike, who was still standing in shock.

"Never mind that question! I need you and the filly to help me get the others out of here! The Resistance has arrived and we don't have a lot of time. I'll get that pod behind you." Cobalt rushed past the two teenagers, causing Spike to blink.

Snapping himself from his stupor, Spike looked back at Lucy, who nodded with a tear filled smile. He could see quite clearly that she was in pain, but knew it wasn't anything physical.

"Common, let's get the heck 'outta here!"

*****

Dean only took a second to admire his handiwork, the broken and blasted throne no longer restraining magic. He had felt a wave of energy rush over his form, and his armor somehow didn't seem fazed by it. Instead, he felt energized, and he rolled his shoulders in anticipation for the coming fight.

Dean snarled and began jogging towards the doors leading to the Princess. It was most likely that there would be guards beside the doorway, and while his armor was tough, there were openings that a lucky thrust of the spear could penetrate. He quickly practiced moving his gun from one side to the other, mocking the maneuver he would perform upon entry. Maybe he should use a flashbang instead? Or--

"DEANNN, H-HELP MEEE!!!"

Dean's blood turned to ice, and his eyes widened in horror. Those words... Those words cut deep into him like a knife as his vision started to tunnel. He was out of time, and his body reacted before his brain could. His mind seemed to go blank as he took off at a dead sprint towards the door, the desperate cries of his friend driving him to push with everything he had.

Putting his shoulder down, he collided with the massive doors and promptly sent them rocketing to the sides and crushing the guards that had been waiting in ambush. Time seemed to slow down as adrenaline kicked into the Sergeants bloodstream, but it had no effect on the gut-wrenching feeling in his gut. He was moving too slow.

His legs moved, and his eyes never left the form of Twilight as she struggled desperately against the Changeling Queen. Said Queen who had some kind of long tube-like appendage crammed inside the young Alicorn. His breath hitched, and disgust briefly crossed the Human's mind as horrifying memories replayed themselves in his head.

Dread filled his entire body as he watched a baseball-sized thing snake down the tube and towards Twilight, who was wheezing on the ground after a strike from the Queen.

'I'm not going to make it...'

Dean felt as though he was moving through molasses. Spears, spells, and Changelings bounced off of him as he bodied through the wall of insects. His legs felt like lead as tears began to form in his eyes. He had watched this happen before. It plagued his dreams along with all the other horrors he had witnessed. He would never forget the dead eyes of the girl as her insides were destroyed. The exact same thing was about to happen, and he couldn't stop it.

'Please, God... not her!'

He had lost so much. So many friends, and so many loved ones. While he hoped his wife and child were safe, everyone else was gone. All the friends he made in the Ranger program, his mother and father, Jenkins, countless others... if he lost Twilight, he didn't know if he would be able to handle the guilt.

Dean hesitated in the middle of the room as the Changeling Queen gave a mad cackle of delight. He was helpless to watch as the egg slipped inside the Alicorn with a sickening squelch, and her face contorted into a silent scream. Dean's left eye twitched as his mouth hung open. He could see more eggs traveling down the tube, but that was all he could register as something inside him broke like a glass vial.

"RAAWWWGH!!!" The furious bellow came from deep within the Human as he rushed towards the Changeling queen. His boots left a spider-web of cracks in the stone floor as he raced forward. His arms moved on their own accord, and the Human's combat knife was sent rocketing through the air. Everything that happened next became a blur of metal and panic as the spectating Changelings cried out in surprise.

The knife sheared through the ovipositor before burying itself in the Queens underbelly, causing the bug to rear up in pain and horror. Green blood and strange liquid spurted from the wound as she stared at the knife's hilt in shock.

Her eyes flicked to Dean, but by then it was too late.

The Human's fist smashed into Chrysalis's side, the full power and speed of the supersoldier causing bones to literally turn to dust. There was a brilliant flash of red as some kind of energy was released, and the Changeling Queen felt herself catch air. Pain exploded through her entire body as she flew, and it wasn't for a good few seconds before she smashed into the wall on the far side of the chamber, creating a crater. Her mind couldn't formulate just what had happened, so she instead lost consciousness.

Dean saw out of the corner of his eyes as Chrysalis slumped out of the crater in the wall and fell to the ground in a heap. He didn't care, though, as his focus was on the abused purple Alicorn laying before him. He didn't know where the unknown energy came from, nor did he care, as his emotions were running at an all time high as he checked his friend for injuries. He saw her pass out when the egg was pushed inside her, and prayed that he wasn't too late. He noticed that the other half of the ovipositor was still sticking out from between Twilights legs, and promptly ripped it out. The Princess barely made a sound, and Dean began to panic.

He couldn't feel a pulse under his armored gloves, so he opted to tear his helmet off and place his ear against Twilight's chest. It was hard to see in the dark, but if one were to look closely, they would see the tears streaming from the seemingly impenetrable human.

'Not another friend, please God, not another one!' He pleaded in thought as he searched for a heartbeat. After several seconds, he heard it, and while it was faint, he couldn't help but let a relieved sigh escape his lips. That is, until he looked down.

A medium sized bulge seemed to protrude from Twilight's stomach, its unnatural form slightly jiggling as Dean's hand passed over it. Looking over her more caused Dean's stomach to lurch. He had seen gruesome things: Death, gore, destruction, and so much more. But seeing his close friend in such a state of torture and pain seemed to relight thoughts that had long been buried in the recess of his mind. Even if he had seen so much, he would never get used to it, and it always sickened him.

He was disgusted at the implications of what the Queen had done to the poor Alicorn, but he didn't know how to fix this. He gently pushed on the bulge seeing if he could somehow remove the egg from within the pony, but in doing so caused her to moan and shift in obvious pain. He needed a doctor.

All of this took place in about fifteen seconds, and Dean suddenly became acutely aware of the silence that was the room. The alarm horn was still droning somewhere deeper in the hive, but it was the lack of buzzing and chattering that really got Dean's attention. He slowly turned and faced the small sea of Changelings, a furious snarl curling on his lips.

The bugs were staring at him and their downed Queen in a state of shock. Dean took the opportunity to slip his helmet back on and adjust his duffle bag filled with explosives. It was a miracle it hadn't been torn off in his mad dash towards the podium, and he was thankful it hadn't. It would make his retreat all the easier.

Dean heard a loud groan, and his eyes widened in shock as he whipped around. A collective gasp went up behind him as well as they beheld what could only be deemed as a miracle.

On the other end of the massive stage, the Queen of the Changelings slowly pushed herself up onto four hooves. Blood leaked from her nose, and some of her chitin was missing around her body. The bloody tube that Dean had cut through hung limply as orange goo mixed with green blood seeped from the knife wound and down to the floor. Dean's hair stood on end, so he looked past the physical injuries and instead focused on her eyes. A shiver went up his spine as... something happened.

An Eldritch glow seemed to radiate from the massive Changeling as her eyes flashed red. He could only watch, stunned, as pebbles, dust, and debris suddenly lifted from the ground and hovered around the Queens hooves as a snarl appeared. His knife was slowly pulled free from its temporary sheath and began floating along beneath the bug.

On a normal day, Dean would not be intimidated, but a quick glance in front of him caused him to hesitate. Twilight was unconscious beneath him and badly hurt. Judging by the Queen's little light show, Dean figured he was up against someone powerful. While he usually wouldn't hesitate to fight, the safety of the Princess was top priority. Who was to say the moment he engaged the Queen, her underlings wouldn't rush over and kill the Princess. He couldn't allow that, so he opted for the last solution on the table.

Retreat.

The Queen looked like she was charging up for something big, and Dean's hairs stood on end. He did not want to stick around when she finished whatever she was doing. He was smart enough to realize the muttering coming from her mouth was some kind of spell, and quickly bent down to scoop Twilight up. If he was quick, he would be able to make it past whatever reinforcements that were on their way.

Then, all hell broke loose.

A mighty explosion sounded somewhere in the hive, and the sounds of screaming and battle suddenly picked up once again. The only difference this time: the clash of swords and yells of a familiar unicorn Captain could be heard. Shining Armor had to be using some kind of amplification spell, as his voice was nowhere near that loud. It didn't matter though; Dean had stood still a second too long. There was a rush of air, and Dean could only glance to the side before his eyes widened. A green glow reflected off his face-plate as time seemed to slow down.

The Human had enough time to shield the pony in his arms before the utterly massive blast of toxic green magic roared towards him. He tried to jump to the side, and nearly succeeded, but the sheer width of the blast was too much, and caught him in the shoulder.

The Sergeant gave a cry of surprise as he was launched head over heels through the air before his brain caught up with his movement. He re-positioned himself midair and hit the far wall with his back, keeping the Princess safe as the impact caused his jaw to clamp down.

He didn't really feel the pain, as his armor took the brunt of the impact, but he knew something was damaged.

Changelings scattered and screamed as they ran pell-mell through the room. Most were civilians' and workers, so they tried to get as far away from the danger as possible. There was shouting as soldiers tried to enter and aid their queen, but the sheer panic of the civilians made their efforts fruitless.

All at once, they streamed towards the door, keeping any reinforcements from entering and getting in on the action. One Changeling tripped and fell on the floor, giving a cry of pain as another of her kin stepped on the back of her leg and broke it. Her cries were silenced when the Queen herself launched through the air and landed atop her, crushing her insides in her fury. Her eyes were set on the Human and the pony in his arms.

Both beings stared at each other in hatred, and there was a good few seconds where the sounds of battle and panic seemed to fade away. They sat there for a few seconds as the last of the civilians ran out of the room. There was but a moment of hesitation before a stream of soldiers sprinted in and formed a half circle around the Human, blocking any means of escape.

"Give up, Demon. You know not what you are doing!" Chrysalis suddenly snarled as she took a menacing step forward. Dean growled under his helmet as he placed Twilight over his shoulder and drew his pistol with one hand. The silencer was also removed on his sidearm, and he quickly flicked the green laser-sight on. The beam landed in the center of the Queen's chest, causing her to pause.

"I know exactly what I am doing." Dean took a cautious step to the side and analyzed his options. If he was quick, he could catch the two Changelings near the door by surprise. No one would be able to keep up with him, and all he had to do was drop his bag full of explosives. He had heard the buzz of radio chatter as his team communicated, and it sounded as if the Resistance was proving to be a good distraction.

Chrysalis gave a sneer as she licked her lips with a serpent-like tongue.

"You do realize that if the Emperor gets his hands on that pony, it's all over... right? I was merely doing a favor." The Queen took another step forward, followed by Dean going into a ready crouch. His eyes narrowed as he kept careful tabs on the other Changelings.

"You cannot stop him if the Princess lives. His army is huge, and you are merely one Human. There is no way you can stand against him!" The Queens horn lit up, and Dean tensed. However, instead of an attack, a projection appeared.

He saw a large throne room made of white marble and stone. Stained glass windows with colorful pictures marked the walls, and a red and gold carpet sat upon the floor. At the end of the hall, the carpet stopped against two large thrones sitting side-by-side. On said thrones was a large Alicorn with pristine white fur. A radiant sun was her cutie-mark, revealing herself to be Princess Celestia.

On the throne next to the Solar Diarch sat an all too recognizable midnight blue Alicorn. Small smiles had appeared on their faces, and they were currently socializing with a small group of Dark Elves. These Elves were obviously diplomats or ambassadors of some kind, as they seemed to carry no weapons.

A large Elf with broad shoulders and silver hair walked up to the base of the throne, a mocking sneer on his face as the two gold-plated guards crossed their spears in front of him. The Elf said something, causing the two Princess to scowl, but all eyes turned towards the doors at the rear of the room as five ponies and a familiar lavender Alicorn entered, chatting cheerfully.

It happened in a split second, almost fast enough that blinking would mean missing the movement.

One moment, the Elf at the base of the throne was there, the next, he was right in front of the Solar Princess, a wicked knife buried through her neck and into her brain. There was shocked silence as Princess Celestia was instantly killed, and the only thing holding her in place was the knife wielding Elf. Almost like a puppet. The Elf turned and gave a sinister smile as his soldiers sprung into action.

Dean watched with a stoic look and a slight grimace as Luna had her spine broken and the guards were ripped apart by those who had seemed to be diplomats. Once everyone in the throne room was dead, and Twilight had made her escape, did Dean switch his focus back to the Changeling Queen and her guards.

"Princess Luna and Celestia were close to what every creature considered deities. And the Emperor killed them both, just like that." her eyes found Dean's, and some kind of emotion flashed before her scowl returned. Power and magical energy still surrounded her, but it now felt more subdued. Dean was not deceived however; he knew that the Queen could try anything at a moment's notice if she so chose.

"Being a Changeling Queen, I would be considered a deity myself. Luckily, I am not that stuck up." She giggled, and Dean scowled. He could feel Twilight shifting on his shoulder, and she groaned slightly in discomfort. He needed to leave. Chrysalis' next words only confirmed that.

"You will not survive, Human. You will either give up the Princess and I'll let you leave with the Resistance that so foolishly came to your rescue... or you will all die, here and now. Answer quickly."

Just then, Dean's microphone crackled.

"Sergeant? If you can hear me, we have an opening, but a shit-ton of Changeling soldier's are headed your way. If you can hear me, then you 'gotta book it 'outta there! We have a lot of them occupied, but your window is closing! Spitfire, out." Dean gave a breath of relief.

"Go to hell." Dean growled before promptly taking off towards the doors and bodying the two soldiers aside. He heard the Queen give a howl of fury as a barrage of magic was launched towards him. Rock crumbled and the ground exploded around him, but he didn't let up as he bobbed and weaved out of the way.

Sweat poured down his back and neck as he keyed up his radio.

"Spitfire, sound a retreat! Gather the Prince, Spike, and any prisoners and get ready to leave. I have the Princess. ETA, two minutes, over!" Dean ducked as his sixth sense screamed at him, and just in time. Searing hot magic grazed his helmet, scorching the top and causing the air to smell like burnt metal. Dean cursed as the sound of the Queen's buzzing wings were joined by more... then even more.

Soon, what sounded like an army of hornets was chasing him through the halls, and dread began to form in his heart. A feeling was nagging at him, like he was missing something, but his focus was currently getting the Princess to safety, and then getting the hell out of there.

A mad cackle behind him was the only warning he got before a powerful blast of magic slammed into his side, lifting him through the air and sending him spinning. Dean tried to move in the air, but to his horror, found that he couldn't. Something very, very bad had happened.

The Human soldier smashed into the ground and ragdolled through the air, accidentally dropping Twilight in the process. Her body flew a few feet before coming to a rest opposite the only door of the chamber they were currently in. Searing pain made itself known in his left shoulder, and Dean cried out when he tried to move it. A sensor in his suit let a small image appear in his helmet, and he saw that his left humerus had somehow gained a spiral fracture.

The man was shocked. Nothing short of a falling building should have been able to break his arm, yet here he was. The pain of breaking a bone was foreign to him, and his shock cost him precious seconds. He heard a small whine, and his head snapped to the side as he saw three Changeling soldiers surrounding Twilight and began poking her with her spears. The Princess slowly woke up, and when she saw the three Changelings standing over her, she screamed.

Her scream was cut off abruptly when one of the bugs stomped on her chest, causing her to gurgle as something broke inside her.

Dean's vision went red as he saw what was happening, and any pain he had been feeling quickly left as he sprung to his feet and charged the three unsuspecting bugs. His P23 Equalizer suddenly appeared in his hand, and he quickly sent three bullets towards their intended targets.

All three Changelings had but a moment to know something was wrong before their heads promptly exploded. Showering the Princess with green gore and bits of Chitin.

Dean suddenly appeared in front of her, placing his body in between her, and the Changeling Queen hovering about fifty meters away. Her eyes held a contemplative look as she stared down the Demon in metal.

"That spell would have disintegrated the inside of any other being. I wonder why you weren't affected... no matter." The Queen smiled, and both Human and pony shivered. They were trapped.

An instinct screamed in Dean's mind as he turned to the side and raised his arm. Any pain was discarded as the spear thrown by a Changeling glanced off the armor plating and deflected into the ground. Dean promptly raised his pistol and fired a precise shot in less than a second, destroying the offending Changeling's head.

Dean's motion sensor blared, and he did a flying leap that turned into a backflip as two Changeling warriors lunged towards him. He brought his gun around and shot one before bringing his leg up and delivering a colossal kick to the other Changelings side while midair, shattering its internal organs in an instant.

The army of Changelings was growing rapidly, and Dean landed facing them. Sun shone down through a hole in the roof, forming a circle around him and casting Twilight in shadow. He stared down the tide of bugs with a snarl, their Queen hovered directly in the middle of the pack. Hundreds, if not, thousands of blue eyes stared at him.

Dread filled the Human, but he knew he couldn't give up. There was no way the Resistance would be able to reach him, as their numbers were too few, and the only means of escape was blocked by an army. It was just him, a single Human soldier standing between the Last Alicorn and the Changeling menace. If she died, his mission was a failure. If she died, he would lose another friend to the powers of evil. Who cared if the Dark Elves needed her, for so long as she was alive, Dean would keep her safe.

The insects knew nothing. Their goal wasn't to deny the Emperor his prize, but to instead murder his friend and use her corpse to sustain their young. The Human's left hand balled into a fist, and his wrist sword sprung to life. In his other hand, his arm tensed as he prepared for the fight of a lifetime. He racked the slide back halfway on his pistol, ensuring it was locked and loaded.

If these bugs wanted to get to Twilight, then they would have to go through him first.

The Queen must have sensed the determination coming from the Human below her, and her a toxic green hue lit upon her horn. Her features fell into a snarl as the Human stood resolute. There was no way for him and the Princess to escape. No matter how skilled of a fighter this so-called Demon was, he would surely fall beneath the weight of her army.

The tension in the air became impalpable, and the two sides tensed. One was the steadfast loyalty of the Human, the other was the mass of magical bugs; drones built to heed their Queen's every order. The two sides stared each other down, anticipating the clash that was soon to come. The Human faced them, alone and without support.

Dean dropped his duffle bag, and took one last look behind him, noticing the tears in Twilight's eyes. He took in every detail of her face, the face of his best friend. He saw fear, but beneath it, he also recognized hope. A spark seemed to flash between the two, and Dean felt something stir within him.

Turning back around, Dean accepted his fate. This was now a fight for not only his, but his friend's life as well. His breathing calmed. He was injured, tired, and beaten up, but he would persist. He had an Emperor to kill, a world to save, and a family to protect. These bugs had gotten in the way, and thus would need to be… eradicated.

These thoughts filled him with energy, and he didn't notice at first, but a red hue had begun leaching from his armor. To the Changelings, he now looked like an ungodly wraith. Dean's vision flashed red, and he let out a mighty roar that was heard once more through the hive.

Time slowed down as the Changeling horde accepted his challenge and surged forward in a tidal wave of darkness. Their mass blocked out what little light came from above as they seemed to suffocate the chamber with their numbers. They hissed and jeered as they flew, but nothing deterred the Human as he stood fast. He pictured the faces of his son and wife, and then of Twilight. He saw their smiles, and their laughter, but it was the face of his friend that stood out the most. It was then that he suddenly recognized the feeling that had come over him.

Love.

He didn't know what kind it was, nor why he was feeling it in the first place, but it didn't matter. The Human took one last calming breath and closed his eyes. Gone was the gentle giant, only to be replaced by the hyper-lethal super soldier. This was it.

His eyes snapped open, and silence occupied his entire being. No sound was made, but the intent was clear as his legs moved on their own accord.

Outnumbered a thousand to one…. the Demon in Metal charged forward, ready to protect his Princess.

Chapter 49: No Sacrifice too Great (Part 2)

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Love. Whether it be familial, friendly, or... something else, love was the driving factor of all things good. When a mother holds their new born child in their arms, they experience a love unlike any other. When vows are said, and the kiss is shared at the altar, a new type of love is formed, one forged by dedication and commitment. Then there is the ultimatum. This ultimatum is rarely experienced, and for good reason, for it requires the ultimate sacrifice. This form of love is what transpires when all other options have been exhausted, and when no hope remains, yet you know you must keep pushing on. When one experiences this form of love, it is because they know they are going to die, and have accepted it. They push forward, for they are sacrificing themselves for a cause higher than themselves; to protect the most valuable thing in their lives, at the cost of their own.

This is what Sergeant Dean Forrester was currently experiencing. His emotions were cold, and his nerves were more akin to titanium, but one thing stayed at the forefront of his mind as time slowed around him.

Twilight.

This moment of clarity would only last a second, and with the Humans current mental state, would likely be forgotten later on. However, this did not change the underlying fact that Dean was fighting to protect the one he loved from a horrible death. All other thoughts were put on the backburner; everything in front of him became black; the wave of Changelings mere feet away as he charged forward to meet them.

Ten feet became seven, then four, and then three. The battle hardened super-soldier could see minute details on each Changeling before him, but he didn't care. It was then that something within him awakened, and time slowed even further.

Dean felt as though he was running slightly faster than what would be considered slow-motion. This allowed his brain to take in everything all at once, while his body reacted only slightly slower. This would usually only last for a defined period of time, but something inside of the man told him otherwise. Whatever that strange energy surrounding him was, it was keeping him from tiring. If anything, it made him much, much stronger and faster.

His mind went on autopilot as he jumped and sliced through the first Changeling, cleaving it in two. He saw each individual beat of their wings, and could see their eyes widen in real time as they marveled at his speed. Their own slow reaction times would prove to be their downfall, and Dean took full advantage of this.

He whirled, slashed, and gutted any Changeling in reach, carving a path of blood and death in his wake. He bounced around swords, bobbed around spears, and ducked under spells. His movements were a blur to the hundreds of Changelings, and their once mighty tide balked in the face of the whirling Demon.

Blood flew through the air as many of the bugs opted to try and drown the Human in their numbers, but they merely weren't fast enough. A pulsating red energy surrounded the man, and it seemed to cause an after-image to appear everytime he moved. Not one Changeling made it within twenty feet of the Princess before they were cut down. Every time one tried to slip past, the Demon in Metal was already there, and had already removed their head from their body.

The Human was gone, and in his place was a monster.

Time became relative as Dean twirled and cut through the Changelings, his sole focus being to turn every single bug into mince meat. He wasn't counting, but in the first thirty seconds of the battle, sixty Changelings lay on the floor.

A gap suddenly formed in front of the Human, but he easily recognized the trick and backed away. He quickly un-holstered his rifle, flicked the gun to full auto, and squeezed the trigger.

He laughed like a maniac as Changelings scrambled away from the noise in a panic, their whines and cries being silenced by the volley of lead being spat in their direction. Dean's thoughts on whether or not he would come out of this alive were buried under the exhilaration of unloading into the bugs. He felt like a god compared to these monsters, and in his enraged state, he failed to notice the bugs flanking from above before it was too late.

Green goop splashed around him, and by some stroke of bad luck, just barely hit his gun. Dean cursed as the spray of bullets ended and promptly holstered the weapon on his back.

If it was a bloody melee they wanted, then it was a bloody melee they would get.

*****

Twilight watched in awe and horror as she witnessed the slaughter take place before her. This wasn't like in Canterlot, where guards ponies and Elves had fought on the same level (relatively), nor was this like when Dean had rescued her from the Prince. This was something different, and a primal fear began to creep into her very soul. She knew the Sergeant would never hurt her, but seeing him like this, his movements a furious dance of death and destruction, she couldn't help but whimper.

It seemed like hours, when in reality, it was minutes. The wave of Changelings became a river, then a stream, then a mere trickle. The battle ground to a halt as Dean squared off against the remaining bugs, all of whom still held the look of absolute fury towards the bipedal perpetrator. Yet, none dared take another step forward.

The Queen, who had been idly buzzing several feet in the air, impacted the ground with a mighty crunch. Her hooves left small craters, and her magical aura fluctuated and warped. Twilight could feel the raw power being displaced in her own horn, and she couldn't help but shy away. Twilight's intellectual mind suddenly sprung to life, and she suddenly realized what the Queen of the Changelings was doing. Her eyes widened as she watched Chrysalis stand alone against the Human, Her vast magical power beginning to take noticeable effect on her surroundings. Changelings began to stumble around as their magic was leached from them and absorbed into their Queen. Twilight knew that at this rate, Chrysalis was at risk of a magical overload.

'Then again, she isn't exactly a pony...'

Her mind temporarily went blank as all she could do was stare, but a sharp pain in her leg cut through her thoughts like a blade. Her leg had fallen asleep.

As the battle between the Human and the Queen commenced, twilight giggled, then chuckled, then full on laughed at the absurdity that was her leg. She had been beaten, starved, cut, and molested, yet here she was, sore because her leg had fallen asleep. She couldn't help it, and the laughing continued until something within her seemed to snap. The laughs turned to sobs, but the smile never left her face. She watched as her captors for the last few days were torn apart, and she could feel nothing but joy. Said joy mixed with the pain and suffering she had endured, and she tuned out the ferocious battle entirely as dark thoughts began to rapidly speed through her brain.

The resulting mix of emotions made the little Alicorn laugh all the harder, and due to her distracted mind, she barely noticed what sounded akin to tearing plastic deep inside her, followed by a low rumble.

Something heavy jiggled as the pony moved, and Twilight's laughing came to an abrupt stop. She slowly looked down at her stomach, and her head tilted sideways in confusion. One ear flopped down as a hoof gently pressed against the lump. Her eye twitched, and she gave a shudder.

Twilight mewled pitifully as an ache began to grow, and realization began to set in. Fear gripped her heart, and her breathing began to quicken. Tears formed on the edges of her eyes as she thought of Sergeant Dean... the man she loved. She wanted to see him happy, and she wanted to be by his side through to the end. He had saved her from death on multiple accounts, and he had sworn to protect her with his life

'Dean will help, he always knows what to do.'

Denial began within her, and she looked back towards the fighting. Her eyes desperately searched for her Human, but he was nothing but a blur as he tried to break the Queen's defenses. Another rumble sounded within her, and she felt something foreign move around. She looked down and stared at the slowly growing bulge in mute horror.

"D-Dean..." She said, more to herself than anything. Pain flashed through her body, and her eyes remained locked on the bulge as it wiggled once more inside of her. She began to cry in earnest now as a horrific screech followed by a leg snapping echoed through the chamber. The battle temporarily came to a halt, but she didn't even register the stoppage horrible pain was building in her lower body. She gave a gasp and cried out in panic.

"D-DEAN!" Fear gripped her heart as the pain became excruciating. She screamed as something inside her was torn apart, and nausea quickly overcame her. Her life began to flash through her mind as she desperately began to hit her own stomach, trying to stop the pain and kill whatever was inside of her. Her efforts merely slowed it down, and she gave one last desperate cry.

"DEAN!!!"

*****

Sergeant Dean flipped sideways and brought his fist down upon the Changeling Queen's back, causing something to snap and the Queen to cry out in pain. The drones stood off to the side, their minds conflicted over what to do. Their own Queen had ordered them to attack, and each had believed they would easily overwhelm the bipedal being in a heartbeat. Instead, they were massacred.

After six minutes, nearly four hundred of their kin lay dead or dying on the ground, the screams of pain and suffering becoming unbearable and bringing the fighting to a grinding halt. Even with their Queen screaming in their minds, they refused to take another step against the monster that faced them.

Now, here they were watching as their Queen faced the Demon in Metal herself. Alone.

"Insolent pest! Your head will sit upon my nightstand!"

The Queen charged forward, her spine somehow having healed from the lethal fist of the Human. The amount of energy the Queen was using just to stay alive was monstrous, and everyling/pony could feel it nearly three miles away. Had the Emperor of the Dark Elves been looking, he would have felt the magical signature all the way back in Canterlot.

The Demon in Metal said nothing as his right leg came down in a brutal kick and snapped the Changelings leg in two, causing her to give a high pitched shriek of pain. This however left the Human open, and she capitalized on this by firing a burst of magic.

Dean, in his exhausted state, barely had time to turn and let his chest armor take the brunt of the impact before he was thrown through the air like a doll.

He twisted and smashed his fists into the floor, tearing two trenches nearly five feet in length. He was about to spring back into the action, when he heard a blood curdling scream, followed by his name. The sheer desperation, pain, and fear in the voice caused his blood to freeze, and his face to pale

Dean's head snapped to the side, ignoring the panting Queen as she tried in vain to heal her leg; her mana being nearly depleted. He saw Twilight right where he left her, but something was very wrong. He could see the pain and terror written on her face clear as day. Her two front hooves mashed against her stomach desperately as...

'Oh no...'

Dean sprinted towards the Alicorn and dropped to his knees' sliding the last three feet as he reached forward.

His friend had curled into the fetal position and was shrieking in pain, the bulge in her stomach was twisting and writhing, and it seemed to have grown slightly bigger than what Dean had remembered. He had no time to act, and he didn't take the time to think about what the consequences of his next action would be. If he didn't do something, Twilight would die.

Dean drew his knife and leveled it so that he would be below the stomach and roughly where he expected the womb was located. Through the fur, he could see an odd shape press itself against the walls within Twilight, causing the poor mare to scream in pain. Dean felt like he was going to throw up, but he knew he had to do something.

"God have mercy..." He whispered to himself. He didn't know if Twilight would forgive him after this, but he had no other choice.

Quick as a snake, He plunged the knife forward with expert precision. The writhing and jiggling immediately came to a stop, and he could only stare at the pain filled face of his friend. His reflexes worked without him realizing, and he suddenly found himself applying B.A.I. foam into the wound, sealing it shut.

Twilight whimpered and wretched as bile began to pour from her mouth. Thankfully, there was no blood, meaning he didn't damage anything vital. That didn't mean he was out of the forest yet; Twilight still needed medical attention. Immediately.

He quickly lay the poor Alicorn on her side, cold fury stemming within him as he tried to plan what to do next. It was then that he heard the mad cackling several meters away. His anger grew, and his body literally began to shake.

"It's over, Demon. The mare won't last long without medical help, and--" She was cut off by Dean whipping out his pistol and firing four shots in rapid succession. Three missed, but the fourth hit the Queen right in the flank. There was a millisecond of pause before chunks of meat and chitin were blown outward in a gruesome display, showering a few unlucky Changelings that happened to be standing a bit too close.

Instead of a cry of pain, like Dean had expected, the Queen merely gave a bellow of fury and charged her horn.With his hyper-reflexes, the man took note of the fact that her eyes weren't focused on him, but rather the unconscious Princess just off to his side. His eyes widened in horror as his body reacted near instantaneously.

Just as the Beam fired, Dean lept into its trajectory, taking the full brunt of the blast. He felt heat, and a small amount of pain, but in his flight, something happened.

A bit of the magic that smashed into him deflected to the side and tore through the duffel bag he had dropped. There was the sound of sizzling fabric, but something much worse had happened.

A warning flashed through Dean's Helmet, and the second he hit the ground, he was up and sprinting towards the bag. The sizzling got louder, and Dean all but tore the top of the bag open.

A red exclamation point appeared above his motion tracker, and in the space of a nano second, he had grabbed the sizzling brick and threw it with all his might into the air.

The C-12 flew in an arch for exactly two seconds before a mighty fireball lit the cave. The sheer size of the explosion seemed to shake the very Earth, and more than a few Changelings that had been nearby were instantly vaporized. The Shockwave from the explosion didn't so much as deter the super-soldier, but the Queen went flying into the far wall along with a multitude of her soldiers.

Dean was about to breathe a sigh of relief when his hand brushed against something. He looked down, and for half a second his heart stopped beating. A sense of hopelessness suddenly overwhelmed the Human, and it took everything in his willpower to keep from toppling onto his backside.

In his hand, was the remains of the detonator.

He hardly noticed his radio go off.

"Sergeant, do you read, over?"

His plan was in ruin, and he had no way to keep the Changelings from informing the Elves of Maritime Bay. Sure, he could get the Princess out, but what then? He knew for a fact that there were more Changelings in the hive somewhere. Any General or leader worth their money would be forming to regroup and counter-attack. If he didn't get out and destroy the Changeling hive, they were all done for. The Resistance didn't have enough ponies to take on that size of an army, and he was currently injured.

All the confidence inside him blew away like dust in a tornado. His swords had been melted by some kind of acidic spit earlier on, and his rifle had been covered in goop and rendered useless. All he had was his pistol and his fists, and even he knew it wasn't enough. Whatever magical aura that had surrounded him during the fight was gone, and once more, his left arm hung at his side uselessly. The Queen had shrugged off a round from his P-23, and she kept healing every time he gave a blow strong enough to punch holes through his tank. It seemed that he had severely underestimated the capacity of magic.

A sense of fatigue washed over Dean as he tried desperately to formulate a plan, but his mind was coming up blank. Was this the end?

Dean stood and looked around. The Changelings were slowly getting back to their hooves, and he saw the Queen slowly standing from her position across the room. However, something caught Dean's eyes, and he quickly shook his head.

Just ahead of him was a path. Completely clear of Changelings, and leading directly to the exit. He slowly hobbled back towards Twilight, but a stinging pain caused him to look down.

Dean scowled as he saw the cuts and gashes on his unarmoured areas. While he was a hyper lethal soldier, that didn't make him impenetrable. Certain areas of his body weren't protected by armor, and all it would take was a lucky hit from a blade, and his ability to fight would be significantly weakened.

Dean ignored the injuries and canceled out the pain going through his nerves. He still had a Princess to save, and he had already promised to get her out, or die trying. Mary would understand if he sacrificed himself for something greater. His son would grow up without him, but he would forever know his father to be a hero. Dean smiled at the thought as he leaned down to scoop up his charge. It was his job, to bring hope and perform heroics. And while he may no longer be on Earth, that didn't change the fact that his duty was to the innocent and suffering.

However, even though he cared little about his own mortality, he still needed to see his family; to know if they were okay. He remembered the letter he had gotten, and how it had spurred him to fight ever onward.... or at least he thought it had. Things directly after getting that letter were foggy at best, but he pushed on. After many sleepless nights, he realized it was a means to keep him fighting.

Dean grunted and quickly came out of his thoughts. His left arm was unresponsive, so it took him a second to lift Twilight onto him. He let a tired smile grace his features when her front hooves instinctually wrapped around his neck, and her muzzle rested on his shoulder. He heard her whimper, and had he the means, he would have stroked her head as a sign of comfort.

Turning around, he limped/jogged past hundreds of Changelings, his eyes focused on the goal ahead. A strange fuzziness was coming over his mind, and he blinked when tinges of green began appearing at the edges of his vision.

'That fucking Queen did something to me.'

Dean growled and spurred his legs to move faster. Whatever magic the Queen had used to bypass his armor seemed to have affected him. Or perhaps one of his many cuts was infected with a poison? That would explain why the last five minutes had seemed to move so slowly. He had no way of knowing, but he refused to stop; not this close to freedom.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as he realized he was going to make it, he was maybe thirty meters away, and no one had tried to stop him. He had no means of defending himself, and Dean had a feeling that if his attention so much as diverted from the door, then he would fail to make it.

fifteen meters now, and he couldn't hear buzzing from the other side. The Resistance must still be distracting them. That, or the main force was currently inside the very room he was leaving.

An impact smashed into Dean's back, but he merely stumbled. His legs kept moving, and sweat poured down his back from underneath his armor. Determination welled inside him, and he kept his focus on the doorway.

Green magic flew past his head, and another one struck the back of his helmet. He felt the heat on his barely exposed neck and grit his teeth. Another bolt smashed into the back of his knee, and he fell to the ground. His breathing was coming hard, and his suit was warning him of his open wounds. His walkie talkie sounded again, but he ignored it.

He had to keep going.

Dean slowly rose before stumbling forward once more. He gave a small cry of pain when two more beams hit him, then three, then seven. He was five meters from the exit; so close... so very close. His world was lighting up green as he re-positioned Twilight, shielding her from the barrages of magic. Through this, he pushed forward.

And then he was flying.

Something was messing with his instincts, and he had failed to notice when the Queen launched an utterly massive fireball towards him.

As he flew through the air, he could feel the back armor heat up to dangerous temperatures. The exosuit whirred as it tried to combat the heat, and somehow succeeded. His heads up display flashed red, and he saw that his shoulder pauldron and one of his spinal guards had melted off.

Dean tried to twist in the air, and ended up smashing face first into a column. His momentum was diverted, and he dropped Twilight as his head was flung backwards. Alarms immediately blared, and he noticed he now had trauma to his neck. Severe whiplash.

Dean coughed, and specks of blood painted the face shield in front of him. His eyes widened in alarm, and he immediately tried to stand. Somehow, he got to his feet and faced the perpetrator behind his injuries.

Queen Chrysalis stared back, her face a mask of anger as she scowled at the Human. She nursed her front right hoof, and Dean could see certain muscles where Chitin was supposed to be. Her one eye was swollen shut.

"I'm impressed you can still stand, but that's as far as my respect for you goes, Demon." She snarled the last bit, and Dean hobbled towards the prone form of Twilight. She was just a few feet away, but a sudden blast to his chest sent him sliding back and into the same pillar he hit. The stone fractured under his weight, but did not crumble. Dean's hand shakily moved to his waist and grabbed his gun.

He fired three shots without aiming, but all three of his bullets were stopped mid-flight by green magic. Chrysalis didn't even bother looking at them as she took a few steps closer. Nearly a hundred Changelings trailed behind her, and Dean said nothing as he glared through his helmet.

Chrysalis continued her little monologue.

"I am also intrigued that you last this long against my magic. Changeling magic degrades strength over time, and sucks energy and emotion from the victim. I can see the effects have started on you, but only barely. That armor of yours is truly something to behold. No doubt it would hold against the Emperor's own power, but for a being such as myself... that is not the case." She chuckled as her Changelings lit their horns. Her face soon fell back into a scowl. "This Princess you tried so desperately to protect, and this Resistance you so foolishly tried to lead, will die here with you," She pointed her good hoof at him as she sat on her haunches, "and her." Her hoof trailed to Twilight, and Dean felt his blood boil.

Defiantly, he crouched into a fighting position and raised his fists. He noticed a blip on his motion tracker near the doorway, but paid it no mind. He was surrounded, and even though it was isolated, it was likely just another Changeling. The Queen snarled once more.

"I sense your anger, and I can feel your feelings towards this here Alicorn. You are alone, the Resistance will be destroyed, and you will die."

"I think you're wrong."

Dean had no time to react when an intense flash of purple blinded him. He put his hand up and covered his eyes as the suit automatically polarized, but even that wasn't enough.

Waves of purple magic seemed to cascade around him, and a deep, yet comforting hum spread around him. It was like when someone played a "cinematic boom," yet this one was louder and much more real. He felt the magic wash over him, and nearly stumbled when a comforting feeling came over him. His eyes grew heavy, but he fought the feeling with everything he had. He couldn't quit now, and he had recognized that voice.

Dean felt a hoof on his arm, causing him to lower it and see a fully decked out Shining Armour. His purple armor seemed to contrast against the stark and gloomy surroundings of the hive, and he carried himself with the professionalism of a true warrior.

However, even with the fancy armor, Dean began to take in the smaller details. His white coat was matted with both red and green blood, and a large gash ran down the side of his face. Half of his left ear was missing, and his tail was nearly burnt completely.

"Captain, what are you--" Dean was silenced when Shining growled and lit his horn. Dean only had a moment before Twilight was carefully laid across his shoulder, and his hand instinctively moved to hold her in place. Dean looked behind him and found a purple dome had surrounded them and the exit; the Changelings pounded away on the other side to no avail.

"Listen well, Sergeant. I can hold this dome for five minutes. That should be long enough for you to escape with Twily." Shining's eyes flashed with concern as he eyed the bulge in her stomach before they moved to the sealed knife wound. He lifted a hoof and ran it over Twilight's barrel.

His features morphed into a scowl, and the Captain shook his head.

"I-I'm sorry for what happened back in Maritime Bay, Sergeant. If I had been a better soldier... a better brother, I would have realized Twilight had been taken from me again." Tears began to trickle down his face, and Dean scowled.

"Shining, she is safe now, and you and I will keep her safe until the war is over. She's alive, and all we need to do now is go." Dean began to walk towards the exit, but realized after a moment that Shining wasn't following. In his fatigued state, irritation became the first reaction as he turned and glared at the Prince. "That means now, y'know. While we have the chance."

A sense of dread once more erupted inside Dean as he saw the Prince shake his head with a saddened expression. Memories came to the surface, ones he had long since buried. The face of Jenkins looked up at him, blood covering him as he held a detonator in one hand, and his rifle in the other.

'No sacrifice to great, Sarge. I'll give 'em hell. Tell my family... tell them that I was a hero...'

The memory froze as Dean strode forward. He saw the Prince shaking his head, and already knew what his next words were going to be. Anger welled within him, and tears entered his eyes. He was fighting this war so no one else died... so that no more sacrifices needed to happen.

"Sergeant--"

"No! What the fuck are you going to do against that army and their Queen?! My detonator is destroyed, and there is no way we can survive their entire army. The plan was to get the Princess out of here! Step one is complete, now we have to go!" Dean stalked forwards, but the Prince didn't so much as flinch. Dean's vision flashed, and he had to shake his head as more memories and faces began to appear.

"I never planned on leaving, Sergeant."

Dean's mind and body froze as he looked at the Prince. He didn't know what emotion to feel, as all of them were playing out inside him at the same time. He was tired, wounded, and waging a miniature war against his own psyche. His surroundings seemed to fall silent, and the Changelings attacking the shield became nothing but white noise.

"What?" Dean's voice was a whisper.

Shining sighed and looked at his sister once more.

"Chrysalis took my wife from me, and she has bested me not once, but twice now. She did the same thing to Twilight as she did to my Cadence; my wife was murdered in cold blood. I know that with you by her side, nothing will happen to my sister again. I have nothing left to offer the Resistance." Shining turned and stared into Dean's eyes.

"I'm tired. I am so tired, and I want to see my family again. I want to hold my little Flurry heart, and I want to hug my beautiful wife. I failed as a brother, and a soldier, but that won't happen again." Shinning's eyes suddenly lit with fiery determination.

“I saw the bag of explosives across the room. I'm going to detonate them, and I'm going to make sure Twily is safe. It'll be up to you to finish this war, and free the world."

Dean suddenly understood, and clarity entered his mind in full. But there was one more problem he had to address.

"What about all the others? All the people who have lost family and looked up to you? The ones you led for two years, and protected??" Dean's voice became soft. "What about your sister?"

Shining looked towards the shield and sighed. Tears began anew, and Dean could tell he was just barely holding it together.

"Twilight will be devastated, and the ponies of Maritime Bay will be as well, but they will move on. I am passing the mantle to you, now. You must take care of Twilight, and you must finish the war. I ran through the front lines to get here and save my sister, and I will be making sure she gets out of here alive."

Shining suddenly placed a hoof on Dean's chest, and the man saw the pain and suffering in his eyes. If he wasn't so focused on what Shining was about to say, he would consider that he may be looking into a mirror. There was something there, and Dean's face hardened.

"Promise me. Promise me that you will do everything in your power to keep my sister safe!" The ferocity of the stare seemed to pierce into Dean's very soul, and the Human already knew his answer. There was no hesitation.

"I swear, I will finish this war. I will protect and save your people. But most importantly, I will protect Twilight with my life. I failed once, and I will not fail again. Ever."

Shining could see the truth in Dean's eyes, and after a moment, nodded. He stepped back and hung his head. Cracks were forming in the shield behind them, and Dean could see the strain on the Unicorn's horn. He ignored this and snapped a final salute.

Shining replicated the salute, and Dean felt... Something come over him. He would not let Shining's death be in vain, and he would not allow the brave stallion before him be forgotten.

"Give 'em hell, Captain Shining Armour."

And without a second glance, Dean turned and sprinted through the doorway. If he looked back, he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it. He had lost so many, and each and every single one was a hero. Now, there was another member added to that list, and Dean felt tears well in his eyes as he grit his teeth. Another friend, gone. Another life, snuffed out.

And so he ran. On the outside, was the ultimate killing machine, the Demon in Metal. On the inside, however, was the face of a broken man. The Human saw sunlight and pushed harder than he ever had before.

In mere seconds, he exited the hive, and entered into yet another warzone.

*****

The Changelings had stopped banging on his shield, and the Queen herself now stood before it. She smiled as she noticed the Prince walk up and face her.

The barrier slowly lowered, and Chrysalis' smile turned into a seductive grin.

"Here for round two, Captain? I should know more than anypony just how pent up you must be after that fight outside." Her tail swished as she lowered her eyelids. Shining didn't say anything as his horn lit, and a sword appeared beside him.

"You killed my wife." He whispered loud enough for the Queen to hear. She didn't get a chance to react however, as Shining suddenly sprung forward with a war cry, his sword flashing down in a deadly arc.

Chrysalis jumped back and hissed as a saber materialized beside her and blocked the Prince's swipe. The clang of metal on metal reverberated through the cave as the two opponents glared their hatred into each other.

Shining yelled and rushed forward, his sword parting from her own and swiping from the left. She raised her own and blocked the strike, but she was unprepared when the Captain turned on his hooves and delivered a mighty buck to her chest.

The Queen stumbled back and slid a good few feet before standing on shaky hooves. She gave a mighty yell, and an explosion of green energy burst from her very being. Much of her energy was spent fighting the Sergeant, but that didn't mean she was done yet.

"Once I kill you, I will fill your sister with my children and laugh as they tear her apart from the inside. Better yet, I'll keep you alive so you can watch your last living family die before you!!" Chrysalis screeched and shot forward. Shining's own rage turned to surprise at her speed, and he barely dodged out of the way as her horn stabbed right where he had just been. He gave a roar of fury and swung his front leg forward, only for it to be caught in a toxic green aura.

Soon, his whole body was enveloped in the Queen's magic, and he was forcibly thrown across the room. Memories from his life began to slowly filter through his mind, and he smiled as he sailed towards a pile of corpses. He saw his daughter laughing and babbling as he fed her baby food. He saw Cadence next to him, curled up at his side as they sat by the fire. He saw his little sister as she laughed and sang along with her friends.

This was all brutally cut off as a spear suddenly impaled him through the barrel.

Shining gave a cry of pain, but he forced himself to keep from passing out. Looking back, he saw the end of the spear, which had been sticking out of the pile of corpses, sticking right through him. His blood cascaded down his side onto the bodies below.

Shining smiled.

The green aura wrapped around him once more, and he heard the bugs laughing all around him. He was thrown through the air again and slid across the rocky floor. He came to a stop, his body failing to register the pain from the wound as he turned and glared towards the Queen. His vision was swimming, and darkness was creeping at the edge of his vision.

Shining grunted when his front left hoof hit some kind of fabric, and he shook his head to keep awake. It was getting harder and harder, and he felt his eyes drooping. He barely heard the Queen land a few feet away, chuckling as she walked towards him.

"I guess this is the end, Captain. Any last words?"

Shining smiled as his horn glowed softly. He chuckled as he saw one of the strange explosive bricks right in front of his eyes. A thought came to his mind, and he chuckled.

Turning his head, he gave one last glare towards the Queen.

"F-fuck... y-you."

His horn lit, and a single spark launched from the tip. He could see it crackling as it traveled ever downwards. In that moment, Shining felt peace. While the edges of his vision were becoming darker, he thought he heard a voice; one that he recognized very, very well. A tear slid down his cheek before closing his eyes.

The bolt of energy slipped into a copper wire, there was a noise like a thousand thunderclaps...

And then it all went white.

Chapter 50: Darkness

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"Move, move, move!" The command rang out as ponies scrambled to find cover. Fireballs, lightning, and pure magic whizzed overhead and exploded all around, pockmarking the land with craters. Whatever vegetation that had previously lived had long since been incinerated and destroyed.

Spitfire grit her teeth as she popped up from behind cover and launched three crossbow bolts in rapid succession. It was a miracle that they had been able to get the repeating crossbow distributed before the rescue mission, but only a select few ponies were equipped with it. It had been an idea of the Sergeants.

"Cover me!" Spitfire heard her coltfriend yell from somewhere to her left. She quickly popped out of cover, her weapon reloaded, and began firing towards the Changelings. A group about twenty feet away behind a boulder moved to return fire, and one of them caught a bolt straight to the chest. The bug went down screaming in pain; the rest rapidly ducked down lest they get shot.

Midnight flashed past, using Spitfire's suppressing fire to his advantage, and unhooked a grenade from his belt. He ducked behind the boulder with the Changelings and pulled the pin with his mouth. There was a metallic clink, and Midnight lightly tossed the explosive over the boulder. There were a few shouts of surprise before a mighty explosion kicked dust into the air. Spitfire nodded, and Midnight returned the gesture before launching straight up into the air. His little maneuver gained the attention of a few Changelings, and they poked their heads out to shoot down the lithe Pegasus. A few well placed shots by fellow Resistance ponies put them down.

Spitfire huffed and looked behind her. Most of the remaining Resistance fighters had made it back to the chariots, and she gave a sigh of relief when she counted hardly any wounded. She noticed Shining Armour pacing in front of Spike the dragon, and figured she should go and inform him of their progress.

"Coveri--"

KRACKAKOOM!!!

The Pegasus Captain yelped when something impacted her head and hit the deck, her ears pinned to the side as a ringing began to take over her hearing. She blinked slowly and shook her head, noticing that many of her allies were experiencing the same thing.

"W-What the buck happened?" She mumbled. There was shouting, and someone was shaking her shoulder. She ignored the shaking and looked towards the Changeling hive.

Smoke wafted through the air, and bits of black material were raining onto the battlefield. Changeling warriors held their ears, and many cried out in what seemed to be horrible pain. A cry came from somewhere far behind her, and she turned.

Spike's friend, Lucy was wailing in pain, her hooves over her head as screamed.

Everything was happening too fast and Spitfire blinked. Her hearing was returning to her, and she noticed people yelling in her direction. She suddenly noticed a certain Unicorn Captain sprinting full tilt towards her. The voices began to gain more clearness, and she thought she heard someone yelling at her to 'stop him.'

But stop who? There was only Shining Armour, and he was running right at her. It wasn't until he was a few feet away that she noticed something was wrong. He held a crazed and panicked look on his face, and his pupils had shrunk to pinpricks. His helmet had been dropped in his run, and his horn was sparking with arcane energy. Panic and fury seemed to be the expressions she was seeing, and her eyes widened. Was he attacking her? Was he being mind-controlled again?

She blinked again, and Shining Armour suddenly jumped over her. She heard his magic discharge as he sprinted through the Changeling lines, and she heard more of her soldiers yelling his name.

Spitfire began to stand up, her head feeling light. She wobbled slightly on her hooves, and reached a leg up to adjust her helmet. There was a moment of confusion where she felt something sticky, and she pulled her hoof away, only to find it covered in blood.

She stood there in shock and looked down. Her helmet was laying in front of her, a small hole just through the top. She reasoned that whatever had hit here had grazed her head.... or maybe it hadn't? Her breathing began to get heavier as she tried to take a step forward, but only managed to fall onto her stomach as her legs gave out. Her surroundings became blurry, and darkness was slowly entering into her vision. All she could hear was the thump of her heart, and the muffled noises of the world around her.

Spitfire didn't know how long she was laying there in a heap, but the sounds of battle had once more commenced. She once more saw green light flying through the air, but she noticed it's trajectory was wrong. With the way her head was facing, she had a good view of the entrance to the hive, and all she could see were the Changelings as they seemingly fired right back into their home.

The yelling picked up, and the sound of crossbows and Unicorn magic lit the air. Spitfire groaned in pain when a rough hand suddenly grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and began carrying her. The vision on her left had turned a bloody red, and the world swam as she bounced along with the footsteps of whoever was carrying her. She heard heavy breathing, and she felt heat wash over her when Changeling magic splashed across the figures back. Looking up with glazed eyes, she could see it was none other than Sergeant Dean.

Spitfire then proceeded to pass out, her body going limp.

*****

Midnight could only watch as the Prince sprinted towards the hive. A massive explosion had swept across the battlefield, and the Pegasus could tell just by looking into Shining's panicked expression what he was about to do. He was about to spring into action when his target took off like an arrow. He yelled to get other ponies' attention, and they caught on quickly. A few tried to subdue the Prince with their magic, but the spells harmlessly deflected off of a shield that had been erected. Midnight's panic grew when he saw Spitfire sitting on the ground, a far off look in her eyes as she stared at the approaching Unicorn.

"Stop him!!" He yelled into his radio, but it was too late. Shining leapt right over Spitfire, and continued onwards. He bobbed past Changelings, only a few bothering to try and attack him. He was inside the hive before anyone else could say a word.

There was a sudden silence on the battlefield, and Midnight noticed nearly everypony staring at the spot where Shining had disappeared. That is, until a green streak cut through the air and slammed into a nearby soldier's chest. The stallion went down with a cry of surprise, and the rest of the small army sprinted to cover. Midnight suddenly found himself beside a whimpering Swift Spear. The poor Private was gripping his crossbow like a teddy-bear, and tears leaked from his eyes. Midnight grimaced as the intensity of magic tripled, and nearly the entire Resistance was forced into a cover. A few unlucky ponies were hit, and went down under the ruthless barrage.

"T-This is Sergeant Dean, I have the Princess, over."

Midnight's radio crackled, and he nearly jumped out of his skin from the sudden voice. He scrambled to answer, but was interrupted by a cry of surprise. The magic coming towards the Resistance ceased instantly, but the sounds of magical discharge still littered the air.

Looking out of his cover, he took in every detail.

He saw Spitfire, her body laying on the ground beside her helmet. He could see her chest rising and falling. Beyond his injured marefriend, he could see the masses of Changelings launching magical barrages towards the entrance to the hive, where a dark blur jumped from cover to cover in an attempt to get through their lines.

Midnight immediately knew it was the Sergeant, and quickly took command.

"FOCUS FIRE ON THE CHANGELINGS!!" He screamed in order to be heard, and the soldiers opened fire without hesitation. Magic, arrows, and other projectiles flew through the air and collided with the distracted Changelings, destroying the majority of them in a single salvo.

The Changeling's broke apart and scattered, their morale broken as confusion seeped into their ranks. No one else knew, but their commands from their Queen had been severed during her battle inside. The result was mass panic as the Changelings received no orders, and were forced to choose between fleeing, or being cut down.

A mass exodus of black bugs suddenly took to the air and flew as far and fast as they could to escape. Some stayed behind to fight, but there were so few that all they could do was cower behind their cover. Midnight watched as the Sergeant sprung from his cover and sprinted with everything he had towards friendly lines. Green magic whizzed by him as he ducked and weaved through the chaos. Midnight could see the purple form balanced over Dean's one shoulder, and confusion came across his mind upon seeing the Sergeant's other arm hanging limply by his side.

Midnight once more took notice that Spitfire was still on the ground and unmoving, and he promptly lept into action. He had just popped out from behind his rock, when a scream from the Sergeant stopped him in his tracks.

"GET BEHIND COVER!!!" Even through the helmet, his voice carried across the battlefield. A few soldier's looked at him in confusion, but Midnight had heard the fear in Dean's voice. It then suddenly dawned on him that the Sergeants pack of bombs were no longer attached to his body, and his face paled at the realization.

It seemed that the other members of his squad realized this too, as they began yelling for ponies to get behind rocks and crevices. Midnight turned and saw Prince Trignar (who they had found on their way in) grab Spike and Lucy and duck down into a gulley behind the chariots. He had no time to figure out if he meant to do something harmful to them, but he couldn't focus on that now; he had to get Spitfire.

As it turned out, he had stood still a second too long, and the Sergeant was already down and scooping her up. The Lieutenant stood like a statue as the Sergeant took off towards him, and it wasn't until the Human was basically on top of him that he snapped out of his stupor.

Dean dropped the Pegasus Captain behind the boulder and ducked down. His now free hand grabbed Midnight by his armor and yanked him down, and just in time.

There was a split second when time itself seemed to stop. Soldiers were ducked down out of harm's way, and the bugs momentarily stopped firing their magic. One pony sported a pocket watch in their armor, and just as noon-hour struck, the world went white.

The sheer volume of the explosion caused a massive cry of agony to erupt from every living thing within twenty miles of the blast radius. Ears began to bleed, and there was no other sound other than the earth-shattering explosion. This took less than a second before the shockwave hit. Had Midnight not been behind the boulder, his skin would have likely been torn from his body. He ducked down lower into the dirt, his body on top of Spitfires, as fire washed across the land next. There were screams of fear and pain, but the Pegasus could not see what was going on. He lay there for what seemed like days as the ringing in his ears continued. Everything was pain, but he grit his teeth and tried to steady his breathing.

Ever so slowly, the Lieutenant looked up and towards the hive... or more the lack thereof. Nothing but a charred crater remained. The sand had been turned to glass, and a small cloud resembling a mushroom towered into the heavens. Midnight could only gape in shock at the sight.

He stood there for a full minute before a hoof tapped his shoulder, causing him to turn. A nurse stood before him, her lips moving, but no sound coming out. Midnight tilted his head to the side, and the nurse lit her horn.

A feeling of intense pain suddenly hit the Pegasus, causing him to hiss and squeeze his eyes shut. As the seconds drew on, he slowly was able to make out various noises. The ringing died down, and the pain turned to a dull throb. He quickly opened his eyes, only to find the nurse had moved on to the next pony.

Looking around, he found that the Sergeant and Twilight were once again missing, leaving Spitfire layinging at his hooves. Panic set in once he saw she still wasn't moving, and he quickly bent down to roll her over. He felt her barrel with a hoof, and was relieved to find that he could feel her chest rising and falling. Her heartbeat was going a hundred miles a minute, and her muscles were locked up. Midnight deduced she was in shock.

He quickly hoisted his marefriend over his back and began walking towards the chariots, which had somehow survived. His eyes scanned around, and he found multiple unicorns laying on the ground, their horns smoking from mana-burn. He winced in sympathy, but he figured it was them who had saved the chariots.

Midnight's muscles started to quake, and his eyes were beginning to droop. He hadn't said a word in the last five minutes, and when he opened his mouth, he began to cough and hack.

A pony, Cobalt, ran up to him and took the Captain from his back. Midnight merely grunted in thanks as his stomach churned. The battle was finally catching up to him now, and he realized that if he didn't do something quickly, he would end up just like Spitfire.

Thankfully, the yelling of a certain Sergeant distracted him from his sorry state.

"I WANT EVERYONE ON THE CHARIOTS AND READY TO GO IN TWO MINUTES!!"

Midnight saw a nurse trying to get the Sergeants attention, but the man was ignoring her. Twilight was off of his shoulder, and looking to the side, the Pegasus could see she was lying in a chariot just behind Dean. The Human paced about and gave orders, but he never strayed more than a few meters away from the Princess.

"Captain Armour! where is Captain Armour!" Someone yelled from within the crowd of soldiers. Any talk or movement suddenly ground to a halt, and the only thing making noise was the breeze. The Sergeant had frozen at the words, and his head began to shake. Whispers began among the various ponies, and more than a few held panic. Midnight himself was at first confused, but upon turning and facing the remains of the hive, he suddenly realized what had happened.

Tears appeared in his eyes at the implications of what had happened, and a somber cloud seemed to descend across the landscape. Midnight shook his head, his mind entering into a stage of denial. Many others held similar feelings as they all turned to look at the blasted landscape, the realization that the leader who had kept them alive for two years was now dead.

*****

Dean stared helplessly across the small sea of guards. He was once more running high on adrenaline, and it was a miracle in its own right that he was still standing. He heard sad and depressed murmurs coming from the troops, but he knew that their emotions would have to wait, for they were still in danger. He brought his arm up and lifted his helmet from his head. He could feel blood and sweat trickling down the sides of his face, but ignored it.

"Soldiers!" Heads turned towards him, and Dean suddenly realized how much attention he had. Every single pair of eyes seemed to stare through his very mind, body, and soul. Their tired eyes were a reflection, and Dean knew that he had to play his words right.

"Today... Today, you all performed admirably in the face of overwhelming odds. Had it not been for your determination, and your unshaken resolve, your Princess would not have survived. However, there were casualties today, and each pony that didn't make it to see their Princess safe will be able rest knowing their sacrifice was not in vain! Right now, we need to get back to our friends, and our families. This war is not over, but today was a grand victory!! You and your fellow ponies are heroes!!!"

As he spoke, ponies' heads began to lift, and determination seemed to set into the once depressed atmosphere. They had won, and while there had been a cost, they had succeeded.

"Their sacrifice will be remembered, but only if we survive to win this conflict! For the brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves, for the Princess, and for Equestria... let us return home, and begin the plans of your planet's liberation!!"

There was an uproarious cheer, and the ponies immediately set about gathering their things and preparing to leave. The last of the injured were being treated by the corpsemen...ponies, corpseponies, and Dean couldn't help but let a smile touch his face. The sun was at its zenith, and he could feel the warm rays on his neck.

This was all striped away when the face of Shining Armour appeared before him like a mirage.

Dean shivered as he stared blankly ahead. Dark thoughts and ghostly whispers circled around him. The voices of his dead friends and fellow soldiers only drove home the realization that he had let another die. He could have stopped Shining. He should have stopped Shining. Surely there was a way he could have survived? Surely there was a way?

Dean turned and looked back at the sleeping Twilight. Her mane and tail were frazzled, her feathers were in complete disarray. A small frown was on her muzzle as her chest rose and fell. Dean would not have been so worried if it weren't for the large lump bulging from her stomach.

While he had killed the thing inside of her, he still couldn't erase the image of seeing that monster moving about within his friend, likely trying to tear her apart from the inside. Thinking about it made his stomach turn.

The Human turned when someone called his name. His eyes fell upon the little red Unicorn mare as she trotted up with a stern expression. He noticed that her eyes were zeroed in on his arm, and he gave an audible sigh.

This was a mistake. The corpsemare's ears twitched as she approached, and her stern look morphed into a scowl. She stopped just in front of the Sergeant and looked up into his eyes. Dean merely raised an eyebrow.

After a few moments of silence, the corpsemare spoke.

"Your arm, Sergeant." The look on her face dared him to challenge her. Dean even thought he saw her quivering in anticipation for his next words.

"I'm fine, ma'am. There are others--" He was cut off when the mare snorted and lit her horn. Dean blanched.

"Everypony who needed attention has gotten it. You are the last one. I can understand you want to leave A.S.A.P. But your arm needs to be fixed." She trotted to his side and nudged his broken arm with her nose, causing him to recoil and hiss in pain. The corpsemare smirked, causing Dean to huff.

"We need to wait till we get back. Your magic can't get through my armor, and I don't have time to take it off." The corpsemare paused for a moment to mull over his words. She stared at him with a critical eye, and Dean shuffled under her gaze.

Finally, her frown turned into a tired smile and she nodded.

"Very well, Sergeant. But as soon as we get back, you are heading right for the infirmary." She pointed an accusing hoof at him, to which he chuckled.

"Sounds good. Also, I'm smart enough to know that a few unicorns protected the chariots in the blast, but what happened that caused them to pass out?" He turned and gestured with his head towards a chariot further down the line. The mare raised an eyebrow before answering.

"It's called mana-burn. Those unicorns over-taxed themselves trying to protect the chariots and burnt all their magic reserves dry. They will be in the hospital for about a week I would say." She looked behind her and shook her head. "I best head to my squad. Everypony is ready to go Sergeant, we are awaiting your command."

Dean watched as the Unicorn trotted off and shook his head. He had so much to learn about magic still, and the recent battle with Queen Chrysalis only reinforced that point. First, her magic had somehow gotten past his armor, and second... something had happened. All he knew was one moment he was facing down an army, and the next, he was massacring them. Never before had he felt so powerful. It was beyond anything he had ever experienced! Was the magic of this world affecting him? Did he harness some kind of power that had previously been dormant?

'Heh, maybe I'll grow a horn outta my head!'

He smiled to himself as he slipped his helmet back on. He keyed up his radio, but hesitated. He slowly turned towards the remains of the hive and glared into the crater. So much death, and so much destruction... and it wasn't even his main target. The Changelings merely chose the wrong side of the war, and paid the price. Sure, their actions were barbaric and downright evil, but then again, they themselves were merely trying to survive. Dean prayed that they weren't the only ones of their kind, for he did not want to be responsible for the genocide of a species. However, he did not feel remorse. They tried to kill his friend, and they did not know that her survival meant that they still had a chance to win. He could mourn later.

Dean turned and limped over to the chariot holding Twilight, Spike, and Lucy.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road, people. Someone would have seen that explosion, so follow Lieutenant Midnight." He heard his squad passing the order down the line but paid it no mind. With a stoic posture, he hopped onto the chariot and sat down. His legs formed a small barrier, keeping the unconscious Princess and the two teens away from the edge. His fear of heights went ignored as he blinked. He wasn't afraid of blood loss, for his cuts had already begun healing, and he would know by now if he had been poisoned. He felt the chariot shift beneath him, and the last thing he saw was Lucy holding Spike as he tearfully looked down upon his sister.

Dean's eyes closed, and he was once more thrown into the land of nightmares.

*****

Princess Mya BlueBlade walked in front of the long line of Elven soldiers. Each one was wearing pristine armor, and held their light spears in a professional manner. These soldiers were fresh from training, and the Princess could feel their anticipation for a battle.

Behind the Princess, her small squad of Elite Guards marched behind her. They held their heads aloof, for they were above the standard soldiers to their immediate right. Beside the Princess, a Dark Elven Lieutenant followed, his face beaded with sweat as the inspection progressed.

"My Princess." Mya stopped and regarded her second in command, Commander Kioti. He was holding the communicator of his comrades back-mounted magi-comm, and she could hear muffled voices talking from the other end. She waited patiently as Kioti nodded his head. His eyes seemed to be staring at a spot on the horizon, and Mya couldn't help but look as well.

Her eyes narrowed as something dark floated through the air far in the distance. It was hard to make out with the blistering sun bearing down just above her, but she squinted her eyes nonetheless.

Mya scowled when she recognized the smoke wafting in the air, towards her intended target. It would appear that the Resistance had struck ahead of schedule, and Kioti's next words only confirmed her suspicions.

"Princess, Scryers in Canterlot suddenly found that they were able to see within the Changeling hive. They have just informed me that the Resistance has moved in and are assaulting the hive as we speak." Kioti replaced the communicator and slipped his helmet onto his head. Mya turned and addressed her new troops.

"Soldier's of the Imperial Army!" The battalion seemed to straighten upon being addressed. Their feet stomped in unison as they once more came to attention. Mya smirked.

"Today, the foolish Equestrian terrorists have chosen to attack the Changeling hive. They wish to save their Princess! Our mission is as follows: We will wipe their pathetic excuse of a Resistance from the face of the Earth, and we will slaughter every Changeling in our path. We will then take the last Alicorn, and you all will know honor! You will go down in history as heroes of our mighty Empire! Soldiers, to the Skiffs!!"

There was a mighty cheer, and the battalion of Elves jogged in formation towards their designated rides. Mya herself double-timed it towards her own ride, and with a magically enhanced jump, landed on the main deck. The Captain gave a salute as he powered up the vehicle, and Mya heard the thumps of her soldiers landing behind her. She gave a hum as she took a seat, and the Skiff slowly took to the air.

While it was true that the Elves were stronger than the ponies in terms of magic, their technology was sadly lacking. The Skiffs were made of a thin metal, as any heavier would require balloons and impede upon their renowned speed. A single lucky bolt of magic from a Unicorn could have the capability of destroying the vehicle in a single blow. Research was still being put in so that shielding enchantments could be used, but the current ones the Elves utilized reacted... explosively with the enchantments keeping the Skiffs afloat.

Mya glanced over the side and noticed the small armada following behind her skiff. By herself, she would have reached the hive in ten minutes. However, with the sixty some Skiffs making up the little fleet, it would take longer.

"Princess, I think I see something!" One of her soldiers called as he peered through a Spyglass. Mya rose and walked over to stand beside the Elf, and he handed her the scope.

Brining the device to her right eye, she spent a second zeroing in on the hive. It was blurry at first, but soon enough she was able to make out a massive battle taking place. The Equestrian Resistance was nearly a mile away from the hive itself, but their magical energies easily covered that distance so they could engage the Changelings. The bugs themselves were seemingly in disarray, and a small cloud of Changelings was attempting to flee. Individual figures were hard to make out, but she caught sight of a flash of purple on top of a tall biped. Even at this distance, she had no trouble seeing the famed Demon in Metal as he sprinted towards the lines of the Resistance.

Lowering the spyglass, she called back to her Captain.

"Dresden, more speed! If we can do a fly by, we can--"

There was a flash, and Mya's eyes widened. She turned, and for a brief second, she thought she was staring at the sun itself. Within seconds, a massive fireball had replaced the Changeling hive, and her eyes followed the ground as a straight, nearly transparent line came speeding towards her Skiff. Her eyes widened when she recognized the shockwave and was about to yell orders when it suddenly hit.

Mya stumbled back and landed on her rear, cursing as pain shot up her back from the impact. She heard her soldiers cry out in equal surprise, and the Skiff pitched right when the Captain fell over.

There was a brief moment where everything was weightless, and Mya felt her stomach rise into her throat. It all came to a stop when the Captain regained control, and the Skiff was righted in the air.

Gasping for breath, the Princess stood on shaky legs and whirled on the spot. Her eyes searching the horizon for the remains of the explosion.

She saw the cloud of smoke towering into the air, but the sounds of yelling diverted her attention. She turned and looked at her second in command, who was pointing behind them and yelling at the Captain to stop. Mya ran to the edge of the skiff and looked over the edge, her eyes widening at what she saw.

Nearly a dozen skiffs lay far below, their forms burning in the desert sun. Mangled metal and bodies were strewn about, and a few survivors crawled around on the ground. Mya scowled when she noticed a few of the Skiffs still in the air behind them were smoking.

She had underestimated the power of that explosion and how it would mess with the light vehicles. Many of their Captains had oversteered or panicked upon losing control, and the result had been disastrous. She was now down about a hundred and fifty soldiers.

"Princess, what are your orders? The rear guard sees a few survivors among the wreckage below." Mya continued to stare at the flaming metal before snapping her eyes to Kioti. He held a grim expression on his face, but frowned when she looked back down. Mya huffed and turned her back to the disaster below.

"We do not have time for a rescue. We will pick them up on the way back."

Commander Kioti nodded before relaying the message through the Magi-comm. Mya felt her ire rising and a scowl decorated her face.

'Useless recruits, I don't have time for this!'

The small fleet finally continued forward, but Princess Mya knew that their delay had cost them. Judging from the smoldering crater they were approaching, and the lack of Equestrians, they were minutes too late. The Skiff began to descend, and Mya's scowl only grew darker.

Bodies were littered half a mile from the crater itself, and there wasn't a single sign of life. Anger welled within the young Princess, but her squad did not feel the same way. They all stared at the destruction in shock, wondering what could have caused such devastation.

While certain spells could cause such a phenomena, they were only held by the most powerful magic users. Chrysalis was ruled out, as she would not blow up her own hive, and the only other magic user powerful enough would be the Emperor.

"What in the name of the Destroyer happened..." Captain Dresden's words caused the many soldiers to nod in agreement, as they had never witnessed such a thing. They each had been to the hive before, and they knew that such an explosion would have to be utterly immense to annihilate it.

"Could... could the Demon in Metal have done this?" One soldier asked. The group looked at each other with uncertainty. This cloud was immediately lifted when the Princess called to the Captain.

"Land us over there," she pointed to a large flat area behind a large boulder, "and signal the rest of the battalion as well."

The skiff touched down, and Mya jumped from over the side. Her feet hit the ground, and she could immediately feel the residual heat from the explosion. Black shards and debris were littered about, and she could see further in the remains of the Hives foundation.

Followed by her Elite Guards, she slowly walked towards the crater. Her eyes scanned forward as a gentle breeze blew smoke through the air. She heard the rest of the soldiers disembarking, and stopped to allow her squad to catch up. Commander Kioti stood beside her as he looked around, a frown decorating his worn face.

"The troops aren't going to like that the Princess escaped. Morale will fall if we don't provide something." His words rang true, and Mya put a hand under her chin in thought.

A quiet whimper, barely audible, sounded off to her right. Mya slowly turned her head, and saw two pairs of eyes looking at her from under a crushed wall. She smiled devilishly, and the eyes promptly disappeared.

"Commander, the Hive had an underground complex as well, no?" She began walking forwards, forcing her squad to follow. The soldiers had spread out, and some were following her in loose formation. The rest either stood guard, or scoured around the area. Kioti gave Mya a look of confusion before nodding.

"Yes, they do have an extensive underground system, but judging from the explosion, most of it was likely vaporized. Why do you ask?"

Mya simply walked up to the crumbled wall, and using her magic, lifted the heavy object into the air. Commander Kioti walked up and stood beside her, a grin slowly forming on his face. A flicker of blackened smoke seemed to drift through his eyes, along with the Princess. A few more soldiers began to approach, and once they saw what the Princess had found, they ran about gathering their kin. Horrible sneers and catcalls were heard, and the Princesses smile only grew wider. Said smile never reached her eyes.

"Princess... I think you've solved our little problem."

"Indeed I have, Commander, indeed I have..."

Nearly a hundred Changeling hatchlings and adolescents stared up at the Elves in terror. They knew they could not take on the might of the Dark Elves, and so they only hoped they would be shown mercy. They were allies after all... right?

"Round them up, Commander, you and the soldiers need to blow off some steam. I hear Changelings are some of the best when it comes to pleasure. We will set up camp away from the crater, and you boys can have your fun." Mya saw the commander lick his lips at the young and fresh meat. More soldiers had returned by this point, and at Mya's words, they gave a collective cheer.

As the Changelings were rounded up, Princess Mya couldn't help but frown. The Alicorn had escaped her, and this was unacceptable. However, with her inside knowledge, she knew of a plan that was being created by her father. In the next few days, all she had to do was wait for the signal, and then victory would be theirs.

An evil smile adjourned her lips and she chuckled. No need to worry about that now; there was a little celebration to be had.

Mya walked off. Soon, she would prove her worth to her father, and to the Empire.

*****

Dean's eyes flashed open, and his body immediately tensed. He took note of his current status, and found that he was green across the board. His armor was equipped, his weapons were holstered in their respective spots, and he had no wounds. At the current moment, he could see nothing but inky blackness, and he sniffed as his eyes darted from side to side.

Something was wrong.

Dean slowly turned in a circle, his feet silent failing to make any noise as he tried to analyze his surroundings. He did not recognize this place, and he had a sneaking suspicion he was dreaming.

But how could that be? His dreams were sometimes vivid, sure, but there was always a setting, and always a reason. Three things typically happened in his dreams: The Guardian would visit him, that strange monster would terrorize him... or he would end up seeing things he had tried to push to the recess of his memory. He was calm and collected on the outside, but for the last... Well, Dean didn't know how long, he had been having vivid nightmares of gruesome memories that had been seared into his brain. All the guilt, pain and suffering seemed to take over his subconscious, and there was nothing he could do except wake up and push on. The dreams always got progressively worse, but ever since coming to this magical planet, he had ended up losing sleep, and they had become almost realistic to the point where he had a hard time telling real from fake. It was tearing him apart, but he knew he couldn't, and wouldn't quit. For his mission's sake, and for Twilights.

The only question now was figuring out which dream this was.

Dean suddenly felt a presence shift in the depths of the blackness, and the hairs on the back of his neck shot up. This feeling he was getting was unfamiliar, and he instantly realized that something was very, very wrong. He took an involuntary step back as a strange feeling overcame him, and his limbs suddenly grew heavy like lead. A crushing feeling suddenly began all around him, squishing his insides, and suffocating him. This wasn't like that monster, his nightmares, or anything he had experienced before. There was a... cold presence all around him. He felt it on his skin, in his bones, and within his mind. The suffocating feeling suddenly got to the point that he felt his muscles starting to tear, and his body started compressing in on itself.

Dean couldn't breath, and his eyes bulged out of their sockets. He wanted to scream, as the pain was only getting worse and worse, but no sounds came. The sensors on his suit weren't going off, which confused him; whatever was doing this was not using magic, and it was only affecting his body.

"So, if it isn't the Human himself." Dean nearly burst into tears from the sheer sound of the voice. It was all he could hear, taste, and somehow smell. He couldn't and wouldn't describe it, for there was no comparison that he knew of that could come close to whatever it was that was happening to him. The very sound made him feel small and insignificant, an ant standing amidst a titan. His other four senses were instantly overloaded, and he could feel blood trickling from his ears and tear ducts. The thought of breaking down nearly consumed him then and there.

Then it stopped.

Another, more familiar feeling came over him and Dean grit his teeth as he tried to turn his head. The pressure around him stayed the same, and a popping sound resonated in his skull. He felt an immense pain as his tendons and muscles screamed at him to stop, but he didn't listen. Whoever this being was, they were messing with the wrong person's dreams.

With a scream of rage, the Sergeant turned and brutally hurled a right hook at the figure standing behind him. He had aimed perfectly, and his mouth twitched into a sneer as his fist sailed towards a hooded head. The effect of his punch would be devastating.

His sneer turned into shock, however, when said figure raised its hand faster than he could follow, and caught his fist in its open palm inches from its hooded head.

There was a moment of stunned silence where Dean stared at his immobile hand in shock with his mouth open. He hadn't seen the being move, and that fact alone scared him. His eyes slowly faced the hooded figure, but he couldn't see under the cowl. His shock slowly turned to horror when a thin mouth opened, and a hundred razor sharp teeth came together into a sinister smile. Blood dripped from the teeth, and maggots seemed to be buried in the gums.

Then it’s eyes opened.

The Human couldn't look away no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't. It was like staring into the eyes of Medusa herself, except instead of turning to stone, he saw only horror.

This very being before him was sitting on a throne of blood and bone, two large scimitars on its hands, and a necklace of various entrails around its neck. An unrecognizable sigil was on the beings forehead, and a pentagram hovered above its head like a hologram. A pile of naked bodies, butchered and torn asunder lay at the beings feet. Rot and decay wafted through the air as demonic monsters walked about the bodies and did indescribable things to them. In the background a city was wreathed in fire, and an eldritch horror beyond what could be described hovered far above through the cover of the clouds. Its tentacles, teeth and eyes seemed to burn through anything they saw or touched, and it spoke in a language older than time itself. Then there was more... so much more.

Dean screamed. Not in pain or effort, but in primal fear. He began to wildly thrash as his eyes forced themselves shut, and he suddenly found himself on the ground, vomit pooled underneath him. A dark cackle caused him to look up with hesitancy, and the once impenetrable Human coward in fear.

"Mortal flesh and blood; the abomination that is Mankind bows before me. All the suffering, hatred, war, and death that your species has wrought... I am your creation!"

"W-What the fuck are you talking about." Dean's speech was slightly slurred, and his head spun ever so slightly. He could see the gnarled feet of the being before him, and the smell was nearly enough to kill him then and there. This went ignored however, as the being was speaking again.

"That matters not, for I am the one in control of this mindscape and you who possesses it. You have caused quite a stir, Human, and I am finding this most unpleasurable. I am here to examine the blockade to my ultimate plan."

"And what makes you think I'll let you. Get the fuck out and leave me alone.” Confidence was returning to Dean, and he found himself slowly standing on shaky legs. The being had somehow "toned down" its voice, thus allowing the man some relief. He didn't know what or who this being was, and he certainly wasn't going to be playing its games. This was just a dream after all.

"And what makes you think this is a dream?"

Dean froze as his eyes widened. Did... did it just read his mind?! Wait, this being had mentioned how this was his mindscape. His eyes widened, and the hair on his neck stood on end. What this thing was hinting at was impossible! How did it get past the neuro-link?! The man slowly looked around in growing horror. If this was true, then there was only one way to find out. He closed his eyes, and brought forth a memory he had long had buried.

A square suddenly flew in from Deans right, and a scene flashed across it. A young child in a blue and white onesie was laughing as he ran around with a teddy-bear in his grasp. A bigger man with salt and pepper hair waddled after the boy, and a tear slowly leaked out of Dean's eye as he stared at the memory.

"Dad...?" He whispered.

Then the realization hit him. Horror began to creep through his body, and a renewed fear of the being before him sprung forth. It was true; this was his mind! But if this was his mind, and this being was here talking to him....

"W...Who the hell are you?" Dean whispered as he took a step away. The Guardian had said that he was trying to protect Dean's mind, but obviously that hadn't worked. Who was this new player? What did it mean when it came to analyze him, the blockade to her plan or something?

The being raised its arms and held them wide, and that horrid smile once more appeared. There was a dark chuckle, and the eldritch energy radiating from the being multiplied an infinite amount. He took another subconscious step back in fear as the being began to levitate off the ground. Dean's vision became like static, and a massive Migraine began to form.

"I am the one who snuffs out the light, I am the one who brings the Darkness. I am the monument to the sins of Mankind, and I am the scourge of the Guardian."

Dean's eyes widened. He recognized those titles, and he couldn't stop the shiver that ran up his spine. This.... monster had gotten inside of his mind, and it terrified him more than anything. He knew who this was.

"Feel your fear consume you, Human, for you stare down the Master of Chains, and the Harbinger of Evil. Say. My. Name." Dean felt something jolt his shoulder, but he paid it no mind. His focus was on that face, the one whom he had thought was a mere fiction. The mastermind behind this entire war stared back at him, and its smile only grew.

"Y-y-you...." His pupils shrunk to pinpricks, and his whole body trembled. He felt like collapsing on his face, and never rising again. The feeling overwhelmed his training, his discipline, and his own instincts. The only thing he could feel was fear. "Y-You a-are..." He couldn't do it. This was all a bad dream. He would wake up in bed with Marie at his side. He would see her face, and then he would check on his son and find him to be alright. This was all a bad dream, nothing more. There were no ponies, no geocidal Elves, and there was no... no...

"Destroyer." Dean squeaked out. This monster was in his mind, and there was nothing he could do but pray that none of this was real.

"This is all too real, Human, and I think I am going to make it even more so. I have decided that you are indeed a threat, and therefore you will die, suffering and alone. Your mission was doomed from the start, and now, you will be able to witness how your coming betrayal leads to the destruction of all that you hope to save."

'Coming betrayal??'

Before he had a chance to react, red lightning suddenly rained down from the Destroyer and smashed into Dean. Hundreds of thousands of watts flooded through his body, frying his insides and attacking him at his core. He couldn't think, couldn't move; the world was nothing but horrific pain.

Sergeant Dean Forrester could do nothing but scream.

Author's Notes:

Alright! I am just going to say this so there is no confusion. More will be explained by the Destroyers sudden intrusion in the next chapter. The Neurolink that I mention back in chapter 2 or 3 acts as a safeguard to Deans mind so he can interact with his armour and tacpad. It also prevents certain technologies the Orithians use to break into the mind of their hostages. The monster that was seen in earlier chapters did not enter Deans mind, merely his dreams.

With that bit out of the way, I would like to announce that we are now officially in the endgame of this book! I suspect there will be maybe 10-15 more chapters, and I can't wait to write them!

Also, let me know what you think of the new cover art, cause I was torn between keeping the old one or replacing it with this one.

The next chapter won't be out for a bit, as exams are approaching and I am wayyyyy behind. Turns out the Macroeconomics does not play around.

Anywho, I hope this chapter was to everyone's liking, and remember that your criticism helps me improve.

Until next time...

Chapter 51: Awakening

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"AGHHH!!" Dean screamed as he jumped into the air and swung his fist. The person attacking him yelped in surprise, and the blow glanced off of metal armor.

The Human gave no room for his enemy to recuperate, and faster than a bullet, jumped off of the chariot and landed on the assailant. There was a dull ringing in the human's ears, and everything around him was spinning. The being below him gave a low whine as he was promptly crushed by the armor clad man, and everything around him went quiet. There was nothing. No guns, no Demons, and no lightning. Just nothing.

Dean blinked and looked down, his expression turning to shock as he stared at a cowering guard that was pinned to the ground. The guard's ears were folded, and tears of fear and pain flowed down his cheeks as he stared up at the man in horror.

The Sergeant felt something in his grip and looked down, his shock turning to horror upon finding his combat knife inches from the ponies throat. His eyes flicked from the stallion to the knife, then back again as he tried to force himself to back off. His heart rate was through the roof, and beads of sweat were rolling down his forehead and neck.

"D-did you try to take my helmet off?" Dean whispered. The guard's eyes went thin as he slowly shook his head, being mindful of the knife next to his jugular.

"N-n-no sir, I-I just wanted to see you up close, a-and I t-tapped you o-on the shoulder." Dean hummed as the pony squeaked out his response, and his expression loosened. There was a long pause, and Dean could see the guard sweating in anxiety.

Ever so slowly, he brought his knife up and resheathed it, the blade giving a dull his as it went back into its home on his shoulder. Dean slowly got off and crouched beside the guard, offering him a hand. The guard looked between the Sergeant and the hand before tentatively putting his hoof on Dean's palm. The man gently hoisted the guard to his hooves, and a collective sigh of relief went around the previously silent crowd. Murmurs began to circulate, and more than a few remarks were about the Sergeant's sudden scream.

"Don't do it again." Dean stated stoically before turning around. He shook his head as the sounds of whispers suddenly came to his ears. However, something was off. These whispers weren't coming from the crowd, and instead seemed to reverberate around his helmet. He grunted, figuring it was due to his fatigue.

Dean suddenly froze, his entire body going rigid.

"Where is the Princess?!" Dean whirled and stalked back towards the guard. He had seen the empty chariot, and Twilight, Spike, and Lucy were missing. Panic seized onto Dean like a vise, and his movements suddenly became frantic. The guard backpedaled quickly as the crowd looked at one another.

"S-she was taken, sir."

Fury and a dose of fear stemmed in Dean, and his heart ran cold.

"Taken where?!"

"Sergeant Dean!"

Dean whipped around and found Spitfire galloping through the small crowd of guards. Her breaths came in huffs and puffs as she stopped in front of the Sergeant, and for some reason, she had a smile on her muzzle. Dean was about to berate the Captain, as the Princess was missing once more, but she held up a hoof.

"The Princess is safe, Sergeant. What the Corporal meant to say was she was taken to the hospital. Dr. Lactose and a Surgeon Marrow are currently operating on her."

Dean blinked, and all the energy suddenly seemed to leave him. She was alive. She was safe, and she was going to live. Dean tried to reach up to take off his helmet, but a sudden feeling akin to a hundred boiling daggers shot through his left arm. He cried out in pain and stumbled a bit as he grit his teeth. The ponies behind them, which were beginning to disperse, jumped at the noise and faced him once more. No energy meant no adrenaline. No adrenaline meant he could now feel every injury his body had been holding in for the last day.

"You need to get to the hospital too, it seems." Spitfire commented dully. She began to walk down the path towards the medical center, and Dean shook his head before limping after her.

"No shit. That Changeling bitche’s magic somehow broke my arm." Dean growled as he matched Spitfires pace. He ignored the surroundings as they walked, and only gave the occasional nod to those who waved at him. It seemed that they had only just landed, as soldiers were still organizing and being debriefed by their superiors.

"The Changeling Queen? Did you actually fight her?" Spitfire looked up at him in what he assumed was awe, and Dean sighed.

"Yeah, I did. Though my arm broke when I was trying to escape with the Princess." He grumbled. "That cunt better be dead."

Spitfire chuckled and shook her head. Her tail flicked the back of Dean's leg, causing him to wince when some of the hair went between the armor and brushed against his wounds. He turned his head and glared down at her, causing her to give a snrk.

"Don't give me that look Sergeant. I outrank you. And from what the other soldiers were telling me about that explosion, I think it was lucky that any of us survived at all." Dean hummed as they passed under the archway at the main entrance to the Barracks and continued down the path. The steady clip-clop of Spitfires hooves along with the thump of his boots seemed to punctuate the air as a steady breeze blew in. The sun was setting beyond the cliffs, and a sense of calm washed over the Human as they came to the entrance to the hospital. He looked to his right and saw for a brief moment the rolling hills past the city's walls, only to abruptly stop at the edge of Whitetail woods.

'A serene setting.' He thought to himself.

Dean got so caught in his musings that he barely noticed the Captain calling him. He looked down and blinked from behind his mask.

"What's up, Spitfire?" He asked quietly, his mask diluting his voice. He saw the Captain's expression fall as her ears slightly drooped. He stopped walking, and the two stood facing one another.

"I asked if you were alright? I didn't want to bring it up in front of the others, but it seemed weird that you hadn't woken up when we touched down. We even got the Princess to the hospital, and you still didn't move. I was actually running to try and find a free medic, but when I came back, you had jumped on top of the Corporal."

Dean was about to open his mouth to dismiss her concern, but she began to talk once again.

"You know, you acted a bit differently when we came back from camp at Stalliongrad. I noticed on the train ride how you stayed away from the former inmates and the rest of the team. You hardly spoke, and the times I did see you with your helmet off, there was something in your eyes."

"Enough." Dean's voice came out as a growl, and Spitfires' ears folded back as she flinched. There was a split second where a ghostly projection appeared a few meters behind him, but he refused to turn and look.

Dean grunted and shook his head.

"Just... take me to the hospital so I can make sure Twilight is alright, and then gather the council for nine o'clock tonight. I intend on getting started, as we have a week and a half 'till the Emperor makes his move. I want to be ready before then."

Spitfire looked like she wanted to retort, but in the end, merely gave a small sigh followed by a nod. Without so much as a word, she once more began to make her way towards the hospital. Dean simply followed.

The silence allowed Dean to think, and think he did. He was a bit frightened by the short time frame he was given, but he knew he had the expertise to make do. Assassinations were his specialty after all, followed closely by his skill in close quarters combat. He only had to get close to the Emperor, and then it was over.

But then there was magic.

Chrysalis had proven that magic would inevitably become a problem for him. Looking back on it now, the Queen had mentioned how her one spell was supposed to outright melt his insides, yet he had gotten away with a broken arm. Maybe his armor was doing its job just fine, and it was a matter of how powerful the spell was? He didn't fully understand magic, but he knew that the alloy in his HLD body armor was resistant to it.

'Wait a minute... alloy..."

Dean stumbled when he suddenly put two and two together, and he nearly slapped himself for his stupidity. He had almost forgotten that Compound-X, the metal in his armor, had been in a similar state to iron ore before it was refined. There was only one magical resistant rock he knew of so far here on Equis, and that was the Nullstone boulder the blacksmith had shown him.

'There is no way it could have been this easy all along.'

The chances that Nullstone and Compound-X were the same thing were miniscule. However, Dean was willing to bet that even if they weren't, his fabricator would be advanced enough to refine the Nullstone into a viable metal! If his speculation was correct, he could save the lives of the soldiers in the coming invasion.

Dean felt a smile tugging at his lips, but for some reason, it couldn't form. Whispers were still sounding in his head, but they were more akin to a mild tinnitus than anything. He reasoned that they would go away as soon as he got some sleep. He was aware enough to know that the last seven years had deeply affected his mental state, so much so that he feared he would never be the same. But Dean knew that in the end, things would get better, if not for him then for those around him. That was all that mattered in his mind, for he could deal with the trauma that came from war.

'Dean...'

Dean's eyes snapped to the side. Him and Spitfire were passing doorways now, having entered the hospital at some point, and everything was going by in a blur. His senses caught each individual sound and movement; a nurse walking into a room, the screaming of a pony down the hall, the unholy screech of worn wheels on a trolley.

Dean's breathing was becoming faster now, and his eyes flicked every which way. The chairs seemed to warp and distort, and the walls were closing in around him. The world suddenly spun, and Dean's gut seemed to drop as if he were on a rollercoaster. Nausea crept into his stomach, and he could feel his skin growing clammy. His breathing was like thunder in his ears, and the whispers were growing louder. He could make out individual voices now, and for some reason, he could hear crying.

"At approximately oh-ninehundred hours..."

Dean's heart thumped in his chest. Everything he was feeling was the same as his nightmares. These strange feelings happened when that wretched monster was playing with him, and warping his mind. Was he still in a dream? Did he even wake up??!

"Your wife, Marie, and your son, Jaxon..."

It was impossible, of course he was awake! He had just gotten back from the Changeling hive, and they were all safe and sound. He was just fatigued, and probably seeing things due to the stress of the last few days.

A tent was erected around him, and tears poured down his face. He tried to picture their faces, but the only thing that he could see were the horrific words on the slip of paper in his hands.

Someone was calling his name, and someone touched his leg. He just kept walking.

He was on a lab table now, and instruments were held far above him. Doctors in lab coats hovered above him, and they were talking to one another. The sedative they had him under was starting to wear off.

'... and you're sure he won't remember? We need his skills, but his mental state could endanger everyone around him...'

'...I know it's unethical, but what choice do we have...'

'...He's lost everything!! How could you...'

'Dean...'

*****

Dean gasped, his eyes flashing open as his breathing came in rapid bursts. He couldn't see anything, and he soon realized he was back in that black space. He turned on the spot, fear once more entering his mind as he tried to find the one who had tortured him.

"So, I see you met my good chum."

The familiar voice caused Dean to whirl on the spot, and his breathing immediately began to calm. His entire posture relaxed, and his eyes suddenly grew droopy.

Dean stumbled.

"Whoa there!"

Two hands suddenly grabbed his armored arm and kept him from falling. Their grip was like iron, and Dean used it to balance himself and shake his head clear. Black spots danced in his eyes, and he blinked rapidly.

"Shit, it's worse than I thought."

Dean turned and stared at the Guardian, too tired to get angry. All he could do was ask the question on his mind.

"What is happening to me?" He felt so meek with those simple words. He didn't want to believe them himself, but he was now officially in over his head. Things were progressing too fast for him to keep up. He was injured, tired, hungry, and stressed. He hadn't been able to check on Twilight, and his own mind was turning against him.

The Guardian sighed and let go of the Sergeant, who slowly spread his legs in order to gain more balance. The nausea was slowly dissipating, and he could once more see coherently. He watched as The Guardian slowly backed up until he was directly facing the Sergeant, his arms crossed as an unreadable expression came over him.

"Sergeant, I've got bad news, and then I've got...well... bad news." Dean rolled his eyes half-heartedly and gestured for The Guardian to continue.

"Don't beat around the bush. W-What the hell is happening."

The Guardian shivered and looked down for a second before giving a huff.

"The Destroyer has gained more power than I thought in the last few years, especially with the plan the Emperor has set in place. Because of their work, and the near completion of their plan, she was able to infiltrate your mind and wreak havoc."

The Guardian waved his hand around, gesturing to the empty blackness around him,

"This is your mindscape, Sergeant. Now, I want you to take a look directly below you."

Dean did so, and gasped out loud when he saw the mile wide crack far below him. Through that crack, movement played out, and he recognized memories from earlier in his military career. His friends, his missions, and his family flashed along like a video montage.

"The first time I met you, I saw something. There was a device inside your brain, and it kept certain parts of your memory locked away. I didn't dare try to break through, and instead visited you in a dream. However, I also sensed... something from the device. Whatever it is that was locked behind it, it wasn't good. I don't know everything you have gone through, nor will I judge you, but when the Destroyer broke into your mind, she sensed this phenomena as well. However, instead of ignoring it like I did, she must have dug deeper, thus alerting you to her presence. She did talk to you, didn't she." The Guardian asked Dean the question more as a statement than anything, and a hint of fear seemed to be laced into the words. Dean merely nodded, as he was having a hard time taking in all this information. The Guardian began pacing in front of the Sergeant.

"You are lucky you didn't go insane, and I commend you for that. This device protected you from the worst of her effects, and you are the first mortal I have seen that was able to survive her mental torture. I--"

And finally, Dean snapped.

"Just how powerful is the Destroyer? What am I up against?! All I have is a stupid comic book to go off of, and I can't remember any specifics! What the fuck are you people!!?" Dean's outburst was laced with panic and fear, and his voice rose into a yell. He didn't understand, and he couldn't take being in the dark anymore. He knew that the Guardian was vital to the safekeeping of the multiverse, but he hadn't signed up for this! He was one man, a single man who was supposed to simply kill a crazy Emperor and end a war spanning the globe.

Everything had suddenly changed. Now, he was trying to avoid some kind of dream altering monster, he was facing magical powers beyond his comprehension, and he was now apparently up against a god-like entity that could torture him from the inside!

'It's a miracle I haven't lost it yet.' He thought.

The Guardian sighed as he saw the panicked look coming from the Sergeant, but he knew the Human wouldn't take anything except the truth.

"Sergeant… The Destroyer is the fourth most powerful being in the known multiverse, just below me, but only barely. I don't know what those comics have depicted her as, but no mortal being can harm her when she is at her most powerful. Same goes for me. She is in a class of her own when it comes to physicality. She is cunning, ruthless, and the very representation of evil. She is what's called a Demon, and I am an Archangel." Dean's jaw was slowly lowering the longer the Guardian talked. The descriptions of these two beings were beyond anything he had imagined.

"Archangels and Demons are bound by certain rules given to us by the two creators. We have the power to wipe out galaxies in a single week, and should we be allowed, we could exterminate an entire planet with a thought. Thankfully, this is impossible. We are designed to fit the description of Humanity, and we can only be so evil or so good if it is within the capabilities of a Human. The saying goes, "if Humanity can think of it, it exists."

Dean watched as the Guardian stopped and stared with tired eyes into the inky blackness.

"Let's say that I am in my home universe, Earth Prime. Suddenly, all seven billion Humans inhabiting the planet suddenly think as one, 'we no longer want to exist'. Because it is my universe, I now have the capability to destroy the planet. However, there are two beings in each Universe, an Archangel and a Demon, light and dark, Good and Evil. In a realistic sense, the Demon walks the planet, and tries to convince people to turn against one another, and to commit evil. An Archangel's job is to do the opposite. We still have the capability to hurt, kill, and destroy, but we keep each other in check. Or try to, in my case” The Guardian's face suddenly darkened, and a scowl passed by his lips. His hands clenched at his sides, and the air seemed to simmer around him.

"Then everything changed." The Guardian looked into Dean's eyes, and the man was suddenly filled with a myriad of feelings. Love, hope, loss, depression, and despair. The man continued.

"Being on Earth Prime, things tend to happen for the first time in the multiverse. I didn't learn this until recently, but when I was thrown through the rift between worlds, it was the first time it happened. This opened possibilities all across the multiverse, and things started to happen. It didn't help that when I got back to my home, the Destroyer had figured out this new ability as well. We waged a battle across the multiverse, and the further we went, the stranger things became. In the end, we ended up in a world full of talking ponies. Our battle continued, and eventually, we went too far. We encountered a powerful magic for the first time, and neither myself or the Destroyer were ready. I was turned to stone, and she, an orb. The rest, as they say, is history."

Dean stood in silence. His brain trying and failing to wrap around everything the Guardian had just spewed out of his mouth. His own words died on his lips, and his jaw worked itself without a sound. After a full minute, he finally was able to find the words he was looking for.

"Why me?" His words came out as a croak, and the Guardian sighed.

"Dean, you were chosen by fate and fate alone. Look at it this way: All you need to do is stop the Emperor and use the magic artifacts and free me. That's it. Once that's done, you can go back to how it was before. Humans aren't meant to know all the stuff I just told you, and that wasn't even half of it, so count yourself lucky."

"I don't feel so lucky." Dean grumbled in response. The Guardian chuckled lightly before his expression grew serious. Dean noticed the change in attitude, and once more paid attention; he could dwell on everything he was told later.

"As I was saying before my little backstory, the Destroyer attacked this device. That lightning she used on you was very real, and she did her best to fry your brain thingy before I could intervene."

"And did you?" Dean suddenly asked. The Guardian deadpanned.

"I pulled you out before she could turn you to a fuckin' vegetable. That's why you woke up screaming." Dean nodded, and The Guardian took that as a sign to continue.

"Anyway, I don't know how much damage was done, but I can't help you in that regard. I used a lot of energy trying to save you, and.... I dunno if I will have the strength to keep that monster out."

There was a moment of silence before Dean nearly exploded in fury.

"WHAT!!!" He roared, causing The Guardian to flinch. "I-I need your help to keep that thing out! I don't know how mind magic works... what if it tries to...to mind control me or something!!" Dean paced around in worry, his breathing beginning to pick up once again. Scenarios began to play in his head, and a feeling of dread settled firmly in the forefront of his mind.

'Would it be that easy for the enemy to control me? Is that even possible?'

"Dean, I know what you are thinking, and I need you to calm down. This stress is not doing the doctors any favors back in the waking world." Dean whirled on the Guardian and pointed an accusing finger at him.

"Did you knock me out so you could talk to me? What the fuck was the point of all this if I suddenly have that tentacle monster come in and take over my mind! What if the Destroyer comes back? What then!?" A dull ringing was beginning in Dean's ears, and tears were threatening to spill from his eyes. He felt powerless, especially since everything had been turned on its head. He was good at killing aliens, sneaking around, and helping the helpless. Now he had to contend with his enemies constantly trying to break his will from the inside.

A place that was already hanging on by a thread.

"I think you should be okay, Dean."

The ringing stopped, and Dean turned to face the Guardian once more. The Archangel held a sympathetic look, and the bottom of his trenchcoat gently floated in a non-existent breeze.

"How so." Dean gave a start. His own voice sounded dead to the world.

"The Destroyer was trapped like I was, and from what I saw, she used an insane amount of power to attack your mind. I doubt she would be able to do something of that magnitude again until she is freed. The most you will have to worry about is that weird tentacle beast. I saw your memory of interacting with that Alicorn specter, and I think that with her fused to the monster, it should only be able to enter your dreams. I've seen how strong you are, Sergeant, and I don't doubt you will be able to fight back against it." Dean felt calmed by the Guardians' words, and the feeling of dread was starting to dissipate. Maybe he did have a chance after all?

"Oh, and before you wake up, there are two things." Dean turned his full attention to the Guardian, and he frowned. "One, find Thorax. He is being held in the dungeon in Maritime Bay, and he has vital information. Two, to answer your question from earlier, I didn't knock you out. I've been to enough Equestrias and I learned that you have what the Unicorns call Mana-Burn or Magical exhaustion."

Dean cocked his head to the side in thought. He remembered the medic from the hive telling him something similar. Did that mean...

The Guardian smiled, lifted his hand, and wiggled his fingers.

"Yer a wizard 'arry!" He cackled at his little joke, and Dean couldn't help but give a snort of amusement. He shook his head and noticed that his surroundings had turned to a light gray, and were starting to become brighter.

"This is where we part ways, Sergeant. I have faith in you. And remember, the forces of darkness are plenty, but you act as the torch lighting the way. It's up to you now, good luck."

Dean smiled and waved his hand as the Guardian's words faded away. He felt his eyes growing droopy, and a gentle calmness overtook him. He had a lot of information to sort through, and while a lot had just transpired, he knew he had to push forward. He needed to win, and to do so, he needed to be cunning.

The Destroyer had tried to break him, and she had failed. He wouldn't crack so easily.

*****

Spike dozed quietly, a half finished book resting on his stomach as he sat propped in the chair. His gentle snores accompanied the sound of a heart monitor, and the quiet beeping created a lulling rhythm. There were no other sounds except for the snores of the dragon, and the beeps of the machine.

Then the beeping grew faster.

There was a sudden scream of fear. It was so loud that it was heard all across the hospital. However, no one got hit worse by the horrific sound than Spike himself.

The little Dragon gave a screech of surprise and toppled sideways off of his chair, the book tumbling from his grasp as his shoulder took the impact of the fall. His ears pinned to the sides of his head as the screaming continued, and the sounds of hooves and shouting suddenly entered the fray.

Half a dozen nurses and doctors galloped into the room to comfort the panicking Princess, but their efforts seemed to be in vain. The little purple Alicorn was writhing and turning, her eyes wide and her pupils constricted to pinpricks. Fear was evident in the screams, and Spike whimpered as he watched the events from the floor.

He watched as his sister panicked. It was so loud, and he felt tears coming on. He couldn't do anything about the situation at hand, and he could only imagine what had happened to her to cause this. No one had shared any details with him, and it frustrated the drake to no end

Finally, the screams died down into loud sobs, and Spike perked up when he realized the event was over. His sister was grabbing who appeared to be doctor Lactose in a bone crushing hug, and his eyes bulged out of their sockets from the force. Even then, the Doctor didn't make a sound as Twilight wept into his shoulder.

Spike slowly stood and gently walked towards the hospital bed. A few nurses took notice of him and nudged each other to get out of his way. He appreciated the gesture, and slowly walked up beside the doctor.

"Twilight?" He called out softly, not wanting to startle his sister who was still tightly clinging onto the doctor. When she didn't respond, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and repeated her name. This time, she slowly turned her head towards him, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"S-Spike," she stuttered out, her voice hoarse. Spike gave a reassuring smile and nodded his head. He saw Twilight's eyes widen as she finally took in her surroundings, and her lower lip began to tremble.

Spike jumped up onto the bed and wrapped his sister into a tight hug. She reciprocated this by letting the poor doctor go and clinging to the teenage dragon for dear life. He heard her sniffles as she tried to bury him in her chest fur, and the little dragon gave a tearful giggle.

Twilight smiled as she hugged her brother, but that smile quickly dropped when a stinging pain came from her lower abdomen.

Hissing in pain, she flinched, causing Spike to take notice of the problem. He quickly shuffled off of her, and sat on the bed to her side, his eyes holding a look of worry. He could see the stitched scar running down Twilight's stomach, and he winced upon looking at it. His sister was staring at the scar, and her shaky hoof gently traced its length.Tears welled in her eyes, and Twilight gave a small sniffle. Spike immediately noticed this, and reached over to embrace her once more, being mindful of the scar.

That's when he heard the whispering.

"But Doctor, we can't tell her yet! She has just gone through Tartarus, and-and you know what the effects of this could be!"

"Oui, but the sooner we get it out of the way the better. She will end up figuring it out, and then worse could happen."

"Worse? Worse!? What could possibly be worse than losing--" The nurse clapped a hoof to her mouth, but the damage was done. The four ponies and the doctor turned and regarded the Princess and the Dragon, both of whom wore suspicious looks.

"Worse than losing what." Twilight said. Her voice was monotone and slightly shaky, fear and confusion were the dominant emotions in her head; her mind began working through scenarios at lighting speed.

"I..."

"Er--"

"Um..."

Twilight leaned forward, ignoring the pain as a pleading look came across her face. Spike could feel her tense, and his ear's wilted slightly as he watched the doctors. He did not know what was going on. They were home now, and the battle was over.

So why was a cold feeling creeping into his stomach?

"Spit it out!" Twilight snapped, causing the doctors to stiffen. They each shared a glance before doctor Scalpel gave a defeated sigh. His posture slouched slightly as his ears flicked.

"Merde." Spike heard him mutter before he straightened up once more.

"Monsieur Spike, Princess Twilight.... there is something that we need to tell you."

The feeling inside Spike instantly got worse. He had recognized that tone instantly, as he had heard it years prior when he was hanging out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They had been at Scootaloo's house when there was a knock on the door. The four kids had snuck over when they heard Scootaloo's aunt begin talking to the guard stallion on the other side.

He remembered when the letter was given to Scootaloo's aunt, and the soldier had spoken of her father having fallen in the line of duty. He would never forget seeing the filly beside him run in, yelling at the soldier that he was lying. He remembered the soldier's condolences, and the solemn words he used before leaving.

Dr. Lactose was using that exact same tone, and a feeling of dread was welling in his stomach.

The doctor cleared his throat again and shuffled, the nurses behind him looking uncomfortable and downright sad. Spike noticed tears in their eyes, but the world around him had started buzzing. His face darkened, and his body seemed to shake.

Then it all came together.

Spike had been deafened by the explosion, and was one of the last to get fixed due to his small status. He had seen the crowd panic, and he had seen Dean give some kind of speech, but he hadn't heard it. It wasn't until they were about to leave did a nurse come by and heal him.

Through all that, there was one pony he didn't see. One pony who should have been there when they had disembarked. One pony who would never have left Twilight's side as she was at the operating table....

One pony who Spike had called a brother.

The doctor must have seen the comprehension in the little drake's eyes, and his own softened in pity. However, before he could say anything, Spike was up and running. He shoved past the nurses as tears spilt around him. He didn't know what to think, nor where to go. He just ran.

He was near the exit to the Hospital when the entire building seemed to shake. A purple hue flashed past him before it was gone. As the doors began to close behind him, he heard the wails and screams coming from his sister. Not of pain, but of anguish.

He didn't stop until he was back home, where slammed the door behind him, locked it, and crawled to a dark corner.

Then he began to cry.

*****

Dean's eyes snapped open to the sounds of familiar screaming, and his instincts immediately took over. His entire body tensed, and he sprung from the steel bed in a flash of speed. A doctor that had been on the other side of the room shrieked in surprise and fear as the seven foot tall soldier took off for the door.

Dean ignored the calls from behind him as a few nurses tried to give chase. He easily outpaced them as he followed the noises; a feeling of fear and dread was building inside him as his mind flew through the possibilities of what was happening. He did know one thing for certain, and that was whatever was attacking his friend would soon turn into a mushy paste on the floor.

Dean saw a flash of purple and green in his peripherals, and thought for a second that Spike had just run past him. He didn't have time to check, and instead pushed harder. The screaming was becoming more coherent, and what Dean had thought was fear had suddenly turned to rage.

He came upon a set of double doors and immediately slammed through them. What he found on the other side stopped him in his tracks.

Two nurses coward in fear in a corner to his left, and another two lay unconscious to his right. Directly in front of him, Dr. Lactose was on the receiving end of the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"HE ISN'T DEAD!! WHERE IS MY BROTHER!?" Dean flinched at the volume, and confusion came over him. He saw tears pouring down Twilight's face, and her wings were spread wide in what he assumed was an effort of intimidation. Her horn was blazing with purple energy, and a deranged look was on her face.

Then it clicked.

"TAKE ME TO HIM!! TAKE ME TO SHINY RIGHT BUCKING NOW!!"

Dr. Lactose whimpered and shook his head. Dean had to give it to the stallion, he was doing a good job holding his ground.

"Princess please! I am so, so sorry, but I cannot! Please, you need to calm-"

"STOP LYING!! S-SHINY ISN'T DEAD!! I-I-I SAW HIM!! I SAW HIM RESCUE ME A-A-AND DEAN!!" She shook her head wildly. Sweat was dripping from her body from the magical output she was producing, and the tears came harder. Her breaths came in a hacking wheeze, and panic was clearly outlined in her eyes.

Then she noticed him.

"D-Dean?" Her voice was small and meek, and her magic seemed to cut off instantly and the oppressive air seemed to lighten. Her wings slowly drooped till they were practically dragging on the floor, and her watery eyes stared up into his own. He heard her sniffle, and his heart instantly went out to the mare. He saw the question in her eyes, and the desperate plea for him to say anything at all that could give her hope.

"Twilight..."

His tone said it all, and fresh tears began to pour from her eyes. Her breathing once more became erratic, and choking sobs escaped from her throat.

"No..." She shook her head. "No, no, no, no, NO!"

Twilight rushed forward and Dean's eyes widened. Utter fury seemed to radiate from the purple Princess as she lunged forward and punched at his armored leg. The force of the punches nearly caused Dean to stumble, and each time her hoof connected, she screamed out that single word.

The punching slowly got weaker, and Dean quickly knelt down. He could see in her eyes the panic, fear, anger, and suffering she was going through, and he only waited while the hits to his leg suddenly came to his chest. It was less punching now and more hard smacking, and her cries of anger had dwelled into pitiful sobs.

Dean grabbed the Princess in his arms and held her against his chest. She immediately went limp and began to cry in earnest, and his right hand began to stroke at her mane.

"I'm so, so sorry." He whispered over and over again. Time seemed relative as the two sat there for what seemed like an eternity. The nurses had left at some point, and the only one in the room was Dr. Lactose.

Snapping to attention, Dean noticed even breathing coming from below him, and he glanced down to see the sleeping face of his friend. Her face was streaked with tears, and the odd sniffle sounded here or there, but she otherwise seemed peaceful.

Ever so slowly, he scooped the Princess up and quietly walked over to her bed. He gently laid her down before pulling the thin bed sheet over top of her. Dean heard her sniffle one last time before turning and marching towards the door. He stopped when Doctor Lactose cleared his throat.

"S-Sergeant Dean.... Merci." The doctor's ears flattened, and Dean gave a sigh as he looked down at the pony.

"Make sure she gets some water when she wakes up, please. Keep up the good work around here Doc, I'm sorry you had to see all that."

The doctor shook his head and frowned.

"C'est d'accord, my friend. I've never seen such a thing before, and I can only imagine the horrors that our Princess had to go through before you saved her. When the surgeons finished their job, I found her body covered in scars and burns. S-She was m-malnourished, a-and--"

Dean gently clamped his hand over the Doctor's muzzle, sealing away any more words. Lactose blinked, and realized he had been rambling. Not only that, but tears were beginning to come to his eyes. While he had dealt with severe injuries, and he had seen many ponies die... never before had he been shown a victim of such torture. It was completely foreign to him.

Once it looked like the doctor had calmed down, Dean removed his hand.

"Doc, she is going to be fine. My mission in helping the Resistance is to make sure you don't have to experience... that. All that matters is you helped save Twilight by healing her. Plus, the one who tortured her blew up." Both Dean and Lactose gave a quiet chuckle at the absurd comment, and the tension slowly dissipated from the two.

"That's good to hear, Sergeant." The chuckling stopped and the Doctor's voice became strained once more. "You must go and check on Spike. I'm afraid he was present when the news was delivered, and he ran out of the hospital before any of us could stop him."

Dean hummed in acknowledgement and nodded his head. His eyes drifted back to the sleeping alicorn, and he couldn't help but stare at her. While the ponies around him were indeed quadrupeds, they still held quite a few Human aspects about them. A small part of his mind considered the little Alicorn to be cute in a more... exotic way, but it was quickly and brutally crushed. She was his friend, and he had a wife after all.

Even so, one was allowed to dream.

"If she wakes up any time soon, let her know I will be at the barracks with Spike."

Without further comment, Dean stalked out of the room. He had a lot to do today, and he suddenly realized two things. The first being that he had no idea how long he had been out, and the second being that his arm felt as good as new. He gave a small smirk as he made his way back to his previously inhabited room, but soon adopted a stony expression upon seeing the nurses and guards milling about.

He re-entered the medical room and found his rifle and Helmet sitting on a chair near the corner. He briefly questioned how they were able to fix his arm with all his armor, but decided he would find out later. He quickly snatched his helmet from the chair along with his rifle.

Slipping his headgear on first, he was greeted by the specks of dried blood directly in front of his eyes, causing him to frown. Never before had he come so close to death, the only other comparable time being the moments before he was sucked into fairy-land.

Glancing to his left, his eyes widened upon seeing the date above his motion tracker, and a small sense of panic overtook him.

He had been out for a day and a half.

Dean mentally slapped himself as he power walked out of the hospital. He had roughly eleven to twelve days before the Emperor's grand plan started, and he still had to prepare for the attack on Canterlot. It was such little time, and he scoured his brain for answers. The closer they got to the deadline, the more prepared the Emperor would be, and he couldn't allow that. Attacking the day before the deadline was a no go, but he couldn't be too early either.

'Six days.' His subconscious whispered to him. He nodded his head, realizing that that was indeed the perfect time. It was right in the middle, and would give enough time to prepare while catching the Elves with their pants down.

Dean found himself stopping in front of the entrance to the dungeons, and he quickly placed a mental note to see both Trignar and this Thorax character.

Speaking of Trignar, he realized that the Elf was likely stuck back in his decrepit hole. This wouldn't do, and so Dean walked up to the two guards.

The two soldiers saluted him as he approached, and Dean reciprocated the gesture. He noticed another guard, a Sergeant judging by the crest on his chest. The pony stopped in front of the towering super-soldier and raised an eyebrow.

"May I help you, First Sergeant?" The ponies' voice was deeper, and underneath the armor, Dean could see the signs of older age. Such a thing was common now, as the Resistance needed everyone to be ready to fight, young or old.

"I was wondering about the condition of Prince Trignar Blueblade, Sergeant. Has he been returned to the dungeon?" Dean watched closely as the pony nodded, causing the man to frown.

"Aye, sir, he has. We also confiscated a strange purple marble from him. It had a magical signature, and we figured it could be a means to his escape."

Dean was already shaking his head and grit his teeth in anger. He knew it wasn't the guards fault, but surely someone would have noticed how the Prince had helped him?

"That will not do, Sergeant. First, I want that orb returned to him. I know what its purpose is." The pony was about to retort, an angry look suddenly appearing. His two comrades also bristled in anger over his words, but he didn't care.

"Furthermore, The Prince will be given a cot at the least to stay in, and he will have access to a latrine and shower. He will go unshackled, but he will still wear a magic inhibitor."

The pony finally had enough and stomped his hoof, a menacing growl escaping his throat.

"And why would I do that? That Prince is a member of the enemy, and his kind has done nothing but destroy this world! He's evil!" The other two guards nodded in agreement, but Dean merely shook his head.

"The Prince has committed heinous acts, but he also played a vital role in the rescue of your Princess. Without him, she wouldn't be alive." Dean's tone never changed and the three ponies' jaws dropped in shock. The two soldiers looked at each other, but the Sergeant continued to stare at Dean. The pony held a conflicted look in his eyes, and Dean's own gaze softened.

"The Dark Elves are evil, this is true, but without him, none of this would have been possible. He will remain in custody, but surely we wouldn't stoop as low as his kind?"

There was a moment's pause as the two stared at each other once more. The two guards watched as their Sergeant slowly nodded his head and sighed.

"Fine. I will never forgive what his kind has done, but if what you're saying is true, then I guess we can be civil to a degree." The Sergeant turned and nodded to the two ponies. "Return the marble, and grab an unused cot from storage as well as one blanket." The pony turned back to Dean and scowled. "The Prince will be taken to the washroom every four hours. This is as far as I'll go."

Dean nodded and stood straighter once more. His gaze wandered towards the residential building Twilight and Spike inhabited. He still had to deal with the teen, and then he could begin his plans.

"Very well Sergeant, carry on." The two saluted before Dean began to stride towards the two story building. He saw guards milling about in the training fields to his left, and he could see a large group of them practicing with repeating crossbows and light-spears. A small structure had been erected a ways behind the range, and Dean could see ponies practicing the breaching tactics he had taught. He also noticed two strange creatures resembling a mix between a lion and an eagle standing near the range. Dean shook his head and turned his attention away as he walked into the building and began up the stairs.

Training was progressing well, but he doubted it would be enough. However, even if they weren't up to par, all he needed was to kill the Emperor. Dean intended to use the ponies to infiltrate the city, then use hit and run tactics to create a diversion. Dean would then enter the throne room, deal with the guards, and kill the Emperor. Once that was done, he would gather the artifacts required to free the Guardian. He knew that once the trenchcoat wearing demigod was free, the Elves would surrender, or be destroyed. There were plenty of risks in this plan, but there really was no other option. He couldn't just hide Twilight away, as the Elves controlled most of the planet, and if he waited too long, then they would coordinate a massive assault to capture her. Dean was powerful, but one hundred million soldiers was a few to many.

Dean shook his head as he came to the correct door. He would talk to the council tonight and coordinate the plan then.

Dean slowly raised his hand to knock on the door, but the muffled sound of sobs caused him to pause with his arms raised. He gave a low sigh and his posture seemed to droop as thoughts and feelings began to surface. Self doubt and regret flashed through him, and he winced upon seeing Shining Armour's face before him. His words rang in Deans ears as an echo.

'Promise me that you will do everything in your power to keep my sister safe...'

A tear welled in Dean's eye, but he blinked it away. He had been getting awfully emotional this last little bit, and the thought angered him. Getting emotional only endangered the mission, and if he was going to fulfill his promises, he needed to keep a level head.

Dean slowly grabbed the door handle, turned, and pushed. The hinges gave a small squeal as he slowly stepped into the room. The sobbing had stopped, and an eerie silence overtook the room. Looking at his motion tracker showed Spike was down and to his left.

"Dean?" He heard the pitiful whimper, and so turned to regard the little dragon. No matter how much he had seen, and how much trauma he had to deal with, seeing kids like this would always be heartbreaking, even to him.

Dean reached up and lifted his helmet off, causing it to give off a quiet hiss. He slipped the gear under his arm and gently knelt down. He could see Spike cowering in the corner, his eyes puffy and red. A little bit of snot hung from his nose, and a small puddle of tears was laying at his feet.

"Hey, kiddo." Dean sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair.

"W-Why did you come here?" Spike asked. His tone held confusion, and Dean fixed the dragon with as kind of a look as he could.

"I came because I knew you were hurting." Dean leaned back and fully sat down with a heavy thump. His arms rested on his knees as his posture relaxed.

This had the effect of calming Spike, and the little dragon quickly wiped his nose and eyes with his arm. He gave another sniffle.

"Want to talk ab--" Dean couldn't finish his sentence before the dragon launched forward and wrapped the soldier in a hug. His sobs echoed through the dark room, and Dean held his arm around the dragon in a comforting manner. He gave the occasional pat on the back, and whispered soothing words and sounds as Spike cried himself out.

As the sobbing died down, Spike slowly detached himself and stepped back to his place by the wall. He wiped his face one more time and sniffled.

"T-Thanks." He whispered.

Dean nodded, and silence once more descended across the room. Spike was staring at the ground with a melancholic look, refusing to meet the Humans eyes. Dean hummed in thought, causing the dragon to glance up.

"Spike, I want to tell you something." Spike flinched at Dean's words, but nodded as the Human shuffled in his position. The air seemed tense to the little dragon, and he didn't know why.

"Spike, your brother... he was a hero." Dean paused as the dragon shook his head.

"They all say that." He mumbled, a brief bout of anger clouding his face.

Dean sighed.

"Indeed they do. I imagine you know what happens when a soldier is lost in combat? How someone is informed through a written letter?" Spike nodded silently.

"Well, I'll tell you this, face to face. Your brother saved Twilight, the Resistance, and myself. I was there, Spike. I was on the verge of dying, and your sister wasn't going to survive either. But then Shining came. He gave me time to get Twilight out, and he gave the Resistance time to get to cover. He was the one that destroyed the Changeling hive."

Spike suddenly looked up in surprise, his mouth dropping in disbelief.

"Spitfire told me it was your explosives that destroyed the hive!"

Dean shook his head and sighed. He really needed to talk with that mare.

"My explosives did destroy the hive, but it was your brother that set them off. Look." Dean shuffled slightly and leaned forward. He rested his hand on Spike's shoulder as he looked the dragon dead in the eyes. "I know how you feel. I lost people too. Your brother was a hero, and the enemy would have won if he didn't do what he did. I am so, so sorry that this happened to you, but I want you to know that Shining won't be forgotten."

Dean slowly retracted his hand as Spike stared solemnly at the floor. He did this nearly a minute straight, and the silence became palpable. Dean was about to add more, when Spike finally spoke.

"If Shining were here, he would want me to get up and continue to help. He died so we could have a chance, and I won't let my part go to waste."

Dean's mouth fell into a shocked 'O', and Spike smiled weakly. The Human shook his head slightly, and gave a warm smile.

"I couldn't agree more." The Sergeant slowly got to his feet, and Spike did the same. The two stood there for a second as Dean slowly slid his helmet over his head. Once this was done, Dean looked down at Spike, and Spike looked up at him.

"Want to come help me in the barracks? I could use the company." Even before he had finished, Spike was nodding enthusiastically. Dean couldn't help but give a small chuckle and a shake of his head. "Alright, let's get going then. Daylight is wasting."

Just as he took his first step, a small tug on his hand caused him to pause. He slowly looked down, and saw Spike looking up at him with a sad smile.

"Dean, thanks for helping me." He said.

The man paused before giving a brief but firm nod.

"You are welcome kid. Now come on, I'm gonna show you how to clean my gun."

And so the two left, and the room was once more bathed in silence.

*****

Half a kilometer away, in a busy hospital, a certain Princess was beginning to stir...

Chapter 52: Alone and Forsaken (Part 1)

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A chilling wind swept through the small fortress town of Maritime Bay. Gray clouds and the threat of rain was predominant to the denzines far below, and many were already seeking shelter. With the town being so far from civilization, and the small population it boasted, the weather had a mind of its own. The Pegasi had no time to clear storms, nor bring rainy days. Out of the few hundred Unicorns present, none had spells to keep the weather at bay.

Maritime Bay was at the mercy of nature.

Two beings, both bipedal, walked up a pathway leading to the main fortress. One, a massive seven and a half foot tall Human, and the other, a four and a half foot tall dragon. The two hardly spoke, and neither caught the other's gaze. Any conversation between the two was dead.

Within minutes, the double oaken doors of the barracks came into view. Two guards stood outside the entry, their spears in hoofs, and their faces a stoic mask. Their armor was a ragtag of cloth, steel and leather, but both sported the old standard issue helmet used by the Royal Guard.

As the Human and the Dragon came within spitting distance, the guards crossed their spears in front of the doorway.

"Halt." The guard on the left stated, causing Dean and Spike to cease their movements. Spike carried an uncertain look, and looking up into the faceplate of his companion gave no comfort to his plight. The burly guard on the right seemed to be staring into his soul, and Spike fidgeted under the gaze. Sweat began to crease his brow, and the stare only increased in intensity.

"Enough of that, Private, you are scaring the poor drake." Dean finally spoke, causing the two guards and Spike to jump. The guard on the left narrowed his eyes and huffed, but backed off as ordered. The elder of the two on the left merely rolled his eyes.

"Apologies for my associate, First Sergeant. We are still a bit jumpy after the... Changeling incursion." The soldier suddenly wore a tired look in his eyes and gave a hefty sigh. His one hoof subconsciously rose to trace a scar down his left eye, but stopped short and quickly returned to its place.

"That's understandable, I assume the council made some changes for security?" Dean asked. The pony nodded.

"Aye, a mandatory scan is needed when entering into certain establishments, and guards can do a random scan on passersby should they feel it's needed. If you two hold still for a moment, we will perform the scan now so you can get on your way."

Dean and Spike both nodded as the two ponies lit their horns. Both got no warning as a thin ray of light, similar to a retinal scanner seen in the movies, passed over them once, then twice. After about ten seconds, both guards cut off their magic and nodded in approval.

"You two are free to enter. Later tonight, a sing-along is being hosted by Lieutenant Midnight for the day guard. It starts around six."

"We should be back by then to check it out. Have a good afternoon gentlemen...er, ponies." Dean gave a wave. "Come along, Spike."

The little drake scampered to Dean's side as he pushed open one of the doors. There was a moment where Spike saw the inside of the barracks, but a sudden gust of hot air slammed into him, causing his eyes to close. An influx of noise suddenly reached Spike's scaly ears, and he felt a gloved hand gently tap him on the shoulder.

The little drake finally grew used to the heat, and his mouth practically dropped open from taking in his surroundings. Bunk beds lined the walls to his left and right. and ponies wearing armor were scattered about the room. Somewhere playing cards, others were reading books or chatting to their bunkmates. More than a few were sleeping, their loud snores causing Spike's ears to twitch.

"Common Spike, let's head to the common area to get a drink."

And so the two walked past the guards. There was maybe ten seconds where everyone was going about their activities, but soon their focus switched to the Human and the Drake. The looks were intense, but judging by facial expressions, he saw more than one look of gratitude. Spike saw Corporal Steel standing beside his brother, and upon catching his eye, received a nod and a smile. Spike smiled back, but it only lasted for a second; there were too many eyes on him, and it was making him nervous.

"Sergeant Dean."

Spike and Dean both stopped in their tracks, the latter turning and facing the new voice calling to him. The man reached up and slowly pulled his helmet off with a hiss, causing Spike to wince ever so slightly. Underneath the protective gear, Dean's grim face was revealed in all its glory. The beginnings of a beard were showing upon his face, and his hair was long, greasy and unkempt.

'Rarity would have a heart attack if she saw him like this.' Spike suddenly thought. He had long ago come to terms that he would never see his childhood crush again, but it still hurt to think of her or any of his other friends. It had been two years, and he hadn't heard anything about them. Chances were they were dead.

Refocusing, Spike realized Dean was speaking in response to some question posed by who he saw was a blood red Pegasus pony with a dark brown mane. A bandage was wrapped around her front right hoof, and she sported a black eye. Spike recognized the mare as Dean's squad member, Stormfly.

"I was only doing what was right. You all are the real heroes, as are the ones who sacrificed themselves for the greater good. You should all be proud of yourselves." Dean smiled as a few ponies gave small cheers and whistles before starting to disperse.

"Will you be joining the sing-along tonight, Sergeant?" Stormfly asked as Dean was about to turn. There was a moment of silence before he spoke a single word.

"Sure."

And then they were walking once more. Spike followed close behind Dean as fast as his little legs could carry him. His eyes drifted every which way as he took in as many details as possible. He had been around the Royal Guard back when he lived in Canterlot with Twilight, but never had he seen the inner workings of their day to day life. And while these soldier's weren't the same as the old ones he knew, it was still cool to experience.

"Here we are." Spike's focus returned in full, and he found himself following his Human companion through a large oaken door. A light flipped on as they entered, and Spike's eyes grew upon getting a look of his surroundings.

A large pile of equipment was sitting in a corner of the room, and beside it sat a strange, angular box. Said box was alight with what could only be described as blue holograms straight from science fiction, and different diagrams of various pieces of gear popped up every few seconds. Spike's eyes slowly drifted to the left, and he noticed a large crate half the size of the Sergeant sitting with its top open. A pale green folding stool sat beside it, and an open package containing the letters M.R.E sat on the floor nearby. A strange, yet oddly familiar smell wafted through the room, albeit faintly, and Spike's mouth began to water. He didn't notice the large, haphazardly patched hole in the wall off to the side facing the city. He also failed to notice the Sergeant wince once his eyes fell upon it.

"I take it you're hungry?" Spike looked up to the Sergeant and saw he was holding a similar, but unopened package in his left hand. Spike nearly nodded his head, and the Sergeant grinned before walking towards a desk. Spike heard a tearing sound, then something shaking before Dean gave a hearty chuckle.

"Hot damn! I'm Jealous, Spike! Looks like you got spaghetti and meat!" Dean gave a shake of his head, the readied MRE in his hands once more along with a little plastic spork. He slowly walked back towards the little dragon, unaware that he had frozen at the mention of a certain food.

"M-M-M-Meat?!" Spike whimpered as he stared at the steamy package. The smell wafting from it caused him to salivate, but his conscious screamed at him to refuse the dish.

Dean slightly cocked his head to the side and frowned, his eyes moving up and down to take in the dragon's fear filled stance. He was confused more than anything, and quickly glanced down at the packaging. He saw the word beef as an ingredient, but didn't see a problem. He looked back down at Spike with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah... meat. Don't dragons eat meat? Woulda thought you'd be carnivorous or at least omnivorous."

Spike was shaking his head before Dean even finished his sentence, his eyes never leaving the package. With his draconic vision, he could barely make out the word 'beef' on the side of the package, and his eyes widened further.

"YOU EAT COWS??!!" His shriek of horror caused Dean to wince and slightly recoil. A shocked look came across his face at the little Dragons tone, and both his eyebrows rose.

"Well yeah, of course I eat cow. I mean, back on Earth, they're just stupid... animals..." Deans mouth formed an 'O' shape as he finally came to realize what he was missing. This planet had talking ponies, Gryphons, Zebras, and who knew what else. Were the cows here more than animals as well?

"Ah, Shit." Dean frowned as he slowly backed away and placed the MRE on the table. An apologetic look came across his face as he regarded his little friend. Spike held a confused expression, but the fear was still there. It wasn't a fear held towards him, but more for the food he had almost been given. Dean sighed and walked towards his crate once more. There was a chance he could find a vegetarian option somewhere, but he only had so much food left.

"Dean?"

The man stopped his rummaging and turned to look at Spike. The little Dragon was looking at the floor in shame, and his ears were drooped slightly.

"I just wanted to say sorry for exploding on you like that, it wasn't very fair of me." Spike kicked at a small pebble on the ground, and he kept looking up at the Human out of the corner of his eye.

Dean was regarding Spike, wondering what to say in response. Should he apologize? But what was there to apologize for? Things were different on Earth, but the fact that he ate what was likely an intelligent creature on Equis obviously scared his companion.

With that thought in mind, Dean took a step forward, but stopped when he saw Spike flinch. His tail was tucked between his legs, and his eyes were squeezed closed. That's when it hit the man: Spike had been a prisoner of the Dark Elves for nearly two whole years. Just his body language showed he was expecting Dean to hit him, and the thought sent a spark of anger through his heart. He didn't let the emotion show on his face, however, and instead crouched down to Spikes level.

"Spike, I know you didn't mean anything by it, and I know you are scared. I want you to know, I will never hurt you. I don't make a habit of eating things that talk anyway." Dean flashed a disarming smile, and he saw Spike's tense posture begin to relax. Dean slowly stood up and stretched, his arms scraping across the stone roof in the process.

Looking down, he saw Spike ogling him with a look of fascination, causing him to chuckle. The little Dragon shook his head and crossed his arms, a light blush appearing on his cheeks as they puffed out.

"How did you get so big? Wish I was like that!" Spike huffed as Dean walked towards his crate. He reached in and pulled out a wire brush, a cloth, and some kind of oil. He had borrowed it from the armory some time ago, but he had forgotten it in his rush to save Twilight. Looking sideways at his rifle on a nearby bench, he knew it would take quite a big effort to get the green stuff off.

"Well Spike, to get as big as me would require something your planet doesn't yet possess." He turned and tapped the side of his head. "Genetic augmentation."

Spike cocked his head to the side and walked over to Dean's side. The thought of food was temporarily put on hold as the Human began to work. He was currently disassembling his rifle, and he watched as more and more pieces quickly found their places on the small bench and in neat piles. It was incredible that such a basic looking weapon could house so many small parts. He had no doubt that if they won this war, Twilight would be all over his stuff trying to understand it.

"What's genetic augmentation?"

Dean gave a low hum as he paused and drummed his fingers on the wood. Some of the details of the surgery were a bit explicit for someone so young, but he knew that Spike would likely be offended if he didn't tell the truth.

"Well, my people created special chemicals, drugs, and small devices called organic nano-machines. These were inserted via needle into the body, and enhanced muscle growth, reaction time, speed, strength, eyesight, hearing, smell, and every other function the Human body could perform. Once that was done, I had to do physical training in order to tone my new body and become accustomed to it. After seven years of non-stop war, what you see before you is the result." Dean turned and faced the young dragon, spreading his arms wide in the process. He heard Spike give a quiet 'whoa' before turning back to his gun.

"You fought in a war for seven years? That makes the current conflict look small in comparison."

Dean was already shaking his head before Spike even finished his statement, a small scowl crossing his expression. He turned his head slightly to hide it. His next words came out in a growl.

"Spike, one thing you have to understand is that war is Hell, no matter how long, or how absurdly large the conflict. It doesn't matter if the Equestrian war with the Dark Elves is smaller than my own. What matters is that they are trying to enslave the planet, and exterminate those they think they don't need. We had a fellow like that on Earth once, his name was Adolf Hitler. On Earth, there are many different types of Humans. People who have skin the color of coal, or wool, or wheat. There are people who are old and wrinkly, who have narrowed eyes or larger eyes. People who like the same gender, and people who like the opposite sex. And then there are people who hold different religious beliefs. Adolf Hitler held the belief that there was a master race, a perfect Human. He believed that in order to have this master race dominate, he would need to take over the world. He and his government started a secret plan, and began rounding up people who were considered undesirable, or lesser. Jews, Gypsies, Christians, Muslims, homosexuals, cripples... he gathered them all, and began to exterminate them." Dean heard Spike gasp and looked down. The little dragon's eyes were welling with tears, and his mouth was hanging open in shock. Dean sighed and shook his head before continuing.

"Hitler began a conquest of a continent called Europe, and in doing so, started what would become the greatest conflict in Human history: The Second World War." A dark feeling suddenly entered the room, and Dean's face fell into shadow. "In the end, my point is this: It doesn't matter how large the conflict is, nor who wages it. It is something that should never happen in the first place. Hitler waged genocide against undesirables, the Orith are waging genocide against my species, and Dark Elves are waging genocide against those of this world. What matters is it has to be stopped, because evil can not be allowed to prevail." Dean crouched down and poked Spike in the chest lightly, causing the little dragon to giggle. His tone softened, and a small smile appeared. "And that means people like you need to help in this mission. Capiche?"

There was a moment of shocked hesitation before the little dragon gave his head a good shake. When Spike looked back up, he gave a little salute, his tongue sticking out of his mouth. The dark atmosphere was now gone, and the topic of genocide was put behind them. Dean smiled and stood up, his back cracking.

"Alright, I'm going to take a shower, and then I can show you how my gun works. How about it?" Dean smiled as Spike nodded vigorously. His smile slowly dipped as he remembered something important, but it could wait until the scheduled meeting tonight. In the meantime, he had to clean off about half a week's worth of grime. His nose wrinkled in disgust as the smell of body odor reached him.

"I'll go wait out in the common room and grab something to eat; I saw some muffins sitting on the table!" With that, Spike jogged away, opened the door, and was gone in a flash. Dean sighed as his room became silent. He could hear a small breeze coming from the somewhat patched hole, and internally shivered.

The next instance, the feeling of lonesomeness was gone, and a steely look came over the Human. He had a job to finish, and not a whole lot of time. He turned and stomped towards the fabricator before turning and standing a few feet to its left, beside the solitary bench and facing the doorway. A quick mental command, and whirring noises began to sound as gears, screws, and other various objects began to undo or move. As his suit went about its process, Dean went through a mental checklist.

'Repair suit, clean guns, acquire nullstone, organize offensive against the Elves, kill the Emperor, then go.... home....'

Home. All movement stopped. That single word caused his head to swirl, and his gut to clench in on itself. Faces appeared in his vision as it flashed. The light coming from the nearby window seemed to dull, then brighten.

Home.

Death.

Dean began to sweat. The sounds of explosions, rifle fire, and screams echoed around him. He blinked and found himself looking across a war torn battlefield, the remnants of a once beautiful city. Human soldiers charged forward towards the advancing aliens, only to be torn to shreds by the more advanced species. He watched as civilians were butchered, ripped apart, and used in horrific manners. Strange bio-machine-like things snatched any unwary people into the air before devouring them. Tank shells ricocheted off their armor, and the enemy laughed at the pitiful attempt at an attack.

Home.

His home.

Burned, ravaged, destroyed... and he wasn't there to help protect it.

Dean blinked, hard, and the sounds suddenly disappeared. All he could hear was his own labored breathing. His eyes scanned back and forth, but he saw nothing. That's when a memory suddenly entered his consciousness, one that was buried deeply. It actually felt as though something had pulled this memory forward; a foreign presence made itself known. His eyes closed, and he suddenly saw his wife sitting beside him on a blanket. Off to their right was their son, playing on a swing Dean had made a year prior. One of his arms was wrapped around his wife, and a happy smile adjourned his features.

There was a low, growling laugh. It sent a shiver up Dean's spine, and his gut clenched from the noise. It seemed to come from everywhere at once, and he began to sweat once more.

Dean tried to talk, to say something, but no sound came from him. The memory warped to the point where he felt as though he was truly there, but it all felt wrong. Tree's warped around him, his son's squeals of laughter distorted, and the sky was turning an ugly shade of purplish green.

Then it all went silent.

Dean lifted his arm from his wife and cautiously stood. His eyes scanned for threats, but he found none. However, even with the visual confirmation, the man felt eyes on him. They seemed to pierce through him, and his mind. The small hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and his protective instincts kicked in. He tried to call too his son, and succeeded, but something was wrong.

Not once did Jaxon look at him, or acknowledge him. It was as though he wasn't there.

Dean turned and looked down at his wife, a question already forming on his mouth, but a horrific screech caused him to clasp his hands to his ears. It was as though the world was being torn apart, and Dean felt a hot substance on his hands. He already knew it was blood.

The agony only continued to worsen, and he tried to close his eyes, but found that he couldn't. His vision was becoming blurry, and a swirling rainbow of colors lay before him in the air.

Dean screamed then. It was a scream of fear and pain that only a man being flayed could make. Everything in his body hurt now, his skull felt as though it was splitting, and his chest seemed to be crushing itself. He writhed on the ground, his muscles contracting and cramping from the strange motions.

Then it stopped. The pain, the sounds... everything.

Dean gasped for air, as though he had just had the wind knocked from him. His breaths came in horrendous gasps, and each lungful of air seemed less than before. He lay there on the ground, his mind blank and his hands still clasped to his ears. He didn't notice at first, but upon feeling something wet on his cheek, he blinked. Focus seemed to return to his being, and he realized tears were pouring from his eyes.

Dean slowly, oh so slowly, pushed himself to a sitting position. His breathing was finally returning to normal, and he closed his eyes for a second.

Upon opening them, he was back in his room in Maritime Bay.

"What the fuck?" He stated dumbly as he took in his surroundings. He was standing there, unmoving. He tried to remember what had happened, but his mind came up blank. His brow furrowed as he tried to think. He remembered feeling fear, then pain, and then... nothing.

Dean shook his head and groaned, a small headache forming. Worry etched inside of him for a moment, and images of that tentacle monster appeared briefly. He shook his head once more, his own conscience telling him he was being ridiculous. He gave a small chuckle before a wave of exhaustion suddenly hit him, causing Dean to sway in place.

"Three days without sleep. Man, do I need a vacation." Dean chuckled at his little attempt to lighten up. He had a little bit before his meeting, and he desperately needed to get his list of things done. Chuckling once more, Dean turned around-

-and came face to face with the rotting corpse of his wife.

A scream erupted from his throat before he realized what was happening, and he found his body subconsciously stepping backwards. There was a slight problem however, and that came in the form of the desk that was right behind him.

'It's not real.'

Dean felt his body topple over as both his legs caught on the desk, and he suddenly found himself lying on the ground. His right arm hit the stone floor and exploded in pain before going numb. The man cried out as the corpse left his vision, and upon hitting the ground, gave an explosive curse as he began to scramble backwards.

'It's not real.'

Once more, his body reacted before his mind, and he found himself backed into a corner. Not three feet from him was the lightly patched hole in the wall, and an eerie breeze blew through the room.

'It's not real.'

Dean blinked, and finally realized that the corpse was gone. He blinked again, and found his pistol was being held with both hands in front of him, the device shaking slightly as his body trembled.

'It's not real.'
'It's not real.'
'It's not real.'
'It's not real...'

"It's not real, it's not real, it's not real, it's--"

Dean clamped his mouth shut when he realized what was coming from his mouth. He was a soldier, a Human, who was created to fight a war against the Orith.

'It's not real.'

He has a loving wife, and a lovely child.

'It's not real.'

He has fought for seven years. Watched as his fellow soldiers died, as civilians were massacred, and as the alien menace tore down the once proud Human race. He watched his world burn, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

'It's not real.'

Now he was in a new world, one of fantasy that was corrupted by an evil race.

'It's not real.'

A race that has unleashed a horrific monster to torture him in his own mind. To whittle him down, and destroy him from the inside. He didn't understand how this worked. He couldn't fight back, and this was not something he knew how to beat. He is just a Human, and he was facing a power unlike anything he has ever seen.

'It's not real, fight back."

It is in his head, he can feel it. It's slimy tentacles burrowing into the deep recesses of his mind. Poisoning, corrupting, dest--

'Fight back, it's not real!'

It knows. It sends horrifying images forward. He can't stop it, it's--

'FIGHT BACK!'

*****

With a gasp, Dean's eyes flew open. His heart hammered in his chest, and his eyes scanned the room around him. He was sitting in the chair at his desk, and a quick look to the side showed he had written down the parts required to fix his armor. His tac-pad was lying to his right, and Dean realized a picture was open on the screen.

He slowly reached forward and slid the device closer to him. His arms quavered, and his lip trembled. His fleeting sanity was holding on by a thread, and he didn't know what to do. The world around him was blurry, and Dean realized that once more tears were starting to flow down his face. He looked down and saw one of the droplets of salt and water slowly splash against his thigh. His lips trembled as his eyes slowly rose to the device now gripped firmly in his hands.

"Marie..." He whispered, tracing a finger over the face of his smiling wife. His eyes slowly drifted up and down the image. He could see Jaxon in the background, playing with some now dead friends, and a tear filled hiccup escaped him. His finger once more brushed across the screen, but in doing so, he accidently clicked on a nearly invisible play button.

A soft guitar began playing, and the lyrics to a sweet melody began.

"April, come she will,
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain,"

Marie's voice could softly be heard singing along with the song, her own sweet melody clashing perfectly with the soft breeze blowing past. A small flower, a daisy, was sitting behind her left ear, and she was wearing a white and yellow sundress.

"June, she'll change her tune,
In restless walks she'll prowl the night,"

Dean placed a free hand over his mouth, and his body began to shake. Memories, emotions, fears, doubts, and longing filled him to his core. Feelings that had been buried for seven whole years finally cracked through his steely persona, and Dean realized he couldn't take anymore. Tears fell freely from his eyes, and his body was wracked with sobs.

Marie looked up towards the camera, her sweet smile and caring gaze stared through the screen and into his eyes. The song was coming to a close.

"September, I'll remember,
A love once new has now grown old,"

Her hand reached beyond the view of the camera, and for a brief moment, Dean thought he could feel her grip on his forearm. His head began to shake, and he found it hard to breath all of sudden.

"I love you, Dean."

Dean's resolve finally broke, and the man was reduced to nothing but pitiful, wracking sobs. Seven years of war. Seven years of pain and suffering. Seven years, and he didn't know if he would ever see them again.

The rest of the room was encased in shadow, and as the lone Human wept, a figure lurked in the darkness. A crooked, demented smile came over its gaping mouth, and a deep, throaty chuckle escaped from it.

As the Human slowly got control of himself, the being slowly dissipated into the shadows; its job only just beginning. Everything was going according to plan, and soon, the multiverse would be brought to its knees.

*****

Colonel Graybeard Stone considered himself a reasonable Griffon. He was well liked by his compatriots, he was skilled in combat, and he was a strong leader. Had it not been for his quick thinking, the Griffon counter-offensive in Griffonstone would never have succeeded.

He had settled many a debate when the griffon High-Counsel was panicking, and he had kept his soldiers in line as they fought desperately against a numerically, and technologically superior enemy.

Indeed he was reasonable, and he would do anything in his power to give his people the edge in the war. But upon arriving in Maritime Bay with his retinue, and hearing about a supposed one-creature army on the side of the ponies, he did nothing but laugh.

"A-and you're telling me t-that a, and I quote, 'a Human from legend with crazy armor and weapons', is helping you guys?" Graybeard snickered as General Blight huffed. His ears had folded against his head, and a scowl had appeared. The pony gave a snort and nodded his head.

"Indeed I am, and I'll have you kn--"

"BWAHAHAHA!!" The rest of the guards burst into thunderous laughter, some with tears in their eyes, and some rolling on the ground. The Colonel merely rolled his eyes and smirked.

"The day you show us this supposed Human is the day that the Dark Elves learn to fly." Graybeard said matter-of-factly. His smug tone did not go unnoticed by the general, causing his scowl to darken.

There was an awkward moment where the two leaders stared at each other. Both had seen combat, and both knew they needed the other. The Colonel, realizing he likely wasn't giving a good first impression, softened his gaze. He still held the cocky attitude, but instead of mocking the General more, he held out his front-right claw.

"Peace, General Blight. Some things are hard to believe, and we both know that miracles are hard to come by in this war." Graybeard watched as General Blights scowl lessened into a neutral frown. The pony quickly raised his hoof and shook the outstretched claw, a sigh coming from him as he looked to the side.

"I apologize for the lack of hospitality on my part. We have had a grueling few weeks, and Prince Shining Armour was recently... killed." Blight flinched as his eyes suddenly became vacant. A gray blanket seemed to hang over the pony, and Graybeard frowned in realization. He had personally met Shining Armour in a tournament some years prior, and the two had gotten along fairly well. With the communications going on between himself and the Equestrian resistance, he knew how vital of a role the Prince had played in keeping them alive. Graybeard felt a pang of sadness, and his soldiers must have felt it too, for they all looked to the ground in a moment of silent respect.

After about a minute, Graybeard finally spoke.

"Shining Armour was a valiant soldier, and I am sorry to hear of this news. Had we come sooner, than maybe--"

Graybeard was cut off when Blight shook his head.

"There was nothing you would have been able to do. It wasn't the Elves that killed him, but the Changelings. We were infiltrated, and they stole away our Princess."

Graybeard suddenly scowled, his features darkening. Behind him, his soldiers' looks of shock soon turned to anger. His feathers ruffled as thoughts of murder went through his mind, and plans for an attack began formulating as he stood..

"Diese verdammten Insekten! I will send for reinforcements, and we will crush those bugs once and for all. I knew they couldn't be trusted, even after their traitorous queen said they were a neutral party!" Graybeard's claw formed a fist before he smashed it into the cobblestone, leaving a rather large crack.

"Colonel, there is no need for such actions quite yet." A voice called from behind.

The griffons turned around in surprise, but none more than Graybeard. It was impossible to mistake one of Equestrias greatest fliers.

"Täuschen mich meine Augen? Spitfire, the Captain of the wonderbolts!" Graybeard called with a smile as the mare trotted past their group to stand beside the General. She held a small smile, but dark bags seemed to sink into the skin beneath her eyes. Her tail had random hairs protruding every which way, and her uniform was only half-heartedly put on.

"The one and only." She rasped with a chuckle. The griffons laughed lightly, but Graybeard did not. His critical eyes scanned the Pegasus, and then narrowed. Spitfire caught his gaze, and shrunk slightly in response.

"I see you also are not taking Shining Armor's demise well." The Griffon said softly, causing her to perk up, her eyes going wide. There was a minute of hesitation, but a slow nod from the Pegasus was all the confirmation the Colonel needed. He gave a deep sigh before signaling them to move.

"Come, Captain and General. Let us discuss this in detail elsewhere." He turned to his retinue and gave a single whistle, causing them to stand at attention. His eyes passed over the small group critically before he nodded his head. "The rest of you can go to the local tavern. That is where we will be staying. Dismissed."

The group saluted before breaking up and walking away, their conversations fading as they tried to locate their place of rest. Graybeard turned towards his two compatriots with a light smile. He shifted his weapons and armor on his back before gesturing ahead.

"Lead the way you two. I would like to know everything that has happened, and spare no detail."

The three walked towards the barracks, completely unaware of the single Human making his way into town.

*****

"Are you okay, Dean? You look kinda down." Spike said as he walked along beside the man. He was eating a blueberry muffin, courtesy of Midnight, and the two were currently making their way to the blacksmiths. Dean's eyes held a vacant look, and his little companion was growing slightly worried. He had walked in on the Sergeant holding his device, and a somber mood had seemed to radiate throughout the room. Instead of questioning it, he had walked over and gave Dean a muffin.

This had seemed to work, and over the next few hours, the two had cleaned Dean's guns, taken inventory, and were now heading towards their next task. It was about four in the afternoon by now, and the skies seemed to be slowly darkening with clouds. If Spike had to hazard a guess, he would say a storm was coming.

"I'm alright, Spike. I'm just tired."

'Three days without sleep, another seven with less than five hours... Seven years of constant war. Just tired my ass.' He thought to himself with a scowl.

Dean was currently wearing the tactical vest he found in his crate along with a slightly too small, heavy black jacket. His knees and elbows were padded, and he carried his P23 on his side. His knife was attached to his chest, and the tactical helmet was strapped to his vest.

Even without the armor, Dean was still intimidating in his current getup. Ponies quickly moved out of his way, and some of the guards ogled him. Instead of a metal suit, he now looked like a normal Special Forces operator; a commando.

The reason for his switch was two-fold. One, because he didn't like going anywhere without some form of protection, and two, because he wanted to experiment with the nullstone once he combined it with the vest and the helmet. His features were grim as he and Spike approached the blacksmiths building, and hushed whispers could be heard through the street from passing ponies.

It was then that Dean realized that the majority of the population of Maritime Bay would have last seen him running from the guard. And while his innocence was proven, many of these ponies were obviously shaken up by that terrible night. It didn't help that news of Shining Armour's death had spread.

"Spike," Dean leaned down to whisper, "When is the funeral for Shining Armour and the guards at the battle of the Hive?"

There was a moment of pause before Spike answered.

"Tomorrow at three, I think."

Dean nodded before reaching forward and clamping the door-handle. Sweat was accumulating on his neck and brow from the stares he was receiving. Everything about the situation just seemed so... wrong. And after his breakdown a few hours earlier, he was beginning to question his own reality.

'Dean...'

Dean whipped around to face the voice, a crazed look in his eyes. He barely heard Spike give a surprised yelp as he scanned for the one who had spoken.

The crowd before him was silent as the grave, their activities having stopped at his sudden movement. Many looked at him in fear, and some in confusion. His eyes passed over a sea of ponies, and a sense of something uncanny passed over his consciousness. Everything briefly flickered, and he saw people in place of the ponies. Their clothing torn, their eyes... lifeless.

Then it was gone.

Dean blinked and shook his head, a small bout of nausea entering his stomach. He quickly turned, opened the door, and slipped through without a word. He hardly noticed Spike beside him as he took a deep breath in, and then a deep breath out. He could hear the clanking of hammer on metal, and Spike as he talked to Iron Hammer. He could smell the metal, the burning coal, and dry air.

His eyes opened, and Dean found the noise had dimmed. Iron Mallet was walking up to him, and Iron Hammer and Spike were looking at him expectantly.

"What was that?" Dean asked, quickly reading the room and seeing that he missed a question.

"Ah asked if'n you're okay there, Sargeant?" Iron Mallet repeated, an eyebrow quirked.

Dean nodded his head and blinked the heat from his eyes. The fumes in the air were causing them to water slightly, and it didn't help that his head nearly touched the roof.

"Y-Yeah, I am, thanks." He replied with a grunt and a wince. The older pony didn't look convinced, but didn't push any further. Instead, he and his son sat on their haunches and looked up at him.

"Not a problem. Now, what can I help you with? Don't tell me the metals I sent yah ended up being bad." Iron Mallet scowled slightly, causing Dean to chuckle and shake his head.

"No sir, they were just fine. I actually came looking for a particular rock that caught my eye when I first came here. I believe your son called it... nullstone."

Iron Mallet put a hoof to his chin in thought for a second before nodding.

"Aye, we've got nullstone 'ere, but only da one boulder. Might I ask, what yer lookin' to use it for?"

And so Dean explained his theory. Iron Mallet and Hammer listened with rapt attention, their eyes going wider and wider the longer he explained. After he reached the third minute of how the metal could be incorporated into armor designed for equines, the grizzled Iron worker held up his hoof.

"Say no more, lad. If what you are saying is true, and I'm willing to believe such, then you may have just given us the upper hand in this war. I'll drop the nullstone off in the barracks at some point tonight, and I believe this kind of information needs to be brought to the General as quick as can be."

Dean nodded and slowly stood up. He had taken a seat on a nearby metal bench while he had talked, and he heard his bones cracking from stiffness. Dean figured he needed a good rest once the fighting was over. Maybe even a massage before heading back to Earth.

"I intend to do just that, Mallet. I have a meeting tonight with the council at nine. I have a feeling that in the coming week, there will be drastic changes to the way we fight against the Elves."

Iron Mallet nodded.

"Aye. Well, I best get back to work if ya' want that Nullstone on time. When you do figure out how to refine the metals within, send for me, and I will help you configure it into armor."

With that, Iron Mallet turned and trotted back to his work, a pep in his step and a perk to his mood. His son seemed to be in the same boat as he whispered excitedly with Spike. Dean smiled and reached into his pocket. Pulling out his tac-pad, he crossed another item off on his list before seeing what he had to do next.

"Right. Three hours until the meeting... Maybe something to eat?" Dean mumbled to himself. His free hand had unconsciously moved to his pocket where he felt a small pile of what the Equestrians called bits. They were solid gold coins the size of a Canadian toonie, but weighed a surprising amount as they were slightly thicker. Dean had no idea if they still used the currency seeing as how the central government and infrastructure of Equestria was gone, but he figured it was worth the try.

Dean made a note to himself then. Once the war was over, and they had one, he would stay long enough to ensure stability. It was only fair, as he knew from stories how war torn countries could turn to anarchy after devastating conflict. He didn't want all his hard work going to waste.

"Alright Spike, come along." He called, waving the teen over. Dean turned and opened the door, the evening air slightly cool with it being the middle of autumn. It was a bit uncanny, considering what Twilight had told him weeks ago. Apparently, the ponies took care of the four seasons of the year. Moving clouds, making rainbows, and everything in between. Twi had told him about an event she had taken part in called the running of the leaves, an old tradition by the Equestrians that forced the leaves to fall for winter.

If one were to look outside the walls of Maritime Bay, they would see that the leaves had not yet fallen, and the sky was constantly a misty gray. The times it was sunny were far and few between, and storms from the ocean came in regularly. It was mundane, dull, and sad. An effective reflection of how costly the war was.

The ponies' way of life was nearly gone, erased by an invading army without remorse. It wasn't an occupation, nor an annexation... no, it was the attempted destruction of a race. The Elves were genocidal, as proven by the camps and slave markets. Dean still did not know what their end goal was, but many sources have told him it is very, very bad. While he wasn't scared of the horrors of war, he still had the nagging feeling that this wasn't something he wanted to find out. Each time he encountered the Dark Elves, he had discovered them to be doing something worse to the Equestrians each time. He needed to end this, he was chosen to end this. One Human, against all odds. It sounded cool in theory, but when failure meant total annihilation, Dean couldn't help but feel something shrivel up inside him. He had faced impossible odds before, but in those cases, if he failed, then another would take his place. It was clear that if he failed here, it was over.

"Dean?"

Dean snapped out of his musings with a shake of his head, his brow creasing as he frowned. He felt a headache coming on, and cringed as he reached up and rubbed the troublesome area. His other hand slipped his tac-pad back into his pocket.

"Yeah, I'm fine Spike, just thinking of something."

Dean was about to step away, towards a tavern he could see half a kilometer away, when a claw on his leg stopped him. He looked down at the worried expression on Spike's face and raised an eyebrow.

"Dean... your nose is bleeding."

Dean blinked, his mind temporarily coming to a stop. He noticed a few ponies around him had stopped and were staring up at him in confusion and slight fear. His eyes flicked around the square they were in as he tentatively reached a hand up towards his face. He noticed that the limb was shaking ever so slightly.

His fingers brushed under his nose lightly, barely even touching the skin. He felt a sticky substance on his fingertip and pulled it out in order to clearly see the blood now sitting before him in the afternoon glow. He blinked once more in stupefaction, his mind saying it wasn't real while his eyes told him a different story.

Finally, after what seemed like an eon, Dean coughed, causing the ponies and dragon to jump. He gave a sniffle and wiped his nose against his sleeve, leaving a dark streak across the pitch black fabric. He sniffled again and looked around before noticing a red handkerchief floating to his left. He grabbed it and nodded his thanks to the unicorn responsible before holding the cloth to his nose.

"Keep it." The aquamarine stallion said gruffly before trotting off to wherever he was initially going. Many quickly followed suit, and soon Dean found it was just himself and Spike standing outside of the smithy. He looked down at Spike and saw he still had a look of concern.

Thinking quickly, he just shrugged.

"Just the dry air from the forge, used to happen all the time back home." He lied.

The young Dragon seemed to buy it as he gave a hesitant nod before crossing his arms. Dean shuffled in place as he looked around, his eyes seeing what appeared to be a Mexican pony band playing on one of the balconies of the tavern.

"Come on, Spike. Let's go get some grub." Dean grunted as his feet carried him forward. He heard his companion rush to catch up, his feet pitter-pattering on the cobblestone road behind him.

The two made it to the front doors of the tavern, and Dean made note of how western it looked. The building actually resembled an old saloon from the eighteen hundreds, and the wood looked just as old. There was a slight comical tilt to the building in some places, but otherwise it seemed to be holding firm.

With a grunt, Dean stepped up the stairs, his boots thunking heavily on the wooden deck. Even without his armor, he was still seven feet tall and built like a freight train. With all his muscle, added on to the height, he weighed over three hundred pounds.

Voices, singing and other noises echoed from behind the door, and Dean was once again reminded of an old western movie. All he was missing was the hat.

The door opened before he had a chance to push forward, and he found himself staring down at a hybrid of a lion and an eagle. Its feathers on his wings were a dark brown, and the tips were white. A red plume was on its chest, and its eyes were a sparkling blue.

The griffon, as Dean remembered from what little he knew of Greek mythology, blinked before looking up at him. His eyes slowly grew wider and his irises smaller. His feathers ruffled before fluffing up and out. There was a moment of silence where the patrons of the tavern stopped all activity and turned towards the door.

"MESSER-OHR!!"

The sudden screech caught Dean off guard, and he had just enough time to kick Spike out of the way before the strike of a flintlock hammer triggered. There was a deafening explosion of white smoke, and a small metal ball slammed into Dean's chest.

The combination of the pounding headache, disorientation, high emotion, and lack of awareness ended up being the Human's downfall. He should have been fast enough to dodge the projectile, or see the Griffon pull the pistol off its hip, but something had routed him in place. For a split second, a foreign presence shut down his motor function, and kept him from escaping the danger.

There was a blinding pain, but in an instant, Dean knew he would be fine. The vest had thankfully protected him, but he wouldn't be surprised if one of his ribs were bruised or broken. The pain instantly evaporated as he regained control of his body, and he found himself starting to sit up from his keeled over position on the ground. There was yelling coming from all around him, and anger was slowly working its way into his mind. Someone attacked him in the middle of a populated area, with a gun. Rage replaced the anger, and Dean's lungs heaved as they attempted to bring in enough air for his adrenaline fueled blood.

Looking up with a snarl, he saw the Griffons' shock be replaced with a snarl upon realizing he wasn't dead. His claw reached for a sword on his left hip, and in one motion drew it and raised it above his head.

He heard someone behind him yelling orders, most likely to the Griffon to his front, but they seemed to fall on deaf ears. He saw the bloodthirsty look in the mutated bird's eyes, and knew that the only thing stopping the Griffon would be him.

The bird's sword arc'd downwards, its expression turning smug as it realized Dean hadn't bothered to move from his kneeling position. That smug look was erased as a hand flew forward like a flash of light and locked around the Griffons sword arm, stopping it in its tracks. The smug look once more turned to shock, then fear as Dean slowly lifted himself up, his eyes burning in cold rage. He towered over the griffon, and in order to get his point across, his free hand rocketed forward and latched around the bird's throat.

The Griffon gave a strangled squawk as its airways were suddenly closed off. Its sword dropped from its right claw, while its left desperately tried to pry Dean's arm away from its neck. Its hind legs feebly kicked in the air as its body was lifted far into the air.

The silence around the square and in the tavern was almost deafening, but all Dean could focus on was the bird in his iron grip.

'Click.'

"Human... drop my soldier, now."

The cold metal barrel of a pistol pressed itself against the back of Dean's head, and his focus seemed to sharpen once more. He was now acutely aware of how quiet his surroundings were, and what he was about to do. The man gave a slow glance behind him, and he could see in his peripherals a much larger griffon wearing many medals holding the gun against his head.

"I know what you are capable of, and you've shown you are not to be trifled with, but now I ask that you let my comrade go." The bird's voice was deep and guttural- with a heavy Germanic accent, and one that spoke of experience. Another quick glance left showed General Blight standing a few paces behind the Griffon, a pleading look in his eyes.

Dean sighed, and ever so slowly, relaxed his grip and lowered the griffon so its feet were touching the wooden planks of the tavern. As soon as he let go of the bird, it immediately scrambled backwards, hacking and coughing as it massaged its throat. All the while, its fear filled eyes never left Sergeant Dean.

"Kommandant, dieser Messerohr hat versucht, mich zu töten!" The bird growled upon reaching its comrades sitting nearby. Each of them was giving Dean a dirty look, and more than a few had their hands on their weapons.

"Weapons down, every griff. This is not a knife-ear. This is a Human. There is no need for High-Imperial speech to be used." The griffon leader, who Dean assumed to be a General or Colonel based on his attire, spoke with calmness with a commanding undertone. The training routed inside him nearly caused him to straighten and salute, but he knew that would be a bad idea. He felt the pistol slowly get removed from his head and gave a sigh of relief. Even if he was capable of evading the shot, he did not want to deal with the aftermath.

"Turn Human, and face me."

Dean did as he was ordered, and upon confirming that the Griffon was indeed a Colonel, straightened and saluted. The Griffon merely cocked an eyebrow at the gesture, but responded by tapping his right fist twice over his chest.

"I am Colonel Graybeard Stone, the leader of the Griffon detachment to render aid to Equestria. I take it you are the Human I have heard about." His eyes scanned over Dean, who had dropped the salute, and lingered particularly long over his ears and mouth. Dean smiled, being sure to show his teeth, causing the Colonel to give a nod.

"First Sergeant Forrester, RSTF Special Forces. Pleasure to meet you, Colonel."

Graybeard huffed and rolled his eyes. His beak twitched upwards into a smile, something that wasn't lost on Dean. He gave the man another once over before speaking once more.

"Why don't we take this conversation to the council chambers. The meeting you called won't start for another hour, but we can discuss some things in the meantime."

The Colonel made to turn around, but a deafening crack of thunder suddenly erupted far above, causing the Griffon to sigh.

"Let us hurry, so we do not get caught in the rain."

Dean closed the door to the tavern, causing the mumbling and hushed voices to go quiet. He then looked to his left and noticed Spike was standing still, his eyes wide and his mouth agape in shock.

"Uh--"

"That was sooo cool!!" Spike cheered as he rushed up and hugged Dean's leg, causing the man to stumble slightly. He looked down at the drake in confusion as the little guy gushed about what seemed to be random nonsense. Looking up, he saw the General rolling his eyes at the display.

"Come Sergeant, we have a few minutes before the rain falls. I am not in the mood for Dilly-Dally."

Dean huffed and looked down at the young Dragon, who was once again staring up at him in awe. He gave a chuckle before gesturing ahead of him.

"Lets go Spike, time's a wastin'!" The Dragon rushed forward, and Dean began to follow suit, but once again, something stopped him. It wasn't the sickly feeling from before, and it wasn't like he was being watched. No, this was a sense of foreboding. Something was going to happen soon, and he wasn't going to like it.

As he began to walk through the slowly emptying streets, he quickly realized something important.

"I forgot to eat." Dean groaned and face-palmed, but was forced to continue on his way.

Behind him, a fierce storm was brewing, and the wind was picking up. As the Human made his way to the council chambers, the sense of foreboding never once left his mind. Something was going to happen, and it was going to happen tonight...

Author's Notes:

Hello, hello, hello! I am back from the grave and ready to jump back into this!

For those wondering, I have had no time to write this summer do to my many focuses on work, work and...family! (You thought I was gonna say 'more work.'😉)

Anyway, I have finally gotten the time to write, and I decided to split the next chapter directly in half. I am not quite done, but with school coming up, I should have a bit more time on my hands to write.

In other news, I have not yet posted the new Lost and Fallen story yet because I am waiting 1. for more confirmation, and 2. because I am debating writing everything and then publishing weekly. However, even with these setbacks, it is still being worked on.

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to my friend, Walt. He has lost family recently, and is going through tough times. I am putting this here because I want everyone to know that spending time with your family is important. You never know what might happen to your mother, father, brother, sister, or anyone else. Make the time for that phone call to say hello, or to go and get some ice-cream or a bite to eat. I say this, because you will never know if it is the last time you will see them.

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter, and remember to let me know your thoughts, cause you the readers are what keep me writing.

Until next time...

Chapter 53: Alone and Forsaken (Part 2)

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The wind howled, and the skies churned with bleak, dark clouds. The taste of rain was in the air, and if one were to look past the looming cliffs of Maritime Bay, they would see the sheets of falling water rapidly approaching from afar. Once again, the little fortress city was to be hit by a storm, and from where Twilight was sitting, it looked to be a big one.

Her eyes roamed the skies, and her mind went through the various meteorological books and lessons she had read and learned from. However, while her mind went through the routine of using her knowledge, her true thoughts were elsewhere.

They were scrambled, messy, and if one were to look closely, they would see her eyes seemed vacant, and dead to the world at large. She didn't cry, she didn't laugh, nor did she move. Instead, she took one shaky breath after another as she stared into the heavens.

'Clouds help to moderate Equis's temperature by reflecting solar rays during the day and trapping heat at night.'

'It is vital that Pegasi keep a strict schedule so as not to overheat, or freeze the earth far below.'

'The color of clouds is influenced by the size of their water droplets and ice crystals, as well as the angle of sunlight.'

Twilight blinked, and she suddenly found herself inside a memory.

*****

She found herself sitting on a carpet inside her tree-house. The smell of books, parchment, and ink briefly overwhelmed her senses, and she happily breathed the scents in. Nostalgia nearly overcame her when her little brother, Spike, walked through the doorway to the kitchen carrying a tea set. A phonograph, a new invention, was playing a song from one of her friends, Octavia Melody.

All in all, it was a picture perfect scene.

"Watcha reading Twilight?" Spike called from across the room, his voice slightly hazy from the memory.

"It's Starswirl's second volume on advanced magic, Spike. It's been years since I've read it, so I figured I'd go over it again." A cheery smile grew on her face as she lifted a cup of tea with her magic and took a sip. The warm, and slightly sweet drink worked its way down her throat, causing her to shiver in delight. She looked up to the dragon with a smile. "Thanks Spike, that hit the spot."

Twilight moved to begin reading once more when three knocks sounded at her door. Her head tilted to the side as one of her ears twitched in curiosity.

"I've got it!" Spike called as he jogged across the room. Twilight followed him with her eyes before standing up herself and stretching. Her tongue poked out of her mouth and her eyes squeezed shut as the various bones in her back cracked and stretched. She let out a content sigh as she began walking towards the door.

She made it three feet before Spike opened the door, and a pink blur rushed in through the door. Twilight had time to give a surprised yelp before she was tackled to the ground by an exuberant Princess of Love.

"W-what the!? Cadence??" Twilight coughed out as her old foalsitter slowly got to her hooves. She was panting slightly from the move she just pulled, but her smile did not dim for a second.

Twilight sprang to her hooves, her own ear-splitting smile enveloping her features, and began their routine:

"Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake! Clap your Hooves, and do a little shake!"

The two giggled, both failing to notice Spike roll his eyes with amusement behind them. Once more, the two Alicorns embraced, and it took a minute before they separated. There was a polite cough from near the doorway, and both turned their heads to regard the bemused Unicorn standing beside Spike.

"Twily!"

"Shiny!"

Twilight galloped across the room before slamming into her brother with a monster hug. Even with her slightly improved size as an Alicorn, she was still just barely able to wrap her legs fully around him. Shining chuckled and shook his head as they broke apart, and Twilight looked down at Spike with a beaming smile.

"I think we may need some more tea, Spike!"

This caused the little dragon to chuckle and shake his head before plodding back towards the kitchen. He gave a thumbs up on his way by, followed by a hoof-bump from Shining. As he disappeared from view, Twilight turned back to her brother and sister-in-law, her smile only growing.

"Take a seat on the couch if you would like!" She called behind her as she scrambled to clean the room with her magic. "Had I known you were coming, I would've cleaned the house!"

Shining and Cadence glanced at each other before dissolving into a fit of giggles and snorts, causing Twilight to give pause and glance behind her.

"Was it something I said?" She asked, her head slightly cocked to the side.

"You could say that... it's just, everything was basically spotless when we came in, there's no need to be so frantic. We just thought we would pop by for a visit!" Cadence giggled into her hoof as she heftily plopped herself onto the sofa. Shining gave her a concerned look as he sat down, but she waved it off with a smile. However, even with the hint to her husband, Twilight was still in the dark, and a look of concern came over her.

"Is the couch not comfortable enough, Cadence? I can get an extra pillow, o-or a blanket!" She began trotting towards a closet towards the back of the room, but suddenly found herself in the blue glow of her foal sitter's magic. She gave a quiet 'eep' as she floated through the air and came to a rest on top of a small beanbag chair nearby. Twilight heard Cadence and Shining chuckle, and pouted cutely with her front legs crossed.

"Oh, Twilight, never change!" Shining chuckled, causing her to look away in mock annoyance.

Cadence shuffled around some more so that she was leaning against her husband, and let a small smile make its way across her lips. Her tail swished lightly, and her ears flicked in nervousness. Twilight noticed this, and her full attention suddenly turned to the Unicorn.

'Why is her belly so much rounder? Has she been putting on weight?'

There was a flare of magic, and Spike was suddenly sitting beside his sister on the chair, a confused expression on his face as he wore a pink apron. He glanced at Twilight, before his gaze landed on the perpetrator behind his surprised teleportation.

"Spike, Twilight, there is something I need to tell you both, and I need you two to keep this a secret." Cadence leaned forward, and her expression became deadly serious. Both siblings gulped and leaned away ever so slightly as an intense frown came across the Princess of Love.

"Yes Cadence."

"Definitely your Highness."

Cadence looked at Shining, who held his own serious expression, and the two nodded in tandem. The silence that followed was palpable, and the two royals leaned closer inwards. Spike and Twilight gulped once more as Cadence's scrutinizing gaze stared through her very soul, and both could hear their hearts hammering in their chests. Cadence opened her mouth to speak, and both Twilight and Spike held their breath.

"Twilight, Spike.... I'm PREGNANT!" The sudden cheer caused Spike to topple over backwards in fright, and Twilight to leap to her hooves with her wings spread, her eyes wide with surprise that hadn't yet registered. The announcement hung in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still in the cozy library of Ponyville. Spike, regaining his composure, scrambled back up to his feet and rushed over to Twilight, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Twilight, did you hear that? You're going to be an aunt!" Spike suddenly exclaimed, happiness radiating around him as he embraced his sister. Twilight, for her part, had her mouth open and her eyes dilated. There was a slight twitch in her body, and suddenly, the mare began to vibrate.

"Uh, Cady? I think you broke her." Shining slowly backed away until he was safely behind the couch, his eyes never leaving his sister as her shock was replaced by a rapidly growing smile. Cadence merely giggled, her head a rush as she drank in the positive emotions around her.

The purple Alicorn suddenly let off an almighty squeal of delight before wrapping Cadence in a crushing hug around her neck. The love Princess's eyes bugged out for a split second before a hearty giggle escaped her and she returned the hug in kind.

"Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh!" Twilight squeed and let go of her sister before clopping her front hooves together in excitement. "I'm gonna be an aunt!!"

Shining finally poked his head out from behind the couch with a smile before trotting over to stand next to his wife. He chuckled as Twilight pranced in place and wrapped a hoof around Cadence's shoulders to bring her closer.

"Will it be a filly or a colt?? Oh, what type of pony?! What will you name her, I have to know!!" Twilight squealed again before suddenly bolting towards the stairs to her loft. "I have a list of names you can use for both genders! Just gimme a sec-- Hey!"

Once again, Twilight found herself wrapped in magic before being teleported before Shining and Cadence. There was a moment of silence before she sheepishly looked to the side and blushed.

"Sorry, I must have gotten a bit too excited there."

Spike harrumphed and shook his head, causing Twilight's blush to deepen.

"It's alright Twily. We don't know if the baby will be a filly, colt, boy, or girl. We do suspect she will either be a Pegasus, like I was before my ascension, or a Unicorn like Shiny." Cadence walked over and nuzzled Twilight, erasing her blush as she reciprocated the gesture.

There was a light cough, and both mares looked at Shining Armour as he gestures towards the clock on the wall with his head. Cadence rolls her eyes before giving Twilight a smirk.

"Ever the soldier, your brother. Always gotta be on time!" The two shared a giggle before Cadence steps back and pecks her husband on the cheek.

"Sorry for the sudden exit, Twi, but we have asked Pinkie to set up an announcement party at Sugarcube Corner. It’s at five o'clock."

The two made their way towards the door, and Twilight and Spike followed behind.

"Aw, okay. I'll see you guys in a few hours. Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay and have some more tea?" Twilight's eyes suddenly became watery, and her ears flopped slightly to either side. It was heart attack inducing, but both Shining and Cadence were unfazed.

Shining leaned over and ruffled Twilight's mane, causing her to pout adorably while he chuckled.

"After the party, Twi. We can come back here and hang out for a bit and relax if you want." Twilight looked as though she was about to protest, but a quick tap on the side caused her to look down at Spike. The two stared at one another for a moment before Twilight stuck her tongue out at him, causing the little drake to giggle as they broke their staring contest.

"Fiiinnnneeeeee." She relented dramatically with a pout, causing her brother and sister-in-law to chuckle at the display. Shining opened the door with his magic, and the two walked out with a wave. Twilight and Spike both waved back before the door gently swung closed.

Once it did, Twilight trotted back to her spot on the bean-bag chair and picked up her book. She began reading, and was just about to fall back into the state of 'ignoring everything around her,' when Spike's cough caught her attention. The little Dragon was sitting on the couch with his own book, but he was currently focusing on Twilight.

"Hey Twilight, can I ask you something?" He asked as he set the open book on the couch beside him. Twilight gave him a warm smile and nodded her head.

"Sure, Spike, what's up?" Her head tilted slightly to the side as her own book floated to her left.

"Have you ever thought of having a kid?" He asked innocently.

The question caught Twilight off guard, and she stared at her little brother with her mouth in a small 'O' shape. After a moment, she shook her head and smiled lightly.

"Well, the easy answer to that question, Spike, is a yes. However, there is a bit more than just, 'wanting to have a kid.'" She crossed her front hooves as she looked dreamily out the window to the side.

"Every filly wants to grow up and meet their prince in Shining Armour, no pun intended. I myself have always dreamt of finding the perfect stallion and having a big happy family. Mom and Dad keep hounding me about it, especially mom. 'When will we have grandfoals to spoil? We can't wait for our little Princess to bring home the perfect colt!'" Twilight giggled as she mimicked her mother's voice, causing Spike to giggle. Twilight let out a light chuckle before slowly picking up her book once more.

"I intend on finding someone nice, Spike. I'm not ready for children yet, but that doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. Now, let me finish my book, and then we can get ready for the party tonight."

"Okay, Twi."

And with that the two went back to reading. However, for Twilight, she still couldn't stop thinking over the things she had just said.

"Someday, I will find the perfect stallion, I know it." She whispered to herself. Butterflies tickled the inside of her stomach, and she felt her face growing warm. "Someday, everything is going to be perfect."

*****

Thunder rumbled far above, and the rain was falling in earnest now. The wind howled across the cliffs, and the branches on the trees swayed and groaned from the battering.

All of that was irrelevant to the crying Alicorn below.

Twilight wept softly as she sat under the tree. Her fur was slowly soaking through, but she didn't feel the biting cold. Her mane was covering her eyes, but it did not matter, for her eyes were closed. A stream of tears mixed with the raindrops cascading down her cheeks, but she was silent as her body wracked and shook from the memories. She had been in this position for nearly an hour and a half.

The miracle of a child. It is a gift that many dream of at some point in their lives. For most, having a child, someone to love, adore, and care for, is one of the most incredible things in the world. For years, Twilight had wanted the perfect stallion, and raise a family with him. She wanted a happy life, where she ruled as a Princess with friendship, and where she could find love with the perfect prince of her dreams. She had kept saying she would find somepony eventually, that she would be complete soon enough. She kept saying these things, even when the Elves destroyed her home, murdered her family and friends, and hunted her for two long years. She didn't give up hope that everything would be alright in the end, that if she survived, then she would have a chance of being happy.

'What a fool I was.' She thought to herself. Her crying reduced to feeling the wind and rain on her face, though no matter how hard she tried to feel, there was only numbness.

Mom, Dad, Flurry, Shining, Cadence, Celestia, Luna... my friends...'

She began to cry once more, and she slowly shook her head from side to side.

'I'm an Alicorn, a being with the power of the three pony tribes. I should have done more. Maybe then, they would be alive. I was supposed to be powerful. An Element of Harmony, and a Princess. Where did I go wrong?'

Twilight finally opened her eyes, and she took in the swirling clouds far above. Their dark gray and blue colors seemed to clash much like her emotions, and a flash of lightning lit the sky for a brief moment. A flash that was reflected in her eyes. She looked down towards the ground, trying to avoid the massive stitched and bandaged wound on her stomach. Of all the things she could feel, it was the pain from the damage within her body. Her eyes flitted from her stomach, then to the grass, then back to her stomach. Another flash accrued above, and with it, came a rumble of thunder. Song welled in Twilight's heart, but it was anything but joyful. Hatred for the world seemed to ooze from her being, and her sadness quickly turned to anger. She felt small, useless, and weak. She couldn't stop the Prince when he captured her. She couldn't stop the Queen. And now, she was stuck being hidden away until the Elves were defeated.

"In the depths of my despair, I stand on shifting sands, A barren land where dreams once grew, held in my hooves, But now it's all been stolen, the future torn apart, I've lost the chance to give life, and it has finally broken my heart."

"Oh, the darkness closing in, a world without a dawn, No hope for a tomorrow, no path to carry on, I mourn the loss of something I could never hold, The dreams of motherhood, in a story left untold."

A mournful orchestra played along behind her song, and she gave a sigh before continuing.

"I'm losing hope, love, and strength, it's slipping through my hooves. In this vast and empty space, I can't escape the sands, Of time that's cruel and unrelenting, taking all I own, I'm sinking deeper in despair, I'm all alone."

"Oh, the emptiness inside, where life was meant to bloom, The silence in my soul, like a never-ending tomb, I mourn the loss of something I could never hold, The dreams of motherhood, like precious, faded gold."

Twilight stared across the gray and stormy horizon. Her soaked mane blew slightly from the wind, and she slowly stood on four hooves. Her legs felt like lead, and she slowly walked towards the edge of the cliff. She could hear the waves crashing against the rocks, and she smiled a tear filled smile as her horn lit up.

Her own psyche battled against her, and a storm of emotions grew inside her. She felt sick, hungry, and angry. She had lost everything, just to survive. What good was it to have a few short positives in a sea of despair? They would leave her again, like they always had for the last two years. Even Dean was a temporary, and he had said so himself. She knew that his family had perished in the war on his world, but he was in such a fragile state that if she tried to help him, he may turn on her and the Resistance.

There was a pop, and a long rope teleported to her side. Her eyes held a dead look, and as she got closer to the edge of the cliff, the Orchestra stopped, and she was left with nothing but her voice, and her thoughts.

Once more she sat, and her magic worked seemingly on autopilot. Within seconds, her wings were tied to her sides, but she didn't feel the rope as it bound what seemed to be her lifeline for what was to come. A nullification ring was placed on her horn, and her magic was cut off from the world.

And so she sat. Minutes turned into an hour as she continued to contemplate within her own mind.

'What about Spike, and Dean, and the rest of the Resistance?'

'Dean will leave once the war is over. He doesn't love you, and he never will. You failed Spike when you fled Canterlot. You were weak, and you will only get him killed. The Resistance has lost so much already. If you die, then their problems will be fixed."

Suddenly, the broken voice of Chrysalis entered her mind.

"You do realize that if the Emperor gets his hands on that pony, it's all over... right? I was merely doing a favour."

A favor. The Queen, while malicious, had been trying to save the world. The Emperor needed her, likely for her magic, and the Queen was trying to deny him that. Was she really the bad guy?

'Maybe I deserved to be tortured. I should have perished long ago. I should have just ended it. What hope is there anyway? The Emperor has won; he's unstoppable.'

No more tears fell from Twilight as she stared down the nearly one hundred meter drop. Jagged rocks marked the base, and she knew that if she fell, there would be no chance of survival. There would be no way for someone to save her, and it wasn't like she wanted to be saved anyway. She was done being the maiden in distress, the weakling. She was done being hidden away. The Emperor needed her alive, so she would die. Dean would no longer have to worry about her, and she would no longer need to burden the Resistance as they tried to protect her.

She scooted closer to the edge, and a few pebbles fell from the movement of her hooves.

Her family was dead. Her friends were dead. She would never be able to bear a child, and would never experience her dreams. Chrysalis had been right. She was a liability. A threat. The world would be better off without her.

Twilight stood. The hatred was gone, as was the sadness. All that was left was a false belief of acceptance. A single tear fell down her cheek, one last time, and she looked into the sky. She could see the end of the storm from her vantage on the cliff, and she smiled as witnessed the last visage of sunlight she would ever experience

"Goodbye, Dean. Goodbye, Spike."

Her eyes closed, and a smile came to her face. She breathed one last time before taking a step into the open air and into the void below.

*****

Dean's fingers drummed to an unseen rhythm as he sat in a seat off to the side. The chair he was using was designed for bipedal creatures, likely Minotaurs, so he wasn't all that uncomfortable. However, even with his physical discomfort aside, he still had the lingering feeling inside him that something was wrong.

Looking out the window, he could see the first vestiges of rain beginning to tap against the stained glass pains. He could see the fort from where he was sitting, and a single willow tree waved gently in the wind near the cliff. He could see ponies moving about, trying to get home, but he also caught sight of a shape sitting beneath said tree. Sadly, he could not make out any details, for a hazy mist was beginning to form, and the window itself was fogging up. Dean grunted, and instead opted to focus his attention back on the council chambers where a number of Ponies, Griffons, and even a Changeling and a Zebra took their places.

The chambers reminded him of the U.S senate, but on a much more simplistic scale. The wooden floors were shoddy, and creaked up a storm. The seats and cushions were nearly all dirty, and the ones that weren't used were covered in dust. Cobwebs littered the ceiling.

All in all, the building reflected the fact that Maritime Bay was struggling.

Dean's eyes flicked to the Colonel sitting a few seats in front of him to the right, and noticed the old bird talking to one of his fellow soldiers. It had surprised Dean to learn that the Gryphons had at their disposal firearms, cannons, and other various machines of war. After the two had been properly introduced, Graybeard had begun a brief reason for them coming to Maritime Bay. As it turned out, Starlight Glimmer, the real one, had actually been in contact with the Gryphon Empire and had requested their help. As it turned out, the original Starlight had been captured the day he had arrived at Maritime Bay, and was apparently still recovering from her time stuck in the hive.

"Alright every...creature, I hereby commence this council meeting." Voices hushed, and Dean's attention refocused on the group of ponies sitting in a semi-circle before the entire assembly. He saw General Blight among them, but he did not recognize anyone else. "First, we must go through all who will be participating in this meeting. Bring in the first one." She called behind her.

There was the sound of opening doors, to the left of the building, and everyone's focus turned as two guards walked in through a side entrance. Behind them, attached to a rope, was a certain Dark Elven General. Dean scowled, and his features darkened upon seeing the Elf, who stood proud as ever despite the bruises and cuts along his arms and head. Dean noticed scars along his wrists, and immediately came to the conclusion that at some point, the General had attempted to take his own life in order to avoid interrogation.

"Kneel." One of the guards ordered upon stopping before the bench. Atlas refused the order, and instead spat upon the ground in front of him. The lead mare, whom Dean still did not know the name of, nodded to the guards.

The guard on the left took the but end of his spear and smashed it into the back of the former General's legs, causing him to collapse with a cry of pain. The other guard's horn lit up, and the Elf was forced to look up at the council before him. If he was intimidated, he didn't show it as he smiled a toothy smile.

"Here to judge me already? My, my, you ponies sure aren't very quick. I was starting to get bored down in that cell." The Elf quipped suddenly, causing the lead mare to scowl.

"Silence, Elf. Your trial was put on hold for reasons undisclosed. You are at our mercy now." Atlas merely smiled, but did not say another word. The mare gave a nod, and the door once more opened. This time, a gray Pegasus with a blonde mane and bubbles as a cutie-mark walked through. Dean's eyes immediately widened in recognition, and he sat straighter in his seat as anger coursed through him once more. It wasn't directed at the mare, but he could see the bruising, the milky eye, the missing ear, and the skinny stature. His hands balled into a fist as his glare switched to the General on the floor. It seemed he wasn't the only one, as many of the Gryphons shuffled around and ruffled their feathers.

"The council brings in Mrs. Derpy Hooves as a witness."

Derpy was guided to the far side of the council room before standing at a small podium. She was facing the room, the Elf, and the council all at the same time, and Dean noticed how her gaze avoided one particular spot. As the speaker pony once again began Speaking, Dean's hearing picked up a bit of conversation two rows ahead of him.

"What a farce..."

"Nothing will be accomplished... Need him for bargaining..."

"...Waste of time..."

Dean tuned them out, and instead refocused himself on the council. Derpy had just finished speaking, and many eyes were directed towards him. He looked back and forth, aware that he had missed something, before a cough from the Colonel caught his attention.

"They called you up as a witness, First Sergeant."

His words caused Dean to blink, and within a second, he was up and walking towards the podium. He saw Derpy was now sitting off to the side, and upon catching her good eye, she smiled at him. Now, usually this would not affect the soldier, and he would just smile back, but the way that pony looked at him... he could feel the gratitude and hope physically radiating off of her. It was a bit uncanny that he was sensing this, and he didn't know how to explain it, so he chalked it up to the magical bullshit of the land. He did smile back, but his eyes told a different story. Quiet rage was there, but the mare seemed to detect it wasn't directed at her, and a small tear fell from her eye.

Upon reaching the podium, Dean paused as he found he towered over the small wooden stand. It didn't matter in reality, but it did make him seem like a giant.

"First Sergeant Dean Forrester, would you please tell the assembled council the details of your mission leading to the capture of General Atlas?"

Dean nodded and cleared his throat. He looked around at the many ponies and other creatures, and his gaze rested on the Zebra. His eyes narrowed, then widened in recognition, and he saw Zecora give a nod and a smile before gesturing for him to continue. Dean cleared his throat one more time before he noticeably straightened and saluted.

"With pleasure, ma'am." He said, his voice carrying across the room.

And so Dean began. He talked about his meeting with Zecora and Gilda, the walk through the wasteland, and encountering the monsters. He heard a quiet gasp from somewhere in the crowd, which had grown exponentially in the last few minutes, and his eyes swiveled to meet the culprit. He saw a small group of Crystal Ponies, and by the looks of it, they must have known something he didn't. However, questions could wait, so he decided to keep going.

"Once our plan was laid out, and everyone was in position, we quietly infiltrated the camp and began to clean it out. While the others in my squad were able to dispatch and capture many of the Dark Elves, I... decided to take one of the barracks on my own. Inside, I found the soldiers doing... insidious things to a teenaged filly... so I eliminated everyone present. I wasn't fast enough to save the pony."

A few in the crowd had tears in their eyes, and even some of the Gryphons looked shaken up. Dean blinked before realizing he had been staring off into space for a good moment. He gave his head another quick shake, but before he could continue, a single laugh penetrated the building.

All noise stopped, save for the barking laugh of the Elven General kneeling on the floor. Dean scowled, but before he could speak, Atlas managed to finally get a few words out.

"Heheheh, this... this is hilarious!" The Elf giggled again before straightening up and looking towards Dean, a twisted smirk on his face.

"Look at you, Demon. You can hardly speak of what my kind has done without a waver in your words. Are you not a battle hardened soldier? A force of nature that would crush the Dark Elven Empire? I may be weak, fat, and pathetic, especially among my peers, but this is just sad!"

Dean growled and made to move around the podium, but the Elves face suddenly grew even more twisted. His eyes were bloodshot, and the tips of his ears tinged red. His skin seemed to darken, and a nearly invisible black cloud seemed to float around him. No one noticed this dark magic, for they were focused on the words of the General.

"You know this trial is to make it seem like you have everything under control, like you still have the upper hand. It's supposed to humiliate me by sentencing me to rot in the dungeon, but let's face it... this changes nothing! When the trial is finished, things will go back to normal, and soon enough, my fellow kin will slaughter you all like the animals you are!!" His voice raised to encompass the whole room. His eyes glared a challenge into Dean's own, and the man felt his fists clench at his sides as an idea sprung to his head. His menacing scowl soon turned into a sickly smile, and he began slowly walking forwards. All the while, the General continued.

"Your forces are too small, your allies across the sea are soon to be crushed! You got me, you got the Prince... but let's face it, you Equestrians are DOOM-- herk!"

Atlas was cut off when Dean's gloved hand wrapped around his throat and hoisted him into the air. The Elf kicked silently as his face started to turn blue, and Dean's smile never wavered. If anything, it became more sinister, and once again, that invisible black cloud seemed to hover across the room.

Now, Atlas was not light. He weighed nearly three hundred pounds of fat, and given his short stature, it was an awkward carry. Dean managed, and in a feat of strength, threw the General across the room, causing him to smash headfirst through an empty desk before rolling to a stop at the base of the stairs. Dean looked at the guards, who were standing in shock, and pointed a thumb over his shoulder.

"I would like one of you to find a cage big enough to fit the Elf inside. The other will go and retrieve Prince Trignar and bring him here."

His words were soft, but the authority behind them caused the two unicorns to spring into action. Once they were through the doors, and the room had quieted down, Dean turned back to Atlas, who was groaning pitifully on the floor. He stalked over, and every eye in the room followed him as he approached the downed Elf. Upon reaching him, he grabbed the Elf by a leg and dragged him across the floor to the center of the room. Looking around, Dean noticed a few winces among the crowd, but upon looking at Colonel Graybeard, he noticed something peculiar:

Curiosity.

Dean smiled inwardly, as his face had once more resumed its neutral mask, and he threw the Elf down on the floor. The man turned and faced the council, their looks of shock being all the tell he needed. He had their attention, and no he meant business. He needed to take control of the room, and by doing what he did, he would hopefully gain a bit more respect. The only pony he knew on the council was General Blight, but he knew from word of mouth that the rest of the council didn't know what to think of him.

'Maybe fear isn't the best plan...?' Dean inwardly asked himself. He was tired, stressed, and trying to convey the threat that they now faced. He needed to instill hope in these ponies, not make them more afraid. Hopefully what he just did was enough to merely garner attention. He couldn't afford to be second guessing himself. Not now.

"Councilors. Has the General been properly interrogated?" Dean raised an eyebrow when General Blight opened his mouth to speak. After Shining's attempted interrogation of Dean, the man wasn't overly impressed with pony capabilities. He had talked to the General about some Human methods, but only in passing. Maybe they had implemented his information?

"Sergeant, we weren't able to garner information from the Elf. Nothing we did seemed to work on him, and we have no unicorns here who can infiltrate the mind."

Dean involuntarily shuddered suddenly, and goosebumps appeared on the back of his neck and on his arms. The feeling passed in an instant, but it was enough to shake the Human soldier.

"I-I see. In that case, I will be using a method I know of. We will have him talking within three days maximum."

Before Dean could continue, the Elf at his feet laughed.

"And what might that be, oh wise one? You Humans were barbaric before your fall. I imagine all you know how to do is kill. Interrogation? Please. You are as bad as these ponies, and just as soft too." Atlas chuckled before going silent. Dean merely stared at him before slowly smiling.

"Well... When I hang you over the cliffs in nothing but a cage and your birthday suit, we will see just how soft I can be. Maybe I should peel your skin off above the nerves? Rip out each individual fingernail... Maybe I can light your hair on fire and watch you scream for mercy as your skin begins to melt and char like wax."

Through his little speech, Dean's voice became something akin to a growl. His features darkened, and his figure loomed over the Elven General. Atlas's face grew pale, and he slowly began to crawl backwards away from the Human towering before him.

"I could drill a hole through your palms? Or maybe I could flay your back open until your organs hang in the open air while you still breathe. That one is my favorite."

"Sergeant Dean, I believe that is enough."

The words caused Dean to blink, and he suddenly realized he was towering over the Elf and the ponies at the bench. He had been holding a maniacal sneer, and his hands were balled into fists. Never before had he said such dark things, nor felt the need to cause so much pain. Even through seven years of hell, he kept up the polite attitude towards his comrades and civilians. Now here he was, showing his true side to the many ponies he was trying to protect.

Whispers began in his ears, and Dean could not tell if they were from the ones behind him, or if it was his own subconscious. Dark thoughts clouded his mind, and Dean became slightly self-aware of his own mental state. No sleep for nearly a week, seven years of constant fighting, only to end up on another planet and see it too is engulfed in a war. Not once did he stop to consider himself, not until he came to this new world.

"Ahem, apologies. I was merely demonstrating my array of techniques to acquire information." Dean gave the Elf one last glare before turning to the council members. His face was once more a neutral mask. "I was not kidding about the hanging from the cliffs in a cage. General Atlas will be stuck there until he decides to talk. No food will be given to him, and no clothing shall be provided for him. If he decides he wants to spill his secrets, only then will he be pulled up and placed in a secure location."

Dean noticed the General's face go pale before his lips and jowls to flap as he tried to come up with a rebuttal for the Sergeants punishment.

"Atlas was right about one thing, and one thing only." Dean's voice suddenly grew powerful, and his words echoed across the large room. A flash of lightning went off through the window, and it made more than a few jump in their seats. Dean slowly began walking around the middle of the assembly hall.

"This posturing will solve nothing. In the end, imprisoning him will make no difference." Dean signaled to a guard off to the side and pointed at the shivering Elf. The guard nodded before her horn lit up, and the former General was carried away through the doors and out of sight. There were mumblings in the crowd, and Dean decided it was time to get started on why he called the meeting in the first place.

"This war has taken much from you all. Family, friends, homes, land... and much more. I was brought here to rectify this issue, and end the Elven menace before it was too late." He heard a few scoffs in the crowd, but surprisingly enough, the Colonel was nodding in agreement. Before Dean could continue, a voice interrupted him.

"Too late for what, Human?"

Dean turned and regarded the speaker. It was the older looking mare that sat at the head of the council, and her piercing eyes seemed to bore into him. Dean was unfazed.

"It has come to my attention that the Elves are planning something. I don't have the full details, and I will be calling up the one who does, but what I can tell you is that in twelve days, this war will end."

There was a chorus of shouts, some in excitement, some in disbelief. Dean immediately realized that the ponies had taken this news the wrong way, and he felt saddened that he was about to crush their hope with whatever the Changeling would say in the next minute. He glanced towards Zecora and Gilda, and noticed the Changeling, who must be Thorax, was staring right at him.

Dean raised his hand, and the room immediately went quiet. His gaze swept to and fro, and more than a few wilted away from his look. His neutral expression never changed as he lowered his hand.

"I would like to call the Changeling known as Thorax to the assembly. From what I am aware of, he has vital information as he was a spy in Canterlot."

All heads turned towards the Changeling, who suddenly looked as if he wanted to bury himself in his seat. Hostile looks were thrown his way, and more than a few ponies hooves drifted towards various weapons on their bodies. Dean saw a guard to his left light her horn. The magic surrounded the hilt of her sword, but she did not draw the weapon.

Dean's attention was diverted when the steady clop of Thorax's hooves sounded before him, and looking down, he saw the Changeling was standing before the podium and shivering up a storm. Dean sighed before nudging the bug with a boot. He despised their kind, but he knew this particular drone was important. Said bug-pony looked at him in fear, and his shivering intensified.

"Tell them what you know, and speak with force. I will ensure nobody decides to attack you." Dean whispered loud enough for Thorax to hear. The Changeling nodded before going rigid and taking his place at the speaker's podium. He cleared his throat a few times, and shuffled twice before everything went silent. There was a moment's hesitation before he began to speak.

"Ehem... I...uh, I come before y-you all today to deliver news from my o-operation as a spy for Queen Chrysalis." There were mumblings in the crowd, and both Dean and Thorax winced. The drone cleared his throat once more before continuing.

"What I am about to tell you is not in any way good information. I was able to listen in on one of the Emperor's meetings, and I have discovered his sinister plot for our world." With confidence, Thorax stared up at the assembled Equestrians and Griffons. His front hooves twirled in anxiousness.

"The Emperor has found a spell. This spell is ancient, from what I gathered, and was originally created by the late King Sombra. The Emperor described it as a way to end the war, and upon sneaking into his room and reading the book, I can safely say that if we do not do something... the entirety of Equis is doomed."

There was a brief moment of silence before an uproar caused Thorax to cover his ears with his hooves. Even Dean was suddenly taken by surprise at the sudden volume, and his hand twitched towards his side-arm before he remembered where he was.

"Liar!"

"Impossible!"

"Where is the proof!"

Many different phrases were thrown about, but they soon became a jumble as everyone tried to get their voices heard. The council leader, the old pony, banged her gavel, but it could not be heard amongst the noise. Dean sighed before unclipping his P23 and removing the silencer. Ponies were in each other's faces now, and some were even pointing weapons at Thorax. The poor Changeling hid behind the speaker's podium as a means of refuge.

Pointing his pistol above his head, Dean squeezed the trigger.

KRACK!!!

Silence.

Everyone had stopped, and all were looking at him in shock. His glare traveled across the room, and slowly but surely, everyone returned to their seats. Thorax was peaking over the podium, and Dean gestured to him with his free hand.

Thorax took a deep breath before continuing his tale.

"It was a spell... a horrible spell..."

*****

"My Emperor, are you certain this will work? The ways of the late King Sombra were mysterious and dangerous! How do we know this won't affect us as well?"

There was silence in the throne room as the assembled generals and officers looked to their Emperor. Dommik's fingers drummed against the arm on his throne, and his eyebrows were scrunched as he stared at his fellow's question. This went on for nearly a minute, and the assembled leaders shuffled in anxiety as their Emperor said nothing. It wasn't until a younger Elf, a field marshal, opened his mouth to speak did the Emperor then answer the question.

"Do you have such little faith in the Holy Destroyer, General? Do you have such little faith in the power we as a society now possess; in my plan to rid the world of all who shall oppose us? We will be the Destroyer's grand army, and we will conquer the cosmos as she has promised!"

The offending General gulped as his ears wilted backwards. Even with the silky voice of the Emperor, he knew he was taking a risk in questioning his plans. However, as a leader within the ranks, it was his duty to voice his concerns. He knew many of his fellows didn't fully grasp the nature of this spell, so it was only right that he bring this towards the Emperor.

"I sense you are confused, General Moloch. So, let me reiterate. This spell requires something known as the Elements of Harmony, and I currently possess five of the six. The matrix is complicated, and I only know it due to my vast magical power, but with all six combined elements on the blood moon, this spell will destroy the soul of anything that isn't a Dark Elf."

There was a palpable silence as those last words were uttered, and many exchanged looks of disbelief. A crash of thunder, from a storm to the west, rocked the castle, and the assembled group jumped as a wicked grin extended across his face. However, unlike any normal creature, the Emperor's demented smile only seemed to grow, turning into something akin to a Cheshire grin. Only one elf, the Field Marshall, caught a glimpse of the look out of the corner of his eye, but he did not say a word for fear of being smitten on the spot.

Within a split second, the look was gone. Replaced by the ever calculating eyes of a tyrant. The Emperor harrumphed as General Moloch once again spoke his mind.

"Y-your excellency, soul magic has never been performed! The only known record of such a thing was when Sombra banished the Crystal Empire. How could such a ritual exist!"

Emperor Dommik raised an eyebrow before giving a soft chuckle.

"My esteemed General, how do you think I made that monster? After killing those two self-proclaimed gods, the Destroyer provided me the means to... repurpose their fleeting souls and bodies. This ritual I have discovered will work in a different way. When it is complete, the souls of those around the planet will be given to the Destroyer as sacrifice. Such power will make her unstoppable, and with our combined might, no being will stand in our way."

The Emperor chuckled darkly, and once again, an uncomfortable feeling washed over the assembly.

"Wouldn't that make every creature on the planet nothing more than... animals?" Moloch asked, his voice a whisper. While it was normal for him to participate in sexual conduct with the enslaved races, he would never willingly fuck an animal.

The Emperor hummed and once more drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. He chuckled upon realizing what his General was getting at.

"Yes and no, General Moloch. They would be more akin to vegetables. No proper function. An animal still has a soul, some of which are even magical. No, the races of this planet will be rendered useless and retarded. They will die out, and the world will be left brazen and desolate. There is no need to fear, however, as we will be long gone by then in our conquest beside the Destroyer."

Dommick smirked as he looked at his Generals, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a side door slowly close with a quiet thud. His smirk turned to a sneer as a few heads turned towards the disturbance.

"And so it begins..."

*****

The Council was shocked. The spectators were shocked. The Human was shocked. No one said a word, for what was there to say. Dean had not thought of such a scenario, not even in his head. This was worse than anything he could have anticipated, and that was saying something. Unlike the Orith, the world would be reduced to mindless, zombie-like entities, himself included. Even death was a better alternative.

With a gulp, Dean forced his eyes away from Thorax and towards the window at the top of the building. Now more than ever did his plan need to work. If he failed, and the Emperor got his hands on Twilight... it was over.

'Queen Chrysalis had a point.'

"Shut up." Dean mumbled to his subconscious as he immediately expelled the thought. He would never see his friends die again; he had a way to prevent it. He knew Twilight liked him, he wasn't an idiot, but Dean was a man of commitment. He had a life elsewhere.

That said, he would never abandon Twilight, not in a million years. He had a duty, and he would be damned if he let the Dark Elves get away with her.

'This ritual is too much of a threat. You must leave and end the Emperor now. You will only get everyone hurt!'

Dean shook his head again at the foreign thought. He didn't want anyone to get hurt, and maybe he was capable of simply killing the Emperor, but he knew the risk was too high. He needed help, and this was the best way to get it.

A crack of thunder shook the building, and Dean blinked. It was still deadly silent in the room, and upon taking a glance around, Dean realized the emotion had gone from shock to dread. They were suddenly realizing the implications of the Elves being successful, and with his attuned hearing and eyesight, he was able to see and hear the panic beginning to spread. Even the Griffons seemed shaken, and many of them were looking towards their Colonel for an answer. The old bird was dead quiet, and a look of denial was in his eyes.

Dean sighed and raised his hand. It was now or never.

"EVERYONE LISTEN!" His shout startled many, and the room went quiet as they focused on him. He saw looks of worry, looks of outright fear... and looks of hope. It was those looks that spurred him on, and he prepared to make a speech.

"Everyone listen to me. While this news is horrible, we must remember one thing. The Emperor cannot complete his plan!" Dean's voice grew bold as he spread his arms wide and slowly walked around the room. "I look at you all, and I see the marks of this long and hard fought war. I see that some of you believe that this ritual the Emperor intends to conduct will end in his victory. I assure you, HE IS WRONG!!"

Dean's shout was punctuated as his fist fell to the speaker's podium, causing a few to jump and Thorax to give a squeak. He saw out of the corner of his eye that the Prince and two guards were standing in the doorway, and they seemed to be latching on to his words with rapt attention. Everyone was. They needed a saviour, and someone to lead them. Maybe it was selfish, but Dean knew the mantle was now his whether he liked it or not.

"The Princess is safe, and you all heard that without the sixth Element of Harmony, he cannot prevail! Hear me when I tell you this: Your training, your suffering, and your resolve has brought you to this moment. The Emperor will come for the Princess, but only if we let him! I say that instead of hiding, and instead of delaying... we bring the fight to him!"

Muttering began at Dean's words, and the Griffon's were nodding in agreement. Energy was building in Dean's chest, and he held a fist in the air.

"Your people, your planet will not go quietly into the night! You cannot go without a fight! In six days, we march on Canterlot, and we end this war. Once. And. For. All!"

A sudden cheer filled the room, and for a brief moment, the sounds of rain and thunder were pushed to the background. Suddenly, the noise became focused and two words were repeated by the entire room. Dean realized that many guards, and more townsfolk were gathered inside and outside the building. From what he could see, half of the town was suddenly spectating.

"NEVER SURRENDER!"
"NEVER SURRENDER!"
"NEVER SURRENDER!"

The chant continued, and the darkness inside Dean was pushed to the side as he became invigorated. The turnaround from hopeless to hopeful was cathartic. He had successfully shown the ponies in his time in Equestria that it was possible to win, and he had no doubt that at this point, they would follow him. They understood that failing meant the destruction of their world, and so they also understood that they must fight to secure the future. Dean held his hand in the air, and the chanting slowly stopped. A smile was on his face, and looks of energy and readiness were on those surrounding him. He gave a quick glance around before bringing his hand down.

"Go now! Rest and be with your families. But know that soon, we will set out on the great crusade. We will not flag or fail, we will go on to the end. And when it is finished, the Elven regime will be destroyed, and you, your kin, and your countries will be free!"

With another mighty cheer, ponies departed for their homes. The storm would soon be over, and on the morrow, preparations would begin. Dean turned towards Trignar and his two guards.

"That was one hell of a speech, Sergeant." Trignar stated; his guards nodded in agreement. Dean still didn't like the Elf, not after everything he had done, but he needed him, and Trignar had proven he could be trusted to a degree. He decided to accept the compliment.

"It likely won't be the last I'll have to do, but I guess it was." Dean noticed the council members questioning looks, along with a Colonel who was standing beside them. Dean gestured to follow him, and the Elf, his guards, and the man stood before the council.

"Incredible speech, Sergeant Dean. May I ask why you have brought our prisoner here? As far as I am concerned, this is one of our enemies!" The older speaker's words caused the rest of the council to nod. Colonel Graybeard gave the Elf a look of disdain.

"He still is, ma'am, but Prince Trignar has offered us information that could prove vital to the coming mission. Tomorrow, we will all meet and plan our attack. Trignar here will be present at the meeting. I can a--"

"Do you trust him, Sergeant?" Graybeards' voice interrupted the man, causing him to give a start. Dean turned to regard the Colonel, and the two stared at one another. After a moment, and without looking away, Dean nodded.

"I do, to a degree. I may hate his kind, and what he has done, but he has proven his worth. While he has much to atone for, he is vital to the mission. Once we win the war, we will decide what to do with him."

The Colonel didn't say anything for a moment, and Dean feared he had broken the old bird. After a moment, Graybeard nodded and shuffled towards the door.

"Very well. I will see you tomorrow."

As Dean watched him go, another foreboding feeling came over him. For a moment, he thought he saw the cliffs of Maritime Bay, and he thought he heard the soft singing of one Princess Twilight. However, it was gone in an instant, and Dean shook his head. The feeling inside him grew, but he could deal with that in a moment. He turned and nodded to the two guards, who then proceeded to pull Trignar away. The Elf yelped from the sudden pull of magic, but was soon out the door.

Once again, a vision flashed before him, and the singing had stopped. Sweat built on his neck as he suddenly became antsy, and he felt the sudden need to get back to the barracks.

Turning, he nearly ran into a certain Zebra and Gilda.

Sparing no time he gestured towards the doors.

"Why don't you two join me at the barracks? There is a sing-along happening tonight, and I'm sure we could use a bit of fun." Dean forced a smile, and Gilda fuffed before nodding. His subconscious was screaming at him now, and the moment the two nodded, he was off.

"Alright, let's go."

Without sparing the councilors a goodbye, he power walked out into the rain. His two companions followed him. His senses screamed at him, and Dean cursed under his breath. A flash of lightning lit the sky, and thunder soon followed in his wake.

Another vision flashed, and he saw purple hooves shifting at the edge of the cliff. A sunset could be seen in the distance, and he heard humming.

Suddenly, Dean was jogging. Buildings passed him by in a flash. He caught a glimpse of Spike off to the side and heard him call out, but he had no time to answer. Dread spurred his legs faster, and he was now running. He didn't know where the location was, but those visions had only happened once before.

He would not make the same mistake again.

Dean heard Zecora and Gilda shout to him, but he was too far ahead now to hear them properly. The rain passed by like sleet, and each drop stung his skin as it made contact. Another flash of lightning, and Dean suddenly saw the giant tree from his vision. He could also see the pony sitting at the edge of the cliff.

Another flash, another vision. He heard her goodbye, and he saw her movement.

Putting on more speed, Dean watched as his friend took a step off the edge before teetering slightly in the open air. Tears filled his eyes as he pushed his body to the limit. He knew he wasn't moving fast enough, and without his exo-suit, he felt hw wouldn't make it. He could see the rope binding Twilight's wings and the ring on her horn, and he could see her start to fall forwards.

"NO!"

His scream caused Twilight's eyes to flash open, but by then it was too late. She flailed, lost her balance, and the rocks gave out from beneath her. With a silent cry, she fell.

Dean didn't know when it happened, but he suddenly found himself flying over the edge of the cliff. His right hand latched onto Twilight's hoof, and his left flashed out and grabbed a decent sized rock jutting from the cliff. He gave a grunt as his arm took his and Twilight's bodyweight, and the strain caused a spike of pain to run up his arm. He felt his fingers slipping on the soaked rock face, and his hand slowly drew closer to the edge.

He heard Twilight scream something, but paid it no mind as he prepared to do something. He gave a breath, then two, before with a mighty yell, he tossed the Alicorn over his head and onto the ledge.

Then he was falling.

Dean let out an undignified yelp as the sounds of crashing waves and rushing wind entered his mind. Time slowed down as he flailed and tried to turn midair. His chances of surviving the fall were low, and if he did, the rocks and currents would surely kill him.

Two talons hooked under his armpits, and his rapid descent came to a halt. Dean's heart hammered in his chest as Gilda slowly carried him back to the top of the cliff without a word.

Upon being placed on the ground, he noticed Twilight was laying under the tree, soaking wet, and sobbing. Without hesitation Dean ran and fell down beside her. She flinched away at his sudden intrusion, but she was quickly wrapped in his arms. Dean unzipped his jacket and quickly placed the shivering and crying pony inside. A free hand found the ring on her horn, and he quickly removed it.

"It's alright, you're alright."

Dean rocked the little alicorn as he sat beneath the tree, and at some point, Spike and Zecora soon caught up to them. They stood still, watching as Dean rocked the Alicorn in his jacket.

After another thirty seconds, Dean felt her chest moving rhythmically with his own, and he realized she had fallen asleep. He continued the rocking motion, but at this point, emotions were clouding his mind.

'You almost didn't make it.'

'She almost died.'

'Where were you when she needed you most? Giving speeches.'

Dean had just about lost someone he cared about once again. It was then that another voice found itself in his head.

'You saved her life, and you were there when she needed you. We all fall sometimes, but what matters is who is there to catch us. Protect her, Dean.'

After a moment, Dean nodded. His head was on her chin, and while he was listening to the voices in his head, he didn't notice three words escaping from his mouth.

"I love you."

Dean blinked and suddenly realized there were three creatures looking at him. He gave a sigh before slowly standing.

"Common, let's not allow this to ruin the night. Let's go have fun, and tomorrow, we work towards a better future. One where these sorts of situations don't happen." Before he could move, Gilda walked forward, and with a slice of her talons, the rope came off of Twilight. The mare let out a sigh of relief and seemed to snuggled closer into Dean's chest. The man Straightened and gave a nod of thanks to Gilda.

With that, he was off. The four slowly walked the final distance to the fortress, and did not look back to the willow tree upon the cliff. Another flash of lightning lit the sky, and the ghostly image of a certain Human women stood beneath the branches. A second flash flew across the sky, and she was gone. Nothing was left except for the lone tree, and the sorrows of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Author's Notes:

Alright, a bit of an explanation.

As many of you will soon know, a section of this chapter strays heavily away from Canon. I will be pulling the Alternate Universe card on this one, as it fits my story better. There are reasons for this, and this likely won't be the only time you see changes from Canon. Nothing too major will really ever be changed, but they will be there.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I feel it wasn't my best work, but I didn't want it to run too long. Things will begin ramping up soon, so pay close attention in the coming chapters. The next one won't be out for a bit, likely not until my reading week, but that's only a month away (It may come sooner, who knows!)

In other news, I am still working on Lost and Fallen, but I had a sudden bout of inspiration for my other story, What Lay Beneath. Expect to see a few updates in the coming week or two.

As always, your criticism helps me improve!

Until next time...

Chapter 54: Songs and Sorcery

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It was cold. So very cold. A shiver went up her spine, and a low whine escaped her muzzle. Why was it so cold? She had fur, after all. The fur of a pony protects them from the biting chill. But not if the fur was wet. Was she wet?

She could feel the water on her now, its moistness absorbed by her coat and onto her freezing skin. There was another wetness, but this one was different. It was salty, and warm. It was coming from her eyes.

There was darkness next, and she realized her eyes were closed. Images flashed around her. She saw her friends, her family, the Princesses, her brother... and another. A biped. What was the word again.... Humans. It was a Human. He was tall, strong, and covered in clothing and armor. She wasn't intimidated though, for a relieved smile and an expression that bled concern seemed to be coming from him. She was wrapped in his arms; his muscular arms. She could smell the brief odor of sweat, and for a fleeting moment, pictures of warmth, bliss, and pleasure passed through her.

She gave a quiet mewl at the sensation, and she snuggled deeper into the warmth. She didn't want to leave it, for it was so comfortable against the wetness in her coat. There were voices out and around her now, but they were muffled. It was as though she was behind a wall of sound-proof fabric. It was comfy though, so she couldn't complain.

Then she heard another voice.

"I love you."

For a brief moment, she didn't recognize the voice, but once her brain caught up to the information it was processing, she froze up. A hand began rubbing her back, and there was slight movement now. She was so sleepy, and she reckoned that the Sergeant had taken her frozen state as a bad sign and was trying to comfort her. She found it hard to keep from falling asleep, and once again the chill was back. This time, she felt it in her bones.

There was a moment where everything was silent, then a rumble of thunder went off along with a gust of wind. Next thing she knew, the wind was gone, and it was replaced by the distant sounds of laughter and cheering. Some form of music was being played, and Twilight recognized the tune as one from her fillyhood. She felt her consciousness fleeting once more, and she tried to force herself to stay awake.

Twilight blinked, and she suddenly heard the sounds of Dean's voice from above intermingled with those of various others. She recognized Spitfire, Midnight, and surprisingly, Zecora. But how was that possible? She thought Zecora was dead?

The sounds of music grew louder, and she felt Dean's hand brace her rump. It was then that she realized she was curled up under his jacket, and her face exploded into a blush. Likely not knowing he was doing anything wrong, his hand had briefly passed over her hidden wings on their way down, causing another shudder to run up her spine. It was getting warmer now, and Twilight found it easier to breathe. The chill was nearly gone, and the muscles in her eyelids relaxed.

She blinked.

A bottle was being pressed against her snout, and she suddenly realized her throat was very, very dry. She didn't open her eye's, and instead let whoever it was beside her feed her the precious life-giving water. A few words were mumbled, and she caught 'potion', and 'hypo-something', but she soon passed out again.

Thirty minutes later, she woke up.

*****

"HEY, HEY, HEY, HEY!" The crowd of ponies cheered as a break in the song appeared. It lasted a mere two seconds, and then the jovial tune was once again in full swing. The ponies at the small 'stage' each played an instrument, but the song was unknown to the lone Human sitting near the back of the room.

To his left was Spike, a paper bag full of pretzels in his lap as he munched happily away. To his right, Zecora and Gilda sat. The Zebra shaman was nodding along with the tune while humming, and the griffon held a bored look on her beak. Dean rolled his eyes and turned his attention forwards.

Midnight Flow was standing off to the side of the stage, and he was calling on the next group of ponies to take part in the Karaoke. Dean caught sight of Swift Spear, Cobalt, and Steel along with three Pegasus mares taking the stage next. The two brothers picked up guitars, and Swift Spear hoisted a bass guitar nearly as big as him. Two of the mares picked up some rusty saxophones, and the third went over to a rickety drum set. Everything about the drums screamed homemade, but the instrument worked surprisingly well for such shoddy crafting.

'Makes sense with the lack of resources.' Dean mused as he sat back in his seat. The drummer tested her kit, and her sticks flashed across the snare drum briefly. Dean blinked from the sudden sound, and everything around him went immediately quiet. He could see everyone moving around on the stage, along with the spectators as they conversed, but he could not hear them.

The snare drum sounded again, and Dean blinked once more. His hand curled around his helmet, which was sitting beside him, and his posture slowly straightened.

Ratta-tat-tat...

"Left, Left, Left-right-left, left...

Dean's feet carried him forward as he marched along with his fellow soldiers. Men who he had trained with, bled with, and fought with. Whether they were friends or not, they were a unit, and each of them was as proud as could be. The training was almost over, and soon they would be deployed overseas to quell the Orithian attack.

Ratta-tat-tat...

There was a flash.

He was sprinting through a street as hardlight whizzed over his head. One beam smashed into the lower section of a hotel and sent concrete exploding outward. Civilian's screamed as they ran the opposite direction, but many weren't fast enough and were felled by the alien attackers.

Dean brought his rifle to bear and provided covering fire, taking out one attacker while the others scattered behind cover.

Ratta-tat-tat...

There was a flash.

Dean watched from atop a hill as hundreds of body-bags lay strewn about below. There wasn't any time to dig graves, and so they were left there until the area was secure. The wind blew, and the smell of smoke and death was carried with it. A small group of civilians, refugees from the city, were gathered near the edge of the field. Their voices loud as they sang Amazing Grace. Dean's face hardened, and he continued jogging towards his next objective. If those civilians didn't leave, the Orith would get them.

Ratta-tat-tat...

There was a flash.

Dean held a crying child in his arms as he quickly ushered the mother and her young son towards the basement. He was deep behind enemy lines, and had come across them by accident.

Knowing they would not survive where they were, Dean intended to shepard them to the basement of the complex in the hopes of keeping them hidden. He was so focused on his front that he failed to hear the snap of a claw stepping on and breaking a piece of wood.

Automatic fire erupted behind him, and he was hit in the side. His suit blared an alarm in his ear as he was tossed sideways, leaving the little girl in his arms exposed. There was no cry of pain, and merely a second after he hit the ground, he had his pistol out and firing on the ambushing Orith soldier.

There was a final flash, and there was no sound of the drum.

Dean sat there silently. The remains of the family were strewn about the room, their bodies being destroyed by the hardlight that smashed into them. Blood covered Dean's hands, and what remained of the little girl's insides were splashed across his chest and face. Rage built within him, and his fist slammed into the concrete floor, cracking it and causing spiderwebs to appear. Getting up, he continued on with his mission.

*****

"Dean? Deeaan?" The man blinked and turned his head, noticing that the dragon to his side was shaking his arm. He blinked once more before he felt the presence of many eyes on him. Looking around, He saw that many in the room were staring at him in wonder. The band hadn't begun playing yet, but their focus was on him as well.

Dean gulped and gripped his helmet tighter. Having no idea what had happened, he was beginning to grow uncomfortable with all the looks.

"Sergeant... that was beautiful!" Stormfly cheered from in front of him.

Dean blinked as the sound of clopping hooves rumbled around him. He blinked in surprise, and then again in confusion. He looked down at Spike with a question on his lips and found the Dragon smiling from ear to ear. Seeing the confusion on his friend's face, he waved a claw in the air.

"You just started singing for a minute. Something about grace and how sweet the sound was. The lyrics were awesome, and I didn't know you could sing like that!" Spike gushed as Dean's mouth flapped.

'I was singing?' He thought to himself as his mind drew a blank. He didn't remember even opening his mouth, let alone singing.

"Sergeant!" Midnight called from across the room. Dean's head snapped up and he focused on the black Pegasus. "Would you like to go after this group? They were going to be the last for the night, but it would be wonderful if you could give us a few Human songs!"

There were a few cheers along with a few ponies calling "do it!" And Dean fidgeted. Truth was he knew how to play a guitar quite well, and he had taken singing lessons as a teenager. Before the war, himself, his wife, and his son would have a karaoke night every second Friday. Even though he hadn't properly sung in seven years, he doubted his ability had deteriorated in the slightest. Rusty, sure, but a few songs and their chords were already playing through his head. As the ponies stared at him intently, Dean sighed and gave an almost imperceptible nod. This caused the group to cheer rather uproariously, and the Sergeant huffed as he leaned back.

While the current band began to play, Dean's expression darkened.

"I'm a damn superweapon. A Bioengineered Human designed to win a war. And they want me to sing them a few songs." Dean couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. The last time he sang was with his wife the day before he left for the RSTF program. Just thinking about singing, and all the fun he had doing it was bringing up old memories; ones he needed pushed to the recesses of his mind unless he wanted to have another mental break.

Gilda gave Dean a side eye before a frown creased her beak. "Every soldier needs a bit of down time, no matter what their capabilities are, Human. Morale is a key component in war, and this is one of the ways of keeping it together. Plus, I am told that music is good for the soul, even if it does sound a bit dweeby."

Dean nodded in acknowledgement, and he understood that her words rang true, but it did not make him feel better. As the band on the stage concluded their first song, one about a stallion trying to make a big impact on a place called Manehattan, the man scowled to himself.

Leaning back against the wall with a heavy sigh, his eyes slowly drifted to the hallway leading to his room.

The room that Twilight was sleeping in.

Mind going blank for a moment, Dean wondered what he should do. He had a plan to win this war, and while it wasn't the most well thought out, it might certainly work. The only problem was Twilight. He was well aware of her importance, and he was also aware that she was vulnerable. For two years she had been alone. For two years she had evaded capture, not knowing if her friends and family were still alive, or the state of the war. Then he came along, and she grew attached to him. He would be lying to himself if he wasn't interested in the pony, even if the thought was a bit weird, but he had commitment elsewhere. When the war was finished, and he was sent back home, he would be leaving her alone. While she did have her younger brother, she was in a fragile state of mind. Dean was no psychologist, and he had no idea how his departure might affect his friend. What had happened a mere two hours ago was reason enough that he needed to find a solution.

A spike of pain suddenly sifted through his head, and Dean grit his teeth as he quickly reached up and rubbed above his nose. It felt like someone was trying to drive a spike between his eyes, and all but froze up as his head beat like it was being drummed.

Something wet dripped from Dean's lip, and his eyes suddenly widened. The aching throb suddenly went to the back of his mind as he quickly raised a hand to his nose. His arms trembled as he looked down and saw the splotches of blood dripping onto his skin.

Beginning to panic, Dean slowly grabbed the handkerchief from his pocket and brought it to his nose. Slowly but surely, the bleeding began to stop as it absorbed into the cloth, and Dean's anxiety started to subside. Glancing to his sides suspiciously, he was glad to note that none of those around him saw his actions.

Removing the handkerchief, Dean's eyes snapped to the front of the room as clopping broke the sudden silence. The band was done, and now it was his turn.

"Alright folks, last but not least, let's welcome First Sergeant Dean to the stage!"

There was polite clopping of hooves, and Dean found himself walking towards the front. He didn't remember standing, but it mattered little as he navigated his way through the mass of bodies. Many ogled his size as he stepped over and around them, and it was no wonder why. Many of the soldiers in the room had only seen him in passing, while the others only saw him as he led training exercises. Each and every being there knew his reputation, and he was about to sing them a few songs.

Coming to the stage, he saw Midnight give him a warm smile, one that Dean halfheartedly returned. He turned his head and analyzed the small selection of instruments. He was looking for one in particular: an acoustic guitar to be exact. He spotted it behind the drums and quickly moved to grab it.

Three songs entered his head then, two of which he knew quite well, the third would need a bit of remembering. He wrapped his hands around the neck of the guitar and gently pulled it from its stand. Turning, he saw that nearly a hundred sets of eyes were staring at him intently. Someone, likely Midnight, had moved a stool so that he was to sit right at the front of the stage. There was no microphone, so the Sergeant would need to project his voice as much as possible. With the room being completely enclosed, he had no doubt it'd be easy enough.

Back in the day, Dean Forrester would have been terrified of sitting in front of a group of people and playing some music. However, back in the day, he wasn't a soldier. He knew the importance of morale, and upon looking at the group before him, he realized they needed as much as they could get.

Something welled within Dean just then; a foreign yet strangely familiar feeling. The edges of his vision turned red, and Dean recalled from past experience the same thing happening to him during his fight with Chrysalis. However, this time, instead of feeling strength enter his muscles, he felt it welling in his heart. He didn't know how to describe it, and it didn't seem to be negatively affecting him, so Dean merely shrugged his shoulders and sat down on the slightly too small stool.

The room went deathly silent then, and Dean gently strummed the guitar. He noticed that the A-string was slightly out of tune and quickly adjusted it. Following this, he played a G-chord, a C, a B-minor, then an F. Once he got the feel of that, he rapidly switched between the chords and mixed up his strumming. His eyes closed as he once again became accustomed to the instrument, and with a final downwards strum, he began to play. His fingers flashed across the frets and his feet began to tap the hardwood beneath him. He saw many of those present perk up, and even more began to bob their head to the optimistic feel of the tune. Looking further back, Dean noticed a certain purple Alicorn sitting next to Spike. Her eyes were focused on him with intent, and a violet flash seemed to pass through her irises. She was wrapped up in Dean's jacket, and only her head popped out. Frankly, Dean found it adorable. He smiled at her, and she returned it with one of her own. Then he sang:

Almost heaven, West Virginia!
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze

Dean's voice was clear and concise. He made an effort to give a more southern tinge to his tune, and the Equestrians listened with rapt attention. Anticipation began to build as Dean entered into the first chorus.

Country roads, take me home!
To the place I belong!
West Virginia, mountain mama,
Take me home, country roads!

Heads bobbing, and many clapping along to the beat, Dean smiled as he played. Memories, happy ones, resurfaced for the first time in ages, and energy entered into him like a fresh breath as he continued on.

All my memories gather 'round her,
Miner's lady, stranger to blue water,
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky,
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye,

Not anticipating what was to come, the unexpected voices of nearly a hundred ponies nearly caused Dean to lose tempo. Thanks to his hyper-reflexes, he managed to continue and sing his heart out.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads

The rhythm changed ever so slightly, and the ponies leaned forward as Dean launched into the bridge.

I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me,
The radio reminds me of my home far away!
Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin',
That I should've been home yesterday, yesterday!

Ready this time, a tinge of red flared in Dean's eyes. Instead of a conglomeration of loud voices, the volume was toned back to reveal a beautiful chorus.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads

Something akin to a choir played behind Dean's words, and Dean saw Midnight and Spitfire holding each other as they sang along. Stopping his singing, he instead merely played the guitar as the ponies finished for him. Had he not been so invested, he would have thought it uncanny how perfectly they sang together.

Country roads, take me home!
To the place I belong!
West Virginia, mountain mama,
Take me home, country roads!

Take me home, down country roads!!

With a final strum, the room erupted into cheers. While Dean winced from the volume, he couldn't help but let a sauve smile play on his lips. He glanced back at Twilight and found her staring at him with her mouth slightly agape. A quick nudge from Spike caused her to shake her head and madly blush. Dean chuckled.

As the room began to quiet down, Dean decided on what he would play next. A sudden thought popped into his mind, and a slightly downtrodden emotion seemed to overcome him. The next song he had in mind was one that his father had taught him. He strummed an A-minor, and once again the focus was on him. Dean let out a breath, and began the song. The haunting melody seemed to entrance the ponies present, and Dean even caught Gilda giving him her full attention. Noticing movement to his left, he watched as Colonel Graybeard and a few other Griffons slowly entered the room. They stood in the shadows and observed with keen interest.

We met in the springtime when blossoms unfold,
The pastures were green and the meadows were gold.

Memories once again surfaced into Dean's mind, and a single, unnoticeable tear slid down his cheek. He saw his wife and son as they played at the park. Their laughter seemed to be a dull echo of a time long past.

Our love was in flower as summer grew on,
Her love like the leaves now have withered and gone,

Dean saw his wife in the doorway, crying as he climbed into the humvee. He noticed his son staring at him from the second floor of the house, and a flash of lightning illuminated the tears crawling down his face. The same thing happened behind Dean as he played. A low rumble echoed from the windows, but he continued to strum.

The roses have faded, there's frost at my door,
The birds in the morning don't sing anymore.
The grass in the valley is starting to die,
And out in the darkness the whippoorwills cry...

Gripping the neck of the guitar firmly, Dean didn't register what the reactions of the observing people were seeing. He continued to play, lost inside his own mind.

Alone and forsaken by fate and by man,
Oh Lord, if you hear me, please hold to my hand.
Oh, please understand...

Dean's teeth grit. He felt a pang in his heart as he thought of his home, and what was happening to it while he wasted time in ponyland. A foreign voice entered into his mind, goading him and telling him he had abandoned those he loved, and that he would never get home.

Oh, where has she gone to? Oh, where can she be?
She may have forsaken some other like me.
She promised to honor, to love, and obey,
Each vow was a plaything that she threw away.

A flash of lightning lit the room, and the rumble of thunder shook everyone present to the bones.

The darkness is falling, the sky has turned gray,
A hound in the distance is starting to bey.
I wonder, I wonder what she's thinking of,
Forsaken, forgotten without any love.

Launching into the final Chorus, The rhythm slowed. The original song had a continuous beat, and a slightly louder finish, but something in Dean's heart caused him to switch from what he knew. The sound lyrics coming from Dean seemed meek and small, something that the supersoldier was anything but.

Alone and forsaken by fate and by man,
Oh Lord, if you hear me, please hold to my hand...

Dean blinked, and his voice was barely above a whisper. The room was silent as he said the last three words of the song, and with a final strum, he did just that.

Oh, please understand...

*****

Silence. Dead silence. Twilight held back tears as she watched Dean play the final chord. The note hung in the air like a cloud, and not a single being in that room could avert their eyes. How could they? Many saw the deadened look on their Sergeant's face, and knew that something within that song had hit him close to home.

Tearing her eyes from the man, she saw that it did with many others present. Many of the veteran's held a distant look in their eyes, and a sense of loss and foreboding seemed to hang above everyone's heads. Looking to the right, she could see that the lyrics had even impacted the new Griffon arrivals.

Hearing someone clear their throat, she turned her attention back towards the front of the room. She saw the saddened look on the Sergeants face, and deduced that he felt guilty for putting everyone in such a state of longing. With his fake cough, many eyes returned their focus to him.

"Alright, I think I have one more song, but I need to know what month it is."

"Monat des Herdes!" A Griffon suddenly called from the back of the room. Dean Deadpanned as he gestured towards the group in front of him.

"Anyone care to translate that?" Dean deadpanned as the Griffon's near the back snickered at his expense. A surprise came in the form of Twilight's voice calling out through the crowd.

"It means 'month of the hearth.' Meaning it is currently the month of December."

Surprised looks greeted her statement, and a few of the Griffons present began to mutter to one another. One particular Griffon turned and faced the Princess.

"You know 'igh-Imperial, little pony?" The bird's accent was quite thick, either Germanic or Italien, and Dean saw Twilight's wings ruffle at the name. The way the griffon spoke was downright mocking, and the man sucked in a breath at the look on his friend's face. A sneer took Twilight's features as she glared at the Griffon in irritation. The Griffon leered at her and merely raised an eyebrow.

"My mentor, Princess Celestia, taught me parts of the language in order to fully understand other cultures on this planet. As the Princess of Friendship, it only makes sense that I needed to learn the language in full. Ich mag zwar klein sein, aber mein Wissen ist im Vergleich zu Ihrer Unwissenheit großartig."

The Griffons' feathers ruffled, and his mouth flapped as he tried to come up with a retort. Dean watched as a smug look came over his friend, and she shook her head with a tsk. Finally, the Colonel put his claw on his subordinates shoulder and shook his head. The griffon grumbled something unintelligible, but crossed his arms and went silent. The Colonel gestured for Dean to continue. The man gave a nod and once more hoisted the guitar. He thought for a moment before a certain Christmas melody came to mind. It wasn't overly exciting or jovial, but it would do good to get rid of the somber atmosphere he had unintentionally created. With a quick strum, the man launched into the next song.

God rest ye merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior,
Was born on Christmas Day!
To save us all from Satan's pow'r,
When we were gone astray,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!

The group before him slowly began to get into the rhythm. If Dean had to hazard a guess, it was the reflective nature of the song that caused the ponies to stir. To go from a somber song immediately into jovial wouldn't have done well, especially with the mood he had put the room in. This particular song, one he used to play every Christmas, was a good transition. He didn't play too fast, nor too slow. The comforting, but solemn tone of the music was the perfect way to connect the group and give a little message of hope.

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born.
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn.
The which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!

Fear not then, said the Angel,
Let nothing you affright.
This day is born a Savior,
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's pow'r and might,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Dean felt something nagging in his mind. Somehow, someway, this particular verse struck a chord within him. It appeared it did with the others as well, as they were swaying and some even quietly sang to themselves. looking towards the side, he saw Midnight and Spitfire staring at him with a look he couldn't place. He continued into the final verse.

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy...

Dean allowed the last chord to drum out, and a quiet, yet peaceful calm came over all present. He let a smile appear, before he quietly stood up and returned the guitar to its original spot. Upon coming back to the front of the de facto stage, he noticed that many hushed whispers were coming from the crowd. After nearly fifteen seconds, Dean heard a throat clear below him and to the left, and his eyes found those of an older stallion.

"Lad, what was the name of that song?"

Dean paused as a memory came to his mind. He could see a group of people, twelve in total, sitting around a tree. The fireplace offered a comforting warmth, and the smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. Out the window, Thick, but soft snow slowly descended. To his right sat Marie. On the couch with his two cousins sat Jaxon. Marie was happily singing along as he strummed the guitar. Dean gave a shaky breath.

"God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen. An older Christmas song I used to play for my... family." Dean's eyebrows scrunched together, and he noticed a sad look come from both Midnight and Twilight. For some reason, that made him a bit sour, and a small frown appeared. The stallion below him nodded in thanks.

"It was beautiful, well done."

With those final words, a round of respectful applause erupted. Dean forced a smile on his face and gave a short wave while Midnight quickly trotted up to the stage to address the crowd. Slowly but surely, Dean made his way through the sea of equins before coming to a spot beside Twilight. The moment he sat down, he felt her quickly lean into his side. Almost subconsciously, Dean lifted his arm and wrapped it around the pony, pulling her in close. Twilight gave a content hum as she nuzzled his chest. Looking down, Dean couldn't help but let a happy look enter his eyes along with a thin smile. It was quite adorable what the little Princess was doing.

As Midnight addressed the crowd and concluded the night, Twilight suddenly shifted so that she was looking up at him. Glancing into her face, Dean raised an eyebrow before gently stroking her wither with his hand.

"Are you alright, Dean?" She quietly asked, catching the Human off guard.

The man seemed to almost freeze up, and a quiet breath of air escaped him as he slowly nodded his head. His eyes suddenly gained a far off look, and Twilight gently nuzzled his chest in order to get his attention. His eyes flicked back to her, and her ears wilted upon getting a better look at his face.

The best way to describe it was a dead look. People say that eyes are the gateway to the soul, and what Twilight saw was one that was tired. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. She continued to search his face, and a sad expression came across her own. Without warning, she gently climbed up and wrapped the Human in a hug, burying her muzzle into his shoulder.

Without hesitation, the man wrapped his arms around the mare and squeezed her back. Looking around showed him that others were oblivious to the display of affection, and Dean gave a sigh as he gently closed his eyes. Something inside him churned for some reason, but he couldn't quite place it. A sense of longing and sadness seemed to overwhelm his emotions, and it suddenly appeared that the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Dean wasn't one to back down, but he was now fighting a war on two fronts. One against the Elves, and one against his own mind.

He blinked, and he suddenly realized that a warm and fuzzy body was pushed up against his. Looking down, he could see the form of the Princess as she quietly breathed in and out, her bangs covering her eyes as she pressed against his shoulder. A sense of protectiveness suddenly overcame him then, and he gave her a gentle squeeze, just to tell her he was there.

After only a few more moments, Dean gently picked the Princess up and set her back onto his jacket that was laying beside him. At his movement, she looked up at him with a caring smile, one that he replicated.

"Thank you, Dean." She whispered, causing his expression to soften even more. It was two words, but they carried a heavy weight. Everything they had gone through, everything he had done to keep her safe. There wasn't anything more to say, because those two words were enough to convey what everyone present felt. Looking around, Dean could see the happy smiles and relaxed postures of many. When he had arrived, a tense feeling had been the overwhelming mood of the city around him. Now, there was one of hope, and a possibility of a future.

Once again Dean was reminded of his promise. He gently wrapped an arm around the Princess and pulled her close. Spike, who had glanced in their direction, raised an eyebrow and smirked before resuming his conversation with Zecora.

A quiet beep sounded, and Dean gently reached behind Twilight to pull his tac-pad out from the pocket of his jacket. The light it provided caught the attention of those immediately around them, but they soon turned away. He unlocked the device, and his eyes widened at what he saw.

"Excuse me Twilight, but I gotta get back to my fabricator. Once all this is wrapped up, could you send for Midnight?"

The purple mare nodded, though a confused look came over her as she scooted off his jacket. Her tail swished as she watched Dean slowly stand and shake the stiffness out of his legs. A small tinge of an ache seemed to make itself known in his thigh, and the man frowned as he waited for it to die down. Something like that was quite abnormal, and he couldn't help but feel a bit worried. First the nose bleed, and now this.

"Sure thing, Dean. What's going on though? Do you need my help?" He saw a sparkle in her eyes, and couldn't help but chuckle. Now that she mentioned it, her knowledge in the field of magic might actually be of use. He nodded his head.

"Sure. I could use the help."

With that, he began walking along the back of the room. The soldier's and other spectators were beginning to leave, some getting ready for duty, while others went back to their barracks. Dean was currently headed for the main entrance, and as he approached, he could hear the grunts of effort coming from around the corner.

Entering the large room, Dean wasn't surprised to find Iron Mallet and his son along with one of the door guards slowly rolling the massive boulder inside. It seemed to be a tedious effort for the three, as the boulder was shaped pretty awkwardly and seemed to be precariously balanced on the edge of the door frame. There was a bit of a drop from the outside, so Dean quickly walked up to the boulder and guided them through.

With his iron grip, he was easily able to pull the boulder inside before carefully setting it down with nary a sound. Turning around, he saw that the guard had returned to his post, and both the blacksmith and his son were wiping their brows. Dean gave them a smile.

"Thanks again guys. I'm gonna see what I can do with this. If all goes according to plan, and I am able to make a viable alloy from this hunk 'a rock, I'll show up at your forge around noon."

Iron Mallet nodded his head as a grin formed on his face.

"Sounds good, Sarge. Ah'll 'ave everfing ready for yah. If'n you can make this project o' yer's work, we can finally get one up on dose pesky Elves!" The pony chuckled, and so did Dean. With a final wave, the two metal-workers trotted out the door and into the night. There was a short period of silence before Dean heard the sounds of many voices approaching from the common room.

Walking around the boulder, Dean quickly set about rolling it towards his quarters. He dodged ponies as they entered into the main barracks, and more than a few gave him a curious look. Dean was undeterred as he moved the large boulder along the back of the room without a struggle. With his strength and incredible balance, he was able to make it to his room rather quickly. However, upon reaching his destination, he ran into a slight snag.

The boulder couldn't fit through the door.

Scratching the stubble on his chin, an idea suddenly came to Dean. He quickly walked into his room and came to his armor. Scorch marks, dried blood, and somewhat melted metal caused him to cringe, but it would have to do. While the damage looked bad, the fight with the Changelings hadn't really done anything harmful to the armor itself. A quick glance showed he would need to likely replace some of the spinal guards before heading home, but with such a short time frame to work with, the fixes would have to wait until after the attack on Canterlot.

Stepping in, Dean hummed as he was encased in his metal suit. A sense of comfort came over him as the super-soldier felt its familiar weight. While the armor did lighten itself with integrated systems, and Dean's own monstrous strength was more than enough to function should they fail, there was still a decent amount of mechanical weight. It was more natural than anything, as it was closer to the brain saying "This suit is an extension of you, but it isn't you."

Giving his right hand a squeeze, Dean brought his armored gauntlet level with his eyes. The alloy making up his armor was made up of many different components. He knew the two major ones were Compound-X and Titanium, but if he remembered correctly, there might have been steel somewhere in there too along with tungsten. In reality, he wasn't sure, but had no doubt the strength of his suit was what he needed for the coming task.

Dean stomped out of the room and squeezed past the boulder. He had donned his helmet, and analyzed the rock with a critical eye. He failed to notice the slight smatter of blood over the face shield.

Deciding to test something, he gave a quick mental command to his neural interface. There was a small glitch, which caused him to frown, but the targeting system he desired popped up in no time. A small section of the boulder down and to the right was highlighted a shade of green, so Dean reached forward and tilted the boulder so that the highlighted section was facing up.

"Dean?"

The man paused and turned towards the group of four standing to his left. Like a deer caught in headlights, the soldier stood there and stared at the Princess, Midnight, Colonel Graybeard, and Spike the Dragon.

"What are you doing?"

Those words seemed to snap him from his frozen state, and he slowly stood to his full height before turning and facing the group completely.

"Couldn't fit this thing through the door." He said stoically, his helmet causing an almost robotic sound to emit from the external speakers. He glanced at the Colonel, only to see the old bird was staring up at him in fascination. He decided to pay Graybeard little mind as he refocused his attention on the boulder. His shoulders' tensed, and his right foot dropped back as his arm wound back. A slight tinge of red appeared at the edge of his vision, but it was gone in an instant, and he failed to notice it.

"Dean I can just-" Twilight was interrupted when Dean's fist flashed through the air and smashed into the boulder with a mighty crack. A fissure split the rock in two, and almost in slow motion, the two halves slid away from each other. The Human shook his hand slightly, a small sting the only tell that he had even used physical force.

Turning back to the group, he saw their jaws had collectively dropped. While they stood in stupefaction, he picked up one half of the Null-stone and pushed it into the room with little effort. The grinding sound caused the small group to wince and fold their ears, Midnight was especially affected and he let out a small whine of discomfort.

Colonel Graybeard, instead of letting the noise affect him, decided to help. With two steps and a mighty heave, the Griffon commander raised the half-boulder in his claws and carried it into the room without so much as a blink. Turning, Dean was pleasantly surprised to see the Colonel's feat of strength, and had to give him credit where it was due. A piece that size would have been incredibly difficult for a Human to simply carry, and the Colonel made it look like nothing.

'Then again, I don't think it affects him as Nullstone absorbs magic. I wonder if Griffons even have magic?'

Sliding the question to the back of his mind, Dean gave a gratefully nod as the Colonel set the half beside Dean's. Right next to the fabricator. Without sparing a word, Dean walked over to the device in question and sat down before its control panel.

Detecting his presence, the holographic screen flashed in front of him and bathed the room in a soft orange glow. The Colonel watched without a word, his eyes zeroed in on Dean's activities with wide eyes. The rest of the group entered, but they remained quiet as Dean worked.

From Dean's perspective, his eyebrows scrunched together as he typed away. He was never a tech-wizz, that was more Jenkins' forte, but he could manage. He scrolled through the list of options on the main hub of the device, and finally found what he was looking for. The second last option was a scanner that identified a given material and showed what the fabricator could turn it into.

Upon hitting 'Scan', a red strobe laser flashed from the end of the fabricator and quickly passed over the rock. It was fast enough that if one were to blink, they would miss the process entirely. Feeling a presence over him, Dean turned his head slightly and found everyone was almost literally hanging over his shoulder. He could feel Twilight's breath on his ear, and a tingle went up his spine. It smelled like peppermint, and the Human suddenly had a craving for some toasty hot chocolate.

Dean was about to politely demand they back up slightly when a flashing red icon appeared on the screen. Dean immediately- leaned in and hummed in annoyance.

//
List of Materials include:
UNKNOWN (Materials Classified)
NICKEL
GRANITE

Manual override required by certified personnel to access classified database...
Username:
Password:
//

Dean was stumped. He stared at the screen as still as a statue, and a headache was once more beginning to form. He subconsciously reached up to rub his temple, but a jolt seemed to pass through him, and his hand froze. A cool breeze entered through the covered hole in the room, and he heard the others shiver.

Quickly coming to a decision, Dean backed out of the screen and typed into the search function. The others couldn’t see what he was typing, but his fingers flashed across the screen as he tried to find whatever it was he was looking for. He selected the first option on the list, and mentally crossed his fingers it was the right choice. Dean stood from his spot, causing the others to back away.

"Sorry for ignoring you all, but I was a bit excited to try this experiment of mine." He walked back over to the corner of the room, and a quick mental command later, and his suit began to peel from his body. Midnight and Twilight went and sat in the center of the room, and Spike hopped onto his bed before passing out. Dean hardened his features in order to keep his thoughts from how cute the little dragon was all curled up.

"It's alright Sergeant, I merely came to let you know my plan before heading off."

The Colonel stood off to the side, and the moment Dean was out of his armor, he gave a sigh.

"Let's hear it, Colonel, it's pretty late, and I'm sure you and your soldier's need your beauty sleep."

Dean's comment caused the Colonel's feathers to ruffle along with a huff that seemed more akin to a concealed chuckle. Never in a million years would Dean try that against a superior officer, and he was well aware of the breach in protocol. However, he realized they were all tired, and figured a small banter wouldn't hurt. His risk paid off as the Colonel merely shook his head.

"If I was your commanding officer, I would have you running two-hundred laps around the fort. However, with you only having two legs, it would take until noon two days from now to finish."

There was a tense silence for a moment, Midnight looking at the two with a bit of fear, before both the Human and the Griffon's abrupt laughter filled the room. Dean shook his head and gestured towards the Colonel, his laughter abating enough to get some words in. Dean's expression suddenly became stern, and the Griffon noticed this immediately. His own chuckles died down, and he faced the man with a straight and attentive look.

"So what do you think, Colonel? We have six days left to conduct the invasion, and I need to know how you are going to help. Have you already talked to General Blight?" For whatever reason, Dean suddenly became aware that his words this last half hour had been a lot lighter and somewhat jovial. He suspected the music show he put on had something to do with it, but he wasn't going to complain. After singing those songs, a small weight had been lifted from him. He didn't know what it was, but so long as it helped him, it was fine.

Watching the Colonel as he donned his jacket, Dean went about idly organizing the various trinkets and explosives sitting on his desk. His Fabricator had been busy while he was away, and it seemed that Steel Mallet had kept delivering supplies while he was gone. Quite a few grenades, flashbangs, and about ten more walkie-talkies were laying before him. Giving an idle hum, Dean calculated that he could get maybe two or three sets of armor completed by tomorrow.

With his jacket on, the Colonel went silent as a tired look entered his eyes. His wings seemed to droop along with his demeanor. He opened his beak, closed it once, looked at the other two ponies present, and sighed. Finally, he spoke.

"Sergeant, I think you should know that victory doesn't seem likely in this scenario. There aren't enough soldiers here at Maritime Bay, and my people likely won't be able to render aid. The entire Elven war machine is in our lands, and the situation is growing helpless by the day." The Colonel walked over to Dean's set of armor and stared up at it. Its imposing height and menacing appearance caused the old bird to shiver slightly. A feeling of power radiated from the seemingly inanimate object, and upon closer inspection, he could see the scratches, burns and dents that accumulated on its surface. Graybeard shook his head and faced the others. "From my point of view, this mission is suicide."

Those words hung in the air like an executioner's axe. Twilight and Midnight both gulped, and the former glanced at Dean with fear in her eyes. Dean, for his part, didn't so much as move. The only sign he was alive was the rise and fall of his chest as he stared blankly ahead.

The man shuffled suddenly on his feet, and the three occupants of the room seemed to collectively shudder. Spike gave a quiet snore as he turned and faced the wall. A hard look suddenly came over the Sergeant as his fist clenched down on a piece of rock he was holding. The object shattered in his grip, and he didn't so much as wince from the debris that scratched and stuck into his palm.

After another moment of silence, Dean finally spoke; his words came out in a growl as his eyes narrowed.

"If we don't do this, then it won't matter either way." Dean began picking the shards from his hand without glancing down, for his gaze was on the Colonel. "If we don't do a preemptive strike, the Emperor will send in his armies and overwhelm Maritime Bay. He will stop at nothing to get his hands on Twilight, and we don't have the defensive capability to stop them. There isn't anywhere left to hide the Princess, as the Elves control nearly the entire world. The only other way to deny the Elves victory," he looked pointedly at Twilight, "is to have her killed. And I will be cold in the ground before I let that happen." His voice suddenly became a low snarl as images flashed through his head. Anger coursed through him. He would not let her die.

The Colonel stared at Dean in thought. From a strategic standpoint, attacking the Emperor was suicide. But what choice did they have? They couldn't hide her anywhere, and they didn't have time to mount a proper defense. Now that he thought about it, Graybeards' mind began strategizing for ways to form an attack. If a head on assault was the ultimatum, then he would need to help plan for it.

"I have an idea." Graybeard finally spoke, his posture showing an air of authority. The hard gaze the Human was giving him suddenly lightened, and his posture stiffened to attention. The griffon inwardly smirked to himself, but kept a straight, pondering face on the outside.

"Go ahead, Colonel. We need as much help as we can get, and your input will be invaluable." Graybeard raised an eyebrow at that comment and took a closer look at the Sergeant. Assuming what he had heard was true, this Human was from another world. He was a super-soldier of sorts, but looking at his rank, the Colonel realized the man likely had little experience leading a force larger than fifty. He deduced it was from skill alone that he had gotten this far, but if the stakes were as high as they were told, then his comment made sense. Looking deeper, the Colonel suddenly saw something in the Human's eyes. It was there for merely a second, but that was all it took for him to understand.

Sergeant Dean was afraid.

The pieces fell into place then, and glancing at the Princess to his side, he finally realized what the man feared most. He had failed to keep Twilight safe once, and he had heard Gilda's report on the Princess attempted suicide a mere three hours ago. It was obvious the Human cared for Twilight, and he would have to be blind not to have noticed her star-stricken eyes that were constantly on Dean. He was scared of losing her, and it didn't help that the fate of the world depended on her not being captured. Now that Shining was gone, the man was desperate for help, and Graybeard was more than willing to give it.

Graybeard sat down and drummed his claws against the floor.

"Alright. As you know, I had orders to return to my homeland to report the situation here in Equestria. Once I return, I will gather as many soldiers as I can spare, and bring them back in time for the invasion in four days. That is the first plan. However, I will be leaving my guard here in the event I don't make it back on time. In the case of this happening, you and the Equestrians are to mount an assault on the Elves, and myself and my troops will make haste to reinforce you. In the event that hope seems to be lost, we will return to Maritime Bay and attempt to hide the Princess." Graybeard paused in his rambling and glanced at the Alicorn to his right. A sad look came over him as he gave a sigh. He turned back to Dean. "If we are unable to do that, then as a last resort we will need to have the Princess killed so she does not fall into the Elven hands."

There was a heavy silence as Dean's face fell and his features darkened once more. He, along with Midnight, opened their mouths to voice their protest, but a purple magical barrier formed around both their mouths. Surprised looks came across them as they turned their attention to Twilight, her horn lit and a tired expression in her eyes. When both the soldiers closed their mouths, she deactivated her magic and looked at the two of them. After a moment of pause, her eyes found the Colonel's.

"That will be a last resort, but if it comes to it, then I will voice no opposition. The world is at stake, and if it means I must be sacrificed to ensure the Elves cannot win, then so be it." She turned to Dean and Midnight, and a smile graced her lips. "I am so happy that both of you care so much for my well being. You both were with me from the start, and I cannot express enough thanks for that. However, what the Colonel says is true: in the event that all else fails, then I cannot be allowed to live. It is a sacrifice that needs to be made."

She nodded to the Colonel, who nodded in return. His gaze switched back to the Human and the Pegasus, and a look of understanding seemed to radiate from him. He knew how important the Princess was, especially for these two. But sometimes, sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.

"Remember, this is only if everything else fails. We will not let it come to that, and we will end the war, but it's better to have a plan and not need it, than to not have a plan and suffer the consequences. Now, I must depart post-haste if I am to gather my forces in time for the invasion. The storm has stopped, and the skies should be clear across the waters. I will see you all in five days, and we will finally put an end to the cursed war."

With those final words, the Colonel turned and stalked out of the room, leaving the two ponies, Human, and the sleeping Dragon. After a few seconds of silence, Midnight gave a sigh.

"I'm gonna head out and find Spitfire. Let me know if you guys need anything, and we'll come running."

As the lithe black Pegasus trotted out the door, Dean slowly sunk to the floor against the wall beside his Fabricator. His eyes held a thousand yard stare as he gazed at the stone ceiling above him; his body was in the room, yet his mind was elsewhere.

There was a gentle clop of hooves, before a sudden wait lay across his legs and leaned into his chest. He blinked when he felt two arms around his body, and upon looking down, he saw his wife. Her gaze was one of longing, and he could smell the lavender in her hair. He reciprocated the smile as his right arm snaked around behind her and pulled her close. He heard a happy murmur as she snuggled into his chest, and his smile grew. He could see the large and forest filled park around them. The sun shone down from above, and the sounds of kids playing and birds chirping were like musical notes in his ears. A gentle breeze caught his attention, and he calmly looked towards the forest to his left.

Two beady red-hued eyes stared back at him.

Dean could see a shape moving in the forest, and all the sounds around him seemed to grow quiet. It was uncanny, and Dean felt as though he was in immediate danger. Goosebumps crawled up his arms and neck, and his breathing began to pick up as his adrenaline started kicking in.

Looking down, he saw now that it was Twilight in his grasp, and not Marie. He was confused for all of a second, before a cry of pain and fear echoed around him. Looking up, his eyes widened in horror.

Marie had been snagged by a tentacle, which had appeared from the blackened shape, and was dragging her across the ground towards the forest. Another cry caught Dean's attention, and upon turning his head, his parental instincts kicked in. He tried to get up, to stand, but he was rooted in place. He could only watch helplessly as Jaxon was flung through the air much like his mother. His cries for help were like the screeches of a banshee, and his eyes bore into his father's, pleading to be saved.

Dean tried once more to stand, and pain erupted in his head. He did not cry out in pain, as he would be distracted from trying to save his family. It wasn't until he felt a small tug that he realized what was holding him in place.

Looking down, he saw Twilight's bright and happy smile as she held him in place. She rubbed her head into his side, and stared at him with love-struck eyes. He heard her whisper the words 'I love you,' and he desperately wanted to say them back. The urge was nearly overwhelming, and he almost forgot that his family was in danger.

A cry of pain, and the sounds of bones snapping caused his head to jolt away from the Alicorn, and he watched in horror and disgust as Marie was bitten clean in half by the monster gaping maw. He screamed, but no noise came forth. Tears poured from his eyes as he desperately fought to get free, but his body wouldn't budge. A coldness seeped into his heart as he turned back to Twilight and began trying to pry her off.

It was as though he was once more a regular Human, and an attempt at lifting an aircraft carrier would have been easier than trying to relinquish her hold on him. He cried out as Marie's head was crushed like a watermelon under a hammer, and a piece of his soul felt as though it had been ripped out. His eyes widened upon seeing his son was about to suffer the same fate. If he got free now, he would be able to save him.

"Dean, are you okay?"

Dean screamed then, his desperation only making the little alicorn hug him like a vise. He stopped his struggling and reached an arm out towards Jaxon, as though he could will the tentacles to let go. It was for nought, and his only son was decapitated before his eyes.

Then the whispering began.

'She wants you for herself...'
'You will never be able to save them...'
'Give up your mission, kill the Emperor and return home...'
'You can keep them from dying, but only you can do it...'
'Your family will die...'

Time seemed to stand still as he stared down at the little Alicorn wrapped around him. Betrayal was an emotion he hadn't experienced in a very, very long time, but it was the dominating emotion he felt as he looked into those large Lavender eyes.

Then Dean blinked.

The forest was now gone, and he found himself sitting once more on hard stone. He felt breathing to his left, along with a pressure, and he soon realized he was being hugged. Ever so slowly, he looked down. He didn't betray a single emotion as the fading sound of his family's screams echoed away into the depths of his mind. He could only stare at the little pony laying against him.

As if she knew she was being watched, Twilight looked up and gave the man a sincere smile, but that quickly faded away upon seeing his expression, or lack thereof.

"Dean? You look like you've seen a ghost, are you okay?"

Without saying a word, he raised his hand. He watched as Twilight's eyes tracked his arm and its slow, unsure movements. His hand shook as he gently rested it around her neck. How easy it would be to cut off her airways before quickly snapping the bones in her vertebrae. She wouldn't so much as make a peep as the life left her. She would have a look that asked him why he had done it, and he would have no answer. He likely wouldn't be able to live with himself after, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see the P23 sitting on the nightstand. His arm tensed.

Dean gave a shaky sigh, and slowly dragged the little Equine onto his lap. She was facing him, and he slowly wrapped her in a hug. She accepted the embrace, and the two just sat there. Dean felt a sense of panic welling in his throat, and he wanted to do nothing but sob. Or was it scream? He didn't know, for he had never felt such emotions in so long. He could see faces in the shadows surrounding the room, sneering at him and yelling into his mind. His breathing grew labored, and his face felt clammy. He felt Twilight suddenly squeeze him, and his whole body seemed to lock up. His breathing seemed to cease along with his movements, and for a fleeting moment Dean's emotions were seen across his face. Dark, almost purple bags hung under his eyes, and it looked as though wrinkles were forming along his cheeks and near his mouth. The man suddenly seemed to age an extra fourty years, and he felt his eyes drooping from exhaustion. He hadn't slept in nearly five days, and ever since arriving into this world, everything had felt.... wrong. It seemed so surreal to him. He was helping magical Equins defeat fantastical Elves, who pillaged and enslaved the inhabitants of this world. He had talked to a being of immense power, who could no longer help him after he countered another being's attack on his psyche. His target was a magical opponent of unknown power, and some kind of monster was terrorizing his dreams. He felt like a character in a book, but not in a good way. Maybe it was a test from God, or maybe he was the pawn of some other fucked up reason. The existence of the Guardian already insinuated the existence of a Multiverse of sorts, so who was he to question what was in charge of this screwed up world.

The world was on his shoulders, literally. It was up to him whether an incomprehensible evil was unleashed, or whether the forces of light lived to fight another day. He was dragged from one war into a new one, with new rules. It was sheer luck and his refusal to back down that had kept him alive so far, but he knew that wouldn't be enough. The stakes were officially too high, now, and a single mistake could spell the end of existence as he knew it.

"Want to talk about it?"

Dean glanced down and saw that Twilight's eyes were on him once more, and her look of concern was enough to snap him back to reality.

He was acting weak, and RSTF Operators were anything but. He had a mission to finish, and he couldn't afford to break down and contemplate the going ons of the universe. He was here, and he had his mission. Failure was not an option. Dean's face became like a brick wall, but he gently began stroking Twilight's mane in order not to seem angry at her.

"No, thank you. I'm alright. There's just a lot on my mind, Purplesmart." Dean smirked as Twilight snorted in mock offense.

"Alright, keep your secret meat-for-brains. I swear, you stallions are all the same. Gotta be big and tough." She tried to change her expression into a no-nonsense scowl, but with her ears folded back and her lips jutted out, Dean couldn't help but laugh. Twilight's scowl turned to a pout as she looked away from the man, only causing him to ruffle her mane. She gave a squawk of indignation, and Dean smirked.

"You're adorable."

Those two words caused Twilight's cheeks to explode into a blush, and she stuttered as she tried to come up with a response. She could hear him snickering, and her blush only deepened. In retaliation, the little Princess stuffed her face into Dean's shirt in the hopes of him not looking at her. Her embrace on him tightened, and the man scratched under her ear. She gave a coo of appreciation and nuzzled his chest with her eyes closed.

"You are only proving my point."

"Shaddup, this is nice."

*****

Two hours. That is how long Sergeant Dean stood in front of the mirror in the washroom. It was currently midnight, and the Human couldn't get a wink of sleep. Monsters chased his subconscious, and the horrible laughter of that beast rattled between his ears like an old grandfather clock.

Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock...

As the seconds ticked away, Sergeant Dean's reflection began to morph into grotesque shapes, and the contours of his face twisted into nightmarish visages. His once stern and disciplined countenance now bore the weight of unseen horrors. Shadows danced across the dimly lit room, and the Sergeant's eyes, bloodshot from fatigue, betrayed a mixture of fear and confusion. He could only stare at the sight, and for a moment, he felt the creeping chill of someone's breath on the back of his neck.

The single, dull candle lighting the washroom flickered intermittently, casting eerie shadows that seemed to elongate and contort with every passing moment. The air felt thick with an otherworldly tension, as if the room itself harbored the malevolent whispers that echoed in the recesses of Dean's troubled mind. Unfamiliar whispers taunted him, promising revelations that would plunge him deeper into the abyss of his own subconscious. They spoke of his family, his son and his wife. They spoke of fire and blood, and the sounds of betrayal. They spoke of his weakness, and his failures.

As the mirror continued to play tricks on him, Sergeant Dean's hands trembled as he subconsciously reached out to touch the glass. The surface yielded an unnatural warmth, and his fingertips traced the outlines of the monstrous apparitions that seemed to be clawing their way into his reality. The laughter, now an unholy chorus, reverberated through the sergeant's skull, creating a dissonant symphony of dread. His reflection followed him, but he swore he could feel something other than smooth glass. It felt as though if he so much as blinked, his reflection would grab him and drag him into the darkness. Dean began to sweat, for he could definitely feel the breathing now. It brought with it a horrid stench, and the mirror began fogging up in front of his eyes.

'Failure.'
'Weak.'
'Pathetic.'

In a desperate attempt to break free from the clutches of his torment, Dean turned away from the mirror, but the haunting reflections persisted in the corners of his vision. Shadows clung to the edges of his peripheral, and the room itself seemed to pulsate with an otherworldly energy. The sergeant's breath quickened, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he grappled with the surreal nightmare unfolding before him. He refused to turn anymore, for he knew he would come face to face with the monster bearing down on him. But he could not turn back to the mirror for it would reveal the nightmare his mind refused to believe.

Unable to endure the psychological onslaught any longer, Sergeant Dean stumbled backward, collapsing onto the cold tile floor. The mirror, now a gateway to his fractured psyche, continued to warp and twist, revealing glimpses of unspeakable horrors that lurked within. In the oppressive silence of the midnight hour, the Sergeant found himself trapped between the realms of reality and his own unraveling sanity. He covered his face with his arms and curled up on the floor. His sobs echoing in the enclosed room. No one could hear him, and no one could help him. He was alone, and he could not win. He could hear the laughter fading in the air, and he could sense a presence leaving the room. He continued to lay there, unmoving as he tried to reign in his own mind, but it wasn't working. It felt as though a wall was breaking inside him, and he couldn't stop seeing the faces. Not of his wife and son, but of him. The reflection showed what he was becoming, and how this world was affecting him. He needed to get home before he was trapped here forever.

That was when a familiar piercing scream echoed through his mind

In an instant, Dean was on his feet. Time seemed to slow as he bodied the locked door and crashed into the hallway. There was no other movement around him, and for a moment Dean scowled at the thought that no one was bothering to check on the Princess.

Whether they helped or not was not his concern right now, and so he took off down the hallway before he came to the door beside his own. He skidded to a stop, brought his leg up, and smashed the door open with a mighty kick. The screaming had stopped by this point, and he instead heard the sounds of weeping.

Instantly taking in his surroundings, Dean found Spike wasn't present. He briefly recalled the drake was spending the night with Lucy. He could see Twilight under the covers of her own bed, but he could not detect anything amiss. Even though his senses told him there were no intruders, he decided to double check. The man stalked around the room and checked every nook and cranny. At some point, Midnight had galloped in to see what the noise was, but upon seeing Dean there, he quickly left to put the barracks at ease. There was no doubt that Dean's actions had woken quite a few people.

Finally, with visual confirmation that everything was alright, Dean quickly closed the door to the room before he made his way to Twilight's bed.

"Twilight? Twilight, what's wrong??" Dean slowly peeled the sheets off the Princess, and upon seeing her sorry state, his expression immediately softened. He quickly scooped her up in his arms and sat on the bed. Rocking her back and forth, Twilight sobbed into his shoulder. He whispered sweet nothings into her ear, and ever so slowly, the purple Princess finally began to calm.

Looking down, he caught Twilight staring up at him with fearful eyes. No words needed to be said, and Dean just smiled down at her to show it was alright.

Ears drooping, Twilight sniffled and looked anywhere but Dean. She saw that her sound cancelling spell had been broken. It was an old habit of hers from her time in the forest. The Dark Elves had very good hearing along with other natural predators. Whenever she was trying to sleep while camouflaged, she would use that spell as a means to stay hidden. She could hear outside the spell, but others couldn't hear inside.

"D-Dean?"

The man had pulled her close into another hug, but hearing her speak caused him to gently ease her back. She looked up into his eyes once more, and a pleading gaze caught the man off guard. Her eyes were watery, and her lip trembled. If not for the obvious distress she was in, Dean would have called it cute.

"Will you stay with me tonight, please?" She hated how desperate she sounded, but she needed someone nearby. Her nightmares were getting worse, and they kept flashing between the loss of her friends, the murder of those she loved, and the Queen as she had her way with her. She could feel the whips, the punches, and the ovipositor as it snaked its way inside her. The only difference was Dean was not there to save her in those dreams. She was never rescued, and her insides were brutally torn apart as she screamed and cried for mercy.

There was a moment of hesitation, but she caught Dean nodding his head ever so slightly. She immediately lunged forward and wrapped him in a hug, and she began to shudder as her emotions nearly came spilling out once more. It was literally by Dean's hand stroking her mane that she managed to keep it in. She felt safe as he lay down and rested an arm over her body. She scooted backwards so that she was curled up like a spoon, and she felt his chin on the top of her head just behind her horn. A feeling of relief swept through her, and she shivered when his hand scratched her belly absentmindedly.

"C-Can you sing me a song, Dean?"

There was another pause before he hummed in acknowledgement. Their surroundings were quiet as moonlight spilled in through the window and onto the bottom of the bed. A comforting breeze fluttered through her mane, and the first words of Dean's song graced her ears.

I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone,

All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity,

Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind. Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea,

All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind,

don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy.

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind,

Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind....

As Dean's song came to a close, Twilight's eyes finally dropped closed. Her breathing relaxed, and finally fell into a deep, nightmare-less sleep.

Dean stared at the wall for a few moments, but the same could not be said for him. Sleep simply wouldn't come, and a hint of fear seemed buried in the recesses of his mind. A feeling in his gut told him that these next few days would be a challenge the likes he had never seen before.

And so, as he prepared to get comfortable in preparation for the haunting images and memories, he mentally flicked his middle finger at whoever was watching.

"I won't let you win." he half whispered, half snarled before going silent.

For the next six hours, Dean was left with nothing but his thoughts and the growing fear that his world was crumbling around him.

Chapter 55: Sparring & Spying

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He was running. His breathing was ragged, and his legs felt like lead, but he could not stop. Branches whipped his face, and thorns grappled his clothes, but he kept powering on. His surroundings passed him by in a blur; a dark, green forest filled with dense brush and bioluminescent shrubbery.

There was a snap, and he ducked. The monster's teeth grazed his hair, and he let loose a grunt as a needle-sharp tooth scraped the top of his scalp. He didn't slow down, and he could once more hear the creature in hot pursuit.

Dean's eyes flicked in every direction, but it seemed as though his super-human sight and hearing had abandoned him. He had to rely on his own primal instincts now, and every fiber of his being told him not to slow down. His body was slick with sweat, and blood ran through his hair and along his face. His left arm hung limply at his side.

The pressure in his chest and the feeling in his legs became too much. Stopping, Dean turned and regarded the forest behind him. The darkness seemed to envelope around him in a suffocating blanket, and the sounds of nightlife were all but gone. He could feel a single pair of eyes on him, but the feeling came from every direction at the same time. The hairs on his neck stood on end, and his muscles twitched as a sense came over him. He dropped his foot back into a fighting stance...

...and tripped on a root.

Dean found himself falling and tumbling down a hill. His world rolled and churned, and he began to feel sick. A rock smashed his elbow and the limb exploded in pain. His legs deflected off a tree, and the back of his head smashed into the dirt. Even with so many collisions, he continued to roll, and he seemed to be picking up speed.

Dean screamed then, and it suddenly felt as though the rolling was now him free falling. He squeezed his eyes shut, and the sounds of wind in his ears became sounds of yelling, screaming, and explosions.

Snapping his eyes open, he flinched as a bolt of Hard light deflected off his shoulder and smashed into the ground beside him. Instinctual training kicked in, and he let fly a burst of bullets within a nanosecond. The Orithian soldier was too slow, and its head exploded into a gory mess. Dean sprinted through the street and into the occupied building before kicking the door with all his might. The wooden contraption flew down a hallway and decapitated an Orith soldier lying in wait for the Human. His rifle barked and recoiled as he swept from room to room, mercilessly destroying the invaders with robotic precision.

In the last room, a clawed hand flashed out and grabbed the barrel of his gun before ripping it from his grip. Without a trace of emotion, Dean rolled into the sudden pull, and came up with his knife in one hand. The soldier had apparently not expected his movements, as it was still turning to face him.

Dean leapt forward and batted the alien's gun away from him, causing it to discharge harmlessly into the door frame. His knife flashed through the air with uncanny precision, and buried itself into the Orithian soldier's neck.

The alien gave a screech of pain before delivering a wild haymaker into Dean's face. The man's head hardly budged from the hit, and he let loose a snarl as he wound his arm back. With the force of a truck, backed by the exosuits power, Dean's fist smashed through the unarmoured section of the alien's stomach and out the back before being buried in the wall. The alien gave a final gurgle before slowly slouching forward; Dean removed his hand and retracted his knife during the movement.

The sounds of gunfire and the yells of his fellow soldiers caused Dean to snap his attention towards the streets once more, and he quickly retrieved his rifle. He took a single step forward, when a force slammed into his back and sent him flying. Dean's eyes instinctively shut as he winced, and upon opening them, he found himself lying in the house's backyard. He heard a scream, and quickly sprang to his feet. The sounds of fighting in the streets had stopped, and other than the scream, all was quiet. He tried to see into the kitchen he had been forcefully ejected from, but a heavy black mist shrouded the entryway. An uncanny feeling suddenly crept up Dean's spine, and a slight ringing developed in his ears.

Raising his rifle, Dean slowly shuffled forward. Sweat accumulated on his brow, and his eyes remained locked on the doorway. His hand squeezed the foregrip on his gun, and the device groaned in protest from the force. Dean didn't notice, and instead took another cautious step forward. His heartbeat was erratic, and with every second of silence, his breathing grew more labored.

Seeing something in the doorway move, he immediately pulled the trigger. He heard a thump, but that was it. For exactly two seconds, everything was silent. Dean had begun to lower his rifle, when a large being suddenly flew through the doorway and slammed into his chest.

With a cry of surprise, the man dropped his gun and tried to deflect the strange being with his arm, but the way it impacted him and seemed to wrap around his body brought him to the ground anyway.

Thinking an enemy had grabbed him, Dean bucked his pelvis upwards, causing the being to fly over his head and smash into the ground behind him. The soldier scrambled across the ground, and his hand rested on the grip of his rifle. He quickly snatched the weapon up and rose to a crouched position facing the attacker.

The thing didn't move, and all was silent. A breeze blew through the air, and a nearby tree rustled in the wind. Dean just stood there, staring at the being as a sense of familiarity washed over him. His senses screamed that he was missing something. He ignored the feeling, and decided not to take any risks.

Pulling the trigger, he shot the being in what appeared to be its leg. There was no movement or reaction, and the man slowly crept forward; his muscles tensed. His breathing quickened, and slowly but surely, details began to reveal themselves. Mauve leggings, a knee-length wool coat in a deep shade of charcoal, dark, shoulder length hair... and red blood.

Dean holstered the rifle and quickly fell to his knees before the body of his wife. Silent tears fell down his cheeks, and his mouth tried to form words. His hands shook as he flipped her body over, and her pale skin and soulless eyes stared up at him. His fingers brushed her cheek, like she was a clay pot and the slightest movement would cause her to break.

"Poetic, isn't it?"

The voice came from behind him, but Dean didn't turn. He knew who was there, and he trembled in fear. He could hear the slimy appendages snaking across the grass towards him, and he could feel its many eyes glaring into the back of his head.

"W-What do you want? Why are you doing this?" Dean's voice seemed to come in a hoarse whisper, and his eyes couldn't leave Marie. The monster laughed.

"My, to make you see, Human. You have been blinded, and I intend to open your eyes!"

Fear was replaced by anger, and the shaking in Dean's hands increased as rage built within him. He stood and turned to face the monster, but as soon as his anger had appeared, it suddenly abandoned him.

Twilight stood before him, her cheery smile seeming to mock him as she stared into his eyes. His hand slowly left the grip of his pistol, and he took a small step back. His heel hit the body of his wife.

"I can't have you leave, Dean! You mean too much to me!"

It was Twilight's voice, but at the same time, it wasn't. The sound was slightly distorted, as if she were talking from behind a wall of water. Dean shook his head.

"I-I can't stay. My family needs me... my people need me!" A slight breeze blew through, and Dean shivered. Even with his armor on, he felt cold. It circled his heart, his very soul, and seemed to squeeze inwards. His hand once more lowered to his gun.

"Dean, your wife and son are dead! You can't go back, not after you killed them." Twilight's words stung like a whip, and Dean visibly recoiled. Never would he have imagined hearing such things from his friend. He started to grow angry.

"I did no such thing! I sent them away to keep them safe, to protect them! How was I to know of the sudden Orith push, or that they had infiltrated the lines! It's not my fault!"

Dean's words seemed more desperate than anything. Before, he could even come to a conclusion to the turmoil of his thoughts, Twilight did it for him.

"Sounds like an excuse to me. You don't want to live with your failure. Your wife is dead, as is your son. I--"

"NO THEY AREN'T!!" Dean roared at the little Alicorn before him. He took a menacing step forward and jabbed his finger at Twilight; she didn't flinch. "And what about you?! You Alicorns are supposed to be powerful! Your country fell, and here I am trying to pick up the pieces! I could be back home, keeping my family safe! I could have helped end the war! Instead, I'm stuck because of you! FOR ALL I KNOW, I'M ALREADY DEAD!!"

Memories overtook him, and Dean collapsed onto his knees before burying his face in his hands. The lab had exploded, and he was in it. Maybe he died from blood loss, or was instantly vaporized in the ensuing explosion. Maybe the "portal" he had seen was merely his soul going to hell.

'This has to be my Hell.' Dean thought.

He heard Twilight walk past him, but didn't bother to look. He had lowered his hands, and was merely staring at the ground with a deadened expression. He heard a ripping sound.

"I will make you mine. You will love me, as I love you." What sounded like flesh tearing apart broke Dean from his stupor, and he turned to see what was happening. His eyes widened in horror.

Marie wasn't dead, and her pleading eyes looked up into his as she weakly held an arm towards him. Her arm fell when Twilight's horn lit, and her barely beating heart was ripped from her chest. The little pony then proceeded to throw the organ at him, and he caught it as it smacked against his chest. His vision began to double, and nausea threatened to overtake him.

"There, now you will only be able to love me! No more wife, only m--" Twilight's happy tone was brutally cut off when Dean fired the first bullet. It tore through her leg and exploded in the dirt. The second one came as fast as the first and shot straight through her chest. Twilight collapsed without a sound as her insides were eviscerated.

Dean kept pulling the trigger, but on the sixth shot, he stopped. Tears once again streaked down his face, and the man stared at the bloody pulp that used to be Twilight's corpse. His breathing came in a hacking gasp, and horror slowly started to dominate the many expressions going through his mind.

"T-Twilight?" Dean whispered, more to himself than anyone. Her mane fluttered in the breeze, the feathers of her bent and broken wings gently waved through the air. Her eyes stared at the ground, and blood pooled from her mouth. He took a step backwards.

"T-Twilight??"

Dean stared at the corpse for what seemed like hours, when in reality it was seconds. His eyes never drifted from the body, and everything around him came to a stop. No sound was uttered, no move was made.

A gurgle escaped his friend's throat, and the man flinched.

In less than a second, Dean brought his pistol to his own mouth, and pulled the trigger.

*****

"AAAAGHH!!"

Twilight woke with a start. Her eyes shot open, and her wings sprung wide in panic. She felt something slam into her chest, and a hacking wheeze escaped from her mouth. While the pain hadn't yet registered, her mind had. She groaned as a flurry of movement was caught in the corner of her eye.

Blinking rapidly, with tears of pain nearly blinding her, Twilight stared at the towering form of the Sergeant; more specifically, the pistol he was wielding as he wildly moved about the room. His breaths came in rapid gasps, and his frazzled hair paired with the cloud that seemed to cover his eyes.

Twilight shivered as the man bumped into a desk, and quickly blew it apart with a bullet. She hardly saw him move, and whimpered as he finally noticed her. The barrel of his pistol quickly locked onto her head.

"Don't move." Her friend growled, causing her ears to wilt back. Her breathing quickened as Twilight realized she was in actual danger. The Sergeant's entire body was tense, and his hands were locked on his gun. Fear raced through her heart, and her lip quivered.

"D-D-Dean, it's me... it's Twilight..." Her words came in a whisper, and she gently pushed herself up from the bed. This was a mistake, and a bullet passed to her left before an explosion of stone hit her in the side. Twilight gave a cry of surprise and pain as a jagged piece sliced across her left whither.

"I SAID DON'T MOVE!!" The Sergeant roared as he took a menacing step forward. Twilight began to cry, but her body remained locked up in terror. Her eyes desperately searched the Sergeant's, and tears poured down her face.

There was a creak, and the room suddenly spun in a flurry of movement. A dark shape rocketed from the door, and smashed into the Sergeants arm. His gun clattered to the ground, and Twilight gave a cry of fear and surprise as the chair beside her bed cracked and splintered apart. Her eyes never left the Sergeant however, and she watched as Midnight Flow tried to wrestle the Human to the ground.

Dean, in his crazed state, wasn't having any of it. His elbow came around and smashed into the Pegasus' forehead, knocking his helmet off and sending him staggering back. Midnight tried to flap his wings to get away, but wasn't quick enough as the Human's left hand launched forward and grabbed him by the throat. He smashed the Pegasus against the wall, causing the air to escape his lungs, and brought his right hand around to grasp the hilt of his knife.

Twilight, who had been shocked to silence, watched in fear as the room finally went quiet. She could hear Midnight's rasps as he tried to bring in air, and the Sergeant's labored breathing caused her to wince. She watched as the fog that had been in Dean's eyes slowly lifted, and the Human blinked as he took in his surroundings for the first time. His hand lowered, and his posture went ridgid.

"Midnight?"

Dean's eyes locked onto the pegasus in confusion, then shock, and upon looking around the room, at his gun, and Twilight's bleeding side... they turned to horror.

Dean dropped Midnight and scrambled backwards. He tripped over the broken chair, and landed on the ground with a thud. He began to hyperventilate, and he scrambled away from the two ponies whom he called friends. His eyes kept switching from the pistol, to Twilight and to Midnight, and he soon found his back against the wall of the room. Even then, he continued trying to push himself into the cold hard surface behind him.

Twilight, seeing the man she loved in distress, jumped down from the bed and sprinted towards him. She saw his eyes light up in fear, and as she came within a few feet, his arms raised to his face in a desperate form of protection. The action was unneeded, and Twilight slammed into his torso before quickly wrapping him in the strongest hug she could muster.

"G-Get away, I-I'm not s-safe!" Dean's words came in a rush as he attempted to push Twilight away from him. She didn't budge, and Dean grew more panicked. Another body suddenly wrapped around him, and Dean found Midnight tightly wrapped around his shoulders above Twilight.

The strength left the Sergeant, and he was left sitting with his arms slightly raised. Looking down, he desperately wanted to return the hug and scratch behind her ears. His eyes drifted to his left arm as it began to slowly lower.

Dean's arm snatched Twilight by the throat. There wasn't but a second before a loud and meaty crack echoed around the room. Twilight's dead eyes stared up into his as blood trickled from her mouth.

Dean abruptly stood, his head swirling. He felt the need to vomit and cry at the same time, but with tremendous will, he kept himself from falling apart. With shaky hands, he reached towards his tactical vest on the single chair in the room and removed the BAI Foam. He quickly placed it beside Twilight and Midnight, both of whom were staring up at him with fear and sadness.

Dean grimaced.

"A-Apply the BAI Foam to the wound." He muttered before hurrying towards the door. His vest, helmet, and pistol were left discarded on the chair and floor.

As Dean left, Twilight slowly turned and looked at Midnight. Tears appeared in her eyes, and she couldn't help but let out a sniffle. Suddenly, she was wrapped in a hug, but not from the pegasus to her left.

She heard Spitfire's scratchy voice trying to sooth her, and she instinctively leaned into her. Squeezing her eyes shut, Twilight shuttered as she was held. If she opened her eyes, then she would surely see Dean with his gun pointed at her, and she would truly see the terrified look in his eyes once more.

"It's okay Princess, you're going to be okay."

The words of Spitfire finally registered in Twilight's mind, and the crying began to putter out. She gave a few sniffles, before slowly pulling away from the Pegasus, unwrapping her forelegs from around her. She met the Captain's eyes and gave a brief smile before looking to the side.

"Thanks, Spitfire, I needed that." She gave a half-hearted chuckle, but it quickly died in her throat. She noticed that Midnight had left, and the sounds of voices and movement going on out in the barracks. She heard a few officers yelling, and after another moment, everything went silent once again. Twilight's ears wilted, and her tail swished in anxiety.

"W-Where did Midnight go?' She faced the Pegasus once more, who gave a shrug in response to her question.

"After Dean, I think. It's probably best that our Human friend has a fellow soldier to talk to. I had something similar happen to me once, and Midnight snapped me out of it pretty quick. If anyone can help the Sergeant, it's him." Spitfire then gestured towards the bed. "I think it's best you went back to sleep, your highness. The sun rises in about three hours, and we have much work to do when it does."

Twilight's eyes seemed to droop with Spitfire's words, and she gave a dull nod as she began to sit up. That is, until her shoulder made itself known.

Hissing in pain, Twilight looked down at the canister the Sergeant had left. Using her magic, she quickly uncapped the bottle and sprayed the strange substance on her cut. After seeing the Sergeant doing it, she had no problem applying the proper amount. There was a small stinging sensation, but she sighed in pleasure when the pain seemed to disappear. Placing the canister back down, Twilight hopped up into her bed and snuggled down.

"Spitfire?"

The Pegasus paused as she was about to slip out of the room. Her attention returned to Twilight.

"Is Dean going to be alright?" The question, while short, caused the Captain's ears to wilt and her eyes to meet the floor. Such a question was impossible to answer. The Human had been fighting for the last seven years in a brutal war, and he was thrust into theirs without so much as a breather. She knew a few soldiers who had snapped, and were currently in and around the hospital. If that could happen in two years, then what could happen to Dean, who had fought for seven? He carried so much responsibility, and it seemed to slowly be getting to him. She couldn't imagine what that man had to go through.

"I-I hope so Princess. I truly hope so."

Spitfire turned and left without another word, leaving Princess Twilight to an uneasy sleep.

*****

The moon sat low in the sky, out over the ocean. Its craters and rock beautifully outlined against the starry night sky. The storm had passed, and the waters below were calm. Nary a sound could be heard in the night air, no birds, beasts, or waves. Only a serene silence.

Dean sat beside the same tree he had found Twilight. His eyes stared out across the ocean, and into the moon, analyzing it, studying it. Never before had he seen such a beautiful sight, not anywhere on Earth at least. He was truly in a world full of fantasy and magic, one that he was tasked with saving. Even with all the beauty, darkness lurked in the deep. Monsters meddled in his mind, and his grip on sanity was quickly coming undone.

"I nearly shot her." He whispered to the night sky, his face falling into a frown. He remembered the look of terror in her eyes, and the anger he felt coursing through him. Dean brought his hands up and studied them. Worn and scarred, used to deal death and destruction to the enemies of Humanity. He was a merciless killer, and he had nearly caused irreversible damage when he brought that gun to his friends head. Seven years he fought, and it now felt as though his Humanity was coming undone. Nothing but a cold hearted killer, an animal, lay underneath his skin. Even if he did make it back home, would he even be accepted? Would his family still love him when they won the war, and he was able to see them again. Was--

A flash of pain erupted in Dean's head, and he groaned. He heard a sound, and his eyes rose to see his wife standing only a few feet away. Mouth falling open, the pain in Dean's head went ignored as his world seemed to freeze around him. All he could do was take in the beauty of his wife as her dress blew in a nonexistent breeze.

And then she spoke.

"I am gone Dean. You must let go."

Her voice was clear as day, but Dean could not form words. His mouth flapped as he tried in vain to respond, and his left hand slowly reached out towards her figure. Then it retracted.

"You can't be. Y-You're just that monster in my head, telling me lies. You and Jaxon are safe." He murmured. His voice cracked, and a single, muffled sob escaped him. It was more of a cough than anything, but the emotion showed in his eyes. A tear ran down his face, and he stared at her silhouette. A sad look came across Marie, and she slowly dissipated in the shallow breeze. There was a glitter, and then a ghost of a whisper, one he couldn't make out. Sitting back, Dean sighed. The sound of the ocean waves caused his eyes to droop, but he knew it wouldn't put him to sleep.

After what he had seen... he doubted he would be getting rest anytime soon.

The sound of hoofsteps sounded up the path to his left, but Dean didn't so much as move. He recognized the stealthy gate of Midnight, and he could only sigh as the pony got closer. He had nearly killed him as well, one of the few friends he had on this planet. While Dean felt a bond with the squad he had chosen, Midnight was different. He was curious about Humanity, in a good way, he was supportive, and an incredible fighter. He was someone Dean could trust, this much he knew. Dean knew he had failed in the task of not getting close to anyone on this planet, and he knew that he needed to do everything in his power to keep the ones he cared about safe. So many of his friends were killed, so many lives taken. He was powerless to stop it then, but here... here he had that power. 'He was more advanced, more skilled in combat. He could be the savior this world needed. He should leave the Resistance and take out the Emperor, alone. End the war, keep his friends safe. He would rule over them with an iron fist, and nothing could stand in their wa--'

"I hope you don't mind if I sit down?" Midnight whispered to his left.

Dean shook his head and idly waved his arm. The guttural voice that had appeared in his head had disappeared, and his thoughts drifted once more to the situation he had just caused. No doubt the entire barracks would be awake and alert.

Midnight settled down beside Dean, his large wings folding neatly against his body. The Pegasus's eyes reflected concern as he glanced at Dean, sensing the turmoil within him.

"Bad dream back there?" Midnight's voice was gentle, barely above a whisper, yet it carried a weight of understanding.

Dean let out a humorless chuckle, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "You could say that," he replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion and self-doubt. There was a brief moment of hesitation as Dean stared out into the night sky. "I nearly lost it back there. I could have... I could have killed her."

Midnight's expression softened, a glint of empathy shimmering in his eyes. "But you didn't," he said reassuringly. "You stopped yourself. That's what matters."

Dean nodded slowly, his thoughts swirling like the restless ocean far beneath them. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, Midnight," he confessed, his voice barely audible over the whisper of the night breeze. "I feel like I'm losing myself, piece by piece. For seven years I have fought, and for seven years I watched as my world burned. Now here I am, fighting another war against more genocidal maniacs. I-I'm just so tired.

The Pegasus reached out a comforting hoof, resting it lightly on Dean's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Dean," Midnight said, his voice firm with conviction. "We're all in this together. You've saved us countless times, and we're here to support you now. The Resistance trusts you, Twilight trusts you, and I trust you. What we need is for you to trust us... to help you.

Dean was silent, his hair blowing in the breeze. The serene backdrop of the stars and ocean lulled him to a sense of calm, and the man gave a sigh. His shoulders slumped, and he leaned back against the tree.

Dean looked up at Midnight, gratitude mingling with the weariness etched into his features. "Thanks, Midnight," he murmured, the weight on his shoulders feeling slightly lighter with the Pegasus's reassurance. However, not all was right, and Dean knew it. The resistance trusted him, along with his friends, but he didn't trust himself. He needed to finish the mission before he could be fully compromised. There has been enough death already, and the plan he had formulated would result in even more. If Dean was being honest, he didn't know what to do.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the rhythmic lullaby of the waves against the cliff face. Dean found solace in the presence of his friend, a slight beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to consume him. He continued to stare up into the sky, and his lips pursed as he tried to make out any familiar constellations. Finally, he turned to Midnight.

"You should head back to the barracks and get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow." Dean heard Midnight sigh and saw him shake his head.

"No can do, Sergeant. I am not leaving you alone tonight." Midnight's voice was firm but quiet, and Dean felt a smile tugging at his lips. He quickly forced himself to frown. He would not have his friend suffer what he was going through.

"That's an order, Midnight. I will make you run laps 'till you drop tomorrow if you don't obey my order." Dean stated.

Dean was expecting a reaction, obviously, but he was surprised when Midnight's brow scrunched and his tongue stuck out with a 'meh' sound. Dean's frown deepened as he fully turned his head.

"I outrank you, Dean. You aren't getting rid of me."

He blinked, momentarily stunned. The absurdity of it—the Pegasus defying orders—was both infuriating and endearing. After a moment's pause, he sighed, conceding defeat. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But if you fall asleep, I’m carrying you back to the barracks.”

Midnight snorted, wings ruffling. “Deal.”

And so they sat, two unlikely companions under the star-studded canopy. Dean’s doubts remained, but in Midnight’s unwavering loyalty, he found a glimmer of hope. Tomorrow would come, with its questions and uncertainties. But for now, they rested—a soldier and his winged confidant, bound by more than duty.

The waves continued their lullaby, and Dean closed his eyes, resting. The stars watched over them, silent witnesses to a friendship forged through duty and understanding.

*****

"Next!"

Dean watched as the next contender stepped into the circle, facing him. It was a light-yellow pegasus stallion wearing haphazard armor and carrying a blunted spear and wooden sword. Dean carried the same weapons.

For the last two hours, the Sergeant had been selecting random ponies from their training and having them contend against him. It was a test to see their hoof to hand skills against a bipedal enemy, moreso the Elves. While this was going on, the others were busy training. Dozens of practice dummies stood sentry, their hay torso's being shredded by spears, swords, and crossbow bolts. Various pony squads practiced a bounding overwatch tactic as they approached a target house before initiating a sweep of the building. They used little wooden blocks to mimic grenades and flashbangs.

Many civilians, mostly mares and foals, watched from the ramparts or from various spots around the fort.

Dean adjusted his stance as the pony overseeing the bout lowered his hoof. He wasn't wearing any armor, other than his vest, but even then he was a terrifying sight. He saw the stallion before him visibly gulp before he took off like a rocket. Cool as a cucumber, Dean sidestepped to the left, watching as the stallion flew past him, his spear missing by mere inches. Dean smirked before quickly raising his sword and smacking the stallion in the chest.

"Point for the Sergeant."

Dean didn't say anything as the stallion stood up and shook his head. His eyes narrowed as he gazed at Dean, and he snorted before pawing at the ground. He dropped the spear, and in exchange, grabbed the wooden sword in his mouth. Dean raised an eyebrow.

"We don't have all day, soldier, quite lollygagging." Dean snapped.

The pony charged forward, but instead of instantly going in for the kill, he feinted to the left. Dean, seeing the move coming from a mile away, easily jumped right and brought his sword down. However, instead of an easy point, the stallion rolled to the side while his own sword smacked Dean's away from hitting true.

Dean smiled as the stallion rose and squared off against him once more. He watched as the stallion shuffled closer. Now was the time to strike.

Moving quickly, Dean stepped right and brought his sword in a wide arc. The guard's eyes widened as the wooden baton swished through the air, and quickly ducked under the swing. However, he did not account for Dean being so close. The human kicked the guard's front legs out from under him, and reversed his grip on his sword before bringing it down to rest on the guard's neck. The stallion groaned.

"Good try, trooper, report to your station and continue your practice." Dean stood and pointed his sword at the ground. As the stallion stood and cantered to his training area, Dean caught a glimpse of purple in the small crowd of ponies, and his face lit up in a smirk as Twilight and Spike both approached him. The guards and a few civilian's bowed as she approached, but she waved them up with a roll of her eyes. Dean himself was fixated on her mane, which was ironically tied back into a ponytail. Her face lit up as she trotted over to Dean and nuzzled his leg. He chuckled as he placed a hand on her head, rubbing it affectionately.

"How ya' doin' Twiggles? I was just getting ready to finish up here." Dean smirked as Twilight pouted. The guards nearby wisely didn't make a noise, though a few did smirk at the indignant scoff she gave me.

"I'm doing fine, monkey. I thought I'd bring Spike and we'd come and say hello. Afterwards, I was going to oversee the Aether Veil generators with General Blight while you did your... preparations." Her ears folded back, and a heavy cloud seemed to fall across the training yard. The guards slowed down in their training, and Dean felt a shiver run up his spine. It was four days until the invasion, and everyone was trying to get into a proper mindset. Later today, he was scheduled to meet with the officers and council-members to determine how the attack would take place. Currently, Dean's personal squad was running a recon mission without him. They were to find troop movements and determine a path the Resistance could use in order to reach Canterlot undetected. Another group had been sent out to do the same, but were instead a decoy. They were to cause havoc on some supply trains returning to Equestria, and were to make it look like an attack would come to the city of Vanhoover. Dean had scoffed when General Blight had told him the name; this world was truly just a bunch of puns about equines.

Returning his focus to Twilight, an idea struck him as a smirk grew on his face. She was currently going on about the intricacies of needing to fuel a specific gem to attach it to certain ley lines in order to create the designated invisibility field. Essentially, calculating the surface area of what the dome needs to reach.

"Twi, how about you and I spar." Dean spoke with confidence, and his smirk grew when Twilight looked at him with confusion. He nodded to Spike, who walked off the small arena and towards Lucy, who was watching from the sidelines.

"Spar? Like a practice fight? I-I dunno if..." One of her ears flopped down as her head tilted to the side. A look of contemplation overcame her, and whispers could be heard amongst the guard who had heard Dean's words. He nodded his head.

"Sure. You need the practice, and I hear Alicorns are pretty powerful with magic. I need to practice against the arcane myself." Dean took a few steps back before hoisting the wooden sword in his grip. He gave it a few flashy twirls before pointing it directly at the Princess. The guards had stopped their training in order to watch the duel, many whispering about who would win. While they knew Twilight wasn't known for her fighting, she was still an Alicorn: one of the most powerful beings on the planet. Dean on the other hand was a trained soldier, but seemed to lack magic. Many whispered bets to each other as they gathered around the circle.

Twilight for her part was looking at the sudden crowd anxiously, but said anxiety disappeared quickly when she realized what Dean was up to. Walking through the training grounds, she had felt dread and anticipation in the air. The invasion was like an anvil hanging over their heads, ready to fall at a moment's notice. The people of Maritime Bay needed a pick-me-up, and what better way to do it, than to have the two most powerful beings in the area spar in a friendly duel. Watching their Princess fight just might give them the motivation and commitment to keep going.

Snorting at the challenge, Twilight's horn glowed as she levitated a wooden sword from outside the ring. While she was never the most athletic, she had read many books on how to fight. Coupling her near photographic memory with the two years of constant running and fighting, she could hold her own well enough.

Fighting Dean was a different matter altogether. She was facing someone very strong head on. There would be no running, just pure skill. If she wanted to win, she would need to play dirty. And by dirty, that meant using her magic to the fullest extent.

"Alright, challenge accepted, Sergeant Forrester." Twilight stood a little straighter, and her nose slightly tilted into the air. Her posh look got an eye roll from Dean, but he still took up a fighting stance. A corporal officiating the ring stepped forward.

"First to two hits wins. No killing or maiming. Magic is allowed. Hits are counted with either a weapon, or offensive magical spells. Disabling the opponent counts as a hit. "

Dean and Twilight nodded, and the pony stepped out of the ring. There was a moment's hesitation before the officiator signaled a unicorn mare. She nodded, her horn lit, and a small shield began to erect around the small gravel arena. Dean raised an eyebrow, but figured since Twilight was using her magic, safety measures were needed.

He was proven right, for as the guard signaled the start, a beam of purple energy came whizzing towards his torso. Dean's eyes widened before he dove to the side, tucking into a role. His movements were a blur as he flipped up from his downed position and aimed a retaliatory strike to Twilight's side. However, he gave a grunt of surprise when he heard a pop and his sword met nothing but air.

Dean backflipped, barely missing yet another beam of energy. Twisting mid-air, he landed behind Twilight in a kneel, causing her to jump and whirl around. Her sword, wreathed in an ethereal glow, sliced towards his neck, but he quickly raised his own weapon to stop the blow. There was a sharp 'thwack', and Dean quickly wrapped his hand around the hilt of Twilight's sword. She gave a yelp in surprise as the weapon was yanked forcefully from her grasp, but her eyes narrowed when Dean twisted to bring an elbow against her side. Thinking quickly, Twilight rolled between Dean's legs before he could react and blasted him in the back with a minor concussion spell. The Human flew forward before comically face-planting into the ground.

Smirking, Twilight closed her eyes when the guards around her cheered for their Princess. She heard Dean give a huff and bothered to glance at him as he stood. With the angle he was standing at, his imposing height cast a shadow over her entire form. She could hardly see his face, but when he opened his mouth into a sinister smile, her ears drooped and her pupils became mere pinpricks. She gave a fearful chuckle as Dean cracked his neck and twirled the sword once more. She hadn't even noticed he had never let go during his fall.

"Nice job, but that was just a warm-up." Dean tossed her sword towards her, which she managed to catch in her magic. Sweat was dripping down her forehead, and her legs ached as she forced herself into a combat ready stance, her wings slightly spread in order to appear bigger. Giving a gulp, Twilight tried to sound challenging. She was lucky on the first hit, and it seemed now she was in for a world of hurt.

"Bring it, two-legs." She saw the officiary nod his head, but Dean didn't move. She snarked and shook her head. "Getting slow in your old age, ser--" Twilight gave a yelp of surprise when the Sergeant suddenly disappeared from view; nothing but a blur of black and gray before her. Something in her head caused alarms to blare, and she tried to jump forward. She felt the wooden sword barely clip her mane, and she grimaced as she hit the ground. Hard.

There was a whoosh, then another blur of motion, and Twilight felt something solid pressed against her neck. Her ears drooped when she realized it was Dean's sword.

"I'll have you know, Twiggles, that I am the ripe age of forty years old," Dean leaned down and whispered in her ear with a sultry tone, "which means I have lots of experience."

As he backed away, Twilight felt a blush explode across her face.

'Oh, it. Is. ON!'

Twilight quickly stood, her cheeks puffed in mock anger as she glared at the Sergeant. His easy-going smile, and mischievous eyes caused her heart to flutter. His heavily muscled body caused heat to rise in places best left unsaid. Stubble traced his jaw, and butterflies entered her stomach. Instead of swooning over the man, Twilight snorted and used her emotions as a bludgeon. He wanted to be like that? Fine, she could play too.

With a determined glint in her eye, Twilight squared her shoulders and focused her magic, channeling it into her horn. A soft glow enveloped her as she prepared for the next round of their spar. Dean watched her with a mixture of amusement and admiration, impressed by her determination to match his skill. The officiary nodded, and the final match began.

As Twilight's horn shimmered with magical energy, Dean readied himself for her next move. He knew she wouldn't hold back, and he welcomed the challenge. With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his wooden sword slicing through the air as he aimed for Twilight's side.

But Twilight was ready. With a flick of her horn, she conjured a barrier of magical energy, deflecting Dean's attack with ease. Surprised by her quick reaction, Dean stumbled backward, momentarily off balance.

Twilight seized the opportunity, swiftly closing the distance between them. With a graceful movement and incredible speed, she spun on her hooves, delivering a powerful kick to Dean's side. The force of the blow sent him staggering, his breath catching in his throat.

Regaining his footing, Dean grinned, impressed by Twilight's skill and determination. He knew she was a formidable opponent, and he relished the challenge of facing her in combat. He decided then to see just what she could do with what little training she had.

With renewed focus, Dean launched himself back into the fray, his wooden sword flashing as he parried Twilight's strikes. The two of them danced around the arena, their movements fluid and precise as they traded blows. Dean gradually increased the strength and speed behind his strikes as time went on, but Twilight showed no signs of stopping.

As the spar continued, the tension between them grew, each of them pushing themselves to their limits in an effort to emerge victorious. But despite their fierce competition, there was a sense of camaraderie forming between them, a mutual respect born from their shared determination and strength.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of intense combat, the two of them came to a standstill, Twilight's chests heaving with exertion as Dean stood up straight. They stood facing each other, sweat glistening on their brows, a shared sense of accomplishment in their eyes.

With a grin, Dean extended a fist towards Twilight. Twilight smiled back, bumping his hand against her hoof. There were cheers and a few catcalls, but the two paid the outside noise no attention, for they were staring into each other's eyes.

"Great spar, Twiggles," Dean finally said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You're a formidable fighter."

Twilight chuckled, a warm glow of satisfaction filling her chest. "You're not so bad yourself, Sergeant Forrester," she replied, her tone teasing yet sincere. Her voice lowered to a whisper, "Though you should see what I'm really good at." She gave a wink, and with a sway in her hips, she walked past Dean. A blush forced its way onto his cheeks, but he quickly shook it away. She was just being a tease, that was all.

As they turned to leave the training grounds, Dean looked down at Twilight with a frown. The spectators had moved back to their training, their moods greatly improved, but Dean's was not. Something was causing him confusion, and that is when a smooth, slimy voice wormed its way into his head.

"I will make you mine. You will love me, as I love you."

There was a flash, and Dean saw Twilight staring up at him, Marie's heart suspended in her magic. Her body lay a few feet away, her eyes dead to the world as blood seeped from her chest.

Another flash, and Dean tripped. He heard a yelp, and quickly placed his hands on the ground in order to keep from crushing whoever was underneath him. Looking down, he realized it was Twilight who he was hovering over top of. He saw her, covered in his wife's blood, and smiling her crooked smile at him.

Dean gave a sharp breath as he scrambled off of the Princess, the words ricocheting through his skull like a pinball. Why couldn't he stop seeing her like this? Why was his dream manifesting before his eyes? Was it even a dream??

"Dean? What happened, are you okay??" Dean shook his head and found Twilight was standing over top of him. They were on the pathway to the heart of town, and the sun seemed to pierce his eyes as he tried to find orientation. Something dribbled on his cheek, and he quickly brought a hand to his face. Once he got a good look at the substance before his eyes, he began to hyperventilate.

"It's okay Dean, stay calm. You just.... you're going to be okay!" Her words were not reassuring, and Dean quickly scrambled to his feet. Twilight gave a yelp as she was pushed off, but he hardly heard it. The only thing prevalent in his ears was a dull ringing, and he squeezed his eyes shut as the world seemed to swirl around him. A dark chuckle not his own resonated in his skull, and Dean grimaced as the world started to quiet down around him.

Looking down at Twilight, he scowled at the concerned stare she was giving him. Her eyes begged for an answer, but he had none to give. This was his burden to bear; there was nothing she could do.

"I'm fine, Twi. The stress from all this is getting to me, that's all." He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but she didn't buy it, and instead frowned.

"You know you can tell me what's happening to you, right? I trust you, don't you trust me?" Her ears flopped down.

'Whoa boy, way to lay it on thick.' He thought to himself as he frowned.

"I do trust you Twilight, but I'm telling you, I'm fine." Dean's tone held a sense of finality. There was no more room for argument, and Twilight quickly realized this. She gave a sigh and shook her head. It was obvious he was dealing with a lot of trauma, last night being a prime example.

"I need to go find Iron mallet and see how the new alloy is coming along. I'll probably see you tonight Twi." He turned and began trudging down the road, his hand absently trying to rub the blood from his face.

As Dean walked away, Twilight sighed and stared at the man'a back. A cool breeze washed over mane, and she shivered in the winter air. The sky was still its typical gray, and she felt a sense of doubt in her stomach.

"Why won't you let me help you Dean?" She asked to herself quietly, before walking towards town hall. She could not miss the meeting with General Blight, but as she walked, her mind focused on only one thing.

Her love for Sergeant Dean Forrester.

*****

Midnight grunted as he shuffled into position. A pair of binoculars was dangling from his neck as he quietly shuffled through the foliage of the Everfree forests border. To his left was the town of Ponyville, and to his right where the camp he and his squadmates had set up. Midnight was currently wearing a ghillie suit, courtesy of Dean, and was trying to get into a position to view the path leading from Ponyville to Canterlot.

The thing is, Ponyville had undergone some... renovations over the last two years. Two large factories belching smoke into the air sat towards an old apple orchard. Strange carriages puttered along stone roads, and Elves moved about to and fro. A large building resembling a warehouse sat on the other side of town, and the words "Slave Market" were highlighted clear as day. Anger coursed through Midnight, but he held fast in his position as he slunk ever closer to his target. A small pathway into the forest gave him a direct line of sight into and beyond the town.

Currently, from what Midnight could observe, the military presence in Ponyville wasn't very large. On the way to the town, his group had noticed an influx in traffic taking route to Canterlot castle. Many seemed like nobles or high ranking officials traveling to the city, likely to be there for the ritual in a week and a half's time. Not many among the caravan seemed like soldiers, other than the personal guards of course.

If the attack near Vanhoover went well, then the defenses in the city would be lowered even more.

Finally in position, Midnight pulled a notepad and pencil from his vest and got set up. Each of his squadmates were set up in strategic positions in order to plot a route into the capital. For one hour, starting in two minutes, they would take notes and come up with ideas on how the mission should be executed. Midnight was beside ponyville looking towards Canterlot, Swift Spear was providing overwatch from a large tree near the forest border, Spitfire was along the path to Canterlot where she could get a good view of the gates, Steel and Cobalt were Opposite Midnight, and Stormfly was inside a cloud peering down.

Looking at the watch in his pocket, Midnight began to observe.

As Midnight meticulously recorded his observations, a rustling in the bushes nearby caught his attention. He tensed, ready to react to any potential threat, but relaxed when he saw the familiar figure emerge from the foliage.

It was Swift Spear, his fellow squad member assigned to provide overwatch. He approached silently, his movements graceful and deliberate, a testament to his training.

"Anything interesting?" Midnight whispered, keeping his voice low to avoid drawing attention.

Swift Spear nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon before settling on Midnight. "Not much activity on the path to Canterlot. It seems relatively quiet for now, but I'll keep watch."

Midnight nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for his companion's vigilance. They couldn't afford to let their guard down, not with the impending mission looming over them. Swift Spear quickly returned to the foliage and disappeared with nary a sound.

As they continued their surveillance, Midnight couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the back of his mind. The sight of Ponyville transformed into a hub of Elven activity was a stark reminder of the world they now lived in, a world where their very existence was threatened by forces beyond their control.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remained constant: their determination to fight for freedom and justice, no matter the cost.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Midnight focused on his task, knowing that every piece of information gathered brought them one step closer to their goal.

The day stretched on, the sun casting its golden glow over the forest, as Midnight and Swift Spear remained vigilant, their eyes peeled for any sign of danger or opportunity.

"Blasted thorns! Give me one more reason to come back here with a squad of flamers you fuckin' forest!"

Midnight froze, his blood running cold. His heartbeat drummed in his ear as it fought to leap from his chest. He lay stock still as the voices of what sounded like a group of Elves grew louder to his left.

Thinking quickly, Midnight slowly reached up and turned off his radio, and not a moment too soon. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw three Elven soldiers bodying their way through the dense foliage. The lead Elf, a Lieutenant by the insignia on his shoulder pauldrons, cut through another bush with his sword.

"Astofar, if you don't shut up, I'll put you on tower duty." The Lieutenant snarled at his compatriot, who shrunk back. "It's bad enough the Captain wants us doing these patrols in the forest. It's even worse with you nagging at my ears like some pony whore!" The group broke free of the foliage, passing within a single meter of Midnight's position. The pony in question was holding his breath as he squinted and watched the Elves interact. If so much as twitched, they would hear or see him.

Thankfully this did not happen. Instead, the small group stopped outside the forest and stood for a moment, catching their breath.

"What's this for anyway? It's not like there are Resistance spies this close to New Azora!" The third Elf spoke up. Midnight briefly wondered what they meant by 'New Azora' but stored the information away for later. Right now, he needed to listen.

"There may just be, Corporal. The Emperor has ordered three battalions back from Griffinstone in order to reinforce the surrounding towns. He thinks an attack will come, but he doesn't know when or where. I heard the Captain talking to a General over the magi-comm, and apparently they suspect Vanhoover to be hit.

One of the Elves took a sip from his canteen as he looked at the sunset cresting behind Canterhorn mountain.

"Y'know, I can understand the Emperor's concern," the third Elf continued, wiping his brow. "But it's not like the Resistance has the manpower or the guts to launch a full-scale assault on anything. We've practically won the war."

"As soon as the Emperor gets his hand on the last Princess." The others nodded at the sudden comment from the corporal.

The Lieutenant chuckled darkly. "Even so, don't underestimate them, Corporal. They may be ragtag rebels, but they've been causing us enough trouble to warrant the Emperor's attention. Besides, with the support of the Demon, who knows what they're capable of."

Midnight's mind raced as he listened to their conversation. The mention of reinforcements being called back from Griffinstone and the possibility of an attack on Vanhoover sent a chill down his spine. It seemed like the Resistance's actions were having a bigger impact than they had anticipated.

As the Elves continued their discussion, Midnight made a mental note of everything he had heard. This information could be crucial for planning their next move. He remained hidden in the foliage, waiting for the Elves to move on before he would relay the intel to the rest of his squad.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest, the Elven patrol finally moved on, disappearing into the dense foliage. Midnight remained in his positions, knowing that their work was far from over. The information they had gathered would be crucial in the days to come, as the Resistance prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

After another thirty minutes of waiting, Midnight silently moved back to camp. They needed to return to Maritime Bay within the next three hours, for the information they had garnered would be crucial in the days to come.

A steely look came over Midnight. In four days, the Elven menace would finally come to an end.

In four Days, they would take back their world.