> Hell's Angel
>  by Resurgent Wanderer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Riggs, take point, Holley and Greendale, left flank! Jenkins, suppressive SAW fire on that turret. We need to hold this fucking line! Manket, watch the right! Shit, Holley, right flank! Corps. man check on Manket!” Ramirez screamed.

His squad was taking a beating, but they were the best there was. 

“Sir, I’m good, just nicked me!” Manket called back as he lifted himself from the ground. 

Just as the squad was about to be overwhelmed a metal pod slammed into the ground before them and the front hatch exploded off, taking out three hostiles in the process. Out from the pod stepped a hulking figure in silvery grey metal armour.

“ODST Raetz at your service, marines!”

The soldiers all stared in awe for a moment before the retorts of the ODST’s Designated Marksman’s Rifle echoed in their ears. Like a switch was flipped on, the battle continued.



~~~~~~~




She watched the battle taking place cooly. She knew it was but a matter of time before it reached her as well. Eyes staring out like a hawk, she noted about four soldiers making their way towards her, one carrying a fifth. Slipping her arm through the jacket sleeves, affixing her choker and downing a Vicodin she readied herself for trouble.



~~~~~~~




Raetz was coming up in the rear ensuring everyone else made it inside before firing off five more rounds, smiling grimly as they slammed home into a Kig-Yar. Ducking in through the door, Holley and Riggs pushed a large desk in front of it while the Corps.man was working frantically over Ramirez.

“Corps.man, report!” Raetz barked as he lent his own strength into barricading the door.

The Corps.man just shook his head.
“Nothing I can do. He’s gone...”

Raetz nodded and was about to give more orders when the barricaded door exploded just as Riggs and Holley both finished placing a chair in front of it.

The former was incinerated, the latter splattered on the far wall.

Vision spinning Raetz was just beginning to lift himself up off the ground as three Kig-Yar and two Sangheli Covenant ‘Purists’ came in. The ODST could do nothing as the Corps.man was executed before him, nor could he do a thing as one of the Sangheli lifted him up by his helmet.

“Your head will look well mounted on my wall.”

“Go fuck yourself split lips!” Raetz growled back as the elite’s energy sword flickered to life.

Just as the Sangheli was about to impale the ODST the side of his head exploded outwards in a shower of gore and brain.

“Sorry colts, but I can’t let you do that...”

The whole group, Raetz included, turned towards the voice. ODST’s see some crazy shit, but for Raetz this took the cake.

In a matter of seconds Raetz’s saviour lunged forward and spun twin kicks into the closest Kig-Yar, the bracers on the beings ankle flaring to life as energy daggers sizzled deep in the aliens flesh. As it landed, the new combatant pulled a Type-52 ‘Mauler’ pistol from its back and fired a single round into the second Sangheli’s face, killing it instantly.

The final combatant, a Kig-Yar, leapt forward and knocked the Mauler from the grasp of Raet’s rescuer. As for the rescuer, they had pulled a knife the second the Kig-Yar made contact with the Type-52.

“That’s cute...you and me then.”

The Kig-Yar blinked twice before locking its gaze onto the knife its enemy held.

“Got this by beating the thing to death...think you’ll fare any better?”

In response the Kig-Yar turned to bolt out the room, but died near immediately when the curved and serrated blade of a Jiralhanae knife slammed home into its back. Raetz just stared as his rescuer lifted up the Marauder and replaced it on her back before wrenching the knife out of the Kig-Yar. It then lifted a Type-51 ‘Covenant’ Carbine and tossed it to him.

“They’ll have reinforcements soon, you should get....well fuck.”

Raetz had raised the rifle and pointed straight at the alien.
“What are you!”

The ‘alien’ glared back, one eye purple, the other red with a vertical scar over it.
“Pegasus. Filly. Not somepony to point a rifle at...” the being warned. “The covenant called me the ‘Feather Demon’ while they fought the resistance here. The resistance called me ‘Hell’s Angel’, my name though, is S-”

*This is an emergency transmission to all UNSC forces. The Covenant are going to glass the planet, you have 15 to make it back to your nearest F.O.B.*

“Shit, listen, your name doesn’t matter right now. You aren’t a threat, am I right?” Raetz barked.

“Ha! Not to you at least!”

Behind his helmet Raetz rolled his eyes and nodded to the door.
“We need to find a ride.”

The pegasus nodded and bolted out the door as Raetz watched. He noted that it seemed to be able to transition easily between bipedal and quadrupedal states, and it was only then he realized it had somehow gripped its weapons in its hooves. Shrugging, the ODST followed it out as he began to try to hail the F.O.B.



~~~~~~~




Raetz had just finished his call to the F.O.B explaining his situation when he heard and engine rev, and the ‘pegasus’ call out.

“Oh hell to the fuck yes!”

Stepping out, the ODST found that the 4’6”-ish(standing bipedally) being had found a Type-25 ‘Chopper’ Rapid Assault Vehicle and was revving the engine with a near manic gleam in her eyes.

“This our ride, ‘Hell’s Angel’?” Raetz asked.

“Yeah, but you’re holding onto the back for three reason. Mag-locks on your boots, better gripping strength, and because this beats the fuck out of my old scooter any day!” the filly laughed. “And the name is Scootaloo! Now grab on, ‘cause I don’t need my ass glassed!”

Raetz nodded, telling Scootaloo the direction she needed to go before latching onto the back of the craft.



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo, regardless of how hardened she’d become, still let out a startled yelp as a purple fluorescent needle slammed into the console next to her face. Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, she found Raetz firing his carbine back at the Kig-Yar fleeing the planet in their Wraith.

The Wraith was suddenly enveloped in flames as twin Pelicans tore into it, having homed in on Raetz’s emergency beacon. One of the Pelican’s dropped its rear hatch and lowered itself alongside the Chopper.

“On three, jump!” Raetz’s muffled voice called.

The pegasus nodded and jumped on three, landing deftly on the edge of the platform due to her wings. Looking back time seemed to slow as Raetz missed horribly and began to fall as the Pelican rose. On instinct the filly shot forward, wrapping one hoof around the ODST’s arm and another gripping the edge of the hatch. Even with flapping her wings frantically the filly swore the weight was going to tear her in half.

Just as she began to slip, three arms shot passed her and grabbed Raetz whilst another set of hands hauled her up from the edge.

Catching her breath, the filly looked over to see another Corps.man kneeling over Raetz, pulling a needle from the side of his neck. With a shake of his head the Corps.man pulled out a body bag and readied it. Before Scootaloo could say or do anything, she heard the sound of a gun being cocked behind her. Turning, she found herself staring into the reflective visors of four soldiers.
“Oh, so we’re back to aiming guns at my head....well fuck you too then.”

If the soldiers were shocked they didn’t show it. One of them relayed the situation over their comms. device then walked to a panel only to pull out cuffs. Scootaloo eyed them angrily before she started feeling smart.

“Quadruped. How do you expect me to walk? And before you say it, you are so not carrying me around.”

This gave the soldier pause.
“Sergeant...what do we do?”

“Keep it under guard. Not much else I can think of. Up top says they want to talk to it, but other than that we treat the thing.”

*Tink tink tink*

The sergeant felt three light impacts on his helmet and when he turned the orange furred face of Scootaloo floated in front of him.

“Name, species, gender, age. Just like you. Scootaloo, pegasus pony, mare, fifteen. Your turn.” she finished, executing a quick backflip before seating herself. “Go on, I introduced myself.”

When the marines refused to answer Scootaloo just harrumphed and took a seat, waiting for them to reach their destination.



~~~~~~~




After landing in the docking bay Scootaloo was escorted out of the Pelican and into the halls. The filly had shifted her hair over her red eye to make for a better first impression as well, but judging from the odd looks she was already going to have her work cut out for her.

“What the hell...”

“We gettin’ pack mules now, ha!”

“Fuck is that?”

“Oh look, that for dinner?”

On the final remark Scootaloo snapped. The first family to take her in after she’d arrived on that planet had been eaten by Jirahalnae. She responded the only way she knew how. Arching her wings out, the filly shot forward with a mighty flap and slammed the marine into the deck. Both eyes now obvious for all to see, she drew her knife and slammed it into the ground next to the marine’s head.
“Bitch I eat people!”

Everyone froze up waiting to see what would happen next.

“Wow, yer daft as y’are ugly Ferrel. We get ourselves a new alien race, an’ ye think it’s a grand idea tae piss it off? Good on ye. Anyway, miss, if ye’ll come with me please.” an accented voice called out.

The four marines that had been escorting Scootaloo made to object, but the larger man silenced them with a glare.

“It needs to be taken to the commander Spartan Grant.”

“Ah know.”

Scootaloo wrenched her knife free and replaced it in its sheath before turning to see one of the largest humans she’d ever seen. He towered easily over the other soldiers and wore a black skin tight suit on his upper body and black pants on his lower body. Along with that was shaved reddish hair and tattoos all over his face. 

Regardless of appearance the man gave Scootaloo a soft disarming smile while gesturing for her to follow him.
“We’ll even take a swing down tae the mess hall before we go, on the off chance yer hungry.”

This was enough to get the filly behind the large man, and the man was enough to get everyone to shut up and wander off to their own devices.



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo sat down just as the spartan slid a tray of preserved applepaste over to her. The pegasus gave it a sniff, a look of disgust, then a tentative lick before shuddering with disgust.

“Sorry lass, but we don’ have the capability tae make our own food out here. Instea’ we get this shite. Textures awful, but the taste isnae to bad. Anyway, Ah’ve got some questions for ye before we get back tae headin’ tae see the commander.”

Scootaloo just shrugged.
“I have questions too.”

“Ah asked firs’”

“I don’t care.”

“Ah’m bigger’n you are.”

“I have a knife.” Scootaloo deadpanned, driving the blade into the table top.

“Ah have a fist.” the spartan shot back slamming his fist down and denting the table.

Scootaloo froze for a moment until she saw the soldier get a winning gleam in his eye. So she drew her trump card.
“Well I’m a filly, and it’s impolite to make a filly go second.”

A flash of annoyance shot across the spartans face before he busted out laughing.
“Alrigh’, ye got me there. ‘Ow’s this, we’ll take turns passin’ off questions. You go, then Ah’ll go.”

Scootaloo nodded her assent before asking her question.
“Who and what are you?”

“Faolan Grant, Spartan-IV, active soldier in the UNSC. There’s yer who an’ yer what. Your turn lass.”

“Scootaloo Dashia, adopted daughter of Rainbow Dashia, but she prefers Dash. I’m a pegasus pony.” Scootaloo smiled proudly. “Okay, so why are you so much bigger than all the other soldiers?”

“Spartan-IV programme. Allowed legal adults to take part. Mah elder sister an’ Ah both joined up, but Ah’m the one takin’ the hard jobs far as Ah know. Last Ah heard she and ‘er fireteam got some cushy job protectin’ a fancy ship.”

Scootaloo’s eyes lit up for a moment.
“A ship?! Like one of the huge space ones! That’s awesome!”

Faolan laughed slightly at the filly’s enthusiasm.
“Alrigh’ Ah’m sure t’is. Okay, how old are you?”

“I’m sixteen now...I’ll be seventeen in...uh..I think a month or so.”

The spartan nearly choked on his food. It was easier to believe that the filly before him was more akin to being in her twenties. She had the scar over her eye, and said eye was red as opposed to the purple he was sure was the natural colour. Coupling that with what he’d heard of the studies done from ODST Raetz’s helmet cam the filly had acted much more like a hardened warrior. Now here she was bouncing around like a schoolgirl on a fieldtrip. 

“How old are you?”

“Nineteen. I was legally an adult where I came from at seventeen, so I joined up like my older sister. Got assigned to fireteam Raven on this ship. Birthday was three months back.”

Scootaloo was just about to ask one more question when a random soldier came running up to Faolan.

“Spartan Grant, a direct line to the commander!”

The spartan took the earpiece and nodded in accordance to what he was hearing. As he listened his face grew into a scowl. As soon as the communication frequency ended the spartan stood and tossed the earpiece back to the soldier.

“We’re leaving Scootaloo.”

When the filly blinked at him, Faolan clarified.

“The commander just got word that we have ONI spooks inbound after hearing of a new alien lifeform. The thing is, ONI didn’t send an investigation team, they sent a dissection team. Like I said, we’re leaving.”



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo watched in semi amazement as Faolan had his armour attached to him. When the final piece, a helmet, was put on a techie looking man stepped forward and affixed something to the front.

“We modcopped that scanner and altered the specifications like you asked Spartan. Unsurprisingly you were right. You should have full access to Thermal, Night and Infrared vision bundled up in that little box of yours.”

Faolan nodded his thanks and lumbered over to Scootaloo lifting her up onto his now armour shoulder.
“Not much time, I’ll be running. Hold tight.”



~~~~~~~




“This is the armoury. Grab at most two firearms and let’s get moving.” Faolan ordered.

It took Scootaloo all of two seconds to find what she wanted. Lifting a M6C/SOCOM off the wall, the filly tossed it twice before stashing a number of clips into her bag next to her Mauler. Smiling and securing her Jirahalnae knife Scootaloo turned to see Faolan grab a sniper rifle and a scopeless battle rifle.

Once both finished they literally went across the hallway to the hangar. Flashing his I.D. and having the commander already have called ahead Faolan looked at what he was getting joyously.

“You’re shitting me...this the new modified stealth pod? Nice, it’s set for carrying three soldiers too. Makes sense with the penchant for six man fireteams. Alrigh’, ‘nough stalling, Scootaloo, time for us tae split.” Faolan laughed with a smile on his face. “An’ Ah hope you can hold yer lunch.”



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo could indeed hold her lunch. In fact, she'd laughed wildly the whole way down while Faolan grit his teeth in discomfort at the weightlessness.

"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEAH! THIS IS GREAT!"

"WELL AH'M GLAD SOMEONE IS ENJOYIN' THE RIDE!"

"COME ON, ISN'T THIS GREAT?!"

"AH SURE AS HELL HOPE AH DON' THROW UP IN MAH HELMET..."

"HAHAHAHA!"



~~~~~~~




"C'mon, it wasn't that bad. Besides, worst case scenario is something went wrong and I jumped out and flew. Not too hard to do, you know?" Scootaloo grinned as Faolan re-secured his helmet right after wiping his mouth.

"You can fly, I can't..."

The filly gave pause before remembering the that certain detail, then smiled again.
"Well, from that height death on impact would have been instant, so there wouldn't have been pain..."

Faolan just shook his head and activated his transponder so his fireteam could find him.
"Never go into motivational speaking Scootaloo."

The pegasus wasn't paying attention though. Her ears picked up something in the underbrush and the filly pulled her M6C/S and tossed a round into the tree next to where she heard the noise. In reaction Faolan whipped around and trained his battle rifle in the same general area only to hear someone human call out.

"Grant, I swear you shoot me and I'll kick your ass! Same goes for your new friend there!"

Faolan immediately lowered his rifle and laughed as his fireteam members stepped out of the shrubs.
"Kramer, you nearly got a second bleeding whole."
The whole fireteam laughed whilst Kramer slugged the closest other spartan to her.

"Shut up Grant. And Indigo, I'll hit you harder next time. We're supposed to stick together, being the only two girls here."

Faolan just shook his head as Gunnery Sergeant Williams stepped forward and shook Faolan's hand.
"This the alien you got held back on the ship for Grant? She doesn't look like she has much to offer."

Annoyed that she kept getting talked to or about in a condescending manner Scootaloo stepped forward and tapped a hoof to Williams groin plate.
"Neither does this, but hey, that's why we all carry firearms right?"

Rather than take offense, Williams just laughed.
"Spunky then. Tell me, how good a shot are you?"

Pulling out her Type-52 Mauler the filly grinned, a seriousness and grimness suddenly filling her eyes.

"I can hit anything I want."

A spartan laughed in the background.
"Jecht and I could hit anything with a shotgun too, it isn't that hard."

Scootaloo just growled.
"Name, then pick up that rock and throw it high and far."

"Davis, and whatever."

Davis lifted a stone, about a baseball in width, and chucked it far. Just as it started to blur into the blue of the sky Scootaloo pulled the trigger, a single superheated slug ripping out of the barrel. The rock shattered into dust.
"You want to see what that does to armour, Davis?"

"I think I'm good..."

"Aww but-"

Scootaloo was cut off as Williams barked for everyone to stow the chatter.

"I need to know two things Grant. First is, why is she here? I thought she was supposed to be on the ship?"

Faolan nodded.
"She was, but somehow ONI caught wind of her. They sent a body retrieval team though, and the commander wasn't playing with that so she had Scootaloo 'escape' and sent us after her."

"Okay, now can we still preform the mission with her?"

"She can be my spotter." Faolan assured.

"Good, then make camp here, and then we head out bright and early at 0:30. Before that, introductions. I'm Williams, I lead Fireteam Raven. The smart mouths back there are Jecht, our demo expert, and Davis, our CQC specialist. Kramer is our go to Comm. lady, has the right touch for anything-"

"Wouldn't you know it boss!" Davis laughed.

"Moving on. We have Indigo who can drive anything with an engine. That leaves Grant, whom you already know. He's our best shot we have and a damn good over watch." Williams explained. "Now tuck in, we're gonna have a long morning in four hours!"
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"-so he sticks his face up close to the window, completely forget what he's wearing. Next thing you know, he's pulling his head back with four spikes stuck through my scanner screaming about being blinded." Faolan chortled over breakfast. 

Davis couldn't help but laugh as well.
"You'd shit your pants too if something came that close to lodging itself in your face. Come on, I highly doubt anyone here has had a closer call than that!"

All eyes cast about from one Spartan to another until they all settled on Scootaloo who was making a point of hiding her scarred eye behind her mane.
"It wasn't anything special..."

Kramer was the first to pipe up.
"Come on girl, wear your scars with pride. I got these three round ones, perfect triangle, on my right as-"

Indigo tossed a clod of dirt at Kramer to shut her up.
"If she doesn't want to talk about it, then let her be. We can't have all had it as easy as you Kramer, I think you're the only one here who hasn't lost someone close to them."

"Besides, we're all trained for this. From wha' Ah understand is tha' you just popped up on a planet you didnae recognize, am Ah righ'?" Faolan added.

Jecht just shrugged.
"If she ain't got stories, she ain't got stories. Oh well."

"She's probably got nothing to say anyway. What did you do girl? Trip and fall on your face then?" Kramer jibbed.

Scootaloo immediately took an aggressive stance as her ear twitched in annoyance.

Kramer just pushed again.
"Get a boo boo or something? Mommy kiss it better?"

"Kramer, shut yer mouth afore Ah shut it for ye!"

"Whatever Grant, she's barely half my height any way. What's she going to do?"

*Click*

Everyone froze and turned to look at Kramer who was currently crossing her eyes to get a good look at the end of Scootaloo's now cocked M6C/S. The filly was shaking angrily as tears slowly began to leak from the corners of her eyes, red blood tingeing the tears of her scarred right eye.
"Never. Talk. About. My. Mother..."

"Easy Scootaloo, no need to do anything hasty." Kramer soothed.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it...I just... want to go home..." Stowing her pistol Scootaloo turned and ran into the woods, followed quickly by Faolan.

"Wow, what an overly dramatic wuss. Honest-"

*SMACK*

Kramer shut up as Indigo glare balefully at her.
"Had you mouthed off about my family...."

Turning to Williams, Kramer saw that even he wasn't happy with her.
"You've got a bit to think about, but Kramer, you'd best watch your mouth."



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo ran and wiped a hoof under her eyes only for it to come away bloody. Growling in anger and sorrow the filly slammed the bloodied hoof into a tree. She continued to pummel the tree, ruining bark and destroying the wood until something grabbed at her shoulder. Without hesitation the filly spun and plowed a hoof into the offending creatures cheek only to realize it wasn't one of the many things that regularly haunted her dreams. Instead, she'd just decked Faolan, granted he didn't look too bothered by it.

Worried she'd hurt him, and feeling even worse than before, Scootaloo dropped her gaze to the ground as she watched tears and blood drip off her muzzle.
"M'sorry...."

Faolan just bent over and pulled Scootaloo close, feeling she needed a cry shoulder at the moment, just as his sister had often done for him.
"You're fine lass. Ah've taken worse hits from mah elder sister Tedra. Now, Ah can either lead ye back tae the camp, or we can sit 'ere fer a bit an' if you're up for it, you can talk abou' things too, Ah don' judge."

Scootaloo nodded, still crying as reddened tears streaked down the Spartan's shoulder plate.
"Its just hard...I miss my friends and my mom...and I want to go home so much..." Scootaloo wept. "But look at me...I can't hold my temper...I get mad and I just want to pull the trigger until the clip is empty, and then I want to pull the trigger more...Even if I got back...would I belong there?"

"I can' honestly tell you the answer tae tha', but what I can tell you is tha' you are a brave lass, you have faced down challenges tha' would have broken any lesser bein', an' y'are still alive. There is one thing tha' tells me Scootaloo, an' tha' is tha' it's not your time yet, and there are still things planned for you in you're life." Faolan comforted as he stared the filly in the eyes.
"Now, Ah hate tae ask, but Ah know Williams will. Are ye okay tae fight this morning, or will there be a problem?"

Scootaloo immediately shook her head and wiped away her tears.
"No problem."

"Scootaloo?"

The pegasus looked up and saw Faolan searching for any hint of falsity in her, but he found none.

"You're right. I'm still here, and I need to find out why."



~~~~~~~




Not a thing had been said as Fireteam Raven started taking their positions. Both Jecht and Davis had set up closer, readying a couple of det. packs to be thrown over the southern walls before they breached. Kramer and Williams were set at the east wall ready to breach the side entrance door, and Indigo was set up watching Jecht and Kramer's right flank, which Grant and Scootaloo couldn't cover.

As Grant and Scootaloo reached the cliff over looking the Remnant outpost the spartan removed his helmet and placed it down next to himself before laying prone and readying his rifle. He then began to layout his plans for Scootaloo.

Removing the scanner from his helmet, he tied a couple of straps to it, then secured it on to Scootaloo's head.

"Rangefinder, targeting capabilities, essentially you press this button to alter zoom, and this one to mark targets. You ready for this?" Faolan asked.

Scootaloo nodded.

"Oohrah, let the game's begin!"



~~~~~~~




On cue as the first two sniper shots retorted through the air Williams and Kramer burst through the side gate and darted forward, running past the three dead Kig-Yar. As they reached the next corner two red blips appeared on their helmet's Heads Up Displays. This was followed by a second pair of retorts and the two targets dropping.

Using their new opportunity Williams and Kramer climbed up into the radio tower and gave Jecht and Davis their cue.

The two soldiers threw their demo packs over the south wall, detonating them on Kramers cue as they had good views on where the enemy was. Following three retorts from a sniper rifle and four more from a DMR Jecht and Davis breached their door. They never had to fire a round as Kramer and Williams dispatched anyone who attempted to halt them.

"Kramer and Williams reporting all clear."

"Jecht and Davis reporting clear."

"Indigo, reporting clear."

"Grant and Hell's Angel reporting clear."

"Hell's Angel?" replied Davis.

"That's me, Scootaloo, Grant is being dumb."

"Cut the chatter, clear the base!"

All the Spartans went back to their respective jobs save Grant. Since Scootaloo detected no further hostile the Spartan had begun to pack up his rifle to move down to join the rest of the fireteam.



~~~~~~~




Kramer had wandered off on her own while Williams, Jecht and Davis dug through the ammo pouches of the dead. As she wandered, the Spartan found a door they seemed to have missed. Moving over to it, Kramer reached for the door just as it was kicked wide open and a large Jiralhanae chieftain slammed a gravity hammer into a crate next to her, the force of the blow throwing the Spartan a few feet to her left.

"Oh shit..."



~~~~~~~




Out of sheer boredom Scootaloo figured she'd scan the base a couple more times. As she was doing so, she zoomed in far to see where Kramer was wandering off to. She watched the Spartan walk up to a door, then watched as the door flew open and-

"Fucking cunt!"

Grant looked over, startled slightly by Scootaloo's words. Her zoom on the scanner was high enough to make her pull her weapon as if she was right there. As Scootaloo watched Kramer get thrown wide and knocked down on her back by a near hit the scanner registered the Mauler as a 'linked weapon'. It then showed the approximate angle to hold the firearm to adjust for windage and gravity.

Following the scanner's instructions Scootaloo fired off four rounds successively before dropping the scanner and tearing off towards her most hated of foes, the Jiralhanae.



~~~~~~~




The chieftain laughed as the pathetic human before it squirmed. He hadn't even struck the human full on, yet it was still injured! Smiling, he realized that he would be eating well later that night. 

*Ssssthunk-thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk*

The Jiralhanae gasped in pain as four rounds connected to his elbow and knee joints. Literally seconds later pain blossomed from the back of his neck.



~~~~~~~




Due to the arch that had to be put on the slugs, Scootaloo managed to slam her knife home into the Jiralhanae literally seconds after the four slugs she'd fired hit. Almost immediately after they struck the beast Scootaloo plunged her knife hilt deep into its neck, slamming into the ground. 

The Jiralhanae was not quite dead, though, and began to lift itself up only for Scootaloo to start screaming ferally and start repeatedly slamming her knife in to the neck of the alien. Even after it stopped moving, and even after it stopped bleeding, having fully bled out already, the filly continued to slam the blade home into the Jiralhanae's neck until a pair of armoured hands wrapped softly around the sobbing pegasus.  

Scootaloo's eyes began to close, and she drifted off peacefully into sleep.



~~~~~~~




Kramer felt like shit. It wasn't the fracture in her arm, nor the wounded pride. Instead it was the fact that she'd bad mouthed a kid, then had the kid save her ass, then watched and done nothing as the kid had a mental breakdown while mutilating a brute. 

As Williams walked by, she motioned the Fireteam leader over.

"I...I fucked up...again..."

Williams just nodded.

"Don't know what to do about it though, you know? Maybe I'm just not cut out for this Spartan-IV job..." Kramer sighed, "Too many mistakes made so far..."

Before Williams could answer a familiar voice replied to Kramer.

"It isnae abou' the mistakes you make, or the number o' times ye make 'em. Nah, it's 'bout the way you fix those mistakes tha' really matters tae people." Faolan quipped. "Ah learned it, mah elder sister learned it, and Ah think you could benefit from it."

Kramer nodded.
"Yeah...makes sense. How's Scootaloo?"

Faolan shook his head.
"Ah cannae tell. Seems tae just be sleepin' at the moment, but summat abou' tha' brute set her the bloody hell off."

Kramer just nodded as Jecht started looking over her arm again.
"For what it's worth...I'm sorry."



~~~~~~~




Knowing they had another outpost slated for the next night, Fireteam Raven was quick to take after Scootaloo and fall into slumber.  Of course the filly had been sleeping longer than them, so it would make sense that she woke up first. Or at least so it would seem. As she made her way to the cliff edge Fireteam Raven had set their camp on to stare out at the setting sun she heard the pebbles shift as a Spartan joined her.

"'Elluva sigh', in'nit?"

Scootaloo nodded.
"Beautiful...thought I only would see sunsets like these in my dreams again."

"Use tae see this back in the highlands o' mah home..."

The pair continued to sit there for a long time, and they barely eve noticed when Scootaloo began leaning against Faolan's side. They both just sat and enjoyed the setting of the sun as it cast light in ways neither had ever seen before. Faolan was turning to look down to ask Scootaloo if the one's had been this good back at her home as the filly looked up to ask the same thing. Both trailed off as their eyes met and locked onto each other.

Taking initiative, as she had been for the past years or so, the filly leaned upwards and planted her lips gently over the lips of the Spartan, Faolan returning the gesture for the first second or so before pulling back, eyes wide, as he realized what he was doing.

"It's the eye and scar...isn't it...it's always the eye and the scar."

Faolan barely heard her.
"What was that? You don't have any of that hero worship falling in love with the guy who saved you stuff going down, do you?"

"What? No! I just figured maybe I could...well...get some." Scootaloo muttered.

"I'm being serious Scootaloo, this could compromise missions!"

Scootaloo just glared back.
"What, me wanting to actually get laid before something comes along and kills me could compromise a mission?"

Faolan had a thousand responses stored in his head, but he couldn't seem to figure out how to vocalize most of them. Instead he sputtered a bit before throwing his arms up in the air.
"Really? That was it, hoping to get laid? So you were just up for using me then? That's nice!"

"I was not! I enjoy being your friend and all....that and I trust you, which is the only reason I thought to ask to begin with! If I'd known you were going to throw such a bitch fit over I might've asked Kramer or Davis, those two are always horny!" Scootaloo shot back, only to realise they'd awoken the other Spartans. 

Giving a huff and shaking her head angrily the filly stood up and stomped off through the group so she could go eat her morning rations. As she passed Davis, the soldier half opened his mouth with a smart alec smirk on his face, but Scootaloo beat him to the punch.
"I will fucking castrate you with your own knife."

With that Scootaloo left the Spartans there, one in thought, four surprised, and one more subconsciously holding his hands over his groin.



~~~~~~~




It didn't take too long for them to reach the second and final outpost they had to clear. This one was nestled in a valley so its transmissions couldn't be picked up as easily. Using this to their advantage, and Scootaloo's superb marks'mare' skills Faolan handed her his scanner and she took to the north east cliff, Faolan to the south west. There only being one entrance to the base this time the two over watch agreed to alter their shots in four round increments to allow the Spartan time to reload.

"Grant, ready."

"Jecht, charges primed and ready."

"Davis, ready to breach."

"Indigo, set."

"Williams and Kramer, ready."

"Scootaloo, ready."

Willaims grinned as the team signaled their okays.
"Grant, take your shot."

Three retorts sounded off one after another, followed closely by a fourth. On that fourth Jecht set of his charges, blasting the door to the base wide open. 

Davis was the first through, blasting the closest Covie, a Sangheli, i  the chest with his shotgun. Cocking it, he then put down another two Jiralhanae. The Spartan was forced to duck down as a Kig-Yar opened fire on him with a needle rifle but that was put to a quick end as Indigo put a round through its forehead from her perch on a tall rock outside the wall of the base.

Williams and Jecht had both darted left as soon as they had entered and ducked into a thin walled building. As they entered they were immediately fired upon by two Sangheli, but that was brought to an abrupt halt as three slugs tore holes in both the roof and the Sangheli. 

Smiling grimly, both Spartans pushed forward and set up in the window enjoying the crossfire.

Realising he was at a bad angle for anything useful, Faolan fired a grappling round down towards the base, secured his sniper on his back and grabbed his battle rifle. With that he rode the line down and landed at Jecht's side as they both opened fire on a group of Kig-Yar. Neither noticed the Sangheli in active camouflage until after Jecht was lifted up with twin energy blade sticking out of his chest.

Before Faolan could do a thing the Stealth Sangheli gripped him by the throat and lifted him into the air.

"Your kind....are like paper...torn so easily, so fragile and light. Pitiful."

There was a flash of silver off the the Sangheli's left and it's hand shot up, catching a thrown Jiralhanae knife easily out of the air. Before it could feel triumphant about it Faolan slammed his arm into the Elite's hand, driving the first inch of the blade into the Elite's neck. Then a bolt of orange slammed into it driving the blade to the hilt.

"And you are like a sheath. A wonderful place to stow my blade!"

The Sangheli looked up just in time to see Scootaloo standing over him before his vision faded away along with his life.



~~~~~~~




Indigo, second best medic after Jecht, was checking vitals on him shaking her head slowly as she did. Bringing a hand up to the Spartan's face, she gently closed his eyes. She pulled a preservation bag from the deceased Spartan's pack and put him into it.

"Fucking Covies..."

Scootaloo hadn't known the man long, but he'd seemed the decent enough sort. Looking about she saw Williams comforting Kramer and Indigo had started disassembling and reassembling her DMR. Davis hadn't taken his eyes off Jecht's dog tags once as he held them in his hand. Finally there was Faolan.

He seemed to be taking it the hardest, having stated earlier that 'had I stayed at my overwatch post it wouldn't have happened'. They all knew it wasn't true, as he wouldn't have picked up on the cloaked figure anyway without a great deal of luck.

The filly was about to move towards the Scotsman when Williams, followed by Kramer, Indigo and Davis, walked over.

"We've done some talking, and well, after today we officially have a spot open on our fireteam, and I have the right to induct whoever the fuck I wish regardless of those ONI cunts as long as I'm in the field. That being said, with all the help you've been, having directly saved two lives of Fireteam Raven and having served alongside us in two missions, I would like to know if you'd care to accept my invitation into our ranks."

Scootaloo's eyes widened at the prospect before they settled on the Fireteam Raven patch that Kramer was offering her. The filly nodded near reverently and lifted the patch up.

"Pull the seal off the back and stick that to whatever you want it to stick to." Indigo explained.

Nodding, Scootaloo though of exactly where she wanted the patch before settling with the front of her choker collar right above the hollow of her throat.

"Welcome tae Fireteam Raven, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo turned to look into the appreciative and welcoming eyes of Faolan as the Spartan offered a hand. Taking it firnly, the two shook before the filly used Faolan's hunched over position to her advantage and knocked the Spartan onto his back. The pegasus straddled him and planted her forehooves on either side of his head. Unsure of what to do, Faolan layed there while Scootaloo leaned in close to his ear.

"I've been in heat for the past week...and my hoof isn't cutting it. I'll be in one of the rooms if you're interested in joining me."

With that Scootaloo walked right over him, giving Faolan a perfectly good look at what lay underneath her tail. When he turned to the other Spartans Davis just got a shit eating grin on his face while Kramer and Indigo both nodded.

"Why the hell not, Grant? Hot kinky alien sex sounds great, and I know you've still got your V-card anyway." Kramer laughed.

Finally Faolan turned to Williams who just shrugged.
"Missions over Grant, our leave just started."

Looking down at his armour, the Spartan-IV only just noticed the damp spot that was where Scootaloo had straddled him. Nodding firmly, and looking a lot braver than he felt, the Spartan wandered off to the room Scootaloo had ducked into.



~~~~~~~




"Any thoughts Indigo?" asked Williams.

"Well, I doubt he'll get space aids or anything if that's what your asking."

Kramer just laughed at the notion as Davis sat abnormally quiet.
"You okay Davis?"

"Huh, yeah, no I was just thinking...what if she has teeth down there or something? She is an alien, right? Man, that'd be some weird shit." Davis replied, half seriously.

Williams just smacked the Spartan lightly in the back of the head as an incoming transmission came in.

*This is Commander Travis hailing Fireteam Raven. We are on our way to rendezvou with you now, but we have reason to believe that a few ONI spooks may show up first. ONI is not to obtain the alien lifeform known as Scootaloo.*

Taking the communications mic. from Kramer, Willaims responded.
"Understood sir, ONI will not lay a finger on Fireteam Raven member Scootaloo, sir. Se you when you get here!"
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Scootaloo stretched each of her limbs carefully as she finished cleaning up and slipping her gear back on, She looked over and cast a smirk to the Spartan-IV who was currently gathering his weaponry as well.

"Well, that was certainly an experience. Reminds me a lot of flying, only a lot more...intimate." Scootaloo grinned.

Faolan just laughed.
"Can't really compare it to flying, but it was good. I wasn't too rough or anything, was I?"

"As long as I didn't bite too hard."

Faolan raised a hand up to the side of his neck as Scootaloo began to giggle. The pair quickly fell into full blown laughter as they ran over the idea of them getting hurt in such a way compared to the missions they'd just been through.

"Wouldn't that make us feel smart, huh Faolan? 'Fireteam member Scootaloo reported crushed under a Spartan-IV after he bled to death from a bite to the neck'. Some news story that would have been."

As Scootaloo went to open the door it burst open and five ONI spooks came rushing in, two training their weapons on Faolan, and the other three training their weapons on Scootaloo.

"Under our directive the alien is coming with us!"

"Like 'ell she is!"

"Spartan-IV Grant, stand down!" one of the spooks growled.

Faolan was about to step forward when two rounds impacted next to his feet.
"So tha's how this play out then...ONI comin' 'long an' stabbin' the real warriors in the back..."

"No, it isn't!"

Scootaloo and Falan both looked past the ONI operatives to find Fireteam Raven stadning with the Commander at their back.

"ONI or not, you just threatened two members of our Fireteam, who is under Commander Travis' jurisdiction!" Williams growled, keeping his rifle levelled at the spooks.

"This is an ONI matter involving potentially hostile alien interference!"

At this point Commander Travis stepped forward.
"This is a matter involving one of the members of one of my fireteams. You have directly go over the heads of the chain of command, as Fireteam Raven is stationed on the UNSC Destroyer Falcon Claw. Therefore the detainment of fireteam member Scootaloo without proper reasoning and a trial would constitute you breaking the law. I would hate for you five to go the same way as Halsey...."

The open ended threat was enough to get the ONI spooks to lower their weapons.
"This is how you play it commander?"

"No." the commander growled. "This is how it is! Do not let me catch you harrasing my soldiers again, ONI or not, and you can tell ONI if they want to learn anything, they can come talk. But this...this happens again and I will inform my XO, understood?!"

The spooks nodded angrily as they left, and Commander Travis turned to the pony that had apparently been integrated into his ranks.
"Please tell me that what I'm pretty sure happened in this room didn't happen."
When no one denied him the commander rubbed his temple.
"At least tell me this won't cause any problems later."

"Um, won't be any problem at all. Uh...sir."

"Alright then. Fireteam Raven, report back to the Falcon Claw for a little r&r!"



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo let out a loud yawn as she pulled herself off the bunk. 
"Who the fuck woke me up...I'm tired..."

Greeted with a pillow to the face as she sat up, Scootaloo pulled it out of the way to find Kramer and Indigo laughing at her. Both were dressed in their black bodysuits with the black pants.

"Nice catch Scootaloo."

With precision honed from throwing her knife, the filly pegged Kramer in the face with the same pillow.

"Not so smug now, are you? Scootaloo laughed.

"It. Is. On!"

Scootaloo's eyes widened once before tearing off for the door.
"You gotta catch me first punk!"



~~~~~~~




Three ODST were just turning the corner when a blast of orange ripped past them. As they turned to see what it was, the next thing they noticed was two Spartan-IVs, both covered in feathers from an officers pillow, giving chase.

"Linda, the hell do you think that was about?"

"I don't know, but I think that orange one was the one that brought my husband's body back from the planet Expidai."



~~~~~~~




"Fireteam Raven, front and centre!"

The six members stood at rigid attention as Commander Travis glared at them.

"You have  done much this morning..."

Scootaloo, Indigo and Kramer shuffled nervously at this.

"Such as cause a bit of havoc amongst the hallways, destroy an expensive officers pillow, and started the first actual food fight I have ever seen. I should have right to punish you for such..."

The whole fireteam nodded assent.

"And yet I noticed something else I have not seen in a long time. The soldiers, used to the rigidity of daily life on this destroyer, have been laughing louder and smiling wider all morn. There is a sudden lightness in the air that seems to lift the spirits of all through out the ranks. Nevertheless, I do not wish such actions to take place again. Understood?"

"Aye Aye sir!"

Commander Travis nodded,
"We have but another matter to speak of fireteam. ONI has pushed that our dear friend and fellow soldier Scootaloo can not be considered officially part of our fireteam and push for her custody. They make this claim under the fact that Fireteam Raven is to consist of Spartan-IV's. They make claim that since Scootaloo is no Spartan they hold right to take her."

The whole group growled in disapproval.

"Tha's some fuckin' bullshet! Ah'll fuckin' kill the cunts before they take one o' ours!" Faolan snapped.

The commander waved down the Scottish Spartan and good friend of the pony.
"That is why I had a few hairs gathered from Scootaloo's bed from the night prior. From what we have discerned, you should be able to cope with the process, but I will not force it. I will not be the one to force hand on the representative of any new race. I will have all information needed sent to you, but in the end it is your choice. Know this, though. Regardless of your choice to become a Spartan, we will stand by your side, that ONI itself not overtake our kinship and bonds. Am I right Raven?!"

"OOHRAH!"



~~~~~~~




Scootaloo was digging through the papers she'd been handed in earnest. The filly had been doing this for a little over three fours straight trying to milk every ounce of knowledge of the process from the papers. She knew it would change her life,  that she could more easily destroy the trash Jiralhanae. And her wings! Sure shed learned to fly, but if her muscle output was upped she could fly so much better!

Still, what would the fireteam think?

They were like family to her now, having had her back over the past week and a half or so, and it was hard to imagine taking such a drastic decision without them. Just then a hand settled on her shoulder and the pony stiffened.

"It is okay to be worried, Scootaloo. Do not press the issue too much though. We dock in four hours, and you have a full three days before I need a decision. I know many of the soldiers, Spartans included, plan to go out clubbing that first night we're out. I understand you are not of UNSC regulation age, but I also understand that must mean little to you. That being said, I think you could benefit from a party or two and speaking to your friends before you make a choice."

"C..Commander Travis!" Scootaloo yelped, spinning about to salute the man, only to be halted.

"Salute me not, as I'm here as a friend, if you'd consider me such." the Commander smiled, "That and you remind me too much of my daughter for me to be comfortable with you saluting me. Take your time and enjoy the next three nights Scootaloo, that is an order."

"Yes sir!"



~~~~~~~




"I can feel my wings vibrating..."

"Yeah, isn't it awesome?!" Davis yelled excitedly as they awaited their turn to enter the nightclub.

Both Scootaloo and Faolan's cheeks coloured at the idea of the filly's wings 'vibrating' too much, but Kramer just laughed.

"If you two don't want to head in..."

Scootaloo shook her head violently as she remembered the words of the commander.
"I'm fine Kramer! Geez, got everyone worried ONI'll come and snatch me up at a seconds notice. Come on, we're going in now."

Williams shook his head.
"The bouncer."

Ignoring this Scootaloo pushed through the line and up to the front. The bouncer immediately took note of the Spartans.

"Sorry boys, but even you have to wait in line, super soldier of not."

"Excuse me sir." Scootaloo asked politely, "I am a dignitary from a foreign system, and I heard that human's simply throw the most fabulous parties, especially after dark. I wish to partake of this establishment, and these Spartans are here as my entourage and bodyguards to ensure my safety. I do terribly hope I am not inconveniencing you tonight, if so I can take myself elsewhere."

The bouncer was tripping over himself trying to get to the door to the club and let the group in.
"My apologies Madame Dignitary. I am sorry if I have offended you at all."

Scootaloo just nodded and trotted through the door, followed by the rest of Raven. Once the door shut the filly fist bumped each member.
"And thank you Rarity for attempting to teach me poise and elegance, I guess some of that shit stuck after all."

With that Fireteam Raven headed into the club and took their spot in the far corner from the main door on an elevated platform, therefore allowing proper sight lines over the majority of the club but primarily over the front entrance. Once comfortable that, should they have any unwanted guests, they would see them first.

"So, who wants to go grind hard with me out on the dance floor? Ladies?" Davis grinned. Indigo and Kramer just shook their heads while Scootaloo jokingly toyed with the handle of her knife. "Forever alone then..,oh, wait, damn you see that ass? I'll be this way."

The fireteam watched as Davis wandered off to go hit on the ladies. Once he was gone Williams got up and fetched some scotch for the group.

"We don't get Davis drunk. You think he's annoying now...well, yeah."

Scootaloo just laughed at William's logic and reached for a glass, but the fireteam leader pulled it out of her reach.

"How old are you. Seriously?"

Faolan just grabbed two glasses and handed one to Scootaloo.
"16, but the legal age where she's from is 16 so the lass is all good."

"Oohrah, time to party hard then girls!" Kramer belted as the rubbed up against Williams side, drawing a grin from the Spartan as they made their way to the dance floor.

Indigo watched them go before taking a sip of her scotch.
"Just us then? Ah well, what's going on between you two?"

Scootaloo looked over at Faolan and shrugged.
"What's the word you humans use? Fuckbuddies? That's pretty much us. I've got a better question though, what's up with ONI?"

"A bunch o' protestant fuckers tha' think they can do wha'e'er the hell they please under the guise of military need! Baby stealers an' back stabbers an' murders all under the claim tha' its better for the whole o' the universe. If it weren' fer the fact tha' they outrank me....S.O.S...." the Scotsman growled from Scootaloo's side.

The filly looked up to see Faolan had gripped his glass so hard it had shattered.

"S.O.S?"

"Shoot on sight," Indigo explained, "I won't lie, we wouldn't have won the war without ONI, but a lot of that cloak and dagger bullshit they like to pull doesn't sit well with most of us Spartans. Well, I'm going to wander off and see how many of the cute ODST asses running around are up for a little fun. Enjoy the night you two."

Scootaloo and Faolan nodded and watched Indigo walk away, sipping Scotch and not really talking. About ten minutes later Faolan finally pipped up.

"Fuckbuddies eh?"

Scuffing a hoof, the filly just shrugged and took another sip of scotch.
"Well, we're friends, and we have sex, so I mean, that kind of sums it up, doesn't it?"

"Ah guess..."

"I mean, besides, I'm just an alien anyway." Scootaloo shrugged, "And there are probably hordes of human fillies running around trying to get your attention."

The Spartan just nodded a went silent, the lack of noise lasting long enough for both parties to need to refill their glasses again. As he was about to take his first sip he stopped and opened his mouth again.
"Wha's really bothering you?"

"Nothing."

"Scootaloo."

"Nothing."

"Sc-"

"Damn it! Nothing is wrong, why the hell are you being so fucking persistent?!" the filly snapped, throwing her glass at Faolan in anger. The Spartan just shrugged off the scotch.

"Tha's why I'm convinced summats wrong. If there was nothin' wrong you wouldnae of gotten angry. Ah'm just worried Scootaloo." the Spartan soothed.

Throwing a hoof up in exasperation Scootaloo grabbed the bottle and took a swig, wincing slightly as it went down. Taking one more smaller swig after that the filly slammed the bottle down.
"And why? Why the fuck do you care so much!? I get it, friends and stuff, but maybe friends need to keep secrets every now and again? Ever think about that?!"

"Aye, Ah have, but Ah don' care. Listen, Ah understan' you jus' wan' tae get home an' such, but you do have the fireteam tha' cares for you." explained Faolan, taking a sip before continuing, "Besides, Ah really didnae sleep with you as a short term thing. Ah was kind o' hoping it would ha', Ah dunno, grew tae summat more. You've got a strong character, an' Ah respect tha', and Ah like your personality, too, it isnae ju' abou' the sex, you know?"

Scootaloo's jaw dropped for a moment before recomposing herself.
"I...I didn't expect that, and I mean no disrespect to you, but....I just...I'm not ready for that just yet, you know? Sex is...nice, and I really do enjoy it...I just...the last time I truly relied on anypony was my mom...and while she did her best....I'm here, and she's back home...I've had to only rely on myself, and while all this is fun and great, it's still hard."

Faolan nodded once before cocking an ear to the music.
"Ah respect your wishes, but Ah would like tae know, would you care for a dance?"

"I don't..." Scootaloo started, but stopped as she downed another mouthful of scotch from the bottle, "Sure...because I trust you." 

The Spartan nodded and led the way as Scootaloo followed after, a shy smile tugging at her lips as the music hit a single drop before picking back up.




~~~~~~~




The Sangheli walked into the nightclub he'd been enjoying lately. As he entered, his hearing immediately picked up on the black garbed officer type speaking to a semi-shit faced soldier. The Sangheli noted a hand off of money, then the soldier make a beeline for a Spartan and a strange alien even the Sangheli's never seen before. Narrowing his eyes, the Sangheli started towards the officer type man.



~~~~~~~




The song was just beginning to die down, granted another was about to start up, but still. Regardless Scootaloo was smiling widely at the fun she was having. 

"Happy you came ou' tae dance?" Faolan chuckled.

The filly just aimed a kick at the man's shin while laughing good naturedly.
"If it makes you feel better, yes I am. You know, maybe I've just been a fool about all this, and I can trust people more than I've allowed myself to belie-AHHH!"
Cheeks tinting slightly from shock and indignity, the pony leapt forward and turned to face he assaulter, all while pulling her tail tight in between her legs.
"What the fuck?! You fucking cunt, I'll kill you!"
Scootaloo shot forward, wrenching her knife from her belt and aiming a stab for the offending marine’s face, but was stopped as a large clawed hand wrapped around her primary foreleg, halting the blade an inch from the marine's face.

Faolan only just realized what the marine must have done and he too made to step forward when the lead ONI spook from the planet was held aloft before him.

"Spartan, think before you act. The marine was simply a tool. He was to grope the winged miniature horse, then was to be hurt or killed while the horse took the fall. Something about deeming it a hostile alien lifeform."

With that the Sangheli dropped one of the Oni spooks that had confronted them back on the planet from before. The commotion had also gained the attention of the rest of the building, namely Fireteam Raven.

“Well, Commander Travis would simply love to have this pric onboard. Come on ‘Spooky’, you get to take a trip to the nearest M.P. running arund while I explain to him your plans for entrapment, bribery and, technically speaking, plans for murder.” Williams barked as Kramer took the spook from the Elite. “Oh yeah, you’re gonna have a great time!”

The spook finally decided to talk back.
“You’re a fool, you all are. Humanity is the purest form of d.n.a out there, and these aliens have caused us enough problems!”

The Sangheli reached down and jerked the sppok up to eye level and snapped his jaws threateningly.
“You know what the real threat is? ONI. If they were still alive, the Spartan-II’s would agree, and after fighting alongside John-117, I know he would too.”

At this point the Military Police had arrived to escort the spook away.

Scootaloo only just realized she still had her knife out and put it away.
“You think they’ll succeed Faolan? In getting me? I mean, I was really looking at the Spartan-IV project. If it keeps everything calm and normal, I’m all for it, you know?”

“We can talk abou’ it later, personally , I like the song about to come on. Aren’ you on orders to have fun too?”

Thumping Faolan on the thigh jokingly the filly nodded and turned back to the dance floor.



~~~~~~~




Some hours later found Fireteam Raven, as well as one 'lucky' ODST Indigo had found, sprawled through out a cheap motel room. All had fallen to slumber save foe Faolan and Scootaloo, who lay on the same bed.

"How are you doin'?"

Scootaloo just flashed a slightly weary smile at the man.

"Mmm, Ah see....Wha' was it like back at your own home?"

"Peaceful..."

"Just pegasi?"

With a shake, Scootaloo listed off those that she could remember.
"Unicorn, earth pony, pegasi....gryphons, dragons...stuff like that. Oh, and alicorns. They are the most respected and powerful, go both wings and a horn."

"Oh..."

"You were going to kill that soldier."

"What?!" Faolan yelped, blinking back shock.

"When I was groped..." the filly explained, "You would have killed him for it....you remind me of my friends...my family..."

Faolan's silence told Scootaloo everything she needed to know.

"Then you really do care..." sighed Scootaloo, "I just don't know if I can...I've lost so much, and now? I just don't know. Sorry."

Shaking his head, the Spartan just shrugged.
"Ah figured, but tha's fine. If anything other than a good friend, you classify as a damn good lay."

Giving the Spartan a swat with her wing, Scootaloo rolled over and fell into a fitful slumber. She had a busy day tomorrow. 
> Character Sheet(As I've never explained the characters)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fireteam Leader Williams~
Armour-LOCUS(Halo 4)
Hair-Light Brown/Dirty Blonde
Caucasian
Eyes-Blue

Comm.s Expert Kramer~
Armour-Operator(Halo 4)
Hair-Black
Latin
Eyes-Green

Designated Marksmam(woman) Indigo~
Armour-Recon(Halo 4)
Hair-Auburn
African Descent
Eyes-Hazel

Close Quarters Combat Specialist Davis~
Armour-Engineer(Halo 4)
Hair-Black
Caucasian
Eyes-Blue

Demoman Jecht~
Armour-GUNGNIR(Halo Reach)
Hair-Black
Oriental
Eyes-Brown

Long Range Eliminations and Overwatch Faolan~
Armour-Pathfinder(Halo 4)
Hair-Ginger
Caucasian
Eyes-Green

Scootaloo
Armour-Chapter 4 to find out. Custom.
Hair-Purple
Orange fur
Eyes-Right is red with a scar over it, left is Magenta.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fireteam Raven watched as their newest member trotted into the room. They knew she'd be back there for just under a week, and they had all brought the food, water and ammunition(should they need it) to last in the only entrance hall to that room. Securing their items once more, Kramer and Indigo took first watch while the other sat down for dinner.



~~~~~~~




This is a memory crystal, Faolan. It was something that managed to come with me when I was...misplaced. Anyway, the point is a lot of things could go wrong, so if you could hold onto it for me...you know...if I don't make it. If you want, you can, uh, go through it. It has me and my mom when we became family. The first  time the Remnants showed up on that planet too. Few other things that are more everyday. Anyway, see you in a week.

The Spartan held the crystal in his hands before bringing it up to his fore head and closing his eyes.



~~~In the Depths of the Crystal~~~




"Hey squirt! I've got something important to show you!" called Rainbow Dash as she flapped down and landed next to the orange filly.

"Oh, is it a new trick?!"

Shaking her head, the blue pegasus pulled out a quill and paper.
"Even better, check this out, it makes everything legal!"

Scootaloo read the paper quickly before squealing happily and wrapping her hooves around Rainbow's neck.
"Does this mean I can call you mom?!"

Hugging the filly tightly the larger pegasi nodded.
"Definitely squirt. I'll always be there for you, and don't you forget it."

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I love you...mom."

Blinking back a tear Rainbow Dash held Scootaloo all the tighter.



~~~~~~~




Rainbow and Scootaloo were up flying together when  a small purple form on the ground called up to them. Flying down quickly, the two listened as Twilight explained that Discord was loose again and on his way there.

"Scoots, get back home now! I'll be by later, but I don't want you hurt, okay?"

"Kay mom, be safe!"

"I will!"



~~~~~~~




*CRASH*

"You may be the fastest flyer, Rainbow Dash, but how well do you limp!" Discord laughed maliciously as he entered the ruined cloudhouse through the wall Rainbow had just made a hole in.

As the mare struggled to get back to her hooves, she noted with horror that this was her cloudhouse, and that meant-

"HEY! You leave my mom alone!" Scootaloo growled as she stared down the Chaos god.

"My my, what is this? You have yourself a fan Rainbow, but what happens if I send you away?"

With a flash of magic, a bolt was sent towards the blue mare, but there was a flash of orange as Scootaloo jumped in the way. 



~~~Four weeks after Discord~~~




"Week four, and a local family has brought me in. They haven't been mean so that's good. Anyway, I'm tired and off to bed, I'll check out the falling lights tomorrow."



~~2 months after Discord~~~




The filly stayed hidden as they creatures stormed through the house.  Mr. Saipan's corpse managed to hide her scent from the predatory beasts' noses. She didn't move until three hours after they left, and not without crying over the bodies of the family that had taken her in.



~~~2 months and nine days after Discord~~~




"Happy birthday to me, I should hang in a tree, I'm a fucking pussy...happy birthday to me..." Scootaloo murmured dejectedly from the confines of a closet. Peeking out, she saw the partially eaten remains of a number of small humans before being sick everywhere.



~~~2 months and two weeks after Discord~~~




Scootaloo had been sneaking down the alley way when she saw it. A Jiralhanae had just reached into a car and yanked a man out from inside. With one bite, the alien ripped an arm from the guy and laughed before throwing it to the others. Huddling into the trash in the alley, the filly fell asleep.



~~~Three months after Discord~~~




The Jiralhanae chieftain laughed as his second held Scootaloo in his grasp. The filly had tears running down her face and was shaking from fear. Yelping slightly from being thrown to the ground, the chieftain leaned over her.

"Don't know if tastes good, so instead of cook you, we tastes you first!"

Letting out a second yelp the filly cried as she felt her wing get pulled to the side. She thought of what Rainbow would do in her situation, and thought of what she knew of the Jiralhanae. Then with a cry of rage, the filly twisted out of the chieftains grasp and slammed a fore hoof into the beasts face. Then another, and another, and another. She continued until she was beating nothing but the ground, now stained red and littered with chunks of flesh and bone.

She took his knife and gun, and then the lives of his followers. No Jiralhanae survived that day.



~~~Back in the Present~~~




Scootaloo was scheduled to be done in an hour. Raven was packing up there things, having made it long enough to know that ONI couldn't touch the mare for not being a Spartan. As the group laughed and mouthed about how ONI wasn't as tough as they thought Commander Travis entered the room with a platoon.

"Fireteam Raven, I see your mission was a success."

Williams saluted before nodding.
"Hell yes it was sir. ONI didn't come close to us."

The commander nodded before his platoon levelled their rifles on the Spartans and a group of ONI spooks rushed in.

"That's because they were busy with me. As it turns out, they're a bunch of backstabbing cunts, as they knew of a law prohibiting us from using our Spartan technology, or sharing it, with aliens. I am sorry Raven, but there is nothing we can do." Travis growled angrily.

Faolan glared hard at the ONI spooks before pulling Scootaloo's knife from his belt and diving towards them. Kramer Indigo and Davis only just tackled him in time to stop him while Williams tried to talk him down.

"Hey, HEY! Grant! Enough! They won't get away with this! We will find a way to stop them, and we will keep our Fireteam whole."

On command from Commander Travis the platoon led the fireteam out and into another room while ONI collected the still anesthetized Spartan-IV Scootaloo.



~~~~~~~




An hour later Commander Travis entered the room Fireteam Raven was being held in. Immediately Faolan Grant's hand clamped over the man's throat and lifted him into the air.

"Give me one good reason why Ah shouln' snap yer fuckin' neck!"

In response the Commander gestured to a key on his belt. Faolan dropped him to let him explain.

"Two stealth drop pods, one stealth ship, armour amplified with active camouflage and suppressed weapons.  Officially you're locked in this room. Off the books though...well, we don't leave our Spartans behind. Also after securing the HVT expect back up from a group of Sangheli." Travis explained, "Now go get our Spartan!"



~~~~~~~




"Has it moved at all?"

"No sir."

"Still staring at the wall?"

"Yes sir."

"Jesus Christ, does it even blink?! Seriously, we've left it in that room for hours and it just stares at the door! Have we at least made any progress with the d.n.a sample to figure out how to emulate the wings?" the scientist growled.

When the assistant shook his head the scientist stormed off towards the room, sidearm in tow.



~~~~~~~




If bored glares could burn holes in walls, Scootaloo would have stopped being bored ages ago, she loved pyrotechnics! Regardless of that she also knew it bothered the scientists. They seemed to mistake the (newly)5'5" tall filly as a non-threat. You know, never mind the fact that she could now punch through their skull and play puppets with their brains and went through the same process as the Spartan-IV's.

Regardless, the filly found an odd humour in messing with the men, mostly because they planned on cutting her open to see how she worked. Just then the door opened and one of the scientists walked in.

"Do. You. Speak. English? As. In. Words."

Giving a snort of derision Scootaloo snapped back at him.
"Dunno, you suck dick often?"

The scientist practically fell over in his embarrassment and shock.
"What?! NO!"

"Then I guess I don't speak English. Therefore you're wasting your time. You can go now."

As the man left the room Scootaloo began to think over things she could have done differently. First was her situation in Ponyville. To think that Rainbow had been an orphan too! Turns out had she just said something the mare would have taken her in in a heartbeat. Then there was the Saipan family. She wuld have grabbed that gun and fired away if she's known she would have been such a natural. ODST Raetz and grabbing the Chopper rather than the Mongoose. Leading Faolan on and causing him to develop feelings for her.

'Why?'

'Because we obviously could never be together, that's why.'

'According to who?'

'Well, ONI doesn't approve....'

The argument was weak, and Scootaloo knew it, especially since she was arguing with herself.

'Who cares what ONI thinks.'

'Well, still....'

'You're scared?'

'NO!'

'It's okay to be a little scared Scootaloo, you know that, Luna taught you that.'

'I know...'

'Then why not?'

'I...can't...look at what we've done. I'm practically a magnet for trouble, a berth of broken dreams. Dash couldn't get into the 'Bolts because she chose me, and the Saipan's stayed behind for me. I've caused so much trouble...'

'Afraid to get hurt again?'

'No! Yes... I don't know...'

*Thud*

Scootaloo's eyes suddenly focused as what appeared to be the lead scientist walked into the room.

"Alien, do you understand why you are here?"

"Because you think that because I'm not human means I don't have any rights."

"As you shouldn't! You aliens come to our homes, take our belongings, then expect us to play nice. Even ONI thinks we should be nice!"

Scootaloo carefully logged that apparently this guy wasn't with the real ONI, probably a splinter group. Even still it meant trouble for her.

"We'll be taking you apart in an hour or so, so any regrets?" the scientist jeered.

Thinking about it, Scootaloo could only truly think of one at the moment.
"I shouldn't have just run Faolan into the ground like that....should have taken him up on his offer. I...I think maybe I was just too afraid, and that's why I didn't accept his offer to date. That's fine though, because as soon as he arrives and wipes the floor with your ass, I'm so taking him out somewhere nice...granted on his budget...or I'll just take your wallet."

"Ha! Really? You expect to get out of here?"



~~~~~~~




"Set and ready on mark."



~~~~~~~




"Yep, you see, they already believe me to be one of their own, and they don't leave each other behind." Scootaloo smiled.

The scientist just looked at her like it was a joke.

"So, you might just want to prepare your anus, cause it's about to get wrecked."



~~~~~~~




"MARK!"



~~~~~~~




An explosion ripped through the complex violently, rocking the entire room that Scootaloo was held in. While the scientist was sent face first to the floor, the pegasus, with the aid of her hyper-musculature, stood firm on all four legs. Pressing the advantage, the filly stepped forward and stomped down hard on the scientists arm as he reached for the  M6C causing it to break audibly.

"Pitiful. You talk your game, but you can't back it up!" the filly snarled as she spat on the man.

"At least I fight for the humans!"

Scootaloo's right eye twitched involuntarily for a moment.
"Fight for the humans? Would you like to know how I got this scar? Because I don't just fight for the humans, I fight for everyone out there who has some semblance of a good moral alignment. This scar was received killing a backstabbing Sangheli remnant as he made an attempt on the Sangheli Thel 'Vadam. He's also the acquaintance that found out your plan back at the night club."

The scientist paled at the realization that he may have made such a powerful enemy.

"It's okay though, because I won't let him kill you. No, you're off to see Faolan."



~~~~~~~




Williams took point, stealthily pushing through the smoke and debris of the ruined entry way. Just behind him was Davis, Kramer and Indigo. The four members continued moving forward a few hallways before stopping, coming to the realization they were missing somebody.

“Davis, where the hell is Grant at?!” Williams growled.

All members cast looks around only to realize the soldier was missing.

That was when they heard it, a rhythmic thumping tell tale of a weighted down Spartan.

“Tell me he isn’t...”

“Fuck, he is Williams...”

Sure enough rounding the corner came Faolan Grant, hefting a pack of ammunition on his back and a AIE-486H HMG in his hand. Each Spartan glanced down at their suppressed weapons, then at the unsuppressed behemoth held by the Scotsman as he pushed past him. For once it was Davis that spoke sense.

“This is a stealth mission! They can’t know we were here!”

Turning his head back slightly, Faolan spoke in a tone that practically told the others how his face would look under his helmet.
“Yer righ’....an’ Ah don’t plan on leavin’ anyone behind to tell the tale. Stay here or come along, but stay ou’ o’ mah way, cause Ah’m no’ leavin’ Scootaloo for much longer.”

With little grace Faolan walked up to the next door, fired off the hinges and lock, then booted the door straight in before opening fire on everyone with in. As the rest of the fireteam followed, they mopped up anyone reaching for weapons that were left.



~~~~~~~




"Sounds like my friends are having a hay day with your defenses. They'll be in here soon enough though, so enjoy." Scootaloo laughed. As she did so and fiddled with the M6C she failed to notice the scientist begin transmitting data on a small datapad.



~~~~~~~




Faolan Grant had effectively torn through the majority of the complex, but there was one more room left housing five security personelle. Not worried though, due to his chosen weapon, the Scotsman slammed through the door and laid on the trigger.

*clikclikclikclikclik*

"Auferfukssake!" the Spartan roared as he ripped the ammo feeding line from the gun and gripped it by the barrels. With a now sizeable club in hand Faolan charged the five guards. The first attempted to dodge out of the way but was still clipped hard enough to slam him into the wall. The next two both tried to chearge the Spartan-IV with knives, but they were dispatched by a bone shattering swing. The fourth just stood his ground firing away while the back end of the HMG came down and smashed him into the ground.

Dropping the now mangled remains of the gun, Faolan looked up to see the final guard desperately trying to get through the door on the far side of the room.



~~~~~~~




Hearing the gun shots Scootaloo readied the M6C and set up in the corner using the head scientist as a humna sheild. There was frantic pounding on the far side of the door and the mare was ready for the worst when an uparmoured fist suddenly drove itself through the door. It glistened red it the dim light.

The hinges groaned terribly as she watched, and then the door came right off the frame as a large Spartan form filled its veiw. Shoving her 'meat shield' to the side Scootaloo rushed forward, recognizing the Pathfinder armour as Faolan's own.

"Faolan you crazy bastard!" Scootaloo cried as she literally tackled the armoured form off his feet.

Removing his helmet to reveal the smiling face beneath Faolan ruffled the pegasus' mane.
"Ah figured you'd ha' done summat like take a prisoner, good on ye lass!"

"Ha, you think you're so smart! But no one prepares like the Didact! How do you think these Remnant forces of the Covenant have lasted so long? You see, it doesn't matter that you've destroyed this base, because we have what we needed." the scientist laughed, "It took the Forerunners years to have finally mastered hardlight technology, but to imagine a whole race that has hardlight technology naturally interfaced with their bodies? The wonders one could achieve from that? That's where you little ponies came in. You see, we find a way to take you apart and meld with your d.n.a and we could become as gods! We would be....INVINCIB-*BANG*"

"Invincible tha' you shit eating cunt."

Just then a shell struck the base.



~~~~~~~




A lone Sangeheli stood on the top of the Wraith as it touched down to unload the Sangheli Loyalists. Noticing the Remnant vehicles depositing their own group of Jiralhanae the Sangheli reached down and withdrew his Type-1 Plasma Sabre.
"Brothers, tonight we move to ensure the survival of all races. We must not fail, nor can we falter."



~~~~~~~




Upon exiting the complex with the rest of Fireteam Raven, Scootaloo found herself pinned down with no armour, not exactly her cup of tea seeing as she now made a larger target. That and running out armed with nothing but a sidearm also wasn't the smartest of moves.

"Williams, we need to get Scootaloo to the ship! She's got her armour in there!" barked Kramer.

Williams just nodded as he motioned for Davis and Indigo to lay down suppresive fire before moving forward towards their ship. Keeping himslef between the hail of plasma rounds and Scootaloo Faolan dragged the unarmoured Spartan along behind him.

Just before they could make it behind cover a plasma grenade came sailing straight at Faolan. The Spartan readiedto throw himself from his friends when the grenade stuck to a tree limb and went flying back towards its thrower. 

"You have a talent for finding trouble whilst under equipped Pegasus." a Sangheli quipped from behind them.

Scootaloo just nodded as she ducked behind a rock.
"You keep pulling my flank from the fire, Thel, and someone might actually think you're starting to like me."

The Sangheli barked a laugh and shot down two Kig-Yar marksmen before turning back to face Scootaloo who was staring at him critically.
"Fine...maybe a little. You have a warriors heart, nothing more."

Rolling her eyes Scootaloo started making headway back towards the ship, her progress speed now doubled with the aid of the Sangheli Loyalists.



~~~~~~~




"You have got to be taking a piss..." Scootaloo trailed off as she slid into her Spartan-IV undersuit. It was surprisingly flexible for her, but she had to have someone seal it for her as the seal ran up her spine to allow for her wings. Once she had slid into the undersuit the mare stepped into the machine that had been built into the ship to have her armour placed on. While Scootaloo was having her armour applied Williams explained the basics.

"Obviously custom made, it has been dubbed the MJOLNIR/Alicorn Armour Permutation. The 'boots' for your hooves are reinforced to withstand the most extreme pressure. Your armour is also a lot mor lightweight than most. The helmet and the wing guards were specifically made by your friend Thel 'Vadamee. The wingguards employ hardlight technology to protect the whole wing and aid in flight while the helmet. Well, you explain it Thel."

The Sangheli stepped forward with a nod.
"The helmet is made to the same material Sangheli combat helmets are made of. Your includes a 'horn' that is actually a built in Plasma pistol and can also be used as a melee weapon. The wing guards, as your Spartan leader forgot to mention, also have Type-1 Plasma Sword technology allowing you to use two blade from your wings."

The ship rocked slightly as the final peices of armour were being attached.

"And to sum it all up it has a built in cloaking sytem and overshields that can be supplemented by any one other armour ability. Also, Scottish Spartan, a gift of thanks for your kinsmanship with Scootaloo. This is a newer model of our jet packs. It has thrusters that attack to the legs, back, and shoulders and will allow for true flight. Do not mistake this as kindness for you though." Thel finished.

"Righ', its jus' tha' you have a soft spot for Scootaloo, righ'?"

The Arbiter growled slightly and stepped forward threateningly when a plasma blade sparked up between them.

"Oh fuck the hell yes! Can I go play now?" Scootaloo asked giddily, bouncing in her new MJOLNIR/Alicorn armour.





~~~In a Place Away~~~




"She grows, and she is ready. I knew hiding such creatures from the universe was good for all. They have been untouched by the horrors of the universe for so long while their powers grew for peace, and I long feared how this one would turn out. Young...eager...but smart, and loyal to her morals. She will do well. Stay safe young one, for I must turn my attentions to another, older, Spartan."



~~~~~~~




Bolts of Plasma fizzled back and forth between the two sides coupled with slivers of metal spikes fired from the Jiralhanae. The Sangheli Loyalists and Fireteam Raven held cover on one side, the Remnant forces on the other. And in the midst of the haze winging her way along with little to no care in the world was Scootaloo. Her oversheild protected her from all damage, and even when they fell low a quick series of deft aerial manouevres allowed them time to recharge.

But still, the danger, the edge, the adrenaline rush from the constant threat of death... The insurpassable feeling of knowing that your very own actions protect your friends... There was nothing like it in the world, and there was no where she'd rather be.

A flash of light filled the air around her, and when the armour pegasus cast a look back, she found that on the flank of her armour was mark, one she instantly recognized as personal to her, was her cutie mark. It was the skeletal visage of a unicorn's head and a pegasus' wings crossed by twin Maulers. She'd gotten her cutie mark, and now it was time to show everyone what she was born to do!
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Scootaloo was just retracting a plasma blade from an unruly Kig-Yar as Faolan snapped the neck of a Sangheli Remnant and Thel extracted his energy sword from the belly of another.

"Tell me again lass, how did we get oursel's wrapped up in this mess?!" Faolan yelled over the din of battle.

Parrying a thrust from a sword the mare beheaded her opponent before replying.
"Well, I came out, went ballistic and was doing good. Thel got all 'honour bound must get more kills than a mare' on us and charged out, and you got jealous and thought he was coming to save me. I went to fly back and spotted you two in trouble, and now we're pinned!"

The trio hastily fell back into a garage and made short work of anyone attempting to follow them in before stacking corpses roughly in the doorway.

"Did I ever tell you how much I hate human stupidity?" Thel growled, eyeing Faolan pointedly.

Scootaloo opened fire with twin M6C's as remnant forces attempted to pour in through the door.

"Did Ah e'er tell you how much Ah hate hunchbacks?" Faolan retorted.

The Arbiter growled angrily and grabbed the front of Faolan's armour.
"I should peel you from your tin can and skin you alive."

Reaching up Faolan gripped the two lower mandibles on Thel's jaw.
"Whatever ye say, at least mah face doesnae look like a vagina!"

"You little wor-"

"HEY! You two done jerking eachother off, or should I keep holding this door myself?" snapped Scootaloo as she unloaded rounds at the door.

Throwing each other a pair of disapproving glares Faolan and Thel let go of eachother and joing Scootaloo back at holding the door.



~~~~~~~




Williams and the rest of the fireteam had just made it back to their Pelican. Kramer and Indigo took the left and right guns while Davis took the bottom mounted gun. Before they could lift off a number of Falcons flew over, tearing into the Remanant forces with their own guns.

*Fireteam Raven, Sangheli Loyalists. This is Commander Travis of the UNSC Destroyer Falcon Claw. We are providing aerial support while engaging a Remnant cruiser in orbit. We advise you clear the planet in case of any orbital bombardment.*

"Yeah! There we go boys!" Davis cheered as they lifted off. "Now let's go find us Grant and Scootaloo and get the fuck off this rock!"



~~~~~~~




The remnant coughed up its own blood laughing as the three fools finsihed piling bodies in the door way. It was enough to draw their attention. As they turned, the Jiralhanae gave them a cruel smile.
"It is all pointless....We know where your planet is horse....we will...we will have your hardlight technology....and be as gods!"

The brute watched as the horse stared at him from behind its helmet.

"Bullshit."

"It is on our cruiser, and the ship....the ship is leaving soon...we will have your...technology and we will be as gods! Such was...the promise given to us!"

*Fireteam Raven, Sangheli Loyalists. This is Commander Travis of the UNSC Destroyer Falcon Claw. We are providing aerial support while engaging a Remnant cruiser in orbit. We advise you clear the planet in case of any orbital bombardment.*

"Fireteam Raven, this is Spartan-IV Grant with Spartan-IV Scotaloo an' the Arbiter! We are holed up in the garage righ' outside the enemy deployement drop!"

*Grant you crazy s.o.b! This is Williams, we're on our way for pick up!*

"Alrigh', but make sure we're ready fer a rough landing on the Covie cruiser, they've got summat Ah know Scootaloo wants!"

*You got it, ETA in seven mikes.*

The brute quickly realized that his own were in trouble. Reaching for his on communications system, he was quick to pull back a cauterized nub. 

Muzzle flash was the last thing he would see.



~~~~~~~




"Do we know if we can last much longer your Excellency?" a Kig-Yar asked cautiously as he followed the Sangheli across the war room aboard their cruiser.

"We leave as soon as we shell the ground. Now leave me, I must be in contact with our compatrio-"

What the Sangheli had planned on saying, as well as any being in the room, was ended as the twisted burning hull of a Pelican slammed through the walls and the cold vacuum of space sucked out anything not secured. From the hole in the hull came six figures, all Spartans.

"And that is how my mother taught me to make an entrance!"

The rest of the Fireteam just laughed as Scootaloo explained how Rainbow Dash tended to visit libraries.

Williams cast looks about to ensure it was safe before nodding.
"Activate your magnetics everyone, and stay on guard. Davis, breaching charges on that door. Grant, Scootaloo and Indigo, take point on whatever that door leads to. Kramer, find navigation so we can keep Scootaloo's world out of this clusterfuck!"

Nodding, the team moved into place as Davis blew the door. The first things through it were a number of unprepared remnant forces while Raven pushed forward through the door before the safey seals shut it off. Activating their stealth fields on their armours the team started moving through the halls silently killing any enemy that hadn't been killed  outright or had been half suffocated by the pull of space.

It was gruelling work moving so slowly, especially for the mare who felt her home was something she could never look to again. She was antsy to get the information, blow the records, and get the hell out. That was when Williams called a halt.

*We must leave immediately lest the humans gain access to the frequency, do you understand? What is more dishonourable, running, or failing my word?*

"Failing your word, Lord Didact! We shall make haste!"

*Good, and I expect the rest of your forces are on their way to the my coordinates as we speak?*

"Yes Lord Didact."

It was then that Scootaloo stepped out and dropped her active comouflage.
"Yes Lord Didact, no Lord Didact, my hoof up your ass when I see you Lord Didact! You want my family, you go through me to get it!"

The Sangheli Feild Marshall just laughed.
"The Lord Didact does not waste his time with beings such as you. No, you are mine to kill strangeling, and I will mount your head upon my wall!"

Scootaloo just stood and allowed the energy sword swung at her to halt upon her overshield before slamming the horn on her helmet home in the Sangheli Field Marshall's chest. Thje Sangheli dropped without further words and Kramer immediately began digging through the files about the same time that reinforcements began assailing the room. Scootaloo took point in defense, her overshield and hardlight shields on her wings making her a near impenetrable force to be reckoned with. Behind her stood Davis and Faolan who were firing over her.

On the far side, dealing with a far smaller force, were Williams and Indigo. The whole time Kramer was working on the computer and uttering little less than the odd explicative every time a round flew past her head. Pounding away at the keys, Kramer worked her way through firewall after firewall until she found her prize. Hooking up her datapad, the woman downloaded the coordinates before tossing a call to Davis.

"Load this computer up with an EMP and a few fragmentation and let's get the hell out of here!"

Taking Davis' place behind Scootaloo while Davis primed the explosives, Kramer took the oppurtunity to apologise to Scootaloo.
"You know how I mouthed off that first night, and then you saved my sorry ass. I just wanted to say sorry."

Firing off one more bolt of plasma from her horn Scootaloo called back to her fireteam mate.
"You got my data, right?"

"Yeah."

"Apology accepted, oh, and I didn't shoot him to save you, I shot him because I fucking despise Jiralhanae, but same thing...sorta..."

"What?!" Kramer barked loudly only to hear Scootaloo laughing, "That wasn't funny..."

Tossing two greandes down the hall and heading towards the doorway Williams and Indigo held Scootaloo called back.
"Wasn't supposed to be, it honestly isn't too far from the truth."

Pushing down the hall the fireteam suddenly felt the whole of the ship stretch and groan beneath them. Taking it as their cue to hurry up, they managed to push forward into the hangar and just managed to make their escape via borrowed Banshees as the Covenant Cruiser broke apart and exploded.



~~~~~~~



"So we're going to see the Wonderbolts? Wait, are you joining the Wonderbolts?! Cause that'd be so totally cool!" Scootaloo cried happily.

Rainbow Dash ruffled Scoots mane playfully.
"I know it would, but I won't be joining the Wonderbolts."

"Why not? You're the best flier ever!"

Rainbow spent the next hour or so of the trip to Cloudsdale explaining to Scootaloo that Wonderbolts couldn't be single parents due to the commitment to the team. She also explained how there were somethings in the world that meant more enough to ponies that sometimes what they thought they wanted wasn't what they really needed.

"The fact of the matter is, kiddo, that as long as you have somepony to hold close to your heart, be it a husband, wife, son or daughter, you have everything the world could offer you. And when it does offer you one of those, you'd be a fool not to take it."

That night the mother and daughter curled up, and Scootaloo slept more soundly than she had ever done in years.



~~~~~~~




"Ugh....didn't I swear off heavy drinking?" Scootaloo mumbled as she rose from prone, holding one hoof to her head, "Pretty sure I swore off heavy drinking....why do I feel like shit?"

"Tha' tends tae happen when ye get yer arse caught up in the explosion of a Covenant Cruiser. How's yer head?" 

Looking over to her right, Scootaloo found Faolan sitting in the corner. She beckoned him over, and as soon as he leaned in close she smacked him in the back of the head.
"How do you think?"

The Spartan-IV was rubbing the back of his head ruefully when Scootaloo grabbed his chin and pulled him forward, pressing her lips roughly over his as she kissed him.
"Better now though...might help if we went and got something to eat, say, dinner for two?"

Faolan just stood stupidly for a moment before shaking his muddled thoughts away.
"Ah'll go talk tae the medical personelle an' see abou' gettin' ye checked ou'."

Scootaloo just smiled as she watched the large man exit the room. She'd found what she had been offered and, for better or worse for the poor bugger, she decided to take him and call him her own.



~~~~~~~




Kramer was seated on Williams lap as the two rested against eachother while Davis and Indigo were on their third round of pool. For the most part they had all been relaxing for the past two weeks since they'd accidently personally destroyed the Covenant Cruiser they'd invaded and were enjoying the off time.

"You think Grant's ever going to come out of that room?"

Indigo took her shot a pocketed four balls in one go. Two shots in and she was already set to pocket the Eight.
"I highly doubt it Davis."

Davis just shrugged.
"Well, Williams, what about her being able to find her home? She is a Spartan now, so how does that work out?"

Williams pulled his eyes from Kramer for a moment to look over towards Davis.
"Well, seeing as the whole situation was forced on her, I don't really see how we could stop her if she did want to. She literally had no other choice, otherwise she would have died. If she wants to go home, I won't stop her, if anything I'll vouch for her decision."

"I agree. Her life, not ours, and to force her decision one way or the other would be highly unfair." Kramer acknowledged.

"Yeah, well, she's a tough nut, and I'd hate to lose a fireteam member, but- Damnit Indigo, can't I just win one game?"

Indigo just shook her head and motioned for Davis to set up another game.



~~~~~~~




While usually not one to care about her looks,Scootaloo knew they were going to be docking in the next hour, and knew that (after much 'convincing') Faolan was going to take her out somewhere nice for dinner. The issue was that she didn't have anything to wear!

So fine, maybe Rarity's teachings had more of an effect on her than she'd first let on, but it was her first ever date! She couldn't go out looking like some grunt straight off the feild! Turning to look in the mirror the mare realized that she hadn't showered yet. Grabbing a towel and some liquid soap Scootaloo set off for the women's shower area.

Upon entering the female shower room a number of ODST's and Marines turned to get a glance at the Spartan pony. Reactions ranged from curiosity to outright disgust, murmurs of betrayal and alien key amongst the group. Ignoring these and using her wings to clear a path to a spicket the mare turned on the cold water, relishing the heightened nerves that it brought to her.

So entranced by the feel of the ice cold water tracing across her back and her wings Scootaloo didn't even notiuce the group of angry looking soldiers that had encircled her. Granted once she had taken notice, she still did not find herself overtly worried.

"May I help you?"

This drew a few derisive snorts from the women around her as they glared at the mare.



~~~~~~~




Linda Raetz and her ODST squad were on their way to the showers after a firefight drill when they heard the sounds of the fight. Rushing forward, Linda was the first to spot a number of Marines trying tosubdue and beat the daylights out of the alien that had returned her husband from Expidai.

"Squad! Protect the Spartan!"

With a hellish fury Linda's squad of ODST's joined the fray and cleared a number of Marines from the pony. It took all of second for the fight to be finished, the Marines training not capable of standing up against the combind fury of five ODST's and a Spartan.

Linda was wiping away some blood from her lip when the pony turned to face her and offered a hoof.

"Thanks for the assist. Jeez, can't wash the blood and guts off me without using...well...aparently more blood."

Taking the hoof in her hand and giving it a firm shake Linda returned the mare's comment with a smile.
"Apparently not. Linda Raetz, and I owed you, you brought my husband back to me."

"Yeah...." Scootaloo trailed, "I'm sorry I couldn't keep him alive..."

Giving her eyes a quick wipe Linda just smiled.
"He died protecting those he could and I'm proud of him for that."

Ducking back under the spray of water Scootaloo quickly began to shower again before swearing under her breath and hitting the wall.

"Problem?"

"No, well, sort of. I had a date for tonight, but now this is going to hjold me up." Scootaloo grumbled.

Linda just smirked.
"Squad, the Marines picked a fight with me and you all backed me up, the Spartan here walked in when it was said and done with. Now freshen up and get going."

Shaking the woman's hand once more Scootaloo head out and back to her room.



~~~~~~~




Faolan shifted uncomfortably in his dress blues. Spartans were well known for only ever wearing the uniform in a coffin, a fact that weighed heavily on his mind as he waited for his date to arrive on the off loading dock. Shifting his cover slightly then pulling at the lower hem of his jacket, the man couldn't quite figure out what was making him so damned nervous.

It was about that time Commander Travis walked up next to him.
"Scared Spartan?"

"Sir?"

"I asked if you were scared, nervous, jittery." Travis repeated, "It's easy shooting something you know wants to kill you. Hell, couple pounds of pressure is enough for most triggers anyway. Dating though...Well, let's just say that's a whole other ball game."

The Commander cast a look over to see Faolan eyeing him questioningly.

"Well, first off, you don't get to 'abort mission' and then slam the failed attempt with a MAC round to rid yourself of the evidence." Travis laughed, "My advice though, is that she's seen you as a soldier at your core, so no false airs, don't act fancy or anything like that. Second is that you have no credit cap tonight. I don't do this for you....but, well, you know my family history, everyone does. I'll do for Scootaloo what I couldn't do for my own daughter, they're too similar for me to not want to."

At this point Commander Travis wiped a tear from his eye before placing a hand on Faolan's shoulder.
"Finally, have fun, and don't take this too seriously. Shit son, if I had a girl practically order me on a date I'd figure she has it all in hand. Good luck Spartan, and with Scootaloo's attitude, lord knows you'll need it."

As Commander Travis walked away Faolan was left debating over who had the worst motivational speeches, Scootaloo or the Commander.



~~~~~~~




Having already gone through a walk in the park, then stopped by a theatre to watch a short romantic comedy about an Unngoy and a human who fell in love and got married. After another short walk they decided upon a predominantly vegetarian based resturaunt. After a fair bit of talking, Scootaloo nearly decking the manager for calling her a mindless beast and a call to the ship later they found themselves seated.

"So, you said you had a sister back when we first met. What's she like?"

Faolan mulled over the question for a moment before answering.
"Tedra. She's a bit like me, or with her being older, Ah'm a bit like her. Ah get a bit more...accented when agitated, came from mah da's side. Red hair like me, an' like Ah said we both joined the Spartan-IV programme, a bit o' a rivalry there. Anyway las' Ah heard she was off on some project called Infinity, though you didnae hear tha' from me, an' Ah didnae hear it from her."

Nodding with a smile Scootaloo bit into her gourmet veggie burger she'd ordered. This had been the most relaxed she'd been in the last year or so.

"An' you? Any family or friends back home?"

Swallowing her bite Scootaloo shrugged.
"My mom Rainbow Dash, my two best friends Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. The closest to family I've got aside from Raven."

Giving her a reassuring smile, the Spartan put a hand on Scootaloo's hoof.
"An' we won' leave you until death forces our paths apart."

The two slipped into a comfortable silence after that, both enjoying their respective meals. The general ambiance and lack of war noise was soothing to both. Soft lighting coupled with the soft playing of orchestra allowed both parties to fall into a relaxed state of mind as they unknowingly stared into each others' eyes. It wasn't until a waiter came over with a plate of what appeared to be a luxurious chocolate cake topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream.
"Compliments of the couple in the corner."

Casting their gazes up, Scootaloo and Faolan watched as Williams and Kramer paid their bill and stood to leave, and Scootaloo swore Kramer winked at her. Turning to face the dessert brought out, the mare flicked the spoon idly with a hoof, flushing slightly.

"Are you alrigh'?" 

Starting slightly, Scootaloo looked up to see Faolan eyeing her curiously.

"Oh yeah," the mildly embarassed Scootaloo responded, "I'm just...I don't know... People buying expensive things for me makes me kind of uncomfortable, you know?"

"No' really, can you elaborate?"

Sighing slightly, but knowing that she might as well tell him, Scootaloo explained.
"I was an orphan for a long time, kind of scavving off what I could. When I was...alone...It made things easier to believe I could keep myself safe and taken care of rather than accept aid..."

"Because accepting aid felt like a cop-out?" Faolan deduced while smiling reassuringly.

"Exactly! I didn't need their help, I could do it on my own, hell, I can do it on my own." Scootaloo grumbled. She was about to continue when Faolan slipped a spoon of ice cream into her mouth.

"But now you have people who'll care for you." Faolan countered with a smile, "An' Ah know we don't give because we pity you, but because we see you as an equal and a friend. That and if you don't like accepting things without being able to pay them back, what was tonight all about."

Swallowing the ice cream, Scootaloo unwillingly suppressed her want to eat more of the delicious treat and returned Faolan's quest for an answer.
"Well...I figured dating and...well...some late night activities would have repayed it well enough..."

Both amazed and mildly worried that the mare Faolan found his heart yearning for would worry so much about making sure they stayed on even footing, or hoofing in her case, the Scotsman realized he needed to set a few ground rules should their relationship continue.
"Tha' makes sense, Ah suppose, if it were favours betwixt frien's, but this is s'pose' tae be a relationship, right?"

Scootaloo nodded, but didn't really follow quite yet.

"Meanin' if Ah want tae give you a nice night ou' on the town, then Ah should be able tae do that without you feeling obligated to return the act. The reason is because it made me happy knowin' you were happy, an' tha' is good enough for me." explained Faolan as he leaned over the table and kissed Scootaloo lightly, "An' Ah think it soun's like you deserve tae be treated a bit. Tha' bein' said, Ah'd like tae be the one who treats you."

For the first time in a long time Scootaloo felt a sprinkling of moisture about the corners of her eyes that wasn't attributed to sorrow of some kind. No, instead the feeling stirring in her was more akin to that of the feeling she felt when Rainbow had adopted her. Starting with a tingling throughout her body, it turned into a buzz that made her pulse race and made her want to sing(nevermind her terrible voice). Leaning in Scootaloo sealed a second kiss.

"Thank you, you've got no idea how much this, all of this, means to me." beamed Scootaloo, "Now there are three more things on the agenda. Ice cream and cake, bed, and then once we get there, meeting my mom!"

Faolan simply laughed as he offered another spoon of ice cream to his new girl friend, or filly friend as it were. He was eagerly looking forward to the time they'd have together.
*Meeting my mom!*
Well, most of the time they'd have together, but his gut told him that might be an interesting(and possibly deadly) scenario.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Scootaloo stood as firm as she could, despite the fact that she couldn't move either wing, nor her right back leg. She glared angrily from behind her helmets visor as her aggressors advanced. They still had their rifles trained on her, and they were ready to open fire should she as much as bat and eyelash. This was something Scootaloo knew.

"So, did someone figure out that trying to play lone wolf doesn't generally end well?" jeered one of the aggressors from behind his rifle.

Rather than worry, the filly just sneered back as she glared down the barrels of the rifles and uttered but one word.

"Bait."

Upon that single utterance Fireteam Raven emerged from behind cover and systematically took down each of their fellow members aggressors. As the final aggressor dropped a red light illuminated everyone present, and the armour locking technology of the room shut down. It was then that Scootaloo moved forward and proffered a hoof to the marines laying about on the ground.

"Good match, I'm surprised you managed to last as long as you did, and I hope Romela doesn't hate me too much for that shot.  I swear I had a good sight on his stomach before he stepped up." Kramer laughed as she aided another marine regain his footing. Just then the P.A. system came online carrying Commander Travis' voice.

*Fireteam Raven:128, Marines:4. Congratulations Raven, you're run was by far the fastest we've ever seen on this ship. Marines, you are dismissed, Raven, I've need to speak with you all when you've stepped out of your armour.*



~~~~~~~




"So guys, what do you think is in store for us? I mean, due to all the crap we've put up with our ship has made port more  than a few times. Linda and Indigo seem to be getting along better than 'just fine', Kramer and Williams are a go, as are you an Faolan, and I'm just fine." Davis mentally pondered as he stepped off the armour changing platform.

Indigo flushed for a moment before promptly slamming Davis onto his back.
"So you have been spying on me you pric! And as for the call, well we set a record in the War Games, so it probably has to do with that."

"Besides, we've done nothing wrong." Williams noted as he neatly sidestepped Davis.

"So who's going to say it?"

"Say what, Kramer? Davis asked as he returned to his feet.

"Tha' you think it may have summat tae do with tha' harddrive?" inquired Faolan.

All eyes turned to Scootaloo who just shrugged.
"Long as nopony tells me that my old home is under attack I'm happy. Besides, we stand around talking we'll never find out, talking is just a time spender."
As she walked forward the Spartan mare flicked her tail at Faolan's crotch.
"And we as in Faolan and I have plans for tonight and don't want to be kept waiting, so come on."

Falling into step behind their friend, Fireteam Raven headed off to see what Commander Travis had to say.



~~~~~~~




Standing on her balcony, as she was want to do often, Luna gazed up at the star filled masterpiece before her. She was truly impressed with the work Twilight had done earlier that day when she'd offered to let her make a constellation. When she found it her gaze lingered as the kind of pain from hiding truths and unwillingly hurting your friends for the greater good weighed down on her. On a whim Luna delved into her dream world and prayed that what she found would be amiable.



~~~~~~~




-Our techies have been messing with it for ages, and we've finally made a breakthrough! We have the coordinates to the planet and can return you home Spartan Scootaloo!

Commander Travis smiled gently.
"I will not make the choice for you young one. While you may be under my command by word of ONI, they, or atleast one of their rogue groups, are why you're stuck like this. You are free to chose what you wish to do, stay with us, or go back home. Regardless of choice, though, we will make contact, and would prefer you aid us with that."

Hear tha' lass? Yer fin'lay gettin' yer home back! Damn, some one looks eager and a lot more energetic-

Cutting the last vision off as she approached her dream world destination Luna prepared herself for anything she might face inside the subconscious wanderings of Scootaloo's mind. Once steeled, the alicorn delved forward and found herself in Ponyville's meadows just outside town. On a hilltop she spied Scootaloo and her Equestrian family, as well as six hulking beings she recognized from her original visits.

Ever cautious, Luna moved forward only to have a larger and far more muscular Scootaloo spot her.

"Luna? Like, the real one, or am I dreaming you? Damn, fuck it, I'm hugging you anyway, goddesses I've missed you!" Scootaloo cried as she threw her hooves(gently) around Luna's neck. The dark alicorn hesitated for a moment before returning the hug.

"Hello young one. I see you have changed. For the better I hope?"

Nodding like a schoolfilly asked to prom the mare bounced a few time before leading Luna back to the 'picnic'.
"You have no idea! Made a new group of friends too! Blue eyed blonde there is Williams, the fireteam leader and a steadfast steady friend, reminds me a lot of Applejack in attitude actually. Next to him is Kramer, she's the dark tan one, green eyes black hair, acts like mom, but I've never told her. Anyway they're a couple."
The two waved hello, as per Scootaloo's influence of the dream.
That one with black hair and blue eyes, white, is Davis, a very Pinkie Pie-esque guy. Next to him...well, I didn't know him long, but in retrospect I owe him my life, is Jecht. He's the ebon skinned guy. My understanding is that he was to bombs that Twilight is to magic."
Those two also gave a wave.
"Indigo is next. I don't know everything about her background other than the word oriental. Anyway she's nice, but she's to her fire arms like Rarity is to her dresses."
That was about when Scootaloo stopped, suddenly aware that she had no idea how to reveal what Faolan was to her. Luna noted the silence.

"Are you alright young one? If the last one scares you I can banish him from you thoughts."

Perhaps over reacting a bit, Scootaloo threw herself in front of him.
"Nooo! He's my colt-friend!"

Luna's eyes widened a fair ways as she took in the sight.

"Its....I know it's weird because he's a human and I'm a pony, but the fact of the matter is I kinda find myself loving the big guy. His name is Faolan Grant, and he helped me alot." Scootaloo explained, noting that Luna still seemed on edge, "You know how you helped me when I first showed up on that planet. Well he does that only more so, and it isn't about body shape, it's about who he is....Damnit now I'm getting all sappy!"

Luna just nodded her head, she had more worrisome things to deal with.
"And you are returning apparently?"

"Yep, can't wait to get back either, totally need to see if Sweetlie or 'Bloom got their cutie marks! Mine is actually for being a Spartan, how's that for a laugh?"

Nodding, Luna let Scootaloo get back to dreaming.



~~~~~~~




Eye's snapping open Luna immediately teleported her self to a large statue in Ponyville. It was only two years old and depicted a young fill standing proudly next to a scooter and helmet. The alicorns eyes strayed down to the plaque at the bottom.


This a memorial to the ponies that strive for peace and harmony in Equestria.
Also solely dedicated to Scootaloo Dashia, who gave her life to protect her family and her friends.
Should we all be so brave and selfless, that the world might never overtake us.


A second teleport had Luna gazing upon a small white tombstone. One that bore the fillies name, and stated quite clearly the  date that Luna had confirmed the filly dead. 
"What have I done?"



~~~Three months two weeks later~~~





Orders as per instruction of the Gryphon Warlady-

You are to sneak in to Canterlot Castle and strike down the Princess, or at least do your best.
You all are hear-by released from your legal bonds as prisoner provided you follow through with this task, and will be granted your freedom should you return, your execution as planned should you refuse.
Harm no pony aside from guards or Princess, and follow the map given to us by our most esteemed Warlady's life partner.
Also, in this case is a 'gift' of sorts that needs 'returned'.
May your wings carry you home, or the clouds let your soul rest.




~~~Three months four weeks later~~~




"Fireteam, Commander Travis, take your seats, your drop will be commencing in t-minus five minutes!" called one of the engineers. Nodding, the group began to ready itself as the hatches closed on their Stealth Insertion Pods, favouring them over a Pelican to not worry any natives to the planet.

"Are ye ready tae be home lass?"

*Crack*

Rubbing the back of his head Faolan put on his helmet.
"Ah should'ha know the answer tae tha', shouldn'av Ah?"

Nodding, Scootaloo mimed blowing the Spartan a quick kiss from behing her armour and readied herself for the drop.

"Dropping t-minus five....four....three....two....one!"

Scootaloo grinned as she felt the pod lurch.

She fucking loved this part!



~~~~~~~




Celestia growled in fury as she stood off from the gryphon assassins that had made their presence known. Next to her was Luna. Luna had thankfully teleported the guards out of the room to protect them when the grypons appeared.

"So, a gryphon finally makes a move on me? To what to I owe this displeasure?" Celestia asked near cordially.

One of the gryphons just sneered as her drew his blade.
"Somepony doesn't like the way you rule things, something about not dealing with things yourself."

Rather than let the gryphon's words affect her, Celestia counted off the twenty odd assassins and realized she was in trouble.
"Luna," she murmured, "We can not stop them with them being this close. I'll hold the back you run."

Luna looked ready to object when two things happened at once. First, the assassins all lunged forward, the second that three large objects slammed through the roof and into the floor of the castle.

All present stopped as the sides of the objects hissed and opened slowly.

Out from the pods dropped six bipeds that neither Celestia nor the gryphons had seen before five armour, one appearing to be wearing a nice military suit. Then, armoured like the other five, a pony like figure stepped out. Luna was the first to react.

"Scootaloo, the gryphons are assassins!"

The armoured pony turned to look at Luna when a sharpened blade slammed into the side of her helmet. Her shields meant it did nothing. The next thirty seconds practically never existed as the new arrivals put down each gryphons, only one managing to escape.

"Well done fireteam!" Commander Travis called, "Now holster your weapons, this was supposed to be strictly diplomatic." 

Everyone followed orders as Celestia stared on in wonder while still staying ready for combat and Luna just sat behind her fidgeting and looking nervous. It wasn't until the armour pony turned and removed her helmet did Celestia relax some, but even then she remained cautious.

"Scootaloo? Is that you?"

Smiling in return the mare looked around and took a deep breath of Equestrian air.
"Hell yes it is, I'm back bitches!"
The mare froze suddenly, remembering that Celestia was still a princess. Dropping to a bow she quickly rephrased her sentence.
"Er, I mean, yes your highness, I have returned."

Celestia wasn't even looking at Scootaloo any more, but instead at Luna.
"You told us she was dead...."

Scootaloo heard this, but shrugged.
"Princess Luna said I was shifting out of range for her to reach my dreams, she probably did think me dead, but then, why haven't you told them that you talked to me a few months ago?"

Celestia raised an eye at this while Faolan began to piece together his own thoughts on what had happened.

"Err, I...." the Lunar Diarch stuttered.

"Luna....you don't have a range to your spell...." Celestia noted.

Realizing she had no choice but to admit her failure Luna ground a hoof into the marble floor angrily.
"Okay fine, I stopped seeing Scootaloo by choice! The things she'd been seeing? The horrors? I wasn't even that bad under the influence of Nightmare's taint! Discord wasn't that bad under her taint either, and that's what sent her to that planet!" Luna ranted angrily.
"The fact of the matter is I figured there was no way she'd live, so I gave up!"

Celestia looked shocked, Travis kept his features neutral, and Scootaloo...well she looked absolutely betrayed.

"But...you said...and every night I prayed...I needed you, and you just left me....why?"

Luna was caught between a rock and a hard place, but she figured she might as well come fully clean.
"Why didn't I stay? Your nightmares were of nothing of death and decay and rot. I didn't want to stay, and your stupid fear was too much for me to dispel them! It was your fault I couldn't help, so I left. I had a country to run."

All trace of sorrow vanished as Scootaloo's face took to a scowl that Faolan knew well. He grabbed hold of Scootaloo's waist just as she threw herself at Luna.
"Oh I'm fucking sorry the hell I was forced to live in was scary, but hey, I didn't cop out like a bitch! You fucking cunt, I can't believe you left me with that! I was alone and only had you after the Saipans died, and you just fucking left because it was scary?"

The rest of Scootaloo's words fell into the background for Luna as she noted Celestia eyeing her unhappily.
"This...decision of yours has caused much grief sister. I do not approve, and suggest you leave for the time being and let me take charge of this."

"NEVER!," Luna snapped back, "I have seen what she has done, and what those aliens called humans do! I will not leave you here alone sister! Not with these wretched monsters!"

Growling faintly, Faolan hefted up Scootaloo and handed her off to Indigo and Kramer to calm down before turning to face Luna. Commander Travis seemed to notice this too.

"Spartan Grant, stand down."

Ignoring the command Faolan removed his helm and dropped it to the ground,  shattering the already partially cracked marble floor it landed on. He then locked eyes with Luna.
"Monsters? Monsters? We figh' for the survival o' our race as a whole, and to stop those who woul' try'n destroy peace. More specifically, Ah, mah team, an' Scootaloo fight for each other, as friends. An' let me tell you, Ah get it. Ah really do get it. Scootaloo tol' me all abou' yer tirade and the whole Nigh'mare Moon thing. What you did an' such. You claim tha' you though' she'd die, so you left her?"
At this point Scootaloo had realized Faolan was a bout to go off on Luna and began moving to stop him, as he didn't have grief as an excuse.
"You're a fucking coward, tha's wha' you are. You left Scootaloo because you saw in our enemy wha' you could have been had you not been stopped, and it scared ye, so you left an innocent lass to handle it herself! You disgust me, an' if things were tae be had mah way, Ah'd beat the ever livin' fu-"

*Clang*

The rest of Faolan's words were cut off as Scootaloo knocked his legs out from under him, even still the damage was done as Luna pushed Celestia aside and lit her horn.

"You dare come to my home and insult me? I should cut you down like the beast you are!"

It was then Scootaloo did something that caught everyone off guard. Dropping all her shields and lowering herself into a submissive bow, the mare gave her words with dignity that Celestia would be hard pressed to match.
"You lied, you acted a coward, but honestly I choose not to blame you. I do so in hopes I can salvage what I can and keep my friends safe. Fell free to strike down the 'beasts' as you called them Luna, but know that if you do, you start with me."

Finally with everypony having stayed still long enough to get a lock on them Celestia teleported her volatile sister to Ponyville library with a message to Twilight to hold her, then turned to the Spartans before stepping forward and drawing Scootaloo into a hug.

"You have grown up well Scootaloo. It seems your time away has matured you. You even carry your scar well, granted it wasn't something I noticed until now. Regardless, it is obvious that your friends wish to talk, I'm assuming about peace and a possible alliance." reasoned Celestia, a nod from Commander Travis ensuring her beliefs, "But I do not draw alliances with war faring nations. It is against the policies that has, until today, kept Equestria from having any issues. Due to this, I will have to ask that you keep your stay as short as possible, as it will make handling the assassin issue easier. Finally I-"

"Hold the phone, you say tha' were war faring? Well wha' abou' Scootaloo, this is her home!" Faolan grumbled.

"I know, and she is free to stay, but I do not need warriors from other planets running around willy nilly. It could cause problems."

Scootaloo found herself in the situation she'd feared for the longest time. Knowing that her fireteam had no problem with her leaving, as long as it made her happy, and that Commander Travis had already told her she could go, Scootaloo planned on choosing Equestria. But now? Now that she knew Faolan couldn't stay at all, not even for a month or so... She didn't know what to do. She was torn between Faolan and Equestria, and it seemed impassable as to pick one over the other, and Faolan seemed to recognize that.

Leaning over, the Scotsman lifted Scootaloo's chin and kissed her lightly before staring deep into her eyes.
"Ah only wan' wha'll make ye happy lass. If tha' means you've got tae leave me tae see your family an' your mates again, do it. Ah'll sleep easy knowing your safe."

The words her lover spoke struck deep within her chest, and Scootaloo felt her throat constrict as tears began to leak onto her cheeks. Try as hard as she might, she knew she could never pick one over the other.
"I don't want you to go....and I don't want to go...."
Feeling a second pull at her chin Scootaloo looked back up, only this time to meet the kind magenta eyes of Celestia.

"You love this stallion, do you not?"

Unable to form a clear answer Scootaloo just continued leaking tears.
"I....please, don't make me choose...."

"Then don't." Celestia stated bluntly, "You have but one favour, anything you could want in Equestria, as per custom for saving either my own or my sisters life. Since i am the only one present, you can ask for one of these favours, your second when you see Luna again. Consider your choice wisely though."

Brightening slightly, Scootaloo thought of how she could have Faolan stay with her here, but that was crushed as she remembered he had his own obligations. Her face told her humans friends exactly what she had just thought and Commander Travis reached into a pocket before stepping forward.

"Spartan-IV Scootaloo Dashia of the UNSC Raven Claw...pronounced dead, no recoverable body, after the stealth pod malfunctioned." With that Commander Travis produced ruined holotags with Scootaloo's information on it. "And Spartan-IV Faolan Grant, should he consider it and with my regards, pronounced dead, no recoverable body, after the same stealth pod  Spartan-IV Scootaloo was in malfunctioned."

At this Williams stepped forward.
"We all talked it over, knew something like this might happen. Pull a few strings here and there, acquire some explosives and set off a pod. This is a choice you and Scootaloo share Grant. Do what you know will make you happy, your fate is in your own hands."

"Besides, we know that whatever happens, we'll always be Fireteam Raven." Indigo noted.

"And we'll always, even if its just a moral support from a galaxy away, have our backs." Kramer agreed.

Davis just stood there smirking.
"Besides, we'd hate to split up fuck buddies."
When no one laughed he got a bit more serious.
"I'll miss you guys, but hey, I'll find someone new to make jokes about if I have to."

Both Faolan and Scootaloo turned to look once at Celestia, standing serenely on one side, then to their holotags on the other.

Giving Faolan one last kiss Scootaloo decided what they would do.
"Eyes closed, only what we want. Count to three, and we both choose where we want to go. No peeking, no choosing the one that you think the other will choose, okay?"
Faolan nodded.

"One...."

Both Scootaloo and Faolan closed their eyes.

"Two...."

Inhaling deeply, they both prepared for what they knew would fully change their lives.

"Three!"
> Epilogue: It's Only Just Starting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Pacing in the specialized Pelican, Scootaloo was caught between the want to put her armour on to feel Spartan again, or to head into town and feel pony again. It was a hard thing to do, noting your faults and where you could and couldn't fit in, and decisions were never easy. Now she had eight hours left and she still couldn't come to a decision.

"Funny, wasn' it? We were both so worried abou' hurtin' the other we just stood there..."

Nodding absently Scootaloo continued her pacing. Even thought it had been a month ago, it felt like it had only be hours since opening her eyes to find that neither Faolan nor herself had chosen the fireteam or Equestria. Scootaloo did the only logical thing at that point and ask for a month to mull it over with Faolan.

It didn't help that she was certain Celestia was hiding something from her.

"So, Applebloom became an inventor, you were sayin', an' yer friend Sweetie Belle is a singer?"

Again Scootaloo nodded absently.

"Come on lass, calm yourself. Wha's the problem?"

*Clang Clang*

Noting someone was knocking on the hatch Scootaloo raced to the door, hoping to find Rainbow Dash there. Instead she saw Luna, and Faolan immediately grabbed Scootaloo who was already tensing up.

"What do you want?" the orange furred mare growled. 

"To apologize-"

Resisting the urge to spit Faolan just levelled a flat stare.
"Yeah? It's been a month, why show up now?"

Weighing her options, Luna decided the truth would be best.
"My sister and I have been attacked twice since that first time. Oddly enough Celestia sees fit to ignore it. She says that it is the temporary worries of a grieving pony, but I know better."

"So what, you want me to help you go stop something trying to hurt you?"

Luna shook her head.
"I want you and your....coltfriend to go to the Gryphon lands as member of the UNSC and settle this-"

"An' why the UNSC, eh? Wha' makes you think you can order us aroun'?"

"-and find your mother. Only you can do this."

Scootaloo slowly digested the words before realizing what Luna was trying to get at.
"Celestia said Rainbow was in Zebrica..."

Sighing Luna just nodded.
"I know, but the truth is, after I announced you dead, Rainbow Dash disappeared."

"And?"

"Then we received reports that any pony that got too close to the Gryphon lands was beaten and left on the roads."

"An' wha' does tha' have tae do wi' us?" Faolan snapped.

"Well...Celestia wished to hide this from you, worried about your reactions, but I've seen what lying and secrets do," Luna explained in a hushed tone, "But when we got attacked the first time, we got a message stating 'Loyal to no one but me.' as well as this."
Opening a small box that she'd stashed under a wing, Luna revealed none other than the necklace bearing the Element of Loyalty.

Scootaloo's eyes nearly popped from her head.

"No fucking way...."

"Ah'm goin' tae say tha's no' good..."

Nodding Luna continued.
"Rainbow feels that my sister and I don't do enough to protect ourselves and deal with our own issues. I'm going to be changing my policy personally, but in the latest attack civilians got hurt. I'm not asking you to help me Scootaloo, I'm asking you to save your mother before she becomes what Nightmare Moon wanted me to be, what she wanted Discord to be."

Eyeing the Element, then the armoury rack, Scootaloo attached her wing guards and slid the Elements over her head to sit below her old choker with the UNSC Fireteam Raven badge.
"Faolan, no MJOLNIR, but I feel its time to go give the Gryphons a call. Oh, and looks like you finally get to meet my mom!"