Chapter 41- Strike Back Plans
“What just happened? Otacon peeked his head out through one of the monitors of the ship, both of his eyebrows raised. There was a slightly muffled sound that made him look outside. Twilight Sparkle and Big Mac had rushed out of the library and through the roads of Ponyville.
“Isn’t that the direction of the hospital?” Samus asked, picking up his head. Her left hand moved to touch a screen and bring up a visual from her forward camera. A large black smoke trail was floating up into the sky.
“Correct me if I am wrong, but... Black smoke is the sign that something is burning from non-natural means, right?” The scientist turned to look at Samus, frowning a bit.
“Let’s go.” Samus moved her controls forward to send the ship ahead. “I pity anyone that came across the other humans in their upset state.” Otacon nodded at that comment. They both quickly passed over their pony partners to look down as they left them behind.
“Shouldn’t we pick them up?” Otacon asked, lifting his eyebrows.
“Later. They are faster than humans, so they should get there quickly. We are going to to see if we can pick up the others. Remember? That zebra was making a potion. If the hospital was attacked, Soma and Spy may be on their own.” Samus turned to look at Otacon as he nodded. While Otacon was smart, she never underestimate her opponents. While Spy and Soma may be powerful and versed in combat- she was sure that Zecora and Fluttershy would be more of a hindrance in combat. “Their partners may be taken hostage.”
“Oh,” Otacon said. While he had read up on combat and things, hostages was not something he covered. The changelings had no idea that the humans did have partners. Least Twilight had magic, and Big Mac was strong. Zecora and Fluttershy didn’t look too useful in combat. Soon enough, the ship came to the entrance of Everfree Forest. “Why aren’t we going in?” Otacon asked, lifting an eyebrow.
“Sorry, I have no idea why, but when I tried to scan this place when I was making a digital map, the scanners were unable to read anything,” Samus said to bring up a display for him. “Its almost as if this place is a dead zone. I did collect strange things though. Clouds move on their own here, while the rest of the area ponies move them manually.” She pointed at the display to show the clouds over Everfree moving on their own, while they remained in Ponyville.
“That is strange. Clouds move on their own on Earth, so I never noticed anything weird while I was inside the forest. Is that why the Codec didn’t work while Snake and I were in close proximity to each other?” Otacon asked.
“You may not be that far off doc. If we ever get a chance, I think its a good time to-” Samus stopped, looking down at the movement caught by a camera.. Spy, Zecora, and Fluttershy were coming out of the forest. “There they are. I am glad none of us had to go in and get them.” She lowered her ship, making the others take note.
“Please get on everyone. We think the hospital’s been attacked,” Otacon spoke through the loudspeaker. “We can get you there faster.” The others quickly nodded and ran into the beam to teleport them inside. Spy was just glad he did not have to run the whole way there.
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“Whoa...” Travis took a step back, falling to sit on his backside. He winced once, feeling extremely tired. After the last burst of energy, he felt really wiped out. The assassin moved to turn off the laser drill and then laid back to face the sky. “I am not going to do that again anytime soon,” he said. The Brand on his right hand stopped glowing, and the feeling of being invincible left his body.
“Travis?” Princess Luna asked, walking over to look down at her knight.
“I’m just tired... Really. Shouldn’t have done that when I’m low on blood,” Travis said to shut both eyes. Least the burning hospital made him feel warm. Luna smiled and moved to lay down at his side. Both of them closed their eyes, falling asleep.
“Don’t you ever do that again!” Rarity screamed, looking up at Nate. The treasure hunter smiled, setting her down and turn to look at his drill. The flaming skull Brand stopped glowing, making the giant drill reduced in size. Even the hand drill vanished, leaving only the diamond Nate had started with.
“Whoa... That rush I had is gone now,” Nate said, feeling a bit tired. Its like he had all of the adrenaline in his body kick in all at once, and then suddenly vanish.
“Are you alright?” Rarity asked, suddenly lifting her head to look up at her partner. Both of her blue eyes closed a little. She was worried they had rushed getting Nate his Brand.
“I think so. I am feeling much better now,” Nate said, taking a few breaths of air. He picked up his hand, looking down at the red skull. He would have to give this things a name. Dan named his ‘King Of Hearts,’ then again that was on the damn thing. Phoenix named his ‘Double Phoenix Emblem’ and it was kinda obvious. Ghost Rider? No that sucks. Spiral Force? Where did that name come from?
“I think you should sit down Nate, I’m worried,” The unicorn said. She frowned a bit, wondering what was going on. Neither Phoenix or Dan showed signs of after effects from using the powers granted by the Brands. Had she rushed the Brand process? Or was Nate simply not used to powers? Phoenix had been dying and got instantly better after getting his mark, so she doubted it was poison still in him.
“So the fact that Mr. Drake just took off into the sky and drilled through three floors of a hospital with a giant drill made with a diamond doesn’t bother you?” Phoenix asked, walking over with Rainbow Dash. The duo had left the donuts with Sokka and Derpy. “I mean, I know we all got power ups of some sort, but did Nate get the power to fly? I have trouble believing he could super jump with a giant drill in his hand.”
“I mean, really- No wings at all either,” Rainbow Dash said. Scootaloo frowned, having followed her hero. Now things without wings could fly through the air now? Things were just not fair.
“Wait, wasn’t this one of the fillies that you saved the other day Phoenix?” Nate asked, looking down at Scoots. First Sweetie Bell, now her.
“Dan,” Phoenix said, shaking his head to the sides. “Did it to Applejack’s little sister too.”
“Least this one is not wearing a garbage bag,” Rarity said. Why did her sister get a garbage bag and this little filly get such a nice dress?
“I’m not happy about it,” Scootaloo said, her head looking down at the ground.
“Right, well, Dan is calling us all over. While I haven’t seen any police around, I do not want to be around here to explain what happened to the hospital.” Phoenix lead the other humans over to a few feet away, where all the mares and the humans started to gather around again. Dan and the others were all sitting down, tired after the morning’s events. It was almost lunchtime anyway. Twilight and Big Macintosh quickly joined the group.
“Is everypony alright?” Twilight asked, looking around. Both the purple unicorn and the red stallion were out of breath. Twilight because she was a bookworm, Big Macintosh was a muscle pony, not an athletic speed pony.
“Oh hey. Where’s Otacon and Samus?” Sokka asked, lifting his eyebrows. Unlike the others, he had not done much, nor had he donated so much blood. So he was one of the few able to think properly and pay careful attention. Someone had to, out in the open was just asking for them to get attacked.
“They are on the way- I think they went to pick up those still in Everfree. Soma is almost as fast as Rainbow Dash. Spy and Fluttershy are not of the fast types,” Twilight said. The male Apple nodded, turning to look at his sisters. He was relieved they were both alright, but why was lil Applebloom bald and wearing a tiara?
“We’re alright,” Applejack said, noticing the looks Big Mac was giving. “Thank Dan for punishing tha Crusaders like this,” The orange mare said to point at the smiling Dan.
“Trust me, could’ve done much worse,” the Element of Anger said. “And in all honesty, they deserve worse considering what they did to Phoenix. The sheer fact that they thought that could be dragon tamers in the first place lies in the fault of their family.” Dan took a moment to give the stink eye at Rarity and Applejack. “You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Applejack nodded, simply knowing better. Rarity huffed and turned her head to the side. This was her parents fault.
“I think the others are coming,” Jack said, turning his head to point at the sky from the west. He was probably the only human that had been on rocket ships. Sure enough, the ship carrying the remaining members of the group came to a stop. One by one, the other ponies and remaining humans beamed down to look around. Dan picked himself up, motioning for the others to sit down on the grass.
“Is everyone fine? I don’t see Mr. Touchdown,” Otacon said, looking around. He and Luna were the only ones not around.
“They’re fine. Travis donated blood to Nate, so he’s worn out. Princess Luna is also resting with him,” Rainbow Dash said, moving over to float near the others. The cyan pegasus smiled, glad to see that Fluttershy was alright.
“Will they be alright by themselves?” Samus asked, walking over to collect with the others. Big Mac smiled and trotted over to her. The only male pony lowered his head to smile, bumping his head against her hand. “Oh, I am glad to see you’re fine too Mac.” Samus said, unable to run her fingers through his orange mane.
“Look, we can talk later. I’ve got an announcement to make. Nate’s fine, no longer poisoned. He also got his Brand. Everyone’s fine, and I doubt the Changelings will attack again so soon.” Dan crossed both arms on his chest, the smile he had from blowing things up replaced with a scowl. “If everyone- And I seriously mean everyone- says everypony in my presence again...” Dan raised his right hand up to make the King of Hearts glow red. Twilight gulped a little. Those that wanted to talk quickly quieted down.
“Please calm down commander. What’s up?” Ralf asked. He, Sephiroth, and Dovahkiin looked so strange sitting down. They stood so tall and rather bulky they look like boulders next to the ponies who had moved to lay down.
“Hmm... Commander. I like that,” Dan said to give and opened mouth grin. “Say your goodbyes, make plans to travel. I’m splitting us up,” Dan said to face the group. Otacon moved to sit down with his partner, and all of the others met up quickly to sit down.
“Was this part of the battle plans you wanted to discuss at the barn?” Twilight asked, moving her head to nod to Otacon. Many of the ponies and humans raised their eyebrows, getting anxious. Split up? The Merchant turned to look at the faces of the others. Why did that idea make the others so worried? He was a loner as it- He stopped for a second, turning to look at Junebug who sat at his side. Why was this little one following him?
“Sort of. I was mulling things over. But after that last attack, things were settled. As things stand now, we have all of our eggs in one henhouse. Sort of what happened with, Alduin?” Dan stopped to look at Dovahkiin who nodded. “Whatever his name is. We all got together and made us easy to pick off. If we split up, at least we got some reserves. Also, I think it’s time we take the fight to the changelings.”
“Hell yeah!” Ralf said, moving his right hand to punch into his other palm. He was tired of being on the defensive. It wasn’t his style.
“I agree with Dan. Sitting around and waiting to get attacked is no way to win a war,” Sokka said. “We can cover more ground if we split up.”
“Ha! See that Soma? This guy is gets it,” Dan said, turning to look at the soul hunter. Soma merely closed his eyes. Like it’s his fault he was used to working solo. Fluttershy leaned her head in, rubbing her pink mane against his neck to make him chuckle again.
“How, exactly are we splitting up?” Rarity asked. She moved her hoof up, rubbing her chin. She just got Nate healthy again! The others turned to look over at Dan. Pinkie Pie was the only one not worried, smiling with her eyes closed.
“Well, the humans are getting split up. It doesn’t look like you ponies are being targeted. You called us here to fight, so that’s what we’re going to do. But I won't ask you ponies to join unless you want to.” Dan moved over to start pacing around the group. “I’m thinking teams of three to four. I have ideas of what each team will do. Otacon, Jack, Phoenix, Sokka, and myself will be leading these teams. I want you all to join me, and I will go over what I have in mind exactly.” The others turned to look at the ones mentioned.
“Umm, now?” Otacon asked, raising his eyebrows. He moved his right hand up, motioning to the burning rubble of the hospital behind everyone.
“Yeah, we should split. We meet at City Hall, this afternoon around 4 pm. Eat lunch, make your preparations. Dovahkiin, the supplies will arrive today, if they haven't already. Go check them out after lunch.” Dan said. “Make no mistake. I have no intention of sending you all to fight. This are just recon missions. But you never know when they will attack. I know it’s hard, but you ponies think hard if you want to do this. Keep the buddy system though, so pair off. Team leaders, we have to meet at the library around... 2 pm. Snake, Bring Trixie. Now, dismiss!”
Trixie picked up her head, blinking once. Snake turned to look at the blue unicorn, also confused.
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Two in the afternoon arrived too quickly for Dan. Still, he needed more time. And not a damn writing utensil that wasn’t a damn quill. He frowned, having to tip the damn thing into ink to continue writing. Twilight was the only one with any paper and things to write with in town. Hell, he would settle for a pencil. The only ones in Golden Oaks were Otacon and Twilight, since she lived there. Otacon was busy finishing some bluetooths. Jack and Spike were also there, same reason. Only Pinkie Pie stayed at his side, looking down at his notes. So far he had this:
Team Ponyville- Build Medicines/Potions/Weapons/Armors
Ash- Fighter Mayor- Leader/Support
Sokka- Leader/Support/Blacksmith Derpy- Messenger/Support/Fighter
Dovahkiin- Power/Support Alchemy-Smith Applejack- Fighter/Support/Chef
Team Canterlot- Interrogate the prisoners/ Train the guards
Travis - Fighter Luna- Leader/ Liaison
Jack- Fighter, Trainer/Leader Spike- Messenger/ Support
Doctor- Support/ Leader Celestia- Useless (Too busy to help much)
Team Espionage- Find out where the Changelings are
Otacon- Leader Twilight- Magic (Power, Defense, Distraction)
Snake- Stealth/ Fighter Trixie- Magic, Guide, Distraction
Samus- Transport/Fighter/ Support Big Mac- Fighter/ Chef
Team Appleloosa- Investigation
Sephiroth- Power Lyra- Magic, Music/ Support
Phoenix- Leader Rainbow- Messenger/Fighter/Speed
Ralf- Trainer/ Power Cherilee- Support
Spy- Stealth Zecora- Medic
Team Baltimare- Investigation
Soma- Power/Magic Fluttershy- Support
Dan- Leader Pinkie- Support/Chef
Nate- Fighter/Explorer Rarity- Magic (Support), Tailor
It had taken the small human a long time to plan these things, trying to make them balanced out. It was tough, and a lot of these teams would need their pony partners to make them work. He sighed, wondering why he was putting himself through all this. A pink hoof moved into his line of sight, placing a donut on a plate for him. Dan raised his eyebrows to turn and look over at the poofy mane pony and fought not to smile. It was a losing battle. Those big eyes looking up at his own made him blush.
Damn her disgustingly cute gaze and random personality! It was going to get him killed, he just knew it. Pinkie Pie smile and moved to place a kiss on his forehead.
“I know this is hard. But if anypony can do it, I know it’s you,” Pinkie said in a low voice. “Even Twilight couldn't do a better plan. And she’s an egghead!” She said with a giggle. Dan decided to let her comment slide as he moved to get a donut. He stopped though, getting that feeling he was being watched. Dan turned his head, spotting Otacon and Jack just staring at them both with a smile on their face.
“What?!” Dan said, losing his smile to blush again.
“The others are here,” Otacon said, moving to the side. The team leaders were walking in through the door to look around.
“Already? Fine, lets get this over with. Alright. Otacon, get the map ready,” Dan said to stand up. He quickly begun to eat his donut. The engineer nodded, getting a large book that was an atlas. it the one of the few maps still left in town. Otacon found the page that had a general map of Equestria and set it down on a table.
“Alright Trixie, please study the map,” Otacon said, walking over so that they all got in a circle. Snake and Trixie to his right, and Twilight at his left. To the right of Trixie, Jack and Spike moved in. Next to them, Sokka and Derpy. At their right side, Phoenix and Rainbow Dash. Dan and Pinkie Pie placed themselves to finish the circle.
“You all ate well?” Pinkie Pie asked, looking around. They all nodded, save Trixie who looked down at the map.
“More or less. We all ate, after donating blood the humans kinda had to. But the idea of splitting up isn’t sitting well with a lot of us. Most of us got food at the cafe, considering the humans could eat stuff there. Lots of the humans already had their fill of sugar with donuts,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Any idea what’s up with the guy in hood and large backpack?” Otacon asked. He was the only one he hadn’t met in the meeting. Merchant was also not accounted for in Dan’s list of people.
“His name’s Creeper Pasta,” Snake said. “He’s ok, for a business man. Although he gave some of us weapons, they weren’t for free. He set up his shop close to the cafe. Lot of us had a chance to get upgrades for our weapons, not to mention precious ammo.” Otacon nodded. With any luck, the Merchant could make gunpowder.
“I think then we will leave that businessman in Ponyville. He doesn't know what’s going on, and he may need supplies to make more explosive and extra ammo,” Dan said looking at his notes.
“That’s good to know. With any luck, we can get Rarity to pay the man with gems for the lots of things we will need,” Phoenix said.
“Why am I looking at this map? Its a very simplified one,” Trixie said, picking up her head. “There’s not even any scaling to measure distance.” Twilight raised her eyebrows, impressed by the other unicorn. Then again, it made sense. Being a traveler, she would know how to read maps.
“That’s the reason I called you to this pow wow instead of having you sit it out. According to your story, you were a guide to the changelings. Tell us what route they took,” Dan said. Snake turned to look down at Trixie, surprised by this news. He knew she was a prisoner, but no idea how actually useful she was.
“Ah, right...” Trixie said. She moved her right hoof out, placing it on the atlas. “I met them west from Ponyville, near Las Pegasus. After I had lost my cart,” Trixie sneered, upset still over the memory in Ponyville. “I thought I could try a stage act instead of a traveling act. But it was hard to start over, I needed Bits to buy the things I need for my show. While trying to get a job to earn the scratch, I saw a bulletin where donkeys needed a well traveled guide.”
“So you took the job. Tell us, to what cities you took them?” Snake asked, trying to cut the fat from her story. Sokka leaned down to look at the map closer. The young teen loved maps, and for once he was glad to know where he was.
“Ah, right.” Trixie lowered her head, getting the look from David. Oh that look made her feel so... So... She had no idea what that word was. She felt so entranced. “While we did avoid major cities, we did walk through them to “get supplies.” Little did I know it was to collect more Changelings...” The unicorn said with disdain. “They started from Van Hoover, least from what they told me. They went to Las Pegasus, and then we traveled South.” Her hoof moved to the map to show the route they took. “We moved through Whitetail Woods, into Appleloosa- Such a dry place, and then Dodge City. That’s when they thought moving to Ponyville and got captured.”
“How many weeks did you travel?” Otacon asked.
“Oh, considering the group was large- We still made good time. Couldn’t have been on the road for more than 4 weeks,” Trixie said. “We never stayed long in one place.”
“According to the plan King Aurelius told me, they had sent agents to different cities. Considering the first attack was in Canterlot, it makes sense they would move North and around a circle,” Otacon said.
“Wait, King Aurelius?” Rainbow Dash asked, picking up her eyebrows.
“King and Lord of the Changelings,” Otacon admitted.
“Were you his prisoner like Trixie there?” Spike asked, raising an eyebrow. Otacon turned to look at Dan, a bit in the spot.
“Just tell them,” Dan said. There was already enough going on to spin doctor without the living lie detector around. Otacon sighed and then nodded.
“I was named Champion and Chief Strategist to the Changelings. The earlier attacks on Ponyville were by my command,” Otacon confessed, lowering his head to look at the ground.
“What?!” Rainbow and Pinkie both screamed out. Sokka picked up his head from the map, mouth opened. While he had sort of an idea of what happened before he arrived thanks to Nate, having an enemy commander in their ranks could be a very good, or very bad idea. Samurai Jack frowned a little, more or less thinking the same lines as Sokka.
“I swear, Alduin was not my doing though,” Otacon said, turning to look at Phoenix. The former lawyer nodded, believing in his fellow human. His Magatama confirmed that much. Twilight moved to step up in front of Otacon, lifting her right hoof up. Spike turned to look at his mentor/mom and blinked. If she was standing up for Otacon, it was enough for him. Derpy raised her eyebrows, a bit confused by what was going on. Wasn’t the nice unicorn human with glasses on their side now?
“I knew something was off!” Rainbow Dash said, flowing over to look at Otacon’s face. She was quickly set down, Twilight’s telekinesis grabbed the cyan pegasus to set her down.
“Please, calm down! Otacon was the only one of the humans that ended up with the changelings! He had an accident, and they treated him nicely! What choice did he have but to get along with the only ones that treated him as a friend? And if it weren’t for the changelings, Otacon could be dead, they were in the Everfree Forest.” Twilight lowered her head and sighed. “Its not his fault. Its mine for bringing him like this too.”
“I agree with Twilight Sparkle. While in captivity, Otacon was a nice human. He made sure I was cared for, and he also promised to help me escape. I can vouch that much for him,” Twixie said, lifting her head up to turn it away from Rainbow Dash. The cyan pegasus moved to land on the ground, willing to listen to her friends.
“Well, if Twilight can vouch for him, that’s good enough for me,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Trixie’s telling the truth Rainbow Dash,” Phoenix said to look down at his partner. “And he did help us all banishing Alduin.”
“Now that you mention it, The Doctor also called Otacon an Element of Change. If that’s true, we do need him,” Spike said, lifting his head to look at the others.
“Fine. I guess he deserves a chance. But I’m going to keep my eye-” Phoenix moved his left hand out, running his fingers through her mane to make her stop. Dan picked up his eyebrows.
“Hey Phoenix, run your fingers through her wings,” Dan said, getting an evil idea.
“Wait, what?!” Rainbow Dash said, suddenly blushing. The Element of Hope blinked, and then did as Dan told him. Slowly, he ran his fingers along the outer edge of the pegasus wings. Rainbow Dash instantly had both her wings flare out, straight and into the air. Her mouth opened to pant, and the blush from earlier intensified. Phoenix took a step back, seeing her wings like that.
“What was that?” Phoenix asked. The other ponies also blushed, turning to look away. Jack and Sokka looked at each other a moment. Sokka moved his own right hand to run his fingers along Derpy’s wings. Caught unaware because she was looking away, Derpy waited a few seconds at Sokka’s gentle touch before blushing and instantly turning to look at her partner and slap him.
“Why did I get hit?!” Sokka said, lifting his hand to his cheek.
“You do not do that unless you’re intimate with a pegasus, young pony!” Derpy said, angry but still blushing. “I’ll be expecting an apology muffin later!”
“Oh my,” Jack said. He realized what that meant.
“How do you know about... Erm, wingboners?” Twilight asked, looking at Dan.
“Hey, I lived in this library you know. I read a few books,” Dan said with a shrug. “I mean, its not like I was looking for erotica, just a way to take down ponies if I had to.”
“He’s telling the truth,” Phoenix said, suddenly realizing what position he had gotten himself into. He was sweating bullets, more worried that Dashie had not slapped him. That meant Rainbow wanted that kind of touch. The Element of Loyalty blushed, trying to make her wings calm down as she walked to hide behind Phoenix.
“Well damn,” Snake said. This meeting had taken a weird turn.
“Derpy, I’m sorry, ok? I didn’t know! I’m not a pervert,” Sokka said, trying to get Derpy not mad at him.
“Ok... I believe you. I blame Phoenix for starting this in a meeting,” Derpy said. Phoenix released a sigh.
“Back to the meeting,” Dan said, snickering a bit. Pinkie wondered if Dan learned anything about earth ponies. She would have to ask later. “Except for Snake, the rest of you are team leaders. You main assignment? Intel. Find out if there are changelings still in town. Also, this is important. Find out if any more humans are out there. Otacon, Pasta, and Samus were all from different places. There may be a chance that other humans could be at the other cities. Second- train. Both each other and ponies. Jack, you especially. The Canterlot guards are good guards, but suck at combat.”
“I’m afraid this is true. Years of peace have left guards just standing around doing nothing. The first major confrontation any of them met with was the Changeling’s attack in Canterlot,” Twilight admitted.
“I understand. Rest assured, I have trained others before,” Jack said with a nod. He remembered the monkeys that trained him to jump good. In return, he trained them to defend themselves.
“Good to know. Also, find out if Princess Celestia interrogated the captured changelings. They may have info we need,” Dan added. Again, Jack nodded. “I split the teams up already, trying to make them balanced as I can.” He moved to have his notes to pass it around to the others to study.
“We leave tomorrow. Get your teammates, explain things to them. make plans, explain things. How long does it take to travel between places?” Dan turned to look at Pinkie.
“Appleloosa took an overnight train to get there,” Pinkie Pie said as she thought back.
“Alright. That means maybe a 2 day travel, so 4 days front and back,” Dan said to look at the map. “Alright, we meet back in a week. Sound alright?” He asked, picking up his head to look at the others. Three days to investigate.
“I will have Spike send a letter to Princess Celestia, and she in turn can send letters of introductions to the cities on your behalf.” Twilight Sparkle said.
“I am reading these teams and the locations being sent. Why these? And why doesn’t my team have a location name?” Otacon asked.
“The cities I picked were small. I remember that you mentioned that Changelings come from the Badlands. If that’s true- Dodge City will most likely be their home base. They left Everfree right?” Dan asked.
“Yes, they need the room...” Otacon said.
“Then that means either the forest area near Dodge City, or the forest next to the mountains of Baltimare,” Dan said to look at map. “Appleloosa and Baltimare are the closest to Dodge, and sending in a small team in enemy territory is nuts.”
“It makes sense, Dodge City is the closest to the Badlands. But why did the changelings come from the Northwest?” Rainbow asked, finally getting her wings to behave.
“Well, it makes sense in a small way. Maybe they are trying to keep Dodge out of harm's way. You see how they avoided Dodge and went straight for Ponyville?” Dan pointed at the map. “If they were aiming for small cities, they should have gone for Dodge. Also, they had agents all across Equestria. My guess? They moved North from Dodge and went in a circle, explaining why Trixie met them in Las Pegasus and continued in a circle.”
“That makes sense to me,” Snake said. “Go in a circle, check out the enemy position around your strike point, then go in for the attack knowing its safe to do so.”
“So you want us to inspect Baltimare and Appleloosa since one is where they started, and the other where they ended...” Sokka said.
“That didn’t answer Otacon’s team though,” Snake said. “And why the others are staying in Ponyville.”
“That was a no brainer. Derpy has a child, and Ash’s partner is the Mayor of the town. They can't really leave Ponyville. Also, Dovahkiin’s supplies are arriving here, so he has to stay and work here.”
“Yeah, some of us do need armor,” Sokka said. “And I can’t use... them metal shooting things.”
“As for Team Otacon. Its only been a day since he split from the Changelings. Considering how much they have to travel, I give them at least a day or two before they can find a good spot to set camp. I doubt they know Otacon joined our side. I am hoping we can get Otacon to intercept the Diamond Dogs. With any luck, Otacon can find out where the changelings are and we can lead a strike team against them.” Dan moved to stand, looking at the others.
“I like this plan...” Sokka said. He nodded, as the others did also.
“No!” Twilight shouted, narrowing her eyes at the others. “We can't do this! What happens if Otacon gets caught? He’s an Element of Change! Can we really put him at risk?” The purple unicorn looked at the others.
“She does have a point,” Snake said. “Otacon is a great planner and strategist, but front line missions and lying... He’s not good at all.”
“It’s why I was saving this point for last. I propose we vote. Its a big risk, but its our only real shot at the changelings. We could get lucky at the other cities or interrogations- But what if we don’t? Also, Otacon has yet to get his Brand. If he had his Brand, he would be more important as an Element of Change. So we vote now.”
“Alright... So we vote then. Do we send Otacon and his team as a sting? Or do we gamble on the others?” Phoenix asked.
Author’s notes: Yep. Wing. Boners. They’re in here. Chapter proofreaded by LyonAzakura.