Chapter Eight: Reopening Scars
Day Eight
9:00 A.M
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I woke up from the room that I took I was sweating again. I placed my hand on my forehead to wipe off the sweat. I took a quick shower and then I geared up. I knocked at the door of Spier’s room.“Spier.”
“Yeah?” Spier called from the other side of the door.
“Gear up and report to the first floor.”
“Yes sir.” I walked to the next door and I knocked.
“Rook.” No answer. I knocked again. “Rook get your ass up and let’s go!” still no answer I noticed that the door knob was locked. I stepped back and kicked the door down. I walked inside the room only to find that it was empty. I walked out of the room and I ran down the hallway towards the stairs I was at the first floor I looked around and from behind.
“Morning Gunnery Clearwater.” I turned back.
“Rook.”
“Sorry if I wasn’t in the room. Twilight, I think that’s what her name is, asked me to help her with supplies before we
depart. Is Spier coming down sir?”
“Yeah he’s gearing up.” Spier walked down the stairs and met up with us. “Well now since we’re all here I think we should
eat our rations before we start departing.” We walked to a bench and we reached into our backpacks. I drew out a paste
tube of chicken and a pint of fruit pudding. Spier had the stereotypical meal of MRE's. Rook... well lets just say I thought
my editor had weird eating habits. After we finished Captain Shining Armor along with Cadence, Twilight, Applejack,
Rarity, and Rainbow Dash walked up to us Shining said to me.
“Gunnery we are ready to depart when you are.”
“All right let’s go.” The guys and I got up and we followed the ponies to the west side of the city. When we were on the last
street of the city 100 guards were waiting for us.
“I was only allowed to use only 100 guards to accompany us.” Shining said.
“100 is all we need. Spier is an expert demolitionist and Twilight brought me my Sniper Rifle .” she levitated my rifle to me.
Rarity tapped my armor and I turned back.
“Mr. Clearwater, if it’s no trouble for asking, may I switch partners with Rainbow Dash?” Rarity scuffled a hoof.
“Why?” I raised an eyebrow.
“I know you are both killers." Rarity shuddered at saying that. "But I prefer somepony that I have some trust in.”
“Some? Well I don’t think it’s too much trouble.” I turned to Rook. “Rook.”
“Yes sir?"
“You’re with Rainbow Dash now. Rarity is uncomfortable around you.” Rook saw an opportune time to play fun.
“Ouch that hurt right here.” He placed his hand over his heart. Rarity didn’t understand and she felt bad.
“Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…”
“Miss Rarity it’s ok. I was joking around.” She was unamused.
“Ha ha human humor.” She walked away towards Twilight. I whispered to him.
“These ponies don’t understand our humor. So if they don’t get it you’ll have to explain to them."
“Well that’s no fun.” We began to walk into the forest I stopped the guards.
“Okay here’s the thing. Due to the large numbers moving fast will be a problem. So Spier, Rook, Rarity and Rainbow Dash
will come with me. We’ll try to catch up to the Griffins as fast as we can the rest of you will stay put for two hours.”
“Why so long?” Twilight asked.
“Because if the enemy finds out that a large group of guards slash soldiers are following them, they might attack or ambush us. I want to keep casualties to zero.”
“Oh.”
“Ok let’s go.” We proceeded with our mission. After an extended period of time we found the cliff where I slipped down from then back into the trees. We found a campsite. We looked around and I asked the small
“So what do you think? Griffins or no Griffins.”
Rainbow shouted. “Who do I look like, Twilight?! I don’t bucking know!" 'Christ. If my dad heard that when I was a kid, I would've gotten a back of the hand to the ear and possible bleeding.'
“O…kay. Rarity?"
“Well I don’t have much knowledge on them but I do have some smarts over their artistic designs over certain things. And from the looks of that bowl that Mr. Spier is standing next to is definitely a Griffin carved bowl.” I looked around and I found claw, followed by paw, prints.
“So we’re on the right trail. Let’s move on.”
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One hour later
We followed the tracks that the enemy had left until we stumbled upon a wooden wall. We looked at each other I pulled out my sniper and I looked through the scope to look around the top of the wall.
I said. “Nothing.” I turned to the group. “I’ll advance to the wall you stay here and watch my back". I charged to the nearest tree, the coast was clear and I charged to another tree that was the closest to the wall.
“So what are we doing?” Chimed a voice from behind.
“I’m going t- Rarity what the fuck?!” I nearly shouted.
“What?”
“You were supposed to stay with Spier and Rainbow.” I pointed out.
“Well I’m not staying with Rook.” Rarity held a disgusted face.
“You really don’t like him, do you?" I sighed.
“No I’m just really uncomfortable around him.” I turned to the wall.
“How can I look over that thing?” I thought aloud.
“I can levitate myself up the top and take a peek.”
“Are you sure. I don’t want you to get hurt.” I raising my eyebrow.
“Concerned about little me?"
“You know what my mission is.”
“Don’t worry about me. I am wearing armor after all.” She walked to the wall and her horn began to glow the aura formed
around her. She was somewhat struggling to take herself in the air. I’ve seen Twilight do this often without any struggle
must be because she’s practiced.
“See anything?” I began to walk towards her. She was at the top of the wall when she answered.
“No I don’t see… wait what’s that… AH!” a rock hit her.
“Rarity!” I caught her before she hit the ground and I took her behind a trunk for cover. I looked over and I saw Griffins on
the top of the wall. They began to fire their crossbows and I returned fire. From behind me Rook and Spier did the same. I
shot two in the head and three in the chest I lowered my head for cover and then I fired again. Just as I killed the last bird
my rifle overheated 'what the fuck I never let my weapons jam or overheat. what the hell'. As I shook my gun sideways
forcing the weapon to cool down I was hit in the head. I fell backwards on my back and when I looked up an oversize bird
was standing over my about seven feet tall. Armored from head to toe with a shield and a heavy mace. It swung again but
this time I evaded backwards I pulled my pistol out but I only managed to fire one shot which it pierced it’s armor and
straight to its leg. The mace hit the gun out of my hand it swung upwards hitting the chest plate causing me to fly towards
a tree. I looked at my armor which was not damaged only the dark green paint was scraped off. It spoke.
“This is the warrior that the white demon has to offer. Pathetic.”
“Come here and I’ll show you what I’m made off.”
“With pleasure.” It made its striking pose when the mace was coming towards me I ducked and I stuck the armor of the
bird where the liver would be if it were human and then with my left I punched the helmet. It lost its concentration as it
walked backwards I noticed that his armor had dents in them. I figured that it was the metal knuckle guards knowing that
there is no human that can do that. The bird shook its head and then it swung the mace towards my legs. I jumped in the
air and then as I returned to the ground I punched him one more time. I pulled out my knife and I tackled him to the ground
as I swung down towards his head he grabbed my arm. I grabbed the collar of his armor with my left and I head-butt him
forcing him to release my hand. I plummeted my knife down towards his eagle like skull. It penetrated and blood splurted
out. I tried to pull straight out, but to no avail it didn't budge. I twisted the knife and then I pulled it out. I stood up a stood
up and I grabbed my pistol as I placed it back in its holder. I looked at the spot where I had left Rarity. She was up again
and she looked at me in fear. Her eyes were watery and she was trembling I walked up to her and I crouched down. I was
going to place my hand on her but before my hand was close she flinched and she tried to move away from me. This
wasn’t the first time I’ve seen someone like this but it has been a while since the war. Rook, Spier and Rainbow Dash
walked up to me.
“Where the hell were you two when I was fighting that thing?!”
Rook’s smart ass answered “We were enjoying the show.”
“Fuck you.” He just laughed along with Spier. Rainbow was beside Rarity she was still shaking. She said something into
her ear and then she looked back at me.
“Um…Steven.”
“Yeah."
“Can I talk to you real fast?”
“Sure. Spier, Rook. Secure the inside of the wall.” We walked away from the group.
“Steven. Rarity is really scared right now. She saw you kill the Griffin right in front of her. You know how she was when we
saw the dead Minotaur’s.”
“I know Rainbow but what did you wanted me to do just let him kill me.”
“Just try to talk to her, okay?"
“Okay. You really are the Element of Loyalty.”
“I know that.”
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Later
We continued to advance and we found the campsite where the mares and I set up when we were making our way
towards Saddle.
“Ok we’ll set camp here we have to find food Rook, Spier you know what to do.” They walked away from the camp to look
for food Rarity was still shaking. “Rarity?”
“I’ll be… I'll be fine.” she stuttered.
“No you won’t.” I walked up to her she scoot away from me but it was useless I crouched down. She was tearing. Then
she wrapped her forearms around me. “It’s ok.” I lightly tapped her back as I returned the hug.
“Even though you killed today…thank you for saving me.” Rarity sniffled.
“It’s nothing really. People are willing to give up their lives to save others.” I sighed I think it’s time for me to tell them one
of my stories. “You remember that I was part of a squad called Thunderbird Squad right.” The two nodded. “Well our
recognition was made before the war. But I still remember the day we lost our first squad-mate. The Battle of Paris began
on the 11th but I was deployed with my Squad on May 14th, 2024 we entered the city by chopper. Spain was with the
allies of course to get to Paris was on hell of a mission for the Allies.”
“Why?" Rainbow Dash queried.
“Well we had to fight our way to the city. I remember that day pretty well it was 10: 15 in the morning I looked over the city.
It was in bad shape.
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Location: Outskirts of Paris (Airborne)
Date: May 14, 2024
Time: 10:15 A.M
My squad mates and I were on the chopper. Lucas Wilmington, the squad-leader, was giving us the Intel.
“Listen up our mission is to infiltrate the enemy’s science building and destroy anything that can affect the Allies chances of winning this war. The boys back home have theories that the Sepi’s might be trying to make a new weapon. Clearwater, Martinez, Stephens, and Johnson will attack from the rear. You have thirty minutes to get as far as you can until we strike from the front. The lab is three stories below ground and it is heavily guarded. So be sure to make every bullet count.”
We all saluted in unison. “Sir Yes Sir.”
The chopper was over the street we dropped the rope-line and we slid down to the ground. Johnson was taking the lead. We moved towards a car that was tipped on its side. Johnson ordered “Clearwater, Martinez you two will flank the left. Stephens and will flank the right. On my mark.” We waited for his call. “Mark!” we opened fire. I shot down a soldier that was positioned on a M249 Light Machine Gun then I turned my attention to the troops on the bottom. A Sepi threw a grenade and it landed behind us. I shouted.
“GRENADE!” We evaded away from the explosive device. I stood back up and I continued to fire. We eventually were at the wall of the building one trooper jumped over the wall and he tackled me. I was on the ground he tried to stab me with his knife when the blade was coming towards my face I moved sideways and then I punched him across his face and kicked him off of me. He tried to attack me again but he was shot by Johnson. I picked up my rifle and I shot down the other turret operator on the fourth floor. By now we had taken out every hostile that was guarding the entrance of the door. Johnson said to Stephens.
“Stephens on my mark kick down the door. Clearwater you take point.” We waited. “Mark.” Stephens kicked the door down and I walked in. a Sepi jumped out of a crate about to fire but I pulled the trigger first. I kept going forwards and I shouted.
“Clear.” The rest walked in Johnson walked past us and he lean against the wall and he looked to the side. He flinched when the enemy’s bullets hit the wall. We ran to his aid he was unharmed. He said.“Martinez frag them.” He grabbed one of his grenades and he threw to the wall, making it bounce off. The grenade went off and we just shot our rifles into the cloud of dust, hoping that we killed the standing troops. After the dust cleared we took notice of the deceased and continued to walk to our objective. We began to hear explosions from the outside. I looked out the window and I noticed that there was a dogfight.
I said to Johnson.“Sir we better hurry we have jets in the perimeter.”
“Let’s just hope that the damn Sepi’s don't blow this building do-” the building shook parts of the ceiling fell on us.
I yelled over the noise of falling rubble. “Johnson we need to hurry if we want to get out of here alive.”
“I know that Clearwater! Thunderbird continue onto the objective!” we walked to a staircase that lead to floor below us. I went first. I shouted.
“Clear!” my three squad mates walked down the stairs. The entire room was empty it was just a large computer room.
Stephens suggested to Johnson. “Sir I think we should notify Wilmington about this.”
“Our objective is to infiltrate the lab.”
“But sir-”
“But nothing let’s move!” as he walked ahead of us we looked at each other we shook our heads and we followed him and we found another staircase I took point again. I went down the stairs I looked around I noticed that there was barricades I walked up to one. Out of nowhere a bullet hit me. The force of the small metal object dropped me to the ground.
“I'm hit!” I picked myself up and I fired my M-16. One charged at me I shot him twice another tackled me on the side I quickly reacted and I elbowed him across his face and I shot him with my pistol. I crouched down when four additional troops walked up the stairs from the lower floor. I grabbed a grenade and I threw over the barricade. I looked over and there was a hole on the floor I also noticed that only three of the four were on the floor. “Where’s the fourth?”
I was tackled again the enemy punched me twice and he threw my weapons away from me except for my knife. I punched him and I did the same and then I kicked him off of me. We stood up I punched him once across his face and then the gut, then he punched me with his left and then he roundhouse kicked me. I fell over a barricade. I stood up and he jumped over I made a side step and I drop kicked him. He was lying on the ground he didn’t move. I was about to walk to my weapons until he stabbed me on my leg.
“AH!” he stood up and he pinned me against the wall with the knife facing my neck. It was a matter of life and death but I wasn’t going to die. Not just yet. I manage to use my injured leg. I kicked him in the stomach and I cut his left side of his face with his own knife. I punched him one more time before he fell down the hole. I looked down pit. I shouted.
“And this time stay down you fucking Separatists son of a bitch.” I didn’t realized that that rest of my group was not here. Suddenly I was hit in the back of my head.
I woke up in a room I had a feeling that we weren’t in the same building that we were in. I was chained to the wall along with Johnson. He was badly beaten I called him quietly. “Johnson.” No response. “Johnson.”
“What? Uhh what happen?” Johnson questioned. Clearly beaten and tired.
“How the fuck am I supposed to know?”
“Ugh…Stephens and Martinez made it out. While I…" He breathed for a second. "tried to keep the enemy occupied.
But…” five Separatists walked in I recognized one of them. Two of them sat down behind a table that was in front of us.
One of them spoke.
“Mr. Newton.”
"Newton" responded. “Yes Commander Cortez.”
“You are being deployed to Japan for our next invasion.”
“Permission to ask?”
“Permission granted.” Cortez waved a hand.
“Where will be our next destination?”
“Los Angeles. Dismissed.” He saluted him and he walked out of the room and then he looked at us. “Why do you fight
against us don’t you see. Your government is using you. You are just a part of a machine that’s ready to break down. The Up-Rise government will prove to the world that we have the better way of ruling. Democracy will not exist any longer. No longer will we have governments that have more than one person ruling. And we will not have unfair payment but every single worker will be paid the same way and anyone who opposes our government will be annihilated.” He stood up and he walked towards Johnson. “Join us and your future will be filled with fortune and happiness.” He looked at him for a moment.
Johnson spit in our captors face. “You can go fuck yourself.”
He wiped his face.“I’m sorry to hear that.” The Sepi punched Johnson in his stomach. He turned to his comrade. “Kinston. I think it’s time to have some fun.” He grabbed a knife and he showed the blade to Johnson. “My face will be the last thing you see. Any last words?"
“Clearwater. If you get out of this I want you to have my tags.” He stabbed him just over the chest. I shouted.
“NOOOOOOO!” he pulled down the knife down to his stomach then he stick his hand inside Johnson and he pulled my squad mate’s heart and he dropped it to the ground and he stepped on it. “You bastard! I will kill you for what you did!”
“Kinston I think we should kill this one too.” Cortez smiled devilishly.
“With pleasure.” He walked up to me. He was about to stab me until an explosion threw the wall into the Sepi. I heard Stephens’s voice along with the rest of Thunderbird Squad.
“Steven?! Steven?!” he ran up to me. He unchained me. “Steven?”
“Th…they killed Johnson.”
“What?” he turned to where Johnson was. The rest of the squad looked at the body of our comrade. Wilmington walked up to me.
“Come on let’s get Johnson home.”
“Y…yes sir.”
The Battle of Paris ended a week later with an Ally Victory. I was back in base sitting in the locker room. I was just staring at Johnson’s dog-tags I still had the scaring memory of what happen to Johnson.
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“It should have happen to me.” I said to myself as I looked at the mares and then to the ground. “It should have happened to me.” I didn’t know that Rook and Spier were behind me the whole time. Rook said.
“Clearwater.” I turned back. “I’m sorry for what... happen to-”
“It’s okay Rook. when i returned to base, the medics said that i was one lucky son of a bitch. They said that my leg shouldn't have been saved.” I pulled out a necklace of my squad mates dog tags. I looked at them I didn’t feel the tear that fell from my eye. Rarity walked up to me and she wiped off the tear and she gave me a hug.
“I never knew humans had sensitive feeling.” Rook took advantage and he quickly turned the statement into a joke.
“That’s not the only thing we have that’s sensitive.” He sat down. I said.
“Eat up and get some sleep. We are still tracing down the enemy, bright-n-early.”
One hour later
I was keeping watch for the night I was sitting next to the fire and a thermal blanket. I looked at the fire as I remember the war. I heard a branch crack and I pulled out my pistol. It was only Rarity she rolled her eyes and she said.
“Don’t you ever try to relax?” I said as I placed the gun back into its holder.
“If you do remember your country is in war.” I looked back into the fire.
“Yes I know but you can at least try to be loose when you are around civilians.” She sat next to me. “Are you…ok?”
“Hm?”
“I’ll take it that you are distracted at the moment.”
“Hmm?” she tapped my head. “What?”
“You’re not even listening.” I shook my head.
“Sorry I… was just having a flashback.”
“Steven?” I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard her call me by my first name.”
“Yeah.”
“Are you going to be alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that… I know you’re traumatized…and well I’ve only seen one of my best friends go crazy over a situation that
has had her traumatized. I would hate to see you suffer.”
“I’ll pull through.” She shivered a little. “Cold?”
“Just a little.”
“Here.” I wrapped the blanket around her.
“But what about you?”
“I have the fire to keep me warm.”
“Steven? How is your world different from ours? Besides the fact that you have technology.”
“Well one thing is that we don’t have magic.”
“I know that.”
“Earth is a beautiful planet... yes we have fucked it up with the war but we did rebuild major parts of the planet…but I will
never give it up for anything.”
“I assume you are attached to your planet.”
“Are you kidding? My best memories come from Earth. But this planet has more vegetation. The first thing that I noticed when I first arrived well not the first Twilight was the first thing that I found different from the planet. But what I’m getting at is that the air is so clean.”
“Well from what I know, you have global warming which here is a theory.”
“Yeah I think that only good thing that came from the aftermath of the nuclear winter is that our problem with global warming is controlled.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever heard you talk like a normal pony.”
“What do you mean?” I queried.
“Well you always talk as a soldier. This is the first time I have ever heard you speak like this.” She chuckled at the fact.
“Yeah well don’t get used to it. I only talk like this when I’m off duty.” I looked at the stars. It’s been time since I saw them like this at a forest.
“Beautiful aren’t they.” I looked at Rarity.
“Yeah they are.” We were quiet for a good amount of time. When I looked down I didn’t realize that Rarity had fallen asleep on my lap. She may be a pony but she’s no different than a human. This planet should never suffer the horrors of war. These ponies are too peaceful for this kind of shit. I thought back on the day I arrived here and out of all of the ponies that I’ve met, Only Celestia acts weird around me. “What the fuck are you hiding Celestia. It’s not like there were humans on this planet.”