Humanity in Equestria

by SPkon107


Chapter Ten: Raid in the West

I read the letter, looking to my companions and back again to the text as my mind span over how I could announce the news I held. Spier asked.

“S…sir? Is everything alright?” I didn’t know what to say to the guys.

“ Y-yeah…everything is perfectly fine.” I lied. This was something that I need to talk to the Captain.

We were entering the city limits of Canterlot. As the choppers landed I exited the vehicle immediately. As I walked through the rubble that was left when the Griffins first attacked was almost cleared. Though there were still many bricks, glass, damage furniture, and cannon balls on the ground, the scenery reminded me of a Wolf Pack camp that was set up by civilians who fought against the Sepis’. I walked pass the civilian ponies and the guards and entered the castle. I found Captain Brisk and Princess Luna talking. I said as I walked up to them.

“Captain Brisk.” He turned around he looked like he hasn’t slept in days.

“Yes Gunnery Clearwater.”

“May I have a word with you? Sir.”

“Of course.” He turned to Luna. “If you would excuse me Princess.” She said to him.

“Of course Captain. We’ll continue with our conversation later.” She turned to me said. “Welcome back Gunnery.”

“Thank you.” She walked into the other room. The Captain and I began to walk to a different direction. He said to me as we entered the garden which was damaged.

“So what did you want to talk to me about? I could use some good news right about now.” I pulled out the letter and I handed over to the Captain’s hand.

“This.” He quickly read over the letter.

“You are concerned about X-Team?”

“Yes. I never agreed to join a team. In fact. I don’t what to be in a team. I’m part of Thunderbrid Squad and that’s it.”

“I know that you are still devastated about what happen to you squad but, these ponies are being killed by the Griffins like as if they were dogs. Sending in troops in a city to fight back or to take the city is one thing but, I need a team that can go into the hot-zone or behind enemy lines. We both know that your squad and Tomahawk Squad were the best of doing that.”

“Yes but…” he cut me off and said.

“Look.” I looked around the area. I saw ponies fixing the garden and ponies who have lost their home trying to make a camp. “Steven you know how familiar this is to us. The ponies are not use to this kind of warfare.”

“Sir…”

“We managed to fix up the planet. The Sepis’ are wiped out or are in prison and we managed to colonize Mars and the moon. We know how to distribute the necessary resources and come back from this better than before. These people...well...” I looked at the young fillies playing around the garden.

“Ok.”

“Very well. Follow me.” I followed him into the castle and then into a room. We walked up to a table. “Here’s the list of the troops that will make up the team. We just added the pony that was with you when you arrived.” I read the list.

‘ X-Team initiative.

Brandon Tran: Team Leader

Joseph Spier: Medic/Demolitionist

Daniel Walker: Sniper

Gregory (Rook) Newton: Unconventional Warfare Expert

Zack Ryder: Rifle Man/ Gunner Support

Will G. Hammer: Force Recon/ Super Heavy Support

Michael Auttumburn: Vehicle Support (LAV 25)

Simon (Spook) Van Straaten: Unconventional warfare/terrorisation operative

Crimson Barricade: Super Heavy Support/ Crossbowman (Stallion)

Hemlock: Hunter/ Crossbowman (Stallion)

Violet Runner: Engineer(Stallion)

I noticed that three of three of them were ponies I looked at the Captain and said.

“Sir three of them are stallions.”

“I know, we’re pulling in all the assets we can currently exploit. These people know these lands far better than we do.”

“OK…so when do meet the entire team.”

“In a few days Gunnery. Today you are being sent to Ponyville.”

“Haven’t been there since I was brought to the castle.”

“Well you’re not staying there. A small town called Appleloosa has been attacked and I need you and Rook to check out the area, assess the situation and provide info on how we can best deploy our forces. One of your new teammates is already there.”

“So how long am I staying in this Appleloosa?”

“Few hours, a few days, it all comes down to how your assessment turns out. There’s a chooper in Ponyville waiting for you so I want you at the town by the day after. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“So then go look for Rook and take Applejack and Rarity.”

“Why?”

“Applejack has family there, I refused her at first but that girl can be very persuasive.”

“And what about Rarity?”

“She’s acting as a secondary assessment unit to report back to the princesses, also quite the persuasive young mare. You seem to get along with her very well, so I doubt there’ll be any problems.” he winked at me and he left the room. I walked out as well but I made a left. I walked to Shining Armor’s quarters to ask if there was anything to do since my Captain was nowhere to be found. I knocked on his door.

Form the otherside. “In a minute! Cadence cover yourself up.” He opened the door. He was red and sweaty and the smell of the room gave me a pretty good idea on what they were up to. “Sorry um…do you need something.” I turned around so he couldn’t see how embarrassed I was.

“I’ll come back later. You finish what you and your wife were doing.” I walked away from the door when I turned left I bumped into Twilight. She was carrying a tower of books.

“OOOUUUCHH!”

“Sorry Twilight.”

“It’s ok…I guess.”

“Why do you have so many books?”

“I’m going to read so I can get away from all of this…violence.”

“Ah ok.”

“Soooo…what are you doing?”

“I’m going to go to Ponyville and, from there I’m going to town called Appleloosa.”

“By train.”

“No why?”

“No I just wanted to know. The road to Appleloosa is very long.”

“Well. We’re taking a chopper there so we’ll arrive faster.”

“We’ll?”

“Yeah. Rook, Applejack and Rarity are going along with me.” I saw Twilight’s eyebrow rise when I said Rarity.

“Ok I understand the reason why Applejack is going but, why is Rarity going.”

“I honestly don’t know. The captain said, she’s acting as ‘secondary assessment officer’ or some crap like that.”

“When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Then what are you doing today?”

“I have no idea.”

“Well Rainbow Dash told me that she was going to hang out with Rook, Joseph and Pinkie Pie.”

“Ok and what about you?”

“Well I’m going to read for a while and then I’m going to check on Rarity once she feels better from her head injury. After that I think we’re going to town square with AJ.”

“What’s Fluttershy going to do?”

“She’s going to be with Dr. Catherine.”

“Hmm. Ok.”

“Well I have to go so I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Sure.”

“Also Princess Celestia said that you no longer need an escort.”

“That’s good news.” The unicorn gave me a warm smile and she walked away with her tower of books. I decided to rest for the rest of the day. I walked to the room where I slept before I was sent to New Saddle. I removed my armor and clothes. I only left on my under shirt and pants on.


Day (???)

I woke up early. The earlier we arrive to Ponyville the better. After I gathered the group we walked towards Canterlot Train Station.

On the train Rook was sleeping since he didn’t arrive to his room until three in the morning. Applejack and Rarity were sitting together in front of me and I just read over the Intel that Recon have gathered about the town we are going. I looked at the town’s location which was in the desert. I haven’t stepped foot in a desert since the Battle of Egypt in the final year of the war. The town was attacked a few times, the enemy has taken hostages, and their closest water source has been cut off. They used a river as their water source. A water refinery was placed near the river to purify the water. Applejack tapped my head to get attention when I looked up she said.

“Ya been doing nothing but looking at those papers ever since we left Canterlot.”

I responded “Well they have information about our destination.”

“Like what.”

“Like the town has been attacked a few times and that their only water source has been cut off.”

“Cut off? How?”

“I assume that the Griffins have built some kind of dam to stop the flow of the river.”

“So what are we going there for?”

“To bring the water into the town and to take out a Griffin camp near the town. They don’t have many troops but, they do threat the folks that live in the area.”

“True I have family there. Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom have gone there to vis…” she suddenly stopped.

“Apple…are you ok.” She shouted out loud in panic.

“MY FAMILY ARE IN APPLELOSSA! WHAT…WHAT IF THEY WERE TAKEN HOSTAGES BY THE GRIFFINS!” I tried to calm her down.”

“Applejack relax.” She leaned toward my face until her muzzled met with my nose.”

“Don’t tell to relax! My family could be in danger!” I pushed her away from me.

“Ok I get it.” I looked down as I thought of an idea. “Does this train take you directly to Appleloosa as well.”

“Yeah.”

“Perfect.” I stood up and I walked to the back of the train. I exited the cart and I contact the Captain. “This is Gunnery Clearwater I need to speak to the Captain.” I waited for a response.

“This is Control. What do you need Gunnery.”

“I need to speak to the Captain.”

“Captain Brisk is unavailable for the moment.”

“Where the hell is he?”

“He left Commander Stronghold in charge while the Captain is in the freezer.”

“What?! He’s in the freezer?!” another voice answered.

“This is Commander Stronghold what do you need Gunnery.”

“Sir I need to arrive at Appleloosa as soon as possible.”

“Why is that soldier?”

“The Element of Honesty has informed me that she has family in the town and she is fearing that since the townmhas been attacked that the Griffins have captured her family.” I didn’t hear a response for a moment. “Commander.” He said.

“Gunnery I wanted at that town since yesterday! Get in there and find those hostages and kill those damn birds!”

“Yes sir.”

“I will have someone there to give you a hand. And we have a new toy for you to test out as you are there.”

“Yes sir.”

“Control out.” I walked back in the train cart. I saw Rarity trying to calm her friend down. I walked to them.

I said. “Applejack?”

“Y…yeah?”

“How far are we from Appleloosa?”

“The next train station should have a train going there. Why?”

“Because that’s where we are going. Let’s just hope there are Human troops there. Maybe they have something quicker than this train.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yes. We’re going to look for your family.” She jumped on me and said.

“Thank you thank you thank you!” we heard Rook on the side.

“Aww isn’t that cute.” I said to him.

“About time you woke up.”

“Sorry… what did I miss?”

“Nothing really.”

Twenty minutes later. We arrived at the train station. Our luck was going well so far. There were Human troops there and with them a chopper. I walked to pilot and I asked him if he could give us a ride to the small town. He agreed and he gave us a lift. We arrived at the town by noon. As the chopper left we noticed that the town was damaged. Few buildings were burn or torn down few craters were on the ground and on the side of the town was a grave. Applejack said to me as we walked into the town.

“That grave wasn’t there the last time I came here.” Rook said.

“Hope this grave stays the same once we leave. I don’t want to be the one to bury any more bodies. I already did enough of that back on Earth.” The place was like a ghost town the locals were nowhere to be found. Until we heard a child’s voice.

“APPLEJACK!” the orange mare turned.

“Applebloom?” we looked at the direction that AJ was looking at. It was a young filly she was wearing a red bow

bigger than her head. AJ ran to her. “Applebloom are you ok?”

“I’m fine. I just happy to see you.” The two burst into tears. We walked up to them. AJ turned around to us as she was still crying.

“This is my sister Applebloom.” Rook and I just nodded our heads. Rarity said to the filly.

“Applebloom where’s your brother and grandmother?” the filly looked down, her ears and bow dropped as tiny tears dribbled down her cheeks.

“S…she…was taken…by the Griffins and Big Mac left to fight in Manehatten.” Rook and I tensed up. Applejack mention about her parents not being there. The filly only had her brother sister and grandmother as her family. I crouched down to the ponies.

“AJ. Miss Applebloom. My friend and I are going to look for your family ok.” The filly looked up.

“Re…really?”

“Yes.” I stood up and I turned to Rook.”

“Rook looks like we now have a rescue mission.”

He said. “You don’t need to tell me that sir. I saw what the Up Rise did in Australia I have seen this before. I may

mess around but this affects a child.”

“Then it’s time to get serious. The Commander told me that there was going to be someone waiting for us here.

I think we should look for him.” The filly said.

“He’s at the town hall with the remaining town folks.” I said.

“Then town hall it is.” We followed the filly to town hall. Rook said.

“Let’s just hope that this guy is good with fighting. We should have at least brought Joseph with us.”

“As much as I agree with you but, the captain... said…” I stopped as I saw an Exoskeleton Hunter Suit outside of the building. The creation was built stocky and solid, yet was fast enough to get about a battlefield easy enough. One of its thick, hydraulic arms sat a heavy calibre repeater gun with an under slung flamethrower, the other had a thick, titanium plate shield that incorporated extremely simple kinetic shielding technology. Its right shoulder appeared to have something of a mechanical deformity upon it, making it appear slightly lop-sided. The box like anomaly was a COF (Cluster-of-five) missile chute that made a distinct coughing sound when it fired. What the machine had in durability, brute force and firepower it highly lacked in mobility as the thing could be, as many infantryman had stated, ‘outmanoeuvred by a damn land tortoise’. Applejack and Rarity looked at the suit. Rarity said to me.

“Mr. Clearwater what is that?”

“That is a Hunter suit. It’s one of the muscles in the military. They are able to take a hit from a tank since the alloy is titanium and the glass is bomb proof.”

“So it can cause…a lot of destruction.”

“Yeah.” I saw the body of the mare shake.

“All this destruction is too much for us.”

“I know, but just stay a fair distance behind us and take cover when you hear danger.” We walked inside the building. We walked in and we saw some ponies inside, and in the middle of the room was a human. We walked up to him he looked at us and he walked to us. He was pretty tall, built lean yet strong and had an assortment of rail gun weapons as well as a tomahawk as a close quarter weapon. His face was a mess of deep set wrinkles, yet I doubted they were from his age, but most likely from the painfully grim facial expression that appeared burrowed into his skull. His skin was a leathery tan colour and looked thicker than carpet, his lips thin and cracked. His hair was a jet black and cut into a Mohawk that carried on down his shoulders as a thin ponytail.

“Gunnery Clearwater.” He saluted us.

I saluted back and I said “So what’s the situation here…um.

“Private Hammer, sir.”

“Ok. So what do you have for us?”

“Well the Griffins attack about a few days ago and my platoon left me here to protect the town since I operate the Hunter suit. Then they attack two days ago and they took a most of the locals. I could leave these people here. So when I heard you guys were coming I thought we were in luck.”

“I see. How long have you been here?”

“Few days sir. The folks here welcomed us and we have gotten along very well.”

“Ok.” I turned to Rook and AJ. “Here’s the thing. We have a Hunter operator meaning we can go looking for the prisoners while Hammer here stays.”

Hammer said “Sir, I want to fight. My talents will aid you well enough to grant you time to complete your task.”

“Ws can’t leave these ponies unprotected. We need you to stay here ok.”

“Very well.”

“But I want you in that Hunter suit. We might be coming back with a fight.”

“On it.”

“And stay in the line. We’ll radio you when we have orders.” He ran to his suit as we walked out Hammer threw me a new toy from the EPCM.

After Will agreed to stay in the town to protect the town while Rook, AJ, and I go looking for her family. Rarity decided to stay with Applebloom. The sheriff said that the water flowed from the north to south. So our best choice was to follow the river up north. We didn’t have much cover to hide us from being spotted. Applejack was wearing her armor and she brought with her a sword and an auto-crossbow so she was protected from the enemy fire.

I was equipped with a Thruster Pack. It is supposed to be a substitute for the parachute. It allows me three minutes of flight. The way it works if that it has fuel for three minutes. When the user falls they have to time it right and activate the thrusters at the right moment. As the Pack slows the user down it softens that landing and if you have enough fuel the user can use it as their advantage when the time comes. I had to leave my backpack behind since I had this new thing on me. AJ and Rook were carrying extra ammo for my M-16. The Thruster Pack also had a magnetic weapon holder on it, so I had my P-17 with me.

We walked for about five minutes and we saw something in the distance. I pulled out my binoculars. I saw five figures. Five griffins were on some sort of giant rats. They have large razor sharp teeth and large claws that can rip an unarmored human or pony in half. I looked to the side.

“Quick in the river.” We jumped in the dried up river bed and we leaned against the side. This part of the river was deep about seven feet. We waited for the right moment to attack. Rook and I switched to our pulse rifles to avoid the loud audio cue of our chemical weapons. This way we can keep our cover. They were right over us. They stopped and one of them said.

“Stop!” another voice.

“Why did we stop?”

“The Ratter. It’s smells something.” We heard the oversized rat sniffing. I need to decide. Rather we attack now or we wait until they leave. I looked at AJ and knew the look on her face. She pulled out her crossbow and she stepped out. I shouted.

“Applejack no!”

Too late. When she fired we heard the shrieking from the rat. Rook and I stepped out and we fired as well. “Rook I need a lift.” I ran to him and he gave me a push to the top. I fired at one rat but I was too close to it. It jumped on me and if bit my forearm. I sent a volley of wild, undisciplined punches into the rats’ face as pain shook my senses, yet still it was enough to throw its grip on my off. When I looked up the creature charged at me luckily Rook fired at it until the things head had lost most of its brain matter along with a couple of round through the chest of its’ rider. I got up and I ran to my rifle to kill the last three. I placed three shots on one griffin and then I concentrated my fire on the rat. When the later rat and Griffin were left we killed the rat while Rook beat the bird down until he couldn’t fight back. Rook dropped him on his knees. I said to it. “Ok you Griffin piece of shit how far to you camp?!” it just looked at me. “Rook.”

“Yeah.”

“Do it.” Rook walked in front of it. He lifted him on his hind legs and it punched it once on the stomach. It dropped to the ground as it gasped for air. Rook lifted him up once more. I said.

“Where is your camp?!” It said.

“I don’t...fear you, alien filth.” He wanted to play. I pulled out my pistol and shot one of its legs. It screamed in pain.

“I’ll ask you one more time. “Where is you camp?” It looked at me. He said nothing he tensed up showing that he was keeping his mouth closed. “Rook.”

“You want me to hit him again.”

“No. Kill him.” Rook pulled out his pistol and he shot the bird in its head spattering his brains all over the ground. I walked to AJ. “Applejack what the fuck were you thinking?! You could have gotten us killed!”

“They took mah grandma and you want me to stay low! We don’t have time for crap like that!”

“Listen to me! It could have been worse, they could have killed us! Next time when I say stay low I want you to stay low! Do you get me?!” she simply said to me.

“Buck y’all an’ yer fancy ‘tactics’.” She walked away from me and headed north.

“Fucking bitch.” Rook placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Let me take care of this ok Gunnery. Just stay behind us. About fifteen feet ok.”

“Whatever.” I waited until Rook caught up with Applejack. I saw them talking but, I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I know Applejack wants to save her family but, if she continues to do shit like this she’s going to get us killed. Even though she did that I still understand why she did it. The two stopped then I stopped. Applejack looked at me and then she walked up to me and said.

“S…Steven?”

“What.”

“I…I’m sorry for…yelling at you and for…using foal language back there. It’s just that my…”

“I know AJ. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Ok.”

“Ok now let’s go.” We walked up to Rook and we walked north. We didn’t knew what to expect when we reached the camp. If those griffins have more rats at their camp then we were screwed. The best choice was to go in at the night.


Forty minutes later

We walked towards a hill. We heard voices so we walked slowly towards it. I looked over.

“There it is. The camp guys.” Rook looked over.

“Wall seems to be sealed tight. If we had platoon or battalion we could have just raid in there.”

“We couldn’t even if we had more men.”

“Why?”

“We have hostages in there. We can’t endanger them.”

“Right.” I looked around the camp. He camp seemed to be over a hill I saw what looked like a cave entrance.

I said to Rook. “I think I have a way in?”

“Where?” I pointed at the entrance of the cave.

“You see that hole in the hill. I think it might be a cave.”

“That cave can be filled with more of those damn birds you know.” AJ entered the conversation.

“Not really fellas. Look.” We looked at the camp again. “What I have noticed is that the troops that are returning from their missions. Ah think that the top is where the Griffins are at and the bottom is where the prisoners are in.” Rook and I looked again. She seemed to be right. The birds only went up to the hill to enter the camp. We moved down the hill.

I said. “Ok here’s the plan. If we go now we will be spotted there’s no cover for us so we need to wait until the sun sets.” AJ said to me.

“Then we go in and get mah family out.”

“Not just your family AJ we have to free everyone who is in there.”

“Got it.” Rook asked.

“So what do we do to kill time?”

“Not sure. Find something to keep you busy while we wait.


Few hours later


The time was now or never. As soon as the sun set we charged towards the cave entrance. We slowed down when we were about ten feet away from the door. I said.

“Fuck we need a key to get-“ Rook looked at the sides he shot the hinges of the left side.

“There’s your key.” We pushed inwards once we were in we realized that Applejack was right. This part of the camp was being used to keep prisoners. I looked around. I began to have flash backs in the raids in India where we freed the prisoners in Kulikar Prison. I shook my head. We walked forward. I saw that most of the cells were empty while a few had dead ponies still inside. I saw the look that Applejack had. Disgusted and hatred. Tears were forming on the bottom of her eyes. We heard footsteps. We hid behind a pile of crates. I looked to the side to see a group of griffins walking by the tunnel ways. I was certain that they were patrolling the area. As they left we kept walking forward. I hope we get out of here quickly because we only have enough fire power to defend ourselves if they catch us walking around. We were suddenly stopped by Applejack.

“Stop. Ya hear that?” we stayed quiet to listen. “There is it again!” this time I heard it. Some kind of moaning.

The third time the mare recognized the moaning. “GRANNY SMITH!” she ran towards the source of the moaning. I shouted.

“Applejack wait!” we followed her. She ran with all her might so she easily out run us. Well she was able to do that anyways since she was a horse…pony, whatever. We caught up with her. She was on her hind legs standing up on two with her forearms on a solid door. Like a dog when the stand and lean on their owners leg. AJ turned back to Rook and I.

“She’s in here! Please help me get her out.” I walked to the door and I shot the hinges off. When the mare opened the she just stood there. She didn’t move a muscle.

I saw the mare walked towards her grandmother. “Gr...Granny.” the old mare coat was dirty and the area where her cutie mark should be was shaved off. AJ told me that her grandmother usually keeps her mane in a bun but, her mane was loose. She was thinner then normally from what AJ has told me. Rook and I just kept out post as the mare were enjoying their tiny family reunion. I said to Rook.

“Rook go secure the west and east entrance.”

“Will do.” as my teammate left I saw Applejack getting angry. I approached them slowly and AJ just walked pass me. I rushed to the elder mare and I asked.

“What the hell just happen?”

“I told her about what happened down here. She's...”

“Angry.”

“Yes. And she said something about killing them all.” What the hell. If Applejack makes a stupid ass move like then we are done for.

“Come on we need to stop her!”


I knew that the the mare was going to move slowly so she told me to go ahead. When I caught up I found Rook pinning Applejack against the wall. I walked up to them and said.

“Rook I need you to keep her there until Granny gets here.” the mare shouted at me.

“Steven when ah'm beating the tar outta Rook, ya next.” from behind.

“Don't ya dare tah lay a hoof on them.”

“But.” I continued.

“She's right Applejack. We need to stay low until we get out of here.”

“Fine but that doesn't mean this is over.”

After Rook released her we walked up towards the surface it was still dark. If we wanted to blow this place into shit the time was now. The last Griffin camp I was in had gun powder within the camp and, this camp was larger than the camp I blew up back in Canterlot. I assume that this one had a larger supply of gun powder in here. Rook found a room to our right we entered the room to plan out what we were to do. AJ looked at me and said.

“So what do we do Steven?”

“I’m going to stay here and take out this camp by blowing in into hell. While the two of you go back to the town.” I was hoping that AJ will not fight me on this one.

“What!? No because of them my grandma wanted to die and I ended her suffering!”

“Applejack please. The last thing your grandmother wants is for you to die.”

“But…”

“Please go to the town and be ready. Once I destroy their firepower they’re going after me.” She just looked at me. “Go protect your sister.”

“O…ok. Just be careful.”

“Lady I’ve been through hell on my planet, I’m sure I’ll live here.” She nodded and she headed out the door. I turned to Rook. “Make sure you get her there safely got it.”

“Understood.” The two walked out and they went back to the way we came from. I kept looking at they until

they made a turn then I looked back into the camp and I look a deep breath and I walked inside.

Finding the armory wasn’t hard. In fact it was like thirty feet away from the prison entrance. I don’t understand why it is that close to the armory. If they haven’t killed the prisoners and the prisoners would have fought back then, they would have taken the camp days ago. I walked in the tent I looked around and I saw quite a few birds inside guarding it. I guess they learn from their mistakes. God I wish Celestia or Twilight were here. That would have cast that clocking, camo or, whatever spell. I would have gone in and our quickly. I couldn’t use my weapons because they would give me away so I had to find a silent distance weapon or I use my knife. I looked around I thought.

‘One of these crates has to have a bow or a crossbow.’ I pulled out my knife and I pry open a crate. Inside the crate was some kind of shredded like paper. I looked inside the crate all I found was two swords and a morning star. I turned back to another large box and I opened it was what I was looking for. An Auto-Crossbow. I grabbed one barrel of arrows. I loaded the weapon and I began to proceed in deeper in the tent. Since my visor has night vision it will be helpful to turn off the lanterns. I aimed the bow at the lanterns and I shot them off their holder. The Griffins began to freak out when the lights were going off. I turned on my wrist data-pad and I activated my N.V. I walked out of my cover and I shot two birds down. I walked forward to another and I took it down with my knife. The last two I just shot down knowing that it was a matter of time before the rest of the camp figures out that the lights have been taken out.

I sprinted to the gunpowder and I place five pounds of C-4 right in the centre. It looked like there was over 500 pounds of gunpowder. Then I activated the remote detonator on my data-pad. I ran out of the tent. I was aiming to go back to the prison but I was stopped by a group of griffins that have spotted me. I made a run for the main entrance I charged at the door hoping it would fall.

CLANK!

That didn’t work. After I hit it I fell backwards. I stood up and I looked back to see the entire griffin camp in front of me. The leader I assume shouted.

“You thought you could kill us here huh, Slayer?!” I was confused with the name.

“Slayer?”

“Yeh! You are what we call the Griffin Slayer! In fact all of your ugly primates are Griffin Slayers. Only now we have you and you have no way out.”

“I disagree.” I detonated the C-4. A large ball of fire came from the armory. I decided to use the Thruster Pack. When I activated I just flew in the air and then I flew out of the camp. I had no control, I tried to lower the thruster level but, instead I deactivated the pack. I crashed in the dry river. The pressure seal from my helmet unlocked so it fell off. It took me a moment to recover when I looked up I saw the dam that was blocking the water.

“Ok let’s try this one more time.” I placed my helmet on once again and I looked at my d-pad and I set the thrusters to 10%. I flew up and then I instantly turned off the Pack. I fell back on the ground but, this time I landed on my feet. I looked at the dam I searched for a soft spot. As I looked I heard the war horn of the enemy.

I reacted fast and I grabbed a grenade and threw it down the behind the dam where the water was. I began to run back south towards the town. When the explosive device went off I turned back hoping that the grenade did its job. The mid-bottom of the dam was destroyed and water began to flow properly. I had to return to the camp as soon as possible because now we have a fight coming to us.


Later

The sun began to rise and I haven’t seen any sign of the griffins. I was beginning to see the town. Now was the time to warn the folks. I walked into the town still dead as I first came. I walked to the town hall inside the town folks looked at me. I heard my name from a familiar voice.

“Mr. Clearwater?” I turned to my left.

“Rarity.”

“You’re ok!” she hugged me I thought I saw a tear falling from here eye. I didn’t know why? I looked behind her to see Applejack. The farmer walked to me and said.

“W…we thought you were killed back there.”

Now they had my full attention. “Killed?”

“Yeah. We saw the ball of flames from where the Griffin camp was.”

“You saw that?”

“Uh yeah.” Rarity was still holding on to me. AJ moved towards the unicorn and she pulled her away from me.

One hour later

After I met up with Rook and Hammer we have stated to the locals that the town was unprotected. They only protection that have was us and the Griffins were sure to attack. Rook, the two elements, and the sheriff were inside a private room I met with them a few moments after they enter. I walked in the five were sitting. So I began.

“Here’s the wrap. The griffin camp is now crippled, but they will find a new place to settle in. Problem is that beyond the camp the riverbed shrinks in and then it goes under ground.” The sheriff said to me.

“Then how does that affect us?” Rook butted in.

“Take a guess genius. The enemy is going to want to take the town since the river is close and the dam was taken out, so water is flowing once again.” Rook turned to me and asked. “Since you took out the dam then that means that locals are getting water right? Who’s protecting them?”

“Hammer is with the locals.”

“Ok.”

I continued. “Look the griffins are going to attack and we have two choices rather we fight them off or we leave.” AJ said to me.

“Leaving is something ah agree with but, wouldn’t they start going after us? They do have those rat thingies.”

“You’re right.” I looked at the map that was laid out on the table. The train tracks lead to the station where the chopper was if the women and children reach the station, then they were free. But that means that a small group will have to behind and hold off the Griffins as long as we can. I looked at Rarity and Applejack. I kept my attention to AJ. She just found her grandmother I know she will want to stay and fight but she has a younger sister to take care of she had a family to keep together. “Ok here’s the plan. Rook?”

“Yeah?”

“Remember the station we stopped at before we arrived?”

“Of course. Why?”

“If we can hold off the birds at this town long enough then we will give time for the locals to reach the station with that chopper there the Griffins will not stand a chance.”

“Ok as much as I agree with you. And I do I’m sure we’re staying who else will stay behind?” AJ was about to say something but I reacted on time.

“You’re not staying AJ.”

“Why not?!”

“Your sister. She needs her older sister more than ever.” She stared at me. I can see the anger in her eyes. The thirst she had to fight to avenger those who have died at the griffin prisons. Then her eyes closed and said.

“Ok. I’ll go.”

“Perfect.” I turned to Rarity. “Rarity I need you to go as well.”

“Ok.”

Few hours later

The women and children began to leave the town in a hurry. I have asked Hammer to go with them to give them support if need. He agreed and he followed them. Sadly the males left the town as well. The Sheriff, Rook and I stayed. Rook was mad at the situation.

“This is fucking bullshit! All of the guys left us here to die! What the hell.” He shouted at the direction where the locals were walking. “YOU HEAR ME STALLIONS! YOU’RE ALL A BUNCH OF PUSSIES!”

I said. “Rook, do me a favour and shut the fuck up. AJ went ahead of the whole group to reach the station so the chopper can pick us up. She's no Rainbow Dash but, that girl is fast on all fours.”

“Or pick up our dead bodies.” Rook was out of it so I just let him cool down. I walked over to the sheriff while Rook climb to the top of a building.

“So why did you stay?”

“Well…” the stallion adjusted his hat so I was able to see her face. “…I was one of the few first settlers when I was just a little colt and I helped built this town from scratch. This place holds many memories and I would hate to see it burn down or taken by force.”

“Well some of the things that mean a lot to us will eventually disappears.”

“Yes. The young white unicorn mare told us the story of your people on your home world.”

“What did she tell you?”

“Just what you told here.” Rook called me from the top.

“Gunnery you may want to see this.” I walked up to the salon and I climbed on the ladder. I walked to the ledge.

The entire griffin camp was positioned outside the town. I was expecting them to attack but, the held their position. I asked Rook.

“Why are they just standing there?”

“Don’t know.” I saw a group of birds loading their cannon.

“Rook take out the cannon now!” Rook fired his AR at the birds. We didn’t noticed another cannon that was positioned on the hill. The steel ball hit the building we were on. The roof was becoming unstable. I ran to the side while Rook and Silverstar ran into the entrance side of the building. I jumped into the building on the side. I crashed through the wall. I collided with a shelf when I landed the food cans fell on me I picked myself on and I saw Rook and the Stallion running towards the town hall. I looked out the window and I saw a few birds chasing them. I broke the glass with the butt of my rifle and I fire at them. After they fell I quickly jumped through the window and I ran toward the Rook and the stallion. A few arrows flew by me I turned back I saw a pair of Ratters

behind me. I reached for a grenade I pulled the pin and I drop the explosive device in a puddle. When the

oversized rats were near the water the grenade exploded. I entered the building. Rook and Silver were already

providing me covering fire. I barricaded the door and I radioed Cantelot. “This is Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater! I’m calling for reinforcements!”

“This is Commander Stronghold we are dealing with an invasion in Manehattan, we are evacuating the whole city. We sent help but we don’t know how long before they arrive. Over and out.”

“Damn it!” I fired at the birds. They began to melee at the wall. The wood was no match for the blades. I moved out of my position and I went to the second floor. I saw Rook and Sliver Star entering the bell tower so I followed. We locked the door and we ran to the top. Rook and I fired at the Griffins while Silver Star barricaded the door he stayed to keep the birds out of the tower. I threw my last grenade to a group of Griffins carrying a battle ram. The grenade landed on the wooden pole. The explosion destroyed the pole and the force threw them far. When I looked down I saw the Griffins that were inside were exiting. Rook shouted.

“Yeah you better run you little bitches!”

“Rook!” we saw a cannonball coming towards us. It struck the tower. “Not again!” I looked moved to the stair case to see the situation on the bottom floor Silver Star was running up. He said.

“We can’t go down there! There’s no way out!” the tower shook violently once more. Rumble fell on us a random bucket fell on Rook. I looked out the window. I didn’t know how much more can this tower take. We felt the balance tilting. “HANG ON!” we moved away from the window and we grabbed onto the rail of the staircase.

I opened my eyes slowly. All I can hear was the familiar ringing sound. I heard that sound countless of time back at the war. I pushed off a few boards off of me. I removed my helmet. When I turned a Griffin punched me across the face. I fell to my knees. I spit out blood onto the ground. I was struck in my gut then I was thrown to the side. One of the birds grabbed my hair. I knew I should have cut it short again. My vision was still blurry and my hearing was still bad. I couldn’t make it clear but I saw a bird push Silver Star to a wall and it shot him with a crossbow. I turned to the side my vision was clearing and I saw Rook out cold on a pile of rubble. I was punched again the bird aimed the bow at me. Before he pulled the trigger an explosion made him flinch when I looked up two fighter jets flew fast by us. After that five choppers arrived and began firing at the Griffins as they ran away from the cross fire. Rook gain consciousness and he picked himself up. I rushed towards Silver Star the arrow hit his shoulder. The troops rushed towards me to give aid. Rarity and Applejack. AJ said to me.

“Steven are you ok?”

“Yeah Applejack I’m…” I was stopped by the hug Rarity gave me. She quickly separated from me and she turned red. She said.

“Sorry.”

“It’s ok…” the medics arrived.

“Sir we have to get you cleaned up! And fast!”

“Why?” Rarity answered.

“Well we discovered a Ratter nest under the city and we are having a hard time to keep the Griffins and Ratters inside. We are still evacuating but I heard a few humans saying something about nuking the city. I really don’t know what that means.”

“I do.” I stood up and she asked.

“What does it mean?”

“You don’t want to know.” I entered the chopper along with mare and we made way towards Manehatten.