//------------------------------// // Chp 11: Reinforcments // Story: Frie-n-emy // by Guy Balkur //------------------------------// //Equestria// //Sweet Apple Acres 0800// //6.45 hours after slip space rupture// Time seem to slow down, nobody dared utter a sound as to make the atmosphere even more uncomfortable than it already was. The barn was cleared out to make room for the excess company that was schedule for arriving. Alan sat next to a loft of hay that was stationed opposite of where Bathou’mus had decided to place himself. The Elite stood next to the entrance to get a full view of the orchards, ignoring the human. The Spartan drew his knife out, sharpening it against his armor. The Elite continued to look outside the double doors, gazing long fully at the luscious land. With his helmet placed back on, the Elite kept at least one eye on his motion sensor, making sure the human kept his distance. The two kept their silence as they awaited their company. Before long, Celestia made her way to the barn. Along with four other ponies that had followed next to her. Bathou’mus looked at the princess, he unfolded his arms before greeting her. “Greetings Bathou’mus, have your friends arrived yet?” She asked. The Elite shook his head. “No, not yet.” “Hmm, then I guess we still have some time to chat. A chance to learn about one another.” The elite nodded in compliance. “Of course.” He turned his massive body to allow them to enter, he looked down at the new white pony that had joined the group. Rather than giving the normal reaction of fear for seeing such a strange being. She instead bowed politely. “My, such a refined sense of manners, if I do say myself.” She stated before passing him by to join the others. Bathou’mus took a moment to accept the sudden acceptance to his existence. Shrugging, he walked back inside. Celestia made her way in, she found Alan sheathing his blade. The Spartan looked back at her, nodding his helmet slightly. Celestia turned around to find Bathou’mus slowly making his way to her. “What would you like to discuss first?” He asked. “Walk with me please.” She said, heading back outside. The elite nodded, walking with the Princess outside the barn, leaving the Spartan with the four other elements. Alan looked at Celestia with a hidden feeling of regret. His actions were not professional to say the least. With a heavy sigh, he stood up, grabbing the attention of the remaining ponies. Twilight accidentally bumped into Applejack, making the farm pony smile as Twilight huddle unknowingly next to her. Pinkie and Rarity stopped their chatting as Alan moved to another spot of the barn. From here he could see through a window the pleasantries of the land. Feeling the memories flood back of his childhood made him almost forget the situation he was in. He closed his eyes, wanting to be one with them. Out of nowhere, from the depths of his mind, the Spartan felt a physical force pull a memory from his subconscious. His breathing was cut off, he felt blood on his face. He heard screams echoing through his ears. He opened his eyes to see the farm on fire. His hands were against the bark of a tree, the silhouettes of his parents were dragged out onto the grass by a massive shadow. In its hand held his father, struggling to break its grasp. From beneath him was the shattered remains of his mom. Broken and twisted by the mighty being’s foot. With a loud roar, a light beamed from the elite’s hand, forming into a large blade. Alan tried to run but his leg prevented him from reaching his father. He stumbled and fell on his face. He lifted it back up to see the sword pierce his father straight through the stomach. The elite pushed upward, lifting him up into the burned sky, his body still impaled by the sword. Alan shouted at his father, trying to get a response from the corpse that hung in the dead air. The Elite turned his head at Alan, noticing the small child by the tree. He quickly rose up as the Elite started to walk towards him, its blade still glowing. Alan ran into the forest, trying to get as much distance from himself and the terrifying monster that hunted him. Smashing his way through the branches and leaves, the young boy’s breath became harder and harder to maintain. The air was raining ash, the ground felt like it was on fire. Still Alan ran faster than he could to get away from the beast. His stamina finally gave way and he was forced to recover. He placed his body behind a tree, just when the rustling of leaves could be heard. Alan quieted his breathing when he heard the beast approach his position. It stopped its running when the trail had ended before him. Turning around, the Elite sliced a tree next to it. Cutting it directly through and causing it to fall. He continued this motion to six other trees until he came upon the one Alan was hiding behind. The Elite roared when it tore through the bark. Looking around, the monster found no trace of the young boy. It roared in frustration before walking back to its destination. Alan looked through the bush he dived into to find no trace of the Elite. With a heavy sigh, Alan folded his arms around his legs, crying silently into his lap. He sat there for what seemed like hours. He continued to cry, unaware of the heavy boots that had stopped next to him. He felt a hand rest upon his shoulder. He looked up to find his sad reflection from within an orange visor. The being stood on one knee, comforting him. “It’s okay. I’m going to get you out of here.” It said with a strong voice. It rose up from the ground and offered its hand to Alan. He looked at it with fear, but decided to accept its help. “Who are you?” Alan asked, his voice trying to stay strong, like the being in front of him. “Call me Master Chief.” He said grabbing hold of the young boy’s small hand. Alan gasped loudly when the memory vanished. In his head he heard an unusual voice laugh at him. “Oh my, that was a good one. Let’s see what else is going on in here.” It said. “What?” Alan asked, turning to face the ponies that suddenly stopped their activities when the Human demanded an answer. “Uh, we didn’t say nothin’.” Applejack stated out of confusion. Alan looked around to find the ponies giving him very peculiar looks. He shook his head before sitting back down near the hay. ‘The hell was all that about?’ He asked himself, doing his best to figure the situation out. ‘That has never happened to me before. I’m always in control of my memories, but that felt like it was forced out of me. By someone it feels like.’ Alan looked upon the white pony that had traveled across the room to meet his acquaintance. “Hello darling, I’m Rarity. Element of generosity.” She announced. Alan stared at her with a bemused expression. She found his silence discomforting. After a moment she cleared her throat before asking him his name. “And you might be?” She began, hoping he would finish the sentence. “Alan.” He said flatly. The human was in no mood for making anymore friends. All he wanted was for his squad to get here. “Alan? My, such a nice name.” She said. “Is there something you want?” He asked, wanting her presence eradicated from his. “Oh nothing of the source, can’t a pony get to know a strange being from an alternate universe?” She asked, pretending to be hurt by Alan’s bluntness. “So they did inform you about me.” “Ummm…well yes, they did.” Rarity said while blushing a bit from her blunder. Alan shook his head at the unicorn who stumbled around trying to find something to say. “What is it you want?” he said, leaning against the hay loft. “Well, I couldn't help but notice, your attire. You see I am a fashion designer and was wondering if you’d let me design a…..New set of clothes for you.” Rarity said. Alan rose his eyebrow at the nice offer but shook his head. “I seriously don’t see the point. My stay here is temporary, it would be just a waste of your time.” Rarity gasped at his refusal. “But darling, I’ll probably never get the chance ever again! A once in a lifetime opportunity is here. I will not have it slip through my hooves!” She proclaimed. Alan found her increasing determination quite amusing. Not wanting to break her poor little heart, the Spartan reconsider the offer. “Fine.” He complied. Rarity squeed a bit before shaking his hand rather violently. “OH Thank you thank you mister Alan, I swear, you will not be disappointed!” She said. Alan locked his arm in place to get her to stop yanking it about. Irritated, the Spartan cleared his throat to signal her absence. Rarity nervously giggled. “Um, we can get those measurements at a different time, if you’d like.” She said, slowly backing away from him. Alan leaned forward slightly, keeping his visor on her. Making her feel even more uncomfortable. She quickly made her way to Pinkie who tried her best to hide her increasing laughter from reaching Rarity’s ear. “Don’t worry Rarity. I’m sure Alan will feel better once his friends get here.” Pinkie finally said. “hmmphh. I can’t believe the other one has a better sense of manners than him.” She huffed. “Uh, I think he heard you.” Pinkie said quietly. Rarity stole another glance at Alan who now had his helmet tilted at an angle. Rarity nervously laughed, slowly hiding behind Pinkie. Outside, from across the barn, the Princess and Elite casually walked. Bathou’mus had just finished telling about the conflict his race and the humans were at. The whole time Celestia didn’t utter a word when he retold his secrete separation with the covenant. Bathou’mus stopped his pacing when he finished. “Your majesty. I have no quarrel with the human; I only wish to help his species. The war is pointless, only a move for the Prophets to annihilate the entire galaxy.” Celestia continued to stare ahead of the trail as she listened. “You are more accepting to this place then him. I wonder why that is?” She asked, turning around to face him. Bathou’mus looked down for a moment before turning his attention to the farmhouse. He remembered the ones who had welcomed him as a guest, gave him food and treated him with open hearts for who he was. “This place has a aura of peace that not even I can comprehend. It has instilled a presence I've long forgotten, reawakened the life I wished for all my brothers live. Long have I slaughtered, long have I been blinded from the truth. This place…it is unlike any, this place welcomes you, no matter who or what you are. I’ll do anything to keep it from falling into the abyss I've fallen into.” Bathou’mus looked back at the Princess who was pleased with his answer. “I do not see a beast who is stuck in forever darkness. You are wise, strong, and most all kind. You are welcomed here Bathou’mus. I only have one more question.” Celestia said. “Of course.” Bathou’mus said folding his arms behind his lower back. “Is your squad mate going to be any different?” //Everfree forest. 0400 hours// //3 hours after slip space rupture// Heavy breathing could be heard from besides Zecora’s hut. A large creature slowly clung up the tree like house, pulling himself onto his feet. Konthou’s depression had kept him on his ass for far too long. After continually thinking, the young Elite decided to follow the strange horse. He observed his motion sensors the entire time. Seeing the creature run away, gave him an objective. “I have no idea what this place is. So following it may give me the answers I seek.” With that, he began to back track the trail it left. Zecora moved slowly through the everfree. Her understanding of the timberwolves motives made her ever more cautious. After staying clear from the trails of the Timberwolves, Zecora’s suspicions of leaving their territories were confirmed. From behind a bush, the Zebra could see dozens of woodend bodies strung about. As if an explosion scattered their remains in every direction. “There must have been dozens here, what must have done this is quite queer.” She thought for a moment before coming to the conclusion of the beast that had stationed itself near her home. Its size could have easily ripped them to shreds. Zecora gulped before turning back around, her rear bumped into what she presumed was a tree. But unlike the normal set of trees, this trunk decided to grow vocal chords and create a low growl. Zecora quickly bucked the wolf’s snout, making it yelp in surprise at her quick thinking. She used the time she had to dash across the field of dead timberwolves, keeping her distance from the other two that jumped out from either side of her. The zebra turned left but to her dismay, a large rock wall had blocked off her access. Zecora tried her best to climb, but the steepness was too much for her to get a hold and hoist herself up. She fell down from her unsuccessful attempt, she turned to see the timberwolves slowly approaching their victory. Zecora backed as far as she could into the rock, earning every second of life that she could. Before the wolves could strike, a large shadow walked slowly from the left and abruptly stopped in front of the wolves. Confused but still in a blood frenzy, the front wolf leaped at the armored Elite, aiming for his throat. The wolf bit down but felt nothing but air pass through his teeth. The other two timberwolves saw the giant target vanish in a wave of static. Konthou took his chance to strike. Leaping out behind the two timberwolves, he activated his wrist blades and jammed both into each wolf’s cranium. Taking them both out simultaneously. The third wolf sniffed the ground where the hologram had been, its gears still grinding. Upon hearing the sickening snap of its friends being stabbed, the wolf turned to face the mighty elite standing near the two dead corpses. Konthou unleashed a terrifying roar that made the wolf turn high tail and blindly slam itself into the rock wall, knocking it out cold. Zecora saw her chance while dodging the wolf and quickly ran behind the elite. Konthou reached down and picked up the zebra in one swoop. Zecora looked into the empty eye sockets of the Minor. It stared at her until the black eyes were lifted up to reveal another set underneath. Dark blue reptilian eyes looked at the zebra with no means of malice for her. This gave the Zebra relief. “My name is Konthou. I am a Sangehlie, from the planet Sangehlious. I mean you no harm, unless you wish it.” He said before setting her gently down. Zecora took a moment before giving her retort. “Konthou of the Sangehelie, I am Zecora of the zebra tribe. Please tell me of your journey, it would be most kind.” She said. “Must you speak in rhyme?” He said irritably. Zecora frowned upon his manners. “It is a hobby of mine.” She said with a smile. Konthou realized the trap that was set for him, making him more agitated. “Please, for your sake. I must meet with a higher authority. I wish to know more about this environment and species.” He asked. Zecora took a moment before thinking of a solution. “The Princesses of most high, will tell you why. Please follow me, for you will see.” She said before turning around back towards the giant obliteration field of dead timberwolves. Zecora looked up at the Elite who was looking down at the ground. His hand was placed upon a darkened part of the next to a pile of use to be Wolves. She approached it to find it to be a large smoldering hole. Konthou recognized the impact the crater was made from. A concussion rifle. “Was this of your doing? “ “It was not by my choosing.” He said before realizing again what the zebra was making him do. He turned to give her a bemused look. Zecora smiled and turned around again. “You learn quite well. Here, you will achieve and compel.” She stated before walking back to her hut, Konthou looked back down, fearing the possibilities. He got up and followed the Zebra. //Fluttershy’s cottage. 0500 hours// //4 hours after slip-space rupture.// No noise aside from the casual breathing of Sam’s tired body could be heard from inside the cottage. The fire, which he made shortly before napping, crackled lightly, coating the walls in an ominous glow of orange. All the pets were sleeping with peaceful dreams in their little heads. None had heard the soldier make his appearance. All accept a little white bunny, who hated the idea of anybody taking his favorite spot next to the fire. Sam felt a thudding sensation start to envelope his right foot. Waking up with a little jump, he looked for the source. Upon seeing an annoyed bunny rabbit thumping impatiently at his feet, the marine slowly rose from the chair. “Oh, sorry little guy. Was this your spot?” He asked. Angel looked at him with surprise. He honestly didn't expect the strange creature to willing give up the spot. Sam moved away from the chair to allow the bunny access. When his little white bottom hit the chair, Angel gave a content sigh and fell asleep right away. Sam moved towards the couch, slowly, to not upset the inhabitants around him. He set his gear down next to the sofa. Sam counted his ammo count again, making sure if the Elite tried anything, his rifle would be ready this time around. Satisfied that the count again read 46, he set it on his back with a metallic click. “This place…..it feels so nice. So warm and inviting. But why?” The question left him perplex. His instincts told him not to trust this place, no matter how appealing it felt. But another part of him wanted to say that this could well be his resting place. No, he needed to find a way back to the Genesis, at any cost. When Sam began to pack his bag, a soft shuffling from outside made him freeze his pose. He instinctively reached for his gun, pulling it back off, he slowly rose into a crouched position facing the door from where the sound came from. The door slowly crept open to reveal a pale yellow being that slowly fluttered into the house. Sam, at first assumed it to be an odd looking drone but upon closer examination, looked more like a floating horse. Lowering his gun, he stood up to his full height, grabbing the strange creature’s attention. “EEEPPP!!!!” it squeaked before jumping on the chair where Angel slept. Upon having his owner jump on him; the bunny squeezed out from underneath Fluttershy, grabbing the Pegasus’s attention. “Oh, sorry Angel bunny. I had no idea you were there.” “Um, what are you?” Asked Sam as he put his gun back in place. Fluttershy crept lower into the chair, barely letting the human see her face. “It’s ok…I’m not going to hurt you.” Sam said raising his hands. He slowly lifted the helmet that covered his head, and removed it to show his thin black hair that glisten from the sweat beating off him. The sun was just peaking over the horizon having its light reflected off the backside of his head. His bluish green eyes made her feel less threatened. She rose her head a few inches above the chair to find that Sam’s face held no signs of malice. Instead, it looked very kind, strong but welcoming. “I’m Fluttershy….” She said quietly. Sam moved a few steps towards her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that. Would you mind speaking a bit louder?” He asked. Fluttershy rose a little bit more. “If you don’t mind that is...” Finished the Sergeant. “I’m Fluttershy. I live here.” She said while hiding her face behind her pink mane. Sam smiled but his mind raced with questions. “Fluttershy huh? Nice name. My name is Sam. As you can see, I’m not from around here. I’m a human, what are you?” He asked sitting back down to act more casual. Fluttershy looked down at Sam who had his legs folded. From behind her, Angel popped out from the chair and hopped his way to Sam. Fluttershy held her breath when the Bunny stopped near the marine. Sam reached out his finger to scratch behind the bunny’s ear, which made him thump his foot in delight. Sam moved his finger from the back of his ear, to underneath his chin. Angel relaxed his entire body from the new sensation, his finger made the scratching process feel like ecstasy. Sam stopped to begin petting the bunny’s limp body that fell next to his leg out of pure bliss. “Sweet little thing.” Chuckled Sam. Fluttershy was in complete awe at the situation she was in. Usually Angel would be very rude towards new house guests, especially towards unnatural beings that decide to spend the night here without his permission. “I apologize for intruding, but I was lost with no sense of where I was going. If you want, I can leave…” “NO!” Blurted out Fluttershy. The Soldier turned back around to find the timid yellow horse slowly fluttering towards him. “Oh…I mean...you can stay for a little while longer. I was just frightened because I've never seen anything like you before. I mean aside from the giant yellow meteor, this is the second strangest thing to happen to me today.” “Yellow meteor? Why does that ring a bell?” Sam asked himself quietly. Fluttershy looked at him with concern at his silent remark. “Oh it’s nothing. So, what exactly are you?” Sam asked. “Oh, I’m a pegusas. We usually live up in the air, like cloudsdale. The reason I live here on the ground is because there are much more little critters here that need my help.” “So you like to take care of animals?” “Yeah.” “That’s sweet.” Sam said with a smile and chuckle. “Why….thank you.” Fluttershy said with a blush. “So where exactly am I?” “Ponyville Equestria.” “I mean planet. But city and country is okay too.” “Oh, sorry, I believe its equestria.” Sam felt his hopes shattered now that he was confirmed he’d transported to another part of the universe. The thought of going back seemed bleaker by the second. He rose up from the ground and slowly walked back outside. Standing out in the new forming morning, made his thought processor all the more better. The sun had a beautifully full orange glow emitting from the center as it moved from the horizon. Fluttershy slowly reached out and tapped the back of his neck, making him slowly turn his head around to face her. “I’m sorry, I’m just……a very long way from home.” He said before letting out a small sigh. He placed his hand on his face when the reality of his situation kicked him in the ass. Fluttershy floated up and hugged around his neck. “There, there, don’t worry. It’s all going to be okay. I’m sure the princess will know what to do. You can stay here until then.” Fluttershy said before releasing him to find his face closer to hers. Her smile reassured his hope in returning back. She touched the bottom like a feather before going back inside. “I’m sure I can find something for you to eat if you want.” She said, making her way to her kitchen. Sam looked back at the sun which now was fully uncovered and shining ever so brightly across the land. Only one cloud was still pink, but this soon was terminated from it quickly rushing from the scene, leaving the Sergeant puzzled at the strange phenomenon. //Equestria// //Everfree forest 0700// //6 hours after slip space rupture// A young boy and his mother both sat together in a small living room. The mother was looking at a holographic display of a new line of clothing while the young boy pretended to be interested in his toy pelican. “Hey mom?” The kid asked turning to face his mother. The woman glanced down but quickly brought her attention back to the display. “What?” “Dad’s been gone for, like an eternity. You said he’d be here soon.” “I know Daniel…I know. He’s still on his way and….” Footsteps were heard being dragged through the gravel. They increased in hearing before a subtle knock came from the door. “IS THAT DADDY!?”The kid asked, racing to the front door. The woman looked through the window and saw not her husband’s vehicle, but a warthog placed near the garage. Her fears suddenly washed over her in a dark wave of chills. “Daniel……wait.” She said before he had a chance to grab the shining door knob. “What is it Mom?” “Go upstairs….go play with your older sister for a bit.” She said, pulling him away and placing him near the stairs. “Why? Dad’s here and…” “Mrs Lamperious? It’s Sergeant James Rayner.” Came a muffled voice from behind the door. “Go, now.” She said pointing at the top of the stairs. Daniel hung his head as he walked up the stairs, acting defeated. When he turned the corner, he stomped in place to give the illusion of climbing the rest of the steps. Slowly did he turn around and proceed to peak behind the corner. His mom had the door opened wide and man in a UNSC uniform was standing before her with his arm around her in a comforting manner. “Rebels shot down his pod before it landed. I’m so sorry, he was the best man I ever had the honor of serving with.” Daniel’s mind was racing to and fro as his mother sobbed against the sergeant’s shoulder. He jumped down the steps and dashed through the backdoor near the kitchen. Tears formed down his little cheeks, the wind and echoes of his mom’s shouting could be heard slowly drowning out. Daniel woke up with a start, finding the morning dawn brightness already upon him. He looked around and found light source illuminating from a large uncovered whole in the gathering trees. From here, the entire place looked dark and avoided of all life. “Jeez, why waste money on the whole store?” He said aloud, unaware that the cyan pony started to stir before waking up. “Uggh, where am I?” It said with what sounded like a tom boyish voice. “I’m going to guess candy land.” Daniel said, catching the pony’s attention. “Holy Buck! What are you?!” She said, trying to flap her wings. Pain shot up which quickly stopped her flying. She looked behind her, seeing a blood stained rag wrapped on her left wing. “Hey, easy. I’m not going to hurt you.” He said raising his hand. “In case you forgot, I found you about to be mauled alive by a group of…….woodend wolves. They seemed to have bit into your…..wing…so I brought you to my camp and cleaned your wound before it got infected.” Having a hard time accepting the strange phrases coming out of his mouth. Rainbow looked back at her wing, then back at Daniel who still was sitting against the tree. She sat back down and hung her head when her memory came back to her. The unnecessary buck she gave to her most favored icon. The Timberwolf attack, and now this. “Thanks…” She mumbled. “What?” Daniel said, pretending to not have heard her. “I said, THANK YOU.” “Don’t mention it Skittles.” Daniel smiled. “Huh?” She said, not knowing if that was an insult or a joke. “Oh, you probably don’t know what that is. It’s an assorted rainbow candy from where I’m from.” He said. “Why don’t you just call me by my name?” “Simple, I have NO freaking idea what your name is. Hi I’m Daniel, super genius playboy millionaire.” He said, reaching out his hand. Rainbow scooted closer and lifted her hoof up to his hand. She felt his digits wrap around her hoof and slowly shake up and down. “Hi, I’m Rainbow Dash, element of loyalty.” Daniel let go and stared at her in disbelief. “Yeah, um, I’m going to keep calling you skittles.” “What’s wrong with my name?” She said, offended. “Oh, nothing, I would have never guessed your name in a century. Why with all the complex features you have, I’d probably guess, Color Pony Pegasus.” Daniel said before feeling a hoof slap him across his face. “JERK!” Rainbow said before trotting away. “Wait! I’m sorry, it was a joke.” Daniel said, rising to his feet and catching up to her. “DO I LOOK LIKE I’M IN THE MOOD FOR JOKES?!” Daniel stopped walking when she turned around to face him. She looked like she had been through a lot, even before being mauled by a wooden wolf. Daniel bent down and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make you laugh. I know shits gone down for ya. I only wanted to help.” He said, staring directly at her. If Noah had been there, it would probably make him question his reality, because the Lieutenant never displayed any seriousness around the ODST, even in combat. Rainbow took a moment to consider his apology, she stared at him to see if she could find any means of laughter in his eyes. “Fine. I forgive you.” Daniel gave a soft smile before rising back up to his full height. He walked back to their spot to grab his equipment before heading out. “The next thing is to probably get out of this forest.” He said while clicking his backpack on. “This place is very difficult to navigate through.” Rainbow said, walking next to him. “Don’t worry, I carved a path for myself, just before heading in.” Daniel stopped packing abruptly. He looked towards the trees, staring blankly at them. Rainbow noticed his actions, she stopped her movements as well. Feeling unease, Rainbow moved next to him to whisper. “What is it?” Daniel slowly rose up and slung his backpack on his shoulder. “Thought I heard somethi-“ He was cut off from a shout that muffled through the trees. Daniel picked up Rainbow with his other arm and heaved her on his other shoulder. Rainbow could see the forest start to grow darker as he ran. A few minutes passed before he stepped outside the Everfree, feeling sunlight upon his face. “The hay was that about?!” shouted Rainbow. “Heard something say ‘By hells flame.’ There are only two things I know that talk like that. Over the top preachers, and Covies.” Setting down Rainbow, Daniel placed his helmet back on his bald head. “What are Covies?” She asked. “Assholes that hate me because I’m too good looking.” Winked Daniel. The Pegasus rolled her eyes at his explanation, before she could ask again, another sound came through from within his helmet. Daniel reached up into the mic button to activate the comn. His face lit up when the voice of his commander came on. “This is-” “Well, well. Never thought you’d be here, Captain Crunch.” Replied Daniel. After Alan set up the point for all soldiers to meet, Daniel wasted no time trying to get a head start. “Come on Skittles. You got to be faster than that.” He shouted as Rainbow speed by him, making him eat those words. “I told you, I don’t need my wings to be the fastest in Equestria!!” She shouted. Daniel picked his pace, making them neck in neck. They raced up onto a steep hill that overlooked all of ponyville. From here, they could see the town brightly shining from Celestia’s beautiful sun. “I’m only letting you get ahead of me because it makes for a dramatic ending.” “You’re fast for a….whatever you are.” “I told you….I’m a super genius playboy---“ Daniel heard an explosion from within the Everfree. The sound of trees crashing over and the vibrations of the ground made the two stop their little race and turn to find something enormous rise from the Everfree. It stood up on fours limbs, like a giant bug. It began to turn around and slowly make its way towards them. They both were at least thirty minutes away from reaching the giant vehicle, its size was large enough to see from a 5 mile view, growing even bigger each time its purple legs began to crawl forward. “Wh-what the flying Buck is that thing?!” Shouted Rainbow. Daniel was about to explain, but heard the voice of his best friend call to him. He turned around and saw Sam running towards him. “DANIEL! I---“ The sergeant’s face turned from a happy greeting into a shocked expression when his eyes looked upon the giant monster making its way to them. “Yep, looks like we weren't the only ones that made it here too.” Daniel walked up to Sam and grabbed his hand. This Snapped the Sergeant out of his gaze and immediately embraced the lieutenant. “I thought you died.” Sam said. “Same here.” They both looked at each other with large smiles. “Hey!” Rainbow said, breaking the reunion. “In case you haven’t noticed.” She said waving her hoof at the giant robot bug making its way towards them. “Oh yeah. We should double time it to the Commander. He should---“ “EEPPPP!!” Shouted Fluttershy who now saw the monster closing in. “Fluttershy!!” Rainbow said, she dashed up and hugged her best friend. “Dashie!! Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah, just a little beat up. But I’m fine.” She broke the hug to find Sam and Daniel walking towards them. “Sorry girls, but we need to move. The thing is going to be here in less than twenty minutes. We need to move it to your Princess and let her know that a—“ “Rainbow…Fluttershy!! It’s been too long since our last goodbye.” Zecora shouted when she made it up on the hill. She was followed by another large creature that snarled a bit when he noticed the Sergeant. Sam raised his assault rifle a bit, but remembered the Commander’s orders. “How you doing split-jaw?” Daniel said before he drew his pistols out. “Save it. We’re going to need all the help we can get.” Sam placed his hand on the lieutenant’s arm, making him lower his gun. Fluttershy and Rainbow both huddled against each other as Konthou stepped closer to them. “Humans….” He said in a dissatisfied grunt. “Oh get over it. In case you haven’t noticed, we have a super scarab on its way here.” “Led by a large army of Brutes….I’d say about two hundred or so.” Konthou said folding his arms. “Okay, how did you find that out?” The puzzled Lieutenant asked. “No time, we need to get to point Alpha before we make any decisions.” Sam began to walk forward, he was immediately followed by everyone else. Zecora looked up at the Elite who kept staring at the Sergeant with a gleam of hatred. “To let go and move on. Is a lot harder but must be done. To continue in life free from vile. You must overcome your trials.” She said looking at him. Konthou said nothing, he simply let the words sink inside his head. He looked at Zecora and did something she didn't expect him to do. His mandibles lifted up into a small V-shape form that only the zebra noticed.