“SWING RIGHT! SWING RIGHT!” The turret to the M12 light recon vehicle, or Warthog, spun around to face right towards the tree line of a vast forest. The team was on a agriculture planet not far from Reach, so holding this planet was a big deal. The triple barrels spun up, and a hail of lead spewed forth from them. The Spartan kept his aim trained on the group of Elites that lines the tree line; he even caught sight of a brute or two behind them. Some fell to his unrelenting fire, while others dove for cover fast enough to live. The Warthog spun around, kicking up dirt and grass into the air as the main cab of the vehicle spun around to face the same way as the turret. The Spartan hadn’t let up yet, and he wasn’t about to. The driver pressed firmly on the gas, and the ‘hog speed forward, racing towards the Covenant line. Falcons overhead re-enforced them as they drove closer to their foe, their turrets trained on any heavy weapons teams they could see. The marine in the passenger seat of the hog got up and opened up on the line as well, spraying them with his S.A.W.
The Falcons flew over, hitting the Covenant line with their side guns and main turret that was based at the front of the aircraft. More Covenant fell, while other aimed their fire towards the sky. While their fire was elsewhere, the Warthog moved up towards the tree line, its passengers unloading more of their led payload. The Spartan reached down and tapped the marine in the passenger seat on his shoulder, motioning him to take the gun. The marine got up, and crawled under the guard rail that separated the driver and passenger seats from the turret. The Spartan immediately let go, doing a back flip out of the ‘hog. He landed on his knees and began to sprit for an Elite, drawing his SMG’s. Kicking it in the gut, the Spartan brought up one of the SMG’s and pulled the trigger, unleashing 60 rounds of led into the Elite’s skull. Spinning to where his weapon was aiming towards it, the Spartan fired at another charging Elite. He dropped him in an instant, and reloaded both weapons; clicking out the empty mags and popping in fresh ones.
Marcus looked around and smiled to himself. This is going to be fun.
Ducking under a swing, Marcus stood up behind an Elite and kicked it before elbowing behind him and following through by firing his SMG in the hinge head’s face. The kicked Elite stumbled to his feet and charged again, firing his plasma rifle. Pure heat passed by Marcus as he put away his SMG’s quickly and jumped to the side, rolling a bit further, and standing up, drawing his assault rifle in the process. The Elite had followed his movements, and was on him in an instant. Running past trees and foliage, the Elite jumped into the air, drawing an energy sword and an energy wrist blade. He came down on Marcus, his shields flaring and going out. The knife went into his shoulder, but the sword missed him. Marcus found himself on his back on the ground. He kicked up, pushing the Elite off of him. Arching his back and willing his body forward with as much power and strength as Marcus could muster; he jumped up and landed on his feet, but had to dodge to the left as the Elite swung down at him with the energy sword. It swung through a tree, and imbedded itself into it. Spiriting forward, Marcus shoved his shoulder into the elite while it tried to free the energy sword, knocking the wind out of it. Marcus then kicked it onto the ground and took aim. He pulled the trigger of his rifle, and 32 rounds of hot lead poured into the Elites body. It jerked and convulsed as its body was impacted by the rounds, and final lay still when the mag clicked empty.
The marines ‘hog pulled up next to him while he was popping in a fresh mag. The marine on the turret jumped out and took the passenger seat. The marines just sat there, waiting on him while he climbed back onto the turret. Nodding towards the driver, Marcus cocked the weapon as the ‘hog speed off towards its final destination.
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Marcus woke with a start, his eyes wide, peering into the darkened room. He shifted his body, something poking out from under him. His wing came out, and folded back up against his back. He shook his head a bit, trying to forget the dream. That was a life he wanted to forget, but every now and again it came back to him in his dreams. Some were of his team; Emilie, Roderick, Penelope, and Charles, but others were of missions long since fought and lost, although some he won. His thoughts drifted back to them; the war and death; the suffering and pain he had to go through to get his “gifts”. It was all for nothing; that war was lost, and his people most likely gone and dead. Marcus came back to reality when he felt a body press against his under the sheets. The smell of fresh grass and woodlands came to his senses, and he breathed in deeply, remembering finally who else was with him.
Fluttershy….When Marcus first arrived in this world, she had been the one that looked over him. Even though that had only been for a night, she had tried her best to take care of him. Considering how terrified his wife was of anything and everything, that was saying something on her part. Wife…..that felt good; felt right to him for some reason. No Spartan to his knowledge ever had thoughts like his, but then again he was different. Everything about him was now, even his species. Marcus rolled over, kissing Fluttershy lightly on the forehead and quietly got out of bed, walking down into the kitchen, his hooves lightly clopping on the wood floors. He walked over to the fridge and removed the milk from it. Setting it down, he got out a glass and a hot rock (a stone that was enchanted to heat things) and put it in the drink. A minute later and he was sipping on a warm cup of milk, content in his new life. Marcus put the glass down and walked towards the window, gazing up at the stars. Luna did a great job tonight; all the constellations are in order and even a shooting star thrown in there. He smiled and nodded his head and turned away. He was exiting the kitchen when he heard a swoosh behind him. Old instincts kicked in, and he crouched low, facing the direction of the sound. He flared his wings and saw that no one was there. Relaxing somewhat, he turned back to go to bed when he came face to face with Princess Luna. Jumping, Marcus kicked out on instinct, not even realizing what he was doing. Luna dodged and smiled, looking back at the scared stallion.
“And thou said Spartans knew no fear.” Standing back up and shooting a frown at her, Marcus replied.
“We don’t. You just surprised me is all.” He says to her as he trots back into the kitchen. He stands up on his hind legs and reaches into a top cabinet, grabbing a bottle of Applejack’s cider. Marcus sets it down on the counter and pops it open, pouring the two of them a drink. Whenever Marcus dreamt of his old life, Luna would show up. She sometimes asked questions about it, who the people were in the dream and what role they served in his life. Most of the time he didn’t want to, but this dream had been….good. In a sense anyways; that battle had been a victory, with minimal to zero casualties. However minor in the scheme of things, it had bought humanity precious time. Time they sorely needed. Well…he didn’t need it anymore. He was at peace. A small cough brought his attention back to the world. He looked at Luna who then asked
“Were thou thinking of the past?” Marcus nodded in response.
“The fight……you won it, yes?” He nodded again. It was always the same questions, but usually a different answer.
“What brought this dream up? Dost thou know?” Shaking his head, Marcus took a swing of his cider. Setting it down, he responded in full.
“No…which is the weird thing. Nothing has happened recently to set this off now. I don’t know if it’s me reliving the ‘glory days’, or if an old intuition is kicking back into play……” He shook his head and took another swing of his cider. Luna sat there as well, not seeming interested in her cider this time. Looking up, Luna addressed him about another subject.
“We may need thou in upcoming events Marcus. You and your abilities.” Marcus froze for a moment before setting his drink down.
“I told you, I’m not putting the armor back on. Ever. I’m done with that.” He stood up and made to leave the room, but Luna stopped him with her wing.
“Did you ever find out what happened to your comrades on that ship Marcus?” Confused, he looked back at her.
“No, and I don’t know why your bringing that up either.” Nodding her head, Luna stood up.
“The griffins are meeting with us in a last ditch effort to create peace between the two nations. There have been rumors of an un-known being of immeasurable power that fights with them. I would think that she would be of some interest to you. Good night Marcus, and please, think on my proposal.” With that the night princess teleported away from the quiet cottage in the country side, leaving a very confused stallion in her wake. What is Luna talking about? The Griffin nation is thinking about war with Equestria yes, but what this about an un-known being? And why did she ask about my comrades? Shaking his head, Marcus went back upstairs to his room. He pasted his desk and looked at the letter he had received from the princesses not long ago.
Dear Marcus,
It troubles me to inform you that your skills may be needed once more to aid Equestria in a time of war. The Griffin nation has started to show hostilities towards our out laying towns and villages. As a final request of peace, the leaders of the two nations, myself and Luna, plus the king of the Griffins, are to meet in two weeks to discuss peace over the matters that have sent them over the edge; whatever those may be. This would not require you to fight if things go well, and I’m not ordering you, but I beg you to consider it.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia, Co-ruler of Equestria and Raiser of the Sun.
A week and a-half till the meeting? Well….that gave him time to think things through and Talk to Fluttershy about all this at least. Climbing into bed once more, Marcus kissed Fluttershy lightly as she nuzzled up to him, aware that he often went away during times in the night. As he fell asleep, something troubled his drowsy mind. What had happened to his squad mates in the Pelican?
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Marcus awoke confused. Fluttershy wasn’t there, and he wasn’t fully awake, so cuddle with the soft mare for a few minutes sounded great. Alas, she wasn’t there, so he got up and yawned heavily, the night’s actions having taken longer than usual. He hadn’t fallen asleep fast either, so that hadn’t helped at all. Walking down stairs, Marcus could smell vegan bacon cooking in the kitchen. His mouth watering, Marcus hurrying in and kissed his wife quickly, and nuzzled his foal Star Chaser. The little one was already digging in to a bowl of frosted mini wheat’s quickly, much to the stallion’s amusement. He sat down and addressed his wife.
“Morning sweetie,” she smiled and trotted over to him, nuzzling him softly.
“Morning Marcus; how was your meeting with Luna last night?” So she noticed this time. Smirking, Marcus shrugged.
“We talked about the dream as usual, but the night got to more uncomfortable things…” Frowning, Fluttershy turned to him.
“Like what?”
“You remember that letter I got from Celestia?” Shy nodded.
“Well….she talked to me about it, and asked a strange question; it was about my squad mates… Anyway, they’re asking me to suit up again. I said no.” Fluttershy knew that the princesses would ask that of him unless they needed him, so she knew something big was happening.
“Maybe…maybe you should go. Maybe not suit up…but go just to see what it is they were talking about.” Marcus frowned; he hadn’t expected that. They both hated the idea of him getting suited up in his Mark V variant armor, but if she thought his mere presence was needed…. Maybe there was some meaning behind the request. Marcus thought for a moment then nodded.
“I’ll ask Applejack when I go to work today; she’ll know. Ill also check on my equipment that’s stored in the barn just to be safe.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling at him. She brought over a plate of hay and vegan bacon for him to eat and sat next to him, leaning slightly close to him. He smiled and leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. He began to eat his food when he saw Star looking at his bacon with interest. Marcus smiled to himself and nudged a piece to him without Fluttershy looking. He wasn’t supposed to eat this stuff yet, but a little bit couldn’t hurt. He took the piece quickly and gobbled it down then licked his lips, satisfaction spreading over his face. Fluttershy brought her own plate over and sat between them, a list in her mouth. She was, thankfully, oblivious to the father son moment.
“Honey, I need you to get these things for me in town on your way back from work. It’s just a few small items for tonight’s dinner.” Marcus nodded and stashed the list in his saddle bags. Double checking he had a few bits for the supplies Marcus put his saddle bags on and hugged Star Chaser, then kissed Fluttershy quickly before saying good bye and heading to work.