//------------------------------// // Showdown at Sugarcube Corner. // Story: SIEG EQUESTRIA! // by Macross84 //------------------------------// After the initial shock of discovering that they were alive and in a another world wore off, Hardeen, and Vaaulu had to come to terms with reality of the situation. The Unicorn, a self proclaimed renowned Healer named Dr. Crystal Shard, has explained to them that they were in the the land of Equestria. A place where Griffons, Dragons, Ponies, and other creatures that were only known in fanciful tales resided. This was quite the bomb shell for the two to take. For Aleki, he was crushed when he feared that he may never see his Wife, and new born baby girl. He had not even had a chance to hold her yet as he was shipped out before she was born. All he had was her picture. After the introduction Aleki simply sat in his compartment and looked at the picture for hours, his face almost seeming to age years in those hours as he thought over and over at how he might never see his baby girl. For a large as he was, he was really a soulful person. For Lilith, her sadness was tempered with anger. Yes she was sad that it was looking like she would never see her father again, despite their disagreements she still loved him, but she was also angry that she couldn't fight those Zeon monsters anymore either. She saw herself as an Avenging Angel against the Zeon horde. Yet now, now she was alone in this world it appears. So her dreams of finding a good man to marry, and start her family were dashed if they could not make it back to their own world. Like Aleki, Lilith found herself camped out in her cockpit. Though the longer she stayed there the more angry she found herself becoming. Every second that ticked by her thoughts were filled with ways to kill Zeon and how everything that had happened was their fault. Her nails dug into her chair as she stared ahead with a look that would burn a hole through the rock like a beam saber. Shard was fascinated by what had happened. Two aliens, and their strange machine just appeared out of nowhere. Brought to Equestria by some of Discord's distilled essence! The ramifications left his mind reeling, and for a moment, he forgot about his life's work, although very briefly. He would leave the two to process the news, and come to terms with the reality of their situation while he thought on how he could turn this all to his favor. Before he left the grand chamber, He left orders with his guards to keep an eye on the humans, and not let them near the slaves, or reveal anything that could damage his plans. He was going to return to his room, and think. Though as he left, the pain in his leg returned doubly so from his recent exertion. --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?" Hardeen gushed as she rubbed the bellies of two young Diamond dog pups that were laying on their backs, their tails wagging excitedly as their legs kicked. All around were other diamond Dogs that were laughing and enjoying the company of this kind human. Though they were ever mindful of the presence of the guards hovering over them. Still it was a great relief for them to finally have some being other than Shard hanging around, especially one so kind. Two days have passed since Hardeen, as she preferred being called, and Aleki arrived in Equestria, and in that time they have not been allowed to leave the cave for reasons that Dr. Shard has been rather ambiguous about. Though he promised details as to why later. Aleki spent the time looking over the Guntank, and making sure it was still functioning properly while Hardeen stumbled upon the families of Dr. Shard's "Employees". So Shard had to let her at least interact with them. Though the threats of reprisals were doubled should any one of them say something they shouldn't. Since she grew up around dogs, she took an instant liking to them, and would spend time with them when she wasn't helping Aleki. "Who want's to play "Catch"?" Hardeen asked the small pack of Diamond pups that were scampering around around her legs. She was quickly rewarded by sound of a dozen excited pups clamoring to let her know that they would love to play catch. Hardeen could only giggle, and smile at the adorable pups. It made her wish she was back home, playing with her dogs. However, Her little play time would be interrupted as Aleki entered into the Large chamber. The Other dogs smiled, and greeted him. He was kind as well, but not like Hardeen. A couple of the pups scampered over to him for attention, which he kindly gave with a few scratches behind the ear. "Sorry to bother ya, But the Doc asked to talk with us. Probably going to tell us why we couldn't leave the cave." Aleki spoke with an almost lazy tone to his voice. "Okay, I'll be right there." Hardeen stated as she looked to the pups once more before scooping them all up in an enormous hug. Her affection eliciting another torrent of squeals of joy, and wiggling butts. The other Diamond dogs smiling as well and their own tails wagging at the scene. Hardeen brought something into their lives that they not had in a long time, Happiness. It was the cruelest thing Hardeen has ever done. Hardeen released the whimpering pups, and gave them each a parting pat on the head before waving goodbye to them, and the others. The Mothers wave to the retreating forms of Hardeen, and Vaaulu. A sadness hiding behind their smiles that would quickly manifest shortly after the two were out of eyesight. The Pups quickly retreating back to their mothers to hide from the cruelty of the guards. The happiness that Hardeen was a all too brief reprieve in this hellish existence that these dogs have known for what felt like a lifetime. Which made going back to the way things were all the more disheartening. It truly was the cruelest thing Hardeen could have done, whether she knew it or not. The two would be escorted to Dr. Shard's lab where they could hear him talking to himself. Constantly muttering about "Fate", and "how it was meant to be". A growing knot of worry began to form in the stomachs of both Aleki, and Hardeen. The two guard dogs didn't say anything, they simply walked along with the two pilots, their long spears acting walking stick as they navigated the winding corridors. "Excuse me Dr. Shard, the Humans are here as you requested." One of the Dogs stated. "Very good, you may leave." Shard instructed the guard. Playing his part beautifully. He would then turn to Hardeen, and Aleki. "Please have a seat." He stated, motioning to a nearby couch that was a bit too low for the two to sit comfortably on. It felt like they were squatting rather than sitting as they took their seats and Hardeen could already feel her back aching. "First off, I must apologize. I have kept things from you both, but please understand that I was being cautious. You both are Aliens in this world, and I did know how you would react. However, watching you interact with the Diamond dogs, I believe you are both Noble, and Kind creatures." He stated behind a mask of sincerity, doing everything in his power not to be condescending to them like he was with everyone else. "Please know that what I'm about ask, I would have never asked of you both if not for the fact that I can see no other recourse." He continued as he drooped his head low to the ground with visible regret. "Please, tell us what you need, and we'll see if we can help." Hardeen said softly. Tempted to reach out, and give the weary looking unicorn a gentle touch to assure him. However, she didn't as she noticed that Shard didn't like being touched when she had tried it the first time they interacted. "Thank you. I appreciate you both at least listening to my request. Shortly before you arrived, a Beast appeared and attacked the village of Diamond Dogs. It was killing, and maiming them with horrendous glee. I was traveling, and learning new ways of healing from around the land when I happened upon the village just as the Beast was leaving. The sight churned my stomach. So many dead, so many wounded. I healed those that I could, and brought them here. They're working to create themselves a new home within this old mine. I agreed to stay, and be their leader, and protect them while they make their new home." Shard stated, weaving his tale thicker, and thicker. Hardeen, and Vaaulu leaned in, and listened with rapt attention. They both felt for the poor Dogs, the living conditions of the Diamond Dogs after having spent several days with them and seeing how some were overjoyed when the humans shared their rations. It would make anyone pity them. Neither knew that they were actually a subterranean species to begin with. They thought that the Dogs lived on the surface along with the Others. The more Shard spoke, the more determined the two became to help. "What is this Beast you keep referring to?" Aleki asked. Hardeen nodded as she was curious as well. "Its a green giant with a glowing red eye. I tried to create a Golem to defeat the Giant so that not only these Diamond Dogs may live in peace, but the whole of Equestria as well. However, it was defeated, and the Golem's "heart", my own brave assistant who volunteered her magic to give the Golem life, was taken as a prize. I fear for what the Giant may do with her." Shard stated as he draped his injured hoof over his muzzle as if he was trying to hold back tears of regret. While Shard performed his play of "Crocodile Tears", it was only half registered to the two humans. It was the description of the beast that struck them. A "Green Giant with a glowing red eye.". No, it couldn't be, not here. This world was completely removed from their own. There was simply no way that one of Them was here. "Dr. Shard. Are you sure of the description? A Green Giant with a glowing red eye?" Hardeen asked, praying that it was just a coincidence. Shard looked up at her, and then looked to the desk with papers scattered around. Using his magic, he levitated an old newspaper before Aleki, and Hardeen. Their eyes widened as their blood began to boil. On the front, it showed a Zaku II mobile suit kneeling with smashed houses in the background. It was the edition of the Paper that came out covering the Dragon attack, and the arrival of Michael's Zaku on Ponyville. Shard saw the darkening expression on both Hardeen, and Aleki's faces. It was actually a bit unnerving to see such a transformation. He would be loathe to admit it, but he felt a tingle of fear as he remembered that Humans were a predator species. "ZEON." Hardeen spoke with a feral growl as she ground her teeth. Her lips curling back in a aggressive snarl. Her hand clenched into fists so tight that her tendons popped, and her knuckles turned white. The paper with the alien script shook in her hands as she snatched it from the magical spell holding it. Neither Harden nor Aleki could understand a single word of the written Equestrian Language. But she didn't need to, just the image of the Zaku and the many destroyed buildings around it was all she needed to know. Aleki stared at the image as a couple of veins began throb in his neck, and his forehead. His dark brown eyes darkened, and looked hot like glowing embers. "What does it say?" Aleki asked with a deep, even tone that could cow any man. Shard gulped thickly as he started to find himself wanting to open up the distance between himself, and these two. "It says..."Tragedy. Ponyville Destroyed. Populace enslaved." He lied, not realizing how bad the lie was. Yet, it would appear that both Hardeen, and Aleki were too engrossed in their own anger to see it either. "We'll kill him. We'll crush him beneath our treads. Nothing like a little blood, and guts to grease our tracks with." Hardeen said with a chuckle that would have chilled Sombra to the bone. Her lips being drawn across pearly white teeth into a frightful smile. Aleki could only nod in agreement to Hardeen's comments. That tickling feeling of wanting to be away from the two humans quickly crescendoed into cold sweats. "W-Will you help us?" He asked nervously. "Yes. We will free those poor enslaved ponies!" Hardeen hissed before she stood up, Aleki immediately after her. "Thank you! you don't know much this will help." Shard stated with an unnoticed sneer. He then held out his Hoof to shake with both Aleki, and Hardeen. Shard would shake Aleki's hand first with no ill side effects, but the moment he shook Hardeen's a wave of disorientation washed over the two of them. like someone has turned the world on its side, and then snapped it back. Just as quickly as it as it came up, it was gone again. Leaving the pony tingling. He had never liked touching others often but this time was worse than before. Shard made a mental note to scrub his hoof thoroughly and remove any alien cooties the human might have given him. "Come on, Hardeen. We have a mission." Aleki stated as he made his way towards the door. --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Look out below!" A large Earth pony called down as he and Michael unfastened the last bolt that secured the section of armor to the Zaku's left forearm. The large piece slid off with a deep groan of protest and a not so gentle prying with large pry bars. When free, the piece fell to the ground and landed in the soft grass with a heavy whump, kicking up dirt and grass into the air and causing some nearby ponies to shield their faces. As the damaged pieces of armor began to be removed, more and more ponies began to gather around in curiosity. The internal workings of the Zaku's arms were still in good condition as the the brunt of the beating was either absorbed, or deflected by the strong armor of the Zaku. A large hydraulic piston ran along the length of the underside of the Zaku's forearm. An accompanying guide rod along the opposite side. Thick conduit containing miles, and miles of wire that carried the control signals to the hand, and limb coiled around the thick inner structure of the arm. Along with them was the hydraulic hoses that fed the pistons that allowed the arm to move. The two looking like arteries that cris-crossed along the length of the exposed inner skeleton of the Zaku. "Thanks Tough Nut. The bolts on these panels are always a bitch to get off cause of the abuse the Armor has to take." Michael stated as he replaced the multi-wrench back into the field repair box while Tough Nut replaced his own wrench into his saddle bag. "No worries. Glad I can help. You saved Ponyville twice now, its the least I can do." Tough Nut stated happily before he started to make his way down back to the ground. Michael stood up upon the forearm, and looked up at his suit. The armor on both arms had to come off for repair. The only things left back on was the Shoulder housings armor, the spiked pauldron on the left shoulder, and the large shield upon the right along with the back of the Zaku's hands. Below, Unicorns were loading the pieces of armor onto large carts with their magic after a couple of older, more grizzled Earth ponies used chalk to mark what section of the arms the armor came off of. A ways away, a purple alicorn was constantly scribbling on parchment as she looked carefully at the newly exposed inner workings of the Zaku. A mountain of parchment was already stacked neatly by her side chalk full of notes from the few hours she watched the work progress. Michael would land in the grass after hopping down from the Zaku's arm. A pair of older Earth ponies would approach him. They were a pair of brothers sent over from Canterlot. They were called Hammer and Anvil. Fitting names as far as Michael was concerned as they're always beating on something when he saw them around. They were the armorers for The Royal Guard. They had been tasked by Princess Celestia and Luna to do whatever they could to help repair the battered armor of the Warmachine. "What can you tell us about his metal, Sir Black? It is unlike any I have ever seen" Hammer asked. He was a dark brown Stallion with a black mane, and tail. A bit of salt and pepper sprinkling through his mane and tail, a telling indicator of his age. "Please, Its Michael. From what I understand, and they taught us in training. The Engineers call it "Super Strong Steel Alloy". A very imaginative name, if you ask me. Though I believe its also composites with Ceramic." Michael explained as he thought back to his MS training on Side 3. The two brothers looked down, rubbing their chins in contemplation. This type of metal was completely new to them, so they had to be careful, and methodical in their approach. "Okay, so this will be a challenge." Anvil stated with an excited grin. Hammer's brother, a stallion with a black coat, and a brown mane and tail with the same sprinkling of salt and pepper in his hair as his brother. The tone of his voice, and the way he held his body, was very telling that he and Hammer were very excited to start working with this material. "Yes, I'm looking forward to it as well ." Hammer stated as he looked at the burdened wagons that their assistants were moving over to their temporary work site. "Princess Sparkle's notes, and our talking with the metal will help us greatly to restore them back to rights. Maybe we'll figure out a way to improve them. We won't know until we try." He stated as the excitement was quickly starting to build within his voice. Michael gave the two an incredulous look when they mentioned something about "Talking" to the metal. However, he decide to chalk it up to the newly discovered catch-all explanation, "Magic". He would nod, and smile as if he understood even remotely what they were talking about. They would wave as they started to follow the train of carts, and wagons over to their work camp. Michael would stand there a moment, and watch them leave. A part of him was worried about letting these ponies have access to his technology and materials. However, the alternative was to slowly watch the Zaku deteriorate without proper maintenance, and that could be catastrophic. Particularly with its Minovsky particle reactor. The Zaku's armor wasn't the only thing that Michael was letting the Ponies study and look over. He even let some of Celestia's Unicorn alchemist borrow four 120mm bullets from the Zaku's machine gun to see if they could produce more. The spent shell casings from the battle have been collected and were stacked in a pile next to the Mobile suit. Hopefully to be reloaded should the Alchemist be able to figure out how. Though Michael was not ready to hand over one of the 280mm Rockets for his bazooka since he only had two left. "Anything new, Princess?" Michael asked as he approached Twilight Sparkle. She was just binding together her notes, and sketches as a Armorer's assistant sat, and waited patiently for the copy. "No, nothing new so far. The Mare you recovered from the monster still has not woken up." Twilight stated as she finally levitated the tower of notes to the rather worried looking assistant. The pony taking it gingerly, and moved with extreme caution after the caravan back to the work site. Lest he become buried underneath an a landslide of parchment. "Wow, it's been over a week. Didn't we find anything about her?" Michael asked as he sat down in the grass next to Twilight. The golden rays of Celestia's sun was feeling rather nice today. So much so, that Michael removed the blouse of his uniform so he was only wearing a thin white undershirt. "Oh Yes, we did find out who she is. Her name is Fire Cracker. She is from Manehattan, single, and ran a Foal toy store. She was also known for her firework displays on special occasions." Twilight explained as she laid down in the grass. "Her family filed a missing pony report nine month ago, but the Guards could find nothing about her disappearance. It was like she completely vanished into thin air." Twilight stated, her confusion over the matter very much evident as she scrunched her nose, and furrowed her brow. "Her family will be arriving later by train tomorrow morning" Twilight stated before she let herself zone out. Her gaze becoming intently focused on a single blade of grass Michael let out a low whistle. "Damn." was all he could say. Twilight let out a soft huff as her own musings seemed to be going no where. "Yes, but the kicker is she is only 23 years old." Twilight informed Michael. "What!? 23!? She looked like she would have been in her 70's if she was a human!" He exclaimed with shock. His eyes locked upon Twilight, looking for any sign that she was joking. Though why she would joke about this was beyond him. Though he knew several people back at the base that had an "interesting" sense of humor. "Yes 23. I believe that Crystal was designed to siphon not only the mare's magic, but her life force as well to power that Thing." Twilight stated with a visible shudder running up, and down her spine. "Well I'm glad we got her out of there. Gah, If she was 23, and all, and came out looking like that. I hate to think what would happen if we didn't get her out of there when we did." Michael stated as he laid back down on the grass. Kicking his legs, and arms out to bask in the glow of Celestia's sun. "She probably would have died." Twilight stated sadly. "But we did save her, and that is something that can not be taken away. Thank you Michael. If you hadn't noticed her in the crystal, then I think the fight would have been quite tragic." Twilight said with a sigh as she rubbed some blades of grass with her hoof. "Don't thank me, Princess. It is Sweetie Belle that caught that detail. If she hadn't then the Fight would have turned out very differently. I'm a soldier after all." Michael stated, leaving the implication unsaid. He watched a couple of pegasus move a cloud overhead. While yes, being able to stand, and move on clouds was amazing. Michael missed watching a cloud roll by lazily on the breeze on a spring afternoon. Though he wouldn't get a chance to admire the pegasi handy work for very long before sound of small hooves could be heard moving quickly before a white face suddenly appeared over him, and a weight landed on this chest. Causing Michael to let out a small "Oof!" "Hiya, Michael!" Sweetie chirped, her voice squeaking and cracking, happily as she sat upon his chest. A beaming grin upon her muzzle, and her plush Zaku held securely in her forehooves with Pilot held in the Zaku's arms, tied there by some strong string knots. "Heya Sweetie." Michael stated as he reached up, and ruffled Sweetie Belle's mane. which got the filly to giggle, and smile wider. "So you finally escaped the Hospital?" He teased with a grin of his own. "You would have been released sooner if you didn't tried to get your Cutie Mark in "Hospital Escape", Sweetie Belle. You made your injuries worse trying to climb out the window using bed sheets. Really, why did you try to do that anyways!?" Twilight asked. "I was sooooo bored! Michael is always busy trying to fix Zaky, and Rarity is busy trying to keep up with all the new Plush Doll orders of my Zaku. Scoots, and Applebloom have school during the day, and can only come over at night, and...and, I get Lonely." Sweetie Belle sniffed as she put on her best puppy dog face. Seeing the small unicorn filly sniffle made both Twilight, and Michael feel horrible. It had been true that for the past week, Michael has been very busy trying to get the Zaku ready for combat again, as well as talk with Ponies the princesses sent to help. It left him very tired at night, and very little time to visit Sweetie Belle. Twilight was just as busy with all the reports to the princesses about the monster attack, her interviews with Michael about his world, and trying to help with Fire Cracker's condition. Michael wrapped his arms around Sweetie Belle, and hugged her as he slowly moved to sit up. Letting her slide down onto his lap. "I'm very sorry Sweetie Belle." he stated remorsefully. His hand stroking the young Unicorn's mane. It seemed to help Sweetie Belle calm down. "How about this? I'll hang out with you all afternoon. We can do whatever you want." He offered. The look in Sweetie Belle's eyes was priceless, and adorable. She simply looked up at Michael with wide eyes. "Really!?" She squeaked. "Yup, and I'll even sweeten the deal. how about I treat you to something at Sugar Cube Corner as an apology for not being able to see you in the hospital as much as you would have like." He offered. Instead of Speaking, Sweetie Belle glomped on Michael, and hugged him tightly. He simply laughed, and stroked the young Filly's mane. "I guess you've got a silver tongue on you Michael. Maybe you should get a job with Filthy Rich, I'm sure he needs shrewd negotiators." Twilight stated with a hint of a tease at the end of her words. "What can I say? Bribery works every time." Michael stated with a grin as he picked up Sweetie, and his uniform blouse. She resting her head upon his shoulder. She felt so light in his arms, ironically like a stuffed animal. "You want to come with us? You've been working very hard as well Princess. You could use a break to let your hair...er, mane down." Michael stated. Sweetie Belle's eyes popped open for a moment before screwing them shut all the while whispering "Please no, Please no, Please no, Please no." "Maybe, I'll have to see on that. I have to take these notes back to the Library so Spike can sort them for summary to the Princesses. Then I have to go meet with Pinkie Pie. Apparently her Pinkie Senses are going haywire again. She keeps saying a "Doozy" is coming over and over again." Twilight explained as she rolled her eyes in a crazy way. Her words causing the small unicorn that was being held to let out a squee of delight. "Though If I have time, sure. I'm sure the others would want to take a break too." Twilight stated. "Okay, No worries. I'll see ya around. Remember, don't work too hard." Michael stated as he walked off with Sweetie Belle in his arms. -------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere within Ponyville, two figures stalked the shadows between homes and in alleyways. It took them a while to get here, including getting lost along the way and going around in circles. But thanks to a small grey Pegasus carrying a mail sack giving them directions, they were able to find Ponyville. So far they managed to go undetected among the busy Ponies, observing and mapping their way around the area. Though they came dangerously close to being discovered as a particularly bright pink "Earth" Pony just suddenly started to wave at them with an enormous smile. Even though they were in the shadow between two homes. The two retreated back into the shadows to try, and circumvent the observant Pink pony. So far, everything they were expecting to find here was absent, which led to both frustration, and confusion. "I don't get it! These ponies are suppose to be enslaved, according to what the Doc stated." Hardeen huffed in confusion as she looked at her partner, Aleki. The two were hunkered down behind some boxes, and trashcans in an alley. "We saw that camp outside of town. Those were definitely Zaku parts the ponies were hauling around. It has to be here." Aleki whispered so he wouldn't draw attention by the ponies as it appears they have very sharp ears. Hardeen growled at the situation. She opted to leave the Guntank hidden in the woods to give her and Aleki a better chance to scout the town, and see if they could possibly catch the Pilot of the Zaku out of the suit. It would be preferable to eliminate him out of it so they don't risk breaching the Suit's reactor. Given the size of Ponyville, if the Zaku went up, the entire town would be nothing more than a smoking crater. However, they were moving slowly. Too slowly for Hardeen's liking. Every minute that they take trying to get close to the Mobile suit, and locate its pilot. The more these poor ponies suffered. If they were suffering. While the two took a break, they failed to notice that they had indeed been spotted. Applebloom, and Scootaloo crouched in the shadows and peered around a trash can. The two had spotted these strange beings when they were leaving school to check on Sweetie Belle, as they heard she was getting out of the Hospital that day. However their curiosity and the opportunity for them to get a "Trailing Suspicious Pony" Cutie Mark being too tempting an offer to pass up. "What do ya think they are?" Applebloom asked Scootaloo. "Ya think they're like Sar'ent Black?" She added. "Nah, can't be. That large one's gotta to be a large hairless gorilla, and the other is too lumpy and curvy." Scootaloo retorted. "Ah dun know, they do kinda look da same." Applebloom responded as she rubbed her chin. "Do ya wanna go over, and ask?" Scootaloo huffed in frustration. Applebloom was about to retort when Scootaloo thrust a hoof in their direction. "They're moving! come on." The pint sized pegasus stated as she slipped around the trash can. Hardeen and Aleki had caught wind of something wafting through the air. It was sweet, mouth watering, and smelled delicious enough to cause their stomachs to grumble. It had almost been a full day since they last ate. Having ran out of the Guntank's Emergency ration late in the day yesterday. They would have had more, but Hardeen shared some with the Diamond Dogs. Even now, despite their hunger, Aleki and Hardeen would have still done it. Yet that charity, though heart warming, did little to fill empty stomachs. Peering out, the two checked to make sure the coast was clear before moving out. Just behind them Scootaloo, and Applebloom slipping out behind their cover. Four would continue their back alley tour of Ponyville. The two humans being led by their nose, and stomachs, while the two fillies following the humans were led by their desire for cutie marks. Stifling their giggles as they discovered that their new game was rather quite fun, the fillies followed the two humans at a safe distance. Particularly when they had to find a hiding spot when ever the large one, or the small one would suddenly turn around to see if they're followed. For the Humans they would only see a small dust cloud. Though every so often, the two humans could have sworn they would hear giggling. It was a bit unsettling. Eventually, they would make their way to one of the funniest looking buildings they had ever seen outside of a storybook. It was shaped like a Gingerbread house with two cupcakes on top. The two humans looked at each other, and then back at the structure. "This is some weird ass architecture." Hardeen stated to her partner as she looked over the building, and could only shake her head. "Weird or not, it is pretty obvious what this place is. Do you think we can pilfer something to eat, and pay them back later when we free the town?" Aleki asked. Aleki would quickly regret even opening his mouth as the look he got from Hardeen could have melted the shield off of a GM. "We are not thieves." She hissed as she jabbed her finger into his large chest. Punctuating her statement. "I would rather starve than sink so low. Only the filthy Zeon would steal." She growled. very much displeased with Aleki's proposal. Aleki held up his large hands in a placating gesture. He knew when not to argue with Hardeen and his own stomach was already fighting him. The woman could be very stubborn about things when she put her mind to it. Which also showed her naivete about war in general. Back with Aleki was part of an Anti-MS infantry platoon. He, and his squad mates, had to steal several times when they were on the front and had no access to food. It wasn't pretty but it was reality. "If anything, we'll talk with the owner, and see if they would be willing to share. We might be able to get some information on the Zaku Pilot." She stated as she turned to the backdoor of the building. A ways a way, Scootaloo and Applebloom were watching this. Though they could only hear whispering sounds. The tone, and the fact that the smaller one jabbed her weird appendage against the larger one demonstrated that it did something the other didn't like. "What ya think that was about?" Applebloom asked Scootaloo. "I don't know. Hmmm...." Scootaloo trailed off before she suddenly jabbed Appleboom with her hoof into the side of her barrel. The sudden jab caught Applebloom by surprised as she let out a squeak. "Hey! What ya do that fer?" She demanded. "Did it hurt?" Scootaloo asked as she looked at her friend. "Well no, but it shure weren't pleasant none either." Applebloom stated as she smoothed out her coat where Scootaloo jabbed her. "Come on, we can't lose 'em" Applebloom stated before looking up, and seeing nothing. "Huh!? Where'd they go?" While the two were having their argument, Hardeen, and Aleki made their way into the unlocked back door of the building. Ponyville being so peaceful , and almost crime free, most ponies didn't even lock their doors. Even after the town's resident alien moved in. The two decided to use the back door as the front front entrance was too exposed, and since they didn't know if any of the ponies were informants, they couldn't take any chances. The room they entered was the large kitchen by the looks and smell of it. All around on shelves were some of the finest baked goods in all of Equestria, and it smelled like it too. There were pies cooling, cakes waiting to be frosted, Cookies wanting to be nibbled upon, Cupcakes looking so delicious. Their stomachs began to grumble loudly as they looked upon this pastry paradise. Though through all this, there was no sign of the Baker. That struck the two as odd. Though the oddest thing was the towering multi-tiered cake with the words "Welcome Federation Friends!" in lavish calligraphy, and there looked like what was a crudely made Guntank on the top of the cake. Hardeen, and Aleki continued through the Kitchen, fighting the temptation to sample the utterly delicious looking tower cake. Soon, they entered the Store front where there was large display cases showcasing the days delectable treats. The two found they instantly liked the place. It was cozy, and warm. Very inviting for the two battle weary soldiers. In front of the Store was a large window with the Letters in that strange language that these ponies share. Though the window afforded an unparalleled view of the center of town, and from it they saw the Zaku II kneeling. The armor was removed from its arms and it seemed to be powered down. But most importantly, the cockpit was opened! Harden and Aleki couldn't believe their luck. This gave them the perfect place to watch for the Zeon Pilot. Though they wouldn't get a long time to revel in their good fortune as they heard voices approaching. "I can't wait! The Cakes always makes the very bestest yummies." A young Female voice spoke. It sounded like a young girl "Yeah, I had some at the welcome party that Pinkie threw for me. They are delicious. I'm glad Rarity gave me some bits for helping around the boutique." A older male voice replied. "Yeah, sis's really happy for the help." The young girl's voice replied. The two Federation pilots had no time to find a hiding spot before the door opened with the jangling of the bell, and in walked a tiny unicorn filly accompanied by the Zeon pilot they were looking for. Michael opened the Door to Sugar Cube Corner, and held it open for Sweetie Belle, which had the young Filly blushing, and giggling girlishly. Her plush Zaku, and Pilot balanced her back as she walked into the bakery. "My, such a gentlecolt." She teased playfully, mimicking her sister's dainty voice. Though she would stop when she noticed the lack of heavy boot steps behind her, or the deep laugh from her friend. Turning around, She saw that Michael had stopped mid-step through the door, his face locked onto something in the room, and the color was draining away quickly. Tracing his line of sight, Sweetie Belle saw two more Humans, or at least she thought they were humans, standing just behind the counter with the same shocked expression as Michael. Suddenly, the room was a flurry of motion and loud voices as Sweetie Belle felt herself being picked up, and put outside right before the thick door was slammed in her face. The last words from Michael ringing in her ears. "Run Sweetie belle, Run away!" Sweetie didn't obey at first. She reared up and slammed her front hooves against the door. However, the door was too heavy and thick while she was simply too small. She let out soft grunts as she tried to get the door to open to no avail. Once she realized she couldn't open it she then pressed her ear to the door, and tried to hear what was going on. All she heard was shouting right before something large slammed against the door. Her eyes grew wide as her ears flopped back against her head. Panic started to creep into her mind over the fate of her friend. Sweetie trotted around in circle as her mind frantically searched for a way to help Michael. Without another word, she bolted off the front step of the bakery, her Zaku Plush, and Pilot doll falling off, and landing in the grass by the door. Inside, Michael had just managed to get Sweetie out of danger, giving both Aleki and Hardeen the time needed to vault over the display and close the distance, both shouting obscenities. Michael didn't even have time to say anything before a ham sized fist came around from left field, and colliding against his cheek, snapping His head to the side. Michael was sent reeling back, and slamming against the door. The first strike was quickly followed up by another to the opposite side of his cheek forcing his head back and bouncing against the wooden frame of the door. Michael was seeing stars by now, his eyes unfocused from the blows, and couldn't offer any resistance as his mind was a blurry mess right then. After his one two punch. Aleki grabbed the Zeon's wrist, and yanked him up, shoving him into Harden, who was itching to get her licks in. Hardeen would grab the Pilot's shoulders, pulling him into her while she drove her right knee right into is groin. Causing Michael's eyes to nearly bug out of his skull as the paralyzing pain coursed up his spine as it felt like his balls were jammed clear up to his throat. Michael staggered back a few steps as he clutched as his groin. Soft pained whimpers slipping between his lips. "How do you like it, you fucking zeke?" Hardeen snarled. "You think the Federation is just going to let you set up shop here? We're not going to let these ponies suffer your tyranny!" She spat with a vicious sneer upon her plush lips. However, before she could revel more in her victory, an olive drab form suddenly darted towards her, and before she knew it. Michael had tackled her, driving his shoulder into her abdomen just beneath her breasts. He pushed her back until her back slammed into the counter just behind her. A loud "gurk" being forced from her lungs. Hardeen quickly grabbed the edge of the counter to prevent herself from being pushed over and forced into a very bad position. "GET OFF ME YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" She shrieked as she brought up one of her feet, and planted it into Michael's stomach. Kicking, she flung Michael off of her, and into the waiting arms of her driver, Aleki. The much larger man then picked up Michael in a move that would impress any wrestler. ------------------------------------------------------------- "Really Pinkie, do we really have to gallop through Ponyville like a couple of Madponies?" Twilight huffed as she was chasing Pinkie down the main street of Ponyville. The commotion being caused by the pink pony were bringing stares from all around and made her dip her head a bit lower to try and not be so conspicuous. Not that the wings, and horn wasn't doing just a fine job of that alone. "My Pinkie senses are going haywire, and its a real Doozy!" Pinkie called over her shoulder with glee as her eyes swirled within her head. Immediately after, a loud laugh exploded from her. "I'm so excited to meet our new friends!" She called out happily. "New Friends!? What new Friends!?" Twilight shouted over the wind. Pinkie just let out another series of bubbly giggles as the smile on her face broaden almost to maniacal proportions as they neared the side of the bakery window. But Pinkie's smile quickly disappeared as she shoved twilight down as hard as she could and also hit eh deck. "Moose! I mean Duck!" Pinkie cried out as no less than a second later Michael came crashing through the window and and landing on the ground before rolling to a stop. "Michael!" Twilight gasped as she wiggled out of Pinkie's hold, and tried to get to him. "Stay back!" Michael coughed as he struggled to get to his feet. He couldn't let the ponies get involved. They could get hurt. Twilight, and Pinkie did just that. Though the concern was deeply etched upon their faces. From the smashed main window of the bakery, two more humans came out in completely different clothing. Both looked ready to kill. "Fuck the Federation! I can't see why you would want to fight for them!. They're just a bunch of thugs!" Michael gasped as he came to his feet. "They trod over us, and look down upon us just cause they live on Earth, and we live in space. The Federation are nothing more than corrupt thieves! Your own General called Them out!" Michael coughed as he choked a mouth full of spit, and blood. The bruises on his face throbbed with each beat of his heart. "Don't. You. Dare speak ill of the Federation you murderer! You have no right to judge, Zeon!" Hardeen stated as she stormed across the short distance between them before pulling her foot back before launching it forward once more. Driving it home between Michael's legs, effectively ringing his bell. Causing him to almost double over. Aleki came in immediately afterwards, and threw a haymaker uppercut, connecting to Michael's jaw, Sending him flying back with a sickening crunch of bone. Michael would land a few yards away, sprawled upon the grass. He was coughing up blood, and his body was racked with pain. Once more, he tried to stand up, to not give into these thugs. His eyes glaring at both of the soldiers. even to the end, he would defy the Federation that hurt so many people. Hardeen saw that defiant look in Michael's eye. She hated it. She hated him. Her hand flew to her side, and grabbed for her side arm. Pulling the pistol free from the holster, she pointed right at him. At this distance, there was no chance of her missing. Her face scrunch into something heinous. Something filled with anger. the edges of her vision were filled with red, nothing but pure hatred towards Zeon. It was like a thousand voices were screaming in her ear to pull the trigger, her adrenaline was pumping so much it was like she was on a drug high. "Do you have any last words before I remove your filth from this world?" She growled. "I pity you poor fools that follow corrupt leaders." He spoke before he smiled a defiant smile. "Seig...(pant)... Zeon." He gasped as he prepared for the gun to be fired. However, that shot never came. A rock came sailing over, and struck Hardeen in the side of head before she could squeeze the trigger. Causing her to fall backwards as she dropped her gun onto the ground between Michael and her. The blonde woman put her hand where the rock hit her and found a small trickle of blood seeping out. "O...Owie." She whispered, her thoughts scrambled for a moment as she nearly had double vision from the impact. Despite all her anger and fury from before, the blow to the back of her head actually made her want to cry almost, or maybe it was all the anger being replaced by other emotions. "STOP HURTING MICHAEL YA MEANIES!" Came a loud high pitched demand. Everyone looked, and saw the three pint sized ponies of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle had a livid expression upon her face, and a couple of Rocks held in a levitation spell. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were standing right next to her with small piles of rocks of their own. Determined expressions upon their own faces. When it was seen they had everyponies attention. The three scrambled between Michael and the federation soldiers. The Rocks still held, and ready to be thrown. The fillies were ready to fight to protect their friend. "Ya leave Sar'ent Black alone! Ya hear me!" Apple Bloom shouted. "yeah, otherwise we'll hoof ya one!" Scootaloo declared, backing her two friends up. Aleki's expression darkened as he started to take a step towards the young ponies. For Michael, he saw something he really never wanted to see in this world. These ponies having to turn violent, drawing blood. This place was too peaceful for that. Michael couldn't let these ponies go down that path. He couldn't let the taint of the One Year War seep into Equestria. Michael clambered to the fallen fire arm, and stood up between the three Fillies, and the hulking Samoan. Snatching the gun, and thrust it up, and out directly at Aleki's chest. Michael's chested heaved with exertion, and pain as his own training, and instincts to kill the Enemy screamed at him to pull the trigger. To end this battle permanently. The flashing of the gun instantly had Aleki stopping. He eyed the Zeon wearily. Michael swept the two with the fire arm. Making it clear that he was not afraid to use it. The two feddies tensed as they prepared for the shot that they just knew was coming. Who would it be, Aleki, or Hardeen? The two locked eyes on the barrel constantly swaying side to side. Both of them bracing for the gut wrenching pain of being shot. "This...Fight ends...here!" Michael wheezed, as he lowered the gun. Hardeen, and Aleki looked at him dumbfounded. Was he sparing their lives!? Michael pulled the gun to him, and with a flick of his thumb, tripped the magazine catch. The gun's magazine falling out the bottom of the handle, and clattered on the ground. From there, Michael pushed back the slide, ejecting the chambered cartridge that would land in the grass a few feet away. The last thing he did was pull the slide catch, and field stripped the gun into two parts. He then tossed them to the ground. "I'll not let our War endanger these ponies." he declared. Michael stood there in the middle of everyone. All their eyes upon his wobbly figure. Blood continued to seep from his wounds as his face started to swell as the skin began darkening in bruise. For Michael, the world was starting to sway back, and forth as his head spun. After a moment, Michael started to shake his head, trying to get it to stop spinning. Michael staggered a bit as Twilight gingerly approached him. "Sargent Black, are you alright?" she asked, leery about touching him. "I...I...think i need a doctor." Michael groaned before he collapsed onto the ground. As he laid there, his consciousness fading, he could hear voices around him. Though they sounded muted, and far away. "Michael!" Sweetie screamed "Sar'ent Black!" Applebloom called out to him. "Dude, don't die!" Scootaloo urged. "Quickly Girls, go get Nurse Redheart. Pinkie, you get the Guards. I'll make sure these two don't get away!" Twilight instructed. "Hey what the hell is this!? Let us out!" Cried the female federation pilot. Just...just a little rest. Then everything will be okay. With those thoughts floating in mind. Michael slipped off into unconsciousness.