"So, here we are at last." Fletcher frowned. "The day when Black Knight Paladin became known as a monster."
"I won't dispute that." Black sighed. "That day was just a big mistake. All I ask is that you prepare yourselves, because that is when things started to get bad... real bad..."
"Good thing I'm out of popcorn." Caboose mused. "These kinds of stories always ruin my appetite."
"You have no idea." Elite said darkly. "Black, whenever you're ready."
"Oh, I'll never be ready." Black sighed. "But this story needs to be told..."
Many years ago...
Elite came back into the main room, right after telling Black that he was going to tell him about the 'foes' he was facing, having momentarily left to get something. That something was a folder marked 'confidental' as he set it down.
"Before I continue, Black, what you are about to see cannot leave this room." Elite warned him, "You can't breath a word of it to anypony besides us, do you understand?"
"I understand completely." Black nodded, "I just want to know who I am up against."
"Very well." Elite nodded, as he opened the folder, the first file revealing the symbol of two Fs connected at the tail and the eagle behind it.
"This symbol again... what's the deal with it?" Black frowned.
"That would be the sigil of the Forefathers." Elite declared.
"The Forefathers?" Black raised a brow.
"That is what they call themselves." Elite explained, "A secret society that was found centuries ago by a stallion who goes by the name of 'Father'."
"Father... you mean like a priest or something?" Black asked.
"Not exactly." Elite declared. "The group is not motivated by religion of any sorts, but the leader seems to insist on being called 'Father'. I believe it's a sort of metaphor. Bottom line is, this group is out for one and only one thing... power."
"Lemme guess, they're looking to take over the world or something?" Black sneered.
"Not in a way you would think. While there are hints of megalomania, they seek to gain powers through politics. They wish to change the status quo of Equestria." Elite clarified. "To our understanding, they feel that the Alicorns had been ruling improperly for a long time, and they seek to dethrone them, and have normal ponies take their place. To replace monarchy with democracy."
"Really?" Black frowned, "But why? Not to say Celestia's doing a perfect job running a country on her own, but I don't see why they find her unfit to rule."
"Who can say? Perhaps they simply have a problem with royalty." Elite sighed. "At first glance, it seems like the Forefather's mission is merely a power struggle... but they are nothing like politicians."
"What do you mean?" Black asked.
"I mean the Forefathers are very dangerous ponies." Elite declared darkly. "An illicit and secretive group. They want control of Equestria, and they seek to attain it by any means necessary. Mass slaughter, domestic terrorism, mass destruction, if it brings them closer to their goal, they will do it, and they are not afraid to die for their cause..."
"Okay, now they sound like a bunch of whackjobs." Black scoffed.
"Very likely." Elite admitted. "But they're whackjobs with connections. All evidence suggests that their leadership is comprised of wealthy and/or influential ponies."
"Which explains why they're rubbing elbows with Sand Dollar and Obadiah Stable." Black noted.
"Yes. To this date, we still don't know much about them. But this is as much as we know... the society are governed by one pony... the 'Father'." Elite scowled.
"Wait, you mean the stallion who founded the organization?" Black gaped, "Wouldn't he be about a couple thousand years old? And dead?"
"That I don't really know." Elite declared, "There are a only few explanations for it... either 'Father' is just a term they give to their leaders or... this stallion is far from ordinary... at this point, I'm leaning towards the latter."
"How long exactly have you been fighting these guys?" Black questioned. "And how did you even learn of them in the first place?"
"That is another story for another day." Elite frowned. "Right now, we need to focus. From what we've been able to glean, their latest plan could mean catastrophe for us all."
"Not if we have anything to say about it." Black said firmly. "So, what's the plan?"
"First, I'll send Shadow Slinker and Armor to survey the situation." Elite declared. "We need to know exactly what's going on around there."
"But once they come back, we'll be getting to work, right?" Black asked.
"Of course." Elite nodded. "But for now, you can return to the troops. Rest assured, when you are needed, we will send for you."
"You'd better." Black grinned.
The next day, Armory and Shadow Slinker approached Reinadh, looking upon the town though binoculars on a nearby ridge. As they observed the inhabitants, they saw many of the Changelings going about their business alongside their pony neighbours. Nothing seemed to be amiss.
"That is strange..." Armory frowned.
"What?" Shadow asked.
"Look at the Changelings. These guys are detested by ponies everywhere. If one is seen, they are slaughtered or jailed on sight." Armory declared. "Yet here they are, undisguised, and practically being merry with ponies."
"Hmm, that is rather disconcerting." Shadow declared. "Didn't our 'sources' say they were transported here via pony trafficking?"
"Yeah. Yet they don't look like they are upset with their situation." Armory murmured. "In fact, they look... joyful."
"Well, looks can be deceiving, my friend." Shadow declared. "Come. Let us take a closer look."
"You got it." Armory nodded.
They made their way into the town. Up close, things seemed just as pleasant.
"Mornin', Bob." One Changeling called to an Earth Pony who was cleaning a window.
"Morning, Scamper." Bob smiled. "Heading to market?"
"You know it." Scamper nodded. "They finally got in those swamp berries I was asking for."
"Lucky you." Bob grinned.
As they walked down the streets, Armory and Shadow saw a female Changeling gossiping with two mares.
"You wouldn't believe what I heard about Azalea yesterday!" The female Changeling smirked.
"Dish, girl, dish!" One of the mares urged.
"I heard she's dating Mine Cart!" The Changeling grinned.
"No!" The second mare gasped.
"Yes." The Changeling nodded.
"Guess there's no accounting for taste..." The first mare smirked.
"It doesn't look like the Changelings here are being held against their will..." Armory mused.
"No, it does not." Shadow frowned. "It seems they are quite content here. And their pony neighbors seem very accepting of them..."
"Hello, strangers!"
A pale green Earth Pony stallion with a bald head, white beard, and wheat chaff Cutie Mark approached them.
"I'm Mayor Chaff." He smiled. "You fellows moving in, or just visiting?"
"Oh, we're just stopping by." Armory smiled.
"I must say, this is a most unique place." Shadow declared. "Ponies and Changelings, living together... How did that all come about?"
"Oh, it was part of this little 'peace program'." Chaff revealed. "Some charitable rich types helped put this place together. Offered the Changelings a place to live, a place where they didn't have to disguise who they were."
"And what about the ponies?" Armory asked. "How did you come to be involved?"
"We all volunteered." Chaff declared. "We had no quarrel with Changelings. It was a little tricky at first, but our hard-shelled neighbors opened up to us, and now we all live in harmony."
"What a touching story." Shadow smiled. "This place truly is an inspiration."
"We like to think so." Chaff beamed. "Hopefully, all ponykind will accept our Changelings friends one day."
"Yeah, maybe..." Armory nodded.
"Well, I have business to attend to." Chaff declared. "Hope you enjoy your stay!"
"Thank you, your Mayorship." Shadow nodded.
"Seems like a nice guy." Armory declared.
"Indeed." Shadow nodded. "This whole village seems so idyllic... Perhaps too idyllic."
"Maybe we should look around some more?" Armory suggested.
"Exactly." Shadow Slinker nodded. "Did you bring those microphone earpieces of yours?"
"Naturally." Armory pulled out his devices. "These should help us pick up any clandestine conversations."
"We can only hope." Shadow Slinker mused, as he put his in his ear.
They spent the next couple of hours exploring the town as nonchalantly as possible. As they neared the outskirts, they passed a small shack, through which their earpieces picked up some interesting words.
"Can't believe that Stable clown got himself caught." The voice of Gridlock growled. "Actually, I can. Arrogant egghead, thinking that tin suit could help him..."
Neither Armory nor Shadow Slinker recognized Gridlock's voice, but they recognised the importance of his words.
"You heard that, right?" Armory asked Shadow Slinker.
"Mmm." Shadow Slinker nodded, silently urging Armory to keep his voice down as they edged in closer to the building's wall.
"Stable's hubris forces us to push our plans ahead." The voice of Harlhooves declared. "We can no longer afford to go slowly."
"Yeah, no kidding." Gridlock's snarled. "Thanks to Stable, we'll have those meddlers on our backs any time now..."
"They may already be close at hoof." Harlhooves declared. "I hate to say it, but we must put the final phase into action at once."
"With pleasure." Gridlock chuckled. "According to the others, we've just finished injecting the last of our little vermin friends with the 'Last Bacterium', and gave thetroops their magic frequencies. Once they set their horn to that frequency... boom, they're walking biohazards."
"Magic frequencies?" Shadow murmured. "What do they mean?"
"I know what they mean." Armory scowled. "Magically armed bombs. Think C4s, but instead of a remote, they use a certain magical frequency to set them off."
"It's amazing, really." Harlhooves mused. "We created a virus that behaves like a bomb. The changelings are oblivious to the fact that they are infected... but that will change once they are in optimal positions."
"A bomb-like virus?" Armory gaped.
"Is that even possible?" Shadow asked.
"I'm not sure. I know chemistry, but I never really thought about it." Armory frowned.
"This will be perfect." Gridlock continued, smiling. "Once the virus is set off, they'll burst into spores, infecting everypony within a ten-mile radius. And then those infected will infect others, and soon, everypony will be infected... and who will be to blame? The Changelings."
"Thereby providing us complete freedom from suspicion." Harlhooves nodded. "Very poetic."
"And it'll definitely make all the time and money we put into this joke of a town worth it." Gridlock sneered. "And I can see Father praising us-"
Suddenly, Armory and Shadow heard a door open, as another voice, one they recognized, came in.
"Ah, there you are." Mayor Chaff's voice declared. "A moment of your time, please?"
"Commander Chaff. I hope you have a good reason for interrupting us." Gridlock growled.
"Commander Chaff?" Armory and Shadow frowned.
"My apologies, sir." Chaff apologized. "It's just that the others are growing restless with this charade. They want to know when they can stop pretending."
"Pretending?" Armory repeated.
"They can stop pretending when we say they can." Harlhooves frowned in annoyance. "We need 'Horsey-bug love' to continue if Project: Infestation is going to succeed."
"Ugh, couldn't we have picked a better name?" Chaff complained. "It's bad enough we have to make nice with these creatures, but seriously, why that name?"
"Quit your belly-aching, Chaff." Gridlock scowled. "I don't like being friendly with these gnats any more than you do, but we all have to do our parts if we are to make this project a success."
"Yeah, tell every pony in this town that!" Chaff growled, "We didn't join the Forefathers so we could play 'house', you know!"
"I don't see what the big deal is." Harlhooves scoffed, "These Changelings are still ponies, just like us."
"Yeah, ponies who can suck us dry, take our shapes, and infest our towns." Chaff grunted. "They're monsters. Plain and simple."
"Just hang tight, Commander." Gridlock ordered. "Trust me, we are already in negotiations with ponies to finally let these Changelings into their towns. In about a week's time, they'll be ready to ship out and we will finally see the fruit of our labors at long last... doesn't that sound good?"
"It certainly does." Chaff cackled.
"I'm sure you and the others can stomach the company of your Changeling neighbors for a few more days, correct?" Harlhooves asked.
"If we must." Chaff snarled.
"Then if there's nothing else you'd like to say, we' kindly ask you to leave." Harlhooves declared. "We still have some preparations left, and we cannot afford any more disruptions."
"Of course, sir." Chaff answered.
Armory and Shadow heard hoofsteps as Chaff left the shack.
"One more week..." Gridlock chortled. "Then the fireworks begin. Can't blame Chaff for being impatient..."
"I still fear it may be too soon." Harlhooves fretted. "But with our enemies closing in, we have no choice but to go forward."
"It'll be worth it, though." Gridlock snickered. "Just you wait and see. Those bugs are finally going to make themselves useful. Even if it kills them, which it will..."
Armory and Shadow stood in horror over what they just overheard.
"Oh, this is worse than we thought." Shadow whispered.
"No kidding." Armory cringed. "This whole town is one big trick. Every Changeling here is an unwitting pawn of those monsters and their plan!"
"We must return to HQ with our findings at once!" Shadow urged.
The two stallions left the village as quickly as they could, bring the dire news back with them.
"So that's what we're up against." Black scowled. "Those conniving, back-stabbing scumbags. I'm no fan of Changelings, but turning them into unwitting suicide bombers? That's just low!"
"We must figure out a way to stop the Forefathers' plan before it starts." Elite declared.
"Otherwise, the projected death toll could be in the thousands." Micro Manager frowned, "Maybe millions, even."
"But what exactly should we do?" Shadow Slinker asked.
"Well, we must alert Celestia and Equestria!" Armory suggested. "Get the DCD over here, and have them block the village off! They can't send Changelings out if they're quarantined."
"That's no good." Micro Manager shook his head. "What would we say to the DCD? That the ponies injected the Changelings with a 'bio-bomb'? Heck, if I hadn't heard it from you two, I wouldn't believe it."
"And it could cause a panic." Shadow frowned. "Changelings are already despised by ponies. If they are to learn that the Changelings have a virus within them, they will surely assume that all Changelings have it, and it would assure the extinction of Changelings everywhere."
"And there's the Forefathers to consider." Elite explained, "The Forefathers have remained under the radar for hundreds of years, and they are determined to keep it that way. I've seen what they're willing to do when their anonymity is threatened. This one time in Russiaddle, one of our agents discovered some crucial evidence to another operation of theirs, and the Forefathers' agents cracked open a dam, washing away our agent, the evidence, and a few innocent village. And in Chineigh, they set an entire forest alight to cover their tracks when another of our agents came too close. And who could forget Neighpal? They incited a civil war just so they could continue about their business!"
"Can't you get one of your smart guys to whip up a cure?" Black asked.
"Not without a sample of the virus itself." Elite shook his head. "Besides, you heard them. They plan to ship out within the week, and if they are all sent to the winds, there is no hope in containing this... 'Last Bacterium'."
"Okay, then why don't we just take the direct approach, and attack them?" Black continued. "I'm sure with all of us, we can take down before they know what hit them."
"But the Forefathers already know we're on to them." Micro Manager pointed out. "If we launch even a focused attack with our men, they would be ready. Not to mention it could cause the Changelings to scatter, and I'm sure they won't have qualms of setting them off prematurely."
"Then we're out of options." Armory sighed.
"No." Elite said solemnly. "There is still one plan that might just work. We do attack them... but not as 'Taskforce Omega'. We will have the Royal Defense Legion do that."
"Um, Elite, we can't just sick the RDL on this village." Armory frowned. "They'll never go for it. They would need probable cause."
"We just tell them that the village is filled with terrorists that have millions of bits worth of weaponry within their possession, and eradicate every single one of them." Elite declared.
The others were understandably distressed at this suggestion.
"Are you serious, Elite?" Shadow frowned.
"We know that the village is filled with Forefather agents and Changelings only." Elite pointed out. "We could easily deal with both of the threats. And while lives will have to be taken, it will ensure the Changelings' reputation will remain intact. In fact, it might give them a few sympathy points... but more importantly, the Forefathers won't be expecting opposition from an army."
"But we can't allow that!" Armory yelled. "It's one thing to just kill the Forefathers' agents, but to kill the Changelings as well? It would be outright murder! And it surely wouldn't take long for the higher ups to learn the Changelings were innocents. Despite their opinions on them, they'd be outraged! And we can't prove the village ponies are evil, so whoever would lead this attack would undercome vicious accusations and defamation. That pony will be branded a traitor for the rest of his life and be imprisoned, if not worse..."
"Well, I'm sure the pony in question will be willing to make that sacrifice." Elite declared, glancing pointedly at Black.
"...You want me to do it, right?" Black frowned.
"What?!" Armory yelped.
"That is unthinkable!" Micro Manager yelled.
"You'd let Black suffer the consequences for this outrageous action?" Shadow Slinker gasped.
Titan let out a plaintive whine.
"Believe me, I'd rather not." Elite sighed. "But at this point, it's our only option. We cannot allow the Forefathers to spread their contagion. If they do, countless lives will be lost. Desperate times call for desperate measures."
"Do they have to be that desperate?" Black scowled.
"I know this is hardly ideal for you, Black." Elite declared. "But know that while you could surely face punishment, we will make sure that you 'disappear' from the public eye, and we could continue on as normal."
"'Disappear'?" Black frowned. "You mean like go into hiding?"
"In a way, yes." Elite nodded. "You would still work for us in an official capacity, but nopony would be aware of your active presence. And if nopony knows you're still around, the Forefathers would never think of using your brother against you. Let's face it, out of all of us, you are the only one who really has anything to lose, and the Forefathers would no doubt capitalise on that."
"Yeah, they could..." Black frowned, thinking of White.
"So you're asking him to give up his entire life over this one problem?" Micro Manager asked.
"That's crazy!" Armory added.
"Rrf!" Titan added.
"Elite, this can't be our best course of action." Shadow frowned. "It just can't!"
"What other choice do we have, Shadow?!" Elite snarled. "They're going to have infected Changelings all over the world in a week. If this plan comes to fruition, not only will Changelings' names will be cemented in infamy, but the whole world could come to an end in a disease-riddled apocalypse."
"That still doesn't justify dragging Black's name through the mud!" Armory roared. "Not after everything he's done for us!"
"I agree." Micro Manager nodded. "It just isn't right."
"Far from it." Shadow shook his head.
"It's okay, guys." Black said solemnly. "I'll do it."
"What?!" Armory yelped. "But Black-!"
"Elite's right." Black admitted. "We can't let the Forefathers kill so many ponies and destroy the Changelings. We need to stop them. And if I have to ruin my reputation to do it, then I guess there's no other choice. Besides, it's already been looking like working with you guys has put my brother in the line of fire. If anything happened to him, I don't know what I'd do..."
"But Black, if you do this, White will no doubt be appalled." Micro Manager pointed out. "He'll never look at you the same way ever again."
"Yeah, probably." Black sighed. "But I'd rather have him hate me and live, then love me and be dead. Maybe severing ties with him and the rest of the family is the best thing to do."
"Black, you can't be serious..." Shadow shook his head.
"I am." Black nodded. "The Forefathers have to be stopped, before more ponies lose their lives. No matter the cost..."
"You have made a noble decision this day, Black." Elite smiled. "I know it can't have been easy, which only makes you valor all the more impressive."
"'Valor' wouldn't be the word I'd use." Micro Manager frowned.
"I still say this is a bad idea." Armory scowled.
"I also still have my doubts." Shadow cringed. "This is, without a doubt, the riskiest strategy we've ever considered."
"Perhaps." Elite nodded. "But it's the best idea we have. Now, let's consider the best plan of attack..."
A short while later, Black returned to the barracks, making a beeline straight to Turret.
"General, I need to talk to you." He declared.
"What about, soldier?" Turret asked.
"I was in town, talking to some local snitches, and I got a serious lead." Black declared. "I followed it, and I found out that here are some huge weapon depots in Reinadh."
"Weapon depots?" Turret mused. "is that right?"
"It surely is, sir." Black nodded. "From what I've been able to learn, the whole town is packed with terrorists, who could easily bring any target to their knees with the kind of firepower they're packing. We need to go in all guns ablazing if we're going to have a chance at nipping this in the bud."
"I heard Reinadh was a peaceful little town." Turret declared. "Ponies and Changelings living together in harmony."
"In harmony, perhaps." Black declared. "But they are definitely not for harmony. They seek to destroy everything in their path. We need to take them down, fast."
Turret looked at Black, an uncomfortable silence in the air. For a moment, Black was worried that he hadn't bought it. Then...
"Alright, soldier." Turret nodded. "Let's do this."
"You're making the right choice, sir." Black smiled.
"Let's hope so." Turret declared. "It'll take a couple of days for us to get ready. Inform your fellow troops in the meantime."
"Yes, sir." Black saluted.
Black headed over to the others.
"Big news, guys." He told them. "We're going to attack a major terrorist location in a couple of days' time."
"What kind of location?" Rookie asked.
"An entire town." Black revealed. "Reinadh, it's called."
"A whole town?" White frowned. "We've never taken on such numbers before..."
"Bet I nail more than you." Nora nudged Avalanche.
"In your dreams." Avalanche nudged her back.
Recently, the two's rivalry had grown more subdued and playful, to their fellow soldiers' relief. They still argued, but at a more tolerable volume.
"But still, you're saying they're all terrorists?" White asked Black. "I find that a little hard to believe... Surely there must be some good apples in there."
"Not a one." Black lied. "Trust me."
"I do trust you, Black." White smiled.
"Great..." Black tried to return the smile, a pang of guilt in him. "Now, we gotta get ready. This ain't gonna be a cakewalk."
"But it will be a story to tell to the old grandfoals, huh?" Nora grinned.
"Yeah, it would." Avalanche nodded. "And I plan to have as many as possible."
"Sure you do..." Nora snorted.
As the troops girded themselves for their biggest battle yet, Black considered what lay ahead.
'Better get ready, Black.' He thought to himself. 'And not just to fight the biggest fight you've ever been in. After this battle, your whole life's going to change. You'll be going down a new path, one that nopony can know about. Not even White...'
Black's communicator beeped. Slipping outside, he pulled out the device, and spoke into it.
"Black here." He declared.
"How did it go?" Elite's voice asked. "Did they buy it?"
"Like a discount cherry pie." Black answered.
"Good." Elite declared. "We need them as determined and focused as possible. Even with an army, this won't be easy."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Black frowned. "What if those Forefather stooges are tougher than we think? They do have us outnumbered, you know..."
"I know it's a heavy risk, Black." Elite declared. "But any soldiers who do perish will be giving their lives for a noble cause. One more noble than they themselves think..."
"That's just what I'm worried about." Black sighed.
"Have faith in your comrades, Black." Elite told him. "You are all RDL soldiers. I know you can do this."
"...Thanks, Elite." Black nodded.
"Happy to help." Elite answered. "Good luck to you all. Elite, out."
As the communicator shut off, Black gazed at it, not wholly convinced by Elite's words.
"'Have faith', he says." He mused. "Something tells me it won't be that easy..."
The night before the attack, the troops were gathered in the mess hall, the table replaced with chairs for them to sit on. The higher ups had provided with a night of entertainment before their big mission.
"Wow, do they usually throw parties before every big raid?" Avalanche asked.
"Not in particular, soldier." General Turret explained. "It seems that somepony put in a good word for all of you and they felt it necessary to give you all a hurrah before going out to kick those sand rats' asses."
"I wonder who that could be..." Black frowned.
"Who cares? I hear that they got 'My Carnival Romance' to come here!" Rookie said excitedly. "I love that band! In fact, I already sent out a song request!"
"Really?" White asked, "What song?"
"Oh, I'm sure Black knows. It's on his mixtape!" Rookie turned to Black.
"Um, actually, I hadn't the chance to listen to it lately." Black admitted sheepishly, "Just been busy..."
"Oh... well, that's okay. I think they're coming on soon." Rookie gestured to a group of ponies that were coming onto a makeshift stage...
The band were all wearing imitation military uniforms, and matching crewcuts.
"Hello, RDL soldiers." The lead singer, Gerard Wheat, declared. "First, I'd like to say what an honor it is for us to be here. You guys do so much for Equestria, and it is our privelege to give a little something back. Now, we're going to play a song requested by one of the soldiers here tonight. We hope you all enjoy our performance, and good luck with tomorrow."
A few of the band members began strumming guitars, the somber song already getting to Black.
'Yeah, sure.' Black thought sadly. 'A little something to ram home how I'll be willingly destroying my life tomorrow...'
Black's thoughts turned to the last minute briefing.
"Okay, this is it." Elite told him that morning. "No pressure, but thousands of lives are depending on you."
"I won't let them down." Black said firmly. "Or you."
"We'll be listening in during the mission." Elite told him. "If you need help, we'll be ready to give it."
"Thanks, Elite." Black smiled. "I'll try to make you proud."
"You already have." Elite grinned.
Then the lead singer began to sing.
I never said I'd lie and wait forever
If I died, we'd be together
I can't always just forget her
But she could try
Avalanche ran a comb through his mane, as he then rose up from his seat. To the surprise of many, he offered a hoof to Nora. Nora was surprised too, but then smiled, taking Avalanche's hoof. Avalanche returned the smile, pulling Nora up into a slow dance.
Soon after, other ponies began to take after them, as they got up to dance... well, all but Black, but who just sat there.
At the end of the world
Or the last thing I see
You are
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
And all the things that you never ever told me
And all the smiles that are never ever...
The next morning, the squadron rode in towards Reinadh, tensions at an all time high. Nevec, who had come along due to the high risk of battlefield leaned out of the carriage, and threw up. Rookie nervously kissed the heart-shaped pendant around his neck. Avalanche placed his hoof on Nora's, and she returned the favor.
'This is it.' Black thought, gripping his crossbow tightly. 'Everything changes, starting now...'
"You okay, Black?" White asked.
"Sure I am." Black shrugged.
"It's okay to be nervous, bro." White placed a hoof on his shoulder. "We're heading into something big, with some high stakes..."
'Higher than you think, White...' Black thought, before saying aloud "Thanks, White. You've always been there for me. I don't think I would have gotten this far without you."
"Sure you could." White grinned.
"Not without your moral compass to help guide me." Black grinned. "I may be reckless sometimes, but I always think about what you would do before I make any big decisions."
"You do?" White beamed. "Thanks. Didn't know you thought that highly of me."
"Always did." Black nodded. "You've always been the upright, dependable one. And whatever happens, I'll always love you, White."
"I'll always love you too, Black." White grinned. "I swear."
'Keep that in mind, White.' Black thought. 'After today, I may have to hold you to that...'
Unbeknownst to most Taskforce Omega, watched the carriage from atop a ridge.
"I still say this is a mistake." Armory frowned.
"Rrrf!" Titan nodded.
"Indeed." Micro Manager nodded. "Such a high probability for disaster..."
"And some things aren't so much probable as certain." Shadow declared. "Poor Black..."
"I know this isn't going to end well for some." Elite sighed. "But what happens today will save countless lives, at the expense of a few. As repugnant as it may seem, it is the only path at this juncture." He gazed deeply at the carriage. "Good luck, Black. You're going to need it..."
Soon, the squadron reached their destination, and the carriage's doors opened.
Ever...
On the night before, the troops were still dancing. Avalanche and Nora were holding each other very closely. Nora blushed lightly as Avalanche tightened his grip, but made no effort to escape. In fact, she even leaned against him, enjoying the warmth of his body.
Black spent most of that time leaning against a wall, lost in thought, until...
"Hey, Black!" Rookie called.
"What?" Black snapped out of his reverie.
"We're heading down to the bar." Rookie offered. "Wanna come?"
"Eh, I'm not really feeling it..." Black shrugged.
"Come on, don't be a party pooper!" Nora teased.
"Yeah, Black." White grinned. "I've never known to turn down a good drink."
"It won't be the same without all of us." Avalanche added.
"Well..." Black mumbled, conflicted.
"Come on, bro." White smirked. "You know you want to."
Black looked upon White's pleading face. He couldn't refuse him, not when he considered what tomorrow could bring for them.
"...Okay, sure." Black smiled. "Let's go."
One by one, the soldiers then began to leave the dance.
Get the feeling that you're never
All alone and I remember now
At the top of my lungs in my arms she dies
She dies
In the present, they burst out of the carriage and stormed the village, with other carriages coming in with other soldiers.
"Take no prisoners!" Black yelled.
"We're under attack!" Mayor Chaff declared, pulling out a crossbow.
"Mayor, where did you-?" Scamper asked, confused.
"Shut up and fight!" Chaff yelled. "Our home is being invaded! We must defend ourselves! All of us!"
The Forefathers' undercover operatives had no problems getting into the battle, having been prepared for any outside assault. The Changelings, however, had been caught completely unawares.
"We didn't come here to fight." One declared. "We came to live here in peace."
"Well, that peace is being threatened!" Bob declared. "You want these crossbow-toting maniacs to ruin everything we've built here?"
"Well, no, but-" The Changeling started.
"Then get to fighting back!" Bob yelled.
"He's right." Another Changeling nodded. "This is our home, and we must defend it!"
The Changelings cheered in agreement.
"Yes!"
"Defend our home!"
"Stop our attackers!"
"Charge!"
With that, the Changelings joined the battle, firing blasts of magic at the soldiers as they raced to confront them.
At the end of the world
Or the last thing I see
You are
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
"Nice aim... for bugs!" Avalanche declared, firing back and hitting a Changeling in the eye.
"At times like these, I prefer not to get in close." Nora grimaced, snapping another's neck.
"Split up, team!" Black ordered. "We need to cover more ground. We can't afford to let any of them hide or escape!"
"You got it, Black!" White nodded. He turned to Avalanche, Nora, and several others. "You guys, with us!"
The others complied, and their group moved east, bringing down any pony or Changeling who challenged them.
And all the things that you never ever told me
And all the smiles that are ever gonna haunt me
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
And all the wounds that are ever gonna scar me
For all the ghosts that are never gonna catch me
The previous night, several of the troops were gathered at the local bar.
"So, what are you guys planning to do when your tour of duty is over?" Rookie asked.
"I already know the answer to that." White smiled, "I'll be transferring to Canterlot. It's always been a dream of mine to follow in our father's hoofsteps and become a Royal Guard."
"Yeah, good old dad." Black muttered under his breath. "Great Guard, lousy father..."
"How about you guys?" White asked Avalance and Nora.
"Well, we're kinda planning on... sticking together." Avalanche smiled, a bright red blush tinting his cheeks.
"Yeah..." Nora blushed also.
"I knew it." Rookie smirked. "I knew you two had a thing for each other."
"Yeah, yeah." Avalanche pouted. "Don't rub it in."
"Hey, where you the ones who were bucking in the infirmary that other day?" White jabbed.
"Who told you about that?!" Nora blushed heavily. "That was supposed to be a secret!" He glared at Avalanche.
"Don't look at me! I didn't tell anypony!" Avalanche frowned.
"You're right, he didn't." Nevec suddenly spoke up, surprising everyone.
"Lauren Faust, could you not do that?!" Rookie snapped. "How long were you standing there?"
"And how did you know Avalanche didn't say anything?" Nora frowned.
"Oh, I've been watching you a while now." Nevec smiled in a very creepy way.
"Yeesh, how did we not notice you?" Black cringed.
"I guess I just blend into my surroundings." Nevec joked.
"So... what are you planning to do, Nevec?" White asked.
"I plan on becoming a hermit." Nevec revealed.
"Okay... why?" White asked.
"The solitude." Nevec shrugged. "Don't get me wrong. I like ponies, but I like my own company better."
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me." Black murmured to himself.
White noticed Rookie taking out his locket.
"What's that, Blue?" He asked.
"This is a family heirloom." Rookie smiled, holding up the locket. "When this is all over, I'll go back to Whinnyapolis, settle down with the mare of my dreams, and raise a whole bunch of foals with her, I'm going to have a photo taken of us, and have it put in here, so I can always have my loved ones close by."
"Kinda sappy, if you ask me." Nora joked.
"I just hope I'll have the chance." Rookie frowned. "Tomorrow's assignment is a real big one, after all. Taking on an entire town... The odds are definitely against us. What if I... what if all of us..."
"We'll be fine, Rookie." White smiled.
"White's right." Avalanche nodded. "Look at us. We're a regular dream team."
"I know we're good, but we've never faced so many before." Rookie frowned. "What if being good isn't enough? What if tomorrow, some of us die?"
"Blue, listen to me." White said firmly. "I promise you, everything will be fine. We'll all pull through. All of us, together."
"...You mean that?" Rookie asked.
"I do." White nodded. "I give you my word, you're going to survive. And you're going to get that family you're hoping for. I promise."
"Thanks, White." Rookie smiled.
"Tomorrow's going to be a heck of a day, that's for sure." Nora grinned.
"Oh, yeah." Avalanche nodded.
"One for the history books." Nora nodded.
"Something to remember." Nevec agreed.
"A toast, then." White raised his glass. "To tomorrow!"
"To tomorrow!" The troops all raised their glasses (all except Black).
White noticed Black's glass still on the counter.
"You okay, Black?" He asked. "You seem a little... down. I'd have thought you were looking forward to our biggest battle yet."
"I am." Black sighed. "It's just..."
"Just what?" White asked.
Black suddenly hugged White, to the shock of everypony present.
"Okay, now I know there's something up with you." White declared. "Why the close physical contact?"
"Because you're right." Black nodded. "This is our biggest battle yet. And while that was a nice speech you made, I thought, just in case something happens to one or both of us, I should..."
"I understand." White returned the hug. "But we're going to make it through this. Have faith."
'Why does everypony keep saying that?' Black thought.
"I will never leave you, bro." White told Black. "I'll be with you no matter what."
"Thanks, White." Black smiled. "You don't know how much this means to me."
"I think I do." White grinned.
'Wanna bet?' Black thought.
If I fall
The next morning, the squadron were boarding the carriage, preparing to leave. Rookie looked back at all the worried looks on the faces of those who were seeing them off. Shaking it off for the moment, he rushed to catch up with the others.
If I fall (down)
In the present, the battle was still ongoing. Both sides suffered losses, but they continued. However, for one soldier, the stress of battle was proving too much...
"Ahhh!" Rookie yelped, doing his best to dodge all the bolts and magic blasts flying everywhere. "There's so many of them!"
Rookie leapt behind a shattered wall for cover. As more bolts and magic blasts flew overhead, he breathed heavily, almost overcome with terror.
"Come on, Rookie." He told himself. "Pull it together. Be like Black and White. They're giving their all right now. You gotta find the courage to do the same..."
Rookie took a deep breath, and leapt out the wall, firing his crossbow at the enemy force, as he ran for a more strategic cover, a place where he could both attack and defend.
A short distance away, White and Black were side by side, using a wagon for cover, taking down pony and Changeling alike. White saw none other than Chaff, taking a aim at Rookie.
"Say your prayers, you meddlin'-" Chaff roared.
"Rookie, look-!" White started.
But the warning came too late. A bolt fired from Chaff's crossbow, and struck Rookie in the abdomen.
"Agh!" Rookie screamed, dropping to the ground. He placed a hoof against his side, which was gushing blood, screaming bloody murder.
"No!" White yelled. He tried to rush over to help, only for Black to pull him back.
"Are you crazy?!" Black growling.
"Let me go!" White struggled. "I have to help him!"
"You go out there now, and you'll die!" Black held him back.
"But Rookie-!" White groaned.
"There's nothing we can do!" Black yelled.
While enjoying his latest kill, Chaff's gaze fell upon the brothers.
"Is that...?" He gaped, recognising Black from his comrades' descriptions. His expression turned to one of anger. "You. You're behind this, you meddling-!"
A crossbow bolt embedded itself in the back of Chaff's head, killing him. It had been fired by Avalanche.
"Another one for me." Avalanche grinned.
"I'll admit it: That was a nice shot." Nora declared. She then spotted Rookie's prone form. "Oh no... Rookie's hurt! Somepony do something!"
"I've got him!" Nevec, using uncanny agility, rushed over and grabbed Rookie, then pulled him behind cover.
At the end of the world
Or the last thing I see
You are
Never coming home
Never coming home
Never coming home
Never coming home
White was distraught, the words he told Rookie last night running though his mind:
"I give you my word, you're going to survive. And you're going to get that family you're hoping for. I promise."
"I promised him... I promised him!" He continued to struggle against Black's grip.
"I know you did, bro." Black held him tightly. "I know..."
And all the things that you never ever told me
And all the smiles that are ever gonna haunt me
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
Nevec did everything he could to help Rookie. He injected him with a stimulant in an attempt to get fresh blood pumping, and did his best to patch the wound, but Rookie had lost too much blood for him to survice.
"Please, Faust..." Nevec pleaded, sewing the gash shut. "Please, don't let this happen..."
Alas, it was too little, too late. Rookie's breathing grew slow and shallow, and his eyes faded to nothing. Then his body grew limp.
"No..." Nevec whispered. "Oh, no..."
And all the wounds that are ever gonna scar me
For all the ghosts that are never gonna...
White could see the life leaving Rookie's eyes, as Nevec turned to the two... and gave a solemn shake of his head as he bowed it.
"No..." White murmured, as tears began to build up.
"White..." Black whispered.
"NO!" White screamed, as he began sobbing. "This can't... this can't be happening... it just can't..."
Black was just as distraught, barely able to hold White, let alone keep his emotions together.
"It just did happen." He said in a choked voice. "Rookie's gone. He's dead." He then thought regretfully 'Because of me...'
"No..." White wept in anguish. "No..."
"I'm sorry, White." Black comforted his brother. 'More than you know...'
"It's not fair." White sniffed. "He was such a nice stallion. He had so many plans for the future, and now... and now..."
"And now he's gone..." Black started crying also. "I should have done something. Watched out for him."
"No, I should." White insisted.
The two brothers weren't the only ones weeping. Nora leaned against Avalanche for comfort as they too grieved for their fallen friend.
Nevec gently closed Rookie's lifeless eyes.
"Rest in peace, soldier." He whispered, his voice breaking. "Rest in peace..."
The present...
The room was silent, as Fletcher and Caboose stood slack-jawed at Black's explanation.
"You see, it was supposed to be cut and dry." Black explained, his eyes misty. "We would have razed the village, ruining their plans. My reputation would had been destroyed, but everypony would had been safe... Rookie was never supposed to die that day... but he did. And I will never be able to forget seeing his body just laying there, him screaming in pain before he faded away, and me, holding White back as he screamed out to him..." He bowed his head. "It was the worst day of my life..."
"I... I don't know what to say." Fletcher admitted. He wanted to think Black was lying, but the true anguish on his face from the memory of that day was plain to see. "It seems I had you pegged wrong after all."
"Yeah..." Caboose sniffed as he pulled out a box of tissues. "You poor guy. And poor Rookie..."
"As bad as things were at that moment, it was only going to get worse." Elite declared. "What happened next set in motion a domino effect that led to far worse things..."