//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Imua [Reedit] 
// Story: No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy 
// by Green Hills 
//------------------------------//

	The royal carriage soars over the lush green hills, which slowly develop into houses and small buildings as they near the metropolitan city Manehattan. Accompanied by a few squads of Royal Guard pegasi, Princess Celestia remains focused, her mind thinking about the events that occurred since last night.

According to the report by her search team in Manehattan, there are three boats varying in sizes anchored about half a mile from Manehattan Harbor. There were also three more unidentified objects that had fallen from the sky, as explained by witnesses; two impacted in the water (one of them caused damage to the suspension bridge), and one crashed close to a set of townhouses by a cliff. She dispatched some Royal Guards to reinforce police and fire departments in the harbor, the crash site, and the three boats. A feeling tugs on the princess’ senses that these turn of events are connected to the crashes in Sweet Apple Acres and Canterlot, but she cannot know for sure until she sees it for herself.

Celestia knows Luna can take care of things back in Canterlot. It has been a while since she had given her younger sister something to be in charge of, and it reminds her of the old times. Though, she is worried Luna might still not be used to the current government system since her return. The only thing Celestia is more concerned about is Twilight. She trusts her faithful student and her friends are capable of handling on their own. Yet, considering what has happened, she prays they do not make contact with whatever she is about to.

The princess’ thoughts are taken away when a foreign object flies into her eye. After a few blinks, she looks around to see the big city come into view as they pass over a hill. A pegasi squad breaks off from the group, veering right and descending to the cliffs alongside the ocean. She spots a large black smudge close to the railroad where the suspension bridge is (and blocked off by firefighters, police and some Royal Guards). This is possibly where one of the objects crashed, Celestia believes.

Her attention veers to the suspension bridge first that borders the Manehattan Harbor and the ocean. It is currently closed as it is undergoing repairs on the few cables that snapped when the second flying object collided.

Like being in a stadium, the sound of the ponies’ loud and confused clamor slowly turns into a cheer the moment they spot Celestia’s carriage coming from the opposite end of the harbor. Pegasi and blimps scatter the sky at a safe distance (and blockaded by police), attempting to snap photos of the ships and the arriving princess. Small boats in the harbor try to do the same, including the earth ponies and unicorns on the city’s piers.

A small shiver runs all over her body when Celestia catches the sight of three large boats behind the bridge, anchored side by side. They are larger than she expects as her group approaches. The first almost looks like a giant block, with tons of items neatly organized on the main deck. The second appears as if its forward island has been slapped on to the hull along with a crane, before loading it with green containers leaving the aft bare. Finally, the third is the smallest, sporting a darker grey color scheme and a sharper, angular superstructure.

Princess Celestia shakes her head, forcing her to refocus on the task she has. She turns to the two pegasi pulling her carriage.
“Sergeant Kickback, stop when we near the bridge,” she states. “Take a squad to those ships, and the rest to keep the civilians away.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the pegasus sergeant nods. A squad pulls ahead towards the three ships, while the remaining two veer to the left towards the blimps and spotters as the group flies over Manehattan Harbor.

The carriage nears the now closed down suspension bridge, and slows to a halt in midair. Celestia stands up from her seat, and finally stretches her legs and wings after a few hours of fast flying. Ordering her two carriage pullers to return to a secure area, she takes to the sky and glides towards her squad lined up and hovering above the ships.

The distant sound of Manehattan’s ponies’ cheers keeps the princess’ mind at bay as she closes the space between her and the unidentified large boats. She slows to a hover as she draws to the squad. Just at the corner of her eye, a pegasus comes flying towards her from the city, a police officer no doubt.
“Your Highness,” the mare officer announces with a quick bow of her head once she approaches. “Lieutenant Van Wolk, M-P-D.”
“Lieutenant,” the Celestia returns the favor. “Has there been any recent activity or contact between anypony and these ships?”
Van Wolk nods. “There was activity from that big one.” She points to the box-shaped ship. “Something launched from its platform, and grabbed three beings after those flying objects fell from the sky. A lot of us scurried away from them.”
“What about when they arrived?”
“Not sure, Your Highness.” Van Wolk shrugs. “One night there was nothing, then we woke up to these sitting just outside of the harbor. Though, our night patrols reported something like a lightning storm some miles away.”
Princess Celestia ponders for a moment as she stares at the three ships she and the Royal Guards are hovering above. “It is not,” she replies softly, the police officer can barely hear her.
“You two. Follow me,” the princess orders two guards next to her, both who appear surprised at first, including Lieutenant Van Wolk.
“Your Highness, are you sure about this?” Van Wolk maneuvers closer to Celestia. “My officers cannot even get this close to these things. We don’t know what could happen.”
“I have to agree with her, princess,” Sergeant Kickback intervenes. “Perhaps it’s best if we wait until cruisers Celestial and Aurora arrive and properly secure the scene.”
“That will take too long, Kickback,” Celestia counters, turning back to the largest ship with the flattop. “I will see who these are myself.”
Lieutenant Van Wolk and Sergeant Kickback pull back aghast, with a few other pegasi guards doing the same.
“Your Highness, I strongly disagree!” Kickback digresses.
Princess Celestia snaps her attention to him. “Unless you have a better idea besides waiting for our fleet, Sergeant.”
Sergeant Kickback stammers on his words while the princess waits for an answer. “No, ma’am,” he finally says.
“Then, follow me,” Celestia orders him and another pegasi. Lieutenant Van Wolk did not bother to intervene, considering what she witnessed.

Ordering the police officer to return to her position, and the squad of Royal Guards to stay put, Celestia and her two escorts swoop down towards the three ominous ships. Upon arrival, the princess can make out the many features on each ship, especially the large one. Scanning the dozens of smaller machines of many types on the flattop, her eyes suddenly meet at least two familiar ones next to the superstructure.

This is without a doubt that these ships are connected to the crashes at Canterlot and Sweet Apple Acres. Everything about them, ranging from their type, color, and compliments, look exactly alike. But, Celestia cannot know for sure if they are operated by the same beings she encountered yesterday morning. She will also have to take Sergeant Kickback’s and Lieutenant Van Wolk’s concern to mind.

The princess inhales deeply, and corrects her position until all three ships are within her sight.
“To whomever I speak to,” she announces in her Canterlot voice. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of the land Equestria.” There is a silence between her and the boats, except for the continuing commotion from the ponies in the background.
“I ask if you come in peace,” she proceeds. “We mean you no harm.” Again, there is no answer. “If you require aid, we shall gladly provide.”

Celestia and her two guards stay hovering midair, waiting for any reply for a long minute. Her eyes scrutinize at each superstructure to find something, a movement. Nothing.
“Um, Your Highness,” Sergeant Kickback breaks the silence. “Maybe they don’t understand us?” Celestia, however, keeps her eyes planted on the ships.

Then, her attention quickly diverts to the smallest ship. There is movement on both wings of the forward superstructure. Before Sergeant Kickback alerts the princess when he notices, Celestia descends towards the boat. Kickback and the second pegasus follow suit with an uneasy look on their faces.

A small door on a blocky stand attached to the forward superstructure opens when Celestia is a few ten meters from the bow. She remains calm and collective as a being steps outside. Four more beings -each wearing black helmets and wielding sticks of the same color- pour from the door and spread out behind the first, as if they are in defensive positions. The princess can hear them chanting orders in a different language.

“I think we might’ve provoked them,” Sergeant Kickback leans close to the princess. “Do you still want to continue, Your Highness?”
Celestia turns to her squad behind at a safe distance. All of them are spread out and on standby. She then faces back to the beings, particularly the one that is standing with its arms behind its back.
“It appears I am expected,” she says, preparing herself to fly down.
“Your Highness!” Kickback objects.
“If you would like, Sergeant, you can hang back,” Celestia suggests. Before Kickback reasons again, the princess descends even further towards the ship, leaving him and the second escort hanging.

Until now, Princess Celestia has never realized the sheer size of the small ship as she closes in. The superstructure is almost the size of a townhouse in Ponyville. However, the other two ships dwarf this one like skyscrapers.

She slows her descent until she is mere feet from making contact with the main deck. The being in ahead is still standing in the same position, as well as the other four. She then examines the superstructure once more, noticing several more are positioned in the upper wings. All of them are solely trained on her. She senses her pegasi guards are doing the same to the beings.

The being ahead bows to the princess, taking her almost by surprise. It appears her assumption is correct. Holding her breath, Celestia slowly lands on the solid deck. Her eyes are glued to the being waiting for her as she folds her wings. Her heart lodged in her throat, she bows in return. Celestia notices the others behind the being lower their black sticks.
She clears her throat. “My name is Princess Celestia. Welcome to Equestria,” she greets. “May I ask who you are?”
“My name is Takahashi, Noritaka,” the being says in a thick accent. “I am commander of this ship, Ariake.” Celestia immediately notices he is having a little trouble speaking the native tongue.
“Do you not speak Equish?” she asks.
Commander Takahashi tilts his head. “I’m sorry?”
“Equish. The language we speak.”
“Oh, yes. I do.” Takahashi gives away a small smile. “I have learned it since I was small. It is called En’grish where, we ar’ from.”
“That is interesting.” Celestia smiles back. She takes another good look at the ship she is standing on.
“May I ask where you are from?” she asks. Commander Takahashi veers his sight away from Celestia for a moment, as if he is staring behind her at Manehattan.
“We, ar’ from Japan,” he answers, sounding a little nervous.
“Hmm,” the princess ponders. “I have never heard of it.”
“It’s, very far… however, we wou’d like your help.”
“Ah, yes.” Celestia puts on a smile. She was mesmerised by the sight of the ship she forgot she offered assistance earlier. “My apologies. It’s, really interesting to see a ship like these.” The princess looks around at the other two larger ships beside the Ariake. “I have never seen something like this.”
She silently takes a deep breath to settle her excitement. “I will gladly provide any assistance you require.”
“Thank you,” Takahashi replies. “I will tell the men from the other ships to join us.”
“Of course.” Celestia nods. A thought suddenly tugs on the back of her mind the moment she finishes her sentence. Men. So, that is what they are called.

She turns around to see Sergeant Kickback and his escort flying in, and land behind the princess.
“Everything okay, Your Highness?” the sergeant whispers, to which Celestia nods. She stares at Commander Takahashi ordering his men in a different language she swears she has heard before. Takahashi’s guards reply in unison, and march back to where they exited. The commander steps to the side, now looking at the princess and her two guards, and offers his arm to the open door where the guards are standing attention.
“Please,” he says. “After you.” Celestia can feel her heart racing, but retains her composure. Sergeant Kickback and her second escort follow suit as she trots past the commander, and towards the open door.





The echoing clip-clop can be heard through the castle halls as Princess Luna calmly paces to her destination. Her thoughts are both troubled and intrigued of the events that occurred this morning. Strange machines that fell from the sky of unknown origin, each carrying these bipedal beings.

Her sister Celestia seems to be more fascinated with them, however. Since the beings’ grand but wild appearance, she seemed so anxious and excited she took matters into her own hooves. She almost acted like Twilight Sparkle the moment they laid eyes on the falling machine. Luna barely managed to get a decent conversation of the damage to the castle and part of Canterlot before Celestia bolted out to Manehattan, leaving her with nothing but a list of instructions.

Following that list, Luna has already dispatched two squads and an airship to Sweet Apple Acres to deal with the other machine once Celestia left. They should be returning soon. She approaches a set of doors with a guard on each side. Before she can enter, the doors swing open, and a dark gray earth pony with white spots on his hindquarters and a stripe running down the middle of his muzzle comes out.
“Doctor Heart Line,” Luna calls out grabbing the stallion’s attention.
“Oh, Your Highness,” Heart Line manages to pull a small smile across his weary face.
“I have come to see the creatures,” Luna says as she reaches him. “How are they?”
Doctor Heart Line takes a deep breath, and the two of them start walking down the hallway. “We’ve done all we could, princess,” he says. “Unfortunately, out of the four creatures we pulled out of the wreckage, there was only one that was barely clinging to life. We tried our best… I, I don’t know if he’ll pull through.”
“He?” Luna asks looking surprised.
“Well, judging by his certain body shape and reproductive organs when we removed the clothing, comparing to a pony and a minotaur, he is most definitely a male.” The doctor takes a pause to rub his eyes. “However, unlike us, he is rather, primitive. We don’t know how he’ll react to the surgery, or the medicine.”
“Use whatever means to keep it breathing, doctor,” Luna orders. “I am sure my sister would like to ask it a few questions when, he wakes up.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”

The two ponies are cut off when a flash of green flames appears out from midair in front of the princess, and a sealed scroll drops to the ground. Both Luna and Heart Line were startled at first, until the princess notices the scroll is from Twilight Sparkle from a closer look. She grabs the letter in her blue magic, and turns to the doctor.
“Excuse me, doctor,” she says with a straight face. “I have important matters. You may take a rest, but have nurses monitor the creature at all times.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Thank you.” Heart Line bows his head and trots off ahead. Once he is gone, Luna turns around to the two guards guarding the infirmary entrance.
“One of you search for Lieutenant Wind Strike and Sergeant Thunder Bolt immediately, and have them report to the grand hall,” she orders.
“Yes, Your Highness,” one of the guards swiftly bows, and races down the hallway in a flash.

Princess Luna proceeds to the main hall at a fast pace, unrolling the letter with her magic with no time to spare and begins reading. The first thing she sees is how hastily written it is. There is a second page with a poorly drawn map of where Twilight and her friends are.




Dear Princess Luna,

Hopefully, this letter will get to you as soon as possible. Just a few minutes ago, my friends and I discovered four boats of unknown origin a couple miles from our beach. I’m not sure if these are the things you and Princess Celestia sensed, but they do not appear anything related to whales or other sea creatures Fluttershy or I know. So I am writing this letter to you since we don’t know what it is, and it seems to be drawing a little closer to the shore albeit very slowly. We will be keeping an eye on them until your guards arrive.

Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle




Luna lowers the letter as she finally approaches the main hallway faster than she expected. She settles down in her throne next to her sister’s, a dozen questions running through her head. To keep it at bay and distracted while waiting, she takes out the list from her elder sister, and rereads the instructions. The writing states to bring a small group of Royal Guards as backup, and let Twilight and her friends handle the unidentified beings.

Let them handle it?! Luna blinks rapidly, and her jaw almost drops open in denial. This is how Equestria’s mighty force has become since her return? Have the armies become so weak that Celestia now solely relies on her student and her friends? Or, is it another test for Twilight just like the Crystal Kingdom?

She shakes her head. Again, the negativity is getting to her. She knows Twilight Sparkle and her friends are capable of using the Elements of Harmony, the most powerful magic known to ponykind. And, they have proven their worth by not only bringing her back from Nightmare Moon, but by defeating Discord. However, Luna notices how weak the Equestrian Royal Guard has become since her return. She feels reluctant to see the Elements exploit their military, as though her sister prefers her loyal student as the only means to protect their country. They were even close to defeat by a Changeling invasion, despite having maximum security! And since then, Equestria’s neighboring countries have criticized them for having a frail military structure.

She must do something. Perhaps this task will be just enough to boost the military’s morale.

The sound of walking hoofsteps pulls Luna out of her complicated thoughts. When she turns to her right, she spots the pegasus Lieutenant Wind Strike, and the unicorn Sergeant Thunder Bolt.
“Your Highness,” Wind Strike announces, as he and Thunder Bolt pull over in front of the thrones, and bow before the princess. “You called us?”
“Yes,” Luna replies, rolling up the list and placing it to the side with her magic. “I need you to gather ten of your best, each. It appears my sister’s student reported of a sighting from where they are.”
“You mean, there are more out there?” Thunder Bolt questions.
Luna nods. “I’m afraid so. And I believe this is no coincidence. Whoever these creatures are, they are on both fronts of Equestria. And I intend to find out why. Gather your best guards. We leave as soon as possible.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.” Wind Strike and Thunder Bolt bow their heads, and rush off to where they entered.

Alone again, Luna patiently waits for their return. However, something still bothers her like a thorn in her side. Can the guards really deal with these beings? As far as she has seen the metal wreckage when it was taken inside the castle, it appeared far more advanced than any other machine she has seen. What about the Elements of Harmony? Luna vigorously shakes her head. No. She must not let her worries get to her. This is not a national threat, yet. Besides, she has two full squads of the best guards on their way. This is a perfect opportunity to show that Equestria’s forces have not dumbed down.

After another fifteen plus minutes of waiting, Lieutenant Wind Strike and Sergeant Thunder Bolt return with ten of their own best guards. All of them are dressed in different armor, which appears old and has a dull gray compared to the current golden armor.

“Your Highness,” Lieutenant Wind Strike says as soon as all the guards line up in front of Luna. “We are ready. I have carriages ordered and waiting outside.”
The princess rises from her throne. “Good. We must leave immediately if we are to be on time.” She looks down at the guards standing at rigid attention. “Are you comfortable in the armor? It has not been used.”
“We’ll get used to it, ma’am.” Thunder Bolt replies. “The preservative spell helped us save a lot of time.”
“It was Thunder Bolt’s idea we should be wearing this. Gives better protection given what is happening,” Wind Strike adds. “May I ask where we are headed?”
“I shall brief you on our way,” the princess says, proceeding forward with all twenty-two guards following suit to the main entrance.

As they exit outside, there are already two large carriages waiting in front. Celestia’s sun is still hanging high in the late afternoon as Thunder Bolt’s squad of unicorns and Wind Strike enter the carriages. Two pegasi of Wind Strike’s squad hook themselves to the carriage each, and the rest act as an escort. When everyone is set and secure, the pullers take to the skies with the pegasi escort, and fly west for their mission.




LCpl. Kevin Brooke
2nd Battalion 1st Marines
1.5 Miles from Nearest Shore Unknown Date Day 2 Unknown Time (Approx. 21hrs)



I peer through my riflescope at the tiny beachfront located a couple miles from our position as the sun begins to set swiftly but steadily. I pan my M16 at the rest of the shoreline with whatever sunlight there is left, only to see large cliffs that span for miles on end.
“See anything unusual?” Pelayo asks behind me.
“No.” I shake my head, and lower my rifle.
“Got an idea where we are?” Michaels asks next.
I ponder for a short while before giving an answer. “I dunno… Argentina. Chile, maybe.”
“Eh, First Sarge should be here anytime soon to change shifts,” Michaels lazily waves. “Getting tired of this…”

All four ships have been idle since we arrived at this certain beachfront around midafternoon. And Michaels, Pelayo and I have been on watch since we got power back. Fortunately, assisting sailors clearing away remaining filth on the bridge wing at least kept our minds busy while our ship leaders try to figure out where we are. The bad side is we have been following an endless ocean cliffside for a few hours leading us to virtually nowhere. We have made no radio contact with anyone. And we cannot find a single satellite to locate our position.

I turn around to have a look at the Michael Murphy on the starboard aft of the Anchorage, when instead I spot First Sergeant Keane with Sergeant Mendez, Corporal Hends and Corporal West behind.
“First Sergeant,” I say. Pelayo and Michaels turn around, and the three of us stand at moderate attention.
“Time to change shifts,” Keane announces. “You’re relieved, Marines.” A wave of relief swells inside us after finally hearing those words. We have been on the same spot ever since we came out of that portal, and I’m ready to get out of the blazing sun.

Before we grab our stuff, the door beside the bridge opens, and a sailor pops out his head.
“Hey,” he calls out to us. “Which one of you is the leader?”
“That would be me,” First Sergeant properly replies.
“Commander Gaines would like to speak to you.” The sailor motions for him to enter.
“Brooke, Michaels, Pelayo. Remain here,” Keane orders us. “Mendez, come with me.” Mendez gives us a quick smirk as he enters the bridge after First Sergeant.

“Ugh, shit,” Michaels whines, leaning back against the rail. He takes off his helmet to wipe off a layer of sweat from his forehead. “Really wanted to get out of the sun.”
“You seemed to have enjoyed it when we were in Hawaii,” Hends reminds him in her monotone voice.
“Hey, I enjoyed it for the ladies,” Michaels corrects.
Hends rolls her eyes. “Yeah, it wasn’t like you were sunbathing ‘n all just to impress,” she counters. We all give away a small chuckle.
“Oh, so that’s how you want it to be,” Michaels insists, taking a step forward.
“Geez, you two act like middle schoolers,” I point out, enjoying their little conversation.

The door to the bridge opens again, and out steps First Sergeant Keane and Sergeant Mendez. We snap our attention to them and straighten our backs. Michaels puts his helmet back on.
“Marines, grab your gear,” Keane says. “We got a mission.” I look to Michaels and Pelayo puzzled.
“What’s our mission, sir?” Corporal West asks.
The first sergeant motions us to follow, and leads us down the bridge wing. “The commander himself wants two teams to scout that beachfront,” he explains. “Us and First Squad are assigned to the mission. Commander has a RHIB underway.”
As we turn a corner, Corporal West opens a door behind the bridge, and we enter one by one. The cool refreshing air conditioning brushes against my sweaty face the moment I step inside the ship.
“No Ospreys, sir?” Hends asks Keane.
“Our birds have been damaged when we exited out of that portal. Mechanics are still repairing them.” Keane pulls to the side once we reach an intersection with a small set of stairs to the left.
“You have fifteen mike to get what you need,” he says. “Rendezvous down in the well deck with First Squad.”
“Aye sir,” we answer at the same time. Keane quickly turns a corner, while we steadily climb down the stairs.

“It’s about time we get to do something,” Michaels comments.
“Come on, now,” West addresses from behind. “Remem’er, we still don’ know where we are.”
“I’m just saying. At least we’re doing something rather than nothing.”
“Well, we still have to consider what West said,” Pelayo says almost worriedly.
“Hey Pelayo.” Michaels picks up the pace until he is next to the young Marine. “Just chill. It’s a scout mission. In ‘n out.”

I hope… I will admit, my adrenaline started pumping when First Sergeant Keane announced we were going for a scout mission. It reminds me during RIMPAC when I was part of an amphibious landing force with Australia and Canada. That excitement and thrill in the amphibious assault vehicle until we hit shores.

I can feel my heart pounding nonstop as we continue further down the corridor to wherever we need to go. The mission First Sergeant assigned us has burrowed in my mind, I forgot where we are heading. Yet, I can’t shake this eerie feeling building up inside. We are a small fleet of four ships, and have no radio communications and no satellite connections. My mind plays back to when we encountered that crystal in the Pacific. I pray we will not meet any of those giant insects again.