For the first time in Six didn't know how long she sighed in relief as the warm water washed over her coat. How long had it been since she had had her last proper shower? Six couldn‘t remember but that didn‘t matter now. All that did was the feeling of warm water running down her body and through her wings and between their feathers.
It was exactly what she needed right now to unwind. Or at least it should have until she looked down and saw the burn across her chest. She clenched her jaw and looked forward, her reflection staring back at her from the white tiles.
‘God damn it!‘
With a smash her hoof connected against the wall, shattering the surrounding tiles and sending a few of them tumbling to the shower floor in pieces. She stood there for several seconds, her hoof still held up as the water continued to cascade down her coat.
‘I need to punch something‘
She exited the bathroom shortly afterward, her eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. Quickly re-equipping her undersuit and attaching the armor six attached her helmet back to her hip and made her way to the door. Opening it she half expected Crowly to be standing there waiting for her but to no avail. There was no human-turned pony in disguise waiting to bring her back to the fight. It was just an empty hallway with two guards in golden armor flanking the doors.
The guards snapped to attention at the opening of the door and the large Spartan stepping out into the hallway. Six then turned and faced the guard to her left.
“Where do the guards train?“ Asked the Spartan, surprising the already nervous guard.
“U-uh the guard has a section dedicated to them down in the courtyard.“ Answered the guard after a short delay.
“Take me there“
With his composure restored the guard briefly lit his horn, causing the Spartan to tense. But just as quickly as it appeared it disappeared as the guard looked to his partner and gave a small nod.
“Then follow me“
A short walk later being led by the guard with his partner behind them, the three of them had arrived at the guards training grounds. Looking around Six was… actually quite a bit impressed with what they had compared to what she had expected from these ponies. A large jogging track surrounded the courtyard, its area being marked out with white chalk.
In the center of the track were several obstacle courses similar to those back in the UNSC. To the right of the track lay a firing range where several Unicorns and Pegasi were firing spells and crossbows downrange. Finally to the tracks left stood some sort of wooden octagon with wooden weapons lying against the wooden posts, a sparring range. Several training dummies stood to its north, their forms beaten and worn. Surrounding the entire training grounds were multiple small buildings, barracks, and offices. Some of them were even built into the castle walls surrounding the entire area.
The court was utterly bustling with activity as the shouts of drill Sergeants and the thumping of hoofs hitting the dirt. Occasionally the grunt of pain from the sparring area reached her ears as a guard failed to block an attack. A small smile began to grow on the Spartans’ face as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“So I take it you’re the Mare I‘ve heard so much about.“ Came a new voice from her left. Opening her eyes she turned to look in the direction of the voice. There she saw another guard approaching her. But they were different, their armor was… well he certainly looked more important than those around him.
“Depends on what you‘ve heard.“ Answered the Spartan as the two guards next to her saluted when the pony passed them to stand before Six.
“Well I‘ve heard only good things I’m afraid.“ He said with a smile. “I am Captain Shining Armor of the royal guard. And I would like to personally thank you for your help in Las Pegasus. You saved some good ponies down there, and that won't be forgotten easily.“
“Heh, I was just doing my job, Sir, no need to thank me.“
“A Soldier through and through aren't you? Well if you need anything don‘t be afraid to ask. Now, welcome to the guards training ground here in Canterlot. Is there anything I can perhaps help you with while you're here?“ Questioned the Captain as he gestured to the training fields behind him.
“No, Just wanted to get some training done, Sir. Perhaps, if you can gather a few volunteers, that is, I can show some soldiers how a Spartan stays in shape.“ Offered Six to the Captain. She was here to help these ponies in any way she could, some Spartan-level training routines would do them and her some good. After all, what better way for a soldier to cool off than by yelling at a bunch of trainees.
“Hah, say no more.“ He said before his horn briefly glowed a light pink. Then as if a switch had been flipped all across the courtyard as the soldiers stopped what they were doing and moved to line up in front of the Captain. Several guards were clearly tired out but at the sight of the Spartan standing next to their Captain that fatigue melted away. It seems as if even this far from Las Pegasus the exploits of the Spartan had been told.
‘Heh they have no idea whats in store for them’ Though the Spartan amused.
Soon the soldiers had been gathered and small whispers regarding the Spartan could be heard being shared amongst the soldiers in front of the pair.
“Alright men settle down!“ Shouted the Captain, bringing order to his guardsmen before him. “I would like to start off by saying that what I am about to explain to you is purely voluntary and by no means mandatory, you may leave if you wish to continue on with your assigned duties. Now as I am sure you have noticed we have a special guest among us today.
“She is offering to give those of you who wish, her own training routine for today. Six you have the floor.“ Finished the Captain before stepping back slightly and letting the Spartan forward.
“Thank you, Captain. My name is Lieutenant Sierra-B312 Noble Six, you will call me Six. I am what is known as a Spartan. What I am offering will not be easy. It will no doubt be impossible for a majority of you. But for those of you who stick through it, you’ll all be one step closer to becoming the hero's your country needs you to be. If you still wish to join me, follow me.” With that Six began to make her way towards the obstacle course in the center of the courtyard. Several curious guards and one Shining Armor followed behind her.
‘Well this is interesting’ Thought the Princess of the Sun as she looked down at the bustling courtyard before wincing as a guard took a rather hard strike with a wooden sword. After hearing the news that Six had decided to go to the Guards’ training grounds, she was naturally very curious as to what her newest guest was up to.
Needless to say, finding her pushing her guards to their absolute limits was not completely out of the realm of possibilities but this was a bit too soon for the princesses' taste. She had been watching since Six had first arrived in the courtyard. The most barbaric and punishing training routine the princess had ever seen followed suit.
From starting with a 40km run around the track to a grueling dash through the various obstacles courses whilst several Unicorns did their best to slow the ponies down. Even the Captain was taking part with his attempts to slow them down. And all the while Six did not stand on the sidelines, she was doing these exercises as if they were the easiest thing known to ponykind whilst wearing that strange armor.
But even then she made sure to properly teach the guards following her grueling routine whenever they failed and fell. It was certainly clear from the way she was acting that this workout was more for her benefit than theirs but it was still nice for the princess to see that this mystery mare was more than a soldier.
Underneath the to-the-point personality and layer of strange black and no doubt enchanted armor was a pony like any other and that did bring a smile to Celestia's face. Before it was promptly removed by another harsh blow against one of her guards down in the sparring area where the Spartans group found themselves in.
“Aunty? What are you doing out here?” Came the unmistakable voice of her niece Cadence coming up behind her.
“I could ask the same for you Cadence. You need rest…” Answered the solar diararch, her voice full of concern as she looked back towards the slightly limping cadence. Her face fell into a sad smile as her eyes spotted the bandaged hoof Cadence held against her chest.
“I have rested enough, thank you very much. But you still haven't answered my question.” Continued Cadence as she stepped beside Celestia to see what she was watching below. Only to gasp as she watched a guard be thrown into the ground after failing to parry a rather vicious attack by a large mare wearing some sort of black armor.
“That is the reason I am out here Cadence. She is our newest guest here in the Castle and also quite the Enigma.”
“Is this the mare from Las Pegasus my Shining has been talking about, this… ‘Six‘ right?“
“Yes she is-“ Another wince “Certainly something. She calls herself a ‘Spartan‘ some type of ‘Super-Soldier‘ that has decided to help us. Other than what she calls herself she is a complete Enigma and a lockbox of secrets not even SMILE can crack.“ That got her a surprised look from the pink Alicorn.
“Really? Not even SMILE? How…How is that possible? They knew the contents of my next diary entry before I even did!.“
“I know tis a mystery, but one I believe I have the answer for.“ Joined the voice of Luna from behind the pair.
“Morning Sister. I take it your mission was a success then?“ Asked Celestia with a smile towards a baggy eyed Luna.
“It went better than expected. Here, let us discuss my findings somewhere more private. You may join us as well Cadence. You are no doubt curious as well about the Mare your Husband seems so fascinated by.“ Finished Luna with an amused smile towards a now sputtering Cadence
“Don‘t even joke about that Luna! Not this soon after the wedding where I almost lost, said Husband!“ Shot the Princess of Love back angrily.
“I kid my dear Niece, but after what I have found…I needed some amusement.“
“Is it truly that bad Luna?“ Asked Celestia worried, following her sister into a nearby meeting room, Cadence followed behind her looking equally as worried now.
“No Celestia…“ She began turning around to face the pair. “It's worse.“
new chapter pog :>
Mission Objective: SURVIVE
"And you can't complete it."
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*Six unsheathes knife with murderous intent*
Really weird how you keep using commas instead of quotes and apostrophes. That’s not a typo I’ve ever seen before, and you make it a lot.
You should probably reread your chapters before posting them got alot of ,, instead of " which is just... weird to see.
11030318
Damn i thought i got them all
11030324
Theres a bunch near the end
11030303
I wrote the entirety of this chapter on my ipad which does that automatically its the german way of „“ but hey its better than fuckig up words am i rite?
11030329
Having never studied German, I didn’t know that was a thing. Certainly makes more sense, now. Thanks for the clue by four.
I guess iOS needs an easier way to swap frequently used keyboard languages than wading through the settings app.
Oh, come on!
Are you doing this on purpose? Might as well cite the next verse, hell I might even do the entire song depending on the number of cliffhangers...
Here we go
🎼 Because of a cliffhanger softly creeping
♪ Left its seeds while I was sleeping♪
JJust so it's clear this part of the comment bugged out and I can't seem ttunbug it
♪ound of se
I'm going to read this soley because of this quote and you can't stop me
11030384
Gotta keep you coming back somehow
"shes on normal difficulty."
11030420
„You don‘t understand Celestia! We‘re on Legendary whilst she‘s on easy!“
Tis gud, gib moar.
11030442
I thought it was LASO (Mythic)
I know Luna answer that way
Simpel actually, be nice and polite, dont backstab her and there fine.
Otherwise Celestia & Luna are far worse literally moving Sun and moon...
11030482
cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/796861074812043314/903387055453777981/IMG_3017.png
You could say... they have no idea what kind of trouble they are in. You could also say Noble 6 is a bit of a badass.
And if you don't understand the references I'm making, I have to wonder why you're here.
I had stopped actively tracking this story because it was hiatused. Boy am I glad it got featured again. Also I'm on the same boat as the others who think Luna's fear is out of character and over exaggerated.
Considering that Luna saw things that not even she can stomach, and there are nothing she can reference it from...yea. She's correct here.
It's not bad, it's full on worse than you could even consider.
Great job, it's good to see you back up and running.
I'll be sitting over there in a corner, waiting for Six to get angry about Luna poking around in her head. Because, sooner or later, it will happen, I hope.
11030501
Sadly thats not a good way to do it, when you dont fully knows one intention, its always best to test them to grasp their reaction, otherwise you are easily prey to manipulators and psycopaths.
11030641
Think about Luna‘s fear like this. She has fought in probably hundreds of battles in the past against griffons, dragons and who knows what else. She is an Alicorn and controls the moon and stars. Then you get told to investigate this strange pegasus pony that singlehandedly took on a changeling battalion and came out without a scratch on them or any type of fatigue. So you enter their dreams to find out more about them and hear something you didnt know could exists.
Large creatures with mandables that have killed billions. Weapons that turn the ground to glass. Big hulking brutes with the power of a dragon and the ruthless intelegence of a changeling. Armies of grunts to numerous their marching feet create earthquakes. Such is the Power of the Covenant and it is something Completely out of Luna‘s perspective of Equis. Then she hears that this pony. This Pegasus fought a whole army of them. Alone for three days and nights straight.
Luna should undoutbly be terrified. If not only of Six but of the Covenant she fought aswell.
Damnit. Halfassed information is gonna serve them worse then no information.
11031035
They are in a war with Changelings. The trust test you suggest comes on its own trough countless very deadly encounters probably... Than again Changelings are focused on there prey being alive so on the Battlefield there probably the most non lethal enemy in history. Dead prey dont produce emotions for harvesting, sure as shit dont recover from harvesting to be re-harvested...
11030679
the mostion tracker is one thing spartans rely on but mostly they combind that with hearing and sight as they have kinda hyper reflexses from there intense training. but the only thing luna really need to do is just use levitate on six and bam she cant do anything like with mc and didact on halo 4 un less the titanium some how have effect on magic but i doubt it but eh depends what they might go for.
and luna is a terrefying enemy if she use her full advantage off dreams by literaly never allow her enemies a peacefull night off sleep plauged by nightmares and the like
11031131
But what nightmares can you give a being that gives nightmares?
11031145
Failure is a big one. Futility is another.
11031037
The problem with this is that information about the covenant would be rather limited because those soldiers were present for most of it and already have most of the information. Luna has only the enemy types and that S-B312 is a warrior. Kill count per single engagement is impressive sure but I wouldn't say terrifying enough to rattle someone like Luna. In her own way, Chrysalis probably has a similar or greater kill count for a single battle (by virtue of the nature of changeling swarm tactics and the queen's tendency to participate in the battle).
11031131
The overshield is very powerful localized electromagnetic fields all over the armor. this makes it very disruptive to energy fields like levitation. For levitation to take: the object's surface area must be completely covered by the magic field. Which would be almost impossible with magnets of that potency.
As far as detection goes Luna's mastery over shadows makes detecting her all but impossible. She can intensify their aura so much so that the magical white noise would disrupt equipment like the motion tracker, active camo, and hologram. There is also the detail that when traversing the shadows the lines between reality and a dream are blurred, in effect despite not teleporting she (and her thestrals) is not moving from one location to another, rather she stops existing in one shadow and then exists in a different one.
Actually, if we want to talk about how terrifying Luna can be. I would put her on par with a Flood Gravemind because of her ability to utilize logic plague. She is so dangerous that simply talking with her could prove disastrous. ad onto that her dominion over sleep and nightmares, the Thestrals, and her centuries of combat experience (did I mention that she's an artist?) and you get a being that you do not want to piss off.
11031208
Yes you are right but there is a big difference. Chrysalis is a queen, the changeling equivalent of an Alicorn. Luna is an Alicorn that controls the moon and stars. Both have incredibly powerful magic at their sides. To Luna Six is a Pony, that may be her hight yes, but she is just a pegasus with some really powerful strange armor. If it were a fellow Alicorn I doubt Luna would give it much thought, afterall they are incredibly strong. But Six isn‘t. For all intensive purposes this normal Pony‘s kill count is on par with Alicorns. If that isnt something to be feared by said alicorns theni dont know what is.
11031213
Oh, I see what you're getting at, and yes I agree. I still don't think it would be to the extent you had her display though.
11031217
dont forget that she potenstialy if she did not loset it her augmentastion witch make her basikly capabel off lifting up TONS off weaigths along with bones that is in line off titanium off strength and enhanced reflexed and now dubble that with the spartan power armour.
also a normal being would not be able to use spartan 2 armour as it would kill them as there reflexes speed and stregth would not be fast or responsive enough to cope with the armour
11031056
Remember the manipulation part? would you put Chrysalis above killing her own drones to set a spy amid Celestia's army? even discarting that there is still the possibility of the the UNSC "invading" after helping against the Changelings, there is just too many factors and agendas to consider in these situations that explain their hesitation in trusting Six.
11031394
Carefull is good but lets not go nuklear on em. Also...
Talking is better than backstabbing. 7/10 times
The remaining 3/10 just suck ass by default ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
11031406
I'd put it 50/50 at best, if both sides are smart enough they will understand each other situations.
11031566
Agreed. Communications are key for mutual benefishal relations!
11031359
MJOLNIR improves strength, speed, and perception by a multiplier of five. Even with the protection of the armor, a strong enough blow to the back of the head can be fatal. I guarantee you that an alicorn can land a hard enough hit. The armor can protect from almost anything (to an extent) however without an AI it would be significantly more difficult for a Spartan to defend against a surprise attack of the nature Luna can bring.
11031213
So basically that's like finding a random UNSC marine grunt in weird armor and learning that they have the body count of a Spartan that they have gotten all by themselves. Yeah I can see the fear that would come from it as well as the fact that they don't even have a idea how anything about what makes her or the armor to begin with. The gaps in tech level and the desperation needed to make a Spartan are way out of what the ponies could even conceive let alone the fact that they use magic tech and we use mechanical tech with gene splicing.
Hell the differences are so wide that if you drops her in WW1 or WW2 I think that you could have played it out in almost the exact same way and the gap might not have changed that much besides the human bit.
So to get back to the point I was going toward yeah I think her fears are justified and while the methods aren't the most noble, I mean hell Six would probably use similar methods if she could and its not like our government are any better.
11031217
Agreed. Luna might be concerned, but when you consider the kind of power they've demonstrated over the course of the series, the alicorns at the very least are in no danger of being outclassed by the super-soldier. Now, to be fair, just about everyone else is totally under par. So I'd say threat-wise, the SPARTAN probably sits between most of the pony races and the Alicorns, in terms of threat level.
(Assume NMM and Daybreaker represent what those two are capable of at maximum threat value. Midnight Sparkle on Earth is a good example of Twilight at her worst, and so on. All of them would be too powerful for a single supersoldier, even one of the hyper-lethals. But that's kinda like charging the Death Star with an X-Wing. It's an overkill example. You can only win that kind of engagement if you can cheat at Epic scale, like Luke did.)
What just occurred to me when reading this latest chapter was if the literary concept of Transfictionality exists in this universe. If so, I could see Twilight writing Sunset to settle her nerves. Twenty minutes later, there's a flare in the library wing, and Sunset tosses the Halo Trilogy games onto Twilight's table...
11033110
I really want to see that now
11033110
Jesus fuck dont give me ideas like this because i can totally see that Happening now
11034143
I get that, but Luna brought a literal piece of paper with the ONI symbol on it before Six went to sleep, I'm wondering where she learned the knowledge of finding that symbol?
11034412
That does seem like a bit of a plot hole (and not the fun kind).
11034913
Kinky.
But anyway if you go back and read the effects of Luna’s spell it creates an imperceptible transition between reality and fiction making the dreamer not even aware of their current sleeping state.
She's going to have to fix that or pay somebody to do it
For the love of god Noble Six, I don't think they can survive Spartan III training!
11033110
Yeah, but it's not a matter of raw power, Spartans are insanely skilled, give them a blade that can negate the immortality of a normally immortal being, and basically, you have an unstoppable God Killer on your hands. Six doesn't have to be more powerful than Celestia and Luna to kill them... And to make it worse as a Spartan III, ONI Assassin, and for the longest time in her career a personal Grim Reaper... Yeah, Noble Six with enough planning and cruel intent may actually be capable of doing things to Celestia and Luna that might make them wish they could die...
"bad? No. Worse? You can't imagine how thin our thread of peace is..."
A few of the Guards are going to become Eques' own Spartan IVs which are going give the Changelings real problems.
11121436
I wouldn't hold me breathe, a lot of wrong things hidden below pubic eye had to be done in order to get the Spartans we know. If Six ever divulges the bioengineering processes she went through to become a Spartan, I do not think Celestia or Luna would condone such a morally dubious action.
Now, training a physically fit elite unit with the unbreakable mindset of a Spartan? That can be much easier to achieve.