> Operation: VECTOR in Equestria > by type13 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Mission 1: Unexpected > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Static* “This is VECTOR, Delta team, do you read me?” *Static* VECTOR was greeted with only the static sound of his radio as he tried for the nth time whilst hiding in a dark alley. “Where in the world am I?” he asked himself as he peeked from the corner of the alley he was hiding, there he saw colorful ponies; some had wings, while others had horns, mostly females from what he deduced. When VECTOR suddenly woke up, he was in the middle of what seems to be a town, surrounded by what seems to be colorful ponies. He did not know how he ended up there or why he was there, he did not even recall the events before his arrival, but what he did know was that he was unarmed and surrounded, it was a good thing that he was wearing his suit, so he quickly activated his cloaking device and ran for the nearest empty location, an empty and dark alley way, which where he is now at. “Now now everypony, no need to be alarmed. I’m sure it was just Discord, playing another trick on us” said a grey pony with white hair. Murmurs and whispers of them agreeing can be heard, to which gave VECTOR a slight relief, it seems that it was the first time they have encountered a ‘human’. But one mint green pony could be seen pouting. “Now back to business everypony! I’m sure you all have lots of work to do, as am I” said the Brown pony with white hair. And with that, the ponies began to disperse. “I can’t mimic these creatures, so it seems cloaking is my only option. Now I need information, if there is a town, there should atleast be a public library. I just hope that I can understand the writings; now all I need to do is wait for it to get dark. Now where can this library be?” said VECTOR to himself, not knowing that a pink pony was next to him. “If you’re looking for the library, then just go left from here! It’s a big ol’ tree in the middle of the town! You can’t miss it!” answered the Pink pony. “Thanks----“ said VECTOR, but as he realized that he was found out, he then quickly turned invisible and with a swift motion, got behind the pink pony, mounted it and grabbed its mouth. *mmmmffff* “Who and what are you? And where am I?” whispered VECTOR as he did a quick look around if the pink pony had any company. “I’ll slightly release my hand, If you so much as scream. I’ll break your neck, got it?” whispered VECTOR as tiny beads of sweat came out of the pink pony’s face. And as he released his hand slightly, the pink pony answered in a soft tone. “I’m Pinkie Pie, an earth pony and this is Ponyville” ‘Ponyville? Where am I? Is this a dream? I’m threatening a pink pony for Christ sake!’ thought VECTOR as he held the mouth of the pink pony again. And as VECTOR pondered over this information, he was about to ask the pink pony again when a voice came from above them. “Hey Pinkie! What’cha doin down there?” asked what seems to be a light blue Pegasus, with a rainbow mane and tail. ‘I may be either intoxicated and/or hallucinating, I mean, it’s a FUCKING rainbow Pegasus pony!’ thought VECTOR to himself as he was trying to grasp the events he was currently experiencing. “Girls! I found Pinkie!” shouted the Rainbow Pegasus. VECTOR then perked up at what the rainbow pony had said. ‘More of them? Should I kill this one and move on? No, they’ll be on high alert if I did that’. And as VECTOR thought of a way on how to get out of this situation he was in. The sounds of hoof steps can be heard, and as the blue Pegasus landed in front of them. Five others appeared next to them, another Pegasus with a butter yellow color, a marshmallow white unicorn and one purple unicorn/Pegasus hybrid. And finally, one orange pony wearing what seems to be a cowboy hat. “Pinkie, darling. We must hurry! Or we’ll miss the train to Canterlot” said the white unicorn pony, she had a classy type of tone of voice. “Yeah Pinks! What are you doing here anyway?” said the light blue Pegasus. VECTOR was in a tight spot, killing them will cause an alarm, and running away will bare the same result. So what he did was unexpected, even for him. He deactivated his cloak and dismounted the pink pony, but without releasing his grip on her. *Audible Gasps* “Do not be alarmed! I come in peace!” said VECTOR as he released his grip on Pinkie Pie. To which Pinkie Pie quickly went to the other side. “What in tarnation?!” said the orange pony with a western accent. “Are you alright Pinkie?” whispered the yellow Pegasus as she hugged the pink pony. “Who or what are you?!” asked the purple unicorn/Pegasus as the group starts to slowly back away from VECTOR. “Code name: VECTOR, I am a human, like what I have stated; I come in peace” said VECTOR as he raised his two hands in surrender. “VECTOR? Human?” asked the purple unicorn/Pegasus, as the group gave frightened and quizzical looks to one another. “The commotion earlier was because of me, I have woken up in the middle of town with no memory prior to the events at hand” answered VECTOR from within his gas mask. “I am in need of assistance to getting back to my own world. I apologize if I have scared your friend; I was scared and confused myself. I am not from this world and I have no memory as to why I am here. I have no other options, but to seek help from you. “I understand” answered the purple unicorn/Pegasus hybrid, to which the others gave a surprised look. “You can’t be serious Twilight! How can we be sure this guy is telling the truth?!” said the blue Pegasus. “As you can see, I am unarmed.” Retorted VECTOR as he waved his hands at the blue Pegasus. “As if! You have that cloaking thingy! And with how Pinkie acted, your dangerous!” screamed the blue Pegasus. ‘She does have a valid point’ thought VECTOR, and here I thought that they’re as smart as an 8 year old girl. “Enough Rainbow Dash, like he said. He’s lost, alone and confused as to why he’s here. It’s the first time we encountered this ‘human’ but I think he’s telling the truth” said Twilight. “How do we know he’s not lying?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Applejack? What do you think?” asked Twilight as the group turned to the yellow earth pony. “Hmmm, can’t really tell, with that face of him, but I think I’m with Twilight on this one RD, I mean, he did say that he was lost and confused. So can’t we at least give him the benefit of the doubt?” answered Applejack as he looked at VECTOR. VECTOR nodded in response and was about to speak when the sound of screaming was heard. *EVERYPONY RUN!!* “Oh my! What is it now?” said the white unicorn as the group turned to where the scream was heard. “Shou-should we take a look?” suggested the yellow Pegasus. “Let’s. VECTOR, you should come too, maybe more of your kind have also appeared” suggested Twilight “I agree, I apologize for earlier Pinkie Pie” said VECTOR to which Pinkie Pie got out of her funk and gave VECTOR a warm smile and spoke. “Apology accepted! Now I can throw a welcoming party for you!” shouted Pinkie as she appeared next to VECTOR and hugging his left leg. ‘If only I can kill you right here and now’ thought VECTOR as he looked at Pinkie from his Gas mask. “Just to be clear, to what Applejack, I believe?” “Yeah?” said everypony in unison “This is not my face, this is a Gas Mask, I do not know if your atmosphere is fit for humans like me, so I will be keeping it on” answered VECTOR. *SCREAMING* “I think that is our queue?” said VECTOR as he looked at Twilight. “I agree” and as the group went to the source of the scream, with VECTOR following closely behind. Rainbow Dash flew next to the ‘human’ and spoke. “I still don’t trust you VECTOR, even if you do look kinda cool” said Rainbow Dash. “You have every right too, I am an Alien to your world. But know this; I am capable of protecting myself. So if you ponies or whatever you are, plan on hurting me, I will fight back. And it is not in my priority to die here” retorted VECTOR as he did not even turn his attention at Rainbow Dash. “Is that a threat?” “My dear Rainbow Dash; that is a mere statement. I do not make threats. Other people are usually the ones threatening me.” “Really?” “Yes. Even if their already on the ground with me above them pointing a gun in their face.” said VECTOR as he slowly looked at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash could not see VECTOR’s face, but she knew that behind that mask, he was smiling an evil smile, to which gave the blue Pegasus, a spine tingling fear. What Rainbow Dash didn’t know that she was talking to an assassin; cold and calculating, VECTOR one of the most expert killer in par with the man called: “Mr. Death” “Do not fret, I will not harm you or your friends, it’ll be of no benefit to me. And besides, Pinkie pie is going to throw me a party, is she not?” *Sadistic Laughter* > Mission 2: Orders > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hurry girls!" commanded Twilight as the group increased their pace. "Rainbow Dash, could you go on ahead? Rainbow?" "Ye-yeah! I'm on it!" answered Rainbow Dash as she turned her attention to Twilight, and after a quick glance at VECTOR, she flew past the others in a fast pace and went on ahead. But something caught the attention of the white Unicorn when she saw a glimpse of Rainbow Dash. "Is something wrong with Rainbow Dash?" asked the White Unicorn as she looked at VECTOR. "What do you mean, miss?" "Rarity, I apologize if we are kinda late with the introductions, we will properly introduce ourselves after this." answered Rarity as she turned her attention to VECTOR. "It's alright, regarding your question, No, I don't think there is anything wrong with Rainbow Dash" answered VECTOR whilst looking at Rarity. Then suddenly VECTOR pointed infront of him and shouted. "Watch Out" "Wha-----" before Rarity could finish her sentence, VECTOR jumped to the side and dragged Rarity to the side. The cause of this is because of a huge boulder coming their way to which the others did not notice either, due to the fact that it came from above them. "Are you alright?" asked VECTOR, to which Rarity did not answer, due to her being unconscious. "What in blue blazes happened?" asked Applejack, as the group just noticed what happened and quickly stopped in their tracks and approached the scene. "A large boulder almost crushed Rarity, and I think she fainted due to the shock" Answered VECTOR as he stood up and faced the group. "Are you ponies capable of throwing large Masses like these?" VECTOR added. "A Unicorn maybe, but there are no boulders near Ponyville, plus why would anypony do something like throwing a random boulder." answered Twilight. "Well, maybe----" before VECTOR could finish his sentence, he was cut off with a muscle bound white Pegasus slamming from his side. "VECTOR!" screamed the girls in unison. And as VECTOR and the white Pegasus pony crashed in a nearby food stand, VECTOR shook his head and looked at the direction of where the Pegasus was thrown. To his shock, he saw a huge 10 feet tall Troll wreaking havoc. And as the girls galloped to VECTOR’s side, he quickly pointed and shouted. ”He’s got another HORSE!!” To which the girls looked at where VECTOR was pointing and quickly jumped out of the way and so did VECTOR. After regaining his composure, VECTOR looked around and saw that the ponies where in a state of panic and once he spotted the group of Twilight, he approached them. “Are you girls alright?” asked VECTOR. “I don’t get it! Trolls don’t usually get near here, they’re too darn stupid to walk past everfree forest” said Applejack gaining her composure and so did the others. “Ye-yes, Mo-mountain Trolls usually don’t rampage, just give them food and they’ll be gone” answered the Butter yellow Pegasus. “Maybe not all of your kind knows of this?” asked VECTOR. “No, Fluttershy is right, all of us here know how to handle hungry Trolls” answered Twilight as she approached the group. During this time, Rainbow Dash flew back to the group and reported to them that there are exactly 2 Trolls mindlessly rampaging. “Two?! What in Equestria is happening?!” said Twilight with a worried look on her face. “We only need to feed them right? According to the information you have given me.” Answered VECTOR “Well V, some brave ponies tried that but, as you can see….” said Rainbow Dash as she pointed to the ponies that lay on the floor unconscious. “I see, then, just kill them, simple” retorted VECTOR. “If you haven’t noticed yet V, killing them will be impossible, have you seen the size of those things?” said Rainbow Dash, as she pointed a hoof on one of the Trolls, clearly as big as a house. “The Bigger they are, the harder they fall, as they say” said VECTOR as he looked at the Troll. “Now hold on a second there, partner. You can’t be serious right?” said Applejack as she trotted next to VECTOR. “How are you gonna take down those things?” “I-is there no other way?” asked Fluttershy “Would you really exchange the safety of your friends over mindless creatures like these?!” snapped VECTOR. To which made Fluttershy hide behind Applejack. “Now listen here partner, I understand the risks involved here, but there is also a saying that: if there is a will, there is a way. And you don’t have to snap at her lie that.” VECTOR only gave an audible sigh and apologized to Fluttershy, to which Fluttershy acknowledged with a nod. “What do you ponies suggest then?” asked VECTOR. If he would have his way, he would have killed the two Trolls plus these ponies, but due to the fact that he needed these ponies to have any hope of getting back to his own world. In the recess of his mind, he wished that this was all just a dream, and that he would wake up sooner or later. “Alright, leave it to me. First: Pinkie and Fluttershy, fetch Rarity and the other ponies and get them to a safe place where they won’t get hurt” commanded Twilight. To which the two complied and went to two separate directions, Twilight then continued. “Second: Rainbow dash and Applejack, scout for any injured ponies and take them to safety. You two are the only ones strong enough to carry other ponies who are injured.” To which the two has followed suit and went into two separate directions, with determination in their eyes. This caught VECTOR’s interest, it seems that hybrids like her are in command or maybe, she was just caught in the moment, though he doubts it and asks Twilight himself. “You are very good at taking up command, Twilight. You know each and every one of your friend’s capabilities. Is this your first time in command?” VECTOR asked as he walked next to Twilight. “Well, they are my friends. And managing things is kinda my forte. Besides, Trolls are much simpler than what we had faced before” said Twilight with a sheepish grin. “I see, then, I believe you have a plan on how to stop these trolls without killing them” VECTOR asked. “Well, kinda, I have it right here….” and as Twilight said that, a magical dagger appeared and floated in front of her. “This dagger can’t kill, but it has been magically imbued with a disruption spell” “Where did you get that dagger?” asked VECTOR as he took as step back when the dagger appeared. “One of the perks of being a princess I guess? I got it when my teacher, Princess Celestia, let me read one of the books in the sealed achieve at ----- ” but before Twilight could continue on her explanation, she was cut off by VECTOR. “Yes, yes you can stop there Twilight, we have much better things to take care of” said VECTOR “Now about that Disruption spell?” “Yes, those Trolls aren’t mindlessly rampaging, I can see the darkness in their eyes, and I know them all too well” “I see, well then, what do you intend to do with that dagger of yours” asked VECTOR “Well, that is where you come in VECTOR. You see, I’m not the flying type yet, I’m not used to my wings yet” said Twilight as she showed VECTOR how she tried to lift off the ground, but failing miserably. “I see, let’s get the details on that later, what do want me to do?” “With your cloaking device, you can stab this dagger in their hearts, can you do that?” asked Twilight. As the Dagger magically floated infront of VECTOR, Twilight could not see this but, behind his Gas Mask VECTOR was grinning. And as he took the dagger with one hand and turned to face the first Troll, he crouched in a battle stance and slowly from down up he started to disappear. Beginning Mission… > Mission 3: Mission Accomplished > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As VECTOR approached his first target without being noticed, he was greeted by a voice in his head. “VECTOR? Can you hear me?” “Twilight? How did you---“ “Telepathy, never mind that, now this’ll serve as our communication as I guide you to your target” “Listen, Twilight, I don’t need you on this. Trust me when I say that I’ve handled things far worse than this Troll” “Wha--- Alright, fine. Just stab the dagger at the Troll’s heart and it’ll be unconscious after a few seconds. I’ll tell you where the second one is located when you’re finished.” “Copy that, over and out.” “What?” “…………..” As VECTOR arrived a few feet from the first Troll, he looked up at his target; and was wrecking complete havoc on anything its huge hands could grab. VECTOR then looked at his wristwatch to check on how much energy is left for him to stay invisible. “86%. Still a lot, doesn’t matter that much, I’ll just recharge via solar panels later” said VECTOR to himself, after looking at his wristwatch he then looked at the magical dagger that he was holding; it has a wooden brown handle and a metal blade; nothing out of the norm, but the blade itself has, what seems to be word carvings, but was not readable for VECTOR. But what stood out the most is the purple aura that surrounded the blade. ‘Well, Twilight did say that it was enchanted’ thought VECTOR to himself. ‘Enough with this! Time to proceed with the task at hand’ VECTOR looked at a broken building that has a huge gaping hole at the top floor that was next to the Troll, it was even almost as huge as the Troll. VECTOR then ran inside the building, making his way up to the top floor. As soon as he reached the top floor he went inside the room that had the huge hole and saw the face of the Troll facing sideways. VECTOR then backed up a few steps, held the dagger backhanded and then made a quick run and jumped at the Troll. He then landed in the chest of the Troll and grabbed the cloth it was wearing. As the Troll moved from side to side wrecking chaos, not even realizing that VECTOR has now grabbed on. VECTOR then looked at the face of the Troll; true it was fucking ugly, there’s no denying that. But there was something in the beast’s eyes that caught VECTOR’s attention; it had a black flame-ish aura coming out. ‘It’s almost the same as this dagger. Twilight was right, it’s being controlled magically’ VECTOR thought to himself. He then righted himself to where the heart is placed and stabbed at it multiple times, just to be certain. Which bared the result of what he was expecting; the black aura disappeared on the beast’s eyes and its face showed signs of drowsiness which signaled VECTOR to jump down. To his luck, there was a pile of hay near the foot of the Troll. VECTOR then jumped off the beast and landed at the stack off hay. And as VECTOR walked away, his body from the head down begins to reappear and the body of the Troll could be seen in the background, falling on its back, asleep. “Come in, Twilight. I’m done with the first one” “Really?! That was quick! Are you injured?” “Not at all. Now, where’s the last one?” “Just head northeast from where the first one was, and you’ll see Rainbow Dash keeping it busy” “Copy that. Heading over there now” With that, VECTOR ran to where he was instructed to go at full speed. In VECTOR’s mind, once he is assigned to a mission, he sees it as an opportunity to better himself so that one day, he can be as good as or even better than his mentor. And as VECTOR arrived to where the second Troll was. He saw Rainbow Dash zipping in the air distracting the Troll. The blue Pegasus was fast, even fast enough to get in close enough to the Troll’s face, kick it a few times then fly out of the way of the incoming hand. “Why won’t you go down already!” screamed Rainbow Dash at the Troll. VECTOR surveyed the area; there were no nearby houses he could use to mount the beast. He then noticed a medium sized crate and a wooden stall near the Troll and Rainbow Dash. VECTOR then thought of an idea. He readied himself again and after a good while he quickly sprinted to the medium sized crate, jumped at it, then landed in the wooden stall and used the stall’s cloth roof to spring himself forward to the direction of Rainbow dash and the troll, he then shouted at Rainbow Dash to get her attention. “Hey Rainbow Dash!” And as Rainbow Dash turned her attention to the source of the voice who called her, he saw VECTOR coming right at her, to which she hardened her body and closed her eyes, knowing that it’s far too late to dodge the incoming human. VECTOR, upon seeing Rainbow Dash’s reaction, stepped on her back and used it as leverage to jump at the Troll who was dumb founded by the sight of VECTOR. And as the Troll was about to swat VECTOR with its hand, to its surprise, VECTOR disappeared and the hand that was supposed to hit VECTOR stopped as if paralyzed due to the sudden disappearance of its target. The Troll was confused as to where his target went, it then felt something heavy attached itself to its cloth, and then it felt something pierced it in the chest, but there was no pain. What it did feel was relief, like falling asleep after a long day’s travel, it felt relaxed. As the Troll lay unconscious on the ground, VECTOR reappeared sitting on its belly while the magical dagger was still pierced in the beast’s chest. He left it there knowing that it already served its purpose. Rainbow Dash then flew next to VECTOR to voice in her complaints, to which VECTOR only ignored by not answering. And as VECTOR sat at the beast’s belly with Rainbow Dash next to him, complaining. He closed his eyes and spoke through his mind. “Mission Accomplished” > Mission 4: Debriefing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Here, a little something for your trip back to the mountains” said Fluttershy as she gave a bag of fruits to one of the Trolls, to which it took and began walking back to the mountains together with its fellow Troll. And as Fluttershy waved goodbye at the leaving Trolls, VECTOR sat on an empty crate with a solar panel in his hand to which was connected to his suit and the magical dagger stabbed on the ground, just in case the Trolls where to Rampage again. “Are they gone?” asked VECTOR as he stashed the solar panels back in one of his suit’s pockets, then picking up the dagger and standing up. “Yes, they’re on their way back to their tribe at the North Mountains” answered Fluttershy as she faced VECTOR, who was not exactly looking at Fluttershy. “Then we should head back” “Yes, let’s” *** As VECTOR leaned on one of Twilight’s bookshelf, the five ponies gave their report to Twilight about their individual tasks; all injured ponies where escorted to the ponyville hospital, anypony who fled outside of ponyville was now back and every able pony is now helping fix ponyville. “All right, everything seems ok now” said Twilight with relief showing on her face. “Good thing nopony had any major or fatal injuries!” said Rainbow Dash, and then quickly looked at VECTOR’s direction “I still can’t believe, you stepped on me!” she added with a scream. “You mean to tell me that a few pain in the back is more important than stopping a rampaging Troll?” asked VECTOR as he looked at Rainbow Dash. “Was there no other way? I mean, you could have thrown me the dagger and let me handle it, right?” “Oh? Then how would you be able to hold it then? Last I know you don’t have hands!” retorted VECTOR as he leaned close to Rainbow dash and raising a hand next to his face mocking the blue Pegasus. “Would the two of you just shut your traps? Just be thankful that the problems are over now?” interjected Applejack as she made her way in the middle of the two and placed a hoof on the each of their chest. “Thank you, VECTOR for stopping the Troll, but atleast you could apologize to dash over here, what you’ve done, did hurt her. And as for you RD, atleast be thankful that VECTOR was there to save our flanks from the Trolls” said Applejack as he let go of her two hooves. “Fine!” said Rainbow Dash in defeat and raised a hoof as if initiating a hand shake. VECTOR only looked at the hoof in front of him; VECTOR was not the one to back down from a fight to prove that he was correct. His judgments up until now were precise and straight to the point. Whenever he is given an objective, a mission or even a simple problem, he tends to make the quickest and the most effective way to accomplish it, never putting the account of others in the equation. ‘If that’s what it takes to get it done, then so be it’ he always thought to himself when faced with the tasks at hand. “Enough of this” said VECTOR flatly as he ignored Rainbow Dash completely and walked towards Twilight. “Why you?!----“ Rainbow Dash was cut off by Applejack with her hoof and was shaking her head. “It’s not use Rainbow Dash, fighting him won’t get you anywhere” said Applejack, to which Rainbow Dash just glared at VECTOR. “Twilight, will you be able to help me get back to my own world?” asked VECTOR as he approached Twilight who was sitting in the middle of the room busy with writing. “I don’t know yet VECTOR, that’s why I’m writing this letter to Princess Celestia, about what has transpired here in Ponyville” she answered whilst not turning her attention to VECTOR. And as she finished her letter, she shouted. “Spike! Spiiiiiiiike! I need you to send a letter for me. Spike?” “Umm, Twilight?” squeaked Fluttershy as she trotted next to Twilight. “What is it Fluttershy?” “Ummm, I fetched Spike earlier when the Trolls where rampaging and told him to go to the shelter. He may still be there or he may still be on his way back.” “I see, well bummer” “So-sorry Twilight” “No! don’t be Fluttershy, I should be thanking you, so, Thanks a lot for telling Spike.” to which Fluttershy only gave a warm smile and a small nod. “Alright VECTOR, it seems like you need to wait for my assistant to get back, so while we’re waiting. I’ll answer any questions you have for me. Now please, sit” said Twilight as she gestured VECTOR to sit in one of Twilight’s chairs And as VECTOR sat at the wooden chair, he crossed his arms and lies back a little, then spoke. “Alright, you mentioned just now that you have a princess to send that letter to, am I to assume that, that is your teacher?” “Yes, Princess Celestia is one of the rulers of Equestria, which is our world by the way. I am her protégé so to speak.” As Twilight said those words, VECTOR remembered HIS mentor. A cold, smart, ruthless soldier that goes by the alias “Mr. Death” due to the fact that he was always knocking on Death’s door. Whenever there was a dangerous mission, his mentor will always be the only man standing and completing the mission, whilst his team would all be dead. “We forgot to introduce ourselves!” said Twilight as she suddenly remembered that they were interrupted with the Troll attack earlier. And as Twilight introduce everypony in the room, starting with Rarity and ending with her, and that they are the bearer of what they call “The Elements of Harmony” to which made VECTOR cringe. ‘Damn that’s cheesy as hell, Elements of Harmony? It’s like I’m in some cartoon or something’ VECTOR thought to himself. He then proceeded to introduce himself, telling them that he was an operative of a pharmaceutical company that handles Viruses and remedies. A soldier that protects and carries the mission of the company and leaving out some personal information that even Umbrella doesn’t know. He also added that he goes to dangerous missions such as retrieval of stolen property from rival companies and ‘Cleansing’ missions. “So let me get this straight V, your work is basically like daring doo?” asked Rainbow Dash as she flew next to VECTOR, with a smile on her face. “Daring…doo?” said VECTOR as he slowly turned his attention to a now beaming Rainbow Dash, they couldn’t see it but, behind his gas mask VECTOR raised one of his eyebrows and had a quizzical look on his face. ‘What the hell is with the names of these ponies, they could pass as codenames, sure. But real names?’ he thought to himself and shrugged mentally. “Yeah! She’s a cool pony who goes on deadly adventures to retrieve artifacts!” answered Rainbow dash as VECTOR could see the glitter in her eyes. “Only in comic books though” retorted Rarity as she flipped her mane to the side, to which both VECTOR and Rainbow dash turned their attention to. “O---------kay, so let me get this straight VECTOR, you work for a pharmaceutical company? Why in the world would they need people like you?” asked Twilight with a quizzical look on her face. “You see, the competition in my world is far apart than the competition here in yours. As I could tell, this is a peaceful world, whilst in my world, is a ‘dog eat dog’ world a ‘survival of the fittest’ to be more accurate. The more resources you have the higher you are in the food chain. So our company tends to have our own resources stolen, but that does not mean we do not steal ourselves. Our greedy employers tend to horde all of the resources for themselves” answered VECTOR as he looked at Twilight. “You ponies are quite lucky. To not have to deal with conflict with every waking hour” added VECTOR as memories of his early life flashed between his eyes, which made VECTOR close his fist with anger. “Indeed we are, I could only imagine a world that you described, that resources are the only things that matter. Not just living life as it is” said Twilight with a look of pity on her face. “Enough of this sad saddy moments VECTY!!” said Pinkie as she jumped on VECTOR’s lap and sandwiched VECTOR’s Gas mask with her two front hooves. VECTOR thought for a moment to just grab the pink pony’s head and snap her neck. But alas, if he did that, then he would lose all chance of going back to his home. So VECTOR only grabbed her by the waist, lift her, and set her down on the floor and pointed a finger on her muzzle and said. “Do not. Do that. AGAIN” he said with a flat tone. “Okie dokie lokie VECTY! But I need to set up your ‘Welcome-to-our-world-and-saved-us-from-two-rampaging-trolls Party!” said Pinkie as she literally bounced up and down. To which made VECTOR sighed in defeat. At that moment, the door to Twilight’s Home/Library swung open, and what seems to be a little purple lizard appeared, to which everyone in the room took notice. “I’m back everypony!” said the little purple lizard. And as it walked in, it took notice of VECTOR and quickly ran behind Twilight. “Who-who-who is that!?” pointed the little purple lizard, while quivering behind Twilight. “It’s alright Spike, he’s a friend” cooed Twilight as he patted Spike’s head. “VECTOR, this is Spike, my number one assistant. Spike, this is VECTOR, he was the one who helped us with the rampaging Trolls” VECTOR only looked at Spike without saying a word. Spike then felt relieved to hear what Twilight said and greeted VECTOR. To his surprise, Spike was a baby dragon, to which Spike demonstrated by spitting a small green flame. “Good timing Spike, I need you to send this letter to the princess” said Twilight as she magically handed Spike the letter. “Umm, okay? Why not just give it to her yourself? I thought you guys were heading for Canterlot?” inquired Spike with a raised eyebrow. *Audible Gasps* And in unison, all of the 6 ponies spoke in surprise. We Forgot! > Mission 5: To Canterlot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I wonder what’s taking them so long, didn’t they catch the first train?” asked Shining Armor as he sat on a bench at the Train Station. “You there!” as he commanded one of the three escort guards that accompanied him, “Tell the Princesses that the bearers of the Elements of Harmony will be a little late” “Sir yes sir! Will there be anything else, sir?” “No, there’s --- scratch that, fetch me a sandwich from my wife, Princess Cadence” said Shining as his tummy gave a small rumble. And as the Guard gave a salute and trotted away to accomplish the task he was given, Shining ordered the other one to fetch him some coffee. And after all of the guards were gone, he gave an audible sigh. “Man, am I hungry; where in Equestria are you Twiley?” *** It was midafternoon, and as the ‘Friendship Express’ made its second trip from Ponyville to Canterlot, One of the Carts was filled with the Bearer of the Elements of Harmony and a Bipedal Creature named VECTOR. As the six where in their respective ‘bunk’ talking about various stuff regarding a meeting in a place called Canterlot. VECTOR simply lay in his bed and watched the scenery outside from a small window. Earlier “You. Cannot. Be serious with this Twilight” said VECTOR as he stood dumbfounded infront of what seems to be a ‘Train’ in the eyes of these ponies. “What’s the matter Sugarcube?” asked Applejack as she trotted next to VECTOR as she put down her small luggage to the side. “This ‘thing’ is a train?” asked VECTOR as he gestured disbelief at the ‘Train’ infront of them. Even so much as to put a hand inside his mask and made a rubbing motion. ‘It’s a god damn good thing, I’m the only one here, if the rest of DELTA team were to see me now, I’d have to kill them.’ He thought “Oh, I know what you mean, Darling! The thing needs a good old makeover!” said Rarity as she trotted to VECTOR’s side with apparently a huge hat she made herself, but with no luggage to be found. *sigh* “That’s not what I meant. Aren’t you bringing anything?” asked VECTOR “Oh! It’s already being taken care of, dear” answered Rarity as she turned her attention to a poor Spike putting several luggage inside one of the train’s cart. ‘Idiot’ VECTOR thought to himself as he looked at a suffering spike trying to balance Rarity’s luggage. “Alright everypony, the tickets been taken care off. Let’s move out!” called Twilight, and soon after everyone entered the ‘Friendship Express’, except for one. “Aren’t you coming V?” asked Rainbow Dash as she opened one of the windows of the train’s cart. “Is there no other way of transport?” asked VECTOR as he stood in his place, still facing the train. “Why? Are you scared of trains or something?” teased Rainbow Dash as she tried to stifle a giggle. ‘There is a motherfucking colorful Cupcake cart!’ VECTOR thought, but kept his cool and just looked at Rainbow Dash silently and gave an audible sigh. “Fine...” Present “So V, enjoying the view over there?” asked Rainbow Dash as she hovered next to VECTOR, to which VECTOR noticed and turned his attention to Rainbow Dash “How?” asked VECTOR in a flat tone as she face Rainbow Dash “How. What?” “How does your world maintain this kind of….Peace?” he asked again, and as the others heard VECTOR speak in a long while ever since they boarded the train. They trotted next to him. “Well, not everypony is perfect, we had times of quarreling and fighting. “Answered Twilight “And sometimes, we make super-duper wrong accusations!” added Pinkie as she looked at her friends and smiled. “We even fight amongst our own kin” added Rarity as she looked at Applejack and gave a nostalgic grin. “We even tend to over think the smallest of things” added Applejack with a chuckle. “Like judging somepony just because they’re different or something as simple as finding the perfect pet” added Rainbow dash as she looked at Twilight with a giggle and then looked at a book in her bunk. “But by the end of the day” said Fluttershy in a soft voice but with a warm smile. And as the group of six ponies came closer to each other and gave each other the warmest of smiles, then looked at VECTOR. “Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Loyalty and Magic are all that is needed to bring the Magic of Friendship to our hearts and live a life of Harmony” finished Twilight. VECTOR only looked at group of ponies silently. Friendship? Harmony? true, the world he lived in will never attain peace. Power hungry corporates are the ‘Virus’ itself of that world. Umbrella, BSAA and even the Government, none of them really matters as long as there are people who are willing to reach the top of the food chain. Peace will be but a word. ’Why? Why am I here?’ “I’m going get some fresh air” said VECTOR as he stood from his bunk and walked to the door that leads to the last cart of the train. “Ummm, alright. You should get some rest though, it’s already dark out, my guess is we’ll be arriving at Canterlot after a few hours” said Twilight “Copy that” “But didn’t you say -------“before Fluttershy could finish her sentence, VECTOR closed the door behind him. “----that you don’t know if our air is breathable for you” she finished as she looked at the others, and each of them giving worried looks to each other. *** Upon arriving at the end of the cart, VECTOR lazily placed his hands at the railings and looked over the horizon. It was already pretty dark, and the only light that was present was a full moon. VECTOR looked up at the moon for a moment then looked at his wrist device. ‘Scan Complete’ ‘Result - 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% other gaseous molecules’ “Looks like the air here is breathable” said VECTOR to himself. He then lifted his Gas mask up slightly so that his mouth could be seen only. He then took a deep breath and exhaled satisfyingly. “The air here is…nice” he said as a small grin crept from his mouth, it was neither malicious nor mischievous, it was a grin of satisfaction. But alas, this is but a small bliss, when VECTOR suddenly heard a sound from the roof of the cart he was in. And upon hearing this, VECTOR put his Gas Mask on yet again. *Creek* If it was a normal creature, it would not be heard. But VECTOR’s ears are trained to perfection, hearing the faintest of sounds when it comes to silent missions. And as VECTOR grabbed the edge of the roof of the cart and slowly lifted himself, as to not give away his position. Using his modified Gas Mask He saw five small creatures via Night Vision. And when one of the creatures faced VECTOR’s way, he saw something familiar. ‘Black Aura, They’re possessed’ he thought to himself. As the small creatures conversed silently, in a language that VECTOR couldn’t recognize. Each one went forward swiftly and silently, VECTOR suddenly saw as they were leaving, a small knife in each hip of the creatures. ‘They’re armed; they’re not as mindless as those Trolls’ And as each creature forwarded, VECTOR saw that the four creatures went to a cart and one was left behind to act as a watch. He then realized that it was the cart where Twilight and the others are sleeping. VECTOR then made sure that the one that was left behind wasn't looking before he fully climbed the roof. Silently he crept behind the creature in a crouching position. Like a Predator nearing its prey, VECTOR grabbed the head of the creature with both hands; with one hand on the mouth of the creature and the other at the back of its head. VECTOR already knows that these creatures are here for blood and that negotiations are out of the question. The creature didn't have a chance to even squirm, its eyes only widened. And besides, It’s not like Twilight or anypony else is here to lecture him, right? *SNAP!* > Mission 6: Massacre Train > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goblins are small humanoid monsters that walk upright even though their arms nearly reach their knees. Goblins usually live in tribes which are ruled by the strongest goblin in the group. These tribes vary in size from gangs of 4-9 to tribes of up to 400. As four Goblins placed themselves in both ends of the cart; two from the back end and two in the front end. The supposed leader of the group signaled something to the other two from the other side by raising two fingers in the air and gesturing to follow. And the ‘Leader’ and one of the Goblins from the other side jumped in unison down on the connecting bridge of the cart. The first two who went down slowly opened the cart silently, and as the other two was about to follow suit, the Goblin from the back end felt his mouth being covered by a huge hand and followed by a sharp piercing pain in its chest. The Goblin couldn’t scream in pain nor look at its assaulter; so instead it only looked at its tribe mate with wide eyes, to which the other Goblin noticed. And as the other one was about to jump down, it felt a strong piercing pain in its chest in mid-air. The force used was so strong that instead of going down, the Goblin was pushed to the side of the train and falling off the tracks. The now dead Goblin with a missing dagger on its waist, laid down the roof of the cart with its assaulter nowhere to be seen. *** *SNORE* Rainbow Dash was a loud sleeper, which was known by her friends for a long time now and was already used to it. So when the door slowly opened on the front end of the cart that made a small creaking sound, it was utterly ignored by the six, due to the fact that the creaking sound was drowned in the snoring of a certain Rainbow maned Pegasus. As the leader of the Goblins was supposed to enter the cart, it thought that something was not right, there was supposed to be a tribe mate that followed him. As the ‘Leader’ looked up to see what was keeping his tribe mate from following, at the side of his eyes he saw his tribe mate falling off the tracks. He could not believe what happened, so he slightly closed the door and looked to the direction of where his tribe mate fell, but alas, the train was too fast for the ‘Leader’ to have ever seen what exactly fell from the roof. What he did see was a black arm coming from below of the bridge connecting the carts and grabbing him by the neck and dragging him down to where the arm was connected; below the train. Just below the train cart, VECTOR grabbed at a metal scaffold that connected it to the other carts with one hand, and at the other hand was the supposed Goblin ‘Leader’. He stared at the thing and saw the face of the Goblin with the black-ish flame aura in its eyes not hiding its terror that delighted VECTOR to smile behind his mask. He knew that they spoke on a different language but with everything that he knows so far about the Black aura in its eyes. He knew that the one who possessed these creatures are watching. So he asked in a flat, cold tone of voice: “Who. Sent. You?” To VECTOR’s slight surprise, it did not answer. In its state of panic and fear it wiggled and grabbed its waist dagger, to which VECTOR noticed. With a fast motion, VECTOR lowered his arm that was grabbing the Goblin to the railings of the train. As the lower half of the Goblin made contact with the fast moving railing. The Goblins lower body up to its thighs was dragged and ripped to pieces by the fast moving train. The Goblin cried and screamed in pain, letting go of the knife that it held. Blood splattering everywhere and the scream of the Goblin being drowned by the sound of the Train, VECTOR, knowing that it had enough, lifted his arms again and leveled the face of the Goblin ‘Leader’ to his own and asked again. “Who. Sent. You?” As the Goblin rambled in a language that he did not recognize, fear and pain showing in its face and as the Goblin spoke something that VECTOR slightly understood. “KING….KING…KING….” VECTOR, behind his gas mask, made a quizzical look and was about to ask the Goblin once more. But to his surprise the Goblin Leader’s expression changed. From fear and pain to a flat and expressionless face, then slowly an eerie wide smile started to creep on its face and then spoke in a deep and malevolent tone of voice. “Aren’t you forgetting one more?” VECTOR stared at the face of the Goblin, and then it hit him. “Fuck!” was all VECTOR could say as the Goblin started to laugh maniacally. VECTOR then threw the laughing possessed Goblin. *Maniacal Laughter* As the Goblin’s body shredded and rolled to pieces off the track, VECTOR could hear it laughing as the sound grew fainter and fainter. *** As the Goblin who entered from the other side of the cart saw it’s ‘Leader’ suddenly disappearing, it quickly followed to where its leader was dragged, but stopped midway in its tracks as it was fully possessed. The fully possessed Goblin then grinned a toothy grin as it closed the door from where it came from. The inside of the Cart was Dark, the curtains of the Cart were pulled down, and so the light of Luna’s moon was not present. As it guided itself with the snoring of a Rainbow maned Pegasus, it positioned itself infront of the snoring Pegasus and drew the dagger in its waist. As the Goblin raised the Dagger in the air and was about to stab the Rainbow maned Pegasus, to its surprise, the window of the bunk behind the goblin broke. *CRASH* As VECTOR entered through the windows of the Cart, he saw the last Goblin; with its arm in the air with a dagger in hand, about to stab the now awoken mare. As the Goblin saw VECTOR, it quickly dropped down his arm with dagger in hand to finish the job, but to his surprise, he suddenly felt a kick at the back of his knee, to which made him kneel. As the shocked Rainbow Dash saw the dagger coming down at her, she instinctively grabbed the nearest thing with her, a ‘Daring-Doo’ hard-copy book; a 700 pages hardbound book. As the Goblin knelt with one knee, VECTOR grabbed the top of its head pulled it backwards so that the Goblin could see VECTOR from above, VECTOR’s face was not the only one he saw, he also saw his arms raised and his hand into a fist. And as VECTOR’s fist made contact with the kneeling Goblin's face, its head slammed hard on the floor and made a load sound that echoed through the room. *BAM* > Mission 7: Smile > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Darling? Wake up Shining Armor” whispered Princess Cadence as she nudged her husband as to softly waken him. “Mmm…hmmm? Cadence? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be waiting at the castle?” answered Shining Armor as he rubs the sleep in his eyes and slowly looking at his wife. “You’ve been here since this afternoon after your shift, you should get some rest at the castle and not out here in the cold” said Princess Cadence as she lovingly rubbed her muzzle on her husband. “Heh, I won’t be much of a soldier if I can’t handle a little cold, Darling” said Shining Armor as he stood from a bench that he was resting from and started to stretch his body. “But you’re MY soldier” retorted Princess Cadence with a giggle. To which made Shining Armor Blush and gave his loving bride a quick peck to the lips. “If you don’t want to go back to the castle, then I’ll just stay here with you. Besides, I think they’ll be here sooner or----- *CHOO! CHOO!* “Oh! Speak of the changeling, here they come” quipped Princess Cadence As Princess Cadence and Shining Armor along with six Royal Guards as escorts stood at the Train station’s platform and waited for the ‘Friendship Express’ to make its stop. The door of the train’s cart that held the bearer of the Elements of Harmony was about to open. What Princess Cadence and Shining Armor expected was their little Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but to their surprise, the one to first greet them was a tied up and battered Goblin. And as both Princess Cadence and Shining Armor stood there, shocked, they heard a not too familiar voice; it was muffled and somehow suppressed, like the sound of a voice inside of a mask. “Get moving” said the unknown voice as the Goblin who was infront of them was thrown onto the ground with what seemed to be a kick in the back. And as the ‘Friendship Express’ made its complete docking; excreted a smoke from below the carts signaling that the train made its complete stop. Princess Cadence cautiously called out to her favorite foal when she was once a foal sitter. “Twi-twilight?” asked Princess Cadence as the smoke from below the Carts still loomed in the scene. But there was no response. What she did hear was heavy breathing and was suddenly followed by two round insect like blue eyes from behind the Cart’s door. Upon seeing this, Shining Armor suddenly leapt infront of Princess Cadence with horn activated and shouted. “Who or what are you?! What have you done with my little sister?!” commanded Shining Armor as he aimed his horn at the two blue insect-like eyes infront of them. But it did not answer, what shining armor did not expect was two Black Hand appendages coming out of the cart’s door as it held both sides of the opened doors, and what seemed to be eye level to Shining Armor, the two Insect-like blue eyes rose higher as it came out of the door. And as Shining Armor was about to fire a magical bolt to the unknown creature, a familiar voice called out to him. “Shining Armor? Is that you?” “Twilight?” asked Shining Armor and Princess Cadence in Unison. As the smoke cleared up, they saw the strange creature infront of them; it was with eye level tall as Princess Celestia and wore a black outfit. What seemed to be the face of the creature was in-fact a mask with two blue insect-like eyes that glowed. To its side was Twilight with a confused look on her face. “Ummm, what are you doing big brother?” asked Twilight in a quizzical tone and a sheepish grin. “Stay away from that----that THING Twilight!” commanded Shining Armor as he pointed his horn at the creature again. “Men! Protect Princess Cadence at all cost!” he added. “Shining, did you not get my letter?” asked Twilight as she gave Shining Armor another quizzical look. “What letter?” asked Shining Armor not moving an inch and still pointing his horn, ready to fire at any moment. “Umm, dear?” asked Princess Cadence. “Not now honey. Twilight, what letter are you talking about?” “Shining Armor, I kinda forgot to give you Twilight’s letter” said Princess Cadence as she trotted next to Shining Armor with a note floating next to her. “Wha--- why didn’t you---“ “Well, you WERE sleeping, and besides, they came as soon as you woke up remember?” “But, didn’t YOU read Twilight’s letter?” asked Shining Armor as he magically took the letter from his wife. “Well, I enjoy looking at your sleeping face more” answered Princess Cadence with a giggle to which made Shining Armor blush. As Shining Armor read the Letter Twilight wrote, indicating on why they were late, due to an emergency and that they were coming with a strange and unknown friend. Shining Armor gave an audible sigh, rolled the note and gave the creature a weak smile and spoke. “I’m sorry, ummm ------” said Shining Armor with a quizzical look. “VECTOR” said VECTOR in a flat tone as he approached the tied and beat up Goblin. “----- VECTOR for suspecting you” “…..” “Ummmm, yeah, Oooook. So Twilight, what are you guys doing with a Goblin?” asked Shining Armor as he trotted next to Twilight. “And where are the others?” “They’re at the back still, helping Rarity with her luggage” answered Twilight as she rolled her eyes with the last part of her sentence but with a smile. “And as for the Goblin----“ As Twilight explained the mysterious events that happened at Ponyville as they made their way to Canterlot; how VECTOR appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the street, how two rampaging Trolls got separated so far from their tribe up north to Ponyville and how Rainbow Dash almost died because of the Goblin that they currently have. And as the group reached the entrance of the castle without having other ponies to see VECTOR; due to the fact that it was already late at night and the citizens of Canterlot were already asleep. Princess Cadence finally spoke to VECTOR. “So let me get this straight, VECTOR. You saved the town and its citizens from two rampaging Trolls, saved two Elements of Harmony, AND keep the Goblin alive for questioning” said Princess Cadence with disbelief showing on her face. “……Just get me back to my world” VECTOR answered as he shifted the Goblin he was carrying on his shoulder to the other side, not even looking at Princess Cadence. “Oooook. Is he always like that, Twilight?” asked Princess Cadence as she whispered at Twilight. To which made Twilight giggle and spoke. “I know he sounds rude and all, but I really think he just wants to go back. I mean, he is totally out of place here, I bet he really misses his friends” answered Twilight as he looked at VECTOR with a small smile, as VECTOR smacked the back of the head of the Goblin from moving too much. “That maybe so Twiley, but as you know, Goblins don’t tend to go on solo missions. Which brings me to a question; Where are the others?” said Shining Armor as he trotted next to Twilight. “Yeah, about that….” *** Earlier “Stupid Goblin! You almost killed me!” screamed Rainbow Dash as she kicked the now tied up Goblin in its arm. “Are you hurt Rainbow Dash?” asked Fluttershy as she practically hugged the sweating and shivering Rainbow Dash as she held the book that saved her from certain death. “She’s fine…” said VECTOR as he binds the now unconscious Goblin lying on the floor. “A Goblin?! What in tarnasion is going on here?!” said Applejack as she trotted next to VECTOR and offered to help him tie the creature more tightly. To which VECTOR only looked at the farm pony and tightened the Goblins rope. “First Trolls and now GOBLINS! What in Equestria is going on here?!” said Twilight in a loud voice as she trotted next to Rainbow Dash whilst not turning her attention at the Goblin. “Twilight…..” said VECTOR as he finished tying the Goblin. “I mean, how could this be? Goblins aren’t that smart!” said Twilight with a panicked tone of voice. “…..Twilight” “First the rampaging trolls now THIS! I mean C’mon! What’s next?!” Twilight trailed off as she did not notice VECTOR walking next to her and crouching to meet Twilight in the eye; getting something from one of his pocket. “For all we know Discord or even King Sombra ------ mmmf!!” Twilight was then shut up with a chocolate bar shoved on her mouth, now noticing VECTOR infront of her, and noticing that Rainbow Dash was also eating a bar of chocolate. “Shut up and eat the chocolate, it’ll stop your shivering” said VECTOR as he stood from his crouching position and sat next to Rainbow Dash, who finished eating her chocolate bar and plopping in her bunk, her head hitting VECTOR’s lap, as she drifted to sleep. VECTOR then took the dagger from the book Dash has holding close to and placed it in one of his pockets. As Rarity and Pinkie Pie trotted next to VECTOR and comforted both Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie noticed something red on VECTOR’s suit and spoke. “Hey VECTY! Is that ketchup on you?” asked Pinkie Pie as she bounced next to VECTOR and squinted her eyes to take a better look. *Audible Gasp* “IS THAT -----“ VECTOR then shoved a chocolate bar at Pinkie’s mouth “Blood” said VECTOR in a flat tone. He then slowly put Rainbow Dash’s head down from his lap and kneeled next to Twilight who finished her chocolate bar and stopped from shaking. “Twilight, you said something about a ‘King’ mind repeating that?” asked VECTOR. “You mean King Sombra? Why?” asked Twilight as she wiped some chocolate from her muzzle. “Well, when I was Interrogating the ‘Leader’ of this group, he mentioned ‘King’ over and over” answered VECTOR as he turned his attention at Pinkie and wiped her muzzle with a cloth, to made Pinkie Smile and then bounced next to Rainbow Dash. “Leader? Now that you mentioned it, there is supposed to be more of these guys” said Twilight with a confused look on her face. “I’ve taken care of them, don’t worry” Twilight then gasped and spoke. “Is that why you have blood on you?” “Yes… But that doesn’t matter anymore. These Goblins where possessed the same way the Trolls from Ponyville were. “You mean?” “Yes, the Black Aura. This brings me to the conclusion” “That it was the same pony that was behind the Troll Rampage!” said Twilight in a loud voice as she finally pieced it together. “Exactly… Now about that King Sombra of yours-----“ *CHOO! CHOO!* “I guess, well get to that later. Get your stuff; I’ll take care of this Goblin.” “VECTOR dear, could you help me with my luggage?” said Rarity as she trotted next to VECTOR. “……….” When VECTOR did not answer Rarity then gave her most popular Puppy eyes and Pouting lips so that VECTOR would be like spike and be a dear, but to her surprise. “…….No” said VECTOR as he took the now half-awake Goblin and dragged it to the Cart’s door. *** Present “I see, but we all saw what happened to King Sombra when the power of the Crystal Heart hit him” answered Shining Armor as he recollected what happened in the past. “I was not there so I don’t know what happened, did you recover the corpse?” questioned VECTOR as he handed the Goblin to one of the Guards as they stopped at a huge door inside the castle. “There was no corpse to recover, VECTOR. His body was drowned in the light, he was a being of darkness, he had no physical body to begin with” answered Princess Cadence. “I see…” was all VECTOR could say as he then turned his attention to the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. They were all clearly exhausted and with what they had experienced; Rarity being almost crushed by a boulder, Rainbow Dash almost being stabbed and after all that, reorganizing the whole town. “You should all get some rest, you all had a rough day. For peaceful creatures such as yourselves, I would expect this kind of violence to hit its toll on your bodies” added VECTOR as he saw the state of condition of the others. He was no team leader, nor did he ever want to. But in a weird sort of way, they have grown on him. Like a Virus. “I agree, but as much as I want to detest. Twilight you should come with us” said Shining Armor as he ordered one of the guards to show the rest where they will be sleeping for the night. “Don’t worry big brother, I didn’t intend to leave anyways. You guys go on ahead” said Twilight as she gave her friends one last group hug. And as the others broke of their group hug, a certain rainbow Pegasus flew next to VECTOR and stared at him a good while before blushing. “What is it Dash?” asked VECTOR “Look V, ummm, thanks for saving me. TWICE now if you add the Troll incident, but you only did that ---“ VECTOR then raised his hand to signal dash to stop his train of words, and then spoke. “No need Dash, Just get some rest” “Right… Thanks again V” As the five mares followed the guard to their respective rooms. VECTOR, Twilight, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence turned their attention to the huge two doors infront of them. But to VECTOR’s surprise he suddenly felt two hooves hug him from behind, then as quickly as it came, vanished. And for the first time in his entire life, VECTOR smiled a warm smile that was neither sadistic nor malevolent. A smile of relief. > Mission 8: Greetings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Now, Mind telling me what’s behind these two huge doors?” asked VECTOR, still staring at the doors infront of him. “Well, remember what I told you about my teacher?” answered Twilight with a smile. “Yeah?” “Well, this is the throne room” As the two huge doors glowed in a yellow aura, it slowly opened. As VECTOR saw the throne room, he was greeted with a huge room with a flight of stairs in the middle with a red carpet, and at the top were two Unicorn/Pegasus hybrids much like Princess Cadence and Twilight, but something was different from them. The dark blue one had a mane that flowed like the night sky with tiny stars. She wore a dark necklace that has the logo of a crescent moon and was a bit taller than Twilight and Cadence. The other one was taller than any pony VECTOR has ever seen. She wore a golden necklace, shoes and crown. Her mane was like Rainbow Dash’s but with a lighter hue and flowed like the void. If VECTOR would guess, the white one was Princess Celestia, the teacher of Twilight Sparkle. As VECTOR stared at the two, he felt as though they were true royalty. “Welcome my faithful student and new Princess! And also your unique guest” said Princess Celestia as she and Princess Luna flew down the stairs and landing infront of them. Twilight then trotted next to Princess Celestia and the two shared a warm nuzzle. “Where are the others?” asked Princess Celestia “I’ve sent them to rest, your majesty. They had an exhausting experience” answered Twilight as she looked at her teacher. “I see, now, It’s a pleasure to meet you---“ “VECTOR” “Sir VECTOR, Thank you for the assistance with the rampaging trolls. As you might know from my student, I am Princess Celestia and this is my sister, Princess Luna” answered Princess Celestia with a smile. “Can you get me back to my world?” said VECTOR out flatly, getting to the point. “Oh! Straight to the point I see” answered Princess Celestia with a smile. “But that can wait till the morning, you all should rest.” “Thy sister is right sir VECTOR. We have seen what you did on the ‘Friendship Express’, tis a remarkable display of dispatching such wretched creatures” answered Princess Luna as she trotted closer to VECTOR. “You are remarkable in the way of combat. Watching thee is like watching a silent play, without a sound but, enjoyable to watch” she added as she smiled at VECTOR. “Thank you for the complement Princess, but where you spying on me?” asked VECTOR “You might say that, but. I am the Princess of the night, and it is our duty to watch all of equestria in the night, safeguarding them from both reality and their own dreams” “I see…” “We also saw, what happened…” added Princess Luna “Yes VECTOR, Luna told me about the Goblins and how they were possessed” said Princess Celestia with a serious tone. “Then you also came to the same conclusion as us?” asked Shining Armor. “Indeed, it seems that King Sombra is still out there” answered Princess Celestia in a serious tone. “This is bad, if my guess is right…. The Crystal Kingdom!” shouted Twilight, as she finally realized it. “As far as I’m concerned this has nothing to do with me” answered VECTOR. “Tis true, this is Equestria’s problem not yours, Sir VECTOR” answered Princess Luna “You all should take a rest, and we’ll discuss in the morning on how to properly help sir VECTOR” said Princess Celestia. As the group made their way out of the throne room, VECTOR suddenly heard Twilight speak through telepathy. “VECTOR?” asked Twilight through Telekinesis. “What is it Twilight? Do have something to ask so importantly that you had to use this kind of communication?” asked VECTOR as he continued to walk without shifting his attention to Twilight, as to not rouse any suspicion. “It’s just that--- why do you think King Sombra was the reason you came here?” asked Twilight, which made VECTOR suddenly stop, but quickly continued to walk without anyone noticing. “What do you mean, Twilight?” retorted VECTOR. “Call it a hunch VECTOR. And I know that this problem of ours regarding King Sombra is not your problem, but. The moment you appeared here in Equestria is when trouble suddenly happened. And It’s a coincidence that, the time you appeared here is the time that we we’re supposed to come here to Canterlot for a meeting with the Princesses” “I see, but how is your meeting with the Princesses connected to anything?” asked VECTOR “That’s just it; we don’t know what the meeting is all about. As you know, I was newly appointed as a princess. And I’m not even stationed a kingdom; which I am so glad. I’m not ready to rule an entire kingdom yet.” “Again, that’s not my problem Twilight, I have enough shit to deal with back at my world. But you have a point, why am I here, and for what purpose was I sent here without any memory. Up until now, I have no clue how I got here” “I just hope that the Princesses can help us come tomorrow” As the group reached their respective rooms; Twilight, Princess Cadence and Shining armor shared a warm hug before going to their rooms. And as Twilight looked for VECTOR to say goodnight, she heard a door closing just across her room, Twilight then looked at the guard just outside of the door that closed and asked. “Did he just go inside?” asked Twilight. To which caught the attention of the guard and just gave a nod as an answer. *** “What the fuck is going on…” contemplated VECTOR as he stared at the moon from the Balcony of his room. “Fuck it, I don’t need to think of this anymore, I’ll be leaving here by tomorrow” said VECTOR as he turned around and looked at his bed. Removing his mask and putting it in a small table just across his bed, VECTOR breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the door across the room to which the Bathroom was located. “I need a good warm shower before going to bed” said VECTOR as he removes his suit. As VECTOR let the warm water from the shower hit his face and his body, he started to think about his future, about what will happen next. True, if you compare him to other operatives; he is light years away from them, and the only one who is stronger than him is his mentor, and besides, he likes to work alone; due to the fact that he dislikes incompetent teammates. If ever he is to be assigned to an assignment, he will prefer it to be with DELTA team; the wolf pack. Laying on the soft bed and looking up the ceiling. He contemplated how worlds apart Equestria and Earth are. Equestria is a planet that thrived in Harmony, whilst Earth is the polar opposite; true it had its peace, but, it thrived in conflict. Without constant war, how will people like him do a living? How will they survive? He was a born killer, a prodigy in the art of Killing. The only things that mattered to VECTOR was to get assigned to a mission, finish it in the most fastest and most efficient way, get back alive and get paid. This was his cycle, whenever his not assigned to a mission, he is either looking for another one or simply self-training. Things like friends, he doesn’t need it. The closest thing to a friend that VECTOR had was the DELTA team. But even still, at the recess of his mind, like his mentor; VECTOR also had the same problem regarding Teammates. He was the only one who lives while others die around him, Ever since he was a child. Rolling to the side, VECTOR closed his eyes and started to drift to sleep. Not noticing a black flame-ish aura, seeping through his eyes. *** “Where the fuck am I now?” asked VECTOR as he stood in the middle of a snowy waste land in a raging snow storm with his suit on, As a malevolent laugh can be heard throughout the snowy waste land. Making sure to check if he was dreaming, VECTOR removed his mask and felt the harsh cold hit his face, then putting it back on. And as the sound of the malevolent laughter got stronger and stronger, VECTOR pulled the dagger he got from the Goblin he captured from one of his pockets, but what he did not expect when he pulled the dagger was that, his other pockets seemed heavy. As VECTOR checked his other pockets, he noticed that he was fully equipped; from a machine gun on his back to a pistol on his waist and grenades on his back pockets. He then realized that the knife he was holding was not the knife that he took from the Goblin he captured but a gift from his mentor; his favorite combat knife. VECTOR was very confused, how did he suddenly become fully equipped for a mission? As the shadow loomed from across the horizon, VECTOR couldn't believe what he heard and saw just below the huge shadow; a swarm of Goblins running to his direction. But this did not faze VECTOR that much, grabbing a smoke grenade from his waist and shifting his dagger to a backhanded hold, VECTOR lazily stood up and started to count. “18? No, more like 26, hmph” said VECTOR cockily. As the swarm of Goblins was about to reach VECTOR with spears and daggers at hand, VECTOR lazily dropped the smoke grenade just below him. And as the grenade emitted a large cloud of smoke and completely covered a huge space to where VECTOR was standing. The Goblin swarm suddenly stopped on their tracks as the wind blew the smoke to their direction. And as one by one, each Goblin got engulfed by the smoke, each Goblin not even seeing their tribe mate next to them. Each one isolated by the smoke, they suddenly heard multiple screams of pain from their fellow tribes mate, so they only did what they thought was appropriate. They panicked. Poking and swiping their weapons in the air. As one Goblin who held a spear poked randomly in the smoke, it hit a flesh which made the Goblin smile in delight. As it retracted it spear to get a closer look, he saw his fellow Tribes mate; stabbed in the Chest looking at him with wide eyes, before dropping dead. This made the goblin just role its eyes and kept poking on the smoke expecting to hit its target. What he did not know was that, two blue insect-like eyes towered behind him. *Shlick* The head of the Goblin falling in the snow. > Mission 9: In the Snow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- …….. Goblin #9: Shot in the head with 1 round of bullet from a Pistol. Goblin #10: Knife in the Chest. Goblin #11: Used as a shield for #12. Goblin #12: Disemboweled Head. As the swarm of Goblins became less and less, until there were only 14 left as the smoke cleared out due to the raging snow storm. When the smoke cleared, 12 dead bodies lied on the snowy floor with their killer nowhere to be seen. The remaining 14 Goblins with weapons in their hand regrouped and formed a small defensive circle. Looking from all directions, they searched for their target, but alas, they cannot find him. All they saw was the dead (and some) dismembered bodies of their Fallen Tribe-mates. In a Native language that Goblins spoke; one of them ordered to keep an eye out for anything that as so much move and that they should try searching the snowy fields not leaving the small defensive circle that they made. They were ordered to kill, nothing more, nothing less; They’re Master did not care if they die as the shadow left when the Swarm of Goblins started to charge at their target. Click! As the 14 Goblins heard a clicking sound just inside their little defensive circle, they saw a small trinket; it was a pure black small can like object. The only thing that the remaining Goblins could do was tilt their head, before a huge explosion happened. 5 lucky Goblins survived, but not for long. Survivor #1: Knifed in the chest 6 times then slit the neck while still on the snow covered ground. Survivor #2: Shot in both legs before kneeling and being shot again in the head with a pistol. Survivor #3: Headshot. As the 2 remaining Goblins ran for their lives from where they came from, facing the ever brewing snow storm. Witnessing their last tribes-mate being killed off by an invisible killer, they ran for their lives, back to their master. They followed their orders to TRY to kill their target; 26 of them left for the mission, but only 2 survived. Hoping their Master will understand that they failed. “I only need 1 messenger” Survivor #4: Shot in the back of the Head with a Machine Gun. Scratch that. Only 1 survived. *** “Where the buck is VECTOR?!” screamed Twilight as she galloped back and forth in the now empty room of their unusual friend. “Calm down, Darling” cooed Rarity as she tried to calm Twilight for the nth time. “The Princesses and even your brother, are on the lookout for VECTOR” she added. “Rarity’s right, Twi. Just calm down and lets search his room for any clues” said AppleJack as she trotted next to Rarity. “What if he got kidnapped? Or worse, he might be hurt!” replied Twilight as she stopped from her Galloping and sat down with her front hooves on her face. “Reeelax! Knowing V, he is far from ‘getting hurt’. Heck! He might be the one doing the hurting!” said Rainbow Dash as she glided next to Twilight. “Dashie is right! VECTY is super-duper strong! Not to mention his invisible cloaky thingy!” added Pinkie as she bounced next to Twilight. “He-he might just be….just taking a stroll?” whispered Fluttershy. “I just hope he’s ok” said Rainbow Dash out of nowhere. Which caught the others attention and looked at Rainbow Dash quizzically. which made Rainbow Dash blush in return. Making all of them share a good laugh. Not knowing that their unusual friend is in an unknown place. *** “Reporting in from just outside of Canterlot, sir!” saluted a Royal Guard pony at Shining Armor; who was looking at some written reports from other Guards and Scouts. “Yes? Have you found some kind of magical traces?” answered Shining Armor, not turning his attention from the written reports. “As per your instructions, sir. Yes, we have found magical traces. Just outside of the Canterlot Gates, sir” “Good. Inform the princesses about this and tell the others to do the same tracking you did, understand?” commanded Shining Armor as he looked at the Guard pony. “Sir yes sir!” And with that, the Guard pony went off to where he was instructed to do. Meanwhile, at VECTOR’s room; Twilight and her friends looked for any traces that VECTOR or his/her captors have left, but to no avail. And as they were about to lose hope, a letter magically appeared infront of Twilight. “What’s that Twilight?” asked AppleJack as she trotted next to Twilight. “It’s a letter, from the Princess” answered Twilight as she unfolded the letter and silently read it. “Well? What does it say?” asked Rainbow Dash as she glided next to Twilight, as did the rest of her friends, waiting for Twilight to say something. “Well, it says here that my brother and the other guards, has found some magical traces just outside of Canterlot and that we should check if this room has some too. And to contact them as soon as possible if there is some here” answered Twilight as she looked at her friends. “Well, get to it then!” said Rainbow Dash. “Right! Rarity, I need you to help too” asked Twilight. “I’m way ahead of you, Darling” answered Rarity as her horn started to glow. As Twilight and Rarity’s horn glowed, the entire room’s background color started to change. What happened next made everypony in room not believe what they are seeing. Before they started to look for any magical traces, the room of VECTOR was just any other guest room in Canterlot Castle; white wallpaper with a bed that is big enough for two ponies to sleep in and some drawers for their stuff to put in. All in all, a normal room for royal standards. But when they started to look for magical traces, the whole room was now colored black; from the wallpaper to the drawers; even below the bed was black. “What. The. Hay. IS GOING ON?!” screamed Twilight at the top of her lungs. *** “HELP! HELP! HELP!” screamed the Goblin as it ran, not even looking if he was being followed or if his tribe-mate was still alive. As long as he reaches that barracks and is safe, he doesn’t care. Following just a few feet from the Goblin was VECTOR, invisible. He has followed the Goblin for good few hours now. As he looked at his watch to check on his suit’s energy, he thought to himself that if he followed this Goblin, he might get some answers as to why he was suddenly here and how to get back to Canterlot. “36%, damn it, how long will this Goblin keep on running? At least the storm stopped” said VECTOR to himself, true he was glad that at least the storm stopped. But he was still in an unknown region, but what kept bugging him was how he ended up in the middle of nowhere with full equipment to boot and no memory how he got there. He then realized that this has happened before, and it hit him. No memory, in the middle of nowhere. It was like how he got here in the first place, and that dark shadow and malevolent laughter. VECTOR thought he heard that kind of laughter before. “The Train…Goblins…Black. Well now, now we’re getting somewhere” said VECTOR with a small smile on his face from behind his mask. As VECTOR followed the running Goblin, the said creature then went down to what seems to be a small horizon, and as VECTOR followed, he couldn’t believe what he saw. A huge Encampment just below where he’s standing. From Barracks, Forges and Ritual sites to a huge skull like building. But the thing that made even VECTOR twitches an eye. The Running Goblin was headed to an army with at least 22 Battalions and counting, fully equipped for an all-out war. “Holy shit…” was all VECTOR could say as he stood dumbfounded at the sight of the army just below the horizon. As a familiar malevolent laugh, could be heard from below and a looming shadow can be seen circling the army from above, as each battalion gives out a war cry one after another. ”I need to get the fuck out of here” said VECTOR as he looked for some sort of transportation; he then saw a sight he couldn’t believe. “…..Is that a mother fucking dragon?” > Mission 10: A New Mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Tell me what you know!” commanded Twilight as she interrogated the Goblin that they captured at the Friendship Express. The Goblin only shook his head sarcastically and gave a quizzical look. “Don’t play dumb on me! I’ve already casted a translation spell so you can understand me. Now tell me where your master took our friend!” shouted Twilight as her front hooves slammed on the table. The only respond the Goblin did was sit back, shake his head and gave a cocky smile, to which made Twilight extremely angry as smoke literally came out of her ears. As Twilight was about to explode from righteous anger and was about to give the Goblin a piece of her mind. Shining Armor intervened and spoke. “Don’t Twiley, He’s not worth it” said Shining Armor. “But, what about VECTOR? How will we find him? He clearly knows something!” asked Twilight as she pointed a hoof at the Goblin with her last statement. “Like I’ve said earlier, we’re already tracking the black magical ‘hoofprint’ the culprit left from VECTOR’s room. It’ll take a while, but, we’ll find him” comforted Shining Armor as he put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, reassuring her little sister. “But---“ “Leave this to your Big Brother Twiley. Now go to the others, they’ve been looking for you” “Alright, just inform me of any new info you get, alright?” said Twilight as she trotted to the door. “As you wish, Princess Twilight” answered Shining Armor with a smile. To which made Twilight roll her eyes but with a smile and left the interrogation room. “(Now that we’re alone, I have some questions for you)” said Shining Armor in a native tongue known by the Goblin, which made the Goblin suddenly change its expression, as Shining Armor slowly trotted to the Goblin with his horn glowing. “(You can speak our language without magic?!)” said the Goblin in a frightful tone of voice as it started to squirm in his seat. “(Goblins, Trolls you name it. It’s part of being a captain of the royal guards to know different languages. And I’m not like my little sister, I actually know HOW to get my answers. It all just depends on what method I use, either way, Pain is always a necessary)” threatened Shining Armor as his horn grows closer and closer to the now scared Goblin. And a loud scream can be heard just outside of the interrogation room. *** Gathering at the Royal Gardens, the bearers of the Elements of Harmony discussed how to help find their unusual friend. “So what’s the plan Twi?” asked Rainbow Dash “Well, earlier, I tried to interrogate the Goblin VECTOR caught at the Friendship Express the other day” answered Twilight. “Did you get any answers from the critter?” asked AppleJack. “Sadly, no, it’s loyalty to its Master is pretty solid. I mean, I even tried to threaten him” “No offence Twilight, but, do you even know HOW to threaten anypony?” asked Rainbow Dash “I mean, we should’ve let Fluttershy used the ‘Stare’ on it” she added. “I see what you mean, Rainbow Dash, but. I think the Goblin would scare Fluttershy before she could’ve used her ‘Stare’ on her” retorted Rarity. As the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony were at a standstill, a letter magically appeared in front of Twilight, which shocked the group. As Twilight unfolded the letter and started to read it silently, her friends also trotted next to Twilight and started to also read the letter. They were shocked at what the letter contained. Twilight, I hope this gets to you, my current location is somewhere at the northern mountains, where there is said to be a Crystal Empire. I don’t know the exact location but, At least you know where to start. You might be wondering how I got to send you this letter. Well, do you remember the huge red dragon that Fluttershy fended off a few years back? Well, I found him, and good thing he remembers you. But what’s important is; King Sombra is alive, and he has a huge army at his command, from the look of things, I think he’s still not ready. I also have a hunch that, from what has transpired, I think King Sombra was the one that sent me here in Equestria, and was the one that sent those Trolls in ponyville and Goblins in the Train. I don’t know for sure yet. Anyway, you all should get ready for a preemptive strike, while his army is still at a bare minimum. I’ll try to find this Crystal Empire, wait for me there. VECTOR “So V is still alive!” said Rainbow Dash in an excited tone, as she practically flew up high and did a flip. “That’s so……Wonderful!” squeaked Fluttershy with a smile. “Well, that solves one of our problems!” said AppleJack. “But the beginning of another! To think that King Sombra is still alive and even has an army. Is he planning on retaking the Crystal Empire?” said Rarity with worry. “Maybe, but an army?! Why didn’t he do that the first time he tried to retake the Crystal Empire? I need to inform the Princesses and my brother about this” said Twilight as she magical summoned a quill and note, and started to write what happened and what was about to happen. “What about VECTY Twilight? We can’t just wait for him, right girls?” asked Pinkie with a worried look on her face. “Pinkie’s right, Twilight. We need to rescue V; he’s in the middle of nowhere and in enemy territory to boot!” “Bu-but he told us to wait for him…” squeaked Fluttershy “Indeed, we need to believe in the old chap, he is far capable on his own, but Rainbow Dash has a point” retorted Rarity. “What do you reckon we should do, Twi?” asked AppleJack, as the others turned their attention at a thinking Twilight, whilst writing a letter. “I think, I have a plan. Rarity, Fluttershy and me will stay at the Crystal Empire and wait for VECTOR. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and AppleJack, you three will be our scouting team, look for any signs of VECTOR. Is that ok with you girls?” said Twilight as she finished writing her letter and magically sending it. “I’ve got just one question though? What if WE get lost?” asked AppleJack “Don’t be such a scardy-pony AJ! Or do you want to stay behind too? Cuz me and Pinks can handle being the search and rescue party!” teased Rainbow Dash as she glided next to AppleJack. “I ain’t afraid of anything Rainbow, I for one, want to come back ALIVE. Like VECTOR mentioned in his letter, he’s in the middle of nowhere, even HE doesn’t know where he’s at. What makes you think we might not get lost? As you all remember, we only visited the Crystal Empire, 2 times! And it was only IN the Crystal Empire, not outside of it” retorted AppleJack as she leaned closer to Rainbow Dash with anger in her eyes and tone of voice. “AppleJack is right Rainbow Dash, you girls shouldn’t head on out without a guide or a search plan. So here is what we’re gonna do.” Said Twilight as she gestured the others to come closer and tell them of her plans. *** *THUD* As VECTOR dropped another Goblin atop of what seems to be an 8 pile of dead Goblins. He looked behind him and stared at a huge red Dragon chained on the ground, and spoke. “That’s the last of the guards. Now, where did you say was the key located?” asked VECTOR as he dusted himself. “I cannot believe my eyes. For a creature like yourself, you move within the shadows like you’re a part of it” spoke the dragon with disbelief and amazement. “Don’t flatter me. Besides, I need you to be free, so that I can get out of here as well.” “Are you worried of your Pony friends, hmm?” “They’re not my friends; they’re mere tools so that I can get back home” “Too my memory; you told me that it was the King who took you from your world. So, why bother telling the other ponies of the King’s plans? Why not just deal with him and get back by yourself?” VECTOR did not answer, and silent fell on the two for a good while. VECTOR contemplated on what the dragon said; he can clearly get what he wants. So why bother telling the others about the incoming invasion? He could just wait and let the bulk of the army go and wait for King Sombra to be atleast with minimum guards and he can take care of the King himself. So, why? “How does your world maintain this kind of….Peace?” VECTOR asked again, and as the others heard VECTOR speak in a long while ever since they boarded the train. They trotted next to him. “Well, not everypony is perfect, we had times of quarreling and fighting. “Answered Twilight “And sometimes, we make super-duper wrong accusations!” added Pinkie as she looked at her friends and smiled. “We even fight amongst our own kin” added Rarity as she looked at Applejack and gave a nostalgic grin. “We even tend to over think the smallest of things” added Applejack with a chuckle. “Like judging somepony just because they’re different or something as simple as finding the perfect pet” added Rainbow dash as she looked at Twilight with a giggle and then looked at a book in her bunk. “But by the end of the day” said Fluttershy in a soft voice but with a warm smile. And as the group of six ponies came closer to each other and gave each other the warmest of smiles, then looked at VECTOR. “Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Loyalty and Magic are all that is needed to bring the Magic of Friendship to our hearts and live a life of Harmony” finished Twilight. After a long silence between the two that seemed like an eternity, VECTOR turned around and spoke. “Because, I’m expecting a Party” replied VECTOR as a small smile crept on VECTOR’s face behind his mask. > Mission 11: One by One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Party?” inquired the Dragon as it raised an eyebrow. “Yes, a welcoming party to be exact. Now, where is the key located?” asked VECTOR as he looked at the pockets from the dead Goblin pile near him. “I see. The key is not with THOSE guards, they’re with a Troll just outside of this prison hold” answered the Dragon as he pointed his snout at the window. As VECTOR walked towards the window and looked outside, he saw about 2 Trolls and 4 Goblin watchmen; 3 was walking on the fields while one is at a watchtower. “There are 2 of them and 4 Goblin watchers; which one of them has the key?” “I can’t remember, but I am sure that it’s one of the Trolls. I saw it as it ate the key” “Alright. Wait, what? It ATE the key?!” responded VECTOR as he turned towards the dragon in slight surprise. “When did THAT happen?” “Hmmm, I have been captured for a few weeks now” said the Dragon as if he was lost in thought. “Then it might have been digested already. Or worse” “Worse? What do you mean human?” asked the Dragon with a quizzical tone of voice. “Shit” said VECTOR flatly “No need for cussing” said the Dragon as he puffed a small smoke from his nose. “No, literally; Shit. It may have already SHAT the key” replied VECTOR in a flat tone of voice. “Oh, I see where you are getting at, But, no. Tis’ a magical key so, it can not be destroyed by physical means. So it’s likely still in the creature’s stomach” replied the Dragon. “Alright, I’ll take care of the key. Just wait for me here” “Like I’m going anywhere” retorted the Dragon as it squirmed in its place to show VECTOR. “Good point….” Looking at his wristwatch, VECTOR checked for the energy on his cloaking device; it was now at 13%. Cursing silently, the Dragon noticed this and spoke, before VECTOR approached the door. “Human! Is your trinket broken?” asked the Dragon “No, but my suit will be out of energy soon. No energy means no cloaking, so that little trick you saw earlier, I won’t be doing it again anytime soon. I only have enough energy to sustain my mask; and I need my mask so that I can see in the dark and keep breathing oxygen” “So that is not your face? And you cannot see in the dark nor breath in high altitude?” asked the Dragon. “Yes to all, and if you're able to fly us out of here, I need my mask to breath. If only the sun would set up here in the mountains. But it seems like the mountain clouds are hindering it. “That is unfortunate” “Wait a sec, you’re a Dragon right? So, why don’t you just melt the chains off?” asked VECTOR “These are Magical Chains, human. King Sombra used his Dark Unicorn magic to bind me, and the only thing that can free me is the key in one of the Troll’s insides” replied the Dragon. “I see, makes sense. Anyway, I won’t be using my cloaking anytime soon. Do you have any indication spell to know which Troll I need to kill? Time isn’t our----“ *CREAK* As VECTOR was about to finish his sentence, a Goblin Scout opened the door from the outside suddenly. VECTOR; with his back facing the door, noticed that the door was opening, he then quickly grabbed his dagger from the back of his waist and did a quick spin. And as the Goblin was in view, the Goblin did not have the time to react, as a dagger was plunged at the side of his head. After connecting, VECTOR spun around counter- clockwise with the Goblin still stuck on his dagger, grabbed the half opened door and slammed it to a close whilst flinging the now dead Goblin to the pile of ‘other’ dead Goblins. “You never seize to amaze me, Human” said the Dragon with his eyes closed and a small smile on its face. “Looks like they have shifting routes” said VECTOR, completely ignoring the Dragon’s praise and quickly and silently placing his back on the wall near the window and taking a quick glance outside to see if they noticed what happened. VECTOR then looked back at the Dragon and then back at the window and did a quick study of the pattern of the other 3 remaining Goblin Watchers. 1 was at a watchtower, while the other 2 were circling the Trolls that stood face to face with each other, which caught VECTOR’s attention and spoke. “Why are the 2 Trolls just standing there?” asked VECTOR randomly “I do not know, all I know is, one of them ate the key to my bindings. Do you see any differences of the two?” said the Dragon. “Hmmm, No. They’re practically the same, fuck! No choice, I’ll just check them both” answered VECTOR as he approached the door. VECTOR then proceeded to check his inventory. 2 Flash Grenades 1 Smoke 1 Explosive Half a clip of Handgun Bullets Machine Gun Clip still almost full 1 yard of metal string And a C4 kit VECTOR still couldn't believe how he suddenly had weapons when he woke up in the middle of the mountains. Did he have them all along when he first arrived in Equestria? No, he was unarmed when he arrived in the middle of Ponyville. It then hit him, and quickly looked at the Red Dragon. “What does Sombra need a Dragon for?” asked VECTOR hurriedly, he then added. “Are letters the only things Dragons are capable of sending?” “Sadly, I do not know the answer. To tell you the truth; I have no recollection of how I got here, and as for your second question; No, with proper training and maturing, we are able to send bigger or larger objects to anywhere in Equestria. “I see, so you also have no memory on how you got here?” “No, but with the Ancient Magical Powers of Dragons, we are immune to any, if not all Pony magic. Well, for Dragons as old as me that is.” “Hmmmm, and yet here you are. Chained on the ground with no memory how you got here” retorted VECTOR. “Well, I do recall somehow---“ the Dragon then flinched trying to remember. “It’s cloudy but, I remember a Black Crystal growing in my head, forming some kind of helmet. Then, YES! I did transport some kind of trinket and machines. “Are these the ‘trinkets’ you transferred?” asked VECTOR as he showed the Dragon a Grenade. The Dragon then nodded and shook its head to somehow relieve the pain he is experiencing. “I see.” *BAM!* The 2 Scouting Goblins who had a spear in each hand suddenly opened the door where VECTOR was standing and was shocked to see VECTOR standing in their way with its back turned to them. One of the Goblins then saw the pile of Dead Goblins on the side. And as it was about to turn its attention back to VECTOR, a black blur suddenly moved to the side. With a swift back-kick to the back of the head of the Goblin in his left and a satisfying crack sound, the Goblin slammed on the ground face first, dead. The Goblin on his right was slow to react as VECTOR lifted it by the neck and stabbed its chest 4 times. The Goblin on the watch tower saw 2 of the Scouting Goblins enter the structure where the Red Dragon was held, due to the fact that he ORDERED them to go and check what happened to the last one. Who did not come back after checking on the 8 Goblins guarding the Red Dragon. What he didn’t know was, 8 of the Guard Goblins inside were already dead plus the one Scouting Goblins, and now plus 2 more. So he leaned to the side to check on the door. He then saw one of the Scouting Goblins back slowly coming outside. What he didn’t see was a bullet on his head. BANG! > Mission 12: Playing in the Snow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Harsh blowing winds* *Beastly Screeching* “Can’t you go any faster, Dragon?” asked VECTOR as he sat atop the red Dragon’s back as it flew in the cold winter sky in the northern mountains. “Sorry, my body is still recovering from weeks of being entrapped in those magical chains” answered the Dragon. “Ok ok, but didn’t you say that you we’re the only Dragon that was captured? Then why the hell are we being followed by those things?” asked VECTOR as he took up aim and fired 3 rounds of machine gun bullets at their pursuers; Hitting one square in the head but the bullets just bouncing off to the sides. “Those are not Dragons, VECTOR. Those are Wyrms; they are lesser Dragons, they have the partial traits of a Dragon but, have more animalistic instincts than intellect. “So to put it simply, they’re much like a wild dog” “Yes, you can put it at that” “Figures--- much less troublesome to tame wild beasts than smart ones, gives you less things to worry about, anyways. How far till the Crystal Empire?” inquired VECTOR as he took aim again, but now at the Goblin rider, instead of the Wyrm itself. “I am not exactly certain, but I will tell you this, once I regain my full wing strength; expect them to not catch up on us” answered the Dragon with a smirk on his face. *Multiple Gunshot* “Well, that too….” Added the Dragon as he looked behind and saw one after another, Wyrm riders were falling from the sky. *** “Alright Girls, are you all ready?” asked Twilight as she trotted next to AppleJack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. “Ready as we’ll ever be!” answered Rainbow Dash. “Good! Now remember the pattern on the map that I gave you AppleJack, and you guys won’t get lost out there” said Twilight. “Okie dokie lokie! *snort* the red line on the map looks like a baby snake *hehehe* so cute!” said Pinkie Pie as she looked at the markings on the map. “Riiiight… good thing your brother has a map outside of the Crystal Empire for us, saves us the time to make one of our own” said AppleJack as she tucked the map in her saddlebag. “I know right? Guess it was the map he used the first time he wandered outside of the Empire. Anyways, here, Rainbow Dash; this is the device I made to track the black magic ‘footprint’ that King Sombra made when he abducted VECTOR” said Twilight as she handed a weird eyewear with a strange gem attached at each socket to Rainbow Dash. “So this’ll make me see that black smudge thingy that we saw back in Canterlot?” asked Rainbow Dash as she took the eyewear from Twilight and examined it. “Yes! I’ve enchanted those two gems so that you don’t need any unicorn magic to look for the ‘footprints’, due to the fact that Rarity didn’t even want to go with you, anyway. Good luck out there you three, I’ll be contacting you guys via telepathy” said Twilight. As the three nodded in unison, Fluttershy and Rarity arrived shortly to wish their traveling friends a good luck and safe travels as they search for their captured friend. Sharing one last group hug; Pinkie Pie, AppleJack and Rainbow Dash set forth into harsh northern winds of the Crystal Empire to begin their search. *** News of how the one and only Dragon that was captured traveled fast within the Goblin Base, it soon reached the end of the Base where the Stronghold was located, within the Stronghold lies the Throne room of the ever tyrannical, King Sombra. In the Dark lit room of the once Tyrannical and now Fallen King of the Crystal Empire. A lone Goblin messenger bowed ever so low in the middle of the Dark Room, giving his respects to his King and telling him that the captured Dragon that took them Days to weaken and capture, escaped. What’s even worse was it was freed by the same creature the King brought to Equestria from another world and failed to control and much less kill; VECTOR. How…….. HOW?! screamed an eerily malevolent voice as two sinister eyes can be seen from the shadows of the dark throne room and closing in on the Goblin messenger. “It was not my fault King! It was the Guards! They did not------” ENOUGH!! bellowed King Sombra as an angry mouth appeared below the eyes and towered the scared Goblin messenger. Tell one of the Goblin Generals to assemble some troops and follow that Dragon! Take the Wyrms if they need to. JUST GET ME BACK THAT DRAGON! screamed King Sombra. “Yes my King! Right away my King!” answered the Goblin Messenger still bowing extremely low to King Sombra. What are you waiting for? GO NOW! screamed King Sombra, his patience wearing thinner, as the force from his voice blew the Goblin Messenger out of the throne room and slamming in the nearby wall. King Sombra forcefully slammed the throne room’s door close with his black unicorn magic; a magical mirror glowed at the far end of the room. I NEED that Dragon!! said King Sombra as he approached the glowing mirror …I will not fail the second time… …This time will be different…. As King Sombra gazed in the glowing mirror, he did not see his reflection however. What he saw was a two bipedal creatures wearing battle gear and holding the same ‘trinkets’ called “Guns” standing in a slightly dark isolated room, and behind them was a door. They did not notice the door silently opening and a dark figure slowly coming out of the door crouching. As King Sombra’s face crept closer and closer to the glowing mirror, an evil smile creeping in his face, anticipating what would come next. The dark figure unsheathed a sharp blade from his waist and…. …This time… As the shadowy figure dispatched the two guards with his now bloody knife and continued onwards… …The Teacher, will hunt the Student… *Sadistic Laughter* > Mission 13: Trouble in the Snow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Searching through the snow for their unusual friend; the group of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Applejack find themselves in the far end of the map AND the indicator that Twilight marked for them. “Dash! It says here that this is the far end of the map! We should head back!” shouted AppleJack as the roaring north winds blew. Dash, upon hearing what AppleJack said, stopped in her tracks and made another quick look at their surroundings and spoke. “I guess your right! But lemme see what’s above that small hill first really quick! I’ll be right back!” said Rainbow Dash as she pointed at a nearby snow covered small hill. And in a quick instance, Rainbow Dash flew to the small hill, not even noticing AppleJack and Pinkie Pie’s plea to not go. Upon arriving in the small hill that she wanted to investigate “really quick” (By really quick; she meant to look further around some more.) “Dang it Rainbow Dash!” exclaimed AppleJack in frustration as she stomped her front hoof in the snow and gritted her teeth. “Don’t worry AppleJack, I’m sure Dashie is alright!” assured Pinkie Pie as she trotted next to AppleJack. “Come in Twilight!” called AppleJack via Telepathy. “Yes AppleJack? How are you girls doing?” replied Twilight. “Well, we searched through every hotspot you marked in the map…” “And? Did you girls find anything?” asked Twilight “Sorry to disappoint, but we didn’t find any sort of trace of that black footprint. The snow might have covered them?” “Hmmmm, No, even if there is snow or anything, Rainbow Dash will be able to see them” replied Twilight. “Anyway, you girls did great out there, come on back here and warm up, we’ll revise the markings and reformulate a route” added Twilight. “Well, about that Twi---“replied AppleJack hesitantly. “Rainbow Dash ran off to check a really small hill that she found and said that she’ll be quick but she didn’t say “be back in 10 seconds flat” so maybe she’ll take longer or something BUT it’s DASHIE! so I think she’ll be alright but just in case we should follow her you know maybe she found something that’ll lead us to VECTY and we’ll find him quicker and go back home OR maybe we won’t find VECTY and we’ll just come back empty handed BUT…….” “Is that Pinkie talking?” asked Twilight in a flat tone. “Eeyup…” replied AppleJack with the tone and expression that’ll make Big Mac proud. “So, Rainbow Dash went off on her own?” “Eeyup” *Sigh* “Can you girls still go on?” asked Twilight with concern. “I reckon we can, besides…” “Pinkie is still talking, huh?” “Eeyup..” *** Throwing his Machine Gun away, VECTOR released his tense grip and muscles as he gave an audible sigh. Noticing that nothing was following them anymore, this is due to the fact that the Dragon had recovered its full wing power and made short work of leaving the pesky Wyrm riders behind, And flying above the dark and harsh clouds of the north. VECTOR slumped at the back of the Dragon as he enjoyed the breeze above the clouds and the warm Sun of Celestia. “You did great, for a human” said the Dragon with a smirk on his face as they flew in a more comfortable speed. “2 Trolls, 15 Goblins, 4 Riders” replied VECTOR as he extracted the solar panel from one of his pockets. “Are we close to the Crystal Empire?” VECTOR added as he checked his inventory. “We are close, we can be there in about 30 mins, just say the word” replied the Dragon. “Alright, let me just recharge my suit” said VECTOR VECTOR then took out a paper and quill from one of his pockets and started to write a small message. He then handed it to the Dragon and asked to send it to Twilight, to which the Dragon complied and blew a green magical flame, thus magically sending it. The letter contained a small message informing Twilight that they are alright and they will be arriving any moment. And after a while of waiting for a reply message, VECTOR expected a letter, but what he got was. “Come in VECTOR” said a familiar voice in VECTOR’s head. “Twilight?” replied VECTOR as he sat up and was surprised Twilight was able to communicate with them via telepathy. “VECTOR? Thank Celestia! We were worried sick about you! I just received your letter and tried to check if I can reach you via telepathy” replied Twilight in relief. “Sorry to worry you All, anyways, we’ll be arriving in a short moment, I’m just recharging my suit. If there are any guards there, tell them that I’m coming with a----“ “Dragon, right? Don’t worry about that, it’s all been taken care. But we have a problem…” replied Twilight quickly and hesitantly. “Problem? What problem?” asked VECTOR. “It’s Rainbow Dash” said Twilight as she cleared her throat. “What about RD?” inquired VECTOR. “Well you see when we received your first letter, we we’re happy knowing that you’re fine and all. But before that, we found traces of black magic in your room in Canterlot, so even before you sent us the letter, we already had a hint that it was King Sombra who took you away from us” replied Twilight “Alright, Get to the point Twilight” “I was about to! Geez! Anyway, Rainbow Dash made a scouting group consisting of herself, AppleJack and Pinkie Pie, to look for you. Just in case” *Sigh* “I specifically told you to wait for me, and didn’t you tell me that you strategized their route? So what happened?” “Well, they were supposed to come back, but Rainbow Dash said she’d look a little more and…” “Alright, alright, where’s AppleJack and Pinkie now? Does your brother know this? The other Princesses?” inquired VECTOR. “Well, they’re busy for the preemptive strike that you suggested and…” “Fine, fine. No one is at fault here but me. Wait for me there Twilight, I’ll be there in 15 minutes, ready the map with the route you planned and I’ll bring them back.” “Alright, Thanks VECTOR. I’ll be waiting” “VECTOR over and out” “……” After VECTOR ended their conversation, he turned his attention to the Dragon who was listening on to them and simply nodded. And with a wide flap of its mighty wings and with the proper angle, VECTOR grabbed hold on the dragon’s scales, and with extreme speed, the Dragon bulleted to the direction of the Crystal Empire. Wait for me girls….. *** “Rainbow Dash!! Where are you?” shouted AppleJack but to no avail, looking left and right but seeing nothing but the snow barren land of the northern mountains. She then turned to Pinkie who was doing the same; calling out to Rainbow Dash, but in vain. They were also lost; they headed far off the markings on their map. Then they heard several feral noises just behind them, and as they were about to look behind, a net was hurled right above them. > Mission 14: Together > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Get us out of here! You dang ol’ vermin!” screamed AppleJack as she shook the metal cage she was in. Beside her was the cage of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash; the trio, being suspended up high in the air carried by the Wyvern Riders for each pony. “It’s no use AJ, I think they don’t understand pony language” answered Rainbow Dash as she slumped in her cage. AppleJack just gave an audible sigh and sat in her little cage and looked at Pinkie Pie who sitting still in her little cage all curled up. “I’m sorry AJ, Pinkie; because of me, we got into trouble” said Rainbow Dash without looking at neither AJ nor Pinkie, just sitting in her cage and with her eyes closed. “Don’t fret non RD; it’s not completely your fault. We took on this scouting trip to look for our friend.” replied AppleJack as she gave a warm smile to RD. “But he told us to stay put! And knowing V, He must’ve escaped by now” retorted Rainbow Dash as she finally looked at AppleJack, her face showing a mixture of regret and sorrow as her eyes started to water. “Aww don’t worry Dashie..” said Pinkie as she’s still curled up in her cage looking down. “You just don’t get it, huh pinks? I got you girls in this mess just because I wanted to save V! Because of me-----“ Rainbow Dash was cut off with a large screeching sound from below. She then looked at the source of the sound, which was just below them, and at that moment she saw a huge fire ball coming straight at the Wyrm that was carrying her cage. And as the huge fireball made contact with the abdomen of the Wyrm; it released its grip on the cage where Rainbow Dash was being held. The cage then fell straight down with Rainbow Dash still in it. As the cage was freefalling, Rainbow Dash saw the source from where the fireball was shot. It was a huge red Dragon, atop the Dragon was a sight for sour eyes, as Rainbow Dash started to have a teary eye and a huge smile on her face. “I told you not to worry Dashie” said Pinkie Pie as she looked below and saw the Red Dragon catch the cage of Rainbow Dash. *** “V! You’re alright! Thank Celestia!” said Rainbow Dash in a cheery voice. If she could’ve reached VECTOR from her cage, she would’ve hugged him, but alas all she could do was smile a huge smile. “Hang tight, we still got AJ and Pinkie to rescue” said VECTOR in a flat tone. VECTOR then leaned forward and took a long sniper rifle from behind his back and took aim. Rainbow Dash saw this and cocked her head to the side to get a better look and spoke. “What’s that V?” asked Rainbow Dash “A Dragunov sniper rifle…It’s from my world” replied VECTOR as he hand signaled the Dragon to trail behind the Wyverns and stay below them. “A wonderful name for a ‘trinket’ VECTOR” said the Dragon as it followed the hand signal of VECTOR and stayed low. “Wait wait wait, how in Equestria did you get an item from your world?’ inquired Rainbow Dash which made VECTOR give an audible sigh. “It’s because of THIS Dragon” replied VECTOR as he tapped the side of the Dragon, he then added. “To make a long story short, He was the reason I was transported here with the help of your King Sombrero--” “Sombra” corrected the Dragon. “SOMBRA! Now shut up and let me do my work, I can see Pinkie making faces in her cage from my scope, she’s clearly bored” replied VECTOR as he leaned forward and aimed his Rifle at the heart of the Wyvern. And as the Dragon saw this, it was its turn to interject. “VECTOR did I not tell you about how strong the hide of ------“ *BANG* The Wyvern was hit at the heart and fell from the sky while giving a feral scream releasing its hold on Pinkie Pie’s cage. “What were you suppose to say?” said VECTOR flatly as he cocked out the bullet from the Dragunov and a 4 inches in length and 54mm in radius bronze cylinder popped out of the rifle. The Dragon only gave a small chuckle as it dashed towards the falling cage of the Pinkie Pie. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! *** After the apparent rescue mission; Pinkie Pie, AppleJack, Rainbow Dash and VECTOR accompanied by the Red Dragon returned to the Crystal Empire with the rest of their friends waiting for them. And after releasing everyone from their cage, the six friends and Elements of Harmony are finally together again plus their unusual friend. And as the six shared a warm group hug, Twilight was the one to break it and looked at VECTOR and spoke. All the while VECTOR was not looking at the group and was conversing with the Dragon and a Royal Guard. “Thank you so much VECTOR for getting back our friends” said Twilight with a warm smile. VECTOR heard this and turned his attention to Twilight and the others. As the other also gave their thanks with warm smiles, Rainbow Dash hovered forward and was scratching the back of her head, clearly ashamed from her past actions that got them into this mess. “Look V…” As Rainbow Dash was about to finish her sentence, she was cut off by VECTOR’s hand raised infront of her. “I don’t want to hear you excuse Dash. Do you know what I hate the most Dash?” asked VECTOR. “What?” replied Rainbow Dash as she looked away clearly she was feeling guilty for her actions. “Incompetence, Dash. I hate people who are incompetent. I specifically told you girls to stay put, and what did you do? Go off on your own. You were lucky they didn’t kill you three off!” said VECTOR in a flat tone of voice yet with intimidation in every word. “Look VECTOR, we only wanted to help” interjected Twilight. “So much that you endanger your friends, Twilight? And as for the rest of you, why didn’t you atleast stop them?” retorted VECTOR which made Twilight look down in shame and so did the others. “We were just worried about your safety, Darling” answered Rarity “Then what about your friends safety?” replied VECTOR “They did! But I insisted! So if you’re gonna be mad at anyone, be MAD at ME!” retorted Rainbow Dash as she finally looked VECTOR face to face with tears on her eyes. “Twilight planned a safe route for us to scout, that if we saw no clues of your whereabouts we would cancel it and wait for you to get back. But when we found nothing, I insisted to look further, and that was when we we’re captured. I’m so so sorry VECTOR, I just wanted to repay you is all, and I can’t leave a FRIEND Hanging or in trouble, cuz that’s how I am, I AM the Element of Loyalty” she added. As tears started to flow from Rainbow Dash’s eyes, her friends grouped around her and comforted her. And as for VECTOR, he turned around and started to walk away, and as he was walking away he stopped for a second and spoke. “FUN FACT: People tend to die when they are close to me” said VECTOR in a flat soft tone of voice. The only ones able to hear what VECTOR said was the Dragon who followed VECTOR as he walked away. But little do they know, Fluttershy heard what VECTOR said, and felt sadness throughout her heart. And as the Distance grew from each group, Fluttershy was the first to follow VECTOR. “I need to let VECTOR know that, we will NEVER leave his side no matter what” said Fluttershy as she followed VECTOR. > Mission 15: Story Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So you’re able to transport my Guns from a fixed location to me, am I right?” asked VECTOR as he and the Red Dragon made their way to the Crystal Castle. “Yes, We Dragons can transport items that vary in sizes as big as a couch and as small as a letter to a fixed point or creature, much like what little Spike do when he sends letters directly to Princess Celestia only. We must either engrave the memory of a certain creature or location to be able to transport one thing to and fro” replied the Dragon. “I see, so it must mean that the location engraved to you must have been either my safe house or my storage room in Umbrella” replied VECTOR who was in deep thought. VECTOR, deep in thought walked slowly not even realizing that they were being followed by Fluttershy; who was keeping her distance because of the red Dragon who was next to VECTOR. “So this means, that I was either abducted in my rest day or mission briefing. Though I doubt it would be the latter, King Sombra won’t risk being seen by my other team” replied VECTOR who was still deep in thought. He then added “But, how the hell did he engrave that place in your mind?” asked VECTOR to the Dragon. “I do not know VECTOR, but knowing King Sombra and his use of Alicorn magic, he has the -----“ “The fuck did you say?!” screamed VECTOR as he interrupted the Dragon and was even snapped out of his deep thought. “My apologies VECTOR, Let me explain” replied the Dragon as he recollected himself from the sudden burst of VECTOR. “The reason King Sombra was able to use immense magical power was because, he somehow found a way to use Alicorn Magic, this in turn, made his heart as black as night and thus making him a Tyrannical Ruler. You see, he was once the Ruler of this Crystal Empire” replied the Dragon VECTOR composed himself and listened to what the Dragon was telling him and soaked it like a sponge. “Using his new found power, he ruled the Crystal Empire with an Iron hoof, how he acquired this immense power is a mystery, however. But his rule fell short when---“ “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stopped King Sombra, with the use of true Alicorn Magic and turned him into shadow and banished him” finished Fluttershy. Upon hearing this, The Dragon and VECTOR looked at the direction from where Fluttershy’s voice came from. Fluttershy then slowly hovered next to VECTOR. And when she landed next to him, Fluttershy did not make any eye contact, which was different for VECTOR; who in turn, looked at Fluttershy silently. “U-umm, I’m sorry to interrupt mister Dragon, sir” squeaked Fluttershy as she pawed the soil and gives small glances at the red Dragon and VECTOR. The two was silent however. And what seemed like an eternity, Fluttershy, surprisingly was the first one to talk again. And as Fluttershy mustered up all the courage she could find, she looked at VECTOR; who was still looking at her, devoid of emotion. “Lo-look VECTOR, We-we just want you to know that….” And before Fluttershy could finish her sentence, VECTOR interjected. “What happened next?” asked VECTOR in a flat tone. “E-excuse me?” squeaked Fluttershy “What happened next? Was that it? He was turned into shadow and then what?” asked VECTOR as he knelt to Fluttershy’s level and placed his hand on Fluttershy’s head. “Look Fluttershy, I appreciate what you girls have done for me, I really do. But you should always weigh in the possibilities, the “What If’s”. Because no matter how careful you are, Accidents always happen. Always expect the unexpected” said VECTOR in a calm tone of voice. VECTOR then stood up and added “Now, you were saying?” gesturing Fluttershy to follow them on their little walk. Fluttershy then gave a warm smile and followed suit and continued to tell the tale of King Sombra. “So to sum things up, He was banished and placed a curse on the Empire; he basically took the Empire with him, much like a captain going down with his ship, only this time, the captain took the ship with him. And when he DID come back, he was defeated by the Crystal Heart with the help of Spike and Twilight.” replied VECTOR as they reached the Market Place. As the Trio entered the Market Place, glances and murmurs where filling the atmosphere. A Dragon, A human and the Element of Kindness was leisurely strolling past in the middle of the market place. “Yes, you remembered what Prince Shining Armor told us in Canterlot, There was no sign of King Sombra when the magic of the Crystal Heart defeated him” replied Fluttershy. “I see, maybe the Heart itself was not that powerful enough, it was idle for a thousand years, wasn’t it?” replied VECTOR. “It might be, or he had a plan in case something went awry” said the Dragon. “True, he wasn’t King for nothing, apparently” As the trio reached the end of the Market Place, they were greeted with two Crystal Guards and Prince Shining Armor himself. “Good to see again, VECTOR” greeted Shining Armor. “I can’t say the same for you, Armor” replied VECTOR “Why? What’s the----“ *WHAM!* Before Shining Armor could finish his sentence, he was punched square in the jaw by VECTOR which sent Shining Armor a good few feet from where he was standing and slid a few more. Everypony near the Market, Fluttershy and the 2 guards were shocked at what happened. “VECTOR! Wha---why did you do that?” replied Fluttershy in confusion. VECTOR did not answer; he only slowly walked to Shining Armor, but was cut off with the 2 crystal guards pointing their spears at VECTOR. But VECTOR did not stop, he grabbed the end of the spears with each hand and snapped off the blade from the stick and discarded it like it was some trash. Shocked, The Guards leapt backwards and pointed their horns at VECTOR. Fluttershy, upon seeing this tried to rush to VECTOR’s side, but was stopped by a claw from the red Dragon. Fluttershy then looked at the Dragon with confusion and worry, but the Dragon only looked at VECTORs direction silently. “S-s-s-STOP right there, scum!” commanded one of the Crystal guard. “Your highness, are you alright?” asked the other guard as he rushed to the side of Shining Armor as he lay on the floor dazed. The guard that was pointing his horn at VECTOR made a quick glance at Shining Armor, and in the split second that he looked away, VECTOR swiftly dashed below towards the Crystal guard. The Crystal Guard was about to return his glance to VECTOR when he felt a leather boot connect to his jaw, which sent the Crystal guard flying upwards. Catching the guard in mid-air by the throat, VECTOR didn't even need to inspect him, because he knew that the Guard was out cold. The last Guard saw this and quickly pointed his horn towards VECTOR, but was surprised when his fellow guard was thrown at him. To his panic, he caught his fellow Guard. What he didn’t catch was a boot to the side of his head, which sent the two of them flying to the side. “Now, where were we?” said VECTOR as he crept ever so slowly to the dazed Shining Armor. > Mission 16: His Past > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- When Shining Armor heard the news that VECTOR escaped from his captors and has returned, Shining Armor wanted to greet VECTOR personally and welcome him to the Crystal Empire and get Intel on how to approach the upcoming invasion. Upon meeting VECTOR in the exit of the Market place, He planned on greeting VECTOR and welcome him to the Crystal Empire, but what Shining Armor didn’t expect was a fist in the jaw; he didn’t remember much after VECTOR hit him, only the sensation of skidding through the crystal floor and the voice of one of the Crystal Guards. “Your Majesty, are you alright?” asked the Crystal Guard. To which Shining Armor only groaned in pain, he then felt the guard leaving his side (Maybe getting help or something). What he didn't know was the guard that was next to him was sent flying by the one and only VECTOR. As Shining Armor opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was VECTOR; who was cracking his knuckles as he slowly approached him. Shining Armor felt confused and speechless, but most importantly he felt, fear. Fear of what was to come. The fact that VECTOR was wearing a mask that hid his face helped add the tension and fear. “Now, Where were we?” whispered VECTOR as he slowly approached Shining Armor. He enjoyed the fear and confusion in Shining Armor’s face, but not as much as the anger coursing through his veins. As VECTOR stood infront of Shining Armor and overshadowed the cowering stallion. Shining Armor was about to speak when VECTOR suddenly grabbed him by the throat and lifted him with one hand and brought him to eyelevel of his mask. “Why? Wh-wh-why are you----“ *Smack!* Shining Armor wasn’t able to finish his sentence when VECTOR bitch slapped him. “Did I say you could talk?” asked VECTOR. “What are yo---“ *Smack!* “What the FUCK did I just say?!” screamed VECTOR as he slapped Shining Armor again. “…..” “Good boy. Now, you might be wondering why I did this, right?” asked VECTOR. To which Shining Armor nodded in response. “Well, that’s because…” *Smack!* “ONE! You let three mares go out on their own!” screamed VECTOR as he slapped Shining Armor. *Smack!* “TWO! You let your OWN little sister trick you! What the ACTUAL FUCK?!” to which VECTOR concluded when he heard that Twilight got a map from Shining Armor himself. “And three. Your fucking ‘Royal Guards’ are pieces of shit…” said VECTOR in a cold whisper. *Smack!* As he slapped Shining Armor so hard, that he skidded a little as he hit the crystal ground. VECTOR then turned around and started to walk back to Fluttershy and the red Dragon. “C’mon Fluttershy, tell me where the other Princesses are located” said VECTOR as he walked past the two. ‘So that’s why he snapped at the others, he was just concerned. But he must now that we just care for him just as much’ thought Fluttershy as she followed VECTOR with a small smile on her face and started to lead VECTOR to the Crystal Castle. *** “So, from your findings, VECTOR; King Sombra was the one who sent you from your world to ours with the help of the red Dragon, who was under a mind controlling spell, and that he has assimilated an Army of Goblins and Trolls to reconquer the Crystal Empire” summarized Princess Celestia, to which VECTOR acknowledged with a simple nod. As the Three Princesses; Luna, Celestia and Cadence whispered to each other. VECTOR sat alone in the far end of the Strategy Room, as the Elements of Harmony (save Fluttershy, who was sitting near VECTOR) silently pondered on how to deal with the threat at hand. “Like I advised you people, you should do a preemptive attack before Sombra could completely finish his army, from what I saw, I can tell that in less than two months, he will have enough forces to overthrow not just the Crystal Empire, but also Canterlot. So you have to strike while their still preparing and get the upper hand” spoke VECTOR as he started stand from where is he was sitting and started to walk to the window. “I have to agree with sir VECTOR, we should strike while they are still preparing” said Princess Luna as she looked at her sister with determination. With a sigh, Princess Celestia made up her mind and started to order Princess Cadence to gather as many forces she can for a preemptive strike, she also ordered Princess Luna to return to Canterlot, if in any case Sombra Attacked there instead but send at least half of the Solar Guards and Lunar Guards in assisting the Preemptive strike. As the Strategy room started bustling with plans and strategies, VECTOR looked outside of the window and let his mind wonder. Not noticing the Elements of Harmony approaching him. The first one to talk was Twilight as she approached carefully and tug at VECTOR’s leg. To which made VECTOR snap out of his stupor and turn his attention at the Elements. “VECTOR, I know what you did with my brother and let me say that---“ “Sorry, about that Twilight” interjected VECTOR. He then gave an audible sigh, and continued “First of all, it wasn’t your fault. Did he not even realize what you girls were planning to do with a map?” “It’s because I have trust in my sister’s capabilities” replied Shining Armor, as he entered the Strategy Room with an ice bag floating next to his two cheeks. With Princess Cadence noticing the condition of his Husband, she quickly trotted next to him and asked what happened. To which Shining Armor just reassuring her that it was nothing. VECTOR then looked at Shining Armor with anger behind his mask. “You. DENSE. MOTHER FUCKER. Trusting your sister? Trust is not enough! You are a Prince and Captain! Even if she is a princess or with an Element of Harmony at their disposal, you should have asked why she needed the map for?!” replied VECTOR. “If I weren’t busy preparing for the Preemptive strike YOU suggested in the letter, then I would’ve paid more attention to what Twilight was planning” retorted Shining Armor not showing intimidation anymore. “And you call yourself her brother” VECTOR whispered coldly. To which made everypony in the room including Shining Armor to be silent. “You have no idea, how hard it is to lose someone close to you…” *** “Hang in there Samantha! We’re almost there!!” screamed a teenage boy who was carrying a little girl in his arms as he ran for his life, with a bite wound in the little girl’s side. “I feel so….cold…so, very cold” whispered Samantha, as she clutched her brother ever so tightly. “Don’t worry!! It will be all right!” replied the boy as his tears started to flow from his eyes. “ I should have followed you! I’m so sorry!” “It’s not your fault big bro, I’m….” as Samantha’s grip started to loosen. “…..Sorry” The Teenage boy then stopped in his tracks and knelt, with his sister still in his hand, with the Hospital a few feet away. He hugged his sister one last time before screaming in the sky. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggghhhhhhhh!!!! > Mission 17: Now and Then, Here and There > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author’s Note: Before you guys, gut me for what your about to read, know that what I put in VECTOR’s past is tidbits of Operation: Raccoon City and a little Fiction. So please don’t compare the one in the game cause it’s not the same. -Enjoy ;D *** September 26, 1976 “What the hell are you saying?! Aren’t you a Doctor? It’s just a bite wound! How could she die with a bite wound from some random guy?!” screamed a teenage boy as he was being restrained by two other doctors, as he started to thrash about, and as the nurses who was with the Doctors; noticing the growing tension, called for security. “Look, boy. Like I’ve said, your sister is dead we----“ “You fucktards are Umbrella Doctors! You keep on boasting that your medicines are best in the medical world! And you’re telling me that you can’t even cure my sister from a fucking bite wound?!” screamed the boy as he chopped the neck of one of the Doctors who was holding his left arm. He then kicked the groin of the other Doctor who was grabbing his right arm, making quick work and immobilized the two Doctors who were restraining him. All his pent-up anger upon himself and the Doctors who couldn’t even heal a simple bite wound, he quickly dashed toward the Doctor who ‘diagnosed’ his sister and claimed that she is dead without even giving her any medical attention(Only examining the bite wound) and grabbed him by the collar and slammed him to the nearby wall. Quivering in fear, the Doctor was amazed at how the boy moved so fast and efficient as to quickly immobilize two full grown men and lunge at him; even lift him a few inches off the ground. But he knew more than anyone else in this room to not talk about the true reason as to why this boy’s sister is dead and unhealable. “I know your hiding something from me. Now, either tell me the truth or—“ The boy then grabbed a nearby surgical knife and pointed it to the Doctor’s throat “or I cut your fucking throat”. He knew that if he told the boy the real reason as to why her sister ‘died’ he would be signing a death warrant by the next hour. And as the Blade drew closer and closer to the Doctor’s throat, a white hand grabbed the wrist of the boy. As the boy looked at the direction of the hand that was grabbing him; all he saw was a pale white man wearing a lab coat and a pair of black shades as a chop connected to the back of his head. Dropping the surgical knife, the boy fell to the cold floor and his head directed at the hospital bed where his ‘dead’ sister lay; as his consciousness started to fade, he hears the sound of two voices. “Come now, William. You let a mere boy grab you by the throat? How weak can you be?” “Shut it, Albert. You just got lucky he was busy with me when you knocked him out” “Oh please, William. Anyway we need to take care of this girl before it gets out of hand” His consciousness slipping, darkness covering his sight, the boy looks at her sister’s bedside one list time. Seeing her covered in a white sheet, only her hand being outside of the cover, as the last moment of his consciousness was about to fade, he saw her sisters hand twitch and with a familiar voice feeling his ears. *Soft Moaning* “My my, Good Morning my Dear” *** November 26, 1988 “Rockfort Island” “So, you’re the Infamous VECTOR, huh?” said a U.S.S veteran as he inspected VECTOR up-close and personal, checking every detail of the mercenary in front of him. VECTOR, looking at his superior in the eye, did not even talk back. After checking his physical features, he looked at a little clip board showing the data of this said mercenary, everything was impressive. From CQC to Gun assembly and military prowess, he was more or less better than your average Elite. “From the data I have here, they say your one of the best, I beg to diff---“ Not able to finish his sentence, as the U.S.S veteran was swept from below with a low kick and driving a dagger to the ground, inches to the veterans face. “Wha-what the fuck are you doing asshole?!” screamed the U.S.S veteran, as cold sweat started to appear from his face. VECTOR did not answer, only the sounds of him breathing through his mask can be heard. He then hears a loud clapping from his left, turning his attention to the clap, his face was met with a black boot. With his instincts and training kicking in, he drew his head back, avoiding the kick. He then jumped backwards and in a crouching stance and looked at his attacker. “Mr. Death himself” VECTOR spoke in a soft tone of voice. “It is an honor, sir” “You must be the new recruit that everyone back in Umbrella was talking about” replied HUNK, he then walked next to the U.S.S veteran and simply walked passed him, only a few feet from VECTOR. “Let’s see what you can do” HUNK then assumed a CQC stance and took a huge combat knife from his side pocket. VECTOR, still in his crouching stance, grabbed his dagger backhanded and tensed up. “With pleasure, sir” *** September 30, 1998 “Raccoon City” +1350 AM “This is VECTOR, LUPO, Do you hear me?” said VECTOR as he tried for the nth time on his communicator. “Still nothing, VECTOR?” asked FOUR-EYES as she approached VECTOR. “Seems like that last attack from the Nemesis knocked out my communicator. How about your side? Have you mapped out our route to the extraction point?” “Yes, we just need to clear out the zombies in front of the police station and get to the side; there is a set of stairs and a ladder leading to the helipad. We’ll wait for them there” answered FOUR-EYES as he showed VECTOR the points in her map. “Alright, we move in 2 minutes. Ready your Machine Gun, Let’s just use suppressing fire, we’ll use the dead body as a mini barricade, don’t bother firing from behind, focus on the front ones and we run” commanded VECTOR. “ロジャーその” replied FOUR-EYES as she readied her Machine Gun. *** Umbrella Underground Research Center “Room 311” +1545 AM “Where is the Cop?!” screamed VECTOR as he pointed his gun at Claire Redfield who was sitting on the floor holding he right arm. “Like Hell I’ll tell you! Whether I tell you or not, you’re gonna kill me anyways!” screamed Claire as she glared at VECTOR. “Tell me, where the cop is or I hunt down the little girl” whispered VECTOR in a cold tone.Claire’s eyes widened in fear, she then tensed up and closed her eyes and turned away from VECTOR. “Look, I don’t know where Leon is” replied Claire; she then looked at VECTOR with sadness in her eyes “Please! She’s just a little girl; I really don’t know where Leon is, so please” “Claire?” whispered a little girls voice, as the door to the room opened. “Sherry?!” shouted Claire with relief in her voice, as she tried to run to Sherry’s side, only to be stopped by VECTOR grabbing her arm. “What’s going on Claire? What happened to your arm?” replied Sherry in a shaky tone of voice, she then ran to Claire’s side totally ignoring VECTOR. VECTOR was slightly stunned to say the least, he only saw her in the mission briefing and reports, but up-close, she looks so much like her. “Samantha?” whispered VECTOR as he loosened his grip on Claire’s arm, to which made Claire force her arm free and went to hug Sherry. Sherry did not hear what VECTOR said, but Claire did. After the two shared a warm hug, Claire looked at VECTOR suspiciously. “Who’s Samantha?” asked Claire. VECTOR then snapped from his little delusion and firmly pointed his pistol on the two. “It’s none of your business. Now, Where is the cop?!” replied VECTOR. But as soon as Claire was about to respond, a monstrous roar echoed throughout the whole place. Rrrrrroaaaaaaaaagggggggh!! “Damn it! I don’t have time to deal with that thing!” cursed VECTOR as he holstered his pistol, which got Claire Confused. “What are you doing?” asked Claire “Getting out of here, if you really don’t know where the cop is, I better get myself out of here, before that thing hinders my search” replied VECTOR as he rechecked his inventory on a nearby weapon table. “Why are you looking for Leon anyway?” asked Claire. VECTOR was silent for a good few seconds; he then looked at Sherry one last time and approached the door. “He’s my ticket out of this Hell hole, If I don’t eliminate him, Umbrella won’t send a chopper to pick me up” replied VECTOR. And as he was about to exit the room, Claire spoke. “Trust me, Umbrella won’t be sending any Chopper to pick you up when you’ve done your part” “I know” replied VECTOR, not even looking at Claire. “But, what choice do I have? “Us” replied Claire flatly, to which made VECTOR finally turn her attention to the two. “What do you mean?” “We know a way out of here, but” Claire then looked at Sherry who was becoming more pale. “We need to help Sherry first, his father; that monster, infected her with the G-Virus and Leon is retrieving the antidote as we speak” “Why are you telling me this now?” asked VECTOR with curiosity in his voice. “Choose: us or Umbrella, And I’m sure as hell that Umbrella won’t hold their end of the Bargain” VECTOR was silent again, he then looked at Sherry; True, she was physically getting worse, so with a sigh, he spoke. “Where’s the cop at?” *** Umbrella Underground Research Center “Underground Train” As Leon connected the batteries of the control panel to power up the train, VECTOR was dispatching a few Hunters. And as the blissful sound of the train turning on could be heard, VECTOR finally killed off the last of the Hunters with a ‘Hydra’ Shotgun to the face. He then turned around to look at Leon and gestured him to move faster. And as Leon was about to get out of the Terminal, the T-Type Nemesis who has totally mutated fell from above and infront of Leon. “You just won’t stay down!” screamed Leon in annoyance. Upon seeing this, VECTOR quickly ran to the terminal, only to be stopped by a tentacle grabbing his foot. As VECTOR fell face first in the ground, he looked at the tentacle, then to where it was connected, little to his surprise, a fully morphed William Birkin was inching himself towards VECTOR with his entire sharp fangs ready and waiting. Noticing what was taking the two so long to get back, Claire looked outside of the window and saw that Leon was fighting the Nemesis and VECTOR fighting Birkin, she was about to join in the fray, but alas, the train was in automatic, and the door won’t open from the inside.She then just opened the Window and shouted at the two. “VECTOR, Leon!! Hurry!! The train is in Automatic! And the place is about to blow!” shouted Claire. “Kinda busy here, Claire!” replied Leon as he dodge the sweeping claw of the Nemesis who’s claw was too close for comfort, he then blasted the terminal door with his shotgun and rolled out. “Give us cover fire from there!” commanded VECTOR, as he jumped out of the way of Birkin’s pounce, but leaving a grenade before evading. Birkin, not noticing the grenade, was blasted in the side and was thrown next to Nemesis. Much to the surprise of the three, Birkin and the Nemesis did not fight amongst themselves, but looked as though having the same animalistic urge to devour the humans infront of them. “This is NOT good” replied Leon as he reloaded his shotgun, stunned at the image infront of him. “Damn straight, where is the antidote for Sherry anyway?” replied VECTOR. “With me” answered Leon “Why?” VECTOR was silent, and as Claire opened the window of the train, with a mini-gun at hand, she shouted. “Move your asses!!” screamed Claire as she unloaded a hell of bullets to the two mutated monsters. But alas, the Train started moving and small explosions started to shake the Tunnel. Noticing this, Leon and VECTOR (together with Claire) unloaded every bullet in their arsenal to the two creatures. But, VECTOR was the first to notice that it was a lost cause, and as the train started to move, so did Claire, until her cart was out of range. Seeing this, VECTOR took out all of the grenades he has left and threw it at the two creatures, Leon noticed this and with luck, an empty cart was about to reach them, which VECTOR also noticed. And in a quick motion, the two quickly jumped at the cart. As the explosion stunned the two creatures long enough to stall them from following the men, as they entered the cart. The Underground facility exploded with the two creatures sending them both to the real Hell below earth. ??? +0800 AM “Where do you plan on going now?” asked Claire. “They left us for dead from those damn B.O.Ws, It’s not just about money anymore. Consider my contract with them as….. Terminated” replied VECTOR in a stern voice. “Are we gonna see you again?” asked Sherry as she held hands with Claire and Leon. Hearing Sherry’s voice, VECTOR turned around and looked at her one last time. ‘She looks so much like Samantha’ VECTOR thought to himself. He then turned around and continued to walk away and left them with a sentence that made them smile. “I’m going to gut Umbrella from the inside out…” > Mission 18: What lies Beyond > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atop the Castle of the Crystal Empire, VECTOR sat and stared over the bustling city below. Over at the northern far end, he could see pony soldiers starting to gather and form. Whilst at the Center of it all, you could see the regular ponies getting along with their daily lives without a care in the world, even though they are at the brink of an all-out war. With a heavy sigh, VECTOR then lazily lay down on the roof. After his little fight with Shining Armor, VECTOR went straight out of the room and climbed up the castle where nopony can reach him. Except for six ponies, that is. “What are you girls doing here?” asked VECTOR as he sensed the six hiding just behind him. “I could sense all six of you even if you hid yourselves with magic. You six breathe too loud” he added, without even moving from his laying position. And with an embarrassing chuckle from the six, Twilight lifted the invisibility spell and all six appeared near VECTOR, forming a small circle around the Human. “About what happened earlier” started Twilight as she rubbed the back of her head. “We heard everything from Fluttershy and----“ “No need to apologize” VECTOR cut her off “Besides, I was the one who beat up your brother” he added, which got them all to gasp (Save Fluttershy, who was there when it happened) in surprise. “But why did you do that?!” Twilight half shouted at VECTOR with a mix of anger and confusion in her voice and expression. “It’s not like I was the one who was captured or anything. Sure I was the one who planned all this, but. I AM a Princess and I’ve helped beat like two God-like villains, thus making Shining Armor’s decision, quite true” she added whilst pacing back and forth. “I kinda see your point, Dariling. But like what Twilight mentioned, she was not the one out there, so it’s not quite right, venting your anger at Shining Armor like that” added Rarity. VECTOR just lay there, silent. True, Twilight was not the one out there, and that she was the only one who planned all this, but that doesn’t mean that Shining Armor couldn’t even question as to why she asked for a map outside of the Crystal Empire. What if she planned to tag along? Twilight said it herself, she was confident in her abilities, so what kept her from not going too? It just so happens that she didn’t go. And as VECTOR finally sat up after what it seemed to be an eternity of silence, he spoke. “Look, girls. I haven’t told this to anyone and when I say anyone, I mean ANYONE” said VECTOR in a stern voice, he then added “The one mistake that shattered my life” and as VECTOR spoke this, he slowly lifted his mask, revealing a matured face filled with experience of war and death from underneath the mask. Even if his face showed that he was clearly atleast middle-aged, his cold green eyes showed an empty man, a man that has nothing else left. His empty cold hard face looked at them, and they looked at him right back, but with not pity or disgust, they looked at him with sympathy and sadness, a look that told VECTOR that they are there for him. “It all started when I was a teenager with my sister, Samantha….” *** “So the reason your sister died was because she wondered on her own? And was bitten by someone who looked like your dad?” asked Twilight. “Yes, like you Twilight, she was a genius and a careful girl. Even if I told her not to wander too far, she assured me that she’ll be back. But she didn’t, until I heard her scream.” replied VECTOR. “And the reason you two were alone was because you and your family had an accident, and that your parents died from said accident?” asked AppleJack, wincing at her own pain empathizing with VECTOR. “I’m sorry VECTOR but, She and us aren’t exactly alike” replied Twilight with a little hesitation. “It’s not actually you two being exactly alike Twilight, It’s me being like Shining Armor, I was too confident. Samantha may not be as smart as you, but that same scenario happened. I relied too much, too much in a world where the Dead don’t stay dead” replied VECTOR, he then added. “And before you say anymore Twilight, let me ask you. Even if you’re careful, do you think accidents aren’t? That’s why their called accidents, because no matter how careful you are, they are bound to happen, you can never prevent them, lessen the damage maybe? But prevent, no. Expect the unexpected as they say” said VECTOR, he then looked beyond them and stood up putting his mask back on and added. “Look, my only mistake is letting the last and only thing important in my life be taken away from me.” “We won’t let that happen” said Fluttershy as she stepped closer to VECTOR. “I know deep inside, that you are just sad and alone, blaming yourself for the death of your sister. But know that we are here for you, whether it’s to save you when you’re in trouble or just a shoulder to cry on, we’re here for you. It’s because we’re friends.” Added Fluttershy with a tear streaming from her eyes as she hovered near VECTOR and hugged him burrowing her face in his chest. And as the others joined in to hug VECTOR, inside his mask he closed his eyes, tears and kept emotions starting to well up. He may have failed to save her sister, but he will soon die rather than let it happen again, to his now so called. Friends. *** “That blasted Chrysalis! How dare she make a fool out of me?!” screamed Sombra as he ended his communication with the Queen of the Changelings. “She was just lucky to have a Dragon as a pet! But no matter, as maman used to say: ‘Never cry over spilt milk’” he said to himself as Sombra’s shadowy figure started to move and make his way out of his Throne room. Outside his fortress, Sombra hovered above his little ‘Encampment’, and as a small smile crept to his face when he saw his Goblin Army grow by the hour; from Wyvern Riders to Minotaur Brawlers, and after years of preparing and playing possum, He was almost ready. Even if the Princesses have the Elements of Harmony plus their little ponies, they won’t have a chance. Because King Sombra will not be alone, oh no, he will have his mighty new ‘Champion’ by his side and that is not all. While the two Princesses are busy with him, they will not know what awaits them beyond the Crystal Empire. *Feral Scream* “Master!” screamed one of his Goblin Wyrm Riders. “We have caught a new Dragon for you to use!” Sombra then wrapped the Goblin Rider who spoke with his shadowy figure and entered its mind. Fully controlled, he commanded the others to follow him to where the new Dragon was caged. *** ‘At an Undisclosed location, in an active Volcano’ “H.Q. this is HUNK, I have retrieved a sample of Albert Wesker’s blood embedded with Uroboros” reported HUNK via communicator. “Great Work, Mr. Death. Did you encounter any trouble along the way?” asked HQ. “Besides some BSAA lackeys and some scavengers, it was like a stroll in the park” replied HUNK cockily. “Good, now make your way back to H.Q. for your debriefing” “Copy that, HUNK over and out” As HUNK finished up packing all of his equipment and sample, he heard a certain sound from behind him. And as he looked behind him, he saw something that he couldn’t believe. “Hello, Mr. Death? Could I interest you with a job?" asked King Sombra still possessing his Goblin Wyrm Rider accompanied with 3 more Wyrm Riders. HUNK’s answer? A Bullet in the head of King Sombra. > Mission 19: The Gathering Storm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiding himself in a small cave, HUNK was able to get away from his ‘Pursuers’ with little effort in his part. Holding the Briefcase that held the sample of Wesker’s blood close to himself, he started to plan for the most efficient outcome that can benefit him. For starters, he could just simply kill them all and save him the trouble of lurking through the volcano, or he could do the opposite and just make his way out of the volcano without them noticing him. Pondering for the most probable outcome, HUNK was safe in his little hiding spot without a care in the world. But on the other hand, King Sombra was getting very angry and annoyed; yes he was impressed that his future champion was better than his previous one; killing about 5 Wyrm riders and 15 Goblin soldiers, but angry nonetheless. Good thing he was possessing his troops rather than facing himself front on. He already saw his champion’s potential and power, all he needed to do now is to get him to his side. “Sir HUNK! I would only like to acquire your services!” he screamed, now possessing another Goblin Wyrm Rider. Around King Sombra lay multiple bodies of his dead troops, after moving from one body to another, he called for reinforcements. And after a good while, two Hulking Goblin brutes came out of the portal. The Brutes are called the ‘Minitour Brawlers’ almost the size of a troll and bodies bulging with hardened skin and hard muscles. HUNK who was weighing if he should kill them or not, heard King Sombra’s words. His little hiding spot was located above where King Sombra and his Minotour Brawlers where located. “So, he wants to hire me for a job, eh?” he whispered to himself, he then looked at his briefcase which contained the blood sample. His mission is much more important than this strange creature. So he tried to communicate with it. “How do you know my name?” HUNK screamed, still hiding in his little spot just above them. To which King Sombra perked up and started to search for his voice. “Are you familiar with the name, VECTOR?” replied King Sombra, who started to look around for HUNK. HUNK was caught off guard at this, his one and only student. ‘How did this creature know where VECTOR is?’ HUNK thought to himself. To his knowledge, VECTOR disappeared right after Operation: Raccoon City, after Umbrella betrayed Delta Team. He knew that they were better than the rest, and that Umbrella was in for hell on earth when VECTOR gets ahold of them. HUNK himself just used Umbrella as leverage, much like Ada Wong; he was not directly affiliated with Umbrella. But they didn’t know that. “What do you know about VECTOR?” asked HUNK as he jumped from his little hiding spot, revealing himself to Sombra. “Glad you can join us again, sir HUNK” replied King Sombra as he gave a small mocking bow, but HUNK did not answer, he only put his left hand on his gun holster. “No need for more violence sir HUNK” said King Sombra hastily as he noticed HUNK’s hand. “I don’t like to repeat my questions creature, either tell me, or you go find another body to possess” spoke HUNK coldly removing the safety pin of his pistol. “Well you see, it all began when….” *** Meanwhile, in one of the guest rooms in the Royal Crystal Castle, VECTOR has just finished preparing for the upcoming Preemptive attack on King Sombra, when a knock on his door caught his attention. Opening the door slightly and peering outside, he saw a pink Alicorn standing outside his door. “What do you want, Princess Cadence?” asked VECTOR “I just want to talk, can I come in?” asked Princess Cadence “You do know, we’re about to leave don’t you?” replied VECTOR coldly. “Just for a minute? Please?” asked Princess Cadence. And With an audible sigh, VECTOR opened his door wider and gestured for the Princess to come in. Princess Cadence then proceeded to trot to one of the couches and sat there. VECTOR followed suit and sat on his bed just across the couch and looked at Princess Cadence. The Two shared a little silence, when VECTOR spoke. “So, Princess, What do want to ask me?” asked VECTOR, still looking at Princess Cadence behind his mask. “I just want to ask, why?” she replied “Why? Why what? Why did I punch your husband? Why did I lose my shit earlier? That’s a vague question, Princess” VECTOR retorted, pointing a finger at Princess Cadence. “None of the above. My question is, why are you helping us? This is not your war to wage, I get that you want to help us, but. Celestia and Luna with the help of Twilight are already making preparations to get you back home. So Why?” asked Princess Cadence with a look of confusion in her eyes. VECTOR was silent, but after a good few seconds, Princess Cadence became afraid of what happened next. VECTOR laughed, he laughed so hard he was holding his stomach. After a good while of laughing, VECTOR recovered and stood up, took his weapons and headed to the door. Princess Cadence stood from the couch and was about to call out to VECTOR, when he stopped by the door and spoke. “Because the Bastard, tried to hurt those that are very close to me” replied VECTOR coldly and as he was about to leave the room, he added. “Nobody fucks with my family” Closing the door, VECTOR left a Princess with a small smile on her face. “May Faust show mercy on King Sombra” said Princess Cadence to herself. *** At the Entrance of the Crystal Empire, 5 battalions composed of Earth Ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns gathered, and at the front was Shining Armor accompanied by five of the bearers of the Elements of Magic. And as Shining Armor barked orders and speeches alike, VECTOR appeared from the back of the battalion riding the red dragon. And as he made his way to where Shining Armor and the rest where, He made no eye contact with Shining Armor, but was greeted warmly by the 5. “VECTY! Are you ready to go now?” asked Pinkie Pie in her usual cheery tone of voice whilst bouncing up and down. “Yes” he replied, he then looked at Shining Armor, who was glaring back at him. VECTOR then proceeded to walk next to him and spoke. “Are your troops ready?” asked VECTOR flatly. “As much as they’ll ever be” replied Shining Armor as he continued to stare at VECTOR. “Good, here is the plan; we’ll do an improvised Pincer attack formation” replied VECTOR as he showed Shining Armor a rough draft. “You mean to tell me, we’re going to sacrifice battalion 1,2 and 3?” screamed Shining Armor “Not exactly. Battalion 1,2 and 3 will be more of a wall-like decoy. Earth ponies are much more resilient than any other race, correct? So what we’ll do is combine all the earth ponies of battalion 1,2 and 3 and make them the wall, the unicorns of the 3 groups will provide protective spells and the Pegisi will be the interceptor, in case any Enemies try to take out the Unicorns” instructed VECTOR “As for 4 and 5, they’ll sandwich the enemy from behind, that’s why your group of 1 to 3 will go to the front and 4 and 5 will go to another route to the sides. We need to show Sombra that we have a bulk of a force so that we can hide the other 2” VECTOR added. “But, I think it’s still not enough. Didn’t you say that he had like 20 Battalions of Goblins?” retorted Shining Armor. “That’s not a problem, once I get inside I’ll go straight to Sombra. These creatures are in a hive-mind. Once I take out Sombra, they’ll panic and it’ll be easy pickings for you guys. Besides, Celestia and Luna are readying their forces as we speak. They told me they’ll join the fray together with battalion 4 and 5. We’ll make Sombra think that he is winning, THEN we strike.” replied VECTOR. As VECTOR and Shining Armor proceeded to exchange strategies and plans of attack, Twilight and the other Princesses arrived, everypony turned to bow at the Royalty; except for VECTOR. “Sir VECTOR, we have brought good and bad news” Spoke Princess Luna. “The good news is, we found a way back to your world!” said Twilight with a smile. “And the bad news?” asked VECTOR “The tool for the transportation has been stolen from us, by non-other than King Sombra himself. We found traces of his Dark Alicorn Magic in the Royal Treasury” said Princess Celestia as she slightly lowered her head. “No need to feel sorry Princess, It will be like killing two birds with one stone” replied VECTOR with a chuckle, but made Fluttershy ‘eep’ in response. “Why would you kill two birds with a stone?” protested Fluttershy. “A figure of speech, my dear” replied a familiar voice accompanied by a familiar laugh, Except for VECTOR. And as everyone looked around for the source of the voice and laugh, a familiar creature appeared next to Celestia. Its name was Discord, The Element of Disharmony and Chaos. “Hello my little ponies! I mis----“ BANG! Discord wasn’t able to finish his sentence, as a bullet was found in his head. > Mission 20: The Bigger Picture > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the lifeless body of Discord lay on the ground, bathe in his own blood next to a shocked Princess Celestia. VECTOR re-holstered his Pistol and approached the shocked Princess Celestia. “Are you alright Princess?” asked VECTOR, to which the Princess did not respond. Every pony that was present and witnessed this sudden turn of events is all shocked and silent. never averting their gaze on the dead Discord. “Wha---what have you done?” whispered Princess Celestia, as tears started to appear in her eyes. “He was my FRIEND!!” screamed Fluttershy, who rushed at the lifeless body of Discord with tears on her face and bawling like a child who’s pet goldfish just died and flushed in the toilet. “I just----“ replied VECTOR but was cut off by the same familiar laugh just moments ago. *Hysterical Laughter* As Every Pony and VECTOR turned to the source of the laughter, they saw a miniature Discord who was sitting on a foldable chair eating popcorn atop Pinkie Pie’s head. “Don’t worry Every Pony! That’s just Ketchup!” replied Discord as he continued to laugh. “But I just killed you? How did you?” replied VECTOR as he un-holstered his pistol again and aimed it at Discord once again, but was stopped when Fluttershy jumped in front of VECTOR. “NO!” screamed Fluttershy, she then added “Don’t kill him! He’s a friend!” “Haven’t we told you about how we reformed Discord?!” replied Twilight Hastily. “I know he can be random and unpredictable! But please be mindful!” said Princess Celestia, wiping the tear from her eyes. VECTOR looked at Fluttershy and the others closely and noticed that they were telling the truth, he then proceeded to re-holster his pistol and asked. “How did you?” “What? NOT die? Simple my dear ‘Champion’” replied Discord as he gestured the Quote and quote on the Champion part. And with a snap of a finger, The ‘Dead’ Discord and the real Discord Disappeared. And with another snapping sound, Discord reappeared next to Fluttershy. “Wipe that tear of your pretty little face, Flutterfly” said Discord as he handed Fluttershy a polka dotted handkerchief. “It’s Fluttershy” whispered Fluttershy, taking the Handkerchief and was surprised that it was already wet. “Oh, whatever. Any way! If ‘Princess’ Twilight here forgot to mention, I am the spirit of Chaos and Disharmony! A simple bullet to the head is too much boring to kill someone like me!” said Discord as he lazily floated next to VECTOR. “What are you doing here Discord? We didn’t summon you” asked Twilight with a hint of anger. “And good to see you too, Princess Twilight!” replied Discord with a mock bow, he then added “I’m just here for the Chaos that you are all about to create! And a little bit of advice” “What kind of advice?” replied VECTOR coldly. “You of all people should already know this VECTOR, but I’ll say it anyways. Expect the Unexpected. You think King Sombrero over yonder is not plotting anything? He lost his Champion and Dragon. Wouldn’t you think he’ll get another?” replied Discord with a smug grin. “What are you getting at Discord?” asked Rainbow Dash as she hovered next to Discord and glared at him. “Get this to your Rainbow Flavored Mane, Rainbow Dash. Once you lose something, don’t you want to get it back?” retorted Discord with a smug grin and turning Rainbow Dash’s mane into whipped cream. He then proceeded to scoop it with a “Star-Buck” cup which made Rainbow Dash’s jaw drop so far to the floor. He then began to drink his now rainbow whipped cream latte. “Now that’s good Latte!” he added, and with a snap of a finger, Rainbow Dash’s mane returned. “Hah! The darn fool tried that and failed!” replied AppleJack as she looked at VECTOR and winked at him. “Then let me ask you, If you can’t get back something you had, what do you do?” asked Discord as he continued to drink his latte whilst floating in mid-air. “You get a new one” replied VECTOR flatly. ”And we have a winner!! You get a prize! “Exclaimed Discord as a party-hat appeared atop VECTOR’s helmet and streamers and balloons appeared out of nowhere which made everypony jump in surprise, except Pinkie Pie who was bouncing up and down in joy. “Your Prize is one more advice” said Discord in a menacing whisper, and with a snap of a finger. Time Froze. VECTOR along with Discord disappeared. *** “I’m getting sick and tired of teleporting to random places” replied VECTOR as he face palmed. “Where are we now? And why is it so Goddamn dark? I can’t even see my own hands” he added. “Welcome! To the Banished Zone!!” replied Discord as the place started to illuminate but still a bit dark. “Where in the blue hell are we…..” replied VECTOR in amazement. Infront of VECTOR lay tall shattered buildings that ran across for miles and miles away, it was like a huge city covered in darkness. But something made VECTOR tingle in fear; it was like the darkness itself that blanketed the city was alive. “So! How do you like the place? I know it’s a bit damp, but you’ll get used to it!” replied Discord as he approached VECTOR. “Why am I here again?” asked VECTOR “For your prize of course! You see, your little “Operation” to take out King Sombrero and his little Goblins are just the beginning” replied Discord. Then a huge explosion erupted in the far north of where the two are standing, which made VECTOR look at that direction. “What was that?” he asked as he pointed to the direction of the explosion. “That doesn’t matter, Listen carefully” said Discord flatly, he was now serious, looking at VECTOR eye to eye. He then added “War does not end quickly, and from your experience, you know that. “Once I kill Sombra, It WILL be over” replied VECTOR with determination. “I won’t let him hurt anyone close to me any further” “Ahh, but do you think he’s the only one after your little ‘Family’” replied Discord as another explosion erupted. “What are you saying?” replied VECTOR coldly as he slowly puts his hand on his pistol. “Oh you don’t need to worry about me, I’m reformed! And like you, I don’t want anything happening to my Friends” replied Discord as he turned around exposing his back to VECTOR. “Do you remember what I said about possession?” “Yeah, and you also called me ‘Champion’, what’s the deal with that?” “When in war, you need a trump card, something that will turn the tides or something that will ensure victory….” “I get it” “I knew you were smarter than you look. Now, for your reward” With a snap of a finger, an image in the form of a huge LCD T.V. appeared infront of Discord and VECTOR. VECTOR was not surprised at the randomness of Discord anymore, but what surprised him was what the scene in the T.V. showed. “Holy shit…” *** “Tell me again why I shouldn’t kill you?” asked HUNK as he pointed his gun at a Goblin who was kneeling on the ground; beside him laid two dead huge hulking Goblins with holes in their throats. “I can give you anything you desire! I can even get you home! All I ask of you is assistance in the upcoming war! Your apprentice is making his way to may stronghold as we speak!” replied the Goblin. “Keep talking…” replied HUNK with interest in his voice. *** “So my teacher got tricked by King Sombra into arriving here in Equestria” whispered VECTOR whilst deep in thought on how to approach the situation. “Yes, that Sombra has a silver tongue” replied Discord with a disgusted look on his face. “If Sombra gets his way, we’ll be in deep shit. He’s not called ‘Mr. Death’ for nothing” “Well, it’s not like you’re not in-par with the guy” replied Discord with a shrug and another explosion getting nearer. “In any case, I need to get back. We need to move out now, the sooner the better, I might be able to talk my way with HUNK” replied VECTOR. “As you wish, but know this VECTOR….” said Discord. He then snapped his finger and the both of them disappeared again after an explosion to where they are standing. They then appeared above the destroyed city of the Banished zone, to where VECTOR saw everything in a birds-eye-view. The broken and dark city stretched out for what seemed like infinity, VECTOR even saw the explosion to where they used to be just moments ago, he then looked at Discord with confusion. “…..Your little battle with Sombra is the beginning” Discord continued. He then snapped his fingers again and multiple images appeared. One was showing VECTOR’s adventures in Equestria; from the Trolls to the Wyrm Riders, it all showed him battling. Next to him was his Teacher/Mentor showing his battle prowess in his their world; from retrieving the G-Virus to battling Las Plagas. The image next to HUNK was one that showed a tall man wearing a red coat and wielding a huge sword and battled monsters that looked like B.O.Ws. “You see, VECTOR. You’re not the only one who was summoned here. Like I said your little battle is only the beginning. Look over there” said Discord as he pointed to the far end of the Banished Zone that somehow got illuminated. Thousands upon thousands of Changelings and what looked like shadow ponies where lined up and increasing and at the far back was a huge shadowy castle that gave off the dark like mist that covered the city. VECTOR was silent, he was shocked at how many troops were aligned and ready for war. Now he got it, this is nothing compared to what he saw in Sombra’s Barracks. If they were to charge, they’d destroy Equestria in days. It then hit him. “You’re the spirit of Chaos! Can’t you do something about this?!” shouted VECTOR. “Alas, we are in the banished zone. My powers are nulled here, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have power outside of here. That’s why they can’t get out and just finish the job, cause I’m keeping them here. But don’t worry about that, I need you to lessen their ranks” “Sombra’s Army” “Exactly, they maybe Goblins, but their numbers are far too much of an advantage. So If you really want to help your ‘Family’, finish up Sombra, tell them of the situation and help me” replied Discord and with a snap of a finger, they are now back to the ground. “All right, about that other guy. Is he with us? Are there more coming?” asked VECTOR “To be frank, I don’t know. But What I do know is he was summoned by Chrysalis” “The Changeling Queen that Cadence and Armor banished right?” “Yup, I just hope his heart is in the right place. Anyway, time to get you back” said Discord, and as he was about to snap his fingers, VECTOR interjected. “What about you?!” asked VECTOR, but was too late to hear the answer when he heard a snapping sound and reappeared back in the Crystal Empire and the Time Freezing Spell undone. *** “Oh, don’t worry about me VECTY! I have Friends!” said Discord in a cheery voice as an explosion erupted just behind him. He then sighed and saw two little silhouette appeared and was skipping. “Haven’t I told you girls not to blow things that are NOT the enemies?” shouted Discord at the two silhouettes but without a hint of anger in his voice. “Rules are made to be broken, Discord! Like Buildings!” replied one of the more tall silhouette. “Oooooooor POHNEYS! So quit your yapping! “replied the other smaller silhouette. *Sigh* “Oh well, ready to have some more fun?!” said Discord, as the two silhouettes appeared more clearly with the light of the explosion. > Mission 21: Operation: Sombra > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ”Strategy Room” “Discord said what?!” screamed Twilight Sparkle as she looked at VECTOR with surprise written all over her face. Ever since VECTOR told them about the ‘Banished Zone’ and an unknown enemy preparing for war, Twilight was screaming at VECTOR with every bit of new information given to her. *sigh* “For the last time, Twilight; quit screaming at me. If you want some answers from Discord, why don’t you call him yourself? But I suggest we get along with this operation and end Sombra once and for all” replied VECTOR as she approached an embarrassed Twilight. “I never knew that there was a plane called the ‘banished zone’, tis the first time I have heard of this Plane of existence” said Princess Luna as she approached VECTOR, she then added “Arth thou sure of the information Discord has given you, sir VECTOR?” “Positive, he was serious with every word he told me. That is also a reason why we should act now. He needs all the help he can get” replied VECTOR. “So that is why we haven’t seen any much of him since his reformation. Alright, once everypony is ready we will start the operation.” said Princess Celestia. And with that, Everypony excluding VECTOR started to part ways to prepare for their upcoming operation. Left inside the now empty room, VECTOR recalled what Discord showed him; it was his Mentor. He told Everypony about the hidden war and King Sombra’s Champion, but he did not tell them that King Sombra’s new champion is his mentor; Mr. Death. Because, he himself is not sure if HUNK took King Sombra’s offer, so just to be on the safe side. He kept it for himself, until the time comes. *** At the northern field just outside of the Crystal Empire, the Crystal Pony Battalion 1, 2 and 3 are all lined up and ready to move out, their leader being Shining Armor himself. To each of their side were Battalion 4 on the left and Battalion 5 on the right. Battalion 4 is accompanied by Princess Luna, ready to summon her Lunar Guards when given the time. And Battalion 5 is accompanied by Princess Celestia with her Solar Guards concealed and was also ready to be summoned when given the chance. That leaves VECTOR, the Red Dragon who was airborne and concealed above the clouds and the manes six, who already set out an hour earlier. VECTOR’s plan was to arrive early just near the enemy camp and check the number of enemies they are about to encounter, to calculate the time till their plan is discovered. “Were nearing the enemy camp, stay close to me” ordered VECTOR. “Not to sound rude, Darling. But why do we have these again? I was happy to make garments for this mission, but. We aren’t the sort of ponies to bring onto battle.” asked Rarity as she tried to adjust her modified goggles given to her by VECTOR together with a metal blow gun called the “Big Bore .625 magnum”. For the Mission to be a success, VECTOR ordered the Red Dragon to summon multiple weapons and gadgets for the mane 6 to use. The Elements of Harmony was needed for King Sombra, but with the Goblins, they needed something to defend themselves. “How do I even use this, Darling?” asked Rarity as she looked at her weapon on her back. “We’ve been through this already, Rarity. Just load the dart inside the blow gun and just blow, simple. And those goggles of yours is for long range scoping, you’ll be our eyes” replied VECTOR. “I get Rarity, VECTOR. But what about Fluttershy? She’s not the kind of pony to kill or even SEE blood. I on the other hand, thank you for this blade you attached to my wing! It’s so awesome!” said Rainbow Dash as a 2-foot retractable blade came out of Rainbow Dash’s wings as soon as she stretched them out. “Alright, alright. Let’s stop for a second here” Commanded VECTOR, he then faced the mane six and ordered them to line up. As soon as the six where lined up, he pointed at Rarity. “Rarity, like I’ve said just now; you’ll be our eyes. Once we reach the barracks you’ll be stationed above us. In my time inside of the enemy barracks, I saw that the buildings are all close together. Scout for any hostiles and take them out with your blow gun” spoke VECTOR, he then proceeded to point at Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, You’ll be Rarity’s support and transport. When we get too far, carry her to another high ground for scouting. Also, take out any hostiles who are targeting Rarity with your wing blade, got it?” ordered VECTOR as Rainbow Dash saluted in response. VECTOR then preceded to the problem at hand, Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, you’ll be our medic. What I gave you is “LUPO’s” status mask, inputted there are everyone’s status, if someone is injured, you’ll see them flashing in red, got it?” asked VECTOR to which Fluttershy just nodded in response. VECTOR then proceeded to AppleJack. “AJ, you’ll be infront of the group, did you attach the thing I gave you?” asked VECTOR, to which AppleJack nodded in response and showed him her back hooves. “Good, those are modified shock gloves; they fire off high voltage of electricity to fry your enemies” he added. He then looked at Pinkie Pie who was wearing a huge smile on her face. “Pinkie, you’ll be our Explosion Expert. Are those things too heavy for you?” asked VECTOR as he pointed at two Six-Shot 40mm Grenade Launcher attached at her back. “Nope! Don’t worry about me VECTY! I used to work at a rock farm!” replied Pinkie as she bounced up and down. “Careful Pinkie! I’ve modified those so that the triggers are attached to your front hooves are fired when you press them hard on a hard surface!” shouted VECTOR as he tried to calm down Pinkie. “Okie dokie lokie! So! How do I reload?” asked Pinkie. “You don’t, or rather you don’t need too. This is an assassination Operation; you only come in when needed. You only come in when the preemptive strike starts and most of the enemy forces are busy with the fight on the front lines or when I order you to. The first three grenades in your left launcher are explosive rounds; the last three are smoke rounds. The second launcher’s first three rounds are freeze rounds; which freezes enemies on the spot that where caught in the explosion, and finally, the last three rounds are flash rounds. Either way, you’ll be our trump card, because we don’t have any extra rounds for your launcher. So be careful” “Yes sir! Sir VECTOR sir!” replied Pinkie with a salute. “Good. And finally, Twilight” said VECTOR as he looked at Twilight. “Yes?” replied Twilight with joy written all over her face. She has yet to receive a weapon from VECTOR since they left; all she has are the camouflage suit given to her by Rarity and her very own multi-scope goggles. “Since you can use magic, Here…” VECTOR then attached six 10 inch black boxes in Twilight’s suit. “…Boxes? You gave Pinkie a Grenade Launcher, but you gave me SIX black boxes? What are these? Our lunch or something?” asked Twilight with annoyance. *sigh* With an audible sigh, VECTOR took one of the black boxes and proceeded to unfold them. “These are called the Magpul FMG-9 semi-automatic submachine gun; they fire 9x19mm Parabellum FMJ. Twilight, I gave you SIX of these, because you can use magic. You’ll be our suppressive fire, make them run like little pansies” replied VECTOR with a smile as he saw Twilight blush in embarrassment. And as VECTOR finished giving them instructions, they all proceeded with their destination. After a few hours of traveling, they finally reached the Goblin Barracks. And as VECTOR and the mane 6 watch from atop a small hill, Twilight spoke. “Goggles on” ordered Twilight, as everypony put on their specific goggles. “Status Online, Everypony on Green” replied Fluttershy. “Just give the order, Darling” said Rarity with a smile, as she loaded her .625 magnum. “Let’s gut them from the inside” added Rainbow Dash with a grin as she unfolded her wings. “We’re all good to go here, Sugarcube” said AppleJack as she activated her electric hooves. “C’mon VECTY! Let’s get this party started!” said Pinkie Pie loudly. VECTOR then proceeded to unsheathe his combat knife and drew his pistol, and from the head down, started to turn invisible and said. Proceeding with ‘Operation: Sombra’ > Mission 22: In the Eyes of DEATH > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, inside King Sombra’s Throne Room; HUNK sat in the aforementioned King’s throne lazily as he tapped away on his laptop. “So, this is all the data of your army?” asked HUNK as he continued to type on his laptop, as multiple data showed in the screen; from number of soldiers to the battle capabilities of each type of soldier. HUNK was not pleased with the data but did not show in his face due to his gas mask. “Yes, that is all of it. What we lack in magical properties, we make up for physical bulk” replied King Sombra, as his shadowy form slithered and circled HUNK, a smile never leaving his face. Finally, he has his Champion on his hooves; it’ll be a matter of time till the Crystal Empire will be his once again. “These creatures are all Hive-mind connected to you?” asked HUNK as he closed his laptop and stood from King Sombra’s Throne, walking to the magical mirror that showed the approaching Crystal Pony army. “We’ll lose at least 1/4th of the bulk power you created with just three battalions of these ponies” he added. “Yes, all of them are connected to me, now. What do you mean lose 1/4th of our power, sir HUNK?” asked King Sombra as he too looked at the incoming battalions. “VECTOR is not with them, meaning. Do not engage them when they arrive, we go defensive, they plan to drag the bulk of our forces outside so VECTOR and his group could attack with minimal resistance. They don’t know that we have acquired a bit more bulk, send out atleast 6 battalions to confront them and leave the rest inside the barracks. We’ll counter whatever surprise they’re thinking.” replied HUNK *Sadistic Laughter* “I am so glad you decided to take upon my offer, sir HUNK. I do wish to know, what is the prize that you want to gain, hmmm? Power? Fortune? Tell me and when we win this war, I shall grant it to you” said King Sombra as he enveloped HUNK with his ghastly form. “Aside from a chance to battle my apprentice, I do have one favor to ask” replied HUNK “Oh? What is it, sir Hunk?” asked King Sombra as his eyes started glow. “Enchant me with Magic, so that I can destroy those Elements of Harmony. From my calculations, they hold immense power, it’ll be unbeneficial for us if they use it” replied HUNK as he walked towards his suit case. “Is that all?! I can do that right now! If it’ll benefit us in the upcoming war, then I shall grant you this one gift!” said King Sombra as his Horn started to glow and his forbidden Alicorn Magic shot out a beam of black energy and hit HUNK, sending him to the other end of the room with the force of the magic. Upon transferring his some of his forbidden Alicorn magic to his Champion, King Sombra approached HUNK in his ghastly form to see if he could take the magic he has given him. King Sombra himself wasn’t sure if humans can absorb magic. Looking a bit closer to the unmoving body of his Champion, fearing dread and stupidity for his acts, King Sombra suddenly felt something he hasn’t felt in a very very long time. The feeling of Pain coursing through his ghastly body as a retractable knife could be seen attached to it. “What?” replied King Sombra as his shadowy form started to fade and a body of a pony was all that was left. He then looked at his ‘Champion’ only to notice the blade that struck him has disappeared and a black blur moving behind him and grabbing his face. *CRACK!* Lying on the floor was the lifeless body of a fallen King with his neck snapped and an expression of utter disbelief in his eyes. HUNK, now radiating with the magic of the Forbidden Alicorn Magic walked towards the fallen King’s Throne and sat lazily, with full command of the Goblin Army via Hive-mind. He commanded every single soldier to meet outside of the barracks, only leaving a select few behind. “I’ll be waiting for you, VECTOR. Don’t disappoint me” *** Just outside of the barracks, VECTOR and the mane six waited for Twilight to finish up communicating with Shining Armor and the other princesses. After a good while, Rainbow Dash; who flew to scout the area from above, came back and reported that the entire army of Goblins started to move out. This was a signal to move in. So with issuing individual commands, Rarity and Rainbow Dash took point in a near Goblin building. “For four meters the area is cleared, Darling” reported Rarity as she scouted for any hostiles blocking their path to the Goblin Castle. “Copy that, to your positions everypony” ordered VECTOR, as a the group cautiously moved forward with AppleJack and Twilight upfront, whilst FlutterShy and Pinkie in the middle and VECTOR in the back, covered with Rarity and Rainbow Dash up above. As the group continued on the 4 meter checkpoint, Rarity spotted 2 Goblin Guards coming around the corner and radioed on VECTOR. “I just blow on the other end right?” asked Rarity out of nowhere. “We’ve been through this a thousand---“ VECTOR was then cut off as two Goblin Guards appeared infront of them from the corner of a building. To Twilight’s shock, she took out her 6 compact submachine guns with her magic and aimed them at the unsuspecting Goblins. “Twilight NO!” screamed VECTOR as he dashed in blinding speed infront of Twilight and stabbed his combat knife in one of the Goblin’s chest and kicked the other to AppleJack’s side, to which the cowgirl noticed and bucked her electric hooves in the face of the surprised Goblin and sending deadly volts of electricity to its head. “God damn it! RARITY!” shouted VECTOR in his comm. “Sorry about that” replied Rarity sheepishly. With a defeated sigh, VECTOR sheathed his knife and looked at a still shocked Twilight with the guns still floating infront of her. “Twilight, snap out of it! Ease up. It’s not your fault” cooed VECTOR, which snapped Twilight out of her trance. “Sorry, VECTOR. I was just, surprised is all. I wasn’t intending to give our positions away” apologized Twilight as she put away her guns. “Don’t worry about it, Good thing I forgot to remove the safety locks” said VECTOR with a dry chuckle. “I’m sorry too Rarity. I forgot that you girls aren’t soldiers, Just Remember that we’re doing this for Equestria. The sooner we beat Sombra the better” added VECTOR. “1 point for me, RD” said AppleJack via comm. “You were just lucky V, sent one your way” retorted Rainbow Dash. “Let’s start again. Rarity, anymore hostiles?” asked VECTOR “No more from up here. Turn right over there and proceed another 4 meters. Rainbow Dash! Do be a dear and escort me in the nearest building?” asked Rarity. “Gotcha, I’ll just take out those three guards first, and then I’ll fly you there” replied Rainbow Dash. As they made their way to the Castle, VECTOR and the Elements failed to notice someone watching them, assessing their every move as they made their way to their apparent Death. “It’ll take more than Guns and Friendship to take me out, VECTOR.” *Snap!* And with a snap of a finger, a group of select Goblins made their way out of the Throne Room expecting their soon to be guest to arrive. “I hope you like your Welcoming Party, once you reach the castle that is.” > Mission 23: Welcome > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just outside the Goblin Barracks, a battle is being waged with the joint forces of the Crystal Empire and Canterlot against the Goblin Army of King Sombra. The plan of attack was an improvised Pincer attack, with Shining Armor leading the front lines and the two rulers of Equestria; Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, on each side of the Goblin Army. Even with a coordinated and Pre-emptive attack, The Ponies of Equestria are still struggling with the number power of the Goblins. “Keep Attacking! Don’t let your guard fall! If the first line of defense falls, it’ll be a matter of time till we get overwhelmed!” ordered Shining Armor as he fires shot after shot from behind the Earth Pony ‘Wall’. Meanwhile, On the side of the battlefield; Princess Luna and Princess Celestia attempts to lessen the number of the Goblins, so that the pressure on the front lines will lessen. “Keep Attacking! Do not let up! We must do everything that we are able, for the sake of Equestria!” ordered Princess Celestia as she hovered over her forces and let out a magical light as strong as the morning Sun to blind the enemy forces and sear any Goblins close enough to harm her little ponies. But even with the power of the Princesses by the ponies’ side, the Goblins still kept on pouring out of the barracks endlessly. *** As a battle wages on just outside of the enemy barracks, VECTOR along with the Elements of Harmony have arrived in front of the gates of the Goblin Castle, after disposing of what few Goblin Guards that were left. Upon reaching the said Gates, VECTOR beckoned for Rainbow Dash and Rarity to join them, so that he can re-organize his little team. “Alright girls, Time to re-organize our Strat. First of all, I’d like to congratulate all of you for making this far, but we still have a long way to go, so don’t let your guards down. Our reorganization won’t change much; Rarity will just join Fluttershy in the middle of the group, whilst Rainbow Dash will just hover on above the group, the rest will still be the same formation” said VECTOR as he looked at each of his friends, he then added. “We’re almost there, now before we move out; I’d like to add something important.” “Something. Important? “ asked Twilight as she looked at the others, who wore the same expression as her; confusion. “Yeah V. What’s so important as to just tell us NOW?” added Rainbow Dash. “You girls remember what I told you about King Sombra’s Champion?” asked VECTOR as everypony nodded in response and gestured VECTOR to go on. “Well, that new Champion. Is my Mentor, HUNK or otherwise known as Mr. Death. King Sombra was able to trick my mentor and superior to come here in Equestria to help him win the war. Now I’m still not sure if HUNK agreed to Sombra’s terms, but I’m just warning you girls to keep your guards up at all times. He’s not called Mr. Death for no reason.” As Elements of Harmony heard this; fear started to creep on their heart and mind; the teacher of their friend; a person who teaches the way of killing another, the person that made their friend what he is today. And this person is their enemy. A man called Mr. Death. “B-b-but we CAN beat him, right, sugarcube?” asked Applejack nervously as cold sweat started to appear on her and her friends’ faces. “I don’t know yet; the first and last time we sparred was when I was still joining Umbrella. Even though he applauded me on how I managed to counter one of his signature moves, I still got pretty beat up” replied VECTOR, remembering his one and only fight with HUNK. “So we still have a chance! If you learned from this man, then that must mean you know how he moves and how he acts. Like the saying goes: ‘The student always surpasses the teacher’” replied Twilight with renewed bravery. “Twilight is right, and besides, this Mr. Death fellow is lacking something if he ever faces us” said Rarity as she and the rest started to look at each other and trot closer to VECTOR. “What’s that?” asked VECTOR. And with a warm smile from each of his friends, Fluttershy spoke. “He doesn’t have friends by his side” with those simple words, VECTOR smiled behind his mask, his worry and fear starting to disappear and a new found resolve starting to emerge. True, he might be facing his Mentor, but that does not mean he will let his friends get harmed, he’d rather die than see his friends get hurt. And with new vigor and resolve; VECTOR and the Elements of Harmony, steeled themselves and entered the Castle of the once King of the Crystal Empire, King Sombra. If he was still alive that is. *** Upon Entering the Castle, The group was not that shocked to see that it was now empty. But even still, they know that something was lurking in the shadows of the Castle. VECTOR then thought that King Sombra himself might be hiding himself in his Throne Room. And after ordering Fluttershy to scan the building with LUPO’s specialized mask, Fluttershy told them that the Throne Room was at the upper floor of the Castle, and that the stairs where located at the main hall of the Castle. After a short travel to the empty halls of the castle, they arrived at two huge wooden double doors that led to the Main Hall of the Castle. And as they opened the door, they were greeted with two Goblins; one was so small and was so covered in bandages that it looked like a small mummy, whilst the other one was spotting a wizard getup complete with a staff. “Welcome! Esteemed Guests, to the Castle of the Great and Powerful, King Sombra!” said the Goblin that wore the wizard getup as it gave a mock bow. To which made the Elements cringe at the word ‘Great and Powerful’. “Where is King Sombra?” asked Twilight as she took out a sub-machine gun and aimed it at the Goblins. “No need to be eager! The Master has prepared a ‘Party’ for thee” replied the Goblin Wizard. “Did you just say Party?!” screamed Pinkie Pie as she practically jumped in joy upon hearing the word Party. “What the hay Pinkie? What kind of Villain gives parties?” asked Twilight. “The Joker?” replied Pinkie with a shrug. “Who?” asked Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “Focus Girls! I think we’re about to find out!” shouted AppleJack. As the Goblin Wizard casted a black spell on the mummified Goblin whilst laughing maniacally, the mummified Goblin fell on the ground as the black Aura-like spell engulfed its whole body and it started to squirm, and after a few moments started to grow in size. VECTOR, who was not fazed to what he was seeing, unsheathed his blade and dashed to the two Goblins, thus surprising both the Goblin Wizard and the Elements of Harmony. With a light jump, he aimed his combat knife at the Goblin Wizard. As his blade was mere inches close to the forehead of the Goblin Wizard, he was stopped by a huge green fist upper cutting him from below. VECTOR was tossed upwards due to the sheer force of the punch. Rainbow Dash; who was quick to react, flew in fast speeds to catch VECTOR in mid-air. VECTOR, who wasn’t knocked-out by the punch, saw Rainbow Dash coming his way, flipped in the air and grabbed the front hoof of RD and the two slowly descended back to the group. “Witness, the power of King Sombra!” shouted the Goblin Wizard whilst laughing maniacally. All the While, the Mummified Goblin growing larger and larger as its wraps started to tear apart. And after a few more moments, a 10 foot tall Goblin Brute radiating with Black Magic stood before VECTOR’s group. “Well then, If you want to Party…” said VECTOR as he turned to Twilight “Time to let loose, Princess” “With pleasure” replied Twilight unfolding all 6 of her Sub-Machine Guns and aiming at the Goblin Brute. The sound of Gunfire echoing through the halls of the Castle. > Mission 24: Entrée > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside the Castle Throne Room; HUNK, sat in his little throne looked upon a mirror that was provided by one of the Goblin caretakers of the castles. The Mirror showed the on-going battle of VECTOR’s group and his Goblin pawns just a few floors below. HUNK, not showing any signs of interest, lazily gazed upon the ensuing battle. As the Goblin caretaker kneeling just infront of him gave a dry cough and spoke. *Ahem!* “Sire, might I suggest watching the battle between the Ponies and our Forces?” as the Goblin caretaker looked at another Scrying Mirror just a few feet beside him. “No need, I don’t care about those idiots out there, I’m only still here for just one thing…” replied HUNK as he continued to look upon the battle of VECTOR’s group and his pawns. “… I just hope he puts up a good enough fight” HUNK added as a small grin appeared on his face behind his Gas Mask. “As you wish, sire” *** Meanwhile, the battle at the Main Hall of the castle was turning one-sided. With Twilight Sparkle giving suppressing fire; VECTOR, AppleJack and Rainbow Dash continued to pummel the living stuffing out of the Hulking Goblin. Though giving credit to the resistance of the Goblin Hulk; VECTOR’s group has been cutting, bucking and firing bullets to the huge Goblin just to make it drop, But with the added protective spell of the Goblin Wizard. Taking it down will require almost all of their fire power, due to the fact that the Wizard isn’t even faltering with the Magical Shield it is emitting to protect the Goblin Hulk. “Twilight, stop firing for now, that damn shield is getting us nowhere” ordered VECTOR as he threw a flash and smoke grenade below the Hulking Goblin, blinding and hiding the vision of both the Wizard and the Hulk. “No need to, VECTOR. I’m out of bullets” replied Twilight as she discarded her weapons to the side and activated her Mask. “What do we do now, V?” asked Rainbow Dash as she landed next to the group and activated her Mask. “All that time attacking, Wasted. We didn’t even make the darn thing to its knees!” said AJ frustratingly as she too activated her Mask. “You lot are only prolonging your Deaths! Once this smoke clears-up we shall KILL you and offer your heads to our King on a silver platter!” cackled the Goblin Wizard. “Don’t worry girls, I’m sure VECTOR has a plan” soothed Fluttershy as she scanned the area with the smoke, seeing that their enemies are still randomly looking for them. “Fluttershy’s right, I’m sure VECTOR knows what to do next” added Rarity with a hint of worry on her tone. “Don’t worry girls, I was just caught off guard with the shielding of that Goblin Wizard, I thought it was just a one-trick pony. No offence girls” said VECTOR. “None taken” replied the girls in unison. “Right, so here is what we do……” As VECTOR relayed his plan to the girls, the Goblin Wizard; with little patience he has, got fed up with blindly commanding his Goblin Hulk to attack at random places. So, with an ear piercing scream, The Goblin Wizard lessened the shielding of the Goblin Hulk and himself, and casted a wind push to clear out the heavy smoke blinding their vision. And as soon as he casted the spell, he reinforced the shielding spell once more. To his glee, he once again saw his targets bearing surprise at the turn of events, and to his convenience was backed up to a corner. And with a maniacal laugh, he ordered his Goblin Hulk to forcefully smash them to the wall. Going on a mad dash to its target, The Goblin Hulk complied with its master’s command to ram his fortified body onto its victims. Backed onto a corner with nowhere else to go, VECTOR’s group was trapped like a mouse in a corner waiting for their inevitable Deaths as they stood still, shocked. *BOOM!* As the Goblin Hulk smashed hard on the stone wall, the Goblin Wizard cackled in delight as a cloud of smoke erupted from the sheer impact of the final attack that sealed the fate of VECTOR and the bearer of the Elements of Harmony. *Maniacal Laughter* “I have won! Tis’ a shame really, I cannot present their severed heads to the King as a gift, No matter. Their blood soaked corpses will prove to be great mattresses for the King” said the Wizard in joy at his accomplishment. As the smoke started to clear, The Goblin Wizard removed his magical shield and commanded his Hulk to pull out the corpses, so that they can present them to their King. But as the silhouette of the Hulk reappeared, it was not holding any corpses and was wearing a confused look on its face. Seeing this, the Goblin Wizard was confused, shocked and was in disbelief. ‘Impossible, did they turn to dust due to the sheer force?’ the Wizard thought to itself. And with a spine tingling gust of wind, the Goblin Wizard’s blood ran cold as an invisible hand grabbed his mouth and heard a deathly cold whisper. “Too bad, looks like your ‘King’ isn’t getting any gifts from you” In a panic, the Goblin Wizard was about to cast another protective spell. But he was too late, as he felt a strong piercing pain from his back. As VECTOR plunged his combat knife at the back of the Goblin Wizard, he retracted his blade and plunged a second time, adjusting his grip and dragging his blade upward till his blade reached the Goblin’s skull, and with a small grunt, cut the Goblin Wizard almost in half with each side hanging like a pealed banana skin, blood spewing and making a small blood fountain. *POP!* With a loud pop, Twilight and the rest re-appeared just behind the Goblin Hulk who was still shocked at the fate of his Master. Twilight and the others did not even look at VECTOR’s direction and focused on the Hulk. Upon facing the shocked Goblin Hulk, Applejack bucked the back of the knees of the huge creature, resulting on the Hulk kneeling on one knee. Rainbow Dash then flew in high speeds upwards while Twilight and Rarity magically planted both of its hands to the ground. Reaching the highest point of the Main Hall, Rainbow Dash looked down and with all of her speed; dive bombed with both front hooves forward and screaming a battle cry whilst descending to her target. Rrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!! Pinkie seeing that Rainbow Dash was approaching appeared just below the head of the Goblin Hulk and aimed both of her Grenade Launchers at the Hulk’s face, And with a smile said. “Bed time!!” screamed Pinkie as she fired 1 round each to the Hulk’s face, knocking it upwards just in time to meet Rainbow Dash’s front hooves. *** As a huge Rainbow Explosion erupted from the Impact was shown on the Scrying Mirror. HUNK who was sitting on his Throne, stood up and started to stretch out his muscles, and with a satisfying crack of his knuckles, he looked at his hand and it emitted a black aura and said. “Don’t keep me waiting any longer, VECTOR” > Mission 25: A Taste of the Main Course > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Having defeated the Goblin Hulk and Goblin Wizard, VECTOR and the Bearer of the Elements of Harmony made their way to the upper levels of the castle. Upon reaching the top floor, they saw a particularly odd floor. It was a single long hallway with nothing more than medieval window-like holes and a door at the other far end of the floor. “I don’t know about you guys but, something feels awfully wrong here” said Twilight nervously. “I know, right? Even if it’s just an empty hallway, something feels….off?” replied Rainbow Dash. “Thinking it’s some kind of trap?” asked Applejack as she looked at VECTOR. “I don’t know, even still. We need to get a move on; heaven knows how the others are holding up. Let’s go, don’t let your guard down” replied VECTOR as he eyed the mysterious long empty hallway. As the group steeled themselves for anything that might surprise them along the hallway, the door at the far end of the hallway slammed open and a faint clapping could be heard. Readying themselves; VECTOR and the Bearers took on battle stances, but to their surprise. The long hallway became smaller and smaller, it was like the whole floor itself was retracting, until they saw the faint image of a man who wore similar, but not exact outfit of VECTOR who was the source of the clapping. VECTOR, who was oh so familiar with the man clapping; tightened every muscle in his body, expecting a single movement to be fatal. To his surprise, the retracting floor stopped and a seemingly black object was thrown their way. With the Bearers of the Elements still recovering from the floor retraction, VECTOR side kicked the incoming black object so that it’ll hit the side of the wall instead. But to his surprise, this time the wall now expanded and became as wide and large that rivaled the Main Hall. “What the hay is going on?!” screamed Rainbow Dash as she tried to recover her footing and mind placement. “What was that black thing just now?!” asked Twilight as she saw the black object that was thrown to them. VECTOR did not answer, as he too did not know what he kicked. And as the group recovered their footing and mind placement, they looked at the black object that was thrown at them, all except for VECTOR; who was standing like nothing happened and looked at the man across the hallway turned hall room. Walking ever so slowly, whilst holding a metallic briefcase; HUNK also known as Mr. DEATH stared behind his Gas Mask at his one and only student, a smile never leaving his face from beneath his Gas Mask. “Is-is that a po-pony?” asked Fluttershy as she narrowed her eyes upon looking at the black object thrown at them earlier. She then proceeded to glide next to the pony-like object that lay on the floor. And as she confirmed that it was a pony. *Loud Audible Gasp* To her shock, the pony was none other than King Sombra himself. A lifeless body of King Sombra lay on the floor with an expression of shock and empty eyes present on his face. “What’s the matter Fluttershy?” asked Rarity as she approached the still shocked Fluttershy. “Who’s that V? Is he your Teacher?” asked Rainbow Dash as she glided next to VECTOR whilst eyeing the approaching HUNK. “Is he a friend or ----“ said Twilight but was cut off when she heard a scream. “GIRLS!!” screamed Rarity at the top of her lungs, which caught the attention of the others, except for VECTOR. “What’s the matter, Rarity?!” asked Applejack as she and the rest of the girls galloped next to their two Friends. “Look!” pointed Rarity at the lifeless body of King Sombra. “Is that King Sombra?!” shouted Twilight as she and the rest of the girls gasped in shock at the lifeless body of their supposed target. “Is he *gulp* dead?” asked Rainbow Dash as she floated closer to the dead body of King Sombra, witnessing the empty eyes of the Tyrant Ruler. “Ho-how could this be? Who would do this?” asked Twilight to no one in particular. “It was him” replied VECTOR coldly as he continued to stare at his Mentor. “Isn’t that right, sir?” With a small chuckle, HUNK stopped his approach just a few feet across VECTOR. He then proceeded to put down his metallic briefcase. “Long time no see, VECTOR. And to answer your question; Yes, I was the one who killed that pitiful horse of a King” replied HUNK coldly with his voice being filtered by his Gas Mask. He then continued by asking a question. “Let me ask you something VECTOR: What's the difference between a King and his horse? I don't mean kiddy shit like ‘One's a person's and one's an animal’ or ‘one has two legs and one has four’. If their form, ability and power were exactly the same, why is it that one becomes the King and controls the battle, while the other becomes the horse and carries the king? There's only one answer.” Everypony including VECTOR was silent; the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony looked at VECTOR who just stood there silently, after a few silent moments passed, VECTOR unsheathed his combat knife, made a low battle stance and said. “Instinct! In order for identical beings to get stronger and gain the power they need to become King, they must search for more battles and power! They thirst for battle, and live to mercilessly crush, shred, and slice their enemies! Deep, deep within our body lies the honed instinct to kill, and slaughter our enemies!” The Bearers of the Elements of Harmony was speechless at what VECTOR had just said. Every word he spoke was like an Iron hoof law, every word he pointed out was screaming anger, This was VECTOR, this is the person that mercilessly killed hundreds if not, thousands of his same kind just to survive in his world. What they saw infront of them was, VECTOR; a born killer. And it made their hearts cry. They didn’t fear him, far from it. They felt his loneliness, because deep deep down in his heart; behind the anger, behind the killing and behind the ‘Instinct’. Was a lonely, broken and sad man who lost everything important in his life, a man who only wanted a simple thing as, a Friend. “I’m glad you haven’t forgotten my lesson yet, VECTOR. This will be fun” said HUNK, as a black Aura covered his whole body and in a blink of an eye, closed the gap between him and the invisible VECTOR, force palming him, sending a small shock wave with the impact of HUNK’s palm and VECTOR’s body. “VECTOR!” cried the girls in unison. > Final Mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep within the Castle inside the Banished Zone, laid the Throne Room of the one and only creature that caused the eternal night within this realm. Sitting in her throne and gazing upon multiple Scrying mirrors that bore multiple scenes. The said creature focused on one particular Scrying mirror, and with an Evil and Malicious smile, the creature looked ever so closer to the mirror. “Yes, Sombra’s Champion is very capable with wielding forbidden magic” she hissed in a menacing way. Within the shadows of the Throne Room, three silhouettes approached the creature of Darkness; one particularly tall silhouette of a bipedal creature appeared whilst the sound of dragging metal could be heard and it approached closer and spoke. “He seems strong, could be fun fightin’ the guy once his finished with his business” it said with a rugged or gruffness in its voice, marking it as a male. It then proceeded to stab its huge sword on the floor and cracked its knuckles. “Sir Jecht, might I remind you that he is to be an ally, not an enemy” replied the creature who looked at the man called Jecht with a sly grin. “I know, I know. But I wanna see if the guy could hold up his part once he gets beat, and besides; Yah know lady that the only thing I see in the dark here is your green snake eyes and that toothy grin” replied Jecht while scratching the back of his head. “Oh sir Jecht, You know how I love the night so much” it replied slyly. “What’s a night without as much as a moon or some stars though?” replied Jecht with a shrug. The one to reply this time was another silhouette with a more feminine voice but in a tomboy-ish tone. “Quit yer yappin Jecht, I swear, your far worse than Caitlyn when she scolds me for beating a criminal” said the female with a tomboy tone of voice. “Listen ere’ Darling, All I’m saying is that I’m so damn BORED! The only reason for me being here is because SHE said that I’ll be fighting Auron” replied Jecht as he ungrounded his blade with one arm and placed it on his shoulders. “Ok, ONE! Don’t you EVER call me ‘darling’, the names Vi. Second, If you want a fight, I’ll give you one! So that I can shut you up! Besides, I’m getting hella bored myself!” shouted Vi as she lifted both of her huge mechanical gloves. And as Jecht and Vi was about to duke it out, the creature of darkness grew so huge that it dwarfed on the arguing duo. SILENCE! It bellowed, as the two turned their attention to the towering shadow just beside them without a single fear in there face. The towering shadow then spoke. Now that I have your attention, be a little more patient! You will all have your fill of battle when the time comes! Till then, please! Behave yourselves! Upon hearing this, the two shared one last glare at one another before going back to the shadows. Upon seeing the two disappear, the towering shadow returned to its original size and sighed heavily, returning her gaze upon one of the Scrying Mirror that showed HUNK; Force Palming the invisible VECTOR. “Soon, like all that battled against the Elements of Harmony. You’ll be defeated and will be joining me here as one of my Champions, Sir Hunk” said the creature with a ghastly snicker that grew into a maniacal laughter. *Unusual Whispering* “Hmm? *sigh* I wish those two could be like Sir Krieg over there, silently sitting and waiting” said the creature as it slithered closer to the whispering Krieg. Upon reaching her Champion and listening closer to his whispering, The Creature of the Dark’s evil smile grew even wider as the whispering of Krieg grew audible as he continued. Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now... Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now... Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now... Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now... Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now... Why aren't my fingers in someone's eye sockets right now!!... *** Meanwhile, at the now huge Hall room of the top floor of the Goblin Castle; A battle between two expert killers or rather a battle between a teacher and his student is happening, and that the one who will emerge victorious will be the one that will change the tide of the war just outside the Goblin Barracks. Lying on the floor recovering from a force palm to the chest and with his Invisibility gone; was VECTOR. His Mentor; HUNK with a dark aura covering his whole body approached VECTOR slowly. “Stand up, VECTOR” ordered HUNK as he dashed with a blink of an eye to VECTOR’s side. Upon reaching VECTOR, HUNK was about to grab him when, VECTOR swatted HUNK’s hand away and attempted a low sweep. But HUNK anticipated this and jumped a few inches up, avoiding VECTOR’s low sweep. VECTOR noticed HUNK’s dodge and retaliated with pushing his body upwards with both of his hands and leaving a small flash grenade at HUNK’s feet, which made HUNK ‘oh’ in return. As a small flash illuminated the small area, VECTOR rolled to a safe distance before formulating a plan of counter attack, going through various possible situations in his head, VECTOR was able to formulate a counter attack for each blind spot within 3 seconds. As expected, HUNK reappeared in one of VECTOR’s blind spot, his back. Somehow, HUNK has attained the magic of King Sombra, VECTOR thought to himself. But that’ll have to wait for later, for now, he needs to counter the incoming signature grapple of HUNK, the so called ‘Executioner’. Grabbing VECTOR from behind, HUNK retracted a hidden blade on his wrist and was ready to stab VECTOR’s kidney but was interrupted when VECTOR elbowed HUNK hard from his side. Doubling in the sudden pain, HUNK loosened his grip on VECTOR. Using this opportunity, VECTOR threw HUNK with an improvised shoulder throw and not letting go of HUNK’s arm, and as soon as HUNK hit the floor, VECTOR followed it up with a boot stomp to which HUNK reacted, grabbing VECTOR’s boot and twisting it. Noticing the boot grab, VECTOR released HUNK’s arm and twisted his body so that his ankle won’t snap. While VECTOR was in mid-air trying to negate HUNK’s ankle counter, HUNK retaliated with a move he likes to call the ‘Riot Kick’ (retracting a hidden blade in his boot) and kicking VECTOR from his laying position. Noticing the kick, VECTOR blocked the knife kick with his free boot resulting in both men gaining a few distance between them. Just a few feet from them were the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony with mouths agape. “Wow, that was so awesome…” whispered Rainbow Dash as she eyed both VECTOR and HUNK. “They really are professional Killers…” said Rarity with eyes wide as saucers. “Every move they make, every counter and dodge they do, all of them was calculated perfectly. If we weren’t in a war right now, I would have written a whole book just observing these two” said Twilight as she stared at the two combatants with a spark of interest in her eyes. “Girls, I think we should help VECTOR” whispered Fluttershy. “Fluttershy is right, I think our dear friend is at a disadvantage” added Rarity. “Yer right, HUNK over there seemed to have gained the powers of King Sombra, Twilight; what do we do?” asked Applejack as she and the rest of the girls looked at Twilight. As Twilight pondered over what to do, VECTOR eyed his mentor and readied himself for any supernatural move he might make. Seeing that HUNK was just looking at VECTOR, VECTOR pulled out a hand gun and started to fire rounds of bullets to somehow distract HUNK. Dodging every bullet with blinding speed and leaving a shadowy trail with every move, HUNK made his way to VECTOR in a matter of seconds and grabbing his gun hand and raising it above his head. VECTOR then retaliated with an open palm thrust to HUNK’s Gas mask, to which HUNK evaded. But the thrust was just a fake. Passing HUNK’s face, VECTOR drew in closer and wrapped his hand around HUNK’s head and attempted to snap HUNK’s neck with one arm. HUNK noticing VECTOR’s plan, kneed VECTOR in the groin and loosening his grip. HUNK then proceeded to grab VECTOR’s arm and went on to do a ‘Kimura shoulder lock’. VECTOR, who was still recovering from the counter attack was unable to defend against HUNK’s ‘Kimura shoulder lock’. HUNK now holding VECTOR into a lock, wrapped his legs on VECTOR’s waist to seal the deal. VECTOR with all of his strength tried to resist the arm lock, but with the added strength of HUNK, VECTOR could only scream in pain. Gaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh! Busy with formulating a plan, the Bearers of the Elements heard VECTOR scream and turned their attention back to the fight. Seeing that their friend is in terrible danger, Rainbow Dash retracted her wing blade and made a quick dash to help VECTOR. “You lose, VECTOR” whispered HUNK as he snapped VECTOR’s arm. Snap! Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! “VECTOR!!!!!” screamed Rainbow Dash as she witnessed what HUNK just did, with anger flowing through her; Rainbow Dash was blinded with rage as she aimed her wings at HUNK’s face. But to her surprise, HUNK was ready for her attack and grabbed her wing and neck. Writhing on the floor in pain VECTOR looked up to see HUNK, to his surprise; HUNK was grabbing Rainbow Dash by the Neck. “No, don’t” whispered VECTOR. “I don’t need to KILL you, VECTOR. I only need to BREAK you” replied HUNK as Rainbow Dash squirmed in HUNK’s death grip. As the world seemed to move in slow motion, with the others galloping to reach Rainbow Dash and VECTOR trying to reach HUNK with his one good hand. And as the time flowed back, HUNK shifted his hold on Rainbow Dash and grabbed her head with both hands. “Sorry, V” was the last word Rainbow Dash spoke as a tear fell from her face. Snap! *** As the lifeless body of Rainbow Dash slowly fell, VECTOR could only watch as her body finally hit the ground. And as the girls finally arrived at Rainbow Dash’s side, they we’re already too late, with the Hall Room being filled with sorrowful cries from the other Elements of Harmony, VECTOR just stared at Rainbow Dash’s lifeless body, His rage and sorrow filling him. HUNK with his intention filled, walked away from the scene and picked up his metallic suitcase. And using his stolen Forbidden Alicorn magic opened a portal to their world, as HUNK was about to step inside the portal. A sudden fear enveloped his every being. Turning around, He saw VECTOR holding Rainbow Dash’s lifeless body in his arms. As the Element of Loyalty glowed in Rainbow Dash’s body and enveloping VECTOR, the other Elements of Harmony also glowing within the other Bearers. “I won’t forgive you” said VECTOR in a deadly whisper as the glow of the other elements started to envelop VECTOR as well. “Well, well. Seems like you have more to gi----“ HUNK was not able to finish his sentence as VECTOR practically teleported in front of him and delivered a bone smashing elbow strike to the chest that sent HUNK flying across the room. Returning to the girls, VECTOR laid Rainbow Dash on the floor slowly and carefully and said. “Watch her for me, okay?” asked VECTOR, to which the others nodded in return. “Kick his ass, VECTOR” said Twilight, to which VECTOR nodded. And in a blink of an eye, VECTOR blinked to where HUNK was laying and delivered a kick to the gut that lifted HUNK from the floor, he then followed with a punch to gut that sent HUNK skidding to the other end of the room once more. Without a word, VECTOR dashed to HUNK but was intercepted when HUNK counter attacked with the same blinking speed as VECTOR and elbowed him in the face. HUNK then proceeded to knee VECTOR in the gut and pounded his back. As HUNK was about to stomp VECTOR’s back, VECTOR counter attacked with a strong low sweep that turned HUNK upside down, VECTOR then connected with a palm push that threw HUNK to the wall, hard. As HUNK bounced from the wall, VECTOR capitalized by teleporting infront of him and punched the stuffing out of HUNK multiple times. With punch after punch, HUNK countered by grabbing VECTOR’s fist and Head butting his mask. With VECTOR doubling over, HUNK continued his counter attack by kicking one of VECTOR’s side leg, making him kneel in one leg, HUNK then chopped VECTOR’s unbroken arm and proceeded to knee VECTOR’s mask and breaking it altogether. As HUNK was about to go for a tackle, VECTOR proceeded to lay on the ground on purpose and caught HUNK off guard. Evading the tackle, VECTOR then proceeds to mount HUNK from behind and wrapped HUNK’s neck with his one good arm and lock both of his feet on HUNK’s legs. “Now, Girls!” screamed VECTOR. “What are you talking about?!” replied HUNK, but to his surprise, he saw the other bearers of the Elements starting to radiate in power and a rainbow connection could be made that also connected to VECTOR. And as Twilight Sparkles eye’s glowed white, a beam of Rainbow Emitted from her crown and was fired at HUNK. With a painful scream, HUNK started to disintegrate from the ground up, but VECTOR felt something also, His broken arm started to heal and the pain in his body started to leave also, ‘is this the power of the elements?’ He asked himself. And after a few moments, HUNK’s body completely disappeared, leaving VECTOR on the ground radiating in the Elements Power. ‘If this power could heal me, then’ thought VECTOR, he then proceeded to walk to the girls, who was recovering from using the Elements. *** Their Victory did not feel like a victory, as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony and VECTOR looked at Rainbow Dash’s lifeless body. With the Anger towards HUNK now gone, Tears started to return. And as the girls hugged the lifeless body of Rainbow Dash accompanied with cries and sobs. VECTOR looked as his hands; radiating in Magical power due to the Elements of Harmony, VECTOR focused every ounce of his new acquired Magic and passed it on the lifeless body of Rainbow Dash. “What are you doing VECTY?!” screamed Pinkie Pie as she saw the Rainbow beam enveloping Rainbow Dash. “What’s going on VECTOR? What are you planning?!” asked Twilight. “Just shut up and watch!” replied VECTOR. And as every Magic from the Elements of Harmony left the body of VECTOR and was transferred to Rainbow Dash, Her body being lifted to the air and being enveloped in the same Rainbow as when the Elements are being used. And as a huge Rainbow Explosion erupted from the Goblin Castle, Everypony and every Goblin outside the barracks stopped from fighting and watched as the Rainbow shock wave filled the sky. As the intermission of their King being cut-off, each and every goblin started to panic and run from the battle. And with a battle cry, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Prince Shining Armor rejoiced at the Victory of Equestria. *** “Rainbow Dash!!” screamed the Girls in unison as their friend opened her eyes once more. “We were so worried about you, Darling” said Rarity as she and the girls forcefully made a group hug. “Don’t you EVER do that again to us, Dashie!” cried Pinkie as tears flowed from her eyes. “Wha-what happened?” asked Rainbow Dash with confusion. “VECTOR saved you, he saved all of us!” answered Twilight. The girls then proceeded to look at VECTOR who was sitting on the floor with his mask off, exhausted. “The only ‘Zombie’ that I’d love to see” mocked VECTOR with a smile and a dry chuckle. And as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony galloped to VECTOR side, snapping sound could be heard and two female humans appeared in between the girls and VECTOR. “What the HAY?!” screamed Applejack in surprise. “Who-who are you two? Would you please move? ….. if you don’t mind that is…..” asked Fluttershy in a whisper. As the two new visitors dusted themselves, the smaller one talked. “Oh haiiii! Oh daaaaaayum, you lookin' good, ladies. Let's get to work.” said the smaller one with two different verbal mannerisms. “Who are you two?” replied VECTOR as he stood from where he was standing and aimed his pistol on the other one with long blue hair. “Hah! That is one small gun you have their buddy, wanna see a REAL gun?!” replied the girl with long blue hair, she then proceeded to aim her Shark-like Rocket Launcher and her pink Mini-gun at VECTOR. “Say hello to my Friends of varying sizes!” she added. “Look here Butt stallion 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Your badonkadonks are needed in the Banished Zone; Discord-poopy-butt needs some major major help” replied the smaller one as she took out a small device with one button. “What are you talking about?!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “As in now?” replied VECTOR, to which made the girls look at him in surprise, he then reminded them about the Banished Zone and the growing army that threatens Equestria. “What about the Princesses and my brother?” asked Twilight. “No time! Come onnnnnnnnnnn! Just push the damn button Tina!” wined the blue haired girl. “Shush Jinxy-poo! When you are ready to begin the Tea-Party, please smack Mister Flesh Stick in his bitch ass face” replied Tiny Tina as she pointed VECTOR and marked him as Mr. Flesh Stick. “Look Twilight, as sudden as this may seem, the fate of Equestria lies in the Elements of Harmony, you saw its power didn’t you?” said VECTOR. “Discord will fill you in when we get there, so can we PLEASE move along now? I wanna start shooting again” whined Jinx as she used her Rocket Launcher as a pogo stick. “Alright, Let’s go, I’ll just send a letter to the pr---“ “Times UP!” screamed Tiny Tina as she pressed the small device followed by a popping sound. As soon as they disappeared, Princesses Celestia and Luna arrived with confusion in their eyes, looking for Twilight and the rest. “Didn't we just hear Twilight and the others?” asked Princess Luna. “Indeed, now where have they gone?” replied Princess Celestia. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End(?)