Marcus's new peaceful life is interrupted; to keep his family safe he must do what he swore to never do again.
It has been 2 years since the events at Baltimare. Marcus 657 is now living peacefully with his wife Fluttershy and his son Star Chaser. But unforeseen events in the Gryphon empire and an old friend that was thought lost has brought Marcus to determine whether or not letting go of his old life is best for his family, and the world he now lives in. (it is recommended that you read Marcus 657, the first of these two stories, to understand the setting and characters better)
Big Thanks to Gunner59524 for helping with the name of this story!
“SWING RIGHT! SWING RIGHT!” The turret to the M12 light recon vehicle, or Warthog, spun around to face right towards the tree line of a vast forest. The team was on a agriculture planet not far from Reach, so holding this planet was a big deal. The triple barrels spun up, and a hail of lead spewed forth from them. The Spartan kept his aim trained on the group of Elites that lines the tree line; he even caught sight of a brute or two behind them. Some fell to his unrelenting fire, while others dove for cover fast enough to live. The Warthog spun around, kicking up dirt and grass into the air as the main cab of the vehicle spun around to face the same way as the turret. The Spartan hadn’t let up yet, and he wasn’t about to. The driver pressed firmly on the gas, and the ‘hog speed forward, racing towards the Covenant line. Falcons overhead re-enforced them as they drove closer to their foe, their turrets trained on any heavy weapons teams they could see. The marine in the passenger seat of the hog got up and opened up on the line as well, spraying them with his S.A.W.
The Falcons flew over, hitting the Covenant line with their side guns and main turret that was based at the front of the aircraft. More Covenant fell, while other aimed their fire towards the sky. While their fire was elsewhere, the Warthog moved up towards the tree line, its passengers unloading more of their led payload. The Spartan reached down and tapped the marine in the passenger seat on his shoulder, motioning him to take the gun. The marine got up, and crawled under the guard rail that separated the driver and passenger seats from the turret. The Spartan immediately let go, doing a back flip out of the ‘hog. He landed on his knees and began to sprit for an Elite, drawing his SMG’s. Kicking it in the gut, the Spartan brought up one of the SMG’s and pulled the trigger, unleashing 60 rounds of led into the Elite’s skull. Spinning to where his weapon was aiming towards it, the Spartan fired at another charging Elite. He dropped him in an instant, and reloaded both weapons; clicking out the empty mags and popping in fresh ones.
Marcus looked around and smiled to himself. This is going to be fun.
Ducking under a swing, Marcus stood up behind an Elite and kicked it before elbowing behind him and following through by firing his SMG in the hinge head’s face. The kicked Elite stumbled to his feet and charged again, firing his plasma rifle. Pure heat passed by Marcus as he put away his SMG’s quickly and jumped to the side, rolling a bit further, and standing up, drawing his assault rifle in the process. The Elite had followed his movements, and was on him in an instant. Running past trees and foliage, the Elite jumped into the air, drawing an energy sword and an energy wrist blade. He came down on Marcus, his shields flaring and going out. The knife went into his shoulder, but the sword missed him. Marcus found himself on his back on the ground. He kicked up, pushing the Elite off of him. Arching his back and willing his body forward with as much power and strength as Marcus could muster; he jumped up and landed on his feet, but had to dodge to the left as the Elite swung down at him with the energy sword. It swung through a tree, and imbedded itself into it. Spiriting forward, Marcus shoved his shoulder into the elite while it tried to free the energy sword, knocking the wind out of it. Marcus then kicked it onto the ground and took aim. He pulled the trigger of his rifle, and 32 rounds of hot lead poured into the Elites body. It jerked and convulsed as its body was impacted by the rounds, and final lay still when the mag clicked empty.
The marines ‘hog pulled up next to him while he was popping in a fresh mag. The marine on the turret jumped out and took the passenger seat. The marines just sat there, waiting on him while he climbed back onto the turret. Nodding towards the driver, Marcus cocked the weapon as the ‘hog speed off towards its final destination. ______________________________________________________________________
Marcus woke with a start, his eyes wide, peering into the darkened room. He shifted his body, something poking out from under him. His wing came out, and folded back up against his back. He shook his head a bit, trying to forget the dream. That was a life he wanted to forget, but every now and again it came back to him in his dreams. Some were of his team; Emilie, Roderick, Penelope, and Charles, but others were of missions long since fought and lost, although some he won. His thoughts drifted back to them; the war and death; the suffering and pain he had to go through to get his “gifts”. It was all for nothing; that war was lost, and his people most likely gone and dead. Marcus came back to reality when he felt a body press against his under the sheets. The smell of fresh grass and woodlands came to his senses, and he breathed in deeply, remembering finally who else was with him.
Fluttershy….When Marcus first arrived in this world, she had been the one that looked over him. Even though that had only been for a night, she had tried her best to take care of him. Considering how terrified his wife was of anything and everything, that was saying something on her part. Wife…..that felt good; felt right to him for some reason. No Spartan to his knowledge ever had thoughts like his, but then again he was different. Everything about him was now, even his species. Marcus rolled over, kissing Fluttershy lightly on the forehead and quietly got out of bed, walking down into the kitchen, his hooves lightly clopping on the wood floors. He walked over to the fridge and removed the milk from it. Setting it down, he got out a glass and a hot rock (a stone that was enchanted to heat things) and put it in the drink. A minute later and he was sipping on a warm cup of milk, content in his new life. Marcus put the glass down and walked towards the window, gazing up at the stars. Luna did a great job tonight; all the constellations are in order and even a shooting star thrown in there. He smiled and nodded his head and turned away. He was exiting the kitchen when he heard a swoosh behind him. Old instincts kicked in, and he crouched low, facing the direction of the sound. He flared his wings and saw that no one was there. Relaxing somewhat, he turned back to go to bed when he came face to face with Princess Luna. Jumping, Marcus kicked out on instinct, not even realizing what he was doing. Luna dodged and smiled, looking back at the scared stallion.
“And thou said Spartans knew no fear.” Standing back up and shooting a frown at her, Marcus replied.
“We don’t. You just surprised me is all.” He says to her as he trots back into the kitchen. He stands up on his hind legs and reaches into a top cabinet, grabbing a bottle of Applejack’s cider. Marcus sets it down on the counter and pops it open, pouring the two of them a drink. Whenever Marcus dreamt of his old life, Luna would show up. She sometimes asked questions about it, who the people were in the dream and what role they served in his life. Most of the time he didn’t want to, but this dream had been….good. In a sense anyways; that battle had been a victory, with minimal to zero casualties. However minor in the scheme of things, it had bought humanity precious time. Time they sorely needed. Well…he didn’t need it anymore. He was at peace. A small cough brought his attention back to the world. He looked at Luna who then asked
“Were thou thinking of the past?” Marcus nodded in response.
“The fight……you won it, yes?” He nodded again. It was always the same questions, but usually a different answer.
“What brought this dream up? Dost thou know?” Shaking his head, Marcus took a swing of his cider. Setting it down, he responded in full.
“No…which is the weird thing. Nothing has happened recently to set this off now. I don’t know if it’s me reliving the ‘glory days’, or if an old intuition is kicking back into play……” He shook his head and took another swing of his cider. Luna sat there as well, not seeming interested in her cider this time. Looking up, Luna addressed him about another subject.
“We may need thou in upcoming events Marcus. You and your abilities.” Marcus froze for a moment before setting his drink down.
“I told you, I’m not putting the armor back on. Ever. I’m done with that.” He stood up and made to leave the room, but Luna stopped him with her wing.
“Did you ever find out what happened to your comrades on that ship Marcus?” Confused, he looked back at her.
“No, and I don’t know why your bringing that up either.” Nodding her head, Luna stood up.
“The griffins are meeting with us in a last ditch effort to create peace between the two nations. There have been rumors of an un-known being of immeasurable power that fights with them. I would think that she would be of some interest to you. Good night Marcus, and please, think on my proposal.” With that the night princess teleported away from the quiet cottage in the country side, leaving a very confused stallion in her wake. What is Luna talking about? The Griffin nation is thinking about war with Equestria yes, but what this about an un-known being? And why did she ask about my comrades? Shaking his head, Marcus went back upstairs to his room. He pasted his desk and looked at the letter he had received from the princesses not long ago.
Dear Marcus,
It troubles me to inform you that your skills may be needed once more to aid Equestria in a time of war. The Griffin nation has started to show hostilities towards our out laying towns and villages. As a final request of peace, the leaders of the two nations, myself and Luna, plus the king of the Griffins, are to meet in two weeks to discuss peace over the matters that have sent them over the edge; whatever those may be. This would not require you to fight if things go well, and I’m not ordering you, but I beg you to consider it. Sincerely, Princess Celestia, Co-ruler of Equestria and Raiser of the Sun.
A week and a-half till the meeting? Well….that gave him time to think things through and Talk to Fluttershy about all this at least. Climbing into bed once more, Marcus kissed Fluttershy lightly as she nuzzled up to him, aware that he often went away during times in the night. As he fell asleep, something troubled his drowsy mind. What had happened to his squad mates in the Pelican? ______________________________________________________________________
Marcus awoke confused. Fluttershy wasn’t there, and he wasn’t fully awake, so cuddle with the soft mare for a few minutes sounded great. Alas, she wasn’t there, so he got up and yawned heavily, the night’s actions having taken longer than usual. He hadn’t fallen asleep fast either, so that hadn’t helped at all. Walking down stairs, Marcus could smell vegan bacon cooking in the kitchen. His mouth watering, Marcus hurrying in and kissed his wife quickly, and nuzzled his foal Star Chaser. The little one was already digging in to a bowl of frosted mini wheat’s quickly, much to the stallion’s amusement. He sat down and addressed his wife.
“Morning sweetie,” she smiled and trotted over to him, nuzzling him softly.
“Morning Marcus; how was your meeting with Luna last night?” So she noticed this time. Smirking, Marcus shrugged.
“We talked about the dream as usual, but the night got to more uncomfortable things…” Frowning, Fluttershy turned to him.
“Like what?”
“You remember that letter I got from Celestia?” Shy nodded.
“Well….she talked to me about it, and asked a strange question; it was about my squad mates… Anyway, they’re asking me to suit up again. I said no.” Fluttershy knew that the princesses would ask that of him unless they needed him, so she knew something big was happening.
“Maybe…maybe you should go. Maybe not suit up…but go just to see what it is they were talking about.” Marcus frowned; he hadn’t expected that. They both hated the idea of him getting suited up in his Mark V variant armor, but if she thought his mere presence was needed…. Maybe there was some meaning behind the request. Marcus thought for a moment then nodded.
“I’ll ask Applejack when I go to work today; she’ll know. Ill also check on my equipment that’s stored in the barn just to be safe.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling at him. She brought over a plate of hay and vegan bacon for him to eat and sat next to him, leaning slightly close to him. He smiled and leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. He began to eat his food when he saw Star looking at his bacon with interest. Marcus smiled to himself and nudged a piece to him without Fluttershy looking. He wasn’t supposed to eat this stuff yet, but a little bit couldn’t hurt. He took the piece quickly and gobbled it down then licked his lips, satisfaction spreading over his face. Fluttershy brought her own plate over and sat between them, a list in her mouth. She was, thankfully, oblivious to the father son moment.
“Honey, I need you to get these things for me in town on your way back from work. It’s just a few small items for tonight’s dinner.” Marcus nodded and stashed the list in his saddle bags. Double checking he had a few bits for the supplies Marcus put his saddle bags on and hugged Star Chaser, then kissed Fluttershy quickly before saying good bye and heading to work.
Marcus took to the skies as he left his home and wife behind, heading for the Apple farm and work. Before his shift started, however, there were a few things he needed to check up on and see if they were still in good condition. On orders from both Princess Celestia and Luna, Marcus was forced to keep his MJIOLNR Mark V variant armor and his weapons. They had even gone as far as to craft a few he had given the schematics to as well as ammunition. They had all the elements they needed; they just needed someone to show them how. U Thanks to the science section of the Equestrian Military, underneath the Apples barn was a fully stocked and well-kept weapons cash, were it held his armor and anything he needed for a fight in case the situation ever arose where he would need them .He swore he would never put the stuff on again, but he couldn’t refuse an order if it was well placed. If ponies lives were at stake, well, he may have to put his pride aside and put that damned armor on. As for how he would ever even get back into his human form, well, now that Twilight seems to somehow be a princess as well, she said she could perform the spell to change him back.
As Marcus sored through the air, he could see the weather teams moving away the clouds from last night’s storm. It had been quick, and ended before Marcus ever woke up. The needed it. For whatever reason, it had been a rather dry summer. Contrary to popular belief among earth dwelling ponies, pegasi couldn’t make weather, they could just control it and place it were it needed to be most, but if there weren’t enough clouds, then there wasn’t going to be enough rain. Hence why Applejack was worrying about this year’s apple season; not enough rain, and the apple trees with start to die, as well as the Apple family’s livelihood. Marcus hoped for the best for them; they were good foke, and deserved everything they had and more. Marcus spotted the farm a little ways away and began to decent towards the ground, slowing down to where he could land in a gallop. His hooves touched the ground, but he slipped up a bit, his right hood catching a rock. He realized this all too late. At once he flipped over and onto his face, planting himself roughly onto the dirt. He skidded forwards a foot or two, and then stopped completely, his hind legs falling behind him in a heap. Marcus groaned; that had been the second time this week.
While taking off and the actual flying part was easy, what most ponies don’t realize is that landing is actually the hardest part, the part which Marcus had yet to perfect. He lay there awhile in the dirt until he heard chuckling coming a few feet away. With a small groan, Marcus lifted himself up to see Applejack and Big Mac walking his way, both grinning at his fall. Standing back up on all fours, Marcus brushed himself off and checked over his body for anything broken or hurt. His body wasn’t as resistant to harm since the change; that was something he found out the hard way. His implants and augmentations hadn’t transferred to this new body, for what reason no one knew, not even the princesses. They speculated that it was because they weren’t natural, but it was only speculation. It did make things a bit harder for Marcus; he virtually had to relearn to do things a little less physically demanding. Clearing her throat, Applejack brought Marcus back to the world from his thoughts.
“That would be tha third time this week Marcus.” Nodding, Marcus scowled. It used to be once a day, so he was getting better. He had only got the hang of actually flying a few months ago, but as they say, practice makes perfect.
“Hello to you too Applejack.” Marcus then nodded his head towards the large red stallion to AJ’s right, who politely nodded back. Big Mac had always been a stallion of few words, but what few had come to realize, Marcus being one of the lucky few, was that he was rather well educated. He just saw no real reason to show off or make known his smarts. Ponies more often saw him as the brawn of Ponyville; if you needed something fixed, torn down, or rebuilt, he was the stallion to call. Marcus himself had to call him up a few times to fix up the house that he and Fluttershy now shared. He had been a big help then. They had just started off, and Marcus was just getting used to his new body, so he couldn’t do much for a while. Now that he had control over his body again, though, it was time for him to get back to work; work with the Apples that is.
“So what’s the job for today AJ?” Nodding her head, Applejack turned and looked towards the southeastern field. It looked a bit dry, and some of it hadn’t been planted yet.
“Well, Applebloom and Ah could take the section that needs waterin’ in the southeastern field while’st you two get the rest of it tilled and planted. Think you’re up for more back-breakin’ work?” Marcus nodded, smiling to himself. While his augmentations hadn’t carried over, his natural strength had. He had been one of the stronger Spartan’s thankfully. How that worked out for his skill sets, he knew only but a bit. With hand to hand he kicked all kinds off as. But for stealth, well, it just seemed to work. He didn’t compare to Big Mac however with strength, but he came to a close second. The two trotted over to the barn silently, nothing really needing to be said. They usually saved the talk for the field; it kept things interesting and not as dull. Marcus walked over to his yolk and harness, Mac helping him where needed and vice versa. The two then set out to the field where the plows where set out for them. They connected their harness and began the long march towards the other end of the field, the plows digging into the deep, dry earth so that the seeds could be planted properly. It was hard work, and the two soon had sweat and froth covering their bodies. It was hot out, and no clouds could be seen in the sky. The two chatted quickly to the other between breaths, mostly about life and how the other’s family was doing. Soon the rest of the field had been plowed, but that was half the work. They then had to go back over the now plowed field and individually plant the seeds for the apple trees. This was the part where the two usually talked a bit more, neither of term in any form of physical demand. It was quiet nice actually.
“So Mac, how’s Ditzy doing? Any new changes I should know about between you two?” Marcus said with a smile. He was on his 7th rom, while Mac was a row ahead of him. Ditzy and Mac had been going out for a few months now, but it already had gotten serious. They two were inseparable in public, and neither of them found her rather clumsy behavior to be a nuisance. In fact, she was rather well put together when around him; far fewer accidents seemed to happen at least.
Mac smiled at Marcus and switched his piece of hay to the other corner of his mouth.
“She’s doin’ just fine Marcus, even got a raise from the post office. I…I was thinkin’ ‘bout havin’ ‘er move in with us maybe. Haven’t asked AJ yet, but I think she’ll say yes.” Marcus trotted over to Big Mac and clapped his shoulder with a hoof, a large grin plastered on his face.
“That’s great Mac; that really is.” Mac just nodded and said one word.
“Eeyup.” Laughing, Marcus went back to his work and finished up his row. They two then heard a loud ringing coming from the main house. Must be lunch time. The two set their seed bags down and trotted back up to the house. ______________________________________________________________________________________
Marcus and Big Mac stepped onto the front porch of the Apple family residence. Granny smith was as usual in her wheel chair rocking away, a small bit of saliva seeping from the corner of her mouth. Stopping suddenly, Marcus turned to Big Mac and gave a nervous smile.
“Mac, I’ll be back in a few. I just need to check up on some…things. 5-10 minutes tops.” Big Mac just nodded and walked inside. Marcus then turned around once he knew no one was around and slipped inside the barn. He walked over to one of the stalls and closed the door behind him. He then knelt down and reached for a piece of metal. Grabbing it, he pulled hard, and a loud groan was heard as the trap door slowly opened up to reveal a large underground cellar. This was where the Apples used to store cider for the winter, but it had now been repurposed to fit Marcus’s needs. Stepping down, Marcus flipped a switch that turn on a large set of lights. He looked around at what lay out before him. A cage with a wall of guns was to his right, while a few lockers that held ammunition and other assorted miscellaneous items. Then, in front of him, stood his armor in a kinetic field held up by magical stones. It stayed it shape, and looked as if someone was actually wearing it, if not for the purple glow around it. Marcus walked up to it and sighed; the mini factor was getting low, and Twilight and the other princesses didn’t know yet if magic could restore it or replace it.
“Whatever’s coming up…..this might be the last one you’ll be able to get through old girl...” Marcus sighed and shook his head. He was talking to armor, metal for Celestia’s sake. But this metal and him had gone through a lot together, and Marcus couldn’t help but feel some sort of attachment to it. Marcus walked away and climbed back up to the barn; turning off the lights behind him. Only the glow from the kinetic barrier shown in the room. Marcus didn’t know it yet, but that armor was going to get him through some of the toughest fights he’d had yet.
Marcus walked out of the barn quietly and made his way back towards the Apple family’s house. He knocked off what mud was still on his hooves by stomping on the porch lightly and walked into the large red farm house. He slowly made his way through the cozy house, stopping every now and then for a few seconds to admire family photos. Some of them still had Applejack’s, Big Mac’s, and Applebloom’s parents in them. Everyone was smiling back then. They still d, but when the trio’s parents are mentioned, they always got somber and quiet, trying to avoid the topic. Marcus could understand that to some degree. Spartans never talked about their friends who had died in combat. He kept moving inward till he made his way to the dining room, where everyone was hard at work filling them with the Apple families’ famous food. Applejack motioned over to him with a half full mouth of some food. He walked over quickly and took his seat next to her, taking a plate and helping himself to what ever there was. He saw apple pies of course, but it ranged from apple salads to fritters to anything in-between, plus some vegetables. He noticed Applebloom trying to steer away from those a lot. He wasn’t the only one who noticed though.
“Bloom, eat your veggies now; you can’t be eatin’ nothin’ but apples for the rest of your life.” Applejack chided her. The named filly groaned out loud, rolling her eyes.
“But Applejack, Ah hate carrots! They get all up in mah teeth and get stuck in between ‘um.” Big Mac just rolled his and chewed his food slowly, listening to the two bicker. They always would when it was lunch for some reason; almost like an Apple family tradition to a degree. The two went back and forth, and Marcus tried to tune most of it out. He was enjoying his meal when he felt a hoof push his shoulder lightly. He looked over to see Applejack looking at him with an annoyed frown.
“Marcus, try and teach some sense into my younger sis’.” Marcus frowned at that; he didn’t want to be brought into the family quarrel. But his father instincts, which he had yet to perfect, were beginning to kick in. He nodded and looked to Applebloom.
“Applebloom, remember when you wanted to try and be like me? To get your cutie mark and become a….Spartan?” She nodded her head vigorously. It hadn’t worked out, but she still looked up to him. Marcus sighed and nodded.
“Well the reason I was able to get as strong as I was because I ate everything the marines gave me, including the veggies” And high dosages of body altering chemicals and augmentations. Applebloom frowned, but seemed to have gotten the picture. After that there wasn’t much argument, and everypony talked about the day and troubles that they had run into. Marcus and Mac had run into a few large stones in the fields when they were sowing it, and Applejack and Applebloom had to run off a batch of raccoons that were trying to get into the trees for apples.
“Nosy varmints, they’re almost as bad as the vampire fruit bats! And those things destroyed our crop! Not to mention turn your wife into a vampony for a short while.” Marcus was still a bit mad at Applejack for that last bit; had she listened to his wife that never would have happened.
“Well, I can lay some traps for you. None lethal of course, but it’ll do the job. Fluttershy and I can relocate them into the Everfree so they stay out of the orchards.” Applejack nodded and began to put away her dishes. Granny Smith grabbed hers and Applebloom’s and brought them over to Applejack for cleaning. It was her turn after all. Marcus finished up as well and cleaned his own plate himself; a habit of his from his combat experience. There was never a time to get anything from his mess kit cleaned in the field, so he often used a stream or a source of water to clean his things off. It calmed him it a way; maybe it was just the repeating of the motions, or the cold water. He really didn’t know. After that he headed to the barn and grabbed a few snares and headed for the section of orchard that Applejack was just in. He closed the section gate behind him and trotted through the rows of trees, selecting large choke points where raccoon’s tracks seemed to be the most at. He was finishing up the last one and sighed.
“I know your there Discord. I saw you after the third one was set and ready.” A loud and obnoxious laugh was heard, and the said Draconequus appeared before him. Discord was floating in front of him, holding the very snare Marcus had mentioned. He growled and grabbed it back from the god, walking back to where it was supposed to go.
“What do you want Discord? Just because my wife is your friend doesn’t mean we are.” Discord melted at that, literally. He reformed back into himself and mock chided him for his rudeness.
“Tisk, tisk, tisk Marcus, you really shouldn’t be so rude to a friend of the family. I mean really, what’s to hate? I’m reformed, remember?” Marcus stamped his hoof and shoved his face into Discords.
“What’s to hate is that fact that you nearly tore my world apart by the seams. If it were up to me I’d have put a bullet in you long ago.”
“Ah, but you don’t do that anymore remember? And please, it was just a bit of fun really. You should have seen what I was planning! Oh, the chocolate rain clouds would have been dwarfed in comparison….But alas, it shall never be. What I am here to talk to you about though is this upcoming meeting between the Griffons and the princesses.” Marcus backed away from the god slowly.
“How in the name of Tartarus do you know about that?” The draconequus laughed and floated close to him, a pair of large shades appearing on his face in a flash of light.
“Remember my friend, I live with the princesses. I hear things. Now what I need to tell you is this.” He turned and faced him and actually took a somewhat serious face for once.
“You need to go to it Marcus, armor and all. I’ve visited the Griffon kingdom, and what will be at that meeting…well, you should be prepared for it. I shan’t say what it is, but know that it is something you’ll need to be at your best for.” He patted him lightly and then flashed away into a tree. He was clad in some type of armor, and a large bow in his hand.
“I may actually need these soon…oh well. What do you think? Not exactly my style, but it does the job I suppose… Right, well, I should be off. I don’t want to be put in time out by Celestia again….Tootaloo!” And with that he vanished, leaving Marcus a bit confused… ________________________________________________________________________________
That night Marcus lay in his bed, tossing around while his dreams seemed to be taking a rather nasty turn. Fluttershy stirred awake and looked over, seeing his distress. Marcus was sweating, but most of the sheets were off of him. Fluttershy gently nudged him, but he didn’t wake. She began to shake him, softly calling his name before he finally woke up, jolting up right and hitting his head against Fluttershy’s.
“Aw….hell…what happened…?” He looked up to see Fluttershy rubbing her head where a large red spot was starting to already form. He evidently got up and hugged her, kissing the spot where they had hit and nuzzled his wife carefully. This hadn’t been the first time this had happened, but it always made Marcus feel terrible.
“Flutters I’m sorry…I’m so, so sorry…,” She began to shush him and held him back, nuzzling Marcus. She pulled back and kissed him lightly.
“It’s ok…I’m fine, really. What was the dream?” Marcus just looked at her and shook his head.
“I’m…I’m not sure. It started out normal. Emilia and I were on ship coming back from an op; we were in our bunks cleaning our weapons when it started to…to go weird.” ________________________________________________________________________________
She sat there, her brow furrowed. Marcus looked back down at his own weapon, the dust cover and barrel detached. He picked up the said piece and ran a ram rod into it, greasing the interior. He twisted it around, making sure the cloth connected to it covered every inch. He thought he heard something and looked up. Everything was on fire. The room he sat in was burning to the ground; outside he could see marines behind cut to ribbons by plasma fire. A brute had a man in his hand. He brought the human closer and tore off his head, devouring it in one bite. Marcus looked back towards Emilia and flinched. Her face was melting, and pieces of it were falling off.
“Why did you leave us Marcus? Why did you forsake your kind? Why did you forsake your family?” At this she was lifted into the air, a shimmering blue sword piecing her abdomen. A horrific scream left her lips as the Elite finished her off by pulling it out and decapitating her. He stepped forward. Marcus saw that it was the ship master of the Covenant cruiser he blew up.
“Human filth.” He brought back his arm and brought it down on Marcus, driving it into his shoulder. He creamed his lungs out, his body on fire. The flames had spread and had begun to engulf him and the Shipmaster.
“We burn together in this hell demon.” ________________________________________________________________________________
“And that’s when I woke up… I’m starting to think I need to go to this meeting Flutters.” She only nuzzled her head into his chest, sighing quietly. He wrapped her in his wings and brought her close, closing his eyes tightly.
“I…I agree. As much as I don’t want you to, I think you should go. I think whatever Luna was talking about might be connected to these dreams.” He shook his head and kissed her lightly.
“That’s what scares me sweetie.” The two were about to try and go to sleep when they heard a knock at the door. Marcus got up walked out of their bedroom, descending the stairs and walking up to the front door with Fluttershy right behind him. They both expected it to be Princess Luna, coming here for the dream, but she never usually knocked. Marcus opened the door to find a Lunar and Solar guard at his door step. One was Star Blazer, a small and noticeable frown on his face. The Solar guard Marcus did not know however, and addressed them both.
“Star, if this is your new boyfriend, I’m happy for you, but could we maybe do introductions another time; preferably at a decent hour of day?” Star Blazer’s face turned crimson as did the Solar Guard, who looked down at the ground and mumbled something about having a mare back home.
“Ah, no Marcus…this isn’t…that…um…Wow. Nice to see you too. Anyway, I’m here on official royal business. The meeting has been rescheduled to tomorrow, and the Princesses need you there in armor now.” Marcus straightened up and got serious real quick.
“You, Solar Guard; what’s your name?”
“Iron Eyes sir!” He said with a salute.
“I need you to go to the golden oaks library in town and wake Princess Sparkle. Tell her to meet me at the Apple Families Barn. The Guard saluted again and teleported away to get Twilight.
“Star, I need you to stay here and guard my family until I get back. You think you can handle a year old foal?” Star blazer just laughed.
“Think you could try and not shoot up Canterlot while I’m away?” Marcus walked past him, and began to take flight.
Marcus soon arrived at the apple Farm, landing with little difficulty. His mind had gone from quiet villager with a family to soldier in seconds, and his concentration was now key; hence why he hadn’t stumbled on his landing. He trotted up quickly to the Apple Family barn, and saw that a light had been left on inside. Marcus crept closer, seeing that the barn door was ajar. He pushed it a bit further open with his hoof; peering inside to the right, then back over to the left. No one seemed to be in sight. He quietly walked inside, looking around at the rafters and the second part of the barn. Nothing moved. Just as he was about to make it to the trap door, Marcus heard the barn door squeak. He flashed around, speeding towards the door and tackled a thin frame only to find Twilight Sparkle underneath him.
“Oh…Princess…I apologize...I-ah…shit...” Marcus quickly got up and helped her up, the both of them dusting themselves off. Twilight laughed it off mostly, and looked back at him with a small smile.
“It’s alright Marcus, no harm done. And what have I told you about calling me Princess? We’re friends! Such formality isn’t needed with me.” His shoulders sagged a bit and nodded.
"Sorry for that…I’m just a bit tense. The Princesses called for me…armor and all. The meeting with the Griffon empire has been moved to tomorrow.” Twilight was confused; they had been asking for Marcus to attend the meeting, but they hadn’t been pushy. If his final decision had been to not attend, Twilight was sure they would respect that. But this….this almost seemed like an order. The two trotted back into the barn and towards the front door. Marcus stopped Twilight with his hoof when he noticed the marks.
“Claw marks; three sets, all over the door. Someone was here, and it wasn’t a pony.” Twilight looked back at Marcus and nodded, slowly waling forward and inspecting the claw marks. They were too short to be dragon hatchlings, and too narrow to be a Manticore.
“Griffons.” Marcus nodded.
‘”They weren’t able to get in? How?”
“The door is enchanted so only certain ponies can get it; emphasis on ponies.” He cracked a grin; Twilight seemed to think of everything sometimes. He grabbed hold of the metal ring and pulled up, the door opening up with a loud groan. Hay fell off and ran down the stairs, giving the room a musky smell. The two headed down stairs and Twilight flipped the light’s switch. The lights came on, and Marcus walked over to the gun wall, opening it up and taking out the weapons he needed. He set out two SMG’s on a table, as well as his shotgun, magnum, and an energy sword he scavenged from the Covenant attack. He then turned to Twilight, who only nodded to him. Marcus returned the gesture and stood back. Twilight’s horn began to glow, and Marcus was enveloped into her aura. He then waited for the change, but was unprepared for what came next.
Pain; un-imaginable pain that he had only felt once in his entire life time was all he felt. Marcus screamed to the heavens, the throat already going horse from the yelling. Twilight’s magic began to falter, but Marcus cracked open an eye and stared her down.
“Do…not….stop…” he groaned through gritted teeth. Twilight looked on in horror, but nodded and continued the process. He body began to change once again, and his pain only increase from there. His blood felt like someone had poured molten iron into it, and shattered a plan of glass that then traveled throughout his body. Everything was pure agony; every twitch, every clench of his fist. But Marcus had beet this test once before, and he could do it again. He pressed on until Twilight’s magic came to its crescendo, lighting the barn with a brilliant white light that left Twilight blind for a few moments once it died down. She blinked several times, trying to get the floaters out of her line of sight. Once gone, she looked around and saw a body on the floor, naked and shaking.
“Marcus!” She ran up to him, and saw that he was covered in sweat, his whole body clenched tight. He shivered, and gritted his teeth hard. He opened his eyes and pointed to a locker.
“T-top shelf…b-blanket…,” Twilight nodded and went to the locker quickly, opening it up with her telekinesis and bringing it back to him. Marcus grabbed it quickly and wrapped himself up in it, breathing heavily.
“N-now you know….k-know what it looked l-like,” he said through chattering teeth. The pain was beginning to subside, but still everything ached like he had just bench pressed a UNSC frigate. He looked around and tried to get up, only to fall on his hand s and knees. Twilight rushed to him, but he waved her off. He stood up slowly, testing his body. Everything was the same; even his scares were where they should have been. He nodded confidently and took a step, shacking. His footing feeling sound, he took another, then another, till he reached the locker closed to the gun wall. He opened it to find his fatigues. Dropping the blanket and making Twilight blush and look away, Marcus put on boxers and his UNSC undershirt. Last he placed his dog tags around his neck and under his shirt. He then walked to the armor hanging in the Kinetic field and grabbed the helmet.
“Looks like the decision was made for us.” ________________________________________________________________
Twilight was walking out of the barn when she saw the Apple family’s door open up. Applejack with a groggy Big Mac rushed out to meet her.
“What in the sam-hell is goin’ on out ‘ere?” Big Mac just looked on towards the barn, a frown on his face. Applejack ignored her brother and walked up to Twilight.
“Mah family and ah were resting soundly when all of a sudden we start to hear screaming and hollering, then a big ol’ light comes outa nowhere and then vanishes. What kind of magic you pulling out here Twi?” Twilight was about to explain when Big Mac trotted up to the two of them. He looked at AJ and pointed towards the barn door. Walking out was a fully armored and armed super solider, clad in armor that few would see again for hundreds of years. Walking up to the trio, Marcus smiled at them, helmet in hand.
“Hey AJ, how are you tonight?” AJ just stared for a bit, not really wanting to believe it.
“You….you’re you again…but the screaming? What was that about?” Marcus winced and rubbed his now rugged hair. That seemed to have changed a bit.
“Well I had to get my implants and augmentations back….and they aren’t exactly natural.” AJ just gulped and nodded. He walked past the two and stressed, a few bones popping with a loud crack. EH sighed and twisted around, adjusting his armor where needed. He hadn’t gotten out of shape at all; it had just been awhile since he had worn the stuff. Things get stiff.
“Right, Twilight. I’ll meet you at Fluttershy and I’s cottage outside the Everfree. Bring that Solar Guard with you, Iron Eyes I think his name was. Get him and come quickly.” Twilight nodded and teleported away, leaving Big Mac and AJ with Marcus.
“You guys...well…can you look after Fluttershy and Star Chaser for me? I hate leaving them alone…I just…I can’t bear to think what might happen…” Marcus clenched his fist and held his head low. Mac walked up and placed a hood on his leg, smiling up at the super solider.
“We’ll take care of the two Marcus, don’t you worry none.” AJ just smiled and decided to steal her brothers coined phrase.
“Eeyup.” Marcus smiled at the two and nodded, putting his helmet on and sprinting in the direction of his home. He kept moving quickly, his breath short and controlled. His weapons cliched against his armor in their magnetic holdings; they were stuck on there unless he had to get them off, but they did move a bit. He was almost there when a screech was heard from above. He looked up only to get a face full of claws. Marcus ducked down and rolled away, reaching for his shotgun. Once on both feet and standing, he took aim towards the sky and let loose round after round at anything that moved. His weapon clicked empty, and he popped in 6 fresh shells into the weapon and pumped one into the chamber, looking down the sights around him. He finally caught sight of something on the ground and moved closer, walking with his weapon trained on the target. He lowered his weapon when he saw that it was dead. A griffon, minor amour on, with his wing torn off from the buck shot, and a gaping wound surrounded by a dozen or so smaller wounds from the buckshot slug round combo. It was dead no doubt, but if there was another around, Marcus didn’t know. He decided to shoulder his weapon and move on, heading towards the house once more.
He jogged up slowly and saw that the house lights were on. He walked up and opened the front door, forgetting to duck low and hitting his head against the top of the door frame. Guess I have to go through all that again… Marcus took off his helmet and looked around the living room. Twilight was talking to Fluttershy while Star Blazer and Iron Eyes looked around, not really doing much. Fluttershy had Star Chaser in her lap, and he point up at Marcus. Fluttershy looked up and gasped.
“Hi sweetie.” He said to her. She put Star down and ran up to him, hugging him tight. He bent down to accommodate the size difference and hugged her back. All Star Chaser did was sit there, confused. He looked over at his son and called at him.
“Star, come on. Come to daddy.” He didn’t move, but started to look at Fluttershy with whimpering lips. Marcus sat down on the ground and patted his lap, expecting him to come. Fluttershy looked between the two and shook her head. All Star Chaser did was start to crawl away, tears rolling down his muzzle.
“Daddy! Daddy!” He called out, trying to make his way up the stairs towards Marcus’s bedroom. Then Marcus realized it.
Star Chaser kept calling out for his father as he tried to get away from the metal monster. Marcus just sat there with Fluttershy next to him, tears rolling down his face. He took off his helmet and sat there as Fluttershy went to their son, trying to calm him. Marcus could hear Twilight saying something, but he didn’t pay it any attention. His focus was on his son. I’m scaring him. His own father. He doesn’t know who I am and he’s terrified. This body was his curse to bear, but he had hoped it was something that was gone forever. Now because of the Princesses his son was terrified of him. He looked over to Twilight who was nudging his hand.
“Marcus…we need to go. Luna and Celestia are expecting us soon.” Marcus nodded and turned back to Fluttershy, who was crying. She walked up to put Star in his room, then came back down and wrapped her hooves around her husband’s neck. He returned it, and berried his face in her mane. It smelled like fresh grass as always. She pulled away and kissed him quickly, trying to force a smile.
“W-we’ll be fine Marcus. Star Chaser’s just tired…I’m sure everything will be ok.” He nodded and got up, not saying anything. She was trying to make him feel better, but he knew the truth. Star Chaser didn’t recognize him like this. How could he? Fluttershy walked Twilight and him out of the house, the two royal guards trailing them. He looked back and nodded to them both. He turned around and walked with Twilight back to her library with his weapon out so she could gather a few things. She eyed him carefully, noticing the new scares on his armor.
“What are those from?” she asked.
“Griffon talons. One of them stayed behind I think. I took care of it.” He just shifted his grip on the shotgun. Twilight just gulped and nodded. It was self-defense, but she worried what would happen if the Griffon’s learned that one of their own was dead. They kept walking from then on in silence, Marcus keeping watch on the skies in case something else felt like trying out his skills. They finally made it to the library, where Twilight grabbed her saddle -bags and stuffed them full of scrolls and letters that she had received from Celestia. Marcus guessed the two had kept up with the whole ‘war is upon us’ thing, but still, it was a lot; maps outlining the Equestrian nation, as well as outposts and bases, letters from the Princess herself detailing trop numbers and other statistics about Griffon forces across the border. She was taking this princess thing seriously, and it looked like she was trying to be a part of as much as she could. He nodded and walked around, checking entrances and exits, and keeping an eye outside of the house. He finally sat down and watched Twilight scurry around her house while he wondered where her assistant was. He was normally up and about when something like this was happening. His question was finally answered when said purple dragon bounded out of the cellar with old books. They looked at one another and exchanged curt nods, both knowing time was too short for long friendly greetings.
With everything ready, Twilight with her filled saddle-bags joined Marcus with a determined expression. She had only once needed to be a ‘Princess’ and that was when the Princesses had gone missing for a few days because of the overgrowth of the Everfree. Now though, she seemed to know what she was doing. Guess it was a bit of a reality check; if they die or disappear, she’s next in line. Both of them ready, Twilight nodded to Spike and smiled at him as she charged her horn.
“Be careful you two!” he yelled at them. Then they vanished in a flash of purple magic.
Canterlot Palace was busy beyond belief. Curfews had been set, with 24 hour guard patrols walking throughout the city streets. War would be upon them soon, and they needed to be ready. Old siege weapons that hadn’t been used in nearly millennia were wheeled out onto the battlements, and stocks of food and previsions for the army were beginning to be stored in underground stock rooms. Weapons were kept sharp, and armor well maintained. Pegasi had regular patrols within the palace’s airspace, and Unicorns kept up the message system with the outer cities and villages. Within the main castle, Princess Celestia and Luna were within the war room, discussing tactics with Shining Armor incase the Griffons decided to press and early attack. This meeting was a last ditch effort to calm them, but in case the Griffons didn’t hold their end of the peace, Equestria needed to be ready. A flash purple flash of magic filled the room, and the entire meeting froze. Guards drew swords, Unicorns aiming their horns with charged magic of ice and fire, while pegasi flew into the air, ready to dive down to save their princesses and commanding officers. What came next was a bit awkward.
Marcus was bent over, nearly heaving out his lunch from that day, while Twilight stood next to him while wide eyes. Everyone froze, but slowly, with the help of the calming voice of Princess Celestia and orders barked from Captain Armor, everyone began to back off. Marcus tour off his helmet and breathed in deeply. He tried to stand, but nearly doubled over, a pained expression on his face. Twilight rushed to him and tried to help him up, but his weight was too much. She opted to have him lean on her a bit till the nausea and pain subsided. He panted heavily for a few more moments till he nodded his head and stood up.
“Twilight, you ever forget a note to self that you really shouldn’t have?” She just looked at him confused. Then he remember who he was talking to and just shook his head. She wrote all of her notes down, how could she? Shining Armor walked up to the crouched Spartan and laughed at him, clapping him on his back with a for-hoof.
“Teleportation not agreeing with you there Marcus?” Marcus shot him a glare and stood up, the nausea gone now. He towered over the pony, but Armor didn’t seem the least bit intimidated.
“It never has.” He then smiled at his old friend and brought his hand out for a hoof bump, which Armor took with gusto. They both laughed at one another, but went quiet when the Princess walked up to them. He nodded to the both of them, which annoyed Luna to no end.
`“A valid member of Equestrian society, and yet thou still does not bow.” He shook his head. He explained why enough for them to know the speech by heart, and yet they still seemed peeved by it; wasn’t his problem. He saluted them instead, clicking his boots together and standing straight at attention, his form perfect and smooth. He relaxed once they showed for them to go to at ease, and looked towards the map they had been discussing over when he had arrived. Marcus walked over and nodded, marking all of the key locations such as cities and forts at choke and check points. Those would key, and easier to hold then the cities. IF the others were anything like Baltimare, they would have little to know defenses. Not like Canterlot at least. Celestia was off to a corner speaking with twilight in hushed voices while Shining ran him through the plans.
“Since they’ve been building outposts and such so close to our borders we’ve had to move troops and resources that we either can’t spare or don’t have. That plus its way out in the middle of nowhere, so reinforcement’s, Sister’s be thanked if there are any, will be slow coming.” He nodded and looked towards an eastern mountain range; it would be close quarters, but it was the quickest way in and out of Equestria in the Griffons didn’t want to drag the armies through hills and valleys of snow and hail. Marcus extended his arm and pointed to mountains.
“What forces have we here?” Shining took notice of it and thought for a moment before answering.
“A garrison or two of unicorns and a garrison pegasi, plus 4 or so earth pony officers from Trottingham. I’ve ordered more but its slow going; we haven’t been to war in a long time.” He nodded and placed a few markers at the mouth of the mountain’s cavern. That force will need to hold if this country wants to keep this war out of its land. He was about to speak when a hoof touched his shoulder. Marcus turned and saw both Celestia and Twilight behind him looking hurt.
“Marcus…may we…may we speak in private?” He nodded to the two of them, and walked over to where the duo had stood previously. He turned around and faced them with his hands behind his back, looking down at Twilight, then back to Celestia.
“Marcus, Twilight told me about what happened before you came here; about your son….I cannot express how sorry I am to do this to you. Had I known, I…I would have tried” She was silenced by a hand covering her muzzle. She stood shocked as the room went quiet. All eyes turned to them as Celestia turned her head back to Marcus with a building rage. Before she could speak he did.
“Save your bullshit for later; we both know you would have done the same thing, and if it’s all the same to you I honestly don’t want to hear ‘I’m sorrys’ and ‘I didn’t know’s. Right now you need to focus on get your country though this in one piece, not how my family is doing.” He stood at attention and walked away from her, back to the map where Shining Armor just didn’t really know what to do. No one did. He looked around the room and slammed his hand down.
“Don’t just fucking stand there like a bunch of grunts caught in head lights! We’ve got a war to prepare for! MOVE IT!” The room burst back into full speed, and Both Marcus and Shining went back to planning. Celestia stood there, looking around the room, then to Marcus. He doesn’t fight for me…he fights for her. Celestia finally joined the group at the table, looking around and nodding towards her chief commanders.
“So you’re telling me you have only 300 guarding one of the most important positions in Equestria?” Shining nodded.
“We have more on route, but our numbers are small. What you saw at Baltimare was the majority of our forces.” Marcus bent over with his head in his hands. He stood up straight and nodded.
“If things go south and we have war, that’s where I’ll be. “ They all nodded. The rest of the day was the castles staff getting everything ready for the griffon dignitaries. Marcus polished his weapons and armor, checking over everything and making sure he would be ready. He was just finishing up when Luna finally approached him. He nodded his head towards her as she sat next to him. He was out on a balcony looking out over the city as the rest of the defenses were set up. He placed his shot gun next to him and leaned back against the wall, sighing lightly. She did the same and lookup towards the lowering sun.
“In this new age I shall never get used to things like this. Before I was banished, Equestria was a warring nation, and there were no such things as peace treaties. It was a much darker time.” Marcus said nothing, only nodding his head. Humanity, for the most part, been peaceful since the founding of the UNSC; only small insurrectionists who wanted individual planetary freedom fought against them, but that was before the Covenant.
“Marcus, tell me of your family.” He looked to her and raised an eyebrow.
“She didn’t tell you about Star Chaser?” Luna just shook her head again and smiled.
“Wrong one.”
“Oh…that one.” His head sunk low and he thought for a bit. Just as she was beginning to think he wouldn’t respond, he finally did.
“We were a tough bunch of kids. When you train to become a soldier at the age of 6, with every adult you see either a part of the training staff or the medical staff, we really had to rely on one another. Whole ‘bonding to become a cohesive and effect unit thing’ was thrown around by top brass, but it did help us create something of…of a family. We learned one another weaknesses and strengths, and worked off of both when needed.” Luna nodded and looked out from Marcus towards the city again.
“And obedient to the core I presume?” Marcus laughed and just nodded his head. There wasn’t an order a Spartan II wouldn’t follow. Luna nodded, standing up turned to leave when an armored glove was shot out inform of her.
“Luna, I’ve always liked the night more than the day. It has more to offer for a soldier, such as cover of night and fear tactics. But it also holds some beautiful things in it too. So I ask this of you because I know you will hold to it. If what I think is coming, then look out for my real family; my one here, because I might not make it through this one alive.” Luna just nodded, not looking down at the Spartan. She just walked on, waiting for what would come to be known as The Day of Red.
Canterlot was quiet and still, not a soul moved through it’s streets. The banners of the Equestrian kingdom flapped through the bitter air as the guards stood on the battlements, watching out for the coming dignitaries. This day would decide whether or not Equestria would go to war once again in over a thousand years. A shout was heard from the eastern watch tower, and hooves clapped on stones as they went to see what was coming. What seemed to be a cloud from a distance was moving in formation with a few smaller clouds. As they got closer, one could see individual shapes and sizes within the clouds. A command was heard from the watch towers, and guards were sent back to their stations, readying for battle. One in particular handed over a spy glass to his commander next to him on the watch tower. He looked through hit, holding it with his telekinesis, and saw a large white flag with the emblem of the Griffon Empire on it; a golden griffon with a blood soaked sword in one claw and the head of a minotaur in the other.
A patch of field was set aside for the arrival of the royal Griffon court, with a red carpet and everything. Marcus stood there with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna when the call went out about their arrival. Sooner his advanced optics in his HUD caught sight of the formation coming in. He shifted his stance, gripping his shotgun tightly.
“Here they come,” he said as guards ran out and formed a protective semi-circle around the trio. Banners went up, and horns were blown. The castle was fully aware of the griffon ambassador’s presence and on high alert as well. The formation of griffons closed in, their formation tightening as they came closer to the field on the castle grounds. They landed with a cacophony of armor and weapons clinking and clattering against one another, their wings not helping the matter as they were ruffled and re-settled onto their backs. Most were armed with swords, but few who looked like ace flyers wielded lighter armaments such a daggers and light armor. The rest seemed to be regular foot infantry, if griffons could ever have such a thing; if needed any griffon soldier could, in theory, fight on both land and air. Whether or not they were good on both fronts was another matter entirely.
As the end of the formation landed, a large carriage pulled by four griffons landed roughly, the wheels groining under the weight of whatever was inside. A griffon stepped forth, a purple and white crest on his helmet. The armor was a strange mix of feudal Japan and ancient Greece; the amour in the style of the Greeks, but from the light materials and makings used by the Japanese. The guards stiffened and looked at the griffons with anger. They all seemed to be staring at the crests on the griffon’s helms.
Real horse hair? No way…. Marcus thought to himself. Then he felt a presence enter his mind, who then explained his thoughts to him.
Griffons only use the best for their armor; and are known to be…unforgiving enemies. Celestia said to him through his mind. Marcus tightened his jaw and nodded. Soldiers who tortured and desecrated their enemies were not soldiers at all; they were a disgrace. A gruff voice rang out among them in some sing song language, and the griffons formed columns in front of the carriage, a line running down them towards the doors of it. A griffon soldier stepped forth and opened the door. A larger griffon, mainly in the belly, stepped forth, a robe of imperial purple and gold covering his chest and back, much like how ponies would were clothing. He had a long, slender face, and on his beak rested a pair of old glasses that had most likely seen better days. He took a few steps forward, and then looked back as if expecting someone.
Surly he’s the ambassador…right? A large, metal boot found its way out of the carriage, followed back a long, thin leg that was also covered in the same metal. It was a faint greyish white, with streaks of blue thrown in around the thighs. Another leg and the whole form came out. Everyone came to a standstill, especially Marcus, when the being stood straight in front of everyone. It had armor much the same as Marcus’s but again, much more white, and was much more thine as well in general. In her hands was a S.A.W.
“H-how…?” Marcus stuttered. Her helmet was clipped to her side, and a DMR was clipped to her back holster. She had red, chopped up hair and a scar running across her forehead. She walked forward, a strong purpose in each step. She walked right up to him and the princesses and looked right in to his eyes, through his helmet.
“Hello Marcus,” she said to him.
“Hello Emilia.” They looked at one another for a short while, standing as still as statues. Everyone around them froze and watched the duo with interest to see what would happen. Something changed in Emilia’s stance, and Marcus noticed it. Then he smiled to himself and nodded. He put is shotgun away, and Emilia put her S.A.W. away. Marcus shoot up his arm in a straight salute, his finger’s barely touching the brim of his helmet as he stood as still as a rock. But he only looked the part. Emily shot out her arm as well, her fingers again barely touching her eye brow, but where you would only see the emptiness of Marcus’s visor, one looked on Emilia and saw nothing; no fear, pain, surprise. She gave nothing away and she was damned good at it; a Spartan to the core. She dropped her salute, and Marcus his after. They looked at one another, studying each other.
“Princesses, may I introduce my squad mate and leader, Emilia 239.” They nodded their heads towards her, and she shot another salute towards them. Marcus then noticed the griffons behind her, all looking around them at the Equestrian guards. Marcus cleared his throat and nodded towards the two militaries. Celestia caught his meaning and nodded.
“May I presume you are the one that we will be treating with?” Emilia just stood there and shook her head
“No. I’m just here for Marcus. The griffon ambassador will speak with you.” At that she stepped aside and let the mentioned griffon step up. The Princesses bowed somewhat, and the ambassador did as well. They rose and began to walk towards the castle, not a word spoken between them. A bark of orders rose out from both parties, and they began to disperse, the griffons staying in the area while the guards went to their duties along the wall. Some stayed to keep watch, but at a distance. Marcus looked around and decided to take off his helmet. A hiss of air went out, the suit being pressurized at all times in case of chemical hazards, and Marcus shook his head free. Emilia hadn’t changed, but Marcus had grown shaggier. His face was covered in stubble and his hair grown long. The transformation seemed to work both ways. Whatever natural changes occurred on him, was transformed into the same thing on the different species. Marcus spoke up first.
“Guess we have some catching up to do then.” Emilia faintly nodded, her stoic appearance not breaking for anything just yet. The façade would drop once they were alone.
“More then you know private.” Marcus raised an eye brow, but she didn’t say anything more.
“We can talk in private within the castle then.” She nodded, and the two walked into the castle together, their strides matching as they moved.
The mist surrounding the castle was thick and heavy. Ponies moved into their homes for the day, waiting for the fog to pass so that they could start their days. But some never made it to their homes, for the mist itself seemed to move. In it, ponies disappear who were caught outside. None uttered a word. The mist drew up to the mountain, enclosing the castle in its thickness. Visuals were slim to none, and the guards were on edge. A horn rang out, one with a deep base. It carried through the valley floor, up to the top of the mountain. It slowly carried on until its sound died out. The guards looked around, not sure of what it was. The griffon’s bellow them seemed to not have noticed, none moving from where they were. The guards went on alert, many calling out to the other stations, asking for visuals and where that horn blast had come from. None knew, but then they saw it. Red light in the mist, spreading like wild fire. It carried on and on, until the valley below them looking like it was covered in torches. Then they began to move. The mist was clearing, the heat from the light making it disperse. In its wake was a small army. The Equestrian guards called out, manning the defenses, but they were caught off guard. The ambassador’s guards began to fight, and arrows hit their marks straight and true. Guardsponies fell from their posts as the castle garden was soon over run by the invading force. Another horn blast was let out, and the army moved forward quickly.
Fights in the courtyard broke out, and the gates were sealed quickly. Screams were heard from bellow as the guards within the castle hurried quickly crush the invading force. But they weren’t enough. The griffons cut through many of them like ribbons. Those that stood a chance held their own, but there were few. Ladders made their way to the front walls, and soon griffons were climbing up, trying to take the outer defenses. Some flew over, dropping rocks or jars filled with flammable liquid; the griffons called it living fire. Soon the sounds of battle were everywhere.
The two Spartans were walking down the hall when the first explosion went off. Marcus stopped and looked at Emilia, who only stood still. He grabbed his shotgun and looked around, and saw flames outside of the caste. They were spreading, and the sounds of battle and war could be heard rising outside. The castle was under attack.
“Emilia...what’s going on..?” he said, looking behind him to her. She barely clenched her jaw, not looking at him. She grabbed her weapons slowly, then threw them on the ground.
“I was going to warn you, but they didn't give me enough time. They knew.” Marcus looked at her confused, then pieced it together slowly. HE looked at her hard, and nodded. He put on his helmet as guards rushed the duo. Marcus did not stop them or raise his weapons. He took EMilia’s off the ground.
“Guards, she won't resist. Take her into the custody and have a small watch on her, then get back to your posts and fight off the griffons; we need everypony in this fight.” They nodded to him and 4 guards took her away as others rushed off to the walls of the castle. Marcus started to walk back towards the castle entrance, then slowly began a jog that turned into a full run. He sprinted down the hall, and found the gates burning. He skirted around, trying to find an exit to the outside. He could hear the clash of swords on metal with the yells to arms and the screams of the dying.
He turned another corner, but stopped in his tracks. A small force of griffons had cornered a squad of guards. Marcus took out his SMG’s and charged, ramming his shoulder into the closet grifon while swinging his two bullet hoses to the side to face more griffons. He pulled back on the trigger, and released round after round into their bodies; they jerked around like rag dolls on strings as the bullets tore holes into them. Marcus turned, and received a spear to the chest plate. It stopped dead center, bent down and broken like an arm. Marcus followed the spear tip, or what was left of it, to the holder and just shook his head. He brought back his leg and sent the griffin back with a large kick to the gut. Marcus brought his sights to bear on the griffon and pulled the trigger twice, sending two voles into him. The guards that had their backs against the wall a few moments ago now took up formation, making a small shield wall with either their own shields, or spells, lining up from one side of the corridor to the other. Marcus stood behind them, putting his SMG’s away and taking out his shotgun. Griffins were pouring into the castle from a breach in the wall ahead of them, and Marcus only had about 10 guards with him. They looked to him as he studied them. Marcus pumped his shotgun and nodded to them.
“Shield wall! Steady advance! Ready, MARCH!” The guards moved forward, griffon crashing into the shield wall. Marcus stood behind them, firing a shot at a griffon to ease the coming onslaught of griffon bodies. Marcus pumped his gun again, firing into the crowd. He saw two or three fall, but more came. The guards held their posts, barely pushing forward. They held their spears and swords forward, getting a hit where one could in these close quarters. They kept pushing, yelling cheers of valour and honor to each other while yelling curses to their foes. Marcus reloaded for a brief moment as the shield wall stopped. They had made ground, but at a cost. A pony had been lost, and two others were injured, but stayed within the wall and held. Thier movement was slower, but Marcus could see that most of the griffons seemed to have made it within the inner gates. Guards could be heard along the corridors and walls giving battle in the Sisters’ name, fulfilling their oaths to their country and their rulers.
They began the advance again, spear poking out where they could and strike at whatever was in front of them. Marcus had put his shotgun away and decided to quicken things up. He pulled out his SMG’s again, and launched himself over the guards ponies shield wall. He unleashed his weapons on them, spinning and ducking underneath axes and spears thrown and hacked in his direction He was barely conscious of the guards moving behind him, cleaning up whatever he left behind. He didn't need to worry about them, how could he? He mind was overtaken but the orchestra of war. It moved him, swayed him, controlled him; war controlled him once more, and used Marcus to his full potential. He didn't hold back. He never stopped. Faces blew past him as he tore through the griffin line. The griffins behind him held back a little afraid they might get caught in this dance. He stopped only when he ran out of enemies to fight. He looked around, a blood rage almost over taking him. He looked around for other targets, more enemies to fell, more blood to be spilt. Marcus stopped himself and looked around, the guards behind him bloodied and bruised; two more had fallen. Others had joined them from adjacent corridors and hallways. Some moved around the bodies, checking their own wounded and killing what wounded there were of the enemy. He clipped his now empty SMG’s to his sides and began to move towards the sounds of battle once more. The guards behind saw and followed. They would follow him for the rest of that day.
What reminded of the griffin force either surrendered or fled from the city, it’s defenders over powering their small assault by the end of that day. The court yard was now a place for the dead to be placed and mourned in later times while the rest of the castle had been turned into a hospital. Nurses ran from room to room, some carrying medicine and bandages while other carried wounded guards and civilians. Marcus stood in the throne room, a host of guards behind them. They had taken to following Marcus the whole day, standing by his side as they fought on through the day together. They fought together, bleed together; they died together. They were his company, his guards now, and he regarded them with a sense of honor and pride only a soldier could give them. Five of the original ten who fought with Marcus in that corridor now stood, the other dying from wounds or in combat. They all stood together, as leaders of this makeshift company, before their rulers, giving an account of what had happened during the fighting.
“We finally cleared out the eastern wall with help from the second division. What survivors there were I split up as I saw need of them and had them hold their position. We then moved to the Southeastern section of the inner castle and purged these three sections clear of griffins,” while saying this, Marcus pointed to the sections he had just mentioned.
“I picked up any stragglers i found and brought them with me as we kept moving.” Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all stood before them while troubled expressions. While the guard was still strong, it had taken a large blow from this small scale attack.
“And what of your….friend? You said you left her in the care of some guards, but hadn't seen her since you pulled together this fight. Did she co-operate i wonder…” at that a guard ran up to Marcus with a scroll in mouth. He took it from him ,removing his helmet and looking at the parchment.
“Emilia..i-is...ah...shit… I still can't get this equestrian writing down. You talk the same, but have different symbols for everything!” At that he handed the scroll to his second in command without a fuss and hunched over, waiting for it to be read.
“Lieutenant Emilia 239 is in our custody and co-operating. We have her held within one of the cells in the lower sections of the castle.” Marcus nodded and looked up at the princesses.
“See, told you; no need to worry. If she wanted to, she would have laid me out as well as the rest of the guards around her if need be..” Celestia raised an eyebrow.
“She’s better then you?” Marcus nodded, a hint of shame on his features. He had never liked it; the two of them had been competing against one another since boot camp at age 6. Hey became friends through it, but she had always been better on the field.
“And can she be trusted?” Marcus stood up straight and bowed his head in thought. This wasn't the UNSC she was with anymore, so she had no allegiance to them as far as MArcus knew, but for all he knew, a lot had changed to her in these past two years, just like he had changed.
“I’m going to say yes, she can. I know her well enough to judge her.” The princesses seemed comforted by this and let the subject go. They then went over breaches within the wall and having them repaired as soon as possible. More guards would be posted on the outside gates and smaller, lesser walls that oversaw the very exterior of the city and the inhabitants inside. They divided the guards up, with help from the generals that had now been gathered around the table; they had been previously occupied trying to organize their military over the country's vast borders, telling them to hold the line until new orders arrived.
“Now, on the subject of this little….company you seemed to have gathered. We have a lot of good soldiers in that company their private, and we will need them.” A thinner looking general with a balding head and pipe said. He looked up to him without a drop of fear, and probably thought he could still show this human a thing or two. Marcus didn't doubt the old timer could.
“I couldn't agree with you more General Stone Wall. Which is why i’m asking you to keep them together. Where ever you need us most, well’s go, only taking those to replace those we lost, no more, no less. Think of it as a...specialist company.” The general seemed mildly pleases with this idea, as if it had already come to mind and he was just waiting for Marcus to say it.
“I see nothing wrong with this proposition. General Armour, what say you?” Shining nodded his head while looking at the map of equestria. The general was pleased, and those around the table agreed to it as well.
“Then it is settled. You company needs a name however; what will it be? What will we call these brave few?” Marcus turned to those who had gathered with him; all were battle hardened, strong soldiers. Not once had Marcus seen dishonor in their ranks; no one pillaging bodies or taking keepsakes from others fallen. They earned their metal.
“What say you, my company? What are we?” Marcus shouted to them. All others in the room stood, looking at them. They all raised the weapons, banging them loudly against their shields.
Marcus marched down the sets of stairs laid down before him; he was walking down towards the dungeons that were set deeper in the mountain side, which led him through vast caves of crystals. The guard escorting him explained that this was were Queen Chrysalis kept her captives during the changeling invasion. Marcus had heard about the attempt at the throne from the girls, but had never given it much thought. Finally the stairs leveled out into corridors, some going off into far reaches of the mountain. Marcus kept maching, the sound of his metal boots and the occasional shift of armor from his escort echoing down the halls of stone. He prime focus was on the cell at the end of the hall and what sat inside; Emilia. Time seemed to slow as flashes of combat with her spread through his mind; each planet, each mission all going through his head at light speed, and he thought it was all over when he first came to Equestria. Marcus stopped a few feet from the cell.
“Guard, you can remain here. What we have to discuss is for our ears only.” The escort saluted him and stood at attention at the section of wall he was at. He kept walking forward, until he was right in front of the cell bars. She was chained up by her wrists and ankles. He looked closely at them; standard iron and steel cuffs and chain link; easily broken by any Spartan, and yet they remained in tact. He nodded towards them and said, “They’re big on formalities here….they uncomfortable?” Of course the answer was a slight shake of the head with a blank visor looking back. Nothing given, nothing taken in the way of emotion. Her helmet had been placed back on her head, whether by herself or by the guards who placed her here...well it didn't matter.
“Take off your helmet for me,” he asked her.
“Last time I checked, I out ranked you Marc,” she replied coolly. He cocked his head to the side and just shook his head.
“Rank doesn't matter anymore, we have no way to contact the UNSC or even getting back to our universe. So let that all go and take off your helmet.” There was a moment of silence as the two stared at one another; one looking into deep bright blue eyes, while the other looked on into a sea of gold. Finally, the chains began to move, after a slight strain, they broke free from their mounts in the wall, and Emilia raised her helmet off of her head. Her red hair fell loose and stood on head as it came free from its confines. Marcus nodded his thanks and sat down on the ground, Emilia following suit. They just sat there for a bit, studying one another; two years had made some changes in both of them. Marcus’ were more apparent, but Emilia’s were there too. Her right eye had a new scare, and it was still pinkish red from whatever had caused it. Emilia’s eyes lite up for a moment, then she spoke to him.
“You’ve gone off reg, and your armor is in poor condition.” Marcus just nodded and smiled.
“No need to keep reg, or keep up this armor. No covenant...at least any more.” She nodded.
“We heard about that; up north the news spread fast. Something like myself beat off alien hordes single handed.” He just shook his head.
“I wasn’t alone, the equestrian guard helped evac and provided support; only reason we won was because I got lucky in a one on one fight with the ship master of the corvette.” Emilia raised an eyebrow.
“Corvette? Like the one that was tailing us on our way out of the stratosphere over Torquaturus IV?”
“The very same.” She pursed her lips carefully.
“Interesting.” He nodded again. They both sat there again in quiet until Marcus spoke up.
“Two years…. what were you doing for two years? You knew I was here!” He nearly shouted to her. She was quiet, her eyes have closed in a way of contemplation; she was not mad, but she no longer trusted Marcus. He could tell, he could see it in her soul. He still had that ability; he still knew spartans through and through. He sat patiently for her to respond, when finally she did.
“When I first came to, there was a blizzard going on around me. I was laying on my stomach, and I was almost covered. I could faintly see bits and pieces of the pelican around me, but my vision was still blurry.” She sat silent again, and he hand went to her leg.
“My leg was broken, so I popped the bone back into place and locked up my leg’s armor as a makeshift cast. Then I got up and walked.” She quietly said. Emilia told him of her journey; no food, no communication, nothing but her and some weapons and ammo she found from the wreckage. The rest of the pelican was with her, but so were bodies from the crash and slipspace jump. She kept moving forward, till the griffons found her. She knew they had been tracking her, and they had watched her for several days, and the entire time she knew. Their meeting was less...civil than Marcus’s with the princesses.
“You’re leg healed up?” Marcus asked. She nodded before continuing.
“They evaded my hand to hand well enough, but I still scored good hits. Enough of them showed up that I had to retreat. Long story short I got overpowered by about fifty griffons. Then they took me to their closest city and tried to interrogate me, except they didn't know how to get the armor off. So they just left me there. I broke out several times, and they got me each time. They ended up locking me up with...well I now know what metal, but it was stronger than anything Id seen before.” She pulled out a hidden blade from her boot and showed it to him. He took it from her grasp and looked at it carefully. It was well used, he could tell, other than that it was a very fine blade. He put his armored arm out and put used his full force to try and break the blade against the armor. It created sparks, but other that that the blade remained in tact.
“You never really were the quiet one out of our squad,” Marcus said with a smirk.
“They don't have enough of the metal for armor, but they have enough for concealable weapons like that. They give them to specialist units and soldiers from what I can tell. Something like a status symbol.” Marcus was impressed by it. A blade so small but still so strong. It could be useful in the right moment.
“What do they call it?”
“Athraf̱sto métallo.” Marcus raised an eyebrow.
“Sounds almost greek, like the stuff Deja taught us…” Emilia simply nodded. They never learned fluent greek, but Deja’s lessons often had teachings from greek teachers. The last battle of Leonidas and his famous three hundred was one told and referenced often. Marcus nodded his head and moved to give the knife back. She barely shook her head. Marcus stopped and looked at her carefully.
“I’m going to need you in this fight Emilia. Can I trust you?” She nodded her head but still wouldn't take the knife.
“You were always the one who had a thing for knives. Keep it. As for the fight, I‘m not sure your pony friends would approve of me. I did just walk in with the griffons who tried to take the castle after all.” Marcus smirked and stood up, motioning behind him for the guard to come forward.
“Emilia you’ve got a bit to learn right now. These ponies trust me; hell I’m married to one of them.” Emilia just looked at him with silent awe. He smiled and turned to the guard.
“Open up the cell; I’m gonna need an old friend to help me with all of this.” The guard paused for a moment, but at the urgent look of Marcus did as he was requested. He was shocked when he saw that he didn't need to remove the shackles. _____________________________________________________________________________
The duo walked down the castle corridors to the guards station where Marcus’s company was. He filled her in on everything that had happened in her absence. She was stunned by it all, and rightly so. Everything he told her was fundamentally against almost every single law of nature that Emilia and Marcus had been taught as a child. Griffons she could handle; evolution in theory could come up with all kinds of strange creatures. But magic? Shapeshifting? The moon and sun being controlled by gods who walked among them? The griffons had left a good bit out when they informed her of who their enemy was.
“So...you’re married...to a pegasus….and you have a child, but only because the princes of the moon and sun, who are gods as well, turned you into one as well?” Marcus just nodded his head with a faint smile.
“His name is Star Chaser,” he told her. She just nodded to herself and kept walking forward, taking everything in stride. Guards walked past them quickly, some casting nervous glances at Emilia as they walked by. Others tried to stop them, but Marcus simply explained that she was indeed no threat to them and that she was with him. The nodded, but still kept wary eyes on her. Two guards, however, were running towards the two. Marcus stopped and saw who it was.
“What are those two doing here? They’re supposed to be guarding...oh shit.” He then sprinted up to the two, who stopped immediately when they saw that he was running to them.
“Iron Eyes, Star Blazer, why aren’t you guardin my family like I told you?” he nearly shouted at the two. Iron nearly melted at the quiet visible anger that was radiating from the spartan, but Star just stood there with defiant eyes.
“Scouts reported seeing the remaining forces from the main assault on Canterlot regrouping in the Everfree, near Ponyville. All civilians were evacuated here, since it was the closest major city. We stayed with them the entire time.” A wave of relief washed over Marcus when he heard this, nodding his head. He asked where his family was, and was soon off with the two guards and Emilia trailing him. From what he had been told, the refugees had been moved to the court yard for now until permanent housing could be found or established. They slowed down and the approached the main exit to the court yard. Not waiting for the guards to open them, he walked right up to the massive iron doors and pushed with all his might. They swung open slowly, sunlight flowing into the high arches of the now open door frame. He walked out quickly, scanning the area. He saw familiar faces all around, and many looked right back at him with warm faces and hearts.
He searched through the crowd, checking in on friends and searching for his family. HE finally reached the center of the mass, and found his family and his close friend together waiting for him. Fluttershy rushed to him, their son sitting comfortably on her saddle. He crouched down quickly and wrapped her in a warm hug, looking over her and their son, who was still somewhat scared of the large metal being. He pulled away and smiled at her.
“You’re ok….thank the creator….” a tear rolled away from his eye, wiped away quickly by fluttershy’s hoof.
“The guards moved us out quickly and safely. We were never in any immediate danger.” He nodded his head and looked back at as Emilia and the others finally caught up. They separated from one another and both sat down, their son between them, who was now looking around curiously at everything and anything. He played with the grass beneath him as the adults looked on in quiet wonder and bemusement.
“So..this is your family then?” Marcus looked up and nodded.
“He..he doesn't recognize me since he never knew me as a human, but I think he might be getting used to me...or at least momentarily distracted from me….” he looked down at his son and smiled while Emilia studied the two. She wouldn't know it, but they did look alike, if only Marcus was in his pony form.
“No augmentations….how?” Marcus nodded.
“Not natural, so it didn't transfer over into my new body.” She studied them both more before shaking her head. He just laughed at her and nodded.
“Didn't make any sense to me either when I first got here, but then you begin to learn how the world works and it starts to make sense.” Emilia just stood there studying them and everything around them. Marcus moved his eyes off of her and his family towards the crowd around them. They know what war is now...but are they ready for one that might take years? He shook his head and stood up, getting his helmet from his belt and putting it on. Emilia did the same. Checking his weapons, he motioned for the two guards to follow them.
“You’ll be joining my command Star, and you Iron Eyes, go report to your CO, he’ll have something for you to do I’m sure.” Iron saluted then trotted off into the castle. Star just kept following them.
“Whats the plan then Marcus?” he asked as the rounded a corner.
“Get the company ready, find out where we need to go, then fight for everything we love and care about. Repeat as necessary.” Emilia let out a small huff of air from the lack of thought, but kept quiet none the less. Star just smirk and nodded his head.
The makeshift barracks for the small company was located near the smiths of the castle. As the ponies walked to and from their stations, the striking of metal and the hiss of water could be heard as weapons were resharpened and armor remade for combat. Each unit was to be refitted for duty so that they would be at one hundred percent when sent off to their places among the kingdom to defend against the griffon hoards. Blow after blow rang out around the newly pitched tents as smiths worked long and hard to ready the gear by the end of the week. Inside one of the tents sat three figures hunched over maps and charts. The charts ran over the logistics of the company while the map laid out before them showed key locations that needed to be held; each commander of a company had one, but none yet knew where they would be sent. None wanted the mountain pass though, since they all knew it would most likely be a death sentence. None except Marcus and his brave few. He was looking over the ranks of his chosen few, as well as their files on their psych profiles and just about everything else he needed to set up this company right. He needed squad leaders and second in command, not to mention he needed to set up their individual squads based off of strengths and weakness; if one pony or several had a certain weakness in a field, they would try to be matched with ponies who could make up for it in some way. Emilia sat next to him on the ground, her legs crossed as she went over supplies needed for the company; weapons, arrows, armour, medical supplies, and the thing that kept every army marching forward. Food. There wouldn't be a shortage, but getting enough of what they would need was taking harder and longer than thought. Signing, Marcus leaned back on his hands and glazed over the papers in front of him.
“I think I nearly have everything set up. BullsEye will be my right hand, since he seems to know most of the men. He’s well respected, and is good in a fight, but specializes in long range tactics. We’ll need that since the Griffons have the advantage in close quarters.” Marcus thought out loud. It they could stop the griffons before they reached their own line, the would have a much better chance at winning engagements with the enemy. If they got in close though, the physiology of the griffons would give them an upper hand.
“We seem to have enough armor and weapons, but I’m having trouble getting enough arrows for our archers. The Unicorns will have to take over as missile support if we run out too fast.” Nodding, Marcus stored it in the back of his mind for subjects to be addressed later. He stretched out his legs away from the small, short wooden table in front of him and sighed, looking out side through the billowing flaps of the tent currently occupied by himself and his friend. He groaned and stood up, or about as well as the could. These tents were made for ponies, and thus where for the optimal height of a pony. Waddling out of the small tent, Marcus stretched out to his full two and a half meter height. Looking around he watched his stallions drill together, making sure they knew one another's weakness and strengths in their form during combat. A cohesive unit was a strong one.
“They will need to keep drilling until we leave. A lot of these colts haven't fought together before. We need more time.” Moving to the side to let Emilia out, he pointed towards the castle gates. Following his finger, she took notice of it.
“They’re been working on it all day and night. By the time it’s finished, nothing will be able to break through; and with the magic shield to protect them from the sky, this castle will finally be battle ready. I just hope its enough though.” Nodding Emilia turned around and gazed at the battlements.
“The griffons will have a hard time with this, but I am not sure that it is impenetrable. They are…..adept at war. The harsh winters in the north have made them a strong people.” Marcus nodded, his understanding of griffon tactics limited but still somewhat useful. He had read up on what he could with what the princesses had on them from ages old when the two nations seemed to fight every other year. They were brutal, not caring about losses, but yet effective in where they actually lost troops. Griffon-stone hadn't been breached in centuries some had said, even before the unifications of the tribes and the rise of the Alicorn sisters. They were a warring nation, and had refined the process. Losses; calculated and accepted. Wins; practically a given in almost any situation except when fighting the ponies. Magic was just too much of a wild card in some instances. Emilia finally said what they were both thinking.
“If we wanted to end this quickly, you and I would just move for Griffon-stone alone and well equipped. Take out their king.” Marcus shook his head and looked at her.
“Too many unknowns; we don't know the terrain, the numbers in their armies, the exact location of said armies, and whether or not we’d reach Griffon-stone quick enough to stop most of the action.” Emilia began to speak but Marcus raised a hand.
“If we took a guide or two they’d slow us down. If we were caught they’d be killed ,or worse captured. No...its looking like we might have to slug it out.” Looking down crossing his arms, he nearly accepted the fact until Emilia final spoke up.
“I could go.” Lifting his head, Marcus thought on it a moment. Nodding, he spoke.
“It has it’s advantages; I stay, the one they trust to do the nitty gritty work while you go off to a land you're a bit more familiar with and take out one target. It might work if I can hold them at…. Yes. This just might do it.” Marching away, Marcus aimed for the castle’s war room.
“Its insane! This filly walked in here with the invading force and you want us to trust her with a mission like this?! Even if you hold the mountain pass long enough for her to get there, how do we know she won’t spill out everything she’s learned while her?” an old goat by the name of Grey Beard yelled. If it were for the stars and bars that he had quite clearly earn by looking at his scar riddled body, Marcus might had hit him. They had been arguing about the plan for over an hour, and every time they figured that no other way would work to end the war quickly, someone would still bring up the same point; Emilia wasn’t Marcus, and had only just arrived. Her arrival, however, had been coupled with a nearly successful invasion of Equestria’s capital city. Bending over onto the table and pinching the arch of his nose for what felt like the millionth time that day, Marcus sighed and spoke.
“Trust her or not I don’t care. What I care about is that you trust my knowledge and judgement for the character of a person I have known all my life and have suffered the same pains as her. I know her better then all of you, and you all seem to trust my judgement on these types of matters. Now I am asking, maybe even telling you, to trust this woman and let her do her damn job!” He finally shouted out. He pointed at her and then at everyone else in the room.
“Not a single damn pony in this room, ney, in your ARMY could accomplish this task. She can. No one will follow her, so its the best place to put her skills to use; as an assassin.” The generals assembled around the table fell quiet in thought, pondering over Marcus’s words. Both sides of the plan, holding the mountain pass and the assassination of the griffin king, were both more than likely suicide missions. But the ones proposing specialized in such missions. General Stonewall finally spoke up.
“How much time do you need to get ready and move out for the pass?” Marcus smirked and spoke.
“Give me until sunrise to get everything ready.” Stonewall frowned.
“I thought you gave all this up.” Marcus stopped packing his gear when he heard her voice. He knew Fluttershy would come by with the others when she found out the mission plans. Or at least the part where he had to go fight against an unknown force. Numbers, equipment, tactics, almost all of it would be to some degree a surprise. But it was what he had lived for most of his life, and he knew how to fight a war like this. Fluttershy hugged him from behind and wrapped her wings around him as best she could, a gesture she had grown accustomed to giving. She sighed and shook her head.The smell of freshly cut grass and tilled earth filled his nose as her soft mane brushed against his face. He took in the scent, remembering it for when he would be away from her. He turned around and hugged her back, burying his head in her mane.
“I did. Trust me there’s nothing more I’d like to do then to toss all this armour off and have Twilight turn me back….” Fluttershy pulled away and shook her head, smiling at him with soft tears in her eyes.
“No you silly filly...you don't get it. This, terrible as it is, is your special talent. It’s what you were meant for. Embrace it, like I’ve embraced you and all that you are.” He looked her in the eyes and held back tears,kissing her lightly on the muzzle and touching their foreheads together. Twilight and the others joined their hug, and they stayed quiet for a few moments, taking the fact that this might be the last time they’d see Marcus for some time. Pulling away, Marcus grabbed his bag and equipment and headed out the tent behind the group. Applejack walked up to him with a small rucksack full of something that smelled a little too good.
“Ah brought ya something to nibble on while you're gone. Thought this would be better than anythin that those military cooks could ever whip up.” She handed him the bag and he checked inside only to find an assortment of goodies from a small apple pie to fritiers to just plain whole apples.
“Twilight did some of her magic to make it bigger on the inside. There a heck of alot more stuff in there then ya’d think.” She gave him a firm wink and a pat of the back and walked back to the group. He thanked her and spotted Spike walking up with a little bit of discomfort. He’d been getting a few too many growth spurts lately and was starting to get a big as Twilight. He Finally showed what he had in his claws; two rather large purple scales.
“These were a bit loose, so I figured you might need them. Nothing can pierce a dragon’s hide, or at least that's what Twilight said. I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone and give these to you. You know, more armor and stuff.” Marcus laughed, known the armor he already had would probably be overkill. He thanked him none the less.
“Thanks Spike, they’ll come in handy.” He placed both in a secure pocket in his armor to be fitted on at a later time. The others came too; Dash had a pair of weather team goggles she gave him just in case his helmet was missing at some point; Pinkie offered him her cannon, but he politely declined, saying that the unit already had a few of their own. Not taking no for an answer, she made him take something what he wasn’t quite sure how she got; an energy dagger. It had enough power for one or two hits, but that would be it. Not wanting to question her power to defy known, well, everything, he accepted the gift. Rarity, at a loss as what to give to a soldier bound for war, gave him a pair of boots made of the finest faux leather she could get. They were just his size, and looked combat ready in case the need arised. Then Twilight walked up, with a large package wrapped in cloth in her purple aoura. She set it down before him and undid the wrapping.
“I did some calculations, going through how you seem to fight and the resources you had at your disposal and well….I came to the conclusion that you’d run out of ammunition sooner or later. So I had the best smiths in Canterlot make this for you.” She then lifted a single handed double edged sword to him. The pommel was long enough so that he could get two hands on it if need be, but it was clearly meant for single handed use. He tightened his grip and pull the blade free of its scabbard. It was a dual edged weapon made out of what looked like some of the purest steel he’d seen among the guard.
“Crucible steel.” He said with a small amount of awe. It was some of the best smithing someone could do. The blade was almost the length of his arm span, and shone with a bright hue. It was decorated with gold or silver. It had no detailed carvings. All it had was a single word quickly scratched onto the blade and put through a quick acid bath. Home.
“Its not the best name for a sword, but know that as long as you have it, home will be with you.” What she failed to understand was was that it was a firm reminder of what he was fitting for now. A home. He strapped the scabbard to his back with the cloth it came wrapped into his back and put away the sword smiling to his friends.
“Thank you guys...I’m thankful for all of you.” They all coughed a bit and looked around, trying not to make eye contact.
“Darling..” Rarity spoke up, “You still have one last present.” Marcus looked around and found Fluttershy, ready with a single wing up. He approached her and kneeled in front of his wife.
“When you left me to fight the Covenant, you took one of my feathers. Later you would go on to tell me that it gave you strength. I see no reason now why you shouldn't do the same.” She then leaned in and plucked a small non primary feather from her wing and dropped it in his outreached palm. He closed his hand gently and hugged her.
“Come back to me again, brave knight.” They both cried tears of goodbye as the call to arms was raised. He pulled away with such reluctance. He almost considered not going, but her words to him rang deep in his heart.
It’s what you were meant for. Embrace it, like I’ve embraced you and all that you are.
He stood up, and marched with his gear and his new gifts to the mustering circle, the 6 of them right behind to see him away.
“ Soldiers. aTT-ENTION!.” All of the men assembled snapped to attention, Luna’s bright moon in full glory and high in the dark night sky. Marcus marched up to Bullseye and snapped a quick salute to him.
“Sir, the men are ready and able.” Marcus nodded and shot a glance to the unicorns that surrounded them. the whole idea behind them was was that they would combine their powers to make a large teleporter. marcus caught sight of Emilie, who had already prepped for the mission. the same amount of magic would be needed to teleport just her because of the difference in distance. She needed to be teleported far behind the mountain range, close enough to the capital to give the Equis army in the mountain pass a chance. he saluted her, and she returned it as she was set away to some undisclosed location far inland of the griffon kingdom. Some of the unicorns collapsed from the toll it took on them. Other rushed forward to replace them as they were carried away. Then they assembled around his unit.
“Spartans!” he yelled. “We are going into an unknown. The area, those we fight, how they fight. But what I want from you is this. Do not focus on who you are fighting, but who you fight for! For you friends, your families, for your brothers and sisters in arms who stand side by side with you on the battlefield. But most of all, never forget; We fight for Equestria!” He shouted to them all. A bashing of shields on the ground and by spears echoed through the courtyard. The unicorns charged their magic as Marcus looked back to his friends and family, ending him away to hell.
After the tingling sensation of the magic wore off, Marcus opened his eyes to see tall cliffs around him, the steady rock formation moving up as he looked up to large mountain ranges on either side of the rather wide ravine. In front of him was a camp set up with fires mixing in between some of the huts. Beyond that...Marcus knew the sight already. A body riddled mess of a warzone. Black crows sung their songs over the dead as they ate to their unbiased hearts content. They didn’t care what it was they ate; they were just hungry. Some of the decaying corpses were missing limbs, while others had multiple long gashes across their bodies, letting the crows get to the meatier parts faster, saving them time.
As Marcus’s company came to understand their surroundings, ponies began to emerge from the makeshift huts. Almost all had some kind of wound, whether it was major like a missing limb or just a scratch on the chin. All of them were surprised in the best way to see the spartan and his company. More began to rush out, greeting the company as heroes even though they had yet to even do anything. Hooves were shook, and hugs given out like candy. These men had seen something, and it didn’t look like 300 ponies were here; more like something in the low 90’s.
How late were we? Marcus thought as he looked around at the terrible shape of the soldiers. He had seen this before back in Covenant wars, but he didnt expect anything like this with the griffons.Marcus finally noticed how they were reacting to him. Muttered prayers to the Sisters and hushed whispers about his deeds in Baltimare wandered through the crowd, giving new life to the walking dead. Marcus walked up to one of the less wounded, a pegasus with matted brown fur, and took his helmet off his helmet and looked the pegasus in the eye.
“What’s your name son?” The poor stallion could barely hold the Spartans steely gaze.
“S-Steel Wing, sir.” Marcus looked around at all the ponies, noting that they were all looking to him now, watching to see what he would say.
“Steel Wing, were here to give you guys a bit of help. Rest easy, the Spartans are here.”
After finding out that most of the leading command figures were among the crows buffet Marcus decided to take up what command there was, lending aid to the wounded and prioritizing the severely wounded to be apart of the earliest med-evac. Those who could fight were added to the Spartan ranks. Overall, wounded included, there were 83 of the original 300 left; an attach the same day as the arrival of the envoy at Canterlot came and nearly wiped out the small force. Those who survived fortified what they could, but were constantly harassed by aerial attacks, picking off and wounding even more of the survivors. Marcus had thankfully found a gunnery sergeant who had survived, and seemed to be the pony responsible for helping the survivors.
“The only reason we’ve made it this far is because of the unicorns. The ones we had left after that first wave dedicated themselves to maintaining a small barrier around the camp, trying to keep ground forces out. Some past out from the effort, but it’s held since. Pegasia like me have been tasked with defending against the aerial assaults, but there weren’t a whole lot of us left to do it…” Marcus nodded while listening and studying an aerial map of the surrounding land. The area they were in now seemed to be the long stretch of the whole ravine, being the closest part to the Equestrian border. The rest were stretches of twists and turns between mountains, with the nearest sector closest to them being what looking like some kind of glad between mountains. It was defendable with the right stuff, but right now they didn’t have the right stuff.
We need a god damned wall. After that, just focus on the aerial attacks. Marcus motioned for his lieutenant Bulls Eye.
“Lieutenant, gather what Earth ponies you can and start getting some kind of barricade together. Have them buck the walls of the cavern and use the rocks that fall for it.” Bulls Eye nodded and went out of the battered tent to organize the ponies. Marcus was about to send out another order when a horn rang out. It was a loud, deep bass that rattled to bones of those who heard it. It echoed through the ravine, sending shivers down the spines of those present. The surviving ponies from the original group paled at the sound, nearly bolting at the sound. Marcus stepped out of the tent and looked towards where the sound originated. Bulls Eye Ran up to Marcus with a worry in his teal eyes.
“Marcus…”
“I know. Keep the men moving. I’ll handle this.” Marcus marched out to the field of corpses, his boots sinking in the blood soaked mud. The smell made him wrinkle his nose, the filters on his helmet not taking the smell of rot and decay out of the thick stewy air. His eyes were fixed ahead at the mass that was beginning to form; the Griffon Army. Grim trophies hung from their banner, swaying and spilling what blood was left in them as they were marched forward, some just heads stuck onto a pike. Placing his hands on his hips, Marcus stopped in the middle of the long stretch between the two forces. The griffons continued to move forward, what light that there was shining brightly on their armour, only to be ruined in some cases by splashes of blood and gore from fighting. Beaks twisted and rolled into snarls and insults, they marched forwards until they were a few yards away from Marcus, who stood a few hundreds of yards away from the working ponies. Every now and then, a pony would look on in terrified wonderment. The griffons spat their insults, calling him a gelding and a freak. They showed insults about his mother and family, telling him all of the things they would do to them once they killed and strung up his corpse. marcus just sighed, having heard it all before. He turned up the microphone in his helmet and yelled towards the massed army.
“LISTEN UP YOU BUNCH OF COWARDLY SHITHEAD CHICKEN LOOKING MOTHERFUCKERS. If you are unwilling to offer your unconditional surrender this very instant I will escort all of you personally to the gates of Tartarus where your whore mothers will be waiting. What will it be you lousy bunch of chicken shits; death or life?” A silence rang out among those gathered at the ravine, pony and griffin, and all stared at the lone figure in the middle; some with awe, others, mostly the others, with pure unadulterated hatred. Two of the largest insults to a griffon’s pride was calling him/her a coward, or a chicken. They had just been called such things twice by some lone freak. This just would not stand.
“Stratió̱tes étoimoi !” A griffon in the front with bright red plumage yelled out, raising a claw towards Marcus. All he did was move his hands to his two SMG’s. They had never left his side since Canterlot, and now Marcus planned on using them.
This is my special talent. Time to embrace it. Time slowed as the claw began to lower. Marcus senses began to un in over drive. He analyzed the forces, their strengths, weaknesses, predicted movements, all in the matter of seconds. The taste of salt battered his tongue as his liked his lips, sweat accumulating on his upper lip.
“Fortíste!” The claw finally fell to the ground, dirt getting kicked up from the impact as griffons charged the lone Spartan. He tensed and waited till the last moment. A griffon with a pike charged him, thrusting forward towards the gut. Marcus saw it from a mile away. He grabbed the spear with his right hand and toss the griffon aside, drawing his left SMG and firing wildly, scoring multiple hits at such close range. He then dodged another thrust and put the barrel of the weapon flush with the chest plate of the griffon, giving the poor thing a quick burst. He tossed the pike in the air, killing some unknown griffon at the back of the army. His movements a blur, the only time hi firing stopped was to reload his weapons. The griffons were at a loss for what to do; even if a weapon made contact with the armor, it just glanced off. Marcus did a back flip to regain some space from the forces. He was on pure instinct now. Dodge left, duck under, fire; dodge right, pull back, punch, thrust with newly acquired spear. Kill..kill….kill….
It was all he could think of. Survive, fight, kill. He never stopped, even when his mags ran dry. He just found a spear and began to use it with skill he didn't know he had. Bodies piled up and soon he began to need to step over them, even on top of them to stay where he was. He didn't even know how long he had been going for. 10 minutes? 20? Half an hour? Maybe more. Who knows? The bodies were literally piling up, something he failed to notice in his blood muddled mind. His boot crunched down on the skull of a griffon, who had previously been begging for its life. He killed it without mercy, remorse, or regret. Just another target, no, an obstacle down. Now to the next. But….where were they? He calmed down enough to finally take note of what he had done. he stood upon a small hill, with a red soaked valley around him. it was quiet, peaceful even. All of the corpses around him were smiling in some small sadistic way. Their blank eyes looking back at him. He fell to his knees, finally coming to his senses. They were bodies. Bodies everywhere.
Creator… w-what have I done?...
Ripping his helmet of and throwing it to the ground, Marcus threw his voice to the heavens, yelling out towards what ever god decided to hear him. The only one he knew for certain had heard his cry was the Reaper deep in his soul.
Crows cawed to one another, letting the others know that the feast had begun once again. Carrion and bone were revealed as bits of flesh were torn away from the now decaying bodies. Blood had caked and dried on their corpses; the smell of rot and death hung heavily in the air. Eyes ripped out, fingers torn away from their bonny holds. Cartilage a delicacy among those who ate, and yet it all seemed silent to those who sat and watched; nothing better to do then to throw a rock or two every now and then at the hungry carnivores. An eery calm hung over those who sat their, days after the carnage that was a Spartan’s wrath. A smallish pony with a green mane and tail, maybe a year or two over 20 sat on the edge, a bandage over his eye and a long star piercing the heavy air in front of him for what seemed like thousands of miles. A pony or two sat around him; he paid them no mind. All he could think about were the names of the ponies who laid underneath the fresh meat. Quietly, he spoke, seemingly to no one.
“Green Leaf, Arrowhead, Boulder Bouncer. Names lost to time.” He went quiet again, the ponies around him noticing he had spoken. Some approached but said nothing, wanting to see if he would speak again. Indeed he did.
“You know...they’ll build a monument here, or somewhere in Equestria. When were gone and dead. Like these guys in front of us.” he motioned softly with a hoof towards the crows and corpses. Some sat next to him, looking forward as he was taken up in their own thoughts.
“They’ll build a monument to the war, but we’ll be forgotten. We’ll die here, fighting and dieing for others. They’ll never know us; our names, what we looked like, what books we liked to read or if we even liked to read at all. We will fade, become forgotten.Forgotten in this sound….this sound of silence that hangs over us.”
Listening from afar, Marcus sighed at the stallions words; while they were true and held merite, it was not good of them to be thinking of things like that. What they needed to really focus on was getting out of the ravine alive, and Marcus wasn't quite sure how they were going to do that. He had enough ammo for one more major engagement, then he would have to switch to his sword. He couldn’t keep up that kill count he had going for him for much longer, and the ponies around him looked like they knew that. Marching over to the small group that had formed up on the wall, he called up to them.
“Hey, quit your moping and get down here. There work that needs to be done.” The few that were there groaned, offering points of wisdom like ‘what is the point?’ and ‘we’re exhausted’. Having heard enough of the gripping, Marcus climbed up on top of the rocks and threw them off himself. Only getting curses and complaints, and drawing a much larger crowd from the surrounding tents, Marcus silenced them with a pistol round towards the sky. Coincidentally, a crow fell soon after at his feet. Smirking, Marcus addressed the ponies around him.
“Several centuries ago, or maybe even a few millennia by now, a country by the name of Greece on a world in my universe was under siege from a force far superior and larger than anything they had faced before. They were out matched; they were outnumbered, and they had no hope. The army that was coming for them had conquered most of the known world. But a brave few stood against the onslaught.” Marcus paused taking in their stairs. He had their attention, but he needed their hearts.
“Among the Greeks were warriors known as Spartans. They were trained from childhood to become the best that they could be in the art of war. 300 of these men went against this army, in the hopes of giving their people and fellow greeks enough time to gather their forces and fight this force to preserve their freedom and their way of life. 300 men marched against this force, led by their king. Loyal to a fault they were, and there, on the side of a mountain, 300 men held of the tides of an entire nation. For 3 days, these men held that small stretch on the mountainside.” Smiles were creeping on their faces now. Hope began to glimmer once more but a few stayed as they were; forlorn and lost to the hopelessness of the story. How could a few hundred stand against a nation? They didn’t.
“While those men never returned to see their wives and children, what they did do was give their children a future to live in. The Greeks had been bought enough time by this bold sacrifice, and stood against the might of their foes, and bested them. These 300 Spartans were known as hero’s, passing on into myth and legend as one of the greatest lost causes of all time.” Walking down towards them as a voice cried out from the soldiers present.
“That’s it? They all died? Great! But if you didn’t notice sir but none of us were trained from birth. We are normal ponies who lead normal lives when out of duty.What hope do we have of surviving 3 days? Let alone a few more hours! ” Marcus smirked. He found the mare in question and looked her dead in the eye.
“You think the Spartans did all the hard work? That's what the story tends to leave out. That along with these Spartans stood a few thousand Greeks, who heard of their march and joined them. They were potters, bankers, farmers. Most had never held a shield in their life, and most certainly had never taken a life. But they marched on. And they died.” Walking slowly into their midst, Marcus raised his voice a bit higher and again addressed them as a whole
“You may not be Spartans; hell some of you might only have just joined the service.You may not have been trained from birth or have super stregth or speed like I do. You do not have assault rifles or grenades. But what you have and what I see in each and everyone of you is the same things those Greeks held dear to their hearts; a hope for a better future for your children.” Walking to the wall and pointing beyond the large barrier, Marcus yelled as best he could, hoping that the griffins might hear the echo of his voice.
“Those bastards intend on taking your land from you, will you let them?” A few no’s and shouts were given.
“They want to take your freedom and your lives, will you let them?” A loud response, a bashing of a shield against a sword was heard. Marcus smirked.
“They want to take away a bright and prosperous future from your kids, will you let them?!” A thunderous uproar was heard; the stomping of hooves and the bashing of shields reverberated through the ravine letting loose stones and rocks from up high once more.
“Then I say to you; stand with me! Stand with me and die with me. Give them a chance out there to fight back! Buy them time. Stand with me and fight!” Marcus raised his fist in the air as roars of approval were shouted out. Calling out for his lieutenant, Marcus brought together his small command squad. Bullseye had pulled out one or two competent stallions from the survivors, one them the apparently being Steel Wing. Giving a gruff sound of approval, the stallion stood there taking in the ponies around him. Speaking in a somewhat hushed tone, and spoke to Marcus.
“Nice speech, but speeches don't win wars. What the plan?” Bullseye raised and eyebrow and waited. Marcus just responded by telling them to meet them in his tent in 10 minutes.
“If we’re going to survive long enough to give Armour and his generals enough time to put together a counter offensive, we’re going to need to get ready for a long fight.” And hopefully buy Emilia enough time to kill that fucking king.
Ten minutes later and the four of them had gathered outside of Marcus’s tent.The soldiers, while still rilled up from the speech, had nothing much to do, and sought to just roam around and do whatever meaningless task they could find, be it from fixing a cartwheel that carried supplies or to just keeping watch along the wall. Watches had been set up by the ponies alone, not command needed or given.
“So you got their hope; now what?” A earth pony mare by the name of Iron grip said. The name looked like it lived up to the owner. Iron Grip was almost as tall as Bullseye, and at least a foot taller than Steel Wing. She could’ve been chiseled out of marble for all Marcus knew; there was no lean fat or anything. She seemed to be made entirely out of muscle. If he didn’t know any better, Marcus would’ve guessed Celestia started her own Spartan program. Marcus addressed her specifically, but looked each of them in the eye.
“Now we dig in and get ready for the long haul. A wall is good and all, but you have to hold it. It also had to keep standing, and for all we know those griffons have things that can take down a makeshift rock wall like that like it was made of tissue paper. First things first is to make that thing as strong as we can get it, and to keep up a watch and have it manned at all times. It would seem that a watch has already been set up, however, it will still need to be strengthened. Iron Grip, think you can handle that?” A sharp nod was given.
“Good, next, we need our air to be clear and clean. Steel wing, gather up what pegasia we have and start training them as a unit. We need them to be able to fight together as a unit at a moment's notice. Can you handle that?” Silence. Marcus looked up from his papers and looked at him. “Steel Wing; can you do that?” More silence. Marcus just sighed and looked around for some answer. It was all he needed to hear. He would need to find somepony from his company who could-
“Logistics.” Marcus opened his eyes and looked at Steel Wing.
“Pardon?” he asked.
“I can work logistics. Contrary to the name I just joined the army a few months before this. Before I had worked in a steel factory. I was good at logistics. I can run the numbers on what we have and make it last; from food to cannon rounds.” Smiling from ear to ear Marcus nodded. “Logistics it is. Bullseye?”
“Aye?” Marcus nodded out towards the soldiers walking around outside.
“Find me a pegasus who knows how to fight and to lead and bring him to me. Once that is finished, I want you to gather what unicorns you can and put them into two units; one for wall defence, and the second for air defense. For the first gather what earth ponies you can who aren’t working on the wall and mix them in. Can I count of you to do all that?” The gruff stallion just smirked and nodded.
“Piece o’ cake Chief.” Smirking at the nickname, Marcus nodded.
“Alright. You have your orders. Get to them and get ready. We got a long fight in front of us.”
Except for the quiet clopping of hooves on the make-shift stone wall and the occasional cough, the camp was quiet. Since the surviving 83 guard-ponies who had been taken into the reinforcing company, their numbers now stood at 212 ponies. They had been split into 3 divisions; the first consisting of mainly earth ponies and unicorns for wall defense which stood at around 110 ponies, the 4 units of artillery that had been lent to Marcus’s company when assigned to had 4 cannons plus 20 ponies to man them and were stationed in the rear, and the third consisting of what pegasi were left and the remaining amount of unicorns for air defense which put them at 82, the consistency stacked in the unicorns favor. Marcus stood at the wall, watching the mountain pass before him while the watch switched shifts. He hadn’t slept at all since the past day’s events, focusing all of his energy in getting his guards ready for the fight ahead. And even then his thoughts slipped off to that which he had no control over. Doubts about Emilia and thoughts of his family drifted through his mind as the wind howled through the mountain pass. Dust kicked up and blew into the eyes of those along the wall. Marcus reached into his armors pouch and pulled out Fluttershy’s feather, twirling it between his forefinger and thumb. A light horn could be heard over the howling of the wind. It echoed through the mountains like a wounded beast rearing its head back from the fire. “They are coming,” he whispered.
The guards began to move, motioning for everyone to get ready. The plan was to wait; let them get close and think that they somehow caught them off guard in weather. When they were close enough, Marcus would lob makeshift explosives over the wall into the army as the artillery and air support lite up. The wall unit would then man their posts, and from there they would fight. Drawing his sword and a ‘grenade’ from his waste, Marcus waited, crouched on the wall. The grenades were simple casts of thin iron filled with gunpowder and had a magical fuse at the top. They had been developed for him before the war, just in case; they had been kept in Canterlot’s vaults however. He could see them now, coming closer. “Hold,” he whispered. The guards tensed. Some trembled, their spears shaking as they made ready to move up onto the wall. Marcus could hear wings flapping above him. They swooped low, catching glimpses of ‘sleeping’ ponies in their cots and around the burning embers of camp fires. One swooped too low, and Marcus gave the order.
“NOW,” he yelled. At once, every pony sprang to their feet, bolts of magic arcing through the sky as pegasi swooped in from the cliffs above. They engaged their unaware foe, bring down more with knives and wing-tip blades. Earth ponies rushed to the wall, spears and shields raised high as the 4 units of artillery rang out. Marcus threw his explosives, and griffins behind the wall began to disappear in red mists. Ponies rushed to the top of the wall, spears at the ready when the griffons soon began to climb up. Marcus ran up to greet them with his sword and pistol,and slashed at the first head that rose above the wall. He fired two rounds into a griffon across the way that was about to slash a guard in the back with his talons. It fell to the ground, the body pushed and shoved aside and back to the ground where it lay; his brothers fighting on onto of him, as more and more fell to the guard's spears. An artillery shell flew over head, blasting its way into the horde before the wall. Marcus could hear nothing above the din of battle. He caught sight of Iron Grip and her band holding off a group of heavy armored griffons; their spears kept them at bay, but were swatted away any time they tried to press their advantage. Marcus raised his pistol and fired into them, watching one fall limp and another flinch away with a limp in it’s rear leg.
Finding another grenade on his belt, Marcus lit it and threw it close to the wall where the griffons were trying to climb up. It went off and sent limbs flying. Fragments from the cast iron few in every direction, striking metal and stone. Some of it bounced off of the armor, where other pieces found purchase in flesh; it dug into whatever it found and burned red hot. Griffons not 10 feet from the blast fell to the shrapnel, yelling in agony. Catching movement in the corner of his vision, Marcus brought up his sword, blocking blow from another blade. He parried, then thrust inward, not really paying much attention. The blade found purchase, and sunk in deep. It tore through the flesh and out the back of the griffon. He utters a silent gurgle before falling forward dead. Yanking his blade free, Marcus focused more on what was in front of him. He swung down, his sword finding a shoulder. It dug in and cut tendon, severing the limb from its owner. Marcus rounded his pistol on the griffon and fired three times. It fell back from the blast, slowly tearing away from the sword. Marcus looked back at the anti air with what little breathing time he had.
They were working in teams of two, switching out every so often to let the others rest and recharge while the other team fired off into the griffons air forces. Now aware of what was happening, the griffons had rallied and were now trying to dive bomb the unicorns; every time they got close though, they would just shred them to pieces, and when they drew away, they were greeted by the pegasus who kept up their altitude and bought from up high. Smirking Marcus fired three more times into the amassed horde above them, and saw two griffons fall this time. He laughed when he saw two unicorns try to dodge the bodies. Only one was successful, while the other had to try and pry off the other body. That makes 10 rounds fired….2 more. Turning back around, Marcus swung his sword in a wide arc, cutting off one head, and burying the blade into another neck. He fired once into the head, and threw the body back into another griffon, then fired the last shot into a flag bearer. The griffon fell, with the flag not far behind.
“HOLD THE LINE,” he yelled out to his comrades. They gave their acknowledgment back with a loud cheer from the wall and behind, as two more artillery rounds fire off into the griffon army. Emptying his pistol, Marcus brought up another magazine and rammed in home into it, then felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. He looked down to find a spear point pressing hard against his outer suit. The wielder had taken his short opportunity to try and stab his between the metal plates of his armor; Marcus, grabbing the spear, brought the griffon closer. He brought the butt of his sword down on the griffons, head, caving in his helmet. Blood began to leak up, but the griffon moved, trying to get away. Marcus brought his knee up and mashed it into the beak of the soldier, knocking him out cold. He grabbed the griffon by the back of his armor and threw him over the barricade, having use for him later. Turning back, Marcus barely had enough time to bring up his blade to block a swing from a battle ax. Twisting his blade to catch the blade of the ax so the griffon couldn't pull away, Marcus aimed directly at the griffons chest with his magnum and fired two shots into the bird’s chest. A guttural noise emanated from the griffon’s mouth as he fell, blood flowing freely over Marcus’s boots. Looking over his shoulder once more, Marcus saw the anti-air crews wavering. So much magic so fast, even with respite in between, was drawing a toll on them. That when Marcus felt the first bolder.
A rock the size of a small pony hit the barricade towards the left end, shaking stones loose and making ponies and griffons alike lose their footing. One fell out past the barricade, falling in the mass of griffons below. Marcus never saw what became of him. He wished him a swift death if anything. We need to break this off fast or else the unicorns will falter and the wall will fall to whatever is launching those rocks. Marcus thought to himself as he felt another connect with the wall; this time more towards the center where he stood. Thinking fast, Marcus called out. “Iron Grip!” he yelled towards his right, firing four more shots into the griffon line.
“What?!” she yelled back, blocking an ax with her spear and driving the tip forward into a griffon. Marcus brought his blade up in a wide arc, slashing open a griffon then moving his way towards her through the crowd of bodies, dead and alive. Marcus aimed at a griffon behind Iron Grip, but she swung around and whacked it in the face with her spear; she then turned around and bucked it in the face, shattering his jaw and making him fall back into the griffon army. Finally reaching her, Marcus did a quick hoof bump before firing his pistol at two griffons, downing them both.
“We need to break the assault; the anti air group can't keep this up much longer!” Marcus yelled over the sounds of the battle raging on around them. Driving her spear into the head of a griffon soldier below her, Iron Grip laughed.
“You think that’s all of our problems? We’ve got smaller catapults throwing rocks at us! The wall won’t hold out for eternity!” She yelled back. Marcus only nodded his acknowledgement, fighting off three griffons at once. He drove his sword forward, severing off a limb before drawing it back and blocking a sword thrust from the second and point blank shooting the third. Marcus brought up his armored boot and kick the last griffon in the chest with all of his might, sending the bird flying back. “I have a plan.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Officially, his plan involved his forces staying behind while he ran in as a diversion and to destroy the siege equipment with what explosives he had left. When he would near the wall on his way back, Iron’s best stallions would make their way down the the front of the wall and make way for Marcus to get back up. What it seemed to be turning into was a hail marry. Marcus was charging forward, his shotgun pointed forward as he blasted away at bodies that decided to get into his way. He ducked down and launched a griffon over his shoulder, only giving him the dust as he ran forward, loading in a few more shells as he turned left and shot a griffon before it got a chance to trip him with his spear. He jumped over one, and kick the other in the chest, landing on him and hearing a soft crunch as the griffons ribs broke from the Spartan’s sheer weight.
Marcus stopped for a brief few seconds to reload and look around for the griffon’s siege equipment. They were located in the back towards the opening of the chasm that the guard ponies now occupied towards the right, closer to the wall. Marcus charged once more, yelling out his frustration as the bodies piled on. Now they were just trying to stop him with themselves. Checking his map, Marcus noticed 3 high flyers coming in from behind him. He dove forward flipped over and began to slid on his back, the mud from the previous day’s slaughter, as he opened up, buckshot going wild as it torn through the griffon air forces. Marcus got back up on his feet and kept moving, his goal nearly before him. Drawing his sword and pistol, Marcus brought the blade down and fire a shot as he made his way forward again, taking his time and making sure each griffon that fell before him was actually dead. He thrust forward and drove the tip of the blade into the gut of a griffon before tearing it out through the side. He brought the pommel down on the dying griffon’s helmet for added insult.
Marcus stopped and caught his breath, having finally reached his targets. There were 3 of them in total, the rocks they were using piled up behind them. Putting his sword away, Marcus drew a grenade from his side. Quickly jogging up, he pulled the pin and placed it within the machine, running away quickly to the next one as the grenade went off, sending splinters and shards of wood flying past hi. He moved to the next and did the same, as with the third one. And thus his march back began.
Iron Grip thrust forward with her spear, her third one so far. It found parches in an eye socket, and the tip was twisted as she gave off a feral scream, fire burning brightly in her eyes. Her armor was caked in dirt and blood, dents and scratched from blades and blunt objects alike. The largest mark was left by a hammer wielding griffon twice her size. That one ended up tasting her back hooves. The griffon's jaw and beak broke clean in half, his right cheek bone having caved in. Iron put more force behind the spear, driving it forward into the griffons skull as 3 explosions sounded throughout the chasm.
“That’s the signal! Rex, bring up the flag! Alpha and Bravo squads to me; get ready to jump down their on my go!” pulling a grenade from her side, Iron Grip pulled the pin with her teeth and counted to three before tossing it directly below her, letting hit explode as it hit the ground. Griffons fell in droves from the blast, clearing a space for a few moments right in front of the guard ponies.
“Now!” As one, the jumped down onto the dead and dying, readying themselves to hold the line and wait for Marcus to get there. Swords quickly lashed out, killing any griffon that tried to advance and take what ground they had lost back. The stallions with Iron Grip were her best; sturdy and battle tested, they would hold their own, taking as many griffons as they could with them as they could. For what seemed like hours the two squads held their little alcove from the wall, only a few falling to the enemy’s blades. Great strength and bravery would be shown that day by those brave few, as they would not leave that fight the same. Griffon bodies piled on as the fought, waiting for the man in armor to show back up.
Just when they thought him dead, several gun shots rang out. A griffon then sprouted a sword blade from its mouth, falling limp on the blade, the owner letting the corpse fall forward. Marcus stepped in toward the half circle of ponies and raised his sword high. He let loose a throaty, animalistic cry, shaking his sword and turning back towards the griffons, grabbing one by the neck and raising it high, chocking the bird to death as it clawed at Marcus’ armor. He let it fall before raising his voice, and maxing out his exterior mic in his helmet.
