> The Guardians
>  by cobystones234
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 prequel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Hold your fire," I yelled into the mike. "Wait till the shield drops, we have to give them time to get to the elements!” I then rolled over onto my back, placing the butt of the rifle against my right shoulder, aiming through the scope at one of the multiple targets surrounding the sphere shaped force field around Canterlot. The force field ended on the rock ledge about thirty meters behind me cutting me off from the outside, also making it so we had time to get ready. My silenced AS50 ready to fire as soon as the shield dropped.



“Stones are you nuts; we should attack them now before they get into the city and put the girls in jeopardy.” I heard through the radio.



“Tyrock if you fire now your shots won’t go through. They’ll just help them break through faster. Now hold your fire until I say so,” I yelled. “Jane, what’s the shields integrity?”



“The shield is at 50% and falling fast, if they continue at this pace it’ll reach zero in about twenty seconds.” Jane said through my radio.



On that note I quickly looked through the scope and lined the crosshairs up on the head of my first target. These looked like they were a smaller version of the ones we have seen before. Those were extremely hard to kill.



“Shield at 20% “ Jane said. I quickly took aim at my first target. Then I heard the changeling queen.



“You can run but you can’t hide.” The sound of it sent a chill up my spine. Just the way she said it sounded like she wasn’t talking to the girls but me instead.



“Shield failure in 4… 3… 2… 1.”  Jane said. Then the shield shattered. When it did, it placed Tyrock and me as the last line of defense for Canterlot. As soon as the shield disappeared, the air filled with a sound which could only be described as a massive swarm of bees. Following it, was the sound of two rifle safety switches clicking off.



“Weapons free!” I yelled pulling the trigger taking out the first changeling with a quiet crack from the rifle and a direct shot to the head. Soon the gun was ejecting empty casings and cycling in a new round as fast as it could go, each one symbolizing the death of a changeling. As soon as the magazine was empty I dumped it and slammed in a new one and continued the ongoing battle. Then I heard my cousin yelling into the radio.



“Stones the girls are on the move to your side of the castle,” then in the background I heard the sound of something snarling, followed by the sound of a knife digging into flesh. “Get out of my face you piece of shit bugger!”



“Tyrock you okay?” I yelled dumping another empty mag and slamming in the next one.



“I’m fine, protect the girls, a large swarm is heading their way.” He said followed by the sound of him removing the knife. I quickly rolled over onto my stomach and laid out the bi-pods. After I spotted the girls, I knew they were in way over their heads. The girls were surrounded by about a hundred Changelings and some of them were changing their appearance making themselves just like the elements.



“Shit, Jane put marks on my HUD for the real elements before we lose them in the swarm.” I yelled, hoping it was in time. Thanks to the changeling magic in the air the implanted trackers were doing next to nothing, along with the magic sensors.



“How they started fighting and I can’t use the sensors to pinpoint them.” She said. As I looked I could tell she wasn’t kidding, the changeling could successfully camouflage themselves as the girls, I couldn’t tell them apart no matter how hard I tried. Then I realized something, the changelings have a hard outer shell. A shell like that can absorb the impact of dive bombing into the ground and our shot if we weren’t using armor piercing rounds, and with armor that strong, it has to show cold on thermals. I quickly reached up on the scope and flipped the small switch on the side of it, changing the view of the scope, and what I saw, was a nice warm signature in the outline of Rainbow Dash surrounded by a bunch of cold changelings. "So now that I know which ones are which let's get down to business." I thought as I took aim at the first target.



“Tyrock use thermals, it shows changelings as cold signatures.” I said turning my attention back to the girls. I then started dropping changelings, one after another, making sure that the girls didn’t see it but cause enough confusion among the changeling that the girls had a chance to get out of there alive.



As the fight went on I saw other civilians were in trouble along with some of the royal guards. I quickly took the changelings out around them, but before I could turn my sight back to the girls a changeling hit the ground in front of me.



The sudden appearance of the changeling surprised me enough that I couldn’t take a shot, and then it fired a magic blast before I could react. The shot wasn’t aimed at me but at my rifle. When the shot connected I could feel the heat coming off it and when it made contact, the force of it knocked the gun out of my hand and throwing us both at the mountain side forty feet behind me. I didn’t even feel the impact but when my right side slammed on the ledge my right arm gave a small pop. I gasped in pain, I could feel that it wasn’t broken just dislocated at the shoulder. As I laid there on the ground in pain, the thought of the girls in trouble made me get back up and prepared to fight the changeling. When I stood up the changeling snarled at me and charged.



When the changeling charged I reached for the pistol attached to the magnetic plating on my right thigh with my one good arm. The only problem was the gun was it was facing the wrong way for me to grab it with my left hand. As I reached over the changeling was almost to me, ready to drive its horn into my chest. I ripped the gun from its place by the barrel. I used the grip of the gun to hit the changeling in the head with an upward swing, connecting with its skull just below its crooked horn. When the gun made contact, the changeling stumbled back, giving me just enough room to spin the gun around and flip the safety switch and take aim. When the changeling saw the gun it charged up its horn again hoping to repeat its attack from before. Then I pulled the trigger, ending the creature’s life with a spray of red and pink mist out the back of its skull. The discharge of the weapon was loud, loud enough to be heard by any nearby changelings. I didn’t have a suppressor for it so I hoped it could be put off as a changeling dive bombing the ground, or something. Lucky for me all of the changelings had their focus on either civilians or the girls. Oh crap the girls!



“Tyrock can you see the girls!?” I asked grabbing my dislocated arm and forcing it back into place. After a flash of pain, I moved it around testing it for any more damage. Once I was satisfied it was usable I put the pistol back in its place. “Good thing they taught us how to relocate a shoulder properly back at the academy.”



“Stones the girls are surrounded and the changelings are charging up some kind of spell.” He said as I picked up my rifle. But when I did the weight was off. Then I saw the suppressor, or rather what was left of it. The end was completely melted shut and what was left of the thing was bent at a ninety-degree angle pointing up. Without the silencer, the rifle was ten times louder than anything else I had. Good thing I keep a backup.



“I’m on it?” I said removing the damaged silencer from the rifle and reaching for the spare I have on my vest, but all I felt was an empty pouch.



“Good, I don’t have enough ammo to take out that many, even I if did they are on the other side of the castle, you’re the only one that can take the shot.” He said. It’s like what they say bad luck comes in threes. I knew that no matter what I did the royal guard would hear me and investigate, finding me and then my cousin and kill us both if not that then taking us to Celestia, allowing her to finish our life. Unless there only one of us in the city.



“Tyrock get out of here.” I said



“What are you talking about?” he asked, a tone of worry in his voice.



“It's like you said I’m the only one that can get a shot, but my silencer is busted and my other one is gone, that means they will hear me and investigate and when they find me, they’ll find you too, but only if you’re in the city.”



“But Stones…?”



“No buts get out of here that’s an order.” I said giving my strongest authority behind it.



“Copy that, you better make it out alive, if you don't I'll come back and kill you myself.” He said after a short pause.



“Deal, now get out of here, Sarah copy yourself over, I might need you."



"Copying..... transfer complete, let us get to work." she said as a small image of her appeared on my HUD.



"See you at dinner cuz, Stones out.” I said shutting off the radio. I then dropped the mag out of the rifle checking for ammo, when I saw it was empty I threw it away and reaching for another one. But again all I felt was an empty pouch.



“Must have lost them and the spare silencer when the changeling launched me.” I thought to myself. I then pulled the slide back on the rifle seeing if there was a round in it. When I did, it accidentally ejected the one shot I had left. Lucky for me I grabbed it before it fell off the ledge. As I reloaded it into an empty mag I picked up off the ground, I could see a bright green glow coming from the courtyard. After I slammed the single round mag back into place and pulling back on the slide to load the last round I had. I then lied down and rested the bi-pods near the edge and looked through the scope.



What I saw, was a guardian's worst nightmare. The girls were surrounded by about fifty changelings but instead of taking a different form and attacking in hand to hand, they were putting all of their magic into a spell that I could only describe as a spirit bomb. All of their magic combined was enough to create a small sun above the girls, and I guessed with the combined force strong enough to level a large house, making them capable of taking out the girls and themselves, Along with a good chunk of the ground. These changelings were on a suicide mission. As I watched them working on the spell, I saw Twilight putting up a massive shield over her and the girls, trying to compensate for the ball of destruction over them.



“That’s not enough!” I said searching the massive hoard of changeling trying to find some way to save them. The chance of them surviving this was like finding a needle in a mile long haystack. Even if Twilight was at full capacity she will have to put every drop of magic into the shield to save them. She was just barely able to stand let alone stop the ball of destruction above their heads.



"Stones there." Sarah said a small arrow appear on my HUD. I aimed the scope at it finding the needle I was looking for.



There was one changeling standing near the back of the group that didn’t have his magic transferring into the sphere. He was the one creating and controlling the sphere. I quickly lined up the shot not on his head but on his horn.



As soon as I was lined up, I pulled the trigger. The sound of the rifle was loud enough to me, I guarantee you could have heard it outside the city, but I could tell the shot was dead on. When the tip of the changeling’s horn shattered, I knew the girls were saved. As soon as the changeling in charge lost control of the spell, the sphere disappeared. Releasing the magic to go back where it came from but with a more shocking effect. When the changelings drop from the spell and start shaking from the magic discharge in their brain, I sighed in relief. When the changelings died the girls looked around in confusion and fear, either from the surprising changelings' death or from the sound of the rifle, I do not know which but I knew I had to get out of here before the royal guard came. When I stood up to try and leave, I heard the sound of changeling reinforcements, but they weren’t heading for me they were heading for the girls. I guess that fate can be a bit of a bitch.



Now shit has hit the fan, with me sending Tyrock out of the city and since I was out of rifle ammo, there was nothing I could do to help them, all I have is my pistol, along with an assault shotgun. Wait a minute. I have weapons, but that means in order to use it I have to get closer, but if I get closer, that means I will be found and killed a soon as Celestia or Luna sees me. If I show myself to the girls there is no chance to get out of here alive. Then I looked down at the girls as the changelings again surrounded them. Twilight was drained of energy lying on the ground near unconscious and the rest of them looked like they might drop at any second.



"What are we going to do now?" Sarah asked. her voice filled with worry and desperation, but under it all, I could sense a bit of hope. I looked down at them then to Ponyville in the distance.



“I guess we do what we have always done. Protect them at all cost,” I said quoting Jane from the day we first arrived here. The one rule we lived by since that day. I then turned and tighten my grip on the rifle and ran for the edge of the rock ledge.

> 2 the spell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Are you sure this is a good idea Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said looking at the runes chalked onto the library floor. “I mean do you even know what this spell does?”

“Of course I do, I have read up on this spell very closely.” Twilight said going over her triple checklist for the third time.

“I don’t know darling, this all seems a little extreme, even for what Discord did.” Rarity said 

“Rarity, I know it maybe a little extreme but princess Celestia gave me this to test.” Twilight said. “Don’t worry this is perfectly safe.”

“I don’t know Twi. Some of those ingredients seem mighty strange.” Applejack said pointing to the items on the table. “I mean do we really have to worry about Discord anymore, we turned him to stone.”

“Don’t worry Applejack. This will protect us from other things as well.” Twilight said marking the last check box. “Now let’s get started.” All of the girls looked at each other then stepped in front of the runes at the tips of the six point star.

“Now for the ingredients: Ten ounces of liquid rainbow, two manticore claws, and five grams of diamond dust, three ounces of liquid dragon fire, five hairs of a red tail fox, and a tooth of an Ursa Major.” Twilight said placing one item in front of each of the girls. Then came the tricky part. Twilight knew this spell was a mixture of about five different spells. All of which were very difficult to perform. She did not know why Celestia was having her do this; the spell looked like somepony took some random spells and somehow made it work. Then again that somepony was Star Swirl the bearded, one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria. So if anypony could make this spell work it was him, right. Well no time to worry about that now, once this spell is started it can’t be stopped only changed. The reason is liquid dragon fire is one of the most dangerous items to use in a spell. Dragon fire by itself is very dangerous but if you put it into liquid form, that dangerous meter climes to downright insane to have around. Right now if there was even the smallest of sparks that jar would level the library, along with part of the nearby buildings. The good thing though is that is the only dangerous material in this spell and it had a magically enhanced jar making it near impossible to break.

With everything in its place the runes started to glow in a faint red color signaling the next step in the spell.

“Alright girls this is where it might get strange but we need to place a drop of blood on to the tips of the star.” Twilight said levitating a needle to each of them. Their reaction was not what she expected.

“WHAT!” they all yelled as they looked at the needles in front of them.

“Twilight are you nuts, I’m not doing that.” Rainbow Dash said as she took a step back. In doing so caused the runes to turn from red to the color of her coat, along with causing the jar of dragon fire to shake and turn from light green to cyan color.

“Rainbow, get back into place now!”  Twilight yelled. Rainbow quickly returned to her position. The runes turned back to their original color and the dragon fire has stopped shaking but was still the color of rainbow's coat. Twilight then turned to the girls who all looked at her in surprise and shock.

“Twilight what kind of spell is this?” Applejack asked. The jar and the runes changing color surprisingly going unnoticed. Twilight sighed.

“Alright, this spell was created by Star Swirl the bearded back before Nightmare Moon was banished. This spell was made for Celestia as a protection spell. The spell was successful but the only reason was it involved a drop of Celestia's blood to balance the spell. It’ll work the same but only if the spell protects the pony giving the drop of blood.” Twilight said looking at each one of her friends.

Each of the girls looked at one another then back at Twilight. 

“You’re telling me that Celestia has a protection spell on her. How come it didn’t work when she was kidnapped by Nightmare Moon?” Dash said.

“I don’t know, the spell says something about needing to be reactivated after sometime or something.” Twilight said hoping the girls wouldn’t press the matter.

“I thought you said you read this spell very closely? Right now you don’t sound so sure.” Applejack said raising an eyebrow in question.

“Look, Celestia told me this spell is perfectly safe. She fine right now isn’t she?” Twilight asked, the needles still held in her magic in front of the girls.

“Twilight that not really that reassuring. Now you need to end this spell now before somepony gets hurt.” Applejack said raising her voice.

“Applejack I can’t just end the spell. It’s not made to do that. Once you girls are in place the spell can’t be stopped.” Twilight said, almost shouting. The needles shaking in her magic.

“Darling, I insist that you end this right now.” Rarity said.

“Rarity I already said I can’t. There is no way to end the spell. If anypony moves the results could be…” Twilight said. The needles now were shaking quite violently.

“I don’t care what the results might be end this now or I’m leaving!” Rainbow Dash said flaring her wings.

“I am to Twilight, this stuffs Ain’t right.” Applejack said lifting a hoof away from the runes pointing at Twilight. When she did the runes turned orange, but it wasn’t the dragon fire that changed it was the Ursa Major tooth. They changed to the same color as her coat. Again, this when unnoticed. except by Fluttershy.

Fluttershy then took a step back in fright, causing the runes to turn yellow, along with the fox’s hairs. Rarity then raised a hoof pointing it at Twilight telling her to end the spell. causing the runes the turn white, the diamond dust went from Safire blue to pure white as well. Pinkie Pie, not caring that they were yelling, looked at the items change color and wanted to have one pink. So she lifted a hoof making the runes change to pink. Also causing the liquid rainbow to form a pink pinstripe in it, between the green and yellow, also making pinkie giggle.

Twilight then put her hooves to her head trying to drown out the yelling. When she did the manticore claws changed to a purple color. Then the runes changed, instead of changing into one solid color like it did before the points of the star change to the color of each of the girl’s coats. Again this all went unnoticed by everyone but pinkie pie. Who in turn was pointing at it trying to get Twilights attention to get a laugh out of them. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity were pointing at Twilight yelling at her to end the spell. Fluttershy then saw the runes and lifted a hoof to point it out.

“STOP!” Twilight yelled holding out her hooves in frustration, releasing her magic causing the needles to shoot for the ground, hitting each of the girls and her, in the arm. They all instinctively pulled back, causing the needles and a drop of blood to fall, not on the points of the star but the items them self, finishing the spell.

When the spell activated it immediately latched onto Twilights horn and pulled magic from it. Causing her to scream in pain, and her eyes to turn pure white. Then magic shot out of the points of the star and latched onto each of the girls, holding them in place. They each screamed in fear and tried to free themselves. As they were doing this each item that changed to their color levitated up from each of the runes and started circling their heads about a foot away them. Slowly at first then speeding up until they were almost a blur. When they reached top speed a ring of magic slowly started to form from the items to the girls. Almost like a halo. When it made contact with their heads they each screamed in pain. It felt like someone was taking a knife and dinging it into their skulls. Then memories started flashing before their eyes almost too fast to tell them apart. starting from birth going all the way up to the present day. When the memories ended the spell release them causing all of them to drop from the shock of the spell. As it release them the runes and the ingredients vanished leaving the room the way it was before Twilight started the spell. As each of the girls slowly started to get up. As they looked around making sure everyone was alright.

“Is everypony okay?” Twilight asked weakly as she shakily got to her hooves. Each of them looked at each other than nodded.

“Twilight what just happened?” Rainbow Dash asked looking about the room.

“I don’t know rainbow, that wasn’t supposes to happen.” She said reaching out with her magic to pick up the spell book. When she did she gasped and dropped the book reaching up to her horn. The end of it was almost hot enough to burn her hoof. When she winces in pain the girls rushed over seeing smoke coming off the tip.

“What wrong Twi?” Applejack asked.

“I’m fine, just a little bit of magic burn. It happens when you use a lot of magic at once. It will take a while for it to cool down.” She said lowering her hoof. Twilight then walked over to the book and started flipping through it using her hooves.

“What happen darling?” Rarity asked walking over.

“I don’t know exactly, did anypony see something change with the runes?”

“I did twilight.” Pinkie Pie said hopping up and down.

“What, what did you see?” Twilight asked looking up at her.

“Well when Rainbow Dash moved they changed from red to blue just like her coat, then the jar of dangerous stuff changed as well. Then Applejack moved and then the changed to orange along with the tooth, then it was Rarity with the diamonds and then you with the claws and Fluttershy with the hairs and then me with the jar of rainbows. then it was you with the claws” Pinkie said all in one breath.

“What are you talking about?”  Rainbow Dash asked looking at her in confusion.

“I get it, when each of us moved it cause the runes and an ingredient to change to the color of our coats.” Twilight said flipping through the book as fast as she could.

“And that caused it to go through our memories how.” Dash asked.

“I don’t know but what I can determine is that the spell was changed in some way, but I don’t know how.” Twilight said looking at each of them. She then raised her hoof to her horn checking if it had cooled down. Seeing that is has she then scanned the room for the magical signature the spell left. “Somehow when each of us moved it added some unknown ingredient into the spell. Causing it to change into a teleportation spell and a memory spell, the teleportation was normal but instead of unlocking memories like when I used it with discord being here, it copied them instead. Also there is some other kind of spell almost like a creation spell but I can’t be sure unless I try to copy it and test the results.”

The girls looked at each other digesting this information. Then Rarity stepped closer.

“Twilight, you said it made a creation spell, what did it create?” she asked a little worried.

“I don’t know girls but whatever it was it can’t be anything dangerous, there wasn’t enough magic to create anything that could harm anypony.”

“What about the teleportation spell?” Fluttershy asked. “It teleported the dragon fire. What if it broke open?”

“That the thing Fluttershy, the spell didn’t teleport the ingredients, it brought something here instead.” She said.

“Are you saying that that spell bought something here!” Rainbow asked looking around the room.

“No Rainbow, that’s what got me so confused, the spell didn’t bring it here. The spell canceled before it finished all the way. Almost like some unknown thing didn’t want it completed.”

> 3 The hunt.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No, please someone help me, help me. Please don't hurt me, no nooooooooo...

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.

My eyes jerked open by my alarm quickly bringing me out from my dream. I reached over with my right hand in searched for the snooze button. When the alarm died, I opened my eyes to see the time, 5:30, exactly the time I set it to.

"Get the hell out of my head, hearing those screams once was enough." I thought as I sat up and looked around."I thought I got rid of that one years ago." As I rubbed the sleep from my eye I looked about my room. A few snapshots of my past hung there on the lonely wooden wall now only distant memories. I couldn't see them but I knew what they were, the images were almost tattooed onto my brain. The one directly across from me that rested on my dresser was of me and my parents standing in front of our home back when I just turned six. We all had party hats and there was a banner that said happy birthday on it hanging on the front porch. That picture was one of the very few I was able to dig up. It was taken three months before they disappeared.   Another was Tyrock and I with our military gear when we were in Iraq. The one to the right of it was a picture of us in our first machine shop. He held a grease can and was laughing as I stood under a car up on the lift flipping him off with grease globs all over my overalls. The other picture was of me and Tyrock standing in front of our first building, Granite Industries. the amount of time that spanned between those memories was only 15 years. Those were one of the few happy moments in my life that I can remember, the time in between those moments was one of the reasons the nightmares existed.  I thought about how my life used to be until the sound of the alarm dragged me away again from those memories.

As I got out of bed I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror next to the closet. I get my charming good looks from my dad but I have my mom’s eyes and smile. my dad was about six three, weighing around two hundred and forty pounds. he had brown hair and green eyes, he stood tall with a smile on his face. my mom was a few inches shorter than my dad putting her at around six foot. She was thin but she somehow radiated this aura of power. She had blond hair and creamy white skin with blue eyes that were full of care and happiness, she was no less star striking because of her looks. The only difference between me and Tyrock is that I’m slightly taller and that I have a bit more muscle mass. We both have brown hair and blue eyes with a well-earned tan. I stood at six foot five and weighed in at two hundred and thirty pounds, Tyrock is six three and two hundred and ten.

Why am I even waking up at five in the morning? oh right, Today is test day. After Tyrock and I went through the academy and five years in the Navy's Seabees, we came back and started inventing. We quickly built a company and started to drag in a profit. We have a pretty wide range of creations rolling through our doors. So far, we had some hunting equipment, some rifles, and a few vehicles to name off a few categories but none of it was military grade. Trust me, we had multiple ideas but we haven’t built them yet and I don’t think we will for quite some time.

As I got up, I reached over and grabbed my dog tags resting on the nightstand next to the alarm clock. After we came back we never had a reason to stop wearing them. I looked down at the tags. The name Johnathan Christensen settled on one made of aluminum. That was the one I received in the navy boot camp. The other was made of titanium, on it, the name Stones engraved stood out. This tag had a few more scratches on it along with a few scorches as well. This is the one that the American Government gave to me after they turned me into the ultimate killing machine. After my parents vanished a man in a black suit arrived at the orphanage a couple weeks later and took me to a training facility hidden deep within the country. I still haven't found its exact location, not from the lack of trying either. There they gave me the chance to become a soldier or to go back to the orphanage. I took the offer. shortly after that, my cousin arrived as well. We trained until we were eighteen then they let us out into the real world. While we were in they taught us how to live on our own and they also gave us the money we earned as payment for working for them. I can't say everything we did for them was illegal or anything a kid should have seen or done but we still did our job and they made sure we were well off starting out. They also made sure we had new identity and lives that made sure they had no contact with us.

After hanging the tags around my neck, I grabbed a pair of dark green camo pants and a forest green shirt from the dresser on the far side of the room. Once I was dressed, I put on my combat boots and headed for the door knocking on the wall on the right side of the room as I walked, attempting to wake my cousin up. After opening the bedroom door to the hallway, I turned left and headed to the front of the house. As I walked down the hall, I saw the mounted deer and moose head sitting above the fireplace in the living room and dining area with the kitchen on the far side of the room. As I turned the corner I came face to face with a snarling mountain lion jumping at me. I walked past the stuffed creature to the door closing of the kitchen running my hand down its back. As I walked over to the door, the lights automatically turned on.

“Morning Stones.” A cheerful female voice said when I stepped into the kitchen, the lights turned on automatically but not all the way, they shone only bright enough for me to see without getting blinded. The kitchen was built in a "U" shape with dark brown cabinets with light grey marble countertops. The double stainless steel stoves on the far side. There was also a stainless steel fridge to my left and a white pantry door to my right. the sink was on the other end of the counter connected to the pantry with the dishwasher sitting next to it. There was also an island in the center of the room with pots and pans hanging from a rack above it. Part of it was another sink in the middle on the right side.

“Morning Sarah,” I stated as I went over to the fridge and quickly pulled out some bacon and eggs. With my arms full I turned to the island using my foot to shutting the door, I walked over and set the item on the counter then walked around to the other side. I reached over and grabbed the griddle we had sitting in the corner near the pantry. I moved it to the island and plugged it into the socket under the edge of the counter. I walked over and pulled out our favorite yellow box of pancake mix and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet below it. I added the necessary ingredients and mixed it up. Sarah came back onto the speaker as I grabbed a scapula from one of the drawers.


“It’s a nice forty-six degree outside with a three mile per hour wind rolling in from the north.” She informed me as I started cooking the bacon in a skillet. I took the mix and started pouring the pancakes on the griddle releasing fumes that filled the log cabin. “The herd will be moving in approximately two hours heading due south for the river.”

“Thank you, Sarah, anything in the mail?” I asked as I flipped the pancakes then cracked the eggs into another pan.

“Not as of right now, I'll let you know when it arrives.” She said. Sarah is a computer program that I made when I was twelve. She has been the only kind motherly figure we’ve had.

After the bacon was done, I turned the pancakes and eggs down so they wouldn’t burn before I sprinkled a little pepper on the eggs. I quickly pulled out some bread from the bread box I had sitting on the counter near the walkway. I stuck them into the toaster and took a quick look around. When I saw I was still the only one in the kitchen, I walked out to the dining room and saw there was no one sitting at the table.

“Strike one.” I whispered smiling as I went over to the closet in the corner of the kitchen pulling out the mop bucket we had stored there along with all the cleaning supplies. After pouring some ice water into the bucket. I headed for the last door at the end of the hall next to mine. After quietly opening the door, I looked inside and saw my cousin still fast asleep. I reached in and turned the lights on seeing if that'll work but he didn’t move an inch.

“Strike two.” I whispered. As I stepped into the room, I could see the few pictures that were in the room. One of Tyrock and his parents and another of him and I standing in front of the large log cabin that we now live in. As I looked around, I saw that the alarm clock sitting on his nightstand was unplugged.

“Strike three.” I declared with a grin. I quietly walked over to the side of the bed and looked down at him. "So peaceful," I thought as I lifted the bucket. "But not for long." with that note I poured the bucket’s contents all over him. He woke up screaming bloody murder as I grabbed a hold of his face patting his cheek.

"Morning sleeping beauty." he jumped out of bed on the other side of me. He looked down at himself and then up at me with a face of sheer rage. "I thought about kissing you but thought this would be more fun."

“Stones, what the hell.” he declared to me shaking off some excess water from his arms. I chuckled as I set the bucket down.

“Hey, not my fault prince charming called in sick and I couldn't find any frogs so I went with the next best thing. I gave you three strikes.” I held up three fingers then started heading for the door. Before I could reach it I heard him charge in rage. Instead of getting out of the way, I stopped and turned to wait for him as he reached his arms out at my face like he was going to strangle me. When he got in striking range, I grabbed his arm and used his momentum to throw him over my shoulder making him land on his back. I rolled him over and planted my knee on his back and pulled his arm backward close to the breaking point. he started squirming and trying to get free, I just lifted his arm closer to his head stopping his struggling.

“Say uncle and I’ll let you go.” I suggested as he again tried to break free.

“Stones please let go of Tyrock,” Sarah said through the speaker in the corner. “By the way, the toast just popped.” I looked down at Tyrock then let him go.

“Come on, breakfast is almost done and next time, get up when I tell you to and we won’t have to go through this again. Deal?” I said holding out my hand.

“Deal.” He stated through gritted teeth as he gave my hand a firm shake, no doubt plotting his revenge. I headed into the kitchen while he changed out of his wet clothes. I walked over to the fridge and pulled out some butter and syrup before heading for the skillet to grab a couple plates from the cupboard above it. I stacked the ten pancakes on one plate and put the eggs on another. Tyrock walked in wearing an outfit similar to mine but with plain dark green pants. He walked in and grabbed the bacon, syrup, and toast and headed to the table. I followed him out. After we sat down, Tyrock grabbed four of the pancakes and slapped them down on his plate.

“Hey, since you’re the first one out of us to grab the food, you get grace.” I said folding my hands. He smiled and rolled his eyes but followed suit.

“Lord we give thanks for this meal my asshole of a cousin made for us,” he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes, then he put the jokes aside. “Bless it and us as we go about our day. We ask of you that if today is the day you bring us home, let us die on a pile of empty shells defending our great home that you provided us. If this is not to be, then make sure you take Stones first. Amen.”

“Amen.” I repeated smiling. I took a few pancakes and some eggs setting them on my plate, just as I reached for the bacon, I heard a ringing noise coming from the office area off to the left of where I sat.

“Stones, there’s an unknown caller using a video message,” Sarah said as I looked over.

“I'll call it back later," I said grabbing a piece of bacon and biting a chunk off of it.

"I think you should answer it now, it's coming in on a secured line." She said making me pause

“Goddammit, why would anyone be calling this early in the morning?” I groaned getting up. As I walked over, I had to wonder who it was. As I walked into our office, I saw two solid dark oak wood desks with four computers for each standing in the office along with a black leather office chair for each. One of the eight computer screens on my desk had the unknown caller on Skype.

“Hello,” I said as I sat down after clicking the answering tab. Tyrock walked over and grabbed the other chair pulling it up next to me. The person on the screen was a woman with blond hair and glasses wearing a light gray business suit. The only thing I could see behind her was a completely white room, no door, no windows, and no pictures. It was almost like it was designed to not give any information about the person making the call. You only do something like that if you have something to hide. As far as I could tell, she was someone that had a lot of power and knew how to use it.

“Hello, is this Jonathan and Tyler?” she asked a New York accent. As soon as she spoke, I knew today was either going to go really well or it was going to end up as an incoming shit storm. With our luck, it was the latter. The other names were our public names. Our others were buried so deep you needed a very high clearance to even think about it. The government sure does love its black ink.

“Yes, and who are you?" I asked looking at her. “You have the look that says you can order a missile strike on a city and call it an accident. Only a few can do that and most of them are male and I know I didn't vote for anyone that looks like you to be in office. So either you're a secretary or someone with a death wish. So which one is it?” The look on her face was one of surprise. Then I saw her talk to someone off-screen. They must have killed the microphone because we couldn’t hear anything from their end. I turned to Tyrock.

"What?” I said when I saw him giving me a look that said ‘are you stupid?’

“Stones, why can’t you keep your mouth shut for once in your life?” he said shaking his head. “One of these days you’re going to get us in some serious trouble.”

“Oh, you worry too much.” I said, “Also, who was it that almost got us caught back in Pittsburgh?”

“You won’t let that go will you?” he said as the sound returned to the computer.

“Hello, sorry about that, we were having some technical difficulties,” She said.

“Alright though of a good lie for us, because I don't take to kindly to people that contact me on a secure line, one that can only be done by someone that has a lot of money and power if all they want to do is waste my time.” I said as my cousin faced palmed.

“They weren’t lying when they said you were observant,” she said looking a little on edge. “The reason I’m calling is that I would like to thank you for your help.” I looked at Tyrock who looked up at me with the same look of question, then back to the screen.

“What do you mean?” Tyrock asked.

“Your designs, they are what we needed to win the war.” She said with her voice getting stronger and with a tone someone would use after a victory.

“And which designs are those exactly?” I said a nagging feeling settling in my gut. If she is talking about our special designs, nothing good will come of it.

“These,” she said as the screen filled with pictures. I quickly transferred them to the three other computers sitting on the desk along with the ones on the other one against the other wall of the room. Each of them started showing pictures of our secret designs. I quickly pointed to the ones on the other computers. Tyrock rolled over and started looking at each of them. The ones on my side was an exoskeleton that would make the wearer faster and stronger. We also designed an unarmored one for wounded veterans that couldn’t walk. The next was an exo-suit designed to be a literal walking tank. One was dog armor for the k-9 units. On the other side of the room were pictures of our new rifle design along with our design for a stealth jet but with weapons attached to it. That design was one I had made for fun. The last one was a design for a land vehicle that could climb over the roughest terrain without a problem.

The thing is, though, these weren't drawings, these were actual pictures. We were in the process of perfecting the design for the unarmored exo-suit before we sent it to some of our squad friends working in the department of spinal surgery. In the other ones, you could see military personnel standing around them in a strange place that looked like a factory, the thing that scared me was the fact that the uniforms were not that of any American branch.

“Where did you get these?” I asked looking at the ones on the desks hoping to spot some difference in the design. I couldn’t find a single one. That means these were our designs. "How did they get them?" I thought.

“You sent them to us over a month ago.” She said. “You said you had these plans and you wished for them to help with the war.” I looked over at Tyrock. I pointed to the designs and he nodded. Those were ours too. 

“When did you say we sent these to you?” I asked as Tyrock rolled over in the other chair.

“You sent them to us forty days ago.”

“Bull shit we didn't send anything how did you get these?” I asked standing up after looking over at Tyrock. She looked at me for a few seconds then sighed.

“We got them out of your hard drives, and thanks to you we have a chance to win the war. Your drawings were very specific, so much in fact that we could have had them done automated on the first day.” She said with a slight chuckle.

“What war are you talking about?” Tyrock asked.

“I can’t say, but I can let you know that the American government is the ones that gave us the designs.” She said. I went stone faces staring hard at the camera.

"why would they do that?" I asked.

"You don't believe me? How about you call them up right now and ask?" she said smugly. "Then maybe we can talk in person over some more designs."

“If I ever see you in person it will be a very short visit.” I snarled through gritted teeth.

“It was nice talking to you too. ” She said swiping a hand across her throat, ending the call. As the screen went blank, we sat there in complete silence the minutes clicking by.

“Stones, what just…” that was as far as he got before I jumped up and punched the wall to the side of us leaving a dent in the strong wood.

“I’m going to kill that bitch!” I spat with disgust as I walked over to the phone on the desk. After putting in a few numbers, I switched it to speaker slamming down the phone. As the call connected I started pacing the room. Then there was a slight click.

“Hello?” the deep jersey ascent sleepily said into the phone.

“Jason, you better get your fucking ass up so I can get over there and shove my boot up it!” I yelled into the phone. Tyrock jumped up and ran over to me.

“Stones, what the hell are you doing?” he asked pushing me away from the phone.

“That no good, cold-blooded asshole took our designs and sold them.” I declared pushing him out of the way. “Listen you bastard, I don’t know how you got those designs but when I find out, I am going to come over there and rip your eyes out and shove them down your throat so you can watch me tear you apart from the inside out!” Tyrock then grabbed me and pulled me back from the phone trying to get me to calm down.

“Stones, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, what designs?” Jason said through the phone.

“WHAT? You know damn right what designs I’m talking about. The ones you stole from our personal monitor.” I yelled at the phone struggling to get out of Tyrocks grip.

“Oh those designs.” He chuckled as I broke free. “Yeah they got quite a kick out of those didn’t they?

“Yeah, those designs. The ones that you sent to her when you told us we were through with helping governments. Now they are going to use them in a war? What war? Are you trying to make us public enemies one and two? If I have to tell you one last time We... are... done... helping... you.” I said hitting the desk with each pause pretending it was his head.

“Look, is Tyler there?” He asked. I pushed away from the desk and walked out of the room into the living room and sat down on one of the leather recliners. I heard Tyrock talking to him on the phone but couldn’t make out what he said. All I knew was that if I didn’t leave right then and there, I would have done something that would have definitely gotten us in trouble. Tyrock has always been the diplomatic one, I’ve been the club them over the head and ask questions later if they are still breathing type. As I cooled off, I heard the sound of claws scratching on the hardwood floor. I turned to see our German Shepherd, Hunter, walking in. He scampered over to me, sat down, and leaned on my leg.

“Sorry to wake ya, buddy. The damn cold-blooded reptile bit us in the ass. maybe next time I’ll light a fire under him. See how long it takes to get to the bone.” I said as I rubbed his head. He looked up at me and whined. I smiled then Tyrock came out and when I saw the look on his face I knew things went from bad to worse. “What does he want?”

He sighed “He said since they still hold our records they have complete freedom to anything we make. The only way they will stop stealing them is if we start doing it publicly, then he has a chance for the big guy to give us our complete freedom.” he answered sitting down on the couch.

"Great, I think he will have a better chance at beating me in a fight." I snapped standing up and walked over to the table cracking my knuckles. I grabbed a pancake, put some bacon and eggs on it, and rolled it up before stuffing it into my mouth. As I chewed it, I walked over to Tyrock.

“Come on, are we going to test these vests or what?” I asked as I headed for the garage.

"So you're not going to do anything about this mess. you're not even going to worry about it."

"Oh I'm going to do something about it, just after I get a clear head, and that's only going to happen if I start ending lives. So let's just start with some four-legged ones shall we?" Then I stopped and thought for a second. “I’m surprised that the son of a bitch hasn’t taken our vest designs yet.”

“I don’t know, maybe it wasn’t what they needed,” Tyrock said with a shrug as he got his breakfast.

After I opened the large door to the garage, the lights came on and we stepped out into the ten car garage. There were only three actual cars in it but two of the spaces were taken up by the work in progress vehicle. Another two of the spaces were taken up by tools and equipment along with the massive gun safe in the corner. The size of the thing was enough to take up two car spaces by itself and not to mention the weapons maintenance equipment next to it taking up another parking space. As I walked over to the gun safe, I saw motor, suspension, and body parts sitting around the car frame. It was still in pieces but it was coming along nicely. When I stepped in front of the safe door, the computer system recognized me and the doors opened. When I walked inside, I saw row after row of weapons covering the sides of the walls. It held everything from rifles to pistols, from mini-guns to combat knives, and it held enough ammo for each weapon to take out an entire city and then some. The reason we were allowed all these guns was because we make them and because we have what you would call special privileges with the government. If they need help, they can call and we’ll be on our way ready to throw down. It doesn't seem like we will be doing that for a while.

On the back wall were the vests. They were tac 3's with a forest green camo and along with the vests were the full suits. They were made of the best body armor of the day along with our own design, capable of taking a grenade at point blank range. The thing that makes the vest so great for us is the magnetic plating on the back of the vest and on the thighs of the trousers, they make it so then we can attach guns and equipment to them and they won’t come off unless they were blasted off or we remove them. The design of the vest allows the wearer to carry seventy-five pounds without even feeling it. Now we could carry all that weight for a longer distance than if we just stuffed everything in a pack. The vests also have a radio in the back allowing team members to communicate in the field silently. We don’t have to worry about the magnet messing with the radio; there is a special plating between them keeping the equipment safe.

As we walked over to the vests, Sarah spoke through the speaker in the ceiling corners.

“Guys, the herd is getting ready to move.” She said as I put the camo top on. After I had it secured, I put on the vest and the full helmet capable of covering my whole head. I then walked over to the smaller 30-06 rifles we had off to one side. I thought for a second then stopped and looked over to the big fifty Cal rifles sitting on the other wall near the front of the safe.

“Sarah, can you pull up the location of the beast?” I said as I lifted the fifty Cal from its place, grabbing a couple dual drum magazines of ammo. The rifle was the standard Barrett M82 with a few designs of my own. it had the design of a red, yellow, and blue colored lightning bolt coming out of a white cloud near the foregrip with the point of the bolt facing the barrel. I also added seven six-point purple stars on the stock. There was a big star in the center with the rest of them surrounding it. There was also a yellow sun painted on the scope covers. I don’t know why I painted these on there but it made the weapon feel finished.

“Scanning… scanning… found him. He is near the old mine shaft five miles northwest.” Sarah said as I let the magnet grab a hold of the rifle, locking it in place. “From what I can tell he’s still sleeping.

“Stones, what are you thinking?” Tyrock asked as I grabbed a desert eagle pistol from the rack along with a couple grenades and placing them in their respected places. The pistol had three pink butterflies engraved onto the handle. I placed it on the magnetic plating on my right thigh.

“I think it’s time that old bastard became a pelt on my living room floor,” I said grabbing an assault shotgun and attaching it to my back next to the rifle. The shotgun had three red apples on the stock, three blue diamonds on the large drum magazine and three colored balloons near the barrel. The shotgun and pistol wouldn't do much to the old bastard but I could use them to get some meat to lure him in.

“Alright, but when he rips you a new one don’t come crying to me.” The bastard I was talking about was this legendary grizzly bear that I have been chasing for years now; he has given me some good scars and I have returned the favor but I have yet to kill him. He is so legendary that a big time big game Hunter tried to get him but came back missing his right arm. He is about the size of a blue whale and weight twice as much. we don't know where he came from or what lab he escaped from but I've always wanted to kill him. When we first meet him we just killed some elk and were in the process of dragging them home when he came charging out and scared us off, taking our kill. After he left I tracked him down and hit him with a tracker so we could know where he was at all times, trying to avoid him. He still attacked us and took our kills but after the third time, I made a bet with Tyrock that I would kill that bear before it killed me. He didn't like the idea but took the bet. After that, I have been trying for years to kill him, and today felt like it might be the day I ended that monster. At that moment Hunter walked into the safe. He barked and grabbed his vest from one of the bottom racks. Pulling it off and barking again.

“Alright buddy, let’s go grab the beast,” I said slipping him into the vest. He barked and licked the side of my helmet.  I laughed and grabbed a med-kit on the shelf and attached it to the side of Hunter’s armor along with two spare pistols, his vest had the same design as our vest but instead of a full helmet it only covered the top of his head and the top of his snout, leaving his mouth, eyes, ears, and nose free. Then I attached his headset allowing me to communicate with him. By this time, Tyrock had his vest and suit on along with his weapons of choice: a repeating crossbow and the desert eagle pistol instead of the butterflies I have, he has a crescent moon. The crossbow had a picture of a tribal dragon on the stock and the same apple design near the barrel. it might not be as powerfull as the Barrett but it has been able to make it through the beast's skin, a good shot to the ear or the eye would finish the bastard off. Before we left the safe, we both grabbed two combat knives and put them in the holsters on our chest with the handles facing down. I grabbed another and placed it in the holster located at my lower back with the handle facing my right side.

After we stepped out of the safe it closed and locked with a hiss of air. I headed over to the front door of the garage and walked outside to the great forest of Idaho. The sky was clear without a cloud for miles. Just as Sarah said, there was a slight breeze from the north. I could also tell from the soft ground that it had rained the night before.

Good, makes it easier to sneak up on him, I thought. As soon as I stepped outside I started stretching to check my range of motion. The vest didn’t do much but I won’t be able to do my backward stab as fast as I normally could. The magnets were holding fast and the weapons didn't make a sound.  After I was ready I grabbed the small computer from a pouch on Hunter's vest. After raising the antenna on his back, I strapped it to my left wrist, turned on the computer, and checked the signal.

“Hey Tyrock, how does the vest fit?” I asked looking up as he walked over.

“Good, a little stiff in the lower back area but not enough to worry about.” He stated giving my armor a quick once over.

“Alright, let’s test the helmets,” I said after checking his vest. I then reached up and flipped the small activation switch located on the back near the bottom of the helmet. When I activated it the helmet gave a small ping as the motion tracker turned on in the bottom left corner of the visor. The tracker was also an item we were testing to see if we could use it in the field.

“Sarah, is the com network activated?” I questioned turning on the radio checking the helmets connection. I turned to check Tyrocks helmet as well. When I did, his name and his status popped onto the helmet's visor.

“Activated, ready to connect.” She confirmed.

“Alright, Sarah, while we are gone, go over the system see if anything strange pops up, Tyrock lets go hunting?” I asked shutting off the external speakers making it so nothing could hear us. As we headed out, Sarah spoke up.

“Stone, the beast is doing it again.” She said in a whining voice. The thing she was talking about was the fact that every time we go to hunt, he doesn’t move, but as soon as we head out get him, he starts moving. It’s almost like he knows that he’s being hunted.

“Don’t worry, we will work around it and get him. We always do, what way is he heading?” I said through the radio.

“He’s heading west for Old Bear Ridge. Same as always.”I thought for a few seconds. “Time for something different?”

“Tyrock, head for the Wolf Pack Rock and cut north, I’ll head south west and get in front of him. Hunter you’re with me.” I said turning to the right and dropping down into a small dried river bed.

“Copy that, good hunting boys.” Tyrock said as he started climbing a small rock face.

As I headed out, I could hear the forest come to life with the rising sun. Animals started moving and the night critters headed for their homes. As we walked, Hunter had his nose to the ground and sniffed furiously knowing whose scent to pick up. As we slowly worked our way through the forest, my motion tracker kept showing animals walking about but nothing close to the size I need. We have been doing this for about an hour before my motion tracker picked up something big enough off to the right then it slowly vanished. I looked down at Hunter, he was facing to the right of us, the hairs on his neck were up, and he had a snarl on his face. I held my hand out flat with the palm facing down. He then laid down and stayed. I slowly crouched down and moved towards a small bunch of rocks sitting on the hill. With the quietness of a mouse walking on cotton, I pulled the rifle down and flipped the bipod down and rested it on the flat rocky surface. 

As I looked through the scope, I slowly took my left hand and moved it behind me curling my fingers and signaling Hunter to come to me. As he slowly crawled over, I felt the ground move. It was a small shake, not enough to be noticed by some people but it sent a chill through my spine. Then it happened again, stronger. Strong enough that I could see the water puddle on the rock ripple. I held my hand out flat, making Hunter stop when I heard the air vibrate as if a tiger was purring right next to my ear. This was no kitty, this was the beast and he was nearby. I looked through the scope slowly moving it back and forth looking for the legendary monster. 

Then I spotted some movement in the trees about four hundred yards away. If you were inexperienced in finding an animal you would have missed him but when someone has hunted him as long as I have, you can see him from a mile away and with this guy, that isn't an exaggeration. When I pulled him up in the scopes, all I could see was a paw. That alone would be enough to make most men wish their moms kept their legs shut. The paw was about five feet across and eight feet long, eleven including the claws. The claws could scare a thirty-year battle harden army general so bad that he would piss himself. They were a foot across and three foot long capable of cutting through bone like a hot knife through melted butter. The arm of the beast was as big as a tree trunk and was strong enough to knock a couple down with one swing. It went up about thirty feet to the shoulder. The body of him was big enough to hold an eighteen wheeler in it. I could see arrows sticking out of his shoulder and his back, making him look like some kind of giant porcupine. The arrows looked like they been in there from the time of the first Indians. The head itself would make an entire platoon of marines run like the devil was nipping at their heels. It was big enough to swallow one of his normal size brother's whole and has enough teeth to cut an elephant to pieces. The head was covered with scars and arrows. One eye was blinded by some Hunter long ago but the other could see very well and it was facing my direction.

"Oh shit." I thought looking into that deep cold eye. As I did, I could see his nose moving, he was smelling my scent and as soon as he would figure out it was me, he would charge. I quickly brought my hand to the front of the rifle to steady it while I aimed for his one good eye and took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. The gun kicked in my hands and the beast turned his head making it so my shot hit him in his forehead. The shot failed. His skin was strong as steel and our bullets could go all the way through but not to his brain, we would have to deal with the skull of the beast. As soon as the bullet made contact, I grabbed the gun and ran like a bat out of hell.

“HUNTER COME,” I yelled diving off the rock. His bark was followed by an earth-shaking roar. The beast covered the empty plain in two seconds flat. As I ran, I ducked in between trees and around rocks trying to slow him down enough so that I could get a second shot at him. I could feel him breathing down my neck as his steps made the ground shake threatening me to stumble and fall. After jumping over some rocks, I put the rifle back on the magnetic plating, pulled the pistol off, and shot it behind me trying to distract the demon.

“Hunter, find Tyrock!” he barked and took off heading out in front. Soon the vegetation swallowed him as the beast closed in.

“Stones, what the hell is going on over there?” Tyrock asked through the radio thoroughly concerned.

“I think I have bit off more than I could chew!” I shouted dodging a patch of trees. Then a paw slammed down a few inches to my right. Then the other on the left.

“Hang on, I’m almost there, where are you at?” he said as the beast tried to take a bite out of my back.

“Quarter mile from the river, get your ass over here!” I yelled ducking past a low hanging branch. I busted out of the tree line spotting the river ahead but no Tyrock. As I ran, I caught a paw swinging towards me from the right. I quickly jumped towards it and over it at the same time. I landed on my back sliding across the ground. I seem to have miscalculated the distance and the power of the jump. When I slid to a stop, the beast was upon me. He tried to pin me down with his paws but I rolled to the side. His paw missed me by a hair as it slammed into the ground shaking me so much that I flew back onto my feet. When I landed on my feet, he swiped at me. I tried to jump over it but he clipped my foot causing me to fly higher and spin wildly in the air.

“SHIT!!!” I yelled as my view alternated from clear blue skies to green grass and rocks. I landed on my stomach and let out a grunt when the wind was knocked out of my lungs. the helmet protected me from cracking my skull open. I tried to breathe in but my lungs weren't obeying. I rolled onto my back just as a paw pressed down on my chest. The size and force behind it were not helping my empty lungs. As I looked up, I saw the beast looking down at me with his one cold black eye. He growled vibrating the air around me and filling my nose with the stench of rotten meat. This was the closest I have ever been to him and it was not a pretty sight. As he looked down at me struggling for breath, I would bet everything I own that he was smiling at me. He could have easily killed me but he was playing with me. Almost like he just won our little game and he was rubbing it in. Then he reached his head down to bite mine off. I closed my eyes and relaxed. It was a good hunt but he won and I lost. That’s the rules of the game. Subsequently, I heard the sound of something whistling through the air followed by the beast roaring in pain. He raised his paw off of me and stumbled back. I opened my eyes and drew in a deep breath followed by the sound of something landing next to me. 

I turned and saw Tyrock and Hunter. Tyrock had his cross bow out and was currently shooting the beast with rapid fire in his head, trying to distract him. Hunter was growing at him baring his teeth. After I sucked in a deep breath of air, I rolled over and pushed myself up on my hands and knees. I could see the beast standing about two hundred yards away. Suddenly, I caught the reflection of glass near the beast’s feet. It was my rifle. The glare of the sun’s reflection came from the scope. I spotted my pistol a couple of yard under him. I looked up at him and he saw the weapons and growled at me.

“Stones, are you okay?” Tyrock asked without taking his eyes off the beast. I looked over at him and nodded still trying to fill my lungs with air. When I could finally breathe normaly, I pulled the assault shotgun off the magnet and pulled back the slide. I aimed it at the beast praying he didn’t know that I didn’t have the range or the power to shoot him.

“Tyrock, head for the house and grab angel,” I said still trying to catch my breath. Angel is a mini gun that we Frankensteined out of a M2 browning capable of firing fifty Cal round at ten thousand rounds per minute.

“Stones, I don’t think that is a good idea,” He started letting loose a couple more arrows. I could tell that he was getting low on ammo. The crossbow was only capable of firing twenty arrows before it had to be reloaded and from how many were in the beast’s face, I'll say he had only three left unless he had a spare clip and even then it will take about ten seconds at least to reload it. That’s too long and my long and medium range weapons were right under the beast so I couldn’t cover him. The shotgun doesn’t have the range to hit him from here.

“Tyrock, listen to me. We are low on ammo and we can’t fight him with our hands” I said still holding the shotgun at the beast. He took a step forward and Tyrock fired an arrow hitting him between the eyes. Again the shot was not fatal but it caused him to step back again. Two left, I thought as I looked down at the rifle and the placement of the pistol. If he won’t listen then I guess it’s time to do something stupid.

“Tyrock, cover me,” I said before I charged heading straight at the beast’s waiting jaws.

“Stones, what are you doing?” Tyrock questioned letting another arrow loose and distracting the beast. One left. I covered the distance in under ten seconds. The beast saw me charging and swung his left paw at me but before I could do anything, a black and tan blur shot past me and latched on to the beast right leg.

“HUNTER NO!” I yelled dodging the left paw. As soon as the beast set the paw down on the ground, he lifted up the other and Hunter to his head. When the beast looked down on Hunter trying to bite his paw, he roared at him. Hunter let go and sprang at the beast snout locking his jaw on his nose. The beast roared and tried to swat him off. At this time I had grabbed the rifle and was heading for the pistol. Then I heard a yelp and saw Hunter land twenty yards away after slamming into a tree. Then the beast saw me. He again tried to swat at me I dived over the swing and rolled under him grabbing the pistol. As soon as I stopped, I turned and ran towards Hunter. A plan already forming in my head.

“Stones, what the fuck are you doing?” Tyrock asked firing his last arrow hitting the beast directly in the inner ear and causing him to turn and roar at Tyrock. I pulled the shotgun off and fired it wildly to get its attention back on me. When it turned back, I ran full out for the tree behind Hunter. As the beast charged me, I scooped up hunter and threw him at Tyrock.

“Just trust me, I have an idea.” I said as he caught him. When I reached the tree I started climbing, I quickly reached over the beast head and jumped and pushed myself off the tree getting myself a couple feet over him. That’s when things went wrong. I was aiming to land on his back but then his head lifted up making me level with his eyes and he opened his mouth to eat me.





Perspective: Tyrock.

After I set Hunter down, I turned to see Stones jumping backward off the tree flying through the air towards the beast. I knew he was aiming for its back but the beast pushed off with his front legs getting high enough that he was level with Stones and opened his mouth full of razor sharp teeth.

“STONES!!!” I yelled pulling out my pistol aiming for the bear’s eye trying to stop him. I wasn’t fast enough. The jaws snapped shut with Stones inside. “NO!!!!!!!” I roared shooting at the monster.

It started to turn to face me but then it shook it head and roared in agony. It started to shook its head back and forth like it was trying to dislodge something before it turned and roared at me. That’s when I saw it. Stones was hanging in the back of the beast’s throat. He had one of his knifes jammed in and was holding on to that handle for dear life. He looked out at me and gave me saluted at me with two fingers. I couldn’t see his face but I could tell he was smiling like a mad man. Then he reached down for his pistol and stuck the barrel to the top of it throat and started unloading rounds. That really pissed the beast off. He shook his head left and right trying to dislodge Stones. He pushed off with his front legs and came back down with a crash causing me to lose my stance and fall on my ass. Then the beast stopped, gave a small shudder, and collapsed. When he hit the ground, he caused a massive amount of dust to blow into the air. I coughed when the dust reached my lungs. I quickly stood up and headed over to the hopefully dead demon. On the way, I saw Stones’ rifle on the ground and picked it up. The symbols he had shining in the light, why he had those types of symbols on it was beyond me.

“Stones, you better not be dead or I’ll will bring you back from the dead and send you straight to hell.”  I said heading over to the beast head. When I got within striking distance, I raised the rifle at the beast. Then the mouth moved, I quickly aimed it at the beast’s one good eye. Then on the radio I heard:

“Tyrock anytime you want to get off your ass and help me get this damn thing open?” Stones said. I shook my head and walked over to the jaws of the beast. I grabbed the top and spoke into the radio.

“One… two… three.” Then I heaved and the jaw slowly opened as soon as it was opened enough I stuck the rifle into the mouth and used it to hold the jaws open. Stones then crawled out on his hands and knees. He was covered in slime and smelled like a ten year old abandon beef factory with a full inventory. As he crawled out, I could see him holding his left hand to his chest. He looked like he hurt his hand or something. When he was free, he rolled over onto this back and then I saw the blood. I quickly knelt down to determine the extent of the damage He had four deep lacerations on his chest; they looked like they were from being thrown around in a mouth full of deadly sharp teeth. They were each about two inches wide and three inches apart. They cut through the armor like it was tissue paper but it looked like the armor saved his life. Without it he would have been cut to ribbons. I could also see that the computer was damaged leaving Sarah in the dark about his condition. He gave a groan and tried to sit up. He pulled off his helmet and dropped it to the side laying back down. He had a big goofy grin on his face and when he looked up at me he had a sparkle in his eyes that I have only seen a couple times. All of them were during training. It happened when he accomplished something that someone said he couldn’t. Now he’s getting ready to rub it in.

“Tyrock… I… fucking… told you… I… would kill it.” He said taking deep breaths of air giving off a little chuckle. I rolled my eyes.

"You think you can stand, those cuts look pretty bad and we need to get back to the house if we are going to do anything about them.

"No problem lets go." he said holding his right hand out keeping his left to his chest. I smiled and grab his hand giving him a hands up. When he tried to stand, he doubled over in pain. I set him back down on his back and looked around.

“Hunter, here.” As Hunter walked over, I pulled the rifle out of the bear’s mouth and placed it on my back. I pulled the first aid kit off his vest and opened it. Inside was a basic first aid kit but in the bottom were a couple syringes of morphine. enough to make anybody go completely numb. I grabbed one and rolled up Stones’ sleeve and jabbed it in. after a few minutes, the pain drained from his face. I quickly pulled the vest open and cut his shirt away. When I did, it had to be one of the most unbelievable things I have ever seen. The cut went straight to the ribs and with what I could see two ribs were broken. He was bleeding a lot and he also had a couple of cuts on his arm. How he managed to stay alive, I don’t know, but right now if I don’t get him back to the house, he would never live to see the sun rise. I grabbed some gaze and wrapped him up. it should slow the bleeding but only of a short period of time. I quickly pulled him up and threw his arm over my shoulder and started heading for the house going as fast as I could. As we headed for the house, Stones got more out of it, like he was drunk or really high and I could see the front of the gaze starting to turn red. He also stumbled enough that I almost had to drag him to the house. When we reached the front door, Stones was almost completely asleep his skin starting to lighten up. When I opened the door, Sarah’s voice called out.

“Guys are you alright? I lost contact with you, what happened?” She asked turning on the lights to max.

“Stones is hurt, I need you to get the medical bay ready.” I said heading for the door. I pushed it open and lead him over to the operation table. I gently set him on it and walked over to the surgical tools taking off my armor off as I went. Then things got worse. At that exact moment, the alarms went off and Sarah spoke.

“Tyrock, I detecting a massive energy signature,” she said sounding worried.

“Where?” I asked grabbing a few tools heading back to stones. hoping it could wait until I was done

“In the garage. It’s heading for the power controls.” I stopped and threw the tools back on the table and grabbed a pistol from the ground and headed for the garage. If whatever is in there gets to the controls, I won't be able to help Stones if his heart stops. I reached the door just as the lights shut down. Then there was a big bang followed by the house shaking. This didn’t feel like an earthquake, it felt like the house was lifting off the ground and being torn apart. As I tried to keep my balance, there was a blinding flash of light then everything stopped.
> 4 The job
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I layed on the surgical table, I started to realize why people love morphine, it was almost like living a dream. Then I felt the ground shake, leaving my brain in such a shamble that I couldn’t tell up from down. I soon found the direction of down when I hit the floor after falling off the table. As I sat up and looked around, I heard a muffled shout of my name, or I thought I did. I couldn't tell with all the sounds bouncing around in my head. Soon my mind finally connected to what my eyes were seeing, a flashing red light on the wall in front of me. Then I heard the alarm sounding.

At that point I felt the adrenaline in my system rise, flushing out the morphine. I stood up, ignoring the slight pain in my chest, and picked up a vest and my pistol off the ground. After putting the vest on, I proceeded for the door. I quietly pushed the door open and stepped out with the gun raised, prepared for any attack. As I walked through the halls, I kept looking around corners, prepared for anything to happen. I spotted Tyrock standing in front of the garage door, he was still wearing his helmet and was holding the door open with his right hand, with the pistol in his left. It looked like the gun was about to fall out of his hand at any moment.

“Tyrock what’s the situation?” I asked walking up to him, looking behind into the living room and making sure nothing came up behind us. When he didn’t answer, I looked over at him. He was facing towards the garage, but he wasn't moving. I reached over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Tyrock, what's going on?” He used his right hand to point into the garage. I pulled him out of the way and looked to see what would cause him to react like this. What I saw is what I could call a small horse, but it looked like someone dyed its coat a sky blue color and it mane a navy blue. Another thing about it was it was wearing full navy blue camo along with a combat helmet. It was standing on the far side of the garage with its back to us. As I watched it headed over to the security panel for the power system, that’s when I knew it was the one that had set off the alarms.

“HALT!” I yelled, through the open door and aimed my pistol at it. When it turned around, I found another interesting feature about it. It had a spiral horn in the middle of its forehead, sitting in a hole cut out of the helmet. It also had on some type of goggles that made it so I couldn't see its eyes. When it saw me standing there its horn lit up in a violet hue and so did my pistol, in a split second the pistol was yanked out of my hand and thrown in front of the creature. The pistol started levitating in front of it, still covered in the strange violet cloud. It was spinning around almost like it was being controlled. When it pointed the gun at me, the horse whined, or whatever sounds horses make. I slowly raised my hands and tried to look as less threatening as I could be. It whinnied again and the gun moved closer to me, at that point I connected that the horse was the one controlling the gun. The horse then took the gun and pointed it at small door to the right that led outside. Then it pointed the gun to the door I came through.

“Hey cuz, I think it might be best if you get out here.” I called out, still keeping my hands up. I turned to see Tyrock walking out of the door with his hands up, but without a gun, at least one I couldn’t see. He walked over and stood to the left of me. The horse then snorted, using its hoof, it looked like it were pointing to the door that leads outside.

“What do you think it wants?” He asked, his voice slightly muffled by the helmet. I shrugged, then looked at the small horse more closely, trying to figure out how it was controlling the weapon. It had to be some kind of telekinesis. At this point the horse's mouth looked almost like it was frowning and it nose was scrunched up, like it smelt something rotten. Then the gun was against the side of my head, pushing me towards the door. I looked at the door then back the horse, the gun was pressed harder against my head.

“I guess it wants us to go outside.” I guessed, turning for the door. 

As we walked over, I heard the clip clop of the small horse following, I could also feel the presence of the gun get less and less with each step. When I reached the door, I risked a quick look back and confirmed that the gun was still pointed at us, but was now just in front of the horse, a few feet behind Tyrock. I slowly reached down and grabbed the doorknob, twisting it open. When I did, a strong wind blew in, almost like opening a thousand year old air proof tomb. The moment I breathe in the air, I felt my whole lungs lit aflame. The air washed down my throat, causing me to lean against the door as I gasp for air. The inside of my skull, at the back of my head, was itching like water went up my nose. There was ringing in my ears, and my throat felt scratchy, and I started to feel light headed from the lack of oxygen. After a few seconds of raspy breathing, the ringing in my ear subsided, I then tried to stand back up. Daring to take in another deep breath, I found the air to be pleasantly cooling and refreshing, giving the sensation like my lungs were going numb. The back of my head still felt irritating itchy, but that too was starting to go away. Finally able to get a good look around, I found the clearing we were in was completely different. The clearing that our house was in had about two hundred yards to the tree line, this clearing had only half that and the forest was one I have never seen before. The trees were a darker color almost pure black in some places, there was also vines that sprouted from almost everywhere. The trees were tall enough that they blocked out the sun, making the area around us even darker. Then there was the mood of the forest, all forest have has a type feeling, like some are peaceful while others give off a mysterious feeling, almost ominous. This forest gave off the feeling of death and made you feel like something was watching your every move. I could hear the sound of birds and other woodland creatures moving about through the underbrush. Then I heard the horse step out, it then did something I never expected it to do, it spoke.

“Ah, that feels better.” The voice had a feminine tone to it, and when it spoke its mouth moved like ours would, not just open and close like a horse did, but actual speech movement. As soon as it spoke, Tyrock pulled out a pistol from behind his back and aimed at the horse. At that same moment, the horse pointed the gun back at him.

“What in the fucking hell type of horse are you?” Tyrock asked in a husky voice, coughing into his free hand.

“I am a pony, and technically a unicorn.” It said, with what I would guess an irritated tone. “And you two are my next test subjects.” I looked at the pony and then at Tyrock. Then doubled over and laughed.

“Good one cuz, you almost had me.” I laughed out. “Alright. Where are the cameras? Come on out guys.”

“Stone, what are you doing?” Tyrock asked still pointing the gun at the ‘unicorn pony’.

“Oh please, you're not fooling anyone. I mean, could you come up with a more stupid prank? A ‘unicorn’ is trying to capture us and use us as test subjects. not bad for a few hours how did you pull it off?” I said still trying to spot the other guys from the academy. “This hologram has T.G. written all over it. GOOD JOB BUDDY, BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.” I yelled into the forest.

“What are you talking about? Are you delusional?” The pony asked in a hushed whisper. “I'm on a mission to find the best team in the galaxy, and keep your voice down. This is the Everfree Forest, home of the most dangerous creatures in all of Equestria.”

“What do you mean Equestria?” Tyrock asked as I walked to the edge of the clearing, looking for old comrades. As I did so, the chances of this being a prank became slimmer and slimmer as I couldn't spot cameras or our friends.

“I teleported you to Equestria to test if you can handle the challenges of this world. You two would be my third team in the past two days; I’m almost out of magic.” She said as I walked back over with a look of concern on my face, but beneath that I was starting to panic. Normally I could handle any situation I was trained for, but I don't remember them telling us what to do if we were suddenly teleported to another planet.

“You said ‘the challenge of this world,’ what do you mean by this world?” Tyrock asked, lowering his weapon a little.

“I brought you from your planet, to the planet of Equine. The home of my creators. I have to find a team capable of protecting them.” She said, floating the gun in front of me in almost a truce like fashion. I yanked it out of the air and pointed it at her.

“Stones, lower your weapon; I don't think this thing means any harm.” Tyrock said, putting his gun back in his holster and reaching over to push mine down. In half a second, the gun went from the horse to pointing at my cousin’s throat, the one spot that we have yet to design the vest to protect. He slowly raised his hands and took his helmet off, giving me a bigger target to hit. “Stones you need to calm down, give me the gun before you do something you’ll regret.” I looked him in the eye and saw the one look that made me fill with guilt for even doing this.

“Why am I doing this?”  I asked myself, turning my eyes towards the ground. I felt the gun slowly being pulled out of my hands. When they were empty I dropped them to my sides.

“Stones look at me.” He said placing a hand on my shoulder. “Go take a breath and see if you can find anything that can pose a threat or could be of some use.” He held the gun out by the barrel. I looked at him and nodded, taking the gun out of his loose grasp.

As I walked off, I could hear Tyrock telling the pony that I don't mean any harm, that I’m just a little freaked out about all that has happened. I rolled my eyes, thinking he was just the same way. After I got a couple of yards out of ear range, I tried to take some deep breaths, then the pain hit me. I dropped to the ground, on one knee, trying to hold back a scream.

“Stone's!” Tyrock yelled running over. “What’s wrong?” 

When he reached me, he pulled open my torn vest and put a hand on my chest, causing me to inhale sharply through my gritted teeth. When he pulled it back it was red with blood, ‘where did that come from?’ I wondered, then I could see the unicorn coming over. 

“Shit, come on we need to get you inside, now!” He said, pulling me up and throwing my arm around his shoulder.

“Wait.” I heard the pony say after Tyrock dragged me a couple of feet.

“Wait?” Tyrock asked, a mix of panic and anger in his voice. “We don’t have time to wait, he is bleeding out right now. I’m surprised he even last this long.” He started for the house as the corners of my vision started to turn black.

“I can heal him, but it could mean that you guys won’t be able to go home.”  She said, walking over.

“What are you talking about?” Tyrock asked, still hauling my body forwards. 

Soon her horn started to light up, a trail of light floated out of it and moved over to me. It looked almost like a giant glow worm, and then it connected with my wounds. It felt like someone dumped a bucket of fire ants on my chest, causing me to cry out in pain and drop to my knees.

“What are you doing!?” Tyrock yelled, trying to keep me on my feet. 

I could feel some kind of energy seeping into my wounds. I felt the muscle and skin start flowing across my ribs, covering the open wound. I could also feel my heartbeat slowing down, reminding me of the sniper breathing exercises that we used to keep our aim steady. I could also feel the strength returning to my legs. When I was able to stand on my own two feet, Tyrock backed off and looked at me in almost awe. I reached a hand up and felt where my wounds were, or where they should have been. All I felt was four lines on my chest. I looked down to confirmed what my hands were telling me. All that was left of the near life threatening lacerations were the scars that could only been see if it was six months ago that the injury was inflicted. Even the vest was fixed.

“What the hell did you just do?” Tyrock asked, looking at my newly formed scars as if they may soon burst open.

“I used a healing spell, it speeds up the healing process. I guess it also works on objects as well.” She said sitting down and taking a deep breath. “Now I don’t have enough magic to complete my mission. I don’t even have enough energy to send you two home.”

“Hold it, did you just say that we can’t go home, that we are stuck here?” I asked walking over to her and pulling out my pistol. This time, Tyrock didn’t object when I pointed it at her.

“I told you, I’m out of magic, I was only given a small amount when I was created. Now that I have used almost all of it, I might as well start calling myself an earth pony, for all the good that it will do me. Now I will never be able to protect my creators.” She explained, looking down towards the ground and her ears splayed back, her voice getting quieter and quieter with each word.

Tyrock and I looked at each other. Not one of us felt bad for her, she kidnapped us and made it so we were stuck on an alien planet without any way to get home.

“Look I don’t care who your creators are, what they are. All we care about is how to get home.” I said, raising my voice not quite to yelling. She looked up at me behind the blacked out goggles with a death look that wouldn’t even scare a child.

“I told you I can't.” She said, trying to hold back her anger.

“I don’t believe you. If so, then I guess we can just go find someone who isn’t as worthless as…” I started mid-sentence, and then Tyrock interrupted me.

“Stones.”

“What?” I said irritated.

“Listen.” He said, putting a hand to his ear. I looked at him like he has gone crazy.

“ What are you talking about? I don’t hear…,” then it dawned on me, the forest has gone silent. There were no sound of the birds or the bugs, not even the wind. It was almost like the forest was holding its breath.  I looked over at Tyrock; he looked at me then tilted his head, jestering to something off to the side. I followed his eyes to a small patch of vegetation. At first, I didn’t see anything, then I saw one of the bushes move.

“Get inside the house, now.” I said to the pony, slowly raising my gun to aim at the bush. She stood up and with as much noise as possible and ran for the door. When she did, a brown blur jumped out and headed straight for her. Without even thinking, I shot the creature in the head, dropping it to the ground. When I saw it, I could have sworn I had lost my mind. It looked like a wolf, but it instead of skin, it was made of wood with moss as fur. “A timber wolf?” I thought as looked at the weird wooden beast. Then I heard another one jump out behind me. I turned and had the gun aimed at it, but Tyrock beat me to the punch with a direct hit to its heart, ending its life. Soon the woods exploded with more than a dozen of them beast jumping out and surrounding us. Tyrock and I slowly moved towards each other, until we were back to back.

“Stones, you think we can take these things?”

I looked at the beast summing up their strength. They were about as tall as my shoulder and had glowing green eyes. One of them, I guessed was the alpha, could almost look me in the eye.  I then saw the one Tyrock shot stand back up and walked over like nothing ever happened. I don’t know if Tyrock saw it, but the one I shot explode into a pile of sticks.

“Maybe, how big are the odds against us?” I asked keeping an eye on the alpha as the pack circled us, growling and snapping their wooden maws.

“About fifteen to one, that’s not including the big guy over there.”  He said as we both turned the opposite way the wolves were.

“Piece of cake, as soon as one move, blast them. Head shots only.” I said looking over to the house.

I could see the pony slip inside and shut the door. One of the wolves turned to look, but I didn’t give it a chance to finish as I made its head disappear from its shoulders. Then all hell broke loose. One jumped at me from my right, aiming its gaping jaws for my head. I turned and fired a round down its gullet. Taking one of it friends out with a bullet the moment it came out on the other side of his neck. I heard Tyrock firing a couple of rounds taking out a few of them. I kept firing rounds after rounds, taking out the bloody devils. For every one I took out, two more took its place, making it harder and harder to keep them off of me and Tyrock. One of them charged us, getting to close for comfort. I back kicked it, knocking it to the ground and aiming the gun to take the creature's life. When I pulled the trigger, all I got was a click, making my heart drop with a dread realization

“Shit, Tyrock I’m out, cover me while I reload!” I yelled, dropping the clip out and attempting to reload quickly. The creature I had hit moments ago, jumped up and pinning me to the ground before I could react, knocking the pistol out of my hands.

I grabbed its neck, keeping its snapping jaws away from my head, its breath smelt of rotting wood, covered it decaying flesh. The smell alone was almost nauseating.  I tried to call Tyrock, but the monster was scratching at my vest tearing the camouflage fabric, but not getting past the protective armor underneath, causing me to groan from the force needed to keep the jaws from chewing on my skull. Just when my arms were about to give out a blue fire ball slammed into its side knocking it off of me and igniting. soon after it a green and tan blur came out of the house and rammed into another charging at me. I turned and found Hunter standing between me and the timber wolves. He still had his K-9 armor on and he was baring his fangs showing the metal K-9s he had, capable of tearing through weak armor, the wooden skin the wolves had wouldn’t stand a chance against it. But before I could stand up, another one charged at me. I dove to the side, landing next to my empty pistol. I picked it up by the barrel and swinging it like a club, hitting the creature across the jaw, turning its head away from me. When it did, I pulled one of the knives out of it sheaths and stabbed it in its neck, just at the base of it skull. After I pulled it out and looked at it, I could see it was covered with an eerie green sap. I turned, prepared for the next attack. The wolves were still circling us, but were now weary. The alpha was still snarling at us, ready to attack at a given opening. I turned to look at Hunter, who just destroyed the wolf that he tackled off of me by ripping its throat out. I heard Tyrock reloaded a new clip in his pistol. I flipped mine over and did the same.

I fired one round into the air scaring away the smaller ones, leaving the alpha alone to face us. I pulled the knife up and rested the gun on my wrist aiming at his head ready to take him out. He looked at the piles of sticks, marking his dead pack, and growled at us. I took a step forward, but he turned and disappeared back into the trees. I keep the gun facing in that direction, where he disappeared into, for about thirty seconds then slowly lowered my pistol. I heard Tyrock give a sigh of relief, holstered his gun at his side.

“You okay?” He asked, walking over to me. I nodded, still not taking my eyes off the spot the alpha disappeared at. After I felt him grab my shoulder, I turned to look at him. His face was as neutral as they come, but his eyes were almost glowing with adrenaline and, I’ll have to say, absolut joy. I would have to say the same about me. I haven’t had that much fun since basics training. At this point, I heard the door open and the unicorn popped out.

“Are you guys okay?” she asked. I looked over at Tyrock who nodded. I looked down at Hunter as he walked over and sat next to me.

“We’re fine.”  I said, looking up at her. “How about you, are you good?” She nodded, walking over to a pile of sticks, shuffles a few then turns to us.

“I’m sorry that I brought you here. I should have asked but I didn’t have the time.” She apologies rubbing her left leg with the other hoof. “Today was my last day to bring someone here. If I didn’t, I would disappear and the spell would fail, and so would my mission.” Me and Tyrock looked at each other then back at her. We both knew what it felt like to fail a mission.  Now that I have had a look around, I could see what they needed to be protected from. This world had its dangers like ours, but from the look on the pony’s face told me that she has seen something that she wish she could unseen.

“You said we’re the third team you brought here. What happened to the other two?” I asked walking over.

“The first team I brought here landed about two miles that way.” She said, pointing in the direction of a mountain range. “They were eaten by a Manticore. The other team landed in Foggy Bottom Bog where a hydra got them.”

I turned to Tyrock with a look of “is she serious”, he shrugged off then walked over.

“I got the feeling that this place is rather peaceful compared to our world, so why do they need protection if they just stay out of the forest?”

“It was peaceful until my creators found the elements of harmony. When I was created, I was given their memories. I know everything they have gone through. Sure they have always came out on top, but it’s only a matter of time before something happens to them and this world is left defenseless. That is why I need somepony to guard them, but without being seen.”

“Okay, what exactly is a threat to them, besides whatever is in this cursed hell you call a forest?” I said waving a hand towards the piles of sticks.

“Just last week, they had to fight a creature known as Discord, he is a god of chaos. His only wish is to throw this world into chaos and disharmony.” She declared turning away from him. then in a low voice. “He almost succeeded, and he would have if they didn’t have the elements of harmony to turn him back into stone.” 

“If he is been turn to stone, then what do you need us for?” Tyrock asked.

“Because, all it took to free him was a couple of ponies fighting in front of his statue.” She said spinning back around. “It may have taken a thousand years, but he was still freed. He knows now how to get free and I know he will try anything to be free again. If that happened, I don’t know if they will be able to stop him a third time.” She said, again sitting down and lowering her head to look at the ground.

“Look if what you say is true, then I guess it am only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.” He answered. She looked up at him, her face showing true terror at that notion. “I don’t know how we are supposed to stop a god if he is freed, but hell, I have never back down from a challenge and this sound like a hell of a hard one. I’m in.”

She looked at him in surprise; I followed with the same look.

“Tyrock what the hell do you think you’re doing?” I asked, grabbing him and spinning him around so he was look dead at me. He had a look that I knew all too well. 

"Hey, do you have any plans on getting home. As long as we are here we might as well help out."  Tyrock retorted, not losing that glem. “As far as I can see it, I’m up for any challenge as good as those wooden beast.”

As I lt looked at him his face was full of nothing but pure determination. A look that I haven’t seen this intense since the day we walked into a destroyed village in Iraq, one that we arrived just a day late. That day, he promise that we would never let another innocent life be lost on our watch. We have yet to break that promise, and he wasn’t going to let it happen here.

I knew there was nothing that would change his mind. I sighed and looked over at the unicorn. “I guess I owe here fore saving my life... twice now." I thought as I stuck my thumbs into my pockets "What’s your name miss?” 

She looked up at me and took her helmet off, underneath was a mane that fell down, almost touched her shoulder. It was spiked in some places, it was the same navy blue as her tail, but had a white highlight down the middle. The goggles came off with the helmet, revealing neon blue eyes, the size of oranges.

“Jane, Jane Blue.”

“Well Jane blue, it looked like you have yourselves a couple of guardians.”
> 5 Lets get started
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We stood there for about thirty seconds. Just me and Tyrock staring at Jane Blue, who still had an expression of shock on her face. Just as I was about to ask her if she was all right she jumped into the air.

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!” she shouted as she jumped in a circle around us. Tyrock and I looked at each other. I then faced palmed.

“I’m already regretting my choice.” I said dragging my hand down my face.

“Aw come one cuz. Just think of the possibilities. A fresh start and a chance to do some good that doesn’t come at a heavy price.” Tyrock said watching the blue pony jump around. I followed her as she continued jumped almost high enough to look me in the face. As I watched I couldn’t keep her smile from invading my face.

“Maybe you're right. It would be a relief to have a job that is actually fun and with no restrictions.” I replied with a small grin. At that moment I felt a seventy five pound weight latch around my neck.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Jane exclaimed. I looked over the miniature horse’s death grip to see Tyrock with his hand over his mouth, struggling to hold back a laugh.

“I wish I had a camera.” He said letting out a small chuckle that only me and hunter could hear. At that point Jane Blue used my stomach as a springboard, launching herself across to Tyrock. She latched herself around his neck slightly knocking him off balance. As I stood there looking at him with Jane hanging from his neck, I could see why it was so funny. After Tyrock gained his balance again he looked at me and said

“Can you get her off?” the look on his face broke my resolution and I let out a laugh.

“I don’t think the Jaws of Life could break that grip cuz.” I said walking over. I tapped Jane on the shoulder.

“Jane, I hope you know that a human needs oxygen to live. Cause Tyrock looks like he’s running low on it.” She then looked at me then Tyrock.

“Oh sorry.” She said letting go and landing on her back legs balancing herself then dropping forward onto all fours. “I’m just so happy that you decided to help me.” She sat there for a few seconds. “So what do we do now?”

I pretty sure that if I could see my face I would be thinking ‘how did my eyes not pop out of my head’. I just looked at her then over to Tyrock.

”Is she for real?” I asked.

“Hey I have never gotten this far. The other two teams didn’t make it pass getting attacked.” She said in a raised voice. “I tried to get them close enough to my creators but I they died before I had a chance.”

I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I then looked up at the house and started making some calculations in my head.

“One problem we're going to have is food and water. Possibly ammunition.” I said walking over to the house. “If I’m right, and I’m almost always right, is the food we have in the fridge and in the freezer will last about three days then go bad. This means the meat we have, can only last that long before we have to get rid of it.” I opened the front door and walked into a completely dark room. “Sarah what’s our status?”

When no reply came I reached over and flipped the light switch on and off. Nothing happened. I looked over at Tyrock and held out my hand. He looked down at it then pulled out a small flashlight he had in one of the vest pockets. He handed it over and looked back at Jane and hunter.

“Stay here for a minute we have to get the generators back online.” He said as I twisted one end of the flashlight turning on the LED light.

“Tyrock go see what we got for dry and canned food and take care of what’s left of breakfast. I’ll get the generator online.” I headed over to the stairway leading down to the basement. When I reached the bottem I saw a few things scattered on the ground. Probable from the house shaking and what not. I headed over to a couple of large generators. One was about twelve feet tall and fifteen foot long. This was the main generator. The other one was a 4x5 foot generator. This one we used to power the larger generator or power the house when the larger one is down. The smaller one will only power the main parts of the house. Like the kitchen, the bathrooms and the storage room. Along with the light and Sarah’s monitor. The big generator is what we use if the main power is down and we need work in the garage or the workshop. It can put out enough electricity to power a small city. The problem is it uses the small generator to generates it power by a set of pulleys. To do that we have to speed up the smaller one which mean we use more fuel.  I walk past the large genie to the smaller one next to it and opened the panel on the side. It had two small gages, one for power output it generates and how much fuel it has left to run on. The fuel gage read full.

“Good that should last us about a month if we use it sparingly.” There was also two buttons next to the gages. The one on the bottom was red; the one above it was yellow. The red one primes the generator and shuts it off when needed. The yellow one starts it. I pushed my index finger down on the red one. After a few seconds a blinking red light flashes above the started button. I then use my thumb and pressed down on the starter. The generator started to shake slowly and gives of a little mechanical starting noise and then gives off a quiet purr and the shakings speeds up to almost a vibrate. I hear the sound of stomping on the floor above. I nod and head for the stairs. When I reach the top I see Tyrock gathering up the food and putting it away in the fridge. The lights are on in a few places giving off just enough light to see. The unicorn was standing off to the side looking at a picture on the wall. I walk over to see me and my cousin standing along with all the graduating members of our training school. There were only fifteen people that graduated that year. But we had the highest scores in the whole school since it opened.

“Who are they?” Jane asked.

“Comrades, friends, or brothers and sisters at arms. That is what most people would call them. We like the term Family.” I said turning towards the office. I could hear her clip clopping behind me.

“What does it mean brothers and sisters at arms?” she asked catching up. I headed over to the single computer in the far corner.

“It means we are soldiers in the same unit. We fight side by side and always have each other’s back. No matter what.” I said turning on the computer and its tower. I sat down waiting for it to warm up. After the tower powered up the air filled with the sound of a very angry women.

“STONES, TYROCK, WE ARE UNDER ATTACK, I REPEAT WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS?” Sarah’s voice yelled through the computer's speakers.

“Chill out Sarah, that’s over and done with. I need you to reroute power from the unneeded areas to the batteries, I also need the status of the fridge and freezers, along with the lights.” I said rubbing my ears.

“Stones what happened? Where are we? I can’t connect to any of the satellites or anything?” she said with a tone of worry. Her avatar popped up on the screen. She was using the computer's camera to look at me. Then the camera turned slightly to the right. “What the hell is that?”

I turned to see Jane standing behind me. She was looking around the room, almost like she was looking for something.

“That’s Jane Blue. She’s the reason you can’t connect to anything. Now like I said before I need you to rewire the unneeded power to the batteries and give me a status update on the fridge, freezers, and lights.” I said turning back to the screen. Sarah looked at me for a few seconds.

“Huh, I’ve been switched to low power controls. Give me a minute.” She said turning off the screen. I looked over at Jane.

“Looking for something?” I asked standing up.

“I don’t know. I think I can sense magic behind the wall.” She said before I could ask her what she meant Sarah came back on the screen.

“All power has been diverted, also my scanners indicate a strange amount of animal signatures in the area.”

“Ya that’s probably what left of the timber wolves that attacked us a little while ago.” I said walking over. “I need you to check storage records for anything we can use for a power source that doesn’t use fuel. Along with any wiring we have left to hook anything up.”

“All right back in a few.” She said again shutting off the screen. I turned back to Jane. “You said you thought you could sense magic behind that wall?”

“Yes I’m sure of it but then it disappeared when she appeared on that thing.” She said pointing to the computer screen.

“It’s called a computer monitor. And there is nothing behind the wall but the garage. There might be some left over from when you used it in there earlier.” I said walking over to the light switch and flipping them on. When I did she immediately looked up.

“That it that the magic I felt!” she said excitingly “you have magic flowing between the walls.”

“What are you talking about?” I said looking up at the light then down at her horn for a few seconds.

“Somehow you can sense the electricity in the wires. Hang on a second.” I walked back over to the computer.

“Sarah you there?” I asked tapping a few keys.

“What’s up?” she asked coming back on the screen. I took the window she was on and restored it down so then she was in the top left corner.

“I need you to put power back in this room.” I said opening up a video recorder. After turning it on I turned back to Jane.

“Jane I need you to close your eyes and see if you can sense where the power is.” She looked at me with a questioning look. “I need to test something.” I said.

She rolled her eyes then closed them. I turned to the computer. I open the note pad and typed a message for Sarah. ‘Cut power except for the far outlet. Leave this one on.’  Sarah looked at me and nodded telling me it was done. I turned back to Jane.

“Alright tell me where you can sense the power has been moved.” She stood there for a few seconds then she turned towards the outlet. When she was facing it she lifted a hoof and pointed at it.

“There.”

“Good let’s do that again.” I said typing out another message for Sarah. Jane turned till she was facing me. She pointed at the outlet on the wall. We tried this three more times, ending on the outlet on the far wall. I nodded each time she got it right and turned back to the computer.

“Okay, Jane can sense electrical output when active. Further test required for a proper confirmation.” I said typing in a few notes for the proper conduction of the test later. Then the lights went out. The outlet the computer was still working so the computer stayed on. I turned around to go see what happened to the generator. That’s when I saw Jane a few feet from the outlet, there was a streak of blue lighting going from the outlet to her horn, her eyes scrunched shut and she was screaming in pain.

“Jane!”  I yelled running over I reached out to pull her away but some electricity jumped from her into my hand before I could touch her, causing my hand to go numb and making me back up.

“Sarah cut the power!” I commanded squeezing my hand trying to get the feeling back into it. Then everything went dark. I heard the sound of something hitting the floor. I reached down found Jane lying on the floor not moving.

“Tyrock get in here hurry!” I yelled out through the door. I layed my head down on her side listening for a heartbeat. I also heard Tyrock barreling in. when he saw her laying on the floor he went straight into medic mode.

“What happen?” he question as he ran over checking Jane for injuries.

“I don’t know all of a suddenly the lights went out and I turned to see an arch of electricity going from the outlet connecting to her horn.” I said backing up a little to give him some room to check her. He put his head down next to her mouth along with putting two fingers on her neck.

“She’s alive just unconscious. The shock didn’t do any damage that I can see, I’ll have to check when she wakes up.” He stated looking her over. He then slid his hand underneath her head and back picking her up. “Come on let’s lay her down for some sleep.”

At that moment the lights came back on. Making it so I could see a scorch mark burned into the hardwood floor. Most time when a wood plank gets burned by lighting it leaves a lightning bolt type pattern in the wood. The mark on the floor looked like a shield on a computer monitor. The burn was so detailed that I could see a six point star on the shield along with the controls buttons on the monitor.

“What do you think that means?” I asked pointing it out to Tyrock. He looked it over and shrugged.

“I don't know it looks like some kind of symbol. Check and see if Sarah is all right.” He said heading to one of the guest rooms on the second floor not giving the burn mark a second thought.

“Why can't anything go right to day?” I said slightly irritated. As I looked at the mark I was clenching and unclenching my fist. Trying not to go and threaten Jane to take me to her leaders. With that thought I let out a small chuckle. “Great now I’m quoting old space movies.”

When I calmed down enough to function I categorized the mark as a something to deal with later. I turned to go check on the generators but noticed I was still wearing my torn up vest. At that point the Sarah decided to chime in.

“Stones I've check the storage manifest.” She said almost worried about my reaction.

“Did you find anything?” I asked reaching up and removing the trashed piece of cloth.

“The records show we have twenty 10X5 foot solar panels in storage along with 200 miles of high powered cable to wire them.” She stated pulling up the records on the computer screen.

“Which blocks are they stored?” I asked walking over to the monitor. I pulled open the top drawer  of the desk and pulled out a small earpiece. After placing it in I headed for the back storage area. The earpiece gives me direct radio contact to Sarah.

“The panels are in block B, the wire is in block F.”

“I arrived at the door that connected the storage area to the house. The door was half way between the dining area and the kitchen just left of the hallway. I picked up the two sets of key hanging on a hook next to the door. The first one unlocks the large back door that leads outside. Allowing us to move items in and out of the storage that wouldn’t fit through the smaller doors. The other unlocked the doors to the blocks and the tool boxes we have stored in there. When I walked in I pulled out the flashlight that Tyrock gave me earlier. After switching it on I found myself in a 20 foot by 100 yard hallway. I turned and aimed the beam it to the right. A large stenciled letter ‘A’ was painted on a 15X10 foot metal door came into view. I aimed it down a little farther finding a letter ‘C’ on the next one. I turned to the wall behind me and found block ‘B’. I headed over and started flipping through the keys trying to find the one I needed. After flipping a few I found the right one and stuck it in the lock near the bottom middle. After unlocking it I pulled up on the handle just above it causing the door to slide up like a garage door. The storage rooms was something like a storage room you can rent about an 18 by 20 foot room. Inside were the panels. They were all sitting side by side like a DVD collection. Each was about an inch and a half thick allowing the electrical components to be protected from the elements., there was a protector sheet in between to create a less of a chance of them being damaged. I turned to the right and there was a large shelf attached to the wall. On it I found an assortment of metal bars some square some round, and about four different sizes. On the other side I found small rectangular plastic containers on another shelf. Each one had a number from 1 to 20 written on it with a black marker.

“Sarah can you send one of the flat bed pigeons to block ‘B’?” I said into the ear piece.

“On it.” she acknowledged.

The pigeon is like a track carrier, it was named after the thought of a carrier pigeon. It is about 5 foot tall and 5 foot wide and 15 feet long. It can carry up to five tons at about ten miles per hour if needed. It is controlled by the same radio network as my earpiece, making it so Sarah or Tyrock and I could control it. I was going to use it to move the panels and there stands outside, along with carrying the wire I would need to connect them together.

After a few seconds of waiting I heard the sound of the carriers rubber track on the concrete floor. Then I rolled around the corner. It was painted army green with a picture of a pigeon on the side. It turned away from me then backed up to within a foot of the panels. I started loading up the panels onto its flat bed. After securing them to it with the help of a couple of ratchet straps I loaded up all the containers and the frame bars on to the rest of the open space on the pigeon. I then knocked on the top activating the shadow program and walked out of the block with the carrier right behind me. The shadow program activates it sensors so it can track the earpiece and follow me. After the carrier was clear I shut and locked the door.

“Alright bud let's go get some wire huh?” I said heading for block ‘F’. After opening it I walked over to a large shelf of wire spools. Each one was a foot in dynamiter and a foot long. The wire that was on it was about a quarter inch and was colored black. I pulled one of the spools off causing the one behind it to roll forward and take the empty space. The shelves were designed almost like those canned food shelves you can buy at the store. I took the spool and attached it to the front of the carrier and feed it into the cutter. I pulled of a few more and set them on the empty rack on the carrier. After I made sure they wouldn’t fall off I shut and locked the door. I then headed for the large door at the end of the hallway. Off to the right of it was block ‘Z’ the one where all the tools were stored. I opened a smaller door next to the large on and grabbed a small wrench set. I walked over to the large door and pressed the open button causing the door to slowly lift up letting in the lunch time sun.
> 6 Incomming Company
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I stepped outside the sun blinded me with its piercing rays. I squinted my eyes for a few minutes trying to get use to the harsh light. When I was able to see, I headed off into the woods to find a large enough clearing to place the small supplies of solar panels.

“Hey Sarah can you let Tyrock know that I'll be back by dinner time.” I said, tapping the activation button on the ear piece, making sure it has a connection.

“Sure thing. Do you have everything you need?” She asked, confirming I had a signal.

“I don't think that this will be enough to power the whole house completely. We will have to run the generator more often to keep the batteries charged, which we won't be able to do for long.” I said, stomping through the thick brush. The pigeon driving over it like it was a pile of paper. “But I think we could make something work.”

I bushwhacked my way for about three hundred yards before I came across a small river. It was five foot across and two foot deep. The water was so clear I could see the rock covered bottom. The bottom was covered in an array of colors, from a dark gray to a light golden tan, giving the impersonation of marble. I could see a small assortment of fish swimming in the crystal clear water, I even spotted some rainbow trout trying to swimming upstream, and a couple of bluegills hiding under the grassy river banks. Those were just the ones I could recognize. There was one that almost looked like it was on fire. The golden flames streaking behind it like it was a meteor falling through the atmosphere.

As I looked at the small fire ball, the pigeon came and bumped me in the back.  I turned and held my wrist above the front panel and it backed up. The reason was, it is locked on to the watch I wore on my left wrist. So when its sensors couldn't lock on to the watch, it marked the area where it last saw it, then search from there. So it saw me moved my hand behind it, causing it to switched in reverse and backed up a few feet. When it stopped, I knocked on the top, causing it to park. I walked around to the back and climbed on top of the flat bed and removed my watch. After strapping it back up to complete the circuit, I threw it across to the other side of the river. Once it landed, I knocked on the top again and the pigeon lurched forward into the cool water.

I’m not afraid to get wet, I just don't want to have to deal with it while I’m working on the panels. You know, the whole water and electricity thing. As the front of the pigeon dipped into the water, I checked the panels and supplies making sure they were completely secure so the panels wouldn’t get damaged. I could hear the sound of the rubber padded tracks crunching over the pebbled bottom of the river floor. When it reached the other end of the bank, it stopped. I looked over the side, trying to see why, but couldn’t spot anything. Then the pigeon lifted up.

The main body of the pigeon is designed to lift itself like a scissor lift, but it can also lift each of its four tracks separately, making it so it could climb over rough terrain. This was one of the designs that Jason stole from us.

Just the thought of that made me remember that I was stuck on a planet that wasn’t my own. Then the pigeon lurched forward, making me have to grab one of the straps to prevent myself from falling off into the river.

“Son of a bitch.” I complained, pulling myself back up on the platform. “Note to self, check the transmission on the pigeon when I get back.”

When the pigeon was completely on the other side, I jumped off and went to retrieve my watch. Once it was firmly secure back onto my wrist, I continued bushwhacking my way through the thick vegetation. After going a hundred yards I came across a large clearing.

The clearing was about two hundred and fifty feet across with a strange looking blue flower growing in patches across the area. They were almost a baby blue, with a navy blue pin stripe down the middle of each petal. Then I saw something else that caused me to check if I was still sain. There was a flock of flowers floating across the clearing, each one was encased in a bubble. As I got closer I could see that It wasn't really a bubble; it was actually a very thin layer of membrane that gave it the appearance of one. However, one would be forgiven for confusing it for a bubble, seeing as how they floated over the forest floor, casually drifting in any direction. Inside the membrane sphere was a small, electric blue colored flower. Its long stem was extremely thin, and curled around itself within its orb casing, making it look like a green web. The plant also had some sort of natural lighting which caused it to glow in the shade, creating a jaw dropping beautiful scene as they danced across the clearing.

As one slowly floated towards me by a gentle breeze. I reached out my hand catching the fragile specimen in my palm. The membrane bubble was about the size of a grapefruit, and was soft to the touch, almost like a ball of cotton. When I caught it, I was suddenly looking at it as if it was being held out to me by someone else's hands.

The hands were almost a soft creamy white. The nails were painted a sky blue color with a yellow sun on each of the perfectly formed nails. That told me the person was a woman. I couldn’t see her face, or anything else about her. She was nothing but a dark shadow except her hands. There was a white wooden fence surrounding me, giving me the impression that I was in a crib. I was laying on my back, looking up at her as she was holding the flower above me. I could see there was also a small wooden mobile hanging above the crib. There was a yellow sun in the middle with six, six pointed stars circling it with a rainbow sitting above, between two white clouds. I reached out to touch the flower, but my hand were that of a newborn child.

“Careful sweetie, you don’t want to damage it or it won’t fly.” I heard a motherly voice say. It was slightly distorted, like it was through a bad phone.

“Oh let him hold it, he won’t hurt it.” I heard a male voice say, followed by footsteps on a plush carpet. Then I could see another shadow standing behind the woman. A hand rested on the edge of the crib, along with one on the woman’s shoulder. The hand looked rough and worn with small white scars, like the hands of a mechanic.

“He is a lot stronger than you think Ben.” She said, looking over to this ‘Ben’ person.“He’s going to be responsible for some amazing things.” The flower lowered closer to me as she looked away, putting it within my reach. As soon as I touched it, the flower exploded like a bottle rocked on the fourth of July, but only with a silent bang.

I shook my head, bringing me out of the vision. I looked down at the flower still in my hand, trying to make sense of what I just saw. I thought about it, the details became more and more distant but the irritating fact was that the name 'Ben' sounded so familiar. After a few seconds, I lifted my hand and let the delicate sphere float on with its friends.

“Stones how’s it going out there, any luck with finding a clearing?” I heard Tyrock say through the earpiece.

“I think I found one that will work.” I said turning to the pigeon and pulling out a small tool belt. “I should have the panels up in about five hours.”





8.25 miles away in Canterlot.

Celestia took in a deep breath and calmly walked into the dining hall, trying not to aggravate the migraine she has suffered with for the last half hour. When she walked in, she saw her sister sitting at the far side, already eating her lunch of daisy sandwiches. Seeing her sister brought a smile to her face. As she headed over her adviser, Silver Ink walked up holding a letter on a silver tray.

“Your majesty, I have a letter from shining armor requesting your presence.” He said bowing and holding out the letter.
“Thank you Silver ink. I’ll look at it after I have finished eating lunch.” She said turning back to her sister.

“Your majesty I hate to inform you but it came by magic.” When he said that Celestia stopped. The reason is normally shining would send it by pegasus if everything was fine. But if it was sent by magic, which means something was wrong.

“Thank you Silver Ink.” She said picking it up in her magic. She broke the seal and unrolled it looking at the contents.



Dear princess Celestia

I have received word from a squad of pegasi of some strange noises coming from the Everfree forest. They described the sound as thunder, but stated that there were no clouds nearby. When they landed, they came across a small black object in the middle of a clearing full of dead Timber Wolfs remands. They retrieved the object and brought it back to me, along with a Timber Wolf’s head. The Timber Wolf received some unknown injury to its frontal lobe, killing it, but leaving its head intact. I am requesting your aid with the cause of death. I fear that whatever caused this could put ponies lives at risk.

Sincerely captain of the royal guards, Shining Armor.



As she reread the letter, Luna came over and started reading it over her shoulder.

“Tia,” Luna asked after sitting back down. “What do you think it is?

“I don’t know Lulu,” Celestia said. “Not many creatures would attack a pack of Timber wolves, unless it was threatened but no animal in the Everfree can sounds like thunder. The closes thing I can think of is the Glitermights, but they would have burned the Timber wolves. That still doesn’t explain the unknown object or the intact Timber wolf’s head. Whenever a Timber wolf is killed they basically self-destruct ”

“Shining Armor thinks it could be dangerous. What do you think?” Luna asked, taking a sip of her tea. The calmness of the question didn’t go unnoticed by the older sister.

“You don’t seem worried dear sister. May I ask why?” Celestia asked, rolling the letter back up and placing it next to her empty plate.

“I have yet to meet a beast that came out of that accursed forest that could out match me.” Luna said, puffing out her chest slightly. “Besides, I don’t think anything has come out of that forest that the elements of harmony couldn't handle.” Celestia smiled a little at the younger alicorn's cockiness.

“Maybe, but I still want to send a small squad of guards to check and make sure it’s not a threat.” Celestia said, turning towards Silver Ink. “Tell Shining Armor to send a squad of his best to the location. Also, tell him to place the object in the artifact vault until its origin can be determined along with the remains of the Timber Wolf.”





As the hours clicked by, the panels, slowly but surely, started to be set up. I have completed about fifteen in the last three hours, so I was getting along nicely. Every now and again one of the floating flowers came over and I would think about what I saw. I wouldn’t dwell on the thought for too long. After a couple more minutes, I had another panel hooked up to the center box where the power will be combined then sent to the house. I looked up at the sky checking the position of the sun, seeing that I had about thirty minutes left of light. I tapped my earpiece sending out a signal to Tyrock or Sarah.

“Hey guys, how’s things coming at the house?” When I didn’t get anything back I tapped the earpiece again, repeating the message. Again, silence. 

Why won’t they answer? I asked myself. I walked over to the shutdown pigeon and knocked on the top. It gave off a small beep then raised itself up a little.

“Protocol 24, release weapons,” I said, taking a step back. The front of the pigeon opened up displaying two MI6 along with ten mags of ammo and four grenades. After slipped five of the magazines into the tool belts open pockets I pulled two grenades from their containers and slipped the detonation handles into my belt. I pulled one of the MI6s off the rack and looped the strap over my shoulder. Just when I was about to charge off into the bushes, my radio clicked on.

“Stones, we have a problem.” I heard Sarah say in a hushed whisper.

“What’s going on?” I asked heading for the house.

“Jane is awake and she says we are going to have company very soon.”

“Good company or bad company?” I stated, stopping just before the creek.

“She won’t say. all she said was just to get you back here now. Where are you?” she said worried.

“I’m about three hundred yards behind the house, across a small creek.” I said, walking along the bank, trying to find the best way across.

“Alright, when will you be back?” She said again, worried.

“Why, you miss me that much?” I said, smiling slightly. There was a slight pause on the other end, followed by static.

“Get here now or I’m going to lock down your lab.” She said in a calm voice.

“Copy that, back in a few.” I quickly said, praying that she was only joking. As I looked around the creek, I found a downed tree stretching across it. As I walked over, I pulled the rifle up against my shoulder, ready for any attack. I took a step on the log, testing the strength. Once I was satisfied it would hold my weight. I crept across the log, checking my surroundings, trying to spot Jane's so called ‘company’. Just when I was almost across the creek I heard a splash of water behind me. I turn just in time to see one of the flaming fish jumping out at me. Instead of a golden flame I saw earlier, it was now a bright blue fire. I swung the rifle hitting the fish back into the water. When it landed there was a puff of steam then it changed back to a golden color.

“I’m starting to get the feeling that everything in this damn forest is trying to kill me.” I mumbled under my breath, jumping off the log on the other side. I touched the rifle where I hit the fish. It felt like the outside of a fresh cup of coffee, warm to the touch.

A few minute later, I arrived at the back door of the house. When I stepped in, I saw Tyrock and Jane standing in the living room. Tyrock was facing away from me, rubbing the back of his neck. That was clear sign that whatever Jane was saying, it isn’t good. As I walked across the room, he turned, a surprise look plastered on his face.

“What’s going on?” I asked slipping the rifles strap off, resting the rifle against the back of a chair. Tyrock looked at Jane as she stepped forward.

“We’re all going to die.” She said, then there was a flash of light through the window, followed by the sound of thunder. We all look outside then back to Jane. “I didn’t planned that.” She stated with wide open eyes.

What do you mean we’re going to die.” Again there was a lighting flash. I looked outside and glared at the storm clouds rolling in. Somehow, I got the feeling it was laughing at me.

“Okay, putting the storm aside. Celestia has sent a squad of royal guards to come and investigate the strange sounds coming from the Everfree.” Jane spoke as if she was talking about the weather.

“How do you know they're coming for us, and who’s Celestia?” Jane looked at me like I was insane.

“Celestia is one of the rulers of Equestria and the one who controls the movement of the sun.” I returned the look she gave me a few seconds ago. “Their investigating the sounds of you two firing those guns earlier.”

“Controller of the sun?” I asked in a calm voice. I was about to bust out laughing, but then I remembered everything that has already happened today. “You know what, fuck it. So Celestia is sending a squad of guards to kill us, great.”

“Yes, we have to stop them from finding the house. If they do, Celestia will destroy us.” She said, putting a sense of urgency into her voice.

“Okay, how do we do that?” I asked, folding my arms. “ Do you even know the size of the squad and their equipment?”

“Squad size is six members, two unicorns, two pegasi, and two earth ponies, three mares, three stallions. The three mares are night guards the stallions are Celestial guards. Equipment is standard eighth of an inch steel plated armor, not very effective with its multiple unprotected areas. The weapons total to four swords, two bows, and two sets of electric claws.” She explain with a tone that made it sound like she was naming off a shopping list.

In my head, I was coming up with a mental image of the weapons along with the standard thought of ‘what the fuck,’ when she said pegasi and how she knew that much about the squad.

“Are you telling me that there are horses that can fly here?” Tyrock asked, sharing my thoughts. Then I thought, didn’t Jane already tell him.

“Yes, and the term is pony, please keep up, feather head.”

“Alright, do you know where they are or when they are going to be here?” I asked, picking up the rifle and pulled back the slide.

“They are on their way from Canterlot. They could arrive within the next ten minutes. Also, we can’t hurt them.” I looked at her then at Tyrock.

“Well that’s just great. How are we supposed to stop them from finding the house if we can’t stop them from returning to Canterlot, or wherever?” I said holding the rifle by the mussel and holding my hand out.

“We could capture them and force them to not reveal our location.” Tyrock suggested.

“No we can’t do that either. If one escapes, they will know that there are humans here.” Jane commented. We stood there in silence for a few seconds then Sarah spoke up.

“How about you just scare them. Like how you scared your comrades at the academy?” She stated.

“That could work, but we don't have all the needed equipment and we can't cause them harm.” I said after thinking about it for a little bit.

”Jane, do they have combustible engines here?” Tyrock asked, catching my attention.

“What’s a combustible engine?” She asked, looking between me and Tyrock. We both looked at each other and smiled.

“I got Big Red you get the runner.” Tyrock said, heading for the garage with me and Jane right on his heels. Before we stepped out the door, I grabbed the two sets of keys hanging on a hook next to the door. As we headed over, I threw one set to Tyrock.

“It’s time to have some fun.” I said as I unlocked the black dodge 2500 ram runner. Tyrock jumped in the red 3500 ram mega-cab pickup parked next to it. Both had a black roll bar and push bar with L.E.D. light strips on both. Along with a heavy duty winch in the push bar and 36 inch mud tires with a one inch tread pattern. The runner is faster and has softer suspension along with more clearance, and was a manual transmission. Big Red had more torque and stronger suspension and was an automatic transmission.

After sliding the key into place and pushing down the clutch, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes trying to slowing my racing heart, then turned the key. The truck shook and roared to life. After tapping the gas a few times letting the turbo spool up. I opened my eyes to the sight of Jane staring wide eyed in front of me. I popped the T-handle shifter into neutral then opened the door.

“Hey what are you standing around for get in.” I said with a smile. She shook her head then raced over. I sat back down and leaned over to open the passenger door. She gave a little hop then landed on the passenger seat. Then I heard a small bark. I leaned forward to see Tyrock letting Hunter into the passenger seat of Big Red. After making sure Jane was seated and the door was shut all the way, I reached up and press the small button on the door opener. As the large garage door opened, I looked over at Jane while flipping the L.E.D.s on.

“You might want to hang on to something.” Then I shoved the shifter into first and dumped the clutch, burning the tires and shooting out into the black Everfree and the waiting storm. The first few drops splattering across the windshield.
> 7 First Contact
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh buck, oh buck, oh buck.” Jane stated as I roared out of the garage and into the clearing. I laughed as my heart rate continued to rise from the excitement of new territory. I spotted a trail heading off to the left of the house, deeper into the forest. After diving off into the forest, I turned the windshield wipers on to help keep the windows clear enough for me to see.
 
“Jane, where is this squad?” I asked, turning on the radio connecting the two vehicles. After picking up the transmitter, I held it up so Tyrock could see it through the back window.  “Tyrock, Sarah, you guys there?” I asked, putting it towards my mouth, waiting a little bit for the radio to lock on to their signal.
 
“Well, one guy here, the other is a female.” Was the reply I got. I gave off a slight chuckle. I looked over at Jane. She was pressed up against the back of the seat making it look like it was trying to swallow her whole. Her eyes were the size of dinner plates and she had a panic like look in her eyes that screamed terror. I reached over and snapped my fingers in front of her face, not once looking away from her. When the cracking sound of my fingers sliding off one another reached her ears, she looked over at me with a grin on her face large enough to span the width of the Grand Canyon.
 
“This carriage is incredible!” She said as she turned to face the windshield. Her eyes then turned into pin prick as she screamed. “TREE!”
 
I turned to see that there was a black wooden tree right in the middle of a forked path. I yanked the wheel to the left. The mirror just barely missed clipping the tree’s trunk. I looked up to the rear view mirror, making sure Tyrock made the turn. He followed my path and just missed the tree as well.
 
“Stones, what the hell was that all about? Warn me next time when you want to make a detour.” I heard through the radio. I rolled down the driver side window and flipped him the bird. 

After rolling the window back up, I asked Jane again. “Where is this squad at?”
 
“They’re about 500 yards in front of us. Heading straight from Canterlot.” Then there was a clear view of the mountain straight in front of us. I couldn’t see it clearly, but what I saw was breathtaking. I caught only a glimpse of a castle hanging off the side of the mountain with the moon rising directly behind it, making the city turn into nothing but a black form on the brightly lit sky. The stars have started shining in the dark blue sky, showing constellations that I haven’t seen before. The image of the city was perfectly burned into my retinas. Then in a flash it was gone, covered up by the forest canopy. I almost wanted to stop the truck just to see it again, but the thought of the squad coming to attack us made me shift gears and gain some more speed. We then shot into another clearing. This one was about fifty yards across. The edges of the clearing were covered in thick underbrush. Tall enough to hide a truck.
 
“Tyrock, get ready for ambush plan number 3!” I said into the radio as I slammed on the brakes, throwing the truck sideways.
 
 


 
450 yards north of current location.
 
Celestial guard Sergeant first class Broadhead, levitated his crossbow, searching the area for any threats. In his head, the orders he received played over and over as the rain tried it’s hardest to soak him to the bone.
 
“There has been an unknown disturbance in the Everfree forest, you are to search and report anything that seems like it doesn’t belong.” Captain shining armor said to him. His face might as well been made out of stone for all the emotion it showed, but it didn’t hide the strange item or the timber wolf head the last squad brought in. Whatever did this couldn’t have been in the Everfree before.
 
“What do you think it is sir?” Asked his second in-commanded Strong Buck, an earth pony with two double edged swords, each about a yard long and razor sharp. Both swords were  holster and strapped to his sides, the grips were gold with an ebony leather handle. Many ponies say that earth ponies should use something like a hammer, but when Strong Buck starts swinging he could turn his enemies into nothing but red ribbons.
 
"I bet it's some kind of monster.” Said one of the three Luna guards. A bat like Pegasus with a set of electric claw gauntlet on her front hooves. The sparks they gave off light up the area in a soft blue glow. Her name was Steel Point.
 
“Why do you say that?” Another earth pony, a celestial guard name Black Blade. He had two black colored swords strapped to his sides. They had a razors sharp edge on one side with a serrated edge on the other.
 
“Because fighting a monster would actually let us use the training for once.” Said Pitch Black. Steel Points twin sister. She too was a Pegasus from Luna’s guard. She had a set of electric claws strapped to her front hooves.
 
“Can it you two, we are in the Everfree forest, so shut it.” Said the commander of Luna guard’s, Quick Arrow. He was a unicorn holding a longbow in his magic,scanning the area for threats. Both he and Broad Head were the commanding officers of their little squad and the pairing of the two teams hasn’t happened since Luna’s returned. Mostly because the Luna guards haven’t existed for a thousand years.
 
After that command, it was nothing but dead silence. Both teams were following the path that should lead them to the clearing that the Shining Armor described. Pitch Black then dropped right in front of them.
 
“Pitch what are…” Quick Arrow started, she stopped him by holding a hoof to her lips telling them to not make a sound. Then she pointed to her ears. Quick Arrow nodded then motion his team to spread out. As they did, he stepped closer to the confused celestial guard commander.
 
“What is she talking about, I can’t hear anything?” Broadhead asked in a low whisper.
 
“Luna guards have sharper hearing compared to the celestial guards.” Quick Arrow explained turning his ears showing him the difference between each other. “We can hear at a higher frequency than normal ponies. Almost like a bat, and if any of you make one comment about us being bat ponies, I'll turn you into an oversize shish kabob faster than you can blink.” He said holding up his longbow. Broad Head nodded then signaled his team to move out.
 
After going for a few hundred yards, Pitch Black and Steel Point were standing underneath a set of trees that marked the edge of a clearing. Steel Point was looking at something on the ground while Pitch Black was looking up at the tree branches overhead. When the rest of them caught up, they saw a patch of something lying on the ground. As Broad Head stepped closer, he could see that is was a bunch of wood shavings littering the ground. They were a pine color. Making them stand out in the dark woods. As he picked up a piece, there was a sound of metal scraping on wood that came above them, followed by more wood shavings. Every one aimed their weapons up towards the source. Quick Arrow raised his bow looking for anything to point it at. Then he saw the glint of steel blade in the moonlight. The blade was about twelve inches long. He didn’t waste another second as he released the bowstring letting the arrow fly directly at the being above. Then he saw something he never thought possible.
 
Just before the arrow struck it target, the blade flashed in the light, striking the arrow on its point, the arrow hanged in the air for a second then fell back down splitting in two. When it reached the trail, the two ends stuck into the ground about four inches apart and about two inches in front of him. Quick Arrow looked at the two pieces in front of him then back up at the being in the tree. It was gone.
 
“Fan out and search the area. Whatever that thing is, it not from the Everfree Forest.” Broadhead commanded as he headed for the clearing in front of them.
 



 
Stones 20 feet south of squad's location.
 
I slowly climbed back into the truck via the driver side window quietly slipping through the branches next to the truck.
 
“Well from what I can see, everything you said was true.” I whispered to Jane as I soundlessly rolled up the window. I then grabbed the radio. “Hey Tyrock you there?” I said a little louder thanks to the sound proofing from the window being close.
 
“Ya, what did you see?” He asked, sitting in his truck about fifty yards in front of me on the other side of the clearing, behind a handmade hideaway. Effective on hiding, not so much on being a solid wall. That’s a good thing if we needed to bail in a hurry.
 
“Six ponies, not much on threat level with the weapons, armor I could put a pretty good size dent in it with my fist. Four of them look like they haven’t see much action. Two of them look like they have been to a small battles, but nothing extreme.”
 
“What are you thinking about?” He asked. I sat there for a few seconds giving the question some deep thought. Then my eyes lit up with excitement.
 
“Hey Tyrock, got any spare weapons lying around in there?” I asked as Jane gave me an irritated look.
 
"I already told you that we can’t harm them or they will just bring more ponies back with them the next time.” She said, hitting me in the upper arm to help with her point. “They might do that anyway. I don’t know anymore!” She groan, covering her face with her hooves.
 
“Well I do. From the looks of it, those people have seen next to no military action. They look like they are just around for crowd control, if that even if.” I said, waving my hands to my explanation. “These kind of people, when thrown into a situation that they don’t understand, they’ll panic, make poor choices, or just full out run.”
 
“Hey cuz, I got a 9mm pistol, an A-k 47, and a 12 gage pump shotgun.”
 
“Good, use the pistol, give me a few graze donuts and then an ear full.” I said, still looking at Jane, gauging her reaction.
 
"I thought we agreed that you weren’t going to attack them like you did with the Timberwolves?” Her eyes penetrating deep into mine.
 
“No, again, we are just going to scare them.” I told her before speaking back into the radio. “Alright let’s see if these ponies like the game of ‘Guessing what the fuck is happening’.”
 
“You only live once, let’s do it.” Tyrock said, starting up his truck, which followed shortly of me doing the same thing. When I shot out of the hideaway, I could see Tyrock plowing out of his, throwing branches and vegetation in all directions.
 
The ponies were standing directly in front of us. With the sound of the truck and the head light alone, the surprise ponies were thrown into shock. Not even moving as we blared towards them. When we were about seven yards away I spun the wheel to the right then to the left throwing the truck sideways. Tyrock mirroring my actions. I kept the wheel pointing to the left, using the throttle to make me complete a full circle around them.
 
“Alright Tyrock, make sure you hit the armor, no were else.”
 
After dropping the radio, I reached into the glove department and pulled out my own 9mm. Rolling the window down, I started to release rounds at Tyrock. The darkness of the woods, the rain filled sky, and the dark cabin of the truck caused us to be nearly invisible to them. The bullets scraped off the sides and created a small spark as they bounced off into the woods. Just like I predicted the ponies started to fire upon us with their bows and arrows. They didn’t even pierce the panels or the tires. We soon stopped the trucks, facing one another with the ponies in the middle. They spread themselves out, making it so the three were facing me and three were facing Tyrock. I held in the clutch and tapped the gas, causing the engine to roar. Tyrock responded with a roar of his own inching the truck forward. I fired a shot in response. Then we floored it, charging at each other. The ponies dove out of the way as we brushed past each other leaving just centimeters between us. The two Pegasus were hovering on each side of us.  One was watching with a look that could only be describe as ‘Studying’. After we past them, we spun the trucks around, facing each other.
 
After revving the motors a couple times, we slowly inched towards each other. When we were about three inches from each other, we punched it, slamming the push bars together with a loud bang. We then backed up and slammed into each other again. This time we didn't pull apart, instead we started a pushing contest between us, spinning the tires that threw up mud and rocks behind us. After a few seconds I felt myself losing ground, I knew it would happen. The ram runner doesn't have the same amount of torque as the ram 3500. So in a contest, the ram runner would lose to the pushing power of Big Red. After I was pushed a few feet I shifted into reverse backing away. Tyrock revved couple of times giving a sense of dominance. I spun the truck around and bailed into the forest. The vegetation soon swallowed me.
 
 


 
Sergeant Broadhead.

As the black beast roared off, the red one turned back towards us. The bright lights coming from what I could only assume was it eyes. When they first arrived, we tried to attack them, but we didn't even put a scratch in their armor. I’ve wasted three arrows trying to find a weak point. When they stood in front of each other and growling, Black blade suggested we hold our fire. I didn't understand why, but we did. When they slowly moved towards each other I started to understand. The beast weren't after us they were fighting among themselves. Then they started the shoving, filling the air with mud and rocks as the lightning flashed and the rain continued to pore. After the black one ran, it left the red one in the clearing, looking at us. Then the beast roared at us, throwing up mud behind it. It jumped forward a few feet.
 
“Sir, I suggest we back away slowly.” Black Blade whispered in my ear. I nodded and slowly placed my cross bow on my back, trying to not look like a threat. It roared a few times, still inching closer. I slowly started stepping back, keeping my eyes glued on the beast. Before we reached the edge of the clearing, it charged us.
 
“RETREAT!” I yelled as I turn and ran out of the clearing. After going thirty feet, I heard the beast stop. Without doing the same, I turned my head back and saw the creature a few feet from the edge of the clearing. It roared a few times at us then turned back into the clearing. We kept running until we couldn't see the clearing. Once we was a safe distance from the area, we slowed to a stop, trying to catch our breaths. 

As we rested, I turned to Steel Point. “What the bucking hell was that all about?” I asked, pointing a hoof back the direction we came.
 
"I believe we stepped into the middle of either a war for territory or dominance.” She said, still hovering a few feet above us. “With the charge afterwards, I think it’s the formal.”
 
“Oh Celestia is going to love this.” Strong Buck groaned, looking back at where the creature was.
 
“Well, just as long as ponies continue to stay out of the forest, I think it won't be a threat.” Steel Point said, landing between Black Blade and Sharp Arrow. "I think the creatures will stay in the Everfree, and from what I could see, their territory isn't that large since it didn't chase us that far after the fight.”
 
“Speaking of the fight, I think we should get out of this forest before the other one finds us. I don't know what those things are or what they are capable of, and I don't want to stay here and find out.” Strong Buck said, turning towards Canterlot.
 
“Agree, our job was to find out about the strange sounds coming from within the forest, not to engage. We did our job, so let report back our findings.” Quick Arrow said following Strong Buck. “Let’s move out.”
 




Stones 230 yards south
 
As I drove back to the house, I grabbed my side from laughing to hard.
 
“Do it again, do it again?” I said into the radio, breathlessly.
 
“Alright, alright.” Tyrock said. “Just back away real slowly,” he said in a feminine voice. Then in a deep voice, he bowled out, “RETREAT! Hahaha.”
 
“Oh my god I’m crying.” I said turning towards Jane. She was looking like she was trying to figure out what I was doing.
 
“Why are you laughing?” She said strictly. “We need to make sure they head back to Canterlot.”
 
“Oh please, I have never seen a bigger group of cowards in all my years.” I said with a small tone "I bet they are on their way back to Canterlot right now with their tails between their legs.”
 
After I clicked the transmit button on the radio, I told Tyrock to head back to the house. When we arrived, the storm had cleared up and the moon was high in the sky. We parked the trucks back in their respective places and refilled the pistols, placing them back in the truck's glove departments.
 
“So do you think we are in the clear?” I asked Jane as we headed into the house.
 
“Maybe, but I still think we shouldn't do something like that again.” She suggested. As she headed for the door I then saw a faint glow surround the handle and Janes horn, I slowly reached down towards the sheath strapped to my right thigh. When she was a few feet from the door, I yanked the 12 inch combat knife out, throwing it into the air grabbing it by the tip of the blade.
 
“Hey Jane?” I said taking aim. When she turned to look at me, I threw it, aiming for her head. “Teleport.”
 
The knife flew perfectly, but before it could reached its target, Jane vanished, appearing next to me with a very surprised look on her face. The knife logged itself into the door just above the handle, quivering as it did.
 
“Stones what the hell?” Tyrock asked, running up towards me. I reached back and pulled out a second knife that was attached to my back and held the tip to his throat. We stood there for what seemed like forever, but could have only been a few seconds.
 
“You knew didn't you?” I asked him, he looked over towards Jane then back to me.
 
“Knew what?” he asked.
 
“That electric charge gave her back her magic, didn't it?” I said pulling my knife away. "I figured it out when I was setting up the solar panels. I asked Sarah to measure the amount of electricity that we lost when Jane got electrocuted. She told me that instead of the electricity going straight into the floor like it normally would, it just vanished. I then asked her what rate was the socket putting out, it putting out power at a slower rate than is should have been, it wasn't going through her, she was absorbing it. when I figured this out I had Sarah check the energy reading that jane was putting out. it was at a times ten factor compared to before she got electrocuted and I might not know much about magic but I know teleporting takes a lot to accomplish. More than she would have had if she didn't get a recharge. also a mark that is tattooed on her ass doesn't just appear on the floor for no fucking reason.” I yelled at him waving the knife around as I tried to vent my anger.
 
He sighed then looked over at Jane.
 
“Yes it did charge her magic, I found out just before you returned from setting up the panels,” he said, turning away from me. “She asked me to keep it quiet.”
 
“that's also one of the reasons I threw the knife at her,” I said slipping the knife back into the sheath. "I could tell you guys were talking about something before I showed up. something you didn't want me to know. the only question I have is why?”


“If you knew, you would try to make me return you back to your planet.” She said slowly walking up.

“so you decided to lie to a trained military personal, who by the way doesn't like being lied to.”

“if you'll just listen to me I can explain…” she started.
 
“no you had your chance, If you need me I'll be on the balcony. if you know what's good for you, you would stay away from me for the time being.” I said with a deep icy tone as I walked through the door, pulling the knife out as I went. I walked into the living room and turned for the stairs, leading to the second floor. When I reached the top, I saw a large picture of me and Tyrock along with both our parents.

My parents were kneeling behind me as I sat in front of them, Tyrock and his parents was the same. We were sitting in a large grassy area with a red and white checkered blanket under us. There was also an old style picnic basket sitting next to Tyrocks mom. Tyrock and I were looking at the camera like we were already trying figure out how to tear it apart. My dad was dressed in a blue and white plaid shirt with light blue jeans and a pair of caramel brown cowboy boots and a white cowboy hat on his head. My mom was dressed in a yellow sun dress. Her blond colored hair was curled and pulled back into a ponytail. Tyrocks dad was wearing a black button up shirt and a pair of black jeans. He also had black cowboy boots and a black cowboy hat on. His mom had a dark blue shirt on and a black skirt that ended at her ankles.

Tyrock and I were in a pair of striped long sleeve shirts and blue jeans. As I looked at the picture my mind flashed back to the flower being held out to me. I turned towards the balcony and stepped out into the cool crisp Everfree forest air. I headed over and leaned on the railing. I looked around at the stars in the sky, trying to find anything that looked familiar, then I set my eyes on Canterlot. There were small lights covering the city that gave it a small golden glow. My brain started to stir as I tried to figure out the equation of the possibility that allowed them to build a whole city on the side of a  mountain, but I quickly gave up on that notion as I thought back on the huge scared we gave the guards. I smiled and gave a small chuckle as I flipped the knife I had in my hand.
 
“Well you're smiling, so I take it as you’re not going to stab me with that knife you have.” I heard Tyrock joked.
 
“Give it a sec, I might just sink into your chest.” I said straightening up.
 
“Look Stones, I know you want to go home, but I think we can do some good here. If you would just give this place a chance...” he started.
 
“You know what, I think this place is starting to grow on me.” I said glancing at him out of the corner of my eye.
 
“But I had a whole speech planned out…” He said with a confused sigh.
 
“You always have been the one that had to plan out everything. Yeah I did wanted to go home, but then I saw something today that just makes me want to find out just what this planet has in store.” I said looking back up at Canterlot. “Also, I have a feeling that I might actually want to figure out this whole ‘magic’ thing.”
 
“Huh so you're starting to come around?” He said leaning back wards on the banister as he glanced at me.
 
“You could say that, but I also want to take a crack at hunting a manticore.” I chuckled at him. He looked at me then smiled.
 
"I guess you're not going to kill jane then?” He asked with a little hope in his eyes.

"I might...” I let the words linger in the air before continuing. “Or I might not, depends on the next time she lies to me or does not tell me the whole truth.” I said, spinning the knife between my fingers.

“If you want to do this job, I’m with you the whole way,” he stated holding his right arm out. “but you have to learn to trust Jane if you want to survive here, that means not killing her, she still might let us go home.”
 
“Fine, I'll try to walk away before I do something I'll pretend to regret.” I started as I grabbed the knife with my left.

“That's all I can ask for.” He said sighing. “And it probably all I’m going to get.” I heard him mumble under his breath.


“Alright then. Till the end of our days, let’s show those guards what a real guardian can do.” I said grabbing his hand with mine and gave it a firm shake.




 
Mission report: #549.2578
 
Mission: Investigate Disturbance in the Everfree Forest.
 
Commander/s Quick Arrow, Broadhead.
 
Report: We arrived in the Everfree at 22:00 and walked to our designated location. Before we arrived, we came across an unknown being in the tree tops. We engaged when we spotted a weapon. The being showed extreme training, being able to evade our attacks. Shortly afterward, we were attacked by two unknown creatures. The creatures were both nine feet tall and had very bright glowing eyes. One was a black color and the other was a rose red color. Both had a strong outer shell that our weapons couldn't penetrate. At first we thought they were fighting us, but then found out that they were fighting each other for territory. We left the area and concluded that these two were the creatures that attacked the Timberwolves. We also concluded that just as long as ponies stay out of the Everfree no one will get hurt, but if they do come across one of the creatures that they should leave the creature’s small territory. End of report.

> 8 mission confirmed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Red One checking in.” I said tapping the mic attached to a loop that ran around my ear holding it in place. I was currently sitting on a hill near the edge of a small farm. The smell of apples and fresh rainfall floated on a gentle breeze.
 
“Red Two checking in.” Tyrock said a thousand yards north of me on the other side of the small village in the distance. Ponyville was the name that Jane has given us, the home of our charge.
 
“Red Three checking in.” Sarah said from the house about 1.5 miles south east, deep in the Everfree forest. “Alright boys let’s get started. Red Four says that one of the ponies is an owner of the apple farm near Red One.”
 
“Target description?” I asked, pulling out a pair of binoculars from the camouflaged pack lying on the ground next to me. I then removed the yellow tinted glasses that were connected via Bluetooth to the small radio computer attached to my right wrist.
 
“You’re looking for an earth pony mare with a blond mane and fur that matches the color of sunset orange. Her cutie mark is three red apples. I would suggest a stick and run on this one. Also be extra careful. She has three family members that lives and help on the farm. Target declared number one.” Jane stated as I rolled onto my stomach, using my arms as a bi-pod to hold the binoculars steady.
 
The first time I had ever heard of cutie marks was almost two days ago. Jane and I were having a discussion about who we were here to protect. That’s when she told me that we had six ponies, (which by the way are completely different from each other,) to protect. This is another reason why I have yet to begin to trust her. When people keep holding information from me, I start getting a little hostile. If Jane wants me to stop acting like I’m getting ready to kill her she better stop holding back the info.
 
As we were talking about the ponies we were protecting, the topic of why the tattoo on her butt was burned into the office floor came up, along with the topic of why ponies have cutie marks. One thing lead to another ending on the fact that I didn’t care. I only wanted to know if they were different so I could identify them. That was actually the last time I have spoken to Jane directly. Letting Sarah play messenger is the only way that I can work with Jane without crushing or slicing open her windpipe.
 
“Red One, can you confirm visual on the target?” Sarah demanded, adding a couple of beeps over the radio to help emphasize her point.
 
“Ya, ya, I’m looking at her right now.” I said turning my sight on the mare in question. She was dragging a wooden basket, using her mouth to grab the handle. She pulled it under a tree along with four others.
 
“Ok Red Three, take a note. Subject is about 3’2”, weighs about 75 to 80 lbs. She is also wearing a brown hat similar to that of a cowboy hat.” I said, observing the pony as she backed herself up to the tree and gave it a swift strong buck, knocking all the apples off the tree and causing them to land perfectly in the baskets below, not a single one missed. She then dragged the baskets to a nearby wagon. “Also mark down that the subject is strong enough to clear an apple tree of all its fruit with one buck, put the timer to 1.5 minutes." I said putting the glasses back on.
 
"Noted, be prepared to attach tracker in t-minus 90 seconds... Mark." She said a timer popping up on the top right of the glasses. It started counting down as I reached into my pack and pulled out a small tracking chip roughly the size of a fingernail and looked like a microSD card. It was a jet black color with a small wire sticking out the top to serve as an antenna. It also had a waterproof coating and a small adhesive strip on one side allowing it to be attached to anything, and the strip was sticky enough that it wouldn’t come off accidentally. The only way to remove it was to remotely activate the release mechanism built into the main body of the tracker. Inside is a valve that will release a tiny amount of Nanobots specifically programed to destroy only the adhesive strip? Once they do that they would self-destruct and leave no trace. The tracker also had a microphone built in so we can hear any nearby conversations. “T-minus 60 seconds... Mark.”
 
I threw the pack onto my back and started heading down the hill. Once I reached the fence surrounding the farm I jumped up on one of the fence post. I got on top and used it to climb up into the tree hanging over the fence. I then started jumping tree to tree just like I did with the guards. Soon I heard the sound of something thumping on wood. The timer on my glasses read ten seconds.
 
When I landed in the next tree I was about ten feet off the ground. I could see baskets already laying underneath. Then I saw the target. She walked over then checked the placements of the buckets, not looking up even once. When she turned around to buck, I plucked an apple and threw it at her. Just as she balanced on her front hooves the apple hit her squarely in the back of the head, just below her hat and knocked it off.
 
“Ow! What in tarnation?” she said as she face planted into the dirt.
 
Just before she could look up, I threw the tracker into her upturned hat just as the timer hit zero. When she grabbed her hat, I could see the tracker was attached and wasn’t going to move. She didn’t even look at her hat, she just put it on and looked up. By that time I was already over in the next tree, watching her through the branches.
 
“Now looky here George, I know you don’t like the apple bucking season, but remember, you don’t give fruit then you don’t stay. So bear with it for now, remember, it's only three times a year.” She said giving the tree a swift buck.
 
“Also mark down that subject needs to get her head examined.” I whispered to Sarah as I headed out of the apple farm. Once I was clear, I checked with Sarah that the tracker was working then I switched the channel over to Tyrocks. “Target one is marked. How are things going on your end?”
 
“Good on this side, although Pinkie Pie was a little trickier than expected. I ended up sticking it in her hair.” He explained.
 
“How many times do I have to tell you about using their names?” I growled into the mic.
 
“I know, I know. Don’t use real names over the radio.”
 
“No, don’t use them period. Reminds me of someone I want to stick a knife in.” I said switching back over to Sarah. “Who’s next on the list?”
 
“Next one is a white unicorn. She has a curled Purple mane. Cutie mark is three light blue diamonds. The target is marked as number 3.” She said as I pulled out the binoculars again. “Be warned though, information states she has a monster of a cat on the premises.”
 
“Ohhh a cat, better send me a tank to take care of it.” I said as I spotted targets 3 just as she stepped into a house that I could only describe as one would see from a child’s story book. “Target has been spotted. Looks like it’s a slow day in town, I’m moving in.”
 
“Copy that. You have eight minutes before targets is scheduled to have lunch with target 4. I would advise that you hurry before that happens. I would also suggest placing the electric sensors as you go.” She said as I grabbed a small black box out of the pack. It was eight inches by two inches and about four inches deep. There were claps on the one side keeping the lid secure and the equipment inside protected. We have found out that electric sensors can pick up magic as well as it would with electric sources.
 
“Give me five minutes then I’ll head for target three.” I said as I ran for the edge of town. When I reached the buildings on the outskirts, I slid for a pile of hay like someone would if they were sliding for home base. The bales were stacked three high on the side of a house, near the back porch. I slowly raised my head over the top edge seeing if anyone was in the general area. When I didn’t see anyone, I opened the box to find four stacks of electric sensors. The stacks were two high and there was foam in between each stack. I reached in and pulled one out. The sensor was about the size of a deck of cards and had a wooden paint job on it so it would blend in with either a tree or a wooden beam. There was a small connection point on the left side. I quickly plugged in the antenna that was lying under the Velcro strap on the top. There was also a small camera on the bottom right side of the sensor along with the actual sensor just above it. The sensor and the camera were on a rotating cylinder so it could view a full 180 degrees. The sensor could detect any electronic device up to 500 yards or in this case, magic. We are going to place them all along the edge of Ponyville and use them to triangulate targets 3 and 4s position.
 
I undid the strap and looped it around a square support beam next to me. Right up against the bottom of the roof. I had the camera facing the front of the house so it could catch anyone walking by the left side of the house and across the bridge in front of it.
 
"Stones, we have an unknown magic signature about ten feet off to the right of the house." I ducked back behind the bales once the strap was secured. Then I heard the sound of two ponies walking around the corner.
 
"Come on Bonbon, I'm telling you, they are out there this time. I'm sure of it. “
 
"That's exactly what you told me last time before you dragged me to Froggy bottom bog, and the time we ran into a manticore because you said they were near the castle of the two sisters. Forget it Lyra, I'm not going into that accursed forest again!" Bonbon said, turning and  stormed past the bales.
 
She was an earth pony mare with a cutie mark of three wrapped pieces of candy. She has a beige coat and a pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak in it. She walked past the bales without even looking back. Then the unicorn ran after her. The unicorn had a magic mint coat, brilliant cyan mane and tail with a white streak running in it. She has a cutie mark of a golden lyre. I logged her with the sensor as Lyra. Her energy levels are about 24 watts. That was about 26 watts lower than Jane.
 
“Bonbon wait up, if I’m wrong I’ll clean the house and the shop for the next two years.” Lyra said, sounding desperate. Hearing that for her supposed friend had cause Bonbon to stop. I jump over the top of the bales, landing on the other side. I peek over the top, Bonbon was standing in front of Lyra with her nose just inches from her face. Bonbon’s face supported a searching glare, trying to see if Lyra was lying. After a few seconds, she brought her head back with a deep sigh.
 
“Pinkie promise?” Lyra asked, getting a confirmed nod from her friend. Lyra sighed. “I cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I wouldn’t betray your trust. After all, that’s the fastest way to lose a friend.”
 
“Forever!” Came a loud female voice from the north.
 
“The hell?” I thought as I ducked down, looking in the direction the yell came from. The pony that yelled it had to have lungs of a opra singer for it be heard all the way across Ponyville.
 
“I still don’t know how Pinkie Pie does that. So can we get going, I’m hoping we get back by dark?” Lyra said as my mouth dropped open. Bonbon sighed, then I heard Lyra give a small squeal as they started walking off. After they left, I heard a small beep from my radio.
 
“Stones status?” Jane asked. “Stones respond, I repeat respond.” I reached up and pressed a hand against the activation button.
 
“I’m here, did you get her marked down?” I asked as I checked the area, again no one in sight. “Also ask Red Four how the hell target 2 can hear a conversation from all the way across town. And what the hell a pinkie promise is?”
 
“A pinkie promise is a promise that target 2 created and cannot be broken. The only answer for being able to hear it was Pinkie Pie just being Pinkie Pie.”
 
“What do you mean Pinkie Pie is just being Pinkie Pie?”
 
“Red Four says; ponies say she is just random, but our word for it is breaking the fourth wall. She also said not to think about it too much or you might go insane.” I groaned then slammed my fist into the bale next to me. The bale scattered when the twine holding it together snapped, causing the straw to spread all over the ground.

“Tell Red Four she better go through her memory and tell you everything by the time I get back. If she leaves anything out, she is going to wish I was back on earth. I also want the info recorded, typed and stored.” I said, walking a few houses down. I pulled out another sensor and attached it so it was facing another bridge.
 
I continued to do this until I reached the targets house. I have been lucky not to run into anymore ponies along the way. When I reached the edge of the backyard, I hid behind a pair of blueberry bushes. Once I was hidden, I pulled out the binoculars and started checking the windows for any movement. Then I spotted the target. She was standing in front of a mirror in the main ground room, levitating multiple dresses, holding each one up to herself, most likely she was trying to find the right one to wear to lunch. After a few minutes she finally decided on a dress that was more about fancy than it was functional.
 
“Let’s hope she doesn’t have to run from anything today or she’s a dead mare.” I thought as she headed for the front door. 

I stowed the binoculars and ran for the back door. As I reached it, I heard the front door open then closed telling me that the target has left. I gently gripped the handle and slowly turned it. The door was unlocked and swung it open on silent hinges. I had to slouch to fit through the door. When I stepped in, I could tell this wasn’t just her home, it was also her fashion shop. There was a sewing machine near the middle of the room. There was also a small stage that had three, five foot mirrors on the back, allowing anyone to see themselves from different angles. It was placed near a wall with a curtain behind it. I walked over to it and reached into my pack. I felt around until my hand grabbed ahold of the small cordless drill sitting near the bottom. It was a dark gray color with an eighth of an inch drill bit on it. I looked around the shop until my sights settled on a roll of tape sitting near the base of a ponikin. I grabbed it and tore off an inch and placed it on the top of the mirror in the center. I then took the drill and placed the tip right below the frame, right on the glass then I started drilling. I placed the tape so the glass had a smaller chance at cracking. After a few seconds the bit was all the way through. I placed the drill on the ground then pulled the tape off leaving a 1/8 inch hole in the glass. I then reached around the back, checking if the hole went all the way through. Once I was satisfied I reached into my pocket and pulled out a camera about the size you would find in a smart phone. I took it out and stuck it in the hole from the back, the lens was higher than the rest of the camera so it fit into the hole and made it so the camera would stay in place. To be safe, I grabbed the tape and stuck a piece on the back, making sure it wouldn’t fall out.
 
As soon as I reached down to pick up the drill off the ground I heard the handle on the front door turn. I turned to the front window and saw a purple unicorn standing in front of the door with target 3. I looked at the back door judging the distance and wondering if I could make it before they walked in. but I wasn’t fast enough, the door swung open quickly followed by the two ponies. I dove behind the mirrors hoping they didn’t see me.
 
“I say darling, this dress will make you shine in Canterlot, you simply must wear it.” A female with an English accent say
 
“I don’t know Rarity, I’m just going to talk to Princess Celestia about the spell. Maybe she can see if it did anything.” Another female voice said.
 
“But Twilight darling, I insist, we can’t have you walking about all those nobles with nothing to wear.”
 
“Rarity, I lived in Canterlot almost my whole life. I never had to dress up unless it was for a party and I definitely never had to dress up to see the princess.” I heard the target sigh.
 
“Alright darling, if that’s what you want. Now where did I put those books?”  I then heard her shuffle a few things around the room. “Ah here they are. I hope somepony will get as much use out of them as I did.”
 
I quickly lined my eye up with the gap between the mirrors, trying to see where they were. I then saw the target levitate a cardboard box from behind the table that had the sewing machine on it, but as she brought it over the bottom opened up dumping half a dozen fashion books onto the floor.
 
“Oh, Sweetie Bell, I thought I told her to tape this box up.”
 
“Rarity it looks like she taped the top of the box. I assume that she thought it was taped on the bottom as well. But don’t worry it’s an easy fix. Do you have any tape we can use?” When she said that, I looked down to the roll of tape I had in my hand.
 
“Shit, let’s hope they don’t notice.” I thought as I looked back through the gap.
 
“Of course darling, I have a roll right over…” Rarity said looking down at the spot where the roll of tape should be sitting.
 
“Shit, she noticed!” At that moment I felt something stab into my leg. I looked down to see a snow white cat with a small pink bow tied to its head digging its claws into my shin. “So you are the monster kitty they were talking about.”
 
“What’s wrong Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“I could have sworn I placed the tape right next to that ponikin over there.” Rarity said, looking about the room
 
“Maybe you put it in the cabinet.” I looked through the gap to see them digging through a cabinet on the other side of the room with their backs to me. I then felt the cat dig its claws farther into my skin. I glanced down at the little shit. Then I got an idea.
 
“Guess what you useless piece of shit, you just got promoted to useful piece of shit.” I thought as I grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and threw it across the room to the kitchen area. The cat gave off a screech as it flew across the room followed by a loud crash as it landed in a cupboard of pots and pans. The pans scattered across the room with a ringing of metal.
 
“Opal, darling are you alright?” I heard Rarity yell as Twilight and her ran to the fur ball’s aid. I rolled the tape over to the kitchen and quietly made my way to the back door. I could see the cat stumble around with stars circling its head giving off a small meow. Twilight and Rarity were looking worried at the cat as the tape rolled up to the cat. At this point I was behind the corner out of sight.
 
“Oh Opal, I thought I told to leave the tape alone. This is exactly what happened last time you played with it.” Rarity said scolding the drunk walking cat. I gave a small chuckle as I quietly opened the back door turning the lock as I went out.
 
“Rarity maybe we better take her over to Fluttershy’s. She might be hurt?” Twilight asked.
 
“Serves her right, maybe this time she won’t mess around with things that don't belong to her.” She said as I shut the door behind me. I then ran for the bushes behind the house. Along the way I pulled out a sensor and looped the Velcro around a branch of a tree near the bushes.
 
“Red one to Red two, are you there?” I asked as I checked the connection of the sensor.
 
“Ya what’s up?” He asked as I headed east for the next target’s location.
 
“What did target 4 look like?”
 
“A purple unicorn with an indigo mane that had a pink strip in it. She also had a cutie mark of five white stars surrounding a larger pink star. Why?”
 
“I think I just ran into her at target 3s house so if you're worried about her coming home anytime soon you should be fine.” I said attaching a sensor to the side of another home. I now had the southern half of Ponyville covered by sensors. As I walked I checked the coordinates to find the next location.
 
“Red three what is the next targets description?”
 
“Target 5 is a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. Her cutie mark is a red yellow and blue lightning bolt coming out of a white cloud.”
 
“Where is the target's house?” I said trying to find it.
 
“It's five meters in front and……. twenty meters up?” She said surprised.
 
“What do you mean twenty meters up?” I asked as I tilted my head back. Then I saw it. “Is that a house made from clouds?” I thought as reached up and pulled my glasses off to get a better look. “Red three can you tell Red four that I'm going to hurt her if she doesn't explain this when I get back to the house.” I reached into the pack and pulled out the binoculars.
 
When I put them up to my eyes my brain was still trying to catch up. The house was a mixture of a swirled cloud and of old version of a Roman palace. There were white roman columns and some type of cloud vine hanging from various places. There are also appeared to be a rainbow waterfall pouring off the edge evaporating as it fell. It looked like there was also a rainbow colored pathway leading from the top floor to the bottom. The fact that made it even stranger was that the clouds it was made from constantly moved but the house still kept its shape, also the whole formation didn’t move even with the constant breeze. The fact that all this was possible made me want to hit my head on a tree or something just to make sure I was actually seeing this. I put my glasses back on
 
“Red three, any idea how to do this?” I asked glancing around for anyone in the area.
 
“Do you have the air rifle?”
 
“Ya, hang on.” I said as I pulled an out a black case a little bigger that the one that held the sensors. When I opened it inside was a tan brown compressed air rifle. The stock was folded over the top and the barrel was lying above it. I pulled both of them out and screwed the barrel in and unfolded the stock. I then reached under the foam and pulled out a magazine of tranquilizer darts. The rifle normally only fires pellets but we had modified it to fire feather tranquilizer darts as well. I quickly slid it in and pulled back the bolt slipping in a dart. I then stuffed the case back into the pack and picked a bush to hide in. once I was hidden I heard the sound of something whistling through the air. I turned to see a rainbow blur shooting over the trees. The blur then started corkscrewing through the air then launching straight up getting high into the air far enough that I couldn't see it then it started diving for the ground pulling speeds faster than I have ever seen a creature with wings do. I could almost see a Mac cone forming in front of the creature, but just before it reached Mach 1 it came to a dead stop. That’s when I finally could see the creature. It was the target. A Pegasus with a rainbow mane and cyan fur. Then the Mach cone around it launched it back into the air like a slingshot. Taking everything I know about physics with it. As I watched it disappear I cursed into the mic.
 
“God fucking dammit, how the hell is this idea supposed to work if I can't even shoot the damn thing.” I said letting the rifle lay on the ground.
 
“What do you mean you can't shoot it?” Sarah asked.
 
“I mean the target can almost pull Mach 1, the dart can't go that fast, even then how the hell I am supposed to lead it if I can't even see it!” I said. Then I see the target land on the edge of the cloud house. “You gotta be fucking kidding me.” I thought looking at the target stomp on the cloud in frustration
 
“What if you…” Sarah started.
 
“Shut up, hang on!” I said grabbing the rifle off the ground. Once I lined my eye up with the scope I could see the target laying down on the cloud trying take a nap. “Okay, so flying at the speed of sound makes her tired, go figures.” I thought as I flipped the safety switch.
 
I lined the cross hairs onto her ribs, just below her shoulder blades. When I pulled the trigger there was a small puff of air as the dart zipped through the air. It caught the target just between her third and fourth rib, the inertia from the dart forcing the plunger to pouring the tranquilizer and a small tracker into her blood system. She jumped into the air with a yelp. looked back and pulled out the dart with her hoof. As she looked at it her eyes rolled up into her head as the dart fell to the ground below. Thankfully she landed on the cloud, out cold. I pulled up her tracker on the computer.

“Okay signal is good. Target has been marked.” I said into the radio. “but how in the hell did it grab the damn dart? She has no appendages to grab it with. Whatever, the jobs done and I’m sick of this fucking bull shit.”  I thought as I walking over to the dart sticking in the ground. I grabbed it and snapped the needle off sticking it’s tip back in the housing of the tranquilizer fluid making it so it wouldn’t stab me when I stuck it in my pocket. After that I slung the pack over my shoulder and headed for the extraction point with the rifle in hand. “Red one to Red two what’s your status?”

“Give me a second.” He said followed by the sound of an air rifle firing. “Target 6 marked heading for extraction point. ETA two minutes.”

“Don't forget to dispose of the evidence.” I said slinging the rifle’s strap over my right shoulder.

“Yes mother.” He said with a slight chuckle. I smiled and headed for the edge of the Everfree forest. No matter what I could always count on Tyrock to have my back. A few minutes later I was ten feet into the Everfree. I could see target 5 waking up and looking around. She shook her head and took off into the sky.

“Tyrock position?” I said looking around for movement.

“Behind your dumb ass.” He said stepping out of the undergrowth. I smiled then held my hand up. He grabbed it by hooking my thumb with his and gave my hand a good squeeze.

“Successful?”

“Yep, no problems whatsoever. Target 4s house is being taped as we speak. Target 2 was a little sticky but the tracker is in place. Target 6 is tagged and should be waking up right about now. How did it go for you?”

“All targets marked but had a few close calls.” I said shrugging. “By the way did you hear target 2 yell at all?”
 
“What do you mean?” he asked puzzled.
 
“I mean did she just for no reason yell ‘forever’?” I asked sticking my left hand in my pocket.
 
“No, I didn't hear anypony yell.” He said with a shrug as he headed deeper into the Everfree. I stopped and stared at him. “What?”
 
“Why did you say that?”
 
“Say what.”
 
“You said anypony not anybody.”
 
“I had to listen to Pinkie Pie rant about a party it seems like forever, so excuse me if a few words are stuck in my head.” My expression then turned cold.

“That's the second time you’ve done that today. You’re not get attached are you?” I asked worry creeping into my voice. He gave me a sideways shrug. “God damnit what the hell is wrong with you, don’t you remember anything they taught us at training?” I asked stepping in front of him .“What’s the first rule of protecting?”
 
“Never call the target by name, and never get attached to the target.” He said in a monotone voice.
 
“And why the hell not?
 
“Because if you get attached to a target you start letting personal decisions get in front of orders.” he said dipping his head. I sighed then put my arm over his shoulder.
 
“Tyrock look at me.” when he turned his head I saw a look of disappointment. “Look I don't like this any more than you do but if we start get familiar with them we won't be able to do our job. I’m not telling this to you because I like to hound you. Remember when I asked about our parents back at the academy?”
 
“Ya, when they wouldn't tell you, you hacked into the mainframe and they locked you up for a month in the box.” He said quietly. “You changed after that, you became colder towards the teachers, you still obeyed orders but… you looked like death was hanging over your shoulder. You still haven’t told me what you found.”
 
“They locked me up because I let the thought of our parents get in the way of a direct order. “And the file It was buried under so much red and black ink, Tec would have to have worked on it for a century just to get the title.” I lied as my shoulders dropped. Tec was a nickname we gave a guy from the academy. I did find the file but everything about it would only cause more harm than good. I didn't even understood it until I came here but I was waiting for more answers before I told him. “Just try not to get attached, okay.”
 
“Alright I’ll try not to get attached but you have to stop giving Jane the cold shoulder.”
 
“Fine I’ll give her a chance but if she leaves something out that could get us killed I’ll skin her alive.”
 
“Stones, thing about it from her point of view. She was created for one purpose. To protect the caster of the spell by any means necessary. We do the same thing when we are put on a job. If lying and keeping some info under wrap keeps these ponies alive then god damnit let her keep it wrapped up.” I stood there looking at him, thinking over what he said. After a few minutes I sighed lowering my head. I then looked up at him and smiled.
 
“Where did that little dimwitted cousin of mine go?”
 
“He got recycled for the new and improved model that can now kick your ass.” He said grabbing me around my head causing me to bend over. He started grinding his knuckles into my scalp. I then grabbed his waist and flipped him over my head causing him to release his grip. He landed a few yards away on his back looking up at the trees. I walked over and looked down at him.
 
“Are you sure he got replaced? I don't think the new model is any better.” I said with a smile. He smiled then sat up looking over towards Ponyville in the distance. I turned to look and I saw target 5 flying through the air acting like she didn't have a care in the world. I also saw targets 3 and 4 walking up to a small cottage smiling and laughing.

“Still regretting your choice?” Tyrock asked standing up. I didn’t answer, I just turned and headed deeper into the Everfree.
> 9 Unknown Enemy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 358. Mission: Picnic # 15. Time: 11:25
 
It was a crisp summer morning. The birds were singing in the trees, the sun was shining and thanks to the weather team, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect day for a picnic. I could see the girls in the distance laying out a red and white checkered picnic blanket on the lush green grass. Rarity and Twilight were setting the plates. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were setting up the food and as usual, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were challenging each other to a hoof-wrestling contest. I was set up in an apple tree about 70 yards South West, looking at them through a pair of binoculars. the leaves blocking me from any wandering eyes

“God could this be any more boring?” I thought as I watched them sit down to eat. “I think I would rather be at the house right now, at least then I’ll be able to fully complete my prank for Jane.” The prank I was referring to was one to get back at her for hiding the motor mounts to the car I was working on in a bowl of Jell-O in the fridge. Of course, I did drop a bucket of water and flour on her head a few weeks earlier. This whole prank war started about eight months ago when I started to trust Jane. Now she is starting to become part of the team. She also was the one that got me to loosen up on the girls. Since they can’t pick up radio waves we have been able to call them by name, makes it easier to mark who is in trouble when we need to.

Thanks to her, we have been able to fully trick out the house with the use of magic. We have the solar farm set up and it is actually putting out ten times more power than it would be able to on Earth. Jane said that the power from the sun is higher because Celestia controls it. Also because the air on Equestria is cleaner that on Earth. We even have a water wheel that we geared up to power the water pump and heater next to it. We set it up in the creek behind the house. We also have built a radio tower near the house so we can get a radio signal all the way to Appleloosa. I had also designed a way for Jane to charge her magic up without causing electricity to jump from the socket outlet and her cutie mark to burn into the floor which has happened about two more times, thankfully all of them over lapping the one in the office. It's a ring attached to a cord that plugs into the electrical socket. She didn’t find it very funny but when I added a power level control switch, she gladly used it. We have also found out that she can create items we need by using a piece of the same spell that she was created with. All we have to do is show her what it’s made of and what it looks like and she can create it. She can only do this once a month by building up a large amount of power. Her power levels are also growing making it so she can create larger items. At first, it was just ammo and food. Now its car parts and sometimes-even weapons.

As I watched them start their picnic, I checked the computer I on my left wrist, making sure the signals were still working. Thanks to Jane, we were able to upgraded Twilight and Rarity’s trackers, so now they have an implanted tracker similar to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. We had to cover it with a special magic coating that makes it so their magic doesn't mess with the electronics inside. We also installed one into Spike so we can make sure the guy is kept safe. They all still need work, we have difficulty getting a signal from them when they are either in a cave or in a building with thick walls. There are only a few times we had this situation but we were able to keep visual confirmation. At this moment, my radio decided to alert me of an incoming transmission.

“Stones, you there?” Tyrock asked using the home radio.

“What’s going on?”

“Spike is on the move heading for Twilight as fast as he can.” He informed me.

“Message?”

“Unknown. Stand by.” He said as Spike booked it into the clearing. He ran over to Twilight huffing and puffing

“Twi... light! ...I... have... Lemme just... he said bending over, placing his hands on his knees breathing deeply. Then his cheeks bulged signaling the arrival of a letter. Twilight picked it up as I turned on Applejacks tracker microphone so I could record the message.

“Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot.” She paused “Wedding?” She shrugged but kept on reading. “I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.”

“Oh my goodness! What an honor!” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception.”

“Hip, hip, hooray!” Pinkie said as she cartwheeled across the picnic, knocking over the kettle and putting a hoof print on the cake.

“Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception.” Twilight read as she righting the pot and smoothed the cake over.

“Well, color me pleased as punch!” Applejack said holding a hoof to her chest.

“Rainbow Dash.” Twilight started as Rainbow Dash lifted her hoof to yawn. “I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their I do’s.” in the process Rainbow stuffed her hoof in her mouth out of surprise.

“Yes!” she said flying into the air, pumping her hooves.

“Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids.”

“Princess Celestia wants me to ah ooy ...wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding... I, ah, ooh, oooh!” Rarity mumbled out as she fell onto her back with a smile so big I could call it unlady like.

“And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia.” she then turned the scroll over looking for something. “But... I don't understand. Who's getting married?”

“Oh, wait!” Spike said turning back towards Twilight. “Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.” He then pulled another scroll out from behind his back. Twilight rolled her eyes and unrolled the scroll.

“Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and…” she lets out a gasp. “My brother?!”

“Jane, you got any intel?” I asked as I started typing up a list of supplies we need for Canterlot on my wrist computer.

“Twilights brother is a white unicorn with a blue mane that goes by the name Shining Armor.” she said as I added tranquilizer darts rifles to the list. “He is also the captain of the royal guards.” I stopped typing and looked up towards Canterlot. We had to deal with the guards ten times since we scared the hell out of them. It's almost like Celestia is trying to find out what we are. There were a few times we had to deal with the girls and the guards, those times we kept in the shadows and cracked a few branches to scare them off. Then my sight noticed something odd about the mountainside city.

“What the hell?” I thought as I lifted the binoculars. Canterlot was surrounded by a large pink colored bubble. “Jane, what is that?” I said taking a picture with the glassed using the binoculars to zoom in.

“By the looks of it, there seems to be a force field surrounding Canterlot.” She said as I looked through the binoculars guessing the dimensions and thickness. Sending in the numbers to Sarah

“What Intel do you have on force fields, also why would there be one surrounding the capital city?” I asked hoping for an answer I would like.

“Well the power needed to make one that size and hold it is about 75 to 80 units of magic power. I don't know his power levels but if Shining Armor is the one that made that force field then, Canterlot has either been threatened or they are under attack.” Jane stated as I looked at Canterlot in the distance.

I went back to my list and erased tranquilizer darts rifles and replaced it with 2 tac-338 rifles and 2 AS50 rifles. Both with thermal and night vision scopes and suppressors. I then added 2 desert eagles and 2 combat shotguns to the list, also with similar suppressors. Along with our combat armor and helmets. I also added canteens and a week supplies of MREs at the bottom. Once it was done, I sent it to Tyrock who was sitting at the house waiting for the night shift.

“Tyrock I want you to load up Red with every item on the list and pack extra weapons and bring extra suppressors just in case,” I said with a slight joyful tone in my voice

“Stones, why the hell are you so happy about there being a chance the girls might be in danger?”
.

“You know... I think it might be because I'm so… fucking... bored. There hasn’t been anything to do since that last Timberwolf attack that was forever ago.”

“Stones wasn't that attack yesterday afternoon?” He said slightly puzzled.

“Exactly, I haven't been able to shoot anything for almost a whole day.” I said. That Timberwolf attack was the twenty-fifth one since we came here, the nasty buggers never got close to Ponyville, thank goodness for that, but they won't stop trying. I did a quick glance checking on the condition of the picnic. Twilight was frozen stiff, her eyes the size of pin pricks.

“You’ll get over it. Why do we need the AS50s, isn't that a little bit too much of a caliber for this type of mission?” Tyrock asked.

“Ya, but we also don't know what exactly is threatening Canterlot and what type of weaponry or armor it might have. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

“When do you 'need' this done by?”

“ They’ll probably take the 1400 train to make it there with enough time to get settled in and get started the next day. I’ll give you about two hours to get the truck to the base of Canterlot Mountain. I’ll ride the train to keep an eye on them. I want you to grab the weapons and supplies and bring it up to the Northern end of the force field. I’ll meet you on the North side of Canterlot near the tracks. It's probably the only way in and out. We might have to make a couple of trips to get all the equipment up the mountain. I’ll take some rappelling equipment and get some areas ready.”

“Copy that. I try to get it all up in one trip. See you in a bit.”

“Jane I need any Intel on this Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”

“There’s a slight problem with that, none of the girls has come into contact with anypony with that name.” She said as I heard her typing on the keyboard I made for her, looking through our records of the girls. They keyboard was slightly larger than one uses for fingers, I just made it so she just had to touch the keys with her magic and it would read it as it would with typing or since the keys are larger she can use her hooves. “I don’t even know there was a third princess.”

“Okay, so we are dealing with unknown factor and it’s going to become sister-in-law to one of our guard. I want you to check any cameras in Canterlot for an Alicorn that we haven’t seen before. Once you found something let me know.” I said as Twilight snapped out of her little blank moment.

“Your brother's getting married? Congratulations, Twilight! That's great news!” Applejack said putting a hoof on her shoulder. Twilight looked irritated.

“Yeah, great news. That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armor. I mean, really, he couldn't tell me personally?” She said as she picked up a sandwich. Then she said in a deep voice trying to imitate her brother making the sandwich open and close. “Hey, Twilight, just thought you should know I'm making a really big decision that changes everything. Oh, never mind, you'll hear about it when you get the invitation.” Then switching back to her normal voice. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza? Who in the hoof is that?!” She yelled then gave a snort.

“Um, Twilight? Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Sorry, it's just that Shining Armor and I have always been so close. He's my B.B.B.F.F!” She said everyone just looked at her in confusion. She rolled her eyes “Big Brother Best Friend Forever.”

“Ohhh!” they all nodded in understanding. As Twilight broke out into song, I cut the connection, sparing my brain the torture of the song repeating over and over in my head all day. That’s one of the problems with Equestria, no one can stop from singing every five minutes.

“Jane any luck finding this strange Alicorn?” I asked.
 
“Yes, I have located her with the cameras. I have actually seen her before, but the name I have for her is Cadance. She was Twilight's foal sitter before Twilight moved to Ponyville. This is her currently location.” She stated as she sent the image to me. The Alicorn was standing next to a dark alley talking to someone out of the camera's view.  She was about five foot tall with a light pink coat. She had a mane with dark blue, a pink darker than her coat, and a light cream color in it. She had a cutie mark of a light blue crystal heart with a gold swirl design on both sides.

“What does that mark mean, Jane. Also, can you identify the pony in the alley?” I asked waiting for the song to be over.

“From the memories, she is apparently the princess of love. It will be difficult to find the specific pony with out knowing their species or their cutie mark.”  She said waiting on my response.

“Okay so we are dealing with cupids pet, forget about the other pony, it's not worth the time or effort to figure out who she has talked to, just give me her movements since stepping into Canterlots boundaries.”

“Will do.” She said as I switched Applejacks mic back on.

“As one of your P.F.F.’s” again another pause. “Pony Friend Forever…”

“Ohhh!” everyone acknowledged. I just shook my head and waited for the info to download onto my computer.

“I wanna tell you that I think your brothers sounds like a real good guy.” Applejack Finished. Twilight sighed.

“He is pretty special. I mean, they don't let just anypony be captain of the Royal Guard.” Once she said this, I could have sworn I heard a record scratch.

“So let me get this straight. We're helping out with the wedding of not only a princess but a captain of the Royal Guard?” Rarity asked yelling the last part.

“I guess we are.”

“Ooh, ooh, ooh!” Rarity exclaimed as Twilight levitated a pillow over for her to fall on. The rest of the girls started chattered excitedly about the upcoming wedding. After about thirty minutes, they headed off to their respected homes to pack. As for me, I headed to the train station. Along the way I picked up one of the supply packs we have stashed all over the Ponyville region. Inside was twenty repelling clamps and about 500 yards of rope, and a desert eagle pistol in a shoulder strap. There was also a harness design with a small winch on the back. Once I arrived I checked the estimated time for the train to arrive then I camped out in some bushes about twenty feet across from the station checking the pistol and clamps. I strapped the pistol under my left arm placed everything back in the pack. As I waited I set my screen up to show the girls location as well as the location of Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. So far neither of the princesses have moved for the last two hours. I also pulled up the new princess’s location. She was currently sitting in the Canterlot gardens and she has been there for the ten minutes. As I watched her movements play out in reverse seeing where she has been, I started to see a pattern, I pulled up her known location history and started over lapping it.  Jane was able to mark it up after marking her as a P.O.I. (Pony Of Interest.) I could now see all of her movements since she stepped foot into Canterlot ten hours ago. That’s when things got interesting, after waiting 4 hours she started walking in a patterned forming the shape of 300, a S, and a 12. Once she was done she would go inside then and hour later she would start again. She only did that four times but then she stopped, only staying in the castle and in a small area on the southeast end of the gardens. Except for the trip to the ally way.

“Jane, what do you make of this?” I asked sending her the pattern.

“Interesting it looks like she is trying to write some kind of message. Maybe it’s unintentional. She could just be trying to find something. It could be just a coincidence that it makes those symbols.” She suggested.

“Where I come from there is no such thing as a coincidence.” I said grabbing the desert eagle from the holster under my left arm. Pulling the slide back loading in a round.

20 minutes later.

I heard the train come rolling into the station, just as the girls stepped onto the platform. When the train pulled to a stop, letting off a burst of steam, I checked the windows for anyone watching. when it was clear I ran for the second to last car. I slid underneath and checked for the support hooks. The hooks were part of the car's design to help them lift it up if it derailed or needed to be set on another track. We designed a harness system that attached to the hook and let us ride underneath the car safely. I grabbed the four hooks from the harness in the pack and locked them on to the carts hooks. I checked each one by giving them a sharp pull making sure they wouldn’t come free. Once I was satisfied I laid down on my stomach and activated the small winch built onto the front of the harness. The winch gave a small whine then I was lifted off the ground held tightly against the bottom of the cart leaving two feet between me and the ground below.

“ALL ABOARD.” I heard the conductor yell. I wiggled around for a bit, getting comfortable for the roughly two-hour ride to Canterlot. I heard the engine give off a burst of steam then the cars gave a little shake as the connectors caught grip and pulled us along. We soon reached full speed and flew across the terrain. The ground and the tracks whizzing under me as the wind blew my inch long hair back. Ever since I came here I started to ‘loosen up’ as they would say. I didn’t loosen up on my duty but I have stopped being so strict on Jane and Tyrock. I have also started to learn about the world we are currently stuck in. Not from Jane, but from books. I would regularly borrow a couple from Twilights library. Mostly magic and how to books from the basement. As I read them I would cross-reference them with similar ones from our world. Like cooking and building, learning the differences between this world and our own.

Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes later. Tyrock 5.45 miles Northwest.

I yanked the wheel to the left then spun it back to the right as I threw the rear end around the sharp turn, using the gas pedal to control the drift. I gave a small laugh as I straightened the truck out, splashing through a small creak. I checked the rear view mirror making sure everything was still strapped down. A few things have shifted a few inches but stayed in position. A few minutes later I arrived at the bottom of Canterlot Mountain.

“Bravo 1 status?” I heard on the truck radio. The name change not going unnoticed. Stones wanted complete info lock during this mission.

“Bravo 2, I am at the bottom getting ready to unload then ascend.” I said picking up the radio's mic.

“Copy that, almost to the lowest tunnel.” He said then I had to spin the volume down as a voice blared through the speakers. “BEST WEDDING EVER!” I don't know how Stones wasn't deaf from how loud the sound was.

“What was that?” I asked cautiously turning the volume back up.

“Pink.” was all he had to say for me to understand it was Pinkies doing.

Personal: Stones. Location: 600 yards from north end of the force field.

I stuck my pinkie finger into my ear trying to get some hearing back in it. I put the earpiece back in and checked the condition of the girls.

“Why the long face, sugarcube?” Applejack said to one of them.

“I'm just thinking about Shining Armor. Ever since I moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with this "Princess Mi Amore Ca-whatshername", we'll probably never see each other.” Twilight said answering her. I lowered my head looking towards the front of the train, then I saw the force field about 100 yards ahead of me.

“Come on, now. You're his sister. He'll always make time for you.” Applejack said as we reached the 75-yard mark. I grabbed the harness tightly.

“Couldn't seem to make time to tell me he was getting married.” Twilight grumbled.

“We're here, we're here!” Pinkie exclaimed excitedly. 25 yards. I could feel the train slow down to a crawl when it reached the barrier. I caught a glimpse of two royal guards standing on either side of the tracks then the force field reached the cart. I watched as the barrier flowed around me as we passed through. There was a little resistance pulling at me but I made it through without any problems. I released the breath I did not even know I was holding. I looked behind us to check the position of the guards. They continued to face southward, away from the force field. I then hit the small button on my right shoulder causing the hooks to snap off their lines. I grabbed the frame of the car and tuned myself so my back was facing the ground then I let go, crossing my arms over my chest. When I made contact, the train was just barely started gaining its speed back. As soon as I hit the ground, the rear axle pasted over my head missing by an inch then the last car passed over leaving me looking up at the pink-tinted sky. I rolled over and launched myself towards the mountainside off to the right of me. I could not see any nearby patrols or any civilians either. Once I reached the mountain, I immediately started climbing the near vertical rock face.

Personal: Tyrock. Location: 756 feet from northbound tracks. Twenty minutes have passed.

I drew in a big deep breath as I wiped the sweat from my brow, looking up the mountainside locating the blur of the tracks in the afternoon heat up above me.

“Damn you, Celestia, why did you have to make it so hot to day.” I thought shifting the two packs I was carrying into a more comfortable position. The rifles and assault shotguns on my back made it a little difficult for the packs to sit right. I was grateful that we were able to put a bigger holding place on the vest to accommodate for the weaponry. I also had the two pistols on both of my thigh magnetic platings. I had the shotguns in the center on my back without their drum magazines and the two sets of rifles on the outside allowing me to bend my head back without hitting it on the stocks. The pack had Stones' vest along with all the food and ammo I could carry, mostly the latter. I also have my crossbow strapped to the back of the pack. I took a swig from the canteen I had sitting in the pocket on my right side. Once the canteen was back in place, I started up again. The ground was mostly solid but every now and again, I would find a loose patch that would almost make me have to start this climb all over again. Normally we would go through the crystal caverns beneath Canterlot because it was the easiest way to get into Canterlot without being seen. With the force field, we don't know it the cave system is clear or not. I tapped the activation button on the radio to signal Stones that I was getting close to the ronday viewpoint. I heard a few taps from the radio telling me that he was on his way.

Personal: Stones. Location: 100 yards on the outer edge of the Canterlot force field.

I took a couple steps back and ran for the edge springing off the rock ledge to its mate ten feet away. I landed in a roll stopping after a few feet. I looked over the edge and gauged the distance to be about 200 yards from the gardens below. I could see Twilight and Shining Armor on the other side on a bridge that spanned the area between the main gate and the throne room. Twilight was talking to her brother about something I couldn't hear. All I knew was she was not happy with him. I could see her calm down a bit then I saw the pony that has me worried. Cadence walked out and Twilight walked up to her and started doing a dance that I could only see half of because she kept ducking behind the bridge walls. When she was done, Cadence looked at her in questionably. Twilight looked at her in surprise then Cadence walked past her and embraces Shining Armor. I kept glancing between her and Twilight, gauging their relationship. From what I can see something's up.

“Bravo 3, Bravo 4, I have a few questions about our mysterious friend.” I said looking over at the train station, the work force was loading up the train getting it ready for the trip to Manehattan. I could also see that there were no guards on the north end of the tracks.

“Fire away.” They both said together.

“What was her full relationship with lavender and I want full details.” I said kneeling down to attach the rappel line to the rock ledge.

“She became her foal-sitter shortly after she became Creams, personal student.” Jane said as I drove the line into the ground.

“Did they do anything that was close to some kind of dance?”

“Yes, they would do it whenever they would either meet or say good bye. As far as I know, the last time they did it was a few days before they both moved.” Sarah explained.

“Any reason they would end this form of greeting?”

“The only reason was they both out grew it...” Jane started

“But if one still does it then neither one would fail to copy in the procedure. Why?” Sara asked.

“Lavender started, the new friend didn’t comply.” I started as I rappelling off the edge. “I want you two to find any information you can on her past behaviors and compare it with the present. If something doesn't add up let me know.”

“Copy that./Will do.” They answered cutting the connection. Just then, I heard a few beeps coming from Tyrock's signal. I sent a few beeps back and touched down on the ground below. I landed behind some bushes near the edge and cut a few extra yards on the end of the rope.

I quietly worked my way around the edge of Canterlot, soon reaching the tracks. Again the sides were hidden behind a patch of bushes on both sides of the force field. I did a quick glance for Tyrock. I spotted him inside a cave near the tracks about 50 yards from the force field. I curled my fingers for him to come over, he shook his head then pointed at something behind me.

I spent many years afterward kicking myself in the ass over this mistake. I turned and saw a mint green unicorn standing not ten feet behind me, staring. I recognized her as the one that is obsessed with humans, the one that we have been trying to stay away from since we got here. Lyra Heartstrings. Her eyes were as round as a large dinner plate with her pupils the size of ants. She was sputtering words out like a dying motor. I looked at her then looked up at Celestia sitting in her tower, who was currently looking through her telescope out at the Everfree forest, probably trying to find the “great metal beast of the forest”. She wasn’t looking in our direction. I looked back at Lyra and pulled out the suppressed pistol under my arm pointing it at her head.

“Sorry.” Was all I whispered.
> 10 Code Yellow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I drew back the gun and swung it at Lyra’s skull, aiming for the bundle of nerves just beneath the horn. Her horn gave a small sputter of magic trying to stop my hand. She didn’t have enough magic strength to even make my arm twitch. The butt of the gun slammed into her head, causing it to whip back taking the rest of her with it. She landed without a sound two feet back. I walked over and grabbed her around her barrel. She looked up at me, then her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she lost consciousness. I laid her down in the clump of bushes, making sure no one could see her. I slipped the pistol back into the holster and waved Tyrock over.

He stood about eight feet from the force field when I heard the sound of a train whistle. He slipped into cover just as the front of the train came around the corner. I slid a few feet closer to the force field getting ready to catch the packs. They had added six more cars to the train to accumulate the supplies needed for transport. I quickly made sure Lyra couldn't be seen and signaled Tyrock to wait. When the train reached the force field I could see how it was able to go through. The force field became almost like a Jell-O type substance, clinging to the train almost like it was trying to get in and grab something. I held out my hands for the packs as Tyrock threw them through the thick substance. They seemed to almost hand in the air as they passed through, then they landed in my outstretched arms. Tyrock soon followed though he seemed to freeze in the air longer than the packs. He soon landed next to me just as the last car passed through leaving the shield as solid as stone.

I quickly pulled the vest out and slipped it on. After receiving my already suppressed weapons from Tyrock and placing them on the back. The weapons were the same ones I used when we went hunting for the giant bear before we arrived here except for the AS50 in replacement of the Barrett. The Tac-388 had a bear carved into it for the remembrance of the occasion. I quickly slung the pack on and picked up Lyra around the barrel, though she seemed heavier than what we estimated her at. Tyrock gave me a look of concern with Lyra but I shrugged it off and headed for one of the rappel lines. We received no interference along the way but we did see a group of guards head for the patch of bushes we were at earlier, somehow they can feel when someone passes through the force field. Once we reached the first rappel line I quietly pulled out my helmet and slipped it on, Completely encasing my head and blocking my voice to the outside world. In the bottom left corner, the motion tracker started picking up Tyrocks signal.

“Stones what the hell are we going to do now?” Tyrock asked as I grabbed a hold of the line giving it a few tugs making sure it had stayed in place. “We can't just let her go back, she's seen us.”

“We will figure that out later, right now we need to get to a safer location before I have to knock out someone else. What I’m more interested in is how in the hell did she sneak up on me without me hearing?” I said looking down at the still unicorn. I couldn't see the spot where I hit her on the head but I knew it would show up soon. I looked back at Tyrock. “When did you see her walk up?”

“Actually she was already there, but for some reason I couldn't pull you up on the radio, there was something blocking the signal. I didn’t know what was going on, all I saw was you smacking her and dragging her into the bushes.” He said as he started climbing up the rope. I knelt down and started tying the extra rope around the unconscious unicorn as I tried to figure out what she was doing here in Canterlot. We have had a few other near run-ins but we were always avoided. As I waited for Tyrock to make the ascent I started loading and checking my arsenal. Almost thirty seconds later the rope started to lose its slack as Tyrock started pulling the unicorn up. I watched as the unicorn disappeared over the edge as I slipped a mag into the Tac-388. Shortly after the coiled up rope flew over as it unraveled towards the ground. Once it made contact I started to make my climb.

“Stones you copy?” I heard Jane say as I reached the halfway point.

“Yeah what’s up?” I asked as I continued upward.

“We have found something concerning.” Sarah stated.

“Go ahead,” I said when I reached the three-fourths mark.

“Lyra Heartstrings is missing .” Jane said.

“What are you talking about, we just barely ran into her, this time things had to become a little violent. So what do you mean she is missing?” I asked as I reach a small one-foot ledge about twenty feet from the top ledge. I did a quick check around to make sure I wasn't spotted. Then quickly set a magic sensor on the rock ledge overlooking Canterlot.

“Where is she now?” Jane asked.

“Twenty feet above me, what exactly is going on?” I asked as I stared out at the surrounding area.

“Oh no.” she said.

“What, what's going on?” I demanded as I started to climb.

“Her energy levels are changing.”

“So she is awake and using magic. So, magic levels change, it happen with the use of magic. Why is that so alarming” I asked as I reached the ten-foot mark.

“Yes they do decrease with the use of magic but they don't jump from a 75 watt to a 125 watt.” I froze as that sentence bounced around my head.

“Say that again?” I asked making sure I heard them right. “Did you just say her energy levels have increased?!”

“Yes!” Jane confirmed. “The one you have is not the real Lyra!” I hauled my ass up that rope, when I was three feet from the ledge there was a flash of green light shortly followed by the sound of hissing. It wasn't like any that I have ever heard. It sounded like a hissing cockroach mixed with a snake and a pissed off cat. I pulled myself over the edge to stumble upon a bizarre creature staring Tyrock down with the fake Lyra, not in sight.

The creature was a pony in size and shape but it was covered in a glossy black skin close to that of a beetle. It was as tall and as big as Big Macintosh. Its hooves resembled burnt swish cheese from the holes and color. It had a dark green mane close to the color of its hide, it was jagged and stuck out almost a half a foot and was shaped like the spines of a dragon. It had a curved horn that was the same black color as the rest of it and looked to be as sharp as the knives we carried in our vest. Then I noticed the wings, they were as clear as a muddy hand smeared window and like the rest of the creature, they also had holes riddled through them. Its eyes were a light blue color where the white should have been and there was also no seeable iris or pupil. There were also two fangs, both looked as sharp as its horn, sticking out of its upper lip.

It stood directly across from Tyrock in a crouched stance, its wings were standing up like you would see with an attacking Pegasus. Tyrock had out a knife and was holding it with the blade on the opposite end of the handle that his thumb was, in his right hand he held a silenced 9mm pistol. It was resting on the forearm of his left hand giving him better aim. The creature bared its teeth in a snarl as it charged up its horn. Tyrock fired a round hitting the creature straight in the middle of its forehead.

The creature's head whipped back with the force of the bullet. Then it brought its head back down. I could see the smashed bullet sticking to its head. The creature levitated it away looking at it. I could see that we didn't even put a scratch on its head. It dropped the smashed round and squashed it beneath its hooves. That's the moment I knew this day went from calm to shit storm. It lunged itself at Tyrock as I pulled out my desert eagle and fired off a round, hitting it on the side of its barrel. The creature stumbled from the force of the shot then it turned towards me. I could tell the shot had more of an effect than the 9mm, we just needed to use a higher caliber.

“Tyrock use the rifles,” I said reaching for my knife, going to see if the creature's eyes are as strong as the rest of it. I pulled it out with the sound of sliding metal on plastic. I could see Tyrock reaching for his Tac-338. The creature jumped at me with alarming speed, I swung my knife at its eye trying to add a disadvantage to this unknown beast. The creature ducked under my blade, a feat I had once proven impossible at the academy. Somehow using its hole ridden wings to pull a sharp right turn, heading away to my left. Then it pulled up into the air making a sharp u-turn heading for me. I dropped the pistol out of my right hand and swung my arm out seeming like I was trying to clothesline it. The creature again tried to duck under my arm but it seemed to have forgotten about its horn. I latched onto it with my hand, pulling the creature's head back and causing it to fly upward, pulling me along with it. My wrist and shoulder joints screamed in anger from being jerked upward. I felt the creature turn back towards the ground as I reached up with the knife slicing it across the creature's left eye causing a spurt of blood and eye jam. I wasn't able to cut it too deeply as the creature activated its horn, making it as slick as ice in my grip. In the process, it pulled a barrel roll causing me to lose hold and fall ten feet to the ground on my back. I slid across the ground until I hit the edge of the force field causing a ripple of color to fly across the dome.

I heard the sound of Tyrock firing a shot off at the creature as it headed off towards the gardens. The creature wavered a little in the air but kept flying. I reached around and grabbed the AS50 rifle off my back. I pulled back the slide and locked a round into the chamber. After bringing the creature up in my scope I gently squeezed the trigger. The gun kicked in my hand as the round struck the creature at the speed of sound, straight through the creature's spine. The creature gave a small shake then fell out of the sky dead, right into the middle of the labyrinth. I lowered the rifle as I gave out a small sigh in relief. Then I heard the sound of metal clanking and the sound of hooves marching. Tyrock ran to the edge and did a quick look.

“Stones, we need to go now! There is a group of thirty guards heading our way!” I quickly picked up the knife that had landed next to me as I stood up, sliding it back into its holster. I quickly placed the rifle on my back then ran for the left side of the edge. As I jumped across to the other ledge for the second time that day, I could see that about ten of the guards were Lunar Guards and that there were about five pegasi. We landed just as the first pegasus took to the air heading for our last location. I landed on the other ledge in a dead run with Tyrock right on my heels, hoping we got away without being seen. We reached the other side. I could see another rappel line about five feet away with another one fifty feet beyond that. I leaped for the rope grabbing it in a tight grip. The clamp gave a small scraping sound letting me know that the rope wasn't as secure as the other one. I quickly let the rope slip through my glove covered fingers as I raced for the ground below. I could feel Tyrock as he grabbed ahold and followed me down.

Once we reached the bottom I could see an entrance to the labyrinth ahead. I heard Tyrock land next to me followed by the sound of a rappel clamp falling down behind him. At this moment I realized we didn't cover all our tracks. I left my pistol with the three butterflies engraved on the handle and the bullet casings laying on the ground, along with the rope and clamp. We headed straight into the labyrinth, picking a random path as we went. After a few minutes, we dove under some bushes just as we heard the sound of wings flapping overhead. I held my breath as I heard the sound of metal covered hooves land on the ground very close by. I peeked out from under the bushes to find Celestia standing not five feet away facing the opposite direction from us. I quickly ducked back under, in the process settling on an old dead branch.

That branch gave off a bone snapping crack, the princess’s head whipped around facing towards us. I quietly reached up and pulled out my knife as she crouched down. She slowly crept closer almost like a tiger stalking its prey. I was sure I was sweating buckets under my helmet. Once she was about two feet away from us she lit up her horn, the leaves in front of us also started to glow. I quietly raised my knife getting ready to throw it across the pathway to distract her. At that moment there was an explosion of feathers as two birds, similar to pheasants, burst out of the branches above us startling the princess in the process. The blasted fowl must have been perched on a branch above us and when I raised my blade, I must have given one of them a very uncomfortable tickle below its ribs, causing it and its mate to burst out of the bushes in an explosive fashion.

The princess watched them fly off then turned and look back at the spot that they had come from. I still had my knife in the air as she slowly brought her eyes across the area, scanning it for anything that didn’t belong, her eyes stopped moving, her horn lit up then I felt a small tug on the knife in my hand.

“Shit, shit, shit!” I thought as I felt her give it another tug. She took a step closer as she gave it another tug, this time with a little more force. I released the knife as she pulled on it again. The knife launched out of the bush stopping just inches from her head. She took a couple of steps back in surprise but then she smiled and gave a small chuckle as I lowered my hand back down. Somehow still unseen.

“Oh Celestia, one of these days you're going to get yourself hurt if you don't be more careful.” She said to herself as she brought the knife closer, inspecting it like one would a piece of a puzzle. At that moment a mare pegasus Luna guard landed next to her.

“Princess Celestia, we have searched the area of the disturbance, we have found a few different items that are of unknown origin.” The mare said after bowing. “We have also found three different sets of prints. One set looks like that of a pony the others are again of unknown origin.”

“Thank you, Pitch Black, a quick question, have you ever seen something like this before?” Celestia asked levitating the knife over. Pitch Black looked at the knife for few seconds.

“I believe I have, your highness, but I can't recall where.” She said confused. “Where did you find such a weapon?”

“Right there in that bush,” she said pointing towards our hiding place. “It was stuck in the branches. I nearly hit myself with it trying to pull it out. Whoever owns it must be somewhere nearby.” Pitch Black looked at the spot near where my hand was but when she said we might still be in here she started looking around a little spooked.

“Do you think whatever caused the disturbance is here in the labyrinth?” She said still looking around.

“I believe so dear Pitch but it would take a couple of days to scour every inch of this maze.” She said looking deeply around the area. “Time that we do not have without delaying the wedding. Tell Sergeant Broadhead to step up the security and to keep a constant eye on the labyrinth.” 

“Yes, your majesty,” Pitch said giving a quick bow then flew off. After she left Celestia looked over at our spot then turned away, casting a backward glance as she went.

“Oh Shining Armor, I hope we can find the pony behind this threat before you run out of strength to keep this shield up.” She said as she took to the skies. I slowly let out the breath that I didn’t even know I was holding. I looked over at Tyrock then nodded slowly in relief. We waited two minutes before we even moved an inch. I slowly crawled out checking the area for anyone nearby.

“Tyrock, Stones are you guys alright? I picked up Celestia's signature near your location.” Jane asked as I waved my hand for Tyrock to come out.

“You good?” I asked Tyrock as I took a look at the locations of the princesses on my computer.

“Yeah, you?” He asked giving my left shoulder a slight tap. I nodded then groaned as I saw where Celestia was heading. She was heading for the royal vault, the place where they put all unknown and dangerous items.

“We’re okay, just had a big close call.” I said pulling off my helmet rubbing my hair backward causing it to spike up. It was slick with sweat and slowly laid back down. “I’m thinking about quitting this line of work and just go home.”

“Come on Stones, I thought you loved getting hunted down like a wild animal?” Tyrock joked as I did a quick check of my limbs after putting the helmet back on.

“No no. I said I like hunting down wild animals. Speaking of which where did that bastard go.” I corrected as I pulled up the location where the creature landed at. “Hey Sarah, I’m going to need you to check the log books for hard armored creatures. Color, black in the shape of a pony. Jane, I need you to keep checking Cadence for any red flags, somehow I know she is a part of this.”

“I’m on it.”
“I’ll let you know if I find anything.”

“Come on Tyrock let’s find the dead bastard that has caused us this much trouble.”

Personal: Stone's, location: 130 feet west, 500 yards by following the path.

“Okay the creature should be just around this corner.” Tyrock said looking at his wrist computer. I nodded then slowly crept up to the edge of the bushes. I took a quick peep around the corner the creature was laying on the ground about twenty feet down the path way, there was also a small pool of blood surrounding the body. The blood was a lime green color and seem to almost glow. I slowly crept up on it checking the area for anything nearby. Once I reached the creature I grabbed its hind leg and flipped it over onto its back. The creature's skin felt like slick metal. Cold to the touch. I could see that the .50 caliber round had punched a clean hole straight through its torso. The hole was similar to the one you would see with a smaller caliber in metal. Neat and clean, no massive hole capable of cutting a man in half that the AS50 was famous for. I looked over at Tyrock and shook my head signaling my discomfort with the small amount of damage.

“Do you think this is the creature that threatened Canterlot?” Tyrock asked kneeling down for a better look at the damage. I shrugged.

“If it is, I think we have just found our biggest challenge yet.”

“Hey guys, I think I might have found something.” Sarah exclaimed.

“What is it?” Tyrock asked.

“Okay, you know how you asked me to check the log books for a black colored armored creature in the shape of a pony?” She said slightly excited the way she gets when she has been given a difficult project.

“Yeah, what did you find?” I asked looking around just in case a pegasi squad decided to make a fly by.

“That's just it, there is nothing, absolutely nothing in today's time that resembles this creature.” She said still excited.

“Tell me there's a big but in this sentence?” I asked as I turned back to Tyrock.

“There is, buuuut you only told me to look in one section of our database. The present.” She said as I tilted my head back starting to get annoyed with this conversation. “So I went to our history records and found something interesting.”

“I'm assuming the bad kind?” Tyrock asked as he looked at the hole in the creature's chest at a different angle.

“Oh super bad, there is a creature called Changeling that was recorded about 984 years ago. Said to be a shapeshifter and could blend in anywhere. They were lead by a queen that was called Queen Crudelis. She has been know to take ponies under her control but by ways unknown,” Sarah said as I looked over at Tyrock. “And here's the kicker, it also says that they somehow have the power to feed off of love as one would eat, let's say an endless salad bar.”

“So you're saying that we are dealing with an enemy that can blend in anywhere and can live off of love?” Tyrock asked looking at the creature.

“Yes but listen, one was captured and studied. They found out that these creatures have a brain that is constantly in contact with the others of its clan. Kind of like a hive mind, which means they are a race that have lives similar to that of ants, meaning…”

“What we are looking at is just one piece of an entire army.” I said looking down at the dead changeling. “And this guy must have been part of a recon team, and he wanted to be captured so he could see what exactly we are, then send that information back to the rest of its team…. Jane can they still connect to a dead member?”

“Unless the brain has been damaged, yes.” I looked back down at the creature.

“Sarah I want constant magic checks for anyone that had been in contact with Lyra before she disappeared and find out who this bastard has been in contact with until now. Jane keep checking Cadence for any signs of hostility and see if you can find out where the real Lyra is.  Tyrock and I will find some sniping spots and try to take out the rest of the recon team before they cause any damage. No one rests until we can figure out the extent of this army and its intentions. We are now at a Code Yellow, ” I said pulling out the AS50 and firing two round off into the creature's skull, turning it into a pile of bone and brain matter.
> 11 Code Red
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day#: 359. Location: Canterlot. Personal: Stones.

“Okay, how about this one. A wife wants to poison her husband’s iced tea. She gets confused and mixes up both their iced teas. Now both drinks are poisoned. The wife drinks hers fast while the husband drank his slow, the wife survived but the husband died. How is this possible?” Tyrock asked.

“What did the husband do?” I asked as I checked the placement of the sun making sure the light wouldn’t reflect of of the scope of my rifle. I was lying on one of the many rock ledges that covered the mountain side. A different one sense the guards are now scoping out the first ones.

“I don’t know just answer the riddle.” I smiled, we have currently been doing these riddles for almost two days.

“What do you mean you don't know, you can't just kill someone for no reason.” I said trying to mess with Tyrock a little bit more.

“Do you know the answer or not?” he asked.

“Ugg, give me a minute then.” I stopped to ponder the question. “Okay, the ice was poison so when the husband drank slowly the ice melted and released the poison into the drink. The wife drank hers before the ice melted so it did not release the poison in the drink.” I answered after a few minutes. “Got any more riddles?”

“Give me a minute.”

I smiled as I leaned into the scope of my rifle. As I pulled the crosshairs up on Cadence’s head my right index finger gave a small twitch, a sign that I would normally take as to pull the trigger on an enemy. I lifted it away from the trigger and rested it on the side of the rifle. We have been watching her for the last two days nonstop. We had also taken out a few more members of the changeling recon team. In doing so Cadance has become a little more jumpy as the days go by. Today Cadance is supposed to go and check the girls progress on the wedding preparations.

“Hey Sarah anything on Cadance yet?”

“For the hundredth time no and that will continue be the answer until I let you know when I find something.” she exclaimed as I moved the scope over to the kitchen checking Applejacks progress on the food. “So far I have only seen small changes in her attitude, likes and dislikes. None of it is enough to mark her as a threat.”

“Just keep me posted. Also keep an eye on Twilight she seems to think something is wrong.” I said pulling Applejack up in the scope. She was currently working on the massive wedding cake. I could also see Twilight lying against one of the support beams, pouting.

“Cake, check.” Applejack said running over to a near finished ice sculpture as Twilight put a check on her list. “Ice sculpture, check.” again another mark. “Best darn bite size apple fritter you have ever tasted..” She then stuffed one in Twilight's mouth, instantly bringing a smile to her face.

“Mmm, check.” Twilight said as she chewed the apple fritter. I could see part of Spike sitting over to the side. I couldn't hear or see what his was doing but then Cadence walked in. My trigger finger again gave a small twitch even though it wasn't near the trigger. She walked over to Applejack, who gave her a low bow.

“Hiya, Princess!” Applejack said standing back up.

“Please call me Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Cadence said as I gave the rifle grip a tight squeeze, wishing I could put a round in her head. Everything she keeps saying is making me nervous, I don't know how but I know she is an enemy. I just don't know how to find what she is doing so I can kill her.

“Hiya, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. You come to check out what's on the menu for your big day?” Applejack asked again bowing.

“I have.” Cadence said as they walked over to the tray of apple fritters. Cadence levitated one into her mouth chewing it slowly. “Delicious! I love-love-love them.” she then gave a small nervous laugh. Again a small bell with a red flag started shaking around in my head.

“Jane?” I asked as I watched Applejack take a brown paper bag and hand it to the princess. I heard Jane sigh on the radio.

“Yes, that is another thing that's different. She used to love apple fritters, again that doesn't make her a threat maybe she's just nervous about tomorrow. You know pre-wedding jitters.” she answered.

“Fine just keep an eye on her, I’m going to see if I can find a few more changelings to kill and see if I can get one to talk.” I said getting up from my prone position. I did a quick check of the positions of the princesses and the elements of harmony along with the bearers. Right now Rainbow Dash was in the royal gardens practicing her sonic rainboom. Fluttershy was in the throne room practicing with her song birds with Pinkie setting up the reception. After I was satisfied that I could move without running into one I took off my helmet making it so I could hear the area around me better. after setting it down and placing the rifle on my back I immediately started for the last marked position of a changeling hiding. As I rappelled down I started to get a feeling that something about this mission was making me feel like the lives of these ponies was going to change forever.

As I quietly moved my way down to the city limits I dropped the thoughts to focus on not getting caught. I ducked into an alleyway to give me more cover to move around the city. Most people don't know this but the alleys use to be the main roads, back when Canterlot was just starting out. They twist and turn but if you have a sense of direction you can get from point A to point B without ever stepping into the new main streets. Unless you need to get from the east side to the west side, or vice versa. The new major main street basically cuts the city in half leaving a large area to walk across. As I headed out I checked the marker to see if I was getting any closer to the last known pony to has been in contact with the fake Lyra. The target was about 35 feet away near a shop called Donut Joe’s. As I moved towards it, I pulled up its magic signature to pinpoint its exact location. When I did I could see the target enter the alleyways, heading almost straight for me. I immediately stopped, puzzled.

“What the hell, these things are suppose to blend in. walking through the alleys would raise suspicion.” I thought to myself. “Unless it somehow knows I'm here.” with that thought I ducked behind a dumpster and pulled my rifle off of my back. Quietly lifted the dumpster lid and slipped the rifle between two garbage bags. The suppressor was still locked on. I could hear the clip clopping of hooves moving through the alley as a shadow appeared around the corner. The pony that walked out was a brown colored unicorn stallion with a dark brown main sticking back on his head. I couldn't see a cutie mark but I pulled him up in the crosshairs anyway. I took a deep breath and held it, the pony stopped and looked around then slowly started to back away head low with his ears pinned back, I slowly let out the breath, confused. Then it looked straight at me and mouth something, it looked almost like "I'm sorry." At that moment I felt a hard blunt object strike me on the back of the head then everything went black.

Personal: Stones. Location: unknown. Time: unknown.

I gave a small groan as I started gaining consciousness.

“Alright, step one make sure you are still in one piece.” I immediately started moving my fingers and toes making sure that my spine was still intact. I could feel some restraints around my arms, legs and chest. I could also feel one on my head. Holding me down on some kind of table. I could tell I still had my vest on but no weapons. I could feel that the table was some kind of wood, very rough and I could feel a few splinters digging into the skin of my arms. “Okay everything works.”

I also could feel a headache starting to form, but that doesn't tell me how long I have been out, it also reminds me that Tyrock might not know what happened to me yet.  I opened my eyes slowly, expecting some kind of bright light in my eyes. Instead all I saw was the barely lit ceiling of a cave. There was a small hint of wet earth hanging in the air. I noticed the light would give of a small flicker, so that means there is a flame somewhere nearby, either a candle or a torch. I took a deep breath testing the limit of the straps around my chest. I could get about half a breath but I could also feel that the anchors are about as old as the table. At that moment I heard the sound of hooves marching. There was also a set that wasn't in sync. After a few seconds I heard the sound of a heavy wooden door scraping across the ground grouped with the sound of iron hinges squealing like a stuck pig not helping my headache at all.

The marching stopped but then I heard the sound of wood smashing on stone. Almost like a spear hitting the ground in a salute. As I layed there I could hear something walking closer to the table. Then I saw movement out of the corner of my right eye. I couldn't see it that well but I could tell it was the same color of the changelings. At that moment the table gave a small shutter then started rotating forward. As I was tilted upward I felt the strap around my head come off, giving me the ability to look about the room. The first thing my eyes settled on was the tallest changeling I have ever seen. It was the same size as Celestia and had a dark green mane that hung limp on the right side of its head. It had holes in it like the rest of the creature. I could tell it was what the changelings would call a queen. I turned to the left and right of me checking for more changelings. I saw two identical changelings in dark blue armor standing on both sides. They had that pose of a true soldier, strong stance with a thousand yard stare. They were both carrying spears, along with a sword strapped to their sides. As I looked back and forth I figured while I was here, might as well have some fun before I was tortured for information.

“You know,” I said to the queen as I looked at her two bodyguards. “If they weren't here, this would actually be pretty kinky.” At that moment one of the guards swung the butt of his spear into my gut forcing the wind out of my lungs, other then that I barely felt it. “Okay I take it I guessed wrong, let me try again. You want them to watch as you suck my…” again I got a staff of a spear in my gut but from the other guard. I gave a small chuckle as the queen walked closer.

“Unless you want the other end of that spear in you stomach I suggest you shut up!” she said to me. She stuck her hole filled hoof under my chin turning my head back and forth as she looked at me. In this predicament I could look her straight in the eye and I didn't like the way she was looking into mine. I pulled my head away as she smiled, showing off her large k9s. “You’ ll do nicely.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For helping me take over Canterlot of course.” she said as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“Ya I don't think so,” I said with a small smirk. “I don't play well with bugs.” she looked at me with surprise, which quickly turned to anger.

“Do you know who I am?” she asked getting right in my face. Close enough I could almost taste her breath. Which by the way tasted like shit.

“Yeah , I know who you are.” I said tensing up my right arm. “Your a dumb bitch that seriously needs a tic- tac.” I ripped on my arm tearing the straps anchors straight out of the table. I continued my swing until it connected with the queen's face. The force from it launched her across the room into the very surprised guard on my left. With the queen out of my face I could see the other guard moving to stab me with it spear. I used my elbow to knock the spear head upward into the ceiling then jabbed my elbow into the guard's head, dazing him. I quickly grabbed his sword handle and yanked it out of the sheath in a reverse hold, I then stabbed it into the guard's eye, killing him. I shoved him away with the sword still lodged into his head just as the spear fell out of its hole, the queen also started moving. I grabbed the falling spear and tried to jab the queen with it, before it could reach her she quickly teleported out of the room letting the spear dive into the last guards chest, causing it to give a weak sputter then grow silent. I dropped the spear as I reached over to release my left arm from the straps. After that I began to undo the rest of the straps. Once I was free I reached down and pulled the sword out of the changelings eye along with the other out of its sheath.

“If these can cut into a changelings hide then I’m keeping them.” I thought as I gave them a few test swings. They were a oily black color that rippled in the torch light, they were a three feet long with a diamond shape head. Now that I had weapons I started looking around at the cave that I was in. It was rectangular with rounded corners and about 17 feet in length and ten feet wide with the table in the middle. I could also see a couple of torches hanging on the walls in an iron hold. At the back of the room I saw my weapons sitting on the ground. I guess they thought I wouldn't be able to escape, I did a quick check to make sure they are still in working order. Once I was satisfied I stuck them back on my vest and headed for the door, along with the two swords I picked up from the changelings. At that moment I heard buzzing, almost like a giant pissed off bee hive was right outside the door.

“Let's see. Option 1, stay in here and use the door as a bottleneck to make it harder for them to attack me.” I thought this was the reasonable idea. “Option 2, I could open the door and shoot any non pony son of a bitch dumb enough to get between me and the way out of this hell hole.” I thought this idea out for a few seconds then shrugged. “Fuck the reasonable way.”

I shoved the door open and charged out into the cave. What I stumbled upon was exactly what I called it a few seconds ago, a complete hell hole. It was the crystal caverns under Canterlot, but instead of being able to see the crystal all I see is a black swarm of changelings covered in their blue armor standing in perfect rows about fifty feet below me. As I looked around I almost had thought to turn back and sit in the room. Then I saw Cadence, not the Cadence I have seen before. This one had dirt and scuff marks along with a look of complete exhaustion. She was in a metal cage behind the blasted devils. She was looking at the changelings with disgust then she saw me. See looked at me with confusion then I figured she guessed I was there to help her because she opened her mouth and screamed for help. At that moment I felt over four hundred sets of eyes turn towards me. The changelings close to me hissed and charged.

“God fucking damnit.” I said as I pulled the rifle off of my back and got into a more stable stance. I pulled the cross hairs up on the first ones head and fired. The changelings brain exploded out the back of its head causing the bullet to lodge itself into the head of the changeling behind it, effectively taking out two with one shot. As those two dropped I turned and fired again taking out another changeling. As the bullet casings fell to the ground I keep backing up keeping a good amount of room between me and them, I felt the bolt lock into place letting me know that the mag is empty. I quickly dumped it and loaded another one from one of the vest pouches. As I fired I caught sight of Cadences horn glowing, at that moment I saw a couple of changelings slam into the walls, snapping their necks. At that moment I felt the presence of a wall behind me, as I slid against it I heard the bolt lock up again. I quickly slapped it onto the vest and reached for the blades next to the firearms. They disengaged from the magnets just as the first changeling reached me. Then I felt a small tickle surrounding my body, quickly followed by a flash of light. I blinked away the spots in my eyes to find myself down on the ground behind the changeling horde. I turned to look behind me to find Cadence and the cage sitting not two feet away.

“Quick help me out of here, I can help you!” she said as I heard the changelings hiss and turn around. I did a quick pro and con list for letting her out.

“If I let her out she might take me to Celestia and have me executed, but if if do let her out, she could help me get out of here and I could always escape later.” after the quick though I stabbed the end of the sword into the ground and pulled out my pistol and fired at the lock. A large hole appeared in the outer shell destroying the inner components. As the lock fell away I slipped the pistol back onto my thigh watching her, just in case she wasn't going to help me. Cadence turned and looked at something behind me.

“Look out!” she warned. I yanked the sword out of the ground and spun, catching the flying changeling just under its chin. The sword cut through its neck with ease. The decapitated head flew and slammed into the bars knocking the door open as the body fell to the ground already forming a pool of green. Cadence looked at the head and quickly looked away when her cheeks bulged.

“Look either you can stand there and become a problem or you can get out here and help me like you said you would!!!” I yelled at her as I stabbed the other sword into another changeling. I quickly threw it away from me just as a blast of light pink flew past me and struck a changeling coming at me from the side. I caught a glimpse of her charging into the hoard with a spear held in her magic. I smiled and roared at the changeling and charged swinging the swords left and right.

120 minutes later.

I sucked in a deep breath trying to get my racing heart to calm down. I could see a couple more changeling heading for me. I threw away the broken spear in my hands and grabbed pulled back the slide of the AS50 and fired a shot into each of their heads killing them. As soon as I was sure they wouldn't get back up I did a quick look around, checking to see if there were any more opponents to face. The ground was littered with the dead bodies of changelings, the air smelled of death and the ground was slick with green blood. My eyes finally settled on Cadence, she was sitting on the ground with a broken sword lying next to her. She was panting like a dog stuck in the Sahara desert as sweat dripped off of her like a rain storm. I could tell I wasn't in any better condition. The vest and my clothes stuck to me like a second skin. I reattached the rifle back on the vest and walked over to where I dropped the sword when the got knocked away from me somewhere in the struggle. In the process I looked over at Cadence when she layed down on her stomach and rested her head on her folded hooves. After making sure the swords were fully secured I walked over to her. She lifted her head as I came closer, I reached up and pulled the vest off to give my body a better chance to breathe. I sat down to the right of her and set my vest on my right, keeping me between her and a set of weapons. As her breathing settled down I started to lay back a little more.

“How are you feeling?” I asked taking a few more breaths. She looked at me with a look of confusion then she nodded.

“I'm fine, you?” she asked looking a little tired.

“I'm good, though word of advice don't give away the location of your rescuer.” I said with a slight chuckle. She smiled and nodded. I leaned back as I stretched out, a few of my joints gave a small pop.

“What have you done?!” a voice rang through the cavern. I jumped up and pulled off one of the swords ready for an attack. I turned around to find the queen standing on a small walk way about twelve feet up. She was looking around at the bodys of her army. “How did you survive, my guards are the best fighters in all of Equestria?” she asked with a high source of venom in her voice.

“They were the best now that title belongs to me, bitch.” I snarled back.

“You think you have won? I still have you trapped down here. You will never escape in time to stop me. Soon queen Chrysalis will rule all over equestria. Hahahahahahaha.”

“Not while I’m still breathing.” I said throwing one of the swords at her. She teleported again a few feet away causing the sword to sink into the crystal she use to be standing in front of.

“Fool, I already have a replacement army on their way. After I take control of Shining Armor’s mind I nothing will keep us out of Canterlot.” She gave another evil laugh as her appearance changed to match Cadence.

“Not my Shining Armor!” The real Cadance said.

“He’s not yours anymore, he now belongs to me.” Crystalis said followed by yet another evil laugh. Then she vanished in a flash of green fire.

“Nooooooo!” Cadence shouted as she tried to charge up her horn. All it gave was a weak sputter as a small spark fell to the ground, flickering like a dying ember from a fire. I looked at the spot that Crystalis disappeared then I scooped up my vest slipping it on as I started climbing up to the wall face.

“Where are you going?” Cadence asked trotting over beneath me.

“I'm going to stop her.” I said

“What?” she said as I reached the top. She struggled but she flew up next to me. She began to pant again. I chewed on my bottom lip.

“If I could get her out of here I would, but the way I'm going can only fit humans and she doesn't look like she could make it, maybe I can get her to go to the mines then she would be able to fly out of here and rest.” I thought. “Hey if you head down that path you be able to find a way out of here.” i said pointing to another tunnel, she looked behind her.

“You want me to go that way?” she asked as I nodded.

“I’ll head this way and see if I can stop her in time.” I said jerking a thumb over my shoulder as I turned away heading for the exit.

“Wait, what are you?” she asked, I stopped.

“I’m Stones.” I said after a few seconds then continued walking. Heading for the one chance I have left to stop this war.
> 12 We Are At War
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I heard the quiet sound of hooves echoing off the cavern walls. I breathed a sigh of relief as they got quieter.

“At least she isn't following me.” I thought as I looked around trying to find the way out. As I did I caught sight of myself in the crystal. I looked like I had gone ten rounds with a wrecking ball. There were a few scratches on my face from getting too close to a sword or a spear. My hair was burned and was smoking in a few places when a magic blast got to close for comfort. My hands and arms were covered in changeling blood and I could see a few pieces of their outer shell sticking to my clothes. I had used almost all of my ammo for my Berrett. The two swords were dripping blood from the points staining my vest and the back of my pants as they dripped onto the ground.

“I haven't looked like this for years.” I thought as I reached up and pat out the smoking parts of my hair. “I almost thought I would never see that look again.” I smiled wiping the bits of changeling off as I headed out towards the exit. I walked for just under an hour before I found a rope hanging in the middle of a circular shaft. There was a beam of light shining down causing the crystals to shine like a Christmas tree. As I looked at the area my eyes squinted from the harsh lighting.

“How long have I been down here?” I asked out loud, my voice giving a small echo in the caverns. I gave a small look around finally feeling the emptiness of these hidden caverns. “Well, lets hope they didn't fuck up my radio.” with that note I walked over to the rope and began my ascent. As I climbed up the rope I heard the small creaking of old wood. I could also see wood planks above me with the rope attached to a beam beneath that. As I got near the end the walls turned to a cylinder made of stacked stones with cement in between them. Once I reached the top I peeked my head over just to make sure no one was nearby. I quickly pulled myself out and did another quick look around. The hole I just climbed out of was the bottom of a well, there was a small roof with a handle crank like you would see almost 2000 years ago. It was a barn red color with a small style on the side in a gold color. I looked around and saw the back half of the royal gardens with a pathway leading to the castle. As I looked up at the sun my wrist computer gave a small buzz. I looked down to see it turning on because I finally got a signal. The screen flashed a small silver S and had Sarah in the same font beneath it. Then a map of Equestria popped up along with three circles as the beacons started to triangulate my location back to Sarah, telling her where I was and how I was doing. I ran for the mountain side so I could retrieve my helmet that I left behind before this whole mess happened. As I reached the top a small message appeared on the screen. [where the hell have you been?] I smiled and typed back [long story I‘ll fill you in when I get my helmet back.] I quickly scaled the rock face and came to find my belonging to be untouched. I slipped my helmet on and sent out a few beeps letting them know I was online.

“Stones I’m going to kick your ass!!!” was what I got blaring through my headset. I could guess it was either Jane or Sarah.

“Can you keep it down. First off I have a huge headache and two the royal sisters probably heard that.” I groaned as spikes of pain jarred through my skull.

“No I won't keep it down, you disappeared for almost two days and then you have the nerve to tell me to keep it down.” this time I could tell it was Jane.

“Okay, first off Jane I was kidnapped by a horde of changelings and…”

“And nothing, you should know better than to let yourself get kidnapped by a horde of…” Sarah started then Tyrock butted in.

“Hang on did you say changeling horde?” he asked as I pulled the first aid kit out of my pack.

“Yes, that is how serious this mess has become.”

“Tell us what happened.” Jane said as I applied some disinfection cream to a cut on my upper right arm. As I told them my story I kept an eye out for any patrolling guards. The whole time they stayed silent until I finished. Once I was done they were silent for a few seconds after.

“Hahahahahahahahaha. I can't believe you actually told the changeling queen to suck you off.” Tyrock laugh as I gave a small chuckle.

“Tyrock focus, we have a big problem to deal with.” Jane snapped. “We now have a large army heading our way and we have maybe minutes to get this mess taken care of.

“Not to mention we have to figure out where Twilight disappeared to and what to do with the real Cadence.” Sarah said

“Wait, Twilight is missing? I asked immediately on extra high alert.

“She disappeared early this morning. We haven't been able to find her signal since.” Sarah said as I lay down looking through the scope trying to set my sights on the Changeling queen.

“She has to be in the caverns. That where she stuck me and the real Cadence.” I guessed as I saw the queen surrounded by the other elements. Getting ready for the wedding. I moved the scope around until I spotted Shining Armor. What I saw gave me the chills. His eyes were a lime green color and they had a faint glow in them, but he also had a ten thousand yard stare. He walked around like he was possessed, his movements jerky and unfocused. “What the hell happened to Shining?”

“He ended up that way this morning but it ended around noon. I guess whatever it is has come back.” Jane answered.

“God damn you Chrysalis,” I said under my breath. “She took control of him, the shield won't be able to be recharged without him.”

“How do you know that?” Tyrock asked

“She said she would do this, and I'm willing to bet she put Twilight down in the caverns just to screw with us.” I said barely holding back my trigger finger. At this point, I could see everyone setting up at the alter. The girls were standing on the left side while Spike was on the right. Shining armor was standing in front of Celestia in the center. I grumbled under my breath looking at this mess.

“What are we supposed to do now?” I thought as I looked at Celestia as she got the girls into place along with all the guest. “Anything we do will result in a full out chaos with them chasing us, and maybe along with a rainbow attack of the elements of harmony………. Am I really scared of a rainbow?”

“Hey Stones. You might want to see this.” Tyrock said as I turned away from the girls.

“Where?”

“Two hundred and fifteen yards from the front door.” he informed. I swung my scope until I landed on Twilight and Cadence running full speed towards the door. Cadence was scratched up a little more than the last time I saw her and Twilight looked like she was about to go inferno. Before I could say anything I heard something. It sounded almost like a ringing in my ear, but it got louder and louder turning into a buzzing noise.

“God damn bugs.” I mumbled as I swat around my head seeing if it was a fly or something, then I realize I have heard that sound before. The sound of a changeling horde. I raised my head and I was gifted with the sight of a larger black cloud swarming towards Canterlot. “Right, she said she had a backup army. Tyrock shit has hit the fan and I'm talking chunky.”

“How in the hell are we going to stop that?” Tyrock asked nearly shouting.

“What’s going on?” Jane asked into a worried tone nearing panic.

“We have a massive Changeling army heading straight for us and in about fifteen seconds we will be standing in shit up to our necks.” I said pulling the mag out of my AS50 checking the amount. it was almost empty

“Damnit. Like I didn't have enough problems to deal with.” I thought as I slammed the clip back in.

“Stones they have started hitting the shield we need to take them out NOW.” he said followed by the sound of him pulling back the slide locking in a round.


“Hold your fire," I yelled into the mike. "Wait till the shield drops, we have to give them time to get to the elements!” I then rolled over onto my back, placing the butt of the rifle against my right shoulder, aiming through the scope at one of the multiple targets surrounding the sphere shaped force field around Canterlot. The force field ended on the rock ledge about thirty meters behind me cutting me off from the outside, also making it so we had time to get ready. My silenced AS50 ready to fire as soon as the shield dropped.



“Stones are you nuts; we should attack them now before they get into the city and put the girls in jeopardy.” I heard through the radio.



“Tyrock if you fire, your shots won’t go through. They’ll just help them break through faster. Now hold your fire until I say so,” I yelled. “Jane, what’s the shields integrity?”



“The shield is at 50% and falling fast, if they continue at this pace it’ll reach zero in about twenty seconds.” Jane said through my radio.



On that note I quickly looked through the scope and lined the crosshairs up on the head of my first target. These looked like they were a smaller version of the ones we have seen before. Those were extremely hard to kill.



“Shield at 20% “ Jane said. I quickly took aim at my first target. Then I heard the changeling queen.



“You can run but you can’t hide.” The sound of it sent a chill up my spine. Just the way she said it sounded like she wasn’t talking to the girls but me instead.



“Shield failure in 4… 3… 2… 1.”  Jane said. Then the shield shattered. When it did, it placed Tyrock and me as the last line of defense for Canterlot. As soon as the shield disappeared, the air filled with a sound which could only be described as a massive swarm of bees. Following it, was the sound of two rifle safety switches clicking off.



“Weapons free!” I yelled pulling the trigger taking out the first changeling with a quiet crack from the rifle and a direct shot to the head. Soon the gun was ejecting empty casings and cycling in a new round as fast as it could go, each one symbolizing the death of a changeling. As soon as the magazine was empty I dumped it and slammed in a new one and continued the ongoing battle. Then I heard my cousin yelling into the radio.



“Stones the girls are on the move to your side of the castle,” then in the background I heard the sound of something snarling, followed by the sound of a knife digging into flesh. “Get out of my face you piece of shit bugger!”



“Tyrock you okay?” I yelled dumping another empty mag and slamming in the next one.



“I’m fine, protect the girls, a large swarm is heading their way.” He said followed by the sound of him removing the knife. I quickly rolled over onto my stomach and laid out the bi-pods. After I spotted the girls, I knew they were in way over their heads. The girls were surrounded by about a hundred Changelings and some of them were changing their appearance making themselves just like the elements.



“Shit, Jane put marks on my HUD for the real elements before we lose them in the swarm.” I yelled, hoping it was in time. Thanks to the changeling magic in the air the implanted trackers were doing next to nothing, along with the magic sensors.



“How they started fighting and I can’t use the sensors to pinpoint them.” She said. As I looked I could tell she wasn’t kidding, the changeling could successfully camouflage themselves as the girls, I couldn’t tell them apart no matter how hard I tried. Then I realized something, the changelings have a hard outer shell. A shell like that can absorb the impact of dive bombing into the ground and our shot if we weren’t using armor piercing rounds, and with armor that strong, it has to show cold on thermals. I quickly reached up on the scope and flipped the small switch on the side of it, changing the view of the scope, and what I saw, was a nice warm signature in the outline of Rainbow Dash surrounded by a bunch of cold changelings. "So now that I know which ones are which let's get down to business." I thought as I took aim at the first target.



“Tyrock use thermals, it shows changelings as cold signatures.” I said turning my attention back to the girls. I then started dropping changelings, one after another, making sure that the girls didn’t see it but cause enough confusion among the changeling that the girls had a chance to get out of there alive.



As the fight went on I saw other civilians were in trouble along with some of the royal guards. I quickly took the changelings out around them, but before I could turn my sight back to the girls a changeling hit the ground in front of me.



The sudden appearance of the changeling surprised me enough that I couldn’t take a shot, and then it fired a magic blast before I could react. The shot wasn’t aimed at me but at my rifle. When the shot connected I could feel the heat coming off it and when it made contact, the force of it knocked the gun out of my hand and throwing us both at the mountain side forty feet behind me. I didn’t even feel the impact but when my right side slammed on the ledge my right arm gave a small pop. I gasped in pain, I could feel that it wasn’t broken just dislocated at the shoulder. As I laid there on the ground in pain, the thought of the girls in trouble made me get back up and prepared to fight the changeling. When I stood up the changeling snarled at me and charged.



When the changeling charged I reached for the pistol attached to the magnetic plating on my right thigh with my one good arm. The only problem was the gun was it was facing the wrong way for me to grab it with my left hand. As I reached over the changeling was almost to me, ready to drive its horn into my chest. I ripped the gun from its place by the barrel. I used the grip of the gun to hit the changeling in the head with an upward swing, connecting with its skull just below its crooked horn. When the gun made contact, the changeling stumbled back, giving me just enough room to spin the gun around and flip the safety switch and take aim. When the changeling saw the gun it charged up its horn again hoping to repeat its attack from before. Then I pulled the trigger, ending the creature’s life with a spray of red and pink mist out the back of its skull. The discharge of the weapon was loud, loud enough to be heard by any nearby changelings. I didn’t have a suppressor for it so I hoped it could be put off as a changeling dive bombing the ground, or something. Lucky for me all of the changelings had their focus on either civilians or the girls. Oh crap the girls!



“Tyrock can you see the girls!?” I asked grabbing my dislocated arm and forcing it back into place. After a flash of pain, I moved it around testing it for any more damage. Once I was satisfied it was usable I put the pistol back in its place. “Good thing they taught us how to relocate a shoulder properly back at the academy.”



“Stones the girls are surrounded and the changelings are charging up some kind of spell.” He said as I picked up my rifle. But when I did the weight was off. Then I saw the suppressor, or rather what was left of it. The end was completely melted shut and what was left of the thing was bent at a ninety-degree angle pointing up. Without the silencer, the rifle was ten times louder than anything else I had. Good thing I keep a backup.



“I’m on it?” I said removing the damaged silencer from the rifle and reaching for the spare I have on my vest, but all I felt was an empty pouch.



“Good, I don’t have enough ammo to take out that many, even I if did they are on the other side of the castle, you’re the only one that can take the shot.” He said. It’s like what they say bad luck comes in threes. I knew that no matter what I did the royal guard would hear me and investigate, finding me and then my cousin and kill us both if not that then taking us to Celestia, allowing her to finish our life. Unless there only one of us in the city.



“Tyrock get out of here.” I said



“What are you talking about?” he asked, a tone of worry in his voice.



“It's like you said I’m the only one that can get a shot, but my silencer is busted and my other one is gone, that means they will hear me and investigate and when they find me, they’ll find you too, but only if you’re in the city.”



“But Stones…?”



“No buts get out of here that’s an order.” I said giving my strongest authority behind it.



“Copy that, you better make it out alive, if you don't I'll come back and kill you myself.” He said after a short pause.



“Deal, now get out of here, Sarah copy yourself over, I might need you."



"Copying..... transfer complete, let us get to work." she said as a small image of her appeared on my HUD.



"See you at dinner cuz, Stones out.” I said shutting off the radio. I then dropped the mag out of the rifle checking for ammo, when I saw it was empty I threw it away and reaching for another one. But again all I felt was an empty pouch.



“Must have lost them and the spare silencer when the changeling launched me.” I thought to myself. I then pulled the slide back on the rifle seeing if there was a round in it. When I did, it accidentally ejected the one shot I had left. Lucky for me I grabbed it before it fell off the ledge. As I reloaded it into an empty mag I picked up off the ground, I could see a bright green glow coming from the courtyard. After I slammed the single round mag back into place and pulling back on the slide to load the last round I had. I then lied down and rested the bi-pods near the edge and looked through the scope.



What I saw, was a guardian's worst nightmare. The girls were surrounded by about fifty changelings but instead of taking a different form and attacking in hand to hand, they were putting all of their magic into a spell that I could only describe as a spirit bomb. All of their magic combined was enough to create a small sun above the girls, and I guessed with the combined force strong enough to level a large house, making them capable of taking out the girls and themselves, Along with a good chunk of the ground. These changelings were on a suicide mission. As I watched them working on the spell, I saw Twilight putting up a massive shield over her and the girls, trying to compensate for the ball of destruction over them.



“That’s not enough!” I said searching the massive hoard of changeling trying to find some way to save them. The chance of them surviving this was like finding a needle in a mile long haystack. Even if Twilight was at full capacity she will have to put every drop of magic into the shield to save them. She was just barely able to stand let alone stop the ball of destruction above their heads.



"Stones there." Sarah said a small arrow appear on my HUD. I aimed the scope at it finding the needle I was looking for.



There was one changeling standing near the back of the group that didn’t have his magic transferring into the sphere. He was the one creating and controlling the sphere. I quickly lined up the shot not on his head but on his horn.



As soon as I was lined up, I pulled the trigger. The sound of the rifle was loud enough to me, I guarantee you could have heard it outside the city, but I could tell the shot was dead on. When the tip of the changeling’s horn shattered, I knew the girls were saved. As soon as the changeling in charge lost control of the spell, the sphere disappeared. Releasing the magic to go back where it came from but with a more shocking effect. When the changelings drop from the spell and start shaking from the magic discharge in their brain, I sighed in relief. When the changelings died the girls looked around in confusion and fear, either from the surprising changelings' death or from the sound of the rifle, I do not know which but I knew I had to get out of here before the royal guard came. When I stood up to try and leave, I heard the sound of changeling reinforcements, but they weren’t heading for me they were heading for the girls. I guess that fate can be a bit of a bitch.



Now shit has hit the fan, with me sending Tyrock out of the city and since I was out of rifle ammo, there was nothing I could do to help them, all I have is my pistol, along with an assault shotgun. Wait a minute. I have weapons, but that means in order to use it I have to get closer, but if I get closer, that means I will be found and killed a soon as Celestia or Luna sees me. If I show myself to the girls there is no chance to get out of here alive. Then I looked down at the girls as the changelings again surrounded them. Twilight was drained of energy lying on the ground near unconscious and the rest of them looked like they might drop at any second.



"What are we going to do now?" Sarah asked. her voice filled with worry and desperation, but under it all, I could sense a bit of hope. I looked down at them then to Ponyville in the distance.



“I guess we do what we have always done. Protect them at all cost,” I said quoting Jane from the day we first arrived here. The one rule we lived by since that day. I then turned and tighten my grip on the rifle and ran for the edge of the rock ledge.

> 13 Protect Them At All Cost.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I ran for the ledge, I bend down and grabbed the rappel line with my left hand, my Tac-833 held tightly in my right. Holding the rope so my palm was between it and the ground so my hand wouldn't get twisted when I jumped. As I baled off the edge I let the rope slide through my fingers, allowing me to get some distance away from the rocks. Once I felt gravity take effect I tightened my grip on the rope causing me to swing back towards the the rock face. I swung my legs back, keeping me facing forward. Using them to brace the impact. Once my feet made contact I started running down the side of the mountain, using the rope to keep me steady. When I was about fifteen feet from the ground I tighten my grip on the rope, causing my legs to kick out below me. I slid the rest of the way down, landing in the gardens. The girls were to the southwest of me about 500 yards through changeling infested streets.

“Let the fun begin.” I thought as I took off for the girls.  There were a few changelings standing in front of me looking at something on the ground. I stuck the Tac-388 back on the vest and ripped off the swords, holding them out to the sides of me. The changelings took one look at me and froze with shock as I slipped the swords under their chins slitting their throats. As they dropped to the ground drowning in their blood I spotted a small cylinder at their feet, I quickly picked it up, finding it to be a flash grenade. “Must have fallen off when we ran from the guards a few days ago.” I stuck it into one of the vest pockets as I turned back towards the city. I quickly pushed myself into a full dead run, going as fast as I could knowing the girls didn't have a whole lot of time left. I dove into the alleyways using the back roads to help me get to them faster. I came around a corner about 200 yards into the alley stumbling upon a pile of wood. It looked like a wrecked wagon had blocked the whole alley. I skidded to a stop just a few feet from the pile. I looked around until my eyes settled on a broken fire escape about 20 feet up.

“If I could get up there I could use it to get on the roof and that would make getting to them a hell of a lot easier than running through these alleyways.” I thought as I stuck the swords back on the vest and took a couple steps back standing against the opposite wall. I ran for the other side jumping up once I was a few feet away. I got about 7 feet off the ground then pushed off the side of the building getting a few more feet into the air. I repeated the process on the other side making it so I could reach the bottom of the fire escape, once I grabbed a hold I saw a few more changelings heading for the girls.

“They might still be fighting for them to send reinforcements.” I mumbled as I pulled myself up on top of the roof. I took a quick look around, seeing the changeling filled sky and streets. “There has to be an end to these bastards, right?” I turned and spotted the mass of the changeling horde. I beat myself to push my legs into another sprint. Once I was at the edge I looked down, what I saw was a massive group of changeling about twenty yards away creeping up on the girls. I could see the the rest of the girls surrounding Twilight, who was trying to stand up.  She looked like she was running off of a pound of duck tape and a gallon of will power. The changelings haven't seen me yet and I was standing about 25 feet above the girls. As I stood there assessing the situation two changelings rushed forward, without even a second reaction I reached up and pulled the swords off with both hands and threw them at the changelings. The swords dove into the changelings’ heads and stuck them into the ground about ten feet from the girls. I heard them gasp in fright. The rest of the changelings looked up seeing me, hissing. Another charged at the girls as I jumped down.

Point of view: Fluttershy.

As I saw the two changelings get impaled by the swords I gasped together with my friends in horror of seeing them get killed. They were trying to kill us, but we would never kill them. My head filled with two questions;

1. Who would do such a thing?
2. Who threw those swords?

Before either of these questions could be answered another changeling charged. As soon as it got within ten feet of us a shadow fell across it. We all looked up just in time to see a creature falling down towards the changeling. Just as the changeling was a couple of feet away from us the creature landed on it in a roll grabbing the changeling’s horn and throwing it back towards the other changelings. The new creature stopped its rolls in between the two changelings that were impaled to the ground. One of the changelings spoke, startling me.

“What do you think you're doing demon? These ponies are ours.” it said in a hissing voice. I was doubly shocked when the creature returned in a harsh metallic voice.

“That's where you're wrong, these ponies are mine, if you want them you will have to go through me.” The creature said as it grabbed the sword handles ripping them out of the ground and the changelings head causing my lunch to try and make a reappearance. The creature spun the blades, causing blood to spatter the ground and any nearby objects. I dodged the green droplets as the creature turned towards us. It had to be around six feet tall and was covered in a dark forest green color except what I guess was its arms. It had a large golden eye that took up most of its head along with some weird kind of clubs on its back. I couldn't see any form of a mouth on it or any other features. It stood like a minotaur except its legs bent the wrong way. Its upper limbs were a light golden tan color and were bare except for a thin patch of hair on its lower arm. There were three scars on its right arm in a diagonal pattern. Other than that I couldn't see any other form of hair on its body, mostly because of the clothes it was wearing. They had a green leaf pattern and they looked a little torn up and burned. The creature stared at me almost like it was waiting for something. I saw another changeling come running up at it trying to attack it while it was distracted.

“Look ou…!” I tried to warn it but it was already turning around swinging its sword at the changeling. The sword caught it just above its shoulders cutting it clean through its neck, causing its head to fly a few feet away landing in front of the changeling that spoke earlier. It looked from it and then back at the creature.

“Get out of our way demon, we outnumber you by four hundred. You have no chance at surviving.” It said crouching down, getting ready to pounce. The others copying its movements. The creature gave a deep rumbling noise that sounded almost like a chuckle.

“I may be outnumbered, doesn't mean I’m outmatched.” it said widening its stance holding the sword in its left hand in front of it and the other to the side at a downward angle. “Girls head for the elements. I’ll hold them off.” I immediately turned and ran for the chamber.

Personnel: Stones.

I heard Fluttershy run off as I studied the changelings.

“Fluttershy wait.” I heard Twilight yell as she ran after her followed by the rest of them. I turned back towards the changelings. They were smaller than the other ones and didn't have any blue armor on except for a selected few. One being the changeling that called me demon. We stood there waiting for either one of us to move. The head changeling stared at me then hissed.

“Sarah turn on headstrong for me will you please?”I asked as the changelings lowered themselves preparing to spring towards me.

“What, why?” she asked as I cracked my neck a few times.

“I feel the need for inspiration.” shortly afterwards the first few notes started through the helmet's speakers.

“You will die monster.” one of the changelings said then charged. Normally such a thing wouldn't have bothered me but for some reason it made me pause. Just long enough for the head changeling to charge in. Just before he reached me I swung upward with the sword in my right sliced into his shoulder decapitating his head. I looked down at the head as it hit the ground getting a better look at its lifeless eyes, the other changelings looked at me in fear. We stood there for a few seconds as I looked at the dead changelings.

“The sword seems to move through faster and easier than with the last army. I wonder…” I thought as I flicked the blood off and put the sword in my right hand away and pulled off the pistol letting it hang down at my side.

“So guys, how’s your health plan?” I asked they looked at each other then charged. “Apparently it's great.” I lined up on the first changelings head and fired. Unlike the changeling we meet a couple of days ago the bullet went right through its shell. After that I started unloading rounds into any changeling that I could, slicing the rest that came to close. Once the slide locked into the open position I stuck it back on my thigh, still slicing with the sword. I reached up and grabbed the assault shotgun sticking the stock into the crook of my elbow, allowing me to shoot it one handed. After firing off a few rounds Jane cut through the music.

“Stones behind you.” without even a second of hesitation I dove forward sticking the sword into a changeling while shoving the shotgun barrel into another's mouth, making its head turn into a green mist. A green fire blast slammed into a group of Changelings, launching them through the air. At that moment the changelings pushed in closer. I looked around at the changelings surrounding me, they looked like they wanted to be anywhere but here. I lifted the sword looking into the Black reflective metal seeing the gold visor of my helmet staring right back.

“Alright boys we know how this song and dance goes. How about we cut out the middleman and you just get out of my way.” as I looked around they looked from one to another. They started to look like they would agree. Then I felt a change in the atmosphere of the fight.

“They will not disobey their orders from the queen.” A loud deep commanding voice shouted through the air. I looked up to see a new changeling that landed in the battlefield. It was about the same size of the queen except it was a few inches shorter and a hell of alot thicker. It had some kind of helmet on its head almost like the royal guards helmets but in a dark blue color. It had a stance of power that was rivaled by only that of the queen. If I had to guess this was the leader of her army.

“And who the hell are you?” I asked as I spun the swords, cleaning off some of the gunk that has begun to cake on the edges of the blades.

“I am commander Dark Shadow, soon to be general Dark Shadow, savior of the changelings and killer of demons.”

“Sounds too long, how about we cut it down to size.” I said spinning my swords for emphasis. “How about dead man walking?”

“You will die in a pool of your own blood demon.” He said as he charged at me with his own swords drawn. They were about a foot longer than mine and had a strange glow to them along with some kind of light blue glowing rune on the blade. As he made an attempt at my neck I used my swords to block it. He slid his swords along mine skipping over the guard and scraping against my left arm. When they made contact I felt a jolt of electricity shoot up my arm. I shoved him away shaking my arm trying to rid of the tingling feeling in that was running up and down it. “Do you think I would go into a fight with just basic weapons?”  Black Shadow laughed. “My swords are charged with the fury of a thunderhead.”

“So I'm fighting against a shadow with a shocking personality.” I thought as I watch the changelings surrounding us taking a couple steps back giving us some room to fight. “I can't let him touch me but if I do it right maybe I can use that oversized cattle prod against him.”

I then jumped at him using the extra height to put more power into the swing. He raised his to block my attack, the swords giving off a spark as they connected. I quickly tilted the swords making them touch his head. He gave off a shudder then pushed me away. As he shook his head he turned towards me with a snarl. I smiled then charged again. I took both the points of my swords together and made a V out of them aiming of his head. He took his swords and slammed them into my guards locking them into place. I quickly turned the swords making the points hold his swords in between both swords, forming an X out of them. He tried to pull his swords away but I just pushed mine in closer causing him to take a step back or he would have put his head within striking distance. He then tried to push me away. I turned and yanked on the swords, pulling them out of his grasp. I threw them up in the air placing the ones I already had back on my back. I caught the new ones in a reverse hold then flipped them around.

“Nice swords, mind if I keep them?” I asked spinning them getting use to the new weight. Black Shadow snarled at me.

“I’ve had enough of this human. You will die at the hands of my queen.” He charged me along with the rest of the changelings. I swung the swords catching a few in the neck, not enough to go through but enough to kill them. The rest started to swarm me grabbing ahold of my arms and weighing them down.

“Looks like they are finally starting to learn.” I thought as tried to shake them off only to have more take their place. Soon I could barely move my arms as they started lifting me up into the air. “Well looks like they are going to save me a trip.” I thought as I stop struggling, allowing them to lift me up into the air. Most of them left leaving four to lift me until I was about 50 feet off the ground as they headed for the throne room. I looked through one of the windows to see Crystalist standing before seven green cocoons and Cadence standing next to a lime green eyed hypnotized Shining Armor with green slime holding her into place. I looked up at the changelings carrying me then back towards the window. I still had the swords in my hands so I put them to use. I spun them upwards catching the two changelings on the outside in the wings cutting them off. They staggered then dropped letting go as the went. The other changelings saw this and caught the two as more came to hold me. I quickly stabbed the one holding my upper right arm in the chest, ending its life leaving the one on my left alone letting it struggled to hold me. I quickly swung my body towards the windows causing the changeling to turn and head for it or risk dropping me. As I did this I killed any other changeling that tried to get too close. Once we were almost to the window I stuck the sword in my right hand onto the vest with the handle facing the ground, I quickly reached up and grabbed a hold of the changeling's wing causing it to fall out of the sky heading for the stain glass window.

Personnel: Princess Cadence. Location: Alter.

“You’ll never get away with this. He will stop you.” I said staring down the queen. I tried for the hundredth time to move my legs but the slime has already harden making it impossible. Not to long ago a group of these nasty creatures dragged in the elements and stuffed them into the cocoons along with my Aunt. “You and your army don’t stand a chance.”

“Silence, my guards will stop him from ever reaching this room. He is good as dead.” She snarled into my right ear. I leaned away not liking the sudden invasion of personal space. At that moment the air was filled with the sound of glass shattering. We turned towards the noise to see the creature crashing through the the stained glass window of discord puppeteering ponies. He had a changeling attached to his right arm and he had the two swords from the cavern on his back with his thunder sticks. This time he had a new set of swords in his hands and he looked a little more attacked than last time I saw him. When he landed he grabbed the changeling on his arm and threw it at a very surprised Chrysalis there was a flash of green light then the changeling connected knocking them both against the wall behind me, I looked from them to the creature in shock.

“How can it still have the energy to fight after what we went through today.” I thought as I watch the creature crack its neck. “I can barely stand let alone fight.”

“What have you done to my guards?” I turned to see Christalis standing over the changeling that was thrown at her. She almost had a look of sorrow on her face as the changeling struggled to stand. She set a hoof on its shoulder shaking her head, it stopped moving then layed back down.

Personal: Stones.

“Oh those are your guards, bug butt?” I asked jerking a thumb behind me pointing out the window I just crash through. “I thought they were walking punching bags.” I said sticking the sword in my right hand onto my vest grabbing a pistol clip with my left. I pulled the pistol off and dropped the empty slamming in the other. The whole time she stared at me with hatred and disgust.

“You will pay for what you have done here today demon.” Chrysalis hissed at me as she turned, igniting her horn.

“Don’t worry I’m good for it. ” I said releasing the slide locking a round in the chamber. “Do you take swords, or bullets?” She snarled then fired a blast of magic at me.

I dove to the side dodging the green fireball. I rolled across the ground coming up behind a pillar. I press my back to it as another blast hit the other side, after a few seconds I darted out running at a full sprint heading for the alter. I fired off a few shots causing her to throw up a solid bright green shield to block them, the rounds quickly shattered the shield. When I was almost fifteen feet away I lowered the pistol and ready the sword preparing to catch her in an upward swing only to be thrown off my feet when I felt something yanked on my right shoulder hard enough to nearly disconnect it again. I landed on my back quickly looked over to see a green glow on the shoulder of the vest. I swung the pistol around and fired. She let go of me raising another shield, the bullets ricochet and hit the ground a foot away from me. I lifted my feet up and put my hands above my shoulders pushing off making me land on my feet. I launched myself into the air raising the sword and hit the hilt of the sword on the shield making it shatter. Before I could swing again the sword was ripped from my grasp and I was thrown back. I used my momentum to roll backward landing back on my feet firing a few more rounds at her, as I stood back up the pistol's slide locking back. The sword held tightly in her magic as she raised another shield. I threw the pistol away and charged again, she dropped the shield thrusting the sword at my chest. I spun around the thrust like a linebacker would an opponent. After I made a full turn I slammed my left elbow into her temple knocking her off balance. I quickly turned and slammed my shoulder into her chest knocking her to the ground. I ripped the other lightning sword off my back and swung it down attempting to finish her off. But she raised her blade just in time to stop mine. When the blades connected they let loose a flash of white light and a crash of thunder, knocked both of us away. I quickly got to my feet as she fired off another magic blast at me, I dove for the ground, the blast missing me by inches. I quickly rolled to my right putting me behind the altar. I jumped up and pressed my back to it. I looked around spotting the sword sticking through the wall about fifty feet away, too far to make a run for it, I did have the other set but crystalis was too far away to reach before she’ll blast me to pieces. All I need is a distraction.

“Why won't you just stop!!!” She yelled as I tried to catch my breath. “Just roll over and die already.”

“I'm not a dog you dumb bitch.” I shouted back. “As long as those ponies are still breathing I will never stop.”

“Why do you insist on having this pointless battle? No matter, once I’m done with you this war will be over soon enough.” While she was rambling I reached into one of the pockets and pulled out the flash grenade. I poked my head around the corner.

“Hey Christalis…,” She spotted me and raised her sword. “Catch.” I quickly pulled the pin chucking her the grenade. She easily caught it in her magic before it could hit her in the head. She pulled it closer than looked up at me with a smug grin. I quickly ducked behind the altar.

“Nice try demon…..” the grenade detonated, I ripped the swords off and dove out of cover, charging the blinded changeling. She ignited her horn and fired a blast at me somehow guessing where I was. I stepped to the side but i had to use the swords as a balancing device putting them in the path of the blast.

The blast ripped the swords from my hands, causing me to spin due to the momentum they carried. I released the swords and keep the spin going until I was lined back up with Crystalis. Somehow I was able to keep running during this ordeal getting me close enough to crystalis I could see scratches in her chiti. I wrapped my arms around her barrel and kept running. I saw a window behind her of Celestia and Luna with the elements of harmony. Without a second though I surged forward slamming both of us through the window, glass flying all around. As we fell through the air her wings buzzing slowing her fall. She snarled and snapped at me now being able to know exactly where I was, I lean back and slammed my fist into her head.  I then curled up and slammed my foot into her chest shoving her towards the ground slowing my fall to almost a stand still. She slammed into the ground. I pulled back my arm just before impact. My feet landed on both sides of her barrel my fist coming down striking her in the snout. Her head slammed into the ground her eyes closed as she let out a groan. As I  breathed in deeply I stepped off of her, then I heard something clatter a few feet away. I looked up to see my Tac-388 laying on the ground. The sound of glass soon followed. As the glass from the window rained down on us I walked over and picked up my rifle, the stock was scratched to all hell, the scope was smashed and dented but I didn't need it for this shot, I pulled back the bolt inserting a round into the chamber. I turned back towards the dazed changeling queen. She gave off another groan as I walked back over. She opened her eyes as I lined up the barrel in between her eyes. She looked up at it and her eyes crossed before looking up at me. Fear quickly settled in her cat-like eyes.

“This is your last chance Chrysalis, leave Canterlot and take your swarm with you. I better not ever see you anywhere near canterlot or any other pony settlement.” I said resting the barrel on her forehead. “I'll let you know that if you even try to use your magic or signal your guards to attack l’ll put a round through your cranium. Now before I let you go you have some explaining to do.”

“What do you want?” she asked shaking.

“Well for starters, how about some answers that have been pegging my mind for the  last couple of days. Your kind can change into anyone, so why didn't you stay hidden and get love that way even though you would have to kidnap ponies. But even that's better than starting an all out war.” I said backing up a little giving her room to sit up. She looked at me then down towards the ground. We stood there for a few minutes then she gave a sniff

“I surrender.” I looked back down at Chrysalis, she was still looking down at the ground but I could see a few wet spots forming  on the ground. She looked up at me, I could see the trail that the tears made through the dust that covered her shell. “I give up I can't stop this,  I can't stop you, even if I could they would just chase me out. They won't help me, I didn’t want this. I just wanted my hive to live in peace and quiet. Now that can never happen unless I was able to stop you. I only attacked because I had no choice. We only attacked because we didn't have a choice.”

“What do you mean?” my curiosity getting the better of me. I lowered the rifle a little but keep it trained on her just in case she tried something.

“We need to feed. Our species can only survive for so long without love and with the love reserve almost out we were getting desperate. We lost so many as it is, we couldn't risk not showing ourselves to Equestria, in seek of aid, they didn't give us the chance, they attacked me nearly killing me, I was forced to flee, told never to return. With my hive slowly dieing off I was confronted by another queen, she told me that if I wanted to keep what little of a hive I had I needed to destroy you.” She said looking back down, her voice softening. “Now she will wipe out the rest of my children, and there is nothing I can do to stop her.” I looked at her in distrust. “I know you have no reason to believe me. But she took my form to make Equestria hate me even more, and to trick you. These changelings aren’t mine, they belong to the queen that is behind this. I know you can find the answer. Look and see the truth.”

“Sarah, is there any way we can see if she is telling the truth?” I asked after turning off the external speakers, my mind spinning with what I have been told. The rifle didn’t move a centimeter.

“I have an idea that might work, give me a second to test it.” she stated as I stared at Crystalis.

“Is what she’s telling me even possible. If she is a victim in this then what am I going to do about it? I need to help her… why do I need to help? They have only cause me trouble, not to mention they put a serious chance of me getting killed." I thought as Sarah did her little science experiment. “Just because they can’t protect themselves, why do I have to help them? Because it’s your job to protect those that can't protect themselves. That's what a Guardian is……….. I haven’t heard that for a long time. I guess my old instructors left quite the number on me.”

“Stones I think I have found something.” Sarah stated breaking me from my thoughts.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Okay I was able to use the sensors in your helmet to scan her for her magic signature.”

“Okay what did you find?” I asked resting my finger on the trigger.

“Well first off that won't be needed. She is not the changeling queen we ran into earlier.” With those words I removed my finger but kept the weapon trained on her.

“I'm sensing a “but” in that sentence.” I said not liking where this might go.

“But we already have her in the system.”

“What… how?” I asked.

“We have her magic signature as the pony that you went after before you were dragged to the caves below.”

“So that's why that pony acted scared before I even had the chance to take them down. She was just a distraction for me.” I reached for the trigger again but stopped. “Why did you lure me into the alleyways?” She looked up at me in surprise but then lowered her head back down.

“I was forced to be a decoy for the creatures that were attacking the changelings. When I saw you I could feel the strength of your heart. Your heart is filled with the compassion to protect those in need. At first I didn't want to believe that you would help me. Seeing how you have attacked every changeling you came across. Then when I meet you in the throne room my hope returned, but the threat of my sister crushed it. Now with no chance of beating you, I turn to you for aid. Begging you to help me and my hive. If you do we will leave equestria and not return.” She said her voice getting stronger as she spoke but then dropped, knowing if they left they chances of her hive survival dropping next to nothing. I looked at her then looked down at the ground deep in thought.

“If I help her I will be placing everything I have at risk on her, but if I do and succeed then she could make great allie.” after a few seconds I gave a deep sigh turning the speakers back on. “I’ll help you.” she looked up at me in surprise. “Head out for the Everfree, I’ll meet you at the castle of the two sisters in a few days. I need to find any info I can on your sister. If I find out you trick me in any way I will personally tear your hive apart piece by piece. Do we understand each other?” I asked holding out my hand  for her to shake. The rifle now hanging down at my side. What she did next, I wasn't expecting. She jumped past my arm and latched herself around my neck with her head nuzzling my cheek.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you.” she said.

“Well for starters you can let go.” I replied patting her on the back with my free hand.

“Oh sorry.” she let go and stepped back, her cheeks were red.

“Alright now to finish this mess. Maybe the princesses won't want to kill me if I help free them. Maybe I can see if they would reconsider opening up trade with your hive.” I said removing the rifle's scope throwing it way. She looked confused.

“How will you do that?” she asked tilting her head slightly.

“talk to them?” I said  shrugging my shoulders.

“How they can't understand you?” she said making me pause.

“What do you mean, how can they not understand me?”

“You can't speak their language.” she stated tilting her head.

“Then how can I understand what they are saying and how can I talk to you?” I asked confused and slightly set back on the idea that if I’m captured I won't be able to talk my way out of it.

“You have a magic filter on your ears but not on your vocal cords. It's what give the changelings the ability to change voices.” she said stepping closer. “Why you only have it on your ears confuses me but I still don't know a lot about you.”

“For now lets keep it that way.” I said then another changeling decided to wreck the party. It landed a few feet away from us hissing. Without even looking I raised the rifle and fired, disintegrating the changeling from its snout up. “How about we have this conversation after I finish this and get out of here.” she nodded and took flight heading for the Everfree. After a few seconds I turned and headed for the front doors of the castle.

Along the way I killed any changeling that came at me and freed any ponie trapped. Most of them screamed and ran but some said thanks before they left. Giving me some hope that maybe they won't kill me on sight. That hope didn't keep when I was almost stabbed by a guard. Lucky for me the stallion doesn't have a good aim. After taking the sword away and throwing it into a fire I reached the doors. They were still open and I could see Cadence standing next to a very confused Shining Armor, what confused me was the fact he was no longer hypnotized and his hooves were covered by more green slime holding him in place. As I walked in both their eyes turned to me.

Point of view: Cadence.

“You're still alive?” I asked surprised. I could see small pieces of glass sticking to its clothing. As it stepped closer it gave a few grunts and shrugged its shoulders.

“What is it that thing?” Shining Armor asked trying to free himself, his magic sputtering a few times then died. The creature walked over to him and looked at the slime covering his hooves.

“I don't know what he is but I know he is here to help.” I said as the creature bent down poking the rock hard slime. After a few seconds it turned and looked at the pods hanging overhead.

“What's it doing?” He asked when the creature pulled out a large knife. Before I could even answer him the creature flipped the knife holding the blade then threw it at one of the pods hitting it where it connected to the ceiling. The knife cut through it causing the pod to drop, right into the creature's arms. It set it down then  looked inside it. It shook its head then went and picked up the knife again. Throwing it at another pod. Again catching it on the way down. This time when he looked in he gave a nod. He walked over and picked up the knife. As he walked over he paused for a second to look out at the changelings still attacking outside. Again he shook his head and gave a few grunts.

“What are you?” Shining asked shaking. as the creature walked over to the pod. It stopped and looked up at him. The golden visor on its helmet was like a mirror but the way the helmet was formed was frightening. If i didn't know what was under that helmet I could see why ponies would fear it. The helmet was formed almost like a giant golden eye that didn't blink. The size of him wasn’t anything to joke about either. Every inch of him was rippling with muscle. I have also see the eyes that hide behind that visor. They were cold and calculating, but hidden deep within them was someone searching for something. The creature then turned away and walked over to the pod. It raised the knife with the blade held backwards in it grip.

“No!” I yelled. The knife stabbed in all the way to the hilt. Then he sliced the pod open. A strange green liquid poured out as the creature reached inside. His back was to us as he stood up. As he turned around I could see a purple tail dangling. He was carrying Twilight over. She looked around confused then looked at the arms of the creature following them up to its head. As it reached the steps it looked down at her. I could see Twilight was starting to shake. The creature quickly set her down and pointed at me. Twilight turned and looked.

“Cadence!” she yelled running over. She nuzzled my chin then looked back at the creature. “What is that thing?” she asked pressing up against me.

“Don't worry it's not going to hurt us.” I said as the creature walked closer. It kneeled down and pointed at Twilight then at my hooves, growling.

“I don't understand.” She said. The creature reached forward causing twilight to flinch and cower away. Then it touched her horn then the slime on my hooves again growling. Twilight looked at it then back at the creature. “You want me to use my magic.” The creature nodded and grunted.

Personal: Stones.

As Twilight backed up and aimed her horn at the slime, I stood up and walked over to the pod that I cut down early. As I looked in I could see Celestia with her eyes closed looking peaceful.

“Can things possibly be different between us.” I thought as I pulled out the knife reaching down to cut her out. Then I heard Twilight blasting the slime with her magic. I looked over and saw the slime disappear from her hooves. I walked around to the other side of the pod so I could keep an eye on them. Twilight walked over and did the same for her brother hugging him tightly. “Maybe this won't end as badly as I thought it would.” I lifted the knife to cut Celestia out but then I stopped, something felt wrong. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled.

“I guess it was to much for me to asks my little sister to do one simple task.” I turned to find another Crystalis standing behind me. I quickly jumped up putting myself between her and Twilight. “I have to say your have become quite the thorn in my side.”

“Comes with the job.” I said flipping the knife around, holding my arms up ready to fight her. “How about we drop the disguise? I already know who you are tic tac.” She raised an eyebrow then a smirk covered her face.

“Looks like I will have to make my sisters suffering even more painful.” She chuckled soon turning into a complete evil laugh her body was soon covered in green fire soon it turning red. When the fire died down Crystalis was no more. In her place stood a changeling of a dark blue green shell with a blood red mane done up in a braid that hung over her left shoulder.  “Now Demon how would you like to be destroyed by Crudelis, queen of the changelings?” She asked igniting her horn.

“Tell you the truth just staring at your ugly mug is quite a terrible punishment.” I said covering my visor with my left hand trying to bait her out.

I heard her snarl then the sound of her horn charging. I pulled back the knife and threw it at her, striking her in the horn. She screamed and stumbled as I charged at her grabbing the knife off the ground and stabbing her in the shoulder. She fired a blast at me and knocked me to the side. I rolled to my feet and ran at her again and slammed my fist into her abdomen causing her to stumble. She coughed and groaned as I grabbed her by the horn swinging her around and slamming her into the ground. Then I swung her into a pillar cracking her shell and making spider webs form in the pillar. She laid on the ground and groaned, I turned to Twilight. She had both of them free and Shining was currently trying to activate his horn but only a few sparks fell from the tip.

“I dont have the strength to repel the changelings.” he said as his head dropped.

“My love will give you strength.” Cadence said stepping close to him lifting his head with her hoof.

“Foolish creatures.” Crudelis said catching my attention. I turned to have her tackle me and flew with me across the room. I raised my arm, driving my elbow into her back causing more of her chitin to crack. Then I felt my back slam through another window as she dove for the ground. I reached for the knife and yanked it out driving it back into the base of her wing, twisting it cutting her wing off. She screamed and blasted me across the ground. I rolled head over heel until I slammed into a wall dropping to the ground. I groaned as I pushed myself to my knees. Then I felt something grab a hold of my throat lifting me off the ground, my air cut off.  I clawed at my throat trying to break free of the choking grip. I couldn't find anything except a numbing feeling. I lifted my eyes to find Crudelis walking towards me, her horn aglow. She had a snarl on her face and a look of death in her eyes. I could see green blood dripping from the stub that use to be her wing.

“You will pay for that demon.” She snapped at me. She stopped just out of my arms reach, but not out of kicking range. I curled up and slammed my heels into her head. Hitting her in the snout and her horn. She let go of me and stumbled back blood pouring from her nose. I sucked in air as hard as I could as I dropped to the ground. Without wasting a second I charged forward. She recovered to soon as she grabbed my throat again putting me out of reach.

“I’m really getting sick of you, time for you to say goodbye.” She said looking around, she didn't cut off my air supply as her eyes landed on something behind me.

Her horn glowed brighter as her mouth curled into a smile. I then saw a red hot sword appear out of the corner of my eye. She brought it between us as she looked at the burning blade. She looked up at me as she brought it closer to me. I could feel her grab ahold of my arms holding them into place as the heat coming off of it brought a sweat to my forehead. I clenched my teeth as she stuck it into one of the holes in my sleeve burning my arm. I held back a scream as my skin began to blister. She stuck the tip in causing a groan to escape my lips as the smell of burning flesh reached my nose. She pulled it back and covered the blade in her magic. I could see the blade starting to glow brighter.

“She’s heating it up.” I heard Sarah say as Crudelis chuckled.

“Any last request creature before I burn away your flesh and dine on your heart.” She smiled. I looked up to see the throne room beginning to glow.

“Ya, I have one.” I said as she smiled. “Can you get blasted out of Canterlot screaming like the bitch you are?” I smirked as a pink sphere exploded out of the throne room. She turned to see it approaching.

“Noooooooooooooooooo!”She screamed as she was launched into the air. Unfortunately she still had a hold of me with her magic but not for long, just enough to throw me into another wall. I landed on my back staring up at the blue sky.

“Stones are you alright?” Sarah asked as I laid there glad the fighting was over. “Stones answer me!”

“Ya I’m alright. Just catching my breath.”

“Okay but you need to move soon. I don't know the full extent of your injuries but we should let Tyrock look at them and we still don't want to be around when Celestia finds us.”

“Copy that.” I said trying to sit up but there was a sharp pain in my ribs. I gently rolled myself onto my front and pushed myself into a kneeling position. I softly poked around the injured area. It was tender and I could feel a very sharp pain in my fourth rib on my left side. “I definitely broke a rib.”

“Are you okay, what's wrong?” Sarah asked as I slowly stood up.

“I’m not positive but I’m sure I have a broken rib.” I said softly to not provoke my injury. turned my arm looking at the cut that bitch gave me. At first glance I could tell I will need stitches or magic to fix it. The cut was about three inches across and was cut deep. The area around it  was red and blistered, the wound itself was black. The heat has cauterised it but I knew I can't do much with it without reopening it. “Alright Sarah can you locate the truck?”

“Locating. Whatever that blast was it launched all changelings in Canterlot. I can't find any signatures.” She said as a small ping went off inside the helmet. “I have located the truck, it's at the base of the mountain inside one of the cave entrances. It’s a mile walk so we better get going.”

“Great. What's the best way?” I asked looking around a little bit.

“Head for the western end of Canterlot near the tracks, there should be a relatively safe trail heading down to the truck.” She said as a small Icon appeared on my hud with an arrow pointing the way along with the distance to my destination. I nodded as I started heading for the truck. On the way I picked up what weapons were mine, I was able to find my Tac-388 along with my assault shotgun. Thankfully they weren't damaged. I found my knife sticking into a wall along the way. The icon soon lead me to Canterlot square.

“Just half a mile to go.” I thought as I looked at the remaining distance. I gently placed my hand against my ribs. “Let's just hope nothing else decides to fuck up my day.” I thought as I walked through the changeling littered ground. “This must have been where I first showed myself.” I mumbled. “Now that the girls know that I exist, what's going to stop them from trying to find me. They won't be chasing after the metal beast if they know of a more interesting creature to dissect. Maybe I can get Jane to send us back after I deal with Crudelis.”

“Stone we may have a problem,” Sarah stated dashing away my thoughts.

“What is it?” I asked stopping between two dead changelings. One had a  spear resting in its limp grip. about ten feet away a set of swords lying across another's barrel

“This must be the creature my sisters student was talking about?” I heard in the air behind me. The voice sounded like old English and had a soft tone to it. I turned to find a dark blue alicorn landing ten feet away. “Now if only we could figure out what you are? Luna asked.

“God fucking damn it,” I said widening my stance.
> 14 Misinterpretations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“There is no way my luck is that fucking bad.” I thought as I took a couple of steps back. I felt my foot bump into the spear. I looked down at it and then looked back up at the princess. She had her head tilted and her eyes were looking me up and down settling on the rifles I had on my back.

“I do have to say a creature that can take on an entire army by itself is quite an amazing feat,” She said stepping closer. “What are thou, creature?” 

“God if this is your idea of a joke then just fuck the hell off,” I yelled into the air. Luna backed up a few steps. Her horn now glowing. I slammed my right foot down flipping the spear into the air, I snatched it up and pointed it at her. Sadly the motion caused a sharp burst of pain in my ribs causing me to groan and hunch slightly out of reflex. She looked at me questionably, the brightness of her horn intensified. She was charging up a spell of some kind “Try it, you're going to get a fight you won't forget.”

“I'm not here to hurt you, creature, I just want to understand you.” She said unfurling her wings.

“You have a funny way of showing it.” I said spinning the spear switching it to my right hand holding it over my shoulder. My left holding my injured ribs. Before I could react the spear was ripped out of my hand and thrown across the square. My eyes followed it then turned back to the midnight princess as I held my hands out infront of me.

 “Now maybe we can have a civil discussion, well as one may have when they can't speak to each other.” she said blushing slightly. I took another step back. She looked at me curiously then her eyes locked on my arm. “You're injured?” I looked down at it to see blood starting to seep from the cut and drip from my fingers.

“You notice that instead of the ribs?” I asked holding my hand to the broken rib. “Then again I do still have my helmet on. So she can't exactly see me wincing.” I backup a few more steps. “I still don't trust this one and if she does anything I won't have a chance to escape unless I draw away her attention.”

 “Easy creature, I’m not going to harm you.” she said sitting on her hunches and raising her front hooves. “I actually think we can help one another. If you help us I could heal you.”

“Kind of hard to help something you have never seen before.” I mumbled. Taking a few steps back trying to keep the distance away from the princess, I was just one more step away from the swords lying to my left. She stops her advancing and sat down staring at me questionably. 

“Thou are not very trusting, are you creature?” She said tilting her head slightly. I shrugged and shook my head. Her eyes opened wide. “Wait, can you understand what I’m saying?” I slowly nodded but took another step back. My foot knocking one of the swords onto the ground with a clank of metal the other balanced on the dead changeling's barrel. I winced but didn't acknowledge them, trying to keep the alicorns attention.

“Stones do you think letting her know you understand them is a good idea?” Sarah whispered even though the external speakers were shut off.

“No, but the more time she is distracted means I have a better chance of getting out of this in one piece.” I pointed out letting my hands drop to my sides.

“This is incredible a creature that can't speak Equestrian but can understand it. When my sister meets you imagine what we could learn from each other, though she may have her student study you. The questions is how would she study you. She has been known to be a bit excessive when it comes to assignments from my sister.” She said holding a hoof to her chin. “She might just cut you open to see how, as they say “tock” or is it tick?” I looked at her for a few seconds then took another step back.

“Stones I don't like how she is joking about cutting us up.” Sarah said nervously.

“What do you mean us? What do you have to worry about? You’re a computer program. If you wanted to you could claim yourself as a ghost. They would leave you alone then.” I said holding my hands out getting ready for anything. “I, on the other hand, am made of strong fleshy parts. By the way if they do kill me you have my complete permission to haunt their asses.”

 “Nononono I didn't mean it, creature. I do not wish to harm you, look I’ll heal you, to show that I don't want to hurt you.” Luna said her horn igniting.

The magic floated off her horn and snaked its way over to my arm. I watched it slowly get closer thinking of a way out of this mess. When the magic connected with my arm I couldn't have been given more of a surprised. The pain was instant. True it hurt a little when Jane healed me before but this was different. Instead of a tickly feeling that slowly goes away it was a sharp pain that got worst and it felt like someone stuck the ends of a set of jumper cables to each end of my arm and hooked up a daisy chain of ten batteries to it. I could feel myself losing feeling in my arm. A near primal roar flew from my lips as my brain when into an act of survival. My left leg slammed down on the sword handle flipping it into the air. I immediately spun using the heel of my right foot connecting with the hilt causing it to fly like a missile at the princess. It sliced into her ear, cutting it to the middle on the side closest to her horn, it then stuck itself into the wall eight feet behind her quivering. She screamed and cut off her magic as I grabbed my arm looking down at the injury, it was now wider and deeper, along with having more of the skin blacken. I looked back up at the princess. She turned her head when the sword caught her but as she turned back I spun around and charged forward heading for the alleyway behind me.

“Wait, stop!” She yelled as I ran as fast as I could trying to put as much distance between me and her as I can. The sound of wings flapping rose up behind me. As I dove into the alley I could see that she wouldn't be able to fly after me and would have to turn away. Instead, I didn't hear her turn. I looked behind me to see her flying sideways down the alleyway.

“Fucking blue bitch.” I said facing in front of me. The end of the alley split into a “T”. “Shit, Sarah which way?” 

“Hang on... take a left.” she said in a slight panic tone. I tilted my feet causing me to slide on the gravel that covered the ground. I then ran up the wall keeping my momentum around the corner. I jumped off landing on a couple of crates on the other side. The alleyway was larger than the last one making it have more than enough room for the princess to fly through it. I looked over my shoulder to see how the princess would get around the corner. She must have pulled up a ways down the alley letting her fly straight up. She then arched herself flying over me upside down. I followed her as she flipped herself the other way making it so she was flying backwards facing me. She dropped to the ground skidding to a stop twenty feet in front of me her wings out to her sides blocking the alleyway, her horn ignited. I dropped to the ground skidding through her open legs. I grabbed her front hooves pulling them behind her. She flipped over onto her back giving a grunt as the act stunned her. I jumped up and continued to run. I looked back to see her shaking her head and began to roll over.

 “You're not going to get me that easy Luna.” I thought as I skid around the corner.

 “Wait, stop. Please” I heard her yell. I turned and looked over my right shoulder as I stepped out of the alleyway onto the main streets of Canterlot. I didn't go more than two steps before something collided with my head clotheslining me. Then before I could catch my balance my left knee slammed into something else and was thrown forward onto my back. A blast of pain erupted from my injured ribs. I let out a yell at the pain then laid on the ground holding my rib trying to get the throbbing to go away. I looked back to see what I hit. My mind went completely blank when my eyes landed on a cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and a lavender unicorn with a pink stripe in her mane. My eyes locked onto the pegasus then the unicorns. They both put a hoof to their heads, their eyes searched around then landed on me. The world stopped for an instant and all around me went into an almost blur. their eyes felt like they were locked onto mine, they were like pools of light that pulled me in, trying to drown me. I saw a blast of color flow over them followed by a flash of light, then it was gone. This only lasted for a couple of seconds before something stepped in between us, blocking my view.

“Rainbow Dash, Twilight are you alright?” I heard one of the girls ask but it was wrong. It sounded distorted like I had water in my ears. I reached my hand up to check the helmet speakers. But when I felt my actual ear. I immediately went rigid and everything snapped into focus. I didn't have my helmet. I whipped my head around looking for it. Then I spotted it.  It was at the entrance to the alleyway, behind the girls. The helmet was laying on its side facing towards me.

“Shit.” I said quietly pushing myself to a crouched position and started to slowly back away trying to not draw any attention to myself. Then Luna flew out of the alleyway, hovering above them looking around, then her eyes landed on me. “Double shit.”

“Stop that creature!” Luna shouted pointing a hoof at me. I turned around ready to take off but instead of an open path to run, there was royal guards and a lot of them. It looked like every guard that was under the crowns command was standing between me and the way I wanted to go and each one had a spear, bow, crossbow or a sword pointed at me.

“Shit times infinity.” I spat out reaching up ripping the assault shotgun off pointing it at the closest guard. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of gold and white. Without even thinking I wiped the butt of the shotgun out and connected it with the head of a pegasus celestial guard flying at me, knocking him out. He landed at my feet with a groan, his helmet dented. I quickly aimed at an earth pony guard that was taking a step towards me. “Take one more step and I’ll drop you like your girlfriend.” I said loading a round in. The guard waved a hoof at the others then the rest of them took a step. I changed my aim to the guard at my feet flipping off the safety. “Don't test me.”

“Try to surround it. Maybe we can hold it down and get Wind Shear out of there.” One of the guards said. I rolled my eyes then lifted the barrel to the air firing off a shot. The sound echoed off the nearby buildings making it even louder. Everyone backed up now surprised and some with the look of fear in their eyes. I pointed it back at the guard at my feet.

“Try it.” I growl.

“Please don’t.” A small voice said. I turned to see Fluttershy walking closer. I switched my aim to her. She stopped and sat down just watching me.

“Fluttershy what are you doing get away from that thing.” Rarity said looking at me in fear and disgust.

“he’s just hurt and scared. Can… um everypony back up please. It's dangerous to corner an injured animal.” She said looking at Rarity then looking back at me. I gave her a growl “I'm not going to hurt you.” She said laying down with her hooves tucked underneath her barrel. Trying to make herself look less threatening. I gave a small snort.

“Like I haven't heard that shit before. Your princess said that not five minutes ago just before she shocked the hell out of me trying to kill me.” I said nodding towards the princess as I kept an eye on the rest of the guards. Fluttershy turned and looked at her.

“Um princess he’s saying you shocked him, I know you might have had a reason but right now he is hurt and scared, can you please not shock him again.... um If that's okay with you.” She added quietly. Luna looked at her then back at me.

“I did no such thing. I attempted to heal it then it roared at me and threw a sword at me cutting my ear.” She said pointing at the cut. As I watched I could have sworn it started to heal up slowly. At first, I didn't believe it but as I started at it I could see it closing.

 “What the hell? She has some kind of speed healing. That a new fact to add to their files. Also, Fluttershy can understand me?” I thought as the barrel slowly lowered towards the ground.

“IT HURT YOU!!!!” Rainbow Dash yelled flaring her wings at me. I brought the shotgun back up aiming at her. Fluttershy moved to stop her but then something slammed into me, a flash of pain on the left side of my back in my injured ribs. The shotgun flew up and fired off a round as my body clenched from the sudden pain. A yell ripping from my throat. The force of the hit made me slam into the ground on my injured side, furthering the damage and pain to my ribs. I heard the sound of something flying over me. I looked up to see a celestial pegasus swoop down and grabbed the unconscious guard I had as a hostage. Then I felt the shotgun being ripped out of my hands along with all the weapons on my back. At the thought of being without a weapon, I beat the pain into submission and shoved it into another part of my brain and slowly stood up. I saw Twilight with my weapons floating in her magic and the rest of the girls ready to charge at me. I looked behind me to see all the guards aiming their weapons at me.

“You are under arrest creature for attacking the princess and the elements of harmony.” One guard said raising a crossbow. I could feel the adrenaline filling my veins masking the pain in my ribs and my arm. My heart felt like a jackhammer in my chest, trying to break its way out. 

“I need a weapon. I can't get out of this with just my hands.” I thought looking towards the girls. Fluttershy looked like she was struggling between wanting to help and being afraid to move any closer to me. I turned my head to the guards growling as I turned and took a couple of steps towards the girls. I didn't get very far before I heard the sound of an arrow being released. The world slowed to a stop. I reached out to my right. One second my hand was empty then I had an arrow clenched in my grip. I looked from the arrow back to the guard that fired it. They all looked at me in shock and some in fear.

“How is that possible?” The guards said as I snapped the arrow between my fingers.

“Alright I have had enough of this, you want to kill me? Come at me.” I said quietly quickly getting louder. “HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT.” I yelled charging at the guards with my hands open ready to grab a weapon. Before I could get close I felt and saw my body and the guard’s freeze.  I couldn't move but I could look around finding my limbs encased in a blue glow as I stood there mid stride.

“ENOUGH!” Luna yelled landing between us, her horn ignited. “Fluttershy, wilt thou come hither.” I heard her give a little squeak then her soft hoof steps coming closer.

“Yes pr...pr...princess.” she said softly. I could see her just out of the corner of my eye shaking.

“You can understand this creature correct?” Luna asked releasing the guard.

“Yes. I can understand him like I do with my animals.” she said looking at me.

“Okay creature I'm going to release you. I just want to have a civil discussion with you. Do you understand?” She said releasing my head. I turned and looked at her. After a few seconds, I gave a small nod and the magic holding me disappeared. “Okay, now first things first why did you attack me?”

“Correction why did you attack me?” I asked flexing my fingers trying to get rid of the feeling of the magic lingering on my skin. Fluttershy relayed my question.

“I do not understand. I was healing you how could I have attacked you?” she asked tilting her head slightly.

“I don't know but as soon as your magic touched my arm I was shocked and all you did was make my injury worse.” I said pointing at it. “I only attacked out of self-defence and to distract. Then I ran to get away to avoid more conflict.” after Fluttershy translated she looked at my injury noticing the damage.

“I must have made a mistake when I cast the spell. Let me try again to heal it?”. before I could say anything she wrapped my arm in magic holding it in place and activated her spell. Again a blast of electricity shot through my arm. I roared in pain and started hitting the magic holding my arm trying to break it. She just put more power into it, her face masked in concentration.

“Princess stop your hurting him!” Fluttershy yelled pushing the princess snapping her out of the spell.

Luna released the magic causing me to drop to the ground on my knees holding my injured arm to my chest. The smell of burnt fleshed poisoned the air. I glanced at my arm. The wound was now to the bone and the cut was now halfway around my arm and now twice as wide. I was slowly losing feeling in that area letting me know the nerves have been severely damaged. I have never received a wound this bad. Not without fighting back and I wasn't going to let today be the day I let it go.

“I’m sorry creature, it seems my magic can’t heal you.” She said stepping closer to me “and all I’ve done is....”

“YOU BITCH!” I yelled jumping up and grabbing Luna around the throat with my uninjured hand. I held on as she fell backwards onto her back with me standing over her. I slammed her head into the ground and tightened my grip as she powered up her magic causing her to lose focus and cancel the spell do to the lack of air. The guards rushed forward to stop me.
“Keep back or I’ll snap her neck.” I tightened my grip, even more, causing her to gasp and try to knock my arm loose. Her face started to change to a darker shade. The guards stopped then I loosened my grip letting the princess get some air but not enough to focus. She looked at me in fear. Then I felt something latch onto my shoulder.

“Stop please she didn't mean to hurt you please let her go.” I turned to find Fluttershy trying to pull me off. At first, I was just going to shrug her off then I saw something in her eyes that I haven't seen in a long time, innocence. A flash of memory flew before my eyes. I saw Tyrock walking through the academy gates the same look on his face. Innocence mixed with a hint of fear. The innocence, when they took him through training, the innocence didn't stay long. I looked back down at Luna then released her. She took in a loud gasp of air then gave a few coughs rolling onto her side. I took a few steps back putting a couple of feet between us.  As she tried to gain her breath back I sighed.

“I'm sorry I reacted poorly." I said taking a step forward to help her when I felt a gun barrel pressed against my spine.

“Don't move creature, you have committed crimes against the crown and Equestria and you are here by under arrest.” I looked over my shoulder to see Twilight holding my rifle against my back in her magic. I looked down at it noticing the bolt was only locked halfway down. It won't fire with it being like that. I turned and grabbed it out of her magic and press the bolt down all the way with my thumb. She didn't waste a second and took my shotgun and pressed it against my forehead. I slowly raised the rifle and pointed it at her. She may have had the gun to my head but she didn't look like she wanted to pull the trigger.

“Come on let see if you have the guts to do it Sparkles. Show me you have what it takes to do what I do, to protect Equestria at all costs.” I said flicking off the safety.

“Wait, stop. Let him go” I heard Luna gasp out then gave a few coughs, still trying to breath properly.

“Let it go?” Rainbow Dash asked then crouching down low ready to attack. “This creature tried to kill you.”

“Princess are you alright?” One of the Luna guards asks stepping closer to the princess. He gave me his version of a cold look which was just barely enough to get me to notice it. “Lock this creature up in the dungeon.” The guards started moving towards me some of the unicorns lifting chains and shackles.

“No, I said let the creature go.” I turned and looked at the princess. She was giving all the guards a hard look. One that made even me take a second glance. “Twilight can you help him?”

“Help him, Princess?” She asked lowering the shotgun surprised, even more surprised  when I lowered the rifle as well.

“Yes we attacked him first, he has only defended himself.” She said stepping closer. “For that, I apologize creature.”

“Princess we should lock this creature up, it's dangerous.” Twilight said.

“um I think it's only dangerous when provoked Twilight.” Fluttershy said.

“What about the changelings?” Rainbow pointed out. “This thing attacked them and destroyed the throne room.”

“Hey if it wasn't for me you would be nothing but a scorch mark on the pavement.” I snapped back at her. I was going to continue but then I remembered that only one of these ponies can understand me and she was currently cowering beneath Applejack.

“Enough, Twilight is there any way you can make it so we can understand him?” Luna asked flaring her wings. I guess she was also getting sick of this game of telephone. That or she also saw that Fluttershy didn't want to move.

“Princess this thing is a monster and should be locked away.” Twilight said raising my shotgun again. I looked at her for a few seconds then I flipped her off and sat down crossing my legs. I figured if they wanted to sit there and argue it was fine by me. I then opened one of the cargo pockets that I had on my trousers. Reaching in I pulled out a first aid kit and popped it open. Inside was a few basic components. I looked at my shoulder seeing the extent of the damage. It wasn't bleeding meaning the wound had been cauterised. I grabbed a roll of gauze and a bottle of disinfectant. After peeling the sleeve of my shirt away I grabbed the disinfectant and gave it a few shakes. I also pulled out a small wooden dowel out of the bag. We used it for makeshift tourniquets or in this case to give someone something to bite down on. I stuck the dowel in between my teeth and lifted the spray can to my arm. I gave it a quick press letting a burst of pain shoot up my arm. I let out a grunt as I let the spray do its job. Then grabbed a patch of gauze and applied it to my arm. I held my arm out so it wouldn't fall off as I grabbed the roll of gauze. Before I could begin to unroll it a yellow hoof pressed on my leg getting my attention. I looked up to see Fluttershy looking at me with soft caring eyes. She then reached up for the gauze. I moved it out of her reach. She then took a few steps back then sat down and looked at me, her face slowly turned stern.

“I know you don't trust us right now but you're injured and you need help.” Her face then went soft again. “Please let me help you”

I sat there staring at her trying to find some form of dishonesty but I couldn't. After a few minutes I held out the gauze. She smiled then reached up for it. Before she could grab it a cyan blur appeared in between us.

“Fluttershy stay away from it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed flaring her wings giving me a strong glare. It might actually be intimidating if it wasn't for the fear that appeared in them from the knife that she found pressed against her throat that I pulled from my boot. As I stared at her I searched her eyes for the spark that I saw there earlier.

“I know there was something there before now where did it go?” I thought to myself. Then the knife was ripped out of my hand and was carried over to the field of magic that Twilight had encased all my weapons in. I gave a small growl then picked up the gauze off the ground and proceeded to wrap it around my arm. Once the wound was covered I tucked the left over back into the case then put it away.

“Fluttershy would please tell them I'm sorry. All im asking is to get my weapons back and to be let go.” I said standing up and dusting off my pants. “Cause I have a very important meeting with a changeling queen that is a matter of utmost urgency.”

“You’re meeting with the changelings!?” Twilight asked nearly shouting. I looked at her and saw that everyone else was as well. Everyone except Fluttershy was staring at me with a look of complete hatred.

“How are you doing that?”. I asked slightly confused. “Literally two seconds ago you had no idea what I was saying.”

“I used a translation spell.” Twilight said igniting her horn. The guards and the girls both looked at me with hatred in their eyes. The princess on the other hand started looking at me with a little bit of suspicion in her eyes. “Now why are you helping the Changeling Queen?”

“Which one are you talking about?” I asked “Because if you think I'm helping that bitch Crudelis then I'm not even going to talk to you.”

“I thought her name was Chrysalis?” Fluttershy asked. I looked at her then sighed.

“Yes one of them is named Chrysalis but she isn't the one behind all of this. Her sister Crudelis forced her into this and then she used her face.”

“Forced?” Luna asked.

“Yes her hive is starving to death and she is doing everything she can to keep it alive. So when her sister Crudelis threatened to wipe it out if she didn't do what she said, I know none of you are mothers but if your children were starving would you not do anything to help them? With that in mind you can understand why she is helping her. Chrysalis isn't your enemy, she's just being used as a face for you to go after while the real threat gets away.” I explained. “Now if you'll excuse me I have a good changeling hive to save and a bad one to wipe off the face of Equestria.”

As I turned to walk away a spear was aimed at my throat. I looked from the gleaming tip to the owner. A male celestial guard.

“Why are the white ones always so quick to point something sharp at me?” I thought grabbing the spear just below the blade then shoved it to the side.. “You better get this out of my face before I shove it where the sun don't shine.” I said snapping off the end.

“You are not going anywhere until you have answered for you crimes against the crown.” another solar guard stated stepping into my path.

“What is going on here?” A boyish yet commanding voice that I recognised passed over the crowd. I turned to find Shining Armor trotting up with princess Cadence alongside him.

“Captain Armor sir, we are attempting to capture this dangerous creature sir.” The guard in front of me sounded off with a salute. I looked at him closely as well as the other guards. All the night guards were bowing to princess Cadence and leaving me alone but all the solar guards were saluting or pointing their weapons at me.

“Disrespectful little fucks.” I thought as I stepped closer to the soon to be newly weds.

“You are still alive?” Cadence asked looking at me in shock. I shrug.

“I've been through worse fights but I'm not exactly in the best condition right now.” I said wincing at the pain in my ribs from the shrug.

“You can speak now?” She asked looking at me in surprise. Shining Armor was surprised as well but hid it a little better.

“Yeah you can thank Twilight for that.” I said jerking a thumb in her direction. “Speaking of thanks I would like to thank you for all the help. Also for saving my life. I do believe that pink ball of light was the doing of you two, was it not?”

“Yes it was a combination of my shield spell and the power of our love.” Shining said hugging Cadence closer. “Speaking of thanking and love I would like to extend my gratitude for saving my fiance from the changelings in the crystal mines.”

“No need to, we watched each others backs, as far as I can see the scales are balanced.” I said holding out my hand. Before either of us could blink there was a blur and a sharp pain in my side along with a loud snap. I fell to the ground my brain overloaded from the pain signal my nerves were flooding it with. I tried to fight back the pain but it has broken from its shackles and was now strangling me with them. I could barely hear Shining Armor shouting at someone before a shadow covered me. I looked up to see Cadence standing over me looking down in worry.

“Are you okay, please, say something?” she asked looking me over looking at my arm and head. I when to speak but was attacked by a barrage of coughing. I covered my mouth with my hand feeling my ribs creak and crackle. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood.

“Well that's not good.” I said trying to take a breath. I tried to breath in but it was difficult and it felt like someone was stabbing my lungs. I gave another cough this time the blood hitting the cobbled street.

“Somepony get a doctor now!” One of the night guards saluted and took off heading for the hospital.

“C...C...Cadence.” I forced out pointing at my helmet. She looked over and levitate it to me. I turned it around so the hole was facing me I could faintly hear Sarah screaming at me through the internal speakers. I sucked in a breath. “Sarah tell them the spell matrix for the healing spell.”

“But Stones that is against protocol. We are not aloud to speak with the local pop…..” she stated before I caught a breath.

“Override code foxtrot uniform charlie kilo oscar foxtrot foxtrot.” I barely got out before I was coughing up more blood started to paint the streets red. As I was doing this I heard Sarah speaking through the external speakers telling Cadence how to administer the healing spell. After about thirty seconds I felt her magic stabbing onto me. My ribs gave a sharp crack as it moved back into place. I felt the air I'm my lungs get forced out as my body started healing itself. The muscle on my arm started to flow and connect as the nerves came back to life. I felt every bump scrape and cut on my body disappear as my lungs sucked in a large breath almost like I just missed drowning. As I laid there catching my breath Cadence stumbled then sat down breathing just as hard as I was. I looked over at her.

“Thank you, I owe you one.” I say sitting up slowly I reach out setting my hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay I heard that spell is hard on the caster the first time?”

“I'm fine” she said taking a deep breath. “I don't think I can do that spell again or any spell for that matter any time soon.”

At that moment the Luna guard showed up with the doctor. He looked at me and started to back away nervous. I remember seeing the doctor, he was one of the ponies I helped from the changelings.

“Princess are you alright?” He asked running over to her. I took a few steps back feeling my ribs and arm. After concluding the spell worked I picked up my helmet and slipped it on..

“Sarah do you see any way out of here?” I asked looking around seeing the Luna guards were bowing as were the celestial guard.

“Um Stones, I don't think escape is going to be an option right now.” She said as an arrow appeared on my HUD pointing up and to the right. Before I could ask what she or the arrow meant I heard the sound of metal covered hooves hitting the ground to my right answered my question about the arrow. I turned my head to get the second part of that question.

“I see you found the creature you were talking about Cadence?” A kind but firm voice sound through the air. I turned to find the princess of the sun standing not ten feet from me. I took a few steps back swallowing hard.

“Princess Celestia.” One of the guards sounded off bowing deeply. “We were capturing this creature on the orders of Princess Luna.”

“No I told you to let him go, he has done nothing wrong to require being captured.” She said as the glow around my weapons changed to a dark blue and were floated over to me. Luna attached them to my back and thighs as well as inserted the knives into their holsters. I shifted a few things around to provide an ease of access.

“What is this creature?” Celestia asked stepping closer to her sister.

“I'm getting really sick and tired of being called creature. Normally I wouldn't even tell you but I'm too tired to care. My name is Stones so please call me as such.” I said crossing my arms. Celestia looked at me in surprised stepping a little closer. One of the celestial guards stepped in the way of her holding out his hoof.

“I would be careful your majesty. It has already harmed a member of the guard and your sister.” He said looking back at me with a glare.

“It harmed you?” Celestia asked Luna. Then she saw the mark on her ear and the almost black bruise on her neck.

“Yes but it was only a……”

That was how far she got before a golden glow surrounded me and I was thrown backward.

“Son of a bitch!” I yelled then I slammed through a wall and slid across the floor banging against another wall. I slowly sat up leaning against the wall. Dust filled the air as I looked around seeing I landed in a blacksmith shop. “Alright that's does it, no more playing nice. They want to pick a fight with me then they will get a fight.”

Personal: Celestia. Location: 50 meters from Stones. Status: hostile.

My sister looked at me in shock as did Twilight and her friends. The guards looked either in the direction of the creature or at Luna as she moved to stand in my path.

“Sister please this isn't….”

“Stand aside Luna I will make sure this creature can never harm you again.” I said levitating her behind me and casting a shield spell over her and the bearers. I looked back in the direction I threw the creature. There was a cloud of dust covering the spot that I threw it. I slowly walked over ready to finish it off for harming my sister and my subjects. As I got closer I could see a large hole in the wall. I stepped through seeing splintered wood covering the floor of the blacksmith shop. I used a small wind spell to clear out the dust as I looked around trying to find the creature. I could see it has slid across the ground and hit the far wall but it wasn't there. “Show yourself creature. You will not escape from your crimes. You have harmed my subjects and my sister. I will not let you harm another.” I looked around seeing if I could spot it anywhere. “If you turn yourself in now I will make your end swift and painless.”

“That's a bullshit lie and you know it.” I heard behind me I spun around firing off a magic blast. All I hit was the wall that I walked through creating more dust and a larger hole.

“Show yourself monster!” I shouted

“Monster, ha hello pot my name’s kettle.” The creatures voice filled the air, I couldn't figure out the direction it was coming from.

“You dare insult the princess of the sun?” I said stopping in the middle of the room looking all around trying to find the creature. “I will lock you in the dungeon till the rest of your days if you dare insult me again.”

“Wow okay first, get off your pedestal before you hit your head on the roof. Second the whole dungeon thing, that would be pretty intimidating if your were… well… intimidating.” The creature chuckled. “Third you and your guards have almost starved a whole species to death so dont act like your all high and mighty.” I lit up my horn sending out a magic sensory spell. The spell is made to show any living beings that have magic. As when it bounced back I was shocked to find that there was no magic bearing creature in the building but me.

“That's impossible no sentient creature can live without magic. How are you alive?” I asked my curiosity suddenly getting the better of me. I shook my head clearing it.

“I ask myself that same question every day.” I paused, its voice was fierce but there was a slight quiver hidden underneath it almost like he was upset that he was still alive. I looked more forcefully trying to remove the growing curiosity inside of me. I shake my head again burying it away.

“I'm not going to play your games creature come on out and face me.” I lowered myself ready for anything. At least I thought I was. The next second I saw the creature swing down from the rafters and kicked out its foot slamming it into my horn making cracks spider web its way up and down. My mind felt like it shattered, tearing all though and reason from me as I used my wings to fly back to the hole in the wall. I heard a thump turning to see the creature running towards me.

Personal: Stones location: 10 meters from Celestia. Status: Removing hostiles that are a threat to the status of the mission and personal health.

I smiled as I watch Celestia stumble back after I slammed into her horn cracking it making is so she could no longer use her magic. I charged forward giving her a spartan kick back out the hole into the streets. I kept the pressure on charging against and kicking her in the ribs hard enough to lift her off the ground, the sound of ribs snapping filled the air. Before she could even screamed I slammed my fist into to the side of her head knocking a tooth out then I grabbing her head and slamming my knee into her snout slamming her head back.I then wrapped my arms around her left wing twisting it popping it from its socket with a loud crack. I let go watching her wing fall limp to the ground. I then heard the sound of armor clanking and feathered wings coming closer I turned grabbing the pegasus guard flying at me then held him in the way of a stun spell that was shot towards me. I then threw the guard at the unicorn putting them both out of commission. I then heard Celestia trying to stand up I spun around and slammed the heel of my foot into her knee snapping it sideways, breaking it with a loud crack. She tried to scream only for me to wrap my arm around her throat cutting off her air. She struggled but couldn't do more then flail her three good limbs and batter at me with her one functional wing. I saw more guards running over ready to kill me. I dragged Celestia up in her rear legs using her as a meat shield.

“TAKE ONE STEP CLOSER AND SHE'S A DEAD MARE!.” I yelled grabbing my pistol holding it to her head. Celestia sucked in a large gasp of air breathing short painful breaths.

“Y-you think you can kill me monster? I am the raiser of the sun as long as it exists I will defeat you.” Celestia said through gritted teeth. “Nothing will stop me from protecting my subjects.”

“Careful sunbutt your cockiness already made you lose once today it would be a shame for it to get you killed.” I moved the pistol to the joint of Celestia’s right wing. She took in a sharp breath as sweat formed on her brow and a shiver ran up her spine. I leaned in right next to her ear and whispered. “You feel it don't you? The feeling of someone walking on your grave kind of hard to feel that if your immortal like everyone says you are. The thing is there one spot that all alicorns have that will put them down for good and each one is in a different place yours is just a half inch towards your spine on your right wing joint.”

“H-h-how did you…?”

“Figure it out? It wasn't too hard you almost always have your wings up to help protect this spot, now figuring out you had a weak spot that took a while but once I knew you had one I just had to figure out where it was. I bet this is how Chrysalis felt when you refused to help her and her hive.” I smiled pushing a little harder. She gasped as fear destroyed her calm collected demeanor she is known for. As soon as it was broken the guards soon showed the same face. They backed up now not knowing how to handle the situation, fearing for their princesses life.

“Please let her go.” I turned to see Cadence slowly walking over. Her head was down and her face was flowing with worry and a small hint of fear. I twisted the gun making Celestia whimper. “Please we are sorry for the attacks just let her go and we will let you leave.”

“Bullshit. I'm sick and tired of hearing the same fucking shit time and time again today. As soon as I do let her go I will be attacked again because I acted in FUCKING SELF DEFENSE.” I say tightening my grip around Celestia's throat. “I have let it happen again and again because I thought you were all about forgiveness and friendship but all you ponies have proven that if there is something you don't like you mark it as evil and want nothing to do with it but see it destroyed. You and your guards really need to know when someone is an enemy or not. So no I'm done acting like a doormat. You all think I'm a monster? I guess it's time to show you how much of a monster I can be. If she does anything I'll be starting with your little sun princess.”

“Please if you kill me you will be putting all of equestria in danger.” Celestia quietly gasped trying to breath properly. I locked my grip tighter.

“Shut up meat sack you lost your privilege to speak when you attacked me. So unless you want to say hi to some long dead friends, then that can be arranged.” I growled my anger slowly taking over more and more. “Now miss bride to be unless you want your auntie to start saying her final goodbyes I suggest telling your guards to fuck off.”

“Okay okay they'll leave.” She said waving a hoof to Shining Armor. Shining gave a few hoof motions and the guards slowly left. I slowly relaxed my grip enough that Celestia could breath. “Please just let her go.”

“Alright but I'm going to let you know that you and me are even and the first person that lights up their horn or calls the guards back is getting put down permanently.” I said through clenched teeth.

“We understand but please let my sister go.” Luna asked landing beside Cadence. I also saw the bearers running up behind her. When they got sight of their princess they all gasped.

Personal:Twilight Sparkle. Location: 30 meters from personal Stones. Status: Worried and afraid.

I couldn't believe what I saw. Princess Celestia looked afraid. I've seen her worried and even confused sometimes but never afraid. That plus all the injuries that covered her body filled me with fear. She had blood pouring out of her nose and the corner of her mouth. As I stared her right eye was starting to swell shut. Her right arm was bent it the wrong direction and her wing was limp hanging from her side. Her horn was cracked and gave off small sparks of magic every few seconds.

I turned my gaze to the one holding her. I couldn't see his face because of the helmet. His body looked tensed, like a spring ready to snap at any time. Celestia's sun reflected of his helmet as he slowly turned his head I'm guessing looking at all of us. The fact that Luna and Cadence were willing to let him go still surprised me. Everything I saw this creature do only made me believe he was a monster. But the fact that it saved us kept bouncing around in my head, then it leaned in close to Celestia's ear. I couldn't hear what he said but he then gently set her down on the ground and slowly turned and walked away. We watched it walk away then  it turned to walk around the corner of a building. It stopped then looked back at us then shook its head and disappeared around the corner. We all rushed towards princess Celestia.

“Sister are you alright?” Luna asked slowly wrapping her wing around her to help her to her feet. Celestia turned to look at the direction the creature left. I saw her tilt her head as questions flash in her eyes. “Sister what is wrong?” Luna asked gently nuzzling her.

“I'm fine Lulu.” She said quietly. Her voice filled with fear but I also heard a small piece of surprise in her voice.

“What's wrong auntie?” Cadence asked moving to Celestia's other side careful to not touch her injuries.

“He knew how to kill me.” She said her voice level. Luna and Cadence gasped.

“B-but how, only we know the secret?” Cadence stuttered looking at Celestia worry covered her face.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked as she kept looking in the direction that the creature left in. I could see she was considering going after it. “If that thing threatened to hurt you I'll pound it into the ground.” She started to fly away but Celestia spoke, her normal tone filling her voice.

“No Rainbow Dash, I'm afraid that you would not be capable of fighting him. I also believe that he isn’t here to cause harm to Equestria.” She stated slowly standing up holding her broken leg off the ground.

“Excuse me your majesty but that varmint beat you up pretty darn bad and almost killed you, how can you say it ain't a threat?” Applejack said taking off her hat looking at Celestia with concern.

“It’s because it didn't. I attacked him first, it was within its it's right to kill me.” She stated with a sigh and a wince as her wounds started to heal. We all gasped.

“But princess how could you say that that monster…” I started wondering how she could even think like that.

“It's because of what it said to me before it released me that has me questioning what its purpose here is.”

I tilted my head slightly. “What did he say to you princess?” I asked stepping closer.

She looked into the direction of the creature her eyes filled with curiosity.

Personal: Celestia location: 20 seconds prior.

I took in a pain filled breath trying not to move or to provoke the creature. It leaned in close and whispered into my ear.

“I'm sorry for what I did to your sister and your guard.” I felt the gun being removed. I was surprised by the gentle tone coming from its mouth. “This wasn't how I wanted our first meeting to go but there's no changing it now. I just want to let you know that I'm not here to harm any of your subjects unless they are a threat to those girls. I'm here to protect your student and her friends that's why they brought me here and I have been doing a damn good job for the last year and I don't plan on stopping now. I really wished things could have gone differently. Maybe we could have made good allies. You might have attacked me but you should look into the fact that one of those changeling queens came to ask you for help before your guard chased her off and see why they don't respect your sister like they should. You already messed up on one potential ally no need to make it two.” The creature then let me go as it walked away. My mind reeling from everything it said. I turned to watch it leave. As it walked away I saw it shoulders drop. Once it reached the corner it turned back to us. 

“Who are you?” I asked myself watching it shake it head and disappeared from sight.

Present time. Twilight Sparkle.

“Something that I must reconsider” Celestia said wincing as the doctor walked over to her. She waved him off and started hobbling to the throne room. A golden glow covering her body as her injuries started healing themselves. I watched her leave then looked back to the spot the creature last stood.

“What is it Twilight?” Applejack asked stepping to my side still holding her hat to her chest.

“What was that thing?” I asked not looking away from that spot.

“I don’t rightly know sugarcube. I ain't ever seen anything like it before. Whatever it is it's mighty dangerous to be able to take on the princess like that.”

“Indeed Applejack.” Luna said looking in the direction of her sister. “Though I have to agree with my sister he maybe violent but he did aid us in our time of need and for that I feel it would be best if we leave him be.”

Personal: Celestia. Location: Throne room Status: Puzzled.

As I walk down the hall to the throne room I could see all of the guards standing at attention. There was almost double the usual amount that patrols this hall. I could tell they were all tense about the recent discovery of a new creature and the changeling attack. I sighed then stepped into the throne room shutting the heavy doors behind me.

“This doesn't make any sense.” I stated to myself as I started to pace back and forth at the bottom of the altar. Thought of what the creature said spinning in my mind as a breeze blew through the shatter windows. Burn marks covered the ground and one of the pillars was cracked. “One of the queens came here to ask for Equestrias help and my guards chased her away? How was there two of them, I only seen one and I don't remember seeing the report of this incident.”

“Are you sure your alright dear sister?” I look up to see Luna sitting a few feet away looking at the damage around us.

“Yes Lulu I'm fine just trying to understand what the creature told me.” She tilted her head

“And what exactly did he tell you?”

I sighed and looked at the red carpet beneath my hooves. “He said that one of the changeling queens came to equestria asking for help. The first question I had was how was there two queens here? I only remember seeing one.”

“Well I can't say we seen either of them but the creature said something about helping one of them that was being forced to attack us with the threat of the destruction of her hive. Chrysalis I believe correctly.” She said tapping her chin a few times.

“That's the other thing I don't understand Chrysalis is the one that I saw attacking Equestria. How can she be the one being forced.”

“I asked him the same thing and he said the another one is called Crudelis and she is the real one behind the attack on Canterlot. She forces her sister to attack us in return of the promise of safety and love so her hive could survive.”

“That brings me to my second question. The creature also said the Chrysalis came to Equestria requesting aid but was driven off by the guard. If this is true why haven't we heard about it before now?” I asked sitting in front of her.

“Hmmm, I wonder this as well but the only way to know for sure is to ask the guards themselves. Though there is one thing that the creature said before you arrived. He said that he was meeting with Chrysalis soon to help her hive and to destroy the one threatening to do the same to hers.”

“He plans on taking on a whole hive?” I asked looking at Luna in surprise. “There isn't a chance he would survive that.”

“Why not he has done it before.” I turned to see my niece trotting towards us.

“What do you mean Cadence?” Luna asked.

“When I was trapped in the crystal mines there was an army of changelings down there with me waiting for the order to swarm Canterlot. If Stones didn't show up we would have been off a lot worse than we are now. Those changelings were a lot stronger then the second invasion force. He not only freed me but he also wiped out the entire changeling army that was waiting down there."

“The whole army, how is that even possible? If he did then what was the swarm that attacked Canterlot?” I asked trying to imagine the amount of magic it would take to complete a task like that.

“That was the back up army because Stones and I defeated her best soldiers if what the queen said is true. I helped a little but for him to not only beat one army then take on an entire invasion force and then both queens then you. I don’t think I have met any guard that would be able to do a fraction of that and stay standing let alone ask for more.”

“Well he was injured when I first found him, now that I think about it he did seem pretty eager to get away from me.” Before I could speak a knock from the main door caught my attention.

“Enter" I said standing along with Luna and Cadence. The doors opened revealing one of my celestial guards, lieutenant Fire Storm if I remember correctly, he stepped towards us then bowed.

“Your majesty I came to speak with you about the creature that was recently discovered.” he said after rising.

“Of course lieutenant. What did you come to discuss with us?” I asked sitting back down still feeling a slight bit of stiffness in my newly healed limbs.

“I would like to request permission to track down the monster and bring it to justice. It must pay for the damage it had done here today.” He said standing then pointing to the windows and burn damage, after doing so he stood straight looking at me waiting for an answer. 

“What, how can you say that? He may have caused damage but he is a hero. None of us would be here if it wasn't for him.” Cadence stated before I could deny his request.

“With all due respect your highness I was asking princess Celestia.” I looked at him my face calm but inside I was shocked. The fact that the creature said they did this was one thing it was another to actually see it in front of me.

“Lieutenant may I remind you my sister holds the same authority as I. As does princess Cadence.” I said standing holding my wings flared. He bowed deeply.

“My apology your highness, I didn't mean any disrespect."

“As for your request I am going to have to deny it. No pony is to pursue the creature or the changelings until we say so is that understood?” His bow deepened

“Yes your highness.” He rose then slowly walked out, once the door was closed I sighed in relief.

“Well I can say I'm a little surprised with you Celestia.” I heard a deep voice behind me. I spun around to find both Cadence and Luna we also surprised by the voice. “With all that has happened I thought you would be sending your guards out in swarms searching for someone to blame for the attack.”

“Who are you?” Cadence asked looking around the empty room. The more we heard the voice the more Luna and I readied ourselves. It sounded like the creatures but different almost quieter. Like someone trying to not give up who or where they were but still wanted to talk.

“Someone that has our future alliance in mind and hope's to see it though.” The voice stated suddenly again behind us. I turned to follow it. 

“Alliance? You ask us to ally with somepony that we can't even see or know who or what they are.” Luna stated stomping her hoof.

“I call this testing the water. So far it's a little choppy and just a tad hot. So I'm going to stay on this side of the river until it calms and cools down a bit.” I stepped towards the altar looking at the damage around me trying to find where the voice was coming from.

“What do you want?” I asked looking back towards the main doors.

“Simple, I just want to talk and maybe get a few questions answered.” I heard right next to me. I looked at Luna and Cadence to see both of them looking to the left of me in shock as Luna ignited her horn and spread her wings. I slowly turned to look at what was next to me. The first thing I could see was a loaded crossbow pointed at the ground. It was a non-reflective black with a silver dragon carved in the stock and there was a crescent moon next to it with three red apples near the butt of the weapon. The next thing I saw was the appendages holding the crossbow. The were five digits like the creature we saw earlier but they were covered in black gloves. The rest of the being was also covered in in black cloth but with dark red along the edges making something similar to a long coat with a hood. The hood covered most of the creatures face and had a slight v shape at the top. What I could see of the creatures face was hairless and a light golden brown skin. I took a few steps back putting some distance between us. I then could see a coil of rope sitting behind him leading up to the rafters above. I never even heard it along with the fact that it got through all the guards now covering the hallways scared me slightly.

“Sorry for dropping in like this but your guards are not all that friendly to newcomers and I prefer not to fight them if I don't have to.” It said slipping the crossbow over it back letting it hang from a strap.

It then reached up and removed its hood. The creature looked almost exactly the same as the other one. If what Cadence described it before is true. Short light brown hair covered it head as cold blue eyes looked me up and down inspecting me. I ignited my horn ready to attack. It slowly raised it hands holding them in front of it.

“Easy princess I'm not here to harm anyone I just want to talk.” It's voice was calm and almost soothing somehow. I slowly stood straight pulling back my magic. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Luna doing the same. “Good now that we are calm,  let's talk.”

“Who are you and why are you here, and how can we understand you?” Cadence asked slowly stepping forward. The creature looked over at her then chuckled.

“Right off the bat with the fun ones mmmm. Well let's start with the reason you can understand me. Best way to put it I was ready for this conversation so I have Clover the clevers translation spell cast on me. Second thing is my name is Tyrock and assuming from the lack of surprised in your voice at my appearance you know who Stones is. I'm also assuming you can tell me something princess.” Tyrock said looking towards me.

“What would that be?” I asked

“Where is my cousin?”
> Update
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry everyone who liked or followed this story. I regret to inform you that I will be redoing this story. I will start over and try again. I am deeply sorry for how long it took me to even put this up. I promise I will not let this story die. I will fix it and make it better then ever. I will post a link here on where to get the redone story.

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/520192/the-guardians-equestrias-heros