Chapter One - The unlikely Hero and a strange new world

Chapter One

Waking up, 860's ears were ringing, however, it didn't stop. He shook his head in an attempt to stop the infernal sound.

After some time it did.

'Good, now let's see where I am.' His left leg was throbbing in discomfort, while a beam of bent metal blocked his field of vision. 'I can't see anything with this metal beam on me.'

Reaching upwards with his gloved hands and gripping onto the bent piece of metal 860 moved the piece of rubble off. He discovered that he was still in the troop hold of a drop ship, around him; the remains of his Squad, unmoving.

Only a few bits of memory came back to him,

Overwatch, had received an anomaly on their scanners in sector ten, subgrid seventy. and immediately dispatched a Stabilization team, to Engage. Secure. Inquire.

7-0-3-9-10 was sent, 860's squad; it was him. Their Suppressor unit 130, the Ordinal 526, and the last three members. The Marksmen, 987, and the two Assault grunts 992, and 409.

Sitting up was easy. Getting up was the challenge, vertigo was working against him, but didn't stop the hulking giant from moving.

As he walked, the hold creaked from his considerable weight. And even groaned, with each step he took.

Arriving at the closest of his fallen compatriots. 860 fell to one knee and Reached out towards them. Lifting one of their heads gently, Soon after gaining a grasp on them, he pressed one of many buttons on the helmet, as the flatline noise rang out.

Showing that they had expired.

Gently letting the head go back down, 860 used the metal wall to get himself back up. along with steadying himself, as he traveled, his limp grew considerably worse.

While it began to throb more and the pain began to mount. Yet, the minor wound did little to hinder his movements, around the troop transport. 860 was too focused on seeing who had survived, and who didn't. To worry about his injuries,

'This isn't good. Come on, Someone better be still kicking.' Yet his hope of having at least one, alive member of his team grew smaller, and smaller, as each Flatline rang out for every, single one of his teammate's helmets.

Shaking his head, in slight frustration 860 moved toward their weapon rack, in doing so. The combine soldier needed to clear some metallic debris, once out of the way. He retrieved his primary firearm.

Commencing an inspection of his main gun, 860 discovered it was still combat-ready. But if he was being honest with himself, 860 didn't know how to inform Overwatch of the death of his squad.

Taking a few deep breaths he prepared himself to make the transmission.

860 reached up, pressing a button on his helmet to begin the transmission he never thought he would make toward the A.I unit, his vocoder crackled to life realving his somewhat robotic speech.

"Overwatch, Stabilization team designated, 7-0-3-9-10 has Flatlined. Spikewall Unit. 8-6-0-9-6-2-1, is Solo active, holding current position. Negative viscon on Hostiles, Awaiting for Advanced Directive. Over,"

Letting his hand fall down from his head, 860 gripped the Forend of his firearm waiting for it to respond.

Overwatch didn't respond.

This was going south very quickly, and Overwatch always responded. The moment any combine entity ended, their communication to it.

'Maybe, there's some interference? Maybe the Resistance have a Jamming Unit online? But that brings up another question, how the hell did they manage to steal one, or Construct it. Without the database mentioning it,"

Moving back towards 526, he grabbed his radio backpack and began removing it from the lifeless body. 'You won't be needing, this anymore. I'm sure you understand, given the current situation, This will no doubt boost my connection with Overwatch.'

Hooking it up to his back, he began checking if it would even transmit a signal, let alone receive one.

After testing its components, the way their squad leader showed. The backpack radio was very much operational. 'Thank you 526, for constantly maintaining this baggage now it's my annoyance.'

Grunting in discomfort, 860 looked down at the troublesome limb, his left foot was damaged. 'I don't think human feet are supposed to bend that way, I think I possibly need some Medical.'

Looking around the transport pod, 860, found the emergency medical supplies. walking over as reasonably, as one with a broken foot could. He tore open the metal box and grabbed one of six fluorescent blue syringes along with bandages and other medical items.

'This is going to hurt just a bit.'

He saw the injured limb as more of a liability, more than anything else but it's better to fix it up now, over him being pinned down by Anit-Citizen gunfire.

Main Six POV

Twilight, Spike, and the four other ponies that made up their group were currently attempting to save Rarity from the diamond dogs.

But even with the spell that Rarity had taught Twilight about, they still couldn't find the elegant mare.

"Come on Twilight we have to be close! Who knows what they're doing to her!" yelled a concerned baby dragon.

"I'm trying, Spike but I'm not a miracle worker but that explains why there are so many missing Pony reports for Ponyville! It's these Diamond dogs." Said the Lavender mare, her tail lashing.

Her anger made her horn flicker, Applejack had taken notice of this and expressed her concern.

"Easy there, Sugarcube, we don't need ya bursting into a rage state and losing the spell. Now, do us a favor and Breathe in and out, would ya?" the orange earth pony reasoned.

Twilight did as Applejack instructed, she did steady herself if only slightly, Soon they heard Rarity shrieking and sobbing.

"She's in trouble! Pick up the pace!" Rainbow Dash pointed out, as the ponies picked up their speed from a slow trout to galloping.

Little did they know, that's what the Diamond dogs anticipated, and all of them promptly fell into their trap as metal nets entangled the group.

The trap had sprung, and many of the dogs began cheering at the new additions to the dens, while a new voice entered the caves.

"Good dogs! Now, let's separate these new arrivals to see who can be useful in Pulling or gem finding."

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash hissed, trying to get her friends' attention. Turning her head she continued.

"Cut this, bucking net! So we can kick their flanks!" Acting quickly, Twilight tried to concentrate on a spell that would slice through the rusty nets.

However, a guard dog witnessed this and punched her in the barrel. "Bad Pony! No escape."

"Twilight!" All of her friends shouted as the blow knocked the air from her lungs, making her gasp, and cough.

"G-girls I'm fine."

She rasped out, breathing heavily as if she had just completed a marathon. "Dogs! Take them to the cells! We'll begin breaking down their abilities there."

Not a moment later, the main five, including Spike we're dragged off, like recently caught fish to whatever fate might happen to them.

"There's no way in Tartarus! I'm not going down without a fight!" proclaimed Rainbow Dash, while Applejack covered her muzzle.

"Lower ya tone, I got a plan, to find Rarity but we can't have ya making a scene understand?" Applejack muttered so that the cyan mare could hear her, with a slight nod of Rainbow's head.

The orange farm pony removed her forelegs, from her friend as they were dragged off to Celestia knows where.

860 POV

With a pain-filled grunt, the Overwatch Soldier gritted his teeth behind his emotionless helmet, while 860 forced his foot back into its proper place. Regardless, the loud *CRACK* of bone forced back echoed through the damaged metal carrier.

'Their. Problem rectified.'

Working through the dull pain he wrapped his exposed foot. having removed his boot and sock, thinking his extremity had been bleeding and required a stem.

'Stem, isn't required after all.' He thought, along with storing it in the backpack.

Taking this moment of forced rest, he stored the remaining medical syringes that was left on his lap. After that, he commandeered the weapons his team had. Once that was achieved he Unbonded them, from their previous owners.

The two 'Daggers' were bonded to him, then stored on his legs, as if they were sidearms. The new Ar1, and Sniper, followed the same destiny like the previous weapons; However, he would need to come back for the Heavy Gun that their APF was assigned.

"That's everything. I still have room in this Backpack. I might as well stock up, on some more Supplies, but first, Let's get my shoe back on."

Grabbing the sock, he carefully pushed his foot into it then eventually the boot. Redoing the laces that held his boot on, 860 proceeded to store additional Ammo, the last of the medical supplies, food paste, water, and the only working, Viscerator drone's which only two had survived the crash.

Giving his fallen comrades, one final look, he spoke out to them. " I'll be back to get you all, rest easy now. Our mission is complete." In reality, 860 didn't even know if their original directive was a success or failure.

But still, he felt like he needed to say what he said for his own sake. They knew one another for so long. They were almost a family. Or what 992 would say, 'a family of freaks.' 860 was feeling something he didn't know how to describe.

His chest hurt, and his eyes wanted to release some kind of fluid.

'Are my eyes trying to leak?'

He thought in reaction to the foreign feeling, while his throat felt tight.

'These Foreign, sensations can wait, I need to get into contact with Overwatch. Hell, I'll take Airwatch at this point. But out of respect, I plan to bury them with full honors for their Service. Sense they can not be recycled.' 860 thought, while taking nice and slow steps towards the hatch of the transport pod.

Through the ripple window which was one-sided glass, he couldn't see much of anything it was pitch black.

860 pressed the exit button, nothing transpired, he pressed it a few more times before summing up that the door was broken. 'Going to have to do this the old fashion way. I think we crashed if the state of the entrance and exit of the pod, was anything to go by.'

Steadying himself, 860 reared his right leg up, and kicked the door, causing a loud clang to reverberate, around the pod.

He kicked, again, and again, till finally, the seventh kick brought the doors off their metallic hinges.

'It's time to go.'

He proceeded to jump out of the pod resulting in him landing shortly after.

'Right, total Darkness is not my cup of tea, let's fix that.' Reaching up he activated his helmet's Night vision mode.

Looking around, 860 discovered that they were underground, which should have been impossible. 'That crash didn't have the force to make us go underground, what the hell happened? Why can't I remember the reason?' shaking his head he continued to scan the area.

"Recon in progress."

860 said, his helmet along with the vocoder, distorted his voice, 'I need to keep that habit if I join another squad.' This was odd, despite being considered better and even on par with pre-war Commando's, They still spoke out and gave verbal orders. While their non-combine versions usually did hand symbols to show a battle plan, Regardless he followed the tunnel's path.

'I like tunnels. Is this why I requested the Spikewall class, I think? Close quarters, with a Shotgun, is devastating. More so in a cave, this is going to be fun, if there are any Anti-Citizens, down here. I also see why my transmission didn't go through, these are solid rock formations. '

He traveled, down the dark lone hall, for roughly five minutes. And it didn't seem like the end was in sight annoying 860 slightly. 'How long is this rebel-made Tunnel? You know what, I have an idea.'

Deciding to take the more reasonable approach 860 removed a Viscerator from his side, and activated it.

"Overwatch, one Viscerator online." He said, but no response came forth.

In an instant, the little robot with Razor-sharp blades was floating in front of him like a mini-death helicopter.

"Recon, directive."

860 ordered, as the little machine made a sound, to confirm the order it had been given. Slowly, it began to pulse in blue light; it stayed like that for a moment.

Until a massive three-D map appeared, showing the cave system, they were in, along with multiple red dots. and six green dots, the active Manhack, being one of them.

"Uplink, Transmitters to my HUD."

A moment later, the map appeared in the corner of his right eye, while he offered his hand to the tiny death drone,

"Recall."

It hovered over to his free hand then deactivated, and fell into his gloved hand. Storing the Manhack on his chest armor, 860 continued his new current directive.

Reach the surface. Then get into contact with Overwatch, or any combine related entity.

860 traveled, slowly and cautiously, each step was slow and meticulously placed. So if the case called for it, he could whip around and cover his blind spot.

860 was a tempered soldier, Patients and keen hearing were traits that needed to be learned, in order to be made into a deadly Spikewall or a wall hammers, especially in these Claustrophobic situations.

Soon the sounds of someone speaking were echoing off the cold dry walls of the tunnel but he didn't pay it any heed, many times before 860, had gone 'Solo active.' not that he had minded, but missions go by faster in a group than solo.

His helmet detected the language, and in a small message marked it as an Unknown Phraseology.

860 didn't understand the Alien Tongue personally, Maybe the A.I could if he had a connection.

"Overwatch, be advised, possible, Hostile Contaminants are in this sector."

It wasn't harsh on the ears, it was delicate but very complex. Currently, the speaker seemed panicked, even fearful? 860 was limited on understanding a persons tone, while speaking. But It wasn't a human Language not by a long shot,

'The hell is going on? What are the Rebels planning? Have they made some kind of new language to confuse soldiers? If so, I hope they know it works. Not in the sense of exposing their positions, but in the understanding category.'

Stacking up, on the stone-carved doorway, 860 prepared to make entry. Doing his best to not have the extra equipment, jingle and clang, and give away the Soldier's position.

Deciding to take a risk, 860 peeled in and Spotted two life forms, one a quadruped life form pinned on her back.

'In all my time, I have never seen specialties like this before.' Looking towards the other more bipedal life form, trying to forcefully propagate.

To be honest, he was going to shoot them both. They didn't have anything marking them as friendly Units.

'Today is your lucky day four-legged life form, you seem more adherently. Easy to dispatch, then your friend there and that is what saved your life.'

860 made entry, and without hesitation, Shot the bipedal life form. The blast was loud, even more so because of the tight space.

"Spikewall, enhancing Compliance!" 860 exclaimed,

While the bipedal lifeform, had its chest turn outwards covering the equine in blood and organ bits.

He slowly approached the last life form, he didn't engage, it seemed scared of him, so lethal force wasn't essential.

However, She wouldn't stay still. Forcing him to pin her to one side of this small poorly carved room.

"Stop moving."

And still, she kept crawling away until her rear bumped the wall; taking the advantage 860 pinned her there making it so the creature couldn't run away again.

Seeing no way out and being far from the growing pool of blood the creature got as low to the ground as possible, in a non-threatening way.

Deciding on, to get some information on this life form, he activated the Manhack from earlier. "Identify, Unknown life form." It simply hovered toward the uneasy mare, while it scanned her body;

The Viscerator returned, this time not needing the data transfer command, it started sending the reports the scans had shown.

It was female, the drone had designated the four-legged creature a 'horse.' And she was showing compliance, after that. He simply didn't engage her, storing his manhack. Then leaving the room, 860 started down the left tunnel and headed for the closest exit.

"Spikewall is recalibrating, towards withdrawal zone." 860 Said continuing on his travels to the surface.

Until a loud shout, grabbed his attention. The horse from before had galloped over and started to follow him.

"Spikewall is not engaging complacent life form. Compliance, Confirmed." For the majority, of their travels the horse stayed behind him letting him lead her towards the deeper parts of the cave systems, the pony and Overwatch soldier needed to go deeper before they could exit this underground hell.

Rarity POV a few minutes before

"Find more gems, Pony!" Shouted, the very irritated Diamond dog growled, As the disgusting dog walked closer to her his teeth bared.

"No! Not till you let my friends go! I know they're here. I heard them shout Twilight! " She retorted while the mutt grabbed hold of the white-coated mare.

"If Pony refuses to find Gems, or pulls Gems. And even dig Gems, then the pony has lost all usefulness~ except the last line of labor. " The male Diamond dog started gripping her back and hind quarters.

"U-unhand me this instance! I will not let a ruffian like you, have your way with me!" however this Diamond dog wasn't taking no for an answer.

"That's what all pony mares say~ You lost your protection, after refusing to find any more gems your body is Forfeit, Pony! You're now going to be used like a chew toy! And make many more dogs."

The foul-smelling hound proclaimed as Rarity's blue eyes shrunk to pinpricks. "I certainly will not! You can not make a lady to be your plaything you brute!" In an instant the dog had her pinned on her back by her neck making her struggle.

Seeing his as serious and not a joke, Rarity began to panic. At the thought of being taken advantage of. "You want G-gems right?! I'll find more! No more issues from me I swear! " She cried out, while the dog just laughed at her fear and dismay.

"That chance has passed, Pony, now you are a breeder of this Diamond dog clan till the end of your days."

"No! No no no!" She began to kick and squirm, not wanting the fate, he said Rarity would live out, until a loud blast came forth.

Blood flew everywhere, covering the white coat and her underbelly, in glops of warm liquid. As slimy half destroyed organs fell onto her stomach, they however slid off leaving a trail of gore on her stomach.

A new voice rang out, it was metallic sounding along with slightly muffled footfalls, she couldn't identify her savior's gender. Rarity didn't want to be rude, so she quickly opened her eyes thinking her help pulled the dog off.

But what she saw changed her look of fear to one of terror.

Along with her white-furred cheeks, turning green negligibly. The Diamond dog on top of her had a hole the size of a Watermelon in his chest while blood and important half-obliterated organs kept spewing out.

Currently, the dog was gurgling up blood while his body shook from the shock of rapid blood loss and organ loss. While he slumped off of the somewhat blood-covered pony, that shook her to the core.

"Mother of Celestia, W-what have you done!"

Looking around like a terrified foal, Rarity wiggled away from the dying dog and moved to a different corner of the room in an attempt to keep her once clean coat pristine.

It spoke to her but the elegant mare couldn't make out what the metal beast had said. While the two glowing yellow-eyed monster gradually approached her. "P-please! Don't harm me, I am not a threat," Rarity stammered.

The element of generosity had sat down, on her hindquarters. Thinking this was her end, Rarity got low to the ground. trying to appear smaller, hoping this action would make the creature spare her.

It stopped right in front of her, while it spoke in the same alien Speech as before.

Seeing it in the Torchlight, she could somewhat see it the monster, could have been larger. Then an average stallion and mare, and maybe even, the same height or greater than Princess Celestia herself, she couldn't tell, at the current moment.

Two yellow unblinking eyes were locked onto her as it reached over, grabbing a little metal box. While the gray beast on the other hoof merely extended its hand forward and in a quick motion the strange contraption came to life.

It spoke again, its voice somewhat metallic sounding as the little metal creature flew over to her and shot her with a soft beam of blue light, it went from the very top of her horn to the lowest point of her tail.

'What the hay is it doing?' Rarity internally questioned, watching it shine the beam against her prone frame.

But not wanting the same fate as the diamond dog, she stayed perfectly still.

Not a moment later, the little thing flew back and went back into a box shape, the yellow-eyed thing caught it. And proceeded to walk away from the stunned mare, while she physically reclaimed her voice.

"W-wait up!" she called out following the monster seeing him as her only protection down here.

'Not a Knight in Shining Armor, B-but it's better than nothing.' Rarity summed up, while they traveled, the large gray thing didn't say a word.

Making the whole walk even more unnerving,

'It doesn't speak much? Is that normal?' The silence was starting to bother her; it wasn't talking and the only sounds she could hear were them walking, and her breathing.

"So, are you from Equestria?" Rarity inquired, trying to start up small talk, with the Overwatch Soldier, but nothing happened.

'Of course it isn't, why would I ask such a stupid question!' Rarity mentally yelled.

Shaking her head in slight annoyance, Rarity tried again.

"Do you have a name?" She persisted, in trying to make him speak, but still nothing.

'For the love of Celestia, just give me a simple greeting at this point; this cave is starting to get to me.' She mulled.

"You don't talk much do you?" Rarity asked giving up as Silence was her answer, she flicked her tail in annoyance but still stayed close behind him.

"Your terrible company for a lady," she remarked, trying to spark a response, From her Rescuer, and still it didn't come forth.

However, Rarity's ears could hear something; her friends were arguing.

After pinpointing where they were, she leaped over and blocked the monster's path.

"I mean no disrespect for getting in your way, Sir, but my friends, need your help! Please help us. I promise to get everypony plenty of gems, even you!" he stopped moving and was just looking down at her.

Sighing in frustration, she moved her front hoof in a follow-me gesture, before going in the direction she heard her friends, And to her surprise, he followed.

Rainbow Dash POV

The dogs had dragged them into a dark damp cell, and to top it all off, they used metal chains to bind their limbs to the old smooth stone wall. "Ponies stay here, we come back after we eat."

The Cyan mare was pissed, her wings had been bound, and so were her forelegs and hind legs. "What now AJ, what brilliant plan, did you have that made us all end up in these stuffy chains."

Slightly embarrassed, Applejack answered. "If I'm being mighty honest with y'all I thought them mutts, would have brought us right to where they were holding her but I guess I was wrong." This made Rainbow Dash snarl, in anger.

"So you got us all captured, because you thought the Diamond dogs would put us in the same cell as Rarity?!" Rainbow stated nose flaring.

"It wasn't the brightest idea I'll admit, but Relax! Twilight can get us out in a flapjack second, Right Sugarcube?" Applejack asked, turning her head in the direction of the element of magic.

Who wasn't looking so hot, "G-goodness, I think Twilight needs to go to Ponyville Hospital," Fluttershy stammered. Looking over Rainbow Dash saw what concerned Fluttershy so much.

Twilight was in a cold sweat, her eyes looked dulled and her breathing was shallow while blood leaked from her nose. "M-my hooves are cold, I think I need some rest, right now."

This startled Fluttershy. "Please stay awake Twilight, we need to get her back to Ponyville now! She has internal bleeding! And it's getting worse!"

"Oh~ ladies! I'm here to save the day, well sorta." Called the elegant mare, Spike who in the beginning was focused on Twilight. Had switched instantly to Rarity, after hearing her voice.

"Rarity! Thank Celestia you're ok!" he was just about to continue when the Giant with yellow eyes caught his attention.

"What in Pony feathers is that?!" Spike pointed out making most of the main six turned to look, even Twilight in her current state.

It didn't speak so Rarity covered for him, "Mm? Oh you mean him?" she asked, pointing back at the large creature beside her with a hoof.

"No, the Hydra down the hallway. Who else would we be talking about?!" Rainbow Dash remarked, still a bit upset about the fact they wasted time she could have used to sleep, or kicking flanks.

"I didn't find him, he found me, now watch this."

Rarity said, before gently nudging her foreleg against his armored leg, her friends feared for her safety but she seemed not as concerned compared to her friends.

If anything she simply pointed to the old rusty bar door, and he took that as an incentive, putting his strange device down.

he grabbed hold of the door and began to pull on it.

The cell door began to screech as metal scraped against stone and eventually had gotten ripped off its rusty hinges, and he proceeded to toss the door away like it was nothing.

Rainbow Dash, didn't want to admit it. But that was pretty cool, While there silent Ally, just simply picked up the metal device and entered the room.

"Does ya new friend even speak?" asked Applejack.

"He does, but I don't think he understands us, I couldn't understand him. I'm not even sure if he's a Sir. I only called him that, so I didn't say 'It' constantly. Now, what's wrong with Twilight dear now?" Rarity questioned, seemingly not aware of the Danger her friend was in.

"Twilight needs to go to Ponyville Hospital as soon as possible! She's bleeding internally." Fluttershy persisted,

"How can we even trust this guy? For all we know, he's leading the Diamond dogs!" Rainbow Dash accused.

"D-diamond dogs, don't follow non-Diamond dogs unless there's something in it for them P-personally," Twilight muttered while pain began growing in her barrel.

"Can't your monstrous friend help us?!" Asked a nervous Spike, while Twilight's pained groans and moans got louder, Rarity by this point panicked.

"I don't know! I just point my hoof and he just figures it out!" the Fashionista offered.

"We gotta do something. Twi's pain is getting worse. I can see it from here," Applejack hurried.

In Rarity's Panic, she Pointed towards her hurt friend making the Goliath creature, trek over to the downed mare.

860 POV

The horse wanted him, to follow her. Since she was complying, He obliged her request, arriving at a metal door.

860 spotted multiple different colored horses, inside of this old inefficient cell.

While they conversed, no doubt about him, 860 just remained focused on keeping any of the hostile, bipedal creatures away, if they dared to attack.

They stayed like this for some time, the white horse talking with her friends. while he kept her covered, listening to their strange language.

'While they talk, I might as well check the map.'

Selecting the map, with a button on his helmet he began recalibrating his current position to the digital map. 'We're not that far from a few exits, currently unless these Horses, wish to stay here I have no reason to.'

Soon a gentle tapping was felt against his leg armor, looking down, he spotted the white horse trying to grab his attention, after grabbing it she pointed to the door with a hoof.

'She wants in? I don't see why not. But I'm going to have to put down my gun to give her what she wants.'

Looking left to right, 860 slowly departed with his gun while slowly walking up to the old rusty cell door.

'Dam, this looks primitive, and I thought Nova Prospekt. Had it bad, at least those doors worked. And didn't have half the doors covered in rust.'

With a few pulls, 860 had managed to pull it clean off its hinges and tossed it away. While it clanged against the walls and floor of the cave. The metallic sound echoed, through the cave, making him more vigilant.

'Those bipedal creatures, no doubt would have heard that. Let me check inside that room.'

Stepping back, the Overwatch Soldier grabbed his Shotgun, Then entered the prison cell to clear it. finding the room to be empty, minus the five other horses. and a new life form, that was lizard-like 860 deemed the room safe.

He lowered his weapon but refused to put it down again. 'Last time, I put my weapon down in low containment zone.'

Out of the seven life forms, the purple horse looked wounded. Blood was leaking from her nose, and she kept, whining and grunting.

After some talking, the white horse approached him and pointed to her companion. 'She's asking me? to treat her friend? That seems like a logical request however my medical knowledge is limited.'

Retrieving the Viscerator from his chest armor 860 activated the death drone once more and pointed toward the injured horse.

"Scan life-form for Potential injuries." flying over to the lavender pony the drone began scanning her for any injuries that were possible in the copy of the database.

Shortly, it found the problem and returned to the giant Soldier and transmitted the recently collected data.

Meanwhile, all of the horses and small lizard watched the flying piece of metal. "Uplink information to my HUD."

In a flash of soft blue light, a three-d picture appeared of Twilight inside of the yellow lenses, while showing the middle of her barrel in red, marking where the injury was.

'Internal damage, critical. I'm amazed this Equine hasn't perished yet.'

Reaching behind him, and into his backpack, 860 grabbed a stem Syringe, looking at it the Soldier noticed the dull blue glow.

Thinking it had gone bad, he shook it like an unopened can of soda. The response was immediate, as it glowed a bright blue.

'Stem has not deteriorated.'

Moving toward the bleeding pony, he simply felt with his pointer finger feeling for a vein, once finding one he pressed the safety pin on the stem making the needle appear, and administered the liquid medical treatment.

'Should be ready to move, momentarily.'

With that taken care of, he went back outside tossing the somewhat empty, stem and waiting on the horse creature and its pack.

"Recall."

860 called out, and a few moments later the Viscerator followed 860 and got into position to turn off and be stored.

Twilight POV

Whatever or whoever that thing was, it just saved her life. She still was hurting, but the pain was slowly fading.

"H-how are you feeling Twilight?" Spike nervously asked, wanting to know just what the outcome might be.

"I feel; Fine?" said a stunned Twilight looking over towards Fluttershy she spoke up.

"How long of a hospital stay, would that have been?" Twilight inquired to Fluttershy while she nervously answered.

"A-at most? three W-weeks even more, depending on the damage."

'Remarkable, whatever he knows or has. Can rapidly heal wounds. Compared to our medical insight, we seem Primitive, he's far more advanced than first Hypothesized.'

During her mental ramblings, Rarity helped released the others, from their bonds. "Sugarcube are you ok?" Applejack asked, moving towards her lavender friend, along with grabbing her attention.

"Mm? Yeah I'm alright, I was just thinking that's all AJ." with a nod, Applejack helped Twilight onto her hooves.

"Ready to go girls?" Asked the rejuvenated mare, shocking most of her friends, even Spike. Was astonished, at her speedy recovery, with a flash of her purple magic. Twilight took possession of the syringe and teleported it back to the library.

Seeing that, Twilight was pretty much good to go, the main Six the baby dragon, joined the tall creature outside.

"Alright, which way do we go now?" asked Rarity, while they looked around at one another not sure of where to go next.

"Maybe the Alien knows!" Pinkie Pie pointed toward the soldier who wasn't paying attention to the ponies.

"Pinky! don't be rude." Rarity reprimanded, but how could Rarity stop her, if anything what the hyperactive mare said was true.

"Where is this thing even T-taking us?" stuttered Spike, who seemed to be way more terrified of him than Fluttershy

"If I had to guess Spike, to the surface now. How about we all keep quiet? Our hoof steps are loud enough, not to mention us talking. He looks very capable of handling himself, those Diamond dogs can track our scents, Let's not make it easier for them than needed."

Twilight offered, effectively silencing her friends as her tail swished.

'I can't wait to see those Samples, from that Syringe! Who knows what medical advances it will give us if Refined?' Twilight was acting like a filly on Hearth's Warming Day. Who knew the present they so wished for, was wrapped up, and under the tree.

Soon the group arrived at an enormous rock chamber. Full of Stalactites, with a constant dripping of water, however, a new voice arrived.

"Ponies are bad, for escaping! Give up like the Mice you are! And your safety is Guaranteed!"

In a flash, Rainbow Dash was at the front of the group by their foreign warrior, who didn't seem fazed by the one alpha dog's offer.

"Pfft! Yeah right! You're just saying that because you're scared of us! And I don't blame you! I wouldn't want to fight us either!" the alpha dog snarled at the cyan mare.

"How dare you! mistake my mercy for foolishness? Dogs kill them all!" with that the leader retrieved a dog whistle and proceeded to blow into it.

A few moments later, nearly nine dozen, Diamond dogs, had arrived. Seemingly eager to end their lives, even a few were foaming at the mouth, to show their bloodlust.

Unfazed, the blackish-gray goliath, simply lifted his metal device. And pulled, a blackish lever back as a compartment opened up, and three cyan glowing cylinders appeared rapidly rotating; after watching for a few moments, he released it making the device slam shut.

"Rainbow Dash, back off, I think he's got it." Twilight pointed out, while the armored creature began simply walking toward the dogs.

"No way, you're an egghead Twi, you can see how outnumbered he is! there's no way he can handle them all on his own!"

"I can see that Rainbow Dash, but I want to study how he fights," Twilight answered, making The cyan mare growl in frustration for not being allowed to fight.

"Fine, he's got ten minutes, before I go kick some dog flank!" She spat out, walking back toward her friends and promptly taking a seat on some smooth stone.

Little did these ponies know, they were in for a blood bath.

860 POV

Being forced to face an enemy who had triple the numbers, was the best thing to ever happen to 860, the simulations back at the Citadel. Never really could handle the amount of battle chaos, 860 could dish out but now, it was time.

Engaging the plasma shot option on his primary weapon, 860 spoke again even though Overwatch wouldn't receive him.

"Overwatch, Multiple malicious contaminants. Spikewall Unit is initiating Code. Identify. Amputate. Coagulate. "

A moment later, a bipedal lifeform proceeded to charge him, thinking that 860 was the easiest to kill. Little did the Diamond dog know he was wrong. Dead wrong.

Aiming, 860 pulled the trigger without hesitation. the blast was loud, but effective, as 860 blew the dog's head clean off. The dog died instantaneously, plenty more charged in its stead.

'I feel like a kid on Christmas! Keep them coming!' charging into the sea of two-legged dog creatures head first. 860 was butchering them, those who used spears or crossbows didn't fair any better.

The lucky few, who got a thrust in with a spear, or even landed a crossbow shot into him, bore witness, to high-quality heavy ballistics armor. Manufactured, by the Combine. In English, their weapons were useless against his armor, it didn't help that they tried mass assault on his specific Unit, which was designed to handle several situations this being one of them.

"Overwatch, hostile Spikes, and Tactics are Ineffective. Their numbers are increasing escalating force, as a Consequence."

Even though the soldier had crunched the Diamond dog's numbers they didn't stop. He flipped a switch on his gun making it change its ammo from slugs to plasma shot.

860 kept gunning down the cave mutts, blood once sprayed here, and there, had evolved into. Pools of the Red liquid along with chunks of diamond dog.

Out of nowhere. A large, version of the dog-like life forms, had appeared from a recently assembled tunnel under him and punched 860 in the face.

The punch itself would have killed a normal human. But thanks to the enormous amount of modifications. both genetic and mechanical, 860 obtained through his enlistment. He survived the blow making him chuckle at the weak attempt to end him.

'Nice blow, if you were trying to break a walking cane! Here, let me show you how it's done!' 860, released another small laugh. His vocoder made the laugh, sound metallic, even sinister. Releasing his foregrip, and making a fist, 860 gave him a left hook.

The kinetic force snapped the dog's neck. The resulting force had even twisted the dog's head around as the result.

"Kill Confirmed."

860 didn't need to say what he did, if anything the only reason why was to mock the weak non-modified life-form.

The equines didn't have to lift a hoof if anything; some of them looked just a tad sick, more so for the lizard. But that didn't matter, 860 was just about to Grenade the dogs when a whistle was blown.

Halting by a hair, 860 watched the remaining dogs turn tail, and run for the hills. Having won this battle he simply stored the Grenade. 'Damn, I really wanted to use this extractor, oh well another time, yet no mercy for noncitizens. Even if they retreat.'

He was just about to pursue when three horses blocked his path. 'I guess I've done enough, that should scare some of them into forgoing their anti-citizen status.'

Seeing his objective complete. He reached up and radioed the Artificial intelligence. "Overwatch, code. 10-307 Is achieved, Hostiles have been scrambled, contain and control is acquired."

General third-person POV

Within ten minutes, the Diamond dogs had lost 80% of their numbers. One of the Alpha dogs had been killed; the only two that were left were Rover and Spot.

"R-rover! We can not kill that monster! We should stop and flee!" Spot tried to reason, but Rover wouldn't take defeat.

"We are not Mice! We are dogs! If you refuse to fight I will fight it myself!" without putting much thought the second Alpha dog Charged in, Resulting in his arm getting blown off and then his head.

Having had enough of the slaughter of the den, Spot grabbed his whistle and blew into it. "Dogs retreat! Run from demon! We can not win."

However, Twilight saw this moment as a turning point.

In a magical flash of purple light, any tunnels or hallways were sealed off with purple magic. "Hold on just one second! We aren't finished with you! Girls stop him, from K-killing any more Diamond dogs he's Proven his, 'Expertise.' In the matter."

Rainbow Dash, along with an unwilling Fluttershy, and Applejack, moved to block his path in an attempt to stop him.

"Woah there big guy, you have done enough time to stop now." Rainbow Dash, said with a nervous smile not wanting to have a new hole in her body while Fluttershy refused to make any sort of Eye Contact with him, even Applejack was Cautious of him, she however didn't speak to him.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group traveled around the Massacre, the lifeless remains of the Diamond dogs along with soft groans and gurgles of wounded and dying dogs. Instilled a new fear in most of her friends, even Twilight herself was now wary of him, but curiosity won.

'First, deal with the Diamond Dogs then get back to Ponyville, without the alien following.'

"If you don't want to end up like your den mates you'll do as we demand." Spot being the last Alpha he nodded quickly in hopes of being spared.

"Yes! Yes yes! Ponies get what they want just keep that thing away!" nodding Twilight began her list of demands.

"First, you will release all Ponies in your custody. No matter their age, gender, or status.' Twilight degreed while the dog nodded ferociously.

"You must give us Gems as compensation!" Rarity shouted, however, Spot was slowly becoming suspicious of that demand.

"That isn't fair!"

Spot retorted he was willing to release the pony slaves that they had. Their gems, however, were a different story.

Seeing a quick resolution to this, Rarity turned toward her knight in gray armor. "Oh, my knight in Grey armor~! There are a few more nasty Diamond Dogs who need to learn a lesson." Rarity called out to the Soldier who didn't respond.

This terrified Spot.

"Hush hush! Fine, take all the Treasures you can carry! Just keep that Death-spawn away!"

Satisfied, Rarity nodded and walked off tail, swishing, she avoided the blood and organ-filled areas and went to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as their emotional support.

Huffing, Twilight continued.

"Thirdly, you will assist us in getting to the surface of these Caves." The lavender mare mandated, keeping her eye on the Dog, making sure he wasn't trying to deceive her.

However, Spot was showing submissiveness with his tail. "Yes yes! We can get you out of our dens! We can!"

Satisfied with the answer, Twilight nodded before making her way back to the group that had slowly formed around the monster along with lowering her force fields, giving the Dogs their freedom.

'Whatever it is, can very much put down Diamond Dogs, and if I had to guess, anything else that dared to cross him. We must tread lightly, I must inform Princess Celestia, at once of this creature.'

After some time, the Diamond dogs had generously helped the main six to the surface along with their tall companion. While avoiding him as best they could in fear he would kill them on sight.

The daylight was warm and comfy on their coats, however. Celestia's sun had shone a bitter truth on them all.

Their alien friend. was humongous, even compared to Applejack she hardly made it to the waist of his body.

"What in Hay have you been eating? To get so big! I reckon that Big Mack is smaller!" Applejack said, astonished.

"Look at those Insignias! They're pretty cool if you ask me."

Said an amazed Rainbow Dash, while she hovered around him. but the one that grabbed her attention the most was a Skull encased by two sharp points, they almost looked like blades.

This caught the attention of Twilight who stopped to get a better look at it. 'I don't understand what the symbol means but I think a Skull universally, means demise.'

"Can I throw it a Pinky Party?! I Promise it will be super duper fun!" shouted the pink mare while Spike wasn't thrilled at the idea.

"Pinky Pie, that thing! Killed a hundred Diamond dogs in eight minutes! The first thing you ask is. Can I throw a Party?" Spike conversed, trying to make sense of the current situation.

Seeing this was a discussion, away from the alien. Twilight spoke up, after spotting what the Diamond dogs had promised. "Girls, I see the Gems, let's get going." She said wanting to get everypony back to the safety of Ponyville as soon as possible.

Agreeing with what Twilight said, most of the ponies had hooked themselves up and prepared to travel in a group. Yet, the Alien hadn't moved to join them.

It was hunched over, messing with something while speaking in a language that Twilight had never heard, Before.

Now being more or less free from its Protection Twilight ushered her friends along while leaving it behind, much to Fluttershy's dismay.

"S-should we wait for him, and help him to town?" Fluttershy offered but the egghead of their group disagreed.

"We can't understand one another, it would be very dangerous to bring him with us. We know he can handle himself, I'll inform the Princesses of the situation, they might know what to do." Seeing her response logically, the main six traveled back in relative silence, until the sounds of crunching were heard.

After turning their heads they all discovered Spike eating a gem, sighing Rarity used her magic to pull the half-eaten rock away from the baby dragon.

"Hey! I was eating that!" Spike wined while Rarity spoke up.

"You'll get the leftover gems. Once I finish alright Spike?" Rarity reassured, making the others giggle at his fussiness.

860 POV

The first rays of the sun had stunned 860 but didn't deter him.

Stepping out onto uneven earth made him sign in serenity but something that confused the Soldier was where his current location was.

His memory was still foggy, in time it would return but for now time to convey a message to Overwatch.

One of the equines flew around him, apparently inspecting his equipment and symbols. However just as things seemed to be promising, they departed in a different direction.

Stopping. 860 watched them for a few moments before removing the radio from his back and redoing the process he did before, 860 started from the top. This time, prepping the radio for long-range transmission.

"Overwatch, Stabilization team designated, 7-0-3-9-10 has Flatlined. Spikewall Unit, is Solo active, holding its current position. Malignant contaminants have been Amputated, Awaiting for a new Advanced Directive."

And again, there was; nothing, only static was his response. No orders to command him, no hierarchy to follow. 860 was on his own.

'Maybe the Equines can assist me? Last I saw, they were trotting towards some old mine carts.' Turning his head, he discovered they were long gone. But a mine cart of Precious materials was left.

'I guess not. So much for them being Reliable.' Walking toward the old rusty cart, the Soldier bore witness to so many gems, some were large, others small.

Some were sparkling, others dull but the one that stood out to him was a gem attached to a collar. It was a bright orange color while glowing, the collar itself had diamonds ingrained into it.

'Christ, if these are the real deal, before the Seven-hour War. I could have made a small Fortune with this one alone.' Deciding to take the exotic resources, even though they didn't have a use now, Didn't mean they would later.

Looking up at the bright blue sky, 860 sighed, his vocoder distorting the sound of air escaping his lungs.

'I'm really on my own aren't I?' he thought, watching a single bird fly by and disappear into a lush green tree.

Spotting a forest, 860 pushed the mine cart with one hand, Toward it. 'I guess I'll hide in that Grove, better than being out in the open.'

Chapter Two - Meeting a firebird and a letter to a tired Princess

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Chapter Two -

860 was still pushing this blasted cart full of precious materials; the internal clock on his HUD was showing the sun was going to set soon.

'Great, if my helmet isn't lying to me or isn't malfunctioning, I have two hours left of Sunlight before I need to use night vision again.'

Not that 860-minded. but still, sunlight was better than night vision. Shaking his head, the soldier pressed forward while nature around him was very much energetic. There were birds, rabbits, and insectoids.

Living and surviving around him, making the soldier pause, for a moment while 860 took in his surroundings.

'Where the hell, am I? Is this an overlooked pocket from the Suppression field? So many questions and so few answers.' Sighing, 860 made sure the cart wouldn't roll off, so he could grab a rock to keep it in place.

After finding a decent-sized stone, the modified man got down on his knees. To place it in the path effectively, stopping its chance at movement.

'I should take a break. This armor is making me sweat like a pig on a hot summer day.'

Moving over towards a larger stone, one that could handle his weight. He proceeded to take a seat, retrieved his mini-death helicopter in one swift motion, and tossed it into the air.

The viscerator, of course, turned on. Waiting for the soldier to issue a new directive. "Scan, the atmosphere for possible health contaminants for human life."

Moving into action, the little death copter flew off. Scanning the space around him, along with plants, and algae.

Even the nearby stream, wasn't spared by the soft blue light. This would take time, to receive a full report on. So 860, grabbed his main weapon and began an inspection.

'At least my Firearm didn't break on me, mid-combat. however, it's still operational from what I'm seeing.' 860 might have been wrong, for all he knew.

And fully dismantling, his prime weapon in an unsafe location, was a good way to get flatlined.

Having nothing else better to do, the soldier sat there, postponing his exploration of the woodlands, fate seemed to target him as his body began sweating.

Checking the temperature, in his helmet, the outside scanner. Marked the surrounding environment temperature, at 79F. However, it was decreasing due to the sun setting.

'Christ, it's hot, can't that damn drone hurry it up? This armor is sweltering.' The combine was pretty good at many things. But making armor that was insulated, wasn't their strong suit.

It didn't help that this armor was a winter model instead of a summer one. 'At least, I'll be warm during the colder months, But hopefully. I'll be back at the Citadel before that happens. '

Twilight POV

Twilight, and her friends, had arrived back at Ponyville without much issue; her friends had taken the gems back to Rarity's shop.

Once everypony, had given Rarity the gems she needed they said their goodbyes. And left to do whatever their plans had been before, Rarity's foal-napping.

However, Twilight didn't forget about the thing that saved them all. Or better yet, 'him.' as Rarity called it.

'What would have happened if it wasn't there to save us? Surely, it is a force to be reckoned with. We can't handle this. Nor can the local Royal Guards.'

Arriving at her library, Twilight immediately got to work, using her magic to unlock the front door and entered.

Spike followed close behind.

"Spike, would you fetch me some paper, ink, and a quill?" Nodding, the little dragon scurried off to retrieve the requested items.

Meanwhile, Twilight went to inspect the item that saved her life.

'I have no idea how to disassemble it, maybe he may know? But the main issue is the obvious language barrier between us. If only there was some way to make him understand my questions. And magic can only go so far.'

Gently igniting her horn, Twilight floated the half-emptied syringe over, she wanted to experiment with the last of the liquid inside. Which made her frustrated.' One day we will. But for now, I must keep it frozen if possible so the last of the samples don't spoil.'

Calmly, Twilight went into her basement, increasing the magical flow into her horn so it would become brighter.

"Now, where did I move that Freezer?" Looking around for a moment Twilight spotted the appliance. 'Found it, let's put this somewhere that won't break or freeze.'

Walking up to it, she opened it and placed the used syringe inside. "There, now it should hopefully last. If it even can be frozen now, let's go write that letter to Princess Celestia."

Checking, once, then twice, and even a third time. if the alien sample would handle being frozen. Twilight eventually. went back up, to the main part of the library, tail flicking sporadically.

"Is something wrong, Twilight?" asked a concerned Spike.

Swiveling her ear, Twilight sighed, before shaking her head. "Nothing to concern yourself Spike, did you get the things I asked for?" she asked.

Shortly, the mare heard familiar footfalls, coming toward her. "If you say so, Twilight but here are the things you asked for." Spike offered while she took them into her magic the mare began to write her letter.

'Dear, Princess Celestia, today I learned. Just because somepony is ladylike, doesn't make her weak. In fact, by using her wits, a seemingly, defenseless Pony can outsmart and outshine them all.'

Seeing that, as her friendship lesson. Twilight moved to the bottom part of the letter to tell her of the main issue.

'I didn't want to end this letter, on a sour note however, a situation is going on. Near and possibly inside, the Ever-free forest. A creature that I have reason to believe is from beyond the stars, is now hiding in those woods. It is extremely dangerous and deadly. I ask for instructions on how we should handle this if at all. Yours truly Twilight Sparkle.

Reading the letter over, multiple times to confirm no spelling mistakes. Nor over-complicated words were used. Twilight sealed the letter, in the Royal seal.

Turning around. She found that Spike had been given gems by Rarity; currently, he was going through them to see which was the biggest or longest.

"Spike before you start eating, can you send this to Princess Celestia?" jumping up, Spike rushed over nodding.

"Sure thing!"

He said happily, after taking it from Twilight, he proceeded to send the letter to the sun ruler. "Was that all?" Spike asked while Twilight shook her head.

"Nope you're good to go, I'll be reading if you need me, Spike." Nodding the baby dragon went back to sorting his gems.

"Spike, save some of those, I doubt Rarity will have any left. Once she's done." Twilight warned, but the dragon waved her warning off.

"Uh Huh."

'All of those gems will be gone by tonight.' Twilight thought, shaking her head, she knew her little assistant better than anypony.

Walking up the wooden carved steps, Twilight went to her room along with grabbing an unfinished book from her bedroom bookshelf, then went out onto her balcony.

Laying down, Twilight opened the book from where her bookmark was poking out. Once the book was open, she began to read from where she left off.

"I just hope, Princess Celestia responds soon. Celestia knows what it can do if it finds Ponyville and goes on a rampage." Twilight implored the heavens, hoping 'he' wouldn't find their quaint little town.

Because deep down she doubted that her and her friends could stop him, slow him down maybe. But stop him? Improbable.

860 POV

It felt like an eternity waiting on the Manhack to gather the necessary information. And 860 was growing more agitated with each passing minute.

'I swear to God, if this damn drone, Doesn't hurry it up, I'll just take my helmet off, and find out if I can breathe or not.'

Deciding not to shoot the viscerator drone, 860 gave out a long and exhausted sigh. 'Maybe thinking might help me wait out the information gathering.'

Closing his eyes, 860 thought back to his first mission with his permanent team, it was an immense infestation of 'necrotics.' and 'Parasitics.' or what the Resistance called, 'Headcrabs, and Zombies.'

Two, other Stabilization teams were dispatched, but they hadn't responded for three days, five hours, and twenty-seven seconds.

During the mission, a headcrab tried to connect with his head but failed. 860, had reached up, and had pulled the Parasitic off, and slammed it. Repeatedly, against a wall, until the wall was glistening in fluorescent plasma and organs.

"526, did say that was overkill. Even for a Parasitic. And I told him, I was giving the new Residential place, a fresh paint job." This made 860 grin slightly, but it didn't evolve into true exhilaration.

860, had many successful missions. That his higher-ups allowed him to remember to make him a skilled and better, 'Asset.' In live combat. However, 860 was so deep in thought, he was not aware of the manhack.

It was floating in front of him, waiting for the modified human to take the digital report. Snapping out of it. 860, offered his hand, to the death drone once more and took the report.

"Recall."

After storing it, 860 began going over the report to see if the air was safe, it took time to load the behemoth of a report. But after getting it, 860 began reading it.

'The Atmosphere here is 23.95% oxygen. Nitrogen is 75.09%, Argon is 0.93%" Looking at the report again one last time, to confirm the data was indeed correct.'

'From these readings, I shouldn't face many issues, and actually. More oxygen in the air might benefit me.'

but deep down, there was still a part of him that was suspicious of the report thinking it was false.

860 sighed. 'If I die, because of a drone malfunction. I swear if there's an Afterlife. my team, wouldn't let me hear the end of it.'

Seeing this as a make-or-break moment, 860 reached up with one hand, and slowly began undoing the clasps that held his helmet in place.

Once that was done, he needed to loosen it, leaving his firearm on his lap. 860 reached up and removed the grayish-black, helmet from his head, exposing his real head to the world.

The wind felt amazing on his skin, adding sweat into the mix was heavenly. Along with the fresh air he was breathing in, however, the air here was different.

Unlike the atmosphere back near the cities and citadel, from what he could remember smelled dirty, even synthetic.

But the air here reeked of fresh, untouched nature, it was quite pleasant to him he stayed there unmoving, expelling excess heat.

Listening, to the beasts of the woodlands, along with just smelling the world around him from 860's seat.

'I could get used to this, but this isn't my function. This recess may continue for five more minutes, and then I will continue my main directive.'

Once the five minutes were up, the modified human redid his helmet, the fit was always immaculate. While tightening it into place, a large bird landed on his knee-guard.

"Hello, Avian lifeform."

860 called out to it, before reaching over slowly with his hand, offering the bird his hand as a makeshift perch, to his surprise. It hopped up and was now resting on his whole hand.

'Now what? I've never held a bird before.' 860 had seen plenty of avian lifeforms, but none had ever dared to do what this current one was doing.

Upon closer inspection, 860 found that this bird was blood red, and orange. It was also producing an abnormal amount of heat, and energy, for a bird of its size.

Slowly, it leaned over and pecked at 860's helmet; it seemed to be inspecting him as he was in return.

"Please avian lifeform. Refrain from pecking, at the lenses. They are a nuisance, to clean smudges off of." Still, it continued pecking at them along with other parts of his helmet.

"I see you listen very well, to instructions." 860 grabbed his gun and sat up this time. The bird took to the air, flying around him, before landing on his shoulder.

'Better, than the equine's, at least this creature wouldn't leave me for dead.' Going back, to the mine cart he kept pushing it with one hand, but this time with a bird companion, getting a free ride on his shoulder.

They traveled together for some time, the sun was going down behind them, luckily the soldier and Phoenix had found a primitive stone tower overgrown with greenery.

'Beggars can't be choosers, this is where my forward operating headquarters will be, For the time being.' Reaching up, 860 offered his hand to the Phoenix who quickly hopped up.

Placing it on the mine cart he pointed to the bird then at the ground, signaling it to stay there. Turning around he grabbed the drone and turned it on.

"Sweep directive."

860 commanded, the structure had no door, however, it was just big enough for him to enter so once the viscerator flew in, 860 followed.

"Shadow clear."

He said to nobody in particular, while the active drone assisted in clearing the tower. To avoid getting injured, 860 left the drone to sweep the building.

The drone was gone for an overextended amount of time. Until it returned, a few minutes later showing that the Sweep had no hostiles to engage.

"Building clear, area secured."

Redoing the process with the manhack, 860 explored the building personally. He discovered a wooden table, that looked a little worn-out, and yet was still standing somehow. 'At least, I can do full maintenance on my equipment now.'

Three pillows around it, some drawers and cabinets, and a window that wasn't shattered, And after investigating the next room, he found a shared bed quarter that had three beds. Out of the three only one looked slightly usable.

'First-floor clear, time to go to the second and resume scan and clear.' Going up the stone steps, one step at a time. 860 had his finger on the trigger.

If there was anything in this building the man hack missed it would have been an easy fix for 860 with one blast of his firearm.

Thankfully, the search provided nothing except two more rooms. A sentry post, on the third floor. and the basement was empty minus a few barren, crates and barrels.

Heading topside, 860 found the bird still there, surprisingly even after he ordered it too. Surprised 860 inquired a question to the bird.

"You stayed? consider me surprised." Even though his Vocoder, wasn't showing it in his voice, 860 was telling the truth, While the bird nodded.

Thinking his head was still recovering from the crash still, the Overwatch soldier, just summed that up to his eyes seeing things.

Looking back, toward the setting sun the large bird seemed anxious like it wanted to fly off, but 860 wasn't letting it.

'Probably, it has a nest that the lifeform wants to return to. Might as well, release it.' Walking over to the mine cart the soldier grabbed a jewel and offered it to the bird.

"Take it."

It was the collar, from the bipedal lifeform he killed. Sure, it wasn't covered in blood, and last he checked, it didn't stink. So 860, didn't see why the bird wouldn't take it.

Moving over, the bird gently plucked three feathers from its body. One flight feather and two secondary feathers.

It placed them into his gray gloved hand, before taking the collar. 'Did; I, just. Do a commerce Exchange, with a Bird?' 860 was dumbfounded by this.

Finally snapping out of the confused state, 860 discovered the bird was long gone and now it was dark.

Pushing the mine cart inside was easier said than done, but once it was in, he moved it to the basement for proper storage.

"I'm not exhausted, yet might as well, clean this place up." Activating his night vision, the modified human began working on clearing plant life, and rocks. And other forms of debris that had built up over time, while avoiding the more nocturnal creatures that called these woods home.

However, he left the feathers somewhere where he wouldn't accidentally. Destroy, or ruin them.

'I never, really noticed the night sky. It's so open and, silent.' 860 gave the night sky a few more glances, before continuing on his work.

'Last I checked, it's not going anywhere, I can star gaze another time. right now, I need to focus.'

Celestia POV

Currently, the sun ruler was waiting on Philomena, her pet Phoenix. For the past week, she was very well-behaved in exchange. For good behavior, she was allowed to fly wherever she sees fit but must return before the sun sets.

This time, she was late. By an hour, to be specific. Celestia wasn't angry at her bird, but still. She loved pulling on her feathers when she did something like this.

As if on cue, Celestia's ears swiveled, and she could hear the familiar wing flapping of a certain Phoenix.

Celestia simply waited, for the right moment before jumping into action. Using her magic, the solar ruler took hold of Philomena and teleported her right in front of her.

"Philomena, what have I told you about staying out past the agreed amount of time?" Celestia asked the female Phoenix in question, who seemed to be hiding something behind her back with her wings.

"Young lady, what are you hiding behind you?" asked Celestia, but Philomena refused to reveal whatever it was she had been hiding.

Knowing her best, The white Alicorn simply teleported a mirror behind her large phoenix. Which revealed a diamond-engraved collar and a bright orange jewel hanging from it.

"My word, Philomena! Did you steal this?" Celestia asked, taking the collar away from her, with her golden magic. This seemed to upset, the bird who snatched it back with her beak, furiously shaking her head no.

"Then, who gave it to you? This isn't a cheap item to purchase. Did a Noble? give it to you." Asked Celestia another no was her answer.

Midway through her interrogation, Philomena reacted to one of the questions, that grabbed Celestia's attention.

Her once, solid orange feathered cheeks turned red, picking up on this, Celestia's once serious demeanor, Changed like a switch.

"Does my little, Philomena have a Colt friend?!" Celestia teased, which made her redder than orange.

Reaching over, with her foreleg. The fiery bird jumped up onto the outstretched limb, holding the color in her beak.

"What is his name?"

Inquired, Celestia however Philomena didn't have a name to give for her new friend.

This story wasn't adding up in the elder monarch's head, not in the slightest. "You mean to tell me. Philomena, a stranger, has given this to you, without knowing its true worth?"

The bird nodded, making Celestia sigh, as a result. "Did you give him or her compensation in return at least?"

She peeped, and nodded once more, opening her large wings and showing three feathers were missing.

"I should have never taught you how to barter with anypony." Another peep was her response.

Gently putting Philomena back in her cage, Celestia decided to shrink the collar down for her bird.

Since she seemed to really like the collar she was given, after making sure the neckband wouldn't choke her at all, or constrict her movements, Celestia went towards her desk.

"If I find out who you got that from I will compensate them. True, your feathers can fetch a decent amount of bits if sold. But nowhere near the worth of that collar," With a flick of her tail Celestia, Ignited her horn.

Deciding to close the open window, now that her prized bird had come home.

'Now that Philomena is back, I can go through some Paperwork.' True this was the least interesting part of running a whole realm.

Especially since her sister's return, many of her nobles had refused, to accept Luna back into the position of being a 'Princess.' most were terrified of her.

Others simply saw her return as an insult to Celestia's rule, however, rumors were going around the ranks of nobility.

From what she was told by her Guards, that overheard talks. Some wanted Celestia to oust her younger sister and declare her rule absolute.

She hoped it wasn't true, and was just intoxicated rambles of aristocrats, who had a little too much to drink.

But to play it safe, and for the safety of Luna, who was just now getting her magical abilities back, her older sister decided to.

Call forth, her young sister's ancient banners, and the bat pony sovereigns, were keen on answering the call. In droves, eager to serve. The Night Princess once again.

'At least they didn't forget her like how my Ponies did. However, the bat pony lands are even willing to join Equestria again after her return.' Celestia thought, making her heart twinge in sadness.

Thinking back to that fateful sunset after banishing Nightmare Moon, a letter had arrived in the sun ruler's court.

It decreed, that the bat pony lands. After the false banishment, and unnecessary hostility of the sun Princess, and her nobility, forced them to secede from Equestria and wouldn't merge until Princess Luna's return.

Many nobles at that time. Were outraged by the letter, and urged the Sun Princess to Call her banners. to stomp out, this illegitimate Rebellion against her crown.

Many of her High lords had called their Banners, in preparation for Celestia's call to arms. However, seeing the Thestrals request a just and peaceful motion.

Celestia sent a message, via messenger, telling them she accepted their demands, and that they were allowed to do as they desired, much to the disappointment of many.

'I avoided needless bloodshed. It was the least I could do for my Sister, during her time on the moon, I didn't have a say over them. But now after all that time, at the very least, they wish to Merge with Equestria once again.'

Finally seeing the end to the thousand-year divide between ponies and thestrals, Celestia was glad for the fact. that they did, keep their word, and didn't try to fight the peaceful reunification.

'All they wanted. Was for my Sister, Luna, to return.'

This warmed Celestia's heart because it showed just how Loyal, the thestrals were to their Princess. But sadly, it also showed the younger sun Ruler. just what kind of nobles, reside in her castle.

But her little ponies were still loyal to her even though they wanted her to dispose of Luna which would never happen.

Deciding, her mental mulling, had taken up enough time she snapped back from her drawn-out, blast from the past.

Celestia began going through the paperwork that required her to examine, working late into the night, which was very common for the sun ruler; she did it, in hope of making the next day slightly manageable.

However, her efforts would be in vain, somehow there always seemed to be a manuscript or document that needed her to read or sign.

Looking, to her left, Celestia spotted a familiar scroll that always appeared there making her smile faintly.

"It appears, Twilight has another friendship lesson she has learned."

Deciding to spend the last of her energy, reading her student's letter Celestia used her magic to flow the scroll over, and opened it.

The letter itself was a delight to read, however, the part at the bottom troubled, Celestia. "Twilight could be overreacting, the Ever-free forest, and even the rock wastes are connected so it shouldn't be a surprise seeing exotic animals there."

Reaching up with a hoof, Celestia covered her muzzle as a yawn escaped her. "I shall write back later tomorrow. Hopefully, it was just her nerves getting the best of her."

Celestia slowly got up, from her seat before making her way into her bed-chamber, to retire for the rest of the night.

860 POV

It took some time, roughly eight hours had passed, and 860 had cleaned the old stone structure up. All the flora, that had managed to grow inside or on the outside. we're pulled out, root, and stem.

He had discovered a flag of some kind, it was ancient, but it displayed two equines, one white and one blue. Both with wings and horns.

'Why does the wildlife here, have wings, or horns? Even none of these anomalies at all?'

Deciding this was a topic of discussion for another time, 860 returned to the second floor and moved two crates in the way to block the doorless frame.

'That should keep out any trespasser that shows up.' Removing his helmet, and other forms of equipment, and pieces of heavy armor.

860 felt lighter, this felt strange. He more or less lived in his armor, and only removed it when it needed to be cleaned. Or changed, for a stronger model or just for the season.

'I could have transferred into the Ordinal core, I have the experience and the successful manuscripts to do so, but I do better on the front than commanding from the rear."

Regardless, the human could see his fleshy body underneath. Within the moonlight, 860 could see his lesions that healed, long ago but still remained.

Some were long, others short, and others had faded away but the more profound ones remained.

And for the cost of this disfigurement, was his humanity.

Well, a decent bit of it anyway, in exchange the human was far stronger, more durable, taller, and lastly more deadly than an average human male.

'Time to initiate, stasis mode.' Getting onto the old bed, 860 made sure he wouldn't fall off, before passing out.

Little did he know this uneventful sleep would change. Once falling asleep the altered human heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Spikewall, unit respond." a voice called out from the darkness, it waited a few moments before repeating the sentence.

"Spikewall, unit. It would be in your best interest to respond." Acting quickly, 860 spoke out to answer the unidentified voice.

"This is unit, 8-6-0-9-6-2-1. Please identify immediately, to confirm you're true identity."

"Advisor, unit."

This surprised 860, as he never thought a combine advisor, would talk to him personally, but due to it outranking him 860 quickly responded.

"How can I be of Service?" the voice continued to speak once he stopped conversing.

"Unit 8-6-0-9-2-1, where is the rest of you're Stabilization team?" Asked the slug life form.

"Stabilization team, designated. 7-0-3-9-10 has flatlined, Spikewall is still active."

In response, the slug produced a sound of displeasure at the recent knowledge, but not a sound of annoyance. "Acknowledged. Spikewall unit prepare for advanced Directive."

"Affirmative. Spikewall is awaiting new directives." There was a long delay before the oversized slug spoke once more.

"Your Directives, are as follows. Investigate this Region, and discover the driving force, of these unknown, energy fluctuations. Once you find the main source, report your findings, immediately. To make further connections possible, we will return some, 'Faculties.' This is a privilege. Do not abuse them."

Seeing this as his new assignment he agreed. "Copy that, but what am I to do if the local life forms becomes hostile?"

Without missing a beat, the advisor responded." Prosecute at will. If they do not serve a purpose to your new directives then deal with them as you see fit."

"What has happened to Overwatch and Airwatch? I can not be fully effective without some kind of support."

"You still suppose, you're on earth. 8-6-0-9-2-1? Allow me to break the knowledge to you. You're no longer on Earth, but somewhere that we cannot reach. That should explain your inquiry about not reaching Overwatch and Airwatch. We have reason to believe the main cause of us not being able to reach this new universe. Is because of those, unknown fluctuations we mentioned, previously. You have your orders, do not disappoint us."

And just like that, 860 was awakened to birds chirping and singing. Getting up from the old bed 860 had equipped his armor once more. But left the backpack and extra weapons

Once that was completed, 860 moved the wooden crates out of the doorway. 'Nothing has attempted an entry on the structure.'

After pushing them away, he went back to retrieve his weapon of choice. Before he finally noticed the few crossbow bolts sticking out of his armor.

Afterward, he extracted the primitive projectiles, seeing them as nothing more, than a hindrance. On his movement, 860 headed downstairs, and out of the primitive structure. 'Time to retrieve my team.'

Heading back, in the direction he arrived from. 860, kept an eye out, for any hostile Contaminants, he may run into on his travels.

'I wonder if that bird will return. I doubt it, Birds don't come back if they are frightened off. But how did I scare it? I didn't do any sudden gestures or show any Aggression towards it.'

Dissatisfied, at the loss of his travel companion, 860 prevailed. Onwards, knowing that languishing over the point would be pointless.

However, upon reaching the stream 860 spotted something in the corner of his eye. It was brown and large, turning to look, there was nothing but grass and shrubs.

Wanting to play it safe, 860 tried to transmit to the A. I again. "Overwatch potential ambush, Spikewall, is preparing to Prosecute at will."

Gripping his main firearm, and flicking the safety off. 860 was ready to throw down with whatever dared attack him.

Behind him an animal released a vicious snarl, turning around. In a flash, 860 saw a strange lifeform; it was the shape of a wolf but made out of Timber.

'Let me guess, they're called Timberwolves?' 860 remarked inwardly, before the beast that was large enough. For 860 to ride, suddenly charged. Resulting in him putting a hole through its head.

"Spikewall is Prosecuting, at will!"

The blast was loud nowhere near the level of thunder, but still effectively loud. The plasma slug had connected with the Timberwolf's head resulting in a loud wood-splitting crack; after the smoke cleared, the blast had gone straight through the wolf's head

Shortly, after finishing off the one, two more. Arrived taking the place of the recently slain predator.

"Attention hostile, toothpicks. Fighting a Soldier of the Universal Union. Is not permitted, Please. leave while you still have your lives. Failure to obey will result in your rapid Amputation."

Gripping his gun handle, 860 prepared for a fight as the two multiplied into four. Then five, and then eight.

'I guess they want to be Sterilized. Good, I need plenty of experience that I can feasibly obtain. if I'm to function, in this mysterious Environment."

Like a wave of water, the Timberwolves charged him forcing 860, to engage the feral beasts.

Being only able to shoot approximately, five of them, before the wolves were upon him. One of the large wooden animals had knocked his main weapon away and had gone for an attack on his leg.

Another was trying to bite through his armor, along with Snarling, trying to and failing. at killing the 'prey.' Resulting in 860 saying how practical their attack was.

"Hostile spikes, Ineffective."

Resulting, in him having to use his Stun baton. 'Now this is a challenge, I can get behind.' Gripping the metal baton, 860 jammed it into the eye sockets of one of the Timberwolves and then turned it on to full power, while the wolf howled in pain.

860 electrified its head cavity, for five straight minutes while the wolf's packmates, attempted to tear at 860's armor, to little consequence.

Only then when smoke leaked out of the flatlined Wolf. Made the others flee, from the recently started fire.

"Overwatch be advised, Timber lifeforms are susceptible to conflagration. Spikewall is switching to more, sufficient, combat mode."

Grabbing a tree branch, from the smoldering wolf. 860. Threw it like a spear with deadly precision, going through the side of one Timberwolf and getting lodged in its body.

The recently started fire, had scared the last remaining Timberwolf. "Spikewall checking for any recent deterioration."

Looking over, his armor 860 had discovered, that the monsters had left their claw marks, and bite marks, on his armor but nothing too serious.

"Overwatch, Spikewall, has insignificant damages, maintaining current Directives." Shaking his head, 860 mentally smacked himself.

'Stop that, 860 there isn't any Overwatch to report to. I'm on my own, minus the Advisor Unit. Unless my mind is being affected. But then that means my mental state is deteriorating.'

Retrieving his primary firearm, 860 continued on the two-hour journey on foot. Toward, the rock and barren lands of the west.

"It's time to bring my Squad home." While walking 860 went over the plans he would need to do in order to give them a proper send-off.

'I'll need a Shovel if I can't make one, or Pilfer one. By the time, I dig five graves, under six feet, their bodies will belong to the maggots by then.'

Smacking his lips, 860 had discovered his low, hydration level. 860 grabbed a water ration and leaned against a tree.

After removing his helmet which he placed on the ground, he proceeded to down the whole silver-lined pouch of its liquid contents.

'I still prefer cold water, not warm. Especially in summer weather.' knowing the pouch could be reused, 860 stored it once more and re-equipped his helmet, then shortly continued on his way.

Until he arrived back at where he exited the underground cave formations. However, the bipedal lifeforms had moved the half-destroyed dropship pod out from the underground caverns. and left it there, along with another cart of gems.

This made 860, slightly disappointed, he did want to go back into their dens. To do some target practice, but now, there wasn't a reason to.

Grabbing, the man hack once more 860 turned it on before issuing an order. "Find any kind of urban Centers nearby."

860 just watched, the little drone gain altitude for some time after reaching roughly a hundred feet in the air it stopped and began slowly moving around taking in the surroundings and searching for any kind of structures.

Shortly it returned and looked in the direction of an urban center. 'It found, what I was looking for time to get that shovel.'

Turning, in the direction the Viscerator pointed to the modified human began his march toward this supposed urban center. While the manhack flew down and awaited, for a new mission tasking.

Grabbing it and storing it 860 continued on his trek to this town. Little did 860 know, he was walking toward the town of Ponyville unaware of the true inhabitants, of the village.

To be safe, the soldier, kept his prime weapon to stand by status in the event something else tried its luck at attacking 860.

'I have no idea if, this Urban Center. Is friendly or hostile so it's best if I stay vigilant went entering the town.'

860 was forced to cut threw the woodlands which he didn't mind of course if yesterday wasn't a sign of his liking of the fragrance of nature.

'Let's wait till nightfall. The night will cover my approach, I'm kinda not hard to miss. in broad daylight no less, along with me not being camouflaged. I rather not take, incoming fire from hostiles if it can be avoided.'

Sitting down, on a fallen tree. 860 removed his helmet so that his head could breathe, without the protective armor covering it all up.

'In the meantime, I can appreciate the nature around me. This isn't terrible I never understood. why 526 disliked nature, maybe he was mistaken. Or was he made to dislike it.'

Chapter Three - A proper send-off that results in capture

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Chapter three

General third-person POV

Throughout the day, 860 sat on the fallen tree log waiting for the inevitable sunset. The half-human began going through his select few memories, to form some kind of plan.

'From this distance, that urban center is utterly populated by equines, which is very abnormal for their species.'

Shaking his head, 860 just did his best waiting for the needed time to pass to begin the mission.

'God, waiting for time to pass is boring, especially when there's nothing that can help me pass it.'

Looking around, 860 did his best trying to, and failing, at finding something worthwhile doing.

Just then, a brown rabbit appeared. It didn't spot the soldier so he didn't move, seeing the small life-form as his salvation from boredom.

860 sat there, watching the rabbit forge, and dig, into the earth. Suddenly something slammed against 860's head.

Turning his head around, 860 discovered the cause of the disturbance, a plastic ball had connected with his head, and the resulting clank scared the rabbit away.

Upon closer inspection, the ball was very similar to a dodgeball, from a school gym.

"Nice going, Scootaloo! Now we have to get the ball!" yelled Applebloom, while the filly in question defended herself.

"How is it my fault that Sweetie Belle wasn't open? and why can't you just use some of your magic to get the ball back?"

"I'm practicing! It worked just last night, but apparently, it doesn't work now."

"That shouldn't matter, you still need to get the ball! It went in your direction so it's your job to get it back!" Scootaloo persisted,

"For the love of Celestia's horseshoes! I'll get the darn ball!" shouted, Applebloom who had enough of the other two arguing

While they argued, 860 recognized the strange language from two days ago. 860, got up in a flash, and went for a more camouflaged position.

However, upon closer inspection, he discovered that the creatures speaking were higher pitched,
Compared to the adult equine, from before.

'I'm not in the mood to Sterilize someone's offspring, but if they discover me, I don't have a choice.' Offspring were very unreliable, at keeping quiet, or keeping secrets, for that matter.

But then again, he allowed a group of six female equines to leave unharmed, why should they be any different.

'Regardless, they saw what he was capable of. The smaller equines hadn't. All I can do is hope they won't compromise my position. If they don't spot me I won't engage.'

Sufficiently, as one in heavy armor, could stay still. The pony continued her approach, making him more uneasy.

'This is bad, they're going to spot me and then lose their lives.' 860 slowly trailed the cream-colored Equine with the barrel of his gun.

She slowly got closer and closer, and her hoofalls, became more Audible, to the Overwatch Soldier.

'Please in the name of creation don't see me. And compromise my stealth mission.'

"Applebloom, did you find the ball?!" shouted, Sweetie Belle.

860 gently flipped, the controlling switch setting it, to a single round burst. "Ya! I found it!" Applebloom replied, gently picking it up, with her muzzle. She turned tail, and galloped back, toward the same direction she came from, missing 860 by a hair.

"Next time, Scootaloo, let's try and not kick the ball alright?" said the irritated filly.

"Only when Sweetie Belle's horn starts working!" remarked an annoyed orange filly.

He was just about to squeeze the trigger, but thankfully his body stopped itself. The small Equine was gone, 860 had released a sigh he wasn't aware he had been holding in, after hearing their approach.

'There's something, looking out for that young Equine in the great beyond. If I was a Protection unit, I would have been screamed at by Overwatch, along with getting two or even three ration units, deducted for exhibiting hesitation.'

860, had refused to go back to his old seat, thinking that the more plant life that was covering him, the less likely chance he would be spotted, by any equines.

'I might as well just go into Stasis until the sun sets. For some reason, the Timberwolves I have decided to call them, aren't near this urban center. I guess I had entered a hunting ground, of some kind.'

Making sure he wouldn't be discovered, 860 extracted some vegetation from the earth around him; he then laid it on top of his armored body, in hopes of keeping himself hidden.

'Initiating Stasis.' Slowly, 860 went into an unconscious state once more, however, the Combine advisor, was not there to converse with him. Making his first-ever dream dark and cold, which never bothered him.

Princess Celestia POV

"Your Highness, why have you called me into your study?" asked a confused but nervous Shining Armor.

Giving a soft, but warm smile, Celestia answered. "It appears your Sister has run into an issue of sorts."

This made her Captain of the Royal guard, tense instantly, getting up with a hostile and icy tone. "I swear if a colt, or stallion, has hurt my little sister! So help me, they will be eating through a straw for a month."

Said an overprotective older brother, forgetting who he was standing in front of, Shining Armor, immediately bowed his horn; nearly putting a hole in Celestia's desk.

"F-forgive me! For my outburst, your Grace." Finding her Captain's actions warranted, she nodded.

"I would be in the same position if I thought a bad colt, or stallion, was trying to harm my sister, but I digress. Please, rise so we may proceed."

With a hoof, Celestia motioned for her captain to retake his seat, once seated she continued.

"However, that is not the reason I have summoned you to me, it does involve your sister,
but for a different reason."

Perplexed, Shining Armor tilted his head slightly, his blue mane covering his face barely. "If I may inquire, what was the reason?"

Nodding, Princess Celestia, ignited her horn making the letter Twilight had sent to the sun ruler, last night appear.

Celestia Floated it over to her older brother, while she spoke."Please pay attention to the ps at the bottom, Captain. That's what concerns me."

After reading it. Shining Armor became more cautious. "What would you have me do, Princess? Shall I send reinforcements to the town's garrison?"

Celestia however, wasn't on the same page with her Captain. "Don't you think it is possible, your sister could be overreacting?"

Thinking for a moment The stallion nodded. "True Twilight would overreact to certain things, but I doubt, she would be joking about something that serious."

Gently sliding the letter back, Celestia moved it to the side. "Well, good thing, I had asked another pony to come here as the tiebreaker. If only she wasn't up all night."

Just then a slow knock reverberated, off of the refined oak door, that blocked off the study from the rest of the castle.

"Come in," Celestia called out while the door was enveloped in soft blue magic and slowly opened to reveal the Princess of the night.

"Sister." Luna stayed covering her muzzle with a hoof as she yawned. "Why have you awoken me from my slumber?"

Smiling, Celestia waved her younger sister close."I wanted your opinion on the situation currently happening, near Ponyville."

Confused, Luna tilted her head, the bags under her eyes becoming more visible. In the process, "What has happened to the small Village?"

Through the talks, Shining Armor stayed silent not wanting to interrupt either, Princesses."Nothing has transpired. But my student, Twilight Sparkle, claims to have seen a strange creature."

Curiosity sparked in Luna's tired eyes for a moment, but it intrigued her enough to stay. "Where has this foreign creature been spotted?" asked the night-themed Alicorn.

"From what the letter had said, the creature is using the Ever-free forest as a place to hide. But, my student claims that it is incredibly dangerous, along with being deadly." Celestia informed, even giving her the letter that Twilight had sent.

After reading it over, Luna spoke up again. "Then allow my nightguards to handle this problem, I'm sure it won't be a challenge to scout the forest and find its dwelling."

With another loud yawn. Luna got back up, before walking towards the exit, Of the study.

"Apologies, sister, Captain. But I am very exhausted. Please excuse me." Luna asked while bumping into a wooden dresser, knocking over a glass vase and breaking it.

Looking back, Luna gave an awkward smile, while her horn flowed with magic. "Apologies sister, I will fix that immediately."

Celestia shook her head, at the mistake her sister caused. "Don't worry yourself, I'll fix it myself, just get yourself to bed, and try not to break anything else on the way, ok?"

Seeing her blue magic, she is overwhelmed by Celesita's golden sorcery. Luna sighed, giving up in an attempt to fix what she broke. "Very well, Sister I shall see you at Sunset."

In a flash of golden light, the shattered vase was repaired, back to its former glory.

Once it was repaired, Celestia returned her attention to her captain. "Shining Armor, please inform Ponyville's local guards, to double their patrols. And move to a more alert stance, until informed otherwise."

Her Captain turned his back towards his Princess while nodding, "At once, your Highness." Getting up and giving a bow, the Stallion left the room, quietly closing the door behind him. while Celestia got to work on writing a response to her student.

860 POV

Exiting, stasis wasn't hard; his body felt achy, however, sleeping while hunched over with dirt and grass all over one's body, will do that to anyone.

Opening his eyes, 860 discovered that thirteen hours had passed, and the lush awake world around him had gone dark and quiet. Minus a few insects making their calls, here and there.

Getting up, 860 looked toward the town, he spotted a few of the buildings had functioning power. "Overwatch be advised. The primitive, urban center has a concept of electricity."

Checking the clock in the corner of his helmet it said the current time was midnight, while an exclamation point appeared. Clicking it, the helmet warned that a severe weather pattern was moving in his direction and that he should stay inside a building or underground.

'Heavy rain, and strong wind gusts, I should double time, this up quickly. Visibility will be extremely low soon." 860 gripped, his firearm and began walking in the direction of the town.

860 made a plan inside of his head. 'Check radials, Sweep and clear corners, and stay on my toes.'

Moving slowly, to not make excessive noise, 860 kept on his approach, after some time he entered the town outskirts. Going from house to house, looking for any kind of shovel.

'Do these equines have no concept of excavation? Or am I just unlucky?' unknown to 860, something or someone was watching him.

Unaware of the few onlookers watching him, 860 glanced around cautiously, he didn't mind if the Equines were watching. If they got in his way, however, that's a different story.

Spotting more habitations, 860 gradually, made his way over. Cutting through alleyways, and avoiding windows that had light coming from them, and relatively, staying inside the darkness.

'If this whole town doesn't have a shovel I'll just make one myself.' Arriving at, the last house he could scavenge the backyard of, 860 didn't find anything but a flower bed of roses and other plant life.

Looking over, the wooden fence. The Overwatch soldier discovered that this town was far larger than first assumed. 'There's still hope for the search, but I need to cross that town square to check.'

Checking his radials, along with his blind spots. 860 proceeded to walk across the square with extra alertness.

Reaching a water fountain, 860 discovered a large group of horses. Some had yellow armor, others a purplish hue, and the six female equines from before. They appeared, to be down the road talking with one another unaware of his presence.

However, the two large groups of armored ponies walked off, heading north and south.

'This isn't going to end well.' After confirming that none of them were looking, in his direction, 860 made a slow walk across, deciding to keep hidden rather than wasting the energy to Amputate them all.

'Nice and steady, 860, stealth wasn't your strong suit but neither is diplomacy.'

Making it near what appeared to be a house made of sweets and icing, gave him pause. 'God, I haven't seen all of these sweets since before the war.'

Looking them over, they looked just how he remembered. ' If those were real, I would have taken those as well. It's been a very long time since I last had a candy cane, hell anything sweet for that matter.' Shaking his head, 860 snapped back to focus on his mission.

'Focus, 860, if you're spotted going loud, might be your only option.' Just then a soft gasp rang out from his right.

Turning to investigate, he found the orange Equine with a hat and green eyes. She shouted but he moved, quickly enough to snatch her, 860 picked the pony up, without much issue, along with storing his gun on his chest.

860 grabbed her mouth, not allowing her to make any kind of noise, all he needed to do was twist her neck, like an unopened soda bottle and she would expire but he didn't do it.

'Maybe I can use her as leverage if I'm discovered by the rest of them?' while he decided what to do with Applejack.

She, of course, wiggled and thrashed about not liking the idea of 860, restraining her movement, but he continued to hold her.

By the orange furred shoulders, and neck.' You're tough to hold equine, I'll give you that. But not tough enough.' going behind the gingerbread house, along with taking the rope she had. 860 pinned Applejack against the wall, by her neck, making her gasp, fear flashing into her eyes.

His fingers were deep into her large neck, 860 could feel her rapid heartbeat. ' You're terrified; good. Congratulations, equine, you are now my hostage.'

"Don't resist." 860 ordered.

Looking over at the rope, and moving it over, 860 began to tie her limbs together, making movement for her not possible. By this point, she was talking again, however, 860 didn't give her a chance to talk far. Her limbs were hog-tied together, all he needed to do was hold her mouth shut.

Applejack POV a few minutes prior

Twilight gently coughed, to grab the group's attention, for the plan she and the guards had made.

"Alright, girls here's the plan, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Will watch the west side of Ponyville. While me, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack will take the east side of Ponyville. The guards have informed me, that they will be protecting the northern and south sides of Ponyville."

Nodding, the main six, divided into their assigned groups, after saying their farewells to one another Applejack walked with the two others, in her assigned group. "Twi, do you think the Royal guards can handle that big fella?"

Asked the nervous farm pony, while the lavender mare shook her head. "On their own? No, but each group of Royal guards were told by their officers to retreat if they spotted him."

That brought up another question, this time from Rainbow Dash. "Egghead, what are we supposed to do if he's in Ponyville?" asked Rainbow, her wings outstretched, along with flapping slightly but not consistently, enough to make her take flight.

"I'll teleport him away, and inform the guards, they will relay the message to Princess Luna, who in my response letter from Celestia, said she would aid Ponyville, Personally."

Sighing, Applejack turned to the left, walking toward, sugar-cube corner. "I'll be back y'all just need to use the restroom."

The other two nodded knowing she would return. "Just be quick about it, Applejack being alone is the most dangerous thing we all could do right now."

Carrying her lasso, on her back, the farm pony continued not thinking, that thing was in or near Ponyville.

'He sure can put on a show one, I don't agree with.' she thought, shuttering lightly at the memory of his hoofwork.

'I do hope, that thing isn't here.' Applejack knew for a fact her friends and her couldn't take him on alone, maybe one of the Princesses, could but not us.'

Turning the corner, Applejack spotted the creature that inspired fear, making the mare gasp which grabbed his attention. "Horse apples! It's here!"

Applejack was going to turn tail and run, however, his glove-covered hands grabbed hold of her. Before she could call out to her friends his hand was upon her muzzle keeping it shut.

Looking up, she saw the familiar unblinking eyes of the creature that slaughtered a den of Diamond dogs. It seemed to be more interested in her, lasso. 'You got another thing, coming partner! If you can take this pony by the rains that is!'

The earth pony continued to thrash about, trying to free herself from him. Resulting, in her getting pinned. Against the back wall of the pastry shop. With one hand on her neck, and him constricting her airway.

"P-partner! You've proven your point! L-let go." She pleaded, while her limbs were tied down. Ultimately, Applejack could feel her legs being restrained, but she was more concerned with getting air into her lungs, to care, or notice.

Eventually, she was able to breathe, gasping and coughing. However it was short-lived as his hand returned to her muzzle, but this time she could breathe.

Carrying her by her barrel, the tall monster hauled, the element of honesty, like baggage. It appeared to be, looking for something. Applejack couldn't tell currently, but her fear kept her, from acting out, of the thin line he had given her.

"Be still! And release our subject, Fiend!" boomed a voice from behind them, turning to look. The pair saw Princess Luna in midnight black armor. Wielding a night-themed sword, along with a whole contingent of Lunar guards, including day guards, sprinkled throughout.

Unceremoniously the alien dropped Applejack, giving her the ability to speak again. "Your H-highness! Do not fight him. He's an expert at it!"

Regardless, Luna didn't heed her warning. "Worry not fair Applejack, I shall be your savior this night. Guards, get the Element of honesty to safety, and detain this creature, it has caused enough trouble."

Slowly two guards advanced, one a day guard the other a night guard. Many of these Royal guards had weapons of their own, some had swords like their Princesses, but not as elegant. Others had crossbows, one even had a flail.

He spoke again, in his metallic voice, before retrieving his weapon from the chest armor he wore.

Applejack knew what was going to happen if the last time he fought was any kind of hint. And for the sake of her ears, the orange farm pony. Folded them, to stop the loud blasts she would hear.

A few moments later she would hear two blasts that filled her with dread.

"Sweet stars above!" Shouted a guard while he screamed in pain doing their best to stop the blood flowing out of the blown-off limb.

Not a second later his fellow compatriots shortly arrived to help aid in clotting the stream of red. "Guards! Hear my command!" Luna commanded, grabbing their attention and even Applejacks.

The medics unable to hear the night Princess from the pained screams of their day comrade, quickly muffled him with a rag in order to hear Luna's order.

"Protect the citizens of Ponyville! And get any wounded to safety! I shall handle this creature."

Moving quickly, the Royal guards dispersed, taking the wounded to safety. Along with the elements of harmony, minus Applejack.

The two stood there staring at one another, Princess Luna, was keeping an eye on the orange Farm pony. In the event, the alien tried to attack the incarcerated mare.

She would intervene immediately, however, Luna went for the attack, and the farm pony teleported by a familiar lavender pony.

"Applejack!" Called out, Twilight who tackled the Farmpony. Who made a soft grunt, in surprise as the rest of her friends join in on the tackle move.

"Are you ok, civilian? do you need to see a medic." Asked one of the Royal guards asked

"I'll be fine, Girls a little help here?" she added referring to her lasso that pinned her limbs together.

It took a few moments to undo the knots but after that was done she was free. "Should we help the Princess?"

"Her Highness as told us to protect the villagers of this town so the answer is no." The Response, was the very same Princess, getting thrown through a house.

860 POV

860, was planning to search the town. Even with the equine tied up in his arms, however, a loud yell grabbed his attention.

Turning to face the owner, of the shout, he found a slightly larger equine. her hair was of space, along with flowing in the wind. However, her eyes and body were different shades of blue.

She appeared to be in black colored armor while holding a sword, within a blue field of some kind.

Upon closer inspection, her horn extremity was glowing in the same field. Looking around her, 860 discovered male, and female horses; beside her, they all had primitive weaponry. "Overwatch be advised, Spikewall, has encountered loud Contaminants."

Simply dropping the farm pony as if she were a box, he reached over grabbing his firearm.

"Attention, noncompliant, lifeforms. Threatening a soldier is punishable by death, drop your weapons, and vacate this sector. This is your first and only warning, that will be issued."

However, they didn't listen, instead, the group of armored ponies approached. 'I did warn them.' pointing his firearm, toward a male horse who seemed to be, carrying a spear, 860 shot him. Resulting in his head exploding. And the second approaching pony, in the leg.

Resulting in him screaming and wailing in pain having lost a limb.

Needless to say, the moment that one horse fell over dead. The blue horse spoke, then, went for the attack. her eyes were cold, and void of warmth. Yet filled with resolve.

She tried a wide arch slash, with her sword, but 860 dodged the attack. Grabbing hold of her neck, the blue horse released a sound of surprise as he tossed her like a rag doll away.

'You're going to have to try harder than that, horse.'

Even though they couldn't understand one another it looked like she heard him. Releasing a snarl, the horse spoke, again. Her group of armed ponies left some time ago, presumably to flank him.

Along with his hostage, disappearing in a flash of purple light, 860 had no leverage or assistance in this fight.

'They outnumber me, ten to one, but yet they aren't pressing the numbers advantage.' Looking around, 860 discovered that they had left, it was just him and the blue horse.

Soon it began to rain more heavily.

She stopped her hoof, making the ground crack under the pressure while flaring her nose. Seeing this as a challenge, 860 simply shot the ground doing more damage to the earth below.

In an instant she flashed over, gritting her teeth and wings flared, she attempted an overhead slash.

It connected, but the sharp blade wasn't allowed to sink into flesh, due to his armor. 860 grabbed the stuck blade, it was pierced into his shoulder guard at the same time. 860, stored his gun.

'I'm not even going to waste the ammo, to fight this equine, at the very least the others saw reason and ran.' Reaching up, he grabbed her blade and shoved her back. Then slammed the sword into the dirt below.

'No weapon, for you, horse. Now withdraw from this sector, to avoid punishment.' 860 was trying to make her leave, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Instead, she attacked him again, taking flight with her blue wings the flying horse charged him.

Then slammed into his chest, she managed to lift 860 off his own two feet, and then the ground. 860's short time of weightlessness was short-lived, as they slammed through a wall, and the resulting force, made him land in a kitchen of some kind.

While debris fell off his Armor, 860 grabbed the Equine by her neck. 'No more chances!' clenching his free hand into a fist, the modified human punched her across the muzzle, with enough force to Flatline, an equine. However, it did little more than make her stumble back a few steps, dazed.

"Oh, you're just a glutton for punishment, aren't you? Time for Re-education!"

Getting up, 860 grabbed a dented, cooking pan, and brought it down, on her head, making an audible *CLANG* ring out.

She was still standing, which amazed him. 'How the hell is she still alive? She should have died after my punch, no matter. I'll fix this, and continue with my main objective.' 860 decided to keep wailing on the female equine. His efforts dented the pan beyond recognition and yet, he still kept hitting her with the pan.

Regardless, it did little to end, or slow, her down because. When it came to the fifth, frying pan whack, she grabbed it with the light blue aura and flung it away. While it disappeared into another room, she released a sharp exhale from her nostrils and then tried to spear him with her oversized horn.

This time, 860, was ready, when she thrusted her head forward, he dodged again, and grabbed hold of her horn, effectively gaining control of Luna's head.

'That was reckless, how did she think that was a good idea to begin with?' to mock her attempt, 860 grabbed a large fruit, from the counter of the kitchen, and impaled it on her blue horn.

"Congratulations, you have become an overrated pin cushion." 860, said before throwing her through the wall and back out into the town.

Pushing a few bits down to match his height, 860 stepped through, following the multi-trait horse. Once, being a drizzle of rain, became a roaring storm from their time in doors.

Trudging over, 860 used his boot to push the pony, onto her back and prominently. Placed his boot, against the stomach of the horse, to pin her there.

Some blood was leaking from her nose. Along with a few lacerations, and bruises, on her upper half. 'Just stay down, for Pete's sake I'm on a time constraint here.'

Examining the area around them too, Confirming. No other hostiles were going to engage him, 860 was blasted in the face with a bright blue light making him stumble back holding his face. 'God damn it! That won't happen. Once, I can see again!'

During his moment of being half-visionless. Luna retrieved her sword, along with using her magic, to heal the minor wounds she sustained, and removed the apple, from her horn.

The winds were strong, the storm was building in strength. On top of that, visibility was getting harder and harder for each party.

Out stretching her wings, Luna took to the air, the winds, doing very little to stop the alicorn. Spotting her foe, Luna slammed into him once more but she didn't aim for any homes, this time. 'The apple farmstead, is the safest choice, for my subjects.'

While the Equine carried, 860 he simply lifted his two hands above her back; calmly, making them into fists, he brought them down on the center of Luna's back with a large amount of force.

The reaction was immediate: the pony released a mixed shout of surprise, and pain, as they both slammed into a tree with the equine landing on top of him.

Looking up, he locked eyes with her. She looked pissed, but was currently catching her breath from carrying him; her sword was still glowing a soft blue, without warning it was pressed against his neck to keep him down.

Taking this as motivation, 860 grabbed the sword and got back up. With her eyes wide in surprise, snapped her blade into two pieces, before her gaze.

She attempted to rise, from the wet earth beneath her, but a quick boot, to her side, stopped her.

The Equine's nose was flared along with the large eyes she had were narrowed, the idea of him pinning her down wasn't too appealing for her.

Retrieving his stun baton, 860 tuned it to a full blast and drove it into her side, shocking the night Princess.

'Your strength for an Equine has been noted. Let's see how much charge, you can take, from a fully charged, Stun baton.'

They stayed there for twenty whole minutes, and 860 confirmed that she was, indeed still alive. The stun baton had emptied its whole battery, in the re-education attempt. and by the end, she was left panting, and even steaming.

Storing his non-lethal weapon 860, got off of the horse and spotted a red farmhouse. 'There better, be a damn, shovel in there.'

Walking over to it 860, discovered the main doors to the red building were locked. Grabbing hold of said lock, he pulled, until it broke; and tossed the offending obsolete metal away.

Pushing the doors open, 860 entered uncontested, turning on his night vision, the Overwatch soldier began searching for the tool.

After some time, he found said tool. Grabbing the wooden handle, 860 exited the building, looking around it was a ghost town. No horses, not even local wildlife.

'These trees are producing some kind of fruit. It has also been duly noted. The main cause, for little to no activity, from wildlife is the storm.'

Following the path out of the apple Orchard, he simply traced the path of destruction. He and the blue equine caused, going around the home she slammed him through and spotting the giant gingerbread house.

"Spikewall is returning to the destroyed drop pod, then to field headquarters." Leaving the small town, the half-human, traveled back to his, temporary command post.

'I think that's a fair trade, a shovel for their lives. But if it breaks, mid-digging, I will burn the Urban center to the ground. For attempted amputation, on an Overwatch soldier.'

Arriving at the pod, 860 entered, making sure everything was still there. Seeing everything still inside, he vacated the destroyed pod. And began pushing it, along with the second mine-cart, full of gems to the old tower he found.

By this point, the storm was on top of him, his movement was hindered, but not stopped. 'I have to dig in this, all I can desire is better weather.'

Reaching the familiar tower, 860 deposited the gems and went to retrieve his radio. 'Does this even have what I'm looking for?' going through the channels, it had, most were static, others dead silence.

Until he found a recording. "526, you always liked to be prepared no matter the situation; even in death." Attaching it, on his back he carried it outside and removed some of their armor to begin digging, decent-sized graves for them all.

As the modified, human dug the reality of the current events was finally, hitting home.

860 was burying, the closest thing, to a family or friends he had sense, the conclusion of the war. They ate, fought together, won, and even failed, as a team. They understood why he enlisted, for the Combine. And 860 understood why they joined, everyone had their reasons but for him, It was just to have something to eat.

Granted, some sick people filled their ranks, but he tried to be a good person when no one else was looking.

But this. Being in a new world, that was exactly like Earth pre-war. 860, was all on his own. No friends, no backup, nothing. All 860 had was his armor and his dead team's firearms.

Climbing out of the last grave, 860 went to retrieve the first body, to lay in the six-foot grave. The walls and floor around him in the hole were turning into mud so this needed to be quick.

Gently laying them down, 860 would repeat this process with five other bodies the task was complete, and now all there was to do, was the ceremony, that would decommission, them from service.

Straightening up, 860 went into an attention stance. Retrieving his firearm and then holding it at the proper place the soldier began his duty.

Starting with the officer of the group, his captain. 860 gave his body, a salute, before speaking. "Unit; 5-2-6-0-8-9-1. The Universal Union, thanks you. for your years of service, along with your unfailing loyalty. Upon the discovery of your Flatline, Overwatch has approved this burial. Unit; 5-2-6-0-8-9-1 you are now, code 10-10A."

Giving his squad leader one last salute, 860 began to bury the cold carcass; once accomplished, he moved to the Sniper of the group; this would take time to finish doing all five of them.

By the end, 860, wasn't doing so well, the emotions that were put back, were rearing their ugly head. And his eyes were very close to crying. He doubted himself if he could do another burial alone.

Just then, something touched his back making him jump. Veering around to look, it was the blue equine from before, but her once rage-filled face was one of pity and warmth.

She spoke out to him, but it didn't make sense to 860, so he just turned around to face the last member of his group, the APF Unit while the sound of wings flapping were heard behind him.

He felt something, softly wrapping around his neck, not long after, someone was pressing against his head. That being said it gave him the willpower, to say what needed to be done.

"Unit; 1-3-0-5-2-4-7 T-the Universal Union, thanks you. for your years of service; A-along with your unfailing loyalty. Upon this discovery of your F-flatline, Overwatch has approved this burial. Unit; 1-3-0-5-2-4-7 you are now, C-code 10-10A."

With that being finished, 860 slumped against her and she guided them down, into a sitting position. the Equine, supporting him and his weight.

She spoke once more, but he couldn't still grasp their language but a gentle noise filled his ears it was the Princess's magic.

As the gentle hum, of magic filled his ears, a new face filled his vision. It was the shy female equine, from before, with tears streaming down her face, or was it the rain, nevertheless, she lay against him crying.

While he drifted off to sleep. for the first time, in a long, long time. 860 had a peaceful sleep.

Princess Luna POV

The night Princess, had no idea, what the creature was planning, however, one of her patrols had spotted, the creature, going into the woods and she was filled with anger, at how weak it made her look.

Along with the elements of harmony the only sounds they were hearing, at the moment, were hooves on dirt.

"Do you have any idea what he could be doing Princess?" Asked Twilight Sparkle, her friends were just as curious.

"I do not, but we know, Where it is hiding. I refuse to let him be free, after the death and harm it has caused."

The group fell silent once more until music was heard.

It was soft, melancholic. Luna, seeing this as a potential ambush, motioned her guards to take point and investigate. "Please make sure it isn't an ambush."

Nodding, her guards, Disappeared into some dense plant life. They disappeared for a moment and repeated.

"It is safe, your Highness. It isn't aware that we are here." Nodding, Princess Luna proceeded to see what was going on.

Thanks to her magic, Luna could see what was going on through the downpour, which made her rage pause.

This monster, who had electrified her, slammed a metal cooking tool on her head. punched her, and broke her blade, stuck an apple to her horn. Did all that, to bury his dead.

Her guards were going to attack, but Luna stopped them, with her words.

'Halt, all Royal guards, must hold their positions until told otherwise."

'I will honor, this moment with a truce, bury your departed.'

"Your Grace, we should strike now, while it's distracted." Whispered, a solar guard however this annoyed her.

"I have made up my mind. Hold your positions, or you'll face my iron if you fail to obey my command. Show your respect, for his loss." Luna's way of thinking was ancient and stern, but she had honor to a degree, especially in moments, like these.

The song was fitting, it was no doubt a military-style burial. Many of her Lunar guards had removed their helmets, following their princess's command.

There was one more grave left to fill, and the not-so-scary creature couldn't bring himself to do it.

'No creature should handle this burden; alone.' Luna thought, before entering the clearing, while many of the guards, and a few members of the main six, watched in silence not sure how to approach him.

She kept her hoof falls quiet, until she was right behind him, gently reaching up, and placing her front hoof on her back.

That seemed to have startled him, he turned around to face her but he didn't attack. "I know you can't understand me, but you have my pity, great warrior," Luna said slowly, in hopes he would understand her.

Gradually, he turned back, to face the graves while she took to the air, gently flying behind him, getting in close she wrapped her hooves around him.

Being this close, she could feel him, holding back tears. His body was seizing up, under the armor. Gently, Luna nuzzled his head. In hopes, that would break the dam, and sure enough it did, after he finished speaking, He slumped down.

but he wasn't holding it back now, from what she could tell. 'I shall aid you.' with this Luna ignited her horn.

Taking control, of the small pile of soil, she helped bury the last hole which resulted in him collapsing fully against her, using her strength. Luna gently pulled him into her warm embrace along with using her wings to shield him from the rain.

Slowly, the song had a somber conclusion.

By this point, Fluttershy, the element of kindness, was inconsolable.

Glancing back, Luna saw the other five mares didn't handle the ceremony, Rainbow Dash was refusing to cry, though her lower lip did quiver, slightly.

Pinkie Pie was crying a river, from how much water was released from her eyes. Applejack, had her hat pulled down to hide her face while the others cried more openly.

"Rest now, they are, at peace."

Luna gently said, while her horn glowed brighter, she cast a sleep spell over him which worked.

He slumped against the night Princess who needed to sit, to hold him now due to him being dead weight.

"Guards, send for a Royal land carriage." Swiveling her blue-furred ear, Luna heard her guards gallop off no doubt to call in what their night ruler requested.

Looking toward the day guards she pointed toward the tower. "Search the sentry post, and look for anything suspicious, once the search is over. Report back to me immediately, on what you find."

She stayed there, letting the armored creature sleep against her. It needed comfort, and Luna was in its position before, so she was more than willing to be a shoulder to cry on. Or sleep, in this case.

"Princess Luna."

Called out a sniffle, Twilight, turned to look at the unicorn. The night princess raised an eyebrow at her sister's pupil.

Seeing that it was ok for her to continue to speak she did so. "What will happen to him? Is he going to be safe?" asked the concerned, element of magic.

"Yeah! Even though this was pretty sappy, and all. But he saved our flanks a few days ago!" Rainbow Dash, seconded.

She wasn't the only one of the main six, who defended him. But first, he would need to answer for the crimes he committed. "I and my sister will take care of this, you all worry not, your tiny village is safe."

"W-what about the W-welcoming party I had planned?" Pinkie Pie asked teary-eyed.

"I'm sure, you can throw him a party later darling. But first, let the Princesses and the Royal guards do their duties." Nodding, Pinkie blew her nose out, on a tissue that she pulled from nowhere.

The Element bearers, we're affected by this ceremony even, Luna was feeling slightly emotional but was strong enough to hide it.

"I will have you all Escorted, back to Ponyville to ensure your safe return, from this blasted storm."

"Your Highness." A guard called out, grabbing the young alicorn's attention, turning to face the golden armored mare that made her continue.

"We have discovered two mine-carts full to the brim with jewels, and other forms of expensive precious stones, along with unknown technology on the second floor of the sentry post."

Luna simply nodded her head at the report. "Excellent outcome, Sargent, prepare everything for transportation."

Nodding the golden armored mare turned to leave before Luna spoke again. "Please get me a pair of cuffs, Sargent." The night Princess requested.

"It shall be done, your Grace." The royal guard enunciated, and after some time she returned with shackles.

"Those shall work, thank you. Now please escort the Elements of Harmony, back to Ponyville." Nodding, the guard bowed at the command.

"At once, Your Highness. Squad three! And squad four! Prepare for escort duty." The seasoned Royal guard commanded while walking off to shoot the orders she had been given.

By this point, Fluttershy, the element of kindness, had joined them. She was still weeping, but she was making sure the alien was indeed ok. "I'm so sorry for your loss!" Fluttershy cried while she latched onto his side lightly.

"Fair, Fluttershy he is asleep. And unable, to hear you." Luna remarked.

Jumping slightly, Fluttershy glanced up. Forgetting who, she was in the company of, while she stuttered a response. "M-my apologies, your Highness. I didn't mean to offend you, I'll leave if that's not too much T-trouble."

Before Luna could converse, with Fluttershy a moment longer, she rose from the ground and then bolted away, still scared of the night Princess.

Seeing that, as an issue to fix later. Luna shook her head while using her magic to open the cuffs. Gently lifting his hands she clasped them onto him, afterward locking them into place.

Making sure he wouldn't escape or wake up, Luna gently lifted the Alien with her magic so she could get onto her hooves. Once achieved, the Alicorn placed him back down stretching her body.

'Stars above, he was heavy. I think my back legs fell asleep.'

"Civilians, let's go." A royal guard calmly stated wanting them to follow.

"Let's go, girls." Said Twilight, while they began to walk back Fluttershy lingered, unsure of what was going to happen to the alien.

"Fluttershy, let's go!" Rainbow Dash, called. Snapping her back to her friends, Fluttershy made a noise of frustration, before running over to follow the main group.

"I-i'm coming!" she called back, slowly her galloping faded, and once again the night was all that remained.

'Once we, return to Canterlot I will inform my Sister of the alien's capture. Personally, then we shall begin an interrogation, however, if it doesn't understand us a way of communication, must be established.'

Princess Luna was so deep in thought she hadn't noticed the Royal land carriage arrive. "Your Highness the carriage is here."

Snapping back to it, she nodded. "Thank you, please load the Prisoner, for transportation, afterward we shall head for Canterlot."

This process would take time, due to how heavy he was, and the items, he owned. Princess Luna didn't want to leave anything, behind. She was in no rush, to return, back toward Canterlot.

'I might as well, bathe when I return home. Last time sister saw me this dirtied, I was a mear filly.' Grunting, Luna's body ached, making her surprised.

'This creature has made my body sore, well fought. I wouldn't expect anything less, his reputation, proceeds him.'

No doubt, she would feel it all in a few hours, but it's better than being dead.

Chapter Four - Old Memories Returned and Peace Interactions

View Online

Chapter Four

860 POV

Uploading previous mask Data. . .

Upload complete. Replaying old memories. . .

860 was unaware of his current surroundings; it felt like he was sitting down, but he couldn't open his eyes.

No matter how hard he tried, his eyelids refused to open. it was as if someone had super glued, them shut. 'What the hell, why can't I open my eyes?'

Trying for another few moments, the Overwatch voice arose, from his built-in radio. "Alert, Ground units. Invasive, Operation of Anti-Citizen Origin."

"Response code. Assemble. Sword. Inoculate. " Just then, someone punched his shoulder, while a new voice entered the mix.

"Oi, 86, no dozing, while we're on duty. That's what Anti-fatigue drugs, are for." Said a Civil Protection Officer.

Finally, 860 opened his eyes while responding. "Can it, 79, you know I don't use that crap. I don't even do the non-mechanical, reproductive simulations, they give us for, remarkable operations."

The person, named 79, looked over while still driving the vehicle. "You really should give those drugs a chance, especially when in a recess period. Best way to start it, in my opinion."

"Yeah, you also said that about, mixing those drugs with liquor." 860 commented, with a grin under the masked helmet, however, 79 responded keeping his eyes on the road.

"I also recommend that, even though, Dispatch does not. But what's life nowadays, without living on the edge?" 79, suggested making 860 scoffs.

"There's a fine line, between being an addict, and a half-wit. Somehow, you've become both, after trying those drugs. You're the prime reason, why I don't touch that stuff."

Looking towards him, 79, spoke up. "Good, can I have your stash of pills then? After, this round of active duty. That is."

"Hell no. I can use those, for trade. Why would I let that stuff go? Focus on the road, before you make us crash." 860 responded along with adjusting his combat belt.

"And this is why, you don't get invited to 91's gambling reception nights." 79 said,

Rolling his eyes, 860 just sat up, reaching up to grab something. He noticed the gloves he wore, weren't the normal Spikewall gloves he wore. Along with giving a response along with, gripping the sun visor.

"91, has informed me countless times, I can come whenever It transpires, I just choose not to. I went once, and everyone was boozing, and taking narcotics. After that, they began rambling about the old world. Before the combine, while I just took their credits, from said poker games."

Clasping the padded flap, 860 pulled it down to reveal a mirror, and to his surprise; 860 saw a Civil Protection, staring back instead of his normal appearance.

'What is going on here, Why can't I control my movements? Or speak, for that matter, And why am I in a Protection unit, uniform?'

"Alright, enough chit-chat. We're arriving on scene, I think today, is going to be an active one." commented, 79 while putting the prisoner transport in Park.

"Dispatch, truck 47-B is on the scene, for 10-33-A now." 860 informed while hopping out of the passenger side of the truck and retrieving his stun baton.

"Dispatch copies. Investigate, and report. Reminder. Lethal force will be authorized, if Citizens turn the protest, into a Class-C Riot. Exercise caution. Other, Civil Protection units, are in the area and link up. Before moving on the 10-33-A."

Reaching under the seat, 86 grabbed his MP-7 along with extending the rear stock out. "10-4."

Flicking the safety off, and closing the truck door
He cocked the gun while, 79 chuckled.

"God, you're like a teacher's pet when it comes to Dispatch," he remarked, making 86 flip him off silently.

"Just shut up, and keep moving. We need to link up with the others. So we can end this, and everyone can go home." 860 reprimanded, making 79 shake his head while drawing his pistol.

"You do know, I outrank you, 86. As your acting Supervisor, I could make a statement of you being insubordinate, and you'll lose your 'perk' for talking back. Show me some more respect." 79 jokingly teased, however, the non-modified human. Just kept going, deciding to stop, adding fuel to the fire that was his partner.

Following the concrete path, 860 found a combine shield door, walking through without any issue he entered the building it was safeguarding.

Heading to the courtyard of the Apartment complex. 860 saw a considerable, gathering of CPs and fellow Overwatch soldiers.

"Protection Units, prepare stun batons, and riot shields, in the event, citizens become malignant and engage us. Disengage, emotion. And prepare to Inoculate, then sterilize. Those who do not comply." Ordered an Ordinal unit.

Looking around, 860, looked about to see what his fellow allies were planning. He would discover, they were preparing to stop the demonstration, by force.

Storing his MP-7, 860 quickly grabbed a riot shield and moved towards the east exit of the apartment complex to join the front lines 860, could see the demonstration currently going underway.

Making a shield wall with his fellow CPs, a voice appeared from behind him.

"Attention, please. This rally is not authorized. Please, return to your housing blocks. This sector is now under lockdown. Those who fail to comply will face judgment."

This, of course, earned the attention of the angry mob the group of law enforcement.

"Overwatch, sector 89, sub-grid 40. Requires Strider-unit support."

"Overwatch copies, Ordinal unit, Support is inbound. ETA, ten minutes." Said the icey, and stoic Artificial Intelligence.

"This is going to be a massacre, if Dispatch allows it." The younger 860 mumbled while the civilians threw rocks, trash, and more or less anything. They could have picked up and at the metal shield of combine police.

"Protection units, hold the line. Tighten, current formation." In response, 860 and his fellow Officers, made a tight shield wall formation, as the citizens began their verbal assault.

"Your minds are in the gutter!" shouted a man who threw a brick at the wall.

"Traitors! Every single one of you. I doubt you would feel bad for us because you chose your side in this matter!" snarled a woman, who held a wooden plank like a baseball bat ready to charge if her fellow humans did.

"Turn off, the suppression field!" shouted a man, who thought, getting in the face. Of said riot shields, which wasn't a good idea, resulting in him getting shocked in the side.

"You asshats!" the rebel man retorted.

"Dispatch, ready to prosecute, noncompliant citizen, final warning issued." Warned 860.

While the man persisted. "I'll show you some real noncompliance!" Soon heavy footfalls were approaching from behind them.

They were distant, but approaching; 860 and his group needed to hold out just a few more minutes while the citizens kept throwing things at the shield wall both physically and verbally.

Eventually, a large stick-like leg slammed into the roof of the building behind them. Then finally another, ultimately their reinforcements had arrived. Standing on top of the white apartment building. It released a metallic call, indicating it had acquired hostile targets.

"Stabilization team, leader. Update mission directive. New response Code, Assemble. Sword. Sterilize." This made 860's heart rate increase.

'They're going to kill them all, just for wanting to have kids.' The younger 860 remarked inwardly as the Overwatch soldier behind him spoke up.

"Affirmative, Protection units. Equip lethal weapons, and sterilize the anti-Citizens."

Wavering, the younger 860 dropped his shield and stored the stun baton. And equipped his MP-7 Before he knew it, shots were flying and people were being gunned down for a basic human right; as Overwatch declared what they had been charged with.

"Attention, anti-Citizens. You are charged with Code 415, 'Civic disunity.' Code 404, 'riot.' Code 243, 'assaulting Civil Protection officers.' You all are Judged guilty, by the Civil Protection team, All units, deliver the terminal verdict immediately. "

While they routed and tried to escape. The Strider would simply blast them with Anti-personnel rounds. Making them explode into human chunks. Once the slaughter, had died down the Overwatch Officer spoke up, and issued a new command.

"86, and 36, Advance and execute any surviving Anti-Citizens." Commanded the Overwatch officer, looking back 860 gave a nod at the ruling.

"Copy, moving forward." Ejecting his old mag, and reloading a fresh one, he moved towards the deceased crowd.

Most of the civilians had perished but underneath some body parts and a torso 860, found a man clutching his throat, 860 honed his firearm at the dying man. Blood was flooding out from his wound and if it didn't stop he wouldn't make it.

"P-please, we just wanted to have more liberties."He gurgled out, while the Ordinal reached, out to 860 on the built-in radio.

"Protection Unit 86, disengage emotion, and execute the Anti-Citizen." The Overwatch leader instructed. Pointing his barrel at the man, he raised a bloodied hand, in hopes of stopping 860.

"Don't do this, Y-your not like the soldiers. You still have a free mind, is it wrong for us, wanting to teach and pass lessons onto our children?" asked the dying man. However, his hesitation caught the attention of Dispatch who communicated through 860's built-in radio.

"Civil Protection officer designated 86, disengage emotion. Failure to comply will result in. Five ration units, being deducted." Dispatch warned, seeing no way out of this the young 860 composed himself.

The youthful 860, racked his MP7, then pointed it at the man who was going to perish anyway from the loss of blood.

"D-don't. Do it, please your brain isn't, mush yet." The man pleaded but his pleas for mercy ended with a pull of his trigger.

"Protection Unit, 86." Turning to look, 860 saw a Combine soldier. Now that he was paying attention, it continued.

"You will come with us, for a new mission directive, acceptance is mandatory. Protection Unit, 86"

'Well, shit there goes my selected perk.' The human 860 thought but still followed not wanting to cause more trouble for himself than he was already in.

Traveling towards a Different kind of vehicle 860 climbed into the back along with four new arrivals. All sadly, we're soldiers of Overwatch which means a long and silent ride.

'Great just what I needed.' The younger 860 remarked inspecting his MP-7

Slowly the memory faded to black;

Uploaded data received.
.

Memory Skipping Forward.

Revitalizing, in a combine Transport truck, 860 was face-to-face with a fellow Civil Protection officer. Beside him, looking around the younger 860 showed there were two more Civil Protection units.

And four soldiers, three assault grunts, one ordinal,

"Protection Units, be advised. We are entering sector 20. Subgrid 91, Overwatch is confirming the terminal restriction zone. Keep sightlines open, and sound on. A possible necrotic outbreak in the sector. If the mission is completed, all protection units, who survive, will be given reward notice."

Grabbing his firearm, the younger 860 still showed hesitation; when they talked about the head crabs.

'Jesus, I hate those damn things; why does dispatch let them run free? Instead of burning, them all.' Saving his hatred, for when he encountered the xen lifeforms.

860 along with the multitude of fellow Combine entered the underground.

Walking through a few combine shields, and one solid metal door a smell had reached the human. It was revolting;

Striding forward 860, Stepped onto Xen flora the fleshy like ground, squelched under the new pressure, making him gag slightly.

'Where the hell is infestation control? This is their department, not ours.' 860 remarked, while the captain of the Soldiers communicated with 860 and the two others.

"Protection Units, watch and secure shadow. For possible hostile contaminants."

Nodding at the order, he and his two comrades formed a loose formation; the three officers turned to watch the back of the group while the overwatch soldiers advanced. Leaving them behind,

"So what city are you from?" Inquired the officer to his left.

"City 10" 860 offered.

"Before or after the insurgent uprising?" asked the same officer.

"Five months before; Where are you from if you're so damn nosy?" stated an annoyed 860.

"I'm from city 19"

"City 17." the officer on his right stated.

'Why can't I be like him? Nothing ever happens in City 17. Instead, I need to be from the most unruly metropolis area on earth.'

"Do you lot, have an idea of where the Infestation team is? This place is filled with this organic Rubbish." Asked the City 19 cop.

860 was going to respond, but the City 17 cop beat him to it. "They're deceased, I see some of the bodies over there, whatever is down here, killed them."

While the three humans chatted and connected their radios came to life.

"Protection units, code 10-78. Has been declared in your sector. Assist stabilization Team, Anti-citizens are heavily armed." Dispatch commanded.

"Rebels down here? Are they nuts?" asked the city 19 cop.

"We can argue about it later, let's just get this done. So we can leave this perdition."

860 very much hated the sounds of the fleshly flooring below him but did what he could to ignore it.

The subway was a maze, thankfully the Soldiers did them a favor by leaving a trail of death to follow soon the sounds of battle reached their ears.

"How are we going to do this?" asked 17,

"We should flank them." 860 offered but 19 disagreed.

"They need critical support currently, flanking doesn't sound like a good idea." 19 argued,

Having enough of this 860 devised a plan. "You two, go help them. I'll flank these bastards. They technically are getting support. But I'm making sure they aren't able to escape. Got it?" he asked and without much resistance, they agreed.

Looking to his left, 860 found then entered. A maintenance tunnel, which led deeper underground. 860 gave one transmission toward dispatch to notify them of his tactic.

"Dispatch, Unit 86 is flanking hostiles, Protection unit is going dark."

"Dispatch copies, proceed with-."

Looking around, 860 shuttered. "I regret this already."

The smell was ten times nastier, down here and alien plant life was bigger and discharging spores, To continue dispersing.

'I'm gonna throw up, that smell is worse than rotting bodies.'

860 made it through relatively unharmed minus nearly getting eaten by a barnacle, and cooking three head crabs with his stun baton he made it.

The fall made his rear sore, nothing pain reducers couldn't fix.

Making it toward the exit he picked up some voices.

"Wipe all hard drives! We can't let them get that information. I don't care if you burn it afterward. Just get rid of it all."

Taking a deep breath, 860 readied himself; gripping his gun and kicked the door in.

'Let's do this!' entering what appeared to be an old data center of mainframes, and other important computer items. 860 spotted a target and quickly buried a bullet in the side of their head.

Pushing forward, 860 walked into a group of rebels; one had managed to get ahold of an Ar1, another a pistol; and the third a pump action.

'Shit. I don't think flanking was such a good idea.' The human 860 reflected, as bullets both man-made and combine made we're shot his way.

Reaching up, 860 radioed dispatch.

"Dispatch, rebel forces are in the AO; unit 86 is requesting support!"

"Copy. The additional unit has been already dispatched. Eta Three minutes;"

860 was stunned by the revelation. 'Only fucking one? Are you serious? How is one extra person going to change it?'

Just then an activated grenade landed next to him. Making his heart stop at the second, click sound off.

"Shit!" grabbing the hand explosive 860 threw it like a baseball over the mainframes as a loud thud rang out.

"Ow you twat!" shouted a man getting hit in the face with it.

The resulting explosion ended the rebels.

Advancing gradually, he checked corners then behind him, as a considerable amount of people advanced, Towards him.

"Are you human? What is your name? Not the designation the combine has given you. Your birth-given name, a man called out.

860 didn't reply while the man continued. "My name is Eli. What is yours?"

The Civil Protection officer didn't respond;

Heavy footfalls were approaching from the concrete wall behind him, pointing his firearm at the wall he braced for a two-front attack.

"I'm trying to help you walk away from this life, to join the resistance after you get a change of clothes."

After Eil stopped talking towards 860, the wall behind 860 exploded outwardly; spraying debris and bent rebar all over the room.

Something stomped forward, before speaking up." Protection unit, remain behind Wall-hammer; Overwatch, Wall-hammer is advancing to engage hostiles."

"Shit! Get behind solid cover! They have a Charger, John! Get more grenades."

Without saying a word 860 Jumped over a fallen mainframe. As the soldier activated the arm-mounted force field.

Immediately Charging in, the more heavily armored Combine's shield glowed brighter before a loud bang rang out.

Making two of the rebels shout in surprise at being flashed.

"Overwatch, Stun shock is code delta nine." the Wall-hammer communicated, disengaging his shield and starting to shoot. The unlucky few rebels who didn't get into cover.

Sticking with his support, 860 assisted in securing the flank of the rebel-controlled area;

"Protection unit, watch radials." The altered human commanded while retrieving an extractor from its combat belt.

"Don't resist." The Wall-hammer requested before activating the grenade and throwing it with deadly accuracy.

"Raising wall." Its shield flashed to life just before an explosion, from the extractor.

By the end of it all, some rebels had escaped, and others were either dead or captured.

"Give us names." Ordered the ordinal, gripping the man's neck.

"We don't know anything." He lied, while the officer punched him in the gut, making him lean forward before the Wall-hammer pulled him back up.

"We don't care. What do you know. What plans does the resistance have?"

"Nothing, we aren't accomplishing anything! That is deemed as Anti-citizen." Having enough of this charade, the officer backed away.

"We will get it out of him; take him to the transport." Turning to look at 860 the ordinal continued to speak.

"Protection unit, 86 Reward notice is live. acceptance is mandatory. A dropship is being sent to extract you."

Awakening. Privileged half-Cognitive Unit. 8-6-0-9-6-2-1 for Duty. . . Stand by.

Opening his real eyes, 860 felt like he was hit by a razor train. Sitting up, and groaning the whole way. 860's vocoder, made his sounds of discomfort audible, they sounded artificial. Along with discovering, his present situation.

Currently, his firearms and stun baton were missing, but 860's armor was still on his person.

The room he was in, was pretty dark, devoid of any kind of sunlight. Reaching up, to rectify the issue, with a simple button press.

However, metal chains and handcuffs halted his hand's advancement. 'What kind of primitive crap, is this?'

Struggling for a moment, 860 tried to remove the chains, but ultimately couldn't. Due to the handcuffs on his wrists, not giving him enough leeway, to break out. 'Great; I'm stuck here, isn't that just wonderful?'

Attempting to sit up, 860 discovered he was able to sit, now just sitting in the dark wasn't a huge deal. But these obscene chains were becoming more of a hindrance towards his situation.

'Note to self, do not trust Equines. Especially the ones, that are in my blind spot.'

Trying a few more times, to escape 860 gave up. 'If only, I had some kind of tool. To assist me, in breaking these cuffs, after that, I can handle the rest.'

Soon a loud clang, of metal on metal caught his attention, then a single pair of hoof-falls. The horse speech followed shortly after.

'If they are contentious, I am as good as dead. Maybe I can use this to my advantage?' their hoof falls stopped right in front of 860's door, and the previous social interaction though muffled, had ceased.

After a few locks were disengaged, the door opened inwardly, and the room filled with an orange hue.

Gentle pops echoed out, while the room filled with soft light from a torch. 860 could somewhat now see, the rag that blinded him wasn't as thick as first expected, more on par with an old potato sack on his head.

Softly the sounds of magic filled his ears as the sack was removed showing 860 a tall white horse with a horn on her head and a flowing mane.

Celestia POV

The day ruler's day court was on recess, her sister before retiring to sleep, informed her of the Alien's capture.

Thinking she was just overreacting, Celestia arrived at the entrance of the dungeons, and entered without much issue, passing the guard's main chamber. Which wasn't housing Sentries, at that time.

However, a pair of voices were echoing off the stone walls. Being the Curious mare she was, Celestia calmly listened, while walking towards the alien's cell.

"Princess Luna, wanted the added security to make sure it doesn't go anywhere she claims it threw her through a wall." Whispered another guard, the second voice of a mare spoke up.

"That explains, the gimp she had in her back legs you saw it too right?" she asked while her fellow Royal guard presumably nodded.

"I don't know if this thing is as dangerous as the Princess claims. If so, Why haven't we just killed it? Or why haven't the Princesses just banished that thing to Tartarus?"

"She even put a noise cancellation spell on the door, for added security. But if you ask me, Princess Luna's magic is too thin. If one of us slammed against it, hard enough I bet it could hear it."

The guards continued to gossip with one another as if they were alone in the dungeons.

Walking around the bend of the dungeon hallway Celestia saw this as her moment to speak up.

"That will be for me, and my sister, to decide. The creature's fate, now would one of you be of some assistance and unlock its cell?" Celestia's little scare made the guards nearly jump through the very cell door they were guarding.

"Y-yes Princess at once!" the startled Guardsmare answered, turning to the door in a flash she began unlocking the cell for the White Alicorn.

'That was a bit excessive sister, I wouldn't even do this to anypony. No matter their origin, unless justifiable.'

Igniting her horn, the sun Princess softly removed the blindfold seeing her alien guest's yellow unblinking eyes. This gave Celestia pause, 'I see why my subjects are calling for its banishment or even execution. Its unblinking eyes would scare most ponies. Though I doubt they realize it's wearing armor, of some kind.'

Moving closer, Celestia began to speak. "Before I begin, I apologize for your harsh treatment, after your imprisonment. I will make accommodations to have you, transferred to a different cell. Or to a solitary cell that has furniture at the very most a bed."

Now with that out of the way, Celestia cleared her throat to prepare a formal introduction. "My name is Princess Celestia, I am the ruler of the day. And co-ruler of Equestria, now please tell me who you are?"

Giving a gentle smile, Celestia hoped her act of friendliness would make it speak, however, all it managed to do. was looking up towards her, now able to see its surroundings.

Stepping a few steps closer, giving a slight frown, the sun Princess tried again. "Can you understand me?" the white Alicorn continued, seeing if a method of communication would be feasible.

'The creature seems unable to understand us, or maybe even speak our language; this makes future questioning hard for us to understand his motives and origins. But still, I need to keep attempting a stable form of communication at a later date. But who should I delegate this to when I'm unable?''

Shaking her head softly, Celestia turned to leave. "I must go, do not worry, I'll send somepony to offer food and other necessary items."

Gradually, Celestia left the cell and evidently, the dungeons. Walking back to her throne room her recess had concluded.

Walking past a maid, Celestia stopped and gently coughed to grab her attention.

The maid was a pegasus she turned and bowed respectfully after seeing who it was and immediately spoke up.

"Your Grace, how can I be of service?" she asked, still staying low to the floor in respect.

"I would ask you to bring a meal to the jail, a prisoner in the solitary sections of the dungeons." This made her ears fold but she didn't respond.

Catching this, Celestia raised an eyebrow at the display. "Is something wrong?" she asked not sure of what she said to spark the reaction.

"If I may be honest, your Highness, that thing down there scares me. What if it attacks me? Or lashes out in any kind of aggression?" she doubted.

Shaking her head Celestia answered. "My little pony, would you think I would send you there if it was dangerous? He's secured tightly, and can not harm you or anypony, all I ask of you, is to offer him food and water."

Slowly the Mare's ears went back before she nodded. "Very well, your Highness, what shall it. I mean he, be offered to eat?" The Pegasi corrected not wanting to upset the Solar Princess.

Celestia opened her mouth to speak but prominently closed it. She nor any other pony, knew what his daily diet was so anything and everything was on the table.

"For today, I think maybe something involving fruit should be a safe starter; after that, we try vegetables," Celestia ordered for her guest.

Making the mare nod. "I shall inform the kitchens immediately of your selection, your Grace." Standing the mare gave a slight bow again before departing.

"One more thing, please." Celestia requested making the mare stop and turn back to look.

She didn't speak, so the sun ruler continued. "I know I am pushing your comfort zone by asking this of you, but do you think you can keep him company while he eats?"

Giving a soft nod the mare trotted off, Celestia continued on her path. Finally making it back to the room where her royal duties mostly happened.

Seeing Blueblood and other notable nobles there made her cringe inwardly.

'Just for one day can't I enter my throne room and no nobles of any kind be inside?' The Sun Princess asked before releasing a soft sigh knowing it wouldn't happen.

860 POV

The Overwatch soldier sat there waiting; and for what? His team was dead so no potential rescue, he had no connection with any other kind of Combine-related entity in this cell so for all intents and purposes.

The alien empire had left him on the back burner. Looking to the corner of his vision, 860 checked the built-in clock which marked the current time midday.

'I have my mission directives that is more than reason enough to escape. But how do I break out?'

Just then a gentle knocking noise echoed around the room, originating at the metal cell door.

Slowly it opened revealing a horse in clothing similar to a maid uniform. Holding a plate of red things on it along with bread.

Verging towards him slowly, 860 watched her walk closer till finally, she stood in front of him.

Gently taking the tray from her back she placed it in his lap before backing away not wanting to be this close to him.

Looking down at the food gifted to him there were sliced fruits, a roll of bread. Along with a glass of water.

Glancing back towards the female horse she shifted from right to left nervously, even more so now that he was directly looking at her.

While he watched her, 860 studied the equine. The horse had wings on her back, her fur color was of a soft gray and her eyes were cyan. Along with that, her hair was softer shades of blue.

'These horses have strange color patterns. I do not believe that is normal with the current database, about them. I haven't consumed anything. I may as well try this stuff.'

Looking back down at the food, 860 tried to lift his hands to attempt to pick the food up but the handcuffs stopped him.

Attempting it a few more times, and failing. The horse called out,

"For Celestia's sake. Hang on."

looking over he saw her with her hoof against her face, in their version of a facepalm.

Walking over to the door she opened it and talked with an individual outside of the cell.

A moment later, a pair of keys floated, yes floated inside and undid one shackle, after that was done it floated back out and she closed the door.

Rolling his free hand; his wrist cracked, much to the displeasure of the onlooking Equine.

Reaching up, 860 undid the first strap then finally another gripping his helmet and in one swift pull removed his helmet.

Placing it on his lap, he took in the cell once again but this time without his helmet's aid.

The room was darker, farther away from the fire torch near the door, and to his surprise, the equine looked more dumbstruck than before.

Ignoring her reaction he cautiously picked up the sliced fruit, before smelling it.

'It smells fresh, and sweet with a hint of tart.'

Popping it into his mouth, he began to chew the apple slice.

It tasted; adequate, certainly a step up from a standard food ration but it no doubt something to write home about.

Eating another slice. Then another, before he knew it.

860 ate eight slices of Apple, his next target was the bread roll, grasping it he bit into it without much issue.

The roll was soft on the inside and chewy the taste was ok and it was certainly filling for just one person.

He finished the individual bread roll within a few bites and lastly, the glass of water, was taken into his gloved hand, 860 took a long hard drink.

Being in this model was making him sweat, true. This cell was cool, but it wasn't stopping his body from combating excess heat.

Putting the glass down with a sigh, that seemed to grasp the pony's attention. While the equine began her approach, seeing that he had finished his plate of food.

"Done already? You must have been really hungry weren't you."

Acquiring an idea, 860 watched the mare approach once her head leaned down to grab it with her teeth. The half-human grabbed her by the barrel and pulled her on top of him.

She, of course, gasped and struggled.

Getting her onto her back, had exposing the female's abdomen. This resulted in her flushing a different color.

"U-um what are you doing sir?" asked the embarrassed mare looking up, spotting his free hand hovering over her head.

She Watched it as if it was a flying saucer.

Cautiously, 860 placed his hand against her head, gently patting her forehead making the mare produce a face of confusion.

She was unsure of what to think of this alien giving her head pats.

"Sir? If you wanted to pet me. You could have asked, to see if I was ok with it or not. I don't mind it; but please, ask a mare before you drag her on top of you. It's not very gentle-colt-like."

She shuffled, not finding his armor to be the most comfortable thing to lay on.

Taking this as her wanting more, 860 moved his hand behind her ears and began scratching there; this made her stop shuffling as her rear leg began to kick slightly.

He took notice of this display making him calculate her behavior.

'Strange; equine's here, act more like dogs than actual horses. Granted, I never interacted with a horse before arriving here. So I may be mistaken.'

Continuing to scratch her ear the equine did everything she could to keep this peaceful interaction going.

Eventually, the cell opened. And an equine peeked her head inside.

"Starshine, you're getting us a little worried out here." Said he female guard peeking in.

"Shush! I'm in paradise~" Starshine hissed, stretching out like a cat from the ear scratches, tail swishing.

"And here I thought, you were terrified to be alone with him." Remarked the second Guard.

To 860, they were speaking in the tongue he couldn't understand. 'What I would give to have Overwatch here so it could translate it.'

Gently pushing the mare off, she in return, whined in despair not wanting the ear scratches to end.

"Come on! Things were just getting good, you can't leave me hanging like that!" Starshine pleaded while the royal guard spoke up.

"It can't understand you, Princess Celestia tried and failed at a communication attempt; so if she failed you're not getting far, Starshine."

Sighing in dismay, she adjusted her wrinkled maid uniform before flicking her tail in annoyance.

"If you two didn't come in here to bother us I would be still getting scratches!" The pegasus mare huffed, stomping her hoof, pouting.

Similar to a foal not getting its way in an argument.

Requipping his helmet one-handed was easier said than done, but once completed. He just watched the horses argue, among themselves, until eventually, they redid his shackle. And then departed.

Taking the plate and cup, the maid Equine stopped in the doorway of the cell, looking back at 860 tail swishing, before fully leaving.

'Back into isolation.' Checking his internal clock, it was in the afternoon time range.

Glancing over the chains, 860 did try to break them again but failed.

'I have no idea, what these Equines have planned for me, but so far. They are providing me sustenance, and not attacking me. Possibly waiting for a moment of weakness from me, I might have to stay awake for longer periods; Sleep mode might need to be reduced, below recommended levels, For survival purposes.'

Luna POV

Cracking one eye lazily open, her vision was greeted by Celestia's sun, somehow leaking into Luna's darkened bedchamber. Making her grumble a few words of discomfort; rolling over she turned her back towards the warm sun before pain shot up her lower body.

Making her hiss, in slight pain as it reminded her of what was currently rotting within Canterlots hold.

Gradually sitting up Luna, carefully removed herself from the sheets and blanket that made her bed before walking toward her night-themed lavatory.

Going through a few drawers, Luna found what she had been searching for. A magical cream that aided in healing one's body after a fight.

"I haven't fought like that in years, not since that night," Luna said to Nopony in particular, jumping slightly once the cool gel was applied to her rear, making her shutter.

Gimping back towards her bed Luna laid across it, her blanket only covering her upper body.

While the magical cream sped up her recovery time, the night Princess glanced towards her bedroom clock to see how much time had passed from her sleeping.

This was a few hours earlier than her normal waking time. Sighing she ignited the longhorn she had and removed her covers, getting back up Luna equipped the royal regalia and left her room deciding to talk with Celestia about this creature.

Walking down the hallway, her gimp was less noticeable. Including the pain from her back had lessened.

Making walking less of a chore.

Arriving at the throne room, the guards immediately opened the large double doors upon her approach; entering the grand hall Luna spotted her sister surrounded by whiny and sycophantic courtiers.

Approaching made them turn their attention to Luna, thinking they could sway the younger sister of the kingdom; however, even though she was out of fashion by a good thousand years, Luna knew when a noble was trying to. Extract, more favor among the higher ranks of royalty.

Flaring her wings, Luna gave one command in the Canterlot voice.

"Leave the throne room!"

With four words, the night Princess made all of the nobles turn tail and bolt for the exit making her smile still watching them flee.

After the large double doors slammed unceremoniously. A sigh from behind the night-themed mare caught her attention.

Turning to look, Celestia's hoof was against her face. "I really don't want to say this, but I really needed a break from those nobles. They keep coming to me, with insignificant problems that they, themselves can fix."

"You are most welcome sister! I know how some courtiers can be a royal pain, but at least I know that fact hasn't changed, for a thousand years." Luna responded gently folding her wings back over her backside.

"But this wasn't the reason I have come, I wish to know how the alien is handling the dungeons," Luna said truthfully.

"I have requested to transfer him to a different solitary cell that at most holds a bed." This gave the younger princess pause, stepping towards the throne, Luna decided to voice her concerns.

"Why would you move that thing? It is extremely dangerous. And has killed and severely wounded two Royal Guards! Let alone it attacked me, and threw me through a wall of one of our subjects Home! Give it some old hay to rest on." Luna snarled,

Which made Celestia frown slightly, before speaking. "Luna that would have been fine to do a thousand years ago; but that has long since fallen out of fashion."

Snorting, Luna locked eyes with her sister. "That thing deserves such treatment! Not be pampered like a newborn foal!"

"Dear sister, how would you feel if we sent a diplomatic envoy towards a nation we never encountered before? They are apprehended on charges, and left to rot in a dark cell. With no official trial even made yet. For all we know he was apart of a diplomatic Envoy our actions now could mean war or peace for our two nations."

Thinking for a moment the young Alicorn answered. "Before his arrest, he did bury five of his fallen comrades, maybe I did act too hastily."

Nodding Celestia smiled. Finally, her younger sister caught on to what her eldest sister wanted to avoid. "I always told Mother and Father you had a quick and sharp mind. You just lack foresight, dear sister."

Folding her ears, Luna spoke up. " Then how do we fix what I had sabotaged? Do I need to offer, something of equal value?" Luna blushed, which made her older sister frown. Knowing what she was talking about.

"That won't be necessary, Sister, I believe a standard diplomatic approach may suffice." Just then a gentle knock reverberated off the main entrance to the throne room.

"Enter," Celestia called out, and shortly after a maid entered the room.

"Ah, Maid Starshine how did it go?" The Solar Princess inquired.

The maid bowed before speaking, the door closing behind her. "He didn't mind the Apple slices and bread I offered." The newly named Starshine stated, tail swishing behind her.

"Is there something, else you'd like to add?" Luna added watching her tail move seemingly on its own accord.

"U-uh he was very appreciative of what I offered. Your Highness." Starshine stammered, making both royals even more suspicious.

"Appreciative how?" This time Celestia took control of the questioning, and finally, she cracked.

Sighing, she spilled what transpired. "He had just finished the plate of food I offered him. I bent down to grab the dish to take back to be cleaned, and that's when he grabbed me. I feared for my life that I can not deny, but he simply patted my head."

Her tail continued to swish,

Thinking this would anger Luna, Celestia prepared to stop her but she didn't lash out. Seeing this as a good sign Celestia decided to ask the pressing question. "What happened after that? I see he didn't harm you or else you wouldn't be here."

"He scratched me behind the ears." The pegasus mare admitted a soft blush on her gray cheeks. She also took this moment to arise, seeing that talking with the two princesses while her face near the floor would be problematic.

Knowing of the feelings she was describing, Celestia nodded. "I understand, do you still wish to offer him food? If not I can assign another mare or stallion to the task."

The Solar princess offered but. Starshine refused, "No no! I'll take on the added response abilities, with no trouble; your Highness." Starshine quickly answered, wanting him all to herself for ear scratches.

Giving a soft smile, Celestia nodded. "Very well, I will inform the head maid of your new responsibilities in the meantime. Do take the rest of the day off you've earned it."

Nodding, the maid spoke up. "Thank you, your majesty, I won't let you down." She bowed one final time, before departing softly, closing the door behind her as she went.

Leaving the two monarchs alone with one another, turning to look over at Celestia, Luna spoke up. "Do you really think it could be trusted? What if it attacks our guards? Or that maid you've put in charge of feeding it?"

"If I am being truthful sister, we won't be sure until something happens. Therefore we need to be extra cautious when we deal with this creature or allow our subjects to do the same. In a few days, I hopefully shall receive a response from the dungeon master soon."

"Thank you for your time Sister, I will head back to my chambers and prepare to rule the night if you'll excuse me," Luna said, bowing her head towards her sister before leaving the throne room.

Entering her bedchamber, Luna removed the royal regalia and prepared to bathe to ease the soreness that was still there. 'I hope this will ease it, my magic isn't strong enough to dull it.'

Luna didn't want to admit it, but her magic was still weak but recovering. Possibly in a month, she will be at full strength again only time will tell.

Twilight POV

Twilight had just gotten back to the tree house they called home.

"Spike, did you enjoy the picnic?" Twilight asked while the baby dragon burped to answer her question.

"I know one thing, Applejack can make a mean Apple fritter!" Spike commented, releasing another burp.

"However, I think she should add gems to them now that would be perfect!" making Twilight shake her head.

"You didn't even eat that much today, why are you burping so much?" Twilight inquired.

Spike was going to respond until the last burp shot a scroll out hitting the purple mare in the face.

"Spike! That's gross. " Twilight grunted, reaching up to rub her face with a hoof.

"Eh. Sorry," Spike offered sheepishly, before picking up the scroll he opened the letter and coughed to clear his throat.

"My most faithful student, the creature my Sister Princess Luna had captured, is still very much alive. However, he is unable to communicate with us; I am wondering if you would be interested in helping establish a form of communication with him. Or even teach him our language; Reply at your earliest convenience. This is also not a royal command, do not feel pressured into agreeing. Signed, Princess Celestia."

This made Twilight overjoyed for the opportunity to be one of the first ponies to be allowed to open a way of conversation with this foreign entity, as a result, she began prancing around the library.

"Can you believe it, Spike! The Princess wants me to try and teach a foreign entity the Equestrian language!" The impact of the offer began to sink in making the lavender mare slightly panic at the aspect of failure.

"Wait! What if I fail? What if it's unable to learn, if I fail Celestia will have me sent back to magic kindergarten." She did it again, getting herself all worked up to the point of crying, Rolling his eyes Spike answered.

"Twilight you're overthinking it again; do you really think Celestia is going to send a fully grown mare to a place for fillies and colts?" Spike reasoned, trying to snap his caretaker out of her state of fear and panic.

Still, it wasn't enough to calm her fears. Scratching his chin from the corner of Twilight's vision the baby dragon received an idea. Scurrying off towards the kitchen, the ponies ear's swiveled in the direction of their kitchen.

Various clangs and other things falling were heard; until finally the familiar footfalls of her assistant were heard again.

Turning to look this time, she saw Spike holding two Liters of Ice cream; the one was her favorite flavor. Whipping her tears away Twilight hiccuped before answering.

"S-spike we're, did you get the bits for that ice cream?" Questioned Twilight, she had never given him bits. Thinking he wasn't trustworthy with the money they earned or were sent.

Smiling nervously, he spoke the truth. "I did a few odd jobs for Applejack and Rarity both had paid me as a thank you."

Offering her a spoon she took it with her telekinesis. With a free claw, Spike popped the lid off his liter of ice cream before sliding hers over.

Looking at the lid to confirm it was her favorite style of ice cream. Made her chuckle, "Did you make sure they added extra Hay bits?" Twilight asked through a sniffle.

Spike was about to take a bite of his spoonful before nodding. "Yep! Even made sure they put extra rose petals just for you."

Smiling at her assistant, Twilight followed in opening her ice cream and slowly began to eat it.

"You never cease to amaze me, Spike," Twilight admitted before taking another big bite of her prized ice cream.

"Uh huh; but what about the letter? I mean, are you going to accept what the Princess offered?"

Giving it some thought Twilight chewed on a few rose petals, thinking on what to do."

"Mm, we don't have anything interesting going on here in Ponyville might as well right? Do you think the Princess would care if we tried one a week, maybe three times?"

The baby dragon just shrugged. "You know you are able to ask her, right Twilight?" Spike asked.

"Oh, maybe we should write back! We kept her waiting long enough." This made the baby dragon groan in slight annoyance no longer able to eat his ice cream in peace.

Glancing towards him Spike gave a defeated sigh before putting his ice cream down on the table in the center of the library.

"Ok, give me a moment."

Returning a few moments later with a paper and quill and some ink, Spike prepared for what Twilight had to say.

Coughing to clear her throat, Twilight began to speak.

"Dear, Princess Celestia I hope this letter does not keep you from resting but I wish to inform you of my decision; I Twilight Sparkle, formally accept the task of teaching this creature our language, I shall begin at the earliest convenience. I also thank you for this opportunity."

Seeing that she was done Spike decided to add a PS.

'Twilight, made me stop eating my ice cream to write this.'

Looking it over to confirm everything she wanted was indeed on the scroll, Spike sealed the letter and set it off with dragon flame.

"Am I free to go back to eating my ice cream Twilight?" The baby dragon asked while she giggled and nodded.

"Of course, Spike, you're free to go."

Without even finishing her sentence the young dragon grabbed his ice cream and ran for the kitchen.

"Don't spill it! If you do, you'll have to clean it up!" Twilight warned, but he just began housing it at the kitchen table.

Sighing, Twilight reclosed her ice cream and without much issue floated it along with the spoon into the kitchen.

After putting her spoon in the sink and, ice cream in the freezer, she got back to her hooves and made her way towards their shared bedroom.

'If I start tomorrow or any time at all that day, I'm going to need all the sleep I can get! I hope he can keep up. Once we can speak together I'm not holding back with any of the questions!' Twilight decreed laying onto her bed and getting ready for sleep.

Chapter Five - Foreign Language Identified.

View Online

Chapter five

The whole night, zero hostility had transpired toward the heavy Unit, which made 860 even more vigilant.

It was well into the early morning, three AM to be exact. The effects of being up all night were taking their toll, true he was still dangerous, but his alertness was hindered making him less combat-effective.

Just then his helmet produced a notification.

[Alert. Physical strength, along with situational awareness may be slowed due to the lack of a respite period, please initiate code. Refresh and recycle, to resolve the issue.]

'If nothing has occurred I might as well sleep.' Leaning back and resting his head against the Stone wall 860 finally permitted his modified body the rest it deserved.

Uploading previous mask Data. . .

Upload complete. Replaying old memories. . .

The combine dropship had landed, and not a moment later, it would open its metallic doors. showing the human 860 to disembark.

Stepping out followed by the same Cp's as before, plus four other Officers. Who received this,

'Reward notice.'

Glancing around the massive Courtyard, 860 saw an abundance of combine activity, the majority of which were Soldiers of all varying types, being divided into groups, to go through some kind of 'test.' or possibly being deployed for active duty.

'Well, shit this is how I get killed. Not how I expected it to end. I preferred to die in my bed, not by a firing line.' 860 dryly remarked, thinking he was going to be shot.

Looking left, he would spot four Soldiers walking towards the group of Civil Protection units. The one leading them was of course an Ordinal, and those behind him had the words, 'Nova Prospekt'

Inscribed on their chest, and backs. Showing what they mostly specialized in.

"Civil Protection officers, Follow us and do not stray off from the group. " The majority of the Cp's, had no idea what was coming, and neither did 860.

Entering the lobby, the Ordinal pointed to a soldier on the other side of a reception desk. "Hand over all Firearms. And stun batons, They will be exchanged for upgraded weaponry, After your reward notice." Meanwhile, all around the Cp's and soldiers, the sounds of construction and alien machinery echoed around them.

Following the edict, most if, not all. Had handed in their weapons and continued following, 860 had managed to fall behind till he was at the very end of the crowd.

The halls were made to prevent and restrict the movements of former prisoners, now the new intention of this correction facility was far darker.

Glancing around while they walked, 860 caught a short glimpse of a Soldier he had never seen before.

The armor was white, and the combat gloves were black. One arm had a red plate, the other had been the symbol of the Union, along with a Service Ribbon and other medals on its chest armor.

'The hell kind of Soldier is that? I've never seen one before; it's so White, with that most obvious color makes them useless in any environment, unless they are to be deployed in Greenland or even Siberia. How do they clean blood, or anything off for that matter?'

860 would have moved closer to get a better look. But the Overwatch soldiers, behind him, who were acting as rear guards had stopped him.

Reaching a four-way intersection many different combine Units were going about their business, some going to different sections to continue modifying the man-made structure.

Their large group had stopped and soon shouting was heard.

"Get the hell off of me! You pitiful shells of human beings!" Wailed a woman who was being dragged by two Nova Prospekt Soldiers.

Soon another person was dragged by. This time a man followed, having been muffled by a piece of fabric to shut him up, regardless of losing his voice he sure as hell didn't make it easy for them.

And the last person was far less compliant and had refused to even walk so they just dragged him, however, he had been hog-tied. So he couldn't fight back during transportation.

Watching them leave, the younger 860 shook his head. 'Off to get their brains sucked out. Should have just answered the questions willingly, instead of causing problems.' He didn't know what goes on here nor did 860 want to.

After the three rebels were hauled down the right corridor, 860's group went left.

"Where do you think these Soldiers are taking us?" A feminine, CP inquired to somebody next to her in front of 860.

"I don't know, but maybe it's something positive. Maybe we're getting our selected perks? What was yours again 19?" the male Civil Protection officer asked.

"Mine was family cohesion services, what was yours again 21?" Officer 19 asked, trying to fill the dead and stone walls with some kind of human interaction.

He tried to answer her, but the Soldier who was acting as Rear Guard spoke up. "This Social interaction will cease, immediately."

Seeing no way out of it, they stopped talking, making 860 frown. 'Damn, I wanted to know what his perk is, maybe these two are right? Who knows, perhaps we are getting the perks we selected.'

Entering a room with many chairs, and a single metal desk. With a combine terminal connected to said desk. The alien-made computer looked alive, as it kept Glowing, its many different shades of cyan and blue hues. The officer leading them spoke up. "Remain seated until told otherwise."

In total, there were Thirty Civil Protection officers forced to sit and wait.

They sat there for what felt like an eternity, until the same, white armored Soldier appeared. Followed by two Ordinals, entering the room. The white armored one, went behind the desk to interface with the computer.

"Please approach one at a time, for processing." One by one Civil Protection officers went up and conversed, with this snow-themed combine.

From where he was, 860 couldn't make out what they talked about, nevertheless. Once they finished talking, the Cp would leave behind the Elite and enter one of four hallways. Each of them, was marked with numbers to show where people needed to go.

Gradually the room slowly emptied, until 860, and the two before were left, beforehand. They were asked to move up, due to the lack of bodies blocking them.

"Good luck, see you after this." The female CP whispered to her companion but this time 860 could hear the transaction of information.

"Designation."

The Elite inquired, with zero emotion evident in its Vocoder, far more robotic sounding and not so easily comprehensible for the inexperienced.

"My designation is 19-70."

She stammered nervously having never seen this Soldier before, especially one with only one red eye.

It entered her Civil Protection ID before continuing. "You have shown great leadership skills. Your selected perk is family cohesion services; Regardless, please go down the first hallway."

Nodding she went towards the First door and disappeared into the dark hallway.

"Next."

The man next to him got up, and walked over. After repeating the same process, as before 860 only decided to listen, when it came to Officer 19's perk.

"You're Selected Perk is Infestation Control. However, you lack situational awareness or strategy; Please go to the Third hallway."

'My man! That guy loathes Head crabs and xen life more than I do. Give them hell for me!'

Regardless, it was 860's turn.

"Next"

Looking around the now-empty hall, 860 stepped up following the procedure. Like the Twenty-nine Civil protection members, before him.

"Designation."

"My designation is 86-88." 860 replied, listening to the combine soldier click and press away at buttons to find his file.

"You're selected perk, is Research and Development. With that being said, you also have shown extreme efficiency, and situational awareness, in live Combat. Enter hallway four."

Not many others had entered the fourth hallway. What was down the dark hall? Walking towards it,

860 turned on his night vision and still nothing was there, besides the long dark hallway.

'You only, live once I suppose.'

Going down the hall, 860 Would experience lightheadedness, before falling unconscious.

Consciousness would flicker in one moment and out the next, but 860 could see a new scene playing out before him.

Flickering between the two states only a few things were clear: 860 was on an operating table but he wasn't injured when he first arrived at Nova Prospekt.

Attempting to shift to sit up, resulted in intense pain, trying to open his eyes. 860 failed, it appeared his face was covered, that's what it felt like anyway. Soon a sharp pain entered his neck, and gradually the pain went away but his movement was lightly restricted, yet 860's hearing returned.

"Subject has been injected with 25 ML of Morphine to Impede the patient's movement, restrain further immediately. Prep Femur bones to be altered,"

'What are they doing to me!' 860 tried to get up to see, but his head was locked into place. As his eyes, felt like they had been pulled out of his skull. Before he could protest this further, elastic restraints ended his attempt.

He tried to halt the operation, 860 tried with all his might and what did he get for his trouble? Nothing more than his restraints creaking. After all, this wasn't what he signed up for, or was it? the combine always knew how to bend
Certain agreements

The human 860 attempted to speak but nothing happened. Why weren't his vocal cords working, 'What the hell did they do to me?! Why can't I speak?!'

Panic began to consume him, some hissing of machinery grabbed his attention, before his leg bone was snapped in half. And finally, his other leg soon followed. In the end, both of his femurs were broken,

The pain was incomprehensible, and 860 tried with all his might to scream, and even cry but the tears refused to come out, yet a soft and meak croak was the only thing he was able to produce, causing his heart rate to increase.

'They broke my legs! They broke my motherfucking legs!' The agony though dull was unlike anything he ever experienced, while dispatch spoke out in the chamber.

"Subject 78 is still responsive, administering drug cocktail 21-E." There was a soft humming, and other combine machinery at work. Until Exhaustion finally hit, 860 who slowly collapsed into unconsciousness.

However, this was only the beginning.

860 was locked within the halls of Nova Prospekt for days, weeks, and possibly even months, due to his selected 'perk' they experimented on him.

In ways that would make rebels shutter, if they had to undergo the same thing without any kind of synaptic dampener, or something for the pain.

From what he could research at a terminal when no one was around, and with his limited clearance. This is what 860 knew so far, The combine wanted to replace the Wall-hammer units for a Very long time. Maybe even permanently, and to anyone who still had a functional and fully intact brain, it was obvious as to why.

The first issue was the armor plating, even though it was great and effective at protecting the wearer the defects were it being clangorous, and bulky.

This means no aspect of surprise when flanking a target or stealthily entering buildings that were Rebel hideouts. To put it simply, it was loud, and not cost-effective.

Furthermore, the armor was easy enough for Parasites to latch onto and possibly cause an outbreak. Or for rebels to steal and make better hurriedly crafted bulletproof vests.

So Overwatch, with the approval of the Earth administrator, authorized the work of a new Combine unit.

'Spikewall.'

The new armor was made with Stealth and head crabs in mind, in theory. The sleeker build would make it more difficult for them to latch onto a Soldier's armor, along with a new experimental shotgun to replace their six gauge slugs with self-replicating plasma shells.

The new armor however offered the same, or even better protection to the wearer. Minus the obvious weak spot, the eyes. This means things like RPGs, and landmines were ineffective. Unless fired at the head,

The only main issue was the gun, it could overheat and possibly melt, or even explode. If not given a chance to cool down, properly. Or be maintained, after intense combat drills or live combat.

Subsequently, his memories were wiped. And replaced, but they left his emotions for some odd motive. Overwatch required a field test, to see how this new experimental Soldier of the combine Armed forces, could handle themselves. And today was that day.

"Experimental Unit 860, Report to the seminar room immediately."

Getting up, 860 spotted his helmet and weapon on a metal rack near the exit door he just needed to walk over and put it on.

Taking one step off the shield table, and then another, 860 was by this point still not very balanced. Even though his legs had healed, the combine didn't give him any therapy to adjust to the forced upgrades; reaching up and holding onto the wall as a sort of support. He traveled around the room until arriving at the exit, Snatching his helmet, and with the support of an old cabinet, he equipped his helmet. Giving him the ability to respond to Overwatch.

"Overwatch requesting referred action. Movement is still problematic." 860 inquired, while it issued an answer.

"Use of steroids of class E strength have been prescribed to you, Unit 860. Please report to the medical bay for injections. Afterward, maintain the original directive."

Grabbing his gun, and leaving his quarters. The freshly made 860 dragged himself, to the old penitentiary's medical ward, after a few injections he felt better in walking, even able to sprint if need be.

Entering the same room he entered, all that time ago. A group of Overwatch Soldiers were standing in a loose formation. All of the Cp's who had gone down a hallway, received an upgrade. Not on the extraordinary level as 860 mind you, but they went down the more well-known paths.

"Congratulations on surviving your surgeries, the Administrator of Earth is pleased by your commitment to keeping our collaboration further dedicated to the multi-dimensional empire. Now even though you all are considerably superior to a Simple Civil Protection officer, a field test is required to see how you all can operate, report to the courtyard for a new mission directive."

Leaving the conference room, with his fellow soldiers they went through many twists and turns through combine controlled Nova Prospect; 860 entered the massive courtyard. spotting a group of Cp's who were about to go through the same hellish, and painful fate, not that he cared now. All that mattered now was his mission.

He stood there for Eighty whole minutes, watching combine Soldiers of all types being assigned into groups. Then boarding a dropship and being flown off to their sectors.

"Experimental unit 860, you are being assigned to Grid Niner Dash Five. Infestation control."

"Mission directive confirmed."

860 noted, moving towards a group of combine soldiers who were given the same assignment. The group consisted of two, Wall-hammers. One Ordinal, and four assault grunts. Finally, 860 was given his temporary squad.

The group entered the dropship and not a moment later were in the air flying toward their drop zone.

"Overwatch is confirming the sector lockdown, All units advisory, prep for contact. Keep sightlines open, and sound on." Slowly the doors opened and the group exited one at a time.

"Unit 860, Unit 236, and Unit 987 Split off and clear the underground." The Ordinal commanded, pointing towards the metallic door that was heading for the train station below.

"Acknowledged,"

The Wall-hammer to his right confirmed for his small group while it took point 860 and a lone assault grunt followed.

After a short journey, through the underground train station, they spotted warning signs showing where it had begun to spread out.

"Approaching, zero sector containment zone." Unit 987 conveyed over their built-in radios.

"Possible Parasite infestation." The Wall-hammer announced making 860 flick the safety off on his firearm.

Just then a headcrab attempted to attack them through the shield door only for it to get blasted into chunks, by 860.

"Parasitic infestation confirmed. Grid Niner Dash Five, awaiting advanced directive. Over." 860 radioed their team leader. Subsequently, their officer responded.

"Code 10-307. proceed with Containment"

"10-4. Contain and Control is underway." The Wall-hammer unit to his right responded, before charging through the combine shield door, followed by the other units.

Following but turning left, 860 secured shadow while they pushed,

"Contact, necrotics." The Assault grunt warned, grabbing 860's attention.

"Shadow secure."

Moving to join the group, he saw the state of the necrotics. Most of them were combine related, Others were infestation control cleaners, and a very few were unlucky scavengers.

"Second Outbreak detected. Secondaries spotted," warned the Wall-hammer to his right. Glancing over, 860 moved to cover them so they could deal with the approaching contaminants,

"Processing viscon."

While his cohort stood there watching them, 860 listened to their shuffling footsteps moving closer to them; till finally one of his allies spoke up again.

"Scan complete. Go sharp," Immediately after giving the order the grunt began dispatching the infected, bullets were fired and robotic groans of pain wailed out before being blasted a few more times, silencing them permanently.

"Hostiles exterminated."

987 said towards 860, to show that they were going to move forward, so he wouldn't be left behind.

"Report infection status."

A robotic voice called out through the radio, encouraging 860 to answer.

"Outbreak contained."

"Copy that. Advance and continue Scan and clear."

Nodding, 860 took the lead moving towards a door, the two others following while Xen flora throbbed, and squashed under their boots.

Finding a door covered by xen life the Wall-hammer moved 860 to break it down. "Ordinal, be advised, Wall-hammer is attempting to accomplish a 603."

However, the brain of this team didn't answer seeing that a minor thing like that, didn't need to be answered. Rearing up it kicked the door which shook violently from the kick, trying again and then again the outdated combine Juggernaut couldn't break it down.

"Experimental unit 860, attempt code 603." The annoyed Wall-hammer proposed making him advance as Unit 987 moved away, giving the floor to 860.

"987, 236 please. Back down." Gesturing with his hand for them to move, they followed the request. Giving 860 the ability to proceed fully.

"Ordinal be advised, Tau Cannon is being used."

"Affirmative."

The inexperienced captain answered, giving him the ok to proceed.

Grabbing on the handle, 860 yanked it backward to unlock its tau cannon ability.

After a loud snap, a compartment appeared showing three fluorescent glowing tubes that were rapidly whirling. 860 knew his gun was ready for shooting the door off of its hinges. Backing up, 860 took a firm stance. Placing his gun in a proper position, 860 aimed and fired.

The blast was far louder than in its normal shooting mode, as it tore through the overgrown xenial flesh and covered metal, while molten metal dripped off and sizzled any organic material below. 860 fired again, and again.

After punching a hole through the weaker organic wall, quite literally. 860 pointed at the other soldiers and motioned for them to enter.

The modified human was panting by the end of his first mission. Despite this, his muscles didn't give out. Even though 860 by all human accounts, should have been driven to medium, to even high exhaustion. His armor, needed to be cleaned as it was drenched in parasitic glowing blood.

"Experimental unit. 860, mission status complete. Return to the surface for divergence." Overwatch's voice radioed through his helmet. Showing it was over,

Looking behind him in the darkness of a discontinued train tunnel he saw one of his comrades, Reaching up 860 responded.

"10-4."

Seeing the silhouette of 987 approaching, 860 didn't see anything off. Or something causing an issue, in his half-synthetic ally. 860 chose to play a game while he approached since he was moving towards him.

Coughing to warm up his vocoder, 860 gave a pass to 987. "4.11.12. 7. 10. Check. Your go, bladewall over."

Yet he didn't respond. The only thing audible was his heavy breathing and his heavy footsteps. Which concerned, 860. Deciding to reach him over their built-in radio's, the Spikewall did just that.

"Bladewall, Report sector status."

Still, nothing, thinking his helmet was broken. 860 tested it. By radioing in 236, "Unit 236. 4.11.12.7. 10. Check. Your turn, over."

The grunt answered immediately with his moves. "14. 1. 6. 3. 11. Check. Your turn Bladewall over."

This was going south pretty quickly.

Grasping a flare from a front pouch, and tearing the lid off. 860 threw it towards 987 who was still shuffling towards him.

In the red hue, 860 saw it. 987 had become infected.

Acting quickly, he radioed his captain. "Ordinal we have an Outbreak at Grid Niner Dash Five. Prosecuting at will."

However, the poor soul had come within range and became audible to his Superior model.

"Overwatch…sector is… not secure." 987 called out but the head crab's xenial body armor was too thick to allow the transmission through.

Pointing his gun at him, 860 activated the tau cannon mode. The normal mode would have gone through the hardened fungus, but there's a chance it wouldn't have, and instead caused severe pain to the headcrab and his comrade. Deciding on relieving 987's suffering. Instead of making it worse, drove him to such extreme actions.

Aiming towards his head, 987 said something that made waves to the experimental unit. "Code…10-...109." the words stunned him, but 860 understood completely.

"987, Your request is acknowledged."

Aiming for his head, 860 ended his suffering with one pull of his trigger. The resulting blast killed the headcrab, and freed him. From the extreme pain of being a Uber with legs for a headcrab. Just then a head crab vociferation grabbed his attention.

Turning around, the thing thankfully missed his head. And instead latched into his chest armor, letting his rage out. 860 released his foregrip and grabbed the unarmored parasite.

It stabbed at him with its front pincers along with releasing more annoyed vocalizations, doing its best to get free of 860. 'Not this time, this is why your kind belongs under my boot!'

Grasping it tighter, 860 slammed it against one of many brick pillars to the underground ceiling, the resulting crunching sounds. Made him press forward in brutally killing this infernal lifeform;

After he was done there wasn't much left of the space turkey. Besides its mangled and brutalized remains, 860 would have done more but he decided that was enough. The glowing blood from the recently killed headcrab merely just aded onto his dripping armor. Despite this he Headed topside, once reaching the outside world 860 was stopped by his temporary captain,

"860, report status on unit 987."

Nodding he did so.

"Unit 987 is terminated. Motive, stopping another infestation,"

After giving his side of the events his captain received new orders. Strictly for 860,

"Overwatch is requesting Unit 860 to Refresh and resolve. Cognitive dissonance will not be tolerated."

Slowly 860's heart rate increased while he raised a question.

"Code 19-20?"

Time appeared to slow to a halt as he nervously awaited an answer. It felt like an eternity waiting but finally, he got what he wanted.

"Negative… memories included. Update is live. Acceptance is mandatory."

Seeing no way out of this, without being seen as 'malignant.' 860 accepted. While everything faded to black, 860 spoke his answer along with completing his issued orders.

"Copy. Accepted. Cognitive Suppression biodat update Complete. In three. Two. One."

Starshine POV

Now with these added responsibilities, Starshine had to wake up extra early. And she was not a morning kind of Pony if her ruffled and unruly mane and coat were any correlation.

'Ugh, why did I say yes? I should have asked for a pay increase too. Not just blindly saying yes. Foolish Starshine!' she said mentally smacking herself.

Entering her bathroom she quickly climbed into her shower and began washing up. 'The only way I can get my fur and mane under control is by wetting it. I might as well shower. I need to smell the best for my personal ear scratcher~'

This made her giggle softly, looking through her choices of shampoos and conditioners, Starshine decided on using a Mango strawberry twist. "Maybe if I smell good enough he'll scratch me for longer." Starshine openly pondered,

She showered for roughly five minutes doing all essential parts, places like her mane, wings, and chest fluff were washed first. Then her back face and tail,

"It's all about the system," She hummed.

Once done she turned the warm water off and shook herself out, grabbing her brush Starshine began brushing the wet fur down and doing her wings.

Now having been freed from her unkempt fur, she quickly left her room. And walked down her steps, towards her kitchen. Going into her fridge, upon seeing the sad state it was in, made the Pegasus sigh with annoyance.

"Celestia damn it. I forgot to go shopping last night, *sigh* oh well. I'll grab a bite to eat after my morning duties,"

Closing her fridge, she moved around her kitchen. Through the small living room, and towards the front door of the small apartment she rented. She took her work saddle bag from its spot and put it on.

Unlocking the front door and stepping outside, Starshine was greeted by a warm summer day. Closing the door behind her and locking it with her key, she began walking towards the castle to prepare for her job today.

After being checked through the checkpoint of the front gate and getting her maid uniform on, Starshine started with the first order of business Feeding her alien friend,

"Ugh, I need to give him a name. Or find out if he even has one," Starshine muttered but somepony behind her spoke up.

"Does our Starshine have a special somepony already? You must have one if you're thinking about nicknames." A familiar voice called out, making her whirl around in surprise. Spotting the guard she knew all too well making Star huffed.

"Damn it, Ebony Don't sneak up on me." Starshine huffed before realizing what the Guardsmare was getting at.

Worried, Starshine began quickly backpedaling, "It's nothing I swear!" her friend however was less than convinced.

"Starshine, you know I can tell when you're trying to cover something up. And this," the Unicorn mare said pointing at her.

"Isn't covering it up, nor is it satiating my curiosity." Ebony Shadow said, giving her a look of displeasure.

Groaning, Starshine cracked. "OK fine! I'll spill. I was trying to think of a name for our friend in the dungeon."

Ebony's face fell slightly as she realized who she was talking about. "The guard already has a name for him, the newbies call him, 'The gray beast.' And that is a nickname well-earned. If you read the after-action reports from Ponyville and the Diamond dog incident you'll see why."

Folding her ears back, Starshine found the name for him to be kinda rude, he didn't seem like the type who would hurt a fly but then again. He was chained up with nearly everything the guard had in Canterlot. She's surprised Celestia didn't turn him to stone while they were at it.

"I would be quick. He's got a busy day today." Ebony alerted. That made Starshine perplexed,

"For what? I thought he wouldn't be doing much in a maximum solitary cell."

Giving a light laugh the guardsmare decided to show off his schedule. "Princess Celestia's student is going to have an interview with it. Along with her Highness, and the Captain of the Guard. Watching; after that, he's getting a sooner-than-expected cell transfer, and possibly some one-on-one with Miss Twilight."

Groaning, Starshine shook her head. "How long do I have before this mare shows up?" Asked the annoyed maid pony.

"About five minutes. So If I were you'd move those flanks. Good luck, and if you're fast enough I'll put in a good word for you when you decide to join the guard."

Said Ebony. Trying to give her some verbal support.

'Celestia Bucking damn it.'

Starshine groaned, before galloping off doing her best to feed the being placed in her care.

Running with enough speed to impress the Guard training officials. Starshine arrived at the cell rasping like she dragged herself out of a burning building.

Her lungs were burning, and her legs felt tired. Starshine's heart was beating out of her chest; she had never ran like this before, as the guard coughed to grab her attention.

"Are you here to feed the freak?" Asked the stallion,

She wanted to yell at him, but the lack of oxygen in her lungs wouldn't let her. So she ended up just glaring at him.

"I'll take that glare as a yes, hang on." Fumbling with the ring of keys on his side the stallion simply pushed a large key in and unlocked the door granting her entry.

"A word of wisdom, use your wings next time. Not your hooves. I've been there before, early morning shifts suck." A guard Pony to her right offered pointing to his wings.

Shakeily walking in, The mare gave him his meal and slumped down. Clinging, to the cool floor. "S-sir he needs one hand uncuffed to eat," Star said, too tired to even get back up.

Entering, the earth pony guard walked around the grounded mare and undid, one hand cautiously. "Just yell when he's done." The stallion said not wanting to stick around the thing.

Closing the door after him, Star sighed, having slowly begun cooling down from her non-stop running. And like before, he began removing his helmet, slowly his face was revealed once more.

'How does he even use the bathroom in all that armor? What's the point of the bucket if he's not even using it? Is he holding it in?! How is he not dead if that's the case!' While Starshine contemplated the existence of the room's sole inhabitant be side her. He finished, not too long after.

"G-give me a break, won't you? I've had a rough morning." She said shakily getting onto her hooves, Looking up Starshine saw what she had been waiting for.

The Gray demon had moved his empty tray and was waiting for her, to claim his lap and he re-equipped his helmet. 'Y-yes!!! Hearts and hooves day has come early!' she was just about to fling herself at him when the door opened and a Lavender mare entered, followed by a small group of Royal Guards; one of which was Ebony Shadow.

'Celestia Damn it!!! I was so bucking close!'

She huffed lightly, knowing they couldn't interact now that more than one pony was here. Picking up his tray. Starshine properly departed, disheartened at the loss of not getting scratched.

"I'll get you later."

She mumbled tail softly swishing left to right, as her wings twitched at her sides.

860 POV

'I am going to be flatlined.'

That was his only response to this Entourage of armored horses with weapons of nearly all kinds, primitive to be clear. Yet they fell under the category of a weapon, just not In a firearm category.

Slowly the same pair of keys floated over and freed his legs and body allowing him movement. But at the cost of his free hand being shackled again.

Slowly a horse with a horn approached him, smiling at him, "Hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle, we're going to be seeing a lot of one another for the foreseeable future. Do you have a name?" She tried speaking to him. But 860 couldn't understand her for the life of him.

"We're going somewhere more appropriate to talk. Are you ok with that?" Twilight pressed softly, seeing if he could pick up the language the more she spoke it to him.

Noticing, that he wasn't following she simply nodded at the guards to show it was time.

Standing up for the first time. In a long time, 860 struck fear into the guards around him, as he was currently standing far taller than them as their heads came up roughly to his thighs.

"Come on, let's get moving, it's best not to keep the Princess waiting." Said Twilight leading them down the refined halls of the dungeons.

As the group traveled, 860 truly believed he was soon going to be killed. Instead of feeling solemn or trying to negotiate with his captors, like any normal person who feared death. Instead, 860 didn't see a point to it, his fear was removed. Same for his Humanity, and morality.

But after joining the combine those that knew him. Said he never had it anyway, along with calling him a turncoat.

Yet his views on this Changed after entering a gray room with a mirror behind a pillow. "Sorry, we weren't able to find something comfortable for a creature of your size. But I hope that doesn't affect anything!" Twilight said with a warm smile.

Sitting on a worn-out pillow with a metal table before him was the last thing he expected. 'Do these horses perform executions differently? Or even believe in a death penalty?'

Looking around the room, 860 found four guards stationed at each corner of the room out of the way of the interaction but still close enough to act if needed.

Glancing backwards at the two-way mirror Twilight gave a small wave.

"Shinny, can you hear us?" he shortly replied afterward.

"Everypony in here can hear you loud and clear kiddo, Just for my sake get out of there alive or else I'll join you when Mother and Father find out. You died under my watch." He dryly jokes.

Rolling her eyes at his joke, Twilight shuffled to face 860.

"Sorry about my brother, he's just protective, let's begin testing shall we?" Twilight said, pulling out some basic books of the equestrian language.

"Let's start with something simple, can you say A?" Twilight said giving the same amount of effort as Cheerilee would for one of her students.

Looking down at the strange shapes, 860 had no clue on how to read. Or even pronounce it.

'Is this pony trying to tell me something? Or show me? Should I copy her?'

Looking at it for a few minutes, Twilight sat there doing her best to sound the letter out for him.

Deciding that was the best course of action, 860 attempted to copy her. His vocoder didn't agree with it too well, resulting in it screeching loudly. The metal box wasn't adjusted to speak more than one language, approved language.

The loud metallic wails didn't stop until 860 forced it to by restarting it, as it started to annoy him.

'Christ that was loud,'

looking around he took note of how the Horses weren't handling the sound too well.

"M-maybe we should just stick to reading and W-writing for the foreseeable future," Twilight said, rubbing her ears with her hooves.

While Twilight switched to a less verbal method of communication, 860 took a mental note. 'Horses are weak against glitching vocoders, or loud noises.'

They sat there for ten whole hours alternating between reading and writing basics. To even simply her speaking to him, and from what 860 could guess the Lavender horse, was becoming furious and frustrated at him. If her lashing tail and twitching ears were any sighs.

She knew he could speak and possibly write, yet he wasn't even trying now. He did attempt once in communication, and that nearly made everyone in the room and the watching area go deaf.

Releasing a frustrated groan of defeat she gave up for today.

"We will try again tomorrow, see you then," Twilight said, almost relieved to have a break.

860 on his part had a report to give to the advisor unit, the guards around him talked with one another even though he wasn't a part of the conversation, 860 made a mental note of their language for his request

Arriving at a different cell, they locked him up nice and tight but to 860's surprise, he was given a bed that looked a little worse for wear and the worst shock of all. The horse in a maid uniform showed up again after all the guards departed.

'Does she want me to scratch her again?' looking at the Mare before him he was confused by her waving her front hooves about to even flapping her gray wings at him.

To see if what he thought was true, he laid down onto the old bed which nearly broke from his heavy weight as it creaked loudly getting into a position, she immediately nodded and dove for him, giving him her head to scratch.

'You truly are an addict to these simple head scratches for legged lifeform. I would recommend therapy but the combine doesn't believe in it.'

He shook his head at her physical response, which was her stretching herself to cover most of his armored body. This mare did anything and everything to keep getting his gloved, and almost magical hands on her ears. Giving them to her as best as one in chains could, she took them gracefully. Causing her uniform to become a wrinkled mess;

Two hours.

He gave her scratches for two straight hours. She hadn't even left, instead fell asleep on top of him.

860 sat there, watching the steady rise and fall of her sides. He shifted slightly resulting in her nestling closer, and covering him in her gray wings protectively. Even resting her head on his arm, finding him somehow comfortable to sleep on.

'I will never understand these horses, first, she found me not comfortable and for good reason, this is heavy armor, not pajamas, and now she finds it comfortable.'

Getting as comfy as 860 could with a horse that had wings on top of him. He fell asleep to have the meeting that would change the playing field for him;

"Unit 8-6-0-9-6-2-1 Report recon survey." The ghostly voice of the combine Advisor requested.

Immediately getting into it, 860 didn't hold back.

"Spikewall 8-6-0-9-6-2-1 has been captured by equine-like lifeforms called 'horses.' They have no noteworthy technology to report, at this time. For some reason they have, however, tried to create a method of communication with me."

This annoyed the superior combine lifeform before it launched an inquiry into 860's report. "What use would you have over an insignificant language? That most likely is not the dominant tongue of that world."

"The reason why I bring this into the report is because it would be beneficial for me to learn it. If I know the language, I can escape their imprisonment and continue my recon directive. and offer a new form of speech to the union."

Giving a sound of consideration, The slug was calculating the options it had. If it lost the only living unit there it would jeopardize the expansion of the Combine, and no doubt the loss of its life.

"Reason is acknowledged, and accepted. Your vocoder will be adjusted properly, along with parts of you're Frontal lobe, and the Occipital-temporal region will be tuned accordingly. Since you have been captured, your new directive is to escape by any means, and resume the original directives you were issued."

Nodding into the darkness, 860 had nothing else to report, which the advisor already was aware of, and had left him after giving its edict.

Opening his eyes again he found himself being snuggled to death, by a gray blob of fur.

Reaching up, 860 tried to move the horse off his face but his cuffs didn't let him. 'These cuffs are becoming a far worse hindrance than first expected.'

However, the female horse on top of him wouldn't stir from her sleep. The sounds of jingling chains wouldn't wake her up.

Deciding to shake them repeatedly until she awoke, 860 did just that.

Eventually, the soft clanging of metal made her wake.

"A-ahem mm?" She said lazily, opening one eye, and glanced towards the source of the nose.

Gradually her Cyan eye grew in size till finally it was fully opened. "G-gah!" she half shrieked, struggling off of him and falling off of the old bed with a loud *THUD*

'That sounded painful.'

Sitting up and looking over, 860 saw the sad state she was in. The poor horse had fallen face-first into the floor, her uniform was wrinkled beyond comparison and her mane and coat looked like she lost a battle with her bedsheets.

Re-adjusting quickly, she stood back onto her hooves. And began speaking, while also fixing her clothes and coat.

"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep! I have no idea what came over me. Your head scratches are just amazing. Please don't kill me for falling asleep on you!" Starshine tried to plead her case to him.

But internally 860 was amazed, he could understand them now it wasn't perfect. He still needed to learn the terminology before trying any kind of escape attempt.

Just then the door opened and Twilight was accompanied, by her brother, and Starshine's friend Sargent Ebony.

A look of fear crossed Starshine's face as her face lit up like a Christmas tree from how red her face and ears became.

"T-this isn't what it looks like! I swear!" She pleaded as Ebony began to struggle at keeping her composer, let alone a straight face.

"Please do not try and explain this here." Shining Armor said waving with a hoof.

"I'll have Sargent Ebony, talk to you about what you were doing. Alone, with an extremely dangerous alien. So the best course of action for you, Miss Starshine, is to cooperate with the guard."

As the equine talked, 860 was getting a grasp of their language; it was all making sense now. And with his altered brain and vocoder, he would begin practicing in private. But for now, it was best to make them think he didn't understand them.

'That one is a male and the one in a maid uniform is Female, from what I can see Males and females have different builds. This may be the case for their kind. And that is the name of my caretaker? Starshit, negative Starshine.'

He could have been wrong about her name, and there wasn't any way to see if 860 was correct or not. In due time, he would find out.

Sighing, Twilight looked over at him before giving a gentle wave, "Good morning! I hope you're ready for another day of learning."

'A possible way to learn the equine language has been discovered. Escape directive has been postponed.'

After they had served their purpose, he wasn't going to be sticking around. So it was better to learn more of what they had and their capabilities as a species before that day came.

Spikewall still active.

by Death_wing

Chapter One - The unlikely Hero and a strange new world

Chapter Two - Meeting a firebird and a letter to a tired Princess

Chapter Three - A proper send-off that results in capture

Chapter Four - Old Memories Returned and Peace Interactions

Chapter Five - Foreign Language Identified.