Prologue

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Canterlot has had its fair share of villains. In the beginning, it was all about magic, ruling over both worlds and putting people under a hypnotic spell. But… as time went on, it became more and more of a battle… for survival. And now an even greater evil is lurking nearby with one goal in mind. A goal which could threaten the future of mankind.

Secret military facility; 40 miles away from Canterlot City; time: 0100 hours.

Within the military base, many of the soldiers were sound asleep in their bunkers while some of the higher-ranking soldiers stood up during the night shift, patrolling every room.

But several of the best soldiers in the base and several commanding officers were on duty and standing at attention near the gates of the base, as they are placed as security for their new shipment that they are about to receive from the Canterlot Scientific Research Center. They were informed of this delivery about a day ago, and they were given instructions that upon delivery, the ‘package’ is to be moved onto a helicopter that is soon to rendezvous at their base shortly after the package is delivered. And it will take off with the package to an offshore facility that belongs to the CSRC.

They were told that the transfer and delivery will be quick and smooth; but they advise caution with the package. Although the military personnel at the base were not told what the package was, as it was stated to be ‘classified’. So as good soldiers, they didn’t ask anymore questions.

The staff sergeant of the base stood in front of over 2 dozen of his men, standing beside him were two science officials, one male and one female, sent by the CSRC to oversee the transfer.

As they all stood quiet for a while, soon a massive semi-truck pulling a massive trailer soon arrived at the gates of the base. The guards at the gates checked with the driver and checked the outside and under the truck to see if anything’s amiss. The truck itself was white and had a logo of a food company on the side of its trailer. It looked to be a truck for transferring supplies for a supermarket; or perhaps that was intentional to avoid any detection.

After all inspections were made, the guards then went back to their posts and soon opened the gate to allow the transport to enter.

“Alright men! Clear away! Make a path and hold that position!” The staff sergeant informs his men as the truck slowly enters the base.

The troops then stepped off to the side, giving a path for the truck to move further into the base. Once the truck had passed through the gate, the guards then sealed it off after.

As the truck was driving into position, the staff sergeant turned towards the two scientists who kept their eyes on the truck.

"I tell you one thing, this could either make or break humanity as we speak." said the male scientist, adjusting his glasses.

"Like we haven't dealt with this kind of threat before. I wouldn't be surprised if this was just another "solution," to stopping another pointless war." said the female scientist.

Soon the staff sergeant shared words of his own. “Look doctors, while I know better to not ask what you people at the CSRC cook up in your labs. But for the safety of my men, as well as every personnel in this base, I want to know if this won’t be a danger to us all.” he commented.

“I can assure you, staff sergeant. There will be no hazards or any endangerment to anyone in this base. You have our word as members from the CSRC that the safety of every personnel here will not be compromised." the female scientist vowed.

"That's all I need to hear. Now it's time for action," the Staff Sergeant ordered.

"As you wish, sir." the male scientist nodded. With that taken care of, the scientists made their way to the back of the truck, about to open up the back door. The driver unlocks the doors using a special button on the keychain. The scientists then open up the truck to reveal 4 security personnel armed with guns and one of them… holding the package. The package was in a metal carrying case with the "biohazard" symbol on it.

The staff sergeant was a bit perplexed that this small case is what’s causing all this fuss, but he didn’t let it take his guard down, for he knew that if something this small needed this much security, then it must be something dangerous.

The scientist shows their IDs. 2 of the guards confirm they're legit and the 3rd guard with the metal carrying case, hands it over to them.

"Guard this with your life," he said.

"We will." Both scientists nodded. With the package secured, the two scientists then bring it on over to a reinforced safe. They wanna make sure whatever's inside doesn't fall into the wrong hands, hence these extra precautions. The two scientists safely place the package inside the safe and close it up. The code to open the safe is already locked into their memories, so no one can get to it unless it's through them.

"That should do for now. All that's left is to wait for aerial transport to arrive." the female scientist said proudly.

"I agree. The sooner this is out of our hands, the better," said the male scientist.

“The sooner this is out of my base, my men and I can sleep well tonight.” the staff sergeant added his comment.

Within 15 minutes of waiting, the chopper had arrived and was currently hovering over the base about to dock on the bingo field.

As this was occurring, a dark silhouette of a strange figure was overseeing this in one of the guard towers of the base. On the ground next to the figure, was the corpse of the guard that was positioned in this tower, his throat was slit and a large puddle of blood was everywhere on the floor. But the figure paid no heed. His eye was set on another prize.

He then speaks silently to himself, or most likely, he speaks through a com link; saying: “Set the charges.” he said.

Out of the shadows, 4 mysterious soldiers surround the building from outside and plant the 4 EMP charges. Each one was just as powerful as the other.

"All set, boss," one of the troops confirmed via com link.

“Good… Wait for my signal.” The supposed ‘boss’ informed the soldier. His voice was disguised by the mask over his mouth, making it sound distorted, yet still able to understand.

Unaware of what’s about to happen, the military personnel of the base and the two CSRC scientists watched as the helicopter had safely landed and waited for the package.

“Staff sergeant, if you please.” the female scientist spoke to the CO. And he immediately knew what she was implying.

He looks back towards his men and he points towards four of his most physically fit soldiers amongst them. “You four, secure the package and escort it and the scientists to the chopper. And for all our sake, don’t drop it!” He ordered them.

The four soldiers saluted and immediately did what he asked as they rushed over to the safe where the package was locked inside, they each stood at each corner of the safe, bent their knees and with all their strength, they lifted the safe up and proceeded towards the helicopter.

The staff sergeant then turns towards the scientists and shakes their hands in farewell.

“I wish you two a safe trip.” He said.

"Thank you, Sergeant. We shall return in due time," the male scientist replied before the two left with their package and 4 security soldiers.

Soon the 4 soldiers had finally arrived at the helicopter and, as safely as they could, they lifted the safe onto the helicopter and secured it in with straps. After they were finished, the two scientists and their escorts arrived at the helicopter.

“Safe is secured, you’re ready to go!” One of the soldiers informed the two, loudly due to the loud sounds of the engine and the helicopter blades spinning.

“Thank you, soldier. We’ll take it from here.” the male scientist replied.

“Have a safe trip, sir. You too, ma’am.” The soldier said to the two before he and his fellow soldiers were about to clear away from the helicopter.

Unbeknownst to them all, the mysterious figure on the guard tower had witnessed the shipment now safely secured onto the helicopter. And with that, he moves forward with his plan. He activated his com link and he soon phrased: “... Let there be darkness.”

Right on cue, the 4 troops outside the building set off their EMP bombs. The resulting pulsations cause the entire base to plunge into pitch blackness. And worse, the engine in the helicopter stopped abruptly, as the once spinning blades began to slow down and soon stop.

All military personnel in the base were caught off-guard.

“What the hell happened!?” The staff sergeant shouted out loud, wanting an explanation of what occurred. “What killed all the lights!?”

“It's not just the lights, sir! The engine in the helicopter is dead!” one of the soldiers who was near the helicopter responded to his CO. “I think we got hit by an EMP! Sir!” he exclaimed.

Hearing the words ‘EMP’ rang through the staff sergeant's head as he soon came to a conclusion… They were under attack.

"ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL, TO YOUR STATIONS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! CODE RED! CODE RED!" Staff Sergeant yelled out, heading off to the armory as he was trying to alert everyone in the base.

A corporal among the men heard his CO’s orders and he then carried them out. “You heard the man! All weapons lock and load! Switch to night vision! And I want men escorting the scientists to safety!”

As the base was in panic, outside the wall, two of the mysterious soldiers from before, now considered as terrorists, planted a breaching charge onto the walls of the base and stood back. And in a matter of minutes, the explosive charge obliterated the concrete wall, causing massive flames and debris to fly into the air, and took out several military soldiers who were unfortunately near the wall when it exploded.

Followed by the explosion, the terrorists swiftly entered the base and began to open fire onto the military personnel within the base. The terrorists looked to be wearing military gear, however they were wearing what looked to be high-tech armor; from their masks, shoulder pads, and bracers. And the rifles they carry appear to be advanced bullpup rifles.

“Enemy spotted! Engage!” One of the military soldiers in the base shouted out as the army troops fired upon their attackers. And thus a huge battle erupted. Gunfire rang throughout the base, but with the soldiers engaged in battle, the scientists were being escorted to a safe by one of the soldiers.

"Stick close, you two!" the soldier said, keeping his guard up as he escorted them.

But soon they were fired upon, so they quickly got to cover. The soldier pushes them behind one of the military vehicles as he returns fire on the terrorists.

“Stay down!” He instructed them And they did as they were instructed.

Then another soldier comes along and gets behind the vehicle with them, the soldier that was firing turns to his comrade and shouts: “Get them out of here!” Just before he was shot in the head and fell to the ground dead. The scientists watched in horror as the soldier behind them returned fire at the terrorists, managing to take out two of them, but he quickly returned to cover as they were being overwhelmed. The soldier reaches for his walkie-talkie and tries to make contact with other soldiers that were still alive in this attack.

“MAYDAY! MAYDAY! DOES ANYBODY COPY!? IS ANYONE OUT THERE BREATHING?! I GOT THE SCIENTISTS BUT WE’RE PINNED DOWN AND NEED ASSISTANCE!!” The soldier spoke loudly through the walkie-talkie.

But there was no response on the other end, just static. The soldier tried again, but still… there was nothing.

“DAMN IT!” the soldier cursed as he soon peaked out behind the vehicle and continued to fire back at the terrorists. He yells at the scientists to stay down as he desperately tries to fend off the attackers as best as he could. But soon he was shot in the shoulder which made him yell in pain as he ducked back for cover. Clutching his bleeding shoulder, the soldier then switches strategies as he reaches into the pockets of his combat vest and pulls out a couple of hand grenades. He pulls the pins and then he backhand throws the grenades at the attackers, with the explosions killing several of the terrorists.

But they weren’t gonna wait around to find out.

“Alright, let's move and stay behind me!” The soldier instructs the two scientists as the three quickly leave their cover and move towards the main building of the base to find other survivors. Two terrorists tried to block their path, but the army soldier quickly shot them dead before they could raise their guns. But soon the soldier was grazed in the leg by an incoming bullet, causing him to fall to the ground.

The two scientists try to assist him, but he shoves them away.

“GO! GET INSIDE! NOW!” He urges them to head for the building as he continues to fire at the terrorists that were approaching them. He took more shots to the torso, but he kept on fighting.

The scientists did as instructed and ran towards the main building. The female scientists looked back at the soldier who saved them as he was finally brought down by a shot to the head. Without wasting a second, the scientists quickly entered the building and closed the door behind them.

"How could this have happened?" the male scientist asked in shock.

"I… I don't know. Let's just hope we can escape out of this alive with the remaining soldiers we have left." the female scientist replied. "I just hope… that they're not here for… this." She turns to the carrying case resting at her side.

Meanwhile outside, the remaining terrorists of the raid, stood by the helicopter and a couple of them tried to open the vault. But soon they stopped as they heard heavy footsteps approaching.

They turned and saw their leader walking towards the helicopter. From his head to his torso, he wore advanced titanium armor, and it had some glowing red LED lighting. He also wore titanium gauntlets on his forearms and he also wore titanium boots. Upon their leader approaching, the terrorists troops stepped aside and allowed him to gain access to the vault.

The leader stares at the small safe for a second, before his hand reaches for the handle, and in a quick manner and with little effort, he tore off the door of the safe and tossed it to the side. But what he found inside… was nothing.

In a fit of rage he brought his arm up and hammered it down on top of the small safe, crushing it like it was made of cardboard. His troops jumped a little at their leader’s rage.

The lead terrorist then turns to his men with the glowing red visors of his helmet, even when they could not see his face, his men knew he was glaring angrily at them.

“SEARCH THE WHOLE BASE FOR SURVIVORS! FIND THAT CASE AND KILL ANYONE WHO STANDS IN YOUR WAY!” he roared with a booming machine-like voice.

Back with the scientists.

“They’re gonna be mad that what they want is no longer in the vault.” the male scientist commented.

"Well, switching the vaults was kind of a back-up plan in case things got ugly. But I didn't take into account that things would get this ugly." the female scientist replied.

“Well let's just get out of here before they find us.” the male scientists stated, while not noticing the hand that was reaching for his shoulder.

And once the hand touched his shoulder, the male scientists was immediately spooked as he jumps back and turned around to see if it was one of the terrorists, only to find it was the staff sergeant, and beside him were a few of what remained of the military personnel in the base.

“You want to calm down, science guy. Or else a heart attack might kill ya before those bastards do.” The staff sergeant commented.

"Forgive me for being on edge! Who the hell are those bastards and WHY are they attacking?" the male scientist asked.

“Well we ain’t sticking around to find out! We’re getting the hell outta here!” The staff sergeant responded as he and his men helped the two scientists up onto their feet. “Now get behind us and stay close.” He instructed them.

The two scientists followed the sergeant and his men through the corridors of the building, searching for a way out while doing their best to avoid getting spotted. So far, they're getting closer to the hangars where their military vehicles are located.

But then, just as they were 100 feet away, they're spotted by the enemies. The terrorists fire at the soldiers. They quickly duck for cover behind a few steel barricades, along with the scientists as well.

The staff sergeant and his men waited for the enemy to reload, and as soon as they did, the soldiers quickly returned fire, taking out a few of them and forcing the rest to retreat.

Seeing the attackers fall back, the staff sergeant orders the men to cease fire and soon henturns towards his soldiers and the scientists.

“Alright they have fallen back! Let's move!” he proclaimed.

But just as they all got up from their cover, heavy footsteps were heard approaching. And walking around the corner of the direction where the terrorists ran off, was their leader. He then halts at the end of the hallway, about 20 feet away from the soldiers and the scientists, with his hands behind his back.

"Reload, men! Wait for my command!" the sergeant ordered. His men focused on reloading their guns while the sergeant pointed his own gun at the primary target. "I don't know who the hell you are and why you're here, but you made a big mistake coming here and slaughtering hundreds of good soldiers. I hope you realize their blood is on your hands. Now, spill… who are you and why are you here?" he demanded.

Silence filled the hallway as the terrorist leader stood still for a moment, before he let out what sounded like mechanical breathing as he finally spoke.

“I’m just here to pick up my case, which those scientists rudely stole from me…” The terrorist leader responded while gesturing towards the two scientists. “And as for who I am? Well… I'm the bad guy.” He proclaimed.

"Then that gives me all the more reason to blast you to kingdom come. FIRE, MEN!" the sergeant commanded before he and the others opened fire on the guy, showering this armored adversary with hundreds of bullets.

But to their surprise, the bullets bounce off his armor as if they were nothing. The terrorist leader just stood there, taking every last bullet.

He lets out a bored sigh while his armor continues to deflect their bullets. “How… pathetic.” He commented before he started to slowly approach them.

"Oh no, you don't!" one of the soldiers yelled out, charging at the foe.

"NO, DOWN, SOLDIER!!!" the sergeant ordered in a panic. But it was too late, the soldier attempted to bash this armored titan in the head with the back of his rifle, but he quickly caught the soldier's rifle with one hand, then grabbed the soldier by the face with his other hand.

"Hmm… which to crush first… a twig… or a melon?" the leader said, looking at the rifle and then the soldier. "Hmm… how about… BOTH?!" and with one big squeeze in each hand, he crushes the rifle, snapping it in two. As for the soldier… well… one second he let out a muffled scream. The next… bones crushing and now his body lay on the ground, his head deformed and bloodied and gashed open from the skull piercing through his skin.

The soldier's head… was crushed to pieces. The other soldiers, the sergeant and the scientist watched in horror how monstrous this foe's strength was.

"Well… anyone else wants a turn?" the leader asked.

"You… you're not even human. You're a monster! A demon in human skin! Soldiers, fall back! Protect the scientists AND the cargo at all costs!" The sergeant ordered.

"Too late, sarge… we're surrounded!" one of the soldiers replied. The sergeant looked over and saw more of the terrorist soldiers, their guns pointed and ready to fire.

"Damn it! This can't end like this!" the sergeant said in frustration.

"On the contrary… it already has. Now… the case, if you will…" the leader said, putting his hand out for his prize.

"You'll have to kill me before that happens! And even if you DID get it, you can't open it!" the female scientist yelled at the terrorist leader.

“Oh really? Well then, let's play a game shall we? Here’s how it goes. Every time I snap my fingers, one of these good men will die…” He proclaimed while gesturing towards the staff sergeant, the soldiers, and her fellow colleague. “So I suggest you fess up.” He said before then… SNAP!... Snaps his fingers.

And with that, one of the terrorists shoots and kills one of the soldiers as the leader had said would happen.

“You might wanna be faster than that, madam.” the leader humorously stated before he snapped his fingers twice. SNAP! SNAP!

Then two more of the army soldiers were shot and killed by the terrorists. And now all it left was the staff sergeant and the two scientists.

"THAT'S ENOUGH, PLEASE!!! No more bloodshed! There've been too many lives lost already! If you want the package… then fine, you win!" the female scientist caved.

"Well, well… looks like someone made your decision for you. Wise girl." the leader said.

"No, don't do this!" The male scientist protested, only to get shot in the temple by one of the terrorist soldiers and fall flat on the ground lifeless.

"Please! I said no more!" the female scientist said in fear and sorrow. "I'll take you to where we've hidden the package."

“Mmmmmm… Alright… Show me.” The leader replied.

As instructed and held at gunpoint, the female scientist led the terrorist group to the true hiding spot of their package. Upon arriving at the spot, the scientists pushed away the rocks and debris that she had hid it under. She then pulls out the carrying case and then she turns towards the terrorist leader and his crew, as well as the staff sergeant who is held at gunpoint by the terrorist soldiers.

With reluctance, the scientist hands the case over to the terrorist leader, who gladly accepted it. With the case in his hand, he soon opens it up to take a look of what's inside. And while the scientist and the staff sergeant could not see his face underneath his mask, the terrorist leader gave off a sickening aura that he was delighted with what he was seeing.

After seeing what he had wanted to see, the terrorist leader then closes the case and turns back towards the scientist.

“Thank you for your cooperation, miss.” He said, before he pulled out a pistol from his side and shot the scientist in the forehead.

"NOOOOOO!!!" the sergeant yelled out. "You… YOU BASTARD!!! SHE HAD A HUSBAND AND KIDS!!! AND THE OTHER SOLDIERS HAD FAMILIES, TOO!!! How can you be so… so… HEARTLESS?!"

As he was listening, the terrorist leader let out a bored sigh and his hand mockingly mimicked the talking from the sergeant before he quickly had his hands around the soldier’s throat, silencing him while slightly choking him.

“There you go. Nice… and quiet. Now see here… I only needed to leave one alive to tell the tale to the world. And if I need to spread my message to society, I’m gonna need someone who has more access and ties to the government, news outlets, and higher ups. And who better to do that… than a soldier.” The terrorist leader explained his actions. “Now here’s the message: Tell the world that I am ready. To wage my war upon society itself. All who stand in my way will only face death and ruin. And every man, woman, and child… will not be spared in my conquest. Tell them… that Scourge… will bring death to all.” He says his message before he lets go of the staff sergeant’s neck and then knocks him out with the handle of his pistol, and then lets the soldier fall onto the ground unconscious.

After having knocked the soldier unconscious, one of Scourge’s men approaches him from behind.

“Sir… How will we know he’s willing to give the message?” he asked.

Scourge lets out a sinister chuckle before he states: “Oh he will. And if he doesn’t… This carnage… will serve as the message.” He gestures to all the destruction and death around him.

Scourge then looks up at the bright moon in the sky, staring at it with sadistic glee.

“I’ve waited a long time for this moment. To now share my rage and agony upon this world. And everything that lives in it….” He proclaimed.

“... And who’s going to stand in my way?”

Meanwhile, somewhere in Canterlot City, in the humble home of a magic-savvy girl, Trixie Lulamoon and Starlight Glimmer were happily watching some late-night movies before bed, dressed in their pajamas in the living room.

"So, Starlight, enjoying your time here in our world?" Trixie asked.

"Sure am. Although… it feels kinda empty without the girls here. It's a shame they got called out to another country," Starlight said.

"Yes… Trixie was curious as to why they would not take you… not that Trixie's complaining," Trixie replies in 3rd person.

"They told me I lacked the proper training of a kunoichi. I kept trying to ask Silver to teach me, but he always refuses. I just don't understand why." Starlight said.

"We'll find out eventually. For now, Trixie could use some water before bed," Trixie yawned. The lady magician then got up from the couch and entered the kitchen while Starlight slumped down on the arms rest of the couch. A lot of questions filled her mind. Why won't Silver train her and what could be his reason?

Well… no use in dwelling on it right now as Starlight finally felt the fatigue of today's events take over and made her pass out. Little do these two girls know, the events in the near future will put them through the struggle of a lifetime.

The Average Life of Two Former Vigilantes

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The morning sun rises over the land and all the people of Canterlot City and beyond are now waking up from their slumbers. Especially two individuals from two different places. In a huge, luxurious manor, a handsome young man, named Silver Scorpion; former vigilante, former partner of the Massacre Phantom, and ex-convict; wakes up to his beautiful mate, Aurora; a 8ft tall humanoid dragon goddess, snuggling up with him.

Silver groggily stares at his mate with a warm smile before he would soon get up from bed. But something was weighing him down. So he would look down and see a huge lump on top of him underneath his covers. He lifts up his blanket, and he sees none other than the cute muffin angel, Derpy Hooves. Sleeping peacefully on top of him.

Silver can’t help but sigh with a smile and thinking: ‘How did you get in my room without waking me?’

"Hmm… yummy muffins," Derpy said in her sleep, snuggling into his chest.

“Hmmmm… More cuddles,” Aurora also spoke in her sleep as she pulled Silver’s head deeper into her GGG-cup bosom. Half of Silver’s face was smothered by the softness of her bust.

Silver lets out a tired, annoyed sigh as he thinks to himself.

“How am I gonna get out of bed?”

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, over by the countryside, another young man was waking up from his slumber with a yawn. This young man had bright yellow skin, crazy long, black hair that reached all the way down his back and had red eyes. His name was Dark Renegade. Former convicted murderer of hundreds of criminal lives and now a humble chef and wood cutter at Camp Everfree.

And sleeping right next to him is his girlfriend, Gloriosa Daisy. Both him and Gloriosa were butt-naked under the blankets… for obvious reasons. She wasn't waking up anytime soon since last night's session with her boyfriend really wiped her out. It was unfortunate for Gloriosa's brother, Timber Spruce, who had to sleep in another room entirely. And he was kept up all night from his sister getting boned by her hulking boyfriend.

"Man… she just gets tighter and tighter every day," Dark thought to himself, looking down at his sleeping wildflower.

Back with Silver at his manor, after getting up from bed, Silver makes his way through the hallways and down the stairs towards the kitchen of his family’s mansion.

Upon arriving at the kitchen, Silver then prepares his breakfast for the morning. Sure there were his mother and Bristle; who’s the family butler; who would always prepare breakfast for him. But today, he wished to do it himself. After having served 5 years in prison and living on his own for about a few months, he’s used to taking care of himself. Today, he decided to try something different than your usual American breakfast.

Minutes go by and Silver is almost done prepping his breakfast. The smell of the food was definitely drawing the attention of everyone in his family home. Aurora would be the first to come down towards the kitchen; due to her god-like speed, wearing a blue and golden kimono silk robe and disguised in her human form to not freak out Silver’s parents.

"What is that delicious aroma I've been smelling! It smells… delicious!” Aurora commented while she was hugging Silver from behind his back.

Then soon 3 other fast blurs sped into the kitchen, which turned out to be 3 girls. The first girl had dark-red tomboy hair, bright orange eyes, and wore a red and golden kimono robe; this was Aurora’s hotheaded sister, Nova; the dragon goddess of fire. The second girl had long sky-blue hair with green highlights, blue iris eyes, and wore an aqua-blue and green kimono robe; this is another sister of Aurora, Ava; the dragon goddess of water. And the third girl has long snow-white hair, light-blue iris eyes, and wore a white and light-blue kimono robe; this is Aurora’s third sister, Crystal; the dragon goddess of ice. Apparently all three of the dragon goddesses were in their human disguises, as it has already been discussed that they cannot show their dragon forms to Silver’s parents.

“What smells deliciously divine?” “I call first dibs!” “Oooh tasty mortal food!” They all commented at the same time.

Then soon after them, Silver’s parents came down from their bedroom after having smelled Silver’s cooking.

"Mmm, what is that heavenly aroma I smell? It's so… delectable," Fleur said, coming out from the hallway.

"I don't know about you, honey, but I can already hear my taste buds singing already," Magnus replied, following his wife.

“Morning, mother. Morning, father. Morning, girls.” Silver said to them all while keeping his focus on cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, son. Whatcha got cookin' up there?" Magnus asked.

“Mmmmm… just some new Italian recipe that I came across on the internet and I decided to give it a try. I think it's called… uhhhh… Insalata Frittata, I believe?” Silver responded

"Italian, eh? Mmm, sounds absolutely… buono." Fleur said.

“Uhhhh, does anyone know what she said?” Nova asked in confusion.

“She’s just speaking Italian, dear sister. Buono is Italian for ‘good’.” Crystal answered her sister’s question.

“Wait, since when did you learn Italian, Crystal?” Aurora asked.

“I got bored a few years ago, so I took a trip to Rome.” Crystal responded in her defense.

"Breaky time!!!" shouted a cute little girl's voice. Everyone looked over at the hallway and saw a mini version of Derpy come running into the kitchen. This was Dinky Doo, Derpy's daughter and precious little muffin. The little sweetheart ran up to Silver, grabbing his leg, tugging at him. "G'morning Uncky Silvy." she said, looking up at him with her big eyes and cute smile.

Silver chuckled at the little child’s cute greeting as he gently patted her head. “Good morning to you too, Dinky.” he said, warmly. “Have you slept well?” he asked.

"Mhmm! I slept like a baby. I saved a muffin kingdom from an army of brussel sprout monsters!" Dinky proclaimed.

“Aww that’s great, Dinky.” Silver commented heartedly.

As Dinky had filled the room with her immeasurable cuteness, last to enter the kitchen is the family butler, Bristle Wing.

“Morning all.” He politely called out to everyone in the kitchen.

"Ah, Bristle Wing, good morning." Magnus said.

"I trust you'll be joining us for breakfast?" Fleur asked.

“To be surprised, usually I was the one who did the cooking. Guess someone else took my place.” Bristle commented while looking over towards Silver with a smile.

Everyone in the room chuckled at Bristle’s sense of humor. “Consider it a day-off, Bristle.” Silver said.

Meanwhile, back in Camp Everfree, Dark had gotten out of bed to prepare some breakfast for everyone, including him, Gloriosa, Timber AND the campers. He was currently in the mess hall gathering up some ingredients from the fridge and pantry.

For today's menu, he planned on making a different variety of eggs, as well as cooked spam, bacon, hash browns, sausage and pancakes.

Within 15 minutes, the scent of each dish was getting the attention of the hungry campers and the owners. Dark was humming a tune while he taste-tested a tiny portion of the food he was making and it was delicious.

"Mmm, these guys are gonna love it." Dark said. As he was almost done, the door to the mess hall could be heard opening and sure enough…

"Right this way, campers, I hope you're all hungry because we've got lots to go around," Gloriosa said, holding the door open for the many hungry campers.

"Mmmm, that smells good," one of the mothers said.

"I hope they got pancakes!" one of the little boys said.

"I could eat a whole boar," one man added.

"Single file line, campers, plenty o' food for everyone," Dark called out with a smile and a wave. "Now, we've got here some freshly cooked spam, hash browns, crispy bacon, delicious sausage links, some fluffy pancakes AND different varieties of eggs. I've got scrambled, over easy, over medium, over well-done, sunnyside up, hardboiled, softboiled, even omelet style." he listed, displaying his fine work.

"Well, looks like you went all out," Gloriosa said, impressed.

"Yup. Now then, everyone form a line and I'll serve you all your portions." Dark instructed.

As instructed, the campers all lined up with trays in hand. Dark handed them each a portion of the food he made. One by one, each of the campers came and got their breakfast and raced for the tables, wanting to sink their teeth into the delicious food.

Once everyone was served, Dark handed a portion to Gloriosa, had one saved for Timber for when he woke up and then he served himself.

"Dark, I cannot thank you enough for all your help. Look at all the happy campers," Gloriosa said, gesturing to everyone eating.

"Yeah… don't get much better than this. So, what's on today's agenda after everyone's gotten their bellies filled?” Dark asked.

“Mmmm… Let me check the schedule again.” Gloriosa responded before she reached into her pocket and pulled out the paper copy of the camp’s schedule. She unfolded the paper and looked over the listed activities on the schedule. "Let's see, there's archery at 10AM, hiking at 11AM, Arts and Crafts at Noon, a scavenger hunt at 1PM and finally, canoeing and swimming at 3PM. The water should be warm enough by then."

"Good idea. So, who's in charge of which activities?" Dark asked.

"Timber's in charge of leading in the hiking activity and scavenger hunt. I'm in charge of Arts and Crafts and archery, while you manage the swimming and canoeing." Gloriosa listed.

"Alrighty then. Lifeguard Dark Renegade reporting for duty," Dark saluted, making her giggle.

"You're funny, you know that?" Gloriosa stated.

"When you got it, you got it," Dark shrugged.

"Excuse me…" a young boy's voice said, getting Dark's and Gloriosa's attention. "Can I have more pancakes please?"

"Hmmm… well, sure, why not. Allow me, young man," Dark said. He grabbed the kid's plate and brought it with him back into the kitchen and put two more pancakes on it before giving it to the boy. "Here you go and sure to wash it down with water, or even juice."

"Thank you, mister!" the boy said before running back to his seat.

"Awww, they're so precious at that young age," Gloriosa said.

"So pure and innocent. It always makes me smile," Dark sighed.

After having breakfast with the whole family, well almost all since Inferno was away with his pals; Silver was getting ready for his working hours at the Sweet Snacks Cafe, as was Derpy since they had both worked there. They both took a shower, and yes, they shared a shower to not waste time… and there was a bit of ‘cuddling’ while they showered. After taking their shower, they soon put on their job uniforms for the day and later they freshen themselves up for the day; brushing their teeth, fixing up their hair, etc.

And as they were prepping, the two shared a conversation while they were at it.

“You are a dirty woman, Derpy.” Silver commented on Derpy for what she did during their shower session a while ago.

"Only when I'm with you, Silver," Derpy giggled teasingly. "And… well, that Yabuki guy who's also kind to me and Dinky, but right now, I've got you."

“Yeah, well ever since he and his buds, along with the Rainbooms decided to leave the country to solve some other problem in another one; you’ve been draining me dry for a few days. And also they had my brother tag along with them. I had to cover for him and tell our parents that his friends invited him out on a vacation getaway.” Silver exclaimed before he started to brush his teeth a second time.

"Aww, you must really miss your little brother. I always wondered what'd be like to have a brother or a sister. But hey, I'm just glad I have a wonderful family," Derpy said.

Her statement brought a warm smile on Silver’s face as he gave Derpy a hug in gratitude for her words.

“Same here, Derpy. Same here.” He said. “But honestly, even though Inferno and I are on slightly good terms, I still feel like he still holds resentment towards me, especially for everything in the past. Hell, even Dark’s brother still resents him greater than anything worse in this world. While I hold nothing against Inferno hating me, but honestly, I don’t know what to do to get my brother to fully accept me again.” Silver exclaimed.

"I wish I knew what to tell you, but I'm drawing a blank. Well… except for muffins, but, that's just my mind wandering freely. But, one of these days, Inferno WILL accept you. You just have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst." Derpy said.

“Thanks, Derpy. What did this world do to deserve you?” Silver commented before giving Derpy a kiss on the cheek.

"Hehehe, who knows, but I'm glad I'm here. So, shall we head on out?" Derpy asked.

“We sure shall. And as a treat to you, we’ll be driving in style.” Silver proclaimed as he headed out of the bathroom, with Derpy looking at him with confusion and curiosity.

“Huh?” she said.

Then the bathroom scene cuts away towards the front of the mansion, as the mansion garage doors open up. And once they were fully open, Silver and Derpy rode out of the garage on Silver’s motorcycle; and both wearing helmets for safety. The two drove towards the mansion gates, as they automatically opened to allow the two to leave the estate and soon they sped off on the open road.

Derpy let out an excited cheer as she held tightly around Silver’s waist and felt the wind brush against her.

But of course, one thought puzzled her mind.

“Wait?! Who’s gonna take my lil’ Dinky to school?!” She panicked, like any mother would.

But Silver soon assures her. “Oh don’t worry, my parents and Bristle are taking care of that. In fact, they’re gonna give the lil’ muffin princess a ‘royal escort’.” He proclaimed.

"Really? Oh, that's so nice of them!" Derpy replied.

And Derpy's worries would be casted aside as right now, Silver's parents and Bristle were all getting into the limo, along with little Dinky. As usual, Bristle was the driver. He made sure to open the doors for the master and mistress.

The married couple climbed in and closed one of the doors while Dinky was outside, staring at the limo in awe with her big eyes.

"Come on in, darling. It's perfectly safe and quite comfortable," Fleur invited, patting on the empty seat next to her.

"Well… okay!" Dinky said with a bright smile and a squee before getting in and closing the door.

"So, Dinky, is this your first time in a limo?" Fleur asked.

"Uh-huh," Dinky replied.

"Well then, get ready for the luxurious ride of your life, little princess," Magnus said, reaching over and patting little Dinky on the head.

"Yay!" Dinky cheered.

"Fasten your seatbelts, we're heading out right now," Bristle instructed. Everyone did as they were told and soon, the garage door opened up, along with the gate. Bristle started the engine and drove out of the house, making his way to Dinky's school.

Back again, with Camp Everfree, after everyone's eaten their fill of that delicious breakfast feast, it was now time for the camp hosts to go over the schedule for today. At the moment, everyone was gathered outside and Gloriosa and Timber were up on the podium.

"Good morning to all fellow campers. I hope you all had a wonderful breakfast and a good night's sleep, because now we're gonna start today off with some fun-filled activities we have scheduled for you today." Gloriosa said. "Starting at 10AM, we will be practicing archery and I will be supervising and making sure no one gets hurt. At 11AM, Timber will take you all on a hiking trip, so be sure to bring plenty of water in case you get thirsty."

"Then at Noon sharp, we got Arts and Crafts. Gloriosa will be hosting that and then at 1PM, we'll be having a scavenger hunt, hosted by yours truly," Timber said.

"And finally, at 3 PM, you'll be under my protection as we go canoeing in the lake and taking a little dip. Now, are y'all ready for the best camping trip ever?" Dark asked, hyping up the kids, getting them to cheer. "I can't hear you!" He riles them up and makes them cheer louder. "THAT'S what I like to hear. Now then… that'll be all for now. Feel free to do what you will until the time comes! Dismissed!"

Soon all the campers dispersed and went off to do some small activities to pass the free time they have. After they all went off to do their own things, Gloriosa approached and latched onto Dark as she looked up at him with aroused eyes.

“You truly know how to raise up everyone’s spirits, don’t ya babe.” She spoke to him.

"What can I say? I'm a free spirit. After all… I've got this, too." Dark winked.

Gloriosa gives him a smug look after hearing him using her own catchphrase. “Oh, using my own words, are ya? I don’t know if I should be flattered… or aroused?” She commented.

"You tell me… my gorgeous little wildflower," Dark whispered in her ear.

"Ugh… will you two get a room, already?" Timber commented in disgust.

"Hmmm… a room. Not a bad idea. Shall we, "rose lips?" We still have 35 minutes to spare. Think we got enough for a… quickie?" Dark asked, stroking Gloriosa's beautiful hair locks.

Gloriosa gave him a bright grin before she jumped onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

“Lead the way, big boy~” She spoke in a sultry tone.

"Heh, okay, but easy there, sweetheart… there's children among us," Dark chuckled before carrying her off to their cabin in secret, away from prying eyes.

With Timber all on his own, he sighs and leans against the wall outside the mess hall. "What did I ever do to deserve this?" he asked.

Much time has gone by during the day and at the moment, Silver and Derpy are currently at Sweet Snacks Cafe. Silver was currently unloading food supply boxes from the supply truck and carrying them into the restaurant’s storage room. He still had some ill emotions towards the storage room; especially since last time he and Derpy were locked in it by some asshole.

While the prep was never found, Silver and Derpy were thankful Aurora found them and got them out.

Anyways, after putting the last supply box into the storage room, Silver was done with his task and then he went to bid the truck driver farewell as they drove away. With that, the former ex-con heads up to the front counter of the cafe, where Mr. and Mrs.Cake were serving out food and beverages.

“Mr. And Mrs. Cake, the storage room has been fully stocked. And I made sure they are all sorted onto their proper selves.” Silver informs them.

"Thank you, Silver. We very much appreciate it," Mrs. Cake replied.

"Yes, good job, Silver. Now that you're done, we'll need you to clean up the tables that aren't in use right now," Mr. Cake instructed. “Especially table 7, someone’s child spilled a milkshake all over the table.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Cake. You can count on me.” Silver responded before he headed to the back of the cafe to get the cleaning supplies. ‘You better not hide the cleaning supplies again, Jimmy.’ He thought to himself.

After a minute of searching for the mop and the cleaning supplies, Silver then returns back up to the front of the cafe to carry out his task. As he walks through the dining area, he spots Derpy working as a waitress for the day and tending to a family of three at a table. He silently gave her a smile and a thumbs up for the good work before he got to his task.

First he started with the tables that were less messy and he sprayed and wiped them down, while also taking small trashes on the table and stuffing them in a trash bag. And once he finished with them, Silver then moves on to the table that was requested of him to clean: table 7. And upon looking at the table, there was milkshake spilling everywhere; the tabletop, the seats, and the floor.

Silver lets out an annoyed sigh as he then takes out a couple of rags and he dries up the milkshake off the tabletop and seats. Then he uses the surface cleaner spray and wipes the tabletop and seat down to remove the stickiness left behind by the milkshake. Once that was covered, he then now takes the mop and starts cleaning up the milkshake puddle on the floor.

And as he was doing that, the bell on the main doors rang as a group of 5 masked figures walked into the cafe and walked over to the serving counter of the cafe. Hearing the ring of the bell, Silver turned to look at the group and he was already sensing some bad vibes coming off these masked men.

"Oh, umm… Welcome to the Sweet Snacks Cafe, can I… get you anything?" Mrs. Cake asked, trying to keep calm.

“Yeah…” One of the masked men spoke with a gruff voice before he pulled out a pistol from his pocket and pointed it at Mrs. Cake. “... empty the register and hand over the cash!” He demanded harshly.

Soon every customer and the waiting staff in the cafe all started to panic by the hostility by the masked assailants. But before they all could flee the scene, the other masked men all pulled out their weapons; ranging from bats, pipes, and pockets knives, and they demanded everyone to sit down and not do anything rash.

"Okay, okay, just… just calm down, we'll… we'll have it ready," Mr. Cake said, quaking in his boots, trying to keep things from escalating. "Honey… I'll look after the customers… you go on and get them what they want."

"Be careful, honey," Mrs. Cake said, afraid for her husband's life.

“Stay where you are, old man!” The masked gunman scolds Mr. Cake, insisting that he doesn’t move from his spot. Then the gunman looks back at Mrs. Cake. “Now empty the register, lady!” He repeated his demands.

Mrs. Cake didn’t say anymore and proceeded to do what the thug requested.

Watching all of this, Silver held a calm and stoic expression on his face. But deep inside, like a dormant volcano, he was ready to erupt. With the mop in his hand and removing his apron as he slowly approaches the masked men; much to the silent protest and concerns from the other hostages and Derpy.

The ex-con then clears his throat, loud enough to get the thugs’ attention. And then, Silver makes some small talk with them.

“Uh, excuse me, gentlemen. But if you don’t mind, this is a cafe and not a bank. So if you’re gonna come in here, you’re gonna have to buy some food or maybe a cup of coffee. But if not, then I would have to ask you to leave the premises.” He gave his statement to the group of thugs.

"Ah, shut up! Nobody asked you, pale face. Who the hell do you think you are to tell us what to do, huh?" the goon with the gun asked.

Silver looks at the goon with the same calm expression, but unbeknownst to the group of thugs, the ex-con grips tightly onto the mop as Silver gives his answer.

"Oh me... I'm just the cleaning boy... And I'm gonna take out the trash." Silver proclaimed.

All 5 thugs looked at each other in silence before they let out a loud fit of laughter, not fazed by Silver’s threats.

“Yo, man, kill this fool!” The gunman tells one of his comrades. The thug in question raises up his bat and he quickly approaches Silver while rearing his weapon to deliver a grand slam.

But when he swung, Silver flawlessly and effortlessly shifted out of the way of the bat’s battering range, shocking the thug. Then the ex-con used his mop as a staff and delivered swift and harsh blows to the thug’s torso in a quick fashion. Then gives one to the thug’s groin, causing him to squeal in pain before Silver twirls his mop around in his hands and delivers a harsh strike to the thug’s head, knocking him to the ground and rendering him unconscious.

Everyone in the cafe was stunned and silent by the quick and brutal display that Silver made. The four remaining thugs looked at their fallen comrade before they all stared up at Silver with anger.

Silver, on the other hand, stared at them with a stoic expression, while still holding the mop in his hand.

“So… who’s next?” He asked the thugs, urging them to make their next move.

"Why you son of a bitch! I'MMA KILL YOU!!!" one of the other goons rushed at Silver recklessly to try and grab him, but Silver quickly countered by jabbing him in the stomach with the mop… using the other end. Then, he swung it upwards, slamming the mop against his chin, then knocked him out with a downward blow to the head.

Then a second goon charged forward and swung a pipe at Silver. The ex-con uses his mop to block the attack, but while the mop did its job, the pipe caused the mop to snap in half.

However, this did not phase Silver’s goal and drive. And soon he uses both halves of the broken mop as dual batons and he swiftly, and mercilessly, jabbed and beat every inch of the thug’s body. Striking at every joint in the arms and legs, and hitting at some of the pressure points in the body. And then finally Silver strikes the thug with his elbow, knocking the guy out.

The former vigilante then discarded his weapons as he stared at the two remaining thugs in front of him.

The once cocky and arrogant goons were now scared out of their wits to even go up against this mysterious man.

"W-W-Who the hell is this guy?" goon 1 asked.

"The hell should I know? He-He-He's not human!" goon 2 stuttered.

As Silver patiently waited for the either of the thugs to come at him, goon #2 soon lunges at him in fear, brandishing a knife. The two engage in close quarters combat, with the thug trying to stab Silver, but Silver was far too skilled in hand-to-hand than the low-life criminal. Silver displays his skills in both aikido and judo as he traps the thug in a wrist lock with the hand that holds the knife, and then Silver delivers quick strikes to different places on the thug’s body, striking at the body pressure points. Then he grapples the goon’s arm and uses his leg to sweep his opponent’s legs and then tosses the goon to the ground in a fluid motion. He then kneels down and swiftly strikes at the goon’s neck, causing the thug to cough violently as his airflow was nearly cut off and his neck hurt; leaving him unable to fight on.

Then Silver turns his attention towards the final thug; the goon with the gun.

"Damn it! S-S-Stay back! I… I'm warning you! I'm not fooling around here!" the last goon shouted, pointing his gun at Silver.

Silver stared at the thug with his same stoic expression as he slowly steps forward towards him in a calmly manner. Everyone in the cafe held wide-eyed and fearful expressions, wondering what was going on in Silver’s mind. Derpy on the other hand was more fearful for Silver’s life; especially when he was walking directly in the point-blank range of the thug’s gun.

"MOTHERFUCKER!!!" the goon shouted in fear, pulling the trigger. A loud bang could be heard as the bullet came hurtling out of the barrel and right at Silver. But… in that split second, he dodges the gunshot. "What?! How did…?! STAY BACK, YOU BASTARD!!!" The goon kept firing off more rounds and Silver dodged every single one of them.

But… when the goon shot the last bullet in his mag, Silver didn't dodge it. The goon flashed a toothy grin, thinking this was it. But Silver was too fast and instead, caught the last bullet in his hand, then showed it to the man.

“Sorry… Was that supposed to kill me?” Silver asked in a taunting manner.

The goon stood where he was speechless and horrified beyond his limits. And he wasn’t the only one, the Cakes, as well as Derpy and the customers were beyond shocked. How is it that this one man was able to dodge all those bullets from up close and catch the final one with just his hand? Where did he even learn to fight like that?

Before the thug could have time to get the hell out of there, Silver swiftly decks him in the nose and then grabs his head and slams it onto the serving counter; knocking him unconscious along with the rest of his buddies.

After the one-sided brawl, Silver turns his attention towards the Cakes, his co-workers, and the customers; who all stare at him with dumbfounded expressions.

"Alrighty then… I'll go ahead and call the cops while I'm at it," Silver said. “Oh, and sorry about the mess, Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” He also stated before he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone and dials 911 while also exiting out of the cafe to await for the cops when they arrive.

Back at Camp Everfree, Gloriosa was watching and teaching everyone how to work their bow and arrow. So far, only a small handful of people were able to get it down right.

"Alright, here is what I want you all to do. Those who haven't hit the target yet, follow my lead. Hold onto the bow as tightly as you can with one hand, then as you pull back on the string with your arrow, make sure not to pull back too far or you'll snap the string off or let loose a stray arrow. Once you've gotten it pulled back enough, keep one eye open when you're about to make the shot." she instructed.

The campers each did as instructed, some aiming high, some aiming low, some to the left… some to the right. When they think they've got a good shot, they release their arrows and… this time, some actually hit the inner and outer circles. But so far, only one managed to hit the bullseye and that was a 10 year old boy.

"Well… that was pretty impressive, all of you." Gloriosa said cheerfully. "Now then… who's ready to try it again?"

Soon her question was responded with the campers repeatedly chanting: “Me! Me! Me!” Their excitement brought glee to Gloriosa.

While the archery activity continued, working nearby, Dark is chopping some firewood for the campfire ceremony tonight. He’s so far chopped up a decent pile of firewood for an hour. You think it would have tired the guy out. Wrong! The guy easily chopped through the wood like butter, and he wasn’t tired at all; well besides sweating a bit. Hey, it was a hot summer.

And as he was about to finish up with the last bit of logs, he heard something in the distance. The sound of an engine… no, two engines roaring, getting closer… and closer. "Who the hell could that be?" Dark asked, putting his axe down to check it out. The lemon-colored hulk followed the sound and stumbled upon something that really grinded his gears.

Two rotten motorcyclists had arrived at the camp, uninvited and were tearing it up by doing donut wheelies on their motorbikes. They were knocking over people's stuff, their drink coolers, destroying their tents, wrecking everything and they were cheering about it.

"Oy vey… guess more ugly spawns are tearing up this peaceful world." Dark said, shaking his head disapprovingly. He sighs. "Oh well, guess I'd better clean up this mess." Dark walks over to the two hooligans, quickly getting their attention. "Hey! This ain't no motorcycle playground, so get those hunks o' junks off this property." he called out.

"Why don't you try and make us, "she-man!" said the first motorcycle goon.

"She-man, huh? Them's fightin' words," Dark grinned, cracking his knuckles. He got up closer to the goon who insulted him and as he was inches away, he shoved him off his bike in a split second and grabbed the motorcycle by the handles. "Let's see if your ugly little toy… can FLY!!!" Dark swung the motorcycle around in a big circle, building up speed and momentum before throwing it back onto the pavement, away from the camp.

That was enough to get the other goon to stop and the two got angry. "Hey! Who the fuck do you think you are, coming out here to ruin our fun, you stupid fucking turd log!?" one of them demanded, glaring daggers at this demon in human skin.

"Who am I, you ask? Easy, I'll tell you…" Dark then grabs both goons by the head, gripping their hair locks tight, making them flail as he lifts them off the ground. "I'm just a humble wood cutter and chef of this fine camp."

Just then, he slammed one of them to the ground, then punched the other in the gut before throwing him at his motorcycle, knocking it and the goon over. And to add salt to injury, he stepped on one of their legs, making them scream like a bitch.

"Now then… I suggest that you two vamoose, or would you prefer a trip to…" there's a long pause and what they see in Dark's eyes… was the look of a psychotic monster as he grinned menacingly like a demon and finished with "...THE CHOP SHOP?!"

The two goons screamed like bitches and ran off, taking their motorbikes with them, never to be seen again. Now that the ugly has left the premise, Dark got to work on fixing up the campers' tents and anything else that was tampered with.

As he was doing this, Timber came out from the bathroom and came outside, only to find the camp was a mess.

"Wha… Dark, what happened here?!" Timber asked.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing, just some ugly anarchist-wannabes tearing up the camp. Luckily, I made them leave after I made my point across." Dark said calmly with a wink.

"You… didn't kill them, or hurt them, did you?" Timber asked skeptically.

"Who, me? Nah, they're still alive. Besides, I didn't hurt them…" Dark replied. '...Much,' he thought to himself.

Soon Dark feels something thug on his pants which causes him to look down and he sees one of the younger campers; a 5-year old girl, who looks straight up at him with her arms extended upwards to him as well.

“Can I have upsies, Mr. Dark?” She asked politely.

"You most certainly can, little missy," Dark says, bending down to her eye level before picking her up and having her ride on his shoulders. "You like the view from up there?"

“YAY!” The little girl cheered loudly, which was the answer Dark needed to hear.

"Yeah, that's right. Feel the wind and be free!" Dark exclaimed as he ran around, keeping the girl steady on his shoulders. She giggled and cheered, enjoying the piggyback ride.

Gloriosa watched the two from afar and a warm smile formed on her face as she enjoyed seeing Dark so kind and funny with the kids.

Gloriosa sighed happily as she had thoughts in head, like: ‘He’s gonna be a great dad someday.’

Once again, back at the restaurant, after calling them, the police had arrived and they soon took the thugs out of the restaurant in handcuffs. A couple of the officers discussed with the Cakes about the men that tried to rob them and if they knew them. Mr and Mrs Cake both confessed that they do not know these men at all.

As this was going on, Silver was going back to his cleaning duties that he left unfinished, as well as cleaning the mess… and bits of blood, that was caused in his brief brawl. While Derpy, along with the waiting staff, was tending to the customers in the cafe who were traumatized by the attempted robbery.

As soon as Silver had finished his task, he grabbed the cleaning supplies and was about to head into the back to put them away, but on the way, he accidentally bumped into someone, causing him to drop the cleaning supplies onto the floor.

“Gah! Sorry about thaaaaaaat…” Silver looked up to the person he bumped into and was about to apologize, until he immediately recognized who he had just bumped into. “... Oh shit.” he remarked.

"Silver Scorpion… what a small world," said Officer Shining Armor. Yup, the man standing before him was none other than Twilight's brother himself… the same man who arrested Silver 7 years ago. And even now, he's not too happy to see Silver after all this time.

Silver tried to force a calm and enthusiastic expression; which failed, as he stared at the cop in front of him.

“Officer Shining Armor… haha… been a while.” Silver responded, with a forced friendly tone of voice.

“It's Detective now, I got promoted 3 years ago. It was a well-earned honor to receive; especially after I arrested you.” Shining responded.

“Ha Ha Ha… You didn’t arrest me. I turned myself in.” Silver exclaimed.

“But I was the one who put you in cuffs. So it counts.” Shining responded. "You'd better be staying out of trouble after these past 7 years. I won't hesitate to throw you back behind bars and throw away the key if more dead bodies turn up. Criminals or not."

“Hey! I have left that life behind a long time ago! I’m now trying to make an honest living as a worker of this fine establishment.” Silver proclaimed, while questioning to the whole restaurant.

“And yet, we have eyewitnesses from the customers and the working staff that you brutally assaulted these men.” Shining retorted.

“Hey! They were gonna hurt somebody! Besides, I politely asked them to leave, but they refused to cooperate. And besides… None of them got hurt.” Silver stated.

Suddenly, the group of crooks groaned from the pain they felt from the young Ronin. Shining Armor glared at Silver, arms folded, not believing him for a second.

"None of them got hurt, huh?" he asked skeptically.

Silver gave an embarrassed and innocent look. “Okaaaaay… So maybe I bruised them up a bit, but they’ll live.” Silver commented.

"Hmph… you're lucky none of the eyewitnesses were injured and it was all in self-defense, otherwise, you'd be joining these guys in the slammer." Shining said begrudgingly.

“Well good luck trying to find a way to get me back in that hellhole. Cause I have no plans going back.” Silver responded, begrudgingly as well.

The men were in a standoff, as both stared at each other with tension and bitterness towards the other. But before things could escalate further, one of the other officers approached the two.

“Captain, we have the suspects in custody and we questioned everyone in the cafe. We’re ready to head back to the station.” The officer spoke to Shining Armor.

"...Alright, let's head out, men!" Shining ordered. But then… "And one more thing, Silver… I'd better not see you anywhere near… her." he said quietly before taking his leave.

Silver’s eyes tensed when Shining mentioned ‘her’ to him. He has been trying so hard to block out those memories, and he had the audacity to bring them up again.

'Oh, you're gonna pay for that low blow, you son of a bitch.’ Silver thought to himself.

As he was having dark thoughts, he doesn’t notice Derpy sneaking up behind him and then taps onto his shoulder. Silver immediately jumps in fright and gives a brief. but a loud scream.

"Oh, sorry, Silver! I didn't mean to scare you!" Derpy said. "Is everything alright? You look like you just saw a ghost muffin or something." she tilts her head in confusion.

Silver instantly calmed his nerves as he turned to Derpy with a forced smile. “Oh it's nothing, Derpy. Just ran into an old acquaintance.” He lied.

"Oh, okay. Well, if you need anything, let me know. I'm gonna go ahead and get back to work. Today's gotten off to a pretty rocky start, hasn't it?" Derpy said.

"That's the understatement of the day," Silver replied.

Derpy nodded and skipped along to the back room, resuming her duties just as some of the customers began to leave while others stayed behind to eat.

Silver sighs to himself with distress and weariness. Today started off normal, and yet, fate decided to get excited for no reason.

‘Let's hope things don’t get any worse from here.’ Silver thought to himself, before he went back to picking up the cleaning supplies he dropped earlier and headed out to the back of the cafe.

As the two former vigilantes are going about their… uh… ‘normal’ lives. At the Canterlot City Mall, some residents of Canterlot city were doing some shopping at many of the stores in the place, or some are highschool students that stopped there to hang out with friends or eat at the food courts.

And one person had plans on spending time with someone.

Sitting on the edges of the fountain, is the daughter of Canterlot City’s #1 crime lord, Ember Dragonheart. Who has been impatiently waiting for a certain (cute) geek for an hour. She tries passing time by playing games on her phone or staring at onlookers nearby. But her thoughts were in conflict right now.

‘Ugh! What’s taking him so long?! He’s never this late. Maybe something bad happened to him again? I swear I’m this close to getting a heart attack if he gets hurt again! Or maybe he doesn’t want to hang out with me anymore… Does he?! No! That can’t be good! I can’t let that happen! I’ll even order my father’s men to kidnap him and… NO! I shouldn’t do that! But what if he does leave me?!’

Yeah. The girl is a mental wreck. Suddenly, her phone rings and it shows a picture of Thorax… blushing on that Christmas night. She quickly answers it.

"Dude, where the hell are you? I've been waiting for like an hour!" Ember said.

"I'm so… SO sorry, Ember! I ran into a bit of a snag before I left home. But I promise you, I'll be there as soon as I can! I'll be there in like… 10 minutes tops!" Thorax replied over the phone. She could even hear him breathing heavily, and also hear the fast pacing sounds of footsteps. She could tell that he was running all the way here.

While she’s a little upset at him being late, she can’t help but lightly chuckle a bit at the geek’s determination. She even found it cute…. Her eyes widened and her cheeks blushed a bit as she shook off those feelings and she immediately replied to Thorax on the phone.

“I-It's fine… Just get here safely ok!” Ember responds before hanging up on the phone and places it back in her pocket, before she then buries her face in her hands and lets out a loud groan. “Why must you alway make me feel things, Thorax?!” She said to herself.

As for the geek, who's making his way to the mall, he has in his hands, a metal briefcase. He usually likes to keep his small notebooks, pencils, math book, and all sorts of personal study items in there.

“I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!” Thorax exclaimed as he was running as fast as he could. “And I really need to cut back on my hours watching Alice in Wonderland.” he noted, realizing what he had just said a few seconds ago.

As he's making his way to the mall, Torch's men are keeping an eye on him from their hiding spots, making sure he doesn't get hurt.

"The kid's almost there, Torch. He's still in one piece." henchman #1 said into his bluetooth.

"Good, don't let him out of your sight. He's gotten hurt enough as it is." Torch replied back over the bluetooth.

The reason he had his men spy on the young man was that his daughter begged him to do it. He can clearly see how much seeing Thorax getting hurt affects her. And knowing that his daughter and the boy have a deep bond, he agreed to have his men keep an eye on him and only intervene should the boy get into any trouble.

And when he did, his daughter kept saying ‘thank you’ over and over again gleefully like a schoolgirl. Honestly, he never thought he would see Ember behave like that in a long time.

Anyway, back with our young geek; Thorax ran as fast as he could for a few minutes, with the young man feeling like his stamina was draining real fast. And eventually, he could see the Canterlot City Mall drawing near.

With as much of his limited energy left, he sprinted towards the main entrance of the mall. But as he was drawing closer to the entrance doors, two tall figures exited through the doors. Thorax immediately saw them, but he was unable to stop in time.

And soon… WHAM!!! Thorax crashed into them with enough force to cause all of them to fall to the ground. And caused Thorax to let go of his briefcase, and at the same time, one of the men also possessed a metal briefcase and dropped in the collision.

"Hey, watch it, kid!" A man said with a strong voice.

Recovering from the collision, Thorax immediately realizes the situation he’s in and he soon acts upon it.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to crash into you! I was just in a hurry to meet a very important friend of mine! I didn’t mean to cause trouble!” he proclaimed loudly.

The men in question looked like a couple of businessmen. One wore a black and white suit with a black necktie and the other wore black slacks, a red vest with a blue necktie and a long, white shirt under the vest. The one in the best had a cigarette in his mouth, but it wasn't lit.

"Just watch where you're going next time. Now if you'll excuse us, we're busy," the man in the black and white suit said, grabbing the case as they walked off.

"Gee, guess I can't blame them for being pressed for time," Thorax said, scratching the back of his head. Shrugging it off, he grabs his case and then heads off to meet up with Ember.

As he entered the mall, he headed straight towards the Canterlot Mall fountain, where Ember had stated earlier where she would be waiting for him. And as soon as he arrived at the fountain, Ember was nowhere to be seen.

Thorax looked around to see if she was close by, but she was nowhere in sight. Soon the young man sighed in defeat as a wave of disappointment fell upon him.

He took too long… and she left.

The young geek’s heart grew heavy with despair as he stumbled towards the fountain and slumped down on the edge.

“Way to go, Thorax. You kept her waiting and now she is bored of you and never wants to speak to you again. Good going, you good for nothing…” As Thorax was talking negatively about himself, he became unaware of who was approaching him.

"Hey now, don't you go sulking on me now," Ember said. Thorax jumped, startled before looking over his shoulder and finding his friend, with a tray full of food in her hands.

"Oh, there you are! Sorry, I just… I thought you left because I took too long," Thorax said.

"Come on, I'm not that heartless. If it were anybody else, it'd be a different story. But you… no, not by a long shot. You’re my favorite geek, after all.” Ember proclaimed, while holding her tray of food in one hand and using her other one to playfully punch Thorax in the shoulder.

"Heh, thanks Ember." Thorax chuckled, replying.

“Besides, I got really hungry, so I had to get something to eat. And let me tell you something, thanks to my…” Ember pauses and looks around to see if any bypassers were listening in on their conversion before she continued on. “... ‘Special inheritance’, my metabolism is through the roof. I’m constantly having a big appetite.” She commented.

“Ok… So what did you get?” Thorax asked, wandering about the big amount of food Ember has on her tray.

“Oh nothing… just a few cheeseburgers, a couple of pizza slices, large fries, 3 tacos, several chicken tenders, even some spicy jalapeno nachos, a couple of burritos, some pan fried potstickers, a sub sandwich, and… a milkshake.” She listed down all the food items she got from the food court.

Thorax stares at her, with wide eyes, in shock and disbelief. "And I thought one of my other former classmates had a big appetite, but you… you just surprised me!" Thorax said.

Ember chuckles at Thorax’s comment. “Wooooooow, Thorax. You really know what to say to a girl, do you?” she teased him.

"Oh, uh… d-d-did I say something wrong? I… I-I-I'm sorry if I offended you! I just meant that… well… oh, I don't even know what I'm trying to say." Thorax said, majorly embarrassed and somewhat ashamed.

Ember laughed hysterically at the poor young man’s stuttering response, which caused her to rub his head a little with her hand while she slowed down her laughter.

“I’m just messing with you, dude. Seriously, you need to lighten up.” Ember said, while still chuckling a little. ‘I swear you just keep getting cuter like that, Thorax…. GODDAMNIT!!!’ Her mental thoughts were at war with one other, she’s really having a hard time dealing with her conflicting emotions.

“Oh… hehe… right.” Thorax nervously chuckles as well, while feeling even more embarrassed right now. 'You can't blame me, I'm still trying to get used to your unique style of humor,' he thought to himself.

Ember rolled her eyes while smiling as she reached towards her tray of food and took a cheeseburger and offered it to Thorax. “Here, have a bite. Let's just… have a moment to enjoy each other’s company right now.” She suggested.

Thorax gladly accepted the cheeseburger from Ember, while also trying to act like he’s not flustered at all. “Y-Yeah. I like the sound of that.” He muttered just before he took a bite out of the cheeseburger, which was absolutely delicious. “Mmmmm! So good!” He commented with an excited yet adorable expression on his face.

"Hey Thorax… do you think all this food is gonna make my butt look big?" Ember asks teasingly. "I feel like I might end up breaking through the fabric." she even puts her hand on her ass to get a reaction out of the geek.

And it sure did, before she said that, Thorax took a bite of his cheeseburger. But when she said that, Thorax got totally flustered, embarrassed, and panicked all at the same time. Which resulted with him choking on the bit of cheeseburger that was still in his mouth. The poor geek coughed and gagged as he was choking. But thankfully, he was able to cough it out and took deep breaths to take in the amount of air he almost lost.

He then turns towards Ember while bearing a panicked expression on his face. “WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT WHILE I WAS EATING?!?!?” He shouted.

Ember simply laughed hysterically at the geek’s response, which Thorax wasn’t amused of.

“It's not funny!” Thorax shouted again.

“It's sort of funny.” Ember chuckled in response.

“I almost died!” Thorax exclaimed.

“By what? By shock because I said that I'll end up with a bigger ass.” Ember teased the poor geek once again.

“STOP DOING THAT!!!” Thorax protested which only made Ember laugh even more.

"Relax, it's just a little bit of harmless teasing, no need to get all bent out of shape about it." Ember said, ruffling his hair.

“Mmmph! You are so gonna pay for that!” Thorax threatened, but the way he said it made him only sound adorable.

Ember mockingly laughed in response. “I like to see you try in the future, Thorax.” She said before raising her finger and booping the geek on the nose. Thorax simply glared at Ember with his cheeks puffed up and pouty.

'I wanna go home,' he thought to himself.

"Okay, settle down, puffy cheeks. I've had my fun. So, getting back to some serious talk, I take it you bought our project?" Ember asked.

"Yeah, I did. I have the list of things for it and a blueprint for it right here in this.” Thorax proclaimed while raising up the metal briefcase in his hand.

“Huh, I was wondering about the briefcase. You’re very resourceful, Thorax.” Ember complimented him.

Thorax blushed from the comment. “Y-Yeah, well I like to keep important items in here. In fact I have a couple of college level books in here as well.” He commented.

Ember chuckled. “Wow, Thorax. We haven’t even chosen a college yet, and still you plan ahead.” she said.

“Yeah, well. I like to be prepared. And besides, with our project complete, we’ll surely be recognized by a collegeboard soon after.” He explained, with high hopes in mind. Being a part of a university or college scholarship has been a dream for Thorax since his freshman year at CHS.

"I hope you're right about that. Hey, what do you say we take a peek inside?" Ember asked.

“Mmmmm, sure why not.” Thorax responds as he then opens up the latches on the briefcase and opens it up for him and Ember to peek inside.

But inside the briefcase was something that Ember and Thorax did not expect.

“Huh?” They both said in confusion.

Meanwhile, at an abandoned steel mill within the downtown area of Canterlot City.

The two men that Thorax previously crashed into, got into a black Lexus RC F in the mall parking lot and they drove towards downtown where they would soon arrive at an abandoned steel mill that was shut down two years ago. They parked their car somewhere where no one could see it.

After parking and hiding their vehicle, the two men soon entered the rundown mill. And as soon as they venture deep within the mill, they soon come across what looks to be a black-ops type of military operation going on.

Armored vehicles in one area, weapons stashed in the other, and lots of soldiers in the factory. Speaking of the soldiers, they looked to be the very ones that attacked the military base outside of the city limits.

But the two men in suits didn’t pay no mind to the terrorists around them as they kept walking. They then reach a door and knock on it in a specific way.

"Package delivery for the boss," one of the men said. The door unlocks and the two men enter the room. In the far end of the room, was a man sitting at a table. He looked to have a huge build to him, but his face was obscured by the darkness.

"Sir, we've delivered the goods to you as promised," said the other man.

The man in the darkness remained silent for a while, with only his heavy machine-like breathing echoing in the room. "Good, now show it to me.” He spoke with a machine-like voice.

“Uhh, no offense boss. But why did you keep the package with ya instead of handing it to us for safe keeping?” The first man asked the man in the darkness.

The man in the darkness sat silently in the shadows just before he answered with: “If you have the whole world hunting you down, it is best to keep your most powerful weapon separate from you… in case you were caught. Wouldn’t you agree?” The shadow man explained.

"Right. Sorry, boss," goon 1 said.

With that out of the way, the man in the shadows got up from the table and walked towards the two men, but even when he was face to face with them, the darkness in the room hid his face from them. Then the shadow man brought his arms up to grab the case, and to the shock of his errand boys, the shadow man’s arms were not of flesh and bone, but they were bionic. Highly advanced bionic arms, that would have been near resemblance to a human arm, if it wasn’t for his claw-like metal hands.

The two men were spooked back a little, and wouldn’t drop the case but the shadowed man grabbed it before they did. He then brings it onto the table and opens the case. He looks inside, takes a pause… then slams his metal fist into the table before turning around, glaring at the two men intensely.

"Is this your idea of a joke?" the shadow man asked furiously.

"What? No, boss. We take our jobs seriously. Honest!" goon 2 replied

The man in the shadows reaches his arm into the briefcase and pulls out one of the contents inside it. And with the dim light of the room, the item is revealed to be a college biology textbook.

“THEN WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!!” The man in the darkness shouted with sheer anger.

"What the hell?!" Goon 1 asked in shock and confusion before looking at goon 2. "Dude, what's with all this half-assed college crap?! Where's the package?!"

“Hey don’t blame me! You were with me when we had the case before…” Goon 2 argued back before sudden realization dawned on him. “Oh shit! That little s.o.b switched cases on us!” He boldly claimed.

"Hold on… you're telling me our package… got switched with some stupid kid's college shit?!" goon 1 asked.

"In other words… you two lost the package we need for the mission!" the shadow man said, growing increasingly more angry. The two goons then got spooked as their boss came up close to them.

“Look, boss, we can get it ba-ACK!” The first man tried to make an excuse, but soon he found himself grabbed by the neck by the man in the shadows and raised off his feet. The boss tightened his mechanical grip on the goon’s neck, suffocating him as he did.

The second goon tries to bolt out of the room, but is stopped dead in his tracks when his torso is impaled by the clawed metal hand of the shadow man. The second goon bled excessively, while also coughing up blood from his mouth.

As the second goon squirmed for a few seconds before succumbing to his fatal wound, his body going limp and lifeless. Then by removing his claw, he lets the lifeless corpse of the goon fall to the ground.

"Men! Change of plan. Dispatch every one of our spies and reconnaissance agents, search every inch of this city for this boy.” The man in the shadows gave the order. “And should they find the boy, retrieve the case… and kill him on sight.”

Out From The Shadows

View Online

Ember and Thorax continue to look at the contents of the case. What they found instead of their project, was a set of 5 vials, each containing a type of liquid that could potentially be hazardous; heck, even the biohazard symbol on each of the vials rang serious bells in their consciousnesses.

"Uh… Thorax, what the hell are those?" Ember asked.

“I… I have no idea. But I don't feel safe with these things in my briefcase.” Thorax commented in response before he quickly shut the briefcase closed.

“Then what are those doing in your briefcase?! I mean there’s the biohazard symbol on those things, and I don’t need to be a super-smart scientist to figure out that it means ‘deadly’!” Ember whispered harshly and anxiously

“I know! I know! What should I do with it?!” Thorax replied in panic as he got up and started pacing around. “Maybe I can turn it in to the police? Oh no! That’s a bad idea! They'll think I'm a terrorist and detain me! Or what about the CSRC headquarters? No! No! This could possibly belong to them, and then they’ll call the police on me! Or what about your dad?! Oh no, he’ll kill me for sure!" The young man was clearly having a panic attack right now.

"No he won't. But what other choice do we have? Besides, you and your family are under his protection, remember?" she reminded him. "Now, stay calm while I make a call." Ember took out her cell phone and dialed her dad's number. The phone rings a couple of times before her father picks up.

"Hello?" Torch said through the phone.

"Dad, it's me. Get over here right away. It's an emergency. Thorax and I--" but before she could continue, her phone made the "hang up" sound. "He-- Hello? Dad? Are you there?" She tries dialing him again, but no dial tone. "That's odd. There's no service."

"No service? Did he forget to pay the phone bill?" Thorax asked.

"No, he has it on auto-pay. Plus my dads makes more money than anyone in this city.” Ember comments while trying to call her father again. “Ugh, must be getting a shitty connection!” She growled in annoyance.

“Let me try.” Thorax said as he pulled out his phone and tried to call a number, which was Spike’s number. But his phone was also having difficulties in connecting the call. “Huh? That’s weird.”

Meanwhile, at the abandoned steel mill, were the “Man in the Shadows” and his squad was operating.

A tech team were operating these advanced supercomputers, hacking into Canterlot City’s power grid, communication towers, satellites, via everything.

And observing this process, was the mysterious ‘shadow man’.

“Is everything set?” He demanded.

“Yes, sir. We have full control over the entire city. Every communication tower, satellite, and cell services are going dark. There will be no communication in or out of the city.” one of the tech team responded to their leader.

“Good…” The man in the shadows replied from the darkness before he then put on, what appears to be, a silhouette of a helmet.

Then the man in the shadows steps out from the darkness, revealing himself to be the man who led the siege on the military base outside the city… Scourge.

“Let's go hunting.” He said with a machine-like voice through his helmet.

Meanwhile back in the city, Silver was heading off to the mall to do a little shopping. He volunteered to make dinner for his whole family, and to give Bristle a much needed break for tonight. He thought of making something very delicious and not overly fancy. So he decided to cook some Mexican recipes for dinner.

His father and his brother were always a bunch of fools for Mexican meals. So it was something to treat the whole family with. Sadly, his brother was overseas with his friends right now, so he was gonna miss out on dinner tonight.

So far, he’s gotten most of the ingredients on the list… all except for one. Paprika.

He scoured down the spice/seasoning aisle, searching for just a single small jar of paprika.

“Why did we discover so many spices and seasonings?” Silver asked with a dull expression on his face.

"Because you can't make good grub as a one-spice-trick pony." another male voice said. Silver looked and noticed that his old partner, Dark was here. "Surprise, Samurai Jack!" he chuckled.

Silver was a bit surprised but simply scoffed in reply to not show it. “What brings you into Canterlot City?” he asked his old partner.

"Gloriosa and Timber needed me to run an errand for them. They gave me a list of stuff they needed for the camp." Dark said, showing the list. "Let's see… a bag of coal for the grill, some lighter fluid, some pancake mix for breakfast, vegetable oil and rack of ribs for tomorrow's dinner. What about you?"

"I'm gathering some ingredients for dinner. I'm trying to find the paprika, but there's so many spices, it's making my head spin." Silver replied.

"Maybe I can help." Dark said, scanning the shelves for the paprika. Both of them soon find what Silver's looking for.

"There it is!" they both say in unison.

"Well, I'm gonna go find the ribs. Tell the folks at home I said "hi." Dark said as he walked off.

“I will.” Silver replies as he bids Dark farewell before he reaches into his pocket for his phone to call his mother and let her know he’s on his way back. But when he tried to dial her number, his phone screen read: “No service”. Confused, he dials the number again, only to get the same results. “What is going on here?” he said in bewilderment.

Seeing that his phone was receiving terrible cell service, Silver decides to turn off his phone and exits the store and tries his luck outside the mall.

And as he exited out of the store and into the massive shopping center of the mall. He walked along the floors of the mall, making his way towards the exit, until two familiar faces were caught in his line of vision.

About 10-20 feet from him, he spots Ember Dragonheart, along with that young boy Thorax that he had encountered on separate occasions. Even from a distance, he could see both had panicked expressions on their faces, and their paces were cautious and quick. Something that Silver had experienced seeing from many of his victims in the past. But why were they going in such a hurry, and why did they look like they were afraid of being caught.

He then spots the metal briefcase in Thorax’s arms which piques the ex-con’s curiosity.

“Hmmmmmm…” Letting that curiosity get the better of him, Silver then decides to follow the two. Only to see what was troubling them, and hopefully, it’ll be nothing and he can be home on time to make dinner.

While having Silver now secretly following them, Thorax and Ember quickly and cautiously exit out of the main doors of the mall and make their way through downtown Canterlot.

"It's no use! None of our family and friends are picking up! How are we supposed to get rid of this stuff now?" Thorax asked, having a serious breakdown.

“Will you just calm down, you’re gonna have a heart attack.” Ember scolded the young geek, mostly out of concern for his mental health. “Let's just stay calm and act normally, until we find a way to get rid of this briefcase.” She whispers to him.

“Ok… Ok…” Thorax takes deep breaths to calm his nerves. “I can do that.” And with that, he manages to calm himself down and the two of them try to act casually as they walk along the crowd of people on the sidewalks of the city.

If all goes well for the two, Thorax and Ember just might make it back to her dad's hideout. Maybe he'll have some answers as to what the stuff is or perhaps how to dispose of it properly without hurting anyone.

However, as they were walking, Ember then experiences her dragon senses acting up. In her sessions with Aurora, the young dragon warrior-in-secret trained to hone in on her 6 dragon senses; sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch, and her ability to sense danger. And she learned that her dragon senses were far superior than her human senses.

Anyway, back on topic, her sixth sense ranged in her head, sensing that there was imminent danger nearby. And then her superior dragon hearing starts picking up on something.

She could hear a person’s voice, more like a person whispering. And she could hear a second voice, though it sounded like it came from an earpiece.

And in the conversation, she heard:

“I got eyes on the target. He’s accompanied by a young woman.”

“Good. Retrieve the case… kill them both.”

Ember's eyes widened. She's not sure where the assailants might be, but she's not gonna let them off her or her friend. "Thorax, keep quiet and hold on tight," she whispered into his ear.

Before the geek could reply, she grabbed him and hung him over her shoulder and bolted outta there like there was no tomorrow. She still kept her eyes and ears peeled for whoever might be targeting them. She can hear them speaking right now.

Behind the two, one of Scourge’s spies trailed behind them, and was about ready to silently take them out until he saw Ember pick up Thorax and bolted.

“Targets on the move, I repeat. Targets on the move.” He spoke into the mic on his earpiece. “All units, converge and pursue.”

As for Ember, the young lady did not slow her pace. She ran as fast as she could, trying to lose the mysterious people following them. Thorax held onto her tightly, while screaming in panic. His weight and the weight of the briefcase, did not bother her; benefits of having dragon strength. The two ran for a bit until they arrived at a crossroad in the city streets. She could have transformed into her dragon form and flew away from the area, but they were out in public, which was too risky.

But it was also the same way they could be safe.

Because whoever was pursuing them, they wouldn’t dare to show themselves in a public area. Right?

Unfortunately, for these two, they're gonna find out the hard way that whoever's after them… is willing to do whatever it takes to take back the case. Even if it means… massacring countless innocent lives.

As two black vans drove around the corner and parked in the middle of the street, causing a massive roadblock and traffic. Then swiftly, the side doors of the vans opened up and several heavily armed masked individuals jumped out of the vehicles.

And without warning, they opened fire on Thorax and Ember, who the latter quickly got the both of them to cover behind a parked car along the sidewalk; however, the pedestrians that were caught in the crossfire… weren’t so lucky.

As they took cover from the barrage of bullets, Thorax was clutching onto the briefcase in his hands and hyperventilating as he was close to having a panic attack.

“WHY ARE THEY SHOOTING AT US?!?!?!” He shouted in panic and fear.

"I DUNNO, BUT WE'RE NOT STICKING AROUND TO FIND OUT WHY!" Ember shouted back, getting up from their position and picked up the pace.

This prompts the terrorists to return back into the vans, as one of them orders the driver to follow them. And without any thought, the two vans sped down the streets following behind their two intended targets.

Then the squad leader of the kill squad got on the radio with their CO.

“Sir, targets are heading southeast along the downtown area. We’re in pursuit.” He spoke into the walkie talkie.

“Don’t let them out of your sight! Retrieving the case is your top priority.” Scourge’s voice responded on the other end.

"10-4, we'll continue our pursuit." The Squad leader replied.

After receiving the report from his striketeam, Scourge then broadcast to all of his other cells in the area.

“Attention all units, targets in the southeast sector of the city. Converge and surround them. Ensure they do not leave the city!” He sent his message out across the city to all his followers before placing the walkie talkie away.

He then exits out of the tent where the tech team were at work tracking down their targets, and walks all the way out of the abandoned steel mill.

And awaiting outside for him were a couple of SUVs, a few armored cars, and several black dodge challengers. And over 50 gunmen at his command.

“Sometimes, when you want a job done right… you do it yourself.” He mutters to himself.

Meanwhile, with Ember and Thorax, the former tried her best to evade their pursuers, while having to carry Thorax on her back all the way. But everytime they thought they lost them, another van or a group of them would show up out of nowhere.

"Ugh! Damn it, these guys are getting so annoying! Just wait a little longer, Thorax, we're almost at my dad's hideout!" Ember said.

“I sure hope so!” Thorax replied back.

They soon turn a corner and enter an alleyway, where they are soon met with three terrorists waiting for them. Ember tries to turn back but the way they came in was blocked off by one of the terrorists’ vans parking right in front of it. Then three more gunmen exited the van and aimed their weapons at the two.

"Uh, Ember… I think we're trapped!" Thorax said in a shaky, terrified voice.

“Yeah… seems so.” Ember replied, while also starting to become scared for their lives.

But before the terrorists could open fire, two of them were ensnared by the neck, by white-glowing chains, out of nowhere and then were pulled up from their feets and slammed into the walls of the alleyway.

Confused by this, the terrorists became alarmed. But they didn’t have time to process what had happened as the one who attacked their men jumped down from a fire escape in the alleyway.

And he was revealed to be Silver Scorpion.

Before the terrorists could pull the trigger, Silver conjures a spear chain with his chi in one hand and he launches at one of the gunmen, impaling him instantly. And with the other hand, he pulls out his concealed tantō blade from his jacket and throws it dead center into the one of the other gunmen’s neck.

The two last remaining terrorists tried to shoot at their attacker, but Silver swiftly conjures two long chains with his chi and he quickly disarms the gunmen by taking away their guns.

"Not in my town," Silver said in a cold, deep tone. The ronin rushes at the two unarmed terrorists and leaps over them just as they try grabbing him. But as he gets closer to the ground, Silver does a double spin kick to their face.

They grunt from the heavy blow and stagger a bit. Silver then delivers a roundhouse kick to one of them, followed by an uppercut and a severe punch to the heart, stunning the man as he plummets to the ground. Silver then grabs the other guy by the head and knee kicks him in the face, drawing blood.

The poor sap doesn't have time to react. Silver then leaps up, wraps his legs around the guy's neck, then backflips and slams the guy face first into the ground, knocking him out.

After having neutralized the threats, Silver gets up and he turns towards Ember and Thorax, who both stare at him with bewilderment.

“You two… Have some explaining to do.” He spoke to the two.

“Uh, we wish we could, but we’re just as clueless as you. But thanks for saving us.” Thorax responded first, in a polite manner.

“We don’t know who the hell these assholes are! All we know is that they’re trying to kill us for this briefcase!” Ember exclaimed while Thorax held up the briefcase to prove her point.

“What’s even in it?!” Silver asked while he retrieved back his tantō blade from the necks of one of the dead terrorists.

“We’re not sure, but the label in the case said it's biohazardous.” Thorax answered.

“Look, we just need to get to my father’s place. He can protect me and Thorax for the ti–” Ember tries to explain her plan, but Silver interrupts her.

“You can’t. I know where your father’s safehouse is, and it's too far. And besides, I watched how these men chased you two down. They’ll just follow you back there and you’ll end up trapping yourselves.” Silver counterclaimed about the severeness of their situation.

Both Thorax and Ember shared expressions of worry and shock.

“So what do we do?” Thorax asked.

“I can help find someplace to hide in the city. And hopefully, buy you two times to figure out what your next step is.” Silver stated.

“Wait? You’re helping us. Why?” Ember asked with suspicion.

“Cause I also want to know what the hell is going on in this town. And until I find out what that is, I’m gonna keep an eye on you two.” Silver proclaimed.

"O-Okay then," Thorax said, still shaken up from their chase. "So where are we supposed to hide for the time being? No matter where we go, they show up at every corner?"

“Well from the looks of it, they’re all over the south east area looking for you two, meaning they won't be searching for you on the northside. We’ll head there, find a place to lay low for a bit. How does that sound?” Silver explained his 5-second plan to the two as he walked ahead.

“Works for me, I’m tired of running and my legs are starting to ache.” Ember quickly agreed to the plan as she followed behind Silver.

“Uh, I can get down if you like.” Thorax proposed since he was on Ember’s back the whole time.

“Nope. Not letting you out of my sight.” Ember responded to him quickly.

Once the three had exited the alleyway, they kept to the sidewalks for as long as time could spare them, blending in with the crowd until they could find some other path to take that’ll keep them hidden from view.

But luck was not on their side as a group of black cars and armored vehicles popped up around every corner of the area, blocking off every street and sidewalk, causing heavy traffic to form and leaving nowhere for the trio to run.

"It's no use, these bozos are blocking our exits. How the hell are we supposed to lay low if we're trapped like sitting ducks?" Ember asked.

“Do you always have to have an attitude!?” Silver asked in response, starting to grow tired of hearing her bickering.

“But she does have an excellent point.” Thorax added.

“Shut up!” Silver replied.

Before their conversation could go further, the terrorists got out of their vehicles and aimed their weapons at the three, ready to shoot and kill.

"Uh… I don't suppose you have a plan to get us out of here?" Thorax asked, covering his face.

Silver looks up at the geek before looking out to the small army of gunmen that were about to mow them down. And as quickly as he could, he came up with a small idea.

“Yeah… Brace yourselves.” He stated.

And in a split second, Silver raised his hand up and then slammed it onto the ground, and in doing so, he unleashed a massive shockwave of his chi energy, which caused the terrorists, and some nearby vehicles caught in the epicenter, to be blown back and pushed off their feets. Most were knocked to the ground while a few were slammed into cars or nearby buildings.

As the terrorists were getting up from the attack, Silver then used his chi to conjure himself a chi bow construct and he began firing chi energy arrows at the terrorists before they could even raise their guns.

“Get to cover, I’ll keep them busy!” He instructed both Thorax and Ember while he continued to fire at their enemy.

The two did as they were instructed and took cover somewhere. Now, Silver doesn't have to worry about holding back, he channels more of his chi into his arrows and fires them at the terrorists.

Upon contact, the arrows exploded, causing few of the terrorists to be either killed by the force of it, or pushed back by the shockwave alone.

Thorax and Ember watched from a safe spot, their jaws dropped to the floor.

“Whoa.” Was all Thorax could say.

And while they were distracted for a bit, two terrorists that weren’t caught in the crossfire of Silver’s attacks made their way around the battle zone and were sneaking up behind the two.

Just then, Ember's dragon senses warned her of the impending danger. Even though she's on guard, she's unaware of where it's gonna come from.

The two goons draw closer, ready to take them out. But… little did they realize, an even more powerful, more dangerous presence loomed over them from behind. They turn around to see who it was, but are each grabbed by the face with one hand.

"We don't welcome your kind in our city. So go back to hell where you belong…" A deep, dark, sinister voice said. That voice belonged to none other… than Dark Renegade. Suddenly, the two goons are pulled away and slammed into the ground hard. He removes their protective head gear and throws their guns to the side.

He pinned one of the goons down using one foot and then grabbed the other goon by the legs and with his incredible strength, hauled him up in the air, never letting go and then slammed him face first into the pavement. And he does it again… and again… and again.

But the scary thing about this… was that Dark had that sinister grin as he enjoyed torturing his prey to death. The goon who was pinned down watched in horror. He thought his own boss was scary, but this… this man was like death in human skin.

Ember and Thorax watched how Dark brutally slaughtered the two gunmen, with the geek looking pale and feeling nauseated, while Ember was used to seeing violence; but not this kind of level.

After setting down the first dead goon, he grinned down at the one he had pinned. "Time for you to go hooooome~~~" Dark sang that last word in a creepy tone. He grabs him by the neck and lifts him up and walks over to a wall. And what he does next… no one can stomach it.

He turns the guy to face the wall and then slams him into it and skids his face across it left and right, making him scream in agony as pieces of his skin were being peeled off and blood was dripping out fast. He skids his face faster, painting the wall red with his blood. The good kept screaming from the pain until… silence.

All that remained of the goon's face was a barely visible bloody skull and Dark dropped his corpse before stomping on his head hard a few times until he heard a cracking sound.

"And don't come back." he said in a menacing tone. Now that he's taken out the trash, he throws his head up to take a deep breath and calm down. Little does he suspect, he's let his guard down and a 3rd goon is about to take aim at Dark.

Ember quickly spots him and she immediately tries to warn Dark.

“Look out!” She shouted while raising up her arm to point at the terrorists, but she unexpectedly used her fire elemental magic and a fireball shot out from the palm of her hand.

Dark thought it was aiming at him, so he quickly got out of the way… but the gunmen behind him were not as lucky.

Upon impact, the goon was completely covered in flame; burning through his kevlar gear, clothes, flesh and bones in mere seconds. The terrorists let out agonizing screams before they soon died out when he was finally reduced to ashes.

The three ‘rebels’ stood there profoundly and shocked by what they had just witnessed before their eyes. Especially Ember herself.

“D-Did you just… shoot a fireball?” Thorax asked the young tsundere.

"I… I dunno, I… I guess." Ember said, surprised.

“A-And th-that guy…” Thorax wanted to ask a second question, but didn’t have the stomach to say it.

"Dead… for all I know," Ember said, inspecting the extra crispy corpse.

"Well, you sure saved my bacon, Ms. Street Fighter," Dark remarked.

"The fuck did you just call me?" Ember sassed.

“Uh guys.” Thorax spoke out to get their attention.

“What?!” Both Ember and Dark responded as they turned to face the geek.

Thorax then points his hand out to the street, which prompts Ember and Dark to look where he was pointing. And they soon see what he was seeing; a large group of terrorists all aiming their guns at them.

Soon both Ember and Dark bore puzzled expressions as only one word uttered from their mouths.

“Huh…”

In a close second, all three of them got back to cover as the terrorists began to open fire on them.

"So, those heavily armed fuckheads think they can take our town, huh? Well,I think it's time they got a serious wake-up call." Dark's evil grin returns and his hair suddenly gets all feathered out and wild.

“No! They’re trying to kill me and Thorax!” Ember corrected him.

“Which, even though it's a bad time to say it, but this is the most popular I've ever been in my life!” Thorax added.

"Why do you say that, kid?" Dark asked. "And what's with the beefy briefcase?"

“It contains vials of some kind of biohazardous… stuff.” Thorax explained to the best of his ability, but then yelped when the glass windows of the car they were behind, shattered by the onslaught of bullets.

"Ooh, those cowards are ticking me off," Dark's eye twitched as he said that. Just then, he spots two guns resting by the two goons he killed. Both were MP5A3s. As if his demonic grin couldn't get any creepier, you'd think he was mimicking a demonic Grinchy grin.

"Ooooh, dickshiiiiits~~~" he sang, picking up the guns. And then… all hell broke loose. Dark lept out of nowhere, opening fire with accurate precision, shooting down his foes as he charged in, screaming one word. "BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!"

What followed after that was a heart-stopping, maniacal cackle, even more bone chilling than the Joker's and Flowey's.

Thorax could only cling to Ember, shaking like a leaf. "He's a real nut job, but… I am so glad he's on our side." he said.

“Trust me. That’s not the best thing either.” Ember remarked while holding onto Thorax.

While Dark engages with some of the terrorists on his side, Silver, on the other hand, continues to fend off the terrorists that were on his side of the battlefield.

He fired a couple of chi arrows, before he quickly changed his tactics to close-quarters combat, taking out his tantō blade to engage his foes.

The terrorists were too slow to fire their weapons as Silver quickly mowed them down with ease. Slicing their necks and using a combo of judo and aikido to incapacitate them.

Guess the motto; ‘never bring a knife to a gunfight’, does not apply to him in any form at all.

"Who the hell are these men?" Silver asked himself. ‘What the hell do they wa–’ He wondered in his mind before it was interrupted when a grenade came out of nowhere, missed him by a few feet, but made contact with the wall directly behind Silver and explode upon impact. Causing the rōnin to be pushed forward and flung 2 feet into the air before crashing into a nearby car.

Fortunately, Silver barely survived the explosion, but his whole body ached and his ears ranged for several minutes. His vision was blurry and woozy for a bit.

Then, out from the smoke of the fires in the area, Silver could see a tall figure slowly approach him. The smoke covered the figure for a while, but the more he walked forward, his appearance was soon revealed.

From Silver’s perspective, the mysterious man in front of him was armored head-to-torso with some kind of advanced titanium alloy, and the visors of his helmet glowed bright red. Then Silver soon spots something in the mysterious figure’s hands; which was a Milkor MGL grenade launcher.

“What the?” Silver muttered while groggily got back up on his feet.

Upon seeing this, the masked assailant then tosses aside the grenade launcher as he never diverted his gaze away from the young ronin.

And then, he finally spoke.

“Silver Scorpion… we meet again at last.” The man spoke with a machine-like, raspy voice.

Silver is soon confused by the armored man’s words. “You know who I am?” He asked.

“Oh I know everything about you.” The armored man replied.

“Who the hell are you?” Silver demanded to know foe’s identity, for he was confused as to what his words meant.

The armored man's mechanical breathing could be heard through his mask and then he finally gave an answer.

“I… am the Scourge of this world…and your death.” Scourge said with such sinister malice and pride in his words.

“Alright, I had enough of this.” Silver exclaimed as he prepared to attack his foe.

But unbeknownst to Silver, underneath Scourge’s mask and through his eyes, the terrorist leader was scanning Silver’s entire body, and making quick analysis and numbers on what Silver’s attack would be, how strong it would be, the speed, the precision, all being decoded before his very eyes. All before Silver could even begin to deliver the first blow.

And with all that, Scourge deflected and parried all of Silver’s punches, surprisingly with superhuman precision and reflexes. Silver then tries to deliver kicks and pressure point attacks, but Scourge deflects those as well.

Then the terrorist leader starts going on the offense, delivering a sharp jab right into Silver’s face, then landing quick and brutal blows into his body, pushing and stumbling the ronin back more and more. Scourge then delivers a knee kick to Silver’s gut and then backhanded him across the face.

And for the finale, Scourge then grabs the back collar of Silver’s jacket, and then with superhuman strength, he lifts the ronin up into the air like he weighed nothing and then slammed him onto the hood of a car; making a human sized dent in it.

“You’re getting slow and soft, Silver. As expected of you.” Scourge harshly comments.

"GET OFF OF HIM!!!" Dark shouted, rushing in with a wild right punch. Scourge, however, sees this coming and jumps out of the way, but gives Dark enough time to grab his injured partner. "Silver! Oh no!" he exclaimed, checking his condition.

Scourge then analyzed Dark's patterns, just like he did with Silver. "Well, well, well. It's not nice to see you too, Dark Renegade. It seems you've had quite a warm-up around here."

Dark gave Scourge the death glare of the Devil, but it doesn't seem to faze him. "Yes… I remember that look."

"You'll get more than a look from me, you son of a bitch. Nobody… and I mean NOBODY… roughs up my pal!" Dark said. In his fueled rage, he rushed at his armored foe. He goes in for a full-bodied tackle, but Scourge uses his momentum by grabbing him by the head, throwing him overhead and slamming him onto the other side.

Dark gets up, but Scourge knocks him back down with a punch. This only infuriated Dark more as he glared up at the man, his face all bloodied from the impact and spits out a piece of concrete, growling.

"I'm sorry," Scourge shrugs, while speaking in a mocking tone.

Dark shouts in anger, grabbing the metal menace, rolling along the ground, trying to crush him and bash his metal body in, but attacks keep getting blocked or countered with punches to his face, making his vision blurry.

Scourge then kicks off the raging behemoth just as Dark rushes in again, Scourge bashes him in the gut, making him cough up blood. Following it up, Dark is grabbed by the legs and spun around in a circle a few times before he gets hammer-thrown straight into one of the cars. The impact was so hard, he even tipped the car half-way before collapsing to the ground.

The once infamous Massacre Phantom… was beaten at his own game.

Scourge lets out sinister laughter as he reveals in his work, as he observes the beaten and bloodied figures of Dark and Silver.

“You… have no idea how long I wanted to do this. To watch you both be so pathetic, so broken, so… defeated.” Scourge spoke so carefree and sadistically. Before pulling out his pistol from his holster and caressing it. “However… I’m afraid I won’t get to experience this feeling longer than I wished too.”

But before Scourge could raise the gun at the heads of the two former vigilantes… “STOP!!!” He heard a loud voice in the area, which caused him to turn his head and see Thorax standing 7-feet behind him; but what most caught Scourge’s full attention was the briefcase in his hands.

The geek soon realizes his mistake and immediately he fears for his life. “Uh oh.” he said. Then seconds later, Ember quickly rushes in to shield Thorax from Scourge, while putting up a glaring expression towards the terrorist leader.

"Uh-oh is right, kid. I should thank you for keeping my belongings safe. However…" Scourge then took aim at the defenseless school boy. "I'm afraid you've outlived your usefulness. So sad you won't make it to college." Just as he's about to fire, a bolt of lightning strikes right in front of him, making him back away.

Even Thorax is surprised by this.

“What is happening?!” He asked, hysterically.

But as for Ember; she could clearly recognize who’s handiwork this belonged to. The bolt of lightning kept going for a while, until it vanishes as quickly as it came.

And standing dead center where it struck, stood a very pissed off eight foot tall dragon goddess.

"Am I ever glad to see her again," Ember commented.

"Well, now. This is new.” Scourge commented, for this truly is something he’s never come across or even seen before.

"How dare you cause so much pain and death to these good people. Not only that… you dare to lay your hands on my beloved! Your hands have been stained with his and countless other innocent's blood. NOW YOU SHALL FEEL THE WRATH OF A GODDESS!!!" Aurora exclaimed. As she floated into the air, her powers intensified and she flapped her dragon wings, sending dual hurricanes at him while shooting lightning strikes at him.

Scourge quickly evades and gets to cover from the barrage of lightning and storms. However, his men, the ones that had survived battling Dark and Silver, weren’t so lucky as a few were incinerated by the lightning while most were swept up by the small hurricanes. Even some cars, streetlights, trashcans, and everything in the area were being completely annihilated.

Even when he got to cover, Scourge would soon find himself being swept up by the hurricanes that Aurora produced, even getting grazed in the shoulder by a rogue lightning bolt, which nearly fried his cybernetic enhancements. And soon he finds himself being flung around and then sent flying into a window of a nearby office building.

"Your suffering has only just begun!" Aurora exclaimed. But things were about to go south as Aurora's wrath was causing a massive tornado to form from up high above the city. As if things weren't bad enough, the earth began shaking beneath Thorax and Ember's feet.

"This isn't good! AURORA, STOP! YOU'RE GONNA DESTROY THE CITY!" Ember shouted.

But her words fell deaf on Aurora’s ears. The dragon goddess wanted blood. She wanted vengeance. And she doesn’t care if she has to wipe out this whole city to– *GROAN*

Soon her attention is drawn to her bloodied, beaten lover; who she had just heard let out a groan of pain, which tells her that he was still clinging onto life. And it was more than enough to calm her rage and her bloodthirsty instincts switch to her instinct to protect and preserve her mate’s life.

"Silver!" the goddess cried out, flying down at her injured mate.

Even with his swollen bruised eyes and the blood running down his forehead, Silver could still catch a glimpse of Aurora approaching and soon hovering above his beaten body. He struggled to raise his arm up to the dragon goddess, with his fingers barely touching her cheeks.

“A-Aurora…” Was all he could mutter before he fell unconscious from the amount of pain he was in. Though thankfully, the dragon goddess could tell by his chest rising up and down, showing that he was breathing; but it was barely.

Without wasting any time, Aurora cradles Silver into her arms as gently as she could. Then she hovers over to the beaten body of Dark Renegade and wraps her long tail around his waist and lifts him up from the car he was in.

And with the two in her possession, Aurora immediately took off into the air and flew out to the outskirts of the city.

Seeing her mentor leaving with the two former vigilantes, Ember decides to follow them and she quickly transforms into her seven foot tall dragon form.

“Come on, Thorax. Let's go.” She said before picking up the geek with her arms and held him close to her body.

Blushing red from how close they were, Thorax soon asked: “Uh what do you meAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN”

Before Thorax could even finish, Ember quickly took off into the air, with her companion in her arms as they followed behind Aurora and headed out towards the outskirts of the city.

After the group had left the area, Scourge emerges from the building that he crashed into and he looks up at the two dragonesses flying into the distance, carrying both his enemies and his prize further from his reach.

Even with his mash hiding his face, you could feel the aura of rage and bitterness coming from the terrorist leader as sounds of mechanically grunting and growling could be heard.

“You want a war then… Have it your way.” He snarled.

An hour later.

After having blacked out after his beatdown from Scourge, Silver was suspended in the total darkness of his mind, feeling like he was drowning in a deep, dark ocean that was his consciousness.

And as he laid emotionless, he could hear a faint familiar voice calling to him from the darkness.

"..lver… Silver… please, wake up," said a distant voice.

Upon hearing that voice, Silver struggles to squint his eyes open. While opening his eyelids slightly, a bright light shined from the darkness and engulfed his whole body.

“Silver!” He hears that voice again, but this time louder.

And this prompts Silver to open his eyes wide very quickly. When he has awoken back to the land of the living, Silver is greeted with the sight of Aurora hovering on top of him.

"Oh, thank the stars, you're alright. I was so worried about you! I thought that metal man had done you in!" Aurora cried out as she hugged him.

“Welcome back to the living, pal.” Silver hears the voice of Dark across from him.

The ronin looked over to his right, and sitting against a concrete beam was Dark Renegade, who looked to be fully healed, like he hadn’t suffered a scratch. However, his facial expression held none of his usual quippy personality that Silver remembered him having back at the Canterlot Mall.

No… Dark had his eyes hidden by his messy bangs. His smile was gone, his hair still messy and wild. There's a calm angry aura around him and Silver can already tell why. Losing that badly against this mysterious enemy really nipped at his pride. He's usually the brute strength, but was completely overpowered. Not much shook the guy… until today.

"You guys were out for hours, you know," another female voice said. Silver's attention was brought to the two kids, Ember and Thorax. With the latter waving at the ronin and giving a sheepish smile.

"I think we should be safe here… for now, anyways," Thorax said.

"But, where are we?" Silver asked while getting up, only to feel aching pain across his whole body.

"We're in the Northern part of the city. Aurora guided us to the outskirts of the city, but then redirected us over here once we were far enough away. We're currently in a skyscraper that's under construction." Ember explained. “And lucky for us, the crew who worked on this place had a day off.”

“It's here I was able to have the time to heal you and Dark’s injuries, but unfortunately, you will still feel some body aches. Hopefully, they’ll wear off eventually.” Aurora expelled the rest.

"I see. Thanks, Aurora." Silver replied.

"You're welcome. But still… I can't help but feel anger towards those awful abominations! Those savages are tearing up the city and lives are being lost." Aurora said, looking out one of the windows of the building.

“Yeah, speaking of which, who the hell are those guys?! And what the hell do they want with this dumb briefcase?!” Ember asked with an annoyed and hysterical tone of voice.

“Not to mention their leader. He’s really strong and really scary.” Thorax commented.

And when the geek mentioned that, both Silver and Dark get a flashback memory of the man that almost killed them brutally. Which only made Silver question who he was even more, while Dark continued to sulk in his wounded pride.

‘Who was he anyway?’ Silver thought to himself.

‘Why was he so damn strong?!’ Dark thought to himself as well.

‘But more importantly… How the hell does he know who I am?’ A single thought was shared between the two. A question that they yet to have an answer.

Somewhere in the vast wilderness in Siberia, Russia.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, at a secret high-tech facility hidden in the snowy mountains. Unknown to all governments and federal agencies across the world.

There the terrorists that attacked Canterlot City had their main base of operations and where they have the world’s deadlists mercenaries and highly skilled hackers for their growing advanced army.

After a failed mission in securing his prize and having the pleasure of meeting and beating Dark and Silver on the same day, but not having the chance to finish them off; Scourge was clearly not in a good mood.

He and what remained of his men immediately left Canterlot and flew all the way back to HQ on one of their advanced aerial transports, which surprisingly got them to Siberia in 3-4 hours. Which was considered impossible by standard flight time for any aerial transports.

But he and his organization had all the advanced tech and equipment to pull off many of the impossibles. But today, he witnessed something that goes beyond anything that was considered impossible.

Now he is making his way to the control room of the facility, where all the hackers and tech operatives were stationed.

Since his enemies were gonna keep his prize away from him, he’s gonna make sure there will be nowhere they can hide. Nowhere to be safe and protected.

Inside the control room, a holographic projector screen was set up right right above a counter where there was a keyboard built into it.

And all around the room were long curved tables in rows on each side of the room. And every single hacker that the organization had recruited was sitting and typing away at their keyboards.

Upon entering, Scourge walks towards the center of the room, not diverting his eyes from the projector screen as he sees programs of every news station and outlet across the world.

As he was inspecting the screen, one of the hackers later spoke to the terrorist leader.

“Sir. We have successfully taken control of every news satellite local to the U.S. Every screen, iphone, and all media devices are prepped for a simple standard frame job.” the hacker reported to their leader.

“No.” Scourge responded. “I don’t want this to be national. I want this to be seen across the entire world. Is that clear?” He instructed all the tech team in the room.

They all simply nodded and they did what they were told, and immediately they hacked into every news satellite all across the Earth’s orbit.

Then Scourge receives a tablet from one of the tech members which contains personal and background information on all four of his targets. He scrolls through it all, memorizing them in an instant and then he turns his attention towards the people in the room.

“Alright, listen up! This is the headline we’re going for: “Silver Scorpion and Dark Renegade. Two lethal vigilantes, local to a small town of Canterlot. 7 years ago they waged a war of terror on their own community for 10 years before the time of their arrest. But in captivity, they continued to plan and intend on spreading their reign of terror across the globe. Last night, the two attacked and slaughtered an entire military facility outside Canterlot City, where they got their hands on a bioengineered weapon which they intend to use on every country in the world. And with them are two accomplices, who go by names: Ember Dragonheart, daughter of Canterlot’s most powerful crime lord, and a recent CHS graduate, Thorax. These four are to be considered armed and dangerous. All law enforcement and federal agencies are advised to capture these four on sight; lethal force is required as well”.” And with that Scourge gave his tech team what to send all over the world.

And so they did.

After having healed and leaving the under-construction building, the targeted group of four, now occuponied by a human-disgiused Aurora, sneaked the dark alleys and non-public areas to avoid detection.

“Ok. So what's our next step?” Thorax asked the other four.

“Well, we can always head on over to my father’s safehouse like I suggested before, especially since we lost those dirtbags earlier. All we have to do is blend in with the crowds and just walk on over there.” Ember spoke with confidence.

Soon the group would reach the end of the alley which led to the city square of Canterlot. Silver was the first to scout first, peeking his head out from the alleyway before his eyes diverted upward and then saw something that drowned their hopes for good.

“I wouldn’t bet it.” Silver responded to Ember’s statement earlier.

They all wondered what Silver meant and soon they all peeped out from the alley and they would soon see what he was talking about.

In the city square, the large digital billboards on the buildings were showing a public breaking news report… and it was about them. Silver, Dark, Thorax, and Ember’s faces were displayed on the news, and a headline on the screen read: “Four criminals spreading chaos and terrorism in downtown Canterlot City; two being former ex-vigilantes, Dark Renegade and Silver Scorpion, and two accomplices; Ember Dragonheart and Thorax. Currently in possession of a deadly biochemical weapon that will threaten the entire world.”

And out on the streets and sidewalks, bystanders were looking at their phones, watching the same news report.

“What will you do now, Dark and Silver? Where will you go? Where will you hide? For the whole world is now turned against you.”

|The Sweet Snacks Cafe.|

Mr. and Mrs. Cake was casually working in their restaurant, serving food and beverages to the customers and making sure everything went smoothly.

But as they were focusing on running their cafe, soon they could hear a commotion going on. The Cakes soon walked out from the counter and kitchen as they saw a small crowd of customers, gathering close to the only TV that the sweet couple had in their restaurant.

Curious about this, the married couple stepped closer to see what had gotten their customers to be drawn to the TV.

But as soon as they got closer, they soon saw the TV screen clearly, and the news report that was broadcasted on it.

"Breaking news today, reporting to you live from Canterlot City to the whole world. This is a worldwide emergency. Evidence has surfaced revealing that 4 fugitives are in the current possession of a very lethal biohazardous chemical. Unknown sources have identified them as 18 year olds Thorax and Ember Dragonheart and the two former vigilantes, 29 year old Silver Scorpion, formerly known as The Scorpion Ronin… and his partner, 27 year old Dark Renegade, alias: The Massacre Phantom." The news anchor listed. "No one knows their whereabouts right now, but our sources believe they are indeed hiding within this very city. If anyone is to see them, do not engage as they are reported to be extremely hostile and will kill you on sight. Stay inside, lock your windows and doors, leave no stone unturned. Special Forces and the FBI will be dispatched to hunt them down and bring them in. More on the story as it develops." she finished.

After hearing the report, both Cakes were agasped and speechless of what they had just witnessed. They were in total disbelief of all this but couldn’t mouth a word to say.

“With your past sins, who would ever believe you? Who would ever give you the benefit of doubt?”

|The Blaze Mansion.|

Meanwhile, at the Blaze mansion, Silver’s parents; including Derpy Hooves and Dinky Hooves, and Aurora’s three sisters; Nova, Ava, And Crystal; all were sitting in the family room watching a movie that Dinky picked, which no one went against cause no one would dare.

Seconds later, Bristle Wing arrives in the family room, to offer drinks and snacks for the movie.

But before any of them could say a word or thank the butler, a news report appeared on the TV screen, cutting away from the movie they were watching.

"Hey! Where's my movie?" Dinky whined.

“OH COME ON! I was starting to like the movie!” Nova nearly lost her ‘fiery’ temper.

But before they could change the channel, the news report quickly caught their attention when suddenly an image of Silver appeared on the screen, including a photo of Dark Renegade and two other young teens.

"Huh? What's going on? Why is Silver on the news?" Derpy asked, confused.

"And… who are the other three?" Ava asked.

“I know that kid. It's Dark Renegade. A troublemaker he was back in the day, but he’s grown to be a.. Somewhat of a good man.” Magnus commented. “He helped save me and my wife’s life. Those other two, I don’t know?”

“Shhh! Listen!” Fleur shushes them all so that they could hear the news.

And what they heard had them all in disbelief and shocked.

"A terrorist?! Silver? That can't be!" Derpy said in disbelief while covering Dinky's ears.

“Is this some kind of a sick joke?!” Nova demanded to know.

“I… don’t believe this… I don’t believe in any of it!” Fleur refused to accept what she heard.

"Neither do I! There is NO WAY my son would ever go this far! That evidence has to be fabricated, there's no other explanation!" Magnus fumed.

Clearly they were all distraught and devastated by this turn of events.

“And your families and loved ones. How will they feel about you now?”

Meanwhile in another part of the city, a familiar illusionist magician girl is enjoying the company of her glimmering new best friend, watching TV in the living room.

"Hey, Trixie. Do you ever get tired of those peanut butter crackers?" Starlight asked.

"You're kidding me, right? Trixie absolutely adores her peanut butter crackers! Trixie cannot go a day without at least a few of them. Why do you ask?" Trixie asked.

"Oh, no reason." Starlight replied. Suddenly, their TV program gets cut by a news broadcast. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Hey! Who gave those stupid news reporters to interrupt the Great and Powerful Trixie's favorite TV shows?!" Trixie yelled, making a cute pouty face.

The news report then proceeds to give its broadcast, showing pictures of Ember, Thorax, Silver and Dark, followed by why they're being reported. Starlight and Trixie listen carefully and find out what's happened. They can't believe what they're hearing.

"Silver? A terrorist? But that's impossible!" Starlight said in shock.

"Trixie kinda remembers Ember and Thorax. She used to go to school with them, but… She’s not familiar with the other two?” Trixie commented.

“What? Heat and others never told you about Dark and Silver? You've lived in this world longer than me.” Starlight asked her friend.

Trixie shrugged in response.

Starlight sighed. "Okay, to put it in short terms, Silver and Dark are former vigilantes. They went straight after spending some time in prison. They've been clean ever since. Something just doesn't click well here. We have to go out and look for Silver and get to the bottom of this." she said, determined.

"What?! Have you gone mad? They're deemed extremely hostile! Did you not hear the news?" Trixie mentioned.

"Do you really believe they're hostile? I mean, you went to the same school as Thorax and Ember, didn't you?" Starlight pointed out.

"Like I said, Trixie never knew them personally." Trixie said.

"Well, even so. I know they'd never do something like this. So, whether you're on board with me or not, I'm going to find them." Starlight said.

“But what reason should Trixie wish to aid two criminals that she never knew about?” Trixie asked in response.

And at that point, Starlight gives it to her straight. “Silver and Dark are the brothers of Inferno and Israel! Who might I add; are friends with your ‘Prince Charming’, ya got that!” She loudly exclaimed to her.

Trixie gasped. "Trixie never knew!" she replied. Her expression then makes a 180. "Alright, Trixie's made up her mind. She'll help you find them. If they're in any kind of trouble, Trixie will do whatever it takes to help you clear their names."

"Thanks. But first, we have to find out where they are." Starlight said.

“And to those that wish to aid you. What fate should await them if they dare to stand with you?”

And of course, high up above where the Victory Squad Tower stands, a lone former syndicate leader is listening to some soothing music while doing some yoga to keep herself flexible and make sure she's sexy for when Heat Blitz gets back.

Hell, ever since the young man left with the gang out of the country, Chrysalis has been metaphorically dying of thirst with his absence. And there have been a few instances where she has forgotten he wasn’t around; like the time she was walking around the Victory Squad penthouse in her birthday suit, hoping Heat would show up and catch her in the act.

It took 3 hours of waiting for her to remind herself that he was away. Only this time, the gang has gone overseas. This was going to be a very long wait. But before she could mope about it, the music from the TV stopped and it displayed a news report, followed by pictures of the wanted fugitives.

"Odd… this is a first." Chrysalis said as she listened to what's happening. The more she hears, the more she shakes her head. "Either those 4 have finally hit the deep end, or I smell a rat." she commented.

Being a former syndicate leader, she had committed her fair share of frame jobs in the past. And something just didn't sit right with her about all this. That's when she started using the ol' noggin to piece it together. Sex sessions weren't the only thing she had with Heat. Because he was intelligent, he tutored her better than a college instructor.

"So, the news reporters claim there's evidence that they came in possession of a bio weapon? I doubt they've visited any sort of military base. Those places are way too heavily guarded. Not to mention, two of them look way too young to pull something like that off." Chrysalis said to herself, stroking her chin.

The more she kept deducing, the closer she came to the undeniable truth… "This reeks of cover-up, someone else got their hands on it. And it must be the real terrorists. If that's the case… something has to be done." She said in a serious tone, cracking her knuckles. And then she shrugs her shoulders and bears a calm expression. “Plus I need to get out of this building. I’m bored as hell.”

And of course, on the other side of the world, in the city of romance, known as Paris, France, the entire gang, the Rainbooms, Eternal Flames, Heat Blitz, Israel Yabuki, Inferno Blaze, Spike and Tempest, are all out on in the city, exploring the place. They had recently taken down some difficult thugs who held some people hostage and are taking a break after saving the day.

It was night time and the gang was visiting a clothing store… or more likely… Rarity was. And she was getting all giddy.

"Darlings, can you imagine?! Look at these fabulous ensembles! The TLC put into each and every detail, the style, the culture, the glamor!" she swoons. "It's like a fashion sanctuary!"

"Do you see any dresses you'd like to buy and take home as a souvenir, Rares?" Spike asked.

“Make sure she doesn’t bankrupt you, dude!” Inferno jokingly called out to him. Which prompted everyone to laugh in the room.

"Hah! With any luck, she'll leave him with nothing but chump change when she's done with her shopping spree." Israel jokes.

"Oh, come now, you two. I may be a fashion savvy, but I never use my Spikey-Wikey as my personal bank account. Besides… looking at these ensembles gives me a brilliant idea for what I can make when we get back home!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Okay then, if that's the case, can we please go now? They're gonna close in an hour." Tempest pointed out.

“Yeah…” Rainbow Dash’s voice spoke out to everyone. And when they turn around to her direction, they barely try to hold in their laughter as they see the tomboy athlete in a fancy dress and bearing an unhappy expression. “Can we PLEASE go!” she asked begrudgingly.

"Hmph! You just don't appreciate true fashion. But… it is getting rather late." Rarity sighed.

“Afraid that’ll make your butt look big, Rainbow?” Sunset jokes towards her rainbow-haired friend.

"Speak for yourself, Bunset Shimmer!" Rainbow retorted. "I'm surprised your boyfriend can handle those huge moons of yours."

"I should be mad, but why bother when I know he loves and appreciates my hot buns day in and day out?" Sunset says, rubbing her hot ass.

Before they could get into a more heated butt joke fight, their phones begin to vibrate. Some even pinged for a few of them didn’t silence their phones.

But nonetheless, they all got out their phones and, on each and every one of them, there was an urgent news broadcast notification on their screens.

What follows next was a photo of 4 familiar faces and what's going on in Canterlot.

"Yo, guys! Are you seeing this?" Rainbow asked.

The others are looking at their own phones right now. "I'm seeing this… and I cannot believe it." Twilight said in shock.

"This is craziness! Two of our former classmates are terrorists?" Pinkie asked.

"Ah’ mean, Ember an' Dark, Ah’ can understand, but Thorax? No way he's got the mindset of a terrorist, he's a good kid," AJ stated.

"Inferno, what do you make of all this?" Spike asked. "Is your brother really capable of something to this extent?"

Inferno stood silent for a while, staring at his phone until he turned his head up towards Spike, while bearing a calm, yet serious expression.

“How should I know? I barely know what he does back in the day when he worked alongside Dark. But I just don’t give a fuck about it.” He exclaimed before he calmly walked past everyone and exited the store to stand outside. But before he even went out the door, he sucker punched the wall with his concealed metal arm, putting a deep hole in it.

"You know you gotta pay for that, right?" Eternal pointed out bluntly.

"If things are turning south back home, we need to head back ASAP!" Heat exclaimed.

"Forget it! If those two get into some sort of trouble, that's their problem, not ours." Israel snarled out of spite.

"Oh? And what about Thorax? Should we leave him to fend for himself?" Spike asked. "You may not know him, but I do. Thorax is a bright guy, he's been wanting to get into a good college and change the world for the better. And you want us to stay here while he possibly gets his entire life taken away from him? Is that what you want?"

"Don't you dare twist my words! I never said we should do nothing to help Thorax. I'll gladly help the kid out as long as we won't run into those two idiots back home." Israel replied.

"Unfortunately, we can't leave. We were asked to come here on a mission of our own. We can't just drop what we're doing." Sunset pointed out, looking unhappy.

“So the only thing we can do is nothing?” Fluttershy asked.

"No, what we do is we finish our mission as soon as possible and then head back home right after that." Twilight listed.

While it was something they were against, while a few of them had their doubts, they all reluctantly agreed to Twilight’s suggestion. For the time being.

"And what allies will you call upon? For they will doubt and forsake you."

Back in Canterlot, the 5 rebels heard every lie that was being spouted about them on the news and all had mixed emotions about it.

"This is a load of crap! They are gonna wish they did NOT cross me like that! I'll show them!" Ember said in anger.

"M-Me? A fugitive! Aww man! There goes my future!" Thorax covered his face, curling into a ball, losing all hope.

"So, he wants to play the blame game, huh? I'll show that motherfucker you don't fuck with the Massacre Phantom and the Scorpion Ronin," Dark said, cracking his knuckles.

"You go out there now, you'll just get mauled to death… and this time, you might not make it out of there alive," Silver pointed out.

"He’s right! He almost killed you two when you last engaged with him!” Aurora reminds the Phantom of he and Silver’s last fight with Scourge.

Which shuts up Dark instantly, as he begrudgingly stands in silence, trying to salvage what is left of his pride.

Silver, on the other hand, now worries about the terrible situation they now find themselves in. While pondering on how the hell were they gonna get themselves out.

Standing in the control room of HQ, Scourge silently stares into the projection screen, seeing his cover story being spread through every news outlet and station around the globe.

If his mask hadn’t concealed his face, you could imagine the sinister grin that he wore as of now.

“Now Dark and Silver, as you feel the world caving on you… you will know when hope is lost… when you’re casted out of society once more… I shall enjoy hunting you down… And slaughter each one of you.”

DARK and SILVER: The Revenge of Scourge

by TheShadowKnight

Prologue

The Average Life of Two Former Vigilantes

Out From The Shadows