> Humanity in Equestria > by SPkon107 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: The Beginning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction: Timeline The timeline is from 2017-2040 just to inform the reader what humanity as achieved. 2017 -April: Aerospace flight is achieved 2019 -September: Star fighters are made for space dogfights 2022 - February: Planet’s population reaches 11 billion due to advances of medicine -May: the US has created the prototype cryo-chamber/ Members of the Separatist Up-rise come together from all over the world -August: US starts the pulse weapon production/ The Separatist Up-rise begins to form an army 2024 -March: World War III begins/ Invasion of Great Britain begins by the Separatist -May: the first aerospace dogfight takes place/ Battle of Paris begins -July: Prototype drop-pods are made/ Los Angeles falls to the Separatist -October: The Allies retake Los Angeles November: Australia is taken by Separatist all of residents are rather killed buy genocide or have fled the country 2026 -January: the nuclear winter began killing millions -March: Allies create new combat uniform (Titanium armor) -May: first exoskeleton suit is made -June: Official military drop-pods mass produced. -July: first biofoam is seen in the battlefield -August: US is invaded once again final location of the war -September-December: Battle of the US 2030 -January: World War III ends with ally victory/ human casualties reaches 2.8 billion March: Rebuilding of the planet’s countries begins 2031 -June: Nuclear winter ends -August: The first Pulse Rifle is made -October: The moon is colonized -November: Lumas Sol system is discovered -December: Rebuilding of the plant ends 2034 -January: Pulse weaponry is massed produced -March: Mars is colonized -April: Pure Titanium is discovered on Mars -June: Bullet based weaponry is upgrade from lead to titanium bullets -September: Down fall of Pulse weaponry discovered when a large electromagnetic wave hits the planet making bullet base weapons still more reliable. 2039 -July: NASA has asked the military for volunteers for secret mission 2040 -February: the slip-space drive is made -June: secret space mission is initiated Chapter 1: Into Beginning The soldier was sitting the end of a bench in the locker room at the NASA base. That soldier is me. My name is Steven Clearwater I’m was born on 2005 I’m 27 due to achievement of the cryo I manage to stay young for now. My family was killed in the Nuclear Winter and I am a World War III veteran. I am a sergeant and now the US is sending me and about 1000 other soldiers into space beyond the Sol System. The only thing I know what to do is to kill. I think this is how soldiers felt in the in all of the previous wars. The captain of the ship called. “Sergeant Steven. It’s time to leave.” “Ok sir.” “How are you taking it?” “I’ve been in cryo for ten years. My family is gone and no matter what I do I see the rifle.” “It’s hard I know but you have to learn to love little things.” “Let’s just hope that where we’re going actually helps me.” “I’m sure of it.” “So who’s going to on this mission?” “Well the Arch Angle is the second largest spaceship on Earth…so we have scientists, the crew, and about 1000 troops excluding you.” “I know about the troops I just wanted to know who else was aboard.” “That’s all oh and besides me you are the only World War III veteran on the ship. And during your sleep you’ve been promoted to Gunnery-Sergeant.” “So basically I’m alone like always.” “Just keep your hopes up ok soldier. You’ll feel better when the time comes ok.” “Yes sir.” We walked out the locker rooms to board the ship. As I entered the captain pointed me my room. He also informed me that I have to revise my gear that is in the locker room of the soldiers. The ship began to shack meaning that were have just left the ground. I walked in only to find a bunch of what seem to be rookies…well to me of course. I walked in to look for my locker. 2647 That was the number of my locker o opened it and I checked my combat uniform and then the armor. It seemed to be fresh out of the factory. I placed my backpack on the floor and then I took out a necklace. This necklace had the dog tags of my fellow teammates of the war. A group of rookies walked up to me as I was digging in my pack one of them slammed the locker door. And he said. “Well look who we have here. I’ve never seen you before not even in training before we boarded the ship. So I’m assuming you’re new and to lay the rules I’m in charge of this room and this locker now belongs to me.” I stood up. “You think you’re a big shot.” “Whoa look whose acting tough.” “You better watch that mouth of yours Private.” “Or what?!” “Trust me you’ll regret it.” He looked at me then he turned to his friend and he turned to punch me. But I move sideways and I uppercut his ribcage and then I struck him across his face. He was down. He said to his friends. “Don’t just stand their… get him!” they looked at me. As the moved forward I pulled out my pistol. They stopped. I said to the one on the ground. “You state your name and rank.” “Private…Michael Roosevelt.” “Well Private. I see you don’t know who you’re up against.” From the crowd a female voice. “I do.” She walked out. “You’re Sergeant Steven Clearwater from Thunderbird Squad. You’re a World War III hero.” Another said. “Officer in the room!” they all saluted me. “Looks like someone in this room dose know who I am. I am Gunnery-Sergeant Steven Clearwater. And from the looks of this room out of all of the 1000 I’m the highest rank. There’s no room for big shot in the military Do I make myself clear!” they all said at the same time. “SIR YES SIR!” “Good. Get something to eat because in two hours were hitting the cryo.” Ten minutes later I was eating alone at a table. I looked around only to have memories of the time I spent with my squad. Then the same female trooper sat down at my table. I said. “State your business Private.” “Nothing much sir.” “Then why are you here?” “Well first of all I’m not a Private. I’m a Lance Corporal.” “My apologies Corporal.” “It’s ok.” “How are the only one that you know who I am.” “Well I’m Samantha Stephens sister of…Mark Stephens.” I looked up at her. “So you’re the famous Samantha that your brother has told me about.” “Yes he was part of the Thunderbird Squad.” “He’s good man. Sadly we’re the last two remand squad members.” “I know. He told me that even though you weren’t the squad leader…” “He always saw me as a leader.” “Yes.” “Well…” I looked down. “Even when I wasn’t with my squad other soldiers have told me the same.” “I see… do you still remember?” “Remember?” “The war.” I looked away. “Yes…I do.” Then I looked back at her. “War changes lives Samantha. The war changed me completely.” “I know when my brother returned home he changed. If it weren’t form me he would have…” “Killed himself…yeah he told me. Thanks to you he has a family…he’s now a father of two.” “I know.” I looked at the wall clock. “Finish eating Corporal. You have thirty minutes.” “Yes sir.” I got up and I walked out of the mess hall. I looked for the bridge I walked around the ship then I found a wall that had a World War III memorial. I looked at it for a long while then the captain called me from across the hall. “Sergeant.” I turned around. “Yes sir.” “Are you lost?” “Yeah I was looking for the bridge.” “Ok well that has to wait I want you to report to the sick bay.” “For?” “The doctor wants to see if you’re suitable for space.” “Sir I fought in a dogfight in space I’m sure that well for space.” “I know but the doctor wants to meet you.” “Fine.” “Down the hall that way.” I walked down the hall until I found the bay. I walked in. “Ca…Catherine.” She said. “That Dr. Catherine to you Steven.” And then she giggled and she walked up to me and she hugged me. “It’s so good to see you.” “Same here. I haven’t seen you since…” “Basic training.” “Yeah.” “I hear that you’ve been promoted.” “Yes to Gunnery-Sergeant.” “Congratulation.” “Thank you. Um…the captain said that you wanted to see me.” “Yes well I only wanted to see you.” “So you’re wasting my time.” “You can say that.” “You’re still the same.” “Not entirely.” “Well it’s good to see you Cat.” “Yes it is. And Steven.” “Yeah.” “It’s Dr. Catherine.” “Whatever. Where’s the bridge.” “Down this hallway.” “Thank you.” I walked out of the room. Now I felt a little better knowing that I know someone from the war. I walked inside the bridge and I called out for the captain. “Over here Sergeant.” I walked up to him. “So what exactly are we going to do in the Lumas System?” “Were just testing the SS drive and explore an Earth like planet.” “I see.” “Yes before we the rest of the ship explores the planet we are sending you down first.” “Let me guess on a lone wolf mission.” “Yes.” “Figures.” One of the crew members said. “Sir we have a problem.” “What is it?” “We are approaching and asteroid field.” “Try to avoid impact!” “On it.” The captain used the intercom. “All personnel. Military and nonmilitary. I need every soul to place themselves into cryo at once.” I heard people from the outside running to the cryo. The captain said to me. “Sergeant I say you should do the same thing.” “Not until I know we are clear.” The ship shock. The captain shouted. “What was that?!” “That was our Pulse Cannon sir.” “Use the cannon only for large ones.” “Yes sir that was actually what we were doing.” Ship shook again. “Sir we’ve been hit.” “What’s the damage?” “I don’t see much damage done on the ship sir.” “Are you sure.” “No.” the ship left the field. “Well the SS drive is about to go off. We only have forty minutes. I need every crew member in here in the cryo at once.” The captain set the ship in autopilot he waited until every crewmate left the room. The captain told me to stay. As the ship was dead silent we walked to the third room which was half-empty. “Sergeant your cryo-tube will be set to walk you up sixty days before anyone else.” “Ok.” “Once we arrive at the Lumas System you will take the Drop-pod and drop into the planet.” “Yes sir.” “You have seventy day to explore the plant do I make myself clear.” “Crystal.” “And I want you to eat something first because I saw the cameras and you barely ate anything. “Yes sir.” the captain placed himself into Cryo I walked to my locker as I prepared my equipment. Inside I prepared my battle uniform with armor. He grabbed from the armory a P-17 Pulse Rifle, M-16, M-24 sniper rifle with both pulse and bullet ammunition, Desert Eagle pistol, and four grenades. And for his backpack was ammo, first-aid, and food. Then I went back to the mess hall the captain was right I barely ate anything. This time I had to make my food myself. I grabbed a tray of frozen food. And I sat down and I ate fast due to the lack of time before the SS drive goes off. Afterword I set the timer of the tube and I placed my equipment in the locker next to it. Then I walked in the tube and I closed the door even though u still had about a minute before I was frozen. I thought to myself. “I wonder if the planet will have life and if there is life will they be friendly or hostels.” After that thought I closed my eyes as I felt the cool atmosphere to the Cryo-tube. One week later 11:32 P.M I woke up a week later I stepped out of the tube I looked around and I saw that the crew still had 71 days left before the ship lands on the planet I walked out of the Cryo-chamber and I walked towards the bridge. I looked at the computer I was shocked about what I saw. “What the hell this isn’t the Lumas system. I still wonder if I should explore the planet.” I thought for a moment the captain did ordered me to explore the planet so I think I should. I walked to the locker room and I grabbed my gear. I grabbed my weapons and I walked to the drop-pod. Ten minutes prior to drop I walked to the drop-pod room and I entered the pod I set the timer for thirty seconds and I waited. The drop I looked out through the window as I saw the flames form around the planet meaning that I just entered the atmosphere. I landed in the middle of a forest I pulled the door eject lever and I looked around then I looked at my HUD from my helmet. (Armor is related to the armor of the soldiers in Halo: Reach) I stepped out I raised my M-16 making sure that my entry has not attracted any creatures to my position. I placed my sniper and my pulse rifle on my back and then I grabbed my backpack then I heard a female voice. “What are you?” I turned around while I aimed my rifle I saw a lavender horned horse but the thing was that it stood on its hind legs and then it fell it began to cry. “Please don’t hurt me!” “What the hel…” she startled me and I fell backwards then I got up and I said. “Wh…what… did you just talk.” She stopped crying and she said. “Wh…why yes. Haven’t you ever since a talking Unicorn before.” “N…no you don’t even exist on Earth.” “Wha…what.” “Ok stop this isn’t helping me why…don’t we start by introducing ourselves.” “Ok well…my name is Twilight Sparkle. I’m the librarian of Ponyville and I am the Element of Magic.” “Magic?” “Yes.” “Sorry to say this Miss Sparkle…” she cut me off. “Just call me Twilight.” “Ok…Twilight…magic doesn’t exist on my world either.” “Oh I see…” she looked down and then up. “You know who I am. I would like to know who and what are you. “Well I’m Gunnery-Sergeant Steven Clearwater of the United States Marine Corps and part of the Earth Colonial Peace Corps Military. And I’m a human.” “A human…I’m sorry but… I never seen or heard of a human before.” “So it looks like we’re on the same boat.” She giggled and she said. “Yeah. I have another question what are those things that you have?” “Well like I said and well I’m a soldier and a veteran of World War III…” “Wait did you…said World War III?” “Yeah.” “How often…” “If you’re going to ask how often we have wars…well we humans have a bad history of violence and war.” “Oh well Equestria has just been threaten by war.” “By who.” “The Griffin Kingdom.” “Griffins as in half bird half lion.” “Yes. But with someone that has seen war there must be a way to avoid war.” “Look I fought in war but give me the details and I think I can help you with your country’s problems.” “Perfect with a metallic human we can…” “Whoa I’m not metallic.” “Then what’s that all over body.” “Body Armor and my helmet.” “Why do you have a helmet with glass?” “Well this helmet protects my face and it supplies me with oxygen.” “Well if this helps you we breathe oxygen as well.” “Well that helps.” I took off my helmet. “Oh you have skin.” “Yes.” “Well I think the princess will love to hear about this.” “Princess?” “I’ll explain to you on the way back to the library.” “Fine.” Now my mission begins > Chapter Two: The Human Prisoner > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Two: The Human Prisoner I arrived a day earlier. Day 0 As we walked back to a small town call Ponyville the unicorn asked me a lot of questions and so did I. “So let me get this straight your country’s government is run by a monarch.” “Yes it is.” “And this Celestia she’s the ruler of the country.” “Co-ruler. Her younger sister Princess Luna also runs the country.” “Ok…I’m still a little lost here.” “Ok Princess Celestia is the princess of the sun and Princess Luna is the princess of the night. The two rule Equestria together.” “I think I’m starting to understand.” “You’re sure I just don’t see how it’s hard for you to understand my government.” “Well that’s because my country’s government is a Democratic Government.” “Huh.” “We don’t have kings or queen or whatever. We have presidents that have a four year term of power and if they want to continue they can be reelected for another four years.” “So you choose your leaders.” “Yup.” “Oh.” “Yeah.” “Ok now that we have knowledge about our governments. Why don’t we talk about our diets?” “Well figuring that you’re a pony I’m pretty sure that you’re an herbivore.” “Well yeah. And you?” “Well don’t get scared ok but humans are omnivores.” The unicorn suddenly stop. “So you eat meat.” “Yeah.” “Oh…how can you eat meat? To ponies that’s disgusting.” “Yeah to ponies it is but we need the energy that the meat gives us as for the same for the fruits and vegetables.” “Well at least you’re telling me now.” “Yeah.” We arrived at the town and it was dead silence since it was dark I figured that everyone on the town was sleeping. I followed her to a tree she opened the door which was smaller than I was so I had to crouch down and I entered. “Well here we are. Welcome to my home. Spike isn’t here he’s in Canterlot for some royal business.” “Spike?” “My assistant.” “Oh.” “Well I’m going to write a letter to the princess. I can still send the letter even without Spike’s help.” “Ok.” “You can sit down if you want.” “I’ll stand.” “Ok.” I saw her writing the letter and then I looked around and then I saw a picture of Twilight and five other female ponies. Then she said. “So Steven I remember that you told me that you’re a veteran of World War III?” “Yeah.” “So does that mean that your people have had two previous wars before that?” “If you mean the world wars yes.” “Oh…when did the first one begin?” “It began on 1914 and it ended on 1918.” “Four year of war and how about the second one?” “The second World War began on 1939-1945.” “So six years…and the last one?” she said as she finished writing. “It began on March 2024 and it ended on January 2030.” “Six years.” “Yeah but casualties reached up to 2.8 billion deaths.” I saw the pony stop. “T…tw… two point eight billion lives.” “Yes.” “Does it haunt you?” “Of course it does. But like the captain says I have learn to love the little things.” “I see.” I looked at the pony as her horn glowed and then the letter turned into dust as it flew out the window. “There know all we have to do it wait.” “And how long will that take?” “I’m not sure figuring that she’s asleep.” “Oh.” “Yeah well I think I should hit the hay as well you can take the guest room if you want.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” As she walked up stairs I walked to the next room where a bed was. I took off my armor and then the combat uniform. I just left on my pants and my under shirt. I looked at my watch and it was one in the morning I walked out of the cryo a day early so I still needed seventy days before the ship lands. Day 1 I was half asleep as I heard voices. A white Unicorn said. “What in Equestria is this thing?” then a pony with a southerner accent. “Ah don’t know Rarity but all I can say is that it looks like a shaved ape.” Then the pink one. “Oh AJ don’t be silly it isn’t an ape just look at its face.” A shy pony with wings. “I d…don’t feel safe wh…what if it’s a criminal.” “Chilax Fluttershy Equestria has little crime I’m sure that he’s not a criminal.” Then I heard Twilight. “What the hay are you five doing in here leave him alone don’t you see that he’s sleeping. “Our apologies Twilight it’s just that Pinkie Pie just barged right in here.” I placed my hand on my eyes and then I stood myself up and I opened them. They all just stared at me. Luckily Twilight saved me the trouble. “Girls this is Gunnery-Sergeant Steven Clearwater. He’s a human from planet Earth and he’s here on a scouting mission.” The white unicorn said. “What did you said Gunnery-Sergeant is he a guard.” “Not exactly Rarity he’s a soldier and by the looks of his scars I say he probably more combat experience than the Royal Guard.” I said. “You can say that again.” I sat on the edge of my bed as the ponies just stared at me. Then I stood up and I walked towards my gear. The ponies just looked at me as I put on my combat uniform and then the armor. Then I grabbed my Pulse Rifle and my M-16. I just left the sniper rifle at the same spot. The orange pony asked me. “Ain’t that too many things to carry?” “No.” “You sure.” “Yes.” “Okay then what are those things that you have on you back.” “Weapons.” That was not the right answer. When I looked back all of the ponies were just staring at me. “What?” the yellow Pegasus said. Then after a moment of dead silence I said. “Yeah probably wasn’t the best answer. Look I’m a solider ok I won’t use the weapons unless if I need to. I’m only dangerous when a threat is present and my job as a Marine is to protect the innocent from danger.” The shy pony said in relief. “Oh that’s good.” The cyan Pegasus said. “Yeah but I still think this human isn’t a threat.” I said. “Yes I am. My pistol is all I need to cause a riot shit even with just my knife.” “Oh yeah!?” “Don’t challenge me ok. I’m a veteran of World War III that lasted up to six years and casualties reach up to 2.8 billion deaths.” She just stared at me as her tough look just died as it turned into a fearful look. “Like I said I’m not a threat unless if there’s a presents of evil.” Twilight said. “Look girls I’ll explain everything to you ok.” The all nodded. One hour later “And well that’s all he has told me so far.” The five looked at Twilight and then to me. The first to talk was the white unicorn. “I’m sorry for your lost why don’t we introduce ourselves girls. I am Rarity. I work at my boutique and I am the Element of generosity.” She walked back as the yellow Pegasus walked up to me. “He…hello my name is Fluttershy an…and I care for animal and I am the Element of Kindness.” The farmer was next. “Howdy mah name is Applejack ah work at Sweet Apple Acres and I’m the Element of Honesty.” The cyan Pegasus walked towards me. “Hey I’m Rainbow Dash and I’m well sort of a daredevil and I am the Element of Loyalty.” Last was the pink pony. “Hi I’m Pinkie Pie I like to throw parties and I am the Element of laughter.” Twilight walked next to her and she said. “You see Steven we are the Elements of Harmony the most powerful magic in Equestria.” “I see…well sorta but I get you.” Then the pink pony said. “Oh I forgot you’re a new friend I have to throw you a party.” She ran out of the tree and we heard a clank. We walked outside and the first thing I saw was armored stallions pointing spears at me. One shouted. “Step away from the tree!” Twilight shouted. “Hey what’s going on?!” “Twily step away from that thing.” “Shining Armor what are you doing here?” “Step away from that thing.” “He’s not a thing he’s a human.” One of them poked me with the spear. I shouted. “Hey back off!” I threw the spear off of me.” The Stallion with the purple armor shouted. “Make one more move and your history.” I raised my M-16 at him. “Just try me.” They all raised the spears. And then an unfamiliar female shouted. “Don’t you dare!” a large pony landed in front of me she had a unicorn horn and Pegasus wings. She said again. “You stay away from my ponies human. I will not have your kind terrorized my subjects again.” Twilight said. “Princess Celestia I’m glad you’re here.” “As I.” the large one turned to the purple armored stallion. “Captain Shining Armor arrest this human.” “Yes your highness.” He walked up to me as I aimed my rifle. Then Twilight said. “Princess what are you doing?” “Don’t you see? Look he’s aiming his weapon at your brother’s face.” “Yes because you’re posing as a threat to him!” “Stand down Twilight Sparkle.” “But…” I figured that Twilight will continue to fight so I avoided the trouble that stood in front of her. So I said. “Twilight.” She looked at me. “There’s no need to fight. Remember my people have a bad history at war. I don’t want the violence to spread into your world.” The lavender unicorn walked up to me. I gave her my rifles, my grenades, and my pistol. Then the princess said. “Come here human.” I walked towards her. “Stop.” I stopped and I looked at her. “The knife.” “What?” “I want you to give up you knife.” “No.” “What did you said?” “I’m not giving up my knife.” Her horn began to glow. “And why is that?” “It’s the only thing I have left from my father. And I have had it since before, during and after the war. If you want to take it away from me you have to fight me.” All of the ponies just stared at me and the princess said. “War? What war?” “Are you going to arrest me or are we going to play 20 questions.” “Very well. Keep your knife but if you use it for fighting I will take matters in my own hooves.” “Whatever.” I walked up to her and then I felt a hard hit in the back of my head. Four hours later 2:00 P.M I woke up in a jail cell i still had my armor. “Ahh what the hell happ…” I placed my hand where the sheath of my knife is supposed to be. “Hey where the hell is my knife!” a guard said to me. “Hey quite in there.” “Not until I have my knife back.” “I said shut up.” “Why don’t you come here and make me.” “You think I won’t.” “I know you won’t.” “That’s it!” dumbass actually fell for it. He opened the door as I stood behind it. “Where are you?!” “Behind you.” He turned and I punched him. He fell to the ground in a single blow. I lift him up and I punched him two more times and I dropped him. “Man you guys are fucking stupid. And weak.” I walked out of the jail cell. I passed other cells and they were empty then I found a door. Two guards were standing there I grabbed both of their heads and then I slammed them together. They both fell and by the looks of it I think I have to go stealth on this one. I walked around the place avoiding guards and by the looks of it I was in some kind of castle. I kept walking until I heard voices I found a door with a picture of a moon. I walked in the room and I closed it then I heard a voice. “What are you doing in my room?!” it was loud. I turned around she was like the other princess but darker and smaller. The expression on her face turned from anger to a curious look. She crocked her head sideways and she. “What are you?” “I’m… a human.” “Human? Aren’t you supposed to be in the jail cell?” Her horn began to glow. “Yes but I escaped only to retrieve what belongs to me.” “And what will you do once you have it.” “To avoid more problems I think I’ll just go back to my jail cell after I get have the thing that belongs to me..” The glow of her horn died out. “What…you’re not going to escape?” “No I just my knife back.” “Knife you mean…” she turned back as she levitated a box and she opened it. “…this knife.” “My knife.” She closed it before I even got close to the box. “I will give it to you until I can trust you.” “What?” “My sister’s guards knock you out and I’m sure that you don’t trust her or me.” “You got that right.” She rolled her eyes and said. “I heard from my sister that you befriended Twilight Sparkle and Twilight is here. Also Twilight ha told me everything you have told her.” “Ok.” “And to be honest I’ve never heard of a human before.” “That’s bullshit how does your sister know what I am. And she said she won’t have my kind terrorize her ponies again.” “Again? I’m sorry but I read the history book and I have never read anything form your kind.” “How is that possible?” “Well my sister is about 1,000 years older than I am.” “What?.” She walked to a table and she sat down. “Sit.” I just stared at her and then around then room. “If you’re thinking that my guards are going to hit you behind that head well don’t it’s just you and me.” I walked to the table and I sat down. “I think this belongs to you.” She gave me my knife back. “Thank you.” “May I ask why does this weapon mean a lot to you?” “It was my dad’s. I was an only child and my mom died when I was ten. My dad gave me his knife a month after her death. Then when World War III began I took this knife and when I have gotten news that my father was killed during the nuclear winter… well… this is the only thing I have to remember him.” “I see.” “The war killed 2.8 billion people.” I saw her eyes widen when she heard the number. “Wh…what.” “You heard me.” “So you’re alone.” “Yeah.” “As I.” “What?” “I was corrupted to the very soul and I transformed into Nightmare Moon. And, my sister banished me to the moon for 1000 years. But as much as you think you’re alone…” “You are never alone.” I finished her sentence. “Exactly.” “I know well…thank you for returning my knife.” “Well I see that Twilight was right.” “What do you mean?” “You’re not a threat but only when danger is present.” “Yeah. Sorry I didn’t even introduce my I’m Gunnery-Sergeant Steven Clearwater.” “I know. I am Princess Luna Mistress of the night and I am an Alicorn.” So that’s what they are. “So you’re Princess Luna.” “Yes.” “Well I will not lie you are cuter than your sister.” “Well thank you.” “Now I think I have to get back to my cell.” “No let me do that.” Her horn glowed and then there was a bright light after the light died out I was back in the cell. The guard was still on the floor I just threw him out of my cell and I closed the door. Day 2 I was sleeping as I heard bird chirping then the door slammed open. I looked up I felt myself begin lifted off the ground and then pinned to the wall. “Where is it?!” it was the white alicorn. “Where’s what.” “You know what I’m talking about the knife!” “Up yours bitch.” she threw me out of the cell and I hit the wall, then se lifted me up once more. “Tell me where it is or else?” “Or else what?’ “I’ll destroy you.” I laughed. “Not a good idea.” “What do you mean by that?” “I was sent here in a scouting, mission nothing more and nothing less. I didn’t come alone. In space there is a space ship and the crew is in Cryogenic sleep. I have over 1000 humans and if they find out that you kill me. Then they will kill you.” “They wouldn’t dare.” “Yeah they would.” We both stared at each other. “Why are you here?” “My mission is to scout the area so the ship can land and we can resupply it and give it some maintenance.” “I still don’t…” cut her off. “If you though that I was attacking your land then you’re wrong.” She lowered me. “i…i…i…” “I can see that you’re scared. I’m a soldier and if you want to fight me or kill me then I would fight back as self-defense. But I will not kill for no reason or for pleasure. I’m not psychopath.” She looked at me. “How can you tell that I’m scared?” “I’ve seen fear in others. I fought in World War III trust me I know fear when I see it.” “Oh…i…still have a hard time believing you.” “Trust me I can tell. If you let me show you that I’m not a threat then you will see I’m nothing more than a regular human.” I looked at her. She was hiding something she was still scared of me like she has seen humans before. “Ok…I’ll let you go but as long as you are with a pony, the element or with me or my sister.” “Deal.” As I moved my hand forward she backed away. “I’m not going to hurt you give my word.” She moved her hoof towards my hand. “Remember you gave me your word.” “Ok now since that is settled I want to see the one who hit me in the back of the head.” “Well that will be Shining Armor.” he looked sideway and I walked towards him. “So you’re the son of a bitch him me.” “Yeah.” “Ok.” I uppercut him and he fell to the ground. “Now we’re even!” Celestia said. “Why did you do that?” “Because he hit me behind my back like a little bitch instead like a man.” “Oh.” “Look I already got it out of my system so I’m good. Now if I do recall Twilight has told me about the problems you are having with the Griffin kingdom.” “She told you about that.” “Yes.” “Very well may we discuss this with my sister and Twilight and her brother at the war room?” “You’re the boss.” > Chapter Three: First Strike > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three: First Strike Day Three 10: 59 P.M I was sitting with the princesses as we waited for Twilight and her brother. Celestia was sitting nervously while Luna was just reading the map. Then the silence broke when the two unicorns walked in. “Sorry I’m late,” the male said. I responded, “How you holding?” “Buck off.” “Better watch that mouth of yours.” Celestia intervened, “Okay, now that we are all here, I will like to inform our guest.…” The stallion cut her off, “More like savage.” I defended myself, “Hey you want to go another round ‘cause I’m ready?” Luna ended it, “Both of you stop at once! We are at the brink of war we cannot have a guard and a soldier fight right now!” I said.“Fine. Consider yourself lucky,” Celestia said. “As I was saying Gunnery-Sergeant, Twilight has told us you are a veteran of this World War III and the file that you gave to Twilight says that you are part of a squad called 'Thunderbird',” “Was. They are only two members left.” “I see. Also it says that you’re a hero.” “I really don’t care about that part.” “You were also born in 2005 and it is 2040 so how are you twenty-seven?” “Cryogenic sleep. It slows down your aging.” “Oh. Well going into our topic, we are having problems with the Griffins. They want the land of the Crystal Empire as well as most of the land of Equestria. And they threatened us with war if we don’t cooperate.” “My government along with other nations ruled that using war as a threat is not allowed,” I said. “Really.” “Yup.” “Okay, well we need to find a way to prevent the war.” “OK, but how am I going to help?” “Well the king of the Griffins is arriving tomorrow to negotiate and my sister and I are going to need more protection and who else than a true soldier.” Shining Armor was shocked. “What?! Why are you putting your trust with this thing.” I slammed my hands on the table. “That’s enough okay. I’m tired of you damn ponies calling me a thing. You don’t see me calling you fucking horses.” They all looked at me and Luna said, “He does have a point.” Twilight assured her brother, “Shining you can trust him. He won’t hurt us.” “How can you be sure?” I answered for her, “If I really wanted to hurt her I would have killed her on the day that my drop-pod has landed on the planet.” They just stared at me. “Look princess, I will be your guard for the day if you return me my weapons and my helmet.” “Very well. Where are your weapons?” “Back at my house,” Twilight answered. “Okay Twilight and I will retrieve your belongings and you will spend the rest of the day with my sister. Tomorrow we will meet her at ten.” “Wait so I have to spend the rest of the day with her?” “Remember you need to be with at least one of the ponies that I have listed when I set you free.” “Fine.” Celestia turned to Luna, “Luna, I want you to go with him. Wherever he goes, you go.” “Does that…mean when he has to use…” “Except that.” “Oh thank goodness.” My stomach growled and the ponies just looked at me. “Hey! I haven’t eaten since I got here, okay,” I said. “Well I think you should get something to eat. You’ll need it,” Twilight said. “I’ll try. And Twilight?” “Yes.” “When you get my things make sure you also get the Nutrition Immunization Bars okay?” “You mean those mint green rectangles?” “Yup.” “Okay. I have to tell you this, I tried one and it tasted awful! How do you eat that stuff?” “Hey, it may taste like shit but it gives me the energy I need.” “Okay I’ll bring them as well.” Celestia broke in, “Gunnery?” “Yes.” “You are now the protector of Equestria. I hope if we do go to war that you are able to fight the Griffins if needed. Do I make myself clear?” “Crystal.” The Alicorn and the unicorn walked out of the room and then the captain. Only the night princess and I were still sitting down. I just examined the map they had on the table. “So this is Equestria?” I asked. “Yes.” “I see that some of the names of the cities are closely named as in my world.” “Really?” “Yeah. Like here Fillydelphia is like Philadelphia. And Manehatten is like the city of Manhattan.” “Oh.” “May I ask you something?” “Of course.” “Are you…scared of me.” She looked at me and then she looked down to the map. “To be honest…when I first heard of you in Ponyville… I was scared of you. But when we talked...you didn’t seem much different than a pony. I was scared of you but in the end your just a normal pony or person in this matter.” “I see.” She stood up. “Come let’s go eat something. Ponies don’t eat meat but I’m sure that you are okay with eggs and some pancakes.” “I’ll like that.” “Then off we go.” We walked out of the war room and into a room with a long table inside was Shining Armor and another alicorn who was pink in color and smaller than Luna and Celestia. To Luna, he asked, “Why is he here?!” I responded, “Because I’m going to eat.” “Not here.” “What are you’ going to do? Make me leave?” “Maybe I should.” “Just try man. I haven’t eaten in three days and if in need to beat you down so I can eat, I will.” “Would you two stop. You’re acting like dogs!” Luna yelled. At the same time, me and the alicorn pointed at each other and blamed the other for starting the fight. Luna just stared at us coldly. The alicorn started again, “Aunt Luna, is this the human…” “Yes Cadence this is the one.” “So he is the one that knocked down my husband!” When she said that, my eyes widened. I looked up but I kept my head down. Now she was giving me an ice cold look. Then I looked at Shining Armor. He was rubbing his neck. “Your neck hurts?” “From the punch you gave me.” The servants brought food in the placed the plates in front of us. I looked at the ponies to see how they eat. The used the forks like a human would so I grabbed the fork in front of me and I dug right into the eggs first. They observed the way I ate with my hands. “Weird,” Cadence said. “What?” “You eat like a pony.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It’s a compliment.” “Funny. In my world comparing us with other animals on the way we eat is an insult. Yet again I’m not on Earth.” “Is that so?” “Yeah.” “Then I think you need to get used to our context.” “Maybe.” We continued to eat until a guard ran through the door, but this one was different. Its armor was darker and more Gothic. Its eyes were like that of a reptile and its wings were like bat's. “You’re Highness.” He said. “Yes Commander” He was still trying to catch his breath, but he managed to say, “We…we have…spotted the…Griffin Army just outside of Canterlot.” Luna stopped in the middle of chewing her food. Shining Armor asked, “What do you mean?” “You know we are not allowed to socialize, but Canterlot is in danger so I will use that as an excuse.” Shining nodded. “Griffins are positioned outside the city and they have cannons with them.” “What? I thought we were going to negotiate with them tomorrow.” “I don’t think that’s possible anymore.” “What do you mean?” “Celestial Guards were positioned near the area where the Griffins are at. They attacked them. The Lunar Captain send a squad to rescue the guards but… we were only able to save one.” Everypony and myself were silent. Shining, shocked, asked, “Th…they killed my men?” “Yes.” Shining took this harshly, looking down angrily. “I want to see the survivor.” “You don’t have to ask me. He’s in your branch of the Royal Guard.” “Where is he?” “He’s at the infirmary.” At that, they both booked it to the infirmary leaving the two princesses and I sitting at the dining table. Cadence looked at me asking, “So does this mean we are at war?” “I think so. Rather that or it was just a warning.” “A warning?! Killing good stallions as a warning! A warning for what?!” “A sign that they’re here and they’re ready to attack.” “What? What kind of monsters will use killing of others as a warning?” “You’ll be surprised.” Luna walked over to her niece to calm her down as she said to me, “Gunnery.” “Yes.” “I need you to prepare yourself in case if the Griffins decide to attack.” “Okay, but how am I going to fight. I don’t have my weapons.” “You’re a soldier, figure it out.” She walked out of the room. I walked to the window to look out to see any sign of violence but all I saw was ponies wandering around the city. Then Shining Armor walked in. “Where is my wife?” “She left with Luna.” “Good.” “What happen to the wounded guard?” “He’s been ambushed. The Griffins surrounded him and his troops. They fought the Griffins but, the enemy was smart by killing the Earth pony Guards first.” “Why the Earth Ponies?” “Because out of all three ponies tribes the Earth Ponies are naturally strongest.” “I see.” “Then they took out the Unicorn because of their ability to use magic. The Pegasi were last.” “Is the wounded guard a Pegasus?” “Yes…he barely made it out but his injuries…they might be fatal.” “Can’t you unicorns cast a healing spell?” “We can but he’s in a weak state. The spell will only kill him.” “Looks like you need biofoam.” “Huh?” “It’s what every soldier is required to carry with them when they go into battle.” “What is it?” “It’s a self-sealing, space-filling coagulant and an antibacterial, tissue-regenerative foam polymer used by the military as a form of medical first aid. The foam keeps damaged organs in place and helps stop bleeding and hemorrhaging. But it hurts like hell.” “Do you have some with you?” “No…let’s just hope that your sister brings my equipment. I have biofoam in my backpack.” “Let’s just hope they hurry back.” We looked out the window for a moment until we heard something that sounded like an explosion. “What was that?” we looked outside and we saw a small dot. “What do you think that is Gunnery?” “I think that’s a…” I looked at it and then I shouted. “Looked out!” I pushed the captain out of the way as the object crashed through the window. I got up and I looked outside as I saw buildings being destroyed. I turned back. “Is that a cannonball?” “Yes.” “The war has started.” ….. One hour later The city was in a blood bath. Innocent ponies were being slaughtered and the Royal Guard both Luna’s and Celestia’s were struggling to fight the Griffins back. The Guard wouldn’t let me fight because I was a human and they said that this was between Ponies and Griffins. Shining at least let me help by protecting the princesses. We were in the castle where the Griffins have reached the front doors of the castle. Cadence was rocking her body back and forth she was scared. The last time I saw someone like that was in the war. We heard footsteps outside the door of the war room the maids and the princesses huddled in the corner. I pulled my knife out and I climbed over the wall as I hold on to something only God knows to what I was holding. I had the blade ready on my right hand and I waited. I was quite and then the door swung open. I couldn’t believe it! Real life griffins, but there was no time for excitement. I only saw three walk in and a tall one said. “Well look who we have here. The princess of the night and the princess of love.” Two of them made their way towards the ponies while one stood right under me. I left go as I fell onto the griffin my knife had punctured his head. as they heard the thud the two griffins turned back. The smaller said. “What is that sir?” “I don’t know, but kill it!” the small one charged at me. As it swung its sword at me I moved my hand in front of the sword. As the blades met I used my right hand to punch the bird across the face. As it lost its concentration I flipped the knife with the blade facing above my thumb and I stabbed the bird right under his chin. I pulled out the blade and I pushed the body to the ground. I looked at the third one. And he said. “W…what are you?” “Nothing really…just a professional of war. I tossed the knife in the air and I caught it from the blade. As the griffin charged towards me I threw the knife straight to its chest. I walked to the bird as I pulled the knife out of its body. Luna walked up to me and said. “What is that thing made of?” “Why?” “The armor of the griffins is made of steel.” “Well my knife is made of titanium.” She looked at me confused. She we heard more footsteps. I place Luna behind me but instead of more griffins it was Shining Armor and four other stallions. Cadence shouted. “Shining!” she ran towards him. I looked at the dead bodies. Shining walked up to me and said. “What happen?” “The Griffins tried to kill the princesses.” I chuckled and I looked at my knife. “Not bad for someone without a gun.” “You killed them?” “Yup.” “You just killed them without hesitating?” “Yeah. The damn birds were posing as a threat to the ponies so I had to kill them. If I didn’t you wife would be dead right now.” “Thank you…for saving Cadence.” “Don’t thank me Captain. It’s my job. How’s the situation outside?” The Griffin Army has retreated.” “That’s not normal for a first attack, they’re planning something.” “Like what?” “I’m not sure. But I will tell you this I need you to set a perimeter around the city. We can’t let the Griffins attack us like that again.” “I will.” He turned to the other guards. “You hear him now go.” One guard said. “Yes sir.” The guards ran out of the room. I said. “Now we have to gather the injured and the dead. ….. Two hours later I was out in a field helping the ponies bury their loved ones as well as the guards that have been killed in action. Shining Armor walked up to me. “Gunnery.” “Yeah.” I walked up to him and he gave me a list. “What is this?” “The ones that are highlighted blue are injured, the ones in yellow are missing, the green ones are active and the red are…” “K.I.A.” “What.” “K.I.A stands for killed in action. It’s easier to remember. Look.” I grabbed the quill he had. “The reds are K.I.A, okay?” He nodded. The blue are W.I.N which stands for wounded in action. The yellow are M.I.A. and that stands for missing in action. And the green are A.” “A?” “It stands for active.” “Oh.” Then we felt a thud. I turned back and it was Princess Celestia. “Your highness.” “At ease captain. What happened?” I said. “The griffins attacked.” “What? But I thought…” “We all did. But it looks like you’re at war.” “I can’t believe this is happening.” “I will help you fight but first did you bring my equipment?” “Yes.” She levitated my backpack and my guns. I grabbed my rifles and I place them on my back except for my M-16 and I placed my pistol on the holder. I asked. “Did you by any chance bring my helmet?” “Yes here you go.” She gave me my helmet I put in on my head. The Captain looked at me and said. “That’s a wired helmet.” “Why.” “Because it covers your face with some glass.” “It’s the visor and it protects my face from enemy bullets.” “Oh.” “Celestia, if I may, can I wander around the city so I can look for the griffin’s position?” “Yes…but I will accompany you.” “Fine by me.” It has passed thirty minutes and we were at the edge of the city. I reached into my backpack and I pulled out my binoculars I looked around and I saw the camp. “Look.” I passed the binoculars to Celestia she looked through them. “The Griffin camp.” “Yup.” “I would love to go and talk to them.” “Talk fuck that I rather kill them right now I have my sniper rifle with me.” “Please Gunnery-Sergeant.” “Fine. This Is your world and your country so I will let you do that but I want to go with you.” “That I will allow. I still need the protection of someone who has seen war in the past.” “True.” I looked back at the ruins of some of the buildings of the city. “Still at least your enemy is not using warheads.” “Warheads?” “Nuclear bombs.” “Oh.” “I think we should have headed back. Ever since we arrived at this spot I noticed that griffins have been leaving their tents and they're staring at us.” “Okay.” I checked the ammo of my rifle ad I placed the butt of the gun on my shoulder I waited until the princess was ahead of me and then I walked behind her making sure that the enemy wouldn’t attack. Editing credit goes to bronyman12345. thank you very much for being my editor bronyman i'm sorry for what's happening. if you can't be my editor then i will have to look for another. thank you very much for being the editor of Humanity in Equestria > Chapter Four: New Mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three: New Mission Day 4 7: 15 A.M As my stay continued, I had partook into getting myself acquainted into a living area. I must admit, my quarters were considered regal among my living standards of a soldier. I gazed upon my room, wanting too change some of it, but at the same time, this wasn't my home, nor was it my place to substantially change the Royalties spare rooms and commodities. A few moments passed and I exited the room, not realizing I hadn't been wearing a shirt. As I stepped out I noticed Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. They had been talking about something but I guess I interrupted them when I stepped out. Their faces bore a confused and curious look as they stared upon me, this made me very uncomfortable. ““What?” I asked bewildered. Shining Armor shook his head, exiting his curious trance. “Wheres your armor?” He asked curiously. “I took it off. Why?” I replied questioningly. “Oh nothing,nothing.” He waved his hoof in dismissal. “I just thought that humans had fur under their clothing and battlements.” “Well...” I said thoughtfully, trying too play out how i was too respond too the statement.“Humans don’t have fur per say. We have hair, it’s like fur but it only covers certain regions of the body." “Oh.. Okay” Cadence tried too understand, maybe she did but she kept a questioning look on me... “Is there something wrong Princess?” I queried. She blinked multiple times. “ Huh? Oh, no nothing’s wrong, just... it’s just that you have a weird body.” “Weird?” I raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Now what are those spots on your belly?” She asked, and I looked down “And I am not referring to your abdominal's.” “Oh, you mean the battle scars.” I finally noticed what she had meant. “Battle scars?” She shook lightly before Shining calmed her down. “Yeah. As much as I really want to forget about the war and the mess that it’s created, having these scars won’t help me at all...” I sighed and released a small bit of stress. It felt good too get it out. Though they might not fully understand. “I’m sorry to hear that.” From behind, Princess Luna called and kept her steady walking pace. “Human, my sister is about to leave… oh.” Princess Luna immediately stared at my gut. ‘Great now one of the other princesses is staring at me’ I thought. “Uh, Hi. You said your sister was doing what now?” I asked. Luna shook her head. We stared at her and she made a fake cough. “Sorry… my sister is about to leave.” She said embarrassed. “Oh, right. I’ll get ready on the hop.” I walked back in the room I began to armor up. After five minutes I walked out they were still standing at the same spot. I looked too Luna. “I can’t go anywhere without you Luna.” I chuckled. “Why not, you’re a grown human.” She retorted. “That is true but your sister said that I am to have an escort at all times remember.” “Oh…right. Well let’s go.” Luna acknowledged. She and I walked towards Celestia’s chamber, while Shining and Cadence walked to the kitchen where there was a table since the dining room had been destroyed. Celestia was with Twilight when we entered. The white alicorn princess greeted, “Hello Gunnery Clearwater.” “Hello Princess.” I replied. Twilight added into the mix, “Hi Steven.” “Hey Twilight.” I noticed that Celestia had noted the difference in tone as I spoke differently to my surroundings. Celestia asked. “Gunnery... Why do you speak differently to Twilight Sparkle and I?” “Well, it really depends on who I’m talking to... Take you two for example. You’re a princess and Twilight is a civilian.” Princess Celestia took in the example quickly, “So what if it’s an enemy?” “Then I just talk and treat em like shit.” I chuckled lightly at the statement. Clearly they didn't get it. “Oh…well we better get going.” She announced and made her way too the doors.We all walked out of the room and through the rest of the castle along with the guards of both Luna and Celestia. After only half an hour of walking through cleared streets we were at the out skirts of Canterlot and Luna ordered her guards to stop. Luna said to her sister.“I will wait here. If anything happens you know how to contact me.” “And what if I can’t?” Celestia hypothetically asked. I answered hastily. “Then I will shoot a flare.” They looked at me. “If it comes to the point that I have to use it, then you will see it. Just look for a bright light in the sky and a small explosion.” I explained. Soon after the explanation we left Luna and her guards where they were at, taking off in the Royal Carriage. Even sooner than I thought, we reached the camp. Multiple weapons and shields were raised into battle position as we came into view. I raised my own weapon as well, preparing for an impending fight. Gently Celestia placed her hoof on my weapon and lowered it. “Gunnery I see that preventing war will be hard, but you and I have to try. Right when we land I need you to go around the camp.” “How?” I asked raising an eyebrow and released a measure of tenseness. “I will cast an invisibility spell, but you only have ten minutes before it wears off. Do make the best of it.” She explained. “If you say so Princess.” I said as I faced the princess. Her horn began to glow and she gently tapped it on my head. Like an invisibility cloak, I whisked into clearance and sneak. “Go Gunnery.” She ordered. “Understood.” I began to run to the camp. As I approached the birds nest I decided to do something before I continued. I looked for their armory, if there was any place that they had stored any gunpowder, it will be there. I snuck around the camp, twisted and turned, and even caught some sightings that may have traumatized me. After only a few minutes I had found the armory, slowly I walked into the large tent and I began my search for a place too plant a satchel charge. I pulled one out of my back pocket and I placed it between two barrels I activated the remote detonator and I walked out. I said to myself. “I still have five minutes.” I walked out of the armory and I saw Celestia walking to a tent I followed inside and peeped in too see her and a griffin. I hid behind a small couch so I began to crouch down and eavesdrop on the conversation. Celestia began.“Commander Wingspread I assume.” “Yes.” He replied and stood straight from leaning on the mapped desk. “Why did you attack my kingdom?” Celestia queried. “What do you think? We've conquered half the other kingdoms. Why not continue in a grand campaign?” He sadistically replied. “Other Kingdoms? You mean too say that you’re engaging on full world war?” Celestia cried out. Stomping her hoof onto the table, making it shake violently and furiously. “If that is what it takes too begin a grand empire. Then yes.” He again chuckled demonically. “What are you talking about?” Celestias face turned into an expression of anger and confusion. “Where were you when we attacked other kingdoms? We have taken Vaporia, Camelu, and Mexicolt. Although we still have to take out the resistance, our more current target is New Saddle.” He smiled. ‘Damn he’s a crazy bastard’ I thought. “New saddle is a city in Equestria. Your king and I have agreed to a negotiation.” Celestia injected. “Yes, that is true but we have... other plans.” Before she said another word a griffin struck her out from the back of Celestias and wrapped herself around the royal figure, sliding back and forth to bring her down. Then another went for the feet, causing Celestia too fall onto her side, then dragging her by the hooves, the griffin team flung her to a large grouping of captured ponies. Slowly the spell or enchantment she did to me began wear out I followed them as they, and Wingspread exited out the tent . Outside the guards have been beaten down and chained. The griffin commander stood over Celestia and nodded to other guards. “Chain her up with the rest of the pathetic ponies!” he turned and he saw me with my gun in hand, aiming at him. “And…who might you be?” “That’s none of your concern.” “Oh really?” He replied sarcastically. “Yeah…so why don’t you release these ponies and I might not shove a bullet through your skull.” I threatened. “Huh?” He looked at me like I was crazy. “Oh right you have primitive technology. Let the ponies go or I’ll kill.” The birds just began to laugh. “How is that thing going to kill me? There’s no way that the thing you are holding is more fatal than the mighty sword.” He laughed wholeheartedly, yet cynically. “Actually yes it is. I can be about 500 meters away from you and I can kill you without getting close.” I replied, non moving by him and his comrades stupidity. “Why don’t you show me?” He kept laughing and snorting. “My pleasure.” I pulled the trigger. The sound of my rifle roared as the bullet flew in the air, slicing and penetrating the breeze, towards the bird. The head of the Commander jetted backwards and then his body fell. Ponies and Griffins alike were shocked of what they had just witnessed I grabbed my flare gun and I shot it in the air. The griffins looked at me and then they began to walk towards me. I hastily grabbed the remote detonator and pressed the button. The armory exploded and I began to fire at the enemy within the area. One charged at me and I hit him with the butt of my rifle and I finished him off with a burst of bullets. A second later Luna landed beside me as well as her pegasus and unicorn guards. Celestia and her guards were freed and the griffins were arrested. Celestia walked up to me. “G…Gunnery.” I noticed her tone of voice. “Yes?” “About what happened. y-yo-you killed the Commander w…without any hesitation.” She stated in horror and a hint of disgust. “Point being?” “How? I mean, I have been in war, but after seeing it gone for such a long time... It makes my stomach churn now that has come back too this land of peace.” “Princess.. I know what you’re going through, but one thing too remember is that... every great power will always end.” She still stared at me. “Look I’m not going to try to kill okay. so stop worrying.” “O…okay.” ------------------------------------ One hour later I was at the camp and Celestia was with talking with me. “So as you heard, the Griffins next target is the city of New Saddle and I need a war expert to help the guards I have placed in the city to protect it.” “Okay.” I said nonchalantly. “But you will not go alone. You will be accompanied by Three of the six Elements of Harmony.” She further detailed. “And who will that be?” I asked curiously. “The Element of Honesty, Generosity, and Loyalty.” “So Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.” I said as I jogged my memory of these kinds of things I learned from the Princess and Twilight. “Exactly. You are their protector I need them back here in one piece when your mission is complete.” “Okay... when do I leave?” I wondered. “In ten minutes.” She turned to her sister “Luna?” “Yes sister?" “May you please escort our Human to the airship?" “Of course. Follow me Gunnery-Sergeant.” I followed her and I decided to asked her. “I thought you ponies didn't have any planes.” “planes? What is this plane you speak of?” Luna questioned curiously. “ It's a machine that allows humans use to travel by air.” I explained in a general way. “Oh we use…well.” We stood in front of a boat that had a hot air balloon attached too the top of it. “This.” “That’s an airship.” I said bluntly. “Yes.” “Don’t you ponies have anything that’s faster?” I gulped ”...or safer?” “Human we are not as advance as your people are but this will get you to your destination.” I stuttered nervously. “V…very well.” I up the ramp and the princess shouted at me. “Good luck and be careful!” “No promises!” I walked to the front of the boat where the three ponies were already waiting for me. Rainbow Dash saw me. “Hey Steven.” Rainbow Dash greeted. “Hey.” I waved back. The boat began to rise and I feel to my knees. Rarity said to me. “Are you afraid of heights Mr. Clearwater?” I said as I got up. “No it’s not that it’s just that I don’t trust this thing at all.” “Why?” “I don’t think this boat was meant to be in the air. If it was a plane, jet or ship then okay but this... I’d rather prefer to go by ground.” “Well if we did go by ground then we would have arrive at New Saddle in two days.” “Two days?” “Yes darling. New Saddle is right over the mountains and beyond the forest.” “So how long will this trip take by aircraft?” “’Just about five hours.” Applejack answered. “Five hours?! This thing is that slow. A military jet can get us there in at least five minutes.” I commented. RD’s eyes went wide and she grinned widely. “Five minutes how fast is this jet thing?” She gleed. “Pretty fast.” I smirked. “Can it make a Sonic Rainboom?” “A what?” “You know breaking the sound barrier.” “Oh… yeah our jets can break the sound barrier without any problems from what I heard at sea level the speed of sound is 340 meters per second which is about 760 miles per hour.” “Wow…that’s pretty…fast.” “You okay.” “Yeah it’s just that I want to be the fastest flyer in Equestria.” I thought for a moment until I got an idea. “How about this. When my ship lands we’ll take a jet and you will fly with me. After our little flight you’ll be the fastest anything in Equestria.” “Really?” Her eyes almost popped out of her head from being so wide. “Yeah.” I smiled back. “That sounds awesome.” “Yeah…well since we have five hours to wait I think I’ll take a nap.” I walked to a chair and I placed my rifles on the side and then I placed my helmet on a table next to the chair. I sat down and I closed my eyes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two hours later I turned my head left and then right I was sweating like crazy. I was having a war dream. RD had walked up to my side. “Hey dude are you okay?” In the dream I was fighting an Separatist hand to hand. Until the point I had my knife on his neck I woke up. I didn't realized what I did. I had grabbed RD and I pinned her against the wall with my knife on her neck. I was breathing heavily and she was scared, her eyes were locked on mine. I let her go I began to walk to the front of the ship I dropped my knife and I rested my hands on the rail. Rarity and Applejack helped RD, as they were also frightened. Then I heard Rainbow Dash. “S…St” She clearly struggled trying too come too terms with what just happened. “…Steven?” Rainbow Dash sobbed. “Yeah.” I answered without looking at her. “What happened back there…you almost killed me.” She shook wildly, i could feel it and hear it. “I…I’m sorry…it’s just that…forget it.” I sighed. “All that matters is that you’re not hurt.” I tried too force the ending of the inevitable sob. “Steven…what happened.” “Memories ok…just stop asking... Please.” “O…ok.” she walked up to me and placed my knife on the rail.“Here you’ll need this later on.” Thirty minutes had passed since the little incident. I had moved back to the chair I was on earlier. I checked my weapons and I put my helmet back on. Rarity was enjoying the view of the airship until she said.“Um…Rainbow what do you think those dots in the air are.” “What dots?” Rainbow Dash squinted. “Those?” She leaned closer too the window I can’t tell. I’ll fly over there to take a closer-” I cut her off. “No.” I took out my pair of binoculars. “But why?” “I have binoculars.” I looked through the binoculars and I saw eleven Griffins with some kind of metal rods on their backs. “Girls do you have armor with you?” Rarity answered. “Yes we do.” “Go put them on the enemy is approaching.” “What about the captain?” “I think he’ll be fine.” The three mares walked to a door and I grabbed my M-16 and I aimed at the birds. I opened fire when they were about 100 meters from the somewhat unstable and rickety “airship”. I hit four. Three fell to the ground and the fourth exploded. I must have hit one of the rods. Those damn things are explosives. One bird swooped down and pinned me to the ground then tried to stab me with its knife. I forced its arm to the side and it hit the floor then I punched the large bird across his face and I kicked him off of me. It tried to pick itself up but I shot the bird with my pistol. I got up and I grabbed my rifle. Another charged at me and I fired my weapon. The enemy bird dropped onto the floorboards with a hammering *thump*. Then one more jumped on my back, trying too rip it off me, I slammed it against the wall, the bird lost his grip and slid down the wall. I quickly regained my rifle and butt it across the beak and proceeded to shoot him. I looked for the rest of the birds. I walked to the back and I found one running towards me. I shot it and I ran to the stairs where two of them were guarding the entrance. I threw a grenade and it exploded. The bodies, along with splinters rolled and flew down the staircase. The door to the captain of the ship was locked. I kicked the door down but I was too late, the captain had his throat slit. I avenged his death and I killed the last bird. The steering of the airship was stable so I stayed to make sure that the ship didn’t to fall. I heard RD when she flew through the door. “Come on let’s fight some…hey where’s the fight?” I shouted to her.“You’re a little too late!” she flew up to me she was wearing some kind of armor different from what Luan’s or Celestia’s guards were wearing. It was dull gray. It covered her hooves and knees her underbelly was covered as well her helmet was like a medieval knight’s helmet but her eyes from the upper snout were exposed to give her the ability to see clearly and her mouth was covered. The chest piece had some kind of gem like the shape of her mark that she has on her side of her leg. “Nice armor.” “Thanks but I still think that your armor is way better.” AJ and Rarity walked up the stairs they were wearing the same kind of armor but their chests had the jewel like Rainbow Dash but the difference was that it was the shape of their markings on their bodies. “Steven you don’t need to stay here just put it in auto-pilot.” Applejack said. “Wait. You don’t have jets, guns, or spaceships but, your airships have bloody autopilots?!” “Uh…yeah.” “That’s bullshit.” We walked down and we walked back to the front of the ship. There was still something that was bothering me. The Griffins were carrying metal rods on their back and when I killed the ones at the back their rods were missing. Oh fuck! The back of the hold exploded. The floor shook ravenously I lost my balance as well as the earth pony and unicorn. I looked the rear of the boat was on fire and the flames made its way to the ropes of the balloon. . AJ shouted “What in tarnation was that?!” “Those damn birds were carrying explosiv-ahhh.” Two of the ropes broke and the boat began to tilt. I slid to the front of the boat and the non-flying ponies crashed into me. I grabbed onto the rail and I picked myself up only to find myself looking at the ground, 2000 feet above sea level... maybe. The middle ropes broke and I fell over the rail i was hanging on Rarity tried to help me up but the last pair of ropes broke. All except for Rainbow Dash were free falling. Rarity’s horn began to glow. An aura formed around herself and Applejack. She tried to form the aura around me but she was only able to slow me down but her concentration broke. The aura broke around my body Rainbow Dash flew towards me and she grabbed my leg. She strained to force her wings too carry us upward.. “Steven you weight like a ton!” we slowed down before we hit the ground I looked at the Pegasus and then back down. We crashed into a tree she lost her grip I rolled down a hill breaking branches and bushes until I crashed into a rock. My helmet fell off my head due to the impact which was no surprise. It’s supposed to do that for when a medic need to check for head injuries. I tried to pick myself up then I heard a clanking sound I turned my head only to find a pegasus in armor flying toward me and then everything went dark. Editing credit goes to ChillaxBrony for editing my story and for being my editor. thank you so much. > OC Announcment > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Character Kon here I need a new original character(s) for two of my current stories Humanity in Equestria and Operation: Equestrian Assault. Here’s the basic info for what you should include. This is optional you don’t need to comment anything and if you do with your permission I will add your character in one of my stories and you will be given credit for your character. 1) Please give me a message or comment with a bio. Such as what your character looks like, how my main characters or other characters meet them, and other things. I would be hoping for an OC that will defiantly present some action in this story. 2) I am expecting for the OC to have some fighting experience or something else in that area. 3) State if your OC is a human or a pony and state if they are a male or female. 4) Only two OC per brony or pegasister. (state if you are from the following.) Thank you for reading your character will be placed in my story or stories with your permission and you will have credit for your creation. Only five will be picked. enjoy > Chapter Five: Road to New Saddle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Five: Road to New Saddle Day 6 12: 45 P.M ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was walking in a field with tall grass, the sun was warm, and the air was moist, clouds blooped the sky with white puffiness. I walked up a hill until I saw four figures. Two tall figures and two smaller ones. I walked up to them and one of the figures said with a familiar female voice.“Time to wake up darling.” “M-mom?” I asked confused. My mind was boggling, trying to figure as to what was happening. Even though I knew where I was. I guess my mind couldn't comprehend it. “Wake up Steven.”She said simply. I woke up. I held my head with my hands, trying to fight the pain I was feeling from the bright light of the sun. As far as I could tell, it wouldn’t be anytime soon before it would stop hurting. Then a familiar unicorn’s voice arose. “Take it easy darling. Rainbow Dash hit you harder than we thought.” “Ugh how long was I out?” I asked, trying not to rub my eyes. “Well you were out since the falling. So all day yesterday.” My eyes widened when she said that. “I was out…all day. More than 24 hours?.” "Afraid so, darling." "Damn. Felt like it happened only a minute ago." “Well Rainbow Dash just woke up a minute ago and I believe she has something to say to you.” The pegasus walked from behind a tree. “Hey.” She greeted “Hey.” I replied back casually. “Um…Sorry about what happened.” Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head. “Don’t worry about it, we’re alive aren’t we?" I chuckled. AppleJack came from behind a gathering of large bushes.“Um…Gunnery we have a problem with one of you rifles do hickeys." “Which one?” she grabbed my M-16 and continued with the explanation. “When you fell most of your bullet thingys fell off of you when you plummeted down. Ah could only managed to save about three of those rectangle things.” Applejack explained. "Well. Shit.” "Well you still got that other one." Rainbow Dash pointed out. I looked at my P-17. “Yeah but the thing is I… I don’t like using pulse weaponry as much as bullet base weapons." I stated simply. “What's the difference?" Applejack asked. “Well for one bullet base weapons are more reliable than the others for a few reasons. The pulse rifle is a direct-energy weapon.” “Uh... what?" Dash queried. “It’s pure energy, so it burns really bad…but, look the pulse rifle has more defects than my M-16.” “Like?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. I'm sure they don't what the hell I'm talking about but at least they took some extent of interest. “Well the pulse rifle isn't very water resistant, so if it stays too long in the water the components of the gun will jam. And it’s a hell of a mission to repair and it’s worse if you’re in battle." I opened the side of the pulse rifle and showed the insides. "But, the M16 I can repair fast and two the military was able to raise the M-16’s reliability up 50%. But if I have to use a pulse rifle then I will use it.” I grabbed my M-16 and I placed on my back as I pulled out the P-17 as I checked the ammo. “I have eight clips and they are all 100%.” I assured confidently. “Ok you have eight clips, what the hay is the difference?" Applejack queried. “Each clip can fire up to 1000 rounds or bullets in a simpler sense.” “Oh.” “Yup. Now let’s get moving if we start traveling now we might get far. It’s about 12 so we might stop at four so we can get food and set up camp.” I put my helmet on and stood up. And then walked east. We walked up a hill until we were at the top. It had been only thirty minutes and Rarity was the first to complain. “How much do we have to walk? My hooves are killing me.” We all just stared at her. “Well I never.” She continued to trot ahead of us. I asked RD and AJ.“Is she always pain in the ass.” I felt something hit my helmet. I turned and Rarity shouted. “I heard that!” she turned around and she walked with her head facing up. “Again, is she always a pain in the ass?” “Sometimes.” They chimed at the same time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three hours later We continued walking until we walked up to a river.“Girls look.” AJ announced. “Oh good I can use a drink." Called Rarity. “Hold it AJ. I have a water purifier.” I suggested “Huh.” “Just let me clean the water.” “Okay...” I grabbed a cylinder with a nozzle on the bottom and a pump on the top. I placed the nozzle side in the water and I pumped the water into the cylinder container. “There now we have a gallon of clean water.” I pulled out my canteen and I emptied out the old water and I refilled it with the new, crystal clear clean water. Then I placed three plastic cups on a rock for the equine females and I served them water. I said to the ponies. “I think this is far enough we have a water source and all we need is food, fire and something that I can use to make a tent with.” “Well I think I can look for some berries or some corn or something.” Rainbow suggested. “Okay, just make sure that the berries aren’t poisonous.” I yelled as she took off. I looked around the area and I found a small cave. I walked to the entrance I looked inside. It was about ten feet into the ground so it was enough for all of us. I called the other mares. “Applejack. Rarity.” They walked up to me. “Looks like the shelter situation is solved all I need is food.” Rarity . “But Rainbow Dash just went out looking for food.” “Yes but the thing is that I’m an omnivore.” “Oh right…so does that mean you’re going to hunt for your food.” “Yeah and if I don’t catch anything then I’ll eat some of the ration I have with me at least they’ll help.” My stomach automatically churned as I mentioned rations. “I want you two to build something to cover the entrance of that cave. I don’t want anything walking in there while we are a sleep. I’ll be right back.” I crossed over the river by a log that was in the water with the top exposed to the outside air. I was on the other side as I lost sight of the mares. I was looking for some rabbit or something or at least a deeper part of the river because the spot where we were at was too shallow for any fish. I walked upon a deserted camp ground I raise my rifle for any caution every step I took was carefully made, I looked at the ground and then on the trees for any sights of traps that had been set up. A shredded tent was about five feet in front of me I walked closer and I looked through the torn area. Inside was a bear and I began to walk backwards. Not looking at where I was stepping. *Crack!* ‘Fuck’. I heard the bear waking up I looked down and noticed that I had made a cartoon hunter move. I stepped back and again I stepped on a twig. The bear’s head bounced up, with its face and sight still covered by the tarp. It looked at me and it stood up on two legs I took aim at the creature and then it walked on its four legs towards me. He was right in front of me and it sniffed me it looked at me. I said. “Did you attack this camp?” Surprisingly it shook its head in response and walked away. “Then what did?” I said to myself I heard talking and ran behind a tree. I looked around the trunk; I was in shock Minotaur’s real life Minotaur’s they were five of them I heard one of them speak. “Perfect now that the camp is ours we can now rest.” Another one spoke.“Yeah these ponies never stood a chance especially the gold one. I had fun killing him.” A third voice laughed in agreement.“Yup next time we kill ponies why don’t we skin them alive.” The all laughed and I walked out from the tree and I said. “Sorry to break it to you but there won’t be a next time.” They all looked at me. “Who the hay are you?!” One of the large beasts started. “A human.” “A do what now?” “I hear that you like to kill for pleasure.” “Yeah... so.” “I don’t. I kill to defend and I have a few ponies with me and-” “You have ponies? Well you better toss them over and we might go easy on you.” I rolled my eyes and I pulled out my pistol and I shot him on the head. The Minotaur’s just looked as their comrade fell to the ground. And then they just stared at me. “Sorry but it was fun killing him.” They kept staring at me I said sarcastically. “It’s only fun when it happens to someone else right?” “You…you killed him.” “No shit Sherlock.” Two of them charged at me so I killed them as well. Now three were dead and only two were standing. Then they drew out their swords and they made their poses I just finished them off with a roll of the eyes and two quick shots,. After that I walked passed the corpses and I went looking for the dead ponies as soon as I walked to a different part river and I found the bodies. There were about seven dead ponies I couldn’t just leave them there and I was not a machine so I decided to bury the bodies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thirty minutes later I buried the bodies and I looked at the clock I knew there was no use to keep looking for food so I walked back to my campsite with the other ponies. As I walked over the hill Rainbow called. “Hey Steven what took you so long?!” I walked over the river and I said to the Pegasus. “Sorry I had an encounter with some Minotaur’s.” “Really?” “Yeah. I found a camp that was attacked and I figured it was them because they said something about killing some ponies.” Rarity said. “Oh my goodness. W…what did you do.” “I avenged them.” Rarity and RD looked at each other and then to me. “Y…you mean ya killed them.” Applejack shivered at the thought. “Yeah.” “Why?” “They killed the ponies for pleasure and fun. So I killed them so they can feel how it feels. After I killed them I found the bodies of the dead ponies and I buried them. Rarity said. “Why?” “I’m not a machine Rarity. In war we bury our dead when we have the chance to do it. And we also bury civilians. Like in World War II I read that a company was scouting a forest and they found a concentration camp with prisoners still inside. The people in a nearby town were forced to bury the dead bodies.” I looked at the mares. RD asked. “Wh…why did the soldiers force people to bury the dead?” “Because when you burn a human body or any kind of body you can smell the stench. Those civilians knew that the camp was there and they knew what was happening. So the soldiers took food from stores by force and the same with medicines anyone who tried to stop was threated to be shot.” They just stared at me. “Hey those damn things kill innocents ok. Look why don’t we drop it.” I walked to the cave. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was night time I didn’t realized that I was asleep the cave was covered by a wall of branches I walked out of the cave and found the ponies around a campfire. I walked to the fire and I sat down. “Hey girls.” “Sleep well Mr. Clearwater.” Rarity greeted. “If what I went through was sleep then yes. I slept ‘well’.” “Well we weren’t doing much but we were chatting about what will happen when your time here expires.” “You mean when my days of a lone wolf are over on this planet.” “Precisely my dear.” Rarity pointed a hoof to me. “Well…” I sat down on a nearby log. “my ship will land to refuel and for maintenance. Then we stay for some time depending what the captain decides to do, and then we go home.” “But what happens if we are still at war?” “Sorry to say this, but it’s not my problem. My job was to only scout the area…I didn’t expect anything to happen.” “So you’re just going to leave us to die?!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. And my ship is pretty big so if your princess meets my captain or if the enemy attacks the ship then we’ll stay to fight.” “But what if the enemy doesn’t attack your team.” “I’m still fighting. If the captain finds out that I’ve been wounded then he will fight.” “Oh.” “Look I won’t promise you anything but I will try to help as much as I can before my deadline okay?” “Okay.” Rarity looked down. Applejack asked.“Um…Steven?” “Yeah.” “How did the war back at your world begin?” I was quiet for a moment. “Well… th…the enemy known as the “Separatists” was a secret organization. Its members were from all over the world including the U.S.. From what I was told and what I heard was that they began to form their army in 2013 and it grew dramatically in one year. Over 2 million members it grew tremendously until the war began in 2024 members were now over 500 million. I never knew the true reason of their organization. And I really didn’t care. They killed innocent people. Bloody battles spread all over the world. And then the nuclear winter came in from the warheads that we’ve been using. That winter killed more in two months then then what we did with our own weapons. The last few battles were the worst especially in Los Angeles. In fact I was sent alone with a group of rookies and when we first step foot into hell well-” Rarity stopped me. “Mr. Clearwater if you’re going to go into details I prefer that you don’t.” “Sorry.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day seven The next morning we continued to walk towards the city. We passed by the camp that I have found yesterday. The minotaur’s were still at the spot where I have last left them the only difference is that a pack of what seemed to be wolves made out of wood were eating them. After we passed by the camp Rarity ran past us looking for a bush she was vomiting from the horror that she just witnessed. Applejack ran to her aid. “It’s all right sugarcube.” I crouched down and I tried to comfort her. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” After dropping another load she cried. “H…how do you…manage to cope with horror…such as that?” “I know it’s not easy seeing dead bodies but…you…get use to it.” That was not the best answer because she walked right up to my face. “Use to it. USE TO IT! How can you get used to seeing such horror! There is no forgiveness for those to kill for pleasure or for whatever reason!” “So self-defense is not a good reason to kill.” “What do you mean?” “Think about what happened in Canterlot. The Griffins attack the city killing troops and civilians. I killed three damn birds to protect Princess Luna and her niece. So answer me this what would have happened if I hadn’t killed or better what would you do if I was the enemy?” she just kept staring at me for a long moment. “How about this? An animal that’s hurt and cornered, even if you try to help it, would attack to defend itself. It’s in their nature. The same question what happens if I was the enemy and you were the only one to protect them.” “W…well then I would have try to stop you…” “And what happens if you can’t? What would be your last resort?” “I…i…would have been forced to…to” “Kill me…I know. Taking someone’s life is not always the best choice. But if you have to kill to protect then it will be done. This isn’t my first time killing nor my last…but I will tell you this out of all the times I killed. It was to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves.” Rarity looked down I placed my hand on her chin and I lifted her head up. “Rarity trust me when I say this…we are going to see more of this so it would be better if you got used to it... we’re at war.” “O…okay.” “I’m sorry.” She hugged me. “Just…just try to keep the killing at a minimum.” She cried a few dots of tears that shimmered on my armor. “I’ll try.” We continued to follow the river. We stumbled upon a waterfall and beyond that the city. The problem was that we saw smoke rising from the city itself.“Fuck I think we’re a little too late guys.” I said bluntly and called for Rainbow Dash. “Yeah.” “I need you to fly towards the city and tell them we are in the forest. Tell them that we need transport I think the griffins are attacking the city as we speak.” “Ok.” She flew off and I turned to Applejack and Rarity. “Girls we need to climb down the cliff before Rainbow Dash returns.” They nodded I looked down to see if I was able to climb down, but there wasn’t anything to scale down with. The water of the river was shallow only raised up to my knee guards. I walked into the river still looking for a better way to climb down. Rarity shouted. “Be careful darling I don’t want you to knock yourself out again.” Even though she said to be careful I slipped. The current pulled me to and I fell. I barely heard the mare screaming my name because of the sound of the water. I fell into the water below but it was deep for about fifteen feet and there were no large rocks around. I swam up to the side and I shouted to the mares. “Applejack! Rarity!” they looked down and AJ yelled. “Steven are you ok?” “I’m fine. The deep water broke my fall I recommend you do the same!” “Alrighty then!” Applejack yelled down. I saw AJ turning to Rarity and they argued I’m pretty sure it was because I told them to jump. The unicorn began to walk away but the farmer tackled her and she picked her up. AJ ran to the river and she threw Rarity down and then AJ jumped after the splash. They swam to the side. “You rotten ruffian how dare you throw me down a waterfall I should have to sued for that!” “Well it worked didn’t it? So quit your whining.” “Well next time when I say put me down I mean put me down!” “I did.” Applejack smiled “Yes, but down the waterfall!” “Ya never said where to put ya down.” I cut in. “Girls!” the turned. “You can fight about this later but we have to keep moving.” They both faced each other and then to me and they knobbed. “Good. Just let me check on the P-17 and we’ll get going.” I checked the gun and so far it was okay. But I swear if this gun jams will I’m fighting I will go on a rampage. We continued to walk up until we saw a carriage coming towards us I wasn’t sure if it was Rainbow or Griffins so I aimed my gun at it. Before it came any closer RD landed in front of us. “Hey, I’m back.” The carriage landed two Royal Guards stepped out of the carriage and he walked up to me. “Are you Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater?” “Depends. who’s asking.” “I’m Commander Swirlstar from the Celestial Royal Guard. And this is Commander Darkwing from the Lunar Royal Guard.” The bright white guard said. “Pleasure to meet you.” The dark, gothic bat winged guard greeted. Swirlstar continued.“We ask that you accompany us.” “You’re not going to arrest me because the last time I cooperate I was hit on the back of my skull.” “Don’t worry we are asking you to come with us because the Griffins have already started to bombard the city.” “Ok…I’ll go, but I cannot be away from these three. Rather one is with me the whole time or all three of them.” “Don’t worry, we know.” I walked in the carriage along with Rarity and Applejack. The two Pegasi in front pulled us to the city. > Chapter Six: Awakening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Six: Awakening ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Point of view told by Joseph Spier on the Arch Angel. After the asteroid hit the ship it did some damage to the Cryo-tubes. I thawed out before the expecting date. I looked around the room all of the other tubes were still frozen except for one. I tried to push the door open I looked up at the emergency door lever. I pulled the lever and the door opened. I walked to the empty tube and I read the name that it belonged to. Lance-Corporal Gregory "Rook" Newton Former Separatist, currently Lance-Corporal in ECPC “Shit if he used to be a Sepi then there’s no telling what he is doing.” I walked to a cabinet and I entered the code. I opened it and I grabbed a Ranging Cobra Revolver. I stepped out of the room and figured he might be at the bridge, I stood in front of the door and it opened. I walked in and I looked around. Nothing in sight. I walked towards one of the control panels and I heard a voice from above. “You know if you’re going to be hunting for someone make sure that the surveillance is shut off.” I aimed my pistol at him. He had a reasonably decent face, most notable feature being a 'reverse cross' on his left half. Dark brown buzz cut (often coupled with several days’ worth of beard). Hazel eyes. Six foot two and one half inches tall. Well-built with some scars and a tattoo of a winged unicorn on his back from a drunken wager, which he won. “Stay where you are!” “Ok. Chill I’m not the enemy,man.” “Yes you are you damn Sepi.”I backlashed. He rolled his eyes and he chuckled. “Great my reputation followed me up to here. Answer me something. Did you, by any chance, fight in the war?” I answered as I walked up the stairs “N…no.”as I got closer he forced the gun up and I fired and he struck me on the gut. I slid my right foot behind his left forcing him to fall. He dragged me as well and I let go of the gun. We got up and I stuck him twice I was going for a third but he grabbed my fist with his left and he hurled an uppercut to the chin with his right. I fell backwards, but I picked myself up quickly, but as soon as I was straight up the barrel of the gun was in front of my nose. I raised my arms slowly. He laughed. I was confused and he said. “Not going to lie. For someone who’s smaller than me you sure know how to punch.” He swiveled the gun around with the grip facing me. “Look I know that I was a Separatist, but I’m not going to do anything to ruin your mission.” I still had my guard on. “Look why don’t we start over. I’m Lance-Corporal Gregory Newton but you can call me Rook.” He extended his arm. Slowly extending mine. “I’m Corporal Joseph Spier.” He chuckled. “I’m assuming that you’re wondering why we are thawed out before the expected date.” Gregory raised an eyebrow. “Yes.” “Well I’ve been awake for about two hours and I was getting really bored. But while I was awake I checked out the planet by the Gunnery’s HUD and the camera piece on his chest plate.” “You mean Gunnery-Sergeant-” “Clearwater. And yes I know said sergeant…we actually had a close quarter encounter back in the war. I don’t hold a grudge against him. Shit if anything I respect him he’s a hell of a fighter I will admit…but I do feel sorry for him.” “For?” “For his family and his fellow squad mates.” “What happen to his family?” he leaned against a computer. “Well I’m assuming that they were killed by the Nuclear Winter back in the war.” “Oh…” “Enough of this. I have something to show you about the planet.” We walked to a computer he opened a folder that was linked into the camera of his helmet and his chest piece. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One hour later We watched everything that Clearwater had been through. I was shocked to see that this planet was inhabited by horses. Rook just looked at me. “Yeah I was like that when I first saw the video.” “A world filled with talking horses.” I gazed in wonderment. “Yeah I know some of them have horns or wings. And I only saw three that had both and they’re significantly taller.” “So what should we do?” “Why are you looking at me for? I’m a former Sepi remember.” “Not the best of excuses and or reasons. You have somewhat more experience.” He snickered from the smart-ass remark. “From the looks of it. It seems that these horses are at war with those damn bird hybrid things.” “Griffins.” “Parlez vous francais?” “You know like half eagle and half lion.” “Oh.” “Well. You’re right on that Clearwater has been attacked by those things; so I assume that they are now our enemy?” “Not sure.” “I have an idea but I’m sure our asses will be chewed off.” “Why?” “Because it involves thawing out the captain.” “Balls to the wall.” “Have a history with him?” “Not really. Only that once we arrive at our destination my trial will be carried and they have two things planned for me.” “What are they?” “You guys shoot me down or you guys just ditch me on the rock.” “Oh.” I looked back at the screen. “Look I know what I did was wrong and I do regret it but if I can convince the captain to give me a chance I might be able to redeem myself.” “Where are you going with this?” I asked suspiciously while raising an eyebrow. “I think we should go with your plan.” We walked out of the room and made way towards the Cryo-room where the captain was being kept. We entered inside the room and we stood in front of his tube. I said. “Ready?” “My body is prepared.” He laughed. Clearly an inside joke. Not really wanting to know what it’s about I entered the thawing code. The top and the sides of the tube hissed and the fog of the glass began to clear. The Captain’s eyes moved and then they opened slowly. The glass opened. “Captain Brisk?” I addressed. He responded “It’s been sixty days already?” “Uhhh…no sir we woke you up early.” His expression of his face turned angry. Rook muttered something about piles of shit and a ceiling fan. “How early?” “Well you just went to the cryo just two weeks…ago.” “What?!” I flinched. “What the hell did you thaw me out so earl…” he stopped as he noticed Rook. “Why is he out?” “Uhh…” he grabbed my pistol. “On the ground now!” Rooked rolled his eyes and he lowered on his knees as he placed his hands on his head. “Why are you awake?!” “Well I just woke up a few hours ago.” “You had time to destroy the ship. Why didn’t you?” “I know that you know about my past and that I am a former Separatist.” “Yes,I know that.” Brisk rolled his eyes. “Sir, if I may. I would like to redeem myself.” “Hmmmmm. What do you think Corporal?” “Uhhh…I don’t know…uhhhh….sir where are you going with this.” He walked to the door and he replied. “I’m going to check on the computer and check what our Gunnery-Sergeant has been up to.” Rook cut in. “Sir.” “Yes.” “You might be surprised about what you’re going to see.” “I’ll decide on that. I want the two of you to gear up. Joseph.” “Sir.” “Give um…” Captain Brisk snapped his fingers, trying too remember Rooks name. “Lance-Corporal Gregory Newton but you can call me Rook.” “Very well. Take Rook to the Armory Storage Room.” “Sir?” I was stunned by the order. “Did I stutter soldier?” “No sir.” We saluted to the captain and we walked out of the Cryo-room I first stopped at the locker room so I can gear up first. I grabbed a Pulse SMG, an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle and my Raging Cobra, his demolition equipment, his Medic kit. Plus a Javelin. I turned to Rook. “What?” “What do you specialize in?” “I’m a demolitions expert and a medic.” Too many formulas to remember. One could be highly unstable explosives, or it could be a simple syringe of medicine. “Oh cool.” “You?” “Well I specialize in Specialized unconventional warfare. Such as demolitions, vehicular commandeering aka carjacking. And I’m quite capable in Close Quarter Combat, conventional weaponry, and other aspects of combat.” “Awesome.” I finished gearing up and I grabbed my helmet and I placed it on. The HUD uploaded. “Ok now let’s get you geared up.” “Sure.” We walked out of the locker room to find an elevator. As we walked Rook asked. “So what do you think the captain is going to ask us to do?” “I’m not sure.” We walked into the elevator and we lowered to the lower level. We walked to the Armory Storage Room. I opened a sealed locker and inside was a combat uniform and the armor. “Here you go. Now suit up.” It took him fifteen minutes to gear up. He walked out of the room and we walked back to the elevator and returned to the upper level. Then we walked to the bridge where we saw Captain Brisk looking at the surveillance from Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater. I announced our incoming with a simple.“Sir.” He turned to us.“Oh. Didn’t notice you came in.” “Sir…you just saw that we came through the-” “Ponies.” “What?” “He’s in a planet inhabited by talking ponies.” “Sir they’re horses.” “Have you been listening to the video? The lavender one said they are ponies.” “Sir why did you tell us to gear up?” “Because I’m sending you down there now.” We said at the same time. “What?!” “You heard me. I want you to assist Clearwater and these ponies with their war.” We looked at each other and then to the Captain. “Did I hesitate?” I said. “Not for a lick of second sir” Rook prompted. “Then report to the drop-ship and prepare to drop.” We were at our pods and the captain walked in. “Good luck. Joseph you’re in charge of Rook. And once you get to Clearwater contact me.” “Yes sir.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This part of the story is told by Steven Clearwater’s point of view. The carriage that I was on with Applejack and Rarity was flying towards New Saddle while Rainbow Dash was flying next to us. I looked around since I was bored. “What the hell? Commander Swirlstar land right now!” “Why?” “Just do it!” We landed I saw two balls of fire coming down towards us. Rarity walked up to me and said. “Mr. Clearwater why did we stop?” “It can’t be.” “What can’t be?” “Everyone in the ship is supposed to be in the freezer.” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew next to me. “Hey! what are those things?” “Drop-pods.” “Huh.” “Drop-pods. Like the thing I came in when I arrived.” Applejack cut on. “Ah thought ya said that they were sleepin.” “I know.” As soon as they landed I charged towards the pods. I found the crater the doors of the pods opened and I walked towards them. The dust cleared and I saw two soldiers. The shorter one raised his voice first. “Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater?” “Yes.” “I’m Corporal Joseph Spier. I’m a medic and a demolitions expert.” He saluted and I just nodded I look at the taller one. “And you.” “I’m Lance-Corporal Gregory Rook Newton. I specialized in unconventional warfare such as demolitions, vehicular commandeering aka carjacking and Close Quarter Combat, conventional weaponry, and other aspects of combat. I’m also a former Separatist…” “Separatist!” I tackled him towards one of the pods while I had my pistol placed on the side of his neck. “What the hell are you doing here you fucking Sepi?! What. your up-rise failed on Earth so now you’re here to attack another planet?! HUH!” the Corporal pulled me back and then he stood in front of me. “SIR! With all due respect he’s not here to fight you, but to help.” “WHAT?! Do you know what a fucking Separatist is?!” Rook said. “Clearwater!” I turned to him. “Look I know what I did was wrong. I’m here to redeem myself. And I don’t know if you remember me but we encounter in close quarter back in the Battle of Paris.” He took off his helmet and he showed me his facial scar. “You see this? You gave me this scar.” “Yeah and you stabbed me in the leg with your knife. I remember now.” “Look I’m here to help. I don’t hold a grudge and to be honest I respect what you and your squad did in the war. But I’m sorry for how their faiths ended.” We stared at each other. Applejack walked up to me. “Steven who is this?” “Girls take a good look because you’re looking at the face of a Separatist. Or former Sepi from what you’re telling me.” Rarity said. “He’s the one who’s responsible for all of the death back at your world?” “One of the many.” The three mares gave him a killer look. “But I know what you did back in Australia. So for now your judgment will be held. I will decide if you are ECPCM material.” “Very well and I will not lie. But that white horned pony looks kinda cute.” Rarity blushed a little. Spier cut in. “Sir.” “Yes.” “The Captain is on the line.” “He’s wake isn’t he?” “Yup.” I turned on my radio.“Clearwater here.” “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY REGULATIONS HAVE YOU BROKEN?!” “AHHH! S…sir?” “Well I’m waiting.” “You know me sir. I had innocents in front of me I just can’t have them die.” “Yes I know you’re a Marine and darn good one as well. I also noticed that you save one of the leader from their country.” “It’s my job.” “True. Well as you can see I’m thawed out and since you’ve fought the enemy it looks like we’re at war.” “Ok.” “You have two additional troops. They are under your command. And Gunnery.” “Yes.” “Go easy on the Sepi.” I sighed at the order and glared at Rook. “Yes sir.” “Perfect I’m going to give it some thought if I should thaw out some of the other troops.” “Well sir I think you should speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna first.” “Very well Captain out.” After of talk I looked at the two troops. “Spier.” “Yes.” “How good are you in math?” “Pretty good.” “Perfect.” “Rook.” “Yes.” “I’ve encountered you in CQC. Have you gotten any better?” “I’m use to humans but I think I can adapt.” “Ok. Here’s the thing. I’m supposed to have an escort with me at all times so I think it applies to you as well.” I turned to the mares. “Applejack.” “Eeyup?” “You’re with Spier. And Rarity you’re with Rook.” The unicorn was shocked. “WHAT?! Me with this ruffian that had killed many of your kind?” “Rarity I did the same thing with his troops too. But now we have to set our differences aside if you want us to help you.” “UGH! Very well.” “Ok you two on the carriage.” > Chapter Seven: Things...happen > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Seven: Things... happen¿ Day 7 10:15 A.M ----------------------------------------------- The Northern front of the city was the only part that was in battle at the moment. The carriage landed on a tall…well not really…not like the skyscrapers back at home but we landed on a 15 story building. I followed the Commanders along with the three mares. We entered a room where there was a diorama of the city with figures of the guard’s position and the Griffin’s position. We sat down. Swirlstar began. “Thank you for joining us as you can see we are having trouble holding the enemy back in their current location which is the bridge.” “I can see that…and the civilians?” “They have been evacuated.” “Perfect. What kind of defenses do you have?” “Well the enemy arrived prepared. As you can see we have a limited number of cannons. And as for the Griffins they have mass produced them in their kingdom.” “So your main line of defense is manpower...” The Commanders looked at each other and Swirlstar said. “Uh... Man what now?" “Manpower. As in your troops or soldiers." “Oh, you mean ponypower.” “Well in your vocabulary, yes. Look if you want to hold the enemy back you need not just manpower but, also firepower. Do you have your cannons on the frontline?” “No.” I rolled my eyes and commenced a face palm. “That’s why you’re having trouble holding the enemy back. You have your firepower here, in the back, instead at the frontline. If you don’t place those damn cannons out there your troops will be killed. But at the sametime leave some back, nothing better than getting hit by bloody cannonballs that aren't coming from the ones you're looking at." “Understood. Darkwing?” “I know. I’ll inform the guards to take the cannons to the frontline at once.” The gothic guard ran out the door, heading for the artillery devices. “So Gunnery. How do you know this?” “I fought in war back home. Trust me I know what to do.” 'Okay that was a slight lie. I have no strategic skills whatsoever.' “Ok. But what happens if we are forced to fall back and we lose the cannons?” “Then now you have to rely on manpower and whatever cannons you possess. How many guards do you have stationed here?” “About 7,000.” “That should be plenty. What about your gunpowder levels?" "More than we'll need, including extra incase a shipment gets hit. Why?” “Because I’m about to introduce your military to a new weapon.” “Which is?" Swirlstar raised an eyebrow while I pulled out a grenade. “This is a standard issue Fragmentation Grenade. With this it does two things at once.” “Like?” “Well when I pull the pin and it explodes, the force of explosion can kill you or the metal pieces of the grenade itself.” “Amazing.” “I can teach you how to make them. Do you have small ball like metal containers?” “Well we just received a new shipment of canteens and we just threw out our old ones. They should be in the basement.” “Are they made of metal?” “How does light steel sound to you?” “Close enough.” We carried a crate filled with old canteens. I had to make a prototype to make sure the metal would be just right. I used a barrel of gunpowder, which a fellow squadmate named Spier helped me carry out. I scooped some powder into the canteen. The top did not have the piece that attached the cap to the canteen like ours did so I had to make a hole on the cap myself. After that I used a wick from the cannons. After that I set up a test area around the back of the building. I placed ten wooden targets in a ten foot diameter while Spier walked to the barricade. I lit the wick and I threw it at the center. I shouted. “Take cover!” we hid behind a metal barricade. The canteen exploded I looked over and seven out of the ten have holes in them and three were knocked down one of the three was broken in half. The Commander walked up to me with a dumbstruck face. “This…might help a lot.” “Might? Sir this will help a lot. I only have one frag grenade left, one flash bang, and one smoke grenade. Trust me this is going to help a lot.” He turned to his Lieutenant. “Lieutenant!” “Yes sir.” “Tell the guards in the sixth, seventh, and tenth floor to meet me here at once. We have a lot of work to do.” Yes sir.” I said to the Commander. “Commander I think it will be the right time if I help your guards in the frontline.” “Why?” “Look” from the distance we saw that the fight grew bloodier the enemy was about to reach the end of the bridge. “Very well. I will send in the new weapons when we have a crate finished.” The commander informed. “Perfect and I recommend you send a letter to your princesses telling them about our new weapon." “Understood.” “Rainbow do you want to come?” “Hay yeah!” “Then let’s go! And the term is Fuck Yeah!”I was in a carriage that was flying to the frontline when it landed RD and I charged to a nearby officer. Darkwing was still in the line. “Commander Darkwing!” “Gunnery, good you’re here, we need your help. The Griffins are pushing us back and the cannons are nearly out of ammo.” “Well I’m not.” I aimed my P-17 at a group of birds with crossbows. I fired the green blob of energy, no bigger than a bullet, and it flew out of the barrel of the gun. The pure energy bullet zipped through the air and hit the first bird. His head jerked backwards and then he fell. I saw smoke rising from its cranium. The guards were just staring at the dead Griffin I continued firing and kept a steady rate of direct hits. After five minutes the street was clear. I jumped over the cover and I walked towards the bodies. RD landed beside me. “Y…you…” “I killed.” “You burned them.” “I know I told you this is a direct energy base weapon. Its’ supposed to do that.” She still looked at me with a scared look on her face. “O…ok.” “Come on we pushed them back I recommend we push forward if we want to keep them off the city." The bridge was still standing but any large explosion can cause it to fall. I walked to a barricade I looked back only to see that I was alone. The guards, including Rainbow Dash, stayed behind. 'What the hell?! they stayed behind?' I heard the birds charging. I fired on sight as I began to walk back to the Guard’s position. One bird managed to get near me so I stuck him with the butt of my gun and I shot him and thus continued to fire. I was about to be overrun by the enemy until I saw a bunch of arrows flying to the attacking birds. Then a missile flew over me and destroyed a piece of the bridge... then the rest began to fall 'Fucking damnit!'. I ran back to solid ground. The floor under me was unstable. Yet I was so close. I jumped before the bridge fell grabbed onto the ledge. I tried to pull myself up until a hand reached for me. “ROOK?” “Only here to help sir.” He pulled me up. “What are you doing here? I’m pretty sure I left you with Rarity.” “To help. Along with Spier.” I turned around and the bridge was gone. The good thing is that the enemy won't be able to pass but that won’t be any good since they can fly. The bad thing if the enemy takes over then it will be harder to push back. “Well at least we achiv…” I was cut off when an arrow hit me. The titanium armor was too much for the steel tipped arrow as I got up Rook and Spier were returning fire so I joined in. Rook said. “Like a good slap to the back of the ol’ brain.” “Keep your head in the game soldier.” A bird flew towards us and tackled Rook. He smacked his rifle butt against the assailants beak and he stabbed it with his knife. He got up and he continued to fire. He yelled through the noise of screams, fire, bullets, and explosions. “These damn things really want us dead.” “You have no idea.” I looked at the ledge that the Griffins were regrouping. “Joseph!” “Yeah!” “Take out that ledge!” “On it!” he crouched down and he reloaded his Javelin. “Ready.” Rook and I took cover. My Pulse Rifle was cooling down while Rook reloaded his rifle. Spier took the shot, causing the the ledge to collapse and crumble on top of a pack of birds. The firing stop. I looked over and I noticed that the Griffins were retreating. We walked back to the Guards. I found Darkwing. “What the hell! Where were you when I advanced onto the bridge?!” “I…uh…” “I could have been killed!” Spier placed his hand on my shoulder. “Leave it. He’s not a soldier like us. From the video that we’ve have seen on your camera. They do mention that they don’t see war as much as we do.” Swirlstar called me. “Gunnery!” I walked to him. “We have five crates of the new weapons and the Princesses are coming here. I have informed her about the arrival of your allies and she wants to meet them.” “Whatever. Keep the perimeter secured. I don’t want any more birds in this city.” ----------------------------------------------- One hour later I was at the rooftop where we tested out the new grenades along with Rook and Joseph. We found a bucket and a ball so we decide to play basketball and we had our armor off. Celestia arrived with Twilight, Luna, Captain Shining Armor and Cadence. She found us just running back and forth. She said. “Gunnery Clearwater?” I turned and I walked towards her. “Princess.” “Are these the two humans that have helped you defend the city.” “Yes this is Corporal Joseph Spier. Somewhat personal medic and demolitions expert.” He saluted her while holding the ball. “Ma’am.” “And this is Lance-Corporal Gregory Rook Newton. Former Separatist…” “Separatist?” she looked at him with an untrusting face. “Captain Shining Armor arrest him.” As he walked towards him I place myself in front to block his path. “Gunnery what are you doing?" “Look I know that you’re acting like this because of what I told you about the Sepi’s but he’s here to help and he’s under my command. And also he saved my ass back at the bridge so I owe him one.” she walked past me and she stood in front of Rook. “Now listen to me. If you do anything that will place my subjects in danger then you will feel the wrath of the Princess of the sun.” “Trust me…I won’t” he responded. “We’ll see about that.” She turned back to me. “Gunnery I’m placing them on the same deal that we had…” “I know princess I’ll told them that.” “Very well.” “And also. My Captain wants to meet you.” “I see. And where is he?” “Back on my ship. I can contact him.” “Good. Because I want to meet him and I want to have a word about this Rook with him.” “As you wish." ----------------------------------------------- Thirty minutes later The guys and I have taken a shower and we geared up. Rook was just joking around the situation about the princess and that he thinks that Luna was cuter than her older sister. The Captain had thawed out 100 troops from the ship and he will be arriving in a Space-plane. We waited in a large field I looked up and I saw a small figure. The plane began to land as it was over the field used it tuned its engines vertical to hover down to the ground. As the noise of the plane forced the ponies to back away and to cover their ears. Rook, Spier and I just stood in the same spot the door opened and thirty soldiers walked out and formed a line one on the left and another on the right. Then Captain Brisk walked out along with Catherine. We saluted and he saluted back then he stood in front of Celestia and Luna. “Captain Brisk I assume.” “And you must be Princess Celestia and you are Luna am I right.” The two nodded. “Well Clearwater said that you wanted to speak to me.” “Yes follow me.” They walked inside a building. Celestia only allowed the Captain, Catherine and I inside. We sat down along with Luna and her sister. The Captain began. “Ok so what did you wanted to talk to me about?” “Well for one and most important why are you here?” “Well if anything we’re here by mistake.” “Mistake?” “Yes. We were supposed to stop and the Lumas System but before we went through Slip-Space an asteroid hit the ship and it changed the coordinates of the ship. It also thawed out to troops that were not supposed to be awake yet especially Lance-Corporal Gregory Newton.” “I know Gunnery Clearwater told me that he’s a former enemy of yours.” “Yes.” “Well now that I know why you are here I also wanted to know if more of your soldiers will be deployed in Equestria.” “Equestria?” The captain raised an eyebrow. Luna answered. “Equestria is the land that we are in.” “I see…well I’m not sure but you do know that those things that Clearwater has been fight are now our enemy.” Celestia continued. “Yes I know. Gunnery Clearwater saved my sister and niece. He also saved me and he’s risking his life to save this city along with two of your other soldiers.” “I know.” “Well… be free to deploy more of your soldiers of needed but warn me ahead of time if you wouldn't mind." Celestia gave a hint of annoyance from the randomly spawning humans. “Of course but I still need to thaw out more troopers before we land our ship.” “Ship? You mean that your machine will land?” “Well if we may.” I noticed that Celestia had a worry look again. What is she hiding? “W…well yes if you find a spot…that will not terrify my subjects.” “Very well. Also my doctor wants to ask you something. Dr. Catherine.” She stood up. “Your highnesses I’m Dr. Catherine and I major in medicine and in biology. And if I may with your position I would like to study anatomy of the ponies.” “Well… I don’t know if I feel comfortable with that.” “Well than what happens if your troops are injured and we can’t save them because we don’t know if our medicine will hurt them instead of healing them.” The doctor noted. Celestia thought for a moment.“Well I think I can as long as if a few of my best doctors can study the human anatomy.” Catherine looked to the Captain. “Well what do you think Brisk?” “Granted Doctor.” The captain ordered. Celestia said. “Then it’s settled. Captain with your permission I would like to take Doctor Catherine with me back to Canterlot.” “Of course. Doctor?” “Ok but, first I need my equipment from the ship so I need to go pack up.” “Ok I’ll send you to the capital with fifty troops.” “Ok.” Celestia said. “So does this mean that we are now allies?” “I think so. I have to return back to the ship to thaw out more soldiers. The sooner I wake them up the faster we can help you end this war.” “Thank you Captain.” Cat and Brisk stood up and they left the room and then Luna as Celestia was walking towards the door I stopped her. “Celestia.” “Yes.” “I noticed that you’ve been a little nervous around me and when Captain Brisk said that my ship will land I noticed that you were sweating a little. May I ask why?” “Nothing to worry about Gunnery Clearwater.” “I know what nothing is and that ain’t it.” “Look I don’t have time to waste I want you here for the rest of the week. Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor will be staying while Luna and I return to Canterlot.” “What are you hiding ma'am?” “NOTHING! I’M NOT HIDING ANYTHING!” I looked at her with my hand placed on my pistol. “I…I’m sorry. Look there will be another day that I will tell my reason of acting like this.” Celestia inhaled and exhaled calmly. “but not now.” “You better.” “I promise. And I’m sorry for yelling. Farewell I’ll see you on Tuesday.” She walked out of the room. I’m going to get my answer from here one way or another. I walked out of the room and I meet Spier and Rook along with Shining, Cadence and Twilight and her friends. Twilight saw me and she shouted. “Steven over here.” I walked over to the group. “Hey, what’s up?” “Nothing really just that Celestia notified me that the enemy has moved to the mountains forests. Making their way to Canterlot and we need to catch them before they get too far.” “But she ordered that I had to stay for the rest of the week.” “And she told me to inform you to chase down the enemy before they attack Canterlot again.” “Then what are we standing here for.” I turned to Shining. “Captain, you have command of the guards positioned here right?” “Yes only the ones that are in the same branch as I am, but the Lunar Guards are something else.” “Well I have command of Spier and Rook and we now have four of the Elements. If we move tomorrow morning then we might just catch them by the afternoon. Let’s just hope that the Griffins are taking the same route that the girls and I took when we walked towards here.” “And what if they aren't?” “Then we have to move fast.” I turned to Spier and Rook. “Come on let’s check the perimeter and then get some sleep. Tomorrow we’re man hunting. I don’t want you to be all drowsy. Do I make myself clear?” My squad saluted in unison. “Sir, yes sir.” We walked out of the room leaving the ponies behind. > Chapter Eight: Reopening Scars > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eight: Reopening Scars Day Eight 9:00 A.M ----------------------------------------------- I woke up from the room that I took I was sweating again. I placed my hand on my forehead to wipe off the sweat. I took a quick shower and then I geared up. I knocked at the door of Spier’s room.“Spier.” “Yeah?” Spier called from the other side of the door. “Gear up and report to the first floor.” “Yes sir.” I walked to the next door and I knocked. “Rook.” No answer. I knocked again. “Rook get your ass up and let’s go!” still no answer I noticed that the door knob was locked. I stepped back and kicked the door down. I walked inside the room only to find that it was empty. I walked out of the room and I ran down the hallway towards the stairs I was at the first floor I looked around and from behind. “Morning Gunnery Clearwater.” I turned back. “Rook.” “Sorry if I wasn’t in the room. Twilight, I think that’s what her name is, asked me to help her with supplies before we depart. Is Spier coming down sir?” “Yeah he’s gearing up.” Spier walked down the stairs and met up with us. “Well now since we’re all here I think we should eat our rations before we start departing.” We walked to a bench and we reached into our backpacks. I drew out a paste tube of chicken and a pint of fruit pudding. Spier had the stereotypical meal of MRE's. Rook... well lets just say I thought my editor had weird eating habits. After we finished Captain Shining Armor along with Cadence, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash walked up to us Shining said to me. “Gunnery we are ready to depart when you are.” “All right let’s go.” The guys and I got up and we followed the ponies to the west side of the city. When we were on the last street of the city 100 guards were waiting for us. “I was only allowed to use only 100 guards to accompany us.” Shining said. “100 is all we need. Spier is an expert demolitionist and Twilight brought me my Sniper Rifle .” she levitated my rifle to me. Rarity tapped my armor and I turned back. “Mr. Clearwater, if it’s no trouble for asking, may I switch partners with Rainbow Dash?” Rarity scuffled a hoof. “Why?” I raised an eyebrow. “I know you are both killers." Rarity shuddered at saying that. "But I prefer somepony that I have some trust in.” “Some? Well I don’t think it’s too much trouble.” I turned to Rook. “Rook.” “Yes sir?" “You’re with Rainbow Dash now. Rarity is uncomfortable around you.” Rook saw an opportune time to play fun. “Ouch that hurt right here.” He placed his hand over his heart. Rarity didn’t understand and she felt bad. “Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…” “Miss Rarity it’s ok. I was joking around.” She was unamused. “Ha ha human humor.” She walked away towards Twilight. I whispered to him. “These ponies don’t understand our humor. So if they don’t get it you’ll have to explain to them." “Well that’s no fun.” We began to walk into the forest I stopped the guards. “Okay here’s the thing. Due to the large numbers moving fast will be a problem. So Spier, Rook, Rarity and Rainbow Dash will come with me. We’ll try to catch up to the Griffins as fast as we can the rest of you will stay put for two hours.” “Why so long?” Twilight asked. “Because if the enemy finds out that a large group of guards slash soldiers are following them, they might attack or ambush us. I want to keep casualties to zero.” “Oh.” “Ok let’s go.” We proceeded with our mission. After an extended period of time we found the cliff where I slipped down from then back into the trees. We found a campsite. We looked around and I asked the small “So what do you think? Griffins or no Griffins.” Rainbow shouted. “Who do I look like, Twilight?! I don’t bucking know!" 'Christ. If my dad heard that when I was a kid, I would've gotten a back of the hand to the ear and possible bleeding.' “O…kay. Rarity?" “Well I don’t have much knowledge on them but I do have some smarts over their artistic designs over certain things. And from the looks of that bowl that Mr. Spier is standing next to is definitely a Griffin carved bowl.” I looked around and I found claw, followed by paw, prints. “So we’re on the right trail. Let’s move on.” ----------------------------------------------- One hour later We followed the tracks that the enemy had left until we stumbled upon a wooden wall. We looked at each other I pulled out my sniper and I looked through the scope to look around the top of the wall. I said. “Nothing.” I turned to the group. “I’ll advance to the wall you stay here and watch my back". I charged to the nearest tree, the coast was clear and I charged to another tree that was the closest to the wall. “So what are we doing?” Chimed a voice from behind. “I’m going t- Rarity what the fuck?!” I nearly shouted. “What?” “You were supposed to stay with Spier and Rainbow.” I pointed out. “Well I’m not staying with Rook.” Rarity held a disgusted face. “You really don’t like him, do you?" I sighed. “No I’m just really uncomfortable around him.” I turned to the wall. “How can I look over that thing?” I thought aloud. “I can levitate myself up the top and take a peek.” “Are you sure. I don’t want you to get hurt.” I raising my eyebrow. “Concerned about little me?" “You know what my mission is.” “Don’t worry about me. I am wearing armor after all.” She walked to the wall and her horn began to glow the aura formed around her. She was somewhat struggling to take herself in the air. I’ve seen Twilight do this often without any struggle must be because she’s practiced. “See anything?” I began to walk towards her. She was at the top of the wall when she answered. “No I don’t see… wait what’s that… AH!” a rock hit her. “Rarity!” I caught her before she hit the ground and I took her behind a trunk for cover. I looked over and I saw Griffins on the top of the wall. They began to fire their crossbows and I returned fire. From behind me Rook and Spier did the same. I shot two in the head and three in the chest I lowered my head for cover and then I fired again. Just as I killed the last bird my rifle overheated 'what the fuck I never let my weapons jam or overheat. what the hell'. As I shook my gun sideways forcing the weapon to cool down I was hit in the head. I fell backwards on my back and when I looked up an oversize bird was standing over my about seven feet tall. Armored from head to toe with a shield and a heavy mace. It swung again but this time I evaded backwards I pulled my pistol out but I only managed to fire one shot which it pierced it’s armor and straight to its leg. The mace hit the gun out of my hand it swung upwards hitting the chest plate causing me to fly towards a tree. I looked at my armor which was not damaged only the dark green paint was scraped off. It spoke. “This is the warrior that the white demon has to offer. Pathetic.” “Come here and I’ll show you what I’m made off.” “With pleasure.” It made its striking pose when the mace was coming towards me I ducked and I stuck the armor of the bird where the liver would be if it were human and then with my left I punched the helmet. It lost its concentration as it walked backwards I noticed that his armor had dents in them. I figured that it was the metal knuckle guards knowing that there is no human that can do that. The bird shook its head and then it swung the mace towards my legs. I jumped in the air and then as I returned to the ground I punched him one more time. I pulled out my knife and I tackled him to the ground as I swung down towards his head he grabbed my arm. I grabbed the collar of his armor with my left and I head-butt him forcing him to release my hand. I plummeted my knife down towards his eagle like skull. It penetrated and blood splurted out. I tried to pull straight out, but to no avail it didn't budge. I twisted the knife and then I pulled it out. I stood up a stood up and I grabbed my pistol as I placed it back in its holder. I looked at the spot where I had left Rarity. She was up again and she looked at me in fear. Her eyes were watery and she was trembling I walked up to her and I crouched down. I was going to place my hand on her but before my hand was close she flinched and she tried to move away from me. This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen someone like this but it has been a while since the war. Rook, Spier and Rainbow Dash walked up to me. “Where the hell were you two when I was fighting that thing?!” Rook’s smart ass answered “We were enjoying the show.” “Fuck you.” He just laughed along with Spier. Rainbow was beside Rarity she was still shaking. She said something into her ear and then she looked back at me. “Um…Steven.” “Yeah." “Can I talk to you real fast?” “Sure. Spier, Rook. Secure the inside of the wall.” We walked away from the group. “Steven. Rarity is really scared right now. She saw you kill the Griffin right in front of her. You know how she was when we saw the dead Minotaur’s.” “I know Rainbow but what did you wanted me to do just let him kill me.” “Just try to talk to her, okay?" “Okay. You really are the Element of Loyalty.” “I know that.” ----------------------------------------------- Later We continued to advance and we found the campsite where the mares and I set up when we were making our way towards Saddle. “Ok we’ll set camp here we have to find food Rook, Spier you know what to do.” They walked away from the camp to look for food Rarity was still shaking. “Rarity?” “I’ll be… I'll be fine.” she stuttered. “No you won’t.” I walked up to her she scoot away from me but it was useless I crouched down. She was tearing. Then she wrapped her forearms around me. “It’s ok.” I lightly tapped her back as I returned the hug. “Even though you killed today…thank you for saving me.” Rarity sniffled. “It’s nothing really. People are willing to give up their lives to save others.” I sighed I think it’s time for me to tell them one of my stories. “You remember that I was part of a squad called Thunderbird Squad right.” The two nodded. “Well our recognition was made before the war. But I still remember the day we lost our first squad-mate. The Battle of Paris began on the 11th but I was deployed with my Squad on May 14th, 2024 we entered the city by chopper. Spain was with the allies of course to get to Paris was on hell of a mission for the Allies.” “Why?" Rainbow Dash queried. “Well we had to fight our way to the city. I remember that day pretty well it was 10: 15 in the morning I looked over the city. It was in bad shape. ----------------------------------------------- Location: Outskirts of Paris (Airborne) Date: May 14, 2024 Time: 10:15 A.M My squad mates and I were on the chopper. Lucas Wilmington, the squad-leader, was giving us the Intel. “Listen up our mission is to infiltrate the enemy’s science building and destroy anything that can affect the Allies chances of winning this war. The boys back home have theories that the Sepi’s might be trying to make a new weapon. Clearwater, Martinez, Stephens, and Johnson will attack from the rear. You have thirty minutes to get as far as you can until we strike from the front. The lab is three stories below ground and it is heavily guarded. So be sure to make every bullet count.” We all saluted in unison. “Sir Yes Sir.” The chopper was over the street we dropped the rope-line and we slid down to the ground. Johnson was taking the lead. We moved towards a car that was tipped on its side. Johnson ordered “Clearwater, Martinez you two will flank the left. Stephens and will flank the right. On my mark.” We waited for his call. “Mark!” we opened fire. I shot down a soldier that was positioned on a M249 Light Machine Gun then I turned my attention to the troops on the bottom. A Sepi threw a grenade and it landed behind us. I shouted. “GRENADE!” We evaded away from the explosive device. I stood back up and I continued to fire. We eventually were at the wall of the building one trooper jumped over the wall and he tackled me. I was on the ground he tried to stab me with his knife when the blade was coming towards my face I moved sideways and then I punched him across his face and kicked him off of me. He tried to attack me again but he was shot by Johnson. I picked up my rifle and I shot down the other turret operator on the fourth floor. By now we had taken out every hostile that was guarding the entrance of the door. Johnson said to Stephens. “Stephens on my mark kick down the door. Clearwater you take point.” We waited. “Mark.” Stephens kicked the door down and I walked in. a Sepi jumped out of a crate about to fire but I pulled the trigger first. I kept going forwards and I shouted. “Clear.” The rest walked in Johnson walked past us and he lean against the wall and he looked to the side. He flinched when the enemy’s bullets hit the wall. We ran to his aid he was unharmed. He said.“Martinez frag them.” He grabbed one of his grenades and he threw to the wall, making it bounce off. The grenade went off and we just shot our rifles into the cloud of dust, hoping that we killed the standing troops. After the dust cleared we took notice of the deceased and continued to walk to our objective. We began to hear explosions from the outside. I looked out the window and I noticed that there was a dogfight. I said to Johnson.“Sir we better hurry we have jets in the perimeter.” “Let’s just hope that the damn Sepi’s don't blow this building do-” the building shook parts of the ceiling fell on us. I yelled over the noise of falling rubble. “Johnson we need to hurry if we want to get out of here alive.” “I know that Clearwater! Thunderbird continue onto the objective!” we walked to a staircase that lead to floor below us. I went first. I shouted. “Clear!” my three squad mates walked down the stairs. The entire room was empty it was just a large computer room. Stephens suggested to Johnson. “Sir I think we should notify Wilmington about this.” “Our objective is to infiltrate the lab.” “But sir-” “But nothing let’s move!” as he walked ahead of us we looked at each other we shook our heads and we followed him and we found another staircase I took point again. I went down the stairs I looked around I noticed that there was barricades I walked up to one. Out of nowhere a bullet hit me. The force of the small metal object dropped me to the ground. “I'm hit!” I picked myself up and I fired my M-16. One charged at me I shot him twice another tackled me on the side I quickly reacted and I elbowed him across his face and I shot him with my pistol. I crouched down when four additional troops walked up the stairs from the lower floor. I grabbed a grenade and I threw over the barricade. I looked over and there was a hole on the floor I also noticed that only three of the four were on the floor. “Where’s the fourth?” I was tackled again the enemy punched me twice and he threw my weapons away from me except for my knife. I punched him and I did the same and then I kicked him off of me. We stood up I punched him once across his face and then the gut, then he punched me with his left and then he roundhouse kicked me. I fell over a barricade. I stood up and he jumped over I made a side step and I drop kicked him. He was lying on the ground he didn’t move. I was about to walk to my weapons until he stabbed me on my leg. “AH!” he stood up and he pinned me against the wall with the knife facing my neck. It was a matter of life and death but I wasn’t going to die. Not just yet. I manage to use my injured leg. I kicked him in the stomach and I cut his left side of his face with his own knife. I punched him one more time before he fell down the hole. I looked down pit. I shouted. “And this time stay down you fucking Separatists son of a bitch.” I didn’t realized that that rest of my group was not here. Suddenly I was hit in the back of my head. I woke up in a room I had a feeling that we weren’t in the same building that we were in. I was chained to the wall along with Johnson. He was badly beaten I called him quietly. “Johnson.” No response. “Johnson.” “What? Uhh what happen?” Johnson questioned. Clearly beaten and tired. “How the fuck am I supposed to know?” “Ugh…Stephens and Martinez made it out. While I…" He breathed for a second. "tried to keep the enemy occupied. But…” five Separatists walked in I recognized one of them. Two of them sat down behind a table that was in front of us. One of them spoke. “Mr. Newton.” "Newton" responded. “Yes Commander Cortez.” “You are being deployed to Japan for our next invasion.” “Permission to ask?” “Permission granted.” Cortez waved a hand. “Where will be our next destination?” “Los Angeles. Dismissed.” He saluted him and he walked out of the room and then he looked at us. “Why do you fight against us don’t you see. Your government is using you. You are just a part of a machine that’s ready to break down. The Up-Rise government will prove to the world that we have the better way of ruling. Democracy will not exist any longer. No longer will we have governments that have more than one person ruling. And we will not have unfair payment but every single worker will be paid the same way and anyone who opposes our government will be annihilated.” He stood up and he walked towards Johnson. “Join us and your future will be filled with fortune and happiness.” He looked at him for a moment. Johnson spit in our captors face. “You can go fuck yourself.” He wiped his face.“I’m sorry to hear that.” The Sepi punched Johnson in his stomach. He turned to his comrade. “Kinston. I think it’s time to have some fun.” He grabbed a knife and he showed the blade to Johnson. “My face will be the last thing you see. Any last words?" “Clearwater. If you get out of this I want you to have my tags.” He stabbed him just over the chest. I shouted. “NOOOOOOO!” he pulled down the knife down to his stomach then he stick his hand inside Johnson and he pulled my squad mate’s heart and he dropped it to the ground and he stepped on it. “You bastard! I will kill you for what you did!” “Kinston I think we should kill this one too.” Cortez smiled devilishly. “With pleasure.” He walked up to me. He was about to stab me until an explosion threw the wall into the Sepi. I heard Stephens’s voice along with the rest of Thunderbird Squad. “Steven?! Steven?!” he ran up to me. He unchained me. “Steven?” “Th…they killed Johnson.” “What?” he turned to where Johnson was. The rest of the squad looked at the body of our comrade. Wilmington walked up to me. “Come on let’s get Johnson home.” “Y…yes sir.” The Battle of Paris ended a week later with an Ally Victory. I was back in base sitting in the locker room. I was just staring at Johnson’s dog-tags I still had the scaring memory of what happen to Johnson. ----------------------------------------------- “It should have happen to me.” I said to myself as I looked at the mares and then to the ground. “It should have happened to me.” I didn’t know that Rook and Spier were behind me the whole time. Rook said. “Clearwater.” I turned back. “I’m sorry for what... happen to-” “It’s okay Rook. when i returned to base, the medics said that i was one lucky son of a bitch. They said that my leg shouldn't have been saved.” I pulled out a necklace of my squad mates dog tags. I looked at them I didn’t feel the tear that fell from my eye. Rarity walked up to me and she wiped off the tear and she gave me a hug. “I never knew humans had sensitive feeling.” Rook took advantage and he quickly turned the statement into a joke. “That’s not the only thing we have that’s sensitive.” He sat down. I said. “Eat up and get some sleep. We are still tracing down the enemy, bright-n-early.” One hour later I was keeping watch for the night I was sitting next to the fire and a thermal blanket. I looked at the fire as I remember the war. I heard a branch crack and I pulled out my pistol. It was only Rarity she rolled her eyes and she said. “Don’t you ever try to relax?” I said as I placed the gun back into its holder. “If you do remember your country is in war.” I looked back into the fire. “Yes I know but you can at least try to be loose when you are around civilians.” She sat next to me. “Are you…ok?” “Hm?” “I’ll take it that you are distracted at the moment.” “Hmm?” she tapped my head. “What?” “You’re not even listening.” I shook my head. “Sorry I… was just having a flashback.” “Steven?” I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard her call me by my first name.” “Yeah.” “Are you going to be alright?” “What do you mean?” “I mean that… I know you’re traumatized…and well I’ve only seen one of my best friends go crazy over a situation that has had her traumatized. I would hate to see you suffer.” “I’ll pull through.” She shivered a little. “Cold?” “Just a little.” “Here.” I wrapped the blanket around her. “But what about you?” “I have the fire to keep me warm.” “Steven? How is your world different from ours? Besides the fact that you have technology.” “Well one thing is that we don’t have magic.” “I know that.” “Earth is a beautiful planet... yes we have fucked it up with the war but we did rebuild major parts of the planet…but I will never give it up for anything.” “I assume you are attached to your planet.” “Are you kidding? My best memories come from Earth. But this planet has more vegetation. The first thing that I noticed when I first arrived well not the first Twilight was the first thing that I found different from the planet. But what I’m getting at is that the air is so clean.” “Well from what I know, you have global warming which here is a theory.” “Yeah I think that only good thing that came from the aftermath of the nuclear winter is that our problem with global warming is controlled.” “This is the first time I’ve ever heard you talk like a normal pony.” “What do you mean?” I queried. “Well you always talk as a soldier. This is the first time I have ever heard you speak like this.” She chuckled at the fact. “Yeah well don’t get used to it. I only talk like this when I’m off duty.” I looked at the stars. It’s been time since I saw them like this at a forest. “Beautiful aren’t they.” I looked at Rarity. “Yeah they are.” We were quiet for a good amount of time. When I looked down I didn’t realize that Rarity had fallen asleep on my lap. She may be a pony but she’s no different than a human. This planet should never suffer the horrors of war. These ponies are too peaceful for this kind of shit. I thought back on the day I arrived here and out of all of the ponies that I’ve met, Only Celestia acts weird around me. “What the fuck are you hiding Celestia. It’s not like there were humans on this planet.” > OC Announcment Part II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Character Kon here I need a new original character(s) my current story Humanity in Equestria. Here’s the basic info for what you should include. This is optional you don’t need to comment anything and if you do with your permission I will add your character in one of my stories and you will be given credit for your character. 1) Please give me a message or comment with a bio. Such as what your character looks like, how my main characters or other characters meet them, and other things. I would be hoping for an OC that will defiantly present some action in this story. 2) I am expecting for the OC to have some fighting experience or something else in that area. 3) State if your OC is a human or a pony and state if they are a male or female. 4) Only two OC per brony or pegasister. (state if you are from the following.) 5) These characters will be part of a team along with the other Characters in the story (Team so far) Steven Clearwater Rook Spier Violet Runner Zack Ryder Brandon Tran Still need a few more. Also your character will be given their own chapter. For the new entries give me an idea on how they meet the main or the other characters. And what role do you want them in. Team leader is already taken. Thank you for reading your character will be placed in my story or stories with your permission and you will have credit for your creation. Only five will be picked. Enjoy Here’s a list of human weapons and vehicles that are seen in the battle field. Human weaponry Pistols: Bullet Ammo/ Pulse Ammo Beretta M9 Pistol – Titanium Bullet Ammunition Desert Eagle Pistol – Titanium Bullet Ammunition Raging Cobra Revolver – Titanium Bullet Ammunition Viper Pulse Pistol – Direct-energy weapon Rifles(Assault/ Marksman): Bullet Ammo/ Pulse Ammo M-16 – Titanium Bullet Ammunition AR-15 – Titanium Bullet Ammunition M27 Infantry Rifle – Titanium Bullet Ammunition P-17 Pulse Rifle – Direct-energy weapon P-376 Pulse Rifle – Direct-energy weapon SAM-R Semi-Automatic Rifle—Titanium Bullet Ammunition M39-EMR – Titanium Bullet Ammunition P-46 PMR—Direct-energy weapon P-10 PMR – Direct-energy weapon Sniper Rifle: Bullet Ammo/ and Pulse Ammo M-24 Sniper –Titanium/ Pulse ammo hybrid M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper – Titanium Bullet Ammunition M40 Sniper Rifle – Titanium Bullet Ammunition Barrett M82 Sniper – Titanium Bullet Ammunition SPR A6 (Sniper Pulse Rifle) – Direct-energy weapon SPR A2 –Direct energy weapon MPR – Direct energy weapon Shotgun (Titanium ammo/ Pulse ammo) Remington 870 – Titanium shotgun shell pellets Benelli M4 – Titanium shotgun shell pellets Mossberg 500 – Titanium shotgun shell pellets Shot-pulse – Direct energy weapon (only model of its kind) Machine Guns M2HB Heavy Machine Gun – Titanium Bullet Ammunition M240G Medium Machine Gun – Titanium Bullet Ammunition M249 Light Machine Gun – Titanium Bullet Ammunition P-50 Pulse M-Gun – Direct- energy weapon P-100 Pulse Turret – Direct energy weapon Hand Grenades M67 Fragmentation Grenade AN-M14 Incendiary Grenade Mk 141 Mod 0 flash-bang An-M18 Smoke grenade Shock Grenade V1 (Taser Grenade) Shock Grenade V2 (Fatal Shockwave Grenade) NG15 (Liquid Nitrogen Grenade) Grenade Launchers M203A1/A2 Rifle-Mounted Grenade Launcher MK19 Automatic Grenade Launcher No Direct-energy grenade launcher Mortars M224 60 mm Mortar M252 81 mm Extended Range Mortar M327 120 mm Expeditionary Fire Support System Missile Launchers M72 LAW M136 AT4 Rocket Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank missile BGM-71 Tube Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire Guided (TOW) Missile Weapon System FGM-172 Predator Short-Range Assault Weapon (SRAW) FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missile Up-Armored Humvee M1114 armament carrier M1151 armament carrier M1152(A1) heavy cargo truck M1165 troop/cargo/MRC radio truck M1167A1 TOW carrier Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement MK-23/MK-25/AMK-23/AMK-25 cargo/troop/towing MK-27/MK-28/AMK-27/AMK-28 extended bed cargo/troop/towing MK-29/MK-30/AMK-29/AMK-30 dump truck MK-31/MK-32/AMK-31/AMK-32 tractor MK-36/AMK-36 wrecker MK-37 HIMARS resupply truck w/crane Logistics Vehicle System MK14 flatbed trailer MK15 wrecker MK16 tractor MK17 dropside w/crane (flatbed with troop seats) MK18 self-loader (containers, ribbon bridges, river boats) Light Armored Vehicle LAV-25 armament-reconnaissance vehicle LAV-AT anti-tank TOW carrier LAV-M mortar carrier LAV-R recovery LAV-C2 command and control LAV-L logistics cargo carrier LAV-MEWSS electronic warfare Aircraft F/A-18A/C fighter/attack F/A-18B/D fighter/attack AV-8B Harrier II fighter/attack TAV-8 Harrier trainer EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare KC-130J Hercules cargo/aerial refueler AH-1W SuperCobra helicopter gunship AH-1Z Viper helicopter gunship UH-1N Twin Huey utility helicopter/gunship UH-1Y Venom CH-46E Sea Knight ("Phrog") cargo/passenger helicopter - being replaced by MV-22 CH-53D Sea Stallion cargo/passenger helicopter - being replaced by MV-22 CH-53E Super Stallion upgraded cargo/passenger helicopter MV-22B Osprey cargo/passenger tiltrotor Armor Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)- Titanium Helmet covers the entire head. Face covered with reinforced glass visor Chest, mid-lower belly and upper belly Titanium cover Back Titanium Armor with magnetic weapon holder Shoulder Titanium Plate Forearm Titanium cover Knuckle Guard Thigh Titanium cover Titanium Sheen Guards Exoskeleton Body suit Hunter suit 9 FT tall Titanium Armor Equip with thrusters and M2HB Heavy Machine Gun as primary weapon. The arsenal is now listed for the public. Have fun. > Chapter Nine: End of the Search > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was separated from my group. We were high in the mountains and it was snowing. I was fighting three griffins that have ambushed me. My weapons were on the ground and my helmet was off I had a cut over my forehead. I stood up slowly as one of the birds charged at me I used the beast’s weight against him and I dropped him on the ground. I twisted its arm until it released the sword. I stomped on the griffin’s skull and I broke it open. I turned to the other two who were ready to attack I picked up the sword. Snow began to fall blood fell over my right eye making it hard to see I charged to them. I swung the sword to the closes one as he blocked it I kicked him to the ground. The other bird tried to attack from behind but I quickly turned and I forced the sword to kill him comrade. I punched the Griffin across his face as it tried to regain concentration I ran to my pistol. I rolled on the ground as I grabbed the firearm. I was on my right knee I turned back to the griffin and I finished him off. His head jerked backward and forth before it hit the ground. I walked slowly to a dead tree. I leaned against it and I wiped off some of the blood I had over my eye and I said to myself. ‘Wow this is familiar.’ I walked to my backpack. I pulled out the foam. I looked for the proper nozzle. Normally when in battle we always use the nozzle that is attached to the can but in this case I wasn’t in battle. I pulled out a small nozzle and I attached it to the can. After I applied the foam I put on a bandage to prevent blood from exiting the skin then I grabbed my things. I thought. ‘Killing that Timberwolf with my pistol was what gave me away. Maybe I should use a crossbow or a sword to stay low.’ I kept the sword and I grabbed the auto crossbow. I did some hunting back on earth so I know how to use it. I lost the group when we crossed a log well I was the last to cross and the damn thing collapsed on me. I wasn’t far down so I was able to shout to them that would catch up to them. But of course I had to take a different route. The wind blowing into my face was terrible. Up in the mountains and with a cold wind. Memories of the nuclear winter flashed in and out. I began having visions of half collapsed buildings and frozen bodies on the ground. I turned my head left and right until I saw a tunnel. I walked inside a tunnel. I hope that there weren’t any birds inside. There was no cover and barely anyway to maneuver any fighting whatsoever. I put on my helmet when I saw what was at the end of the tunnel. A door which was weird. I pushed the door. I found a warehouse I raised the crossbow in case if it was occupied by Griffins. Analyzing the area I found multiple areas where I can use as cover. I quickly ran to a tipped over wagon I looked over for and sign of movement suddenly, the side of the wagon was chipped off by gunfire. I duck quickly I saw something all on the side of me. A small round metal ball. After a few seconds another round was fire this time it hit the body of the wagon. I dropped the auto-bow and I grabbed my P-17. I stood over and I fired randomly it was quiet for a moment and I shouted. “Ok come out! I won’t shoot if you don’t shoot at me.” The front door opened a unicorn stallion walked out. He fired again the ball bounced off my armor as the force threw me back but I was still on my feet. “Hey! Drop it!” I aimed my weapon at him. He was trying to reload. I fired two rounds on the door. He jumped. “Drop the fucking gun.” He dropped the weapon it seemed to look like a Flintlock. I walked to him. “Why the fuck are you firing at me.” “Because you’re trespassing!” he did have a point. This was a wolf pack scenario.I lowered my rifle. “Sorry I was lost and i…” I noticed the barrels of gunpowder. “… what’s with the gun powder?” “That’s none of your concern!” “The hell it is!” “Look just leave ok!” “No. You have plenty of gunpowder to supply an entire platoon.” “So I make firearms so what?! I can fix and make anything that runs on steam, clockwork or combustion engine and I specialize in experimental machinery such as plains, airships, automobiles and weaponry like Flintlocks, revolvers and muskets and I test them myself!” “Oh. Well looks like I came across a wolf pack scenario or in your case a lone wolf.” “What are you talking about?” “Nothing.” “Very well.” he looked at my rifle. “How do you make that thing fire more than one shot. Do you have weapons like the other creature?” “Other?” “Yes. I found him just yesterday. He was in the early stages of hyperthermia. Come I’ll take you to him.” I followed him inside. His placed was filled with all kinds of machinery. Airships, weapons, cannons, oversized gears, and steam engines. We walked up stairs when he opened the door I saw a human soldier. I walked up to him and I said. “Are you ok trooper?” he opened his eyes slowly. Surprised to see me he answered. “Yes.” He has short cut hair was obsidian black and thick with gel, spiking upwards in an almost harsh manner. Standing at what I’d guess as 5’8’’...5’9’’ maybe, he wouldn’t have come across as all that intimidating; that was until I got a good look into his eyes. Eye would be the correct term, actually, as his right eye was covered by a simple elasticised patch. His other wasn’t much fun to look at either, grey and lifeless as ash, reminding me of the sour cold of the nuclear winter that brought nothing but a dead sky and blizzards of ash day-in-day-out. His flesh was well tanned, so much so he could well have been Hispanic mixed, but I guess I’ll hear it from him soon enough. “What’s your name?” “Zack Ryder. I’m a Corporal.” “What happened to you?” “Well I was dropped from the ship but the strong winds of the mountains threw my pod off course so I crash landed about 4000 yards east. I was ambushed by the Griffins. I left my backpack behind.” “So you were left with nothing and you became ill with the cold.” “I only had my weapons.” “What do you have in the pack?” “A message for you Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater.” “For me?” “Yes.” I turned to the unicorn. “How’s the area?” “Well I have seen multiple Griffin troops out there lately but I mostly see Timberwolves.” “So it’s the Timberwolves I should worry about.” “Yup.” I turned to Zack. “Is your pod still there?” “Yeah. I managed to close the door with my backpack inside before the enemy took it.” “You have something else in there besides my message?” “No just a few grenades, rations, ammo, and first aid kit…” he stopped and thought for a moment. “…wait I have a radio. We can call for back up if we needed.” “Ok. You think you can be here while I go retrieve it?” “Yeah I can stay.” “Alright. I’ll be back.” I walked to the stairs. As I walked I dodge around a few items that were on the steps. I made my way to the door until the unicorn stopped me. “Human.” “Yeah.” “If you must go. I recommend that you leave your weapons the sounds may cause an avalanche in the area where the pod might be.” I thought for a minute thinking back on what happen when I killed the Timberwolf. The sound of my gun didn’t caused an avalanche that I expected, but it exposed me to the enemy. I noticed the kind of pistol that Zack had. A Viper. Pulse pistols don’t make loud bang as a regular pistol. “Tell Zack that I’m taking his pistol.” “Will do.” I walked out the door with only five things. The pistol, sword, Auto-bow, NG-15 grenade and a grappling gun that Zack had. I walked through an entrance that was next to the tunnel door. this path made a left turn and it took me into the forest. The snow was soft and there was no wind. The birds were singing, small animals were running around. I need to know what this message was and as soon as Zack is well I’m going to find Rarity and the others. I heard water. Must be a river near I ran towards the source of the sound. I found the river but I also found a watermill. I said to myself. “Maybe I can get a better look if I climb to the top.” I walked towards the mill but it seemed to be in terrible condition. I found a ladder I climbed on the unstable tool and I was on the roof. I looked around I saw a group of Timberwolves. They couldn’t climb here on the top roo- CRACK Too late. I looked back to see three of them on the roof. Only god knows why I shouted at them. I don’t know why I did that. “HEY GET OFF! This thing isn’t stable!” they took another step and one of them fell through the roof while the other two made their way toward me. I fired the arrows at the roof where the wood wolves were standing they fell though. I turned back to see of the rest of the wolves were still in the bottom. The beasts began to slam themselves against the watermill making it more unstable. I pulled out the grappling gun and I shot it at a distant tree. The soon as the rope was secured on three I tied the rope around a chimney. I used the gun to slide down the rope. I jumped to the snow before I hit the tree I turned back to see the wolves were still running towards me. I tried to outrun them like a maniac until one dropped me on my belly. The wolf bit the back of my armor. I elbowed the timber creature and the head fell off. I never realized how frail they were. I stood up pulled out the sword that I had taken from the griffin. They surrounded me. Suddenly out of nowhere multiple arrows flew over me and struck the Timberwolves. I looked around I saw a figure walking towards me. It was the unicorn. “Thought you could use some help.” “Well thank you but, I had the situation handled.” “Right.” The pony rolled his eyes. That annoyed me. “I never got your name.” “I’m Violet Runner but you can call me Runner.” “Ok. Well since you are here I think we should get moving.” “May I ask you a few questions as we walk?” “Sure why not. I did that with Twilight so might as well.” the stallion answered in shock. “Wait…Twilight as in Twilight Sparkle?” “Yeah.” “I know Twilight Sparkle.” “You do?” “Yeah. I met here when Rarity introduced me to them.” “So you know Rarity as well?” “Yup.” We had to crouched down because of the low trees. “Well she was with me and the group until I was separated from them.” “Wait she’s here?!” “Yeah.” “I haven’t seen her in a while since I moved out here.” “She didn’t mention you at all.” “I don’t blame her.” “Well she has been busy lately.” Remembering since the beginning of our mission I couldn’t stop think about when Applejack threw her down the waterfall. I smiled a little. “I know. So are you?” “Am I what?” “The warrior that saved the princesses? From the griffins when they first attacked.” “Yeah…I think so.” “You know you are seen as a hero right?” “Didn’t care before and don’t care know.” I shrugged. “I’m just doing what’s right as a soldier.” “I see.” We finally reached the pod. Normally the doors of the pods just blew open. But I think Zack used an overwrite code so it would open and close. I inspected the pod for the emergency door release. Runner tapped on my shoulder. “Um Sergeant?” “Yeah.” “Look.” I turned around I saw smoke in the sky. It seemed to be coming towards us. I turned to the pod and I pulled the door release. The door flew open and I grabbed the backpack. “Come on let’s go!” we began to run back to the warehouse. If anything that smoke was coming from the enemy since their kingdom is in the east. We passed the watermill and then we reached the warehouse. We entered the house Zack was already up and he was in his armor. I gave him his belonging and I grabbed my weapons I asked Runner who was loading his weapons. “You think we can use our firearms in this part of the mountain?” “Of course I test my things here and they tend to explode!” “I think Zack and I should fight in the outside and you provide us support in the top.” “Ok. Just let me do something outside.” He walked outside I followed him to a pole. He used his magic to clear the snow. A lever. He pulled the lever but it wouldn’t move. He said to me. “A little help.” “Oh…sure.” I walked to help him. We pulled at the same time and it began to move slowly. CRACK We managed to pull the lever down but in the end it snapped off. I turned to see something rising from the ground. “Barricades?” I raised an eyebrow. “Yup. I mess around with a lot of explosives so I had to put these barricades here.” He was smart. Four rows of barricades. In the middle of the rows was a long barricade about nine feet long and three feet tall. On the ends of the rows were three separate barricades that were four feet long and five feet tall. “Great now we have cover but, do you have an emergency exit?” “Yes. I have one. It is for in case I have a large avalanche and the front door is blocked but I never use it.” “Well we might today.” We heard the tunnel door screech. We turned with our weapons aiming at that direction. The familiar unicorn walked in and I called out the name. “Rarity?” “Steven!” she ran to me and gave me a hug. “We thought we lost you after you fell.” She turned around. “Hello Mr.Runner.” “Hello Rarity.” I heard Spier’s voice. “Sir.” I turned back. “It’s great we finally found you.” Zack called from behind. “Joseph?” “Hey Zack thought I never see you again.” “The last time we talked was about the LA Kings game.” “All I remember is you owing me 20 bucks.” “Remind me after the war.” Rook and Rainbow were talking with Rarity. I shouted. “Troopers regroup.” The three soldiers met up with me. “Ok here’s the thing. Oh I almost forgot. Spier, Rook this is Violet Runner. You can call him Runner. Going back to what I was saying. Runner and I have discovered that we might have the enemy coming towards this position. We’re going to try to hold them here. Zack has a radio with him. In case if we are forced back in the warehouse we’ll contact for support.” Rook asked. “And what happens if there is no support?” “Then we take the escape tunnel that Runner has in his home.” Runner was pulling a barrel of gunpowder. I said to Spier. “Joseph go help him.” He nodded. the two were setting a trap in the entrance. I walked up to the mares. “Rarity I need you and Rainbow Dash to provide us with fire power. Runner has weapons in the warehouse I need the three of you to be inside while the rest of us attack from the front.” Rarity asked. “Does this mean…I have to…k.k…” Rarity stuttered. “Yes.” She wasn’t happy with the answer but it has to be done. Spier regrouped with us I gave Runner a radio so we can talk if need in battle then he entered his home. I was in the first barricade in the front along with Rook. We were the only ones that have fought in a real close quarter combat so I gave him a sword that Runner let me use and I had mine. I asked Rook. “What happened with Twilight and the rest of our troops?” “Haven’t heard from them since we left. Though we have seen smoke from behind us and heard a few explosions. I think they’re having fun.” He gave a quick chuckle. It was about 12 and if we have to fight until the night then we will. The property of Runner was about 300 feet from the entrance to his house. If we are pushed back we do have the crap that he has lying around as cover. We named it the Junkyard. We heard a crack. We aimed our weapons. Spier and Zack were at the third row of barricades. We saw two balls roll out. They were smoke grenades. I radioed Runner. “Runner eagle in!” he opened the shutter and he looked out while holding his musket. He shouted at us. “You have mobile crystal shields!” the smoke cleared we saw those shield. I shouted. “Take them down.” We fired at the birds. Those shields were thick the bullets chipped the shields to pieces until the hit the griffins that were behind them and for my Pulse Rifle the heat basically melted the crystal. This made it hard for us keep the enemy back. I grabbed my NG-15 and I threw it behind the shields. When it went off three of those shields were frozen by the liquid nitrogen. Rook was over the barricade fighting them with the sword so I jumped over and I did the same. I pulled out my sword and I fought the old fashion way. I charged at one of them our swords met. I kicked the bird and I dismembered the head from the body. Fighting the enemy with swords was not as easy as when fighting them with modern weaponry. I was tackled by two birds at once. I manage to kill one but the other managed to stab my left shoulder. I back swung my arm forcing him off of me. I got up and I jabbed the blade into his belly. Another was about to attack but I was saved by Rarity who fired a musket shot from the top floor of the warehouse. There was a near silent “eep”. I backed away behind the barricade and Rook followed. Spier and Zack continued to fire while Rook did what was needed. He said. “I don’t have much medical training but I know the basic.” He grabbed the bio-foam from my backpack and he applied into my wound. Then he wrapped the bandage around my shoulder and finally injected me with the proper medicine. He grabbed my right arm and he tapped my left shoulder. “Better.” “Not until we’re through with them.” I pulled out my pistol and I fired six shots. We jumped over and we continued with the fight. I found it easier to kill the enemy with my knife than with the sword. I was able to counter the weapons, kill and kick faster with knife. Runner killed the last bird from his room. Rook and I jumped back behind the barricades. It was quiet. Wind blowing and birds singing and some smoke was still rising. I saw the bodies of the griffins. I had a quick flashback of dead troops I shook my head. We began to hear loud thuds. Runner shouted. “Kulles coming in!” we turned. Rook charged first I shouted. “Rook no!” he raised his sword as he swung towards the body of the bird another Kull back swung its mace hitting his helmet. I jumped over the barricade and I fired three shots from my pistol killing the first Kull. The one behind it uppercut me and I fell on my back. The bird stuck me with its foot forcing me to cough out the air in me. As I gasped for air it swung again I moved my right arm forcing the weapon to the ground. I elbowed the griffin and I gave him a kick. I punched the one behind me but another back swung me and then punched me across the helmet. Rook wasn’t doing so well himself. The Kulles began to cross the barricade. Spier and Zack kept firing. Rook got up and he grabbed his rifle. I shouted at him as I stood up. “Go! Kill the ones who are crossing over! Assist the others and tell them to fall back into the junkyard!” he kept going on forward I pulled out my P-17 and I fired at every Kull. They fell like dominos. I turned back to see that the others were making their way to the Junkyard. I kept firing. I was not going to let them die here. Runner shouted at me. “DEMOLER!” I looked at him and then I turned around. It was the tallest griffin that I have seen yet. Standing about nine feet and heavier armor than the Kulls. It grabbed my gun and it threw it to the junkyard and it dropped kicked me. I heard Rarity shout from the warehouse. “STEVEN!” the Demoler grabbed me from my neck and he threw me over the barricades and I crashed into something within the Junkyard and the impact forced my helmet off. Rook shouted. “Clearwater!” he was going to get me but was held back by Zack before we was hit by a wave of arrows. I tried to get up but then I was lifted by the Demoler. He punched once and I stuck him twice across the face. He turned his face and he looked at me. He threw me to the left and I crashed into a wall. I fell on my belly. I tried to pick myself up but I struggled. The Demoler kicked me up and he grabbed me by the neck. It said with a deep voice. “My face will be that last thing you’ll ever see.” He pulled out an oversize knife from the sheath. He slammed my body against the wall and he raised the blade. He was about to stuck me but he was stabbed by another knife from behind. The beast shrieked in pain and he released me. He reached back and he slammed the other body against the wall and I saw a helmet fly off. I shouted. “RARITY!” I grabbed the oversize knife that was on the ground and I cut his skull diagonally exposing his brain. I dropped the knife and ran to pick up Rarity. “Rarity!” she opened her eyes slowly and then closed them she had a black bruise on her forehead. Arrows began flying over us. I picked her up and I shouted to the rest of the troops. “Fall back! Fall back!” I grabbed my helmet and my rifle we ran inside I had a bruise on the bottom of my chin and a cut on my cheek. I placed Rarity on the floor. “Spier! We need a medic!” he ran up to the unicorn. He inspected her while the rest of the guys were firing back at the griffins. Spier said to me. “She has a pretty bad bruise on her forehead I’ll give her some medication to numb the pain. Don’t worry about her sir.” I nodded and I walked up to a window and I fired my rifle. The enemy was drawing closer. Those Kulles really hit us hard. Rook noticed something he called Runner. “Yo Runner what are those things?! they look familiar!” “Those are cannons! Take cover!” he ran down stairs as the sound of the cannon scared of hundreds of birds. The metal ball flew inside. Pieces of wood flew inside. Some of splinters hit Rainbow Dash in the open spaces of her armor. Spier quickly ran to her aid. I knew that it was time. I ran to the radio. “This is Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater. We need air support now.” It took a moment for a response. I kept firing my weapon until I heard the radio. “This is Arch Angle. Air support is unavailable at this time. You’re on your own.” “What! We are pinned and we-” I was cut off by another cannon ball crashing into the house. I turned back. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were injured and Spier was treating them. We were pinned with no chance of winning. I turned to Runner. “The escape route.” “Follow me.” I ran to Rarity and Spier picked up Rainbow. We followed him to the back of the warehouse. The unicorn dropped down a shelf and behind it was a door he turned the giant knob. We entered a room Runner closed the door as soon as the door click a cannon ball hit the door. Runner fell backwards. He got up and he walked to another door that was in the end of the room. Dust fell from the impacts of the cannons. The door opened and there was another room with another door. Rook said. “What are we in? Looney Toons or something what’s with the doors?” Our guide answered. “This is the last door but it’s also the tricky one. If you open it wrong it will kill you.” He was right the door had some kind of a puzzle as the door knob. He slide the pieces around and there was a small sand timer. This reminded me of a bomb. The pieces were mixed until they formed a gear. The door opened we walked outside the unicorn pulled out a piece of the puzzle. “Why did you do that?” I asked. “In case if the griffins find the doors and they try to crack the puzzle. The tunnel is rigged with explosives. so when the timer runs out. Boom.” “I see.” “Wha…what happened?” Rarity began to gain consciousness. I said to the group. “You guys go on I’ll catch up.” They walked ahead. And I placed the mare in the snow. “Mr. Clearwater why are you carrying me? And…why…is my head throbbing?” “Well you saved my life and the Demoler slammed you pretty hard against the wall.” “Well I couldn’t let my protector be killed can’t I?” she stopped and think about what she had done. “Are you okay…” Spier radioed me. “Sir we have located the rest of our troops! We need you over here!” “What about the mares?” “I’ll take care of them since I have the med. training sir.” “Ok I’m on my way.” I picked up the unicorn and I ran to the battle. I met up with Joseph who was behind a rock with Rainbow Dash. I set Rarity down and I walked up to Rook and Zack. “Let’s go.” We ran to a ledge of a cliff where I saw Shining Armor along with Twilight and her friends and the remaining guards. Zack grabbed his grappling gun and he shot a hook into a tree behind and he dropped the rope to the bottom. I climbed down first. I ran to the fight. I fired my first shot and then Rook. Twilight saw me and shouted. “Steven?!” I ignored her and I kept firing. With the last fight that we had I think that the enemy will start sending Kulles into the fight. I tackled on to the ground. I dropped my rifle and I beat him to death with my bare hands. I was angry not the fact that I was hurt but that Rarity and Rainbow Dash were hurt. I was to protect them and these birds made that impossible. Rook pulled me off of the griffin. “He’s dead god damn it!” I stood up slowly. Trying to ignore what I did as Shining Armor walked up to me. “Hey.” “Hey.” “As you can see. We lost about 25% of our guards. What do we do now?” “I don’t know.” We heard screeching from behind. I turned back to see a group of Kulles charging towards us. We began to fire at them and the Royal Guard charged at them. The unicorns and Pegasi were taken out by the Kulles like ants and Raid. But the Earth ponies were able to stand up against them. I fired as I was walking backwards I killed one of them but when I turned a bird struck my rifle and then it kicked me to a rock. It walked up to me it pulled out its knife and it went for the kill. I grabbed its arm with the blade about an inch away from my neck. I began to push the knife away from me I punched it once. He kicked me and he lifted me up by my neck. Going for the final blow it stopped and it looked in the air. Out of nowhere bullets stuck the Kull making me fall to the snow and missiles struck the incoming griffins. I looked up to see two AV-8B Harrier II’s flew right over us. I stood up slowly and I walked to my rifle Rook and Zack were cheering. We saw three chopper dropships land in front of us. The first to walk out of on them was a lieutenant. He Asian male about in his early forties has moderate amounts of hair (Doesn’t cover the forehead), Dark brown eyes, and facial hair around the chin and the lips. He walked up to me and said. “Gunner-Sergeant Clearwater?” “Yeah.” “I’m Lieutenant Tran I’m here to take you, the troops and Guards back to Canterlot.” “Ok. I have three troops up on the…” “We know.” I looked behind him I saw troops carrying Rarity and Rainbow in the chopper. He continued. “Did you read the message?” “No.” “Well you should while you’re on the chopper.” He shouted. “Guards! Report to the choppers at once! You’re going home!” the guards looked at each other and they slowly walked to the choppers I walked to the chopper where Rarity was. I sat down next to the unicorn followed by Rook, Joseph and Zack. I took the letter from the backpack and I opened it. I said out loud. “This letter also involves the three of you.” The looked at each other and Rook said. “Well read it. We’re not getting younger.” I rolled my eyes and I began to read the letter. > New chapter soon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry for the long wait I just finished my semester of college so the new chapter will be up soon. also I wont be in the air force until after july so now I got more time to write. i'll have the chapter soon. not sure when but soon but here have some vids from smosh. and if you don't smosh then where have you been. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Oz_qwsLErI4] [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qpyV0xhNdfc] > Temporary Editor in need. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry for the long wait but things have gotten complicated over the weeks. And life still manages to kick my ass. so I have the new chapter written problem is that my editor has been very busy and he can't seem to make time to edit. I don't blame him. That's just how life is. Bottom line is that I need a Temp. editor or this chapter only. If the story is to proceed then a temp. editor will be need. not sure how will I choose but i'll figure that later. thank you guys for your support in my stories. here have some SMOSH. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=m1J9cv5b8RI] enjoy the vids and thank you for your support. > Chapter Ten: Raid in the West > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I read the letter, looking to my companions and back again to the text as my mind span over how I could announce the news I held. Spier asked. “S…sir? Is everything alright?” I didn’t know what to say to the guys. “ Y-yeah…everything is perfectly fine.” I lied. This was something that I need to talk to the Captain. We were entering the city limits of Canterlot. As the choppers landed I exited the vehicle immediately. As I walked through the rubble that was left when the Griffins first attacked was almost cleared. Though there were still many bricks, glass, damage furniture, and cannon balls on the ground, the scenery reminded me of a Wolf Pack camp that was set up by civilians who fought against the Sepis’. I walked pass the civilian ponies and the guards and entered the castle. I found Captain Brisk and Princess Luna talking. I said as I walked up to them. “Captain Brisk.” He turned around he looked like he hasn’t slept in days. “Yes Gunnery Clearwater.” “May I have a word with you? Sir.” “Of course.” He turned to Luna. “If you would excuse me Princess.” She said to him. “Of course Captain. We’ll continue with our conversation later.” She turned to me said. “Welcome back Gunnery.” “Thank you.” She walked into the other room. The Captain and I began to walk to a different direction. He said to me as we entered the garden which was damaged. “So what did you want to talk to me about? I could use some good news right about now.” I pulled out the letter and I handed over to the Captain’s hand. “This.” He quickly read over the letter. “You are concerned about X-Team?” “Yes. I never agreed to join a team. In fact. I don’t what to be in a team. I’m part of Thunderbrid Squad and that’s it.” “I know that you are still devastated about what happen to you squad but, these ponies are being killed by the Griffins like as if they were dogs. Sending in troops in a city to fight back or to take the city is one thing but, I need a team that can go into the hot-zone or behind enemy lines. We both know that your squad and Tomahawk Squad were the best of doing that.” “Yes but…” he cut me off and said. “Look.” I looked around the area. I saw ponies fixing the garden and ponies who have lost their home trying to make a camp. “Steven you know how familiar this is to us. The ponies are not use to this kind of warfare.” “Sir…” “We managed to fix up the planet. The Sepis’ are wiped out or are in prison and we managed to colonize Mars and the moon. We know how to distribute the necessary resources and come back from this better than before. These people...well...” I looked at the young fillies playing around the garden. “Ok.” “Very well. Follow me.” I followed him into the castle and then into a room. We walked up to a table. “Here’s the list of the troops that will make up the team. We just added the pony that was with you when you arrived.” I read the list. ‘ X-Team initiative. Brandon Tran: Team Leader Joseph Spier: Medic/Demolitionist Daniel Walker: Sniper Gregory (Rook) Newton: Unconventional Warfare Expert Zack Ryder: Rifle Man/ Gunner Support Will G. Hammer: Force Recon/ Super Heavy Support Michael Auttumburn: Vehicle Support (LAV 25) Simon (Spook) Van Straaten: Unconventional warfare/terrorisation operative Crimson Barricade: Super Heavy Support/ Crossbowman (Stallion) Hemlock: Hunter/ Crossbowman (Stallion) Violet Runner: Engineer(Stallion) I noticed that three of three of them were ponies I looked at the Captain and said. “Sir three of them are stallions.” “I know, we’re pulling in all the assets we can currently exploit. These people know these lands far better than we do.” “OK…so when do meet the entire team.” “In a few days Gunnery. Today you are being sent to Ponyville.” “Haven’t been there since I was brought to the castle.” “Well you’re not staying there. A small town called Appleloosa has been attacked and I need you and Rook to check out the area, assess the situation and provide info on how we can best deploy our forces. One of your new teammates is already there.” “So how long am I staying in this Appleloosa?” “Few hours, a few days, it all comes down to how your assessment turns out. There’s a chooper in Ponyville waiting for you so I want you at the town by the day after. Understood?” “Understood.” “So then go look for Rook and take Applejack and Rarity.” “Why?” “Applejack has family there, I refused her at first but that girl can be very persuasive.” “And what about Rarity?” “She’s acting as a secondary assessment unit to report back to the princesses, also quite the persuasive young mare. You seem to get along with her very well, so I doubt there’ll be any problems.” he winked at me and he left the room. I walked out as well but I made a left. I walked to Shining Armor’s quarters to ask if there was anything to do since my Captain was nowhere to be found. I knocked on his door. Form the otherside. “In a minute! Cadence cover yourself up.” He opened the door. He was red and sweaty and the smell of the room gave me a pretty good idea on what they were up to. “Sorry um…do you need something.” I turned around so he couldn’t see how embarrassed I was. “I’ll come back later. You finish what you and your wife were doing.” I walked away from the door when I turned left I bumped into Twilight. She was carrying a tower of books. “OOOUUUCHH!” “Sorry Twilight.” “It’s ok…I guess.” “Why do you have so many books?” “I’m going to read so I can get away from all of this…violence.” “Ah ok.” “Soooo…what are you doing?” “I’m going to go to Ponyville and, from there I’m going to town called Appleloosa.” “By train.” “No why?” “No I just wanted to know. The road to Appleloosa is very long.” “Well. We’re taking a chopper there so we’ll arrive faster.” “We’ll?” “Yeah. Rook, Applejack and Rarity are going along with me.” I saw Twilight’s eyebrow rise when I said Rarity. “Ok I understand the reason why Applejack is going but, why is Rarity going.” “I honestly don’t know. The captain said, she’s acting as ‘secondary assessment officer’ or some crap like that.” “When do you leave?” “Tomorrow.” “Then what are you doing today?” “I have no idea.” “Well Rainbow Dash told me that she was going to hang out with Rook, Joseph and Pinkie Pie.” “Ok and what about you?” “Well I’m going to read for a while and then I’m going to check on Rarity once she feels better from her head injury. After that I think we’re going to town square with AJ.” “What’s Fluttershy going to do?” “She’s going to be with Dr. Catherine.” “Hmm. Ok.” “Well I have to go so I guess I’ll see you around.” “Sure.” “Also Princess Celestia said that you no longer need an escort.” “That’s good news.” The unicorn gave me a warm smile and she walked away with her tower of books. I decided to rest for the rest of the day. I walked to the room where I slept before I was sent to New Saddle. I removed my armor and clothes. I only left on my under shirt and pants on. Day (???) I woke up early. The earlier we arrive to Ponyville the better. After I gathered the group we walked towards Canterlot Train Station. On the train Rook was sleeping since he didn’t arrive to his room until three in the morning. Applejack and Rarity were sitting together in front of me and I just read over the Intel that Recon have gathered about the town we are going. I looked at the town’s location which was in the desert. I haven’t stepped foot in a desert since the Battle of Egypt in the final year of the war. The town was attacked a few times, the enemy has taken hostages, and their closest water source has been cut off. They used a river as their water source. A water refinery was placed near the river to purify the water. Applejack tapped my head to get attention when I looked up she said. “Ya been doing nothing but looking at those papers ever since we left Canterlot.” I responded “Well they have information about our destination.” “Like what.” “Like the town has been attacked a few times and that their only water source has been cut off.” “Cut off? How?” “I assume that the Griffins have built some kind of dam to stop the flow of the river.” “So what are we going there for?” “To bring the water into the town and to take out a Griffin camp near the town. They don’t have many troops but, they do threat the folks that live in the area.” “True I have family there. Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom have gone there to vis…” she suddenly stopped. “Apple…are you ok.” She shouted out loud in panic. “MY FAMILY ARE IN APPLELOSSA! WHAT…WHAT IF THEY WERE TAKEN HOSTAGES BY THE GRIFFINS!” I tried to calm her down.” “Applejack relax.” She leaned toward my face until her muzzled met with my nose.” “Don’t tell to relax! My family could be in danger!” I pushed her away from me. “Ok I get it.” I looked down as I thought of an idea. “Does this train take you directly to Appleloosa as well.” “Yeah.” “Perfect.” I stood up and I walked to the back of the train. I exited the cart and I contact the Captain. “This is Gunnery Clearwater I need to speak to the Captain.” I waited for a response. “This is Control. What do you need Gunnery.” “I need to speak to the Captain.” “Captain Brisk is unavailable for the moment.” “Where the hell is he?” “He left Commander Stronghold in charge while the Captain is in the freezer.” “What?! He’s in the freezer?!” another voice answered. “This is Commander Stronghold what do you need Gunnery.” “Sir I need to arrive at Appleloosa as soon as possible.” “Why is that soldier?” “The Element of Honesty has informed me that she has family in the town and she is fearing that since the townmhas been attacked that the Griffins have captured her family.” I didn’t hear a response for a moment. “Commander.” He said. “Gunnery I wanted at that town since yesterday! Get in there and find those hostages and kill those damn birds!” “Yes sir.” “I will have someone there to give you a hand. And we have a new toy for you to test out as you are there.” “Yes sir.” “Control out.” I walked back in the train cart. I saw Rarity trying to calm her friend down. I walked to them. I said. “Applejack?” “Y…yeah?” “How far are we from Appleloosa?” “The next train station should have a train going there. Why?” “Because that’s where we are going. Let’s just hope there are Human troops there. Maybe they have something quicker than this train.” “You’re serious.” “Yes. We’re going to look for your family.” She jumped on me and said. “Thank you thank you thank you!” we heard Rook on the side. “Aww isn’t that cute.” I said to him. “About time you woke up.” “Sorry… what did I miss?” “Nothing really.” Twenty minutes later. We arrived at the train station. Our luck was going well so far. There were Human troops there and with them a chopper. I walked to pilot and I asked him if he could give us a ride to the small town. He agreed and he gave us a lift. We arrived at the town by noon. As the chopper left we noticed that the town was damaged. Few buildings were burn or torn down few craters were on the ground and on the side of the town was a grave. Applejack said to me as we walked into the town. “That grave wasn’t there the last time I came here.” Rook said. “Hope this grave stays the same once we leave. I don’t want to be the one to bury any more bodies. I already did enough of that back on Earth.” The place was like a ghost town the locals were nowhere to be found. Until we heard a child’s voice. “APPLEJACK!” the orange mare turned. “Applebloom?” we looked at the direction that AJ was looking at. It was a young filly she was wearing a red bow bigger than her head. AJ ran to her. “Applebloom are you ok?” “I’m fine. I just happy to see you.” The two burst into tears. We walked up to them. AJ turned around to us as she was still crying. “This is my sister Applebloom.” Rook and I just nodded our heads. Rarity said to the filly. “Applebloom where’s your brother and grandmother?” the filly looked down, her ears and bow dropped as tiny tears dribbled down her cheeks. “S…she…was taken…by the Griffins and Big Mac left to fight in Manehatten.” Rook and I tensed up. Applejack mention about her parents not being there. The filly only had her brother sister and grandmother as her family. I crouched down to the ponies. “AJ. Miss Applebloom. My friend and I are going to look for your family ok.” The filly looked up. “Re…really?” “Yes.” I stood up and I turned to Rook.” “Rook looks like we now have a rescue mission.” He said. “You don’t need to tell me that sir. I saw what the Up Rise did in Australia I have seen this before. I may mess around but this affects a child.” “Then it’s time to get serious. The Commander told me that there was going to be someone waiting for us here. I think we should look for him.” The filly said. “He’s at the town hall with the remaining town folks.” I said. “Then town hall it is.” We followed the filly to town hall. Rook said. “Let’s just hope that this guy is good with fighting. We should have at least brought Joseph with us.” “As much as I agree with you but, the captain... said…” I stopped as I saw an Exoskeleton Hunter Suit outside of the building. The creation was built stocky and solid, yet was fast enough to get about a battlefield easy enough. One of its thick, hydraulic arms sat a heavy calibre repeater gun with an under slung flamethrower, the other had a thick, titanium plate shield that incorporated extremely simple kinetic shielding technology. Its right shoulder appeared to have something of a mechanical deformity upon it, making it appear slightly lop-sided. The box like anomaly was a COF (Cluster-of-five) missile chute that made a distinct coughing sound when it fired. What the machine had in durability, brute force and firepower it highly lacked in mobility as the thing could be, as many infantryman had stated, ‘outmanoeuvred by a damn land tortoise’. Applejack and Rarity looked at the suit. Rarity said to me. “Mr. Clearwater what is that?” “That is a Hunter suit. It’s one of the muscles in the military. They are able to take a hit from a tank since the alloy is titanium and the glass is bomb proof.” “So it can cause…a lot of destruction.” “Yeah.” I saw the body of the mare shake. “All this destruction is too much for us.” “I know, but just stay a fair distance behind us and take cover when you hear danger.” We walked inside the building. We walked in and we saw some ponies inside, and in the middle of the room was a human. We walked up to him he looked at us and he walked to us. He was pretty tall, built lean yet strong and had an assortment of rail gun weapons as well as a tomahawk as a close quarter weapon. His face was a mess of deep set wrinkles, yet I doubted they were from his age, but most likely from the painfully grim facial expression that appeared burrowed into his skull. His skin was a leathery tan colour and looked thicker than carpet, his lips thin and cracked. His hair was a jet black and cut into a Mohawk that carried on down his shoulders as a thin ponytail. “Gunnery Clearwater.” He saluted us. I saluted back and I said “So what’s the situation here…um. “Private Hammer, sir.” “Ok. So what do you have for us?” “Well the Griffins attack about a few days ago and my platoon left me here to protect the town since I operate the Hunter suit. Then they attack two days ago and they took a most of the locals. I could leave these people here. So when I heard you guys were coming I thought we were in luck.” “I see. How long have you been here?” “Few days sir. The folks here welcomed us and we have gotten along very well.” “Ok.” I turned to Rook and AJ. “Here’s the thing. We have a Hunter operator meaning we can go looking for the prisoners while Hammer here stays.” Hammer said “Sir, I want to fight. My talents will aid you well enough to grant you time to complete your task.” “Ws can’t leave these ponies unprotected. We need you to stay here ok.” “Very well.” “But I want you in that Hunter suit. We might be coming back with a fight.” “On it.” “And stay in the line. We’ll radio you when we have orders.” He ran to his suit as we walked out Hammer threw me a new toy from the EPCM. After Will agreed to stay in the town to protect the town while Rook, AJ, and I go looking for her family. Rarity decided to stay with Applebloom. The sheriff said that the water flowed from the north to south. So our best choice was to follow the river up north. We didn’t have much cover to hide us from being spotted. Applejack was wearing her armor and she brought with her a sword and an auto-crossbow so she was protected from the enemy fire. I was equipped with a Thruster Pack. It is supposed to be a substitute for the parachute. It allows me three minutes of flight. The way it works if that it has fuel for three minutes. When the user falls they have to time it right and activate the thrusters at the right moment. As the Pack slows the user down it softens that landing and if you have enough fuel the user can use it as their advantage when the time comes. I had to leave my backpack behind since I had this new thing on me. AJ and Rook were carrying extra ammo for my M-16. The Thruster Pack also had a magnetic weapon holder on it, so I had my P-17 with me. We walked for about five minutes and we saw something in the distance. I pulled out my binoculars. I saw five figures. Five griffins were on some sort of giant rats. They have large razor sharp teeth and large claws that can rip an unarmored human or pony in half. I looked to the side. “Quick in the river.” We jumped in the dried up river bed and we leaned against the side. This part of the river was deep about seven feet. We waited for the right moment to attack. Rook and I switched to our pulse rifles to avoid the loud audio cue of our chemical weapons. This way we can keep our cover. They were right over us. They stopped and one of them said. “Stop!” another voice. “Why did we stop?” “The Ratter. It’s smells something.” We heard the oversized rat sniffing. I need to decide. Rather we attack now or we wait until they leave. I looked at AJ and knew the look on her face. She pulled out her crossbow and she stepped out. I shouted. “Applejack no!” Too late. When she fired we heard the shrieking from the rat. Rook and I stepped out and we fired as well. “Rook I need a lift.” I ran to him and he gave me a push to the top. I fired at one rat but I was too close to it. It jumped on me and if bit my forearm. I sent a volley of wild, undisciplined punches into the rats’ face as pain shook my senses, yet still it was enough to throw its grip on my off. When I looked up the creature charged at me luckily Rook fired at it until the things head had lost most of its brain matter along with a couple of round through the chest of its’ rider. I got up and I ran to my rifle to kill the last three. I placed three shots on one griffin and then I concentrated my fire on the rat. When the later rat and Griffin were left we killed the rat while Rook beat the bird down until he couldn’t fight back. Rook dropped him on his knees. I said to it. “Ok you Griffin piece of shit how far to you camp?!” it just looked at me. “Rook.” “Yeah.” “Do it.” Rook walked in front of it. He lifted him on his hind legs and it punched it once on the stomach. It dropped to the ground as it gasped for air. Rook lifted him up once more. I said. “Where is your camp?!” It said. “I don’t...fear you, alien filth.” He wanted to play. I pulled out my pistol and shot one of its legs. It screamed in pain. “I’ll ask you one more time. “Where is you camp?” It looked at me. He said nothing he tensed up showing that he was keeping his mouth closed. “Rook.” “You want me to hit him again.” “No. Kill him.” Rook pulled out his pistol and he shot the bird in its head spattering his brains all over the ground. I walked to AJ. “Applejack what the fuck were you thinking?! You could have gotten us killed!” “They took mah grandma and you want me to stay low! We don’t have time for crap like that!” “Listen to me! It could have been worse, they could have killed us! Next time when I say stay low I want you to stay low! Do you get me?!” she simply said to me. “Buck y’all an’ yer fancy ‘tactics’.” She walked away from me and headed north. “Fucking bitch.” Rook placed his hand on my shoulder. “Let me take care of this ok Gunnery. Just stay behind us. About fifteen feet ok.” “Whatever.” I waited until Rook caught up with Applejack. I saw them talking but, I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I know Applejack wants to save her family but, if she continues to do shit like this she’s going to get us killed. Even though she did that I still understand why she did it. The two stopped then I stopped. Applejack looked at me and then she walked up to me and said. “S…Steven?” “What.” “I…I’m sorry for…yelling at you and for…using foal language back there. It’s just that my…” “I know AJ. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” “Ok.” “Ok now let’s go.” We walked up to Rook and we walked north. We didn’t knew what to expect when we reached the camp. If those griffins have more rats at their camp then we were screwed. The best choice was to go in at the night. Forty minutes later We walked towards a hill. We heard voices so we walked slowly towards it. I looked over. “There it is. The camp guys.” Rook looked over. “Wall seems to be sealed tight. If we had platoon or battalion we could have just raid in there.” “We couldn’t even if we had more men.” “Why?” “We have hostages in there. We can’t endanger them.” “Right.” I looked around the camp. He camp seemed to be over a hill I saw what looked like a cave entrance. I said to Rook. “I think I have a way in?” “Where?” I pointed at the entrance of the cave. “You see that hole in the hill. I think it might be a cave.” “That cave can be filled with more of those damn birds you know.” AJ entered the conversation. “Not really fellas. Look.” We looked at the camp again. “What I have noticed is that the troops that are returning from their missions. Ah think that the top is where the Griffins are at and the bottom is where the prisoners are in.” Rook and I looked again. She seemed to be right. The birds only went up to the hill to enter the camp. We moved down the hill. I said. “Ok here’s the plan. If we go now we will be spotted there’s no cover for us so we need to wait until the sun sets.” AJ said to me. “Then we go in and get mah family out.” “Not just your family AJ we have to free everyone who is in there.” “Got it.” Rook asked. “So what do we do to kill time?” “Not sure. Find something to keep you busy while we wait. Few hours later The time was now or never. As soon as the sun set we charged towards the cave entrance. We slowed down when we were about ten feet away from the door. I said. “Fuck we need a key to get-“ Rook looked at the sides he shot the hinges of the left side. “There’s your key.” We pushed inwards once we were in we realized that Applejack was right. This part of the camp was being used to keep prisoners. I looked around. I began to have flash backs in the raids in India where we freed the prisoners in Kulikar Prison. I shook my head. We walked forward. I saw that most of the cells were empty while a few had dead ponies still inside. I saw the look that Applejack had. Disgusted and hatred. Tears were forming on the bottom of her eyes. We heard footsteps. We hid behind a pile of crates. I looked to the side to see a group of griffins walking by the tunnel ways. I was certain that they were patrolling the area. As they left we kept walking forward. I hope we get out of here quickly because we only have enough fire power to defend ourselves if they catch us walking around. We were suddenly stopped by Applejack. “Stop. Ya hear that?” we stayed quiet to listen. “There is it again!” this time I heard it. Some kind of moaning. The third time the mare recognized the moaning. “GRANNY SMITH!” she ran towards the source of the moaning. I shouted. “Applejack wait!” we followed her. She ran with all her might so she easily out run us. Well she was able to do that anyways since she was a horse…pony, whatever. We caught up with her. She was on her hind legs standing up on two with her forearms on a solid door. Like a dog when the stand and lean on their owners leg. AJ turned back to Rook and I. “She’s in here! Please help me get her out.” I walked to the door and I shot the hinges off. When the mare opened the she just stood there. She didn’t move a muscle. I saw the mare walked towards her grandmother. “Gr...Granny.” the old mare coat was dirty and the area where her cutie mark should be was shaved off. AJ told me that her grandmother usually keeps her mane in a bun but, her mane was loose. She was thinner then normally from what AJ has told me. Rook and I just kept out post as the mare were enjoying their tiny family reunion. I said to Rook. “Rook go secure the west and east entrance.” “Will do.” as my teammate left I saw Applejack getting angry. I approached them slowly and AJ just walked pass me. I rushed to the elder mare and I asked. “What the hell just happen?” “I told her about what happened down here. She's...” “Angry.” “Yes. And she said something about killing them all.” What the hell. If Applejack makes a stupid ass move like then we are done for. “Come on we need to stop her!” I knew that the the mare was going to move slowly so she told me to go ahead. When I caught up I found Rook pinning Applejack against the wall. I walked up to them and said. “Rook I need you to keep her there until Granny gets here.” the mare shouted at me. “Steven when ah'm beating the tar outta Rook, ya next.” from behind. “Don't ya dare tah lay a hoof on them.” “But.” I continued. “She's right Applejack. We need to stay low until we get out of here.” “Fine but that doesn't mean this is over.” After Rook released her we walked up towards the surface it was still dark. If we wanted to blow this place into shit the time was now. The last Griffin camp I was in had gun powder within the camp and, this camp was larger than the camp I blew up back in Canterlot. I assume that this one had a larger supply of gun powder in here. Rook found a room to our right we entered the room to plan out what we were to do. AJ looked at me and said. “So what do we do Steven?” “I’m going to stay here and take out this camp by blowing in into hell. While the two of you go back to the town.” I was hoping that AJ will not fight me on this one. “What!? No because of them my grandma wanted to die and I ended her suffering!” “Applejack please. The last thing your grandmother wants is for you to die.” “But…” “Please go to the town and be ready. Once I destroy their firepower they’re going after me.” She just looked at me. “Go protect your sister.” “O…ok. Just be careful.” “Lady I’ve been through hell on my planet, I’m sure I’ll live here.” She nodded and she headed out the door. I turned to Rook. “Make sure you get her there safely got it.” “Understood.” The two walked out and they went back to the way we came from. I kept looking at they until they made a turn then I looked back into the camp and I look a deep breath and I walked inside. Finding the armory wasn’t hard. In fact it was like thirty feet away from the prison entrance. I don’t understand why it is that close to the armory. If they haven’t killed the prisoners and the prisoners would have fought back then, they would have taken the camp days ago. I walked in the tent I looked around and I saw quite a few birds inside guarding it. I guess they learn from their mistakes. God I wish Celestia or Twilight were here. That would have cast that clocking, camo or, whatever spell. I would have gone in and our quickly. I couldn’t use my weapons because they would give me away so I had to find a silent distance weapon or I use my knife. I looked around I thought. ‘One of these crates has to have a bow or a crossbow.’ I pulled out my knife and I pry open a crate. Inside the crate was some kind of shredded like paper. I looked inside the crate all I found was two swords and a morning star. I turned back to another large box and I opened it was what I was looking for. An Auto-Crossbow. I grabbed one barrel of arrows. I loaded the weapon and I began to proceed in deeper in the tent. Since my visor has night vision it will be helpful to turn off the lanterns. I aimed the bow at the lanterns and I shot them off their holder. The Griffins began to freak out when the lights were going off. I turned on my wrist data-pad and I activated my N.V. I walked out of my cover and I shot two birds down. I walked forward to another and I took it down with my knife. The last two I just shot down knowing that it was a matter of time before the rest of the camp figures out that the lights have been taken out. I sprinted to the gunpowder and I place five pounds of C-4 right in the centre. It looked like there was over 500 pounds of gunpowder. Then I activated the remote detonator on my data-pad. I ran out of the tent. I was aiming to go back to the prison but I was stopped by a group of griffins that have spotted me. I made a run for the main entrance I charged at the door hoping it would fall. CLANK! That didn’t work. After I hit it I fell backwards. I stood up and I looked back to see the entire griffin camp in front of me. The leader I assume shouted. “You thought you could kill us here huh, Slayer?!” I was confused with the name. “Slayer?” “Yeh! You are what we call the Griffin Slayer! In fact all of your ugly primates are Griffin Slayers. Only now we have you and you have no way out.” “I disagree.” I detonated the C-4. A large ball of fire came from the armory. I decided to use the Thruster Pack. When I activated I just flew in the air and then I flew out of the camp. I had no control, I tried to lower the thruster level but, instead I deactivated the pack. I crashed in the dry river. The pressure seal from my helmet unlocked so it fell off. It took me a moment to recover when I looked up I saw the dam that was blocking the water. “Ok let’s try this one more time.” I placed my helmet on once again and I looked at my d-pad and I set the thrusters to 10%. I flew up and then I instantly turned off the Pack. I fell back on the ground but, this time I landed on my feet. I looked at the dam I searched for a soft spot. As I looked I heard the war horn of the enemy. I reacted fast and I grabbed a grenade and threw it down the behind the dam where the water was. I began to run back south towards the town. When the explosive device went off I turned back hoping that the grenade did its job. The mid-bottom of the dam was destroyed and water began to flow properly. I had to return to the camp as soon as possible because now we have a fight coming to us. Later The sun began to rise and I haven’t seen any sign of the griffins. I was beginning to see the town. Now was the time to warn the folks. I walked into the town still dead as I first came. I walked to the town hall inside the town folks looked at me. I heard my name from a familiar voice. “Mr. Clearwater?” I turned to my left. “Rarity.” “You’re ok!” she hugged me I thought I saw a tear falling from here eye. I didn’t know why? I looked behind her to see Applejack. The farmer walked to me and said. “W…we thought you were killed back there.” Now they had my full attention. “Killed?” “Yeah. We saw the ball of flames from where the Griffin camp was.” “You saw that?” “Uh yeah.” Rarity was still holding on to me. AJ moved towards the unicorn and she pulled her away from me. One hour later After I met up with Rook and Hammer we have stated to the locals that the town was unprotected. They only protection that have was us and the Griffins were sure to attack. Rook, the two elements, and the sheriff were inside a private room I met with them a few moments after they enter. I walked in the five were sitting. So I began. “Here’s the wrap. The griffin camp is now crippled, but they will find a new place to settle in. Problem is that beyond the camp the riverbed shrinks in and then it goes under ground.” The sheriff said to me. “Then how does that affect us?” Rook butted in. “Take a guess genius. The enemy is going to want to take the town since the river is close and the dam was taken out, so water is flowing once again.” Rook turned to me and asked. “Since you took out the dam then that means that locals are getting water right? Who’s protecting them?” “Hammer is with the locals.” “Ok.” I continued. “Look the griffins are going to attack and we have two choices rather we fight them off or we leave.” AJ said to me. “Leaving is something ah agree with but, wouldn’t they start going after us? They do have those rat thingies.” “You’re right.” I looked at the map that was laid out on the table. The train tracks lead to the station where the chopper was if the women and children reach the station, then they were free. But that means that a small group will have to behind and hold off the Griffins as long as we can. I looked at Rarity and Applejack. I kept my attention to AJ. She just found her grandmother I know she will want to stay and fight but she has a younger sister to take care of she had a family to keep together. “Ok here’s the plan. Rook?” “Yeah?” “Remember the station we stopped at before we arrived?” “Of course. Why?” “If we can hold off the birds at this town long enough then we will give time for the locals to reach the station with that chopper there the Griffins will not stand a chance.” “Ok as much as I agree with you. And I do I’m sure we’re staying who else will stay behind?” AJ was about to say something but I reacted on time. “You’re not staying AJ.” “Why not?!” “Your sister. She needs her older sister more than ever.” She stared at me. I can see the anger in her eyes. The thirst she had to fight to avenger those who have died at the griffin prisons. Then her eyes closed and said. “Ok. I’ll go.” “Perfect.” I turned to Rarity. “Rarity I need you to go as well.” “Ok.” Few hours later The women and children began to leave the town in a hurry. I have asked Hammer to go with them to give them support if need. He agreed and he followed them. Sadly the males left the town as well. The Sheriff, Rook and I stayed. Rook was mad at the situation. “This is fucking bullshit! All of the guys left us here to die! What the hell.” He shouted at the direction where the locals were walking. “YOU HEAR ME STALLIONS! YOU’RE ALL A BUNCH OF PUSSIES!” I said. “Rook, do me a favour and shut the fuck up. AJ went ahead of the whole group to reach the station so the chopper can pick us up. She's no Rainbow Dash but, that girl is fast on all fours.” “Or pick up our dead bodies.” Rook was out of it so I just let him cool down. I walked over to the sheriff while Rook climb to the top of a building. “So why did you stay?” “Well…” the stallion adjusted his hat so I was able to see her face. “…I was one of the few first settlers when I was just a little colt and I helped built this town from scratch. This place holds many memories and I would hate to see it burn down or taken by force.” “Well some of the things that mean a lot to us will eventually disappears.” “Yes. The young white unicorn mare told us the story of your people on your home world.” “What did she tell you?” “Just what you told here.” Rook called me from the top. “Gunnery you may want to see this.” I walked up to the salon and I climbed on the ladder. I walked to the ledge. The entire griffin camp was positioned outside the town. I was expecting them to attack but, the held their position. I asked Rook. “Why are they just standing there?” “Don’t know.” I saw a group of birds loading their cannon. “Rook take out the cannon now!” Rook fired his AR at the birds. We didn’t noticed another cannon that was positioned on the hill. The steel ball hit the building we were on. The roof was becoming unstable. I ran to the side while Rook and Silverstar ran into the entrance side of the building. I jumped into the building on the side. I crashed through the wall. I collided with a shelf when I landed the food cans fell on me I picked myself on and I saw Rook and the Stallion running towards the town hall. I looked out the window and I saw a few birds chasing them. I broke the glass with the butt of my rifle and I fire at them. After they fell I quickly jumped through the window and I ran toward the Rook and the stallion. A few arrows flew by me I turned back I saw a pair of Ratters behind me. I reached for a grenade I pulled the pin and I drop the explosive device in a puddle. When the oversized rats were near the water the grenade exploded. I entered the building. Rook and Silver were already providing me covering fire. I barricaded the door and I radioed Cantelot. “This is Gunnery-Sergeant Clearwater! I’m calling for reinforcements!” “This is Commander Stronghold we are dealing with an invasion in Manehattan, we are evacuating the whole city. We sent help but we don’t know how long before they arrive. Over and out.” “Damn it!” I fired at the birds. They began to melee at the wall. The wood was no match for the blades. I moved out of my position and I went to the second floor. I saw Rook and Sliver Star entering the bell tower so I followed. We locked the door and we ran to the top. Rook and I fired at the Griffins while Silver Star barricaded the door he stayed to keep the birds out of the tower. I threw my last grenade to a group of Griffins carrying a battle ram. The grenade landed on the wooden pole. The explosion destroyed the pole and the force threw them far. When I looked down I saw the Griffins that were inside were exiting. Rook shouted. “Yeah you better run you little bitches!” “Rook!” we saw a cannonball coming towards us. It struck the tower. “Not again!” I looked moved to the stair case to see the situation on the bottom floor Silver Star was running up. He said. “We can’t go down there! There’s no way out!” the tower shook violently once more. Rumble fell on us a random bucket fell on Rook. I looked out the window. I didn’t know how much more can this tower take. We felt the balance tilting. “HANG ON!” we moved away from the window and we grabbed onto the rail of the staircase. I opened my eyes slowly. All I can hear was the familiar ringing sound. I heard that sound countless of time back at the war. I pushed off a few boards off of me. I removed my helmet. When I turned a Griffin punched me across the face. I fell to my knees. I spit out blood onto the ground. I was struck in my gut then I was thrown to the side. One of the birds grabbed my hair. I knew I should have cut it short again. My vision was still blurry and my hearing was still bad. I couldn’t make it clear but I saw a bird push Silver Star to a wall and it shot him with a crossbow. I turned to the side my vision was clearing and I saw Rook out cold on a pile of rubble. I was punched again the bird aimed the bow at me. Before he pulled the trigger an explosion made him flinch when I looked up two fighter jets flew fast by us. After that five choppers arrived and began firing at the Griffins as they ran away from the cross fire. Rook gain consciousness and he picked himself up. I rushed towards Silver Star the arrow hit his shoulder. The troops rushed towards me to give aid. Rarity and Applejack. AJ said to me. “Steven are you ok?” “Yeah Applejack I’m…” I was stopped by the hug Rarity gave me. She quickly separated from me and she turned red. She said. “Sorry.” “It’s ok…” the medics arrived. “Sir we have to get you cleaned up! And fast!” “Why?” Rarity answered. “Well we discovered a Ratter nest under the city and we are having a hard time to keep the Griffins and Ratters inside. We are still evacuating but I heard a few humans saying something about nuking the city. I really don’t know what that means.” “I do.” I stood up and she asked. “What does it mean?” “You don’t want to know.” I entered the chopper along with mare and we made way towards Manehatten.