The Grenadier

Twenty minutes after Grenadier's outburst, both Luna and Chrysalis decide that they should leave soon. Both Equestrian and Changeling forces are awaiting outside the forest for both their respected leaders, ready to escort them and their new ally back to the temporary Base of Operations.

Grenadier snorted, still comprehending his situation. As the trio walked quietly down the path, Luna took notice of the Locust's blank stare. Catching the Night Princess' gaze, Grenadier blinked and gave her a glare in return. Luna flinched slightly at his sudden hostility.

The Locust chuckled half heartily at her uneasiness. "Intimidated by me?" He asked with amusement. Chrysalis stifled a giggle and continued in front of the two. Luna just sighed and looked up at the dark sky.

"Once we exit the forest we need to contact my sister and tell her we have found Grenadier. She will be glad to hear some good news for once..." Luna's wings fluttered uncomfortably. Chrysalis caught on and glanced back at the dark mare. "If it makes you feel any better, during the invasion I heard reports from my troops that many of your ponies fought back valiantly."

At this Luna merely shook her head disapprovingly. "Not a very wise way to cheer me up Chrysalis."

The changeling had to stop herself from becoming snarky again. "I meant when I invaded Canterlot." Luna laughed softly.

"Funny how I sleep through the most interesting situations..." Then Luna's wry smile turned to a sadden frown. "...but nopony got hurt during that invasion. This time around..." She fought back tears as she remembered Manehattan. "I just wish there was more of a warning than that massacre." Chrysalis nodded in sympathy before continuing on their long trek.

The forest had thinned out to nothing more than just a few trees. Now the trio stand before a camp of sorts filled with ponies, changelings, and a mixture of the other species that volunteered to help in anyway. Grenadier was in awe at the number of them. He turned at the sound clopping coming towards them. A bug like creature with a black outer skin and bright blue eyes was trotting its way over. "My Queen, you have returned. Lieutenant Maelstrom awaits your audience." The creature spoke in a quiet multitone voice not unlike Chrysalis.

"Thank you Hardshell, you may go." With a nod the changeling trotted into the camp. "I should go Princess Luna. I will return after this meeting." At that the changeling queen strode into the camp as well. Luna continued forward into the camp, passing some ponies giving Grenadier terrified glances. Grenadier in return glared back in annoyance.

Luna slowed down to walk beside the towering Locust. "So Grenadier, what is it you specialize in" She asked quizzically. Grenadier just shrugged and continued his blank stare. Luna pressed on trying to strike a conversation. "Do you have any pass time activities or hobbies?"

Grenadier inhaled slowly before shutting his eyes in reminiscence before sighing heavily. He replied sadly "No." His blank stare turned sour and gloomy. Noticing his gloominess, Luna gave him a look of sympathy. "I have been fighting too long. I don't have a special interest in other things. All I know is how to hunt my enemies and crush them." His gruff voice was low and shaky.

Luna frowned at this. "Surely you have an interest in something? Just fighting alone is not good for your health." Her voice of concern fell upon deaf ears as Grenadier sulked in his memories of the blood and death of his past. Luna bit her lip. "I can tell this is a tough subject. I will drop it if you wish."

Grenadier ignored her as he looked forward farther into the large camp around them. He was still confused as to how his brethren were being controlled by this demon. His anger flared again before he realized where he was. 'Must calm. Do not want to hurt only allies.' he paused his thought. Why did he care for the well being of these strange creatures? They were not his brethren so why does he feel this way?

Shaking his head, Grenadier studied the lunar Princess that resumed her lead to wherever it is they were going. "How far?" His voice startling the alicorn.

"It's just ahead of us. The blue tent with my cutie mark." She pointed out a large tent, indeed blue with her cutie mark plastered on the left side of the door. "Inside I have means of contacting my sister. She will want to hear the news of your arrival." Luna paused before asking. "Are you ready to face your fellow brothers in battle?"

This question left Grenadier quite off guard. Was he? Was he really ready to face his own blood, to strike them down for being controlled by a tyrant monster? "No." His answer was simple but it was all Luna needed.

"This may not be much Grenadier, but I will be there in case you need help. If you need anything I will ensure it is provided to you..." She stopped in front of the tent and turned to face Grenadier. "...as an ally and a friend." She finished, gazing into his dark brown eyes.

Grenadier was shocked to say the least. Such loyalty to him outside his race was foreign. "I-I am honored Luna" He felt a twinge somewhere in his chest. Was that his heart? He thought back to why he had such feelings for these interesting quadrupeds. His pride and loyalty grew more as he stood there. "I promise I will do same for you... friend." He smiled under his mask.

Luna's face brightened at his stunned face and response. "Very well then Grenadier. Shall we?" She gestured into the opening of the tent. Grenadier nodded and strode in, Luna following behind.