The Imperium

The soldier fell. Blood gushing from his head. Spitfire took the shot. As Spike got up, he grabbed the closest rifle and shot any Combine Soldier in site. Rarity and Twilight ran to Spike helping him up and getting him to safety. "Spike! Don't scare us like that," yelled Rarity. Spike just laughed.

They were pinned down. With a limited amount of ammo. It seemed hopeless. But then a rush of bullets hit the front-line Combine Soldiers straight into their skulls. No one knows who fired the bullets. But as soon as they look up, they saw at least 10 Pegasus arriving to provide assistance. "Did anyone call for some cavalry," asked what seem to be the leader of the Pegasus.

"Oh yeah," yelled Spike. "Great shooting guys. Let's mop up the rest of 'em!"

Most of the Combine were killed. The rest retreated. Looks like the ponies managed to survive. They ran back to their base to discuss the plans on how to take help save Canterlot.

"If you take a front assault, you'll be cut down. The Combine have set snipers and mounted turrets in the front gates," said Shining Armor. "Hmm. Is there a sewer or some other way to get in," asked Twilight.

"I think there's two ways. But one's through a city that's been torn apart by Combine artillery shells."

"Hoofenholm..."

"Yes. The other way is through a lake. But I'd say insert one person through Hoofenholm so they could get to Canterlot quicker. It's also good to provide a small distraction to help us get our bearings."

"Why not send a full team into Hoofenholm?"

"It'd attract some unwanted attention. Even if the Combine have shelled the place, they aren't afraid to come and see what's with the commotion."

An explosion is heard coming through Shining Armor's side of the transmission. "Crap! I have to go little sis," said Shining Armor. Then the radio was cut off. "So, who's gonna take the Hoofenholm path," asked Twilight. "I will," said Rarity.

"No," said Spike. "It's too dangerous. I'll go."

"But Spike..."

"I've already made up my mind."

"Okay Spike. Be careful," said Twilight.