The Imperium

A few days have passed. The APCs were finally finished. Now it would give the ponies ease to transport the ponies.

"Alright! Any ponies with children, get on the first APC," ordered Applejack. "Any others, head to the second and third APC!" Spike, Rainbow and Twilight have already mounted on the turrets while Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity drive the APCs. Applejack stayed to see if any more refugees would arrive.

"Alright everypony! Let's freaking do this!" Yelled Twilight.

As they drove down the destroyed Combine checkpoints, they noticed that the Combine forces at Ponyville weren't at large. Only a few Metros were standing around getting blown to bits.

"I wonder where's the rest of the Police are," wondered Rainbow over the radio frequency.

"All I know is that most of them are either back at base, or hiding like the cowards they are," exclaimed Pinkie.

They finally reached the last checkpoint when suddenly. "Ambush!" Yelled Rainbow. Explosions, gunfire, and shrapnel from grenades all over the fields. This didn't stop the ponies, they just kept pushing forward. "Status," asked Twilight.

"We're fine over here," said Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Same here," said Rainbow and Spike.

"Pinkie," asked Twilight.

"Yeah, yeah, we're fine."

After a few hours of driving, they finally reach Coltus. Just as Pinkie said, it's armed to the teeth. Watchtowers, barbwire, and a plentiful amount of ponies guarding the place. If it weren't for Eddie painting the APCs in a resistance color, they would've been blown to bits!

"State your business," said a soldier.

"We are here to drop off some refugees. Please, take them in," begged Twilight.

"Alright. I'll see if our leader can make some extra room. Just pull in and wait at the parking lot."

After an hour or so, the trooper came back with great news. The leader allowed them to stay, so long as they can help keep the place running and help build homes. Of course, they agreed. This left Twilight and the rest of the crew to head back home.

"Phew. What a great day," said Spike. "Got to take down a lot of the Combine."

"I here ya' partner," said Applejack.

Fluttershy had remained quiet for most of the time being. Rarity said a few words, but was still quiet.

"Hold on, Spike and I have to pull up for some gas, you guys go on ahead." said Rarity.

"Alright. Be careful, we'll meet you back at Ponyville," said Twilight.

As Rarity stopped, Spike got out of the car to check on the gas. "Hey Rarity, our gas in fine, what are you talking about," questioned Spike.

"It's just that... Ever since you saved me, I've thought of you differently..." said Rarity.

"Okay...?"

"Spike..." Rarity said in a shaky voice. "I love you!"

She grasped Spike tightly with a hug.

"I've loved you all this time too Rarity-"

But they are interrupted by are large explosion followed by smoke and gunfire.