A Night's return and his Flare.

Chapters

a friend awaits
Pipsqueak get his hoofs dirty
a war of change
a soft return
The return of a friend
Old stomping grounds
dragon eyes
A plan devised
Let the snow fall
the depths of a mountain
peering eyes
the return of a spartan

a friend awaits

Nightwing looked up and down the one street at the town of Dodge City. Ponies walking down minding their business. He sighed as he went to the a small restaurant at the end of the street getting the feeling he won't be able to go back in there. He looked at the sign just before he went inside."dame good eggs". he walked inside. It was bursting with energy, ponies here and there. The smell of egg made his mouth begin to water but, when the scent of muffins hit his mouth went dry. the memory of Ditzy was painful but, his eyes didn't shed a tear. he walked to the counter and ringed the bell. A pink pony with a green mane in a waitress outfit came the counter.

"Yes, what would you like?" using her magic to take out a notepad and pencil.

"I would like two fried eggs and a glass of milk, please." he said as she was writing it down.

"Alright, Darling just sit anywhere and I will bring you your food." she smiled and winked at him.

Nightwing looked around and saw a empty table in the corner. He walked to it and sat down. Just as he sat down a hooded figure walked to his table.

"May i sit?" the hooded figure said as waitress came along with the food.

"Excuse me darling." as the food hit the table. "Just pay at the counter, Handsome." she smiled as she left.

The hooded pony looked back at the waitress then, back Nightwing.

"It looks like she has a crush on you. and again may i sit?" the ponies voice starting to a little impatient.

Nightwing nodded as he began to eat his eggs.

"This restaurant's name is well deserved but, I will only talk to if you take off that hood, Pipsqueak." he took a sip of his milk and let out a refreshing awww. "So, what brings you here to my little piece of heaven." as a gun shot could be hear along with a scream.

"Straight to the point like always, Nightwing." he chuckled a little. "But, you have been gone for four months and we need you back." as the waitress brought a glass of orange juice. "Thank you" as he put three bits into her magic aurora.

"I have been getting messages on my helmet for the last month asking to tell where I am but, here you are sipping orange juice when fruit is scarce. Where in the hell do they get oranges?" as he looked outside with a raised eye brow.

"Can you stop stalling, we need you back. I'm begging you. We need your help the Solar empire has been gain ground and has freed Cloudsdale and starting to advance on Applelusa! we have just lost Baltmare! IT WAS A MASSACRE! we had no idea they were coming they destroyed our radar! Please come back!" he was on the verge of tears.

"No, I have lost enough of my family to this war, until you lose your wife, best friends and that your daughter is in the solar empire you can't talk." as he finished the milk slamming the glass on the table. "I'm sorry friend but, I can't I just can't." he slummed back onto the sit.

"You know in all of the years I have never know you as a coward. enjoy your eggs." as he stormed off and left the building.
"Hit it." as he climbed into a warthog.

Nightwing sighed as he got up and walked to the counter. He took out a hoof full of bits.

"Keep the change." as he was about to leave the restaurant the waitress grabbed on his front leg.

"you forgot your receipt." she had him the thin piece of paper. Letting go of his leg. "Call me sometime, handsome." she winked.

He looked at the paper and saw the phone number with a heart. he chuckled as he placed the paper in his little vest pocket. He walked to Hunter's cycle. He closed his eyes as he remembered the day Hunter died. he sighed as he got on the bike. He placed his helmet on his head. He revved the engine. He let go of the break and began to go down the desalinate trail of dust and sand. Riding to where ever it took him.

Pipsqueak get his hoofs dirty

The roar of the warthog made him quiet. He liked to think when was riding for some time. He sighed as the memory of Nightwing refusing to help him was still stinging.

"Sir, we are heading for Applelusa." The voice of his driver snapping him out thought. "When you were in the restaurant Capt. Sliver ordered you to go to Applelusa to help fortify the town, Sir."

"Then, step on it, Shadow breeze. There is not a moment to waste."

"Yes, sir." as he put the pedal to the metal.

The warthog jumped forward as it gained speed. Shaking the gunner in the back.

"Hey, watch I am back here!" as he remounted the gun.

"Don't remind me, Bubbles." he said with a snicker.

"I told you not to call me that!" his face turning from blue to red with anger.

"Shit" Pipsqueak said looking into the sky.

Both of the ponies in the warthog looked at Pipsqueak then, at each other. "What's wrong,Sir." Bubbles breaking the silence inside the warthog.

"Just shit. Do you remember when you two said that you want to see action?"

"Yes" they said in unison. With Bubbles raising his eyebrow.

"Well, it looks like you two are getting your wish." he said picking up his rifle from the floor and racking the charging handle.

They looked up to see fifteen Plasma artillery rounds head right towards them.

"Shit." they all said in unison as the first round hit the ground about fifteen yards to their right hitting a tree, tuning it into a tree from hell. The parts that were not obliterated were set on fire.It hit the one tree within miles of Applelusa

"CONTACT!" Pip yelled as the rounds became closer and closer. Solar warthogs were coming from the sand of a dust storm all in a line door to door. The machine-guns of their warthogs roaring with the rounds hitting at the tires and pass the ears of Bubbles.

"Damn," as he covered his head for a sec.

Pip turned around. "FIRE THAT DAMN GUN!" that seemed to get to him as the gun began to fire but, didn't last a second as a plasma round hit the road straight ahead of them. Making a crater about twice the size of their warthog and they couldn't stop in time as they crashed into the crater.

Pip crawled out the wrecked warthog. He vision blurred. He looked around, hearing the gunshots around him. he looked at the upside down warthog and seeing the blood pooling from the driver's side. Pip stumbling as he began to walk to the back to the gun. he looked under the warthog and saw that Bubbles, was pinned but, unconscious. Pip went around the warthog, using his hind legs to bring up the warthog. His muscles were screaming at him as he began to bring up the warthog. he just brought it up an inch and with his mouth he pulled Bubbles out of the warthog. Pip went to edge of the crater to see how deep they are. The warthogs are about half the distance they once were. He looked to the left where he saw a bike just miss his head by six inches as it slid and park.

"Nightwing?" as he stared up at the Spartan.

"Watch my bike I will handle this." as he took out a rifle. "also do you have any mags I can borrow?" as he charged the rifle.

Pip didn't say anything but, just throwing five mags in a small bag. Nightwing caught the bag and looked in side.

"Thanks, now look after Bubbles" as he jumped down into the crater. "Help with this before this bastards are on our asses."
as he began to flip the warthog making the gun just clearing the top of the crater. Pip didn't even touch it as it landed on its four wheels. Shadow breeze's body still in his seat. Nightwing charged the main gun and mounted it. "Here they come! Call for back up right now!" as the gun began to roar.

Author's Note

Ok, if you are wondering it has been almost fourteen years since we first saw Pipsqueak on the show. So, his age should be around Nineteen or twenty years old.

a war of change

A War of change.

The bike hit the dirt of the road sending rock everywhere he went. The moon was rising in the east as he rode down the road of the wasteland. Destroying the silence of the wastelands. Seeing Pip after all this time has surprised him. But, he knew that they him find eventually. What surprised him the most is the how long it took them. He sighed and closed his eyes for a second. As he closed his eyes he began to lose control of the bike.

“DAMN, DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!” he began yelled as the bike it a solid on the road making him flip. The bike went airborne everything to him seemed to go in slow motion the blood on the road, the fallen weapons and the bodies. Using his one wing he balanced himself in the air and landing on his hoofs sliding on the ground. The same can not go for his bike as it began to tumble end over end before sliding on it’s side to a stop. Nightwing looked over to see what he hit. It was a soldier shot in the back of the head. He looked around him seeing nothing short of a massive battle. He looked at the radar inside his visor, no signs of life. He sighed as he walked to his bike but, stopped before he could touch the bike. A ping on the radar made his eyes flash to it. A single yellow dot. His eyes began to scan the area of the battle a single body was moving. Nightwing galloped to the pony. His face was on the ground. Nightwing took off his helmet before he turned the soldier over to see the SE emblem across the left of his chest rig but, before he could react. The soldier gasped as he faced up to the sky. His eyes were filled with fear as he saw Nightwing but, that was quickly erased as he began to hyperventilate as shock was starting to set in. He quickly slapped a envelope into Nightwing’s hoof.

“Please send this to” he breath starting to take voice. “to my son, he is on your side.” the breath began to fade with his last breath he pushed a word. “Thanks.” his eyes went blank with death taking him. Nightwing looked at the letter and saw one name. “S. Mist” he looked at the dead pony who’s face had a weak smile.

“You’re welcome and may you rest in piece, brother.” he began to walk to his bike when his ears perked up at the sounds of a large volley of plasma discharge. He looked up at the sky to see the sight of about fifteen plasma artillery rounds ripping through the dust and sand in the air about a mile away in the north of him near Applelusa. “well, that is just great.” He thought sounding like a slogan. He looked down to see a NLR S2 rocket launcher laid across a dead soldier’s chest. He picked it up and placing it on his back. He ran to his bike and setting it up. He got on and revved the engine. He tore down the dirt and rocks as he looked at the sky where the first round hit the only tree within miles of it. Nightwing chuckled. “They must hate trees or something.”

Nightwing looked into the illuminated space in front of his bike. He took a deep breath as he got closer to the tree. But, the crack of a bullet going by his visor snapped him out of his little world. He looked to his right to see a dust storm coming with warthogs leading the way, all of them firing their mounted guns. Bullets hitting his shields sending it almost into the red.

“oh, how I miss this.” he smiled under his visor.

A round hit right in front of an NLR warthog and it crashing into the crater. Just he came to the crater Pip stuck out his head. The white and brown stallion was scared shitless as Nightwing slide not six inches way from his head. Nightwing smiled as he stared death back in the face, again.

“It’s good to be back.” He thought as he parked the bike, rounds hitting the ground in front of him.

a soft return

A soft return.

The barrels of the gun spun at a monstrous rate as it spat out lead to the enemy. The warthogs began to circle the crater shooting at any opportunity they can. Pip help up bubbles as he woke up.

“you alright, Bubbles?”

Bubbles rubbed the dirt off his suit. “I’m fine but, I wish ponies would stop calling me bubbles.”

“OK, IF YOU TWO ARE FINISHED BEING ACQUAINTED, PICK UP YOUR FUCKING RIFLES AND SHOOT THESE BASTARDS BEFORE THEY HIT MY BIKE!” Nightwing screaming as the adrenaline coursed through his veins. Pip looked above with his rifle to see that Nightwing has taken out three of the warthogs leaving six left.

One of the ponies yelled “Frag out.” throwing a grenade into the crater.

Bubbles smiled as he ran up the wall and jumped on his hind legs with his hoofs he held the end of his barrel. “Batter up!” as he hit the grenade with the butt of his rifle sending it under one of the warthog. The explosion hit the gas tank sending it into air and landing on another that didn’t see it in time. The warthog landed on the other one making it into a burning pile. The screams of the ponies in the warthog could be heard even over the roar of the mounted gun.

“Pip, I got three rockets and we need to take out two more! Got that!” as the gun went empty. “God damn it, Motherfucker!” he hit the gun but, it was no use. He picked up his rifle and began to fire using the armor plating as cover. A high powered bullet hit Nightwing’s shoulder shattering his shields, making a large dent in his armor. “Fuck.” he swung his rifle to the warthog that shot him. “Don’t fucking mess with a Spartan and his friends!” as he shot the entire magazine into the warthog bursting its tires sending it into a tale spin. As it crashed into a large rock the surviving ponies got out and began to rush toward him, firing. One of them flashed a energy sword when he climbed out. The memory of Ditzy’s death awoken a rage that has been waiting to come out.

“AHHHHHHHHH” Nightwing began to sound a battle cry when he jumped on the gun and using it for leverage he jumped into the air toward the ponies climbing out of the wreck warthog. He got to the speed when he could fly. He landed and began to slid on the ground on his flank, using the S2 with his right shoulder and hoof he shot two of the warthogs, and using his left hoof to shoot his rifle at the surviving ponies. He slid into a rock making him do a front flip with his rifle he shot a pony in the head. One of the warthogs went straight focused on running him over. As he landed he stood on his hind legs and shot the last rocket into the warthog without looking hitting it in front sending flipping over him into a burning pile of metal.

The last warthog stop with the ponies inside staring at the Spartan with pure terror. The gunner tried to fire on him but, it was empty. Nightwing dropped the S2 and looked at the driver. He drew his pistol, shooting the gunner and passenger. He walked to the warthog with the driver panicking and trying get out of the warthog. When he got to it, the young mare that was driving fell out onto the ground and was shaking in fear. “I want you to tell your commanders that the Black Cobra has returned and I am going to end this war even if I have to tear down the Canterlot castle brick by brick. You got that?” the pony nodded still trembling. “now, get the fuck out of here and count yourself lucky that I gave you mercy and tell them that I won‘t give anymore even for Celestia herself.” as he walked back to the crater. The pony stumbled onto the last warthog and drove back west were it seemed their base is.

Bubbles and Pip jaws open dumbstruck on how that he single hoofingly took out six warthogs while Pip and Bubbles together only took out three. They were thankful that the dust storm has stopped the artillery barrage. “alright, I will help you get your warthog out then, you can lead the way because I’m here to stay.”

The return of a friend

Luna looked up from the battle report from applelusa to see Capt. Sliver standing there with a smile on his face, excited with news. “Ok, Capt. Sliver I can tell that you are almost about to bounce off the walls. What do you need to tell me?” as she closed the report and set it on her desk.

He started to calm down as he opened his mouth. “He is back.”

She looked at with a raised eyebrow. “Are playing a joke on me? Don’t do this kind of joke specially when the team Applelusa just fended off a massive assault and we lost an entire company of ponies to an ambush as they retreated from Baltmare. ” she rubbed her head as she was trying not to yell.

“I’m not joking with you he is back, he rescued Pip and Bubbles when they were ambushed by plasma artillery and ten warthogs.” as placed his helmet on the desk where the light hit it sending purple and blue into his eye. He moved it a little to the right.

Luna sighed as she realized one name was missing. “What about Shadow breeze?” The absence of that name made her voice

Capt. Sliver fell silent for a moment but, spoke up. “He was killed when they crashed into a crater that was formed by plasma artillery flipping the warthog. He died on impact.” the sound of grief stuck in his voice.

Luna looked down and fell silent for a moment. She took a deep breath. “call his parents and tell them about their son. I want Nightwing back in here within the hour.”

Capt. Sliver put back on his helmet and saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned around and left the room.

[an hour later]

Luna was looking into Nightwing’s old file, reading more deeply about him. “Created the Black manes as an mercenary group and often worked in what he like to call the “army of two”.” the file read. “Army of Two?” she muttered as a pony in a dull dent ridden Spartan armor came in.

The pony stopped at the other end of the desk. “You called for me?” the visor reflecting any light that tried to show the pony’s expression.

“Yes, I did.” she looked up from the file and faced the soulless visor. “Before I talk to you I want you to take off your helmet, Nightwing. I want to see my old friend‘s face.”

Nightwing nodded and took off his helmet revealing the pitch black fur of his coat and mane that shined with his dark blue eyes. The only other color was the pink exposed skin from a recent scar that went from the middle of his left cheek to the edge of his jaw. “what do you want to talk about, ma’am?” he stood at attention as if he hadn’t left at all.

“At ease, Nightwing.” as she said that he relaxed. “But, I want to talk about your emersion back into active service since you pulled that little disappearing act, four months ago.” she closed the file and levitated it into her desk.

Without breaking eye contact he sat down. “What do we need to talk about?”

“I want you to go back into Spec ops missions again. I have read deeper in your file then, I have before and I read that you like to work in a group called “The army of two.” what does that mean?” she raised an eyebrow.

“It means that I like to go into battle with another pony at my side watching my six. It means I don’t have to spend nights alone with the enemy looking for me. It means I can have a friend that I can fight for.” his voice sounded emotionless.

“That is all I need to hear, now get prepped we have lost Baltmare but, we are not going to lose Applelusa, our spies say that the Solar Empire is going to attack again in four days. I want you and your partner to take out their artillery, and any tanks they have then, take care of their communication stations and gather any Intel. If they attack before you can do much damage just improvise, I am giving you full access to the armory and to two cycles or one warthog. But, I suggest that you bring suppressed weapons. Any questions?” as she slipped a file to him with her magic.

He pick up his helmet as he stood up. “Two.” Luna nodded. “One, if we are captured will we have back up?”

“No” Luna said with a cold voice by it had a little warmth since Nightwing began to smile.

“Two, who is going to be my teammate?” he said as he raised an eyebrow.

The door opened and another pony in Spartan armor came trotting in. Nightwing watched the pony as it came to edge of the desk and saluted. “corporal, Standing Mist reporting for duty ma’am.” as the sound of the stallion’s voice filled the room the memory of the pony that died in Nightwing’s arms flashed before his eyes and his letter. He took out the letter. “S. Mist”. he looked up at the stallion as he took off his helmet. The white stallion’s coat nearly blinded him as it hit the light.

“Damn, can your coat get any fucking brighter?” as he rubbed his eyes as Luna rolled her eyes. As his sight returned he looked at the pony that was his partner he put back the letter. He was snow white with a somewhat light blue mane.

Luna looked at Mist. “Alright, Corporal you are going be with Sergeant Nightwing. He will fill you in on the mission. You will leave at 0430. And take enough supplies to last four days. Dismissed.”

Nightwing and Mist both saluted and said “Yes, ma’am.” in unison. They put on their helmets then, left the room.

Old stomping grounds

“I feel like shit, right now Doc. Plain and simple.” Flash said as he hopped onto a chair.

“Well, you did fall about ten thousand feet with the weight of your gear and plus Rainbowdash, not to mention the damage you got from hitting that shield. I‘m just surprised that you can stand let alone fly.” the doctor looked at his charts for moment Flash’s mind began to wonder as the doctor began to babble about meds and shit. His mind went to the day that led him here but, then he remembered the moment that Flare went into the vortex. Flare smiled as he went in. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Flare wanted to go. But, when the doctor began to stretch out Flash’s wings, examining them; made him snap out of his memory. “It seems after four months of physical therapy, you are finally ready to go back into service.” the doctor said as he let go of Flash’s wings from his magic.

“That’s good now I can at least guard Twilight now, even after everything that has happened she is still going on strong but, I have bad feeling.” Flash thought as he jumped off the sit and onto his hoofs. “well, I will see ya doc.” but, just before he got to the door.

“Flash, if you experience any problems as of breathing, moving your wings, or a sever headache come by so I can check on you.” the doc letting go of his magical grip.

“Ok, doc I will.” the Pegasus flying out of the infirmary of the Canterlot castle.

But, as he fell on his bunk in the barracks the intercom rang out. “Sgt. Flash Sentry come to the control room. Sgt. Flash Sentry come to the control room. AT ONCE.”

“Great, the moment I get released is the moment I have a mission.” He sighed and got up from his bunk. He began to put on his uniform and when he finished he stood in front of the mirror. The memory of the night that Twilight was kidnapped still haunted him. He felt the hole where the bullet hit his body armor. He thank Celestia everyday that he wore it. He blamed himself for what happened to her. He pushed the memory away when the voice came on the intercom again.

“Now, Sergeant.” the deep voice of commander Mirror.

He walked to the control room and looked around at the scene that unfolded. Where some ponies (Rarity) would call it organized chaos.

The moment he walked in the commander saw him and waved him over. He sighed as he got to the commander. “Alright, Flash I know you just got out of rehab but, I got a mission for you.” Flash’s face said it all. “I want you and a team of three other ponies to search through the Black Manes’ headquarters.”

The sound of the name made every pony in the room fall silent and stared at the commander. “but, their headquarters was destroyed when the reactor blew and half the mountain fell with it. I should know I saw it for myself.” Placing a hoof on his chest.

“I know but, we had a team searching for survivors, but instead they found something else.” he turned to the monitor. “Put it on the monitor.”

One of the ponies in front of them yelled “Black Mane headquarters on screen. Now, tunnels.”

Flash looked at the screen and dumbstruck at the amount of the tunnels.

“These were taken from a geological scan after the discovery of the tunnels. This is just about a forth of the way down.”

“why didn’t they go down?” Flash said, his eyes glued to the screen.

“They did but, they couldn’t get far as there is security down there is a bit tricky to get by.” the commander said with a little grief in his voice.

Flash turned to the commander with an raised eyebrow. “what do you mean?”

He sighed before he continued. “There are electric cages that enclose the victim then, electrocute them to until there dead, it happened to two of our team. That is as far as they could get without getting killed.” a red dot show up on about the third tunnel downward. “So, I need you and your team to go inside then, find what ever they had hidden inside that place. If what we found from their records it is something that will change this war. But, let me warn you the tunnels that where examined were severely damaged when the reactor blew.” the grey unicorn turned around the main monitor. “Turn on diagram.” the monitor turn on the main levels of the base before the explosion. “After explosion”
The monitor show the tunnel system with a few missing spots “Some of the tunnels have collapsed and are filled with ruble but, we have planed several alternate routes. But, what ever is in here is a mystery but, I have to tell you something. Follow me.” the unicorn turned and began to walked down a corridor. They walked for about five minutes the commander making sure nopony was following them. He stopped. “what I tell you must not leave this corridor.” he took a deep breath. “Most ponies don’t know why the Black manes just disappeared when there were ships missing. We think they may be regrouping. So, bring enough ammo and supplies as you would with a regular mission but, bring a little extra. You have your team ready at the hanger at 0500 tomorrow. Not a minute more and I am going to need you back in three days, to fight for applelusa. If you are not back in time, we will leave you. You got all of that?”

“Yes, sir commander Mirror.” he saluted as Mirror walked pass him back to the command center.
d

dragon eyes

Nightwing opened his eyes as his alarm on his watch vibrated. He looked at it, 0350. He sat up and looked around at the barracks. “This is one thing I do not miss.” He thought to himself as he looked around the dull barracks. He sighed at he got up and walked to the case that contained his new suit of Instead of the worn out purple and blue and full of dents. It was a shiny new black and blue color along with a saddlebag that is installed on the right side of the suit. It had a standard chest rig with the ammo and grenades pouches attached. It had a new visor, from Headshot’s since he had been wearing it most of the time. It was black visor with a special paint job that Nightwing did himself. It was a pair of dragon eyes where his where going to be.

The sound of Mist’s bunk shifting made him look at the top bunk. The white Earth pony jumped down, landing on the concrete floor. “Lets suit up and get to armory. I want to get a hold of some of the those C4 explosives and S2 rockets.” his face was filled with excitement, a little too much excitement.

“Great, I am paired up with an pyromaniac, but at least this is going to be interesting.” Nightwing thought as the machine started to place his suit together. He placed his helmet on with a phssss as the pressure inside the suit was set to normal. Luna came up to him as he got down from the machine next to Mist.

“So, I can guess that you going to enjoy the new suit you got, even if the dragon eyes creeps me the hell out. But, I want to have a talk with you when you come back.” Nightwing stretched his legs in the new suit.

“Well, at least this one feels lighter then my old one.” he looked at his watch. 0400. “We have to go in thirty minutes lets go the armory.” he said. But, when he looked to answer Luna she vanished.

Mist’s eyes lit up when those words slipped out of Nightwing’s mouth. And almost began to jump up and down like Pinkie Pie. “Calm the hell down pyro, I have read you file, so don’t go all bat shit crazy with explosives. We will take the usual stuff.” The brightness in his eyes went down as they arrived at the armory. “but, maybe just a little more. Just grab at least fifteen two pound blocks of C4 and the rest is up to you.”

Mist smiled like Pinkie Pie and vanished like pinkie pie. “I think they may related.” Nightwing thought as he walked into the large armory. The walls were like with rifles, pistols, explosives and etc. He smiled as he went to the right wall and grabbed a LAR assault rifle. He shouldered the rifle and looked through the small scope. He slung it over his back and began to take mags. When something caught his eye. It was the Sniper rifle that Browntrack showed him the last time he saw him at the base in the everfreet forest. He trotted to it and looked up and down the monster of a gun.

“So, I guess that you must like the big guns?” Mist said right behind him making Nightwing jump nearly knocking the gun off the table.

Nightwing turned leaning against the wall holding his hoof against his chest, trying to catch his breath. He glared at Mist. “Are you related to Pinkie Pie by any chance?” he took a deep breath.

“Yes, she is my first cousin. Why?” he said with an raised eyebrow.

Nightwing looked at the pony and shrugged mentally. “Nothing just wondering, are you ready?”

“Yes, I am locked and loaded.” he took out a shotgun and pumped the action.

“Good, now just take your gear to the black warthog and be ready to leave in five minutes that means get any food and drinks you want to bring with you.” Nightwing said as he picked up the monster of a gun and put it on his back.

Nightwing began to put the ammo cans in the warthog when a pony tapped his shoulder. He turned to see Pip in his combat armor with rifle and ammo on hand along with a SPARTAN laser on his back. “No” Nightwing said as he placed the last ammo can into the back of the warthog.

“Sorry, Nightwing you are stuck with me. Capt. Sliver told me that scouts have found communication stations near the artillery and I am going to take some of it.” Pip said as he hopped into the back of the warthog.

Nightwing glared at Pip as he hopped into the passenger seat. Nightwing climbed into the back next to the gun. He laid against it and as he was about to catch some more shut eye he looked at Pip as Mist came and started the warthog. The warthog roared as they went down the ramp and onto a road out of the city. Nightwing’s eye wondered onto the only cloud in the sky. He knew why Pip was with them, really. “He is testing me.” he thought as sleep took him.

A plan devised

The door opened making everypony including Celestia stop and look at the pony that came dumbstruck that she is able to walk let alone using her magic to open the door. They all stared at the purple unicorn as she limped to a sat next to Celestia at the Holotable.

“Twilight I thought you were still in your hospital bed? Why are you here?” Celestia asked with a some worry in her voice remembering Twilight’s “episodes” after somehow teleporting to the front of the castle.

Twilight sat on the pillow next to Celestia. “I was in my hospital bed but, I am one of your strategic officers so I am here to help. I hear that we have take Baltmare but, we have taken massive casualties and that we are planning to take Applelusa in four days. Am I correct?” she looked at Celestia with an emotionless face.

“Yes, you are correct my dear friend. But, how did you come by this information?” she said with an raised eyebrow.

Twilight looked up at her former teacher with a smile. “A lady never gives her secrets but, back to the plan to take Applelusa.” as she pressed a button that turned to a top view show the enforcements and trenches. “they have about five hundred troops but they are all good shots and are expected to kill about five of our soldiers each. I say we take out there heavy infantry with a mixture of plasma artillery and smart bombing runs. If we take out their heavy infantry.” she paused as she pressed another button show a simulation of artillery hitting the trenches reducing the numbers to about three hundred then, the bombs hit reducing the numbers greater to about a hundred. “Now, then when the barrage is done we send infantry to finish off the rest and casualties on our side I expect to be about one in ten.” She paused as she looked everyone of Celestia’s advisors that were dumbstruck at the thought out plan. “But, this will only work if I can get full cooperation from all of you ponies. Agree?” she raised an eyebrow. They all nodded. “Good and the attack will begin in two days.”

Celestia smiled at her former student as she told her plan with such confidence. She lowered her mouth to Twilight’s ear. “Are you sure this is going to work?”
Without even moving her head. She whispered “I’m not su-” she was interrupted by five ponies in full armor as they burst through the door.

One of them took off their helmet reveling the rainbow colored mane of Rainbowdash, who’s face was sick with fear. “I have a message.”

Twilight and Celestia both looked at her. “What is it Rainbowdash?” as Twilight moved closer to her friend.

She gulped before she spoke “The message is the Black Cobra has returned.” Dread was the only thing that spoke the words

Celestia and Twilight looked at each other confused. “Who?”

Rainbow didn’t say anything but, showed a small flash drive in her hoof as she held it out. Twilight took it with her magic and placed it in the Holotable and a 3D video of Nightwing with his pistol aimed at the pony with burning warthogs behind him and he said “I want you to tell your commanders that the Black Cobra has returned and I am going to end this war even if I have to tear down the Canterlot castle brick by brick. You got that?” the pony’s helmet shook. He continued “now, get the fuck out of here and count yourself lucky that I gave you mercy and tell them that I won‘t give anymore even for Celestia herself.”

Celestia froze at the mention of her name and with a soft mutter that nopony could hear she said “Shit”

Let the snow fall

“Wake up Nightwing.” a voice took him out of his dream. Nightwing mentally sighed as the dream of Ditzy fade along with his daughter, Dinky.

He looked around to see that Mist was waking him up as Pip was driving the warthog. “What’s going on?” as he rubbed his head before putting back on his helmet.

“We are almost there and I was afraid that you were dead. You have been asleep for about fifteen hours.” his eyes filled with worry.

“That is not the longest I have slept, so don’t worry about it.” He turned his head to Pip. “So, how far we away from the enemy battery?”

“We are about an five minutes away before we have to hoof it and book it. Then, about a three hour walk to where we need to place the charges and take out the communication stations. So, what is the plan to take the place with only three ponies, an S2 Rocket launcher, an LR Sniper rifle, fifteen two pound blocks of C4, twelve grenades, two assault rifles, one shotgun, and one Warthog with only seven thousand rounds that can be spent in about two minutes against an enemy that has about a hundred times our arsenal along with plasma weapons and energy swords?” he said as he began to slow to a stop.

“The plan on how we take the place with only three ponies, an S2 Rocket launcher, an LR Sniper rifle, fifteen two pound blocks of C4, twelve grenades, two assault rifles, one shotgun, and one Warthog with only seven thousand bullets that can be spent in about two minutes against an enemy that has about a hundred times our arsenal along with plasma weapons and energy swords; we are going to take out the guards with the suppressed sniper rifle at night then, sneak into the artillery field place the charges on the guns. When they begin to fire the charges will explode destroying the gun then, we begin the assault on the communication stations.” he stopped as Mist, Pip and himself crawled up on the hill with Nightwing placing the rifle in front of him with the setting sun behind them.

The suppressed crack of rifle was the only sound that the other guards heard as one of their own dropped. They looked at the guard. Nightwing placed the reticle of the sniper rifle on another guard. He fired and dropped before she could hear the crack. The guards started to look where the shots were coming from but, as one was about to raise the alarm, a bullet ripped from the barrel into the pony’s skull dropping him just a foot away from the alarm. Nightwing made quick work of the last two guards of the gate. He got up from the gun and popped his neck.

“Damn that thing kicks like a bitch.” as he took his assault rifle from his side and racked the charging handle. “Now, Pip I want you behind the gun and report any ponies that may be approaching our position then, kill any pony that finds us and tries to get to the alarms here, here and here.” Nightwing pointed on a map of the complex to three spot all well within Pip’s level on the rifle. “the scope will take care of any elevation but, you are going to have to counter for wind.” Pip nodded and got on the gun with a smile. He turned his head to Mist. “Alright, Mist with Pip covering us we can go inside and destroy the ten plasma artillery guns and five tanks. You got those C4 blocks?”

“Do you have a shit load of ammo?” as Mist showed to bag on his left side.

“Lets do this.” Nightwing said as he went to the gate and kicked it open.
Mist followed with a tactical clear behind the wall of one of the communication stations.

“Two ponies to your coming to your right.” Pip’s voice came from the coms.

Nightwing and Mist reacted by moving forward right into one of the shadows from the stations. The guards were talking about the attack being moved to tomorrow. When they went around a corner Nightwing looked at Mist and raised his hoof then, waved it forward signaling to move around the corner. Nightwing went around the corner to see about ten guns ready to go.

Mist pressed his com. “Pip, this is the frozen fox. Do you copy?”

“I copy, what’s going on?” static took his voice.

“The attack is going to happen tomorrow, report this to Capt. Sliver. Frozen Fox over and out.” he let go of the com as Nightwing snuck to one of the guns.

“Yes, sir. Pip over and out.”

Mist caught up with Nightwing at the first gun who was kneeling with his rifle pointing at the nearest door. “Set the charge and I will keep watch.”

Mist nodded as he took a charge out of his bag and crawled under the gun. He was under there for a few moments before he crawled out. “Alright, the charge is set when they start the generator BOOM.”

They repeated this with six other artillery then, all of the tanks. Nightwing looked up as he realized that it was getting lighter as Mist did the seventh gun. “Mist, we have to hurry it is getting light out and the Shit is about to hit the fan.”

“Alright, we just have three guns left.” Mist said as he picked up the bag.

“Um, guys we have a problem.” Pip said over the coms his voice is fill with fear.

“What’s wrong, Pip?” Nightwing responded.

“An entire battalion of soldier is coming your way and have found the bodies of the guards from the gate! And they are pissed the fuck off.! Do you have the S2?”

“SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT!” was all that Nightwing replied through the coms. “Get out of there Pip get back to the warthog and return to Applelusa right now then, tell Capt. Sliver that we will hold off the attack as much as possible. But, yes we have the S2 and your SPARTAN Laser. Just take the Sniper rifle and get the fuck out of here! AND THAT IS AN ORDER!”

Nightwing looked at Mist who had did two of the last three. “Mist, get fucking ready we are going to have the fuck fight of our life because this is going to get bloody.”

Mist came to his side with the S2 on his side with his shotgun in his hoofs. He pumped the gun as the battalion started to surround them guns pointed at them. “It’s a good day to die. Don’t agree.” Mist said as he pumped the gun.

Nightwing checked his mag and charged the rifle. He shouldered it and a single snow flake landed on the end of his barrel. “ya, but, this is what I say to that. Let the snow fall and get out alive.” A storm of snow and ice was mixed with a storm of fire and lead.

the depths of a mountain

The depths of a mountain.

“Alright, Flash we have been walking inside this mountain for about an hour and we haven’t seen these supposed cages of death. this is giving me a bad feeling.” A crimson red unicorn said walking behind Flash. In a huff blowing her mane out of her face.

“Ya, Crimson is right we haven’t even seen any security at all.” a skittering noise making the blue earth pony aim his rifle with a prototype battle saddle. “I don’t like this one bit.”

“Can you two quit doing that you are scaring Muddy water and Sunshine shield.” The blue stallion looked at the pony and thestral who had some fear in their eyes as they looked around the grey corridor. “But, I think you’re right, Derby. There is something wrong with this place.” Flash said. He stop at the forth stair well going down. He made a small glare at what is down there. Forth one and no resistance? This just smells of trouble. “Alright, we still three and half days to find what the hell is down here.”

Flash began to trot down the stairwell at brisk pace. He stopped in his tracks as bullets ripped past his face just mere inches from his face. Almost making him jump our of his fur.

“Shit!” he press his hoof on his muzzle where a thin line of blood began to come out. “Sunshine you know what to do.” the thestral nodded at he bit into a apple shaped object, tossing it into the hall. A blue pulsing sphere of energy wrapped the turret bathing it in sparks as it exploded.

Everypony in the stairwell looked at flash as he stepped out preparing for anything. The group walked down the corridor silent as possible besides the fact that their hoofs are making a little beat that the Sunshine was starting to bob his head up and down. Everypony looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He stopped when he realized the stares. He lowered his head with a sheepish grin, blushing furiously. “Sorry” he said. The group stopped at a fork in the tunnel.

“Which way do we go Crimson?” He said eyeing the left tunnel that was being eaten away by darkness.

“We go left then, take a right. There should be some kind on large shaft going straight down then, that is as far as the Geometric scan got before going dark half way down the shaft or at least I think is half.” she looked up from wrist mounted computer. Everypony knows that the Geo scan can go about a mile under the ground.

Flash nodded before he continued to trot down to the hall. “Hey, Crimson can you send a light ball down this corridor?” She nodded as her horn began to flare up. A small bright ball of light shot from the tip of her horn. The ball of light not stopping until it hit a T at the end. The team looked at Flash who had simply nodded. He began to trot down the corridor as he team were fully inside the corridor a humming making Flash’s ears perk up. “Stop, what is that noise?” Everypony stopped in their tracks as they started to hear the sound. Flash’s eyes widened as Mirror’s warning flashed before his eyes. He turned to everypony. “RUN!”

Before anypony could react a electric shield dropped cutting off their exit to the top. Flash began to gallop toward the right of the T. the rest got the cue and began to follow him down the corridor. He took he right going towards a dim light room. He skid to a stop just a foot away from the drop in the deep shaft. He sighed in relief. Just before Crimson and Derby bumped right into him nearly making him fall off. He looked back and didn’t see Sunshine.

“Have you guys see-” he didn’t finish his sentence as Sunshine ran into everypony bumping Flash off the edge.

“Flash!” everypony said in unison in fear but, it was short lived as Flash flew back up hovering with his upper legs crossed.

“Really?” he raised an eye brow.

Sunshine rubbed the back of his head with another sheepish grin. “Sorry.”

“I got to kick your ass after this.” Flash said. Landing next to Crimson. “Alright just to see how far this thing goes down.” he kicked a rock over the edge. He perked up his ears trying to hear it hit the ground.

ten minutes later

“Do you have any… fours?”

“Gold fish.” Sunshine snickering.

“you are a horrible liar, let me see your cards.” Reaching for his ha

“NO.” he turned away his body sticking our his tongue.

“Well, that’s probably the only thing you can stick out.” Crimson said with a smug face.
“Somepony call the burn warden.” Derby was on the floor laughing.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Sunshine said glaring at Derby.

“That means Sunshine, that you just one of most nasty burns a stallion could ever get but, wait you’re not a stallion.” Derby fell on the ground laughing.

“That’s it I give up.” Sunshine said while throwing up the cards.

“Just like life did on you!” Derby continued rolling on the ground nearly falling off.

“Can you fucking stop it I think the ro-” the sound of stone hitting stone stopped Flash from finishing his sentence. “Well, I think I have an idea on a way down there faster then these stairs. And I going to need your help, Sunshine.”

“What?” he looked up from picking up the playing cards

“Lets fly.” Flash said with a wide grin on his face.

peering eyes

Peering eyes.

Luna sighed as she got the new from Capt. Sliver about the compromise of Mist and Nightwing.
“I wish that this war would end. I just wished it would end.” she put her face in her hoofs and began to sob remembering all the endless pain and needless deaths.

“But, there is a way my dear Luna.” a voice said in the back of her mind.

Luna froze her eyes wide with fear with a few tears still in the corner of her eyes. “No, it can’t be.” as she recognized the voice.

“but, it isssss. I have returned even fifteen years after I was cast out by the elements.” the voice began to move from her mind and began to manifest right in front of her desk.

Luna looked up at the spirit that was appearing right in front of her. “H-How?” she stumbled over the words as she stared deep into the evil spirit.

The spirit had finished manifesting to a tall alicorn slender and black as night. Her stare could freeze the sun without a moments thought. Dark blue and black armor covered her body. Her mane flowing in an unnatural wind that could freeze the room. She stared at Luna with an evil grin. Luna stared right back at the vile thing that had sent her to the moon for one thousand years. Right into the eyes of Nightmare Moon.

“Oh, just everypony that comes back from the dead. I just fed off the disharmony of this war. It became so over whelming when one stallion joined your ranks that I had enough of this energy that I was able to come back.”

“What do you want you self-centered bitch from hell or did you freeze that over?” Luna said flatly.

“Well, I froze about half before the alicorn of death himself kicked me out. But, I can help you win this war.” she disappeared into a mist and reappeared right next to Luna’s ear making her freeze in place. “I am going to take control of a pony that you hold dearly , who is black as night and is broken as a glass against rock. Who’s heart has been aching for a long time and he is one that shall face an old enemy. Then, he shall be at his weakest and he will be mine. And with him I will end this war. But, for now I shall wait until then. Goodbye and there is somepony at the door.” the spirit disappeared just a knock on the door snapped Luna out of her state of fear.

“Come in.” she said. She looked up to see a pair of ponies in SPARTAN armor. Their manes opposite of each other. One with messy with mix of blue, while the other’s is straight and grey.

“Vinyl, Octavia want do you want?” Luna said just on the verge of crying as she looked at the two ponies.

“Princess Luna we have reports of a large explosion at the Applelusa SE artillery field. Plus, two of our own were in the fields and the cause of it. I’m sorry to say that Pip is MIA.” Octavia said while tears started to roll down Luna's cheeks. “And Capt. Sliver has ordered an attack on the SE base. The base will fall by dusk.”

the return of a spartan

The return of a Spartan.

A dark hooded stallion silently sat in the corner of a bar while the some ponies were in the middle of a fight. He chuckled as one of them got a pool cue to the head. The pony glared at the dark stallion as he rubbed his head. He held up his hoof telling the other pony to stop. The pony went to the dark stallion with the cold glare of his cold brown eyes.

"What’s so funny?” the deep voice of the pony bellowed through the bar, making everypony and everything stop and look at the two ponies at the corner.

"Nothing.” the dark stallion said taking a drink of his beer.

"No, I want to know the joke.” the pony made a fake smile as he knocked the dark stallion’s beer onto the floor.

The dark stallion stared at his drink as it sank into the wood.

"You are going to wish you didn’t do that.” still staring at his drink

The pony licked the drink off of his light green fur and laughed.

"And what you are going to do about it? I can tell that you are a Pegasus and you can’t do shit to an Earth pony like me.” the pony got into the stallion’s face.

"I came here to drink beer and kick ass. And you just spilled my beer.”

The pony laughed again.The stallion turned to the green pony and head butted him in nose. The pony stumbled back in shock as the stallion actually attacked him. The stallion jumped onto the bar and twisted his body making him kick the pony in the face. The pony fell to the floor out cold. The ponies that seemed to be the pony’s friends got up from the pool table and bar then, began to advance to the stallion.
the stallion got back onto this seat at the bar and knocked on the bar.

"Another one, please.”

The ponies surrounded the stallion; they were a mix of four stallions and one mare. As the bartender sat the beer on the bar, what seemed to be their leader took his beer and drank it in one gulp.

"Take a lesson from your bozo other there, don’t mess with my shit.”

The click of a gun cocking next to his head made his ears perk up.

"And what are you going to do about it?”

"This.” the stallion raised his hoofs next to his head. "I surrender.” he said with a small smile.

"That is more like. Now, give me all of your bits.” the leader said with a victorious small.

With his hoofs still in the air, the stallion twisted his body making the gun aim at one of the ponies and it fired killing the only mare in there. He kicked the pony in the side making him drop the gun making fire into the hoof. The red stallion fell onto the ground in pain, screaming his heart out. The dark stallion drew a shiny revlover and fired into the three ponies. The stallion got off his seat and cocked his single action revolver to the head of the leader. The leader looked at his dead gang then, at the stallion.

"Who are you?”

With a smile on his face he said "I’m the one winged Spartan but, most ponies call me Nightwing.”

Nightwing kicked the leader on the side of the head, knocking him out. He sighed and places a hoof full of bits on the bar then, began to walk out the bar.

“Keep the change. And sorry about the mess.” he said as he walked out to the neutral town of Dodge City.