From the Ashes

Patt stood watchful over the blood stained battlefield before him. Mutilated body’s of both pony and human alike littered the floor. Streams of gore covered each and every inch of the cold grey ground. Destroyed vehicles bellowed smoke as dozens of people fought to keep the blaze under control. The main gate was reduced to a smouldering pile rubble, and chunks of flesh hung from every little crevice.

“Sir, the general would like to see you.” Patt turned suddenly to the new voice. A marine stood standing at attention. He was black and blue all over and a large white bandage cover the right side of his head where a dark red spot had formed.

“Thank you private” Patt said before giving the marine a quick salute.

“Sir.” The marine replied before turning and walking towards the main complex.

Patt couldn't help but grimace at the sight of the once large building. Huge Chunks of concrete were carved out of it, giving everyone a clear view of many of the floors within. Only two of the six gun positions on the roof were operational, and the main control rooms windows were non existent.

He took one last glance at the gaping hole that was once the main gate and set off. As he walked he couldn't shake the ghostly feel that the complex had taken on. A deathly science had taken over. The only noise were that of the repair teams or the families as they grieved over lost loved ones. A star contrast the the underground city it had been only a few hours ago.

One family caught his eye. And elderly couple and a young child were gather around the body of a dead pony. Military rags still clung to his coat and three bullet wounds could be clearly seen on his chest. The elderly woman and child were bawling her eyes out whilst the older man watched on in silence. Like he couldn't believe that who ever the pony once was, was gone.

Patt kept his gaze for a few moments longer before breaking away. The next thing to catch his eye was a group of marines leading away a tall blue alicorn. She was battered and bruised, quiet obviously from some beating the guards gave her. Her horn was snapped in half and she walked with a noticeable limp. Patt felt no sympathy for her. How could he?

A marine sent the butt of his gun into the back of her neck and she stumbled to the ground. The guards cheered and began stamping on her body. Patt turned a blind eye as he continued his walk towards the complex.

Patt couldn't have been more than three hundred feet before his thoughts turned to Alex. At the moment he was locked in a prison cell with armed guards at all times. Patt couldn't understand the generals reason for this. 'Yes, just put the one person to ever kill an alicorn in prison, fucking A.' Patt thought as he reached for his id that was on a chair around his neck.

“ID!” A surprisingly clean looking guard asked as he moved his assault rifle in line with Patt's gut. After the incident with the P.E.R. Member they weren't taking any chances. The guard scrunched his face as he examined every feature of Patt's face.

“You're clear to enter, sir.” He said before deliver in sharp salute.

“Thank you.” Patt replied before walking past the guard and into the complex. Once inside He couldn't help but feel cold. Blood painted large parts of the corridors red and blast marks could be seen everywhere. The smell of burnt flesh hang in the air. Patt quickened his pace. The faster he got out of the corridors the better.

The control room was clearly visible as it was now lacking any kind of doors. As Patt got close the true extent of the damage became clear. The large glass windows were no more, almost all of the computer monitors were broken or hung loosely from their stands.

A group of five men stood around the large table in the centre of the room. General McClain stood at the head of the table and was in a heated discussion with a colonel.

“I will not do that.!” McClain said sternly as Patt entered the room

“He is to big a risk.” Patt knew instantly that they were talking about Alex.

McClain looked from the colonel and turned to Patt as he stood in the doorway. “We are in need of you 'expert' opinion.” The generals said. There was a hint of anger in his voice that sent a shiver down Patt's spine.

“I presume this is about Alex.” Patt asked.

“You're damn right it's about Alex.” A greying Sargent wearing full military fatigues spat. “You said you could keep him under control!”

“I never said such a thing. I said I would try and keep him under control.” He looked solemnly out the window at the devastation Alex had caused. Almost every building from the first up to the second barrier was flattened. “As you can see, I failed.”

The Sargent was about to speak again but McClain butted in. “Alex is not what concerns me at the moment. What worries me is the alicorn we have in the brig.” A chorus of mumbles broke through the men.

“The men were acquainting themselves with her just as I got here.” Patt said adding emphasis to acquainting.

“Please. Let us get back to the matter at hand.” McClain said. “We have decided that Alex Duncan is to remain incarcerated until further notice. You are not allowed to speak to him in any way and any attempt to do so will be classed as treason.”

“You cant be fucking serious!” Patt asked in disbelief. “He's the only reason you are alive!”

“There is no proof to that accusation.” The Sargent from before said “We may have held them at the fourth barricade.”

Patt ignored him. “Tell me why.” He demanded, his gaze never leaving the general.

“Because you said it yourself. If he fully loses control nothing can stop him. So tell me Patt how close was he to being fully gone?” McClain demanded.

Patt was silent. He knew that if he had waited five minutes longer it would have all been for nothing.

“You also said when he looses control he can't tell friend from foe. So what would he have done once all the ponies were killed?” McClain demanded. “Tell me!”

Patt's head fell. “He most likely would have turned on us.

“Exactly.” McClain growled. “As of this moment your are confined to quarters. Is that understood.”

“Yes, sir.” Patt mumbled as he turned on his heels and left the room. He glanced back at the general one more time. Something felt wrong to him but he couldn’t put his finger on it. And why was he sure that his eyes glowed?

The thumping of footsteps was heard behind him and he turned. A tired looking marine was running straight towards him. “Sir, I need you to come with me.” The marine said.

“And what would that be for?” Patt asked quizzically.

The marine looked over Patt's shoulder into the room where General McClain stood. “I have something you need to see.”

“What have you found?”

“Cocoons sir. Lots of green cocoons.”