Chapters Welcome! My name is Scootaloo and my two best friends are next to me. If you are reading this, then that means Raindrop finished writing down our story. Good thing, too, because the CMC have a lot of ground to cover. First I think we should go over these awesome weapons before Bulk Biceps discovers us in the weaponry room. Now I'm not going to talk about guns like pistols or revolvers. Instead, I'm going to talk to you about these better weapons. That way you won't get all confused during the rest of our story.
First of is the Plasma Sword 500. This baby is a really deadly sword that can cut through anything! With duel blades and the ability to fire deadly plasma, this weapon makes earthponies look a lot more fearsome. (Quit hitting me Apple Bloom!)
Next is my favorite. Though it looks like a normal Taser, this little shocker has been modified to be able to burn your opponents down to a crisp.
Even though this one may seem harmless, the Capture Orb is only accessed to commanders. This metal ball lets you capture anything without fail. However, Luna and Celestia have the only ones, so getting your hooves on one of these is pretty rare. Unless your a griffin. Then you have a factory that makes these. Totally unfair!
Lastly we have the Protein Blasters. These are lightweight guns that attach to pegasi. The Protein Blasters shoots burning bullets that guarantee a one hit K.O! The only flaw is that, when fired, a pegasi has trouble moving. Due to the fact that the blast paralyzes
them for a few seconds. A small yet deadly flaw when it comes to battle.
Now onto the weapons that these griffins have:
First we have your average grenades and bombs. These pests were the reason behind the craters imbedded into the ground. So if you happen to fall into one, thank the griffins!
Now you can't see it, but Sweetie Belle is holding up a V Claw. These are really sharp claws that are attached to the griffin's already powerful claws. With the ability to cut through bullets, these metal claws give griffins an unfair advantage.
Next we have a replica of the famous Celestia Brush. This weapon may look like a plain old brush. However it allows the wielder to paint anything. And that painting will come to life! For example, lets say that you draw a tank with the Celestia Brush. Well congratulations, now you own a real life tank!
Think that's unfair? Well think again! I'm now holding up a picture of the Morph Blaster. At first glance it just looks like a normal revolver. However, if you put different colored orbs inside it, the possibilities are endless! For example, if you insert a red orb into the Morph Blaster, now your able to shoot a toxic sludge!
Now since I told you all about the weapons, Apple Bloom is going to start her story.
Hope you enjoy! - Scootaloo
Sweetie Belle: Sugar Cube Corners
Place: Ponyville
Time: 1:60 pm
I watched quietly as the griffins flew after Apple Bloom. Once the last griffin flew out of site, I climbed out of our hiding spot and motioned Scootaloo to do the same.
"Apple Bloom is gonna be alright, right?" The orange pegasus asked.
I nodded my head as we trotted towards the door, my heart beating faster with every step I took.
Once we were inches from the front door, I pulled out my dagger and Scootaloo pulled out her taser. Then I used my magic to open the door.
Once the door swung open, my eyes shrunk.
"Crap." Scootaloo said.
Inside were twenty griffins staring hungrily at us. Dangling above their heads were three cages, one held a dark pink earthpony a straight mane, a pegasi with a dirty white coat, and a colt about the same age as Scootaloo with brown spots on his bruised body. However, what made my eyes shrink was the decor. Skulls and bones littered the ground, strips on flesh hung on wires, and zebra limbs were impaled onto the ceiling.
"Look what we have here." A jet black griffin with a missing eye snickered.
I took a steady breath and stepped forward, "Release these ponies and I swear upon Celestia that you will not be harmed." I announced.
"Yeah, well tell sunbutt that she can kiss my ass." An orange griffin with a scar across her face shouted, which caused all the griffins to laugh.
"Have it your way." I muttered under my breath.
I threw my dagger at the nearest griffin. The blade sunk into his right eye and he let out a shrill cry, causing the rest of the griffins to stop laughing.
"What the?" The black griffin stated, his eyes darting from the injured griffin to us.
"Kill them!" The injured griffin shrieked, gritting his teeth as he tried to pull the blade from his eye, blood and eye trickled down his sharp claws and onto the floor below, making me turn my head away with discuss.
The griffins advanced towards us, each wearing a pair of V Claws.
I pulled out another dagger and threw it at Blackjack. However he dodged out of the way and the dagger clanged onto the floor. I gritted my teeth and pulled out another dagger.
"Sweetie Belle! Duck!" Scootaloo shouted.
I saw a massive claw coming towards my head, so I laid flat against the floor. Scootaloo fired her laser and it got tangled with the griffin's claw. Then my friend pressed a button and sent an electrical current at the griffin. His feathers caught on fire and he soon collapsed on the ground, chard black.
While Scootaloo was retracting the electrical wire, I levitated my dagger off the floor and headed for the cages.
"Not so fast!"
I froze in place. That voice sounded like it belonged to... I looked up and stared wide eyed as a familiar griffin was hovering above me.
"G..Gilda?" I gulped.
Gilda smiled and clung onto the iron bars of one of the cages. Her V Claws that were attached to her claws were colored in blood.
"Glad one of you ponies remembered me." Gilda snickered, opening the cage and reaching her claw into it.
"I knew you were evil, but this is horrible!" I exclaimed.
The griffin rolled her eyes. "Squad five is way cooler then you puny ponies. Besides, once we griffin's win this war, I'll have Rainbow Dash all to myself." Gilda said, pulling out a bloody pink pony. "Now how about a trade?" She questioned.
How sick and twisted is she? I wondered to myself. Then my eyes fell upon her captive and new hatred, and confusion, boiled inside me.
"What did you do to Pinkie Pie!?" I shouted, raising my dagger at Gilda.
"Heh..hi Sweetie Belle." Pinkie smiled weakly, her mouth was covered in dried blood.
Gilda smiled devilishly and put a claw around Pinkie's scarred neck. "I just got my revenge from what she did to me ten years ago." The griffin explained.
I threw my dagger at Gilda. The griffin smirked and caught the weapon with her free claw.
I was about to throw another when suddenly, I heard Scootaloo scream bloody murder.
When I turned around, my jaw dropped as I saw my friend with a metallic claw around her head. She had a scratch along her chest and a black eye on her left eye.
"Please don't hurt her." I begged, tears began to form in my eyes.
"Then let's make a deal." Gilda replied.
I turned to face Rainbow's old friend. "What kind of deal?" I questioned.
Gilda landed in front of me with Pinkie Pie still in her clutch. "Easy. You give us sunbutt and moonbutt, and we'll give you Pinkie Pie and your friend." The griffin explained.
"What about the other ponies in the two cages?" I asked.
Gilda rolled her eyes. "You want Pipsqueak and Blossomforth?" She asked.
"Yes." I answered.
Gilda thought for a moment. "Then you must also bring us Twilight Sparkle and Cadence."
"Don't do it Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo shouted.
"Yeah, we'll be fine." Pinkie piped up.
I raised an eyebrow.. "Why do you want all four princesses?" I asked.
"That's none of your fucking business." Gilda snapped.
I took a step back. What should I do? I'll be able to get my friends and Cloud Kicker's marefriend, however we would loose the four princesses! On the other hand, I could loose my friends! Ugh, why does life have to be so hard?
"Well?" Gilda asked.
"I-"
"She won't do it!"
Everypony (and griffin) turned their heads to the front door.
"Apple Bloom! Austin! Twilight! I missed you ponies so much!." Pinkie Pie chimed.
Twilight's horn began to glow. "Let everypony go, Gilda." She hissed.
Gilda gritted her teeth, but dropped Pinkie Pie. Then she gazed at her comrades. "Move out." She ordered.
"But," Blackjack argued.
"That is an order!" Gilda barked, then she gave us one last dirty look before spreading her wings and flying out of an opening in the old ceiling. The other griffins followed her.
Once they left, Twilight galloped to her friends side. Tears flowed from her eyes.
"I've missed you so much." The alicorn sobbed.
"I'm okay. Hungry and cold but okay." Pinkie reassured.
Twilight nodded and then used her magic to unlock the other cages. Blossomforth flew out of her cage, her wings covered in blood, and landed onto the ground. Her legs buckled and she collapsed onto the floor.
"Ah will git her to the base." Austin offered.
Twilight nodded her head and levitated the pegasus onto his back. "Be careful." She said.
"Ah will." Austin replied before trotting out the door.
"Um, a little help please Miss Sparkle."
We looked up and saw a bloody Pipsqueak looking down at us.
"I'll get him." Scootaloo offered, stretching out her wings and flying up to the cage.
Once Pipsqueak was on the ground, Apple Bloom gave me back my trumpet.
"Told ya ah'll git back safely." She smiled.
I smiled back and reattached my trumpet to a rope around my waist.
"Let's get going." Twilight piped up.
My friends and I nodded out head and followed Twilight out the door.
Place: Outskirts of Ponyville
Time: 2:59 pm
I flapped my wings and scanned the bloody land below. My friends and Twilight were below me, surrounding Pinkie Pie and Pipsqueak in case of an enemy attack.
Soon I saw a cliff with a small balcony etched into the ray stone as a take off and landing post for pegasi. We were almost back to base.
Place: Base
Time: 3:13
Once we entered, Austin and Nurse Red Heart greeted us.
"Oh my." Red Heart exclaimed, looking at Pinkie Pie and Pipsqueak. "Well you don't look nearly as bad as Blossomforth, so that's a good sign." She informed.
"How bad is she?" Twilight asked fearfully.
"Blossomforth's legs needed ta be amputated." Austin explained.
"That's horrible!" I gasped.
"We're going to insert robotic legs for her though." The nurse quickly explained.
"Why don't ya visit her?" The brown earthpony said.
I looked at my friends who nodded eagerly.
"Ah'll show ya ta her room." Austin exclaimed, beckoning us to follow him.
"And you two come with me." Red Heart commanded to Pinkie Pie and Pipsqueak.
We followed Austin through a dully lit hallway, our hoofs clanked on the white tile floor.
"Here we are." Austin chimed, stopping besides a room with 4A etched into it. "Well ah gotta go, so see ya later." Austin explained, trotting down the dull hall once again.
Once he was out of sight, Apple Bloom opened the door and we piled into the room. Blossomforth was in a hospital bed asleep, she had bandages wrapped around her forehead and chest. Cloudkicker was sitting in a wooden chair by her side.
"How are you holding up?" I blurted.
Cloudkicker looked at us and smiled sadly, "I'm fine." Then she turned her gaze back at her injured friend, "I'm just worried about Blossomforth."
"She looks fine ta me." Apple Bloom commented.
Suddenly, a buzzer sound filled the room.
"Dinner time!" I exclaimed happily, my stomach replied with a grumble.
"Ya coming?" Apple Bloom questioned.
Cloudkicker shook her head, "I'm not hungry."
I shrugged and followed my friends out the door, closing it quietly behind me.
"Hiya Scoots." Rainbow greeted us as we trotted into the large dinning room.
I smiled and galloped to my idol, "Rainbow!" I shouted happily, giving her a hug.
"Wow kid, I was only gone for three days." The light blue pegasus exclaimed.
"Besides, those zebras didn't even stand a chance against us."
I gazed at an all to familiar white pegasus with a red mane and tail, "Dad!" I let go of Rainbow and flew into my father's outstretched arms.
"Nice to see you too, honey." Dad replied happily.
"Um," Apple Blooms piped up, "Did ya see Zecora when ya were fighting the group of zebras?" She asked.
Rainbow Dash shook her head sadly.
Since the war began, Apple Bloom's been looking desperately for Zecora. However, for three years there has been no trace of her. Most ponies gave up trying to find Zecora, but to this day Apple Bloom still searches.
I let go of my dad and we followed him to a table with the rest of the Elements of Harmony.
"Hiya sugar cubes." Applejack greeted us, patting a seat next to her for her sister.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle took a seat next to their big sisters, while I sat between Rainbow and my dad. My stomach growled as I saw a hayburger in front of me, which I gobbled down in thirty seconds flat. Everypony but Rarity laughed.
"Eww." Rarity complained, looking away.
"I bet I can eat faster then you!" Sweetie Belle proclaimed.
"Oh no you don't!" Rarity scolded, levitating Sweetie Belle's plate away from her.
"Hey!"
"Girls!"
We all quieted down and looked at Twilight intently.
"Can we please just eat normally? I had a tough day and I just want to have some peace!" Twilight begged.
"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie sang, digging into her sandwich.
Place: Bunkers
Time:4:20 pm
After dinner, I waved goodbye to my friends and followed my dad to our bunker. It was a medium size room with two simple beds, two oak wood chests, a small radio that sat on a small desk, and a small window that never opened. The walls were a cream color and the floor was red wood.
My dad was fiddling with the radio, while I was catching up on some Daring Do books that Rainbow Dash let me borrow. From these books to my family and friends, they were the only things that kept me sane during this hell of a war.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Dad called.
Fluttershy opened the door and walked in. "Um, Twilight needs Scootaloo." She whispered.
I looked at my dad pleadingly, who nodded happily.
"Go ahead Scoots."
I nodded my head and followed the shy pegasus out the door.
Place: Confidential
Time: 4:40 pm
Fluttershy and I trotted through large, oak doors and came to a halt as Twilight came down to greet us.
"Thank you for getting her, Fluttershy." The purple alicorn chimed.
"No problem, Twilight." The yellow pegasus replied.
Once Fluttershy flew away and closed the doors behind her, Twilight ushered me into another room off to the left.
"Wow." I breathed as we entered the room.
"I know." Twilight squealed, flying all over the enormous library.
I spread my wings and flew after her, "So what do you need of me?" I asked as we landed onto the top of a bookcase.
"I need you to go with Daring Do and spy on Gilda. If what Pinkie Pie said is true, then Rainbow may be in danger." Twilight explained.
I tried to keep calm, however it was hard since I'd be spying with one of my all time favorite authors! Just thinking about it made my spine tingle with excitement.
"I'll do it." I answered, trying my best to keep the excitement in my voice hidden.
"Great, meet me here tomorrow at two o'clock in the evening."
"Got it, thank you Twilight!" I replied, flapping my wings and flying out of the library.
Place: Weaponry
Time: 5:00 pm
"Cooooll." I breathed as I stepped into the weaponry.
Austin laughed and threw me a red revolver. I caught it and looked at the gun questionably, "Ah already have a weapon." I pointed out.
The light brown stallion gazed at me, "Well ya should always have another weapon when out in the battle field." He explained.
I raised an eyebrow, "What do ya mean, Austin?" I questioned.
"Easy, ah had Spit Fire recruit ya ta my squad." He explained.
"YOU DID WHAT!?" I shouted, fear and confusion clutched at my heart. Why didn't he tell me this earlier? Isn't recruiting fillies illegal? Does Celestia know about this? Why didn't he get my permission first? There were so many questions that piled up in my brain.
Austin sighed and took down a battle saddle, "These bloody zebras and griffins are picking us off two by two. Ma squad is down from twenty ta three!" Austin placed the saddle onto his back and looked at me, "Ah've seen ya in battle before, so please." My cousin pleaded, his emerald eyes beginning to tear up.
"Fine." I sighed, knowing full well that saying no was pointless since Austin was as stubborn as a mule.
"Ah knew that ah can count on ya." The light brown stallion exclaimed, inserting a machine gun into the left holder.
When my cousin was finished, I followed him out of the weaponry and down the hallway. I got some sympathetic looks from passing ponies. I put a reassuring smile on my lips, but in truth I was scared. Sure I've been on a few missions, however I've never really set hoof on the real battlefield in Canterlot.
As if reading my thoughts, Austin stopping and looked behind his shoulder at me, "Don't worry Apple Bloom. As long as ya're on guard ya should do fine." He reassured.
I nodded my head and followed Austin towards a metallic door. My cousin typed in the code and the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit room with three familiar faces talking in a huddle.
"Squad Five, line up!" Austin commanded in a loud voice.
Without hesitation, the three ponies lined up on the blood stained floor.
"Now, we have ah new recruit and she's ma cousin." Austin explained, looking at a very bruised Bulk Biceps he added, "And ah want all of ya ta treat her with respect."
"YES SIR!"
"Now move out, we have ah war ta win."
Dr. Hooves nodded and pressed a red button on the steel wall. Suddenly the back wall lowered to the ground and I felt Soarin' lifting me onto his armored back.
"Hang on!" The pegasus shouted, spreading his wings and flying into the sky.
Place: Canterlot
Time: 6:00 pm
Once Soarin' landed behind a blood stained brick wall, I jumped off of his back and cover my ears as I heard a bomb going off in the distance.
Soon I heard hoof steps and turned around to see Austin, Dr. Hooves, and Bulk Biceps trotting towards us.
"Welcome to the battlefield, Apple Bloom." The Dr. said.
I nodded and covered my ears as gunfire roared in the distance.
"You'll get use to it." Bulk exclaimed while fixing his helmet, "Now let's get going!" He announced.
"Wait just ah minute." Austin replied while digging in his bulky saddlebag.
While we waited, I quickly got out my trusty pistol and held it in my mouth. Suddenly, I felt something heavy on my back. I looked over my shoulder and saw armor on my back.
"Now let's get going." Austin said, getting out his plasma cutter and held it in his mouth.
I quickly dove behind an over-turned wheelbarrow as bullets punctured the wood. Once my cousin's squad joined in with the gunfire, we were quickly separated thanks to the zebras and griffins.
I glanced up at the sky and quickly took a sigh of relief as I saw a familiar muscular pegasus firing at a blue spotted griffin. I was about to run after them, however the sound of a shotgun brought me back to my senses.
"Come on out filly!" A grayish zebra taunted.
I took a deep breath and jumped out from behind my wooden shield. The zebra grinned and pointed his shotgun right at me and was about to pull the trigger, however I was faster. My tongue pressed down on the trigger and a bullet fired from my pistol. The zebra tried to shoot me, however the bullet went through his heart.
I froze and gazed at the still zebra that laid on the blood soaked ground, my first kill.
Time: 6:10pm
Place: Base (Or hallway to be more specific)
I was trotting down the dull hallway. I wanted to see how Cloudkicker and Blossomforth were, but the silence of the hallway was creeping me out.
As I rounded the corner, I could hear somepony shouting and pounding at a door. I gulped and carried on, closer to the sound.
"YOU CAN"T DO THAT TO HER, RED HEART!!"
I stopped in my tracks as I saw Cloudkicker ramming into Blossomforth's door. Her forehead was drenched in sweat, and her sides were cloaked in bruises.
"Cloudkicker!" I hollered to the distress pegasus.
Cloudkicker stopped and gazed at me, "Quick, Sweetie Belle, teleport me into her room!" She commanded.
I walked up to the pegasus hesitantly, "What's wrong?" I asked.
Cloudkicker placed her front hooves onto my shoulders and pushed me towards the door, I winced as my nose came into contact with it.
"They're killing her!" Cloudkicker explained.
"Slow down, Cloudkicker. Who's killing Blossomforth?" I questioned, trying my best to speak in a soothing tone. Oh where's Fluttershy when you need her!?
"Nurse Red Heart and three other Sergeants are killing Blossomforth! When they threw me out, she barely had a heart beat!" The pegasus explained.
"What exactly are they doing to her?" I asked.
"Removing her legs and replacing them with robotic ones." She answered.
I nodded my head slowly. Cloudkicker is probably over reacting, however it wouldn't hurt to just have a quick peek just to be sure. Plus, it'll stop Cloudkicker from hurting herself more.
"I'll teleport into the room, if Blossom is in really great danger then I'll bust the door open for you."
"Okay, Sweetie Belle." The pegasus replied, taking three steps back to give me some room.
Once I teleported myself into the room, I quickly took cover behind a small armchair. Once I was sure that no pony noticed me, I peeked around the arm chair and scanned around the room.
Blossomforth was laying on her side with an IV needle in her shoulder. An oxygen mask covered her nose and a heart monitor beeped quietly besides her. She already had two robotic front legs and two unicorn Sergeants were working on a back leg. Red Heart was on the sidelines talking to an earthpony Sergeant, Blossom's front legs laid on a silver tray along with a sharp bloody knife. I quickly pulled my head back behind the sofa and tried not to puke.
Once I regained my stomach, I enlightened my horn and was about to teleport out of the room. However, I was quickly stopped by one of the Sergeants comments.
"Here's another one of her legs, Nurse Red Heart."
"Place it with the others, Coffee."
"I, um, think we should stop the operation for now. Blossomforth is um really weak."
"We need to finish the operation, Little Dew."
"But Red Heart! What if she dies!?"
"Don't worry, if she dies then we'll just give her to the zebras. I'm sure they can fine a good use for her carcass."
My eyes grew as I heard this information. They're working for the zebras! These...these traitors! And I liked to call Red Heart a friend!
I quickly teleported out of the room to tell Cloudkicker, she'll defiantly want to hear about this.
Once I finished explaining everything to Cloudkicker, the pegasus glared at the door and flared up her wings.
"Please repeat what you said, Sweetie Belle." The pegasus replied.
"I told you, Nurse Red Heart said that if Blossomforth died then they'll give her body to the zebras." I repeated, confused as to why she wanted to hear what I heard again.
Cloudkicker bucked the door in frustration, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get them!"
I nodded my head and used my magic to open the door, eager to teach these traitors a lesson.
Once the door slid open, Cloudkicker flew into the room while I tagged behind.
The Sergeants that were working on Blossomforth quickly abandoned their work and clustered around Nurse Red Heart and the other Sergent as Cloudkicker stormed inside.
"TRAITORS!" The pegasus yelled, hovering protectively in front of her knocked out friend, "How could you give Blossomforth to those fucking zebras!?"
I flinched as she said those last two words. Not every zebra was bad, however Cloud was on a roll and I didn't want to stop her. (Plus everypony knows not to get in Cloudkicker's way when she's angry.)
"Cloudkicker, we are not traitors." Nurse Red Heart informed, taking a step towards the outraged pegasus.
"And um, can you please not say the work fuck? I-I don't really like cuss words." A light green pegasus with a red mane and tail asked, his sky blue eyes darting back and forth between Cloud and I.
"If you're not traitors, then why in Celestia's name would you give Blossomforth to the zebras?" I questioned, careful not to add in a few dirty words.
"We..um," Red Heart stuttered, her cheeks turning bright red as she took a step backwards.
"To get onto the zebras' good side." A coffee colored pegasus piped up, only to get slapped in the head by a dark pink earthpony with a blue simile face as her cutie mark.
"Shut up, Coffee!" She hissed.
"Sorry, Pink Bell." Coffee replied, tucking back his ears.
Cloudkicker and I advanced towards the small group carefully. As they were pressed against the wall, Red Heart let out a cry and threw a bloody knife at us. I quickly used my magic to throw the weapon her way, however she dodged and the knife sunk into the light green pegasus's chest.
"Little Dew!" Pink Bell screamed as the small pegasus crumpled to the ground.
I took a step back, stunned that I might've just killed somepony. H-he was a-a traitor. I tried to remind myself.
"How could you!" Pink Bell cried, tears flowing down her pink cheeks.
"It wasn't her fault," Cloud explained, pointing a hoof at Red Heart, "It was your leader's fault."
"It's okay." Little Dew gasped while struggling to get back on his hooves.
"I-I can fix this." I piped up.
"I think you helped quiet enough, Sweetie Belle." Red Heart shot back.
I nodded sadly and sunk behind Cloudkicker, kicking myself for probably killing one of my kind. Traitor or not.
"Cloud," I whispered.
"What is it?" the pegasus asked while keeping one eye on the group of traitors.
"Can I go back to my bunker?" I asked, not wanting to be here when Little Dew takes his last breath.
"Sure kid."
I nodded and quickly slipped out of the room and galloped to my bunker, leaving a trail of tears behind.
Sootaloo: Dawn Of The Next Day
Time: 3:01
Place: Room
"Got any two's?"
"Go fish."
Today was very hectic, Sweetie Belle wouldn't come out of her room all day, Zebras stole a cargo of food supplies so we were rationed, and my dad twisted his ankle when he tripped over a ball that Rumble accidentally left out in the hallway. So now dad and I are playing this old game dad calls "Go Fish," which I find odd since it didn't have anything to do with fish.
Dad scratched his chin as he looked at his cards, "Got any three'?"
I grumbled as I gave him my card.
My dad was about to say something, however he was interrupted by Spike who opened the door.
"Twilight needs Scootaloo for some-"
"Ack, I forgot!" I shouted, leaping onto my hooves.
Dad sighed as he began to collect my scattered cards, "Don't forget your taser." he said as I was already halfway out the door.
Once I entered Twilight's Library, the alicorn glared at me and stomped her hoof, "You're late!" she shouted.
"Well I um-"
"It's okay."
Twilight, Spike, and I turned our heads to see Daring Do leaning against a bookshelf. She wore a chest plate, her signature hat, and had a protein blaster strapped on her left side.
Get a hold of yourself. I reminded myself.
Twilight sighed and motioned us to follow her over to a long oak table with a map in the middle. Once we were all surrounding the table, Twilight took a steady breath and pointed to our base labeled on the map.
"As you know, a threat has been made against Rainbow Dash." she stated.
I nodded my head, trying to hold back a squeal as Daring's wing lightly brushed up against my side.
"So I need you two to travel to griffin camp 11 and talk to Gilda about it. Celestia thinks that it was her who made this threat."
Daring Do frowned, "Talk? Are you serious? Talking to griffins is like telling a serial killer to not kill you! It's impossible!" she exclaimed.
"Not all griffins are bad." Spike muttered under his breath.
"Just give it a try. If it doesn't work, then get out of there." Twilight informed.
Daring Do shifted positions and kept her eyes focused on the map, clearly not happy about this plan. However I was ecstatic, for I always loved to travel and being with Daring Do was just icing on the cake!
"This is were camp 11 is." Spike announced, bringing me back to present time, "It's right there by Mt. Rushmare. Now be careful, this camp is heavily guarded by snipers who take shelter in the mountain. So be on guard at all cost." he explained.
"You can count on us." I replied.
Twilight smiled at me and then gazed at Daring, "And try not to wage war against that camp."
"We're already in war." she answered coldly.
Time: 3:40
Place: Ponyville
"So, when's your next book gonna come out?" I asked causally, trying to not look at a zebra corpse hanging from a dead tree.
"Maybe in two months." Daring answered, her wing pressing slightly on the protein plaster in case enemies try to attack us.
Man this is boring. I thought to myself, flapping my wings a little. At first I thought this was going to be an epic adventure with Daring Do, however the only living creature we came upon was Ditzy who had a black kitten in her arms as she flew off towards the base.
"Shhh." Daring whispered, putting her hoof on my shoulder.
Oh my Celestia! I squealed inside my head.
Daring gazed at a couple of fallen buildings intensely before taking her hoof off of my shoulder, "Thought I saw movement." she explained.
"Look what we have here."
Daring and I turned around and gulped as we saw a squad of six zebras smiling devilishly at us.
"What are you doing in zebra territory?" A light grey zebra questioned, he was dressed in a bullet proof vest with black sunglasses and had a revolver which he pointed at us.
"We w-were just h-heading to Mt. Rushmare." I explained, trying to hide behind Daring Do.
"Then come with us, for this is minatory." the zebra in the sunglasses said.
"How come?" Daring asked.
"Abioye doesn't like trespassers." a zebra with coal black stripes explained.
"Okay." I said, flying onto the ground.
"Fine." I heard Daring grumble, landing beside me.
"Come." the zebra with the sunglasses ordered.
"Wow, so you know who Zecora is?" I asked a female zebra with a glass eye.
"Of course little one. For I use to babysit her son." she said happily.
We were following the squad on zebras through a tunnel that was a shortcut to Mt. Rushmare. The passage was dimly lit with oil lamps and smelt of damp moss.
"Zecora has a son?!" I exclaimed.
"Of course, she gave birth to him before she got into a divorce."
My mind was spinning with questions. Since when did Zecora get married? Why didn't she ever tell us? Is that why she left three years before the war?
Like she read my mind, the glass eye zebra began to answer two of my questions.
"Zecora left the Everfree because her father grew ill. She got married to a zebra named Ameqran who worked in a water mill." she informed.
I nodded my head thoughtfully before turning my attention to a light that glowed in the distance, getting bigger with each step I took.
"Um, my names Scootaloo." I replied to the female zebra, thinking it foalish that I didn't even introduce myself.
"I am Awiti." Awitit replied.
I smiled, pondering why I ever hated Zebras other then Zecora. My heart breaking a little as I thought of my father and all of the other soilders who killed these zebras without knowing how good they can be. Suddenly an idea formed in my mind. After we get back to base, I'll tell Celestia about how great these zebras are! Then we can form an alliance and take down the griffins!
"Scootaloo!"
I woke up from my daydream and looked up at Daring Do in confusion.
"We're here." she stated.
I nodded my head and turned around to face the squad of zebras, "Thank you!" I shouted.
"Good Luck, Scootaloo." Awiti said before she and her squad headed back into the tunnel.
Goodbye, Awiti. I thought to myself before following Daring to a towering mountain with the faces of the four princesses etched into them. Well, what's left of them anyways.
Time: 3:40
Place: Canterlot
"Bloody Hell!"
I turned my head to see Dr. Hooves pressing a cloth against his flank. Earlier today we were fighting a small group of griffins when he got shot, so we've been hiding in an old candy shop while I tried to help patch up his wound.
"It's not..so bad." I whispered to him, flinching as I heard a bomb going off in the distance.
The Dr. rolled his eyes and lifted the blood soaked cloth from his wound. I felt bial rising in my mouth as I saw the bloody mess. Thick, red blood oozed from were the bullet struck his flank. Making the sand from his hour glass turn a sickly red color, the flies buzzing around it didn't help either.
"If I only finished that blasted telephone booth." the Dr. grumbled, reloading his gun and glancing up from behind our hiding place.
"Telephone booth?" I questioned.
"N-nothing."
I sighed and jumped back onto my hooves, "Ah'll git ma cousin, he'll know what ta do with ya." I explained, taking my pistol into my mouth and sneaking towards the chard door.
"Careful, Austin will have my flank if you get injured on my behalf." Dr. Hooves called to me.
I rolled my eyes and opened the door, braving the battle field once more.
Note to self, do not engage in battle after annoying your enemy.
"Come back here, bitch!" a white griffin shouted while painting a machine gun with her Celestia brush.
"WELL SORRY, HOW WAS AH SUPPOSE TA KNOW YOU"RE AH GAL!?" I shouted back, only to trip on a body of a beheaded pony with green grapes as it's cutie mark. I quickly said a little prayer for the pony's soul before landing face first onto the ground.
"Crap." I grunted as I tried to get back onto my hooves, only to freeze as I heard an unsettling click of a gun.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood, so I'll make your death quick." a familiar voice hissed.
I began to panic, I didn't want to die! Not while the Dr. is depending on me to get my cousin! Oh what to do, what to do. Suddenly, an idea formed in my mind. Though, Applejack wouldn't approve.
"You know something, you're mother's a chicken." I said flatly.
"What did you just say!?" the griffin screeched before digging the gun deeper into my skull.
"In fact, you're so weak that my elderly dog is stronger then you!" I informed while secretly digging my hoof in my satchel.
"You whore!" the griffin yelled, pressing her claw ever so slightly on the trigger.
I smiled as I found the object I was looking for. Please work. I prayed before gripping the object with my hoof and quickly threw it in the griffin's face.
"What the hell?!" the griffin asked, dropping her machine gun and trying to rub the substance from her eyes.
"Ghost pepper juice, Surprise gave it ta me fer good luck." I smirked before grabbing her machine gun and firing two bullets at her, one between her eyes and one in her cold heart.
Satisfied, I brushed myself off and turned around, only to see a young silver griffin looking at me in fear and anger.
"Y-you k-killed m-mom." he stuttered, hot tears began streaming down his face.
My stomach dropped, I just killed some griffin's mom! Regret took hold of my heart as my knees buckled underneath me, "Ah..ah didn't know." I said, through chattering teeth.
"My name's Silver."
I looked up at the griffin in confusion, only to let out a whimper as he aimed the blade of a machete at my head.
"I always tell my name to my victims, unlike you dirty bags of meat called ponies." Silver scowled.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, waiting for the blade to make contact with my head. For, my hooves were still to weak from the shock of killing a mother that I couldn't get to my guns. Plus, I was still getting over the shock of whom I killed.
"That won't be necessary, Jr."
I opened one of my eyes and gasped in horror as I saw a jet black griffin landing besides Silver.
The new griffin smiled coldly at me, "Hello, Apple Bloom." he said darkly.
"Blackjack." I muttered.
The griffin pushed Silver behind him before picking up the machine gun, "This will be fun." Blackjack mused, pointing the gun at my front leg, "Should've stayed back at your petty base." he said before pulling the trigger.
Pain, oh so much pain!
After Blackjack pulled the trigger, I screamed bloody murder as the force of the bullet tore my leg from my body. Hot tears began to flow from my eyes. I screamed at him as Blackjack and Silver took to the skies, why he didn't finish me off I never knew.
Once I swallowed my pain, I examined my wound. I could see bone and muscle with a tone of blood. With my right leg, I swat at pesky flies who wanted to land on my wound.
"Apple Bloom!!"
My heart began to beat as I heard a familiar voice. Quickly, I lifted my head to the left and began to cry happy tears as my rescuer galloped over to me. She wore a black cloak and dark purple armor that complemented her stripes perfectly.
"Zecora!" I shouted happily, my vision beginning to blur from my loss of blood.
"We must get you to safety before you meet your doom." Zecora explained while taking off her cape and wrapping me in it. Finally, everything is going to be all- THE DOCTOR! How did I forget!
"Zecora, ah have a friend who's injured." I informed.
"Show me." The zebra instructed while gently placing my body onto her back.
I nodded my head and with my only front hoof, pointed in the direction of the old candy shop before blacking out.
Let me just say that it was the best sleep I ever had.
"Wake up."
I felt something cold pressed against my head and awoke to see Zecora placing a wet cloth on my forehead.
"Wha?" I asked before seeing Dr. Hooves and remembering my surroundings.
"Good to see you awake." the Dr. said before going back to tinkering with his gun.
"Where were ya all these years? Ah was worried!" I exclaimed to Zecora, wanting answers more then anything. (Okay maybe my leg, but you get the point.)
Zecora took a deep breath before looking into my eyes, "I was ruling my kingdom after my father died of death cup." She informed.
I gasped at her in disbelief. Never in my life would I've ever guessed that Zecora was royalty! "So yer ah princess?" I asked, wanting to hear it with my own ears.
"I am a Queen, now sit up." Zecora said.
I did as I was told and happily gulped down the canteen of water Zecora offered. My throat and tongue rejoicing as the warm liquid entered my mouth.
"Now let us be on our way, for a battlefield is no place for the injured." Dr. Hooves piped up, putting his gun away and getting onto his hooves ever so slowly.
I nodded my head in agreement, however one question still remained in my mind. Why did Zecora's father eat a death cup? Didn't he know that it was deadly? Or was he just that blind?
Sweetie Belle: Dear Celestia
Time: 3:40 pm
Place: Base
I trotted down the quiet hall deep in thought. What happened to the traitors? Is Little Dew okay? I shook the last question from my mind. Why would I care about a traitor like him?
"Sweetie Belle!"
I snapped out of my daze and turned around to see a familiar purple dragon running towards me. My eyes widened as I saw Celestia trotting elegantly behind Spike, and she did not look happy.
What did I do? I asked myself.
"Is it true?" Spike cried once Celestia and he approached me.
"Is what true?" I asked. What did I do that was so terrible Princess Celestia had to come?
"That you and Cloudkicker killed a colt in training to become a doctor." Celestia explained softly.
I gasped, "But he was a traitor!" I explained.
Celestia took a deep and looked at me with a kind yet stern gaze, "Let's go for a little walk, Sweetie Belle." The sun princess said before looking at Spike, "Why don't you help Twilight and Luna with battle plans?" she asked.
Spike nodded and began to jog back the way Celestia and he came.
Time: 4:00
Place: Underground Orchard
"I do love this place." Celestia said while using her magic to pluck two apples.
I nodded stiffly, wondering why Celestia brought me here.
As if reading my mind, Celestia smiled and gave me one of the bright red apples before motioning me to sit beneath an apple tree, "Now, what is your side of this murder mystery?" Celestia questioned, taking a small bite from her apple.
"Well, I overheard the nurses and doctor talking about selling Blossomforth's limbs to those zebras ." I explained, saying the last word like it was poison.
The sun princess raised an eyebrow, "I thought you had a friend who was a zebra, Zecora was it?"
I took a large bite of my apple, "I'm talking about the others, besides what does this have to do with those traitors?" I questioned, bits of apple falling off of my chin and landing softly on the grass.
"I ask you this, because I wounder about how you think of them as traitors."
"They're going to sell her limbs to the zebras!"
Celestia shook her head, "Tell me this, would Blossomforth or anypony else have use for the already broken limbs?"
"No, but-"
"So how does this count as treachery?"
"They're helping the enemy!"
Celestia sighed and stood up, "Countless of my soldiers have been saved by these zebras." The princess informed before taking one more bite of her apple and tossing it onto the ground.
I stared at my half eaten apple, pondering on what Celestia had just said. Is it true? Were Cloudkicker and I just over reacting? I sighed and jumped onto my hooves. I needed to speak to my sister, maybe she can give me some words of advice.
Celestia smiled at me and placed a hoof onto my shoulder, "I'm sure she'll give you good advice, Sweetie Belle."
I looked up at the sun princess in surprise, "How did you?"
"I can see it in your eyes." she explained before lighting her horn and teleporting away.
Time: 4:10
Place: Base
My hoofsteps echoed throughout the empty hallway. I chuckled a little, for these hallways always seemed to be empty. Suddenly, I came to my destination and opened the door ever so slightly to see if she was in our bunker. Luckily she was.
"Rarity, can I talk to you?" I asked.
My sister looked up at me from her sewing machine and smiled, "Sure Sweetie, but can you please make it quick? I'm really busy fixing Shinning Armor's armor." Rarity explained.
I looked at her in confusion, "Doesn't base two have tailors?" I questioned, like griffin camps, us ponies have bases scattered across Equestria. They're either built into something hard or underground in case a worst case scenario happens and ponies have to evacuate from the battlefield.
"Base two is under attack, so they don't have time for a tailor. So, I decided to take the job." Rarity informed, "Now what did you want to ask me?"
I took a deep breath and looked directly into my sister's eyes, "Do you think that zebras are bad?" I questioned.
My sister raised an eyebrow, "Don't you remember Zecora?"
I sighed, "I'm not talking about Zecora, I'm talking about the other zebras."
Rarity frowned, "I wouldn't call them bad per say, but they can defiantly take a bath or two. When I was on the battlefield helping Fluttershy gather the injured soldiers, I had a run in with a small group of zebras who looked like they haven't had a proper bath in a very long time."
I sighed in frustration, this was getting me nowhere, "Thank you, sister." I grumbled, trying to conceal my sarcasm.
"Of course." Rarity replied before getting back to work.
Maybe I should go check to see how Cloudkicker is. I thought to myself before heading out the door. However, before I was halfway out, my sister teleported in front of me.
"Sweetie Belle, can you deliver Shinning Armor's armor for me?" she questioned.
"You're already done with it?" I gasped. I know she works fast, but that's gotta be some record.
"Of course I am Sweetie Belle." Rarity huffed, clearly taking my words as an insult, "So will you? I would do it myself, however I now have to fix Ditzy's saddle bag."
I nodded happily, eager to take the job and show my sister that I can be helpful.
"Great, base two is located in Appaloosa. Since it's kinda far away, I'd recommend taking a friend." Rarity informed while gently placing the armor into my saddle bag.
"Got it." I replied before dashing out the door and heading to Cloud's bunker. Hoping that she'd come with me.
Time: 4:25
Place: Cloudkicker's Bunker
"Cloud?" I asked as I opened the door.
"Come in."
Once I walked into her room, I gasped in disbelief as I saw Cloudkicker and Blossomforth half passed out on a couch. A bottle of Wild Horse in one hoof, and Blossomforth in the other.
"What the hell happened to you two?" I asked while levitating two empty bear bottles into a bin.
"We *Hick* were celebrating *Hick* Blossom's recovery." Cloud replied while running a hoof through her friend's mane.
I facehoofed, maybe taking Cloudkicker with me isn't such a good idea.
"What do you want?" Blossom questioned sleepily, nuzzling Cloud's chest.
"Uh, oh nothing." I replied quickly, "Have fun you two." I said before trotting out the door. Maybe I can ask Applejack if she wants to come with me.
"Or I can come with you."
I turned around and gasped in surprise as I saw Pinkie Pie's cousin, Surprise, bouncing in place.
Surprises was a pony with..well, many surprises up her sleeve. The energetic whiter pegasus had a bright, puffy yellow mane and tail. Her light violet eyes held a foalish gleam that even her enemies have a hard time not to crack a smile, and had three purple balloons as her cutie mark. Surprise wore her famous pink shirt that Pinkie Pie made her, a small vile of ghost pepper juice strung around her neck, and wore a saddle bag probably filled with all sorts of poisons.
"How did you know about my mission?" I asked.
The white pegasus laughed, "Silly, you know better then anypony not to question the Pie family logic." Surprise stated, "So can I come? I'm soooobooooaaarrd."
I shrugged, "Fine by me, I guess."
"Yes!" Surprise shouted, tackling me to the ground with a bear hug, "This is gonna be so much fun!"
What did I just get myself into? I wondered.
Place:Ponyville
Time:1:00pm
I crept silently between the burnt out homes, a pistol was tucked safely in my small saddle bag.
"Just ah little closer." I muttered under my breath.
There were griffins and pegasi battling in the distance. Gunshots followed by a bloodcurdling scream rang out loud and clear. I only hoped that the scream belonged to a griffin.
I crept around a corner and silently pulled out my pistol.
There stood a light blue griffin. His claws were blood red and he had a long scratch down his back. I've been chasing him for hours and now was my chance! I pointed the silver gun at him excitedly. However, when I tried to pull the trigger, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
"Come on!" I grumbled to myself. I had him right where I wanted him! So why couldn't I pull the trigger!
Suddenly, the light blue griffin turned around. His ruby eyes bore into my orange ones.
"Trouble shooting?" He cooed.
I gritted my teeth. "Just shut up, dammit!" I shouted.
The griffin raised an eyebrow. "Now why should I?" He questioned.
I stomped at the ground angrily. Just shoot him! I thought to myself.
My enemy smiled and pulled out a Morph Blaster, "I'd love to chat, however I have a war to win." He informed.
I gulped as he inserted a white orb and pointed the blaster at me. "Don't take it personally little filly." He said.
I took a step back. Sweat started to form on my forehead.
Suddenly, a Plasma Cutter 500 flew out of no ware and struck the griffin's chest. He let out a screech and tried to pull the sword out, red liquid oozing onto his sharp claws.
Then, a light brown stallion galloped towards us. His emerald eyes burned with hatred.
"Austin!" I hollered.
My cousin was a light brown earth pony with a dark brown mane and tail. He wore a metal chest plate and a cap that matched his emerald eyes. His cutie mark of a bull's skull was hidden by his sheath.
"Ugh! If I'm going down, then this bitch is going down with me!" The light blue griffin yelled.
"Ah don't think so buster." Austin hissed as I threw my pistol to him. Catching it in mid air, he threw his body in front of me and pulled the trigger. A smug smile appeared on Austin's lips as a bullet sunk into the griffin's forehead.
The big chicken went down with a thud. His body went limp and his eyes were rolled back into his head.
"Thanks!" I beamed, glad that my cousin was here to save me.
Austin grunted in response and walked up to the carcase. Flies had already begun to land on it.
"Are ya okay?" I asked.
Austin looked at me and shook his head. "Ah'm fine Apple Bloom. Just, tired." He proved this by letting out a yawn.
I nodded and began to trot away. My body froze as I heard the sickening sound of flesh being torn apart.
Guess he got his Plasma Cutter back. I thought to myself.
Place: Ponyville
Time: 1:30 pm
I trotted into Twilight's old home. The tree was badly burnt and the windows were all broken. Inside wasn't better. Shelves, furniture, and books laid scattered around the living room. Old bloodstains colored the dirty walls.
"Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle jumped off of a bookshelf and trotted over to me. Her yellow trumpet dangling from her waist.
"Howdy Sweetie Belle. Do ya have our next assignment from Twilight?" I asked.
Twilight hired my friends and I as scouts a year ago. Our jobs usually consists of scouting for lost ponies, spying on zebras, or sneaking into griffin camps.
Sweetie Belle nodded happily and levitated a piece of paper out of her tattered saddle bag.
Dear CMC,
I need you to check out another griffin camp located in Sugar Cube Corners. There are rumors that the griffins there are holding three ponies captive. Please be safe.
-Twilight
After I finished reading, I looked at Sweetie Bell and smiled. "Ah'll git Scootaloo." I offered.
"I'm already here."
Sweetie Belle and I looked at an orange filly leaning against the kitchen door. She had night vision goggles on top of her head and an apple in one hoof.
"Where did you get an apple?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Surprise was able to find some after she and Pinkie raid a zebra campsite." Scootaloo explained.
Suddenly, my stomach began to growl loudly. My friends stared at me and I blushed. "Ah kinda skipped breakfast." I replied.
The orange pegasus smiled and threw her apple towards me. I caught it and bit into the fruit. Juice ran down my chin when I heard a satisfying crunch.
"Come on Apple Bloom, let's get going to Sugar Cube Corner." The white unicorn laughed.
I nodded my head and followed my pegasus friend out the front door. Sweetie Belle trotted behind me.
Place:Ponyville
Time: 1:50 pm
"Wow." Scootaloo whispered.
We were hiding in an empty dumpster near Sugar Cube Corners. The bakery was infested with griffins in battle armor. Some had Morph Blasters, while others held capture orbs.
"How are we gonna git in?" I asked.
Sweetie Belle bit her lip and scanned the area. "Hmm...I have an idea. However, you guys probably won't like it." The white unicorn informed.
"Try us." Scootaloo muttered.
"Okay, well I could distract the griffins with my trumpet. Then while they're chasing me you two could sneak inside." Sweetie Belle informed.
I shook my head. "No way Sweetie Belle. That plan is suicide." I replied.
"Then do you have any ideas?" My unicorn friend asked.
I shook my head sadly and looked at Scootaloo hopefully.
"I don't have an idea either." She confessed.
Sweetie Belle stared at me. Her eyes full of confidence.
"Please." I begged.
"Apple Bloom, trust me." My friend replied.
I bit my lip. There had to be another plan. There just had to! Having one of my friends risk their lives is something I just couldn't live with!
Suddenly, an idea formed inside my head.
"Give me your trumpet." I commanded.
"Why?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Cause ah am gonna distract the griffins." I replied.
"That's just crazy Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo whispered loudly.
"Besides, I could just teleport whenever the griffins get close to me." Sweetie Belle pointed out.
"Then ya'll git tired quickly." I explained.
"I could distract them." The pegasus offered.
"No Scoots, yer fast, however ya lack the stamina." I informed.
Sweetie Belle looked down at her little trumpet. She sighed and then looked me right in the eyes. "Promise you'll return back to base safely?" The unicorn asked.
"Cross ma heart hope to fly, stick ah cupcake in ma eye." I replied.
"But," Scootaloo started to protest.
"But nothing Scootaloo. Apple Bloom's right, she can run longer and she has a pistol to protect herself." Sweetie Belle sighed, giving me her trumpet.
Scootaloo grumbled to herself as she took a peek outside. "You better get moving now before more come outside." She informed.
I nodded, gave my friends a bear hug, and quietly snuck out of out hiding spot. Then I walked slowly on my hind legs. After looking back at my friends once more, I put the trumpet to my lips and blew as hard as I could.
The five griffins that stood guard whipped their head towards me. Beads of sweat started to form on my forehead as I felt ten eyes glaring at me.
Finally, a light red griffin with green eyes and a morph gun spoke up.
"GET HER!" The light red griffin shouted.