"Solda! Solda, where are ya'?!" Scout called as he walked through the refugee camp. Stopping and scanning, Scout spotted a pile of supply crates and made his way over to them. Climbing up the crates, he shielded his eyes to help him see better. Ponies roamed around the camp, some looking at Scout as he scanned for his friend, curious of him. Hopping off the crates, Scout stopped a pegasus buck..

"Hey, you seen a guy wearin' a helmet, same colored clothin' as me? Err, human, like me?" he asked, his voice carrying uncertainty at the end of the question.

"Oh yeah, I saw him sulking over by the vehicle compound. Either he was sulking, or angrily crying, I couldn't tell." said the buck. Scout thanked him and took off in the direction the pegasus had gestured in. Reaching the compound, Scout was stopped by a mare decked out in full tank operator gear.

"Hold it Speedy. Authorized ponies only. And you sure as hell ain't no pony." she said.

"Sorry. You seen a guy in red like me? He's either sulkin' or cryin' angrily." Scout said, repeating what the pegasus had described.

"Oh, him? He's your friend? Yeah he's over in one of our tanks. We tried getting him out, but he wouldn't budge. Think you can get him out?" she asked.

"No problem. Which tank is it?" Scout asked, looking at the line of eight tanks. The repair crews and technicians looked rather pissed at the fact that some weird creature was crying in one of their tanks.

"Look for the one called 'Boomtown'. It's written on the barrel." said the tank mare. Nodding, Scout entered the compound and approached the tank nicknamed Boomtown. Stopping for a moment, Scout realized that the tanks looked a lot like the Sherman tanks America had used in World War Two.

He only knew what they looked like and were called because Soldier had gotten a model tank for his birthday and went on a eighteen hour rant about the tank and its' history, even talking about it in the middle of combat.

Hopping onto the steel beast, Scout opened one of the hatches on the turret and poked his head in. Sitting in the driver seat, Soldier sat all alone, his frame slumped and shuddering. This was an awkward sight for Scout to see; Soldier was always stone cold and rather happy in a psychotic way. Seeing the Nazi hunter isolated and crying put a new perspective on Soldier for Scout.

"Hello Scout." Soldier said, his voice low and cracked. Scout eased his way into the tanks' belly and hopped into the assistant driver seat, looking at Soldier. He wasn't wearing his helmet, revealing the shaved head and puffy blue eyes that usually hid beneath the helmet. Instead, his helmet sat in his hands, the object of which his gaze was locked on.

"Hey Solly, you's alright?" Scout asked, genuine concern in his voice. Sniffing, Soldier looked up and out the driver window, squaring his jaw in an attempt to look strong in front of the young man next to him.

"I'm fine. I just needed to be alone for a bit." Soldier said, wiping his nose with his sleeve. Scout looked around the tank, trying to find something to spark a conversation. Seeing the ammo rack mounted to the sides of the tank, he got out of the seat and removed one of the shells, almost dropping it.

"This is an armor-piercin' round, right?" he asked. Soldier barely glanced over his shoulder at Scout before resuming his sulking.

"That's a high-explosive round Scout..." he grumbled. Scout nearly freaked out over the fact that he almost dropped a high explosive round and placed it back into the ammo rack and returned to the seat. Silence fell between the two, and Soldier slowly returned his gaze to his helmet. "I could've served..." he whispered.

"Say again?" Scout asked.

"I said, I could've served. The Army. The Marines. Hell, even the Navy. But I was told that I was mentally unstable and unfit for duty. I know I'm not the smartest of the team, and that my intentions and ideas are often misinterpreted as a result of my mental instability. But hearing that I was the cause of all that trouble back in Canterlot reminded me of the final time I tried enlisting. I tried going into the tactics and logistical branch of the Army, but the recruiter said that the battle plans I put down on the test would have gotten a lot of young boys killed. He said I would've been the one to blame, the one to pin the mistakes on. When I joined Red, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't repeat those mistakes and try to lead the team to victory against Blu. But as the years went...I never learned from my mistakes..." he said, trailing off.

Scout wasn't sure of what to say. He never heard Soldier talk this long, or this deeply, and in all honestly, it was kind of creeping him out. Reaching over, Scout patted Soldier's shoulder, trying to ease the merc.

"There...there...big guy. We all make mistakes." he said, searching his brain for something positive to add. "I'll agree in that your plans and ideas are rather stupid, but sometimes it's the crazy ideas that work out in the end." Scout added, nodding his head. "Yeah, or somethin' like that." he added, unsure of how to continue at this point. With another sniff, Soldier suddenly put his helmet back on and squared his jaw, rising from the driver seat.

"Your right Scout. I shouldn't let the others get to me! My ideas are perfect! Even if they are half-baked! Like half-baked cookies...mmmm..." he said, rubbing his stomach in thought of soft oatmeal cookies fresh from the oven.

"Uh...yeah. Yeah, let's go with that." Scout said, getting up from his seat. Soldier suddenly grabbed Scout my the shoulder and pinned the Bostonian to the turret ring of the tank.

"If you tell the others that my eyes were crying, I'll personally load your sorry ass into the gun of this tank, and fire you out of it!" he yelled, spittle splashing Scout's face.

"Gah!! Okay, okay! I won't tell!" Scout said, trying to pry Soldier off him. "Just tryin' to cheer you's up!" he added.

"Good! Now let's go get some cookies!" Soldier said, releasing Scout and lifting himself out of the tank. Following Soldier out of the tank, Scout signaled to the repair crews that they can work on the tank now. Grumbling their approval, the ponies got to work with their tools and fuel hoses. As the two walked towards Sinful's command tent, their paths were intersected by the path of Engineer.

"Solly! There ya'll are!" Engineer said, relief in his voice. "Nice work Scout." he added. Scout nodded, giving a quick thumbs up. "What in tha hell were ya thinkin' there Solly? You actually worried some of us." Engineer asked, crossing his arms.

"I just needed to find some cookies. Do not question my thinking!" Soldier said, jabbing a finger into Engineer's shoulder. Looking to Scout for an answer, Engineer raised an eyebrow beneath his hard hat.

"Uh...what he means is, he needed to...to...sit in a tank for a bit. Yeah." Scout said lamely, giving a meek smile. Shaking his head, Engineer sighed and signaled for the two of them to follow him.

"Come on you two, we're gettin' ready to move out. Twalaght talked to that Sinful character about the rotters. Sinful says that they came from the north. And if I were ya'll, I'd gear up in some winter clothin'. From what Sinful said, it's mighty cold up there." Engineer said. Approaching Sinfuls' tent, Engineer pulled the flap back to allow Solider and Scout in, following the two in after them. Inside, the six other mercs were gathered around a table, discussing among themselves as they stood over maps and photos of the areas outside of Vanhoover. Off to the side, Timeless was talking with Twilight in private while the rest of the ponies discussed with the human mercenaries. At the arrival of Engineer, Solider and Scout, everyone turned to look at them, Solider especially. Silence filled the tent, the tension slowly rising between them all.

"Vell, gut to see zhat you are alive after all. Have anyzhing to say?" Medic asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

"Yes. I demand cookies!! Tiny punk horse, where are your cookies?!" Solider asked, marching up to Sinful Vengeance.

"You lay one finger on my cookies and I'll personally end you!" Sinful growled, dashing in front of a small, nearby cabinet.

"But I want cookies! And I WILL get those cookies!!" Solider yelled. While Sinful and Soldier bickered, Scout shook his head and looked to the others.

"He...he needed to be alone for a bit. We talked, and he's basically sorry. Where he got the cookie idea, I have no clue." Scout said, waving his hands a bit to defend himself.

"Regardless of the cookie situation, is he going to actually think this time?" Spy asked.

"Yeah yeah, he will. So what's this about going north?" Scout asked, trying to change the subject. Shaking his head, Spy gestured to the maps on the table next to him.

"From what our friend Sinful said, these zombies came from north of the city. In short, we go to the source and try to extinguish the metaphorical flame." Spy explained quickly. "Miss Rarity is already sewing together some winter apparel for us. I must say, she is rather talented at making measurements just by observing us." Spy added.

"Did somepony call for me?" Rarity called, poking her head into the tent, a pleased smile on her lips. "Oh, wonderful! The whole team is here! Now, if you would please step out here, I'll give you your jackets and hats!" Rarity said happily, withdrawing her head from the tent entrance. After pulling Soldier away from Sinful, who clearly was not going to give up her cookies, the mercs and ponies all left the tent, stepping up to Rarity as she stood next to a clothing rack.

"What ye make fer us, lassy?" Demo asked, gesturing to the clothing rack.

"Well, taking your rather violent and professional lives into account, I tried not to go as extravagant as I usually do with my designs. But, each piece does have a bit of flare from yours truly." she said, her horn flaring up and plucking one of the hangars from the rack. "Scout dear, this is for you. The material is very light and breathable, but the insulation will keep you rather toasty." she explained, passing the winter track jacket to Scout.

"Aw yeah! This is what I'm talking about!" Scout said happily, slipping the jacket on. "Fits like a glove!"

"Erm, Soldier. This next one is for you. Heavy duty fabric and insulation with a wool collar to wrap around your neck in case of harsh winds. It even has a hood for you to pull up. Pyro, I'm not quite sure how to work with yours, seeing as how you use fire as a weapon. But, remembering that you're wearing rubber which freezes quickly, here is a thermal jacket and head wrap for you!" Rarity said, passing Soldier and Pyro their clothing.

"Thanks!" Solider said simply, slipping into his jacket as Pyro did the same.

"As for the rest of you, your gear is similarly made, using light fabrics with heavy duty insulation." Rarity said as the mercs all approached the clothes rack and donned their new jackets. All except for Heavy. "Heavy darling, please do bundle up. It will be frightfully cold." Rarity said, her caretaker side coming through a bit as she spoke.

"Nyet. Heavy does not need jacket. Heavy born in Siberia, colder than here. Is like tropical vacation here compared to Siberian work camps." Heavy said, using a large hand to pat his stomach, a content smile on his lips. Unsure of how to respond, Rarity simply blinked and frowned a bit as she put the jacket for Heavy back onto the rack.

"Very well. At least wear a hat." she said, passing him a rabbit furred Ushanka. The Russian gaped a bit at the hat as he felt its' soft fur. "Assuming that Siberia is similar to our Stalliongrad, I took the liberty to make you a Ushanka." Rarity said, pleased with the happiness coming from the large human.

"Is just like what mother used to sew for Heavy and siblings!" he cheered, picking Rarity up and giving her a crushing hug.

"GAH! Yes! That's all quite nice and such but -OW!- LET ME GO!" Rarity demanded, beating her hooves against Heavy's massive arm. The mercenary released her, making the unicorn gasp for air as she plopped down onto her hooves. After everyone was suited up and ready to go, Scout raised his hand in question.

"Uh, how're we gonna get north? As far as I can tell, them train lines don't go that far north." he pointed out. Murmurs began circling the zombie-killing group of ponies and mercs as they debated about how to go north.

"It's simple. You walk there." Sinful said simply. Everyone looked at her, eyebrows raised in question. "What? I'm serious! The only way to go north is to walk the Frozen Trails. Ancient native tribes used them for their pilgrimages to some sort of spiritual site. And as far as I can tell, all those rotters that first attacked Vanhoover came from that way." Sinful said as she munched on a cookie. Scout and the others all looked at each other, trying to find another alternative. With none coming to light, Spy nodded.

"Alright. If that is our only option, then we must take it." he said, turning to Twilight and kneeling down to her height. "I'm afraid I cannot ask you and your friends to join us."

Twilight looked at him agape. "Excuse me?" she asked simply.

"The road ahead is too dangerous. I do not doubt you and your friends remarkable ability to hold for yourselves, but this leg of the journey is too dangerous. I request that you stay here and assist around the refugee camp anyway you can." Spy said, placing a gloved hand on Twilight's small shoulder. The mare didn't look happy at his request, even held a bit of hurt within her lavender eyes. She cast her gaze to the other mares, seeing their ragged expressions and worn out bodies for the first time. Looking back to Spy, Twilight seemed to sag as she stood, eventually falling to her haunches in exhaustion.

"You're right Spy. I haven't had a solid stretch of sleep for roughly two days. That and some of us needs to get the blood off their hooves." she said, casting a snicker to Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"We are agreed then. Men, we go." Spy said as he stood and checked his Revolver.

"Hold it Fancy Pants." Timeless pipped up. "I'm a member of the Celestial Dawn Guard. I have to go with you to make sure that the job is taken care of and prevented from happening again." he said, squaring his jaw authoritatively. Understanding the bucks' commitment to a now dead Guard, Spy nodded and gestured for him to follow. Timeless turned to Sinny, giving her a solemn look. Seeming to understand the message behind his eyes, Sinny reached her hooves up and wrapped the buck in a hug.

"Still friends?" she asked quietly.

"Of course." Timeless said, stroking her mane a bit. Releasing the punk rock mare, Timeless turned to the humans he was going to accompany into the frozen maws of hell.

"Gentlecolts." Timeless said, walking forward towards the camp entrance. In his wake, nine mercenaries of various ethnicities from a different world walked, weapons of various natures clutched in their grasps. Their faces held grim expressions, forged from years of harsh combat. But in their strides, they showed their pride, showing the bravery that came with their jobs. Of the ten that approached a frozen hell, nine of them were a single entity, relying on each other to get the job done. The last one, the sole survivor of a post that died with its' creator, the Celestial Dawn Guard.

Leaving behind them were six mares that symbolized the Harmony that united the land, left to help the refugees of a city under siege from the damned.

Combined, these ten souls would brave the darkness and horrors that are set before them.

Combined, these ten souls would liberate a blood soaked world, hoping to save the living from the hungry maws of the rising dead.

Combined, these ten souls would bring a new dawn to a world that was in its' darkest hour.

Tonight, the living enter the Home of the Damned, ready to fight back the dead.

~...End of Book One...~

Author's Note

Did anyone get goosebumps from those last lines?
Because I certainly did while I was writing them!!
So this wraps up Book One of My Little Fortress: Night of the Living Dead.
Book Two will start its' writing process sometime after Halloween.
Speaking of Halloween, I am planning on writing a party chapter. Basically all the characters will be at a massive Halloween party in either TeuFort or Ponyville, haven't decided yet.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!